Gutter guard with truss

Abstract

A self-supporting gutter guard device is described, comprising: a bridge member composed of a sheet or micro-mesh decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side; at least one truss spanning a top surface of the bridge member from a proximal end of the bridge member's roof side to a proximal end of the bridge member's gutter lip side; a roof attachment member attached to an end section of the roof side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a roof; and a gutter attachment member attached to an end section of the gutter lip side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a gutter lip, wherein the device is self-supporting.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

This invention relates to gutter guards and protecting gutters from having debris entering the gutter while still allowing water to flow into the gutter.

Description of Related Art

Rain gutters are generally attached to buildings or structures that have a pitched roof. The gutters are designed to collect and divert rainwater that runs off the roof. The gutter channels the rainwater (water) to downspouts that are connected to the bottom of the gutter at various locations. The downspouts divert the water to the ground surface or underground drainage system and away from the building.

Gutters have a large opening, which runs parallel to the roofline, to collect water. A drawback of this large opening is that debris, such as leaves, pine needles and the like can readily enter the opening and eventually clog the gutter. Once the rain gutter fills up with debris, rainwater can spill over the top and unto the ground, which compromises the effectiveness of the gutter, causing water damage to a home and erode surrounding landscapes.

A primary solution to obstruct debris from entering a gutter opening is the use of debris preclusion devices, most commonly known in the public as gutter guards. Gutter guards are also generically referred to as gutter covers, eavestrough guards, leaf guards or, alternatively via the more technical terms gutter protection systems, debris obstruction device (DOD), debris preclusion devices (DPD) or gutter bridge, etc. Gutter guards/DOD types abound in the marketplace and the industry is constantly innovating to find more efficient configurations that not only keep debris, such as leaves and pine needles out of the gutter, but also even tiny roof sand grit. Concomitant with these innovations are the challenges of achieving self-supporting systems that are simple (e.g., low cost, single piece, easy to fabricate, etc.) as well as systems designed to maintain effectiveness (e.g., durable, easy-to-install, minimal maintenance, etc.) in heavy weather conditions.

In view of the above, various systems and methods are elucidated in the following description, that provide innovative solutions to one or more deficiencies of the art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

As one example, one or more embodiments of the exemplary gutter debris obstruction devices, (i.e. gutter guard) utilizes its own truss support. Further, exemplary gutter guard devices, due to its unique structural design, do not need to employ corrugations properly perform.

Guard devices made in accordance with the disclosed embodiments can have the main filtering body made from a variety of materials, such as perforated sheet, micro mesh material and others.

Manufacturing costs and for improved performance, one or more embodiments of the exemplary gutter guard devices can utilize one single piece of formed perforated sheet material. The perforated sheet material can be entirely perforated or partially perforated. Further, one or more embodiments of the exemplary gutter guard devices do not require a “separate” framed support under it.

Still further, one or more embodiments of the exemplary gutter guard devices do not require attachment brackets to attach the device to a gutter or a building.

For example, in one aspect of an embodiment, a gutter guard device is provided, comprising: a bridge member composed of a sheet or micro-mesh decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side; at least one truss spanning a top surface of the bridge member from a proximal end of the bridge member's roof side to a proximal end of the bridge member's gutter lip side; a roof attachment member attached to an end section of the roof side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a roof; and a gutter attachment member attached to an end section of the gutter lip side of the bridge member and configured to attach to a gutter lip, wherein the device is self-supporting.

In another aspect of an embodiment, the above is provided, wherein the micro-mesh material is at least one of pre-tensioned and includes inter-woven diagonal strands of material; and/or wherein the at least one truss is a plurality of trusses; and/or wherein the at least one truss is composed from the decking material of the bridge member; and/or wherein a portion of the at least one truss at the proximal ends of the bridge member, has a reduced profile; and/or wherein the reduced profile is obtained by flattening the portion; and/or a structure of the at least one truss is dual-trussed having a first side joined to an opposing second side via a connecting top side; and/or wherein the first and second sides are disposed perpendicular to the bridge member; and/or wherein the at least one truss is disposed at an angle from the bridge member; and/or wherein the plurality of trusses are equidistant from each other; and/or wherein a truss of the plurality of trusses spans the bridge member in a non-orthogonal orientation; and/or wherein the at least one truss is not equidistant from both proximal ends of the bridge member; and/or wherein at least one of the roof attachment member and the gutter attachment member is attached to the bridge member proximal to the flattened portion of the at least one truss; and/or wherein at least one of the roof attachment member and gutter attachment member have a receiving center configured for securing the bridge member to the respective attachment member; and/or wherein the receiving center's securing mechanism is at least one of a plurality of teeth, tabs, inner tab and channel, outer tab and channel, and a channel; and/or wherein the gutter attachment member is substantially T-shaped, one side of a top of the T configured for attachment to a gutter lip and an other side of the top disposed with the receiving center, and/or wherein one side of roof attachment member is blunt-shaped and the other side is disposed with the receiving center; and/or further comprising a reinforcement cover having an inverted U shape operable to partially or completely encase the at least one truss; and/or wherein the at least one truss is formed from a different material than the bridge member's decking material; and/or wherein the at least one truss has attachment flanges to attach the at least one truss to the bridge member; and/or wherein a profile of the at least one truss is at least one of an upside down U, upside down T, and I; and/or further including a reinforcement member disposed between the first and second sides; and/or wherein the plurality of trusses are at least one of disposed on opposite sides of the bridge member, of different heights, of different spacings from each other, at non-perpendicular angles to the bridge member, and have an upper truss portion that is at an angle with respect to a lower truss portion; and/or wherein the at least one truss has a non-constant height along its span; and/or wherein the plurality of trusses have different heights; and/or further comprising at least one barricade disposed in the bridge member; and/or wherein the at least one barricade has a shape of at least one of a letter, circle, arrow, arc wall, bump, dimple, and polygon; and/or wherein the at least one barricade is a plurality of barricades; and/or wherein the at least one barricade is not made from the bridge member's decking material; and/or wherein a length of the at least one truss is less than a length between an end of the bridge member's roof side and an end of the gutter lip side; and/or further comprising a crease disposed in the decking material in at least one of the roof side and a gutter lip side of the bridge member, the crease extending partially across the bridge member and outlining a polygonal shape; and/or further including at least one of a regular and irregular groove disposed in the bridge member between the plurality of trusses; and/or wherein the at least one groove is a plurality of grooves; and/or a first cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a shape of at least one of a hexagon, half-hexagon, triangle, box, sinusoid, off center, dip, and V; and/or wherein a second cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a different shape than the first cross-sectional profile's shape; and/or wherein a second cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a different size than a size of the first cross-sectional profile's shape; and/or wherein a first groove of the at least one groove is in a reversed orientation to a second groove of the at least one groove; and/or wherein an end profile of the at least one groove forms a train of angled line segments; and/or wherein the train includes a curved segment; and/or wherein the at least one truss is triangle-shaped, formed from the decking material.

In another aspect of an embodiment, a gutter guard is provided, comprising: a rear beam; a decking having a plurality of orifices, a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, wherein the plurality of orifices extend from the top surface to the bottom surface, and wherein the decking has a front edge and rear edge; at least one truss disposed on the top surface of the decking; and a front beam, wherein the rear edge of the decking is attached to the rear beam and the front edge is attached to the front beam, and wherein the gutter guard is self-supporting.

These and other features are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 displays a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device attached to a gutter.

FIG. 2 is a closeup view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a partial front perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 4 displays a top perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 show a possible layout of trusses for alternate embodiments of an exemplary device.

FIG. 6 shows a layout of unevenly spaced trusses spaced.

FIG. 7 shows that trusses do not have to be linear in direction, shape or form.

FIG. 8 shows trusses that do not extend fully across a bridge portion.

FIG. 9 shows a partial top view of micromesh that can be used for a bridge portion in exemplary devices.

FIG. 10 shows perspective view of a sample truss formed from micromesh.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an exemplary device with the trusses of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a blown up view of the circle 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an underside view of an embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 14 is a close-up of the underside of the flat decked micromesh decking shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of an exemplary front floor beam.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center of a front floor beam, wherein it has one or more triangle shaped teeth.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center of a front floor beam, wherein it has one or more pierced lifted perforation tabs.

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a front floor beam where the receiving center's inner tab is formed inwardly.

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a front floor beam where the receiving center's outward tab is disposed in the receiving center.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment portion.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center of a back floor beam, wherein the receiving center includes triangle shaped teeth.

FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center with pierced lifted perforation tabs.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center shaped like sideways “U.”

FIG. 24 shows a view of an exemplary device with longitudinal floor beams.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a double-truss.

FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of a double-truss having a reduced height.

FIG. 27 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover having flanges.

FIG. 28 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover that can be utilized independently as a truss.

FIG. 29 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover that can be utilized independently as a truss.

FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary double-truss.

FIG. 31 shows an alternative embodiment exemplary double-truss including a top plate.

FIG. 32 displays a portion of a rear profile view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with a plurality of trusses.

FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with a plurality of irregularly spaced trusses.

FIG. 34 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with trusses varying depths and heights and locations.

FIG. 35 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with slanted trusses.

FIG. 36 shows a side view of an embodiment of an exemplary truss with differing terminating heights.

FIG. 37 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary truss with the shape of a “T.”

FIG. 38 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary truss with the shape of an inverted “L.”

FIG. 39 illustrates exemplary trusses whose top portions are slanted relative to the lower portion.

FIG. 40 shows exemplary trusses which are attached to the decking at a slanted angle.

FIG. 41 shows the side view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary device in use over a gutter G.

FIG. 42 is an illustration of a recessed barricade in a micromesh decking.

FIG. 43 illustrates a bumped barricade in a micromesh decking.

FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a barricade structure

FIG. 45 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a bridge portion having arrow head shaped barricades.

FIG. 46 shows barricades having a crescent shape.

FIG. 47 illustrates a closer view of the crescent shapes of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 shows recessed rectangular shaped barricades.

FIG. 49 shows recessed irregular dimensioned and spaced rectangular shaped barricades

FIG. 50 shows oval shaped barricades that span close to the edges of adjacent trusses.

FIG. 51 shows letter-shaped barricades.

FIG. 52 is a wider view of FIG. 51, showing more letter shaped barricades.

FIG. 53 shows an example design barricade with an emoji-like image.

FIG. 54 is a closer view of the design shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 shows an exemplary bridge portion with at least one crease.

FIG. 56 shows another an exemplary bridge with crease(s) of different lengths.

FIG. 57 shows a woven micromesh material prior to being stretched.

FIG. 58 shows the micromesh in FIG. 57, but after it is stretched.

FIG. 59 shows an interwoven micromesh.

FIG. 60 shows is a top view of an alternate embodiment of exemplary device without front/rear beams, including at least one groove.

FIG. 61 displays an alternative profile for an exemplary half hexagon shape groove.

FIG. 62 displays an alternative profile for an exemplary triangular shape groove.

FIG. 63 displays an alternative profile for an exemplary box shape groove.

FIG. 64 displays an alternative profile shape for an exemplary sinusoidal shape grove.

FIG. 65 displays an alternative profile shape for an exemplary off center shape grove.

FIG. 66 displays an alternative profile shape for an exemplary dip shape grove.

FIG. 67 shows an exemplary groove profile with a shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a triangle profile.

FIG. 68 shows an exemplary groove profile with a shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a box profile.

FIG. 69 shows an exemplary groove profile with a shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a sinusoidal profile.

FIG. 70 shows an exemplary groove profile with a shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to an off center profile.

FIG. 71 shows an exemplary groove profile with a shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a dip profile.

FIG. 72 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a smaller dimension half hexagon profile.

FIG. 73 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a large V profile to a smaller V profile.

FIG. 74 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a large box to a small box profile.

FIG. 75 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a large sinusoidal to a small sinusoidal profile.

FIG. 76 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a large off-center profile to a small off-center profile.

FIG. 77 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a large dome profile to a small dip profile.

FIG. 78 shows a cross-sectional view of the groove embodiment shown in FIG. 75.

FIG. 79 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to nothing and then back to a half hexagon profile.

FIG. 80 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a V profile to nothing and back to a V profile.

FIG. 81 shows an exemplary groove box shape along the entire length of the groove.

FIG. 82 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a sinusoidal to nothing and back to sinusoidal.

FIG. 83 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from an off-center profile to nothing and back to an off-center profile.

FIG. 84 shows an exemplary groove profile shape transition along its length from a dip profile to nothing and back to a dip profile.

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary half hexagon shaped groove.

FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary half hexagon shaped groove with an intersecting point farther to one end.

FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary half hexagon shaped groove with an intersecting point closer to one end.

FIG. 88 shows a partial bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary bridge portion with multi-grooves.

FIG. 89 displays a top, front perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary bridge portion.

FIG. 90 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality alternating irregular grooves.

FIG. 91 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality downward irregular grooves.

FIG. 92 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality upward irregular grooves.

FIG. 93 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality of cross plane irregular grooves.

FIG. 94 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality of irregular grooves with varying groove heights.

FIG. 95 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove widths.

FIG. 96 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shapes.

FIG. 97 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes.

FIG. 98 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shape and groove heights.

FIG. 99 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes and groove heights.

FIG. 100 shows a partial rear profile view of an alternative embodiment of a bridge portion with various shaped trusses.

FIG. 101 is a closer view of the truss shown in FIG. 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be appreciated that the most commonly used term to describe a debris obstruction (or preclusion) device (DOD) for a rain gutter is gutter guard. However, as stated above, alternate terms are used in the industry (generally from product branding), denoting the same or essentially same purpose of preventing or obstructing the entrance of external debris (e.g., non-water material) into the rain gutter, whereas the gutter can be protected so as to operate effectively. Thus, recognizing the layman may interchangeably use these terms to broadly refer to such devices, any such use of these different terms throughout this disclosure shall not be interpreted as importing a specific limitation from that particular “brand” or “type” of gutter device. Accordingly, while a DOD or gutter bridge may be a more technically accurate term, unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of the term gutter guard, gutter cover, leaf guards, leaf filter, gutter protection systems, gutter device, gutter guard device, and so forth, may be used herein without loss of generality.

The most conventional DOD is a one-piece gutter guard generally made of sheet materials such as plastics or metals, which tend to have very thin profiles. With such a thin profile, they do not exhibit sufficient internal support for live loads (leaves and other organic debris moving across the gutter guard), or dead loads (leaves and other organic debris sitting static on the gutter guard) and so can collapse after installation.

With the introduction of a stainless-steel type micromesh DOD, a complicated rigid frame type support was required under the micromesh to hold it up so it would not collapse under load, such as seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,310,912 & 8,479,454 to Lenney and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,191,564 & 6,951,077 to Higginbotham.

To avoid the use of complicated support or frame structures, corrugations in a stainless steel micromesh DOD were first used as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 9,021,747 to Lenney. According to dictionary definitions, corrugations consist of a series of parallel ridges and parallel grooves to give added rigidity and strength. The '747 patent's corrugations provided sufficient rigidity in the (micro)mesh itself so that it could span over the top of a gutter without collapsing.

However, self-supporting corrugated DODs tend to have a large percentage of the decking surface covered with corrugations. Some, for example, have 40% or higher of their decking surface made with these corrugations. While the corrugations provide some rigidity to the mesh, numerous conventionally designed corrugations along the longitudinal axis do not always provide enough of a permeable flat surface along the planar areas of the decking to allow debris to roll off the guard. Therefore, having a “self-supporting” gutter cover with more flat and/or permeable surfaces would address many of the problems in the prior art.

In view of the above, improved designs for allowing the mesh to span the gutter opening using supporting trusses, alternative types, shapes, arrangements, mesh qualities, angles, trough/groove shapes, structures and so forth are described in the following Figures.

FIG. 1 displays a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary self-supporting gutter guard device 1000, attached to a gutter G. FIG. 2 is a closeup view of the device 1000. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 1000 includes a roof attachment member (hereafter referred to as roof attachment portion) 1110, a bridge member (hereafter referred to as bridge portion) 1120, a gutter attachment member (hereafter referred to as roof attachment portion) 1140, and at least one truss 1150.

The bridge portion 1120 of the device 1000 is disposed between the roof attachment portion 1110 and the gutter attachment portion 1140. The bridge portion 1120 can “connect” or be “secured” to the roof attachment portion 1110 via a slot 1112 along the length of the roof attachment portion 1110. Similarly, the bridge portion 1120 can “connect” or be “secured” to the gutter attachment portion 1140 via a slot 1142 along the length of the gutter attachment portion 1140.

