U.S. patent application number 11/689525 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for rainwater "real time" flow indicator and debris collection device for gutter downspout.
Invention is credited to James Joseph Bordonaro, Joseph LaMorte.
Application Number | 20080229673 11/689525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39773321 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080229673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaMorte; Joseph ; et
al. |
September 25, 2008 |
RAINWATER "REAL TIME" FLOW INDICATOR AND DEBRIS COLLECTION DEVICE
FOR GUTTER DOWNSPOUT
Abstract
A rainwater flow indicator and debris collection device designed
for integral installation in a gutter downspout. It comprises an
enclosure that has means for monitoring the flow of rainwater
through the enclosure; a debris collecting screen which is inserted
into and mounted within the rainwater flow indicator and debris
collection device; a first adaptor and a second adaptor, both of
the adaptors configured and dimensioned to integrally connect the
enclosure to the gutter downspout; and a rubber joint designed to
provide mechanical support for and allow movement, of the enclosure
relative to at least one of the adaptors.
Inventors: |
LaMorte; Joseph; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Bordonaro; James Joseph; (Bay Shore,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANAGIOTA BETTY TUFARIELLO, ESQ.;INTELLECTULAW, THE LAW OFFICES OF
P.B.TUFARIELLO, P.C., 25 LITTLE HARBOR ROAD
MOUNT SINAI
NY
11766
US
|
Family ID: |
39773321 |
Appl. No.: |
11/689525 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/12 ;
52/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/08 20130101;
E04D 2013/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/12 ;
52/16 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/00 20060101
E04D013/00 |
Claims
1. A rainwater flow indicator and debris collection device for
integral installation in a gutter downspout comprising an enclosure
having means for monitoring the flow of rainwater through said
enclosure; a debris collecting screen inserted into and mounted
within the rainwater flow indicator and debris collection device; a
first adaptor and a second adaptor, both said adaptors configured
and dimensioned to integrally connect said enclosure to the gutter
downspout; and a rubber joint designed to provide mechanical
support for and allow movement of said enclosure relative to at
least one of said adaptors.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said means for
monitoring the flow of rain water comprise at least one transparent
enclosure wall.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said debris collecting
screen is an arcuately configured, convex, pyramid-like mesh like
device having an apex, a base and apertures.
4. The device according to claim 2, wherein said debris collecting
screen is an arcuately configured, convex, pyramid-like,
non-compressible mesh like device having an apex, a base and
apertures.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said rubber joint
comprises a soft, flexible, fold-bearing, compressible,
"accordion-like" tubular body,
6. The device according to claim 2, wherein said rubber joint
comprises a soft, flexible, fold-bearing, compressible,
"accordion-like" tubular body.
7. The device according to claim 3, wherein said rubber joint
comprises a soft, flexible, fold-bearing, compressible,
"accordion-like" tubular body.
8. The device according to claim 4, wherein said rubber joint
comprises a soft, flexible, fold-bearing, compressible,
"accordion-like" tubular body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and
apparatus for use in conjunction with gutter systems used for the
collection of rainwater running off buildings' roofs and clean and
efficient diversion of the rainwater therefrom. More particularly,
the invention relates to debris collection devices that are
integrally inserted in gutter downspouts to both remove debris
carried by water flowing through the gutter system and to monitor
the flow of rainwater runoff through the gutter system, for the
purpose of readily detecting, predicting and receiving advanced
warning of a potential blockage in the flow of rainwater
runoff.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Buildings are generally equipped with rainwater gutter
systems. These rainwater gutter systems typically comprise
horizontal gutter segments, i.e., U-shaped troughs open at their
uppermost end, running along the edge or cave of the roof of the
buildings, in the fluid communication with vertical downspouts.
They are designed to collect rainwater which falls on the roof of
the building, and thereafter to direct and divert the rainwater
away from the building, thereby preventing leaks and increasing the
longevity of both the roof and the building as a whole.
[0005] Most roofs on buildings are designed and built with at least
a slight pitch. This slight pitch causes the rainwater that falls
on the roof of a building to roll and flow down the roof, toward
the edge of the building, into the rainwater gutter system.
Specifically, the rainwater wilt flow first into the horizontal
gutter segment of the gutter system. From the horizontal gutter
segment, the rain water will then flow and travel through a
connected downspout (vertical gutter segment) that in turn directs
the collected rainwater into a desired spillway or drainage area
away from the building, or into a sewer or cesspool.
[0006] By virtue of the location of the rainwater gutter systems
along the edge or eave of the roof of a building, they are exposed
to the elements and debris, such as leaves, twigs, eroded roofing
material, animal excrement, the occasional tennis ball and other
objects which find their way up onto the roof. Over time the debris
starts to and in fact accumulate(s) in the rainwater gutter
systems, particularly at bottle neck points along the gutter
system, such as around the spikes or hangers, at the drop outlets
to the downspouts, at bends in the gutters and/or downspouts, etc.
Debris accumulation is particularly problematic in gutters under a
valley in the roof (e.g., where two differing slopes intersect)
because the valleys tend to collect debris and drain it into the
gutter below the valley, at a much higher rate.
[0007] When the debris accumulates in the guttering system to the
point that the guttering system can no longer adequately drain and
direct the water away from the roof and away from the building, the
water will inevitably overflow in and start to pour over the edge
of the horizontal gutters and run down the sides of the building.
This can cause a number of serious problems. For example, if a
building has siding, the water can seep behind the siding, and leak
into the building. If such seepage is coupled with a severe drop in
the outside temperature, i.e., the weather gets so cold that the
water freezes, it can cause the siding to break up and or separate
from the house. A problem that can be resolved only through the
replacement of the siding. Failure to replace the siding will cause
further damage to the building. It may even increase the building
owner's liability due to tailing siding. The replacement of the
siding of a building is a large and expensive job which will either
require an investment of a tremendous amount of time or the hiring
of a carpenter or contractor.
