Patent Publication Number: US-6701674-B1

Title: Snap-on installation gutter protection system, with mounting bracket, and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from, and the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/117,422, filed Jan. 27, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a gutter protection system. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891, &amp; 5,660,001 to Albracht, numerous gutter protection systems, and methods of their use, have been devised which, when mounted to gutters at lower edges of sloped building roofs, to greater or lesser degrees prevent debris from entering thereinto, while allowing the entry of rain water. However, all such prior systems, including those in the previous Albracht &#39;891 and &#39;001 patents, suffer from at least some complication regarding installation in that mounting screws, or interfacing clips etc. are required. A need remains for a gutter protection system which is snap-on easy to install. The present invention provides such a system, and method of its use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A gutter protection system is provided according to a first aspect of the invention. The gutter protection system comprises a gutter cover having a length and having an upper portion positioned over a roof and a lower portion for being positioned over the gutter, with the lower portion having a nose portion, the nose portion including a return portion that is bent downward and backward substantially toward a center region of the gutter to guide a water stream into the gutter, and at least one projection positioned between the lower and upper portions, and a bracket for holding the gutter cover in relation to the gutter, the bracket having a lower portion engaging the gutter and an upper portion extending above the gutter and engaging the lower portion of the gutter cover, the lower portion of the bracket having a rear leg having a substantially vertical portion adapted to be positioned against the rear wall of the gutter and a front leg positioned within the front lip of the gutter, the upper portion of the bracket having a nose piece fitting inside the nose portion of the gutter cover, and the bracket having a cover retaining lip on a rear region of the upper portion, the cover retaining lip engages the at least one projection of the gutter cover, wherein the bracket holds the gutter cover in position in relation to the gutter so that the upper portion of the gutter cover is positioned over a roof and the lower portion of the gutter cover is positioned over the gutter at a predetermined angle, and wherein the at least one projection of the gutter cover engages the cover retaining lip of the bracket while the nose portion of the gutter cover fits over the nose piece of the bracket so that the gutter cover is held at two points on the bracket. 
     A gutter protection system is provided according to a second aspect of the invention. The gutter protection system comprises a gutter having a length, front and rear walls, a gutter front lip extending backward from the front wall into the gutter, and a bottom surface, with the rear wall including a rear wall top lip and the front wall including a front wall top lip, a gutter cover having a length and having an upper portion positioned over a roof and a lower portion for being positioned over the gutter, with the lower portion having a nose portion, the nose portion including a return portion that is bent downward and backward substantially toward a center region of the gutter to guide a water stream into the gutter, and at least one projection positioned between the lower and upper portions, and a bracket for holding the gutter cover in relation to the gutter, the bracket having a lower portion engaging the gutter and an upper portion extending above the gutter and engaging the lower portion of the gutter cover, the lower portion of the bracket having a rear leg having a substantially vertical portion adapted to be positioned against the rear wall of the gutter and including a clip having a throat leading to a wider portion, the lower portion further having a front leg positioned within the front lip of the gutter, the upper portion of the bracket having a nose piece fitting inside the nose portion of the gutter cover, and the bracket having a cover retaining lip on a rear region of the upper portion, the cover retaining lip engages the at least one projection of the gutter cover, wherein the bracket holds the gutter cover in position in relation to the gutter so that the upper portion of the gutter cover is positioned over a roof and the lower portion of the gutter cover is positioned over the gutter at a predetermined angle, and wherein the at least one projection of the gutter cover engages the cover retaining lip of the bracket while the nose portion of the gutter cover fits over the nose piece of the bracket so that the gutter cover is held at two points on the bracket. 
     A gutter protection system is provided according to a third aspect of the invention. The gutter protection system comprises, as viewed in left side elevation, when mounted to a sloped roof building and beginning at the left side thereof, 
     a first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ), which first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) merges into a lip, the lip providing a length of construction material which projects downward and to the left, the lip, at the position of its merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) being functionally merged into a length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade, the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) grade being merged into a into a following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ), which merges into a short upward length of construction material ( 7 ). 
