Abstract:
An application for a decoration clip includes a portion for inserting between a facial board of a roof and a drip guard and a portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. The substantially flat insertion surface is connected to the substantially flat outlay surface, thereby forming an elongated U-shape when viewed from a side. A device for holding the decoration is situated on an outer surface of the portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of decoration and more particularly to a device for affixing decorations to the eaves of homes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is well known that many enjoy holiday decorations temporarily mounted to the outsides of their homes. There are many ways known to accomplish such. For example, nails, screws or hooks can be installed for hanging such decorations at desired locations. Unfortunately, the nails, screws or hooks leave holes when removed or, if left in, often corrode or rust, often staining the surface of the home. Other forms of hooks offer stick-on clips, but can peel off paint when removed. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,275,818 to Campbell describes a display means for attaching holiday lights around a window. The described means includes an adjustable frame that fits within a window frame and accepts clips that hold the wires of the lighting system. This patent does not disclose a clip that attaches to the drip guard or flashing of a roofing system for holding decorations such as holiday lights. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,926 to Reynolds describes a hanger clamp that holds a light (such as a holiday ornament) to an exposed beam. The hanger has a hole through which a lamp is inserted. The disclosed device does not attach to the drip guard and, instead of holding strands of a holiday decoration, holds light bulbs, making it less useful for decorations such as garland and icicle lights. 
         [0005]    None of the prior inventions propose a clip that attaches to the drip guard found on many roofing systems. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a clip that will removably attach to a drip guard and provide a hook for holding decorations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a decoration clip is disclosed including a substantially flat insertion sheet for inserting between a facial board of a roof and a drip guard; and a substantially flat outlay sheet for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. The substantially flat insertion surface is connected to the substantially flat outlay surface, thereby forming an elongated U-shape when viewed from a side of the decoration clip. A hook is placed an outer surface of the substantially flat outlay sheet for holding the decoration. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a decoration clip is disclosed including a portion for inserting between a facial board of a roof and a drip guard; and a portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. The substantially flat insertion surface is connected to the substantially flat outlay surface, thereby forming an elongated U-shape when viewed from a side. A device for holding the decoration is situated on an outer surface of the portion for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a U-shaped clip is disclosed including a substantially flat insertion side for inserting between a facial board of a roof and a drip guard, a substantially flat outer side for interfacing with an outer surface of the drip guard and a curved end interfacing the substantially flat insertion side to the substantially flat outer side. A hook is on an outer surface of the substantially flat outer side for holding a decoration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a clip of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side plan view of a clip of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side plan view of a clip of the present invention installed on a drip guard. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates an elevation view of a home showing multiple clips of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a clip of the present invention will be described. The clip  10  is formed or cut into a substantially elongated U-shape having a relatively flat insertion sheet  14  for fitting between a rain guard (or flashing) and the facial board of a roofing system. The insertion sheet is connected to an outlay sheet  12  by a connecting sheet  15 , thereby forming the substantially elongated U-shape. It is preferred that the insertion sheet  14  be held substantially close to the outlay sheet  12  by spring force of the material used, although this is not required. In embodiments without such spring force, the insertion sheet  14  is held in place by friction of the tight fit between the facial board surface and the drip guard (or flashing). A clip  16  is cut and bent, molded or affixed to the outer surface of the outlay sheet  12 . Although shown in one position upon the outlay sheet  12 , in alternate embodiments, the clip is fabricated in other locations on the outlay sheet  12 . In some embodiments, a lip  13  is formed on the top surface of the outlay sheet  12  for assisting with insertion of the clip  10 , similar to the insertion of a pen into a pocket protector. Likewise, in some embodiments, a lip  17  is formed in the upper edge of the clip  16  to assist with the insertion of the decoration (light strand, garland, etc). 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the clip  10  is made from sheet metal such as aluminum and bent into the substantially elongated U-shape. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the hook  16  is formed by cutting a substantially rectangular section from the outlay sheet  12  and bending such into the shape of the hook  16 . Alternately, the hook  16  is fabricated separately and affixed to the outlay sheet by means known in the industry such as welding or with adhesives. In another embodiment, the clip  10  is molded, comprising a stiff plastic. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the hook  16  is molded as an integral part of the clip  10 . Alternately, the hook  16  is molded separately and affixed to the outlay sheet by means known in the industry such as welding or with adhesives. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side plan view of a clip of the present invention will be described. As previously described, the clip  10  is formed or cut into a substantially elongated U-shape having a relatively flat insertion sheet  14  for fitting between a rain guard (or flashing) and the facial board of a roofing system. The insertion sheet is connected to an outlay sheet  12  by a connecting sheet  15 , thereby forming the substantially elongated U-shape. It is preferred that the insertion sheet  14  be held to the outlay sheet  12  by spring force of the material used, although this is not required. In embodiments without such spring force, the insertion sheet  14  is held in place by friction of the tight fit between the facial board surface and the drip guard (or flashing). A clip  16  is cut and bent, molded or affixed to the outer surface of the outlay sheet  12 . Although shown in one position upon the outlay sheet  12 , in alternate embodiments, the clip is fabricated in other locations on the outlay sheet  12 . In some embodiments, a lip  13  is formed on the top surface of the outlay sheet  12  for assisting with insertion of the clip  10 , similar to the insertion of a pen into a pocket protector. Likewise, in some embodiments, a lip  17  is formed in the upper edge of the clip  16  to assist with the insertion of the decoration (light strand, garland, etc). 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side plan view of a clip of the present invention installed on a drip guard will be described. The relatively flat insertion sheet  14  of the clip  10  is fitted between a rain guard (or flashing)  30  and the facial board of a roofing system  32 . The insertion sheet  14  is connected to an outlay sheet  12  by a connecting sheet  15 , thereby forming the substantially elongated U-shape. In one embodiment, the clip is held in place by spring force between the insertion sheet  14  and the outlay sheet  12 , although this is not required. In alternate embodiments without such spring force, the insertion sheet  14  of the clip  10  is held in place by friction of the tight fit between the facial board surface and the drip guard (or flashing). A decoration string or wire  20  is shown in the clip  16 . For completeness, roofing material (shingles, etc.)  34  are nailed into the roof  32  with nails  36  and the side surface of the home  38  is shown. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an elevation view of a home showing multiple clips of the present invention will be described. In this example, the decoration is a string of lights  20  with multiple light bulbs  22 . The wire portion of the string of lights  20  is supported by multiple clips  10 . 
         [0021]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0022]    It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.