US20090188173A1 - Gutter Cover - Google Patents
Gutter Cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090188173A1 US20090188173A1 US12/419,404 US41940409A US2009188173A1 US 20090188173 A1 US20090188173 A1 US 20090188173A1 US 41940409 A US41940409 A US 41940409A US 2009188173 A1 US2009188173 A1 US 2009188173A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- gutter
- cover
- set forth
- central portion
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D13/00—Special arrangements or devices in connection with roof coverings; Protection against birds; Roof drainage; Sky-lights
- E04D13/04—Roof drainage; Drainage fittings in flat roofs, balconies or the like
- E04D13/076—Devices or arrangements for removing snow, ice or debris from gutters or for preventing accumulation thereof
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to rain gutters and more particularly to a gutter cover for preventing debris from falling into such gutters.
- a gutter screen directs water into the gutter, prevents debris from entering the gutter, does not itself become clogged with debris and is securely attached to the gutter.
- the ideal gutter screen requires no maintenance after installation.
- Conventional gutter screens are made of hardware cloth, expanded metal or perforated sheet metal, which have holes that often trap debris instead of allowing the debris to slide over the screen. Debris may build up in the holes and cause rainwater to bypass the holes and flow over the gutter instead of into the gutter, or may cause rainwater to build up above the gutter. The debris must thereafter be removed from the screens by hand. Thus, many conventional gutter screens are not maintenance free.
- a first embodiment of this invention is directed to an improved gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter.
- the gutter has front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearward from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter.
- the flange extends substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter.
- the gutter cover comprises an elongate sheet including a generally flat central portion and a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein.
- the sheet has a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion and bent at an obtuse angle (e.g., between about 90 and about 120 degrees) with respect to the central portion.
- the sheet which may be wire screen, is no greater than 0.10 inches thick.
- the gutter cover is made entirely of a wire screen.
- the screen has a generally flat central portion, a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle (e.g., between about 90 degrees and about 120 degrees) with respect to the central portion.
- the rear edge margin terminates in a rear edge adapted for engagement with a gutter hanger.
- FIG. 1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a gutter cover of the present invention installed on a gutter;
- FIG. 1A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 1B is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the gutter cover of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-section taken along the plane including line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4A is a detail perspective of a clip
- FIG. 4B is a rear elevation of the clip of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5A is a detail perspective of a second embodiment of the clip
- FIG. 5B is a rear elevation of the clip of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-section similar to FIG. 3 but showing a third embodiment of the clip
- FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing a fourth embodiment of the clip
- FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter;
- FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing a fourth embodiment of the gutter cover
- FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter;
- FIG. 13 is a fragmented perspective of the gutter cover of FIG. 12 removed from the gutter.
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing a sixth embodiment of the gutter cover.
- a gutter cover of a first embodiment is generally designated 10 .
- the gutter cover is particularly adapted for covering a conventional rain gutter 12 and preventing debris from falling into the gutter.
- the gutter 12 has a front wall 14 , a back wall 16 and a bottom wall 18 , which combine to form a channel for drainage of rainwater.
- a conventional flange 22 projects rearwardly (i.e., toward the building) from the upper edge of the front wall 14 .
- the gutter 12 is suitably attached to a wall 24 of the building by gutter hangers (not shown) to collect rainwater flowing off a downwardly sloping roof 28 of the building. As shown in FIG.
- a starter row of shingles 29 are attached to the roof 28 to overhang the lower edge margin of the roof
- a first (lower) row of shingles 30 are attached to the roof 28 above the starter row of shingles
- a second row of shingles 32 are attached to the roof generally above the lower row.
- the gutter cover 10 of this embodiment is held in place between the shingles 30 , 32 and is attached to the flange 22 of the gutter 12 .
- the gutter cover 10 receives water from the roof 28 and directs the water across the top surface of the cover and into the gutter 12 .
- the gutter cover 10 comprises an elongate sheet 34 having a longitudinal axis L 1 ( FIG. 2 ) transverse to the direction F 1 of water flow down the roof.
- the sheet 34 includes an upper, shingle mounting portion 38 for reception between the first row shingles 30 and the starter row shingles 29 next to the roof 28 , a covering portion 40 adjacent the shingle mounting portion sized to extend over the gutter 12 , a bend line 44 separating the mounting portion and the covering portion, and a downwardly extending flange 46 adjacent the covering portion forming a lowermost edge 48 of the cover.
- the sheet 34 has a surface tension curve 52 for directing water from the covering portion 40 onto the downwardly extending flange 46 and into the gutter 12 .
- the cover 10 is attached to the gutter 12 by clips, generally indicated 56 , affixed to the cover flange 46 and the gutter flange 22 .
- the sheet 34 is made of sheet metal (e.g., aluminum) but it is understood that the sheet may include or be made of other materials (e.g., plastic, vinyl, etc.)
- the shingle mounting portion 38 is substantially flat, continuous, unbroken and uninterrupted.
- the shingle mounting portion 38 is inserted between the first row of shingles 30 and the starter row shingles 29 so that the cover 10 is held in place, at least in part, by the weight of the shingles attached to the roof and the friction force between the shingles and the cover.
- the shingle mounting portion 38 has a top surface 60 in contact with the shingles 30 , a bottom surface 62 in contact with the roof 28 , and an upper edge 64 that wedges between the shingles 30 and the roof 28 when installing the cover 10 on the roof.
- the shingle mounting portion 38 is sized to have a lateral width W 1 so that a portion of the top surface of the cover 10 is in contact with the shingles 30 and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cover is in contact with the starting row shingles 29 next to the roof 28 .
- the shingle mounting portion 38 may have a width of about 1 inch to 7 inches, in one embodiment about 5 inches.
- the bend line 44 is located upstream of the lower edge of the first row of shingles 30 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L 1 of the cover and comprises a bend 70 in the sheet 34 that separates the shingle mounting portion 38 from the covering portion 40 .
- the bend 70 is configured such that bend angle A 1 between the covering portion 40 and the shingle mounting portion 38 is about 135 degrees, but it is understood that the angle A 1 could vary depending on the slope of the roof 28 .
- the bend line 44 comprises a portion of the sheet 34 that has a series of downwardly struck sections 74 equally spaced across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 .
- the downwardly struck sections 74 have openings 76 , 78 on both sides to weaken the sheet 34 along the bend line 44 so that the sheet may be easily manipulated when installing the cover 10 .
- the sheet 34 may be manipulated along the bend line 44 so that a correct bend angle A 1 may be easily set at the jobsite in accordance with the pitch of the roof 28 , and without requiring additional work or machinery at the jobsite to weaken the sheet during installation.
- the shingles 38 , 40 typically have a shingle gap 82 between the adjacent shingles on each row.
- the bend line 44 is located below the first row of shingles 38 such that the bend angle Al creates a change in direction of the flow path of water flowing down the shingle gap 82 on the cover.
- the space between the cover 10 at the bend angle Al and the first row of shingles 38 creates a pocket 86 that collects water flowing down the shingle gap 82 .
- the pocket 86 causes the flow of water down the shingle gap 82 to collect at the bend angle A 1 between the shingle mounting portion 38 and the covering portion 40 of the sheet 34 . As water fills the pocket 86 , the water is distributed more evenly across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 prior to flowing onto the covering portion 40 of the cover.
- the covering portion 40 has two spaced apart ribs, generally indicated 92 , extending the length of the sheet 34 and a debris separator 96 located between the ribs.
- each rib 92 includes an upper ramp portion 102 , a top wall 104 generally parallel to the covering portion of the sheet 34 , and a lower ramp portion 106 .
- the ribs 92 each have a first bend 108 connecting the upper ramp 102 with the covering portion 40 of the sheet 34 , a second bend 110 connecting the upper ramp with the top wall 104 of the rib, a third bend 112 connecting the top wall with the lower ramp 106 , and a fourth bend 114 connecting the lower ramp with the covering portion of the sheet.
- the ribs 92 stiffen the covering portion 40 of the sheet 34 to inhibit flexing or bending of the covering portion.
- the ribs 92 thereby allow the sheet 34 to be made of a thinner sheet of material.
- the sheet 34 may be made of material having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inch.
- the sheet 34 is made from aluminum having a thickness of about 0.032 inch, but it is understood that other materials and thickness may be used.
- the sheet 34 may be made of vinyl or plastic and have a thickness of about 0.050 inch.
- the ribs 92 distribute the water flow across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 so that the water does not flow in discrete flow paths or streams spaced along the length of the cover.
- the even distribution of water across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 increases the surface tension holding the water to the cover and prevents the water from flowing over the flange 22 of the gutter 12 .
- the first bend 108 of each ramp 92 creates a change in direction that allows water flowing down the covering portion 40 of the cover 10 to momentarily collect against the upper ramp portion 102 of each rib prior to the water flowing over the top wall 104 of the rib.
- the water that collects against the upper ramp portion 102 is distributed across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 prior to flowing across the top wall 104 of the ramp 92 and down the lower ramp portion 106 .
- the water distributed across the longitudinal length of the cover 10 has an increased surface tension, as compared to discrete streams, that hold the water to the top surface of the cover.
- the debris separator 96 separates debris (e.g., leaves) from the water flowing over the cover 10 .
- the debris separator 96 includes a series of upwardly struck portions, generally indicated 120 , of the sheet 34 that each have a ramp 122 and a free end 124 spaced apart from the sheet.
- each of the free ends of the upwardly struck portions form an opening 126 in the sheet 34 , (so that portions form “perforated louvers”) but it will be understood that the debris separator 96 may be formed without openings in the sheet without departing from the scope of this invention.
- the debris separator 96 could comprise downwardly struck sections of the sheet 34 or have ramps 122 that are otherwise shaped (e.g., curved) without departing from the scope of this invention.
- the upwardly struck portions 120 are aligned in a row parallel to the longitudinal length of the sheet, but could be otherwise arranged.
- the debris separator 96 includes unbroken portions 130 of the sheet 34 located between each of the spaced apart upwardly struck portions 120 .
- the water tends to flow around the ramp across the unbroken portion of the sheet between the upwardly struck portions of the debris separator 96 with some of the water flowing over the ramp and through the openings.
- the surface tension holding the debris is broken by air pockets formed between the upwardly struck portions.
- the ramp 122 of the debris separator 96 may have a height ranging from about 1/16 inch to 1 ⁇ 4 inch, in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch, and a width ranging from about 1 ⁇ 8 inch to 1 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the surface tension curve 52 of the cover 10 directs the water flowing down the covering portion 40 of the cover onto the flange 46 and into the gutter 12 .
