Gutter Debris Barrier System with Offset Ledge and Curved Edge

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/734,230, filed on Dec. 16, 2024 and entitled Gutter Debris Barrier System with Curved Edge, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/784,517, filed on Apr. 7, 2025 and entitled Gutter Debris Barrier System with Offset Ledge and Shelf the entire contents of both are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gutter debris barrier systems, also known as gutter guards, which are placed on or about rain gutters located adjacent to a roof of a building to permit the passage of water while preventing debris from entering into and collecting in the gutter. The invention additionally relates to methods of installing such systems and using such systems.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

A common problem with rain gutters is that they become clogged or jammed with various debris including leaves, needles, shingle sand, and other materials that fall onto the gutter. Functionality of the rain gutter is dramatically decreased once debris enters the gutter. Consequently, a property owner is required to repeatedly clean out rain gutters over the course of a year.

To address this issue, gutter debris barrier systems, or gutter guards, have been introduced to prevent debris from collecting within the gutter. The goal of gutter guards is to prevent debris from entering the gutter while still maintaining water flow into the gutter, such that water is not dripping down the outside of the gutter, and ultimately the building.

The most primitive debris barrier systems consist of a guard that simply includes a perforated screen laid across the top of the gutter. These systems attempted to balance the need for holes large enough for sufficient flow of water while small enough to prevent debris from flowing through the screen. They tended to be flimsy and were highly prone to clogging.

Over time, more sophisticated guard systems were developed. For instance, mesh filter elements have been used with sufficiently small holes to allow the flow of water therethrough. These mesh filter elements often are supported by a frame that overlies the gutter and that has holes through which water may flow down into the gutter. These systems block substantially all debris from entering while allowing high volumes of water to pass through to the gutter.

While prior art debris systems are effective, drawbacks may exist. For example, roofs with a relatively greater pitch or constructed of certain material, such as steel, may cause faster flow. Faster flowing water may resist capillary action and flow directly over the mesh screen and off the front edge of the gutter.

Another debris barrier system incorporates a frame having a curved edge, located adjacent to the front portion the gutter forming a gap between the front portion of the gutter and the curved front edge. In describing the front portion of the gutter, this means the outer edge of the gutter furthers from the building the gutter is mounted to, meaning that the curved edge is located directly above the outer edge of the gutter. In operation, surface tension causes the water to follow the curvature of the curved front edge directing the water towards the gutter through the gap at the outer edge. In contrast, debris does not adhere to the frame and falls off the curved front edge past the front portion of the gutter, preventing the collection of debris.

However, this system also has drawbacks. The gap provides an unprotected opening into the gutter. Debris may enter into the gutter through the gap or collect in the gap, causing clogs in the debris barrier system. In addition, the relatively narrow gap might not provide a wide enough “landing area” to catch water flowing off the frame, even if that water generally follows the curvature of the curved front edge. This concern is elevated in situations in which the roof has a steep pitch and/or high volumes of water flow during a heavy rain, in which case water oftentimes is propelled off the curved edge such that it does not enter the gutter at all.

Additionally, many debris barrier systems having a frame and an overlying screen can be time and labor intensive to assemble. Thus, further improvements are desired to increase the speed with which debris barrier systems can be manufactured and assembled to reduce costs.

Thus, a need exists for an improved debris barrier system. Specifically, a need exists for a debris barrier system that allows for the reliable collection of relatively fast flowing water and/or large volumes water while eliminating any gaps that may otherwise lead to the collection of debris. For instance, a debris barrier system having a curved edge that is not located at the front/outer edge, but rather is located at an inner portion of the gutter is desired to improve flow of water about the curve and downwardly into the gutter, is desired. Additionally, a debris barrier system having a screen that can be secured to a frame without the use of caulk, glue, adhesive, or other materials is desired for reduced material and labor costs associated with assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention addresses the above-identified issues and improves upon the prior art by providing a debris barrier system having a frame and a screen. The frame includes a first inner side and a second outer side. For clarification, the first inner side is the side of the frame that mounts directly to the building fascia, roof, or shingles, whereas the second outer side of the frame engages with an outer edge of the gutter. The frame may also include a curved edge portion that assists with flow of water down through the system and into the gutter. For instance, the curved edge portion may extend outwardly and downwardly from the first inner side.

