Hinge and clip device for gutter guard and system

Abstract

A hinge device for a gutter guard, comprising a base having a channel therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end, the channel having a first groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel and a second groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel, a slide having a channel therein, the channel having an open end with a pair of pivot extensions extending therefrom, the slide having a pair of tongues extending from respective external edges adapted to be inserted within the grooves of the base thereby allowing the slide to translate therein, and a hinge plate having a body with a pair of pivot extensions extending downwardly from a first end and an extension extending upwardly from the first end. A gutter guard system having the hinge device and a brush-tool is also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application priority to pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Application No. 63 / 747,481, filed Jan. 21, 2025, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a hinge and clip device, specifically a device for movably attaching a guard to a gutter, and also relates to a system including the aforementioned device and tool which interfaces with the device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Gutter guards are a gutter protection system that goes over gutters to keep debris out. A gutter is also known as “rain gutter”, “eavestrough”, “eaves-shoot”, and / or a “surface water collection channel”. Although these products generally reduce the number of leaves and other debris that get into gutters, they are not foolproof. Some debris can build up over time and lead to clogged gutters. When this happens, rainwater can't flow through the gutters and downspout, which leads the rainwater collected in gutters away from the foundation of a building. Instead, this water can back up under the roof eaves and potentially flow into the building's foundation. This can lead to extensive water and moisture damage, such as rotted wood or mold growth. In severe cases, this can cause structural damage or health issues.

[0004] Gutter guards, also called leaf guards, are designed to provide homeowners, or building owners with peace of mind when it comes to preventing clogged or blocked gutters. While it may be expected that any owner won't need to clean their gutters again when the gutter guards are installed, this may not be the case. Presently no gutter guard offers complete protection from leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Some of this debris can make its way past these guards and fill up the gutters, even when gutter guards are installed. Regular cleaning is still needed to get rid of the debris that does manage to get past these protection systems and further, cleaning of the gutter guards themselves may also be necessary and at least preventative.

[0005] Previous gutter guards are well-known in the art and some of these systems allow the actual guard portion of the gutter guard system to be temporarily removed, or opened, to allow the system to be cleaned along with the gutter. Examples of known systems include: U.S. Pat. No. 2,072,415, issued Mar. 2, 1937; U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,100, issued Jul. 1, 1958; U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,378, issued Jan. 7, 1969; U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,091, issued Sep. 10, 1974; U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,761, issued Jul. 19, 1977; and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,837, issued Dec. 24, 1996, which patents are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0006] These prior systems have problems of their own, namely, these systems fail to disclose a locking system to keep the guard portion of the gutter guard secured in a “closed position”, i.e., where the guard portion is blocking the open portion of the gutter, nor do these systems contemplate an additional tool to unlock, open, re-lock, and close the guard portion of the gutter system. Additionally, many of the aforementioned prior systems are complex in structure and / or require extensive attachment effort to secure the respective system to the gutter. Even further, such known systems lack the ability to translate the attach guard away from the gutter.

[0007] Therefore, there is a long-felt need and a market demand for a gutter guard system having a hinge and clip device that not only secures a guard portion to the gutter, but also maintains a locked position and an unlocked position of the gutter portion secured thereon, and further, these known systems do not contemplate a tool used to unlock the hinge and clip device, which tool can be used on an extension pole, or extension handle, to allow a user to safely open the device from the ground-avoiding the use of a ladder or getting on a roof, and pivotably move the guard portion to dislodge debris that have accumulated thereon, and to provide for a simple hinge and clip device which not only rotatable moves the attached guard thereon, but also allows translational movement of the guard thereon.SUMMARY

[0008] The disclosed aspects are generally directed to a system for movably attaching a gutter guard to a gutter, providing enhanced debris avoidance and ease of access for cleaning. The system comprises a hinge device and a corresponding engagement tool. The hinge device is configured to allow an attached gutter guard to both pivot away from the gutter opening and translate linearly away from the gutter structure. An integral locking mechanism prevents this translational movement when the guard is in its closed position. The engagement tool, attachable to an extension pole, is designed to securely interface with the hinge device, allowing a user to remotely unlock, pivot, and translate the guard from a safe position on the ground. This combination of features provides a secure, easily serviceable gutter guard system that improves upon the safety of use and functional limitations of conventional designs

