Patent ID: 8261493
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: E04D

Abstract:
1. A rain gutter protection device for mounting in an open top of a rain gutter, comprising: an elongated frame having opposite first and second edge portions, opposite first and second end portions, and an elongated recessed portion in a medial portion of the frame that extends from the first end portion to the second end portion, wherein the recessed portion includes a plurality of gutter access openings arranged longitudinally in end-to-end spaced-apart relationship, wherein the frame is configured to extend laterally across the rain gutter open top and longitudinally along the length of the rain gutter such that the gutter access openings are in fluid communication with the rain gutter, and wherein each gutter access opening is large enough to allow for gutter cleaning and maintenance, wherein the recessed portion includes a first plurality of slots arranged in longitudinally spaced-apart relationship on one side of the gutter access openings, a second plurality of slots arranged in longitudinally spaced-apart relationship on an opposite side of the gutter access openings; and one or more insert panels removably secured within the recessed portion, wherein each insert panel comprises opposite first and second edge portions and opposite upper and lower surfaces, wherein the insert panel includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings that permit water to flow into the gutter, wherein each insert panel includes a first plurality of tabs extending from the insert panel lower surface in longitudinally spaced-apart relationship and a second plurality of tabs extending from the insert panel lower surface in longitudinally spaced-apart relationship, wherein the first and second plurality of tabs are configured to interlock with the respective first and second plurality of slots so as to removably secure the insert panel within the recessed portion.