MasterShield® Gutter Protection Benefits From New Patent, Strengthens Industry Leadership

Sept. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- RIDGEWOOD, N.J. – Edward “Alex” Higginbotham, inventor of MasterShield® Gutter Protection (www.mastershield.com), the long-time leader in the gutter guard industry, was granted a patent August 30 that expands upon original claims made in his micro cloth and expanded metal patent bestowed in October 2005.

The latest patent removes original limitations of narrow language, expands the technology and increases product protection, strengthening MasterShield’s position in the gutter guard industry as an innovative thought leader and trend setter.

Higginbotham’s original patent protected a product featuring a micromesh filter married to expanded metal, in which several downward extending inseams were created. This allowed water to travel along the top of the material until it was drawn downward along the inseam into the gutter.

The latest patent draws on Higginbotham’s most recent discoveries, resulting in a greater capacity to capture and redirect water flow. This is accomplished by offering two distinct flow paths at every downward extension, rather than the singular, compressed inseam that existed before. By increasing the number of water paths, it doubles the effectiveness of the product’s ability to siphon water into the gutter.

“It was important to establish an updated patent to eliminate unclear language that previously made the product vulnerable to similar technology practices,” Higginbotham said. “The new patent is able to expand on my idea of two distinct gutter guard flow paths and the effectiveness it adds to water filtration. This is beneficial for MasterShield because it better protects product features and allows the company to maintain its industry identity.”

About MasterShield
MasterShield is the latest generation of gutter protection from Edward "Alex" Higginbotham, the inventor of micromesh gutter guards. It revolutionized the industry by being the first gutter guard to combine a micro filter with a strong but flexible recycled aluminum body, allowing the product to be installed with the pitch of the roof. MasterShield filters water to 50 microns, about half the width of a human hair, so that nothing but water will enter your gutter. Keeping gutters clear and free flowing helps prevent water damage and eliminates breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. All MasterShield dealerships are independently owned and operated.