Patent Publication Number: US-7584576-B2

Title: Rain gutter guard and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
   The present application is a continuation of commonly assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/505,914, filed Aug. 17, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,476 entitled RAIN GUTTER GUARD AND METHOD, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/099,250, filed Apr. 5, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,027 entitled RAIN GUTTER GUARD AND METHOD, which is a continuation of commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/458,562 filed Jun. 10, 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,870), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and claim priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. § 120. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to rain gutters for buildings and the like, and in particular to a guard and associated method to prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from entering the interior of the gutter. 
   Gutter protection systems, such as guards, caps, screens and shields, are well known in the art, and are designed to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the trough-shaped interior of the gutter, while directing runoff water to a desired location. Some types of gutter guards, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,182,399 and 5,845,435, are incorporated into a complete gutter system of the type having a special gutter shape. Consequently, such guards cannot be used to retrofit an existing conventional gutter. 
   Some types of gutter guards, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0073631 A1, attach to the existing hangers of a conventional gutter, while others, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0069594 A1, employ special clips to attach the guard to the front lip of an existing gutter. In both such designs, extra strain is applied to the gutter and/or associated hangers as a result of the weight of the guard, as well as the runoff water and related debris. This additional weight can result in substantial problems, particularly when the existing gutter is installed without anticipating the additional weight of a retrofitted guard. 
   Many types of gutter guards are currently available, including those that use screens or expanded metal panels, as well as those using imperforate caps or top sheets. Typically, both of these designs rely upon the rain gutter itself for support, and/or must be fastened to the roof, resulting in increased installation difficulty and cost. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention is to provide a guard for rain gutters and the like of the type having a generally trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. The guard includes a cap having a rearward portion shaped to extend along an associated roof, a medial portion shaped to extend over the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion shaped to extend adjacent to the front lip of the gutter. The guard also includes a mounting bracket having a rearward portion adapted for abutment with the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the cap to deflect debris from the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion having a hook-shaped nose configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the interior of the gutter, and subsequently pivoted laterally along a generally horizontal plane about the nose into a generally perpendicular orientation within the interior of the gutter to retain the nose in the channel of the gutter, and facilitate attachment of the rear portion of the mounting bracket to the rear wall of the gutter and the roof fascia. 
   Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket for rain gutter guards of the type having a deflector extending over a gutter with a generally trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. The mounting bracket includes a rearward portion adapted for abutment with the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion shaped for supporting the deflector to deflect debris from the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion having a hook-shaped nose configured for insertion under the end edge of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the interior of the gutter to positively capture the nose in the channel of the gutter, and subsequently pivoted laterally along a generally horizontal plane about the nose into a generally perpendicular orientation within the interior of the gutter to retain the nose in the channel of the gutter, and facilitate attachment of the rearward portion of the mounting bracket to the rear wall of the gutter and the roof fascia. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a guard for rain gutters and the like of the type having a generally trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. The guard includes an imperforate cap having a rearward portion shaped to extend along an associated roof, a medial portion shaped to extend over the interior of the gutter, and a curved forward portion shaped to extend above and forward of the front lip of the gutter to define a gap of predetermined width through which rainwater is swept into the interior of the gutter. The guard also includes a mounting bracket having a rearward portion thereof adapted for abutment with the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion thereof supporting the cap to deflect debris from the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion thereof having a hook-shaped nose configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter such that the mounting bracket assumes a generally perpendicular orientation within the interior of the gutter to retain the nose in the channel of the gutter, and facilitate attachment of the rearward portion of the mounting bracket to the rear wall of the gutter and the roof fascia, so as to precisely maintain the predetermined width of the gap during use. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for deflecting debris and the like from rain gutters of the type having a generally trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. The method comprises providing a cap having a rearward portion shaped to extend along an associated roof, a medial portion shaped to extend over the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion shaped to extend adjacent to the front lip of the gutter. A mounting bracket is provided having a rearward portion shaped for abutment with the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion shaped to support the cap to deflect debris from the interior of the gutter, and a forward portion having a hook-shaped nose. The method further includes inserting the nose of the mounting bracket under the end edge of the gutter, and rotating the mounting bracket rearwardly and laterally along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter into a skewed orientation within the interior of the gutter. The mounting bracket is then pivoted along a generally horizontal plane about the nose into a generally perpendicular orientation within the interior of the gutter to retain the nose in the channel of the gutter. The rearward portion of the mounting bracket is then attached to the rear wall of the gutter and the roof fascia. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a self-supporting gutter guard that can be easily and quickly attached to an existing rain gutter. A unique mounting bracket shifts into the interior of the gutter in a quick and easy fashion, and includes self-leveling and aligning features which automatically locate the same properly within the gutter interior to ensure secure support and proper debris deflection. The mounting bracket is preferably configured to be mounted on the roof fascia by a single fastener to expedite installation. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the guard is anchored solely through the roof fascia, and does not penetrate or damage the roof shingles. Furthermore, when an imperforate cap type deflector is used, the unique mounting bracket precisely retains the cap in a predetermined edge forward relationship with the gutter that maintains a consistent gap which keeps out debris and animals, such as rodents, birds, etc., without restricting the flow of rainwater into the gutter. The mounting bracket has a very strong, rigid design to resist damage to the guard by tree branches and the like. Preferably, the cap has a very durable finish that can be matched to the appearance of the building. 