The device 1000 is operably configured to be disposed over a gutter G. The gutter will have a gutter opening GO, which without a gutter guard will readily collect debris falling from nearby trees and the roof. The gutter G also includes a gutter lip GL, and is attached to a building B, which has a roof R. The roof R will generally have some type of cover material, shingle S.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the exemplary device 1000, installed over the gutter G. The gutter G is attached to the building B. The building B, the roof R and the gutter G are represented in this Fig. without great detail as any conventional elements of those items may be utilized and are only shown here to show application for the devices of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the roof R may have shingles S, which can be any type of conventional roofing material, including asphalt shingles, slate, tile roofing, etc. It will further be appreciated that the gutter G is configured to capture liquid, generally rainwater RW, that flows down the roof R and into the gutter G. The gutter G has a gutter lip GL. The device 1000, when in use is disposed above the gutter opening GO. The device 1000 is operably configured to span over the entire gutter opening GO. The device 1000 extends from the roof R to the gutter lip GL. The device 1000, along with other embodiments, will allow rainwater RW to pass from a top surface of the device 1000 through the device 1000 and into the gutter G, while preventing a substantial amount of debris from falling into the gutter G. Additionally, the device 1000, along with other embodiments, will enable nearly all of the rainwater RW to fall into the gutter G and not run over the gutter lip GL. The device 1000 is shown in this figure to be installed onto the building B, which, in this embodiment, is “in-line” or at an acute angle with the roof's R slope angle.

The bridge portion 1120 is in this embodiment can be a micromesh material having orifices therein. In some embodiments, the micromesh material is a stainless-steel micromesh. The roof attachment portion 1110 and the gutter attachment portion 1140 can be made from aluminum, if so desired. For purposes of clarity, the orifices in the bridge portion 1130 are not shown in this Fig. and in subsequent Figs. but are understood to be present.

FIG. 3 displays a partial front perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary device 2200. The device 2200 includes a roof attachment portion 2210, a bridge portion 2220, a gutter attachment portion 2240 and at least one trust 2250. In this embodiment, the bridge portion 2220 can be made from a perforated sheet material, a non-limiting example being aluminum. The bridge portion 2220 can, in some embodiments, be “attached” or “secured” to the roof attachment portion 2210 and gutter attachment portion 2240 via slots 2112 and 2142, respectively.

FIG. 4 displays a top perspective view of the device 1000 shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of trusses 1150 provide support for the device 1000 to span the gutter opening (see FIG. 1). The trusses 1150 are disposed on top surface 1123 of the bridge portion 1120. The trusses 1150 extend from a front edge 1124 of the bridge portion 1120 to a rear edge 1126 of the bridge portion 1120. The bridge portion 1120 acts as a bracing system between the trusses 1150 allowing them to act together as a support unit.

The roof attachment portion 1110, when in use is operably configured to be attached to the building B. In this exemplary embodiment, the roof attachment portion 1110 is disposed under the shingles S on the roof R, when the device 1000 is in use as shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the roof attachment portion 1100 can be directly affixed to the building B with conventional fasteners. The roof attachment portion 1100 can include a slot 1112 (See FIG. 2). Therefore, the rear edge 1126 of the bridge portion 1120 can operably be configured to engage the slot 1112 for securing or fixing thereto. The roof attachment portion 1110 can be a resilient material, such as plastic, metal, and so forth. Accordingly, a suitably configured aluminum rail can suffice to receive the bridge portion 1120.

The bridge portion 1120 can be made from a micromesh material, which inherently creates voids between its intercrossing wires. The bridge portion 1120 provides bracing support for the plurality of trusses 1150. The bridge portion 1120 also laterally connects adjacent trusses 1150. This truss-to-bridge-to-truss interconnection of the trusses 1150 enhances the overall strength of the device 1000 and further prevents deflection of the device 1000 when spanning the gutter.

The gutter attachment portion 1140 is operably configured to be fastenable to the gutter G when the device 1000 is in use. The gutter attachment portion 1140 will overly the gutter lip GL of the gutter G. It will be appreciated that a variety of conventional fasteners may be utilized to fasten the gutter attachment portion 1140 to the gutter lip GL, such as but not limited to screws, rivets, double sided tape, etc. As discussed in FIG. 2, the gutter attachment portion 1140 includes a slot 1142 for fitment with the front edge 1124 of bridge portion 1120. The gutter attachment portion 1140 can be a resilient material, such as plastic, metal, and so forth. Accordingly, a suitably configured aluminum rail can suffice to receive the bridge portion 1120.

The at least one trusses 1150 are shown as a plurality of trusses 1150 and are formed in bridge portion 1120. In this exemplary embodiment, the trusses 1150 are disposed across about the entire bridge portion 1120. Further, the trusses 1150 in this embodiment are shown as parallel, however other orientations are possible.

It is understood that the trusses described herein are differentiated from corrugations, the former generally being a vertical-like structure with no (or little) consideration for permeability to water, its primary purpose being for providing support. Thus, truss formations are vastly superior (strength-wise) to corrugations and therefore allow a significant span between each other, as opposed to corrugations alone.

A benefit of the trusses 1150 above and on the bridge portion 1120 is that the trusses 1150 assist in supporting portions of leaves and pine needles in the air more efficiently than just conventional corrugations in, for example, a micro-mesh decking material without trusses. The truss arrangement can hold greater loads than corrugations. Further, because the trusses 1150 are taller than convention corrugations, an exemplary truss arrangement can hold up debris higher off the decking, allowing for more space for wind to penetrate for blowing debris off the device 1000.

It is understood that in various embodiments described herein, all or most of the bridge portion is composed or made from a decking material. The decking material being a sheet material or mesh material, etc. is part of the bridge portion in the exemplary device. Therefore, when this disclosure refers to the decking material, it is understood that the reference inherently applies to the exemplary device's bridge portion and, therefore the term decking material and bridge portion may be used interchangeably within the context being described.

FIGS. 5-8 show various possible layouts of trusses for alternate embodiments of an exemplary device. FIG. 5 shows trusses 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 extending from a roof attachment portion 14 (can also be referred to as the back floor beam) and a gutter attachment portion 15 (can also be referred to as the front floor beam). These trusses are slanted or angled from the back to the front under the decking of the bridge portion (not shown), which is disposed to the front 15 and back 14 portions. Trusses can also be positioned in an opposite direction/angle to each other as shown with trusses 19, 20 and 21.

FIG. 6 shows trusses 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27, which are spaced unevenly to each other.

FIG. 7 shows that trusses do not have to be linear in direction, shape or form, as seen, for example, with trusses section 28, 29, 31 and 33, having directional changes corresponding to section 30, 32 and 34. Trusses 35, 36, 37 and 38 can extend partially across the bridge portion, and can also vary in length relative to one another.

FIG. 8 shows trusses 41, 42, 43 and 44 that do not extend fully across the bridge portion, nor do they connect to the back beam 39 or the front beam 40. Trusses 45 and 47 vary in distances 46 and 48, respectively, from the front beam 40. The distance 46 is less than the distance 48 and the trusses can also vary in length relative to one another.

FIG. 9 shows a partial top view of micromesh 900 that can be used for a bridge portion in exemplary devices. The micromesh 900 is shown as having orthogonally plane woven micromesh wires 905 crossing each other at ninety-degree angles along all intersecting nodes as in node 49, and creates stable configured quadrilateral square units, or holes, as shown in 50. This material can be used to form the trusses in various exemplary devices. Trusses made with such a material are an unconventional type of trusses, because the shape of the micromesh holes are square and open, as opposed to conventional large rolled steel plates or plated trusses in a bridge structure that are solid and not open.

The micromesh 900 can also be tensioned for additional strength during the forming process in manufacturing. The tensioning process during manufacturing creates a stiffness in the micromesh 900 and slightly increases the length. Tensioned wires are less likely to be compromised under increased loads on the micromesh decking because the woven wires are no longer pre-disposed to flexing due to loads exerted on the decking material. Stretched or tensioned woven wires reduces the flexible droopiness and sagging that can exist in the micromesh decking. Tensioned dual-truss micromesh allows for a more rigid vertical and horizontal cross wires.

FIG. 10 shows perspective view of a sample truss 55 formed, for example, from the micromesh material 900 discussed in FIG. 9. To form a strong truss for supporting the bridge portion, the micromesh decking material 900 is folded 51 over itself 180 degrees at the top chord 52 or close to it, then firmly pressing against the adjacent truss 53 up to the top chord 54 or close to it. The micromesh truss 55 is now a reinforced double-structured truss shaped like a inverted “T”. The micromesh double-structured truss 55 acts as a single united perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular or angled support truss, joined and formed to the longitudinal decking 56 of the bridge portion. The double-structured truss in FIG. 10 can have a height 57 of less than 1 inch and can run, for example, transversely from the front of the gutter to the back of the gutter and edge of the roof, when in an installed state (not shown).

