SINGLE PIECE GUTTER GUARD WITH GIRDER

Abstract

A gutter guard device is described comprising a bridge member composed of a decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side, at least one girder spanning a bottom 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 configured to attach to the roof side of the bridge member, and a gutter attachment member configured to attach to the gutter lip side of the bridge member, wherein the roof attachment member, the bridge member and the gutter attachment member are a single piece of material and 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 self-supporting gutter debris obstruction devices, (i.e. gutter guard) utilizes its own girder framework.

For keeping costs down to manufacture and for improved performance, one or more embodiments of the exemplary gutter guard devices can utilize one piece of formed perforated sheet material. The perforated sheet material can be entirely perforated or perforated in limited sections.

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 decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side; at least one girder spanning a bottom 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 configured to attach to the roof side of the bridge member; and a gutter attachment member configured to attach to the gutter lip side of the bridge member, wherein the roof attachment member, the bridge member and the gutter attachment member are a single piece of material and the device is self-supporting.

In another aspect of an embodiment, the above is provided wherein the at least one girder is a plurality of girders; and/or wherein a structure of the at least one girder is dual-girdered having a first side joined to an opposing second side via a connecting bottom side; and/or wherein the first and second sides are disposed perpendicular to the bridge member; and/or wherein the at least one girder is disposed at an angle from the bridge member; and/or wherein the plurality of girders are equidistant from each other; and/or wherein a girder of the plurality of girders spans the bridge member in a non-orthogonal orientation; and/or wherein the girder of the plurality of girders is bifurcated; and/or wherein a portion of the at least one girder on at least one of the gutter attachment member and roof attachment member has a reduced profile; and/or wherein the reduced profile is obtained by flattening the portion; and/or wherein a length of the at least one girder is less than a length between the bridge member's roof side and gutter lip side; and/or wherein the at least one girder is made from a separate material from the bridge member; and/or wherein the at least one girder has a cross-sectional profile shape of a “U”; 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, crescent, 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 roof side first section of the bridge member has a first elevation and a gutter side second section has a second elevation, the two sections being joined by a third section, to form a non-linear bridge member profile, wherein the at least one girder's profile is matched to the bridge member's profile; and/or wherein the first and section elevations are the same and the third section contains an apex, to form a peak; and/or wherein the first and section elevations are the same and the third section contains an inverted apex, to form a trough; and/or wherein the roof attachment element is flexible, allowing it to be deformed into different attachment angles; and/or a profile of the at least one girder is at least one of a T and upside down L; and/or wherein a lower portion of the at least one girder is angled with respect to an upper portion of the at least one girder; and/or further including at least one of a regular and irregular groove disposed in the bridge member between the plurality of girders; and/or, wherein the at least one groove is a plurality of grooves; and/or 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; 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 further comprising a trough disposed between the gutter side of the bridge member and the gutter attachment member; and/or wherein the trough contains at least one screened window; and/or wherein a girder of the at least one girder is disposed on a top of the bridge member.

In yet another aspect of an embodiment, a gutter guard device is provided, comprising: a unitary member having a roof attachment portion, a bridge portion and a gutter attachment portion, wherein the bridge portion has a plurality of orifices, and at least one girder disposed on a bottom surface of the bridge portion to enable the device to be self-supporting over a gutter, wherein the bridge portion is disposed between the roof attachment portion and the gutter attachment portion.

In yet another aspect of an embodiment, a gutter guard device is provided, comprising: a bridge member having a decking material with a plurality of orifices and a bottom surface, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side; at least one girder having a length spanning at least a portion of the bottom surface; wherein the bridge member and the at least one girder are a single piece of material and the device 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 embodiment of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of the exemplary device installed over a gutter.

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

FIG. 3 displays the exemplary device without the gutter.

FIG. 4 displays a cross-sectional side view of the device installed over the gutter.

FIG. 5 displays a more detailed partial side view of a bridge portion.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary device.

FIG. 7 shows a partially blownup side view from section Circle 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a rear bottom perspective view of an exemplary device.

FIG. 9 shows a partially blown up perspective view of Circle 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of an exemplary device.

FIG. 11 shows a left side cross-sectional view of an exemplary device taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary device taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of an exemplary device in use and installed over a gutter.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of an alternative exemplary device with non-perpendicular girders.

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of another alternative exemplary device with varied angled girders.

FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of another alternative exemplary device with differently varied angled girders.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of another alternative exemplary device with curved, multi-angled, joined girders.

FIG. 18 displays a bottom view of an exemplary device with an upward angled roof attachment portion.

FIG. 19 displays a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 displays a side of the embodiment of FIG. 18 mounted to a building or gutter.

FIG. 21 displays a bottom view of an exemplary device with a downward angled roof attachment portion.

FIG. 22 displays a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 displays a side of the embodiment of FIG. 21 mounted to a building or gutter.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of another exemplary device with a drop-down mid-deck.

FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a partial side view of another exemplary device with multi-angled mid-deck.

FIG. 27 is a partial side view of another exemplary device with a reversed multi-angled mid-deck.

FIG. 28 is a bottom side view of another exemplary gutter guard device.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary device upwardly bent and installed on a gutter with section.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary device downwardly bent and installed on a gutter with section.

FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary device multiply bent and installed on a gutter or roof.

FIG. 33 displays side view of an exemplary girder having a U-shaped profile.

FIG. 34 displays side view of an exemplary girder having a T-shaped profile.

FIG. 35 displays side view of an exemplary girder having an inverted L-shaped profile.

FIG. 36 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device.

FIG. 37 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with irregularly spaced girders.

FIG. 38 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with girders having the unequal height dimension.

FIG. 39 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with girders an angle other than 90 degrees.

FIG. 40 is a partial side view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with non-uniform height girders.

FIG. 41 displays a partial profile view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with girders having an inverted T-shaped profile.

FIG. 42 shows an exemplary embodiment with girders having an L-shaped profile.

FIG. 43 shows an exemplary embodiment with girders having a lower portion slanted from the main body of the girders.

FIG. 44 shows an exemplary embodiment with girders having a slanted profile.

FIG. 45 displays a bottom view of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with barricades(s).

FIG. 46 displays an underside view of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with barricade(s) and orifice(s).

FIG. 47 displays an underside view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 48 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 49 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 50 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 51 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 52 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 53 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 54 displays an underside view of a portion of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary device.

FIG. 55 displays an underside view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary device with grooves.

FIG. 56 displays a side profile view of a half hexagon groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 displays a side profile view of a triangular groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 displays a side profile view of a box groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 59 displays a side profile view of a sinusoidal groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 60 displays a side profile view of an off center groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 61 displays a side profile view of a dip groove for use with the embodiment of FIG. 55.

FIG. 62 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a triangle profile.

FIG. 63 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a box profile.

FIG. 64 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a sinusoidal profile.

FIG. 65 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to an off center profile.

FIG. 66 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a dip profile.

FIG. 67 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a smaller dimension half hexagon profile.

FIG. 68 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large V profile to a smaller V profile.

FIG. 69 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large box to a small box profile.