[0008] Similarly, if the outside of a building is covered with a
material such as brick or stucco, instead of siding, and water is
allowed to run down the side of the brick and stucco as a result of
a blocked rainwater gutter system, the water can erode the stucco
or the brick much quicker than if the water is properly directed
away from the building. The water can find its way into all the
minute cracks and crevices, freeze with the drop of the outside
temperature and expand, thereby causing the side of the building to
break up. Consequently even with stucco or brick, water spilling
over from the guttering system will physically erode that surface
at a much higher rate than it would if the water is properly
diverted.
[0009] Finally, if the rain water is not properly diverted and
directed away from a building, as is the ease when gutters become
blocked and overflow, puddles will begin to form adjacent to the
building's foundation and water will start to seep into the ground
surrounding the building. This in turn may compromise the building
by leading to cracks in the building's basement walls, and/or the
building's foundation, and seeping into the lower part of the
building itself. Or alternatively, the water will not seep into the
ground, but will stay on the surface where it can freeze and cover
the whole area with a sheet of ice thereby making it very
treacherous to walk anywhere in the immediate vicinity of the
building. Or even still, water may start to accumulate and become
trapped on certain sections of the roof. This may wear the roof
down and eventually lead to a leak in the roof causing damage to
the sections of the house protected by the roof.
[0010] There is much prior art that has attempted to solve the
aforementioned problems, caused by debris accumulating in guttering
systems. Such prior art does so by using screens, filters, debris
collection devices, gutter cleaning systems or a combination of
such devices which are designed strictly to prevent the blockage of
the rainwater gutter system by capturing the debris flowing through
the gutter system, in certain instances allowing for viewing the
accumulated debris and removing of the debris accumulated. For
example: [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,546 prevents debris from
clogging downspouts and underground drain pipes through a devices
consisting of three parts a cap, screen, and base. This device
totally screens and contains the water flow. The screen is easily
removable by sliding the cap up over the downspout. The amount of
debris accumulation can be easily observed because either the cap
or base is transparent. [0012] United States Letters Patent
Application No. 2003/0051414 A1 prevents debris from clogging
downspouts through a debris collection device for a gutter
downspout which includes a transparent enclosure having an inlet
and outlet that are configured to snugly insert into corresponding
portions of the gutter downspout. A cylindrically configured debris
collection screen is removably installed in the enclosure via a lid
in a cover over a vertically positioned aperture in the enclosure.
The debris collection screen is deformable and resilient to provide
a debris collection member capable of "flattening" as more debris
is captured by the screen thereby allowing unobstructed water flow
through the enclosure. The transparent enclosure, debris collection
screen and lid cooperate to allow an individual access to the
screen for removing captured debris from the screen without
removing the screen from the enclosure. An outlet screen is
installed over the enclosure outlet to collect debris that might
flow around the debris collection screen during heavy rainfall. An
individual may remove debris collected by the outlet screen while
the collection screen remains in the enclosure by forcibly
adjusting the position of the deformable collection screen to
provide hand space. [0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,051 prevents debris
from clogging downspouts through a debris removal device which is
inserted between the bottom of the downspout and the top of a
ground drainpipe into which the downspout empties. The device
comprises an elongate tubular housing open on both ends and having
an unobstructed third opening formed transversely through the
tubular wall between the ends. A partition, having apertures formed
therein, extends generally transversely within the tabular housing
at an inclination converging toward the third opening so as to
divert debris, which enters the tubular housing through the first
opening, out the third opening while enabling rainwater associated
with the debris to pass through the apertures in the partition and
out the second opening. Water flow guides associated with the
partition divert rainwater away from the third opening to inhibit
it from flowing out the third opening along with the debris. A dam
is provided at the bottom of the third opening to likewise inhibit
the flow of water out the third opening. [0014] United States
Letters Patent No. 2005/0109693 A1 prevents debris from clogging
downspouts by removing pollutants, sedimentation and silt through
an apparatus and method consisting of downspout filter having one
or more water filtration or treatment elements directly into the
flow of the fluid to be filtered or otherwise treated. Direct
insertion of the downspout filter into a downspout at some point
between the downspout inlet and outlet is preferable, such that all
fluid passing through the downspout is forced to encounter this
downspout filter. Such insertion may involve the cutting or
separation of the downspout itself. This downspout filter also
comprises one or more high flow bypasses to minimize the
possibility of obstructions or backups, and, in addition to one or
more filtration elements, may also comprises one or more additional
water treatment elements, such as chitosan. Also provided is a
secondary outlet and diversion valve, such that some or all passing
fluid can be additionally treated to become potable or otherwise
fit for personal or commercial purposes [0015] U.S. Pat. No.
6,115,970 prevents debris from clogging downspouts and maintains
building gutters clean through use of a gutter trap consisting of a
housing divided into two chambers by a perforated wall. Thus, when
runoff rainwater enters the gutter trap, it permits the rainwater
to flow therethrough, while simultaneously preventing the debris
from traveling therethrough [0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,158 prevents
debris from clogging downspouts and maintains downspouts and drain
tiles clean through use of a debris trap assembly which is
connected to a rain gutter system. The debris trap assembly
replaces the portion of the downspout from about waist height down
to the drain tile connection. Rain water is carried by the
downspout to the debris trap assembly where it flows through a
strainer housing containing a strainer cup. The strainer cup
accumulates the debris collected by the rain gutters and flushed
down the downspout by the rain water. The strainer cup has a
special shape that allows it to occupy nearly all the space in the
housing while still being removable through an access opening to
empty the debris from the cup. An indicator built into the strainer
cup displays when the strainer cup needs to be emptied. To empty
the strainer cup, it is first removed from the housing and then
dumped in either the garbage or a compost pile. The strainer cup is
then easily replaced into the strainer housing. In the event that
the strainer cup is not emptied when full, a set of emergency
drains conducts the rain water out of the debris trap assembly and
directs it to the ground and away from the building. [0017] United
States Letters Patent Application No. 2005/0145560 A1 prevents the
accumulation of debris at points higher above the ground, with a
gutter foam filter for use in the horizontal segments of a
rainwater gutter system. The gutter foam filter material placed in
and extending the full length of a conventional "K" type or similar
roof gutter. The foam filter elements may be inserted within the
gutter below gutter spikes. The foam material is an open pore
polyether foam of 10-20 cells per square inch which allows
rainwater to travel through the filter while excluding leaves. The
foam is generally in the form of a right triangle and so disposed
in the gutter as to have one side extending along the back of the
gutter and the other side of the triangle extending between the
across the upper open portion of the gutter. The sloped wall
defines a void in the lower front portion of the gutter for
rainwater flow to a downspout. The lower corner of the element is
truncated forming a lower support wall. [0018] U.S. Pat. No.