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an exemplary device with trusses 55 of FIG. 10 having an end(s) 60 with a tapered down configuration. The taper down end(s) 60 are connected to the back 58 and front 59 floor beams. The tapering can be in the form of a bend in the end 60, bringing the end “towards” to the center of the truss 55. The “tapering” can be abrupt to form a “45” degree transition at the end(s) 60 or can be gentle so as to have a longer taper. Also, the resultant end(s) shape can be accomplished by shearing the end, if so desired.

FIG. 12 is a blown up view of the circle 12-12 in FIG. 11, illustrating the truss end 60 tapered down to result in a shape similar to a non-curved arch. Of course, the resultant shape may be other than what is shown. While FIGS. 11 and 12 show the direction of the tapering in an “outward” orientation, it can be in either direction, whether inward or outward.

FIG. 13 is an underside view of an embodiment of an exemplary device, showing a front floor beam 61 having a receiving center 62 (also referred to as a slot, or equivalent) that is connected to truss(es) 63 and the flat decked micromesh 66 of the bridge portion 69. The back floor beam 64 also has a receiving center 65 (also referred to as a slot, or equivalent) for receiving the back end of the flat decked micromesh 66 of the bridge portion 69.

FIG. 14 is a close-up of the underside of the flat decked micromesh decking 66 shown in FIG. 13.

It is expressly understood that the gutter attachment portion (front floor beam) and the roof attachment portion (back floor beam) described in the Figs. herein can, in various embodiments, be connected to the bridge portion through a variety of optional methods including, but not limited to, crimping, riveting, gluing or adhesive, etc. in order to lock them together. The floor beams can be formed into different shapes and made from a variety of materials including aluminum, steel or any type plastic, and so forth.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of an exemplary front floor beam 700 applicable for use with embodiments of an exemplary device(s). Front floor beam 700 is shown with ten “corners” 67-76. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be made with more or less than ten corners and that the corners may have different angles than shown. The receiving center 77 can be shaped like a channel or have a configuration where the decking and trusses (not shown) are inserted and then later closed shut in the manufacturing process to firmly anchor the decking. An angled tab 78 is bent towards corner 68 for being locked in place. When the angled tab 78 is locked into place, it stiffens and strengthens one or more of floor beam surfaces 79-88. An open space is shown between floor beam surfaces 89, 90 and 91. However, it will be appreciated that there would be little to no space between these surfaces in a produced beam, depending on the manufacturing process. The open space in this diagram is to better show the attributes and purpose of the surfaces and their interaction with each other. It will be further appreciated that in other embodiments, the interior of one more of floor beam surfaces 79-88 can have an applied adhesive, glue, foam, injectant, material or other type of adherent to assist in helping various surfaces retain rigidity. In addition to just closing shut the receiving center 77 surface 88 against upper surface 86, an adhesive, glue, foam, injectant, material or other type of adherent can be applied on a portion of or all of surfaces 86, 87 and 88 on the inner side of the receiving center 77 prior to inserting the decking material. This would provide additional locking forces to anchor the decking material in the receiving center 77.

Also, one or more of surfaces 86, 87 and 88 on the inner side of the receiving center 77 can, in some embodiments, have a process applied to them so the front floor beam 700 material is textured, gnarled, or roughened as to provide additional gripping unto the decking material when it is closed shut. This will help keep the decking material from slipping out over time. The process can be applied pre-formation or post-formation of the front floor beam 700 structure, or the desired surface “texture/shape” can be inherent to the front floor beam 700 material being used. Further, one or more of surfaces 86, 87 and 88 on the inner side of the receiving center 77 can partially or fully have creases with ridges or radiuses formed into the material as shown, for example, in FIGS. 16 and 17. Additionally, one or more of surfaces 80, 83 and 85 can, in some embodiments, be convex or radiused outwardly, facing away from the front floor beam 700.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center 717 of a front floor beam 710, wherein it has one or more triangle shaped teeth 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97. These teeth help grip the decking material when closed shut. It will be appreciated that these teeth can have several optional shapes including hexagon, box, sinusoidal, off center, dome or other. Further, there can be more or less than five teeth in the receiving center 717. Additionally, the teeth can be formed in different locations throughout the receiving center 717. The outward hook 97 can operate to wedge itself against the decking material when the receiving center 717 is closed (for example, by natural tension or via crimping, etc.). The teeth and/or the book help to grip the decking material of the bridge portion to help hold it in place.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center 727 of a front floor beam 720, wherein it has one or more pierced lifted perforation tabs 98-101 connected at the base of the receiving center floor 102 that can help grip the decking material when closed shut. It will be appreciated that the lifted perforation tab(s) can be parallel or non-parallel, perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the front floor beam 720. Further, there can be more or less than four lifted perforation tabs in the receiving center 727. The lifted perforations can be formed in different locations throughout the receiving center surfaces including, for example, the bottom 102, back side 103 and top 104.

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view of a front floor beam 730 where the receiving center's inner tab 105 does not need to be angled, it can form itself inside the upper interior surfaces on the right side space 106, or it can form itself in the left side 107. Further, the tip 108 of the tab 105 can extend partially in either the space 106 or 107, or fully against surfaces 109 or 110. It should be noted that sides 104a and 102a are shown as being approximately parallel, however, in various embodiments, they be slightly off-parallel, narrowing towards side 103a or vice versus.

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of a front floor beam 740 where the receiving center's outward tab 111 is disposed in the receiving center 747, extending around the bottom surface 112. It will be appreciated, that the end of the outward tab 111 can extend partially or all the way across surface 112 and be positioned adjacent to surface 113, the back of the receiving center 747.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary roof attachment portion (back floor beam) 750. In this embodiment, it can have seven corners 114, 115,116, 117,118, 119 and 120. It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the back floor beam 750 can be made with more or less than seven corners. A receiving center 121 can be shaped like a channel or have a configuration to receive the decking of the bridge portion (not shown) and then later closed shut in the manufacturing process to firmly secure the bridge portion. On the other side of the back floor beam 750, back angled tab 122 is bent towards a top surface 123. The back tab 122 can be close to the surface 123 or adjacent to it. The back section 755 of 122,124, 120, 125, 119, 126 and 118 form a “non-jagged” edge so it can slide easily under the roof shingles by the installer. Not having a sharp back section 755 edge helps to avoid ripping the roofing paper beneath the shingles. In other embodiments, the back section 755 can obtain a non-sharp edge by curling, rolling, blunting the terminal end of the back section 755. The degree of curling or blunting chosen can be design dependent.

While FIG. 20 shows an open space between surface 123 and 127 of the back floor beam 750, it will be appreciated that there will be little to no space between these surfaces once the device is produced due to the manufacturing process. The open space in this diagram is to better show the attributes and purpose of the surfaces and their interaction with each other. It will be further appreciated that the interior of back floor beam surfaces 123 and 127 can have an applied adhesive, glue, foam, injectant, material or other type of adherent to assist in helping the walls retain rigidity. Further, in addition to just closing shut the receiving center 121 surface 128 against upper surface 127 an adhesive, glue, foam, injectant, material or other type of adherent can be applied on a portion of or all of surfaces 127, 128 and 129 on the inner side of the receiving center 121 to inserting the decking material. This would provide additional locking forces to anchor the decking material in the receiving center 121. In addition, surfaces 127, 128 and 129 on the inner side of the receiving center 121 can have a process applied to them so the material is textured, gnarled or roughened as to provide additional gripping unto the decking material when it is closed shut. This will help keep the decking material from slipping out over time. The process can be pre-formation or post-formation of the back floor beam 750 structure, or the desired surface “texture/shape” can be inherent to the back floor beam 750 material being used.

It will also be appreciated that the surfaces 127, 128 and 129 on the inner side of the receiving center 121 can partially or fully have creases with ridges or radiuses formed into them as shown in, for example, FIGS. 21 and 22. Surfaces 126, 129 and 130 can also be concaved inwardly or radiused outwardly away from the back floor beam 750.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center 767 of a back floor beam 760, wherein the receiving center 767 includes triangle shaped teeth 131, 132, 133, 134 and 135. The teeth are operably configured to engage and grip the decking material of the bridge when inserted therein (or when the receiving center 767 is physically “closed”). It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, these teeth can have other shapes including hexagon, box, sinusoidal, off center, dome or other. Further, there can be more or less than five teeth in the receiving center 767. Additionally, the teeth can be formed in different locations throughout the receiving center surfaces. Also, the outward hook 136 can be configured to wedge itself against the decking material when the receiving center 767 is closed (for example, by natural tension or via crimping). The teeth and/or the hook operate to grip the decking material to help hold it in place.

FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center 777 of an exemplary rear/back floor beam 770. This receiving center 777 is shown with pierced lifted perforation tabs 137, 138, 139 and 140 connected at the base of the receiving center floor 141. These tabs operate to engage and help grip the decking material of the bridge portion when closed (by natural tension or via crimping, etc.). It will be appreciated, that the lifted perforation tabs can be parallel or non-parallel, perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rear floor beam 770. Further, there can be more or less than four lifted perforation tabs in the receiving center 777. Additionally, the lifted perforations can be formed in different locations throughout the receiving center surfaces including the bottom 141, side 142 and upper surface 143.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a receiving center 787 of an exemplary rear floor beam 780. This receiving center 787 can be shaped like sideways “U” with only three sides 144, 145 and 146. Sides 144 and 146 are shown as being approximately parallel, however, in various embodiments, they be slightly off-parallel, narrowing towards side 145 or vice versus. The receiving center 787 can be modified with one or more attributes as those from FIGS. 20, 21 and 22.

FIG. 24 shows a view of an exemplary device 790 with floor beams that run longitudinal in the front 147 and longitudinal along the back 148 of device 790. The floor beams operate to “lock” the trusses 755 and the flat areas 756 of the micromesh between them. Because of the unusually strong performance of the trusses 755 (see FIG. 10's trusses formed from the micromesh), only truss support is needed up to every two inches or more along the micromesh surface to provide adequate rigidity for spanning a five-inch wide gutter, for example.

In various embodiments, the width of the mesh-formed truss (or double-truss) can be approximately 0.08 inches and the height and can be approximately 0.125 inches, which represents less than 4% of the total area of the micromesh decking. This leaves 96% of the micromesh planar surface flat. That equates to over 30% more efficient than traditional corrugated gutter guards. Further, the height of a double-truss increases the dynamic load capacity and allows for extended lengths of the micromesh decking from the longitudinal front of the gutter to the longitudinal back of the gutter. This gives the exemplary devices the ability to span gutters up to 12 inches or more. As an example of the performance, Chart A shows Truss-Height To Truss-Length Ratios for making calculations of how long a double-truss can be when providing the support for the micromesh decking for covering wider gutter widths. The chart shows acceptable specifications for these ratios. The height is understood as the vertical dimension from the double-truss's top edge to the top of the bridge. Also, it is understood that the following Tables refer to the double-truss as “truss.”

	TABLE A
	Truss Height:		Truss Length:	Covers Gutter Width of:
	0.125 inches	5.5	inches	5	inches
	0.157 inches	6.5	inches	6	inches
	0.189 inches	7.5	inches	7	inches
	0.221 inches	8.5	inches	8	inches
	0.253 inches	9.5	inches	9	inches
	0.285 inches	10.5	inches	10	inches
	0.317 inches	11.5	inches	11	inches
	0.349 inches	12.5	inches	12	inches
	NOTE:
	Distance between trusses is 4 inches.

As shown in Table A, as the double-truss increases in width by one inch, the height of the double-truss increases by about 0.032 inches. These values were based on a steel mesh material having an average orifice size of 0.023 inches with an orifice density of 900 orifices per square inch.

Table B provides examples of double-truss-height to double-truss-distance from each other ratios on a 5 inch gutter. Because taller double-trusses increase the dynamic load capacity, they also allow for greater distances from each other on the micromesh decking. This allows for fewer double-trusses on the micromesh decking which in turn provides greater area of planar micromesh decking. Fewer double-trusses also equates to less micromesh decking material needed to form these double-trusses which reduces overall costs in manufacturing. It will be appreciated that as each double-truss increases in height by 0.032 inches, the distance between double-trusses increases by 0.25 inches.

TABLE B
Truss-Height To Truss-Distance From
Each Other Ratios On A 5 Inch Gutter
Gutter Width:	Truss Height:	Distance between adjacent Trusses
5 inches	0.125 inches	2	inches
5 inches	0.157 inches	2.25	inches
5 inches	0.189 inches	2.5	inches
5 inches	0.221 inches	2.75	inches
5 inches	0.253 inches	3	inches
5 inches	0.285 inches	3.25	inches

Table C provides examples of double-truss-height to double-truss-distance from each other ratios on a 6 inch gutter. It will be appreciated that as each double-truss increases in height by 0.032 inches, the distance between double-trusses increases by 0.18 inches.

TABLE C
Truss-Height To Truss-Distance From
Each Other Ratios On A 6 Inch Gutter
Gutter Width:	Truss Height:	Distance between adjacent Trusses
6 inches	0.125 inches	2	inches
6 inches	0.157 inches	2.18	inches
6 inches	0.189 inches	2.36	inches
6 inches	0.221 inches	2.54	inches
6 inches	0.253 inches	2.72	inches
6 inches	0.285 inches	2.9	inches

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a double-truss 150. In this embodiment, double-truss 150 includes a reinforcement cover 149. The use of a reinforcement cover 149 significantly increases the load capacity of the micromesh decking of the bridge portion. The reinforcement cover 149 is shown as inverted U-shaped and can extend an entire longitudinal length of the double-truss 150, or partially, depending on design preference. The reinforcement cover 149 is operably configured to be disposed over the double-truss 150. It should be appreciated that the reinforcement cover 149 can be shaped similarly to the shape of the double-truss 150. The reinforcement cover 149 can be fastened to the outside of the double-truss 150. This cover is operably configured to envelope all or most of the area of the exposed double-truss 150. However, in some embodiments, it may only partially cover (in the vertical dimension) the double-truss 150. It will be appreciated that the cover can be fastened to the double-truss 150 by crimping, riveting, gluing or other similar fastening method, and so forth.

FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of a double-truss 154 having a reduced height 151. A reinforcement cover 152 can extend higher 152 than the base 153 of the micromesh double-truss 154. With a shorter double-truss 154, this arrangement has the benefit of saving on the expense of using stainless steel micromesh or other materials for the double-truss 154 and leaving material for the decking.

FIG. 27 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover 155 having flanges 156 and 157. The cover 155 is U-shaped. The cover 155 can be fastened to the underside of the decking material 158 of the bridge portion, either over a double-truss (not shown) or without. In the latter case, the cover 155 is understood as proxying as a double-truss. That is, it can be used instead of a double-truss, if so desired. The cover 155 is not formed from the decking material 158 of the bridge portion. This configuration eliminates the need for the decking material 158 to be used to form its own independent double-truss. It will be appreciated that the cover 155 can in other embodiments also form other hollow shapes when attached to the decking material 158 such as for example that of a triangle, square, rectangle, arched and so forth.

FIG. 28 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover 155a, that can be utilized independently as a truss. This cover 155a is solid and does not have a hollow center. This cover 155a has a vertical planar plate, formed as a solid truss, with two flanges 159 and 160. The flanges 159, 160 are disposed adjacent to the topside of the decking material 158 of the bridge portion. The cover 155a has the shape of an inverted “T” because of the two flanges 159 and 160, however it can be made with a single flange (either one of flanges 159 or 160 is not present).

FIG. 29 shows an alternative embodiment of a cover 155b, that can be utilized independently as a truss. This cover 155b can be in the shape of an I, as illustrated herein. The I shape is the traditional and common shape of a truss in bridges due to the increased support it provides to the overall structure. Cover 155b is similar to cover 155a of FIG. 28, however has additional flanges 161 and 162, which provide increased stability and structural integrity for supporting the upper micromesh decking and heavier loads of organic debris such as leaves, pine needs and branches.

FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary double-truss 400. This embodiment includes a truss 450 having a reinforcement member 163. The reinforcement member 163 can be thin sheet of rigid material. The reinforcement member 163 operates as a stiffener. The reinforcement member 163 (or stiffener) is disposed between the sides of the double-truss 450. In this scenario, both truss surfaces 164 and 165 are pressing firmly against the reinforcement member 163. The reinforcement member 163 provides additional support to the double-truss 450 by allowing it to bear greater dynamic loads on the deck surface of the bridge portion. It also gives the dual-truss 450 greater resistance against deformations from excessive loads. The stiffener 163 is locked in place during the assembly process when the mesh decking is inserted into the receiving centers of the longitudinal front and back floor beams and crimped closed, on the decking and double-trusses 450.