   The gutter guard is economical to manufacture, easy to install and repair, and can be readily retrofitted to an existing conventional gutter. The gutter guard is capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use. 
   These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a rain gutter guard embodying the present invention shown in conjunction with a conventional rain gutter. 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary perspective view of the rain gutter guard shown installed over the gutter along an associated building roof, wherein portions thereof have been broken away to reveal internal construction. 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a mounting bracket portion of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a left-hand side elevational view of the mounting bracket. 
       FIG. 4A  is a right-hand side elevational view of the mounting bracket. 
       FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the mounting bracket. 
       FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the mounting bracket. 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket having a nose portion shown before attachment under an end flange portion of the gutter. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket shown with the nose snapped over the end flange of the gutter. 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the mounting bracket and gutter shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein broken lines illustrate the mounting bracket being shifted into a skewed, partially installed position within the interior of the gutter. 
       FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the mounting bracket and gutter, as shown in the skewed, partially installed position. 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of two mounting brackets and the associated gutter, the left-hand mounting bracket being shown in a fully installed position within the gutter, and the right-hand mounting bracket being shown in the skewed, partially installed condition within the interior of the gutter. 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket and gutter shown being attached to an associated roof fascia. 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket and gutter shown in  FIG. 11 , with a cap portion of the guard being positioned for installation. 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket, gutter and cap shown in  FIG. 12 , wherein the cap has been shifted to a fully installed position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIGS. 2 and 13 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
   The reference numeral  1  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) generally designates a guard for rain gutters  2  of the type having a trough-shaped interior  3 , a rear wall  4  extending along an associated roof fascia  5  and a front lip  6  with a channel  7  and an end flange  8 . A plurality of mounting brackets  9  are provided, wherein each has a rear portion  10  abutting the rear wall  4  of gutter  2 , an upper portion  11  supporting an associated deflector, such as the illustrated cap  12 , and a forward portion  13  having a hook-shaped nose  14 . The nose  14  of mounting bracket  9  is configured to be inserted under the end flange  8  of gutter  2 , such that mounting bracket  9  is rotated rearwardly and laterally along a generally vertical arc about nose  14  toward the rear wall  4  of gutter  2  into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 9A . Mounting bracket  9  is then pivoted laterally along a generally horizontal plane about nose  14 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , into a perpendicular orientation within gutter interior  3  to retain nose  14  in the front lip  6  of gutter  2 , and facilitate attachment of the rear portion  10  of mounting bracket  9  to the rear wall  4  of gutter  2  and the associated roof fascia  5 . 
   In the illustrated example, guard  1  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is shown in conjunction with a conventional style rain gutter  2 , having a flat bottom wall  20  which joins with rear wall  4  in a substantially perpendicular orientation. The illustrated gutter  2  also includes a forward wall  21  having a curved medial portion  22  with front lip  6  extending along the upper portion thereof. A ledge  23  connects the lower edge of medial portion  22  with the forward edge of bottom wall  20 . Medial portion  22  presents an ornamental cove appearance to gutter  2 . The illustrated front lip  6  includes a generally vertical leg  24  and a generally horizontal leg  25  which terminates at end flange  8 . End flange  8  is turned outwardly away from rear wall  4 , and protrudes downwardly at an angle of approximately 30-50 degrees from the horizontal leg  25  of front lip  6 . The rear wall  4  of the illustrated gutter  2  includes an inwardly protruding, rounded bead  26  disposed adjacent the uppermost edge  27  of rear wall  4 . The upper edge  27  of rear wall  4  is generally coplanar with the horizontal leg  25  of front lip  6 . Gutter  2  may be constructed from any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, or the illustrated formed sheet aluminum. 