FIG. 70 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large sinusoidal to a small sinusoidal profile.

FIG. 71 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large off-center profile to a small off-center profile.

FIG. 72 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large dome profile to a small dip profile.

FIG. 73 shows a side view of another feature for groove embodiments with slanting/diminishing profile.

FIG. 74 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. 75 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a V profile to virtually nothing and back to a V profile.

FIG. 76 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a sinusoidal to virtually nothing and back to sinusoidal.

FIG. 77 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from an off-center profile to virtually nothing and back to an off-center profile.

FIG. 78 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a dip profile to virtually nothing and back to a dip profile.

FIG. 79 displays a front bottom perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary device with a plurality of reversed half hexagonal transition grooves.

FIG. 80 shows a side profile of a first groove of the embodiment shown in FIG. 79.

FIG. 81 shows a side profile of a second groove of the embodiment shown in FIG. 79.

FIG. 82 shows a side profile of a third groove of the embodiment shown in FIG. 79.

FIG. 83 displays a front bottom perspective view of a portion another embodiment of an exemplary device with a plurality of reversed irregular grooves.

FIG. 84 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality alternating irregular grooves.

FIG. 85 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality “downward” irregular grooves.

FIG. 86 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality “upward” irregular grooves.

FIG. 87 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality of cross plane irregular grooves.

FIG. 88 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having a plurality of irregular grooves with varying groove heights.

FIG. 89 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove widths.

FIG. 90 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shapes.

FIG. 91 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes.

FIG. 92 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shape and groove heights.

FIG. 93 illustrates an exemplary bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes and groove heights.

FIG. 94 illustrates a partial perspective view of an exemplary device having a trough portion having window openings.

FIG. 95 illustrates a partial perspective view of an exemplary device having a trough portion having an alternatively shaped window opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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, 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.

This 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 flat surface along the planar areas of the decking to allow debris to roll off the guard. Therefore, having a judiciously increased flat area of the mesh would reduce the lodging problem and also assist in allowing debris to roll off the guard unto the ground.

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

FIGS. 1-4 display views of an embodiment of an exemplary self-supporting gutter guard device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 100 includes a roof attachment portion 110, a bridge portion 120, a trough portion 130, a gutter attachment portion 140, and at least one girder 150. The device 100 can be made from a single piece of material, if so desired. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, portions 110, 120, 130, and 140, and girder 150 are all formed from the single piece of material to define the device 100.

The bridge portion 120 of the device 100 is disposed between the roof attachment portion 110 and the trough portion 130. The trough portion 130 is disposed between the bridge portion 120 and the gutter attachment portion 140.

The device 100 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.

It should be noted that while the various Figs. shown here and in other embodiments below appear to illustrate the girders 150 as being a “solid” material in contrast to an “orificed” material for the bridge portion 120, the girders 150 may be made from the same orificed bridge material so as to have orifices also in the girders 150. Thus, having a solid material girder or an orificed material girder can be utilized. Also, portions of the exemplary device 100 may be pre-orificed or orificed during or after forming of the girder 150.

FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of the exemplary device 100, 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 100, when in use is disposed above the gutter opening GO. The device 100 is operably configured to span over the entire gutter opening GO. The device 100 extends from the roof R to the gutter lip GL. The device 100, along with other embodiments, will allow rainwater RW to pass from a top surface of the device 100 through the device 100 and into the gutter G, while preventing a substantial amount of debris from falling into the gutter G. Additionally, the device 100, 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 100 is shown in this figure to be installed onto the building B, which, in this embodiment, is “in-line” or an acute angle from the roof's R slope angle.

FIG. 3 displays a bottom view of an exemplary device 100, without the gutter G. FIG. 4 displays a cross-sectional side view of the device 100 installed over the gutter G. Girders 150 provide support for the device 120 to span the gutter opening GO.

The roof attachment portion 110, when in use is operably configured to be attached to the roof R. In this exemplary embodiment, the roof attachment portion 110 is disposed under the shingles S on the roof R. It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the roof attachment portion 110 can be directly affixed to the roof R or alternately to the building B with conventional fasteners.

The bridge portion 120 includes a plurality of orifices 122. The bridge portion 120 provides bracing support for the plurality of girders 150. The bridge portion 120 laterally connect adjacent girders 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 be made of a single piece of material, thus the lateral support provided by the bridge portion 120 to the girders 150 is enhanced. This interconnection of the girders 150 enhances the overall strength of the device 100 and further prevents deflection of the device 100 when spanning the gutter G. The density of orifices 122 can be uniformly spaced (as shown in the Figs.) or non-uniformly spaced, according to design preference. Additionally, different size orifices for different sections of the bridge portion 120 may be implemented, if so desired. For example, depending on the size, shape, and structure, the orifice 122 density can be between 4-60 orifices per square inch. Of course, other densities may be utilized, in accordance with the desired performance goals, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

The trough portion 130 is disposed slightly below the gutter attachment portion 140, when the device 100 is in use, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the trough portion 130 connects the gutter attachment portion 140 to the bridge portion 120. The cross-sectional shape of the trough portion 130 is shown here as an arc, however, it will be appreciated that the trough portion 130 can, in other exemplary embodiments, have alternate shapes, non-limiting examples being sinusoidal, multi-angled, an acute angle, obtuse angle, a V or L, etc. The trough portion 130 being below the gutter attachment portion 140, when the device 100 is in use, will enhance the drainage of water through the device 100. The trough portion 130 provides a welling area for the water, providing additional time for the water to drain through the orifices 122 in the bridge portion 120, rather than immediately flowing over the gutter attachment portion 140. It will further be appreciated that the trough portion 130 can, for example, in other exemplary embodiments, have orifices (not shown) to further aid in the drainage of rainwater. It should also be noted that the use of the trough portion 130 (below the plane of the gutter attachment portion 140) enables the surface area of the bridge portion 120 to be larger than a design where the bridge portion 120 is directly coupled to the gutter attachment portion 140, thereby providing better water transference into the gutter G.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the lateral length of the bridge portion 120 may be shorter or longer than shown. That is, a longer arc (or other shape) may be utilized to provide a larger “welling” area for the water. Further, while the embodiments shown illustrate the bridge portion 130 with a uniform lateral length, it should be appreciated that the length may vary between girders 150 or even be individually non-uniform. As a non-limiting example, the bridge portion 130 can be broadly triangular-shaped (or arc-shaped, etc.) extending into/away from the trough portion 120. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art, upon understanding the effect of the bridge portion 120, may devise various different shapes, arrangements, sizes, and so forth without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

The gutter attachment portion 140 is operably configured to be fastenable to the gutter G when the device 100 is in use. For example, the gutter attachment portion 140 will overlay 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 140 to the gutter lip G, non-limiting examples being screws, rivets, double sided tape, staples, and so forth.