FIG. 31 shows an alternative embodiment exemplary double-truss 500, where the reinforcement member includes a top plate 166. The top plate increases the overall structural integrity of the reinforced truss 450.

It will be appreciated that double-trusses that include reinforcement members can span farther distances across a gutter with only minimal increases in height of the truss as compared without a reinforcement member. Table D shows the ratios of sample truss-height to length-with-reinforcement member ratios. The Table D shows acceptable specifications for these ratios. As each gutter increases in width by two inches, the “height” of the double-truss increases by 0.030 inches. The height is understood as the vertical dimension from the double-truss's top edge to the top of the bridge. Also, it is understood that the following Tables refer to the double-truss as “truss.”

TABLE D
Truss-Height To Length-With-Reinforcement
Member (stiffener) Ratios
	Gutter Width:		Truss Length	Truss Height
5	inches	5	inches	0.125 inches
6	inches	6	inches	0.125 inches
7	inches	7	inches	0.155 inches
8	inches	8	inches	0.155 inches
9	inches	9	inches	0.185 inches
10	inches	10	inches	0.185 inches
11	inches	11	inches	0.215 inches
12	inches	12	inches	0.215 inches

FIG. 32 displays a portion of a rear profile view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with a plurality of trusses 167, 168, 169, 171,172, some of which are disposed on opposing surfaces of the decking of the bridge portion 170. Trusses 167, 168 and 169 formed on the top side of the decking of the bridge portion 170, whereas trusses 171 and 172 are formed on the opposing bottom sides. The trusses in this embodiment are equally spaced apart from each another. It should be understood that the bottom side trusses can be interpreted, by some as “trusses,” however, for the purposes of this application and for simplicity sake, they all shall be referred to as trusses, regardless of whether they are top side located or not.

FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with a plurality of trusses 173-177, wherein the trusses are irregularly spaced apart from another. Truss 173, 175 and 175 are irregularly disposed on the top surface of the bridge portion 2170 and the trusses 174 and 176 are disposed on the bottom.

FIG. 34 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with trusses 178, 179, 180, 181 and 182 formed with varying depths and heights on opposing sides of the bridge portion 3170.

FIG. 35 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with trusses 183, 184, 185, 186 and 187 disposed at an angle (slanted) on the bridge portion 4170. Particularly, these trusses are disposed non-perpendicular relative to the respective surface of the bridge portion 4170.

The above Figs. illustrate various possible combinations of shapes, orientations, heights, locations, etc. for trusses about their respective bridge portion. Further, the trusses shown in FIG. 31 and thereafter are understood to also be capable of being of the mesh-form (double-truss). Accordingly, for purposes of simplicity, the term truss will be used as the generic expression to describe either a single structure truss or a double/multiple-structure (mesh-formed) truss, unless it is expressly stated otherwise or the context inherently prohibits the alternative structure. In view of the above, it is understood that the above features may be altered or combined to form different embodiments by one of ordinary skill without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 36 shows a side view of an embodiment of an exemplary truss 5150 with differing terminating heights. For example, atop chord of the truss 5150 is deeper on one side 188 than the opposite side 189. It will be appreciated that the top chord height differences in other embodiments, can also be irregular in height from other trusses, if so desired.

FIGS. 37, 38, 39 and 40 illustrates rear profiles of alternative embodiments of exemplary trusses. For example, FIG. 37 shows trusses 190, 191 and 192 having a rear profile shape of a “T.” Whereas in FIG. 38, trusses 193, 194 and 195 have a rear profile shape of an inverted “L.” FIG. 39 illustrates how only a portion of the top of trusses 196, 197 and 198 are slanted relative to the lower portion of the trusses. FIG. 40 shows trusses 199, 200 and 201, which are attached to the decking at a slanted angle.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that variations and combinations of the truss shapes, angles, heights, etc. can be made, so as to have, for example, a variety of contour shapes along their lateral length from the front to back of the gutter guard device other than being perpendicular, somewhat perpendicular or angled.

FIG. 41 shows the side view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary device 6000 in use over a gutter G. In this embodiment, the device 6000 includes a trough portion 1130 disposed between the bridge portion and the gutter attachment portion 6140. To assist with creating a strong anchor of the device 6000 to the gutter G, the front lip of the gutter 202 and back of gutter 203 are acting as abutments for supporting the device 600, as on the spanned ends of a conventional bridge. The device 6000 can be fastened to the top 204 of the front lip of the gutter 202 by snapping in place, screwed in with screws, adhered to with double sided adhesive tape or other fastening mechanism. The back of the device 600 can rest or be screwed into either the back of the gutter 203, fascia or plywood sheeting of the roof 205.

FIGS. 42-54 illustrate alternative embodiments of exemplary bridge portions. Barricades are localized deformations or shape changes disposed within the bridge portion and, in of themselves, do not provide self-supporting capabilities to the bridge portion. A barricade is essentially a water barricade disposed in the decking between trusses. The barricades can be recessed or bumped areas in the decking material, whether the decking be a mesh material, a perforated sheet material, or anything else. Because rainwater, after penetrating through the decking material, typically adheres to the underside of decking while traveling down the device, various shaped obstacles, such as the barricades, formed into the material decking will assist in redirecting the water to drop into the gutter. The early release of water from the decking into the gutter allows non-penetrating water traveling or resting on the top of the decking to now penetrate more easily. This feature operates to increase the drainage rate for a given decking area.

FIG. 42 is an illustration of a recessed barricade 6225 in a micromesh decking 6220. The barricade 6225 is considered recessed because it is formed in the mesh 6220 such that the barricade 6225 extends down from the plane of the decking. FIG. 43 illustrates a bumped barricade 6325 in a micromesh decking 6320. The barricade 6325 is considered bumped because it is formed in the mesh 6320 such that the barricade 6325 extends up from the plane of the decking. The barricades 6225, 6325 apply tension on the plane woven wires of the micromesh 6220, 6320, respectively, which tightens and strengthens the mesh making it more rigid, sturdy, less prone to sagging and able to withstand heavier loads. It will be appreciated that the barricades can take a variety of shapes and designs, whether it is on a mesh or perforated, sheet type material. The shapes of the barricades can be of a plethora of designs and disposed in any order. The barricades can be mixed together with other designed shapes, positioned in any location, positioned in any direction and at any angle between the trusses.

It will be appreciated that the barricade can be a separate material affixed to the bridge portion or it could be an impression formed directly in the material of the bridge portion.

It will be appreciated that having a recessed barricade on the bottom surface protruding into the gutter opening when in use, will aide in diverting rain water into the gutter. Further, having barricades with orifices (larger that the mesh orifice) will further accelerate water penetration. It will be appreciated that having a barricade-like structure on the top surface protruding away from the gutter opening when in use, will aide in preventing debris from not collecting on the bridge portion. Particularly, leaves can often be wet and when wet will not readily move off. Having the barricade-like structure will allow a leaf, or the like to span from the top surface of the bridge portion to the barricade-like structure. In this arrangement, the leaf will tend to dry out quicker. Being drier will allow the wind to blow the leave off the gutter. Further, with a gap below the leaf, wind can pass below the leaf, enabling faster drying of the leaf. Still further, the gap allows wind to travel below the leaf and this increases the likelihood the leaf will be blown off of the device.

FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a barricade structure, wherein recessed or bumped decking material can be used from the bridge portion. The barricades in this embodiment are shown with a circular shape and grouped together in clusters, for example shown as five clusters 206 and 207. The barricades are disposed on the bridge portion between trusses 208, 209 and 210. More or less than five barricades can be in a given cluster. The circular shapes of the barricades can be very small in diameter and as large as the span between the trusses. It will be appreciated that one or more of the recessed or indented barricades can be of any shape including oval, regular or irregular quadrilaterals, regular or irregular polygons, concave or convex contours or a mix of several shapes.

FIG. 45 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a bridge portion having arrow head shaped barricades. With this recessed or bumped shape, rainwater traveling down from the roof towards the back 211 of the decking to the front 212 of the decking will be trapped and channeled by the outer edges 213 and 214 of the arrow to the center of the arrow 215 and drop into the gutter. The increased efficacy of rainwater dropping into the gutter will occur with any shape recession or bump on the decking. It will be appreciated that more barricades in a given space will increase the rate of rainwater dropping into the gutter.