- the surface tension curve 52 has a varying slope with a first upper curve 134 adjacent the covering portion 40 of the sheet 34 and a second lower curve 136 adjacent the first curve.
- the upper curve 134 has a smaller radius of curvature than the lower curve 136 .
- the lower curve 136 has a larger radius of curvature requiring less surface tension for the water to adhere to the sheet 34 as the water flows over the surface tension curve 52 .
- the water flowing down the sheet 34 adheres to the sheet when flowing over the surface tension curve 52 and does not overflow the gutter 12 . Any debris that reaches the surface tension curve 52 will not be adhered to the water so that it will not enter the gutter 12 . The momentum of the debris will tend to carry it over the edge of the gutter 12 .
- the upper curve 134 may have a radius of curvature ranging from about 1 ⁇ 8 inch to 1 ⁇ 2 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 8 inch
- the lower curve 136 may have a radius of curvature ranging from about 1 ⁇ 4 inch to 1 inch, in one embodiment about 5 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the surface tension curve 52 may comprise a continuous curved surface having a varying (e.g, increasing) radius of curvature.
- the surface tension curve 52 may have a height H ranging from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to 13 ⁇ 4 inch, in this embodiment about 1 inch.
- the reduced height of the curve 52 allows the gutter cover 10 to have a lower profile and a more appealing look as compared to prior art covers.
- the downwardly extending flange 46 extends from the surface tension curve 52 and forms the lowermost edge 48 of the gutter cover 12 .
- the flange 46 has an angled upper portion 140 connected to the lower curve 136 of the surface tension curve 52 and a substantially vertical lower portion 142 .
- the lower portion 142 of the flange has holding ribs generally indicated 146 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3 ) in the form of longitudinally spaced apart outwardly struck portions 148 that have a free, upper end 150 forming an opening 152 for receiving a portion of the clip 56 .
- the holding ribs 146 of the flange 46 are engageable with the holding clips 56 that secure the cover 10 to the gutter 12 .
- the holding ribs 146 may comprise a bent section without openings for engagement with the clips 56 , or any other arrangement to secure the cover 10 to the clips, without departing from the scope of this invention.
- Each clip 56 attaches the cover 10 to the gutter 12 and is connected to the downwardly extending flange 46 of the cover on one end and the flange 22 of the gutter 12 on the other end.
- the clips 56 have a fastening portion, generally indicated 156 , for fastening the clip to the gutter 12 , a spacer, generally indicated 158 , for spacing the cover 10 from the gutter flange 22 by a distance Dl ( FIG. 3A ), and a receiver, generally indicated 160 , for receiving the lower edge 48 of the cover.
- the distance D 1 between the cover 10 and the gutter flange 22 is small enough to prevent debris from falling into the gutter 12 and large enough to allow the water into the gutter so that water does not fall outside the gutter.
- the spacer 158 includes three ninety degree bends 166 , a vertical section 168 , and a horizontal section 170 .
- the vertical section 168 of the spacer 158 contacts the flange 22 of the gutter 12 when the clip 56 is installed on the gutter.
- the vertical section 168 has a height H 1 ( FIG. 4A ) that may range from about 1/16 inch to 1 ⁇ 4 inch (in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch), and the horizontal section has a length L 1 ( FIG. 4A ) ranging from about 1/16 inch to 1 ⁇ 4 inch (in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch).
- the spacer 158 is suitably sized so that the distance D 1 ranges from about 1/32 inch to 1 ⁇ 2 inch, in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the fastener portion 156 includes a substantially flat tab 176 generally parallel to the top surface of the gutter flange 22 .
- the tab 176 extends from the top bend 166 of the spacer 158 and has an opening 178 for receiving a screw 182 or other fastener (e.g., rivet) that attaches the clip 56 to the flange 22 of the gutter 12 .
- the fastener portion 156 has a length L 2 ( FIG. 4A ) suitably ranging from about 1 ⁇ 4 inch to 3 ⁇ 4 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the opening 178 may have a diameter ranging from about 1/16 inch to 1 ⁇ 4′′ (more preferably about 1 ⁇ 8′′) to accommodate various size fasteners 182 for connecting the clip 56 to the gutter flange 22 .
- the receiver portion 160 of the clip 56 has a generally U-shaped cross-section forming an opening 186 that receives the downwardly extending flange 46 and the lower edge 48 of the cover 10 .
- the receiver 160 has an inner wall 188 and outer wall 190 that are spaced apart and connected by a 180 degree bend 192 at the bottom of the clip 56 .
- the outer wall 190 extends down from the lower bend 192 of the spacer 158 and includes a row of barbs 196 that are struck outwardly from the plane of the wall.
- the barbs 196 are shaped to engage the holding ribs 146 on the downwardly extending flange 46 of the cover 10 .
- each barb 196 has a pointed free end 198 that engages the holding ribs 146 on the flange 46 of the cover 10 . It is understood that the holding ribs 146 may be omitted so that the barbs 196 engage the flat surface of the flange 46 to secure the clips 56 to the cover 10 , without departing from the scope of this invention.
- Each barb 196 has a length ranging from about 1/16 inch to about 1 ⁇ 4 inch (more preferably about 1 ⁇ 8 inch). More or less than three barbs 196 may be provided on each clip 56 and the barbs may be arranged in multiple rows on the receiver 160 . It is understood that the barbs 196 may have other shapes and sizes than described herein without departing from the scope of this invention.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternative embodiment of the clips 202 having a row of barbs 204 with flat free ends 206 .
- the inner wall 188 of the receiver 160 has a free end spaced away from the outer wall 190 to form the opening 208 for receiving the downwardly extending flange 46 of the cover 10 .
- the opening 208 suitably has a width W 1 ( FIG. 3 ) ranging from about 1/16 inch to 1 ⁇ 4 inch (in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch) so that the flange 46 engages the barb 196 on one side and the innermost wall 188 of the receiver 160 on the other side.
- FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the cover 10 is attached to the gutter by a clip assembly, generally designated 220 , including a first clip, generally indicated 222 , similar to the clip 56 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and a second clip, generally indicated 224 , attached to a fastener portion 228 of the first clip.
- the second clip 224 as a generally inverted S-shaped cross-section with an upper wall 230 , a lower wall 232 , and an intermediate wall 234 .
- An upper 180 degree bend 238 connects the upper wall 230 and intermediate wall 234 and forms a gap 240 therebetween for receiving the fastener portion 228 of the first clip 222 .
- the second clip 224 has a barb 244 upwardly struck from the intermediate wall 234 such that the barb has a free end 246 that extends into the gap 240 .
- the barb 244 engages the bottom surface of the fastener portion 228 of the first clip 222 so that the first and second clip 224 are held in secure engagement.
- the second clip 224 has a second 180 degree bend 250 that connects the intermediate wall 234 and the lower wall 232 and forms a gap 252 therebetween for receiving the gutter flange 22 .
- the second clip 224 is made of a flexible material (e.g., aluminum or steel) having a thickness ranging from about 0.01 inch to about 0.10 inch, in one embodiment about 0.024 inch, so that the bottom wall 232 acts as a spring finger that may flex away from the intermediate wall 234 to widen the gap 252 for attachment of the clip to the flange 22 of the gutter 12 .
- the bottom wall 232 of the second clip 224 is biased against the gutter flange 22 so that a holding force against the gutter flange secures the second clip and gutter cover 10 to the gutter 12 .
- FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a one-piece holding clip, generally indicated 260 , similar to the two-piece clip assembly of FIG. 6 , but formed of a single piece of material.
- the clip 260 has a fastening portion 262 for attaching the clip to the gutter 12 , a spacer 264 for spacing the cover away from the gutter by the proper distance D 1 , and a receiver portion 266 having a generally U-shaped cross-section for receiving the downwardly extending flange 46 of the cover 10 .
- the fastener portion 262 of the clip 260 is similar to the two-piece design of FIG. 6 in that the clip has a spring biasing member 270 that presses against the gutter 12 to secure the clip to the gutter.
- the fastening portion 262 , receiver 266 , and spacer 264 of the clip are formed integrally as a single piece of bent sheet metal.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the gutter cover, generally designated 300 , that is held in place below the second row of shingles 32 on the roof 28 .
- the gutter cover 300 of this embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment except the shingle mounting portion 302 is extended so that the cover may be mounted beneath the second row of shingles 32 on the roof 28 .
- the shingle mounting portion 302 includes a continuous sheet that has an upper bend 306 located generally adjacent to an upper free end 308 of the cover 300 .
- a downwardly bent portion 312 of the cover 300 contacts the top surface of the first row of shingles 30 to prevent water in the shingle gap 82 of the second row of shingles 32 from flowing under the cover.
- the upper bend 306 is spaced away from the free end 308 of the cover 300 by a distance ranging from about 1 ⁇ 4 inch to 2 inches, in one embodiment about 11 ⁇ 4′′.
- the bent portion 312 of the cover 300 may form an angle A 2 relative to the top surface of the cover ranging from about 15 degrees to 75 degrees, in one embodiment about 30 degrees. This downwardly bent portion 312 may also be used with the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- the cover 300 has a covering portion 316 adjacent the shingle mounting portion 302 sized to extend over the gutter 12 , a bend line 318 separating the mounting portion and the covering portion, and a downwardly extending flange 320 adjacent the covering portion forming a lower edge 322 of the cover.
- the cover 300 has a surface tension curve 326 downstream from the covering portion 316 connecting the covering portion with the flange 320 for directing water from the covering portion onto the downwardly extending flange and into the gutter 12 .
- the cover 300 is attached to the gutter by clips 328 affixed to the downwardly extending flange 320 of the cover and the gutter flange 12 . It is understood that the cover 300 of this embodiment may be attached to the gutter 12 by other clips as described herein (e.g., two-piece clip assembly or one-piece clip without fasteners) or other means without departing from the scope of this invention.
- FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a gutter cover, generally indicated 340 , that is sized to fit generally between the opposed walls 14 , 16 of the gutter 12 .
- the gutter 12 is attached to the outside wall 24 of a building by gutter hangers, one of which is shown and designated 342 .
- the hanger has a back portion 344 bent to hook over the back wall 16 of the gutter 12 and adapted to receive a fastening device, such as a screw or nail (not shown), to secure the gutter to a wall 24 adjacent the roof 28 .
- the hanger 342 has a 90 degree bend 348 that connects the back portion 344 with a central portion 350 of the hanger that extends over the channel formed by the opposed walls 14 , 16 of the gutter 12 to support the front wall and reinforce it against inwardly directed pressures, such as are frequently caused by ladders leaning against the gutter.
