U.S. patent application number 11/477362 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for gutter cover.
Invention is credited to Stephen Handley.
Application Number | 20080000169 11/477362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875179 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Handley; Stephen |
January 3, 2008 |
Gutter cover
Abstract
A gutter cover according to the present invention is an extruded
plastic component having a cover segment sized to extend generally
across an eavestrough and merge with a rounded transition edge,
said rounded transition edge joining with an undercut angled
section extending rearwardly and positioned partially below the
cover segment. The undercut angled section joins with a perforated
pass through allowing water to pass through said cover segment at a
position below and inwardly of the rounded transition edge,
perforated pass through merges with an integral resilient clip
having a securing cavity sized for resiliently engaging an upper
outer edge of an eavestrough or for engaging a securing flange of
an eavestrough hook. The gutter cover can be used with many
existing vinyl or metal eavestrough systems. A particular method
for producing the gutter cover is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Handley; Stephen; (Barrie,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dennison Associates
Suite 301, 133 Richmond Street West
Toronto
ON
M5H 2L7
US
|
Family ID: |
38875179 |
Appl. No.: |
11/477362 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/12 20190201;
B29C 2793/0027 20130101; B29C 48/001 20190201; B29K 2995/0072
20130101; E04D 13/076 20130101; B29C 48/0017 20190201; B29C 48/0022
20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/12 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/00 20060101
E04D013/00 |
Claims
1. A gutter cover comprising an extruded plastic component having a
cover segment sized to extend generally across an eavestrough and
merge with a rounded transition edge, said rounded transition edge
joining with an undercut angled section extending rearwardly and
positioned partially below said cover segment; said undercut angled
section joining with a perforated pass through allowing water to
pass through said cover segment; said perforated pass through
merging with an integral resilient clip having a securing cavity,
said securing cavity being sized for resiliently engaging an upper
edge of an eavestrough or for engaging a securing flange of an
eavestrough hook.
2. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing
cavity is sized to receive therein a folded or rolled metal edge of
an eavestrough.
3. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 2 wherein said resilient clip
includes an upper arm and a lower arm connected adjacent said
perforated pass through, said arms defining an elongate split line
at a forward end of said gutter cover with said arms resiliently
separating at said split to effect securement of said gutter
cover.
4. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein said lower arm
intermediate its length includes a notched portion forming an
integral biased hinge allowing said lower arm to hinge downwardly
during securement of said gutter cover.
5. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 3 including a ramp segment on
said upper arm angled upwardly and outwardly.
6. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 5 wherein said cover segment
includes a textured upper surface to slow and spread rivulets of
water passing over said cover segment.
7. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 6 wherein said textured upper
surface is produced by embossing.
8. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 6 wherein said textured upper
surface is generally consistent across said cover segment.
9. A gutter cover as claimed in claim 8 wherein said resilient clip
is positioned below and aligned with said rounded transition.
10. A method of manufacturing a gutter cover comprising extruding a
semi circular like sheet substrate with a securing clip at one edge
thereof; cooling said securing clip using a cooling fluid to
extract heat therefrom, passing said sheet substrate through a
first performer cooling structure to partially flatten the semi
circular like sheet substrate, embossing a top surface of said
gutter cover to one side of said clip to provide a textured upper
surface across said gutter cover and further flattening said sheet
substrate; passing said sheet substrate through a second performer
to provide an angled segment displacing said clip downwardly while
maintaining said textured upper surface; passing said sheet
substrate through a calibrator to produce a rounded transition
merging with said angled segment extending downwardly and
rearwardly with said clip positioned below said rounded transition;
said caliper discharging said gutter cover to cooling tank for
further removal of heat and setting of said gutter cover; said set
gutter cover including a tapered channel opening outwardly between
said rounded transition and said securing clip and punching said
channel to provide a perforated pass through portion at the pass of
said channel.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 including punching said channel
to produce alternating trapezoidal ports with angled walls
therebetween.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said calibrator
includes a vacuum source engaging a lower surface of said gutter
cover and a water seal is provide on an upper surface of said
gutter cover to maintain said textured surface.