5,802,775 prevents the accumulation of debris with a flexible cage
attached to a base which fits in to a gutter downspout opening. A
cord is attached at the top center of the flexible cage and it
extends through the cage and out of the downspout. The construction
of the cage is a hub and spoke system, primarily to be manufactured
of plastic. The round spokes are attached to a central hub, the
base is fixed and rests in the drain opening, and the legs of the
cage to attached to the base. When the cage is not in its active
phase, its function is passive, preventing debris from clogging the
drain opening. When in operation, via the actuating cord, the
design and construction of the cage, along with force applied by
pulling the cord, causes the cage to compress and rotate around the
drain opening. The action of the device around the drain opening
loosens debris and creates openings which allow water to flow
freely again. When tension is released from the cord, the strainer
rotates back to its original position and shape, and returns to its
passive function as a strainer. [0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,554
prevents the accumulation of debris through use of a gutter and
drain spout guard. The guard includes a base, two end walls and a
cap. The base is generally rectangular in shape, with the two end
walls extending perpendicularly from its ends. The base is
positioned within a gutter over the drain spout. The cap is
positioned over the opening of the drain spout and is connected to
the base through a loop. The loop also extends into the drain
spout, biased against the walls of the drain spout, thus securely
positioning the guard with respect to the drain spout. The end
walls of the guard prevent debris from collecting near the drain
spout opening. Once the debris has reached the height of the end
walls, the debris flows closer to the opening. However, the cap
prevents the debris from collecting directly in the drain spout.
The cap also prevents debris, falling directly from the roof, from
collecting over the opening. The base, end walls, and cap are
constructed from a wire or plastic mesh and allow water and small
particles to flow into the drain spout. Therefore, the base, end
walls, and cap prevent debris that could clog the drain spout from
collecting near the opening, thus allowing the water to continually
flow within the gutter and drain spout. [0020] U.S. Pat. No.
5,634,299 prevents the accumulation of debris with a flushing
apparatus for collecting and removing debris from a rain gutter to
permit the unobstructed flow of water through a gutter downspout.
The apparatus includes a channel section forming one end of the
gutter and having a pair of sidewalls, a screen member and a raised
portion associated with the screen member. The raised portion is of
a height sized to induce water in the gutter to drop through the
screen member into the downspout. The screen member is pivotable
between a normal position which prevents the debris from passing
into the downspout, and a cleaning position which removes the
debris from the screen member [0021] U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,755
prevents the accumulation of debris at points higher above the
ground with a cover arrangement for roof gutters. The cover
arrangement includes a plurality of cover segments each of which
includes an elongated hinge pin having a mounting plate thereon and
pivotal gutter cover segment thereon. [0022] U.S. Pat. No.
6,936,164 B2 prevents the accumulation of debris at points higher
above the ground with a device that separates debris and other
material from rainwater as it flows into a downpipe from a roof
gutter. The device has a compartment for fitting to the upper end
of a downpipe. The compartment has a horizontally pivoted
perforated drum which rotates when rainwater and entrained debris
from an overhead gutter impinges on it such that the rainwater
passes through the perforations in the drum into the associated
downpipe and the debris is ejected outside of the device by the
rotation of the drum. [0023] U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,526 B1 prevents
the accumulation of debris with a gutter cleaner that comprises a
float portion and a stem portion. The float portion comprises a
float piece that typically has a size larger than the downspout
opening of a gutter in which the gutter cleaner is installed.
Accordingly, the float will not flow down of become lodged in the
downspout. The float piece is made of materials or in a manner such
that the float piece will be raised within the gutter when water
flows there through. The stem portion typically is attached to the
float portion and extends downwardly into the downspout of the
gutter. As rainwater flows into the gutter and down the downspout,
the water will raise the float while the stem portion will remain
extending downwardly into the downspout. The flow of the water
agitates the stem and the float regions of the gutter cleaner. This
agitation action reduces the buildup of small twigs and pine
needles at the downspout region, thereby facilitating the flow of
debris and water down the downspout and out of the gutter. [0024]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,239 prevents the accumulation of debris with a
gutter tilt actuator for a rain gutter system for a house,
building, structure, etc., which facilitates cleaning of a gutter.
The gutter tilt actuator is utilized to rotate the gutter from a
water collecting position to a cleaning position and from a
cleaning position to a water collecting position. [0025] U.S. Pat.
No. 4,183,368 prevents the accumulation of debris with an eave
trough flushing system, which includes a nozzle mounting bracket
for mounting a nozzle in a position to inject water into and
lengthwise along an eave trough. The mounting bracket laterally
spans the eave trough and is configured to engage the eave trough
in a manner that permits easy installation. [0026] U.S. Pat. No.
