Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
EAVESTROUGH DEBRIS GUARD
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] The disclosure claims priority from US Provisional Application No.
63/104,119 filed
October 22, 2020.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to a cover for an eavestrough or gutter that
blocks debris from
entering the eavestrough.
BACKGROUND
[0003] To protect the foundations of buildings, eavestroughing, also known as
a gutter is
installed under the edge of a roof to collect and manage the flow of rainwater
off of the roof
and away from the base of the building. Leaves, pine needles, and other debris
dropped onto
the roof can collect in the eavestroughs, this in turn can clog the
eavestroughs and downspouts
causing the rainwater to overflow the eavestrough and collect around the base
of the building.
Debris guards can be installed on eavestroughs to prevent the debris from
entering the
eavestrough while still allowing the water to flow through. Every building has
a custom layout
of eavestrough to match the shape of the roof line, therefore the installation
of the debris guard
must be customized on site to match the size and shape of the building
eavestrough layout. The
debris guard must be simple and quick to install, it is important to avoid
misalignment and
large gaps between pieces. Misalignment and gaps can become hang up areas for
debris which
will eventually build up and possibly clog or damage the debris guard, or they
may allow for
debris to pass between the pieces of debris guard into the eavestrough which
can then be
clogged. When eavestroughs are to be used for rainwater harvesting for grey
water use any
debris that passes into the eavestrough can taint the collected rainwater.
[0004] The adhesive characteristics of water can compel rainwater to cling to
the surface of an
eavestrough or gutter cover surface with a bond stronger than gravity can
overcome for
effective water penetration through the cover. The same property of water
results in a surface
tension that can create a film to occur over a cover opening that is stronger
than the gravitational
force acting upon it preventing rainwater to drain through the opening. An
eavestrough or
gutter cover should effectively permit water to pass through it and drain into
an eavestrough or
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gutter to prevent water from or reduce the likelihood or water backing up and
spilling over the
front of the eavestrough or gutter, prevent water from or reduce the
likelihood or water
accumulating in the cover and freezing and to prevent water from or reduce the
likelihood of
water running down the length of the cover and spilling over the end of the
eavestrough or
gutter around the foundation of a building.
SUMMARY
[0005] In select embodiments, the present disclosure provides a debris guard
for installation
on an eavestrough. The debris guard includes a frame having a back side, a
front side, a length,
two ends, a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a
water collection portion
extending from the front side to the back side and along the length of the
frame between the
two ends. The water collection portion includes a plurality of holes to allow
rainwater to pass
through. The water collection portion also includes a plurality of drip legs
coupled to the
plurality of holes, the plurality of drip legs extending below the bottom
surface to provide
improved water flow through the eavestrough debris guard. Each of the
plurality of holes
includes at least one drip leg.
[0006] In select embodiments, each of the plurality of drip legs is coupled to
one of four sides
of each of the plurality of holes. In select embodiments, each of the
plurality of drip legs
extends along a portion of the one of the four sides. In select embodiments,
each of the plurality
of drip legs has an edge thickness thinner than an extrusion thickness of the
frame. In select
embodiments, the plurality of drip legs extend below the bottom surface at an
angle of less than
or equal to 90 degrees.
[0007] In select embodiments, the plurality of holes have an elongated shape.
In select
embodiments, wherein the plurality of holes allow water to pass through to the
eavestrough. In
select embodiments, the debris guard further includes a mesh fastened to the
frame and
positioned to cover the water collection portion. In select embodiments, the
frame further
comprises a plurality of mesh supports extending from the top surface.
[0008] In select embodiments, the frame further includes a connector
engagement structure
extending outward from the water collection portion. In select embodiments,
the connector
engagement structure extends along the length of the frame. In select
embodiments, the
connector engagement structure extends outward from a bottom surface of the
water collection
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portion. In select embodiments, the connector engagement structure is a pair
of connector
engagement structures spaced apart.
[0009] In select embodiments, the debris guard further includes a connector,
wherein the pair
of connector engagement structures and one of the top surface or the bottom
surface form a
connector receiving opening on each end of the frame that is shaped to receive
the connector.
In select embodiments, the connector has a fastener portion and the connector
receiving
opening is shaped to receive the fastener portion of the connector in a snug
slide fit. In select
embodiments,the connector has a central portion with fastener portions spaced
apart and
extending outwardly from each side of the central portion. In select
embodiments, the
connector further comprises a joint covering portion along a length of the
central portion for
covering ends of lengths or pieces of the frame when joined to each other. In
select
embodiments, the plurality of drip legs is coupled to the plurality of holes
via a plurality of
acute or radiused edges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure will
be apparent from
the following description of embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of
the
specification, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and
to enable a person
skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the disclosure. The drawings are
not to scale.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a length of an embodiment of a debris
guard;
[0012] FIG. 1A is a magnification of a portion A of the debris guard of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a magnification of a portion B of the debris guard of FIG. 1
identified in
FIG. 1A;
[0014] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional exploded view of a pre-assembled debris
guard shown in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate stage of
manufacturing for the
debris guard shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of an assembled debris guard shown in
FIG. 1;
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[0017] FIG. 3 is a magnification of a mesh engagement structure of FIG. 2A
shown in cross-
section and in an open position;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an alternative manufacturing method for a debris guard in
accordance with an
embodiment hereof;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a debris guard in accordance with
another
embodiment, showing a first manufacturing step;
[0020] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a second step of a
manufacturing method for
the debris guard shown in FIG. 5A;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an example layout of a debris
guard and
connectors in accordance with an embodiment hereof;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an example layout of a debris
guard and
another embodiment of connectors;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an eavestrough and debris
guard just prior to
installation;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the debris guard installed into an
eavestrough in
accordance with an embodiment hereof;
[0025] FIG 10 shows a perspective view of a length of an embodiment of a
debris guard;
[0026] FIG 10A is a magnification of a portion A of the debris guard of FIG.
10;
[0027] FIG 10B is a magnification of a portion B of the debris guard of FIG.