13. A method as claimed in claim in claim 12 including forming said
securing clip to have an upper arm and a lower arm defining a
securing cavity therebetween, said lower arm including an integral
hinge intermediate the length of said lower arm for resilient
displacement of said arm about said integral hinge to access said
securing cavity.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 including liquid cooling of
each performer to cool said sheet substrate during passage through
said performers.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein said calibrator is
connected to said cooling tank that includes cooling water at a
level above a discharge level of said substrate to allow weepage of
water along said gutter cover within said calibrator to form said
water seal.
16. A method as claimed in claim 10 including providing a cooling
tube aligned with said securing clip and positioned therein
immediately downstream of an extrusion die, said cooling tube
removing heat from said clip sufficient to maintain the extruded
shape of said clip.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein said cooling tube is
open ended and discharges air along a length of said securing clip
downstream of said extrusion die.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a gutter cover and in
particular, to a gutter cover that can be applied to a number of
different types of eavestrough systems and is designed to produce a
water sheeting effect as the rain water moves across the gutter
cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many situations, eavestroughing systems are a significant
maintenance problem with respect to the accumulation of seeds,
sticks and leaves that fall from adjacent trees. It is known to
retrofit such eavestrough systems with a perforated mesh of a metal
or plastic which is basically supported in the eavestrough at or
slightly below the edge of the eavestrough. Such perforated
eavestrough covers are effective in some situations, however, the
perforations allow some debris to pass therethrough and depending
upon the particular environment, these perforated eavestrough
covers are not satisfactory. Leaves and sticks can also become
lodged in the perforations and cause further difficulties. Often
such perforation covers reduce the problem associated with debris
accumulation in the eavestrough but may require cleaning of the
covers themselves from accumulated debris.
[0003] A different approach for eavestrough covers is to use a
solid cover and provide the cover with a rounded transition section
positioned adjacent the front edge of the eavestrough. Water due to
surface tension, tends to follow the rounded transition whereas
debris tends to be discharged off the eavestrough cover. Below the
rounded transition is a series of gaps for allowing the water to
enter the eavestrough. With these systems there are no perforations
on the upper surface and thus, the accumulation of debris on the
cover is significantly reduced.
[0004] The present invention relates to improvements in eavestrough
solid covers and to disperse of rivulets of water which are formed
on the roof. Such rivulets are effectively disbursed to form a
sheet like water layer on the eavestrough cover. This sheet like
layer more closely follows the rounded transition contour of the
eavestrough cover and directs water into the eavestrough while
separating debris from the water. In addition, the present
invention is directed to a system which can be secured in a quick
and effective retrofit manner to a number of different eavestrough
systems of different materials.
[0005] The invention is also directed to an efficient method for
producing the solid eavestrough gutter cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An eavestrough gutter cover according to the present
invention is made of an extruded plastic material and comprises a
cover segment, a rounded transition edge, and an undercut angled
section joining with a perforated pass through portion located
beneath the covered segment. The perforated pass through portion
allows water to freely pass therethrough. The perforated pass
through portion includes an integral resilient clip sized for
securing of the gutter cover to an eavestrough edge or to an upper
fastening portion of an eavestrough hook.
[0007] The eavestrough gutter cover is designed for use on many
plastic eavestrough systems that include what is referred to as a
hidden hook. The hidden hook engages the inside front edge of the
eavestrough and is effectively hidden from view by the eavestrough.
These hooks typically include an upper flange for engaging an
eavestrough cover and retaining an eavestrough cover. The present
eavestrough gutter cover has the resilient clip for securing to
such hooks. In addition, the resilient clip is somewhat oversized
to define a significant recess therebehind. This recess is designed
for accommodating the rolled or folded edge of a metal eavestrough.
With aluminum eavestroughing systems, the gutter cover directly
engages the inside rolled edge of the eavestrough.
[0008] In a preferred aspect of the eavestrough gutter cover, the
resilient clip extends below the pass through portion.
[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, the resilient clip
includes an upwardly and outwardly angled return ramp formed to one
side of the pass through portion.
[0010] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the ramp
terminates at a position below the rounded transition edge and at a
forward position inwardly of the rounded transition edge.
