Cover for rain gutter
A method and material for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. A first layer of non-woven fibers may be secured to a second scrim layer. A hinge may extend along the length of the cover. The cover defines a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the cover configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter. Adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover may be joined by using mating projections and apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.
The present invention relates to the field of rain gutter shields/devices used to prevent debris from entering and/or clogging rain gutters used on buildings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gutter cover/filter formed of a two-layer mat composed of non-woven fibers that may be quickly and easily installed in rain gutters without the need for additional fastening elements, such as screws, nails or adhesives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rain gutters are a component of almost every house and most buildings, and are typically installed around the perimeter of a roof to collect rainwater runoff so that it may be discharged through downspouts at selected locations. This prevents damage to underlying areas around the building structure, such as the pitting or trenching of lawns and water damage to the structure's foundation. As shown in
It is well known that some form of shield may be added to the top of the gutter to prevent debris from entering while allowing water to pass through into the gutter channel. Such a device must be sufficiently water permeable to allow water to flow into the gutter channel, while still being able to keep leaves, twigs, pine needles and roofing shingle particles from entering. Also, it is desirable for the cover to be strong enough to support the weight of debris, ice or snow which may accumulate on the cover. The cover should not occlude a large portion of the channel, which may impede the flow of water through the gutters into the downspouts. Also, the cover needs to be securely fastened or attached to the gutter, to prevent it from detaching in the presence of high winds.
A variety of rain gutter covers, such as wire meshes formed into a variety of configurations, exist in the prior art. However, these wire meshes typically require the use of fasteners and/or a variety of tools to install them. Modification of the wire mesh to fit the gutter by cutting the mesh is also a difficult and potentially dangerous task. Additional designs, formed of plastic and other materials, have also been proposed, but also require significant time and effort to install and may cause other leakage problems. For example, some products are designed to be partially inserted underneath existing shingles or other roofing material, which, in many cases, may be brittle and subject to breakage. Even minor damage to shingles may result in a leaky roof.
Thus, there exists a need for a rain gutter cover that is inexpensive, easy to install, strong, durable and safe. Such a cover would permit homeowners to quickly and easily shield their gutters from accumulated debris without the need for fastening elements and tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention addresses these problems by providing a rain gutter cover that is safe, effective and easy to install.
In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. The cover includes a first water permeable layer, a top portion of the first layer and a base portion of the first layer. The first water permeable layer includes a plurality of fibers that are either non-woven or loosely woven and has a thickness and a length. The first water permeable layer is configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion so that the cover fits securely, and remains in place in the rain gutter.
In a second preferred embodiment the invention relates to a method for preventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter. The method includes measuring a length of a cover for placement within the gutter. The cover includes a first water permeable layer including a plurality of non-woven fibers. The first layer has a thickness, a length, a top portion having a first width, and a base portion having a second width. The cover is configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The method also includes installing the cover within the rain gutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along the first gutter sidewall and flexing the top portion with respect to the base portion so that a free end of the top portion extends to the second gutter sidewall.
In a third preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. The cover of the current embodiment is formed of two water permeable layers: (1) a first layer formed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, where the first layer has a thickness and a length, and (2) a second layer of resilient scrim secured to the first layer. The second layer may be secured to the first layer by bonding, needlepunching, or by applying adhesive to the abutting surfaces of the two layers. Both the top portion and base portion are configured to be resiliently flexible. The cover includes a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers. The hinge defines a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The hinge exerts a restoring force that biases the top portion of the cover toward a substantially co-planar arrangement with the base portion. The base portion of the cover is aligned with a first sidewall of the gutter adjacent the building structure and may be substantially equal to the depth of the gutter channel. The base portion may also include one or more cutouts to reduce overall weight and save material. The free end of the top portion may be configured to fit securely against the opposite sidewall and, in some applications, beneath a lip formed on one of the sidewalls of the rain gutter. The top portion may be greater than or equal to the width of the gutter channel such that it prevents debris from entering the gutter channel. If the top portion is slightly wider than the gutter channel, an additional retaining force is provided to hold the cover in place between the sidewalls of the gutter. While in a preferred aspect, the cover is securely held in place without additional fastening elements, in some configurations mechanical fasteners, such as clips, could be used to secure the cover to the sidewalls of the gutter.
The hinge may be formed by a notch extending along the length of the first layer, where the notch has a depth less than the thickness of the first layer. The notch may be substantially rectangular, square, triangular, semicircular or any other suitable geometric shape, and may be formed by removing material from the first layer after the first layer is formed. The first layer of the cover may be formed of a web of randomly aligned, synthetic or natural fibers, such as polyester, and the second layer may be formed of a synthetic fiber, such as polyester or nylon. The second layer has a top surface that is substantially smooth to prevent debris from accumulating on the cover. The smooth surface of the second layer may also include ribs to provide added strength and/or achieve a higher flow rate through the cover.
