Gutter protection system that utilizes a hidden clip adapted for use with gutters of different sizes and styles

Abstract

The present invention provides various embodiments of a gutter cap and a locking system that couples the gutter cap to the gutter. The locking system includes a clip having a front portion configured to interlock with the front hem edge of a gutter and a back portion configured to interlock with a hem edge of a gutter cap. A variable fastening portion of the clip is used to attach the clip to the back of the gutter. The variable fastening portion receives a screw that is screwed into the back of the gutter, thereby attaching the gutter to the clip. For larger gutters, the screw is screwed in less than for smaller gutters. The clip has a support bracket that rests against an inside surface of the gutter and holds the clip in an installment position to facilitate installment.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A clip for attaching a gutter cap to a gutter, the clip comprising: 
 a front portion having a shape configured to interlock with a front hem edge of a gutter;    a back portion having a shape configured to interlock with an edge of a gutter cap; and    a support bracket having a shape configured to rest against the gutter to maintain the clip in an installment position.    
     
     
         2 . The clip of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a variable fastening portion configured to receive a fastening device that is fastened to a back portion of the gutter, wherein the variable fastening portion enables the clip to be used with gutters of different sizes.    
     
     
         3 . The clip of  claim 2 , wherein the variable fastening portion has an opening formed therein and wherein the fastening device is a screw that is screwed into the back portion of the gutter, and wherein the amount by which the screw is screwed into the back portion of the gutter depends at least in part on the size of the gutter.  
     
     
         4 . The clip of  claim 1 , wherein said back portion of the clip has a shape configured to interlock with a hem edge of a gutter cap.  
     
     
         5 . The clip of  claim 1 , wherein the support bracket has a shape configured to rest against an inside front surface of the gutter.