[0009] In some aspects, the present disclosure may generally comprise a hinge device, which device includes a base having a channel disposed therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end, a slide having a channel disposed therein, the channel of the slide having an open end and a closed end, the slide arranged to translate within the channel of the base, and a hinge plate pivotably connected to the slide proximate the open end of the channel of the slide, wherein, the hinge plate prevents the slide from translating within the channel of the base in direction towards the open end of the channel of the base when the hinge plate is resting with the channel of the slide, wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a gutter and the hinge plate is adapted to have a guard secured thereto.

[0010] In other embodiments, the present disclosure may comprise a hinge device having a base having a channel therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end, the channel having a first groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel and a second groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel, a slide having a channel therein, the channel having an open end with a pair of pivot extensions extending therefrom, the slide having a pair of tongues extending from respective external edges adapted to be inserted within the grooves of the base thereby allowing the slide to translate therein, and a hinge plate having a body with a pair of pivot extensions extending downwardly from a first end and a flange extending upwardly from the first end, wherein the pair of pivot extensions of the slide and the pair of pivot extensions of the hinge plate are pivotably connected, where the base is adapted to be secured to a gutter and the hinge plate is adapted to have a guard secured thereto.

[0011] In other arrangements, the aforementioned hinge device may further comprise a pivot pin arranged to be inserted within the pair of pivot extensions of the slide and within the pair of pivot extensions of the hinge plate, thereby pivotably securing the hinge plate to the slide.

[0012] In further arrangements, the base of the aforementioned hinge device may further comprises a pair of tabs arranged within the channel proximate the closed end, the slide of the aforementioned hinge device may further comprises a pair of slots arranged within a closed end thereof, and the hinge plate of the aforementioned hinge device may further comprises a pair of stop tabs extending from a bottom surface of the body, where the pair of tabs of the base are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of slots when the slide is within the channel of the base and proximate the closed end and further arranged to engage the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate, thereby preventing the slide from translating within the channel of the base in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base, whereas when the hinge plate is rotated in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the slide, the pair of tabs of the base and the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate disengage, thereby allowing the slide to translate within the channel of the base in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the base.

[0013] In further embodiments, the base of the of the aforementioned hinge device may further comprises a pair of stop tabs arranged within the channel proximate the open end, and the slide further comprises a pair of guide channels arranged therein and opposite the channel of the slide, where the pair of stop tabs are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of guide channels when the slide is arranged within the channel of the base, thereby preventing the slide from being translated in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base and removing the slide therefrom.

[0014] In even further embodiments, the aforementioned hinge device may further comprise a clamp plate arranged to be removably secured to the hinge plate and adapted to sandwich the guard therein.

[0015] In some aspects, the present disclosure could comprise a gutter guard system, where the system may include at least one of the aforementioned hinge device, at least one of the guard, and a brush, or brush-tool which may comprise a brush face having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, an engagement tool extending from the brush and arranged opposite the brush face, the engagement tool having a cavity therein, and an attachment aperture adapted to removably engage an extension handle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cavity of the engagement tool of the aforementioned gutter guard system is designed to accept the flange of the hinge plate at least partially therein, allowing force imparted on the brush to pivot the hinge plate about the slide and to translate the slide within the base when the hinge plate has been pivoted.

[0017] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a hinge device that facilitates both pivotal and translational movement of an attached gutter guard relative to a gutter. This is achieved through a multi-component assembly comprising a base affixed to the gutter, a slide movably arranged within a channel of the base, and a hinge plate pivotably connected to the slide. A significant technical advantage of this configuration is the provision of an integrated locking mechanism. This mechanism is defined by the interaction between tabs on the base and corresponding stop tabs on the hinge plate. When the hinge plate is in a closed position, these tabs engage to prevent translational movement of the slide, thereby securing the gutter guard against unintentional displacement. Pivoting the hinge plate to an open position disengages the tabs, permitting the slide and the attached guard to be translated away from the gutter.