- a front portion 352 of the hanger 340 is bent to fit inside the gutter flange 22 to reinforce the front wall 14 against outwardly directed forces, such as caused by someone pulling on the gutter while climbing onto roof.
- the cover 340 has a generally flat central portion 356 , a front edge margin 358 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact the front wall 14 of the gutter 12 , and a rear edge margin 360 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact the rear portion 344 of the gutter hanger 342 .
- the front edge margin 358 has an upper bend 364 and a lower bend 366 so that the front edge margin of the cover 340 is bent relative to the central portion 350 to form a channel having a generally V-shaped cross section for receiving the gutter flange 22 therein.
- the rear edge margin 360 engages the bend 348 in the hanger 342 so that the gutter cover 340 is held in place by the contact of the rear edge margin with the hanger and the front edge margin 358 with the gutter flange 22 .
- the gutter cover 340 comprises a flexible resilient metal, such as an aluminum or steel alloy, and is of integral construction, that is, it is formed from a single continuous section of screening.
- the gutter cover 340 includes strands of spaced apart wire 368 running perpendicular to edge margins of the cover and strands of spaced apart wire 370 running parallel to the edge margins, the parallel and perpendicular strands being interwoven with one another to form a unitary wire mesh screen having openings therein.
- the wire mesh screen allows water to enter the gutter 12 through the openings between the strands 368 , 370 but prevents debris from passing through the cover 340 .
- a gutter cover made from similar material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
- the gutter cover 340 may comprise other materials (e.g., a continuous sheet of metal, vinyl, or plastic having machined holes, or wire mesh having smaller or larger openings) that allow water to flow into the gutter 12 and prevent the entry of debris into the gutter or any other material that is resilient so that it can be bent into the configuration shown and held there in tension.
- materials e.g., a continuous sheet of metal, vinyl, or plastic having machined holes, or wire mesh having smaller or larger openings
- the gutter cover 340 has a height H 2 ranging from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to 11 ⁇ 2 inch, in one embodiment about 11 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the V-shaped cross section of the front channel may have a depth D 3 ranging from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to 11 ⁇ 2 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 4 inch.
- the bend 366 of the front edge margin forming the lower channel of the cover 340 may have a radius ranging from about 1/16 inch to 5 ⁇ 8 inch, in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the angle A 3 between the rear edge margin 360 and the central portion 350 of the cover is about 120 degrees, but this angle may vary.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the gutter cover 380 substantially similar to the previous embodiment except the cover has an angle A 3 between the rear edge margin 382 and the central portion 384 of the cover of about 90 degrees.
- the rear edge margin 382 of the cover 380 is angled generally parallel to the back wall 16 of the gutter 12 so that the space between the roof 28 and the top of the cover is reduced to decrease the possibility of leaves or other debris becoming caught between the cover and the roof.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the gutter cover 390 that is held in place between the front portion 392 and back portion 394 of the gutter hanger 396 .
- the gutter cover 390 of this embodiment comprises a substantially continuous(non-perforated) sheet 398 having a generally flat central portion 400 , a front portion 402 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact the front portion 392 of the gutter hanger 396 , and a rear edge margin 404 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact the rear portion 394 of the gutter hanger.
- the gutter cover 390 is held in place above the channel of the gutter 12 by the contact of the front portion 402 of the cover with the front portion 392 of the gutter hanger 396 and the contact of the rear edge margin 404 of the cover with the rear portion 394 of the gutter hanger.
- the cover 390 has an angle A 4 between the rear edge margin 404 and the central portion 400 of the cover of about 120 degrees.
- the rear edge margin 404 contacts the bend 404 in the gutter hanger 396 so that the cover 390 is held in secure engagement in the gutter 12 .
- the front portion 402 of the gutter cover 390 comprises a top bend 408 and a lower bend 410 having a larger radius than the top bend so as to create a generally V-shaped channel for receiving the inner surface of the gutter flange 22 .
- the front edge margin of the gutter cover 390 has spaced apart openings 414 , 416 located along the longitudinal length of the cover for the flow of water through the cover and into the gutter 12 .
- the openings 414 are circular and the openings 416 are rectangular shape but the openings may be other shapes and sizes (e.g., elongate slots) without departing from the scope of this invention.
- the discrete openings 414 , 416 may be replaced by a single elongate opening without departing from the scope of this invention.
- the cover 390 has a height H 3 above the gutter hanger 396 ranging from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to 11 ⁇ 2 inch, in one embodiment about 11 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the V-shaped channel of the front portion 402 of the cover 390 may have a depth D 4 ranging from about 1 ⁇ 2 inch to 11 ⁇ 4 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 4 inch.
- the radius of curvature of the lower bend 410 may range from about 1 ⁇ 4 inch to 5 ⁇ 8 inch, in one embodiment more preferably about 3 ⁇ 8 inch.
- the circular openings 414 may have a diameter ranging from about 1 ⁇ 8 inch to 3 ⁇ 4 inch, in one embodiment about 3 ⁇ 8 inch, and the rectangular openings 416 may have a length and width ranging from about 1 ⁇ 8 inch to 11 ⁇ 4 inch, in one embodiment about 1 ⁇ 4 inch by 1 ⁇ 2 inch.
- the cover may be made of suitable materials (e.g., metal, vinyl, plastics, etc.) and have a thickness no greater than about 0.1 inches.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the gutter cover 430 substantially similar to the previous embodiment except the cover has an angle A 4 between the rear edge margin 432 and the central portion 434 of the cover of about 90 degrees.
- the rear edge margin 432 of the cover 430 is generally parallel to the back wall 16 of the gutter 12 so that the space between the roof 28 and the top of the cover is reduced to decrease the possibility of leaves or other debris becoming caught between the cover and the roof.
Abstract
A gutter cover having a generally flat central portion, a front edge margin bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover, and a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle with respect to the central portion. The cover may be made of wire screen and is no greater than 0.10 inches thick.
Description
- This application is a divisional application claiming priority from non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/987,930, filed Nov. 12, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to rain gutters and more particularly to a gutter cover for preventing debris from falling into such gutters.
- Since leaves and other debris frequently clog up rain gutters, some kind of guard or screen which prevents debris from falling into the gutter is desirable. Ideally, a gutter screen directs water into the gutter, prevents debris from entering the gutter, does not itself become clogged with debris and is securely attached to the gutter. The ideal gutter screen requires no maintenance after installation.
- Conventional gutter screens are made of hardware cloth, expanded metal or perforated sheet metal, which have holes that often trap debris instead of allowing the debris to slide over the screen. Debris may build up in the holes and cause rainwater to bypass the holes and flow over the gutter instead of into the gutter, or may cause rainwater to build up above the gutter. The debris must thereafter be removed from the screens by hand. Thus, many conventional gutter screens are not maintenance free.
- Some prior art screens have holes of smaller diameter to prevent debris from becoming trapped. However, these smaller holes do not allow enough rainwater to flow into the gutter during a heavy rainfall. This is undesirable because the excess water may back up above the gutter or may flow over the screen and gutter. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,893,240 and 6,151,837, both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, for additional background information regarding existing gutter screens.
- Furthermore, some prior art gutter covers are held in place by fasteners attached to the roof that require holes in the roof along the length of the gutter. Also, some prior art gutter covers may require the use of a bending machine during installation to properly install the cover on the roof.
- A need exists for a gutter cover that prevents debris from falling into the gutter and directs water flow into the gutter preventing overflow of the gutter and a gutter cover that is easier to install while maintaining precise spacing between the cover and a front wall of the gutter.
- In general, a first embodiment of this invention is directed to an improved gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. The gutter has front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearward from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter. The flange extends substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter. The gutter cover comprises an elongate sheet including a generally flat central portion and a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein. The sheet has a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion and bent at an obtuse angle (e.g., between about 90 and about 120 degrees) with respect to the central portion. The sheet, which may be wire screen, is no greater than 0.10 inches thick.
- In a second embodiment of this invention, the gutter cover is made entirely of a wire screen. The screen has a generally flat central portion, a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle (e.g., between about 90 degrees and about 120 degrees) with respect to the central portion. The rear edge margin terminates in a rear edge adapted for engagement with a gutter hanger.
- Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
-
FIG. 1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a gutter cover of the present invention installed on a gutter; -
FIG. 1A is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 1B is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the gutter cover ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-section taken along theplane including line 3A-3A ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4A is a detail perspective of a clip; -
FIG. 4B is a rear elevation of the clip ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A is a detail perspective of a second embodiment of the clip; -
FIG. 5B is a rear elevation of the clip ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-section similar toFIG. 3 but showing a third embodiment of the clip; -
FIG. 7 is a view similar toFIG. 6 but showing a fourth embodiment of the clip; -
FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter; -
FIG. 11 is a view similar toFIG. 10 but showing a fourth embodiment of the gutter cover; -
FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the gutter cover installed on the gutter; -
FIG. 13 is a fragmented perspective of the gutter cover ofFIG. 12 removed from the gutter; and -
FIG. 14 is a view similar toFIG. 12 but showing a sixth embodiment of the gutter cover. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Now referring to the drawings, a gutter cover of a first embodiment is generally designated 10. The gutter cover is particularly adapted for covering a
conventional rain gutter 12 and preventing debris from falling into the gutter. As shown inFIG. 1 , thegutter 12 has afront wall 14, aback wall 16 and abottom wall 18, which combine to form a channel for drainage of rainwater. Aconventional flange 22 projects rearwardly (i.e., toward the building) from the upper edge of thefront wall 14. Thegutter 12 is suitably attached to awall 24 of the building by gutter hangers (not shown) to collect rainwater flowing off a downwardly slopingroof 28 of the building. As shown inFIG. 2 , a starter row ofshingles 29 are attached to theroof 28 to overhang the lower edge margin of the roof, a first (lower) row ofshingles 30 are attached to theroof 28 above the starter row of shingles, and a second row ofshingles 32 are attached to the roof generally above the lower row. As is discussed in detail below, thegutter cover 10 of this embodiment is held in place between theshingles flange 22 of thegutter 12. Thegutter cover 10 receives water from theroof 28 and directs the water across the top surface of the cover and into thegutter 12. - The
gutter cover 10 comprises anelongate sheet 34 having a longitudinal axis L1 (FIG. 2 ) transverse to the direction F1 of water flow down the roof. Thesheet 34 includes an upper,shingle mounting portion 38 for reception between thefirst row shingles 30 and thestarter row shingles 29 next to theroof 28, a coveringportion 40 adjacent the shingle mounting portion sized to extend over thegutter 12, abend line 44 separating the mounting portion and the covering portion, and a downwardly extendingflange 46 adjacent the covering portion forming alowermost edge 48 of the cover. Thesheet 34 has asurface tension curve 52 for directing water from the coveringportion 40 onto the downwardly extendingflange 46 and into thegutter 12. In the illustrated embodiment, thecover 10 is attached to thegutter 12 by clips, generally indicated 56, affixed to thecover flange 46 and thegutter flange 22. In one embodiment, thesheet 34 is made of sheet metal (e.g., aluminum) but it is understood that the sheet may include or be made of other materials (e.g., plastic, vinyl, etc.) - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theshingle mounting portion 38 is substantially flat, continuous, unbroken and uninterrupted. Theshingle mounting portion 38 is inserted between the first row ofshingles 30 and thestarter row shingles 29 so that thecover 10 is held in place, at least in part, by the weight of the shingles attached to the roof and the friction force between the shingles and the cover. Theshingle mounting portion 38 has atop surface 60 in contact with theshingles 30, abottom surface 62 in contact with theroof 28, and anupper edge 64 that wedges between theshingles 30 and theroof 28 when installing thecover 10 on the roof. Theshingle mounting portion 38 is sized to have a lateral width W1 so that a portion of the top surface of thecover 10 is in contact with theshingles 30 and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cover is in contact with the startingrow shingles 29 next to theroof 28. In one embodiment, theshingle mounting portion 38 may have a width of about 1 inch to 7 inches, in one embodiment about 5 inches. - The
bend line 44 is located upstream of the lower edge of the first row ofshingles 30 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the cover and comprises abend 70 in thesheet 34 that separates theshingle mounting portion 38 from the coveringportion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, thebend 70 is configured such that bend angle A1 between the coveringportion 40 and theshingle mounting portion 38 is about 135 degrees, but it is understood that the angle A1 could vary depending on the slope of theroof 28. - As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 2 , thebend line 44 comprises a portion of thesheet 34 that has a series of downwardly strucksections 74 equally spaced across the longitudinal length of thecover 10. As shown inFIG. 1A , the downwardly strucksections 74 haveopenings sheet 34 along thebend line 44 so that the sheet may be easily manipulated when installing thecover 10. Thesheet 34 may be manipulated along thebend line 44 so that a correct bend angle A1 may be easily set at the jobsite in accordance with the pitch of theroof 28, and without requiring additional work or machinery at the jobsite to weaken the sheet during installation. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theshingles shingle gap 82 between the adjacent shingles on each row. Thebend line 44 is located below the first row ofshingles 38 such that the bend angle Al creates a change in direction of the flow path of water flowing down theshingle gap 82 on the cover. As shown inFIG. 1A , the space between thecover 10 at the bend angle Al and the first row ofshingles 38 creates apocket 86 that collects water flowing down theshingle gap 82. Thepocket 86 causes the flow of water down theshingle gap 82 to collect at the bend angle A1 between theshingle mounting portion 38 and the coveringportion 40 of thesheet 34. As water fills thepocket 86, the water is distributed more evenly across the longitudinal length of thecover 10 prior to flowing onto the coveringportion 40 of the cover. - In the illustrated embodiment, the covering
portion 40 has two spaced apart ribs, generally indicated 92, extending the length of thesheet 34 and adebris separator 96 located between the ribs. As shown inFIG. 1B , eachrib 92 includes anupper ramp portion 102, atop wall 104 generally parallel to the covering portion of thesheet 34, and alower ramp portion 106. Theribs 92 each have afirst bend 108 connecting theupper ramp 102 with the coveringportion 40 of thesheet 34, asecond bend 110 connecting the upper ramp with thetop wall 104 of the rib, athird bend 112 connecting the top wall with thelower ramp 106, and afourth bend 114 connecting the lower ramp with the covering portion of the sheet. - The
ribs 92 stiffen the coveringportion 40 of thesheet 34 to inhibit flexing or bending of the covering portion. Theribs 92 thereby allow thesheet 34 to be made of a thinner sheet of material. Thesheet 34 may be made of material having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inch. In one embodiment, thesheet 34 is made from aluminum having a thickness of about 0.032 inch, but it is understood that other materials and thickness may be used. For example, thesheet 34 may be made of vinyl or plastic and have a thickness of about 0.050 inch. - The
ribs 92 distribute the water flow across the longitudinal length of thecover 10 so that the water does not flow in discrete flow paths or streams spaced along the length of the cover. The even distribution of water across the longitudinal length of thecover 10 increases the surface tension holding the water to the cover and prevents the water from flowing over theflange 22 of thegutter 12. Thefirst bend 108 of eachramp 92 creates a change in direction that allows water flowing down the coveringportion 40 of thecover 10 to momentarily collect against theupper ramp portion 102 of each rib prior to the water flowing over thetop wall 104 of the rib. The water that collects against theupper ramp portion 102 is distributed across the longitudinal length of thecover 10 prior to flowing across thetop wall 104 of theramp 92 and down thelower ramp portion 106. The water distributed across the longitudinal length of thecover 10 has an increased surface tension, as compared to discrete streams, that hold the water to the top surface of the cover. - The
debris separator 96 separates debris (e.g., leaves) from the water flowing over thecover 10. As shown inFIG. 1B , thedebris separator 96 includes a series of upwardly struck portions, generally indicated 120, of thesheet 34 that each have aramp 122 and afree end 124 spaced apart from the sheet. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the free ends of the upwardly struck portions form anopening 126 in thesheet 34, (so that portions form “perforated louvers”) but it will be understood that thedebris separator 96 may be formed without openings in the sheet without departing from the scope of this invention. Also, thedebris separator 96 could comprise downwardly struck sections of thesheet 34 or haveramps 122 that are otherwise shaped (e.g., curved) without departing from the scope of this invention. In the illustrated embodiment the upwardly struckportions 120 are aligned in a row parallel to the longitudinal length of the sheet, but could be otherwise arranged. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thedebris separator 96 includesunbroken portions 130 of thesheet 34 located between each of the spaced apart upwardly struckportions 120. As water and debris contact theramp 122 of the upwardly struckportions 120 of thesheet 34, the water tends to flow around the ramp across the unbroken portion of the sheet between the upwardly struck portions of thedebris separator 96 with some of the water flowing over the ramp and through the openings. As the water and debris pass over the upwardly struckportions 120, the surface tension holding the debris is broken by air pockets formed between the upwardly struck portions. In some embodiments, theramp 122 of thedebris separator 96 may have a height ranging from about 1/16 inch to ¼ inch, in one embodiment about ⅛ inch, and a width ranging from about ⅛ inch to 1 inch, in one embodiment about ⅜ inch. The broken surface tension between the debris and the water flowing over thecover 10 created by thedebris separator 96 causes the debris to separate from the water. - The
surface tension curve 52 of thecover 10 directs the water flowing down the coveringportion 40 of the cover onto theflange 46 and into thegutter 12. As shown inFIG. 3 , thesurface tension curve 52 has a varying slope with a firstupper curve 134 adjacent the coveringportion 40 of thesheet 34 and a secondlower curve 136 adjacent the first curve. In the illustrated embodiment, theupper curve 134 has a smaller radius of curvature than thelower curve 136. Thelower curve 136 has a larger radius of curvature requiring less surface tension for the water to adhere to thesheet 34 as the water flows over thesurface tension curve 52. As such, the water flowing down thesheet 34 adheres to the sheet when flowing over thesurface tension curve 52 and does not overflow thegutter 12. Any debris that reaches thesurface tension curve 52 will not be adhered to the water so that it will not enter thegutter 12. The momentum of the debris will tend to carry it over the edge of thegutter 12. - In some embodiment, the
upper curve 134 may have a radius of curvature ranging from about ⅛ inch to ½ inch, in one embodiment about ⅜ inch, and thelower curve 136 may have a radius of curvature ranging from about ¼ inch to 1 inch, in one embodiment about ⅝ inch. It is understood that instead of twodistinct curves surface tension curve 52 may comprise a continuous curved surface having a varying (e.g, increasing) radius of curvature. - In some embodiments, the
surface tension curve 52 may have a height H ranging from about ½ inch to 1¾ inch, in this embodiment about 1 inch. The reduced height of thecurve 52 allows thegutter cover 10 to have a lower profile and a more appealing look as compared to prior art covers. - The downwardly extending
flange 46 extends from thesurface tension curve 52 and forms thelowermost edge 48 of thegutter cover 12. As shown inFIG. 3 , theflange 46 has an angledupper portion 140 connected to thelower curve 136 of thesurface tension curve 52 and a substantially verticallower portion 142. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower portion 142 of the flange has holding ribs generally indicated 146 (only one of which is shown inFIG. 3 ) in the form of longitudinally spaced apart outwardly struckportions 148 that have a free,upper end 150 forming anopening 152 for receiving a portion of theclip 56. The holdingribs 146 of theflange 46 are engageable with the holding clips 56 that secure thecover 10 to thegutter 12. The holdingribs 146 may comprise a bent section without openings for engagement with theclips 56, or any other arrangement to secure thecover 10 to the clips, without departing from the scope of this invention. - Each
clip 56 attaches thecover 10 to thegutter 12 and is connected to the downwardly extendingflange 46 of the cover on one end and theflange 22 of thegutter 12 on the other end. As shown inFIGS. 3 , 3A, and 4A, theclips 56 have a fastening portion, generally indicated 156, for fastening the clip to thegutter 12, a spacer, generally indicated 158, for spacing thecover 10 from thegutter flange 22 by a distance Dl (FIG. 3A ), and a receiver, generally indicated 160, for receiving thelower edge 48 of the cover. The distance D1 between thecover 10 and thegutter flange 22 is small enough to prevent debris from falling into thegutter 12 and large enough to allow the water into the gutter so that water does not fall outside the gutter. - The
spacer 158 includes three ninety degree bends 166, avertical section 168, and ahorizontal section 170. As seen inFIG. 3 , thevertical section 168 of thespacer 158 contacts theflange 22 of thegutter 12 when theclip 56 is installed on the gutter. Thevertical section 168 has a height H1 (FIG. 4A ) that may range from about 1/16 inch to ¼ inch (in one embodiment about ⅛ inch), and the horizontal section has a length L1 (FIG. 4A ) ranging from about 1/16 inch to ¼ inch (in one embodiment about ⅛ inch). Thespacer 158 is suitably sized so that the distance D1 ranges from about 1/32 inch to ½ inch, in one embodiment about ⅛ inch. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A , thefastener portion 156 includes a substantiallyflat tab 176 generally parallel to the top surface of thegutter flange 22. Thetab 176 extends from thetop bend 166 of thespacer 158 and has anopening 178 for receiving ascrew 182 or other fastener (e.g., rivet) that attaches theclip 56 to theflange 22 of thegutter 12. Thefastener portion 156 has a length L2 (FIG. 4A ) suitably ranging from about ¼ inch to ¾ inch, in one embodiment about ⅜ inch. Theopening 178 may have a diameter ranging from about 1/16 inch to ¼″ (more preferably about ⅛″) to accommodatevarious size fasteners 182 for connecting theclip 56 to thegutter flange 22. - The
