Gutter lining method and insert apparatus incorporating porous non-woven fiber matting

• US 20050247611A1
• Filed: 07/13/2005
• Published: 11/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brian M. Groth, Frank R. Groth
• Original Assignee: Brian M. Groth, Frank R. Groth
• Inventors: Groth, Brian M., Groth, Frank R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,303,687 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/162
• CPC Class Codes: E04D 13/076 Devices or arrangements for removing snow, ice or debris from gutters or for preventing accumulation thereof

Abstract

An insert apparatus for placement in a rain gutter includes a porous insert body including a plurality of randomly arranged filaments attached to one another to form a mat. The insert apparatus is shaped to fit within an inside channel of a rain gutter. Optionally, the apparatus may include a cover panel, comprising a screen, attached to the top of the insert body. Additionally, the apparatus may include a panel provided with holes therethrough, covering the screen panel. In use, the insert apparatus is placed inside of the gutter channel so as to substantially fill part of the channel, blocking entry of debris into the gutter. When placed in the gutter channel, the insert apparatus substantially prevents foreign matter such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc, from collecting in the channel. The insert apparatus may be configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in the gutter.

Claims

1. An insert apparatus for use with a rain gutter, said apparatus comprising:

an elongated insert body adapted to fit into a hollow channel of a gutter, and to contact the floor of the gutter when placed therein, said insert body comprising a nonwoven mat comprising a plurality of filaments having open interstices defined therebetween, with a binder affixing selected areas of said filaments to one another;

wherein said apparatus is configured to substantially fill a portion of the gutter when placed therein, while leaving a substantially unobstructed water flow path between a wall of the insert body and the gutter.

2. The insert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filaments comprise coconut shell fibers.

3. The insert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filaments comprise a synthetic material.

4. The insert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to contact a gutter on at least three different surfaces thereof.

5. The insert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the insert body has a void formed therein.

6. The insert apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover sheet attached to the top surface of the insert body, said cover sheet comprising a foraminous screen material.

7. The insert apparatus of claim 6, wherein the screen material is formed from plastic to present a smooth surface.

8. The insert apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a, elongated solid panel operatively attached to said gutter, wherein said solid panel covers said insert body.

9. The insert apparatus of claim 8, wherein said solid panel is formed from plastic to present a smooth surface.

10. The insert apparatus of claim 8, wherein said solid panel is formed with holes therein to allow water to pass therethrough.

11. The insert apparatus of claim 8, wherein said solid panel comprises an outer, upwardly extending edge.

12. The insert apparatus of claim 8, further comprising grooves along an inner surface of said solid panel for providing openings therein.

19. A method of lining a gutter with a porous gutter insert, comprising the steps of:

placing an elongated insert into a gutter channel in a manner so that when installed, the insert contacts the gutter on at least three sides of the insert, to cover the channel and to substantially fill part of the channel;

wherein the insert is the insert of claim 1.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising a step of sliding the insert below protective sleeves surrounding mounting nails for the gutter.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising a step of placing an outermost top edge of the insert below an upper inwardly facing lip of the gutter.

13. An insert apparatus for use with a rain gutter, said apparatus comprising:

an elongated insert body adapted to fit into a hollow channel of a gutter, and to contact the floor of the gutter when placed therein, said insert body comprising a nonwoven mat comprising a plurality of filaments having open interstices defined therebetween, with a binder affixing selected areas of said filaments to one another; and

a cover sheet attached to the top surface of the insert body, said cover sheet comprising a foraminous screen material.

14. The insert apparatus of claim 13, wherein the filaments comprise coconut shell fibers.

15. The insert apparatus of claim 13, wherein the filaments comprise a synthetic material.

16. The insert apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is configured to contact a gutter on at least three different surfaces thereof.

17. The insert apparatus of claim 13, wherein the insert body is configured to leave an open flow path therebelow when installed in a gutter.

18. The insert apparatus of claim 13, wherein the screen material is formed from plastic to present a smooth surface.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein an outer wall of the insert is oriented at an angle, so that a lower portion thereof is spaced away from a wall of the gutter to leave an unobstructed flow path therein.