[0018] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system for remotely operating the hinge device from the ground, thereby obviating the need for a ladder. This is accomplished by an interface between the hinge device and a purpose-built engagement tool. The hinge plate includes an upwardly extending flange having a first protrusion. The engagement tool, which can be attached to an extension pole, features a cavity shaped to receive the flange and includes a second, corresponding protrusion within the cavity. The engagement of the first and second protrusions creates a positive mechanical lock between the tool and the hinge plate. This secure connection allows a user to transmit both rotational force to pivot the hinge plate and linear force to translate the slide, enabling the full sequence of unlocking, opening, closing, and locking the gutter guard system from a distance.

[0019] A further object is to provide a gutter guard system that offers improved access for cleaning. The ability of the slide to translate linearly away from the gutter, in addition to the hinge plate's pivotal motion, creates a substantially larger and unobstructed opening into the gutter channel. This technical advantage allows for more effective removal of accumulated debris from within the gutter and from the underside of the guard itself, which is not possible with systems limited to simple pivoting. The combination of remote operability, a secure locking feature, and dual-axis movement provides a system with enhanced safety, structural integrity, and serviceability compared to conventional gutter guard systems.

[0020] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior gutter guard system attached to a gutter of a building;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a gutter guard system attached to a gutter of the building;

[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective exploded views of a device of the system shown in FIG. 2;

[0025] FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate sequential movement of the device shown in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4A through 4C taken generally along lines 5A-5A, 5B-5B, and 5C-5C, in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, respectively;

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a brush-tool;

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the brush-tool taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6A;

[0029] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the brush-tool shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;

[0030] FIGS. 9A through 9C illustrate the illustrate sequential movement of the device shown in FIG. 2 and interfacing with the brush-tool shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B; and,

[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 in FIG. 9A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements, unless explicitly defined otherwise. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0033] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As such, those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the various aspects detailed herein.

[0034] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, or understood to one having skill in the art within, can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0035] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0036] The terms, “having”, “has”, “including”, “includes” are intended to be substantially synonymous with the terms “comprising” and / or “comprises” and / or “comprise”.

[0037] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,”“very nearly,”“about,”“approximately,”“around,”“bordering on,”“close to,”“essentially,”“in the neighborhood of,”“in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,”“close,”“adjacent,”“neighboring,”“immediate,”“adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0038] If the specification states a component or feature “may,”“can,”“could,”“should,”“would,”“preferably,”“possibly,”“typically,”“optionally,”“for example,”“often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0039] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and / or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and / or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0040] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of” and “comprising at least one of” in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” or “one of:” is used herein.

[0041] Those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the various embodiments and aspects described herein.PRIOR ART

[0042] FIG. 1 is a known gutter-guard system, specifically, the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,841,100 (hereinafter “the '100 patent”). It should be noted that the reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 refer to those described in the '100 patent and identical reference numerals, used hereafter, are in reference to the present invention and not the disclosure of the '100 patent.Gutter Guard Device and System

[0043] The core aspects generally relate to a gutter guard system that integrates a dual-action (pivotal and translational) hinge with a remote-operation tool. The device's essence lies in the interdependent locking mechanism, where the hinge's pivotal position dictates whether translational movement is possible. This is combined with a unique tool-and-hinge interface (specifically a pair of interlocking protrusions) that allows a user to manipulate both the pivot and slide functions from the ground, thereby solving the problems of reliability, accessibility, and safety associated with existing systems.

[0044] Adverting now to an illustrative embodiment of a gutter guard system of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 generally illustrates hinge device 10 of gutter guard system 200 affixed to gutter 6 of structure 2. Many structures have at least one gutter 6 attached thereto, proximate roof 4 and arranged substantially underneath edge 4a of roof 4, such that edge 4a is arranged over channel 6b of gutter 6. It should be noted that “gutter”, e.g., gutter 6, is intended to mean a “rain gutter”, “eavestrough”, “eaves-shoot”, and / or a “surface water collection channel”, which is a component of a water discharge system for a building, e.g., structure 2. Gutter 6 is necessary to prevent water dripping or flowing off roof 4 of structure 2 in an uncontrolled manner, as discussed supra. As shown, gutter guard system 200 generally comprises at least hinge device 10 and guard 210 affixed to hinge device 10. It should be appreciated that guard 210 may take a plurality of forms, such as one or more of perforated, semi-perforated, mesh-like, etc., or any form of a known-in-art “gutter guard” or similar named component, so long as water that flows, drips, and / or runs off edge 4a of roof 4 is able to pass through guard 210 and into channel 6b of gutter 6 and prevents leaves and / or debris from entering channel 6a of gutter 6.