[0011] In a further aspect of the invention, the covered segment
includes a textured upper surface adjacent the rounded transition
edge that serves to slow water runoff, break up rivulets, and
improve flow of water runoff around the transition edge for
collection and discharge through the pass through portion of the
gutter cover.
[0012] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the covered
segment includes in a generally central position across the width
thereof, an integral hinge allowing the cover segment when
installed to have an angled section joining a horizontal section
with the horizontal section separating the angled section from the
rounded transition edge. This serves to further slow the water
prior to the water encountering the transition edge. The slowing of
the water and the textured upper surface will also serve to spread
any rivulets of water.
[0013] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the resilient clip
includes an oversized recess located behind a narrow forward slot
that when forced open includes a memory function urging the
resilient clip to return towards the narrow forward slot position
and thus secure the resilient clip to a component inserted
therein.
[0014] The resilient clip is preferably installed on metal
eavestrough by first inserting an end portion of the clip onto the
eavestrough and then progressively insert the edge of the
eavestrough into the clip along the length of the gutter cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the eavestrough cover
secured above a plastic eavestroughing system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view from underneath showing
the gutter cover and the trapezoidal ports and "C" clip fastening
arrangement;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the eavestrough
gutter cover and the textured upper surface thereof;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the extension
die;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover as
outputted from the extension die;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover
passing through a first preformer;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover
downstream of the first preformer being embossed;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover
passing through a second preformer with an angled transition added
adjacent the "C" clip;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover
passing through a calibrator completing the forming of the
transition segment adjacent the "C" clip;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view through the calibrator
cooling tank;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the gutter cover
after the calibrator; and
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates the final punching operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The gutter cover 2 shown in FIG. 1 has a cover segment 4
which extends across the top of the eavestrough and partially
extends under the shingles of the roof as shown at 5. The rounded
transition 6 merges with the cover 4 at a forward edge of the
eavestrough 100 with the undercut angled section 8 located beneath
the rounded transition 6. Water passes over the cover segment 4 as
it leaves the roof 9 and effectively spreads out and slows on the
cover segment 4. The water then follows the rounded transition
whereas debris such as leaves and sticks will merely fall outside
of the eavestrough. The undercut angled section 8 directs the water
downwardly and rearwardly.
[0029] The perforated pass through portion 10 is provided at the
base of the undercut angled section 8 and allows the water to leave
the gutter cover and enter the eavestrough 100. The perforated pass
through as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have a series of alternating
trapezoidal sections 15 such that the walls 17 between adjacent
perforations 15 are at an angle. In this way, water that passes
along the undercut angled section 8 will encounter a perforation
and will have a tendency to pass through the eavestrough gutter
cover and into the eavestrough. The water either encounters the top
edge of a perforation 15 or leaves the angled wall 17.
[0030] The integral resilient clip 14 is located at a front edge of
the eavestrough cover 2 and is designed for engaging a rearwardly
extending flange 101 of the plastic hidden eavestrough hook 102 as
shown in FIG. 1. Adjacent a front edge of the gutter cover and
above the resilient clip 14 is the ramp edge 18. The ramp edge 18
is preferably parallel outwardly angled relative tot he angled
section 8 of the final product. This provides easier access for the
eventual pending operation. This serves to partially stiffen the
upper arm 24 of the resilient clip and to also act as a last
barrier for any water which has not been discharged through the
perforated pass through portion 10. As can be appreciated, due to
surface tension and a capillary action, water will pass around the
rounded transition 6 and this desirable property allows the
redirection of water towards the perforated section 10. This same
surface tension can result in some water clearing the perforated
pass through portion 10. The ramp edge 18 further slows any water
and acts as a final deterrent whereby water is directed to the
perforated pass through 10.
