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

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Prior Art

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.

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 aluminum or other suitable material that is bent into a desired shape. For example, many existing gutter covers include a first section adapted to be installed under or over a row of shingles on a roof, a second section adapted to overlie the open end of a gutter, and a water channel that directs water into the underlying gutter. It is important that the water channel remain free of leaves, twigs and other debris so water can flow unimpeded to the underlying gutter. 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

One embodiment of the invention is a gutter cover comprising a first section adapted to be installed under or over a row of shingles on a roof; a second section attached to the first section and adapted to overlie the open end of a gutter; a water channel attached to the second section 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.

The diverting elements preferably consist of a series of upstanding ridges or other projections formed on the second section of the gutter cover and extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter. For example, the diverting elements may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gutter.

Pine tree needles and similar debris that are carried over the second section of the gutter toward the water channel contact the leading edges of the diverting elements. If the needles are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gutter and gutter cover, their broad sides impact the leading edges of the diverting elements, causing the needles to rotate or pivot until they are oriented perpendicularly or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter and the gutter cover. Once oriented in this manner, the leading edges of the pine needles, and eventually the entire pine needles, separate from the gutter cover as they pass over the edge between the second section and the water channel and fall off the gutter cover rather than becoming clogged in the water channel.

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.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are described more fully in the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter cover constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a building;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the gutter cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical side section view of the gutter cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter cover constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter cover constructed in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a gutter cover 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the gutter cover 10 is adapted to be installed over a gutter 12 which is attached to a roof 14 or other sloped surface of a building 16. The gutter cover 10 is designed to collect water from the roof 14 and to direct it into the gutter 12 while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the gutter 12. The gutter cover 10 may be of various shapes and sizes to fit over different sizes and styles of gutters. Other gutter covers are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344, all incorporated into the present application by reference. These patents also disclose in more detail end caps and diverter elements which may be used with the gutter cover 10.

The gutter cover 10 may include a number of individual segments which can be interconnected to cover any length of gutter. In one embodiment, each segment is approximately four feet long and includes one end which can slide into an end of an adjacent segment so a plurality of segments can be interconnected to cover a long length of gutter without the use of screws, brackets, or other fasteners joining the segments together. The gutter cover 10 may also be formed of a single segment that is long enough to cover any desired length of gutter.

Each gutter cover segment 10 is preferably formed from a single piece of aluminum or other suitable material which is bent into the configuration shown in the drawing figures. If the gutter cover 10 is formed of aluminum, the preferred thickness of each segment is preferably between 1/32″ and 1/16″.

Each gutter cover segment 10 includes a generally planar first section 18, which is preferably adapted to be installed under a first row of shingles 20 on the roof 14 without the use of nails, screws, staples or other fasteners. The first section 18 slopes downwardly from right to left when viewed from the perspective of FIGS. 1 and 3 so as to match the pitch of the roof 14. The angle of the first section 18 can be changed as described below to match the slope of the roof 14 or other sloped surface to which it is attached. The first section 18 includes a lip formed by a generally 180° bend in the rightmost end. The lip resists movement of the first section 18 once it is installed under the roof shingles 20.

Each gutter cover segment 10 also includes a generally planar second section 24 which is adapted to overlie the open end of the gutter 12. The second section 24 slopes gradually from right to left as viewed from FIGS. 1 and 3 so as to direct water away from the roof 14, over the left edge of the second section 24, and into the gutter 12. The second section 24 may include a number of elongated ridges or bumps that run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gutter to slow the flow of water over the second section.

The first and second sections 18, 24 are joined by a bend 28 that performs several important functions. First, the bend 28 slows the flow of water from the roof 14 to the second section 24 by reversing the direction of water flow through capillary action. Through capillary action, water flowing over the bend 28 follows along the surface of the bend and reverses direction rather than spilling over the bend. Second, the bend 28 permits the angle of the first section 18 to be adjusted relative to the second section 24 so as to match the pitch of the roof 12 to which the gutter cover 10 is attached.

The bend 28 may be generally V-shaped or U-shaped in cross section as disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. ______; entitled “GUTTER COVER”; filed Mar. 17 2006, or may be generally S-shaped in cross section as disclosed in the above referenced U.S. patents.

Each gutter cover segment 18 also includes a generally planar third section 36 joined to the second section by a bend 38. The bend 38 preferably has an obtuse angle so that the third section 36 slopes downwardly and inwardly relative to the leftmost edge of the second section 24. As with the bend 28, the bend 38 and the third section 36 serve to reverse and slow the flow of water over the gutter cover through capillary action.