   The illustrated guard  1  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is shown attached to a conventional residential building  32  of the type having an end wall  33 , and a roof  35 , with fascia  5  extending along one side thereof. Roof  35  has a substantially conventional construction, comprising sheets of rigid underlay material  36 , such as plywood, particleboard or the like, over which roofing materials, such as the illustrated shingles  37 , are attached. In the illustrated example, a drip edge  38  is shown attached along the free edge of roof  35  and is designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the roof underlay  36 . The illustrated drip edge  38  has an angled upper flange  39  which conforms with the pitch of roof  35 , and extends to a protruding edge  40 . Drip edge  38  is reverse bent back from edge  40  to a generally vertical flange  41  that is positioned over the rear wall  4  of gutter  2 . 
   The illustrated existing gutter  2  is attached to building  32  in a conventional fashion, which as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 10 , includes a plurality of hangers  45  which are in the form of nails  46  that are driven through the vertical leg  24  of front lip  6 , through the rear wall  4  of gutter  2  and into the roof fascia  5 . Nails  46  are received through a cylindrically-shaped collar or stretcher  47  which is positioned between the front lip  6  and rear wall  4  of gutter  2  to retain the trough shape of interior  3 . Hangers  45  are spaced apart along the length of gutter  2  in a manner to support the weight of the same, as well as the associated rainwater. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the illustrated mounting bracket  9  has a molded one-piece construction, and may be made from a relatively rigid, synthetic resin material, such as plastic or the like, to provide a very strong, lightweight unit. Mounting bracket  9  includes a generally L-shaped member  49  with a horizontal leg  50 , and a vertical leg  51  that defines the rear portion  10  of mounting bracket  9 . Vertical leg  51  includes a generally flat rear surface  52  configured to abut the rear wall  4  of gutter  2  in a flush relationship to positively position mounting bracket  9  in a perpendicular orientation within the gutter interior  3 . The vertical leg  51  of mounting bracket  9  also includes a generally flat bottom edge  53  that is configured to abut the bottom of wall  20  of gutter  2  in a flush relationship to positively position mounting bracket  9  vertically within gutter interior  3 . A fastener boss  54 , having a generally semi-cylindrical shape, extends between the horizontal leg  50  and vertical leg  51  of mounting bracket  9 , and includes a central aperture  55  in which a threaded fastener  56  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) is received. Fastener boss  54  is disposed at a predetermined angle in the nature of 50-70 degrees from the vertical to facilitate installation, as described in greater detail below. The vertical leg  51  of mounting bracket  9  includes an arm  57  which extends laterally from bottom edge  53  and is designed for abuttingly engaging the bottom wall  20  of gutter  2  to resist rotation of mounting bracket  9  during installation of fastener  56 . In the illustrated example, as viewed in  FIG. 5 , the right-hand side edge  58  of vertical leg  51  tapers inwardly from horizontal leg  50 , and then curves outwardly to meet the end of arm  57 . In contrast, the opposite side edge  59  of vertical leg  51  tapers directly from horizontal leg  50  to bottom edge  53 . An arcuate gusset  60 , having a T-shaped cross-sectional shape, extends between horizontal leg  50  and vertical leg  51  to provide additional rigidity to mounting bracket  9 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the illustrated mounting bracket  9  also includes a laterally extending wing portion  61  protruding from opposite sides of vertical leg  51 , flush with rear surface  52 , which functions like a T-square to assist in precisely locating mounting bracket  9  in a perpendicular orientation within gutter  2 . 
   In the illustrated example, nose  14  ( FIGS. 3-6 ) is hook-shaped, and located at the free or terminal end of horizontal leg  50  on mounting bracket  9 . Nose  14  curves inwardly in a generally C-shaped fashion, and includes outermost portion  65  and a free edge  66 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , nose  14  has a predetermined width which tapers inwardly to free edge  66  to facilitate rotation of mounting bracket  9  into perpendicular orientation within gutter interior  3 , without distorting the front lip  6  of gutter  2 . More specifically, the opposite side edges  67  of nose  14  taper inwardly along curved lines to free edge  66 , which is generally linear in shape. 
