Patio awning rain gutter device and related methods

Abstract

A hollow, perforated linear gutter insert that be installed in the recessed patio cover rain gutter by sliding the insert from one end into the gutter or during installation of the patio cover is disclosed. This linear gutter insert is perforated to allow water flow while preventing the incursion of debris into the rain gutter.

1 . A patio cover rain gutter insert configured to be installed and rest inside a recessed patio cover rain gutter and to prevent the patio cover rain gutter from becoming obstructed with debris, comprising a perforated hollow gutter insert having a polygonal cross-section, two vertical, parallel side walls and an open bottom side, said gutter insert having perforations throughout an upper surface thereof and is configured to fit inside said recessed patio cover rain gutter. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said gutter insert is at least partially formed from perforated sheet metal that provides at least 40% open surface area for water flow. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said gutter insert serves as an external barrier to prevent debris from obstructing the flow of water within the recessed rain gutter. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener for attaching said gutter insert to a structural member of said patio cover with said gutter insert positioned in said patio cover rain gutter. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said parallel side walls have a height in a range of about 1 inch to about 2 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper surface has a width in a range of about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said perforations having a diameter in a range of about 3/16 inches to about 6/16 inches. 
     
     
         8 . A patio cover system operable to prevent debris accumulation in a rain gutter of a patio cover, comprising:
 a. a recessed patio cover rain gutter; and   b. a perforated hollow gutter insert having a polygonal cross-section that is complementary to said rain gutter, two vertical, parallel side walls, and an open bottom side, said gutter insert having perforations throughout an upper surface thereof.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said perforated hollow gutter insert is designed to fit snugly within the recessed rain gutter located below the fascia and roofing sheets of the patio cover. 
     
     
         10 . The system of claim  10 , wherein said gutter insert is at least partially formed from perforated sheet metal that provides at least 40% open surface area for water flow. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said gutter insert serves as an external barrier to prevent debris from obstructing the flow of water within the recessed rain gutter. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a fastener for attaching said gutter insert to a structural member of said patio cover with said gutter insert positioned in said patio cover rain gutter. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said gutter insert is at least partially formed from perforated sheet metal that provides at least 50% open surface area for water flow. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said parallel side walls have a height in a range of about 1 inch to about 2 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said upper surface has a width in a range of about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said perforations having a diameter in a range of about 3/16 inches to about 6/16 inches. 
     
     
         17 . A method for preventing a recessed rain gutter in a patio cover from becoming obstructed with debris, said method comprising:
 a. providing a perforated hollow gutter insert having two vertical, parallel side walls, and an open bottom side, said gutter insert having perforations throughout an upper surface thereof; and   b. inserting said gutter insert into the recessed rain gutter located below the fascia and roofing sheets of the patio cover, wherein said gutter insert prevents debris from obstructing the flow of water within the recessed rain gutter.   
     
     
         18 . The method of claim  18 , wherein said gutter insert has a polygonal cross-section that is complementary to said rain gutter. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said gutter insert is at least partially formed from perforated sheet metal that provides at least 40% open surface area for water flow. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said gutter insert serves as an external barrier to prevent debris from obstructing the flow of water within the recessed rain gutter. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . (canceled)