Gutter Cover

Abstract

A gutter cover having a generally flat central portion, a front edge margin bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover, and a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle with respect to the central portion. The cover may be made of wire screen and is no greater than 0.10 inches thick.

1 . A gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter, the gutter having front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearwardly from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter, the flange extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter, the gutter cover comprising:
 an elongate sheet including:
 a generally flat central portion; 
 a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and 
 a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an angle of between about 90 and about 120 degrees with respect to the central portion, 
   the sheet being no greater than 0.10 inches thick.   
   
   
       2 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 1  wherein the channel comprises an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge and adapted to overlie the gutter flange and engage the gutter flange to support the cover and inhibit sagging of the sheet, and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange. 
   
   
       3 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 1  wherein the front edge margin of the sheet has spaced apart openings for the flow of water into the gutter. 
   
   
       4 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 1  wherein said sheet comprises a wire screen. 
   
   
       5 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 4  wherein said gutter cover is made entirely of wire screen. 
   
   
       6 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 5  wherein said angle is about 90 degrees. 
   
   
       7 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 5  wherein said angle is about 120 degrees. 
   
   
       8 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 1  wherein said sheet comprises a substantially continuous material selected from the group comprising metal, plastic, and vinyl. 
   
   
       9 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 8  wherein the front edge margin of the sheet has spaced apart openings for the flow of water into the gutter. 
   
   
       10 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 1  wherein said rear edge margin is substantially planar. 
   
   
       11 . A gutter cover adapted for covering a gutter and preventing debris from falling into the gutter, the gutter having front, back and bottom walls and a flange projecting rearwardly from the front wall and spaced above the bottom wall of the gutter, the flange extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the gutter, the gutter cover having:
 a generally flat central portion;   a front edge margin integrally formed with the central portion and bent relative to the central portion to form a forwardly opening channel generally V-shaped in transverse section extending substantially continuously along the entire length of the cover for receiving the gutter flange therein, and   a rear edge margin formed integrally with the central portion bent at an obtuse angle with respect to the central portion,   said rear edge margin terminating in a rear edge adapted for engagement with a gutter hanger.   
   
   
       12 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 11  wherein said obtuse angle is between about 90 and about 120 degrees. 
   
   
       13 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 12  wherein said angle is about 90 degrees. 
   
   
       14 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 12  wherein said angle is about 120 degrees. 
   
   
       15 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 11  wherein said rear edge margin is substantially planar. 
   
   
       16 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 11  wherein the the gutter cover comprises a non-perforated sheet of substantially continuous material selected from the group comprising metal, plastic, and vinyl said sheet having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inches. 
   
   
       17 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 16  wherein said channel comprises an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge of said central portion and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange, said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel having one or more openings therein located along the length of the cover for the flow of water through the gutter cover into the gutter. 
   
   
       18 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 17  in combination with said gutter and with a gutter hanger supporting the gutter, said channel having a depth ranging from about ½ in. to 1½ in., and said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel contacting a front portion of the gutter hanger. 
   
   
       19 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 11  wherein the gutter cover comprises a sheet of wire screen having a thickness no greater than 0.10 inches. 
   
   
       20 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 8  wherein said central portion is unperforated, said channel comprising an upper rearwardly extending portion bent back from a front edge of said central portion and a lower forwardly extending portion bent forward from the rearwardly extending portion and adapted to underlie the gutter flange, said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel having one or more openings therein located along the length of the cover for the flow of water through the cover into the gutter. 
   
   
       21 . The gutter cover set forth in  claim 20  in combination with said gutter and with a gutter hanger supporting the gutter, said channel having a depth ranging from about ½ in. to 1½ in., and said lower forwardly extending portion of the channel contacting a front portion of the gutter hanger.