At least one or more girders 150 can be implemented, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In some instances, fewer girders may be possible than shown in these Figs., depending on the bridge portion makeup, girder size, length of the device, etc. For example, even a single girder device may be possible. The girders 150 are formed in the bridge portion 120. The spacing and number of girders 150 are understood to be as a function of the length and width of the bridge portion 120, as well as the mesh's inherent mechanical rigidity. Therefore, when using less rigid mesh material over larger gutters more girders maybe necessary. Conversely, with more rigid mesh material over smaller gutters, less girders may be necessary. As can be appreciated, the choice in number and spacing of girders is subject to the combination of materials used, size of the gutter, strength desired, etc, and therefore, is variable and design dependent. In an experimental embodiment, each respective girder 150 was set at approximately four inches apart from another. However, it should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the adjacent girders 150 can be less or greater than four inches apart, and is variable depending on the design preferences and choices. Also, in some embodiments, the design can be such that the girders 150 can be non-uniformly spaced from each other. Also, as another non-limiting example of variable girder arrangement, proximal pairs or “neighboring sets” of girders can be distributed along the device 100, with uniform (or non-uniform) spacings between the pairs/sets.

It is understood that the girders 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, girder formations are vastly superior (strength-wise) to corrugations and therefore allow a significant span between each other, as opposed to corrugations alone.

It should be appreciated that FIGS. 1-4 illustrate embodiments where the girders 150 extend onto the bridge portion 120 and, in one form or another, onto gutter attachment portion 140. Thus, the girders 150 can operate to enhance the strength of the bridge portion 120 and gutter attachment portion 140. Moreover, while FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the girders 150 having the appearance of a uniform depth (or shape), it is possible to have the girders 150 depth (or cross sectional shape) vary. Such variations may be in view of the mechanical strength differences of the bridge portion 120, bridge portion 120, and gutter attachment portion 140.

For the purposes of consistency with the following Figs.'s orientation of the girders, the vertical dimension of the girder will be referred to as the height, rather than the depth. The “height” of the girder is determined by measuring the distance between the end of the girder against the surface of the deck (or bridge portion) the girder is connected to.

The one-piece sheet material that forms the bridge portion 120, also forms the girders 150. This is in contrast to conventional devices that utilize latticed mesh type material to span the gutter opening. Non-latticed material or solid material girders, such as shown in various embodiments here, allow for a greater distance between adjacent girders than a device with webbed or latticed material. This greater distance provides the advantage of greater areas of planar areas for water to drain through the device 100 and into the gutter G.

FIG. 5 displays a more detailed partial side view of the bridge portion 120 and a singular girder 152, of the plurality of girders 150 (previous Figs.). The girder 152 illustrates how the girders 150 can be formed in the bridge portion 120. The girder 152 includes a first side 153, a second side 154 and a bottom 155. The bottom 155 is disposed between and connects the first and second sides 153 and 154. The one-piece of sheet material that forms the bridge portion 120 is folded vertically about an angle 124 from the bridge portion 120 for forming the first side 153. The sheet material then folds over itself approximately 180 degrees to form the bottom 155.

Side 154 extends from the bottom 155 back to the bridge portion 120 at angle 126. The angles 124 and 126 are about 90 degrees. But it should be appreciated that angles 124, 126 in other exemplary embodiments can be greater than 90 degrees (e.g., forming a pyramidal or V-shaped profile, etc.), or only one side angle (e.g., 124 or 126) is less than 90 degrees to have a longitudinally inclined profile. The first and second sides 153 and 154 can form a girder structure with two vertical “adjoining” sides, which, from another point of view, can be interpreted as a double “girdered” structure. It should be noted that the side walls of girder 150 do not necessarily have to touch each other, as there may be a space between. That is, the sides 153 and 154 may form a sharp “V” or “-like” shape, if so desired. Similarly, while the embodiments shown herein can be formed with a single “fold” in the sheet material (or un-orificed portion of the bridge 120) to create the girder 152, it is possible to have multiple folds (e.g., M-shaped or W-shaped) to form more-walled girders, according to design preference. It is understood that having a thicker girder can achieve a similar strengthening support structure as compared to having a taller girder. Moreover, greater strength of the girder can also be achieved by using a thicker material or doing multiple folds, as alluded above.

For an experimental device 100 placed on a 5″ wide gutter, using 0.04″ thick aluminum or metal sheeting material, the following results were found comparing fixed girder height, varying widths, and adjacent girder distances:

	Gutter	Girder	Girder	Girder
	Width	Width	Height	Distance
	5 inches	0.034 inches	0.125	4 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.125	5 inches
	5 inches	0.12 inches	0.125	6 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.125 inches	5 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.157 inches	5.5 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.189 inches	6 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.221 inches	6.5 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.253 inches	7 inches
	5 inches	0.08 inches	0.285 inches	7.5 inches

As is apparent, different girder heights and widths may be used according to design preference and material choices. Accordingly, in alternate embodiments the girder height may be less than or greater than shown and the girder width less than or greater than shown.

As detailed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the girders 150 can extend across the entire bridge portion 120. It is further shown that the girders 150 can extend across the roof attachment portion 110. Also, the girders 150 can extend across the trough portion 130. Further, the girders 150 can extend across the gutter attachment portion 140. However, in variations of the embodiment detailed in FIG. 3, the girders 150 can be configured so as to not entirely extend across bridge portion 120, or across trough portion 130, or gutter attachment portion 140.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary device 100 and FIG. 7 shows a partially blownup side view from section Circle 7-7. The portion of the girder 150 under the gutter attachment portion 140 can be configured to be substantially flat against the gutter attachment portion 140 (i.e., horizontally inclined), rather than in a vertical arrangement as in the bridge portion 120. In this embodiment the side 154 is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface 142 of the gutter attachment portion 140. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the other side 153 of the girder 152 can be disposed adjacent to the bottom surface 142 of the gutter attachment portion 140. It will be further appreciated that the each of the girders 150 do not have to have the same positioning relative to the gutter attachment portion 140. Further, it will be appreciated that the sides of the girder 152 do not have to 100% flat against the gutter attachment portion 140.

As can be appreciated, the “flattening” of the gutter attachment section of the girders 150 be performed for ease of stacking the device 100, for aesthetic reasons, to reduce its profile to debris flowing off of the device 100. In some embodiments, the flattened girder section may be crimped or pressed (molded, stamped, heated, etc.) into the gutter attachment portion 140 as a means of, or to further reduce its profile. In other embodiments, the flattening may be lessened whereas the girders 150 may protrude at a greater height than shown in FIG. 7.

