Gutter protector

Abstract

A gutter protector for keeping debris and insects out of the interior of a gutter comprises a plurality of flexible elongated gutter protector members formed of a porous open-cell foam, the foam incorporating therein an anti-microbial agent and a UV inhibitor. The members are formed in sections of predetermined length that are shaped to fit in predetermined gutter shapes. Each member has a recessed portion in a lower side that is spaced away from the gutter. The recessed portion is substantially isolated from the exterior of the protector member so as to permit water to flow unobstructed through the gutter without admitting insects to the interior of the recessed portion. For a conventional gutter shape, the gutter protector desirably has a generally right triangular cross section with a flat top and a tapered edge that fits under a front lip of the gutter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing date of Applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 60 / 541,637, filed Feb. 4, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an improved gutter protector that permits water to flow freely through the gutter but prevents accumulation of debris in the gutter and prevents birds, mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects from nesting in the gutter. [0003] The clogging of rain gutters with leaves and other debris is a perennial problem. A number of devices have been developed to fit in or cover the top of a gutter to prevent leaves from falling in the gutter, while at the same time admitting water into the gutter. Many of these are expensive or difficult to install or both. In addition, some require attachment to the roof structure, which can void the warranty of a new roof. Others provide incomplete protection. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, an improved gutter protector for protecting the interior of a gutter comprises a plurality of elongated, flexible, porous, open-cell foam members adapted to fit end to end in the interior of the gutter. The foam members have an upper surface that extends over the upper surface of the gutter, preventing debris from accumulating in the gutter and denying access to the interior of the gutter to mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects, while at the same time readily admitting water through the foam members into the interior of the gutter. In one aspect of the invention, the foam members have a generally triangular cross section, with a wedge-shape front edge that wedges under the front edge of the gutter while providing an open passageway at the bottom of the foam members for water to flow unobstructed through the gutter. The foam members have a lower surface or edge that contacts a portion of the bottom of the gutter, with the bottom surface preferably being no more than about one half of the width of the bottom surface of the gutter, leaving the other portion free for unobstructed flow of water therethrough.

[0016] The foam members are formed of a resilient, readily flexible open-cell foam. The foam is soft and pliable, and readily can be conformed to fit under or over gutter attachment devices employed for attaching the gutter to a house or other structure. The foam members are desirably shaped to conform with gutters of particular sizes, with the foam being readily compressible when necessary to fit under or around gutter brackets and into gutters of different sizes. An exterior grade polyurethane foam is preferred.

[0018] The foam members of the present invention also include a UV protective agent that reduces UV radiation damage to the exposed foam.

Problems solved by technology

This restricts the development of mold, mildew, and the like.

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