[0045] Hinge device 10 may comprise base 12, slide 14, and hinge plate 16, and is collectively designed to removably secure guard 210 thereto. In an exemplary configuration, clamp plate 18 is removably affixed to hinge plate 16 and adapted to sandwich guard 210 therein, thereby securing guard 210 thereto.

[0046] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective exploded views of hinge device 10. As recited above, hinge device 10 generally includes base 12, slide 14, hinge plate 16, and clamp plate 18.

[0047] In one aspect, base 12 may include channel 20 disposed therein, where channel 20 has closed end 22 and open end 24. First groove 26 and second groove 28 are arranged within channel 20, where grooves 26 and 28 are both open proximate open end 24 and closed proximate closed end 22. First tab 30 and second tab 32 extend or protrude from channel 20 proximate closed end 22. Tabs 30 and 32 have a notched portion proximate closed end 22 and an angled portion facing open end 24 and opposite closed end 22. First stop tab 34 and second stop tab 36 extend or protrude from channel 20 proximate open end 24 and are hinged secured to base 12, preferably by a living hinge, such that force applied thereon, allows stop tabs 34 and 36 to move up or down. Stop tabs 34 and 36 may have a notched portion facing the living hinge and an angled portion facing away from the living hinge. Preferably, base 12 also has attachment flange 38 extending downwardly therefrom and at least proximate, preferably adjacent to open end 24 of channel 20. Flange 38 may include at least one aperture therein, threaded or non-threaded, such that a fastener may be engaged therethrough and secure flange 38 of base 12 to gutter 6, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] Slide 14 preferably has channel 40 arranged therein, where channel 40 has first end 42, i.e., a closed end, and second end 44, i.e., an open end. First pivot extension 46 and second pivot extension 48 extend from slide 14 proximate second end 44 and in a preferred arrangement each of pivot extensions 46 and 48 have an aperture therein. First end 42 has first slot 54 and second slot 56 therein, which create two respective openings in both of first end 42 and channel 40. Slide 14 may also have first tongue 50 and second tongue 52 extending from respective external surfaces of slide 14, arranged substantially perpendicular to ends 42 and 44. Best shown in FIG. 3B, first guide channel 58 and second guide channel 60 are disposed within the underside of slide 14, i.e., opposite channel 40.

[0049] Hinge plate 16 generally includes body 68 having flange 66 extending upwardly therefrom and first pivot extension 62 and second pivot extension 64 extending downwardly therefrom, i.e., in an opposite direction of flange 66. Flange 66, first pivot extension 62 and second pivot extension 64 are all preferably arranged on the same end of body 68. Apertures 70 and 72 are arranged within body 68, where aperture 70 is arranged proximate a center of body 68 and aperture 72 is arranged proximate an opposite end of flange 66. In some embodiments, hinge device 10 may have clamp plate 18. Clamp plate 18 generally comprises body 78 and apertures 80 and 82. Clamp plate 18 is arranged to removably engage hinge plate 16 via fasteners 84 and 86 which engage apertures 70 and 72 of body 68 of hinge plate 16 and apertures 80 and 82 of body 78 of clamp plate 18. As shown in FIG. 2, clamp plate 18, when secure to hinge plate 16, is arranged to sandwich guard 210 therein.

[0050] To assembly hinge device 10, slide 14 is first inserted into channel 20 of base 12. Specifically, tongues 50 and 52 are inserted into grooves 26 and 28 proximate open end 24, which thereby pushes stop tabs 34 and 36 of base 20 downwardly until slide 14 is translated far enough towards closed end 22 of channel 20 such that stop tabs 34 and 36 may be released, at least partially, into guide channels 58 and 60, thereby locking slide 14 within channel 20 of base 12 and also allowing slide to translate within channel 20. As shown in FIG. 3A, stop tabs each have an angled face in the direction of open end 24 and a substantially right-angled notch in the direction of closed end 22, where the notches will abut the respective ends of guide channels 58 and 60 to prevent slide 14 from being translated out of open end 24 of channel 20 of base 12.