It is conceivable to have the flattening rate differ for different girders along the gutter attachment portion 140, to provide differing surface “elevations” (e.g., bottom of the girder 155). In some embodiments, the flattening can be proxied by shearing off (or mechanically removing) the gutter attachment portion of the girders 150. In other embodiments, it is conceivable to have the so-called flattened portions flattened by having the side walls “split” out so the profile of the gutter attachment portion of the girders 150 is similar to a stapled staple. That is, the sides 153 and 154 may be displaced from each other and “flattened” to be planar with top 155, so their interiors are facing the bottom of the gutter attachment portion 140. As can be seen, various other shapes and ways of “flattening” the girder portions can be used. Therefore, other means or ways to provide the flattening are understood to be within the purview of one of ordinary skill and thus are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a rear bottom perspective view of an exemplary device 100 and FIG. 9 shows a partially blown up perspective view of Circle 9-9. Here, the girders 150 can be disposed flat along the surface of roof attachment portion 110. Also, the girders 150 “over” the gutter attachment portion 140 may be flattened as well as the roof attachment portion 110, versus the vertical arrangement shown with the bridge portion 120. Having the girders 150 configured with a flattened profile on the roof attachment portion 110 will aid in allowing the roof attachment portion 110 to be readily disposed under the shingles, when the device 100 is in use. In this embodiment the side 154 is disposed adjacent to a bottom surface 112 of the roof attachment portion 110. It will be appreciated that the other side 153 of the girder in other exemplary embodiments is disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the roof attachment portion 110. It will be further appreciated that the each of the girders do not have to have the same positioning relative to the roof attachment portion 110. Further, it will be appreciated that the girders do not have to 100% flat against the roof attachment portion. As stated above, any means for flattening or variation of the shape of the girder portion over the bottom surface 112 of the roof attachment portion 110 may be utilized. As a non-limiting example, the roof attachment portion section of the girder may be sheared either in its entirety or partially sheared (e.g., mechanically removed).

It should be appreciated that while the FIGS. illustrate the “flattened” sections of the girders 150 occurring when entering the gutter attachment portion (not shown) and roof attachment portion 110 of the device 100, it may be desirable to have the flattening being either earlier or later. That is, the flattening can occur at different points than shown.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of an exemplary device 100. FIG. 11 shows a left side cross-sectional view of an exemplary device 100, taken along line 11-11. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary device 100 taken along line 12-12. FIG. 13 shows a side view of an exemplary device 100 in use and installed over the gutter G. For simplicity, the girders 150 can be disposed substantially parallel with the bridge portion 120. Further the girders 150 can be substantially perpendicular to a front edge 144 of the gutter attachment portion 140. In other embodiments, the girders 150 may have non-parallel orientations.

As shown in FIG. 13, the exemplary device 100 can be installed at an approximate angle 104 relative to a horizontal 102. For this example, the angle 104 is about 15 degrees but it is expressly understood that the angle 104 will vary depending on gutter to roof arrangement and/or approximate pitch of the roof. Therefore, angle 104 is dependent on the parameters for installation.

The embodiments described can be made out of a sheet material (e.g., aluminum or metal sheeting), which simplifies the construction thereof. In a tested embodiment, a width between the first and second sides 153 and 154 of the girders 150 was at approximately 0.04 inches. If made of a sheet, non-mesh material such as aluminum or steel can allow for such small widths. If a conventional micro mesh material were used, such as stainless steel micro mesh, the minimum width may only be 0.07 inches. Thus, for a given sheet thickness, it is understood that having a smaller girder width will increase the available planar area between the adjacent girders 150. The greater the planar area, the more orifices can be formed in the bridge portion 120.

And with more area of open space for water to penetrate through, water can penetrate with less resistance, and will provide better overall drainage into the gutter. To illustrate this point, comparing a conventionally corrugated planar surface and a girded planar surface: A decking area (i.e., 100%) may have up to 40% of its surface corrugated, leaving 60% as planar. In contrast, a similar decking area may only require 4% of its area for girders, leaving 96% as planar. Thus, a girder supported system provides larger areas of penetrable open space than a corrugated supported system. Also, as the height of the girders 150 increase, the dynamic load capacity of the exemplary device 100 increases. The height is the dimension of the girders 150 from the bridge portion 120 to the bottom 155 of the girder 152. Further as the height increases, the lengths from the front to the back of the device 100 can increase. Thus, devices 100, made in accordance with the described embodiments can be designed to cover gutters 12 inches or more, for example.

Table A provides examples of girder height to girder length ratios for determining how long a girder can be when providing support for the one-piece material for an exemplary embodiment made for various gutter widths. Table A show acceptable specifications for these ratios.

TABLE A
Girder	Girder	Covers Gutter
Height:	Length:	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 girders is 4 inches.

As shown in Table A, as the gutter increases in width by one inch, the height of the girder increases by about approximately 0.032 inches. These values were based on a sheet material of aluminum or steel sheeting having an average orifice size of 0.125 inches with an orifice density of 16 per square inch.

Girders of the described embodiments increase load capacity of the devices 100 as the height of the girder increases. These girders also allow for greater distance from each other on the device 100. Thus, fewer girders on the device 100 are needed, which in turn provides a greater area on the bridge portion of the device 100. Fewer girders also means less effort and less material to manufacture, thus saving manufacturing costs.

Table B provides some examples of Girder-Height to Girder-Distance from each other ratios on a 5 Inch Gutter. It will be appreciated that as each girder increases in height by 0.032 inches, the distance between girders increases by 0.25 inches.

TABLE B
Girder-Height To Girder-Distance From
Each Other Ratios On A 5 Inch Gutter
Gutter	Girder	Distance between
Width:	Height:	adjacent Girders
5 inches	0.125 inches	4 inches
5 inches	0.157 inches	4.25 inches
5 inches	0.189 inches	4.5 inches
5 inches	0.221 inches	4.75 inches
5 inches	0.253 inches	5 inches
5 inches	0.285 inches	5.25 inches

Table C provides examples of Girder-Height To Girder-Distance From Each Other Ratios On A 6 Inch Gutter. It will be appreciated that as each girder increases in height by 0.032 inches, the distance between girders increases by 0.18 inches.

TABLE C
Girder-Height To Girder-Distance From
Each Other Ratios On A 6 Inch Gutter
Gutter	Girder	Distance between
Width:	Height:	adjacent Girders
6 inches	0.125 inches	4 inches
6 inches	0.157 inches	4.18 inches
6 inches	0.189 inches	4.36 inches
6 inches	0.221 inches	4.54 inches
6 inches	0.253 inches	4.72 inches
6 inches	0.285 inches	4.9 inches

FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 show bottom views of alternative exemplary embodiments of gutter guards, namely devices 200, 300, 400, and 500, respectively. These devices are similar to device 100, except that the girders formed in the bridge portions are disposed in various arrangements along the respective devices. The device 200 is shown with girders 250, 260 and 262 which are disposed at about a 45 degree angle relative to the rear edge (roof attachment portion) of the device 200 and reference line 202. It will be appreciated that these girders can be formed at nearly any angle relative to the rear edge (and/or front edge). Further the girders can be at various distances between one another. The device 300 of FIG. 15 illustrates that various girder angles can be combined. The girder 300 has a girder 350 and a girder 362 which are both disposed about 90 degrees from the rear edges and reference line 302. The girder 300 further has a girder 360 and a girder 364, which are disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the rear edge. The device 400 of FIG. 16 illustrates girders 450, 460, 462, 464 and 466, all of which are disposed at various angles relative to the reference line 402. This embodiment illustrates how various girder angles can be utilized on the same device. The device 500 of FIG. 17 illustrates girders, 550, 560, 562, 564, 566 and 568. These girders are at various offset angles, curved, etc. and some do not extend “uniformly” across the entire device 500. For example, girder 550 extends partially across the device 500 at one angle and then continues at another angle. Girder 560 includes curved portions and linear portions across the device 500. Girder 562 and girder 550 extend partially across the device 500 at one angle and then continues at another angle. Girder 564 is non-linear across a portion of the device 500. Girders 566 and 568 show the possibility of intersecting girders. It will be appreciated that there are a myriad of variations available for girder angles, shapes, configurations that can be utilized on alternate embodiments and, therefore, are understood to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 display views of another exemplary gutter guard device 600. The device 600 is very similar to the device 100, except the roof attachment portion 610 is disposed at an upward angle 613 relative to the bridge portion 620. FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the exemplary device 600 and FIG. 19 shows a side view of the exemplary device 600, whereas FIG. 20 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary device 600 installed over a gutter. In this embodiment, the angle 613 is shown to about 90 degrees, thereby providing a parallel surface area for attachment to a side of the building B (or equivalently through a back wall of the gutter G which is attached to the building B). Of course, other upward angles or multi-stepped angles (to have a terminal section of the roof attachment portion 610 parallel to the side of the building B), may be implemented. The device 600 includes at least one girder 650, which is disposed across the entire device 600 and also angles up with the roof attachment portion 610. This embodiment enables the roof attachment portion 610 of the device 600 to be installed directly to the building B rather than under the roof shingles. In other embodiments, however, the girders may not need to extend over onto the roof attachment portion 610 but terminate prior to reaching the roof attachment portion 610.

FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 display another exemplary gutter guard device 700. The exemplary device 700 is very similar to the device 100, except the roof attachment portion 710 is disposed at a downward angle 713 relative to the bridge portion 720. FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of the exemplary device 700 and FIG. 22 shows a side view of the exemplary device 700, whereas FIG. 23 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary device 700 installed over a gutter. In this embodiment the downward angle 713 is about 90 degrees, thereby providing a parallel surface area for attachment to a side of the building B (or equivalently through a back wall of the gutter G which is attached to the building B). Of course, other downward angles or multi-stepped angles (to have a terminal section of the roof attachment portion 710 parallel to the side of the building B) may be implemented. The device 700 includes at least one girder 750, which disposed across the entire device 700 and also angled down with the roof attachment portion 710. This embodiment enables the roof attachment portion 710 of the device 700 to be installed directly to the building B rather than under shingles S. In other embodiments, however, the girders 750 may not need to extend over onto the roof attachment portion 710 but terminate prior to reaching the roof attachment portion 710.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are views of another exemplary gutter guard device 800. The exemplary device 800 is very similar to the device 100, however, has a bridge portion 820 with a drop-down deck. FIG. 24 is a bottom view and FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the bridge portion 820. The bridge portion 820 include a first deck 821 and a second deck 823. In this embodiment the second deck 823 is lower than the first deck 821. The bridge portion 820 also include a mid-deck 825. The mid-deck 825 connects the first and second decks 821 and 823, respectively. In this embodiment, the mid-deck 825 can be generally planar. A girder 850 extends and is formed in all three decks 823, 825, and 821.

FIG. 26 display a partial side view of another exemplary bridge portion 920 of an exemplary gutter guard device 900. The exemplary device 900 is a variation of device 800, having first, second and third mid-decks 921, 923 and 925, respectively. However, the device's 900 mid-deck 925 is multi-segmented with an angle 927 between its segments so as to provide an elevated “peak” on mid-deck 925. The angle 927 can be any functional angle, and the mid-deck 925 may have more than two segments as well as differing length segments, if so desired. Further, while FIG. 26 shows a mid-deck 925 profile with abrupt angles, it is possible to have curved profile(s) individually or in combination with the mid-deck 925 segments. Additionally, it is understood that the mid-deck 925 may be entirely curved. First and second mid-decks 921 and 923, respectively may be colinear extending up from a horizontal reference 903, or non-colinear, each being at a difference elevation (or angle) from the horizontal reference 903. A girder 950 can extend and be formed in all three decks. This configuration provides a mid-deck profile that aides in the drying of leaves and other debris when the device 900 is in use.

FIG. 27 displays a partial side view of another exemplary bridge portion 1020 of an exemplary gutter guard device 1000. The exemplary device 1000 is a variation of device 900, having first, second and third mid-decks 1021, 1023 and 1025, respectively. However, the device's 1000 mid-deck 1025 is multi-segmented with an angle 1027 between its segments so as to provide a valley on mid-deck 1025. As stated in FIG. 26, analogous variations in shape, length, segment angle and so forth are equally applicable for this design. A girder 1050 can extend and be formed in all three decks. This configuration provides a mid-deck profile that provides a “welling” area for water when the device 1000 is in use.

As stated above, it will be appreciated that the girders and bridge portions can be of different shapes other than the side view shapes shown in the above embodiments. For example, the various sections can be in the shape of irregular triangles, arches, squares, hexagons, or any other open polygon or irregular polygon or multi-planed shapes, etc. Further, there can be more than one raised or lowed sections or combinations thereof in the bridge portions. Further the raised or lowered sections can share the same decking plane and face up or share the same decking plane and face down, or even lowered and raised while sharing the same plane.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are bottom and side views, respectively, displaying another exemplary gutter guard device 1100. The exemplary device 1100 is a variation of the device 100, where at least one girder 1150 is disposed vertically under only a portion of the device 1100. FIG. 29 shows a design where the girder 1150 can extend vertically from a gutter attachment portion 1140 to a distance 1153 from a rear edge of the roof attachment portion 1110. It should be appreciated that the girder 1150 is flattened (or reduced in “height”) in section 1155 of bridge portion 1120 and roof attachment portion 1110. The section 1155 has a length of the distance 1153. It is understood that with the girder “flattened” in section 1155, the rigidity of that section will be reduced (to provide a greater degree of flexibility as compared to those sections with a vertical girder). Therefore, section 1155 can now be more easily manipulated and bent by an installer into whatever shape necessary to fit on a gutter-to-roof configuration, non-limiting examples being illustrated below.

FIG. 30 illustrates the exemplary device 1100 installed on a gutter with section 1155 bent upward to fit the installation needs. FIG. 31 illustrates the exemplary device 1100 installed on a gutter with section 1155 bent downward to fit the installation needs. FIG. 32 illustrates the exemplary device 1100 installed on a gutter with the section 1155 bent upward and multiple times to fit the under the shingles, per the installation needs. Having a flexible section allows the exemplary device 1100 to be easily adjusted by an installer to fit in a plethora of gutter-to-roof configurations. In other embodiments, there may be one or more score/pre-bend lines (or equivalent) in section 1155, providing a greater degree of ease for “bending” by the installer.

FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 display partial rear views of bridge portions of alternate exemplary gutter guard devices 1200, 1300 and 1400, respectively. The devices 1200, 1300 and 1400 are similar to device 100, however the at least one girders 1250, 1350 and 1450, respectively are not formed by manipulating the material in the respective bridge portions, 1220, 1320 and 1420, respectively. Rather, the respective girders are separately formed and attached thereto the respective bridge portions. FIG. 33 shows girder 1250 with a U-shaped profile with “attachment” flanges 1251 and 1252. Flanges 1251 and 1252 may be 90 degrees to the girder 1250, but other angles, shapes, sizes for the flanges 1251, 1252 may be utilized. Moreover, girder 1250 may have asymmetrical flanges. Therefore, girder 1250 can be secured to bridge portion 1220 using flanges 1251 and 1252 (which may extend partially or along all of girder 1250). Any conventional method of attachment or securing can be utilized, such as rivets, welding, heat, molding, pressure, adhesive or other fastening techniques. It will be appreciated that the girder 1250 can in other exemplary embodiments have other profile shapes, such as that of a triangle, square, rectangle or other shapes.

In FIG. 34, girder 1350 is shown as a T-shaped material with two mounting flanges 1351 and 1352. This girder 1350 illustrates a “solid” girder structure in contrast to the “hollow” interior seen in girder 1250 of FIG. 33. Like in FIG. 33, flanges 1351 and 1352 can be disposed and attached to a bridge portion 1320. Likewise, girder 1350 (and flanges 1351, 1352) can be reconfigured or modified in accordance with the variations discussed above.

FIG. 35 shows a girder 1450 having an inverted L-shape, with only one flange 1451 disposed against a bridge portion 1420. Likewise, girder 1450 (and flange(s) 1451) can be reconfigured or modified in accordance with the variations discussed above.

Not shown, but inherent to the above discussion are possible variations in the shape of the vertical portion of the girders 1250, 1350, and 1450. For example, the girders may have a bent or curved profile, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, it is understood that additional variations and modifications to the shapes, sizes, orientations are possible to one of ordinary skill in the art and therefore are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 36 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 1500. The exemplary device 1500 has similar elements to device 100, however the at least one girder 1550 includes a plurality of girders, some of which are disposed on opposing surfaces of a bridge portion 1520. Girders 1551, 1553 and 1555 are disposed on a top side 1521 of a bridge portion 1520 and girders 1550 and 1552 are disposed on an opposing, bottom side 1522 of the bridge portion 1520. The girders in this embodiment are equally spaced from one another. It should be understood that the top side girders are traditionally understood as girders. However, for ease of narrative when discussing embodiments with girders that are also positioned to be girders, the term girder will be used as shorthand to refer both to “girders” and “reversed-side” girders (girders). This broadened generic use of the term girder will only apply to these discussions, understanding its shorthand purpose

FIG. 37 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 1600. The exemplary device 1600 is similar to device 1500, however girders 1650, 1651, 1652, 1653, 1655 are irregularly spaced apart from one another.

FIG. 38 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 1700. Device 1700 is similar to device 1500, however, the girders are shown as not having the same height dimension. Device 1700 includes girders 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753 and 1755. All of these girders have different height dimensions. It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, that the separation between the girders can vary as well.

FIG. 39 displays a portion of a rear view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 1800. Device 1800 is similar to device 1500, however, device 1800 has girders 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853 and 1855 disposed on bridge portion 1820 at an angle other than 90 degrees.

FIG. 40 is a partial side view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device with a non-uniform height girder 1880. The girder 1880 has a first end 1856 and a second end 1857. A height 1858 of the girder 1880 at its first end 1856 is greater in dimension than a height 1859 of the girder 1880 at the second end 1857. The girder 1880 has a sloped profile from one end to the other. It will be appreciated that girders on the same device can have varying profile dimensions and shapes as illustrated in the other embodiments, as well as having a non-linear slope (e.g., multi-angled, curved, etc.).

FIGS. 41, 42, 43 and 44 display partial profile views of alternative embodiments of exemplary gutter guard devices 1900, 2000, 2100 and 2200, respectively. The devices 1900, 2000, 2100 and 2200 are very similar to the device 100, however, each of them includes girders with different profile shapes. Particularly, device 1900 includes a plurality of girders 1950 having an inverted T-shaped profile. Device 2000 includes a plurality of girders 2050 having an L-shaped profile. Device 2100 includes a plurality of girders 2150 with a lower portion which is slanted from the main body of the girder. Device 2200 includes a plurality of girders 2250 all having a slanted profile.

It will be appreciated that the girders in various embodiments of the present disclosure can have 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. 45 displays a perspective bottom view of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 2300. The device 2300 has similar characteristics to device 100, having a bridge portion 2320 and at least one girder 2350. For illustration purposes orifices in the bridge portion 2320 are not shown. A principal difference of device 2300 from device 100 is that it includes at least one barricade 2321, shown here with protruding sections. The barricade(s) 2321 can be formed directly in the bridge portion 2320. In this exemplary embodiment the barricade(s) 2321 are protruding from the bottom surface. As shown in this Fig., this particular embodiment has barricade(s) 2321 that can be described as a plurality of bumps extending from the bridge portion 2320. The size, arrangement, shape, height, positioning and number of barricade(s) may be varied, according to design preference.

It will be appreciated that the barricade 2321 can be an impression formed directly in the material of the bridge portion 2320 and/or a separate material affixed to the bridge portion 2320 to produce a pronounced change in the height of the bridge portion 2320. 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 girders. 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 penetrate more easily. This feature operates to increase the drainage rate for a given decking area.

If the barricade(s) 2321 are formed protruding to a top surface of the bridge portion 2320, it will protrude “away” from the gutter opening when in use and will aide in preventing debris from not collecting on the device 2300. Particularly, leaves can often be wet and when wet will not readily move off the device 2300. Having the barricade-like structure will allow a leaf, or the like to span from the top surface of the bridge portion 2320 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 2300.

FIG. 46 displays an underside view of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 2400. The device 2400 has a bridge portion 2420, at least one girder 2450 and at least one barricade 2421. For illustration purposes orifices in the bridge portion 2420 are not illustrated. The device 2400 differs from device 2300 in that the barricade(s) 2421 also include at least one orifice 2452 disposed at the bottom of the barricade(s) 2421. The barricade orifice 2452 is presumed here to be larger than the inherent orifices found in the bridge material 2420. With the barricade(s) 245 being recessed, rainwater will flow into the barricade(s) 2421 and then drain through the “larger” orifice 2452 and into the gutter opening when the device 2400 is in use. It will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments there may be multiple recessed barricades as well as raised barricades in combination with the recessed barricades. It will further be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, each recessed barricade can include multiple orifices. Moreover, while the girders 2450 are shown as being on an underside of the bridge portion 2420, it is understood that they may be also disposed on the top of the bridge portion 2420.

The size, arrangement, shape, height, positioning and number of barricade(s) may be varied, according to design preference. It will be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, recesses barricades and bump barricades can be combined on the same device.

FIGS. 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 display portions of alternative embodiments of an underside of exemplary gutter guard devices 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100 and 3200, respectively. These exemplary devices share similar attributes to devices 2300 and 2400, wherein the barricade-like structures are shown in various shapes, configurations, groupings, elevations, designs, and so forth. It is noted that one or more of the barricade-like structures shown here may also be reversed to protrude to a top surface of the bridge portion as well having combinations of the shapes on a single device, if so desired. It is understood that the features of these Figs. are self-explanatory and serve to demonstrate a small sample set of the limitless modifications and changes that one of ordinary skill in the art may apply, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 55 displays a bottom view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 3300. The device 3300 has similar characteristics to device 100, having a bridge portion 3320 and girders 3350, 3352 and 3354. For purposed of clarity, other features of the device 3300 such as the trough portion, gutter attachment portion and the roof attachment portion are not illustrated in this Fig. Further, orifices in the bridge portion 3320 are not shown for purposes of clarity. One of the ways that device 3300 differs from device 100 is that device 3300 further includes at least one “groove” 3322. 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.