   The horizontal leg  50  ( FIGS. 3-6 ) of mounting bracket  9  also includes a hook-shaped cap retainer  72 , which is spaced inwardly from nose  14 , and curves upwardly to a free edge  73 , which is spaced above the free edge  66  of nose  14 . Cap retainer  72  has a generally curved C-shaped configuration that is somewhat wider than the curved configuration of nose  14 , and is adapted to retain cap  12  in the manner described in greater detail below. 
   Mounting bracket  9  ( FIGS. 3-6 ) also includes an inclined top member  80  which is connected with and disposed generally above L-shaped member  49 , and defines the upper portion  11  of mounting bracket  9 . The illustrated top member  80  includes a downwardly curved front edge  81  that is configured to support the forward portion of cap  12 . Top member  80  also includes a generally planar rear portion  82  which extends in a generally horizontal relationship with horizontal leg  50 . The rear portion  82  of top member  80  extends forwardly to an angled ledge  83 , which also serves to connect cap  12  with mounting bracket  9 . Angled flanges  84 - 86  connect top member  80  with L-shaped member  49  in a vertically spaced apart relationship. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6 , top member  80  and angled flange  86  include access apertures  87 - 88  respectively to facilitate installation of fastener  56  in the manner described below. The right-hand side edge  89  of flange  85  is V-shaped, with the vertex positioned in line with apertures  87  and  88  to provide clearance for fastener  56 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the illustrated leaf/debris deflector is in the nature of an imperforate cap  12  having a rearward portion  92  extending along roof  35 , a medial portion  93  extending over the interior  3  of gutter  2 , and a forward portion  94  extending adjacent to the front lip  6  of gutter  2 . The illustrated cap  12  is formed from a relatively thin, substantially rigid sheet of metal, plastic or the like, and is inclined downwardly at a predetermined angle. The rearwardmost section  95  of cap  12  has a flat planar shape that is adapted to be inserted between the first and second courses of shingles  37  and  37   a  respectively on building roof  35  to retain the same in place without nails or other fasteners. The area of cap  12  between rear section  95  and forward portion  94  has a stepped configuration, with ridges  96 , that provides additional rigidity to cap  12 . A generally horizontal section  98  overlies the rear area  82  of mounting bracket  9 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The forward portion  94  of cap  12  is inwardly turned with a generally C-shaped configuration, and is positioned forwardly of the front lip  6  of gutter  2  to sweep water into the interior  3  of gutter  2 , while deflecting debris onto the ground. More specifically, the forward portion  94  of cap  12  includes angled flanges  99 - 101  which generally mate with the curved front edge  81  of top member  80  on mounting bracket  9 , as well as flanges  102 - 104 , which intersect to define a ledge into which the free edge  73  of cap retainer  72  is received to connect the forward portion  94  of cap  12  with mounting bracket  9 . 
   As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, mounting bracket  9  may be used to support a wide variety of different types of gutter guards, including perforated styles, such as screens, expanded metal panels, etc., as well as imperforate styles, such as the illustrated nose-forward design. 
   The illustrated guard  1  is preferably installed on gutter  2  in the following fashion. A plurality of mounting brackets  9  are selected for attachment to the roof fascia  5  in a laterally spaced apart relationship along the length of the gutter, generally in between the gutter hangers  45 . In one working embodiment of gutter guard  1 , mounting brackets  9  are spaced around 30 inches apart. Each of the mounting brackets  9  is attached to gutter  2  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , by first positioning the nose  14  of mounting bracket  9  against the end flange  8  of gutter front lip  6 , with mounting bracket  9  oriented so that the vertical leg  51  of L-shaped member  49  is disposed along a generally horizontal plane, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The distance between the outermost portion  65  and free edge  66  on the nose  14  of mounting bracket  9  is greater than the gap formed between the free edge of end flange  8  and the adjacent interior surface of gutter medial portion  22 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , so that nose  14  must be snapped into the interior of the front lip  6  of gutter  2  by forward motion of mounting bracket  9 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . This ensures positive connection between mounting bracket  9  and gutter  2 . After nose  14  has been snapped over the end flange  8  of gutter front lip  6 , mounting bracket  9  is then spun or rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about nose  14  toward the rear wall  4  of gutter  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 9A . The arc about which mounting bracket  9  is shifted is not in a pure vertical plane, but rather is in a laterally offset plane, so that the mounting bracket is articulated into the skewed orientation within the interior  3  of gutter  2  shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A and  10 . The laterally shifted articulation