receiver portion 160 of theclip 56 has a generally U-shaped cross-section forming anopening 186 that receives the downwardly extendingflange 46 and thelower edge 48 of thecover 10. Thereceiver 160 has aninner wall 188 andouter wall 190 that are spaced apart and connected by a 180degree bend 192 at the bottom of theclip 56. Theouter wall 190 extends down from thelower bend 192 of thespacer 158 and includes a row ofbarbs 196 that are struck outwardly from the plane of the wall. Thebarbs 196 are shaped to engage the holdingribs 146 on the downwardly extendingflange 46 of thecover 10. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4B , eachbarb 196 has a pointedfree end 198 that engages the holdingribs 146 on theflange 46 of thecover 10. It is understood that the holdingribs 146 may be omitted so that thebarbs 196 engage the flat surface of theflange 46 to secure theclips 56 to thecover 10, without departing from the scope of this invention. - Each
barb 196 has a length ranging from about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch (more preferably about ⅛ inch). More or less than threebarbs 196 may be provided on eachclip 56 and the barbs may be arranged in multiple rows on thereceiver 160. It is understood that thebarbs 196 may have other shapes and sizes than described herein without departing from the scope of this invention. For example,FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternative embodiment of theclips 202 having a row ofbarbs 204 with flat free ends 206. - The
inner wall 188 of thereceiver 160 has a free end spaced away from theouter wall 190 to form theopening 208 for receiving the downwardly extendingflange 46 of thecover 10. Theopening 208 suitably has a width W1 (FIG. 3 ) ranging from about 1/16 inch to ¼ inch (in one embodiment about ⅛ inch) so that theflange 46 engages thebarb 196 on one side and theinnermost wall 188 of thereceiver 160 on the other side. -
FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in which thecover 10 is attached to the gutter by a clip assembly, generally designated 220, including a first clip, generally indicated 222, similar to theclip 56 illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 and a second clip, generally indicated 224, attached to afastener portion 228 of the first clip. As shown inFIG. 6 , thesecond clip 224 as a generally inverted S-shaped cross-section with anupper wall 230, alower wall 232, and an intermediate wall 234. An upper 180degree bend 238 connects theupper wall 230 and intermediate wall 234 and forms agap 240 therebetween for receiving thefastener portion 228 of thefirst clip 222. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond clip 224 has abarb 244 upwardly struck from the intermediate wall 234 such that the barb has afree end 246 that extends into thegap 240. Thebarb 244 engages the bottom surface of thefastener portion 228 of thefirst clip 222 so that the first andsecond clip 224 are held in secure engagement. - The
second clip 224 has a second 180degree bend 250 that connects the intermediate wall 234 and thelower wall 232 and forms agap 252 therebetween for receiving thegutter flange 22. In one embodiment, thesecond clip 224 is made of a flexible material (e.g., aluminum or steel) having a thickness ranging from about 0.01 inch to about 0.10 inch, in one embodiment about 0.024 inch, so that thebottom wall 232 acts as a spring finger that may flex away from the intermediate wall 234 to widen thegap 252 for attachment of the clip to theflange 22 of thegutter 12. Thebottom wall 232 of thesecond clip 224 is biased against thegutter flange 22 so that a holding force against the gutter flange secures the second clip and gutter cover 10 to thegutter 12. -
FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a one-piece holding clip, generally indicated 260, similar to the two-piece clip assembly ofFIG. 6 , but formed of a single piece of material. As with the previous embodiments, theclip 260 has afastening portion 262 for attaching the clip to thegutter 12, aspacer 264 for spacing the cover away from the gutter by the proper distance D1, and areceiver portion 266 having a generally U-shaped cross-section for receiving the downwardly extendingflange 46 of thecover 10. Thefastener portion 262 of theclip 260 is similar to the two-piece design ofFIG. 6 in that the clip has aspring biasing member 270 that presses against thegutter 12 to secure the clip to the gutter. Thefastening portion 262,receiver 266, andspacer 264 of the clip are formed integrally as a single piece of bent sheet metal. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the gutter cover, generally designated 300, that is held in place below the second row ofshingles 32 on theroof 28. Thegutter cover 300 of this embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment except theshingle mounting portion 302 is extended so that the cover may be mounted beneath the second row ofshingles 32 on theroof 28. - The
shingle mounting portion 302 includes a continuous sheet that has anupper bend 306 located generally adjacent to an upperfree end 308 of thecover 300. As shown inFIG. 9 , a downwardlybent portion 312 of thecover 300 contacts the top surface of the first row ofshingles 30 to prevent water in theshingle gap 82 of the second row ofshingles 32 from flowing under the cover. In one embodiment, theupper bend 306 is spaced away from thefree end 308 of thecover 300 by a distance ranging from about ¼ inch to 2 inches, in one embodiment about 1¼″. Thebent portion 312 of thecover 300 may form an angle A2 relative to the top surface of the cover ranging from about 15 degrees to 75 degrees, in one embodiment about 30 degrees. This downwardlybent portion 312 may also be used with the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . - As in the previous embodiments, the
cover 300 has a coveringportion 316 adjacent theshingle mounting portion 302 sized to extend over thegutter 12, abend line 318 separating the mounting portion and the covering portion, and a downwardly extendingflange 320 adjacent the covering portion forming alower edge 322 of the cover. Thecover 300 has asurface tension curve 326 downstream from the coveringportion 316 connecting the covering portion with theflange 320 for directing water from the covering portion onto the downwardly extending flange and into thegutter 12. Some or all of these features may be omitted within the scope of the invention. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
cover 300 is attached to the gutter byclips 328 affixed to the downwardly extendingflange 320 of the cover and thegutter flange 12. It is understood that thecover 300 of this embodiment may be attached to thegutter 12 by other clips as described herein (e.g., two-piece clip assembly or one-piece clip without fasteners) or other means without departing from the scope of this invention. -
FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a gutter cover, generally indicated 340, that is sized to fit generally between theopposed walls gutter 12. Thegutter 12 is attached to theoutside wall 24 of a building by gutter hangers, one of which is shown and designated 342. The hanger has aback portion 344 bent to hook over theback wall 16 of thegutter 12 and adapted to receive a fastening device, such as a screw or nail (not shown), to secure the gutter to awall 24 adjacent theroof 28. Thehanger 342 has a 90degree bend 348 that connects theback portion 344 with acentral portion 350 of the hanger that extends over the channel formed by theopposed walls gutter 12 to support the front wall and reinforce it against inwardly directed pressures, such as are frequently caused by ladders leaning against the gutter. Afront portion 352 of thehanger 340 is bent to fit inside thegutter flange 22 to reinforce thefront wall 14 against outwardly directed forces, such as caused by someone pulling on the gutter while climbing onto roof. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thecover 340 has a generally flatcentral portion 356, afront edge margin 358 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact thefront wall 14 of thegutter 12, and arear edge margin 360 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact therear portion 344 of thegutter hanger 342. Thefront edge margin 358 has anupper bend 364 and alower bend 366 so that the front edge margin of thecover 340 is bent relative to thecentral portion 350 to form a channel having a generally V-shaped cross section for receiving thegutter flange 22 therein. Therear edge margin 360 engages thebend 348 in thehanger 342 so that thegutter cover 340 is held in place by the contact of the rear edge margin with the hanger and thefront edge margin 358 with thegutter flange 22. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 10 , thegutter cover 340 comprises a flexible resilient metal, such as an aluminum or steel alloy, and is of integral construction, that is, it is formed from a single continuous section of screening. Thegutter cover 340 includes strands of spaced apartwire 368 running perpendicular to edge margins of the cover and strands of spaced apartwire 370 running parallel to the edge margins, the parallel and perpendicular strands being interwoven with one another to form a unitary wire mesh screen having openings therein. The wire mesh screen allows water to enter thegutter 12 through the openings between thestrands cover 340. A gutter cover made from similar material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,381, incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. It is understood that thegutter cover 340 may comprise other materials (e.g., a continuous sheet of metal, vinyl, or plastic having machined holes, or wire mesh having smaller or larger openings) that allow water to flow into thegutter 12 and prevent the entry of debris into the gutter or any other material that is resilient so that it can be bent into the configuration shown and held there in tension. - In one embodiment, the
gutter cover 340 has a height H2 ranging from about ½ inch to 1½ inch, in one embodiment about 1⅛ inch. The V-shaped cross section of the front channel may have a depth D3 ranging from about ½ inch to 1½ inch, in one embodiment about ¾ inch. Thebend 366 of the front edge margin forming the lower channel of thecover 340 may have a radius ranging from about 1/16 inch to ⅝ inch, in one embodiment about ⅛ inch. In one embodiment the angle A3 between therear edge margin 360 and thecentral portion 350 of the cover is about 120 degrees, but this angle may vary. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of thegutter cover 380 substantially similar to the previous embodiment except the cover has an angle A3 between therear edge margin 382 and thecentral portion 384 of the cover of about 90 degrees. Therear edge margin 382 of thecover 380 is angled generally parallel to theback wall 16 of thegutter 12 so that the space between theroof 28 and the top of the cover is reduced to decrease the possibility of leaves or other debris becoming caught between the cover and the roof. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of thegutter cover 390 that is held in place between thefront portion 392 andback portion 394 of thegutter hanger 396. Thegutter cover 390 of this embodiment comprises a substantially continuous(non-perforated)sheet 398 having a generally flatcentral portion 400, afront portion 402 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact thefront portion 392 of thegutter hanger 396, and arear edge margin 404 formed integrally with the central portion and bent downwardly to contact therear portion 394 of the gutter hanger. Thegutter cover 390 is held in place above the channel of thegutter 12 by the contact of thefront portion 402 of the cover with thefront portion 392 of thegutter hanger 396 and the contact of therear edge margin 404 of the cover with therear portion 394 of the gutter hanger. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 12 and 13 , thecover 390 has an angle A4 between therear edge margin 404 and thecentral portion 400 of the cover of about 120 degrees. Therear edge margin 404 contacts thebend 404 in thegutter hanger 396 so that thecover 390 is held in secure engagement in thegutter 12. - The
front portion 402 of thegutter cover 390 comprises atop bend 408 and alower bend 410 having a larger radius than the top bend so as to create a generally V-shaped channel for receiving the inner surface of thegutter flange 22. As shown inFIG. 13 , the front edge margin of thegutter cover 390 has spaced apartopenings gutter 12. In the illustrated embodiment, theopenings 414 are circular and theopenings 416 are rectangular shape but the openings may be other shapes and sizes (e.g., elongate slots) without departing from the scope of this invention. Thediscrete openings - In one embodiment, the
cover 390 has a height H3 above thegutter hanger 396 ranging from about ½ inch to 1½ inch, in one embodiment about 1⅛ inch. The V-shaped channel of thefront portion 402 of thecover 390 may have a depth D4 ranging from about ½ inch to 1¼ inch, in one embodiment about ¾ inch. The radius of curvature of thelower bend 410 may range from about ¼ inch to ⅝ inch, in one embodiment more preferably about ⅜ inch. Thecircular openings 414 may have a diameter ranging from about ⅛ inch to ¾ inch, in one embodiment about ⅜ inch, and therectangular openings 416 may have a length and width ranging from about ⅛ inch to 1¼ inch, in one embodiment about ¼ inch by ½ inch. The cover may be made of suitable materials (e.g., metal, vinyl, plastics, etc.) and have a thickness no greater than about 0.1 inches. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of thegutter cover 430 substantially similar to the previous embodiment except the cover has an angle A4 between therear edge margin 432 and thecentral portion 434 of the cover of about 90 degrees. Therear edge margin 432 of thecover 430 is generally parallel to theback wall 16 of thegutter 12 so that the space between theroof 28 and the top of the cover is reduced to decrease the possibility of leaves or other debris becoming caught between the cover and the roof. - When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
- As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Further, all dimensional information set forth herein is exemplary only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is understood that any of the particular embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the aspects or features of the invention as described herein and illustrated in the drawings.
