Appeal No. 97-1777
Application 08/328,708
Aarons describes the apparatus as follows:
Referring first to FIG. 1, an angle-iron bar 10 has L-shaped forwardly-
extending rigid side pieces 11 at each end, an inverted hook 12 being
attached to the top of each upright of side pieces 11. A transverse support
member 13, also in the form of an angle-iron bar, joins the outer ends of
hooks 12. Short horizontal extensions 14 of hooks 12 extend beyond
support member 13.
The length of bar 10 and support member 13 are such that a ladder of
any normal width may be placed between extensions 14.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket is placed in a gutter 15 with bar 10
against the lower rear part of the gutter and the hooks 12 passing over the
front edge 16 of the gutter. It will be noted that the bracket is so
dimensioned that hooks 12 do not contact edge 16.
A ladder 17 is shown supported by support member 13 and lying
between extensions 14.
Force from ladder 17 is exerted directly through bar 10 of the bracket
against the rear inside surface of the gutter, backed by fascia 18 attached to
roof rafter 19 and not on any other part of the gutter 15. No damage to the
gutter structure or paint can therefore occur. Extensions 14 prevent the
ladder moving sideways off the bracket [page 3].
Wigington “relates to a device for reinforcing and protecting a gutter with a ladder
leaning against the gutter” (column 1, lines 5 through 7). In Wigington’s words,
[a] gutter guard device (A) is disclosed which includes an elongated, tubular
frame (B) formed by a rolled and stamped sheet metal construction. The
stamping process defines transverse bracing webs (30) and vertical flanges
(32) which brace between front and rear tubular braces (10, 14). Pivotal legs
(22, 24) carried by frame (B) allow for easy installation of the guard in a
gutter (12). Spaced indicator brackets (26, 28) assist the support of the front
of the frame while providing visibility to determine location of the frame from
the ground. A ladder may be leaned against the gutter between the indicator
4
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007