One or more of these grooves 3322 can be disposed in the planar surface of the bridge portion 3320 and further disposed between adjacent bridges 3352. The grooves 3322 can be disposed across the entire length of the bridge portion 3320. However, it will be appreciated that the grooves 3322 may in other embodiments extend only a portion of the bridge portion 3320. Further, the adjacent grooves can be parallel to one another. However, it will be appreciated that adjacent grooves in other embodiments, can be non-parallel. The grooves 3322 can provide additional support to the device 3300. The grooves 3322 are may be disposed at about 90 degrees to a rear edge of the bridge portion 3320. However, it should be appreciated that the grooves 3322 can, in other embodiments, be disposed at other angles. Further, while these grooves 3322 are shown protruding up (from the gutter opening) in the bridge portion 3320, it will be appreciated that the grooves 3322 can be reversed (i.e., recessed down into the gutter opening) from the surface of the bridge portion 3320.

In some embodiments, it is understood that the size, type, shape, etc. of the grooves 3322 themselves may provide sufficient enough support to mitigate the need for one or more of the girders 3352, even to a point where no girders may be needed for support. Therefore, it is understood that a multi-grooved bridge section will affect the number of girders needed in such a device and a non-girder embodiment can be developed with an appropriately multi-grooved bridge.

FIGS. 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61 display side profile views of various examples of profile shapes that the grooves may have for alternate embodiments of the exemplary device 3300. Specifically, half hexagon, triangular, box, sinusoidal, off center, and dip respectively. It will be appreciated, that these shapes are only a small sample of other possible shapes that may be utilized. Therefore, various modifications and changes to the shapes, sizes, and orientations thereof are understood to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66 display front perspective views of various examples of profiles that the grooves may have for alternative embodiments of the exemplary device 3300. Particularly, these profiles change their geometry along the length of the groove. FIG. 62 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a triangle profile. FIG. 63 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a box profile. FIG. 64 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a sinusoidal profile. FIG. 65 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to an off center profile. FIG. 66 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a dip profile.

As stated above, the above set of examples demonstrate that multiple types of modifications and changes can be made to the grooves. Therefore, other shapes, sizes, and orientations, reversals, flips, thereof are understood to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, and 72 display front perspective views of various examples of profiles that the grooves 3322 may have for alternative embodiments of the exemplary device 3300. Particularly, these profiles change their size along the length of the groove 3322. FIG. 67 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a half hexagon profile to a smaller dimension half hexagon profile. FIG. 68 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large V profile to a smaller V profile. FIG. 69 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large box to a small box profile. FIG. 70 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large sinusoidal to a small sinusoidal profile, FIG. 71 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large off-center profile to a small off-center profile. FIG. 72 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a large dome profile to a small dip profile.

FIG. 73 shows a side view of another feature for groove embodiments that may be implemented. Here, it can be seen that the lateral apex 3323 of the diminishing regular or irregular groove to slant down from back edge 3324 to the front edge 3326. The lateral apex 3323 reduces the height of the groove by a dimension 3325. A benefit of diminishing regular or 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. 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78 and display various examples of geometries that the grooves 3322 may have for alternate embodiments of the exemplary device 3300. Most of the shapes of the grooves are considered as irregular or geometric, some having a changing profile along the length of the groove. For example, FIG. 74 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. 75 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a V profile to virtually nothing and back to a V profile. FIG. 76 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a sinusoidal to virtually nothing and back to sinusoidal. FIG. 77 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from an off-center profile to virtually nothing and back to an off-center profile. FIG. 78 shows a groove profile shape transition along its length from a dip profile to virtually 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. 79 displays a front bottom perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 3400. The exemplary device 3400 is analogous to device 3300 having a bridge portion 3420, at least one girder 3450 and 3352. For purposed of clarity, other features of the device 3400 such as the trough portion, gutter attachment portion and the roof attachment portion are not illustrated in this figure. Further, as understood here and in other applicable Figs., the orifices in the bridge portion 3420 are not shown for purposes of clarity.

Device 3400 also like device 3300 includes at least one groove in the bridge portion 3420. The at least one groove is illustrated here as three grooves 3422, 3423 and 3424. Each of the grooves are half hexagon grooves where a portion of the respective groove is disposed recessed on an underside of the bridge portion 3420 and another portion of the respective groove is disposed bumped “up” on the top side of the bridge portion 3420.

FIGS. 80, 81 and 82 show side profiles of the just each of the grooves 3422, 3423 and 3424, respectively. The grooves-are illustrated here as having a half hexagon profile shape, understanding that other analogous shapes may be used. FIG. 80 shows a side profile of groove 3422. The groove 3422 is an irregular groove wherein at a front end 3428 of the bridge portion 3420, the groove 3422 is disposed on the underside of the bridge portion 3420. The groove 3422 at a back end 3429 of the bridge portion 3420 is disposed on the top side of the bridge portion 3420. The top side is an opposing side of the underside. The groove 3422 has a transition 3401 along its length, wherein the groove 3422 transitions from the underside to the top side. The transition 3401 which is about half-way along the length of groove 3422 and along the x-axis.

FIG. 81 shows a side profile of groove 3423. The groove 3423 is an irregular groove wherein at the front end 3428 of the bridge portion 3420, the groove 3423 is disposed on the underside of the bridge portion 3420. The groove 3423 at the back end 3429 of the bridge portion is disposed on the top side of the bridge portion 3420. The groove 3423 has a transition point 3402 along its length, wherein the groove 3423 transitions from the underside to the top side. The transition 3402 is displaced from the half-way point along the length of groove 3423. The transition 3402 is disposed along the length of the groove 3423 closer to the front end 3428 than the back end 3429.

FIG. 82 shows a side profile of groove 3424. The groove 3424 is an irregular groove wherein at the front end 3428 of the bridge portion 3420, the groove 3424 is disposed on the underside of the bridge portion 3420. The groove 3424 at the back end 3429 of the bridge portion 3420 is disposed on the top side of the bridge portion 3420. The groove 3424 has a transition point 3403 along its length, wherein the groove 3424 transitions from the underside to the top side. The transition 3403 is displaced from the half-way point along the length of groove 3424. The transition 3403 is disposed along the length of the groove 3424 closer to the back end 3429 than the front end 3428.