6,584,733 B2 prevents the accumulation of debris and the blockage
of a rainwater guttering system with a method and apparatus for
preventing the blockage of an internal corner roof gutter located
at the bottom of valley gutters. An opening is formed at the
intersection of the two gutters and a rainwater head with attached
downpipe is fitted under the opening. The rainwater head can be
designed to include an arcuate section which extends between the
two faces of the gutter. [0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,445 provides
for rainwater overflow protection for a roof gutter, after the
accumulation of debris, with a method and apparatus that includes
removing rainwater under the force of gravity from the gutter via a
conduit connected at an opening in a substantially vertical wail at
one end of the gutter. A further step includes directing the
rainwater from the opening through a downward turning transition
section in the conduit such that a substantially horizontal
rainwater flow direction is gradually converted to a downward flow
direction. A portion of the rainwater may be further directed via
the conduit from the gutter to a conventional downspout connected
to a bottom surface of the gutter. In this alternative, the conduit
joins the conventional downspout at a location at least six inches
below the bottom surface of the gutter and serves as a bypass for a
plugged conventional downspout opening. [0028] United States
Letters Patent Application No. 2002/0073630 A1 provides for
rainwater overflow protection for a roof gutter, after the
accumulation of debris, with a method and apparatus that includes
removing rainwater with an overflow chute for guttering, the chute
comprising an elongate member having a substantially U-shaped
cross-section and including a weir or barrier therein intermediate
an overflow spout and an inlet adapted to engage a section of
guttering. In a preferred arrangement, the inlet includes male and
female coupling portions to link the chute to standard section of
guttering (not shown). The inlet further includes a downpipe
connector having a through-body aperture for directing rainwater
into a downpipe. The aperture is protected by a leaf guard to
prevent an accumulation of debris in the downpipe.
[0029] It is clear from all of the above that nothing in the
aforementioned prior art attempts to solve the problems of
debris-clogged rainwater gutter systems through the "real time",
easy, visual monitoring of the flow of the rainwater itself, as it
is in fact rolling down the roof, into the horizontal gutter
sections, down the downspouts and into the ground or rainwater
removal traps leading to the sewers or cesspools. Nothing provides
for an advance notice or warning that debris has started to
accumulated and beginning to block the flow of rainwater, or of an
impending overflow.
[0030] On the other hand, it is also clear from the above, that the
aforementioned prior art attempts to solve the problems caused by
debris-clogged rainwater guttering systems, by providing for easy
removal of the debris after it has significantly accumulated,
whether the accumulation has occurred in the downspouts, or along
the horizontal segments of the gutter system running along the
eaves of the roof. It does so with either complex, multi-component
apparatus that is costly difficult to install, and not
user-friendly; or with cuplike, concave debris collecting screen
structures, or solid receptacles, that can be accessed either
through doors, apertures, or openings in the side walls of the
devices themselves, or through the complete disassembly
thereof.
[0031] Further, it is also clear from the above that in order for
the prior art to really solve the problems caused by debris-clogged
rainwater guttering systems, its users must be vigilant and
conscientious in their use thereof. In other words, the users
should be approaching the devices in the prior art during dry
weather, when rain is not pouring down on them in buckets, either
by simply walking up to the downspout-installed devices, or by
climbing on the roof, to check them and determine if a relatively
significant amount of debris has accumulated therein. If there is,
then the users must take the time to either disassemble them or
activate them to remove the debris.
[0032] The realities of modern day living, with all of its daily
requirements and stresses, however, dictate otherwise. Thus,
generally speaking and on the most part, the only time that the
users of the devices in the prior art will think of removing the
debris is when the blockage actually occurs (this time from the
very debris that has accumulated in the devices themselves), the
rainwater backs tip, overflows over the edges of the horizontal
sections of the gutter system along the eaves of the roof, and
spills and gushes all over the side walls of the buildings.
Repeated blockages of this sort, will cause the very problems that
the prior art has been designed to avoid.
[0033] Finally, all of the prior art deals with the easy monitoring
and removal of accumulated debris, when and if it happens in a
section of the rainwater gutter system that is physically
accessible to or has occurred within the prior art devices. None of
the prior art provides for a solution to the situation that arises
if debris accumulates and clogs a section of the rainwater gutter
system that is not accessible, as for example when debris is
trapped in the upper section of the downspout, close to the roof,
high above ground level.
[0034] Accordingly, there is clearly a need for a method and
apparatus that can better address the problem of rainwater gutter
system overflows and damage caused as a result thereof. Such
apparatus and method needs to be easily insertable into the
downspouts of existing gutter systems, without great costs or
tremendous expertise. Furthermore, it needs to be easily, almost
instinctively monitored, practically at a glance, in "real time",
to insure its peak performance by regularly monitoring the
possibility of gutter system clogs. Finally, it must provide for
easy, regular, frequent and consistent maintenance that will
require minimum mechanical ability and minimum time. Without such
apparatus and method, buildings will continue to be exposed to the
damage caused by overflowing gutter systems and occupants and
insurers will continue to deal with the costs of rectifying such
damage.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0035] IT IS THEREFORE AN OBJECT of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method that is able to better prevent
costly damage to a building, as a result of debris-clogged
rainwater gutter systems overflowing with backed up rain water.
[0036] IT IS ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method that prevents rain water gutter systems from
getting clogged and overflowing, via "real time" monitoring of the
flow of the rainwater through the gutter system.
[0037] IT IS YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for early detection of a blockage and
advanced warning that the flow of water through a gutter system has
obstructed, before the blockage gets to the point where the gutter
system becomes completely backed up.
[0038] IT IS STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to
provide a window of opportunity for the elimination or removal of
blockage causing debris, before the gutter overflows and water
starts running down the side of the building.
[0039] IT IS A FURTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that are easily installable into existing
gutter systems of various constructions, without great costs or
tremendous expertise, irrespective of whether said system is old,
new, complete or incomplete.
[0040] IT IS ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method that can act as an easily observable, visual
indicator of the amount of water going through the gutter system,
in "real time" and a "real time" predictor of whether there is a
potential blockage upstream or downstream there from.
[0041] IT IS YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that can act as an easily observable,
visual barometer of the condition, quality, and rainwater
transporting properties of the gutter system both upstream and
downstream therefrom.