10 identified in
FIG. 1A;
[0028] FIG 11A is a perspective view of an example layout of debris guard
pieces connected
together by connectors in accordance with an embodiment hereof;
[0029] FIG 11B is an exploded perspective view of the example layout shown in
FIG11A of a
debris guard and connectors in accordance with an embodiment hereof;
[0030] FIG 12 is a perspective view of a connector embodiment;
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[0031] FIG 12A is a top view of the connector of FIG 12;
[0032] FIG12B is a cross section through section B in FIG 12;
[0033] FIG 13A is a perspective exploded view of a connector embodiment;
[0034] FIG 13B is a perspective view of connector of FIG 13A connecting two
pieces of debris
guard;
[0035] FIG 14A is an embodiment of a pre-made corner piece of debris guard
without mesh;
[0036] FIG 14B is the pre-made corner piece of debris guard from 14A with
mesh;
[0037] FIG 15A is an embodiment of connector engagement structure for a debris
guard;
[0038] FIG 15B is a top view of a connector embodiment;
[0039] FIG 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a debris guard
and connector;
[0040] FIG 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a debris guard
and connector;
[0041] FIG 18A is a bottom perspective view of a water collection portion in
accordance with
an embodiment hereof;
[0042] FIG 18B is a top perspective view of the water collection portion
identified in FIG 18A;
[0043] FIG 18C is a top view of the water collection portion identified in FIG
18A;
[0044] FIG 18D is a cross-sectional view of the water collection portion
identified in FIG 18A;
[0045] FIG 18E is a magnification of a portion of FIG 18D;
[0046] FIG 19A is a top view of another embodiment of an eavestrough debris
cover having
improved water flow-through;
[0047] FIG 19B is a cross-sectional view of the debris cover of FIG 19A along
line D-D from
FIG 19A;
[0048] FIG 19C is a cross-sectional view of the debris cover of FIG 19A along
line F-F from
FIG 19A;
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[0049] FIG 19D is a top perspective view of the debris cover of FIG 19A, with
a portion shown
in magnification;
[0050] FIG 19E is a bottom perspective view of the debris cover of FIG 19A,
with a portion
shown in magnification;
[0051] FIG 20A is a top view of another embodiment of an eavestrough debris
cover having
improved water flow-through;
[0052] FIG 20B shows a cross-sectional view of the debris cover of FIG 20A
along line D-D
from FIG 20A;
[0053] FIG 20C shows a cross-sectional view of the debris cover FIG 20A along
line F-F from
FIG 20A;
[0054] FIG 20D shows a top perspective view of the debris cover FIG 20A, with
a portion
shown in magnification; and
[0055] FIG 20E shows a bottom perspective view of the debris cover FIG 20A,
with a portion
shown in magnification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with
reference to the
FIGs, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally
similar elements. The
following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not
intended to limit the
disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Directional terms
used within the
specification are with respect to the way in which the drawing is presented
unless otherwise
described. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied theory
presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed
description.
[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a debris guard 100 and FIG. 1A shows a
magnification
of portion A, where further details of the debris guard 100 will be described.
In the embodiment
shown, debris guard 100 has a frame 110 and a mesh 180, which are fastened
together to form
the debris guard 100. In FIGS. 1 and 1A a portion of the mesh 180 is cut away
purely for
illustrative purposes to show the frame 110 underneath. Frame 110 has back
side 112 and a
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front side 114 and a length L, when installed in the eavestrough the back side
112 is adjacent
the building (not shown). A rear flange or lip 170 extends from the back side
112 at an angle
to direct rainwater and debris from the roof (not shown) to the water
collection portion 120.
A first rear mesh engaging portion 150 is located forward of the rear flange
170 towards the
front side 114 of the frame 110. Water collection portion 120 extends forward
from first mesh
engaging portion 150 to a second front mesh engaging portion 151, therefore
the water
collection portion 120 extends between the two mesh engaging portions 150,
151. The mesh
engaging portions 150,151 extend down from and are at a roughly 90 degree
angle relative to
the water collection portion 120 of the frame 110. The mesh engaging portions
150,151 extend
along the length of the frame 110 and receive edges of the mesh 180 to fix the
mesh 180 to the
frame 110 covering the water collection portion 120. Mesh engaging portions
150, 151 also
provide the vertical location/position and support for the debris guard 100
when installed into
the eavestrough, and therefore they will also be referred to as vertical
debris guard support
portions. A forward flange or eavestrough fastening portion 160 extends
forward from the
second front mesh engaging portion 151 and to the front side 114 of the frame
110 and along
the length of the frame 110. Fastening portion 160 has holes or slots 161 for
receiving a fastener
such as a screw (not shown).
[0058] Frame 110 further includes mesh supports 130 extending upward from the
top surface
122 of the water collection portion 120. Mesh supports 130 make contact with
the mesh 180
to keep a space or gap between the mesh 180 and the top surface 122 of the
water collection
portion 120, this allows air flow to dry the debris guard 100. Mesh supports
130 also draw and
guide the rainwater down from the mesh 180 onto the top surface 122 of the
water collection
portion 120 which has number of slots or holes 121 to allow the rainwater to
pass through, in
the embodiments shown they are elongated slot shaped but they could be any
other shape.
Mesh supports 130 will also prevent the mesh 180 from collapsing during use.
The mesh
supports 130 shown in this embodiment are roughly perpendicular to the surface
of the water
collection portion 120, spaced apart from each other, are straight, the same
height, continuous,
and extend along the length L of the debris guard 100, therefore they also in
pairs form channels
between them to direct the water flow along the debris guard. It should be
understood that the
shape, angle, height, variation in height, number and continuity of the mesh
supports can be
different from what is shown as long as they provide enough support to
maintain the gap and
prevent the collapse of the mesh 180. Increasing the contact the mesh supports
130 have with
the mesh 180 will increase the water transfer rate through the mesh 180.
Another way to
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increase the water transfer rate through the mesh 180 is to increase the
surface area of the mesh
180 by providing a curved profile for the mesh 180. In this embodiment the
water collection
portion 120 has a slightly convex curved profile in cross-section between the
two mesh
engaging portions 150, 151. It is also possible to achieve a curved mesh
profile with a flat
water collection portion by sizing the mesh support heights to create a convex
curved profile
in cross-section.
[0059] Now turning to FIG. 1B a magnification of portion B on an end of the
debris guard 100
from FIG. 1A, multiple pairs of connector engagement structures 140a, 140b are
shown in
cross-sectional profile extending downward from the bottom surface 124 of the
water
collection portion 120 of the frame 110 and then inward, the engagement
structures 140a,140b
extend along the length L of the debris guard 100. The pair of connector
engagement structures
140a, 140b along with the bottom surface 124 of the frame 110 form a connector
receiving
opening 142 sized and shaped to receive a connector (not shown) in a snug
slide fit such that
the connector can be slid into and pulled out of the connector receiving
opening 142 by hand
or using a hand tool, but will remain located so that separate pieces or
lengths of debris guard
will remain vertically aligned with one another when connected together end to
end by
connectors. In this embodiment shown, the connector receiving opening 142 is
shaped to
receive a rectangular shaped connector, however it should be understood that
connector
receiving opening 142 can be shaped to receive various shapes of connectors,
for example
round, square, etc. The use and types of connectors will be described further
in FIGS. 6, 7,
11-18.