     A gutter protection system is provided according to a fourth aspect of the invention. The gutter protection system comprises, as viewed in left side elevation, when mounted to a sloped roof building and beginning at the left side thereof, 
     an upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 ) at the left side thereof, which is merged into the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ), the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) bing merged into a lip, the lip providing a length of construction material which projects downward and to the left, the lip at the position of its merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) being functionally merged into a length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade, the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade being merged into a into a following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ), which merges into a short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ); 
     wherein the lip is formed by merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) into a downward and to the left projecting length of construction material which is merging into an upward and to the right projecting length of construction material which merges into the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade; 
     wherein the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade is merged into the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ) by an intervening length of construction material ( 5 ) which is of a shape selected from the group consisting of: (at least one curved length of construction material, at least one straight length of construction material and a combination of at least one curved length of construction material and at least one straight length of construction material); 
     wherein, in use, the gutter protection system is mounted to an underlying gutter system, which as viewed in left side elevation, comprises a vertical back at the left side, which an essentially vertical back is affixed to a wall of a building which has a sloped roof, the gutter system further comprising an essentially horizontal bottom which merges from the essentially vertical back via a bottom ninety (90) degree bend, and the essentially horizontal bottom projecting to where, at a right side of the essentially horizontal bottom, one or more lengths of gutter material of shapes selected from the group consisting of: (straight and curved), project to a point where an upper right side ninety (90) degree bend is horizontally offset from the essentially vertical back and vertical offset from the essentially horizontal bottom; 
     the gutter protection system being mounted to the gutter system by way of at least one mounting bracket, the at least one mounting bracket being comprised of at least two “snap-points”, which “snap-points” mate with the lip and short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ) respectively in use, and force the length of construction material ( 4 ) to project downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade; 
     the mounting bracket, in use, being secured by contact with both the bottom ninety (90) degree bend and the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system, such that a gap between the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ) of the gutter projection system, and the nearest aspect of the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system is one-half (½) inch of less. 
     A gutter protection system is provided according to a fifth aspect of the invention. The gutter protection system comprises a gutter, a gutter cover, and a bracket secured to a fascia board of a building under a roof line, having a first means for supporting the gutter thereon, and a second means for supporting the gutter cover thereon in a location covering a top of the gutter and allowing water flow from the roof to be directed into the gutter. 
     A gutter protection system installation method of installing a bracket of the gutter protection system is provided according to a sixth aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of positioning a bracket in a gutter in a placement wherein the bracket is not substantially transverse to the gutter, and a lowermost portion of the bracket is in contact with a bottom surface of the gutter, and rotating the bracket until the bracket is substantially transverse to the gutter and a frontmost portion of the bracket is in contact with a front wall of the gutter. 
     A gutter protection system installation method of installing a bracket and a gutter cover of the gutter protection system is provided according to a seventh aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of positioning a bracket in a gutter in a placement wherein the bracket is not substantially transverse to the gutter, and a lowermost portion of the bracket is in contact with a bottom surface of the gutter, rotating the bracket until the bracket is substantially transverse to the gutter and a frontmost portion of the bracket is in contact with a front wall of the gutter, placing a nose portion of the gutter cover over a nose piece of the bracket, and inserting a projection of the gutter cover into a cover retaining lip of the bracket. 
     A gutter protection system installation method of installing a gutter and a bracket of the gutter protection system is provided according to an eighth aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of affixing a rear leg of the bracket to a roof structure, the rear leg including a clip, moving a rear wall of the gutter up into the clip of the bracket, the rear wall including a rear wall top lip that snaps into and is removably retained by the clip, and moving a front wall of the gutter up and over a front leg of the bracket, the front wall including a front wall top lip that snaps over and is removably retained by the front leg. 
     A gutter protection system installation method of installing a gutter protection system is provided according to a ninth aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of 
     a. providing a building or the like which has a sloped roof which has a gutter system affixed thereto at a lower edge of the sloped roof; 
     b. providing a gutter protection system comprising, as viewed in left side elevation, when mounted to a sloped roof building and beginning at the left side thereof: 
     an upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 ) at the left side thereof, which is merged into a first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ), the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) being merged into a lip, the lip providing a length of construction material which projects downward and to the left, the lip, at the position of its merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) being functionally merged into a length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade, the length of construction material( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade being merged into a into a following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ), which merges into a short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ); 
     wherein the lip is formed by merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) into a downward and to the left projecting length of construction material which is merging into an upward and to the right projecting length of construction material which merges into the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade; 