FIG. 83 displays a front bottom perspective view of a portion another embodiment of an exemplary gutter guard device 3500. The exemplary device 3500 is analogous to device 3400 having a bridge portion 3520 and at least one girder. For purposed of clarity, other features of the device 3500 such as the trough portion, gutter attachment portion, the at least one girder, and the roof attachment portion are not illustrated in this Fig. Further, orifices in the bridge portion 3520 are not shown for purposes of clarity. The device 3500 includes at least one groove in the bridge portion 3520. In this embodiment, the at least one groove is shown as three grooves 3522, 3523 and 3524. These grooves are irregular in their respective shapes. The grooves 3522, 3523 and 3524 are formed above, below and above the bridge portion 3520, respectively. Each of the grooves 3522, 3523 and 3524 has a planar apex surface 3525, 3526, and 3527, respectively. The spacing between these irregular grooves can be varied in other embodiments. For illustration, these grooves can be bifurcated, as shown with groove 3523. The groove 3523 has a bottom chord 3528, which bifurcates to two secondary chords 3529 and 3521. It should be appreciated that while the illustrated groove shapes appear to be linearly shaped, they may be altered to form non-linear transitions, oriented in different directions, and so forth.

FIGS. 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, and 93 display front profile views of examples of various groove arrangements in a bridge portion of alternative embodiments of exemplary devices. For example, FIG. 84 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality alternating irregular grooves. FIG. 85 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality upward irregular grooves. FIG. 86 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality or downward irregular grooves. FIG. 87 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality of cross plane irregular grooves. FIG. 88 illustrates a bridge portion having a plurality of irregular grooves with varying groove heights/depths. FIG. 89 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove widths. FIG. 90 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shapes. FIG. 91 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes. FIG. 92 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with varying groove shape and groove heights/depths. FIG. 93 illustrates a bridge portion having irregular grooves with cross plane varying groove shapes and groove heights/depths.

FIGS. 94 and 95 are partial top perspective views of devices 4000 and 5000, which have alternative trough portion embodiments for use in the exemplary device(s). Note, for purposes of clarity, the girders of these devices are not shown. FIG. 94 shows the device 4000 having a roof attachment portion 4010, a bridge portion 4020, a trough portion 4030 and a gutter attachment portion 4040. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the “unshown” girders may be optional and not needed. Trough portion 4030 includes a plurality of window openings 4032. The window openings 4032 are shown as rectangular in shape, however, it will be appreciated that other shapes could be utilized, such as but not limited to ovals, circles and the like. The trough portion 4030 further includes a plurality of screens 4034. The screens 4034 are disposed on an interior surface 4036 of the trough portion 4030. The screens 4034 are disposed directly adjacent each respective window and may be at least the same dimension of the corresponding window. The windows can be of different dimensions. The screens 4034 may be made of a stainless steel micromesh. However, it will be appreciated that other materials can be used. The screens are attached with any conventional means or fasteners, such as glue, rivets, and the like. The gutter attachment portion 4040 includes a water diverter member 4042 disposed on the underside of the gutter attachment portion 4040. The water diverter is disposed a slight distance behind the windows such when in use, as water goes through the windows 4032 and screens 4034, the water will hit the water diverter 4042 and be directed toward the gutter opening.

FIG. 95 shows and example of a different shape for the window openings 5032. In this embodiment, device 5000 has a roof attachment portion 5010, a bridge portion 5020, a trough portion 5030 and a gutter attachment portion 5040. However in this embodiment, the trough portion 5030 includes a window opening 5032 that has an elongated rectangular shape with a corresponding elongated rectangular shaped mesh 5034.

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 decking material having a plurality of orifices, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side;at least one girder spanning a bottom 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 configured to attach to the roof side of the bridge member; anda gutter attachment member configured to attach to the gutter lip side of the bridge member,wherein the roof attachment member, the bridge member and the gutter attachment member are a single piece of material and the device is self-supporting.

2. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one girder is a plurality of girders.

3. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a structure of the at least one girder is dual-girdered having a first side joined to an opposing second side via a connecting bottom side.

4. The gutter guard device of claim 3, wherein the first and second sides are disposed perpendicular to the bridge member.

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

6. The gutter guard device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of girders are equidistant from each other.

7. The gutter guard device of claim 2, wherein a girder of the plurality of girders spans the bridge member in a non-orthogonal orientation.

8. The gutter guard device of claim 8, wherein the girder of the plurality of girders is bifurcated.

9. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the at least one girder on at least one of the gutter attachment member and roof attachment member has a reduced profile.

10. The gutter guard device of claim 9, wherein the reduced profile is obtained by flattening the portion.

11. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a length of the at least one girder is less than a length between the bridge member's roof side and gutter lip side.

12. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one girder is made from a separate material from the bridge member.

13. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the at least one girder has a cross-sectional profile shape of a “U.”

14. The gutter guard device of claim 14, further comprising at least one barricade disposed in the bridge member.

15. The gutter guard device of claim 14, wherein the at least one barricade has a shape of at least one of a number, circle, arrow, crescent, bump, dimple, and polygon.

16. The gutter guard device of claim 14, wherein the at least one barricade is a plurality of barricades.

17. The gutter guard device of claim 14, wherein the at least one barricade is not made from the bridge member's decking material.

18. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a roof side first section of the bridge member has a first elevation and a gutter side second section has a second elevation, the two sections being joined by a third section, to form a non-linear bridge member profile, wherein the at least one girder’ profile is matched to the bridge member's profile.

19. The gutter guard device of claim 18, wherein the first and section elevations are the same and the third section contains an apex, to form a peak.

20. The gutter guard device of claim 18, wherein the first and section elevations are the same and the third section contains an inverted apex, to form a trough.

21. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein the roof attachment element is flexible, allowing it to be deformed into different attachment angles.

22. The gutter guard device of claim 12, wherein a profile of the at least one girder is at least one of a T and upside down L.

23. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the at least one girder is angled with respect to an upper portion of the at least one girder.

24. The gutter guard device of claim 2, further including at least one of a regular and irregular groove disposed in the bridge member between the plurality of girders.

25. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein the at least one groove is a plurality of grooves.

26. The gutter guard device of claim 24, 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.

27. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein a second cross-sectional profile of the at least one groove has a different shape than the first cross-sectional profile's shape.

28. The gutter guard device of claim 24, 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.

29. The gutter guard device of claim 24, 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.

30. The gutter guard device of claim 24, wherein an end profile of the at least one groove forms a train of angled line segments.

31. The gutter guard device of claim 30, wherein the train includes a curved segment.

32. The gutter guard device of claim 1, further comprising a trough disposed between the gutter side of the bridge member and the gutter attachment member.

33. The gutter guard device of claim 32, wherein the trough contains at least one screened window.

34. The gutter guard device of claim 1, wherein a girder of the at least one girder is disposed on a top of the bridge member.

35. A gutter guard device comprising: a unitary member having a roof attachment portion, a bridge portion and a gutter attachment portion,wherein the bridge portion has a plurality of orifices, and at least one girder disposed on a bottom surface of the bridge portion to enable the device to be self-supporting over a gutter,wherein the bridge portion is disposed between the roof attachment portion and the gutter attachment portion.

36. A gutter guard device comprising: a bridge member having a decking material with a plurality of orifices and a bottom surface, and having a roof side and an opposing gutter lip side;at least one girder having a length spanning at least a portion of the bottom surface;wherein the bridge member and the at least one girder are a single piece of material and the device is self-supporting.