[0060] Frame 110 as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A have an optional heater channel 145
for receiving
a heater 148 which in some climates may be helpful to prevent ice and snow
build up. Heater
channel 145 is formed between a heater engagement structure 146, a portion of
the bottom
surface 124 of the water collection portion 120 of the frame 110, and the rear
mesh engagement
portion 150. The heater 148 can be of a cable, tape, and/or cord type but any
other appropriate
heater can be used, the cable is inserted into the heater channel 145 by press
fit or may be glued
or pasted in. The frame 110 which is generally made from metal, such as
aluminum will
conduct the heat from the rear side 112 of the frame adjacent to the heater
channel 145 location
through to the front side 114 of the frame. It should be understood that any
of the debris guard
embodiments described in this application can all be equipped with a heater
channel and a
heater provided that the material of the frame can handle heat generated by
the heater element.
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[0061] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C will be used to describe the assembly and
manufacturing of the
debris guard 100. In FIG. 2A the mesh 180 and frame 110 of FIG. 1A is shown in
cross-section
C just prior to assembly. Mesh 180 can be made from woven threads of metal or
plastic (for
example stainless steel). The tightness of the weave and the diameter of the
threads can be
varied to alter the properties of the mesh 180. The thread diameter size
selected impacts the
rigidity or durability of the mesh. A larger diameter thread will provide more
rigidity and
durability while a smaller diameter thread may provide a finer mesh which is
less rigid and
durable. Smaller diameter thread sizes will allow a higher number of openings
per square inch
and smaller openings than a larger thread size. The thread size, spacing
between threads, and
number of openings can be selected to choose a hole size which will prevent
the smallest size
of typical debris from passing through while maximizing the ease in which
water can pass
through and the durability of the mesh, see Table 1 below for an example of a
range of
acceptable mesh choices.
WIRE
MESH DIAMETER OPENING % OPEN
30 x 30 0.012" 0.0213" 40.80%
30 x 30 0.0095" 0.0238" 51%
30 x 30 0.0065" 0.0268" 64.80%
32 x 32 0.0065" 0.0248" 62.70%
34 x 34 0.0065" 0.0229" 60.70%
36 x 36 0.0065" 0.0213" 58.70%
40 x 40 0.010" 0.0150" 36%
40 x 40 0.0065" 0.0185" 54.80%
42 x 42 0.0055" 0.0185" 59.10%
46 x 46 0.0055" 0.0162" 55.80%
46 x 46 0.0045" 0.0172" 62.90%
50 x 50 0.009" 0.0110" 30.30%
60 x 60 0.0075" 0.0092" 30.50%
62 x 62 0.0045" 0.0116" 51.70%
70 x 70 0.0037" 0.0106" 54.90%
72 x 72 0.0037" 0.0102" 53.80%
74 x 74 0.0037" 0.0098" 52.70%
76 x 76 0.0037" 0.0095" 51.70%
80 x 80 0.007" 0.0055" 19.40%
80 x 80 0.0055" 0.0070" 31.40%
80 x 80 0.0037" 0.0088" 49.60%
84 x 84 0.0035" 0.0084" 49.80%
88 x 88 0.0035" 0.0079" 47.90%
100 x 100 0.0045" 0.055" 30.20%
105 x 105 0.003" 0.0065" 46.90%
200 x 200 0.0016" 0.0034" 46.20%
250 x 250 0.0016" 0.0024" 36%
325 x 325 0.0011" 0.002" 42%
400 x 400 0.001" 0.0015" 36%
TABLE 1
[0062] Prior to assembly edges of mesh 180 is pre-bent less than 90 degrees
downward on both
sides along its length, to form two frame engaging portions 182 and 183. Frame
engaging
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portions 182 and 183 extend down to form obtuse angles 184 and 185 relative to
the bottom
surface of central covering portion 186 and terminate in the back and front
side edges 188 and
189 of the mesh 180. The frame engaging portions 182,183 are sized and angled
to fit into the
mesh engaging portions 150,151 of the frame 110. In this embodiment as shown
the angles
184 and 185 are different but they could be the same.
[0063] Frame 110 is made by metal extrusion, for example aluminum. Aluminum
can be
extruded, is light, and does not rust. In FIG. 2A the frame 110 is shown prior
to assembly with
mesh engaging portions 150 and 151 in an open state. In the open state mesh
engaging portions
150 and 151 are V shaped and have inside walls 152,153 which are adjacent the
water
collection portion 120. Further, rear mesh engaging portion 150 has an outside
wall 156
adjacent to the rear flange 170 at the back side 112, and front mesh engaging
portion 151 has
an outside wall 157 adjacent the eavestrough fastening portion 160 at the
front side 114. In the
pre-assembled state the inside walls 152 and 153 extend down from and form
obtuse angles
154,155 relative to the water collection portion 120. In this particular
embodiment the angles
154,155 shown are different however they could be the same.
[0064] FIG. 3 shows a magnification of front mesh engaging portion 151 in the
open V position
from FIG. 2A to better illustrate engagement structures 159. Multiple
engagement structures
159 on the inside surfaces of the inside and outside walls 153 and 157 act
together to enhance
the ability of the front mesh engaging portion 151 to grip/hold the frame
engaging portions 183
of mesh 180 when the front mesh engaging portion 151 is closed or crimped
shut. In this
particular embodiment engagement structures 159 are ridges that are peak
shaped in cross-
section and extend along the length of the debris guard, they are located on
the inside of the V
on both the inside and outside walls 153 and 157. Engagement structures 159
are offset from
each other in order to fit together when the front mesh engagement portion 151
is closed or
crimped closed. Engagement structures 159 further engage and grip the frame
engaging
portions 183 of the mesh when the mesh engaging portion 157 is closed or
crimped shut. It
should be understood that the shape, size, number, and continuity of the
engagement structures
can be different as long as they allow the mesh engaging portion to be closed
and provide
enhanced grip or engagement of the mesh over a smooth surface; in fact a
slightly roughed or
textured surface may be sufficient. Although front mesh engaging portion 151
is shown in
this FIG. rear mesh engaging portion 150 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C also
has engagement
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structures 159. A closed mesh engaging portion without mesh engaging
structures may provide
enough grip to hold the mesh to the frame.