FIGS. 46-54 illustrates alternative examples of shapes for recessed/bumped barricades. Particularly, FIG. 46 shows barricades 216 and 217 having a crescent shape. It will be appreciated that the crescent shaped barricades can be disposed at any desired angle with respect to the trusses. FIG. 47 illustrates a closer view of the crescent shapes. FIG. 48 shows recessed rectangular shaped barricades 218 and 219. FIG. 49 shows recessed irregular dimensioned and spaced rectangular shaped barricades 220 and 221. It will be appreciated that the barricades can have concave or convex sides. FIG. 50 shows oval shaped barricades 222 and 223 that span close to the edges of adjacent trusses.

Shaped designs of barricades can also make the decking of the device more aesthetic. FIG. 51 shows letter-shaped barricades 224, 225 and 226. Letter shaped barricades can be formed into brand names or other information and stamped in this area providing immediate identification of the product and/or manufacturer, for example. FIG. 52 is a wider view of FIG. 51, showing more letter shaped barricades. FIG. 53 shows an example that the decking can also have one or more of many designs for the barricade, such as fanciful images as an emoji-like image. A smiley faced barricade is shown in this figure. FIG. 54 is a closer view of FIG. 53.

It will be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, recessed barricades and bumped barricades can be combined on the same device.

FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrates top views of alternative embodiments of an exemplary device without front and rear beams. In FIG. 55, the decking of the bridge portion 6520 of this embodiment includes at least one crease. For example, creases 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237 and 238 are shown in the bridge portion 6520. Some of the creases are disposed along the longitudinal front 239 and some along the back 240 of the decking. This arrangement will allow the receiving centers of the floor beams (the gutter attachment and roof attachment portions), not shown, to be more able to fasten to the bridge portion 6520. Additionally, the creases create a more aesthetic appearance. Also, the creases, or wrinkles, can extend beyond the floor beams and into the micromesh decking, which is exposed to the exterior weathering elements, thereby benefiting the device by providing additional crease-derived strength in tandem with the trusses' 6550 support. It will be appreciated that the creases do not have to begin at the edge of the longitudinal front 239 or 240, they can begin at the exposed front and back floor beams. In this configuration, the creases would be adjacent to the floor beams but not inside the floor beams (not shown). It is noted that one or more of the creases can be “reversed” so as to bumped down, if so desired.

It will be appreciated that as shown in FIG. 56, that the creases can have varying lengths 241, varying widths 242 and be formed upwards 243 in the decking or downwards 244 in the decking. The starting shape of the crease can be that of variety of shapes, such as but not limited to a half hexagon, triangle, box, sinusoidal, off center, dip or other shape. The shapes of the creases then transition into the planar surface of the mesh decking of the bridge portion 6620.

FIG. 57 shows woven micromesh material prior to being stretched through the forming process as illustrated in and described with FIG. 9. FIG. 58 shows the same section of micromesh in FIG. 57, but after it is stretched 259. The tensioning process during manufacturing creates a stiffness in the micromesh and slightly increases the length. Tensioned wires are less likely to be compromised under increased loads on the micromesh decking because the woven wires are no longer pre-disposed to flexing due to loads exerted on the decking material. Stretched or tensioned woven wires reduces the flexible droopiness and sagging that can exist in the micromesh decking. Tensioned micromesh dual-truss allows for a more rigid vertical and horizontal cross wires.

FIG. 59 shows an interwoven micromesh. As opposed to the traditional woven micromesh material where all spacing between the wires consist of quadrilateral squares or rectangles, diagonally woven-in wires 260, 261, 262 and 263 to these equilateral squares to form isosceles triangle units 264. This arrangement will provide the exemplary double-trusses with a triangular shaped web configuration providing additional load bearing attributes as in a traditional latticed bridge. In various embodiments, the above interwoven mesh type can be used in the decking of the bridge portion as well as for the double trusses, barricades and other desired structures.

FIG. 60 shows is a top view of an alternate embodiment of exemplary device without front/rear beams, where open areas of the decking material 265 includes at least one groove. In this embodiment, the at least one groove is a plurality of grooves 268 and 269 and are shown here as disposed between trusses 266 and 267. The grooves 268, 269 are disposed in the planar surface of the bridge portion 6520. The grooves 268, 269 provide additional support to the device. While the term groove suggests a valley-like or recessed channel-like feature, it is understood that it may also apply to the reverse (or flipped) shape having a ridge-like or elevated channel-like feature. The applicable interpretation being evident in the context being described.

In various embodiments, the grooves 268, 269 may be disposed across the entire front-back span of the bridge portion 6520 or extend only a portion thereof. Further, grooves adjacent to each other can be parallel. Also, it will be appreciated that adjacent grooves in other embodiments, can be non-parallel to other adjacent grooves. As shown here, the grooves 268, 269 are perpendicular to the front 270 and the back 271 of the bridge portion 6520, 254, 255, however, non-perpendicular and/or non-linear grooving may be utilized, if so desired.

FIGS. 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 display side profile views of various examples of alternative profile shapes for exemplary grooves, namely, half hexagon, triangular, box, sinusoidal, off center, and dip, respectively. It will be appreciated, that other shapes may be utilized in, yet other embodiments and these shapes are only some of the examples. It will be appreciated that the shapes can be inverted as well.

FIGS. 67, 68, 69, 70 and 71 display front perspective views of alternative profile shapes for the exemplary grooves. Particularly, these profiles change their geometry along the length of the groove. FIG. 67 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a triangle profile. FIG. 68 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a box profile. FIG. 69 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a sinusoidal profile. FIG. 70 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to an off center profile. FIG. 71 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a dip profile.

FIGS. 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 77 display front perspective views of alternative profile shapes for the exemplary grooves. Particularly, these profile shapes of the grooves change their size along the length of the groove. FIG. 72 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a smaller dimension half hexagon profile. FIG. 73 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large V profile to a smaller V profile. FIG. 74 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large box to a small box profile. FIG. 75 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large sinusoidal to a small sinusoidal profile. FIG. 76 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large off-center profile to a small off-center profile. FIG. 77 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large dome profile to a small dip profile.

FIG. 78 shows a cross-sectional view of the groove embodiment shown in FIG. 75, which can be modified according to the other-described Figs. In this figure it can be seen that the lateral apex 272 of the diminishing irregular groove to slant down from back edge 274 to the front edge 275. The lateral apex reduces height by a dimension 273. A benefit of diminishing irregular grooves, perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the longitudinal front axes of the gutter to the back roofline (when the device is in use), is it enables debris to more readily slide off the device.

FIGS. 79, 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84 display front perspective views of alternate profile shapes for the exemplary grooves. Most of the shapes of the grooves are considered as irregular or geometric, some having a changing profile along the length of the groove. FIG. 79 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to nothing and then back to a half hexagon profile. FIG. 80 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a V profile to nothing and back to a V profile. FIG. 81 shows a box shape along the entire length of the groove. FIG. 82 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a sinusoidal to nothing and back to sinusoidal. FIG. 83 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from an off-center profile to nothing and back to an off-center profile. FIG. 84 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a dip profile to nothing and back to a dip profile. It should be noted that while the above Figs. illustrate a “symmetry” in the transitions of the groove shapes or geometry, non-symmetric configurations may be implemented.

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional sideview of a half hexagon shaped groove, wherein the irregular groove 276 starts under side 277 of planar surface 278 of the decking on the front side 279, then travels to the intersecting point 280 which is half way between both ends of the groove, where the irregular groove diminishes into a planar form. The groove length, then extends from the intersecting point 280 to the rear side 281, wherein is forms the shape of a half hexagon again and wherein the shape is now reversed 180 degrees from its original perspective. At the intersecting point 280, the shape of the groove is planar.

It will be appreciated that the intersecting point can be in different positions along the X-axis (see for example, FIG. 88), transversely between the front and back longitudinally Z-axis. FIG. 86 for example, shows the intersecting point farther left 282 of the middle along the X-axis. FIG. 87 shows another example wherein the intersecting point is farther right 283 of the middle. Varying the intersecting points from one irregular groove to another adjacent groove provides additional integrity of the micromesh decking.