[0051] Once slide 14 is positioned within channel 20 of base 12, hinge plate 16 is pivotably secured to slide 14, preferably by pivot pin 88, which is inserted into respective apertures of pivot extensions 46 and 48 of slide 14 and pivot extensions 62 and 64 of hinge plate 16, allowing hinge plate 16 to pivot about axis of rotation AXR, i.e., away, and / or out of, channel 40 of slide 14.

[0052] The following description should be taken in view of FIGS. 3A and 3B, and FIGS. 4A through 5C, where FIGS. 4A through 4C generally illustrate sequential movement of hinge device 10 and FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4A through 4C taken generally along lines 5A-5A, 5B-5B, and 5C-5C, in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, respectively.

[0053] FIG. 4A and its respective cross-sectional FIG. 5A generally illustrate hinge device in a “closed” and “locked” position, meaning that slide 14 cannot translate in a direction towards open end 24 of channel 20 of base 12. This is because the tabs of base 12, e.g., at least tab 32 in FIG. 5A, and the stop tabs of hinge plate 16, e.g., at least stop tab 74 in FIG. 5A, are abutting, thus preventing translational movement of slide 14.

[0054] FIG. 4B and its respective cross-sectional FIG. 5B generally illustrate hinge device 10 in an “open” and “unlocked” position, notably defined by hinge plate 16 being rotated or pivoted away from, or out of, channel 40 of slide 14. Once the position in FIGS. 4B and 5B is made by the rotation of hinge plate 16 about pivot pin 88, slide 14 is no longer “locked” by the tabs of base 12, e.g., at least tab 32 in FIG. 5A, the stop tabs of hinge plate 16, e.g., at least stop tab 74 in FIG. 5A, as hinge plate 16 is pivoted away, thereby disengaging the tabs of base 12 and the stop tabs of hinge plate 16, thereby allowing slide 14 to be translated within channel 20 of base 12 in a direction towards open end 24, best shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C. However, as discussed above in view of FIGS. 3A and 3B, slide 12 cannot be removed from channel 20 of base 12 because the stops tabs (See FIG. 3A, stop tabs 34 and 36) of base 12 are within the guide channels (See FIG. 3B, guide channels 58 and 60) of slide 14 and prevent slide 14 from being removed unless downward force is applied thereon to release the stop tabs from the respective guide channels. Thus, the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 5C is substantially the maximum extension slide 14 may be translated away from closed end 22 of channel 20 of base 12.

[0055] It should be appreciated that to “close” hinge device 10, the order of movement is reserved, e.g., FIGS. 4C and 5C, then FIGS. 4B and 5B, and finally FIGS. 4A and 5A to re-lock hinge device 10 in a “closed” configuration.

[0056] In some embodiments, flange 66 of hinge plate 16 may include protrusion 160 extending therefrom, preferably in a direction towards closed end 22 of base 12. As further described in view of FIGS. 8A through 10, protrusion 160 is arranged to engage or abut a portion of a brush-tool, further facilitating the movement shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C and 5A through 5C.

