Cover apparatus for rain gutters

Abstract

The present invention taught, enabled, described, illustrated and claimed herein comprises a continuous cover-type debris/fluid separation apparatus which is easily installed in existing, conventional trough-type gutter structures. The apparatus is configured to capture a small amount of water between two ridge features in a what is termed herein a “static pool.” The first ridge is preferably formed adjacent the outer part of the gutter structure and the second ridge is formed adjacent the inner part of the gutter structure (i.e., adjacent a terminal edge of the roof of a building). The first ridge has an apex portion that is preferably is disposed at a higher elevation than an apex portion of the second ridge. The portion of the cover structure disposed between the first ridge and the second ridge thus defines the static pool region. As rainwater flowing from the terminal edge of the roof begins to fill the static pool region the rainwater naturally seeks level. As the static pool rises it first begins to flow over the second ridge toward the building. As a result, the majority of the rainwater flows “backward” toward the building, over the second ridge and through a gap formed between the cover structure and the gutter, and into the trough portion of the gutter. Meanwhile the leaves and other debris are carried “forward” by the fluid flowing away from the building. Thus, the debris and leaves are urged over the apex feature of the first ridge and past a small gap between the cover structure and the gutter, and ultimately over the lip of the gutter, so that the debris does not enter the trough portion of the gutter. The fluid that accompanies the debris and leaves passes through the small gap and is captured by the gutter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.