FIG. 88 shows a partial bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary bridge portion 7720. As previously stated, for clarity, the orifices in the decking of the bridge portion 7720 are not shown. This bridge portion 7720 includes three half hexagon irregular grooves 294, 296 and 297 with different intersecting points 284, 285 and 286, respectively. These three grooves correspond with the grooves shown in FIGS. 85, 86 and 87, respectively. The groove 294 in the decking plane 287 includes a six-sided 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293 irregular polygon shaped base. This base of the irregular groove 294 is slanted laterally towards the front 295, which when in use would be toward the gutter lip. This configuration further helps in allowing leaves and pine needles to slide off the gutter and onto the ground. All three irregular grooves 294, 296 and 297 show grooves starting out along their respective lengths with the half hexagon shape and end with the half hexagon shape. It will be appreciated that although the starting and ending of the irregular grooves are the shape of the half hexagon, they can by design transition into any other shape at the other end of their respective lengths, such as a triangle, box, sinusoidal, off center, dip or other shape, such as but not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 67-71. Further, in FIG. 88, all three irregular grooves 294, 296 and 297 show grooves, each starting out along their lengths with the half hexagon shape and ending with the same sized half hexagon shape at the respective opposing end. It will however be appreciated that the grooves can transition in smaller sizes, such as but not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 72-77.

FIG. 89 displays a top, front perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary bridge portion. For purposes of clarity the orifices in the decking 301 of the bridge portion are not shown. In this embodiment, the at least one groove is three grooves 298, 299, and 300. These grooves are irregular in their respective shapes. The grooves are formed above, below and above the decking 301, respectively. Each of the grooves 298, 299, and 300 has a planar apex surface 303, 302, and 304, respectively. The spacing between these irregular grooves can be varied in other embodiments. For illustration, these grooves can be bifurcated, as shown with groove 299. Groove 299 has a bottom chord 305, which bifurcates to two secondary chords 306 and 307.

FIGS. 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 and 99 display of front profile views of various examples of groove arrangement for alternate embodiment of an exemplary bridge portion. FIG. 90 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality alternating irregular grooves. FIG. 91 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality downward irregular grooves. FIG. 92 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality upward irregular grooves. FIG. 93 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality of cross plane irregular grooves. FIG. 94 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality of irregular grooves with varying groove heights. FIG. 95 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove widths. FIG. 96 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shapes. FIG. 97 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes. FIG. 98 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shape and groove heights. FIG. 99 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes and groove heights.

FIG. 100 shows a partial rear profile view of an alternative embodiment of a bridge portion with various shaped trusses, 292, 293 and 294 on the decking 295. Note, for purposes of clarity, the orifices in the bridge portion are not shown. Theses trusses 292, 293 and 294 have the shape of a hollow triangle. FIG. 101 is a closer view of the truss 294, wherein it can be seen that the trusses can be made by forming bends in the decking 295. Particularly, the truss 294 includes bends or corners 296,297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302 and 303. This hollow triangular shape greatly enhances the overall strength of the truss 294 and thus the overall strength of the device for supporting loads on the bridge portion. When formed, the triangle may be pressed against the micromesh decking 295 with little to no gap between them. If gaps are formed, they will in the areas 304, 305 and 306. FIGS. 100 and 101 illustrate that the exemplary trusses do not have to be “planar” in form, but can polygon in shape or even circular (oval, etc.)

It will be appreciated that trusses of the present invention increase load capacity of the devices as the height of the truss increases. Trusses of the present invention also allow for greater distance from each other on the device. Thus, fewer trusses on the device are needed, which in turn provides a greater flat area on the bridge portion of the device. Fewer truss means less material to manufacture, thus saving manufacturing costs.

It will be appreciated that the decking material of the bridge portions of all the above illustrated embodiments include orifices which were not shown in the figures for purposes of clarity. Further, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments of the bridge portion of the present invention may be utilized as the complete gutter guard without the roof attachment portion and/or the gutter attachment portion.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the described embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, various changes and combinations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures, which can perform the function specified.

Claims

1. A gutter guard device comprising: a bridge member composed of a sheet of micro-mesh decking material having a plurality of orifices therein, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side;at least one truss, having a height and a width, wherein the height is greater than the width, protruding upward from and disposed on a top surface of the bridge member, wherein the at least one truss spans at least a portion of a distance from a proximal end of the roof side to a proximal end of the gutter lip side, and wherein the at least one truss is a formed of a complete fold of the entire bridge member to where a bottom surface of the bridge member is substantially continuous across a bottom width of the at least one truss;a roof attachment member attached to an end section of the roof side and configured to attach to a roof; anda gutter attachment member attached to an end section of the gutter lip side and configured to attach to a gutter lip,wherein the device is self-supporting due to strengthening from the at least one truss.

2. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the micro-mesh decking material is at least one of pre-tensioned and includes inter-woven diagonal strands of material.

3. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss is a plurality of trusses.

4. The gutter guard device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of trusses are equidistant from each other.

5. The gutter guard device of claim 3, wherein a truss of the plurality of trusses spans the bridge member in a non-orthogonal orientation.

6. The gutter guard device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of trusses are at least one of disposed on opposite sides of the bridge member, of different heights, of different spacings from each other, at non-perpendicular angles to the bridge member, and have an upper truss portion that is at an angle with respect to a lower truss portion.

7. The gutter guard of claim 3 wherein the plurality of trusses have different relative heights.

8. The gutter guard device of claim 3, further including at least one groove, being at least one of regular shaped and irregular shaped, disposed in the bridge member between the plurality of trusses.

9. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein the at least one groove is a plurality of grooves.

10. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein a first cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a shape of at least one of a hexagon, half-hexagon, triangle, box, sinusoid, off center, dip, and V.

11. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein a second cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a different shape than a first cross-sectional profile shape.

12. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein a second cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a different size than a size of a first cross-sectional profile shape.

13. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein a first groove of the at least one groove is in a reversed orientation to a second groove of the at least one groove.

14. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein an end profile of the at least one groove forms a train of angled line segments.

15. The gutter guard device of claim 14, wherein the train includes a curved segment.

16. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the at least one truss at the proximal ends of the bridge member, has a reduced profile.

17. The gutter guard device of claim 16, wherein the reduced profile is obtained by flattening the portion.

18. The gutter guard device of claim 17, wherein at least one of the roof attachment member and the gutter attachment member is attached to the bridge member proximal to the flattened portion of the at least one truss.

19. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a structure of the at least one truss is dual-trussed having a first side joined to an opposing second side via a connecting top side.

20. The gutter guard device of claim 19, wherein the first and second sides are disposed perpendicular to the bridge member.

21. The gutter guard device of claim 19, further including a reinforcement member disposed between the first and second sides.

22. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss is disposed at an angle from the bridge member.

23. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss is not equidistant from both proximal ends of the bridge member.

24. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the roof attachment member and the gutter attachment member have a receiving center configured for securing the bridge member to the respective attachment member.

25. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein the receiving center is at least one of a plurality of teeth, tabs, inner tab and channel, outer tab and channel, and a channel.

26. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein the gutter attachment member is substantially T-shaped, one side of a top of the T configured for attachment to the gutter lip and an other side of the top disposed with the receiving center.

27. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein one side of the roof attachment member is blunt-shaped and an other side is disposed within the receiving center.

28. The gutter guard device of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement cover having an inverted U shape operable to partially or completely encase the at least one truss.

29. The gutter guard of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss is formed from a different material than the micro-mesh decking material.

30. The gutter guard device of claim 29, wherein the at least one truss has attachment flanges to attach the at least one truss to the bridge member.

31. The gutter guard device of claim 30, wherein a profile of the at least one truss is at least one of an upside down U, upside down T, and I.

32. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein at a terminal end of the at least one truss, the height is reduced due to a bending downward of the at least one truss.

33. The gutter guard device of claim 1, further comprising at least one barricade disposed in the bridge member.

34. The gutter guard device of claim 33, wherein the at least one barricade has a shape of at least one of a letter, circle, arrow, arc wall, bump, dimple, and polygon.

35. The gutter guard device of claim 33, wherein the at least one barricade is a plurality of barricades.

36. The gutter guard device of claim 33, wherein the at least one barricade is not made from the micro-mesh decking material.

37. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a length of the at least one truss is less than a length between an end of the roof side and end of the gutter lip side.

38. The gutter guard device of claim 1, further comprising a crease disposed in the micro-mesh decking material in at least one of the roof side and the gutter lip side of the bridge member, the crease extending partially across the bridge member and outlining a polygonal shape.

39. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss is triangle-shaped, formed from the decking material.

40. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one truss spans an entire distance from the proximal end of the roof side to the proximal end of the gutter lip side.