[0065] Frame engaging portions 182, 183 of the mesh 180 are inserted into the
open V shaped
mesh engaging portions 150, 151. The mesh engaging portions 150, 151 are
closed by bending
the outside walls 156 and 157 towards their respective inside walls 152, 153
thereby closing
the V as shown in FIG. 2B. Once closed, mesh engaging portions 150,151 are
further bent to
reduce the original obtuse angles 154 and 155 to tighten the mesh as shown in
FIG. 2C. Final
angles 154', 155' are approximately 90 degrees +1- 10, the mesh engaging
portions 150, 151
need to be at an angle such that they fit within and are received by the
eavestrough when
installed. Tightness of the mesh depends on the difference between original
obtuse angles
154, 155 and the final angles 154', 155', the large the difference the tighter
the mesh becomes.
Tightening the mesh prevents collapse and low spots in the mesh, reducing the
likely hood that
debris will stick or hang up on the debris guard 100, as well as ensures
contact with mesh
supports 130 to ensure optimum transfer of water through the mesh 180.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a debris guard 400. Final
assembled debris
guard 400 has essentially the same features as final assembled debris guard
100, however the
manufacturing method is slightly different because there is no tightening of
the mesh. Frame
410 has mesh engaging portions 450 and 451 which are roughly perpendicular to
the frame
410. The frame 410 is extruded with mesh engaging portions 450 and 451, having
inside walls
452, 453 with angles 454, 455 which are roughly 90 relative to the bottom
surface of the water
engaging portion 420 of frame 410. Mesh 480 has frame engaging portions 482
and 483, which
are pre-bent at angles 484 and 485 which are roughly 90 to match the angles
of the mesh
engaging portions 450 and 451. Mesh engaging portions 450 and 451 receive
frame engaging
portions 482 and 483 to join the mesh 480 to the frame 410 to form the final
assembled debris
guard 400. In the embodiment shown the inside walls 452, 453 and their
respective outside
walls 456, 457 are both at approximately 90 relative to the frame 410 and
have a space
between to receive the mesh 480. The frame engaging portions 482, 483 of the
mesh 480 are
inserted into the mesh engaging portions 450 and 451. It should be understood
that in another
embodiment (not shown) it would be possible for the frame 410 to be extruded
with frame
engaging portions having insides walls 452, 453 at a roughly 90 degree angle
but with outside
walls at another angle to form an open V shape similar to the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 2A,
2B, 2C and 3. In this case the mesh engaging portions would then be closed to
hold the mesh.
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[0067] FIGS. 5A and 5B show yet another embodiment of debris guard 500 when it
is desired
to have the extruded frame manufactured in its final shape and configuration,
no further
bending or adjustments required. What in other embodiments is described as
mesh engaging
portions 150, 450, 151, 451, in this embodiment no longer engages the mesh and
therefore will
be referred to as the alternative name vertical debris guard supports 550,
551. Vertical debris
guard supports 550,551 in this embodiment only provide the vertical location
and support
function for the debris guard 500 when installed on the eavestrough. In the
embodiment shown
the frame is extruded in its final shape and configuration, mesh 580 is either
welded or glued
to the frame 580 to form final debris guard 500. This would be desirable when
for example
the frame 510 is to be made from plastic.
[0068] FIGS. 10, 10A, and 10B show another embodiment of the debris guard
1000. FIG 10A
is an enlarged view of portion A on FIG 10 with a portion of the mesh 1080 cut
away to
illustrate the frame 1010 underneath. Frame 1010 has back side 1012 and a
front side 1014
and a length L, when installed in the eavestrough the back side 1012 is
adjacent the building
(not shown). A rear flange or lip 1070 extends from the back side 1012 at an
angle to direct
rainwater and debris from the roof (not shown) to the water collection portion
1020. A first
rear mesh engaging portion 1050 is located forward of the rear flange 1070
towards the front
side 1014 of the frame 1010. Water collection portion 1020 extends forward
from first mesh
engaging portion 1050 to a second front mesh engaging portion 1051, therefore
the water
collection portion 120 extends between the two mesh engaging portions 1050,
1051. The main
difference between the debris guard 1000 and the debris guard 100 described
previously is that
the frame 1010 has mesh engaging portions 1050 and 1051 which are parallel to
the frame.
The mesh engaging portions 1050, 1051 extend along the length of the frame
1010 and receive
edges of the mesh 1080 to fix the mesh 1080 to the frame 1010 covering the
water collection
portion 1020. The mesh engaging portions 1050 and 1051 of the frame 1010 are
crimped
down hold the mesh 1080 to the debris guard 1080. Because the mesh engaging
portions 1050,
1051 are parallel, the frame requires a separate vertical debris guard support
1058 to provide
the vertical location and support function for the debris guard 1000 adjacent
the back side 1012
of the frame 1010. A forward flange or eavestrough fastening portion 1060
extends forward
from the second front mesh engaging portion 1051 and to the front side 1014 of
the frame 1010
and along the length of the frame 1010. Fastening portion 1060 has holes or
slots 1061 for
receiving a fastener such as a screw (not shown).
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[0069] Frame 1010 further includes mesh supports 1030 extending upward from
the top
surface 1022 of the water collection portion 1020. Mesh supports 1030 make
contact with the
mesh 1080 to keep a space or gap between the mesh 1080 and the top surface
1022 of the water
collection portion 1020, this allows air flow to dry the debris guard 1000.
Mesh supports 1030
also draw and guide the rainwater down from the mesh 1080 onto the top surface
1022 of the
water collection portion 1020 which has number of slots or holes 1021 to allow
the rainwater
to pass through. Mesh supports 1030 will also prevent the mesh 1080 from
collapsing during
use. The mesh supports 1030 shown in this embodiment are roughly perpendicular
to the
surface of the water collection portion 1020, spaced apart from each other,
are straight, the
same height, continuous, and extend along the length L of the debris guard
1000, therefore they
also in pairs form channels between them to direct the water flow along the
debris guard. It
should be understood that the shape, angle, height, variation in height,
number and continuity
of the mesh supports can be different from what is shown as long as they
provide enough
support to maintain the gap and prevent the collapse of the mesh 1080.
Increasing the contact
the mesh supports 1030 have with the mesh 1080 will increase the water
transfer rate through
the mesh 1080. Another way to increase the water transfer rate through the
mesh 1080 is to
increase the surface area of the mesh 180 by providing a curved profile for
the mesh 1080. In
this embodiment the water collection portion 1020 has a slightly convex curved
profile in cross-
section between the two mesh engaging portions 1050, 1051. It is also possible
to achieve a
curved mesh profile with a flat water collection portion by sizing the mesh
support heights to
create a convex curved profile in cross-section.