The top portion of the cover may include at least one channel formed in the first layer, and the base portion of the cover may include at least one slot extending through first layer. In addition, the cover may further comprise at least one projection formed at the end of a length of cover, the projection configured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another section of cover to join two sections of cover together. In addition to the top portion and base portion, the cover may include a second base portion and a second hinge. The second base portion and hinge are similar to the first base portion and hinge but are formed on the opposite side of the top portion as the first base portion and hinge. Thus, the cover forms an inverted “U” shape when installed in the gutter.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter comprising a first water permeable layer formed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length, and a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer also having a thickness and a length. At least one projection is formed at an end of a first length of cover, and the projection is configured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another length of cover to join two adjacent lengths of cover together during installation within a gutter. The thickness of the first layer may be greater than the thickness of the second layer, and the cover may further comprise a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, and configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion.
In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth. The cover includes a first water permeable layer formed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length secured to a second, substantially smooth, water permeable layer. The second layer is configured and adapted to prevent the accumulation of debris on the cover and has a thickness less than the thickness of the first layer. In a preferred aspect, the total thickness of the combined first and second layers is substantially equal to the depth of the gutter channel.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, and (for some gutters) a lip formed on the first sidewall. A length of a resilient, water permeable cover is measured for placement within the gutter, the cover including a first water permeable layer formed of a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; a second water permeable layer of resilient scrim secured to the first layer; and a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge being configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion. The length of cover may be easily cut by a user using a scissor or other cutting tool.
The cover may be installed within the rain gutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along the first gutter sidewall adjacent the building structure and flexing the top portion with respect to the base portion so that a free end of the top portion fits against the opposite sidewall. Modified sections of the cover may be installed in portions of the rain gutter containing fasteners used to secure the rain gutter to a supporting structure, the modified sections of the cover having a top portion that includes at least one channel formed in the first layer, and a base portion that includes at least one slot extending completely through first layer, the channel and the slot configured and adapted to allow the modified section to fit within the rain gutter despite the presence of fasteners. In one application, adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover may be attached together by using mating projections and apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As known in the prior art and shown in
Reference is now made to
Fibers of this type used in the first layer 32 have been employed in cleaning pads, for example the Scotchbrite® scouring sponge manufactured by the 3M Corporation. A living hinge 36 is formed along the length of the first layer 32. The living hinge may be formed by a notch 38 cut along the length of the first layer 32. As shown in
Notch 38 divides these cover 30 into a top portion 40 having a width W1 and a base portion 42 having a width W2. First layer 32 may be formed of a coarse, non-woven or loosely woven web of natural or synthetic fibers, such as polyester. First layer 32 is preferably an air-laid fabric, but may also be formed by other methods known in the art, e.g., carded, garnetted, wet-laid, or melt-blown.
Thinner scrim layer 34, which is preferably formed of nylon or other suitable synthetic material, provides a substantially smooth top surface to the cover 30. In the alternative, the scrim layer 34 can also be formed from lossely woven (or non woven) fibers with a preferred density being sufficient to prevent leaves, twigs, and leave stems from becoming trapped between the fibers. In another alternative embodiment, the scrim layer 34 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Scrim layer 34 may also be ribbed to provide added strength and/or increase the flow rate through the material.
In one specific configuration, the first layer 32 is a non-woven, air-laid fabric containing one-hundred (100) denier polyester fiber weighing on the order of 8.0 ounces per square yard and resistant to direct sun and weather exposure, and second scrim layer 34 is a knit polyester of 13 wales by 15 course count weighing approximately 2.5 ounces per square yard. Scrim layer 34 may be attached to first layer 32 by needlepunching using a Hunter Model 15 tacker loom. The composite material is then sprayed with a synthetic resin and cured such that the total resulting cover weight is on the order of 30 ounces per square yard. The resulting cover 30 is resilient and flexible enough to allow it to be bent by hand but stiff enough to resist bowing under the weight of debris. As discussed in more detail below, the resiliency of the material and the configuration of the cover allows it to be securely and easily installed in a gutter. Removal from the gutter is similarly facilitated.
As shown in
Notch 38 allows top portion 40 to be flexed with respect to base portion 42 while providing a restoring force F. Top portion 40 preferably has a width W1 greater than or equal to the width W of the gutter to prevent debris from accumulating in the gutter 10 while allowing water to flow through. The free end of top portion 40 is biased by restoring force F away from base portion 42 and, in a preferred embodiment, fits within or under a lip 20 of gutter 10 such that the cover 30 is secured within gutter 10 and will not be dislodged by wind or other potentially disturbing forces. Width W1 may also be sized greater than gutter width W to provide an additional securing force when cover 30 is placed within gutter 10. Top portion 40 is configured to resist bending moments, such as those caused by debris resting on top portion 40, encountered during use.