of mounting bracket  9  ensures that the vertical leg  51  of mounting bracket  9  clears the protruding edge  40  of drip edge  38 . The tapered configuration of nose  14  permits the rearward lateral rotating motion of mounting bracket  9  into the skewed position shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10 , without deforming or distorting the shape of the front lip  6  of gutter  2 . Mounting bracket  9  rotates approximately 90 degrees vertically, so that leg  51  shifts from the generally horizontal orientation shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  to the generally vertical position shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and rotates around 20-40 degrees horizontally to assume the skewed or angled position shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10 . In the skewed position shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10 , the side edge  59  of vertical leg  51  is positioned abutting against the rear wall  4  of gutter  2 . From the skewed position shown in  FIGS. 9A and 10 , the installer then rotates mounting bracket  9  along a generally horizontal plane about nose  14  into a generally perpendicular orientation within the interior  3  of gutter  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 . The movement of mounting bracket  9  from the orientation shown in  FIG. 8  to the perpendicular orientation shown in  FIG. 10  positively captures nose  14  in the channel  7  of gutter  2 . Furthermore, the flat rear surface  52  of vertical leg  51 , including wing  61 , ensures that mounting bracket  9  is rotated into the precise perpendicular orientation within the interior of gutter  2 , which in turn locates cap retainer  72  relative to the front lip  6  of gutter  2  in a predetermined horizontal or fore-to-aft relationship. The bottom edge  53  of vertical leg  51  is positioned flush, abutting the bottom wall  20  of gutter  2 , which not only assists in retaining a precise perpendicular relationship between mounting bracket  9  and gutter  2 , but also vertically positions mounting bracket  9  within gutter  2 , which in turn locates cap retainer  72  vertically relative to the front lip  6  of gutter  2 . The self-leveling and self-aligning features of mounting bracket  9  within the interior  3  of gutter  2  greatly reduce installation time and effort. Also, when guard  1  incorporates an imperforate type of cap  12 , these features also serve to precisely retain gutter cap  12  in a predetermined edge forward relationship with gutter  2  that maintains a consistent gap to keep out debris and animals, such as rodents, birds, etc., without restricting the flow of water into gutter  2 . 
   After mounting bracket  9  has been shifted into its proper perpendicular relationship within the interior  3  of gutter  2 , the installer drives fastener  56  through the rear wall  4  of gutter  2  and into the roof fascia  5 . Preferably, fastener  56  has a threaded shank and a sharpened point which forms its own aperture to avoid a separate drilling operation. A power drill or driver is preferably used to rotate fastener  56  into the secured position. In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , a power driver  108  is provided with a fastener socket  109  connected to power driver  108  by an extension  110 . Preferably, fastener  56  has a hex-type head, and is pre-mounted in fastener boss  54 , such that the installer simply inserts socket  109  and extension  110  through the access apertures  87 - 88  in top member  80  and flange  86  so as to connect socket  109  with the head of fastener  56 . As fastener  56  is driven into roof fascia  5 , the arm  57  on mounting bracket  9  abuts the bottom wall  20  of gutter  2  and resists rotation of mounting bracket  9  from its predetermined position. 
   After each of the mounting brackets  9  have been installed in the manner described hereinabove, cap  12  is attached to the installed mounting brackets  9  in the following fashion. As best illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the front edge  81  of cap  12  is positioned along the forward portions of mounting brackets  9 , such that the ledge formed by flanges  102 - 104  is positioned behind the free edges  73  of cap retainer  72 . Cap  12  is then rotated rearwardly, with the rearwardmost section  95  being inserted beneath the second course of roof shingles  37   a , and then shifting the cap toward the roof, so that the cap ledge is captured by cap retainer  72 , and the forward portion  94  of cap  12  is received over the front edge  81  of mounting bracket top member  80 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Preferably, fasteners  114  are then driven vertically through cap  12  into the rear portion  82  of mounting brackets  9  to positively attach cap  12  to mounting brackets  9 . Because the aperture through which fasteners  114  are inserted is positioned directly above the interior  3  of gutter  2 , the fasteners need not be watertight or otherwise sealed. 
   Guard  1  is self-supporting, and can be easily and quickly attached to an existing rain gutter  2 . The unique mounting brackets  9  anchor the guard solely through the roof fascia  5 , and do not penetrate or damage the roof shingles. Furthermore, the mounting brackets precisely retain the cap in a predetermined edge forward relationship with the gutter that maintains a consistent gap to keep out debris and animals, without restricting the flow of rainwater into the gutter. 
   In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.