[0070] Now turning to FIG. 10B a magnification of portion B on an end of the
debris guard
1000 from FIG. 10A, multiple pairs of connector engagement structures 1040a,
1040b are
shown in cross-sectional profile extending downward from the bottom surface
1024 of the
water collection portion 1020 of the frame 1010 and then inward towards each
other, the
engagement structures 1040a,1040b extend along the length L of the debris
guard 1000. The
pair of connector engagement structures 1040a, 1040b along with the bottom
surface 1024 of
the frame 1010 form a connector receiving opening 1042 sized and shaped to
receive a
connector (not shown) in a snug slide fit such that the connector can be slid
into and pulled out
of the connector receiving opening 1042 by hand or using a hand tool, but will
remain located
so that separate pieces or lengths of debris guard will remain vertically
aligned with one another
when connected together end to end by connectors. In this embodiment shown,
the connector
receiving opening 1042 is shaped to receive a rectangular shaped connector,
however it should
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be understood that connector receiving opening 1042 can be shaped to receive
various shapes
of connectors, for example round, square, etc. The
use and types of connectors will be
described further in FIGS. 6, 7, 11-14B.
[0071] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a debris guard 1700 (with the mesh
removed) similar
to FIG. 10, the main difference being that the connector engagement structures
1740a and
1740b extend from the top surface 1722 of the frame 1710 instead of the bottom
surface. The
pair of connector engagement structures 1740a, 1740b along with the top
surface 1722 of the
frame 1710 form a connector receiving opening 1742 sized and shaped to receive
a connector
1741 in a snug slide fit such that the connector can be slid into and pulled
out of the connector
receiving opening 1742 by hand or using a hand tool, but will remain located
so that separate
pieces or lengths of debris guard will remain vertically aligned with one
another when
connected together end to end by connectors.
[0072] Debris guards can be made manufactured in many different lengths and
then cut to suit
by the installer on site at the building at the time of installation. For
simplicity purposes the
following descriptions related to connecting pieces of debris guard together
and illustrated in
FIGS 6,7 and 11-14B will refer to debris guard 100 or 1000, but it should be
understood that
this description applies to all embodiments of debris guards shown and/or
described in this
application for example but not limited to debris guards 100, 400, 500, and
1000, or any debris
guard having at least one pair of connector engagement structures extending
down from a
bottom surface of the frame and along the length of a debris guard. Connector
engagement
structures must extend along the length of the debris guard because the debris
guard can be cut
at any point along its length to fit the length of eavestrough by the
installer. FIG. 6 shows an
example of debris guards 100 cut to desired lengths and angles to fit an
example eavestrough
layout. Connectors 641a, 641b, 641c can be used to join multiple pieces of
debris guard 100
together. By using connectors between the lengths or pieces of debris guards
100 additional
strength and rigidity is achieved for the installed debris guard as well as
ensuring that the pieces
of debris guard are aligned flush with one another. Eavestrough hanger
brackets are typically
installed 16-24 inches apart and therefore will not necessarily be aligned
with the locations
where separate pieces of debris guard will have to come together. If the ends
of the separate
debris guard pieces are not supported by an eavestrough hanger bracket then
they will subject
to misalignment, especially in climates subject to snow and ice which would
add load to the
debris guard. By adding the connector, it ensures that the joint is supported
and the pieces
Page 14 of 27
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remain aligned. Connector 641a is connecting two angled ends of debris guards
100 to create
a 90 degree inside angle. Connector 641b is connecting two straight edge ends
of debris guards
100 to continue a straight length. Connector 641c is connecting two angled
ends of debris
guards 100 to create a 90 degree outside angle. Connectors 641a, 641b, 641c
all have a main
or central body portion 643 and fastener portions 644 extending from. In this
particular
embodiment the connectors 64 la,b,c have four fastener portions 644 each, two
extending from
each side of the central body portion 643, it should be understood that they
could have as little
as two fastener portions, one on each side the central body or more than four.
Each tab 644 is
received between a pair of connector engagement structures 140a, 140b on the
debris guard
100, which were first described in FIG. 1B and will be further described in
FIGS. 8 and 9.
When the connectors 641a, 641b, 641c are fully inserted into the debris guards
100, the central
body 643 of the connectors 641a, 641b, 641c will make contact with and act as
a stop for the
edge of the debris guard 100 lengths.
10073] FIG. 7 illustrates the same example layout as shown in FIG. 6 but with
a different style
of connectors. Two connectors 741a are used to connect two angled ends of
debris guards 100
to create a 90 degree inside angle; each connector 741a has two fastener
portions 744 one
received in one piece of the debris guard 100, the other in a second piece of
debris guard 100.
Two connectors 741c are used to connect two angled ends of debris guards 100
to create a 90
degree outside angle; each connector 741c has two fastener portions 744 one
received in one
piece of the debris guard 100, the other in a second piece of debris guard
100. Connector 741b
is connecting two straight edge ends of debris guards 100 to continue a
straight length.
Connector 74 lb also has two fastener portions 744, one received in an end of
a first length of
debris guard 100 and the other received in an end of a second length of debris
guard,
bumps/crimps 743 in the center of the connector 741b act as a stop for the
edge of the debris
guard 100 lengths to prevent them from touching or overlapping. It is possible
to add similar
bumps/crimps to the angle connectors 741a and 74 lb. Each fastener portion 744
is received
between a pair of connector engagement structures 140a, 140b on the debris
guard 100, which
were first described in FIG. 1B and will be further described in reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9.
Although two connectors 741a, 741b, 741c are shown between pieces of debris
guard 100 it
should be understood that it is possible to have only one or more that two.
FIG. 7 also shows
end caps 745 which can be attached to cut ends of the debris guard 100 to
cover the cut end of
the debris guard 100 pieces or lengths. It is possible that rough edges may be
created when the
lengths of debris guard are cut. End cap 745 shown has an end surface 747 with
fastener
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portions 744 which extend perpendicular from the end surface 747. Fastener
portions 744 are
shaped to be received in the connector engagement structures 140a, 140b on the
debris guard
100 and end surface 747 covers the cut edge of debris guard 100.
[0074] FIG 11 illustrates a similar layout as shown in FIGs 6 and 7 however
instead of using
angled connectors, the debris guard comes in debris guard straight lengths 100
which are cut
and pre-made corners 100'. The benefit to the pre-made corners 100' is that
the installer will
only need to make straight cuts of the debris guard and will not be required
to cut any angles.
