Gutter cover

Abstract

A gutter cover which can be more easily installed over a gutter without the use of siding breaks or other clamping tools. The gutter cover comprises a generally planar first section adapted to be installed under or over a row of shingles on a roof; a generally planar second section adapted to overlie the open end of a gutter; and a bend between the first and second sections. The bend is shaped and configured to permit the angle of the first section to be easily adjusted relative to the second section without the use of tools and to slow the flow of water from the roof through capillary action. The bend is generally V-shaped in cross section and includes a first leg that depends from one edge of the first section and a second leg that depends from one edge of the second section. The two legs are joined at the bottom to form a crevice that slows the flow of water over the gutter cover.

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 can be easily installed over a gutter without the use of clamping tools. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Gutters are often installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces. Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water. Clogged gutters can also 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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] 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 can be more easily installed over a gutter without the use of siding breaks and other clamping tools.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention is a gutter cover comprising a generally planar first section adapted to be installed under or over a row of shingles on a roof; a generally planar second section adapted to overlie the open end of a gutter; and a bend between the first and second sections. The bend is shaped and configured to permit the angle of the first section to be easily adjusted relative to the second section without the use of tools and to slow the flow of water from the roof through capillary action.

[0009] The bend is generally V- or U-shaped in cross section and includes a first leg that depends from an edge of the first section and a second leg that depends from an edge of the second section. The two legs are joined at the bottom to form a crevice that slows the flow of water over the gutter cover. Particularly, water flowing off the roof and over the first section changes direction when it reaches the edge of the first section and then follows the angle of the first leg into the crevice. When the water reaches the bottom of the crevice, it again changes direction and follows the angle of the second leg until it exits the crevice and begins flowing over the second section. Importantly, the second leg is shorter than the first to minimize splashing of water that enters the crevice and to prevent water from flowing over the side margins of the gutter cover.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water.

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

Unfortunately, the shape and configuration of the bend of existing gutter covers necessitates the use of a siding break or other similar clamping tool to achieve the proper angle between the first and second sections.

Without the use of such a tool, it is nearly impossible to achieve the proper angle between the first and second sections without deforming the shape and affecting the function of the first and second sections or the bend between the first and second sections.

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