     wherein the length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade is merged into the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ), by an intervening length of construction material ( 50  which is of a shape selected from the group consisting of: (at least one curved length of construction material, at least one straight length of construction material and a combination of at least one curved length of construction material and at least one straight length of construction material); 
     wherein, in use, the gutter protection system is mounted to the underlying gutter system, which as viewed in left side elevation, comprises a vertical back at the left side, which an essentially vertical back is affixed to a wall of a building which has a sloped roof, the gutter system further comprising an essentially horizontal bottom which merges from the essentially vertical back via a bottom ninety (90) degree bend, and the essentially horizontal bottom projecting to where, at a right side of the essentially horizontal bottom, one or more lengths of gutter material of shapes selected from the group consisting of: 
     (straight and curved), project to a point where an upper right side ninety (90) degree bend is formed, which upper right side ninety (90) degree bend is horizontally offset from the essentially vertical back and vertical offset from the essentially horizontal bottom; 
     the gutter protection system, in use, being mounted to the gutter system by way of at least one mounting bracket, the at least one mounting bracket being comprised of at least two “snap-points”, which “snap-points” mate with the lip and short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ) n  respectively in use, and force the length of construction material ( 4 ) to project downward and to the right at a nominal fifteen (15%) percent grade; 
     the mounting bracket, in use, being secured by contact with both the bottom ninety (90) degree bend and the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system, such that a gap between the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ) of the gutter protection system, and the nearest aspect of the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system is one-half (½) inch or less; 
     c. Placing the at least one mounting bracket into the gutter system and using a rotational motion, about a vertically oriented axis, securing the mounting bracket in place in the gutter system such that it is snugly held in place by contact with both the bottom ninety (90) degree bend and the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system; 
     d. Positioning a gutter protection system atop the at least one mounting bracket, and using a pushing motion causing the lip thereof to mate with the “snap-point” of the mounting bracket, and the short upward projecting “snap-point” of the mounting bracket; 
     such that the left side of the gutter protection system contacts the roof of the sloped roof building by a selection from the group consisting of: (atop shingles and under shingles); and 
     such that a gap between the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ) of the gutter protection system, and the nearest aspect of the upper right side ninety (90) degree bend of the gutter system is one-half (½) inch or less. 
    
    
     The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will be further understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the gutter protection system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the bracket wherein the rear leg includes a clip formed thereon; 
     FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment designed for use with a conventional style gutter; 
     FIG. 4A shows a fourth embodiment having a rear portion and a front portion; 
     FIG. 4B shows an alternate embodiment for joining the front portion to the rear portion; 
     FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment similar to the second embodiment but additionally includes an anchor portion; 
     FIG. 6 shows an extension piece that may be connected to the roof seating lip of the cover in order to extend the reach of the cover; 
     FIGS. 7A-7H show various embodiments of the bracket retention lip; 
     FIGS. 8A-8E show several different embodiments of the projection; 
     FIGS. 9A-9D show several configurations of the roof seating lip; 
     FIGS. 10A-10C show a variety of configurations or profiles of the nose portion; 
     FIGS. 11A-11D show various embodiments of the cover, illustrating various schemes for sealing or engaging the roof seating lip to the roof; 
     FIGS. 12A-12J show several different embodiments wherein other structures are substituted for the projection, including holes through which the cover retaining lip may project; 
     FIG. 13A shows a corner piece; 
     FIG. 13B-13E shows an end cap; 
     FIG. 14 shows how multiple sections of the cover may be fitted together; 
     FIG. 15 shows additional detail wherein a first cover includes a tab that fits into a slot in a second cover; 
     FIGS. 16A-16B show a slot that may be used during assembly or removal of the cover; and 
     FIG. 17 shows a gutter system (GS) in left-side elevational cross-section. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment  100  of the gutter protection system of the present invention. The gutter protection system  100  may be mounted to roof structure  185 , preferably on a fascia board  197 . The gutter protection system  100  includes a gutter  190 , a cover  101 , and a bracket  150 . 
     The cover  101 , bracket  150 , and gutter  190  may be formed of a variety of materials, such as, for example, metal, plastic, fiberglass, or vinyl. 
     The cover  101  is formed of a sheet material and includes a roof seating lip  104 , an upper portion  107 , a lower portion  109 , at least one projection or flex fold  112 , a nose portion  116 , a return portion  122 , and a bracket retention lip  125 . The cover  101  may be formed according to various embodiments, as discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2 and  7 - 12 . The embodiment  101  shown in FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment, and illustrates the basic features of the cover  101 . 
     The upper portion  107  extends over a roof  185 , with the upper portion  107  generally extending over the roof  185  a distance approximately equal to the width of the associated gutter  190 . Therefore, in general terms, for a five inch wide gutter  190 , for example, the upper portion  107  will extend about 4 to about 6 inches up on the roof  185 . For a seven inch wide gutter, the upper portion will extend about 6 to about 8 inches up. However, it should be understood that although generally this is true, in cases where the gutter is mounted on the roof in a very low position the upper portion  107  may extend up onto the roof only a small distance. 
     The cover  101  may optionally include one or more scoring lines  1612  (see FIG.  16 ). The scoring lines  1612  are preferably on the underside of the cover  101 , but may also be placed on the top side. The scoring lines  1612  minimally weaken the cover  101  and allow the cover  101  to be broken to size to accommodate different roof sizes or types. It should be understood that although the scoring lines are mentioned with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 16, the scoring lines may be formed on all of the various embodiments of the cover  101 . 