[0057] In reference to the aforementioned figures and specifically FIGS. 6A through 7, in some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a gutter guard system, e.g., gutter guard system 200 in FIG. 2, which system includes at least one of hinge device 10, described supra, at least one of guard 210, described supra and shown in FIG. 2, and, a brush-tool, e.g., brush 90. In a preferred configuration, brush 90 comprises top end 92 and bottom end 94. Brush face 96 is arranged on one side of brush 90 and has plurality of bristles 98 extending therefrom, which bristles may be extending from a plurality of apertures arranged within brush face 96, best shown in FIG. 7. Neck 102 extends from bottom end 94 and includes attachment aperture 104 therein. Preferably, attachment aperture 104 may include threading 106 circumscribing attachment aperture 104, however, such configuration is one possible attachment mechanism that attachment aperture 104 may employ. Alternatives may be quick-connect devices, pin-lock arrangements, etc., and one having skill in the art will appreciate that various removable attachment elements may be readily substituted. Attachment aperture 104 is designed to removably connect brush 90 to extension handle 120, or extension pole, via connection attachment 122 of extension handle 120. Connection attachment 122 may be a threaded portion of extension handle 120. Extension handle 120 may be any known in the art, extension pole or handle, such as a painter's extension pole with a threaded piece at one respective end, allowing brush 90 to secured to various off the shelf extension poles or handles. Back end 100 is arranged opposite brush face 96 and includes engagement tool 108 arranged therein. Engagement tool 108 includes cavity 110 therein, which is formed by top wall 112, back wall 114, first sidewall 116, and second sidewall 118. Notably, top wall 112 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, similar to the top edge of attachment flange 38 of hinge plate 16 (See FIG. 4A), such that attachment flange 38 can be seated within cavity 110 of engagement tool 108 and abut top wall 112 while back wall 114 also can maintain attachment flange 38 therein. This configuration allows a user, without the need for a ladder, to attach brush 90 to extension handle 120, to engage attachment flange 38 of hinge plate 16 with engagement tool 108, allowing the user to perform the opening and closing, unlocking and locking, of hinge device 10 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 5C. In other words, and in reference to FIG. 2, the brush allows a user to stand at ground level, where gutter 6 is thereabove, and engage hinge device 10, specifically, hinge plate 16, in order to “unlock” and translate hinge plate 16, thereby “opening” channel 6a of gutter 6, and to also translate and “lock” hinge plate 16 thereby “closing” channel 6a of gutter 6 by positioning guard 210 back over channel 6a of gutter 6. The aforementioned process of “locking” and “unlocking” hinge device 10 is substantially illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9C and 10, described infra.

[0058] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate views of an alternative embodiment of brush 90 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, specifically, FIG. 8A is a perspective view and FIG. 8B is a skeleton side view of the alternative embodiment of the brush-tool, e.g., brush 124. Brush 124 is shown without bristles for clarity of illustration. Brush 124 is generally similar to brush 90, however, brush 124 may comprise top end 126, bottom end 128, where brush face 130 and back end 134 (opposite of the brush face) are generally arranged towards top end 126, and where neck 136 is proximate bottom end 128. Like brush 90, neck 136 of brush 124 has attachment aperture 138 therein and attachment aperture may have various attachment means arranged therein, allowing brush 124 to be removably connected to an extension handle, such as, but not limited to threading 140, substantially similar to brush 90. Brush face 130 includes plurality of bristle apertures 132, where each of the apertures is arranged to accept at least one bristle therein, substantially similar to brush 90. Engagement tool 142 extends from brush face 130 and back 134 proximate top end 126. Engagement tool 142 may include cavity 144 therein, bounded by top wall 146, back wall 148, first sidewall 150, second sidewall 152, and the topmost portion of brush face 130. Cavity 144 includes a pair of openings, first opening 154 and second opening 156. Preferably, brush 124 includes protrusion 158 extending into cavity 144 from back wall 148. As shown, protrusion 158 generally have a planar face and an angled face, where the planar face is oriented towards top wall 146 and the angled face is oriented towards opening 156. Protrusion 158 is generally defined as an engagement member, e.g., a hook-like or stop-like portion, that is meant to abut and / or engage protrusion 160 of flange 66 of hinge plate 16 (See FIGS. 5A through 5C).

[0059] In reference to FIGS. 9A through 10, the respective movements of hinge device 10 are facilitated by the engagement of brush 124 to hinge device 10. As described supra, flange 66 of hinge plate 16 includes protrusion 160 extending therefrom. Best shown in FIG. 10, protrusion 158 within cavity 144 of brush 124 is designed to engage protrusion 160 of flange 66, allowing movement of brush 124 to impart the various movements of hinge device 10 in FIGS. 9A through 9C. As shown in FIG. 10, flange 66 can be inserted into opening 156 of cavity 144, where protrusion 158 of engagement tool 142 of brush 124 can “hook,” e.g., abut or engage, protrusion 160 of flange 66 of hinge plate 16, generally illustrated in FIG. 9A. The engagement between protrusion 158 and protrusion 160 allows a rotational movement of brush 124 to pivot hinge plate 16 out of base 12 and slide 14, generally shown in FIG. 9B. Then, the engagement between protrusion 158 and protrusion 160 allows brush 124 to be pulled in a direction away from hinge device 10, thereby allowing slide 14 to translate out of base 10, generally shown in FIG. 9C. It should be noted that the various movements illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9C are respectively shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C and also in FIGS. 5A through 5C, described supra.