Each gutter cover segment 18 also includes a water channel formed in part by a generally planar fourth section 40 joined to the third section 36 by a bend 42. The bend 42 preferably has an acute angle that, when summed with the angle of the bend 38, equals approximately 180°, so that the fourth section 40 is generally parallel with the second section 24. That is, the fourth section 40 has a slight downward slope from right to left. For example, the bend 38 may have an angle of approximately 120° and the bend 42 may have an angle of approximately 60°.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, a series of spaced-apart holes or cutouts 44 are formed in the fourth section 40 to direct water flowing over the second section 24 and the bend 38 into the underlying gutter 16. Similar holes or cutouts may be formed elsewhere in the gutter cover to direct water into the underlying gutter. For example, holes may be formed in or near the bend 28 or anywhere along the length of the second section 24.

Each gutter cover segment 18 also includes a leftmost lip or hem section 46 joined to the left edge of the fourth section 40. The lip 46 is connected to the front upper edge of the gutter by mounting brackets or other fasteners.

In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the gutter cover also includes a plurality of spaced-apart diverting elements 48 positioned on the second section 24 for orienting or positioning debris so that the debris is less likely to enter the water channel 40. The diverting elements 48 preferably consist of a series of upstanding ridges or other projections formed on the second section 24. The diverting elements are preferably stamped as a part of the second section 24 but may also be distinct structures which are welded or otherwise affixed to the second section. The longitudinal axis of each diverting element is at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter. In preferred forms, the diverting elements extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gutter as illustrated.

The diverting elements 48 reduce the amount of pine tree needles and similar debris that enters the water channel 40. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, pine needles 50 are often aligned with the longitudinal axis of the butter as they are carried over the gutter cover by water shed from the roof 14. Needles that are oriented in this way impact the leading edges of the diverting elements 48, causing the needles to rotate or pivot about the diverting elements until they become oriented perpendicularly or at some other angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter and the gutter cover. Once oriented at an angle to the gutter and gutter cover, the leading edges of the pine needles, and eventually the entire pine needles, separate from the gutter cover as they pass over the edge 38 between the second section and the water channel and fall off the gutter cover rather than becoming clogged in the water channel. This is best illustrated in FIG. 3. Without the diverting elements 48, pine needles 50 which are aligned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gutter don't separate from the gutter cover, but instead follow the bend 38 and fall into the water channel 40 and clog the drain holes 44.

The diverting elements 48 are preferably of several different lengths so their leading edges are staggered. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diverting elements may present a repeating pattern of long, medium, and short lengths. Alternatively, the diverting elements may present a pattern of long, medium, short, short, medium, and long lengths as illustrated in FIG. 4; 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. However, in yet another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 5, the diverting elements are all of a uniform length so that their leading edges are not staggered.

The particular shape, length, and width of the diverting elements 48 can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the diverting elements are generally pill-shaped in plan view with rounded leading edges that assist in the turning or pivoting of the debris. The diverting elements may be between 1/32-½ inches wide and spaced anywhere between ¼-3 inches apart. The diverting elements are most effective when spaced apart the length of a typical pine needle, which is ¾″ to 2″. The diverting elements may even be spaced apart unevenly so that some are closer to one another than others.

In one embodiment, the longest of the diverting elements are between ½-2 inches in length, the medium diverting elements are between ¼-1 inches in length, and the shortest diverting elements are between ⅛-¾ inches in length. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, all the diverting elements 48b may be medium sized, or between ¼-1 inches in length.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A gutter cover for covering a gutter attached to a roof of a building, the gutter presenting a longitudinal axis, the gutter cover comprising:

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 directly or indirectly attached to the second section for directing water flowing over the second section into the gutter; and

a plurality of spaced-apart diverting elements positioned on the first or second section for orienting debris so that the debris is less likely to enter the water channel.

2. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements each consist of an upstanding projection formed on the second section and extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter.

3. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 2, wherein the diverting elements extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gutter.

4. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements are of several different lengths to facilitate the orienting of the debris.

5. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements orient the debris so that the debris extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gutter.

6. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements present a repeating pattern of long, medium, and short lengths to facilitate the orienting of the debris.

7. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements present a repeating pattern of long, medium, short, short, medium, and long lengths to facilitate the orienting of the debris.

8. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 6, wherein the long length diverting elements are approximately ½ to 2 inches in length.

9. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 6, wherein the medium length diverting elements are approximately ¼ to 1 inches in length.

10. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 6, wherein the short length diverting elements are approximately ⅛ to ¾ inches in length.

11. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the diverting elements is approximately 1/32 to ½ inches wide.

12. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the diverting elements are spaced between ¼ and 3 inches apart.

13. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the debris includes evergreen tree needles.

14. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second section includes a first edge connected to the first section and a second edge adjacent the water channel, wherein the diverting elements are all generally aligned along the second edge of the second section.

15. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 1, further including a bend which joins the first and second sections and which permits the first section to be bent to match the pitch of the roof.

16. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 15, wherein the first section, the second section, the water channel, and the bend are integrally formed of a single piece of material.

17. The gutter cover as set forth in claim 15, wherein the first section, the second section, the water channel, and the bend are integrally formed of stainless steel.