Gutter cover

Abstract

A gutter cover which more effectively sheds pine tree needles and other debris and therefore resists clogging. The gutter cover comprises a first section adapted to be installed under or over roofing material on the roof; a second section attached to the first section and adapted to at least partially overlie the gutter; a water channel attached to the second channel for directing water flowing over the second section into the gutter; and a plurality of spaced-apart diverting elements positioned on the second section for orienting debris so that the debris is less likely to enter the water channel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to gutters and gutter covers. More particularly, the invention relates to a gutter cover that more effectively sheds pine tree needles and other debris to resist clogging. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Gutters installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water. Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached. Gutter covers, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344 have been developed to alleviate these problems. [0005] Most existing gutter covers include a number of sections that may be joined or overlapped end-to-end to cover a length of gutter. Each section is typically formed from a single piece of alu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of gutter covers. More particularly, the invention provides a gutter cover which more effectively prevents the entry of pine needles and other similar debris into its water channel.

[0007] Applicants have discovered that pine tree needles and other similarly sized and shaped debris are less likely to enter the water channel of a gutter cover if they are oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the gutter. This is because pine tree needles that are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gutter do not separate from the gutter cover as they pass over the edge of the gutter cover preceding the water channel. Instead, the needles simply follow the edge and fall into the water channel. In contrast, pine needles and other long, thin debris that are oriented perpendicularly or at some angle to the longitudinal axis of the gutter tend to separate from and fall off the gutter cover as they pass over the edge preceding the water channel. The gutter cover of the present invention takes advantage of this discovery by including structure which properly orients or positions debris before it reaches the gutter cover's water channel.

[0011] The diverting elements are preferably of several different lengths to stagger their leading edges. For example, the diverting elements may present a repeating pattern of long, medium, and short lengths; long, medium, short, short, medium, and long lengths; or some other pattern of alternating lengths. Applicant has discovered that staggering the leading edges of the diverting elements assists in the pivoting or the rotating of the pine needles to the desired orientation.

Problems solved by technology

Gutters installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water.

Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached.

Although newer generation gutter covers effectively prevent leaves, twigs and other large debris from entering their water channels, they are less effective at shedding pine needles and other similar debris.

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