     The upper portion  107  includes a roof seating lip  104 , with the roof seating lip  104  resting on the shingles or other roof materials (not shown). The roof seating lip  104  may be positioned securely on the roof, exerting an amount of downward pressure so that water and debris travel over the top of the cover  101 . In a lesser preferred embodiment, the roof seating lip  104  may be positioned underneath a row of shingles, depending on the shingle size and the size of the upper portion  107  (see FIG.  11 A). 
     The lower portion  109  is positioned over the gutter  190 , with the projection  112  being formed between the upper portion  107  and the lower portion  109 . Generally, when the cover  101  is in position, the lower portion  109  will form an angle of about three degrees to about twenty degrees from the horizontal, and preferably fifteen degrees. 
     Multiple projections  112 ,  112 ′, etc., may be formed on the cover  101 . The projection or flex fold  112  allows the cover  101  to flex in order to accommodate roofs of varying pitch. The projection  112  is preferably located within sixty-five percent of the distance from the nose portion  116  to the rear wall  198  of the gutter  190 . The projection  112  is also part of the retaining features of the cover  101 , and will be discussed below. Various shapes of projections  112  may be formed in the cover  101 , as discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8A-8E. 
     The nose portion  116  in this embodiment is rounded so that the lower portion  109  forms the return portion  122 . In the preferred embodiment, the nose portion  116  is even with or is set back from the front of the gutter  190 , but could alternatively extend beyond the front of the gutter  190 . In the preferred embodiment, the return portion  122  forms an angle of about 33 degrees down from the horizontal, although the angle may range from about 20 to about 60 degrees. In addition, the end of the return portion  122  is bent up to a substantially vertical orientation to form the bracket retention lip  125 . 
     The cover  101  may be treated to make the material of the cover  101  hydrophilic, that is, treated so that water tends to be attracted to the material. This may be done to create a “sheeting action” between the cover  101  and water flowing over the cover in order to improve the flow of water. Although many materials used in gutter systems become somewhat hydrophilic over time due to exposure to the sun, newly formed gutter systems generally are not hydrophilic. Therefore, to improve performance of a gutter cover or a gutter, they may be treated to form a hydrophilic layer. 
     The cover  101  (and the gutter  190 ) may be treated by exposing them to coffee and/or milk. In particular, the treatment of aluminum with coffee or milk causes the surface to become immediately hydrophilic. 
     The bracket  150  may include one or more upper legs  153 , a leg bridge  154 , a rear leg  158 , a front leg  161 , a front leg lip  163 , a cover retaining lip  166 , a nose piece  172 , a clip  179 , and a foot  159 . In a preferred embodiment, the clip  179  is a separate piece to which the foot  159  may be inserted and removably retained, but alternatively, the clip  179  may be formed as part of the bracket  150 . The clip  179  includes a throat  177  leading to a wider portion  178 , with the wider portion  178  serving to trap and retain the rear wall top lip  193 . 
     The upper legs  153  connect the rear leg  158 , the front leg  161 , the cover retaining lip  166 , and the nose piece  172 . The upper legs  153  in the preferred embodiment are two full upper legs  153  connected by the leg bridge  154 . Alternatively any number of legs may be employed. The leg bridge  154  allows a predetermined amount of flex in the bracket  150 . 
     The nose piece  172  forms a forward projecting section over which the nose portion  116  of the cover  101  fits. The front leg  161  extends forward and forms another contact and holding point between the bracket  150  and the gutter  190 . 
     In use, the bracket  150  of the first embodiment  100  may be fastened to the fascia board  197  by fasteners such as nails or screws, for example. Then the rear wall  198  of the gutter  190  may be moved upward until the rear wall top lip  193  is engaged in the wider portion  178  of the clip  179  and is retained by the throat  177 . At the same time, the front wall  199  may be moved upward until the front wall top lip  188  snaps over the front leg  161  of the bracket  150 . In this manner, each bracket  150  holds the gutter  190  at two separate locations, and a plurality of brackets  150  may be used to removably install the gutter  190 . 
     The cover  101  and, more specifically, the nose portion  116  may be snapped over the nose piece  172  while the projection  112  engages the cover retaining lip  166 . Because the cover  101  is held in two separate locations, the bracket  150  securely and firmly holds the cover  101 . The angle of the downward portion of the nose piece  172  may be set so that a small amount of tension is placed on the return portion  122  of the cover  101 . When the cover  101  has been inserted onto the bracket  150  (or a plurality of brackets  150 ), the upper portion  107  and receding lip  104  extend up over and come into contact with a roof  185 . Due to the projection  112 , a certain amount of tension is placed onto the upper portion when inserted onto the roof  185 . The tension may increase if the roof pitch is great. The cover  101  may be removed by pulling the projection  112  out of the cover retaining lip  166  (removal is further discussed in conjunction with FIG.  16 ). 
     FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the bracket  250  wherein the rear leg  258  includes a clip  179  formed thereon. As in the first embodiment, the clip is adapted to removably retain the rear wall  198  of the gutter  190 . 
     The rear leg  258  of the bracket  250  may include substantially horizontal scoring lines (not shown) on a lower portion of the rear leg  258 . These scoring lines allow the bracket to be broken off, therefore accommodating different roof types, different roof sizes, or more particularly different sizes of fascia board  197 . It should be understood that although the scoring lines are mentioned with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the scoring lines may be formed on all of the various embodiments of the bracket  150 . 
     FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment  300  designed for use with a conventional style gutter. In this third embodiment, the rear leg  158  curves down and back to engage the bottom rear corner of the gutter  390 . The curved portion may allow the bracket  150  to flex, and therefore accommodate variations in the size of the gutter  390  or accommodate variations in the gutter  390  due to its mounting. Two upright legs  153  and a leg brace  153 ′ connect the rear leg  158 , the front leg  161 , the cover retaining lip  166 , and the nose piece  172 . The bracket  150  may optionally include a brace  178  extending at least partially between the rear leg  158  and the front leg  161 , and a foot  159  formed on the rear leg  158 . The nose piece lip  175  may be formed on the rear of the nose piece  172  and engages the bracket retention lip of the cover  101 . The rear leg  158  extends down and back to the rear area of the gutter  390  and fits into the bottom of the gutter. The optional foot  159  provides additional support for the rear leg  158  and preferably contacts the bottom surface of the gutter  390 . The bracket retention lip  125  snaps over the bottom rear portion of the nose piece  172  and preferably contacts the nose piece lip  175 . 
     In use, the bracket  150  of the third embodiment  300  can be inserted into the gutter  390  by placing the bracket  150  down into the gutter  390  and twisting the bracket  150  until it is completely transverse to the gutter  390 . This insert and twist action provides a snug fit while not requiring the use of fasteners. The embodiment of the bracket  150  shown is therefore designed to fit into a custom gutter as shown in the figure. However, the bracket  150  may also be formed to fit into and work with conventional gutter styles, configurations, and sizes. 
     Once the bracket  150  has been inserted into the gutter  390 , the gutter cover  101  may be attached to individual brackets. A plurality of brackets  150  may be used in a section of gutter  390 . 
     FIG. 4A shows a fourth embodiment  400  having a rear portion  401  and a front portion  402 . In addition, the rear leg  458  has an additional leg portion  440  comprising a horizontal portion  441  and a vertical portion  442 . The vertical portion  442  is adapted to contact the rear wall  198  of the gutter  190  (or the fascia board  197 ). Optionally, the vertical portion  442  may include holes for fasteners (not shown). The additional leg portion  440  may be part of the rear leg  458  or may be a separate piece. If separate, the rear portion  401  may be joined to the front portion  402  by means of a clamp (as shown) or through a fastener such as a bolt or a screw. Alternatively, the connection may be done through springs, spring clips, detents, notches, pins, etc. 
     FIG. 4B shows an alternate embodiment for joining the front portion  402  to the rear portion  401 . The front portion  402  includes a protrusion  406  having a plurality of adjustment holes  409 . The rear portion  401  includes a channel member  411  having a hollow interior. The hollow interior is of a size to allow the protrusion  406  to easily slide into the channel member  411 . A pin  446  passes through a hole  419  in the channel member  411 . The protrusion  406  may be positioned so that the pin  446  passes through one of the adjustment holes  409 , allowing the bracket  150  to be set to one of a plurality of predetermined lengths (the length of the bracket as used here is the dimension from the frontmost portion of the front leg  161  to the rearmost portion of the rear leg  158 ). The bracket  150  may therefore fit and accommodate gutters of various widths, including standard gutters. 
     FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment  500  similar to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but additionally includes an anchor portion  542  that extends substantially vertically from the rear leg  158 , extends up and over the rear wall  398  of the gutter  390 , and extends substantially vertically down behind the rear wall  398 . Both the anchor portion  542  and the rear leg  158  may optionally include holes  546  that allow fasteners, such as nails, screws, etc., to affix the bracket  150  to a roof structure. The bracket  150  may also include optional holes  507  through the legs  153  for the purpose of providing access to fasteners employed on the rear leg  158  of the bracket  150 . 