[0042] IT IS STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method that can act as a warning
generating and an instant alert system that the condition, quality
and rainwater transporting properties of the gutter system either
upstream or downstream therefrom have been compromised and need to
be corrected immediately.
[0043] IT IS A FURTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that better prevents the accumulation of
debris in the gutter system or the gutter trap, and strongly
encourages regular and frequent cleanings thereof.
[0044] IT IS STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method that permits that accumulation of
debris in a screen or filter-like structure that is not cup-like in
structure, concave, and compressible in nature.
[0045] IT IS ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method that permits the removal of debris with
minimum effort, cost or tools, and minimal disassembly thereof.
[0046] IT IS YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that permits the access and removal of
debris without the need for an opening on the side wall of the
apparatus.
[0047] IT IS STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to
provide a device that is easily cleaned. A feature of the device is
at least one soft, compressible rubber joint. An advantage of this
feature is that the entire device can be compressed upwards in one
movement thereby easily removing the bottom end of the device from
the downspout, articulating the bottom end thereof without tools
and without removing it from the upper downspout so that the device
is out of the flow path of the gutter system; and emptying the
debris. Another advantage resulting from the feature is that no
debris therefrom passes through and into the downspout below.
[0048] IT IS A FURTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide a
device that allows for the "real time" monitoring of the rainwater
flow through and the anticipation therefrom of a possible blockage
in the gutter system. A feature of the device is at least one
transparent wall that allows for the visual, real time monitoring
of flow of rainwater through the device during rainy weather. An
advantage of the feature is that the monitoring of the flow of
water through die device and the varying flow rates thereof can
provide an accurate barometer of the conditions and properties of
the rainwater gutter system both upstream and downstream therefrom
and help predict the occurrence of a blockage before an
overflow.
[0049] IT IS ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention to provide a
device that removes debris from water flowing through a gutter
downspout. A feature of the device is an arcuately configured,
convex, pyramid-like, non compressible screen that forces debris
into the outer portion of its arcuate configuration. An advantage
of the feature is that the upside down cup-like screen structure
accumulates the debris at its outer perimeter leaving the center
portion free of debris and able to pass water therethrough. The
outer perimeter portion maintains the collected debris at a
concentrated position easily accessible for cleaning.
[0050] These objects, as well as other objects and advantages will
become more apparent in the description that is set forth herein
below, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY Off THE INVENTION
[0051] The illustrative embodiments of the present inventive device
provide for the "real time" monitoring of the flow of rainwater
therethrough and through the gutter system; the speedy, almost
automatic evaluation and ascertainment of the water transporting
properties of the gutter system; and the frequent cleaning and
maintenance thereof before a blockage in the gutter system gets
aggravated to the point that the gutter system overflows. It
comprises an enclosure having an inlet, an outlet, means for
monitoring the flow of rainwater through the enclosure, a debris
collecting screen inserted into and mounted within said enclosure,
a first adaptor and a second adaptor, both adaptors configured and
dimensioned to integrally connect the enclosure to a gutter
downspout and a rubber joint designed to provide mechanical support
for and allow movement of the enclosure relative to at least one of
the adaptors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] While the specification concludes with claims which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention,
it is believed that the present invention will be better understood
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent
identical elements and wherein:
[0053] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view showing a preferred
embodiment of the Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection
Device for a Gutter Downspout, in accordance with the present
invention, installed on a rain gutter system, on the side of a
building and joining the lower portion of a downspout to a drain
pipe;
[0054] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view showing a preferred
embodiment of the Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection
Device for a Gutter Downspout, in accordance with present invention
installed on a rain gutter system, on the side of a building and
joining the lower portion of a downspout to a drain pipe connected
to a trap, leading either to a cesspool or a public sewer;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the Rain
Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout, in accordance with the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG.
3, in accordance with the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 3, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 6 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 3, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of the device of FIG.
3, in accordance with the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the device of FIG.
3, in accordance with the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 9 is a top elevation view of the device of FIG. 3, in
accordance with the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 10 is a bottom elevation view of the device of FIG. 3,
in accordance with the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 11 is a vertical section view taken along line A-A' of
the device of FIG. 5, in accordance with the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 12 is a horizontal section view taken along line B-B'
of the device of FIG. 5, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0065] FIG. 13 is a horizontal section view taken along line C-C'
of the device of FIG. 5, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0066] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout, in accordance with the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the device of
FIG. 14, in accordance with the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the enclosure 20 of the
Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the enclosure 20 of FIG.
16, in accordance with the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 18 is a top or bottom elevation view of the enclosure
20 of FIG. 16, in accordance with the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the enclosure 20 of
FIG. 16, in accordance with the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rubber joint 30 of the
Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the rubber joint 30 of
FIG. 20, in accordance with the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 22 is a top or bottom elevation view of the rubber
joint 30 of FIG. 20, in accordance with the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the rubber joint 30 of
FIG. 20, in accordance with the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the adaptor 40 of the Rain
Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 25 is a back elevation view of the adaptor 40 of FIG.
24, in accordance with the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the adaptor 40 of FIG.
24, in accordance with the present invention;
[0079] FIG. 27 is a section view taken along line D-D' of the
device of FIG. 24, in accordance with the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 28 is a section view taken along line E-E' of the
device of FIG. 24, in accordance with the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the adaptor 50 of the Rain
Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter
Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 30 is a back elevation view of the adaptor 50 of FIG.
29, in accordance with the present invention;
[0083] FIG. 31 is a front elevation view of the adaptor 50 of FIG.