According to another aspect, the frame may have a first flange that extends from the first inner side of the frame to connect the frame directly or indirectly to the building. For instance, the first flange may be secured directly to the fascia of the building using a nail, screw, or other fastener. Alternatively, the first flange may engage with a mounting device that is secured to the fascia. The frame may also have a second flange that extends from the second outer side of the frame that is configured to connect the frame to the outer edge of the gutter.

According to yet another aspect, the frame may include a first securement section at the first inner side that includes a slot and/or gap configured to receive a first end of the screen and a second securement section that includes a slot and/or gap configured to receive a second end of the screen. The first securement section includes a first downwardly angled wall and a first substantially vertical wall offset from the first downwardly angled wall. The offset allows the first end of the screen to be secured in place between the first downwardly angled wall and the first substantially vertical wall without the use of caulk, glue, adhesive, or other additional materials. The first, inner side of the frame may also include an inner substantially vertical wall extending downwardly from the first downwardly angled wall, a lower substantially horizontal wall extending from the inner substantially vertical wall, a middle substantially vertical wall extending upwardly from the lower substantially horizontal wall, and an upper substantially horizontal wall extending from the middle substantially vertical wall to the first substantially vertical wall. The slot or a gap of the first securement section may be formed between these various walls.

According to another aspect, the second securement section includes a second downwardly angled wall and a second substantially vertical wall offset from the second downwardly angled wall. Again, this enables the second end of the screen to be secured in place between the second downwardly angled wall and the second substantially vertical wall without additional materials. The second, outer side of the frame may also include an outer substantially vertical wall extending downwardly from the second flange, a lower substantially horizontal wall extending from the outer substantially vertical wall, a middle substantially vertical wall extending upwardly from the lower substantially horizontal wall, and an upper substantially horizontal wall extending from the middle substantially vertical wall to the second substantially vertical wall. The slot or a gap of the second securement section may be formed between these various walls.

Additionally, gaps may be formed in both sides of the frame to receive portions of the screen. For instance, a first gap may be formed between a first wall, a first lower substantially horizonal portion, and a first lower substantially vertical portion. Additionally, a second gap may be formed between a second wall, a second lower substantially horizontal portion, and a second lower substantially vertical portion.

Also disclosed are methods of assembling, using, and installing a debris barrier system. This may include the steps of inserting a first end of a mesh screen between a first downwardly angled portion of a frame that is offset from a first substantially vertical portion of the frame and securing a portion of the mesh screen within a first gap adjacent the first downwardly angled portion without the use of caulk or adhesive. Additionally, the method may include the steps of inserting a second end of the mesh screen between a second downwardly angled portion of the frame that is offset from a second substantially vertical portion of the frame, and securing a portion of the mesh screen within a second gap adjacent the second downwardly angled portion without the use of caulk or adhesive. The method may also include the steps of securing a first flange associated with a first wall of the frame to a portion of a building and securing a second flange associated with a second wall of the frame to a portion of a gutter. Further, the method may include the step of moving water along a curved edge associated with the first flange.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of a debris barrier system constructed in accordance with the present invention installed relative to a gutter;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the debris barrier system of FIG. 1 installed relative to a gutter;

FIG. 3 is an isometric perspective view of a frame associated with the debris barrier system of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the debris barrier system of FIGS. 1-2.

In describing the representative embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected,” “attached,” or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection would be recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. Similarly, words such as “side”, “wall”, “portion”, “section”, or other terms similar thereto may be used interchangeably to designate specific features of the underlying technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

The description herein refers to various components as being vertical, horizontal, upper, middle, lower, and the like. These descriptions are for ease of reference, specifically in connection to the way the system is shown in FIG. 4 when the system is rested on a flat surface. They should not be taken as limiting, and the system may be mounted to a building and/or gutter at a variety of different angles or configurations. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system is mounted at an angle, such that components described as vertical or horizontal may be not exactly be vertically or horizontally oriented after mounting of the system.

As depicted in the figures, a debris barrier system 30 constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a frame 32 having inner and outer or first and second sides 34 and 36 adapted to overlie a gutter G. The frame 32 also includes a curved edge portion 38 and a floor 40 located between the sides 34 and 36. The floor 40 has a plurality of openings 42 formed therethrough. The first side 34 has a substantially horizontal section 43 with an inner portion 44 and an outer portion 46. The outer portion 46 terminates at an edge 48 leading to the curved edge portion 38 that has a radius. The surface tension of the water promotes the water to follow a flow path along the curved edge portion 38, or downwardly toward and into the gutter G.