     FIG. 6 shows an extension piece  600  that may be connected to the roof seating lip  104  of the cover  101  in order to extend the reach of the cover  101 . This may be desirable in situations where the cover  101  needs to be inserted under a row of shingles, such as wooden or “shake” shingles. The extension piece  600  includes a span of material  603 , a roof seating lip  607 , and a retaining fold  611 . The roof seating lip  104  of the cover  101  may be inserted into the retaining fold  611  in order to connect the two, and the retaining fold  611  may optionally be crimped to securely hold the extension piece  600  to the cover  101 . 
     FIGS. 7A-7H show various embodiments of the bracket retention lip  125 . The bracket retention lip  125  (see FIGS. 1-3 and  5 ) snaps over the end of the nose piece  172  of the bracket  150  in order to securely retain the cover  101  on the bracket  150 . FIG. 7A shows a single substantially perpendicular vertical lip  125 , while FIGS. 7B-7H show various hems, extra bends or varied angles, and combinations thereof. It should be understood that the shape, thickness, and angle of the lip  125  is not important, as long as the lip  125  engages the nose piece  172  of the bracket  150 . 
     FIGS. 8A-8E show several different embodiments of the projection  112 . Preferably, the projection  112  is formed of two layers of material, i.e., a double fold in the cover  101 . FIG. 8A shows the backward angled double fold  112  as in the preferred embodiment. In FIG. 83, the double fold  112  is angled forward. In FIG. SC, the double fold  112  is substantially diamond-shaped having an open interior region. In FIG. 8D, the double fold  112  is substantially vertical. In FIG. 8E, the double fold  112  has an additional bend along its length. In addition to the above configurations, the present invention may include a reinforcing strip  812  having an interior cavity substantially matching the outer shape of the projection  112 . In embodiments where the cover  101  is formed of a semi-rigid material, such as vinyl, for example, the reinforcing strip  812  may be snapped over the projection  112  to provide additional strength and rigidity. 
     FIGS. 9A-9D show several configurations of the roof seating lip  104 . FIG. 9A is simply a bent portion of the cover  101 . In FIG. 9B, there is a double bend in the roof seating lip, with a first portion angling down from the upper portion  107  of the cover  101 , and a second portion angling back up to be substantially parallel to the upper portion  107 . In FIG. 9C, the roof seating lip  104  includes a hem. In FIG. 9D, the roof seating lip  104  has an upward and then downward bend to form a ridge. This ridge may function to create a turbulent water flow and slow the flow. 
     FIGS. 10A-10C show a variety of configurations or profiles of the nose portion  116 . In FIG. 10A, the nose portion  116  is formed of three planar portions, giving the nose portion  116  a vertical or squared-off front face. In FIG. 10B, the nose portion  116  is formed of more than three small planar sections to form an approximately rounded nose portion  116 . In FIG. 10C, the nose portion  116  is substantially round. 
     FIGS. 11A-11C show various embodiments of the cover  101 , illustrating various schemes for sealing or engaging the roof seating lip  104  to the roof  185 . FIG. 11A shows a cover  101  having two projections  112  and  112 ′. FIG. 11A also shows the placement of the roof seating lip  104  both on top of a row of shingles  1123  and alternatively under a row of shingles  1123 ′. 
     FIG. 11B shows perpendicular fins  1104  that seat against the roof  185 . Alternatively, as shown, the fins  1104  may be formed on a separate piece  1106  that may be slipped onto or crimped onto the cover  101 . The fins  1104  may be rigid, or may deform when pressed against the roof. 
     FIG. 11C shows the cover  101  including a strip of seating tape  1107 . The detail of FIG. 11D shows how the roof seating tape  1107  may be seated on a double lip or hem  1109  of the roof seating lip  104 . 
     FIGS. 12A-12J show several different embodiments wherein other structures are substituted for the projection  112 , including holes through which the cover retaining lip  166  may project. FIGS. 12A,  12 C, and  12 F include a vertical portion or face having a hole  1206  for the cover retaining lip  166 . In FIG. 12B, the cover  101  includes a simple hole  1206 . FIGS.  12 D and  12 I include a substantially semi-circular groove  1213  having one or more holes  1206 . FIGS. 12E,  12 H, and  12 J include one or more peaks  1215  having holes  1206  through the sides thereof. Finally, FIG. 12G shows a fold type projection  112  having holes  1206  through both sides of the projector  112 . 
     FIG. 13A shows a corner piece  1300  having a plurality of holes  1303  for drainage. The corner piece  1300  is essentially two sections of cover  101  formed at a right angle. 