29, in accordance with the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 32 is a section view taken along line F-F' of the
device of FIG. 29, in accordance with the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 33 is a section view taken along line G-G' of the
device of FIG. 29, in accordance with the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the debris collecting
screen 60 of the Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection
Device for a Gutter Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0087] FIG. 35 is a top elevation view of the debris collecting
screen 60 of FIG. 34, in accordance with the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 36 is a front elevation view of the debris collecting
screen 60 of FIG. 34, in accordance with the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 37 is a bottom elevation view of the debris collecting
screen 60 of FIG. 34, in accordance with the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of the debris collecting
screen 60 of FIG. 34, in accordance with the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the various embodiments of
enclosure 20 of the Rain Water Flow indicator and Debris Collection
Device for a Gutter Downspout in FIG. 15, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0092] FIG. 40 comprises three, side elevation views of the device
of either FIG. 3 or FIG. 15, which set forth the steps of
installing the device in line with a downspout; and
[0093] FIG. 41 comprises three, side elevation views of the device
of either FIG. 3 or FIG. 15, as installed in line with a downspout
and the basic steps of the process of debris collection and removal
therefrom.
LIST OF ELEMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE IDENTIFYING NUMERALS
[0094] NO ELEMENT
[0095] 10 Rain Water Flow Indicator and Debris Collection Device
for a Gutter Downspout
[0096] 12 Roof of a building
[0097] 13 Horizontal rainwater gutter system segment
[0098] 14 Vertical rainwater gutter system segment, i.e.
downspout
[0099] 20 Enclosure
[0100] 21 Inlet of the Enclosure
[0101] 22 Outlet of the Enclosure
[0102] 23 Chamber of the Enclosure
[0103] 30 Rubber Joint
[0104] 40 First Adaptor
[0105] 42 Upper Opening of the First Adaptor
[0106] 44 Lower Opening of the First Adaptor
[0107] 46 Bracket
[0108] 50 Second Adaptor
[0109] 52 Upper Opening of Second Adaptor
[0110] 54 Lower opening of Second Adaptor
[0111] 56 Bracket for Second Adaptor
[0112] 60 Debris Collecting Screen
[0113] 62 Apex of Debris Collecting Screen
[0114] 64 Base of Debris Collecting Screen
[0115] 66 Appertures of Debris Collecting Screen
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0116] Referring more specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 and FIG.
2 generally depict the inventive device, The Rain Water Flow
Indicator and Debris Collection Device for a Gutter Downspout
(hereinafter "the Device") at 10. It is designed to provide: (i)
"real time" monitoring of the flow of rain water through said
Device 10, as it courses through the rain water gutter system
(hereinafter "the Gutter System"): (ii) early detection of a
blockage and advanced warning that the flow of water through the
Gutter System has been obstructed, before the Gutter System
overflows; (iii) a window of opportunity to remove from the Gutter
System, any debris that might be causing or that might cause a
blockage, before the Gutter System overflows; (iv) for the removal
of debris from rain water as it flows through the downspout 14 and
away from the building; and (v) for the installation and use of the
Device 10, without great cost or tremendous expertise, irrespective
of whether the Gutter System is old or brand new.
[0117] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 roofs of buildings are
generally pitched. They are equipped with gutters, which collect
and divert rain water away from them. As rain falls on the roof 12
of a building, it will flow down the roof 12, in the direction of
the pitch of the roof, towards the eaves of the roof. When it
reaches the eaves of the roof 12, it falls off the roof and into
the Gutter System. More specifically, the rain water will pour into
the horizontal segments 13 of the Gutter System, which runs along
the edge of the roof 12. From there, the rain water will flow
downstream and into a vertical segment of the Gutter system, i.e.
the downspout 14. Thereafter, it will spill out of the downspout
14, either directly onto the ground, or into a dry well, cesspool
or sewer.
[0118] As can also be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the Device 10 is
removably but sealably, integrally and coaxially inserted and fixed
directly into and in line with the downspout 14. Thus, as the rain
water flows into the downspout 14, it will flow from the upper
segment of the downspout 14, and into the Device 10. Thereafter it
will flow from the Device 10 and into the lower part of the
downspout 14, to eventually spill on the ground or into a cesspool,
dry well or sewer.
[0119] The flow of the rain water through the Device 10 can be
observed quite readily and clearly; even from a relatively
significant distance therefrom. If the rain coming down is gentle,
then the observed flow of the rain water through the Device 10 will
be consistent, slow and gentle. If, on the other hand, it is coming
down "in buckets", with great force and large volumes, then the
observed flow of the rain water through the Device 10, will be
raging and forceful. Further, with time, the observer of the rain
water flow through the Device 10 will be able to distinguish rates
of rain water flow and their relation to the force of the falling
rain, or alternatively, to the presence or absence of a debris
blockage in the Gutter System. As a result, the observer will
immediately become aware of and discern that the flow of the rain
water is being impeded by debris that has somehow accumulated in
and is clogging the Gutter System, either because the flow of rain
water has been significantly reduced to a trickle, if not to
nothing at all; or alternatively, if the blockage is downstream
from the device 10, the rain water will back up and fill the Device
10. All before the blockage becomes so extreme that it causes the
rain water to overflow over the side of the horizontal sections 13
of the Gutter System, thereby significantly reducing the chance for
damage to the building itself.
[0120] The Device 10, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as
in FIGS. 14 and 15, comprises an enclosure 20, a debris collecting
screen 60, a rubber joint 30, a first adaptor 40 and a second
adaptor 50.
[0121] The enclosure or housing 20, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 18,
19 and 39 is a single, unitary tubular type body with relatively
thick walls (although the thickness of the walls is not critical,
if the material of which it is made of is rigid and strong), an
inlet 21, an outlet 22 and an inner hollow core or chamber 23, the
latter three being coaxially arranged and vertically aligned.
[0122] The enclosure 20 is of a solid construction capable of
withstanding the stresses of exposure to nature, while
simultaneously operating efficiently as part of the downspout 14.
It can be shaped in any number of ways. Thus, it can be oval,
round, rectangular, triangular, tubular, or any shape at all, as
long as it continues to have an inlet 21, an outlet 22 and an inner
hollow core or chamber 23. Likewise, it can dimensioned in as many
different ways as possible. Finally, it is provided with at least
one transparent side, or at least one transparent wall, or even
with at least one partially transparent window, as is shown In FIG.