[0031] The lower arm 26 of the resilient clip includes a weakened
portion 29 forming an integral hinge point 28. This runs the length
of the eavestrough cover. The resilient clip 14 is designed to have
sufficient strength for engaging and being retained by the hidden
eavestrough hook 102 where these eavestrough hooks are spaced every
several feet along the front edge of the eavestrough. In addition,
the resilient clip is designed to be inserted over a folded or
rolled inside edge of a metal eavestrough such as a rolled aluminum
eavestrough. As shown in FIG. 1, the resilient clip 14 is oversized
for engaging a rolled edge of a metal eavestrough, such as aluminum
eavestrough commonly used in new construction installation and for
retrofit applications. The resilient clip 14 is relatively strong
and for insertion on the metal eavestrough, it is more convenient
to initially insert the clip at one end of the eavestrough cover
and progressively apply the clip to the edge by moving along the
eavestrough cover. The clip is forced open and includes an integral
return bias due to memory of the clip.
[0032] The cover segment 4 includes a textured upper surface 29
(FIG. 3) formed during the forming process of the gutter cover. An
embossing operation applies a textured surface which is
recognizable by touch but is relatively minimal. The textured
surface varies approximately 2.8 to 3.6 microns.
[0033] It has been found that a typical roofing system is designed
to direct water away from the edge of the roof and often the rain
water strikes the gutter cover in rivulets. These rivulets have a
significant flow and the water is somewhat concentrated in the
rivulets as it strikes the gutter cover. This flow of rainwater off
the roof also tends to bring with it leaves, seeds and other
debris. It is important with the eavestrough gutter cover to
provide a system where debris does not accumulate in the
eavestrough, however, this must be balanced with the ability of the
system to effectively direct the water towards the eavestrough
system. It has been found that the texturing of the upper surface
of the gutter cover acts to disperse the rivulets and cause a
sheeting action of the water across the gutter cover. This serves
to improve the properties of the water flowing around the rounded
transition 6 and also serves to slow the water as it travels across
the cover. In some conditions, certain debris may remain on the
gutter cover temporarily, however, it will blow off or flow off,
depending upon the particular circumstances. Thus, it is desirable
to slow the water flow and improve the redirection of the water
flow around the rounded transition and rearwardly and downwardly
towards the eavestrough. At the base of the angled section 8, it is
desirable for the water to not encounter any portion of the plastic
cover so it can enter the eavestrough located below this perforated
portion. The angling of the perforation walls and the minimal size
of any connecting walls 17 assures more water enters the
eavestrough.
[0034] It has been found that this gutter cover is effective with
many different eavestroughing systems including conventional rolled
metal eavestroughing systems as well as plastic/vinyl systems. In
many eavestroughing systems about a house, there may be a
particular area where leaf accumulation within the eavestrough is a
problem. The solid vinyl gutter cover in the present invention can
easily be applied to the sections of the eavestrough having such
problems.
[0035] The gutter cover sections are sold in lengths of 1.8 inch
increments and can easily be cut to the required length. Any
obstructions such as hooks, for example, in a metal eavestrough,
can be accommodated merely by cutting out a portion of the clip of
the gutter cover. At corners, it is preferable to provide a 45
degree miter. The thin gauge of the plastic gutter cover makes it
very easy to cut either with a saw or with a razor knife.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows the extrusion die 150 used to initially extrude
the eavestrough cover 2. The die 150 includes a semi circular gap
152 whereby the gutter cover is extruded in a shape corresponding
to about two thirds of a circular pipe. This partial circular shape
allows better balancing of the extrusion process and thus allows
faster extrusion of the solid gutter cover. After the initial
extrusion, the gutter cover goes through a series of steps to apply
the textured surface and to effectively impart the desired shape to
the gutter cover. These progressively alter the semi circular type
shape to the generally flat final shape of FIG. 12. One of the
significant problems associated with extruding of the gutter cover
is the ability to maintain the shape of the resilient clip 14.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, a cooling pipe 160 is associated with
the gutter cover immediately downstream of the extrusion die 150
and this cooling pipe serves to maintain the separation and shape
of the upper arm 24 and lower arm 26 and the clip 14. This pipe 160
removes heat from the extruded product as it is positioned within
the resilient clip and serves to maintain this initial shape. This
cooling pipe extends a certain distance downstream of the die until
sufficient heat has been removed that the arms of the resilient
clip are still resilient but the tendency of the clip to collapse
on itself has been removed. An air flow is provided through the
pipe and discharged out the end of pipe 160 into the length of the
clip.