Claims (21)
1. A gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter, the gutter having front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearwardly from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter, the flange extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter, the gutter cover comprising:
an elongate sheet including:
a generally flat central portion;
a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and
a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an angle of between about 90 and about 120 degrees with respect to the central portion,
the sheet being no greater than 0.10 inches thick.
2. The gutter cover set forth in claim 1 wherein the channel comprises an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge and adapted to overlie the gutter flange and engage the gutter flange to support the cover and inhibit sagging of the sheet, and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange.
3. The gutter cover set forth in claim 1 wherein the front edge margin of the sheet has spaced apart openings for the flow of water into the gutter.
4. The gutter cover set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a wire screen.
5. The gutter cover set forth in claim 4 wherein said gutter cover is made entirely of wire screen.
6. The gutter cover set forth in claim 5 wherein said angle is about 90 degrees.
7. The gutter cover set forth in claim 5 wherein said angle is about 120 degrees.
8. The gutter cover set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet comprises a substantially continuous material selected from the group comprising metal, plastic, and vinyl.
9. The gutter cover set forth in claim 8 wherein the front edge margin of the sheet has spaced apart openings for the flow of water into the gutter.
10. The gutter cover set forth in claim 1 wherein said rear edge margin is substantially planar.
11. A gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter, the gutter having front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearwardly from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter, the flange extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter, the gutter cover having:
a generally flat central portion;
a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and
a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle with respect to the central portion,
said rear edge margin terminating in a rear edge adapted for engagement with a gutter hanger.
12. The gutter cover set forth in claim 11 wherein said obtuse angle is between about 90 and about 120 degrees.
13. The gutter cover set forth in claim 12 wherein said angle is about 90 degrees.
14. The gutter cover set forth in claim 12 wherein said angle is about 120 degrees.
15. The gutter cover set forth in claim 11 wherein said rear edge margin is substantially planar.
16. The gutter cover set forth in claim 11 wherein the the gutter cover comprises a non-perforated sheet of substantially continuous material selected from the group comprising metal, plastic, and vinyl said sheet having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inches.
17. The gutter cover set forth in claim 16 wherein said channel comprises an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge of said central portion and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange, said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel having one or more openings therein located along the length of the cover for the flow of water through the gutter cover into the gutter.
18. The gutter cover set forth in claim 17 in combination with said gutter and with a gutter hanger supporting the gutter, said channel having a depth ranging from about ½ in. to 1½ in., and said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel contacting a front portion of the gutter hanger.
19. The gutter cover set forth in claim 11 wherein the gutter cover comprises a sheet of wire screen having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inches.
20. The gutter cover set forth in claim 8 wherein said central portion is unperforated, said channel comprising an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge of said central portion and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange, said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel having one or more openings therein located along the length of the cover for the flow of water through the cover into the gutter.
21. The gutter cover set forth in claim 20 in combination with said gutter and with a gutter hanger supporting the gutter, said channel having a depth ranging from about ½ in. to 1½ in., and said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel contacting a front portion of the gutter hanger.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/419,404 US20090188173A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2009-04-07 | Gutter Cover |
US14/018,494 US20140000179A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2013-09-05 | Gutter cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/987,930 US7765742B2 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2004-11-12 | Gutter cover |
US12/419,404 US20090188173A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2009-04-07 | Gutter Cover |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/987,930 Division US7765742B2 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2004-11-12 | Gutter cover |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/018,494 Continuation US20140000179A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2013-09-05 | Gutter cover |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090188173A1 true US20090188173A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
Family
ID=36384650
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/987,930 Active 2026-01-09 US7765742B2 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2004-11-12 | Gutter cover |
US12/419,404 Abandoned US20090188173A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2009-04-07 | Gutter Cover |
US14/018,494 Abandoned US20140000179A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2013-09-05 | Gutter cover |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/987,930 Active 2026-01-09 US7765742B2 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2004-11-12 | Gutter cover |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/018,494 Abandoned US20140000179A1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2013-09-05 | Gutter cover |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7765742B2 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090288349A1 (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2009-11-26 | Thomas A. Wootton | Debris Deflection Devices |
USD615632S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-05-11 | Thomas A. Wootton | Rain gutter cover |
USD621484S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-08-10 | Wootton Thomas A | Rain gutter cover |
USD621481S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-08-10 | Wootton Thomas A | Rain gutter cover |
US20110107683A1 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2011-05-12 | Ringuette Paul G | Gutter attachment |
US20120085039A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Arch Garth | Roof parapet system |
US20140026494A1 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2014-01-30 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Roof gutter cover with variable aperture size |
US20150020462A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Gutter cover system |
US8959840B1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2015-02-24 | Randy Oxley | Gutter guard |
US20150089883A1 (en) * | 2013-10-02 | 2015-04-02 | MarPec, Inc. | Snap Lock Leaf Guard |
US20220325528A1 (en) * | 2019-05-01 | 2022-10-13 | Gutterglove, Inc. | Gutter guard with irregular grooves |
Families Citing this family (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6598352B2 (en) | 2001-08-07 | 2003-07-29 | Edward A. Higginbotham | Self cleaning gutter shield |
US6951077B1 (en) | 2002-08-08 | 2005-10-04 | Edward Alan Higginbotham | Non clogging screen |
US7913458B2 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2011-03-29 | Edward Alan Higginbotham | Self cleaning gutter shield |
US7191564B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2007-03-20 | Higginbotham Edward A | Self cleaning shield |
US7765742B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2010-08-03 | Ealer Sr James Edward | Gutter cover |
US7891142B1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2011-02-22 | Ealer Sr James E | Gutter protection system |
US8475245B2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2013-07-02 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Vehicle air duct including strength rib |
US7793465B2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2010-09-14 | Cheruss Holdings Inc. | Gutter guard |
US7650720B2 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2010-01-26 | Ealer Sr James E | Perforated gutter protection system having canals |
US20080134587A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Ealer James E | Gutter protection system having rear compound bend |
US20090139180A1 (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2009-06-04 | Euramax International, Inc. | Water channeling system for gutters |
US8037641B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2011-10-18 | Grater Gutter Guard LLC | Gutter guard |
CA2676344A1 (en) * | 2008-08-21 | 2010-02-21 | Gregory Westra | An improved buck system |
EP2159342A1 (en) * | 2008-08-27 | 2010-03-03 | Stephane Brochu | Eavestrough cover with clip |
WO2011070474A2 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Horst Neumann | Gutter Cover with Snap-In Hanger Attachment |
WO2011072185A1 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Ash Stephen R | Roof deflector system |
US20110162289A1 (en) * | 2010-01-06 | 2011-07-07 | Sal Cangialosi | Gutter screen |
US8763310B2 (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2014-07-01 | Jimmy J. DeHart, SR. | Inside corner gutter piece |
US8997403B1 (en) | 2011-02-16 | 2015-04-07 | Mark S Steinberg | Covered rain gutter assembly |
US20140069028A1 (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2014-03-13 | Robert C. Lenney | Gutter guard barier |
US8402697B1 (en) | 2012-10-05 | 2013-03-26 | James E. Ealer, Sr. | Gutter cover with rear compound bend |
CA2923880A1 (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2015-04-02 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Gutter cover system |
USD770602S1 (en) * | 2014-02-20 | 2016-11-01 | E-Z Products Llc | Gutter cover |
US9212490B1 (en) | 2014-02-20 | 2015-12-15 | James E. Ealer, Sr. | Gutter cover with front louver drains |
US9422722B2 (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2016-08-23 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Mesh gutter cover |