39(b), to permit for the monitoring of the flow of rain water
therethrough, once the Device 10 is integrally installed, in line
with a Gutter System downspout.
[0123] In the preferred embodiments of the Device 10, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, and FIGS. 14 and 15, the entire body of the
enclosure 20 is entirely transparent.
[0124] The debris collecting screen 60 is an arcuately configured,
convex, pyramid-like, or cone-like, or upside down cup-like,
non-compressible sieve, riddle, or other mesh-like device having an
apex 62, a base 64, and apertures 66. It can be made of any
material that is capable of providing rigidity and
non-compressibility. As a result, it can be made of any metal or
plastic. In the preferred embodiments of the Device 10, the debris
collection screen 60 is made of plastic.
[0125] Due to the debris collecting screen's 60 unique shape, the
dimensions and shape of the base 64 of the debris collecting screen
60 are different from the dimensions and shape of the apex 62.
Specifically the width and length of the base 64 are larger than
the width and length of the apex 62. Furthermore, the dimensions
and shape of the base 64 mirror and are substantially similar to
the dimensions and shape of the inner cavity 23 of the enclosure
20, to facilitate mounting of the debris collection screen 60
within the enclosure 20. Finally, in the preferred embodiment of
the Device 10 the dimensions and shape of the base 64 and the apex
62 are such that when the debris collection screen 60 is mounted
within the enclosure 20, their center points are coaxial and in
line with the inlet port 21 and outlet port 22 respectively, and
their entire length is entirely transverse to the flow of the rain
water through the Device 10
[0126] The debris collecting screen 60 is inserted into, and
hingedly or fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the walls
defining the perimeter of the outlet 22 of the enclosure 20, such
that the apex 62 projects into the chamber 23 and the base 64 is
parallel to and flush with the lower surface of the walls of the
enclosure 20 defining said outlet 22. This almost upside down,
cup-like configuration of the debris; collecting screen 60 forces
the debris into the outer portion of its arcuate configuration.
This leaves the center portion free of debris, while simultaneously
allowing water to pass therethrough. The collected debris is kept
concentrated at the outer perimeter, where it remains until is is
easily accesses for cleaning.
[0127] The first adaptor 40 has an upper opening 42 and a lower
opening 44. It is made of hard, non-compressible, relatively strong
material such as a plastic or a metal, capable of connecting and
supporting the enclosure 20 to an upper portion of a gutter
downspout. The upper opening 42 of the first adaptor 40 is
configured and dimensioned so that the lower end of the upper
portion of the gutter downspout 14 can be inserted, and
frictionally become snugly and sealably fitted therein. On the
other hand, the dimensions and configuration of the lower opening
44 of the first adaptor 40 do not permit its insertion into the
enclosure 20 or the insertion for the enclosure into the lower
opening 44 of the adaptor 40. Rather, its configuration and
dimensions are very similar to and mirror the dimensions and
configuration of the inlet 21 of the enclosure 20, such that when
they are positioned adjacently to each other they can only make
contact with each other; not become coupled to each other.
[0128] Optionally, the first adaptor 40 can be provided with a
bracket 46 that can be used to secure the first adaptor 40 on the
wall of the building on which the gutter is located, thereby
providing more support to the Device 10, when it is integrally
inserted in line with a gutter downspout. As can be seen from FIGS.
3 and 4, and FIGS. 14 and 15, the bracket 46 can either be
horizontal or vertical and therefore can be fastened or fixed on
the wall either horizontally or vertically.
[0129] The rubber joint 30 is constructed of soft, flexible,
compressible material designed to hold the lower opening 44 of the
first adaptor 40 adjacent to the inlet 21 of the enclosure 20, but
spaced therefrom, for the purpose of allowing movement of and
providing mechanical support for the enclosure 20 relative to the
first adaptor 40. In other words, it allows the enclosure 20 to
articulate relative to the first adaptor 40. If comprises a soft,
tubular body having a proximate opening and a distal opening. Both
openings are configured and dimensioned to be only slightly larger
than the dimensions of the outer perimeter of the inlet 21 of the
enclosure 20 and the lower opening 44 of the adaptor 40
respectively. As a result, the distal opening acts as a female
fitting to receive, frictionally enclose, and snugly and sealably,
but removably connect and couple with the lower opening 44 of the
first adaptor 40. The distal opening of the rubber joint in essence
forms a form-fitting, snug, friction sealed sleeve around the lower
opening 44 of the first adaptor 40. The proximate opening in turn,
also acts as a female fitting to receive, frictionally enclose, and
snugly and sealably, but removably connect and unite with the inlet
21 of the enclosure 20. In essence, the proximate opening of the
rubber joint forms a form-fitting, snug, friction sealed sleeve
around the inlet 21 of the enclosure 20.
[0130] In the preferred embodiments of the Device 10, the rubber
joint comprises a soft, flexible, fold-bearing, expandable,
compressible, "accordion like", tubular body having a distal and a
proximate opening. See FIGS. 20-23.
[0131] The adaptor 50 also has an upper opening 52 and a lower
opening 54. It too is made of hard, non-compressible, relatively
strong material, such as a plastic or a metal, capable of
connecting and supporting the enclosure 20 to a lower portion of a
gutter downspout. The upper opening 52 of the adaptor 50 is
configured and dimensioned so that it can act as a female fitting
for the outlet 22 of the enclosure 20. The outlet 22 is snugly
inserted, and frictionally and sealably fitted thereinto. On the
other hand, the dimensions and configuration of the lower opening
54 of the adaptor 50 are such that they permit the lower opening 54
of the adaptor 50 to act as a male fitting. Specifically, the lower
opening 54 is snugly inserted and frictionally and sealably fitted
into the upper end of the lower section of the downspout 14 when
the Device 10 is installed therein.
[0132] Optionally, the adaptor 50 can be provided with a bracket 56
that can be used to secure the adaptor 50 on the wall of the
building on which the gutter is located, thereby providing more
support to the Device 10, when it is integrally inserted in line
with a gutter downspout. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, and
FIGS. 14 and 15, the bracket 56 can either be horizontal or
vertical and therefore can be fastened or fixed on the wall either
horizontally or vertically.
[0133] In an alternate embodiment of the Device 10, the dimensions
and shape of the base 64 of the debris collecting screen 60 mirror
and are substantially similar to the dimensions and shape of the
upper opening 52 of the adaptor 50, to facilitate mounting of the
debris collection screen 60 within the adaptor 50. The debris
collecting screen 60 is inserted into, and hingedly or fixedly
mounted within the upper opening 52 of the adaptor 50 so that when
the outlet 22 of the enclosure 20 is inserted into the adaptor 50,
the apex 62 projects into the chamber 23 of the enclosure 20 and
the base 64 is parallel to and flush with narrowest inner diameter
of the adaptor 50. See FIG. 41.
[0134] In yet another embodiment of the Device 10 both the inlet 21
and outlet 22 of said enclosure 20 have tapered edges to facilitate
insertion and attachment to the first and second adaptors and the
rubber joint.
[0135] In still another embodiment of the Device 10, the soft,
flexible, fold-bearing, expandable, compressible, "accordion like",
tubular body of the rubber joint 30, having a distal and a
proximate opening is fixedly, permanently and integrally connected
to the lower end of the first adaptor 40, as for example, by fusing
its distal end to the lower end 42. Alternatively, through the
proper technology the tubular body and the adaptor could be molded
as a single unitary piece.
[0136] FIG. 40 depicts the process by removably inserting the
Device 10 into art existing gutter downspout 14 adjacent to a
building wall, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-2. Such process
comprises the steps of;
[0137] (a) cutting the existing gutter downspout 14 in two
locations parallel to each other, but distanced from each other a
length equivalent to the total length of the enclosure 20 when full
assembled with both first and second adaptors;
[0138] (b) Creating an upper portion of the downspout and a lower
portion of the downspout, by removing the cut downspout piece;
[0139] (c) Replacing the cut downspout piece with the Device 10, by
first inserting and frictionally and sealably fitting the lower end
of the upper portion of the downspout into the upper opening 42 of
the first adaptor 40, and optionally affixing said first adaptor 40
via its optionally provided bracket 46 on the building wall;
[0140] (d) Thereafter, inserting and frictionally and sealably
fitting the lower end 52 of the second adaptor 50 into the upper
end of the lower portion of the downspout and optionally affixing
said second adaptor 50 via its optionally provided bracket 56 on
the building wall; and
[0141] (e) Inserting and frictionally and sealably fitting the
outlet 22 of the enclosure 20 of the Device 10 into the upper
opening 52 of the second adaptor 50, such that the rainwater
flowing through the Device 10 will flow into the lower
downspout.
[0142] FIG. 41 in turn, depicts the process of using and cleaning
the Device 10 after it is installed in a gutter downspout 14. Such
process comprises the steps of: [0143] Observing the flow of
rainwater through the enclosure 20 both during severe and mild rain
events, in "real time" particularly when the Device 10 is first
installed, to calibrate said rainwater flows when there are no
blockages anywhere in the gutter system; [0144] Developing a strong
sense of the conditions, quality and rainwater transporting
properties of the gutter system via habitual and consistent
checking of the Device 10, even during weather that is dry, and
even from afar; [0145] Removing any debris blockages that might
occur and that might be determined as a result of observing the
flow of rainwater slow down in a manner that is not consistent with
normal rain water flow observations, before the gutter system
overflows; [0146] Insuring the proper performance of the Device 10
by frequently and periodically removing the debris accumulating and
collecting in the outer perimeter of the debris collection screen
60 of the Device 10 by: a) holding the enclosure 20 with at least
one hand; b) gently but firmly lifting the enclosure 20 upwards,
away from the lower downspout section 14 and towards the upper
downspout section 14, thereby compressing and shrinking the rubber
joint while simultaneously sliding the outlet 22 of the enclosure
20 out of the second adaptor 50; c) articulating the enclosure 20
relative to the first adaptor 40 away from the building wall and
the second adaptor 50, out of the path of the rain water flow in
the lower downspout and pointing same towards the ground; d)
releasing one side of and pivoting the debris collecting screen 60
on its hinged connection with the enclosure 20, away from the
chamber 23 of the enclosure 20, thereby emptying the debris
therefrom; e) returning and securing the debris collecting screen
back to its original position within the enclosure 20; f)
articulating the enclosure 20 back to its original position, in
line with and coaxially placed with both the upper and lower
downspouts; g) pulling the enclosure 20 downwards thereby
stretching and decompressing the rubber joint 30 and allowing the
outlet 22 of the enclosure 20 to be re-inserted into the upper
opening 52 of the second adaptor 50 and fixedly and sealably fitted
therein.
[0147] It is clear then from all of the above, that the Device 10
achieves all of the objectives set forth herein above including
providing a means for a building owner or occupant to monitor the
flow of rain water through the gutter system and a means for early
detection and advanced warning that debris is obstructing the flow
and that an overflow may be imminent. It prevents costly damage to
a building. It is easily installable into an existing gutter
downspout, without great cost, tremendous expertise or strenuous or
dangerous activity. It gives the owners, occupants, or maintenance
engineers a clear advantage in connection with the maintenance of
both their gutters system and by extension, their buildings.
Finally, it prevents buildings from being exposed to the damage
caused by overflowing rain water and helps manage rain water flow
blockages in a gutter system in a manner that will minimize both
building maintenance costs and insurance fees.
[0148] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described in detail herein, they are provided by
way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
invention. Since certain changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention, it is intended that ail matter
contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense.
Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps
and the embodiments depicted in the figures can be altered without
departing from the scope of the present invention and that the
illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude
of possible depictions of the present invention.
* * * * *