Because all ends of debris guard 100 and 100' are straight edges the
connectors can also be
straight along their length and only one type and size of connector is needed.
Connector 1141
has two fastener portions 1144 one received in one piece of the debris guard
100/100', the other
in an end of a second piece/length of debris guard 100 /100', bumps/crimps
1143 in the center
of the connector 1141 act as a stop for the edge of the debris guard 100
lengths to prevent them
from touching or overlapping. Connector 1141 is shown connecting two straight
edge ends of
debris guards 100 to continue a straight length, as well as showing a
connection between a
straight length 100 and a pre-made corner 100'. Each fastener portion 1144 is
received between
a pair of connector engagement structures (not shown) on the debris guard 100,
engagement
structures were first described in FIG. 1B and 10B and will be further
described in reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9. Although only one connector 1141 between pieces of debris guard
100, 100'
are shown however it is possible to have a debris guard with more than one
pair of connector
engagement structures use two or more connectors 1141. FIG. 11 also shows end
caps 1145
which can be attached to cut ends of the debris guard 100 to cover the cut end
of the debris
guard 100 pieces or lengths. It is possible that rough edges may be created
when the lengths
of debris guard are cut, end caps cover the rough edges to prevent debris hang
up as well as
prevent entry of rodents, debris, insects, birds, etc into the eavestrough .
End cap 1145 shown
has an end surface 1147 with fastener portion 1144 which extend perpendicular
from the end
surface 1147. Fastener portions 1144 on the end cap 1145 are the same as
fastener portions
1144 and shaped to be received in the connector engagement structures on the
debris guard 100
such that end surface 1147 covers the cut edge of debris guard 100.
[0075] FIGs. 12, 12A, and 12b, show an example of a connector 1241 that could
be used with
any of the debris guards described herein. Connector 1241 has two fastener
portions 1244 one
to be received in one piece of the debris guard and the other another piece of
debris guard to
join them together. Each fastener portion 1244 extends outward from a central
portion 1243
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which is shaped to be slightly larger in profile then the fastener portions
1244 so that central
portion be larger than the connector receiving opening (not shown) in the
debris guard (not
shown). This ensures a stop between pieces of connected debris guard so that
they are unable
to crush against each other and ensures that substantially equal amounts of
fastener portions
1244 extend into each piece of debris guard. The fastener portions 1244
provide additional
rigidity and support to connected pieces of debris guard. As illustrated in
FIG 12B connector
1241 has a slightly wavy cross-section, the wave shape forms ridges and
valleys which enhance
the overall strength of the connector 1241, which in turn translates into
further rigidity and
strength to connected pieces of debris guard. This is an optional enhancement
and could be
achieved using other geometries.
[0076] FIGs 13A and B show another embodiment of a connector 1341, FIG13A
shows the
connector 1341 just prior to joining two pieces of debris guard 1000 together.
Connector 1341
has a central portion 1343 with two fastener portions 1344 spaced apart and
extending
outwardly from each side of the central portion 1343. The central portion 1343
extends upward
form the connector 1341 to a height that will clear the top of the debris
guard 1000 when
installed, once past this height the central portion 1343 widens to form a
joint covering portion
1347. When the connector 1341 is installed as shown in FIG 13B to connect two
lengths of
debris guard 1000 the joint covering portion 1347 covers the cut edges of the
debris guard 1000
lengths. Covering the edges may help prevent the rough edges from catching
leaves and other
debris and prevent debris from passing between the joined lengths of debris
guard. The central
portion 1343 which is located between the joined debris guard 1000 pieces acts
as a stop to
prevent overlapping of the debris guard pieces 1000. Although this example
shows two
fastener portions 1344 per side of the connector 1043, it could still work
with a single fastening
portion per side or more that two.
[0077] FIGS 14A and 14B illustrate another debris guard pre-made corner 1400'
embodiment
that does not require separate connectors to join to straight lengths of
debris guard 1000. An
outside 90 degree pre-made corner 1400' is shown in this example. Pre-made
corner 1400' is
shown without a mesh layer in FIG 14A to illustrate the frame 1410 having a
rainwater
collection portion 1420 with openings 1421 to allow rainwater to pass through,
extending from
the corner piece are fastener portions 1444, two on each inside side. Fastener
portions 1444
are received into connector receiving openings 1042 (as previously described
in reference to
FIGS 10, 10A, and 10B) on each piece of straight debris guard lengths 1000.
FIG 14B shows
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pre-made corner 1400' with the mesh 1480 attached to the frame 1410 covering
the rainwater
collection portion (not shown).
[0078] Although the connector embodiments described and illustrated previously
show
fastener portions which are rectangular or tab shaped it should be understood
that it is possible
to for connectors to have fastener portions that are other shapes for example
cylindrical,
tapered, triangular, etc. Connectors should also be designed so that their
overall installed
profile is such that they minimize the chance to create hang up spots for
debris.
[0079] All connector embodiments described thus far require a pair of
connector engagement
structures however it is possible to have a connector that will work with a
single connector
engagement structure as illustrated in FIGS 15A and 15B. FIG 15B shows a
connector 1541
that will work with the single connector engagement structure 1540 shown in
FIGA. Connector
engagement structure 1540 extends straight down from the bottom surface 1524
of frame 1510
and then extends outward to form a T shape in cross section. Connector 1541
has a central
portion 1543 and two fastener portions 1544 extending outwardly, one fastener
portion 1544
to be received in one piece of the debris guard and the other fastener portion
1544 to be received
in another piece of debris guard to join them together. Each fastener portion
1544 has a cut-
out or slot 1549 which is sized and shaped to receive the connector engagement
structure 1540
in a snug slide fit such that the connector can be slid onto and pulled off of
the connector
engagement structure 1540 by hand or using a hand tool, but will remain
located so that
separate pieces or lengths of debris guard will remain vertically aligned with
one another when
connected together end to end by connectors. The central portion 1543 is solid
and therefore
provides a stop between the fastener portions 1544 to prevent the connected
pieces of debris
guard from overlapping. In this embodiment the connector engagement structure
1540 has a T
shaped in cross section but it could be a different shape as long as it is
matched to the slot or
cut-out 1549 in the connector 1541 to hold and locate the connector in place
relative to the
frame 1510.
[0080] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a debris guard 1600, having a frame 1610
with a
water collection portion 1620, the water collection portion having slots or
holes 1621 for
allowing rainwater to pass through, a top surface 1622 and a bottom surface
1624. The frame
1610 having a pair of spaced apart connector engagement structures 1640
extending up from
the top surface 1622 of the water collection portion 1620 of the frame 1610.