CA2907291C (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2023-03-07 | All Weather Armour, Llc | Gutter debris barrier system |
US9163406B1 (en) | 2014-10-13 | 2015-10-20 | James E. Ealer, Sr. | Gutter cover with front drain trough |
USD754305S1 (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2016-04-19 | Aa Waterjet | Oval shower drain |
US10538921B2 (en) * | 2016-11-08 | 2020-01-21 | Stéphane Brochu | Rain gutter cover and rain gutter including same |
US20180216348A1 (en) * | 2017-01-31 | 2018-08-02 | Products Innovation Group, Inc. | Gutter cover support bracket |
CA3031972A1 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2019-07-31 | All Weather Armour, Llc | Fascia-mounted gutter debris barrier system |
US10495290B1 (en) * | 2018-05-29 | 2019-12-03 | Shawn Michael Genenbacher | Roofing edge hanger for decorative lights |
US10900234B2 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2021-01-26 | Brock Dressel | Gutter cover system |
US11591801B2 (en) | 2020-06-09 | 2023-02-28 | E-Z Products Llc | Gutter cover |
US11268282B1 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2022-03-08 | Jeffrey Todd KRONEBERGER | Gutter cover |
US11913229B2 (en) * | 2021-03-19 | 2024-02-27 | GPI Home Solutions | Raised gutter cover |
Citations (73)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US310259A (en) * | 1885-01-06 | Friction-roller bushing or bearing | ||
US523538A (en) * | 1894-07-24 | Adolf maesch | ||
US891406A (en) * | 1907-12-11 | 1908-06-23 | George Cassens | Eaves-trough. |
US1597503A (en) * | 1924-12-24 | 1926-08-24 | James C Andrews | Screen for eaves troughs and the like |
US1676517A (en) * | 1926-08-03 | 1928-07-10 | Penn Metal Company | Expanded-metal machine |
US2022255A (en) * | 1934-06-12 | 1935-11-26 | Thomas P Scott | Building construction |
US2175521A (en) * | 1938-06-25 | 1939-10-10 | Murrel B Fry | Eave trough protector |
US2209741A (en) * | 1939-02-17 | 1940-07-30 | Leo E Sullivan | Roofing gutter and guard therefor |
US2271081A (en) * | 1941-01-02 | 1942-01-27 | Peter N Layton | Eaves trough and cover |
US2988226A (en) * | 1955-06-03 | 1961-06-13 | William F Matthews | Screened roof gutter |
US3067881A (en) * | 1959-05-14 | 1962-12-11 | Fred H Goosmann | Means for securing screening to building gutters |
US3108406A (en) * | 1959-08-03 | 1963-10-29 | Jerome J Ellis | Construction members and methods of forming same |
US3351206A (en) * | 1965-02-18 | 1967-11-07 | Carl H Wennerstrom | Structure for securing gutter screening to building gutters |
US3388555A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1968-06-18 | Rex E. Foster | Self-straining eaves trough |
US3774274A (en) * | 1970-07-16 | 1973-11-27 | Jury & Spiers Pty Ltd | Means and method for producing expanded metal |
US3950951A (en) * | 1974-07-08 | 1976-04-20 | Raymond Zukauskas | Covered gutter |
US4307976A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1981-12-29 | Gutter World, Inc. | Locking gutter screen hinge |
US4404775A (en) * | 1980-10-20 | 1983-09-20 | Demartini Robert J | Rain gutter devices |
US4418504A (en) * | 1981-10-19 | 1983-12-06 | Lassiter Will M | Drain shield for gutters |
US4631875A (en) * | 1985-07-16 | 1986-12-30 | Eave-In-One, Inc. | Gutter assembly and method of installation |
US4695033A (en) * | 1985-10-19 | 1987-09-22 | Shin Nihon Kohan Co., Ltd. | Modular panel for mold |
US4727689A (en) * | 1986-08-28 | 1988-03-01 | Kusan, Inc. | Detachable rain gutter |
US4750300A (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1988-06-14 | Novelty Manufacturing Company | Gutter screen guard |
US4769957A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1988-09-13 | Knowles Wilma B | Needle and leaf drain gutter guard |
US4796390A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-01-10 | Demartini Robert J | Rain gutter devices |
US4841686A (en) * | 1988-08-12 | 1989-06-27 | Rees Herbert R | Rain gutter assembly |
US4905427A (en) * | 1980-06-10 | 1990-03-06 | Mcphalen Peter M | Multi-purpose universal fit roof-rain gutter protection system |
US4907381A (en) * | 1986-06-23 | 1990-03-13 | Custon Seamless Guttering | Gutter screen |
US4936061A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1990-06-26 | Palma John S | Gutter and screen organization |
US4937986A (en) * | 1989-07-13 | 1990-07-03 | Ladon Enterprises | Gutter protector |
US4941299A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-07-17 | Sweers Ronald L | Guard screen for a rain gutter |
US5010696A (en) * | 1990-08-13 | 1991-04-30 | Knittel Richard D | Roof gutter attachment |
US5072551A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1991-12-17 | Manoogian Jr Sarkis | Gutter guard |
US5081814A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-01-21 | Alabama Metal Industries | Lath panel and method of manufacture |
US5092086A (en) * | 1990-08-27 | 1992-03-03 | Rognsvoog Sr Albert | Gutter shield assembly |
US5095666A (en) * | 1987-04-02 | 1992-03-17 | Williams Jr Marvin G | Device for protecting roof gutters |
US5103601A (en) * | 1990-04-16 | 1992-04-14 | Robert Hunt | Trilateral gutter guard |
US5109640A (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1992-05-05 | Ronald Creson | Screen for a rain gutter |
US5251410A (en) * | 1992-04-13 | 1993-10-12 | Carey Robert J | Rain gutter cover |
US5271191A (en) * | 1992-03-20 | 1993-12-21 | Trim Tool & Die Company, Inc. | Gutter shield and support |
US5271192A (en) * | 1992-05-06 | 1993-12-21 | Nothum Sr Alfred | Gutter hanger and screen assembly |
US5406754A (en) * | 1993-02-03 | 1995-04-18 | Cosby; Lloyd N. | Drain gutter debris guard and method of making |
US5438803A (en) * | 1993-10-29 | 1995-08-08 | Blizard Associates, Inc. | Rain gutter guard |
US5522183A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1996-06-04 | Allen; David J. | Lateral gutter screen |
US5611175A (en) * | 1996-04-10 | 1997-03-18 | Sweers; Ronald L. | Gutter-screen connecting clip |
US5619825A (en) * | 1996-01-24 | 1997-04-15 | Leroney; David W. | Gutter screen |
US5632128A (en) * | 1993-12-28 | 1997-05-27 | Gravity Lock Systems, Inc. | Unitary suspension clip for supporting demountable partition walls |
US5709051A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-01-20 | Mazziotti; Robert R. | Debris removal device for rain gutter downspouts |
US5813173A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 1998-09-29 | Way, Sr.; Donald W. | Gutter protector |
US5842311A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 1998-12-01 | Morin; Fernand R. | Gutter screen or cover |
US5893240A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1999-04-13 | Ealer, Sr.; James Edward | Gutter screen |
US5911659A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-06-15 | Seranco | Gutter protector |
US6151837A (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2000-11-28 | Ealer, Sr.; James Edward | Perforated sheet gutter screen |
US6151836A (en) * | 1997-10-30 | 2000-11-28 | Mcglothlin; W. Neal | Gutter system |
US6161338A (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2000-12-19 | Kuhns; Richard L. | Rain gutter covers and roof line protectors |
US6269592B1 (en) * | 2000-04-04 | 2001-08-07 | Kenneth M. Rutter | Gutter shield |
US6412228B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2002-07-02 | Alan F. Meckstroth | Leaf and debris deflecting cover device for a rain gutter |
US6516577B2 (en) * | 1999-12-09 | 2003-02-11 | Crane Plastics Company Llc | Exterior panel |
US6568132B1 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2003-05-27 | A. B. Walters | Diversion system and method |
US6598352B2 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-07-29 | Edward A. Higginbotham | Self cleaning gutter shield |
US6708453B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2004-03-23 | Larry Timothy Hurst | Gutter protection system |
US6883760B2 (en) * | 2003-06-06 | 2005-04-26 | John W. Seise, Jr. | Rain gutter cover system |
US6904718B2 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-06-14 | Stephen P. Fox | Leaf guard for gutters |
US6941707B2 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2005-09-13 | Certainteed Corporation | Vented soffit panel |
US6951077B1 (en) * | 2002-08-08 | 2005-10-04 | Edward Alan Higginbotham | Non clogging screen |
US6968651B2 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2005-11-29 | Bergeron Rodolphe S | Leaf guard for gutters |
US20060101722A1 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2006-05-18 | Ealer James E Sr | Gutter cover |
US7104012B1 (en) * | 2004-07-07 | 2006-09-12 | Coskun John Bayram | Gutter guard |
US20060201068A1 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2006-09-14 | Idadea Industries, Inc. | Gutter cover |
US20060230687A1 (en) * | 2005-04-14 | 2006-10-19 | Ealer James E Sr | Solid edge gutter screen |
US7191564B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2007-03-20 | Higginbotham Edward A | Self cleaning shield |
US7310912B2 (en) * | 2003-09-16 | 2007-12-25 | Lenney Robert C | Rain gutter debris preclusion device |
US7793465B2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2010-09-14 | Cheruss Holdings Inc. | Gutter guard |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4497146A (en) * | 1982-07-06 | 1985-02-05 | Demartini Robert J | Hangers for rain gutter devices |
USD310259S (en) | 1987-01-12 | 1990-08-28 | Hitchins William G | Roof gutter guard |
DE3905961A1 (en) * | 1988-03-18 | 1989-09-14 | Rolf Pieper | Anti-foliage covering for roof gutters |
DE3829384A1 (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1990-03-01 | Dieter Bause | Device for deflecting contamination, such as foliage and the like, on roof gutters |
US5457916A (en) * | 1993-11-19 | 1995-10-17 | Tenute; Steven J. | Rain gutter protection device |
US5640809A (en) * | 1995-03-29 | 1997-06-24 | Iannelli; Anthony M. | Rain gutter shield |
JPH11264160A (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-09-28 | Inax Corp | Drain gutter cover |
US6672012B2 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2004-01-06 | American Metal Products Company | Gutter cover device |
CA108795S (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2007-09-24 | Guy Brochu | Eavestrough cover |
-
2004
- 2004-11-12 US US10/987,930 patent/US7765742B2/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-04-07 US US12/419,404 patent/US20090188173A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-09-05 US US14/018,494 patent/US20140000179A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (74)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US310259A (en) * | 1885-01-06 | Friction-roller bushing or bearing | ||
US523538A (en) * | 1894-07-24 | Adolf maesch | ||
US891406A (en) * | 1907-12-11 | 1908-06-23 | George Cassens | Eaves-trough. |
US1597503A (en) * | 1924-12-24 | 1926-08-24 | James C Andrews | Screen for eaves troughs and the like |
US1676517A (en) * | 1926-08-03 | 1928-07-10 | Penn Metal Company | Expanded-metal machine |