The inclusion of the curved edge portion 38 allows the debris barrier system 30 to more efficiently collect water in the gutter G, while simultaneously preventing debris from entering the gutter G. Water that flows down the roof of the building B flows toward the curved edge portion 38. As the water flows over the curved edge portion 38, the surface tension of the water causes the water to resist “shooting off from” the curved edge portion 38. In other words, the surface tension of the water causes the water to follow the shape of curved edge portion 38. The water flows around the curved edge portion 38, through the screen 70 (described below), and then through openings 42 in the floor 40 of the frame 32.

In this configuration, nearly all the water is directed around the curved edge portion 38 toward the inner portion 44 adjacent the curved edge portion 38. Subsequently, much of the water passes through the debris barrier system 30 at a first channel 76. This helps prevent water from flowing over the debris barrier system 30 entirely and over the outer edge of the gutter G, such as in more extreme conditions with fast flowing water. Stated another way, all or substantially all of the width of the screen 70 serves as a flow path via which capillary action may promote flow of water through the screen 70. Additionally, the curved edge portion 38 may slow down the flow of water. Slower flow also allows for more effective collection in the gutter G.

The inner portion 44 of first side 34 is configured to connect the frame 32 to the building B. The frame 32 may connect to the building B in a number of different ways. For instance, as shown a mounting flange 50 extends substantially vertically from the inner portion 44. While described as being substantially vertical, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting flange 50 extends upwardly from the inner portion 44 at an angle. That angle may be on the order of 95 degrees to 110 degrees and, more typically, of about 98 degrees. In other embodiments, the first mounting flange 50 may extend substantially perpendicular from the inner portion 44. It should be noted that the mounting flange 50 could similarly extend away from the inner portion 44 at different angles to be mounted to the building B at various angles relative to the fascia and/or to accommodate fascia that do not extend vertically. The mounting flange 50 is configured to be capable of flexing towards and away from the inner portion 44 in order to ensure that the frame 32 is securely mounted to the fascia using a screw 52 or other fastener without compromising the strength of the frame 32.

Alternatively, the frame 32 may not have a mounting flange 50 as shown in the figures, and instead feature a flange similar to what is identified as reference number 54 from U.S. Pat. No. 9,487,955, which is incorporated herein by reference in full. Such a mounting flange is slidably receivable into a mounting bracket identified as reference number 30 that is mounted to the fascia of the building, again from U.S. Pat. No. 9,487,955. In yet another embodiment, the inner portion 44 may be adapted to slide under the shingles of the roof and to be screwed to the roof to connect the frame 32 to the building.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, from the perspective of the top surface of the frame 32, the curved edge portion 38 forms a convex curve, or in other words, the curved edge portion 38 is rounded outwardly with respect to the inner side 34. The curved edge portion 38 has a radius 54, which may vary in size as detailed below. The curve length (also known as the arc length) of the curved edge portion 38 may also vary. The radius 54 may be substantially the same across the entire length of the curved edge portion 38. Alternatively, the curve may deviate along the length of the frame 32, resulting in multiple radii across curved edge portion edge 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved edge portion 38 is relatively semi-circular and has a uniform radius along the entire length of the frame 32. In another configuration, the curved edge portion 38 is approximately half-circular, resulting in a central angle of approximately 180 degrees. The central angle may also vary to less than or greater than 180 degrees, resulting in relatively shorter or longer curve lengths.

In the illustrated embodiment, the curved edge portion 38 is connected to a first substantially vertical wall 56 connecting the edge portion 38 to the floor 40. The wall 56 has a top end 58 and a bottom end 60, which is located lower than the top end 58. The top end 58 of the wall 56 extends from the curved edge portion 38. When installed on a gutter, the wall 56 is located relatively lower than the curved edge portion 38. In one configuration, the curved edge portion 38 protrudes over the wall 56, such that the wall 56 is located underneath the curved edge portion 38.

Additionally, a downwardly sloped wall 62 may extend from the wall 56, as shown extending from the top end 58. As shown, the sloped wall 62 extends downwardly from the top end 58 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and away from the inner side 34, and serves as an overhand. Of course, the wall 62 could be sloped at different angles, or it could be substantially horizontal. The sloped wall 62 directs water toward the frame 32 and into the underlying gutter G.