The connector
1641 shown has fastener portions 1644 on each end for engaging with two
separate pieces of
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debris guard 1610 to connect them together. Connector 1641 further has a cut-
out 1649 which
in this embodiment is a slot which runs along the outside side surface of the
connector 1641
including the faster portions 1644. Connector 1641 is inserted between
connector engagement
structures 1640 so that the cut-out 1649 is received into slot 1621 such that
when installed a
portion of the connector 1641 is above the top surface 1622 and a portion of
the connector 1641
is below the bottom surface 1624 of the frame 1610. Similar to previous
embodiments
described herein, the connector 1641 has a snug slide fit engagement with the
debris guard
1600.
[0081] In the following paragraphs making reference to FIGS 8 and 9 the
installation onto the
eavestrough and operation of the debris guard will be described, although it
will be described
with reference to debris guard embodiment 100 it should be understood that
this description
applies to all embodiments of debris guards shown and/or described in this
application for
example but not limited to debris guards 100, 100' 400, 500, 1000, and 1400'
shown in FIGS.
4, 5A, and 5B, 11A, 11B,10, 10A,10B, and 14A, and 14B. FIG. 8 shows the debris
guard 100
just prior to assembly and FIG. 9 shows the debris guard 100 installed into a
typical eavestrough
in cross-section. Although only debris guard 100 in shown installed,
embodiments of debris
guard described and are installed in the same way. Eavestrough 1 is secured to
the building
wall 8 just under the roof edge 9 by a plurality of eavestrough hanger
brackets 2. Eavestrough
1 has a rear wall extending down, a bottom wall 7 extend outwards from the
rear wall and a
front wall 4 extending upward from the bottom wall 7 to form a trough which
collects the
rainwater. Rear wall 3 is attached to the building by a screw 6 goes through
the building side
or rear end of eavestrough hanger bracket 2 then through the rear wall 3 of
the eavestrough and
finally into the building 8. Front wall 4 terminates at a flange or lip which
is used to receive
the other or front end of eavestrough hanger bracket 2. The front end of
eavestrough hanger
bracket 2 supports the eavestrough 1 at front wall 4 side.
[0082] Debris guard 100 is laid over the eavestrough to cover the entire
portion of the
eavestrough extending beyond the roof edge. The mesh 180 faces up with the
vertical debris
supports 150 and 151 facing down received inside the eavestrough. The
eavestrough fastening
portion 160 rests on the top surface of the front flange 5 and the front mesh
engagement
structure or vertical debris guard support portion 151 is butted against the
edge of the front
flange 5 and its bottom end rests on top of the front end of eavestrough
hanger bracket 2
adjacent the eavestrough 1 front flange 5. Screws 162 are used to fasten the
debris guard 100
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to the eavestrough through slots or holes 161. The rear mesh engagement
structure or vertical
debris guard support portion 150 bottom end rests on top of eavestrough hanger
bracket 2
adjacent the building wall. Movement of the debris guard relative to the
eavestrough is possible
because mesh engagement structures or vertical debris guard supports 150, 151
are not fixed
to the eavestrough hanger eavestrough hanger brackets 2 and able to slide
freely and slot 161
is shaped larger than the screw. When installed a gap remains between the
buildings wall 8
and the rear flange or lip 170 at the back side 112 of the debris guard 100.
Debris guard is not
attached to the building structure itself, only to the eavestrough to allow
for expansion and
contraction of the eavestrough relative to the building due to changes in
temperature as well as
to accommodate any flexing due environmental factors such as wind, expansion
and
contraction of water freezing and thawing in the eavestrough.
[0083] A mix of rainwater (r) and debris (d) runs off of roof edge 9 onto the
debris guard 100.
The rear flange or lip 170 which in this embodiment is angled prevents debris
and rain from
flowing back towards the building wall 8. Debris guard 100 when installed is
inclined at
roughly an angle of greater than 0 less than 90 , in this example it is
roughly 100, so that the
frame back side 112 is higher than the frame front side 114, the mesh
engagement portions or
vertical debris guard supports 150, 151 which rest on the top surface of the
eavestrough hanger
eavestrough hanger bracket 2 set the height and slope of all of the debris
guard 100. The
purpose of the inclination is to provide a continuous downward angle of the
debris guard 100
to direct the rainwater (r) and debris (d) mix off of the roof forward towards
the front side 114,
enhancing the washing of debris (d) off of the mesh 180. As the rainwater (r)
and debris (d)
mix flows over the debris guard 100, the rainwater (r) flows through the mesh
110 to the water
collection portion 120 of the frame. The water collection portion 120 has
several slots or holes
121 which allow the rainwater (r) to pass through to the eavestrough.
Debris (d) can be
anything that falls onto the building roof or eavestrough, for example: pine
needles, pinecones,
leaves, and seed pods are prevented from passing through the mesh 180 and are
shed off of the
debris guard 100.
[0084] FIGS. 18A and 18B show a bottom perspective view and a top perspective
view,
respectively, of an embodiment of an eavestrough debris cover 1800 having
improved water
flow-through. FIG. 18C shows a top view of the debris cover 1800. The debris
cover 1800
may be adapted to be compatible with, or include at least some of the features
of, water
collection portions 120, 420, 1020, and frame 510. In other words, the debris
cover 1800 may
Page 20 of 27
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be adapted to have any number of cover configurations or shapes and be
compatible with the
embodiments described herein. Portions of the debris cover1800 have been cut
away in FIGS.
18A, 18B, and 18C to provide clarity. The debris cover 1800 includes a
plurality of holes, or
slots, 1821, a top surface 1822, a bottom surface 1824 opposite the top
surface 1822, and a
plurality of mesh supports 1830. Only a subset of holes 1821 and mesh supports
1830 are
labelled in FIGS. 18A and 18B to provide clarity. FIG. 18D is a cross-
sectional view of the
water eavestrough debris cover 1800 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 18C. FIG
18E is a
magnification of a portion of FIG 18D.
[0085] The top surface 1822 may be seen as a water collection surface. In the
present
embodiment, the holes 1821 have an elongated shape, however, in other
embodiments the holes
1821 may have other shapes. Each hole 1821 includes 18a drip leg 1826 that
extends outward
from the bottom surface 1824 with an extension distance 1832. In the present
embodiment,
the holes 1821 are approximately rounded rectangles having two sides opposite
one another
along the long edges of the holes and two sides opposite one another along the
short edges of
the holes for a total of four edges. In alternate embodiments the holes may
have a different
number of edges or may be circular. The adhesive characteristics of water
encourage rainwater
to cling to the top surface 1822 and any other surfaces contiguous with the
top surface 1822,
including the drip leg 1826. Since the drip leg 1826 extends outward from the
bottom surface
1824, the force of gravity acting on the rainwater cooperates with the
adhesive characteristics
of the rainwater to draw rainwater down the drip leg 1826 and away from the
top surface 1822.