     FIGS. 13B-13E show an end cap  1360  that may be placed in a gutter (such as the gutter  190  of FIG. 1, for example), to seal off the end of a gutter run. The purpose of the end cap  1360  is to keep birds, insects, leaves, twigs, etc., from entering the gutter  190  at the ends. 
     As can be seen from FIGS. 13B-13C, the end cap  1360  is essentially a piece of sheet material formed to have an upper mostly horizontal portion  1369 , an upper vertical portion  1364  that extends between the gutter  190  and the cover  101 , and a lower vertical portion  1365  that is designed to fit down and inside most gutters. The end cap  1360  also includes a bend line  1374  and a plurality of scoring lines  1377 . The bend line  1374  is discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 13D and 13E. The plurality of scoring lines  1377  allow bottom sections of the end cap  1360  to be broken off to fit gutters of different depths. The plurality of scoring lines may also be used to accommodate gutter offsets, discussed below in conjunction with FIG.  13 E. 
     Although the lower vertical portion  1365  is depicted as being somewhat tapered (to aid insertion into a gutter), it should be understood that the edges may be vertical or may be vertical with sloping scoring lines (not shown) that allow edges of the lower vertical portion  1365  to be broken to fit a particular gutter. 
     Also shown in FIG. 13C is a hem  1381 . When the lower vertical portion  1365  is bent up along the bend line  1374  as shown by the dashed lines, the hem  1381  may engage a horizontal flange that extends from the gutter end panel (see FIG.  13 E). 
     FIGS. 13D and 13E show the end cap  1360  in use. The upper mostly horizontal portion  1369  rests on top of the cover  101 , with a nose profile  1371  (see FIG. 13B) fitting substantially into the nose portion of the cover  101 . In gutters that end flush with a roof, and therefore flush with the cover  101 , such as in FIG. 13D, the lower vertical portion  1365  remains vertical and is adjacent the end of the gutter  190 . 
     In gutter installations where the gutter extends out beyond the roof and the cover  101 , such as depicted in FIG. 13E, the end cap  1360  may be bent along the bend line  1374 , with the lower vertical portion  1365  extending substantially horizontally along the top of the gutter  190 . The scoring lines  1377  may be used to break off an excess portion of the lower vertical portion  1365 , or alternatively it may be trimmed off by hand. 
     FIG. 14 shows how multiple sections of the cover  101  may be fitted together and may overlap when in place. Essentially, a second cover  101 ′ may be put in position and an end thereof may snap over and overlap a first cover  101 ′ (see region  1400 ). The two covers do not need to slide together. 
     FIG. 15 shows additional detail wherein a first cover  101  includes a tab  1509  that fits into a slot  1501  in the second cover  101 ′. The tab  1509  and slot  1501  may be used to align and guide the insertion and assembly of successive covers  101 . 
     FIGS. 16A-16 show a slot  1605  that may be used during assembly or removal of the cover  101 . A screwdriver or similar tool may be inserted into the slot  1605  in order to pull the return portion  122  of the cover  101  downward to disengage the cover  101  from a bracket  150 . In this way, the cover  101  may be removed without damaging the gutter protection system. 
     The present invention assumes the presence of a gutter system at the lower edge of a sloped roof on an enclosed space, (e.g., a building, house, etc.). The accompanying FIG. 17 shows such a gutter system (GS) in left-side elevational cross-section, with a present invention mounting bracket B present there within, and with a gutter protection system present at the top thereof. 
     The gutter system, shown as viewed in left side elevation can be seen to comprise a vertical back at the left side, (which vertical back is typically affixed to a wall of a building which has a sloped roof). A horizontal bottom merges from the vertical back via a bottom ninety (90) degree angle, (see “a”), and the horizontal bottom projects to where, at a right side of the horizontal bottom, various lengths of gutter material project via straight lengths and curved lengths etc., to the point where an upper right side ninety (90) degree bend (see “b”), is formed, which upper right side ninety (90) degree bend (see “b”), is horizontally offset from the vertical back and vertical offset from the horizontal bottom. 
     Note that the mounting bracket B has a portion thereof which snugly fits within the confines of the gutter system at lower aspects thereof, between the ninety degree bend points labeled “a” and “b”. That is, the mounting bracket is of a shape such that it can be easily positioned in a gutter system, (when it is rotated ninety (90) degrees to that shown in FIG. 17 around an essentially centrally positioned vertical axis, (see VERTICAL ROTATION AXIS in FIG.  17 ), of the mounting bracket so as to project the side shown in FIG. 17 into the paper), and then rotated into the position shown in FIG.  17 . Note that the mounting bracket has a depth into the page of FIG. 17 of about an inch or so and therefore becomes very well secured in the gutter system between the ninety (90) degree bend points “a” and “b” over the depth, by the described action. 
     Continuing, in practice of the method of the present invention a number of mounting brackets B will be positioned in a length of gutter, with a functional distance between adjacent mounting brackets. The functional distance is determined by available lengths of gutter protection system. With a functional number of mounting brackets B in place, it would be easy to appreciated from FIG. 17 that a length of gutter protection system can be easily snapped into the upper portions of at least two of the mounting brackets B with securement at snap-point  1  (SP 1 ) and snap-point  2  (SP 2 ). 
     Note that the gutter protection system, as shown in left-side-elevation-cross-section in FIG. 17 begins at the far left side thereof with an optional upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 ), which optional upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 ), which merges into a first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ). At some distance along the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ) a series of three bends provides a lip ( 3 ) which is seen to fit into the mounting bracket snap-point  1  when optional the upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 ) makes contact with the sloping roof of the building to which the gutter system is affixed. The lip forming series of three bends provide for a length of construction material which projects downward and to the left, merging from the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ). The downward and to the left projecting length of construction material merges into an upward and to the right projecting length of construction material, which in turn merges into a length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at about a fifteen (15%) percent grade as set by contact with the underlying portion of the mounting bracket B. The length of construction material ( 4 ) which projects downward and to the right at a fifteen (15%) percent grade then is seen to merge into, preferably, a gradual, to the left opening, bending length of construction material ( 5 ), and the gradual, to the left opening, gradual bending length of construction material ( 5 ) is shown to merge into a following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ), which merges into a short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ). Note that FIG. 10 shows a variety of acceptable embodiments of the length of construction material identified by identifier ( 5 ). Note also that the short upward projecting length of construction material ( 7 ) contacts the mounting bracket B at snap-point  2  when the lip region ( 3 ) of the gutter protection system mates with the portion of the mounting bracket B identified as snap-point  1 . As alluded to, this arrangement forces the length of construction material ( 4 ) to project downward and to the right at about a fifteen (15%) percent grade, which is considered an optimum grade. 
     It should be appreciated that the far left end of the gutter protection system, (e.g. The leftmost end of the first downward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 2 ), and/or the optional upward and to the right projecting length of construction material ( 1 )) can be placed atop or under a first row of shingles on the sloped roof. 
     It should be understood that the design of the mounting bracket B can be varied as long as the functional aspects thereof remain intact—that is as long as it mediates connection between an underlying gutter system and a gutter protection system as shown, via snap-points. The important things about the mounting bracket B being that it generally fits “snugly” in the gutter system, and that it provides snap-points whereat the gutter protection system mounts in use, via mating between aspects of the gutter protection system and the mounting bracket snap-points. The embodiment of the present invention mounting bracket B shown in FIG. 17 demonstrates that a functional mounting bracket B provides regions for securing in a gutter system by contact inside the gutter system at contact points “a” and “b”. 
     Present atop the regions for securing in a gutter system by contact inside the gutter system at contact points “a” and “b”, is means for securing the snap-points in place so that when a gutter protection system is secured to the mounting bracket B, the length of construction material ( 4 ) is forced into a downward and to the right at about a fifteen (15%) percent grade, which is considered an optimum grade. Any functional mounting bracket B for providing the relative positioning and securing of the mounting bracket B in a gutter system and of the gutter protection system thereto is within the scope of the present invention. That is, the function the mounting bracket B performs in mediating mounting of a gutter protection system atop a gutter system via a rotational motion of the mounting bracket B in a gutter system, and the affixing of a gutter protection system thereto by a pushing motion, constitutes the critical focus of the present invention, rather than the specific design of various aspects of the mounting bracket B. 
     It is noted that the mounting bracket B is preferable made of a material which has a “memory”, (e.g. vinyl), to aid with establishing a good fit of the mounting bracket in a gutter system. See the “flex area” in FIG.  1 . However, any functional material can be utilized to construct the mounting bracket, and where a gutter system is of a constant size and the mounting bracket fits snugly therewithin, the “memory” effect becomes unnecessary thereby allowing the mounting bracket to be made from rigid material. 
     Particularly relevant to the method of use of the present invention which allows mounting the gutter protection system to the mounting bracket B, is that the angle at which the lip ( 3 ) projects downward and to the left, is essentially equivalent to the angle at which the following downward and to the left projecting length of construction material ( 6 ) projects downward and to the left. This enables mounting of the gutter protection system to the mounting bracket at the “snap-points” by a simple “position and push” motion. 
     While the invention has been described in detail above, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments as described. It is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the inventive concepts.