[0038] The gutter cover subsequently passes through a series of
steps including first and second performers to partially flatten
the eavestrough cover and progressively form the transition edge.
FIGS. 4 through 12 illustrate the process.
[0039] The semi-circular shape of the product extruded from die 150
is required to go through a number of transitional steps to produce
the product as finally shown in FIG. 12. The "C" clip 14 has a
tendency to collapse upon itself and the cooling pipe 160
effectively separates the upper arm 24 from the lower arm 26 and
maintains the shape of the clip. The product as it exits the die
150, depending upon the particular material, may be at a
temperature of approximately 350.degree. F. and the plastic is very
soft and somewhat flowing. The cooling pipe 160 starts to remove
heat from the "C" clip while maintaining the desired shape thereof.
In addition, as the product exits the die, additional air may be
provided to partially cool the remaining portion of the gutter
cover as shown by the air outlet 165.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows the gutter cover passing through a first
preformer 170 where the semi-circular product is partially
flattened but remains in an arc shape. The preformer 170 has a
particular slot 172 which acts as a guide for the desired shape and
the preformer 170 is water cooled. The preformer does have a
significant clearance with respect to the product but it does
impart the general shape as shown in FIG. 6. Heat is continuing to
be removed from the product between the extrusion die 150 and the
preformer 170. Downstream of the first preformer is an embossing
arrangement comprising a support roller 180 provided on the lower
surface of the gutter cover and a textured embossing roller 182
engaging the upper surface of the gutter cover. The embossing
roller 182 effectively embosses a large portion of the upper
surface of the gutter cover but does not engage the resilient clip
14.
[0041] The purpose of the embossing roller is to texture the upper
surface to effect dispersion of the water and evening of the water
flow across the surface of the gutter cover. The textured surface
also improves water adhesion as water passes around the rounded
transition for discharge through the trapezoidal ports. Preferably,
the textured surface stops at the trapezoidal ports. The embossing
roller and the support roller 180 are both water cooled and are
quite effective in removing heat from the gutter cover. The more
significant problem is trying to remove heat from the resilient
clip and keep it within a reasonable temperature range relative to
the cooler portion of the gutter cover contacted by the embossing
roller and support roller. The product leaving the embossing roller
may be in the order of 150.degree. F. to 200.degree. F.
[0042] Although the gutter cover has passed through the embossing
rollers, the gutter cover is relatively flat and it is necessary to
form the transition edge of the gutter cover. A second preformer
190 is shown in FIG. 8 and forms the angled section 8 and what will
become the rounded transition 6. Again the preformer 190 is water
cooled and the product defining slot 192 is slightly oversized
relative to the gutter cover. This is important as the embossed
surface 19 is to be maintained.
[0043] In FIG. 9, the calibrator 200 is shown which is used to
impart the final shape and dimensions to the product. The
calibrator 200 includes a vacuum arrangement engaging the lower
surface of the gutter cover but the top surface is not subject to a
vacuum which would provide more accuracy with respect to the gutter
cover. Such a top vacuum would draw the surface 19 into engagement
with a calibrator 200 and seriously reduce the embossed surface 19
provided on the upper surface of the gutter cover.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows a section through the calibrator with a series
of vacuum ports 210 provided on the lower surface of the calibrator
while the top surface of the gutter cover is not subject to a
vacuum. The calibrator 200 connects to and forms part of the
cooling tank 230 having a water level 232 slightly above the upper
surface of the gutter cover. Some leakage of water along the upper
surface of the gutter cover is shown as 234, however, the movement
of the gutter cover through the calibrator avoids any water on the
upper surface at the inlet to the calibrator. The gutter cutter is
discharged to the tank below the water level and the product is
finally cooled. The final shaping does impart a hinged line 240
which allows bending of the cover adjacent a roof side edge
necessary to form a transition between the angled roof and a more
flat surface of the gutter cover used to slow the water.
[0045] FIG. 11 shows the final shape of the gutter cover with the
exception that the trapezoidal ports 15 have not been formed in the
cover. At the base of the undercut angled section 8, a punch 300
can enter through the gap 302 to effect the formation of the ports
provided at the base of the angled section 8. The gap 302 tapers
inwardly but has a sufficiently large mouth to allow the punch 302
to enter the gap and effect the formation of the ports. Typically,
two punches are used at a time for forming two ports with the
gutter cover progressively moving through a punching station.