US2022255A (en) * | 1934-06-12 | 1935-11-26 | Thomas P Scott | Building construction |
US2175521A (en) * | 1938-06-25 | 1939-10-10 | Murrel B Fry | Eave trough protector |
US2209741A (en) * | 1939-02-17 | 1940-07-30 | Leo E Sullivan | Roofing gutter and guard therefor |
US2271081A (en) * | 1941-01-02 | 1942-01-27 | Peter N Layton | Eaves trough and cover |
US2988226A (en) * | 1955-06-03 | 1961-06-13 | William F Matthews | Screened roof gutter |
US3067881A (en) * | 1959-05-14 | 1962-12-11 | Fred H Goosmann | Means for securing screening to building gutters |
US3108406A (en) * | 1959-08-03 | 1963-10-29 | Jerome J Ellis | Construction members and methods of forming same |
US3351206A (en) * | 1965-02-18 | 1967-11-07 | Carl H Wennerstrom | Structure for securing gutter screening to building gutters |
US3388555A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1968-06-18 | Rex E. Foster | Self-straining eaves trough |
US3774274A (en) * | 1970-07-16 | 1973-11-27 | Jury & Spiers Pty Ltd | Means and method for producing expanded metal |
US3950951A (en) * | 1974-07-08 | 1976-04-20 | Raymond Zukauskas | Covered gutter |
US4307976A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1981-12-29 | Gutter World, Inc. | Locking gutter screen hinge |
US4905427A (en) * | 1980-06-10 | 1990-03-06 | Mcphalen Peter M | Multi-purpose universal fit roof-rain gutter protection system |
US4404775A (en) * | 1980-10-20 | 1983-09-20 | Demartini Robert J | Rain gutter devices |
US4418504A (en) * | 1981-10-19 | 1983-12-06 | Lassiter Will M | Drain shield for gutters |
US4631875A (en) * | 1985-07-16 | 1986-12-30 | Eave-In-One, Inc. | Gutter assembly and method of installation |
US4695033A (en) * | 1985-10-19 | 1987-09-22 | Shin Nihon Kohan Co., Ltd. | Modular panel for mold |
US4907381A (en) * | 1986-06-23 | 1990-03-13 | Custon Seamless Guttering | Gutter screen |
US4727689A (en) * | 1986-08-28 | 1988-03-01 | Kusan, Inc. | Detachable rain gutter |
US4750300A (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1988-06-14 | Novelty Manufacturing Company | Gutter screen guard |
US5095666A (en) * | 1987-04-02 | 1992-03-17 | Williams Jr Marvin G | Device for protecting roof gutters |
US4769957A (en) * | 1987-10-02 | 1988-09-13 | Knowles Wilma B | Needle and leaf drain gutter guard |
US4796390A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-01-10 | Demartini Robert J | Rain gutter devices |
US4841686A (en) * | 1988-08-12 | 1989-06-27 | Rees Herbert R | Rain gutter assembly |
US4941299A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-07-17 | Sweers Ronald L | Guard screen for a rain gutter |
US4936061A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1990-06-26 | Palma John S | Gutter and screen organization |
US4937986A (en) * | 1989-07-13 | 1990-07-03 | Ladon Enterprises | Gutter protector |
US5103601A (en) * | 1990-04-16 | 1992-04-14 | Robert Hunt | Trilateral gutter guard |
US5010696A (en) * | 1990-08-13 | 1991-04-30 | Knittel Richard D | Roof gutter attachment |
US5092086A (en) * | 1990-08-27 | 1992-03-03 | Rognsvoog Sr Albert | Gutter shield assembly |
US5081814A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-01-21 | Alabama Metal Industries | Lath panel and method of manufacture |
US5072551A (en) * | 1991-01-23 | 1991-12-17 | Manoogian Jr Sarkis | Gutter guard |
US5109640A (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1992-05-05 | Ronald Creson | Screen for a rain gutter |
US5271191A (en) * | 1992-03-20 | 1993-12-21 | Trim Tool & Die Company, Inc. | Gutter shield and support |
US5251410A (en) * | 1992-04-13 | 1993-10-12 | Carey Robert J | Rain gutter cover |
US5271192A (en) * | 1992-05-06 | 1993-12-21 | Nothum Sr Alfred | Gutter hanger and screen assembly |
US5406754A (en) * | 1993-02-03 | 1995-04-18 | Cosby; Lloyd N. | Drain gutter debris guard and method of making |
US5438803A (en) * | 1993-10-29 | 1995-08-08 | Blizard Associates, Inc. | Rain gutter guard |
US5632128A (en) * | 1993-12-28 | 1997-05-27 | Gravity Lock Systems, Inc. | Unitary suspension clip for supporting demountable partition walls |
US5522183A (en) * | 1995-01-31 | 1996-06-04 | Allen; David J. | Lateral gutter screen |
US5813173A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 1998-09-29 | Way, Sr.; Donald W. | Gutter protector |
US5619825A (en) * | 1996-01-24 | 1997-04-15 | Leroney; David W. | Gutter screen |
US5893240A (en) * | 1996-02-12 | 1999-04-13 | Ealer, Sr.; James Edward | Gutter screen |
US5611175A (en) * | 1996-04-10 | 1997-03-18 | Sweers; Ronald L. | Gutter-screen connecting clip |
US5709051A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-01-20 | Mazziotti; Robert R. | Debris removal device for rain gutter downspouts |
US5842311A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 1998-12-01 | Morin; Fernand R. | Gutter screen or cover |
US5911659A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-06-15 | Seranco | Gutter protector |
US6493993B1 (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 2002-12-17 | Seranco | Gutter protector |
US6151836A (en) * | 1997-10-30 | 2000-11-28 | Mcglothlin; W. Neal | Gutter system |
US6161338A (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2000-12-19 | Kuhns; Richard L. | Rain gutter covers and roof line protectors |
US6151837A (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2000-11-28 | Ealer, Sr.; James Edward | Perforated sheet gutter screen |
US6968651B2 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2005-11-29 | Bergeron Rodolphe S | Leaf guard for gutters |
US6516577B2 (en) * | 1999-12-09 | 2003-02-11 | Crane Plastics Company Llc | Exterior panel |
US6412228B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2002-07-02 | Alan F. Meckstroth | Leaf and debris deflecting cover device for a rain gutter |
US6269592B1 (en) * | 2000-04-04 | 2001-08-07 | Kenneth M. Rutter | Gutter shield |
US6568132B1 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2003-05-27 | A. B. Walters | Diversion system and method |
US6598352B2 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-07-29 | Edward A. Higginbotham | Self cleaning gutter shield |
US6951077B1 (en) * | 2002-08-08 | 2005-10-04 | Edward Alan Higginbotham | Non clogging screen |
US6708453B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2004-03-23 | Larry Timothy Hurst | Gutter protection system |
US6941707B2 (en) * | 2003-05-02 | 2005-09-13 | Certainteed Corporation | Vented soffit panel |
US6883760B2 (en) * | 2003-06-06 | 2005-04-26 | John W. Seise, Jr. | Rain gutter cover system |
US7310912B2 (en) * | 2003-09-16 | 2007-12-25 | Lenney Robert C | Rain gutter debris preclusion device |
US6904718B2 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-06-14 | Stephen P. Fox | Leaf guard for gutters |
US7191564B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2007-03-20 | Higginbotham Edward A | Self cleaning shield |
US7104012B1 (en) * | 2004-07-07 | 2006-09-12 | Coskun John Bayram | Gutter guard |
US20060101722A1 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2006-05-18 | Ealer James E Sr | Gutter cover |
US20060201068A1 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2006-09-14 | Idadea Industries, Inc. | Gutter cover |
US20060230687A1 (en) * | 2005-04-14 | 2006-10-19 | Ealer James E Sr | Solid edge gutter screen |
US7793465B2 (en) * | 2006-11-01 | 2010-09-14 | Cheruss Holdings Inc. | Gutter guard |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8069617B2 (en) | 2008-05-20 | 2011-12-06 | Wootton Thomas A | Debris deflection devices |
US20090288349A1 (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2009-11-26 | Thomas A. Wootton | Debris Deflection Devices |
USD615632S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-05-11 | Thomas A. Wootton | Rain gutter cover |
USD621484S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-08-10 | Wootton Thomas A | Rain gutter cover |
USD621481S1 (en) | 2009-09-15 | 2010-08-10 | Wootton Thomas A | Rain gutter cover |
US20110107683A1 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2011-05-12 | Ringuette Paul G | Gutter attachment |
US8683748B2 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2014-04-01 | Garth ARCH | Roof parapet system |
US20120085039A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Arch Garth | Roof parapet system |
US8959840B1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2015-02-24 | Randy Oxley | Gutter guard |
US8646218B1 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2014-02-11 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Roof gutter cover with variable aperture size |
US20140026494A1 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2014-01-30 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Roof gutter cover with variable aperture size |
US20150020462A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Gutter cover system |
US9394694B2 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2016-07-19 | Anthony M. Iannelli | Gutter cover system |
US20150089883A1 (en) * | 2013-10-02 | 2015-04-02 | MarPec, Inc. | Snap Lock Leaf Guard |
US20220325528A1 (en) * | 2019-05-01 | 2022-10-13 | Gutterglove, Inc. | Gutter guard with irregular grooves |
US11898353B2 (en) * | 2019-05-01 | 2024-02-13 | Gutterglove, Inc. | Gutter guard with irregular grooves |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140000179A1 (en) | 2014-01-02 |
US7765742B2 (en) | 2010-08-03 |
US20060101722A1 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7765742B2 (en) | Gutter cover | |
US7891142B1 (en) | Gutter protection system | |
US11739530B2 (en) | Corrugated mesh gutter leaf preclusion system | |
US8276321B2 (en) | Expanded metal gutter cover and method of installation | |
US9650788B1 (en) | Gutter system and gutter cover | |
US11788296B2 (en) | Raised arc rain gutter debris preclusion device | |
US6151837A (en) | Perforated sheet gutter screen | |
US6732477B1 (en) | Gutter cap suitable for retrofitting existing gutters | |
US5893240A (en) | Gutter screen | |
US8037641B2 (en) | Gutter guard | |
US9212490B1 (en) | Gutter cover with front louver drains | |
US20160376790A1 (en) | Covered gutter system | |
US20050172565A1 (en) | Gutter deflector shield | |
US20110126477A1 (en) | Roof gutter system with removable cover | |
US11060293B2 (en) | Rain gutter cover assembly | |
US6993871B2 (en) | Gutter cover having a unique interlocking bracket | |
US11718996B2 (en) | Rain gutter cover assembly | |
CA2747704A1 (en) | Rain gutter debris preclusion device | |
US11136762B2 (en) | Fascia-mounted gutter debris barrier system | |
US20060201069A1 (en) | Support structure for gutter cover | |
US6823630B2 (en) | Eaves trough assembly with stepped down shield | |
CA3045555A1 (en) | Rain gutter cover assembly | |
US20220042315A1 (en) | Eavestrough debris guard | |
EP1482103A1 (en) | Improvements relating to gutters | |
US20040211125A1 (en) | Assembly clip for a rain gutter deflector |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |