US5010696A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Roof gutter attachment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-08-13
•
Granted: 1991-04-30
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Expires: 2010-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A roof gutter attachment which overlies a roof gutter to prevent gutter and/or downspout clogging due to the undue or unwanted accumulation of debris. The arrangement presents a pattern of downwardly inclined parallel steps presenting grooves oriented in the path of liquid flow increasing liquid area expanse and the passage of smaller sized debris by reason of liquid adhesion. Linear ridges are defined between each of the grooves, such serving for ready sliding movement of larger sized debris over the gutter and into a receiving area therebelow. Air pressure differential creates a self-cleaning attachment when wind moves across the attachment.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard D. Knittel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:56
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04D; E04D13/00; E04D13/04; E04D13/076
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
An attachment for a gutter positioned in the eave region of a building comprising a body overlying said gutter at an operative position, said body presenting a series of generally parallel horizontal steps angling in a downward direction in a pattern encouraging liquid flow to an outlet in said gutter, said steps each separated by a receiving pocket, and where said receiving pocket includes outlet means for liquid discharge into said gutter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
An attachment for a gutter positioned in the eave region of a building comprising a body overlying said gutter at an operative position, said body presenting a series of generally parallel horizontal steps angling in a downward direction in a pattern encouraging liquid flow to an outlet in said gutter, said steps each separated by a receiving pocket, and where said receiving pocket includes outlet means for liquid discharge into said gutter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The attachment of claim 1 where said outlet means is a slot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The attachment of claim 2 where said slot is elongated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The attachment of claim 2 where a plurality of said slots are in rows staggered one with respect to another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The attachment of claim 1 where said body presents a series of grooves oriented in the direction of liquid flow.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The attachment of claim 5 where said grooves serve increased liquid adhesion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The attachment of claim 5 where said grooves are disposed on surfaces presented by said steps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The attachment of claim 5 where adjacent grooves present a linear ridge serving the passage of debris in a sliding relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The attachment of claim 4 where the pattern of said rows avoids any uninterrupted liquid flow.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The attachment of claim 1 where each receiving pocket defined by said steps includes spaced-apart walls blending into an inner wall, and where said inner wall receives said outlet means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The attachment of claim 5 where said grooves serve to increase surface area.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The attachment of claim 1 where the relationship of said steps and pockets creates an upward movement of air and debris cleaning action upon wind movement across the attachment.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The attachment of claim 1 where liquid surface adhesion carries selective sized debris through said outlet means and into said gutter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-04-29 | 1994-10-29 | 1995-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-29 | 1998-10-29 | 1999-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-29 | 2002-10-29 | 2003-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |