c12) United States Patent
`Demartini
`
`(IO) Patent No.: US 8,297,000 Bl
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 30, 2012
`
`(54) RAIN GUTTER ℃OVER
`
`(75) Inventor: Robert J. Demartini, Flat Rock, NC
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Drainage Products, Inc., Acton, M A
`(US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Su句ect to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/286,668
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov.1, 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/906,709,
`自led on Oct. 3, 2007.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E04D 131仰（2006.01)
`(52) uふ℃I. ........................................................... 52/12
`( 58) Field of ℃lassification Search ...・ H・...・H ・.. 52/11,12;
`210/162, 474; D23/264
`See application 白le for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`546,042 A 9/1895 Van Horn
`2,669,950 A 2/1954 Bartholomew
`2,674,961 A 4/1954 Lake
`3,950,951 A 4/1976 Zukauskas
`4,404,775 A 9/1983 Demartini
`4,497,146 A 2/1985 Demartini
`4,604,837 A 8/1986 Beam
`4,745,710 A 5/1988 Davis
`4,757,649 A 7/1988 Vahldieck
`4,796,390 A 1/1989 Demartini
`5,010,696 A 4/1991 Knittel
`5,406,755 A 4/1995 Serano
`5,638,643 A 6/1997 Demartini et al.
`5,640,809 A 6/1997 Iannelli
`
`5,916,092 A 6/1999 Chen
`6,016,631 A 1/2000 Lowrie, III
`6,050,030 A 412000 Wax, Sr.
`6,098,345 A 8/2000 Demartini et al.
`6,151,837 A 1112000 Ealer, Sr.
`6,349,506 Bl 212002 Pace et al.
`6,672,012 B2 1/2004 Bahroos et al.
`6,688,045 Bl 212004 Pilcher
`6,732,477 Bl 512004 Richard
`6,904,718 B2 6/2005 Fox
`7,198,714 B2 4/2007 Swistun
`2004/0244302 Al 12/2004 Neumann
`2005/0210758 Al 912005 Iannelli
`2005/0235577 Al 10/2005 Smith
`2006/0070304 Al 412006 Barnett
`2006/0107603 Al 512006 Brownridge
`2006/0225367 Al 10/2006 Stagni
`2006/0283097 Al 12/2006 Gregg
`2007/0094940 Al 5/2007 Pijanowski
`2007/0107323 Al 5/2007 Higginbotham
`2007/0214730 Al 9/2007 Cota
`2007/0214731 Al 9/2007 Bachman et al.
`2007/0220814 Al 9/2007 Faulks
`2008/0127575 Al 6/2008 Ealer
`
`JP
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`10168990 A 6/1998
`
`Primary Examiner Christine T C勾 ilig
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Nelson Mullins Riley &
`Scarborough LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRA℃ I
`
`A rain gu壮er cover comprising an elongate cover member
`adapted to be situated over an open trough of a rain gutter. The
`cover member has a first cover portion integrally extending
`into a second water directing portion following a rounded
`nose portion. An outer surface of the elongate cover member
`is adapted to substantially cause water passing thereover to
`adhere to its surface even under light rainfall conditions. The
`first portion includes ribs forming multiple channels configｭ
`ured to converge water on the first portion and facilitate initial
`water adher己nce to the nose area and to the surface of the
`second portion.
`
`9 ℃laims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`139
`
`,.--110
`
`112
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 1
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`
`Sheet 1of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`明日it
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`＼晶、
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`20
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`18
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`
`Sheet 2of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`]81
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`34
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`32,ｷ
`
`FIG. 2A
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 3
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 3 0f 11
`Sheet 3 of 11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
`US 8,297,000 B1
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`18
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`
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`34
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`錦町 28
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 4
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 4of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`18
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`FIG. 3
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 5of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`42
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`3/
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`/
`Jt
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`3 ／／ i唱
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`FIG. 4
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 6
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`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 6 0f 11
`Sheet 6 of 11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
`US 8,297,000 B1
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`12
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`
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`人18
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`FIG. 5
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 7of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`/JO
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`FIG.7
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 8of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`14 /0
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`38
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`48
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`34
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`30
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`FIG. 68
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 9
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 9of11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
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`38
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`〆7
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`14
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 10
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`Oct. 30, 2012
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`Sheet 10 0f 11
`Sheet 10 of 11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
`US 8,297,000 B1
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`
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`~ l 16
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 11
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 30, 2012
`Oct. 30, 2012
`
`Sheet 11 0f 11
`Sheet 11 of 11
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`US 8,297,000 Bl
`US 8,297,000 B1
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`139
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`/ 110
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`112
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`114
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`！品2
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`
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`
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`118 ノ
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`FIG. 10
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`154 …-/
`f 1 .. 11.1
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`!DU
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`日G. 11
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`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 12
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`

`

`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`gu壮er.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`SUMJ\ι生RY OF THE INVENTION
`
`US 8,297,000 Bl
`
`1
`RAIN GUTTER ℃OVER
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`2
`and the roof. In addition, the cover’s upstream edge must
`generally be placed under the second or third course of
`shingles. Requiring relocation of the rain gutter is costly,
`while requiring placement higher on the roof than the first
`5 course of shingles may be aesthetically objectionable.
`In addition, the color oflarge radius gutter covers generally
`This application is a continuation-in-part of copending
`application Ser. No. 11/906,709, filed Oct. 3, 2007, which is needs to be matched with that of the roof shingles, thus
`relied upon and incorporated herein by reference.
`requiring the provider to maintain a large inventory of differ-
`ent colors. 0武en, particularly where the roof pitch is shallow,
`10 the cover is installed on top of the second course of shingles
`using a butyl seal strip. While the seal-strip is effective in
`The present invention relates generally to rain gu壮er cov-
`service, it can be difficult to remove and replace when or if the
`ers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a rain
`gu壮er cover constructed to deflect leaves or other debris away roof is reshingled. In addition, installation of those covers on
`企om a rain gutter while directing rain water into the rain 15 othertypeofroofs,suchasshake,tile,orslate,canbedifficult
`or impossible.
`In view of these considerations, attempts have been made
`to provide gutter covers with small radius nose portions.
`Because of the small radius, however, initial wetting of the
`Rain gutters are constructed to collect water and are 20 lower water directing portion of the cover is more difficult to
`installed atthe edge (periphery) of the roof.of most residential achieve. For example, at the initiation of.rainfall and when the
`structures in order to direct the water away from the building quantity of falling water is minimal, water may tend to accu-
`and its immediate surroundings. A problem of such rain gut- mulate in beads at the cover’s nose. This water may then drip
`ters is that they also collect leaves, pine straw, and other onto the gutter and run down its face instead of collecting into
`debris, which can clog the rain gutter or otherwise prevent the 25 sheets and being drawn into the gu壮er as desired. Water
`gutter from performing its intended functions. As a result, the dripping down the gu壮er's face (instead of into the trough)
`rain gutter performs ineffectively or, in some situations, not at may cause what is known as “ tiger striping.” Water dripping
`down the gutter’s face may also ca汀y dirt and debris with it,
`all. At that point, the rain gutter must be cleared of debris.
`In order to prevent debris from entering the gu壮ers and to a portion of which is deposited on the gutter's face. These
`eliminate the need to clear the gutters, various rain gutter 30 undesired results can cause unsightly stains to appear on the
`covers have been provided. Such covers are installed above face of the gutter.
`the open trough of the gu壮er. They are designed to prevent
`An equally vexing problem associated with the dripping
`debris from entering the gu壮ers while allowing water to flow that occurs in minimal rainfall conditions is the tendency for
`into the gutter’s trough.
`icicles to form in cold weather. Gathering ice is undesirable in
`Covers offered in the past utilize “ surface tension” to direct 35 that it may seal off the slot through which water from the
`water around a rounded nose portion of the cover into the cover enters the gu壮er. Moreover, icicles over entrance ways
`gu壮er's trough, while debris is deflected overboard to the create a danger to people standing or passing below them.
`ground. Surface tension is the linking exhibited by water
`In most situations, as rain water accumulates on the roof of
`molecules that are attracted to one another by intermolecular a structure, it begins to flow toward gu壮ers at increasing rates.
`forces. As a result, rain water collects due to surface tension 40 In order for a rain gutter cover to be able to direct rain water
`and is drawn around the cover’s nose into the gu壮er’s trough. into a rain gu社民 it must be constructed in a manner that is
`Examples of such gutter covers may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. capable of handling these increasing rates. Otherwise, the
`4, 796,390, 4,497, 146, and 4,404, 77 5, which are incorporated rain water flowing over the cover will fail to adhere to the nose
`herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
`contour and will be jettisoned overboard to the ground.
`“ Wettability” is a cover’s ability to cause water on the 45
`cover to film or “sheet，”日owing in a manner resembling a
`uniform sheet of water. We壮ability enhances the utility of
`The present invention recognizes and addresses the fore-
`surface tension so that water spreads out into a uniform sheet
`or film and is drawn around the cover’ S nose portion and into going considerations, and problems encountered with covers
`the gutter. Accordingly, covers have attempted to maximize so of prior art constructions and methods. In this regard, one
`we壮ability and surface tension properties so that rain flows aspect of the invention provides a rain gu壮er cover compris-
`into gu壮ers in an improved manner.
`ing an elongate cover member adapted to be situated over an
`Water adheres to a surface traversing its contour when the open trough of a rain gu壮er. The covぽ member has a first
`amount of rain water flowing is sufficient to maintain an cover portion integrally extending into a second water direct-
`unbroken (steady) stream. Only a武er an initial period of rain 55 ing portion following a rounded nose portion. An outer sur-
`fall and only when rainfall rate is significant does there face of the elongate cover member is configured such that
`develop a sufficient film of water on the cover’s surface to water passing thereover will adhere to the cover surface under
`sustain continuous flow. As a result, effective gutter covers of all rain conditions and not drip. The first portion includes
`the prior art have tended to have nose portions with a larger multiple channels configured to converge water and facilitate
`radius. The larger, more gentle tum generally requires a lower 60 initial wetting of the second portion.
`volume of water to achieve suitable wettability and flow than
`According to another aspect, the present invention also
`is the case with smaller radii.
`provides a rain gutter cover comprising an elongate cover
`羽市ile gutter covers having larger diameter nose portions member adapted to be situated over an open trough of a rain
`may perform well, they pose certain objectionable consider- gutter. The cover member has a first portion integrally extend-
`ations. For example, the gutter itself sometimes must be 65 ing into a second water directing portion following a rounded
`moved downward on the fascia of the house in order to allow nose portion. The second water directing portion is termi-
`sufficient space for the covぽ to be located between the gutter nated above the open trough of the rain gutter when the cover
`
`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 13
`
`

`

`US 8,297,000 Bl
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`3
`4
`FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional fragmentary view of the rain
`member is mounted thereover. The nose portion defines a
`plurality of indentations each between a respective pair of gutter cover of FIG. 6A;
`adjacent protrusions.
`FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rain gutter
`A further aspect of the present invention provides a rain coverinaccordancewithanembodimentofthepresentinven-
`gutter cover comprising an elongate cover member adapted to 5 ti on;
`be situated over an open trough of a rain gu壮er. The cover
`FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rain gutter
`member has a first portion integrally extending into a second cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present inven-
`water directing portion following a rounded nose portion. The ti on;
`second water directing portion is terminated above the open
`FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rain gutter
`trough of the rain gu壮er when the cover member is mounted 1 o cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present inven-
`thereover. The first portion defines a plurality of spaced apart ti on;
`FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the rain
`自rst charmels, which are substantially parallel and extend in a
`flow direction. The second portion defines a plurality of gutter cover of FIG. 9; and
`spaced apart second channels, which are substantially paral-
`FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the rain gutter
`lel, extend in the flow direction, and are aligned with respec- 15 cover of FIG. 10.
`tive first charmels in the flow direction. The nose portion
`Repeat use of reference characters in the present specifi-
`contains a plurality of indentations between a respective pair cation and drawings is intended to represent same or analo-
`of adjacent protrusions. The indentations are aligned with gous features or elements of the invention.
`channels in the first portion and receive water deli、rered to
`them from those channels. Channels are configured to con- 20
`verge water, creating sufficient flow volume to facilitate tra-
`versing the nose and filming on the second portion, thus
`Reference will now be made in detail to presently prefe汀ed
`eliminating incipient dripping.
`Another aspect of the present invention provides a rain embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of
`guttercovercomprisinganelongatecovermemberadaptedto 25 which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each
`be situated over an open trough of a rain gu壮er. The cover example is provided by way of explanation of the invention,
`member has a first portion integrally extending into a second not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to
`water directing portion following a rounded nose portion. The those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be
`second water directing portion is configured to terminate made in the present invention without departing from the
`above the open trough of the rain gu壮er when the cover 30 scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or
`member is mounted thereover. In accordance with this aspect described as part of one embodiment may be used on another
`of the invention, the first portion defines a plurality of spaced embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 百ms, it is
`apart vertical ribs configured to define a first spacing at an intended that the present invention covers such modifications
`upstream location and a second spacing at a downstream and variations as come within the scope of the appended
`location between adjacent vertical ribs. 百1e first spacing is 35 claims and their equivalents.
`greater than the second spacing. As a result, the vertical ribs
`FIGS. 1and2A illustrate a rain gutter cover 10 constructed
`function to gather and converge water flow on the first portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Rain
`and thereby facilitate initial water adherence around the gutter cover 10 includes an elongate cover member 12 com-
`rounded nose portion on the second portion.
`prising a first portion 14 integrally extending into a second
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in 40 portion 16 about a rounded nose portion 18. A part of first
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or portion 14 is attached to a roof 20 under a first course of
`more embodiments of the invention and, together with the shingles 22 so as to affix cover 10 to structure 24. Typically,
`such “ attachment” is achieved by inserting the part of first
`description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`portion 14 under the first course of shingles. 百1e gutter cover
`45 is maintained in place by brackets.
`As shown most clearly in FIG. 2A, cover 10 is located
`A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, above an open portion 28 of a trough 30 of a rain gutter 32.
`including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary The outermost edge of rounded nose portion 18 preferably
`skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes extends beyond the outside edge (the “ bead”) 34 ofrain gutter
`so 32. 百ie radius of rounded nose portion 18 is preferably small
`reference to the appended drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rain gutter cover attached enough to allow cover 10 to be installed under first course 22
`to the roof of a structure in accordance with an embodiment of of the roofs shingles to provide an adequate drainage pitch
`the present invention;
`without the need to lower or otherwise relocate rain gutter 32.
`FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rain A radius within the range of an eighth of an inch (l/s” or
`55 0.125”) to three sixteenths of an inch （払6” or0.1875 ”） should
`gu壮er cover of FIG. 1 attached to the roof of a structure;
`FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional fragmentary view ofa portion provide cover 10 with such a “ low profile” configuration.
`of the rain gutter cover shown in FIG. 2A but showing an Cover 10 may be constructed of sheet metal, plastic such as
`polyvinyl chloride (“PVC"), or any other suitable water resis-
`exemplary bracket for supporting the covぽ；
`FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view ofa portion of the tant and/or non-absorptive material. FIG. 2B illustrates an
`60 exemplary bracket 17 that may be used to mount cover 10 in
`rain gu壮er cover of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 2A; relation to gutter 32. Typically, a number of such brackets are
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the located at the ends of cover panels and sometimes at places in
`underside of a rain gutter cover in accordance with an between along gu壮er cover 10.
`embodiment of the present invention;
`Placement under the first course of shingles has a number
`FIG. 6A is a fragmentary perspective view of a rain gutter 65 of advantages. For example, cover 10 will be less noticeable
`cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present inven- than many larger radius designs. This will obviate then民d for
`ti on;
`matching the color of the cover with that of the roof shingles
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 14
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`

`

`US 8,297,000 Bl
`
`5
`6
`ir配grity of the high-volume streams created on the top of the
`(which requires a larger inventory of an array of colors).
`Instead, the cover can be matched to the color of the gutter cover. As such, water is less likely to break up into vulnerable
`(which are supplied in relatively few colors). Moreover, the droplets.
`smaller overall size of the cover uses less material than many
`FIG. 6A illustrates a further embodiment in which rounded
`prior art configurations, thus saving on material costs. In 5 nose portion 18 of cover 10 contains alternating indentations
`addition, the need to nail through shingles or to use a seal strip 46 (“roots”) and protrusions 48 (“teeth”) • Each indentation 46
`for attachment to the shingles is eliminated. Attachment is defined between a respective pair of protrusions 48 as
`under the first course of shingles also simplifies installation shown. In this embodiment, indentations 46 are U-shaped,
`on houses with less-commonly encountered types of roofs but it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
`such as shake, tile, and slate.
`ラ
`10 that other shapes and configurations may be employed with-
`out departing from the scope and spirit of the present invenｭ
`As noted above, previous attempts to provide a small radius
`tion. (As used herein,“U-shaped” should be construed as
`gu壮er cover have encountered certain problems in light rain,
`U-shaped to V-shaped or anything in between.) As shown in
`or at the commencement.of rain, in achieving initial wetting FIG. 6B, the gu壮er cover is preferably con自gured in this
`of the cover’s lower portmn.
`15 embodiment such that protrusions 48 extend beyond the for-
`Referring now also to FIG. 3, rain gutter cover 10 over- ward edge of the gu壮er.
`comes these problems by including a number of substantially
`In operation, water flows over roof20 onto first portion 14
`parallel charmels 36 defined in first portion 14 and extending of cover 1 O in a manner similar to that described above. Water
`in a flow direction as denoted by a汀ow 37. Preferably, chan- is gathered in channels 36 and directed thereby to indenta-
`nels 36 will begin immediately downstream of the part 38 of 20 tions 46 in nose portion 18. Accordingly, water will flow
`first portion 14 that is inserted under the first course of around nose portion 18 between protrusions 48. Initial wet-
`shingles (or, immediately downstream of the horizontal rib(s) tability is enhanced by the fact the radius of the curved root
`in such embodime凶s). Typically, part 38 will be delimited by surface is significantly larger than that at protrusions 48. In
`a bend line 39 at which the slope of the first portion changes other words, the overall gu壮er cover maintains a small radius
`to approximate that of the roof. As shown in FIG. 4, charmels 25 profile but the radius traversed by the water will be more like
`36 are defined by a number of valleys 40 between respective that of a gu壮er cover with a larger radius nose. Moreover, any
`pairs of peaks 42. Charmels 36 and thus valleys 40 may dripping of water in this embodiment will be into the open
`increase in depth in the direction of arrow 37. Channels may trough of the rain gutter. Protrusions 48 act to prevent leaves
`be formed alternatively by pressing valleys from topside and other debris from entering gutter 32 since they extend
`down or creating berms (protrusions) by pressing from under- 30 beyond the gutter bead.
`Wl廿le indentations 46 are shown to be relatively large in
`side up.
`In operation and in reference to FIGS. 1-4, rain coming in the drawings, benefits can be achieved using relatively small
`contact withroof20 begins to run down the roof toward cover indentations. For example, indentations of only about 0.025-
`10. Rain then flows off roof 20 and onto first portion 14 of 0.030 inches “d民p” and a width of about ろも inch should
`cover 10. When the rain begins to run over the part of first 35 achieve effective results.
`portion 14 de血ing channels 36 and peaks 42, peaks 42 help
`FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which first portion 14
`guide the rain into valleys 40 of channels 36. Thus, charmels of cover 10 includes a horizontal rib 50 that runs the length of
`36 help to converge any rain water running over the first the cover. As shown, horizontal rib 50 is located downstream
`portion 14 of cover 10. Of course, some of the rain will fall of the part 38 of first portion 14 that is installed under shingle
`directly on the gutter cover. The illustrated configuration 40 first course 22 (FIG. 2), but upstream of channels 36. Prefer-
`increases the volume of water at these locations, causing the ably the vertical dimension ofrib 50 will be sufficient to cause
`water to flow in streams around nose portion 18 to second water cascading from the shingle surface to collide with it,
`portion 16. This facilitates initial wetting of second portion thus slowing the velocity of the flowing water. This may be
`16, causing cover 10 to begin functioning sooner and in light especially advantag回us during high-flow periods (as in a
`rain. After the water has rounded nose portion 18 onto second 45 downpour), reducing the chances that water will jettison over-
`portion 16, it flows into open trough 30 of rain gu壮er 32. board during extreme conditions. Rib 50 may also serve to
`Coatings, including suitable paint, may be applied to the advantageously disperse concentrated water streams, such as
`entire surface of cover 10 in order to induce the flowing water may be created by the presence of debris on the roof. As one
`to form a film so as to enhance the cover’s wettability. skilled in the art will appreciate, it may be necessary to
`Because the outermost edge of nose portion 18 extends so shorten the flow direction length of channels 36 in compari-
`beyond edge 34 of rain gutter 32, debris falls overboard to the son with other embodiments in order to accommodate rib 50.
`ground and does not enter the gu壮er.
`Embodiments are also contemplated in which multiple par-
`As a result of this a汀angement, the occu汀ence of “ tiger allel ribs are provided rather than a single horizontal rib as
`striping,'’ as well as other effects caused when water drips illustrated.
`from nose portion 18 onto the front surface of the gutter, is 55 In addition, ribs may be formed in sections, with flat areas
`eliminated. In addition, it reduces the tendency for icicles to between sections to facilitate carrying shingle gravel and
`form and their attendant disadvantages to occur.
`other particulate matter away, thus preventing build-up of
`FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a gutter cover in material that could negatively impact the ribs' damming func-
`accordance with the present invention. In this case, second tion. For example, FIG. 8 (also FIG.10) illustrates anembodi-
`portion 16 of cover 10 also includes a number of substantially 60 ment in which the rib is an interrupted continuum in which a
`parallel charmels 44 extending in a flow direction (as denoted small gap 52 is formed between longitudinal sections 50a and
`by arrow 46). Charmels 44 are similar to channels 36 of first 50b. One or more short ribs 54 are located upstream of gap 52
`portion 14 (FIG. 3) and are preferably aligned with respective to deny water the opportunity to flow unimpeded through the
`channels 36. In operation, water flows over roof20 onto first gap.
`portion 14 of cover 10 in a manner similar to that described 65 In operation, rainfalls onroof20 and begins to flow toward
`above. When rain water rounds nose portion 18, charmels 44 cover 10, increasing in volume with time. The rate at which
`converge the water on second portion 16. This preserves the the water travels may also begin to increase due to gravita-
`
`IPR2018-00031
`Petitioners Ex. 1106 p. 15
`
`

`

`US 8,297,000 Bl
`
`8
`7
`As shown in FIG. 11, the height of second portion 162 is
`tional acceleration. Shortly after the water passes onto cover
`10, it comes into contact with horizontal rib 50, which acts as preferably slightly greater than that of first portion 160. For
`a “ speed bump” to decrease the rate at which the water is example, in one embodiment, first portion 160 may have a
`traveling before it enters channels 36. As a result, the rain height of about three sixteenths of an inch （沿っ with second
`water enters channels 36 at a more controlled rate allowing 5 portion having a height of about fi、re sixteenths of an inch
`the ch拙1els to ef五cien一tly converge the water so that it may
`（与116’’）
`effectively round nose portion 18.
`It can be seen that second portions 162 preferably termi-
`Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, a rain gu壮er cover 110 con- nate very close to rounded nose portion 118. In addition, the
`structed in accordance with a further embodiment of the lower ends of portions 162 may be “ squared up” as shown to
`present invention is shown. Rain gutter cover 110 includes an 10 reduce dispersal of the flowing water that might otherwise
`elongate cover member 112 comprising a first portion 114 occur at this location. Moreover, one skilled in the art will
`integrally extending into a second portion 116 about a appreciate that ribs 142 may have other suitable shapes that
`rounded nose portion 118. As with previous embodiments, a provide the desired spacings A and B. For example, second
`part of first portion 114 is preferably inserted under a first portion 162 may be configured to have a triangular shape
`course of shingles so as to fix cover 110 to a house or other 15 rather than diverging legs as shown.
`In light rain or at the beginning of rain, the configuration of
`struc印re. In this regard，自rst portion 114 preferably defines a
`bend line 139 at which the insertion part is distinguished from ribs 142 advantageously gathers raindrops into pools of suf-
`the downstream part of first portion 114 used to slow and ficient volume to create water streams capable of adhering to
`direct flow of water. Bend line 139 changes the slope of first rounded nose portion 118. In particular, the region between
`portion 114 such that the insertion part will approximate the 20 adjacent first portions 160 of ribs 142 ser、明 as a water accu-
`slope of the roof.
`mulation basin at which the water is collected. The spacing A
`As with previous embodiments, the outermost edge of between first portions 160 is wide enough such that water
`rounded nose portion 118 preferably extends beyond the out- delivered to the nose is in streams of sufficient quantity even
`side edge (“bead”) of the rain gutter when installed. Rounded in very light conditions.
`nose portion 118 may have a radius within the range of an 25 The spacing B between second portions 162 serves as an
`eighth of an inch （ろも” or 0.125”) to three sixteenths of an inch exit gate through which water is merged into continuous,
`（払6” of0.1875”） to provide cover 110 with the desired “ low agglomerated streams. In other words, the gathered water is
`profile” configuration. Like previous embodiments, rain gut- “focused”(con erged) at the “自it gate” to create momentum
`ter cover 110 may be constructed of any suitable material at the location of rounded nose portion 118. This focusing
`including sheet metal that has been appropriately coated or 30 counteractsanytendencyofthewatertootherwisespreadout,
`treated (as explained below), along with various plastics. and augments braking provided by the horizontal ribs 150 and
`Second portion 116 may preferably define a flat (i.e. unchan- 154.
`To further enhance the “ wettability” characteristics of the
`neled) surface, as shown.
`In this embodiment, first portion 114 includes two rows of cover, various techniques may be utilized. For example, the
`horizontal ribs 150 and 154 located downstream of bend line 35 cover member may be formed of a substrate material having
`139. (The term “ horizontal” is used to indicate a direction a conventional coating thereon (such as typical Kynar and
`transverse to the downstream flow direction. The term “ ver-
`acrylic-latex paints), further modified to enhance surface ten-
`ti cal,” used below, indicates a direction generally parallel to sion. In one exemplary approach, the cover member has a
`the flow direction.) As shown, ribs 150 and 154 may be finely textured outぽ surface defining a multiplicity of water
`configured as intermittent shorter ribs separated by gaps in 40 entrapment pits (or closed channels) to facilitate initial wet-
`the horizontal direction. Such gaps will advantageously allow ting of the cover member. Such cavities may be formed by
`particulate ma壮er such as shingle gravel to pass through appropriately abrading the coating. (Preferably, the coating
`(along with the flowing watぽ）. In such embodiments, ribs should preferably be of a total thickness at least twice the
`150 are preferably located downstream of the gaps between nominal depth of the water entrapment cavities. For example,
`ribs 154.
`45 the total thickness of the coating may be at least 1.0 mm.)
`Farther downstream of ribs 150 and 154, first portion 114 Adjacent cavities should be closely spaced, such that retained
`of cover member 112 defines a plurality of generally vertical water in them connects at least partially via capillary action to
`ribs 142. As shown, ribs 142 de白1e a first spacing A in their form an overall film. Those cavities should preferably be
`upstream direction and a second spacing B closer to rounded formed on an exposed area of the first portion, on the rounded
`nose portion 118. Preferably, the spacin