[0060] It should be noted that the various embodiments disclosed herein, may be arranged in various combinations according to any of the embodiments shown and described. As such, the shown and described embodiments are merely exemplary and various alternatives, combinations, omissions, of specific components, or foreseeable alternative components, understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, described in the present disclosure or within the field of the present disclosure, are intended to fall within the scope of the appending claims.

[0061] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.REFERENCE NUMERALS 2Structure 4Roof  4AEdge 6Gutter  6AFront edge  6BChannel10Hinge device12Base or Fixed Body14Slide16Hinge plate18Clamp plate20Channel of base 1222Closed end24Open end26First groove28Second groove30First tab32Second tab34First stop tab of base 1236Second stop tab of base 1238Attachment flange40Channel of slide 1442First end44Second end46First pivot extension of slide 1448Second pivot extension of slide 1450First tongue52Second tongue54First slot56Second slot58First guide channel60Second guide channel62First pivot extension of hinge plate 1664Second pivot extension of hinge plate 1666Flange of hinge plate 1668Body70Aperture72Aperture74First stop tab of hinge plate 1676Second stop tab of hinge plate 1678Body of clamp plate 1880Aperture82Aperture84Fastener86Fastener88Pivot pin90Brush92Top end94Bottom end96Brush face98Plurality of bristles100 Back end102 Neck104 Attachment aperture106 Threading108 Engagement tool110 Cavity112 Top wall114 Back wall116 First sidewall118 Second sidewall120 Extension handle122 Connection attachment124 Brush126 Top end128 Bottom end130 Brush face132 Plurality of bristle apertures134 Back end136 Neck138 Attachment aperture140 Threading142 Engagement tool144 Cavity146 Top wall148 Back wall150 First sidewall152 Second sidewall154 First opening156 Second opening158 Protrusion160 Protrusion200 Gutter guard system210 GuardAXRAxis of rotation

Claims

1. A hinge device, comprising:a base having a channel therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end, the channel having a first groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel and a second groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel;a slide having a channel therein, the channel having an open end with a pair of pivot extensions extending therefrom, the slide having a pair of tongues extending from respective external edges adapted to be inserted within the grooves of the base thereby allowing the slide to translate therein; and,a hinge plate having a body with a pair of pivot extensions extending downwardly from a first end and a flange extending upwardly from the first end;wherein the pair of pivot extensions of the slide and the pair of pivot extensions of the hinge plate are pivotably connected,wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a gutter and the hinge plate is adapted to have a guard secured thereto.

2. The hinge device recited in claim 1 further comprising a pivot pin arranged to be inserted within the pair of pivot extensions of the slide and within the pair of pivot extensions of the hinge plate, thereby pivotably securing the hinge plate to the slide.

3. The hinge device recited in claim 1, wherein:the base further comprises a pair of tabs arranged within the channel proximate the closed end;the slide further comprises a pair of slots arranged within a closed end thereof; and,the hinge plate further comprises a pair of stop tabs extending from a bottom surface of the body;wherein the pair of tabs of the base are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of slots when the slide is within the channel of the base and proximate the closed end and further arranged to engage the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate, thereby preventing the slide from translating within the channel of the base in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base.

4. The hinge device recited in claim 3, wherein when the hinge plate is rotated in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the slide, the pair of tabs of the base and the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate disengage, thereby allowing the slide to translate within the channel of the base in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the base.

5. The hinge device recited in claim 4, wherein:the base further comprises a pair of stop tabs arranged within the channel proximate the open end; and,the slide further comprises a pair of guide channels arranged therein and opposite the channel of the slide;wherein the pair of stop tabs are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of guide channels when the slide is arranged within the channel of the base, thereby preventing the slide from being translated in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base and removing the slide therefrom.