Each drip leg 1826 may be coupled to each hole 1821 by a radiused edge that
assists water that
is flowing on the top surface of the eavestrough debris cover 1800 to flow
downward through
the hole such that there is an improved flow of water through the debris cover
1800.
[0086] In other words, the eavestrough debris cover 1800 includes a plurality
of drip legs 1826.
Only a subset of holes 1821 and drip legs 1826 are labelled in FIG. 18C to
provide clarity. Each
hole 1821 has a width 1834 and is positioned a lateral distance 1836 from at
least one rib feature
1830.
[0087] Each drip leg 1826 is curved with a radius of curvature 1838, although
in alternative
embodiments each drip leg may form an acute angle with a line parallel totop
surface 1822 and
bottom surface 1824 across each hole 1821. In other words, each drip leg may
be coupled to
each hole via a an acute or a radiused edge. Each drip leg 1826 has an edge
thickness 1840 that
may be equal to or different from an extrusion thickness 1842. In other words,
each drip leg
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1826 may have an edge thickness 1840 thinner than the extrusion thickness 1842
of the
eavestrough debris cover 1800, which may include an extrusion thickness of a
frame. The drip
legs 1826 extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees as shown in FIGS. 18A-
18E, however
a skilled person having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate
that the drip legs
may extend at an angle other than 90 degrees, for example less than 90
degrees, and still provide
improved flow-through. The increased slot extension radius aids in drawing
water into the slot
or hole. Increased extension distance prevents water from or reduces the
likelihood of water
clinging and moving along the underside of the cover ensuring water drops down
into the
eavestrough.
[0088] In use, rainwater may make its way onto top surface 1822 and may
accumulate near the
plurality of holes 1821. Rainwater may move past the plurality of holes 1821
in cases where
the debris cover 1800 is constructed with a slope or installed on a sloped
eavestrough or gutter.
Rainwater may be drawn down the drip leg 1826 by both the action of the
adhesive
characteristics of water and by the force of gravity. Gravity then causes
rainwater to drop off
the bottom of the drip leg 1826. Rainwater may run along side the bottom of
the drip leg 1826
until it reaches an end of the drip leg 1826 and has nowhere else to travel at
which point it
drops into the eavestrough or gutter. The curvature and extension below the
bottom surface
1824 of the drip legs 1826 may thereby provide for enhanced water flow through
the
eavestrough debris cover 1800 by directing water to the drip legs 1826 from
which water may
more quickly easily fall into the gutter. In other words, the drip legs 1826
provide the
eavestrough debris cover 1800 with improved water flow-through relative to
water collection
portions lacking drip legs. The drip legs 1826 shown in FIGS 18A-E extend
around all of the
edges of the holes 1821, however in alternative embodiments the drip legs may
extend around
fewer than all of the edges of the holes.
[0089] FIG 19A shows a top view of another embodiment of an eavestrough debris
cover 1900
having improved water flow-through. FIG 19B shows a cross-sectional view of
the debris
cover 1900 along line D-D from FIG 19A. FIG 19C shows a cross-sectional view
of the debris
cover 1900 along line F-F from FIG 19A. FIG 19D shows a top perspective view
of the debris
cover 1900, with a portion shown in magnification. FIG 19E shows a bottom
perspective view
of the debris cover 1900, with a portion shown in magnification. Portions of
the debris cover
1900 have been cut away in FIGS. 19A, 19D, and 19E to provide clarity.
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[0090] The debris cover 1900 includes a plurality of holes 1921, a top surface
1922, a bottom
surface 1924 opposite the top surface 1922, and a plurality of mesh supports
1930. Each hole
1921 includes a drip leg 1926 that extends outward from the bottom surface
1924. Only a subset
of holes 1921, drip legs 1926, and mesh supports 1930 are labelled in FIGS.
19A to 19E to
provide clarity. The debris cover 1900 is similar to the debris cover 1800,
however the drip
legs 1926 extend from only three sides of the holes 1921, as shown in the
magnification of FIG
19E.
[0091] FIG 20A shows a top view of another embodiment of an eavestrough debris
cover 2000
having improved water flow-through. FIG 20B shows a cross-sectional view of
the debris
cover 2000 along line D-D from FIG 20A. FIG 20C shows a cross-sectional view
of the debris
cover 2000 along line F-F from FIG 20A. FIG 20D shows a top perspective view
of the debris
cover 2000, with a portion shown in magnification. FIG 20E shows a bottom
perspective view
of the debris cover 2000, with a portion shown in magnification.
[0092] Portions of the debris cover 2000 have been cut away in FIGS. 20A, 20D,
and 20E to
provide clarity. The debris cover 2000 includes a plurality of holes 2021, a
top surface 2022,
a bottom surface 2024 opposite the top surface 2022, and a plurality of mesh
supports 2030.
Each hole 2021 includes a drip leg 2026 that extends outward from the bottom
surface 2024.
Only a subset of holes 2021, drip legs 2026, and mesh supports 2030 are
labelled in FIGS. 20A
to 20E to provide clarity. The debris cover 2000 is similar to the debris
cover 1800 and debris
cover 1900, however the drip legs 2026 extend from only one side of the holes
2021, as shown
in the magnification of FIG 20E.
10093] It is understood that while three different embodiments showing 1, 3
and 4 drip legs are
shown, another embodiment may include two drip legs. In other words, each of
the plurality
of drip legs may be coupled to one, two, three, or four out of four sides of
each of the plurality
of holes. Furthermore, while the drip legs are shown as extending an entire
length of a side of
the hole, the drip legs may also extend only a portion of the length. It is
understood that while
embodiments are shown with holes having an elongated shape and rounded edges,
other
embodiments may have holes with other shapes, for example circular or square
shapes. For
circular holes, the drip legs may be connected to a portion of a perimeter of
the hole such as
along an arc or a semi-circular part of the hole.
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[0094] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be
understood that
they have been presented only as illustrations and examples of the present
disclosure, and not
by way of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of
the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should
not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in
accordance
with the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood
that each feature of
each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be
used in
combination with the features of any other embodiment. All patents and
publications discussed
herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Page 24 of 27
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Date recue/date received 2021-10-22