Preferably, additional fastening elements, such as nails, screws or adhesives are not required to maintain cover 30 within gutter 10. However, in some configuration, additional fastening elements, such as clips, may be used to secure cover 30.
The cover 30 may be dispensed in predetermined lengths or on rolls. As shown in
As shown in
In still another preferred embodiment, shown in
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a substantially “U” shaped cover 80 as illustrated by
Moreover, whereas the cover 80 may be formed from a first layer of loosely woven fibers and a second layer of scrim, the cover 80 may only include a first layer of dense fibers. Thus, it is not necessary to include a scrim on the covers provided by the present invention. Rather, the layer of fibers may be dense enough to prevent leaves, twigs, and leave stems from becoming trapped between the fibers. In the alternative, the second layer can be another layer of loosely woven (or non woven) fibers that is thinner than the first layer and dense enough to prevent debris from becoming trapped by the fibers of this second layer of fibers.
In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a cover for a gutter which again includes a first and a second permeable layer as in some of the other embodiments. However, the present embodiment does not include a hinge and the first layer only extends from the front edge of the cover to about half way across the width of the cover. Thus, the scrim (or second layer) extends from the first layer and can be inserted between the shingles on the roof and the plywood deck. Preferably, the scrim extends from the first layer by about 1 to 2 inches with the combined first and second layer covering the open top of the gutter and either abutting the front side of the gutter or being inserted in the lip of the gutter. In the alternative, the first layer may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer including a plurality of fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-woven and loosely woven;
- a top portion of the first water permeable layer having a first width and
- a base portion of the first water permeable layer having a second width, the first water permeable layer being configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion, whereby the cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
2. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer.
3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the second water permeable layer is a scrim.
4. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers is a first plurality of fibers, the second water permeable layer includes a second plurality of fibers, the second plurality of fibers being one of non-woven or looslely woven.
5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein the density of the second plurality of fibers is greater than the density of the first plurality of fibers.
6. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge extending along the length of the first layer and defining the top portion and the base portion.
7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is a first base portion, the cover further comprising a second base portion of the first layer.
8. The cover according to claim 7, further comprising a first and a second hinge, the first hinge defining the first base portion, the second hinge defining the second base portion, and the first and second hinges defining the top portion, whereby the cover is substantially “U” shaped when it is in place in the gutter.
9. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the top portion defining a recess, whereby the top portion may fit over a mechanical fastener associated with the gutter.
10. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the base portion defines a slot, whereby the base portion may fit around a mechanical fastener associated with the gutter.
11. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the base portion defines a cutout, whereby the overall weight of the cover is reduced.
12. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a first end that defines an aperture and a second end including a projection, the aperture and the projection to correspond in shape to one another, whereby adjacent covers may be joined together.
13. A method for preventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the method comprising the steps of:
- measuring a length of a cover for placement in the gutter, the cover including a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the cover configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion; and
- installing the cover in the rain gutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along the first gutter sidewall and flexing the top portion with respect to the base portion so that a free end of the top portion extends to the second gutter sidewall.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising inserting the free end of the cover in a lip of the gutter.
15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising flexing a hinge extending along the length of the first layer and defining the top portion and the base portion.
16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising fitting the top portion over a mechanical fastener associated with the gutter.
17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising fitting the base portion around a mechanical fastener associated with the gutter.
18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising joining the cover to another cover using an aperture defined by an end of one of the covers and a projection defined by an end of the other cover, the aperture and the projection to correspond in shape to one another.
19. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer including a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length;
- a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer having a thickness and a length; and
- a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion
- wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the hinge provides a restoring force that biases the top portion of the cover toward a substantially co-planar relationship with the base portion.
21. The cover of claim 19, wherein the hinge is defined by a notch extending along the length of the first layer.
22. The cover of claim 21, wherein the notch has a depth less than the thickness of the first layer.
23. The cover of claim 21, wherein the notch is one of substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, or substantially semicircular.
24. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second width of the base portion is substantially equal to the depth of the channel.
25. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first width of the top portion is greater than the width of the gutter channel.
26. The cover of claim 19, wherein a free side of the top portion to fit in a lip formed on one of the sidewalls of the rain gutter.
27. The cover of claim 19, wherein the base portion includes at least one cutout, whereby the cutout reduces the overall weight of the cover.
28. The cover of claim 19, wherein the thickness of the first layer is greater than the thickness of the second layer.
29. The cover of claim 19, wherein the thickness of the first layer is between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches.
30. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer includes randomly aligned fibers.
31. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer is includes synthetic fibers.
32. The cover of claim 31, wherein the first layer is includes polyester fibers.
33. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second layer is a resilient scrim.
34. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second layer includes synthetic fibers.
35. The cover of claim 34, wherein the second layer includes nylon.
36. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second layer has a top surface that is substantially smooth.
37. The cover of claim 19, wherein the second layer has a ribbed surface.
38. The cover of claim 19, wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer by one of bonding, an adhesive, or needlepunching.
39. The cover of claim 19, the top portion further comprising at least one channel formed in the first layer, and the base portion further comprising at least one slot extending through first layer.
40. The cover of claim 19, further comprising at least one projection formed at an end of a length of cover, the projection configured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another section, whereby two sections of cover may be joined together.
41. A method for preventing debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the method comprising the steps of:
- measuring a length of a water permeable cover for placement in the gutter, the cover including a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer having a thickness and a length; and a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion; and
- installing the cover in the rain gutter by aligning the base portion of the cover along the first gutter sidewall and flexing the top portion with respect to the base portion so that a free end of the top portion extends to the second gutter sidewall.
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising installing modified sections of the cover at portions of the rain gutter containing fasteners used to secure the rain gutter to a supporting structure, the modified sections of the cover having a top portion that includes at least one channel formed in the first layer, and a base portion that includes at least one slot extending completely through the combined first and second layers, the channel and the slot configured and adapted to allow the modified section to fit in the rain gutter despite the presence of fasteners.
43. The method of claim 41, further comprising cutting a length of cover to fit in the rain gutter.
44. The method of claim 41, further comprising attaching adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover together with mating projections and apertures formed at adjacent ends of adjacent sections of cover.
45. A system for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter comprising:
- at least one length of a first section of a cover for installation in the rain gutter, the first section of cover comprising a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers; a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer; and a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion; and
- at least one length of a second section of a cover for installation in the rain gutter, the second section of cover comprising a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers; a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer; and a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion, wherein the top portion of the second section of cover includes at least one channel formed in the first layer, and the base portion of the second section of cover includes at least one slot extending through the combined first and second layers;
- Wherein both the first and second sections of cover are configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
46. The system of claim 45, further comprising a cutting tool.
47. The system of claim 45, wherein the cutting tool is a scissor.
48. The system of claim 45, wherein the first section of cover has at least one projection formed at an end of a length of the first section of cover, the projection configured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another section of cover to join two adjacent sections of cover together.
49. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length;
- a second water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer having a thickness and a length; and
- at least one projection formed at an end of a length of cover
- wherein the projection is configured and adapted to mate with a corresponding aperture formed at an end of another length of cover to join two adjacent lengths of cover together and the cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
50. The cover of claim 49, further comprising a hinge extending along the length of the combined first and second layers, the hinge defining a top portion having a first width and a base portion having a second width, the hinge configured and dimensioned to allow flexion of the top portion relative to the base portion.
51. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer includes a plurality of non-woven fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length; and
- a second, substantially smooth, water permeable layer secured to the first layer, the second layer configured and adapted to prevent the accumulation of debris on the cover and having a thickness less than the thickness of the first layer;
- wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place in the rain gutter.
52. The cover of claim 51, wherein the total thickness of the combined first and second layers is substantially equal to the depth of the gutter channel.
53. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the gutter being adjacent a roof having a plurality of shingles covering a deck, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer including a plurality of fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-woven and loosely woven, the first water permeable layer having a back edge;
- a second water permeable layer secured to the first water permeable layer and extending beyond the back edge of the first water permeable layer, whereby the second water permeable layer is configured and dimensioned to fit securely and remain in place between the shingles and the deck of the roof.
54. The cover according to claim 53 wherein the first water permeable layer is a non-woven, air-laid fabric containing one-hundred (100) denier polyester fiber weighing on the order of 8.0 ounces per square yard and resistant to direct sun and weather exposure, and wherein the second water permeable layer is a knit polyester of 13 wales by 15 course count weighing approximately 2.5 ounces per square yard.
55. A cover for preventing the accumulation of debris in a rain gutter, the rain gutter having an open top, a bottom surface, and a pair of sidewalls, the bottom surface and sidewalls defining a channel having a width and a depth, the gutter being adjacent a roof having a plurality of shingles covering a deck, the cover comprising:
- a first water permeable layer including a plurality of fibers, the first layer having a thickness and a length, the plurality of fibers being one of non-woven and loosely woven;
- a front portion of the first water permeable layer being adapted to cover the open top of the cover; and
- a back portion of the first water permeable layer being adjacent to the front portion and being adapted to extend between the shingles and the deck of the roof.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 7, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 8, 2006
Inventors: William Kurple (St. Charles, MO), Lee Griswold (East Norwalk, CT), David Mathieu (Colchester, CT), Christopher Jenkins (Harlem, GA)
Application Number: 11/005,656
International Classification: E04D 13/00 (20060101);