6. The hinge device recited in claim 1 further comprising a clamp plate arranged to be removably secured to the hinge plate and adapted to sandwich the guard therein.

7. A gutter guard system, comprising:at least one of the hinge device recited in claim 1;at least one of the guard; and,a brush, comprising:a brush face having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom;an engagement tool extending from the brush and arranged opposite the brush face, the engagement tool having a cavity therein; and,an attachment aperture adapted to removably engage an extension handle.

8. The gutter guard system recited in claim 7, wherein the cavity of the engagement tool is arranged to accept the flange of the hinge plate at least partially therein, allowing force imparted on the brush to pivot the hinge plate about the slide and to translate the slide within the base.

9. A hinge device, comprising:a base having a channel therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end, the channel having a first groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel and a second groove with an open end proximate the open end of the channel, the base having a pair of tabs arranged within the channel proximate the closed end;a slide having a channel therein, the channel having an open end with a pair of pivot extensions extending therefrom and a pair of slots arranged within a closed end thereof, the slide having a pair of tongues extending from respective external edges adapted to be inserted within the grooves of the base thereby allowing the slide to translate therein;a hinge plate having a body with a pair of pivot extensions extending downwardly from a first end and a flange extending upwardly from the first end, the hinge plate having a pair of stop tabs extending from a bottom surface of the body; and,a pivot pin arranged to be inserted within the pair of pivot extensions of the slide and within the pair of pivot extensions of the hinge plate, thereby pivotably securing the hinge plate to the slide;wherein the pair of tabs of the base are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of slots when the slide is within the channel of the base and proximate the closed end and further arranged to engage the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate, thereby preventing the slide from translating within the channel of the base in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base,wherein the base is adapted to be secured to a gutter and the hinge plate is adapted to have a guard secured thereto.

10. The hinge device recited in claim 9, wherein when the hinge plate is rotated in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the slide, the pair of tabs of the base and the pair of stop tabs of the hinge plate disengage, thereby allowing the slide to translate within the channel of the base in a direction away from the closed end of the channel of the base.

11. The hinge device recited in claim 10, wherein:the base further comprises a pair of stop tabs arranged within the channel proximate the open end; and,the slide further comprises a pair of guide channels arranged therein and opposite the channel of the slide;wherein the pair of stop tabs are arranged to be at least partially seated within the pair of guide channels when the slide is arranged within the channel of the base, thereby preventing the from being translated in a direction towards the open end of the channel of the base and removing the slide therefrom.

12. A gutter guard system, comprising:at least one of the hinge device recited in claim 9;at least one of the guard; and,a brush, comprising:a brush face having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom;an engagement tool extending from the brush and arranged opposite the brush face, the engagement tool having a cavity therein; and,an attachment aperture adapted to removably engage an extension handle.

13. The gutter guard system recited in claim 12, wherein the cavity of the engagement tool is arranged to accept the flange of the hinge plate at least partially therein, allowing force imparted on the brush to pivot the hinge plate about the slide and to translate the slide within the base.

14. A hinge device, comprising:a base having a channel disposed therein, the channel having an open end and a closed end;a slide having a channel disposed therein, the channel of the slide having an open end and a closed end, the slide arranged to translate within the channel of the base; and,a hinge plate pivotably connected to the slide proximate the open end of the channel of the slide;wherein the hinge plate prevents the slide from translating within the channel of the base in direction towards the open end of the channel of the base when the hinge plate is resting with the channel of the slidewherein the base is adapted to be secured to a gutter and the hinge plate is adapted to have a guard secured thereto.

15. The hinge device recited in claim 14 further comprising a clamp plate arranged to be removably secured to the hinge plate and adapted to sandwich the guard therein.

16. A gutter guard system, comprising:at least one of the hinge device recited in claim 14;at least one of the guard; and,a brush, comprising:a brush face having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom;an engagement tool extending from the brush and arranged opposite the brush face, the engagement tool having a cavity therein; and,an attachment aperture adapted to removably engage an extension handle.

17. The gutter guard system recited in claim 16, wherein the cavity of the engagement tool is arranged to accept a flange of the hinge plate at least partially therein, allowing force imparted on the brush to pivot the hinge plate about the slide and to translate the slide within the base.

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