Additionally, a substantially horizontal wall 64 extends from the vertical wall 60. A substantially vertical wall 66 extends upwardly from the substantially horizontal wall 66 opposite the vertical wall 56, creating a gap 68 therebetween that may be configured to receive a first end portion 71 of a screen 70. Another substantially horizontal wall 72 may extend from the substantially vertical wall 66, such that the first substantially horizontal wall 64 is vertically offset from the second substantially horizontal wall 72 by the height of the substantially vertical wall 66. Additionally, another vertical wall 74 may extend upwardly from the substantially horizontal wall 72. As such, a top edge of the vertical wall 74 is offset from the downwardly-angled sloped wall 62. The combination of these components and the associated offsets enables the screen 70 to quickly, easily, and securely oriented relative to the frame 90.

The floor 40 is located lower than the curved edge portion 38. In alternative configurations, the floor 40 may extend directly from the flange or the curved edge portion. In the illustrated configuration, the floor 40 extends from vertical portion 74. The floor 40 includes a plurality of channels 76 (six in the illustrated embodiment) that extend longitudinally along the frame 32, with ridges or ribs 78 separating the channels 76. Openings or apertures 42 are formed in the channels 76 for the passage of water into the underlying gutter. The illustrated openings 42 are generally oblong and extend longitudinally along the frame 32, although the openings could be in different shapes and configurations. The top surfaces of the ribs 78 are coplanar with the tip of the vertical wall 74 and vertical wall 80 (described below) located inboard and outboard of the floor 40, respectively. The ribs 78 and vertical portions 74, 80 form supports for the screen 70. The first end 71 of the screen 70 is retained in gap/slot 68, whereas a second end 73 of the screen 70 is retained in a second gap/slot 82 (described below).

The second or outer portion 36 of the frame 32 has a number of features that mirror those associated with the first side of the frame 32. By way of example and not limitation, a second wall 84 mirrors the first wall 60, with the second wall 84 also having a top end 86 and a bottom end 88; a downwardly sloped wall 90; substantially horizontal walls 102, 104; substantially vertical walls 80, 96; and the gap 82 formed therein. Additionally, the outer portion 36 includes an extension 98. The extension 108 of second flange 36 is configured to secure the debris barrier system 30 on the first (outer) wall of the gutter. As shown, the extension 98 runs substantially parallel with the components identified as extending substantially horizontally. Of course, the components labeled as being horizontal or vertical are for the sake of description only, and these components may have different orientations when they are mounted to a gutter G.

The debris barrier system includes the screen 70, which covers at least a portion of the floor 40. The screen 70 has apertures through the screen for the passage of water. The screen may be constructed of a woven stainless steel wire material, such as 316 or 410 steel alloy. Further, the screen may be somewhat flexible to spread over at least a portion of the frame 32. The apertures in the screen 70 may be relatively small compared to the openings 42 in the floor 40. The downwardly sloped walls 62, 90 serve as overhangs that help to position and secure the screen 70 in place relative to the frame 32. Additionally, the slots formed between the downwardly sloped walls 62, 90 and the other components of the frames, as well as the gaps 68, 82 enable the screen 70 to be installed and held into place relative to the frame 32. The gaps 68, 82 also enable ends 71, 73 of the screen 70 to be bent downwardly to create an even better fit and securement relative to the frame 32. The slots and gaps 68, 82 provide minimal clearance in order to allow the screen 70 to be installed and sandwiched into place while preventing debris such as leaves and the like from entering into the system 30, which could impede water flow through and operation of the system 30. Additionally, the minimal clearance enables the screen 70 to be secured to the frame 32 without the use of caulking, glue, adhesives, or other additional components that are commonly used to secure similar screens to frames in the prior art.

The system 30 described herein provides a number of benefits over prior art systems. First off, the system 30 allows the screen 70 to quick and easily be installed relative to the frame 32, while eliminating the need for extra parts. In addition to cost savings in the form of fewer parts, assembly is also simplified, which reduces assembly labor costs. Additionally, this configuration allows the mesh screen 70 to move within the frame 32 in order to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction that occurs with temperature fluctuations. This occurs despite the fact that some of the described components are made of different materials, and thus expand and contract at different rates and at different temperatures. Despite this occurring, the screen 70 still remains flat and without waves.

Additionally, it should be understood that the various inventive features described above can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

It is appreciated that many changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Some of these changes will become apparent from the appended claims. It is intended that all such changes and/or modifications be incorporated in the appending claims.