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

"The present invention is a gutter cover that prevents pine needles and other debris from entering its water channel. This is achieved by including structure that properly orients or positions debris before it reaches the gutter cover's water channel. The gutter cover has a first section that is installed under or over a row of shingles on a roof, a second section that overlies the open end of a gutter, and a water channel attached to the second section for directing water flowing over the second section into the gutter. The second section has a plurality of spaced-apart diverting elements, such as ridges or projections, that are positioned to orient debris so that it is less likely to enter the water channel. The diverting elements cause the debris to rotate or pivot until it is oriented perpendicularly or at some angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the gutter and the gutter cover, and then falls off the gutter cover rather than becoming clogged in the water channel. The invention provides an effective solution for preventing clogging of gutter covers and ensuring proper drainage of water from roofs."

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.

Images