All in one gutter system

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention provides for a gutter. The gutter includes a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion, and an attachment feature for hanging or securing an item to the gutter. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a gutter system. The gutter system includes a gutter and a mounting device. The gutter includes a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion, an attachment feature for hanging or securing an item to the gutter, and a channel in the rear portion of the gutter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 784,882, entitled “ALL IN ONE GUTTER,” filed Mar. 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to gutters and gutter systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to gutters and gutter systems that facilitate the hanging and securing of items, articles, and accessories to the gutter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is well known that gutter systems are utilized to collect water runoff from rooftops of structures and to direct such water runoff into or onto the ground surrounding the structure. Gutter systems may be used with many types of structures such as, for example, residential homes, warehouses, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, and the like. Rainfall and melting snow are common sources of water runoff collected from ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Excess water settling on rooftops may lead to significant damage to a rooftop.

For example, standing water may result in leaks forming in a rooftop, which in turn may lead to significant damage to the interior of a structure.

In addition, water that is not properly redirected from the rooftop into or onto the ground may cause significant damage.

For example, water that pools or collects at the base of a structure may lead to damage to the foundation or walls of the structure.

In another example, water that is improperly directed from rooftops may settle on pedestrian or vehicle pathways, which may result in hazardous conditions on such pathways for pedestrians or vehicles.

Although prior art gutter designs are generally effective, such designs are susceptible to a number of unwanted conditions and results.

Under such conditions, if the head of a bolt does not complement the color or appearance of the gutter, an unattractive or otherwise displeasing appearance may result.

Another unwanted condition is the collection of leaves or other such debris that enter a gutter, causing blockages and clogs in the gutter or downspouts.

Such blockages often impede the flow of water through gutters and downspouts and result in water overflowing from the gutter or downspout at the point at which the debris collects.

Such overflows may cause damage to rooftops by allowing water to pool on a rooftop, leading to leaks and damage to the interior of the structure.

In addition, a blockage may cause water to overflow onto unwanted areas, such as pedestrian or vehicle pathways.

For gutters utilized in colder climates, similar damage and unwanted results may occur when water freezes in gutters or downspouts.

In addition to overflows due to such “ice damns,” the expansion of water upon freezing may cause structural damage to gutters and downspouts.

However, prior art gutters do not readily provide a means for attachment of such items and articles.

As discussed herein, prior art gutters and gutter systems are susceptible to a number of unwanted conditions and results; therefore, there exists a need in the art for apparatus and methods to improve gutters and gutter systems.

Images