Preferably, one of these punches is not operated at a position
where the gutter cover is to be cut. Typically, the gutter cover is
provided in a certain length, such as three or four feet, and at a
cut position, one of the trapezoidal ports 14 is not punched and
this provides an end section to each of the two gutter cover
pieces.
[0046] As outlined above, a significant problem encountered in
manufacturing this product is effecting heat removal in a
controlled manner to reduce or eliminate distortion. The embossing
rollers remove a large amount of heat while the clip area remains
at a higher temperature. Additional cooling air is directed to the
clip portion which is not in contact with the embossing rollers.
The process reduces the temperature differential across the width
of the gutter cover to avoid warpage.
[0047] The gutter cover is progressively altered in shape by first
and second performers that are water cooled. As can be appreciated,
once the textured surface has been applied to the gutter cover any
precise sizing of the gutter cover downstream of the embosser, such
as common in double sided vacuum arrangements, would remove this
desired textured surface. In the final forming shape carried out at
the calibrator 200, the calibrator is associated with a water tank
230 and there is some water weepage along the calibrator to provide
the necessary seal for vacuum forming. A vacuum source is provided
at the bottom of the die, however, the top surface does not have
vacuum ports supplied thereto in order to maintain the textured
surface. Thus, the water in the tank 230 is above the surface of
the gutter cover. The water level in the tank is adjusted to
maintain the seal of the final calibrator with the gutter cover
while avoiding water flow through the die. The water on the upper
surface of the gutter cover in the die effectively provides the
vacuum seal. In this way, the part can be sized and shaped to its
final shape and shown in the drawings while maintaining the
textured upper surface.
[0048] The final part after leaving the final sizing die is passed
through a water bath and effectively cooled. The gutter cover then
continues to be punched and cut in a cutting and punch station.
Typically, two perforations are cut at the same time and thus, a
gutter cover of a length of 1.8 inch increments has a series of
punching steps as it moves through the device. Two punches are used
at a cut transition, one of the punches does not strike. This
provides a solid section and this solid section is then cut to
provide a strong end portion.
[0049] As can be appreciated, the present method extrudes a
generally semi circular type product with a resilient clip at one
end thereof. This product is then partially straightened and
embossed on a substantial portion of the width of the product as
part of the manufacturing process. The angled section is then
imparted to the product with the clip at an exposed end thereof.
Subsequent steps are taken to effect final forming of the product
through a die in a manner to impart a reversed transition of the
angled section while defining a progressively opening gap in an
undercut portion. This progressively opening portion is located
below the rounded transition and is necessary to allow effective
punching of the gutter cover to form the perforated pass through
section. The punches used to form the perforated section are of a
trapezoidal shape with these trapezoidal shapes partially
overlapping to form angled bridging sections. These angled bridging
sections are maintained to a minimum and are disposed at alternate
angles whereby water flow around the rounded transition will
encounter a perforation.
[0050] It has been found that the particular gutter cover works
effectively and can be manufactured in a cost effective manner.
[0051] The formation of the spring clip and the large cavity
between the upper and lower arms is possible due to effective heat
removal immediate downstream of the extrusion die. Heat is
typically removed from this clipped portion by means of the initial
copper pipe as well as the direction of air to this section. The
heat from the remaining portion of the gutter cover is removed by
contact with the embossing rollers and contact with the various
performers, all of which are water cooled.
[0052] In the discussion of the angled walls of the perforated
section, the angled walls improve the amount of water entering the
trough. These angled walls 17 also have the purpose of acting as a
brace or support edge for the front clip and serve to connect the
front clip to the remaining portion of the cover. This bracing
serves to provide sufficient strength to maintain the shape of the
cover and avoid sagging between eavestrough hooks which may be
present or effective support between the front edge of the
eavestrough and where the cover is supported beneath the shingles.
As can be appreciated, the bracing strength is balanced against the
ability of the system to direct water into the eavestrough.
[0053] Although various preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been described herein in detail, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be
made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *