U.S. patent application number 10/572498 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for rain dispersal system and method.
Invention is credited to Robert N. Clausi.
Application Number | 20080244987 10/572498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37498052 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080244987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clausi; Robert N. |
October 9, 2008 |
Rain Dispersal System and Method
Abstract
An impervious elongated plate is fastened to a building, near
the edge of the rooftop. The plate forms a rebound surface with an
uninterrupted slope extending downwardly away from the building.
Rainwater falling over the edge of the rooftop, strikes the
surface, rebounds, and is dispersed along an extended area at
ground level, away from the building. The plate may be flexible and
resilient, with a memory so that the plate deflects downwardly
under load, but returns to its initial position after the load is
removed. The plate may be formed as a single work piece. The plate
may be extruded from a plastic material. A method includes the step
of securing an impervious surface at an uninterrupted slope near
the edge of a rooftop so that rainwater falling over the edge
strikes the surface. A major portion of the rainwater is directed
downwardly and outwardly along the slope. The major portion of the
rainwater is scattered as a spray of water droplets falling onto
the ground below.
Inventors: |
Clausi; Robert N.;
(Oakville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOWAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
1075 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST, SUITE 203
OAKVILLE
ON
L6M-2G2
CA
|
Family ID: |
37498052 |
Appl. No.: |
10/572498 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA05/00905 |
371 Date: |
March 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/11 ;
52/741.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 2013/0463 20130101;
E04D 13/0459 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/11 ;
52/741.1 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/064 20060101
E04D013/064 |
Claims
1. A device for dispersing an amount of rainwater flowing over an
edge of a rooftop defined by a building, the device comprising: an
impervious rebound surface of sufficient dimension to disperse a
major portion of said amount of rainwater into a spray of water
droplets falling onto an extended area at ground level away from
the building; the surface extending outwardly away from said edge
and along an uninterrupted downward slope; and a mounting element
to secure the device to said building, adjacent said edge.
2. The device claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is formed in a
single work piece.
3. The device claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is made
from a single work piece by a method from a group of methods
consisting of extrusion and roll forming.
4. The device claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the
surface is made of a flexibly resilient material.
5. The device claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
surface deflects downwardly by a predetermined distance away from a
first position when the surface is subjected to a defined loading,
and the surface returns to the first position when the loading is
removed.
6. The device as claimed in any one of claims, 1 to 5, wherein the
surface defines a plurality of downwardly cascading steps.
7. The device as claimed in any one of claims, 1 to 5, wherein the
surface defines an upwardly projecting convex arch.
8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
mounting element defines a projecting wall for securing the device
along said edge.
9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an
abutment projects outwardly from said mounting element, the
abutment defining a stop for positioning said device along a
preferred position adjacent said edge.
10. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the
surface terminates along a drip-edge extending along an axis
parallel to said edge, the device further comprising a horizontal
channel positioned outwardly away from said drip-edge and below
said drip-edge.
11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the channel is
capable of holding a minor portion of said amount of rainwater.
12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, defining a
ridge for securing decorative items to the device.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said ridge is defined
by an outward edge of said channel.
14. The device as claimed in claim 1 to 13, wherein the mounting
element is marked for a range of preferred sites to position a
plurality of fasteners for securing the device to a soffit along
said edge.
15. The device as claimed in claim 1 to 14, wherein the
uninterrupted slope defines a substantially smooth surface.
16. A method of dispersing an amount of rainwater flowing over an
edge of a rooftop defined by a building, the method comprising:
securing an impervious rebound surface adjacent said edge;
directing a major portion of said amount of rainwater downwardly
and outwardly away from said edge; said major portion of said
amount of rainwater rebounding along an uninterrupted downward
slope; and said surface dispersing said major portion of said
amount of rainwater into a spray of water droplets failing over an
extended area at ground level away from the building.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said surface is deflected
downwardly a predetermined distance away from a first position when
said surface is subjected to a defined loading; and said surface is
returned to the first position when the loading is removed from
said surface.
18. The method of claim 16 or 17 comprising a step of directing a
minor portion of said amount of rainwater into a channel extending
parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by said surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a device and method for dispersing
rainwater flowing from the roof of a building structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many known building construction materials for
channeling rainwater away from building structures. For example,
known construction materials which include by way of example, eaves
troughs and similar structures, collect substantial amounts of
rainwater and then divert the collected rainwater along a
predetermined path, away from buildings.
[0003] Typically, the earlier systems collect rainwater flowing
from a roof in horizontally aligned troughs which are sloped toward
common downspouts. These earlier systems are used to prevent
rainwater from flowing over the edge of a building roof, and
falling directly to the ground surface below. Among other things,
such conventional systems were intended to divert rainwater away,
from the building structure (to limit the risk of water flowing
into the structure) and to minimize the amount of soil erosion
caused by rainwater spilling over onto the ground below the roof's
edge.
[0004] Conventional gutter systems are susceptible to clogging with
leaves, dirt and other debris. U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,477 B1 discloses
a gutter cap placed over a gutter trough to inhibit infiltration of
debris into the gutter system. Water flows over the gutter cap,
into the underlying gutter. In temperate climates, snow and ice may
accumulate within gutters during the winter season, causing the
gutters to clog until the weather warms sufficiently to thaw the
frozen ice and melt accumulated snow. In some instances, heating
systems are added to prevent freezing of water within conventional
gutter systems.
[0005] These and other conventional collection systems concentrate
the downward flow of water into a predetermined number of
downspouts, pipes and similar structures. Typically, the troughs
are located along a lower edge of a roof. The troughs are fastened
to the fascia board, or other suitable structural support, below
and immediately adjacent to the lower edge of the roof. The
rainwater collected in the troughs is then diverted to common
downspouts, to channel the downward flow of rainwater to selected
points along the perimeter of the building.
[0006] Although these traditional rainwater diversion systems are
useful for collecting and diverting rainwater, problems often arise
when many buildings collect and divert substantial amounts of
rainwater into storm sewers and other water drainage systems. Waste
water management authorities are burdened with the responsibility
of handling substantial loads of rain water flowing through waste
water handling and flood control facilities. In some jurisdictions,
local water management authorities impose restrictions against
connection of rainwater collection systems to waste water sewer
systems and other waste water handling facilities. Building owners
are then faced with the dilemma of disposing of large volumes of
rainwater diverted from their rooftops into fast flowing channels
of water. The water disposal problems are exacerbated if the
landowner's surrounding landscape is unable to absorb the collected
rainwater or if water overflows onto neighboring properties. In
addition, soil erosion and related problems may arise if the
diverted rain water is allowed to flow along ground level in fast
moving channels.
[0007] Traditional eaves troughs are typically made by installation
workers at a construction site, by bending and working sheet metal
segments cut from long rolls of sheet metal stock of uniform
thickness. The installation workers typically cut the segments of
sheet metal to a preferred size. The segments are then shaped to
have the desired shape, size and profile, with folds and other
features added for reinforced attachment to the building. The
segments must be carefully positioned, aligned, and connected in
water tight fashion along a sloped grade to ensure that the
rainwater is effectively channeled to the target downspouts. The
installation workers must carefully design the eaves troughs and
provide an adequate number of suitably positioned downspouts to
accommodate the volumes of water collected from related areas of
the building rooftop. The eaves and downspouts must be adequate to
handle the volumes of rainwater, to avoid overflow of rainwater
over the edges of the eaves troughs. For various reasons, it is
desirable that the eaves troughs are suitably sloped to avoid
pooling of rainwater within the channels. Installation workers must
take special care to join and secure the eaves trough segments with
water-tight seals to avoid annoying leaks at the joints. Often,
these joints are sealed with caulking and other special sealants to
inhibit leaks. However, these sealants degrade over time, and
often, the joints must be cleaned and resealed after only a few
years of use.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,424 (by Madfis) is an example of a
rainwater dispersion system made of a complex series of assembled
parts including complex baffles to distribute rainwater along the
length of the Madfis dispersion system. The series of staggered
baffles retain and channel water along the gaps formed between
adjacent baffles. The baffles are indented at regular intervals
with pockets and protrusions. The pockets and protrusions in one
row of baffles are offset and staggered relative to the positioning
of the pockets and protrusions of the baffles in the nearest rows,
to distribute water along the length of the receiving surface. In
the Madfis system, rainwater flows over a receiving surface,
however, the downward slope and the corresponding water flow is
interrupted by a series of upwardly projecting baffles. The baffles
impede the downward flow of water, redirecting the water flow over
the surface and along horizontal channels between neighboring
baffles. The numerous baffles present a plurality of clearly
defined horizontal channels all of which are susceptible to
accumulation of dirt, debris, ice and snow, under various operating
conditions. Furthermore, the complex assembly of component parts
made in complex shapes cannot be readily extruded or easily formed
into a single work piece of convenient size and shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a device and system for
dispersing rainwater flowing downwardly from a rooftop. In one
embodiment, the device disperses rainwater which flows over the
edge of the rooftop, by creating a spray of water droplets
scattered over an extended area located away from the building. The
device comprises an impervious rebound surface of sufficient
dimension so that, when an amount of rainwater flows over the edge
of the rooftop, the water falls over the edge and strikes the
surface, a major portion of that amount of rainwater rebounds from
the surface and is converted into a spray scattered outwardly away
from the building. The surface extends downwardly away from the
edge, and away from the building. The surface defines an
uninterrupted downward slope. The device also includes a mounting
element to secure the device to the building, preferably, adjacent
the edge of the rooftop.
[0010] In other embodiments, the device may be formed into a single
work piece. The device may be extruded from a suitable material
(for example, a plastic or other extrudable material). In other
embodiments, the device may be made from flexible, yet resilient
materials. In certain instances, the device may be roll formed from
a continuous roll of metal sheet stock, such as by way of example,
aluminum or copper. In some preferred embodiments, the material may
be provided with a memory so that the device will not be
permanently deformed when loaded under substantial water flows,
accumulations of ice or other debris. Optional bosses may be formed
or added for increased strength where it is desired.
[0011] The surface of the device may be defined by a series of
downwardly cascading steps, an upwardly projecting convex arch, a
flat surface, a substantially smooth surface, or a combination of
such configurations.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention includes a method of
dispersing an amount of rainwater flowing over an edge of a rooftop
defined by a building. The method comprises the steps of: [0013]
securing an impervious rebound surface adjacent said edge; [0014]
directing a major portion of said amount of rainwater downwardly
and outwardly away from said edge; [0015] said major portion of
said amount of rainwater rebounding along an uninterrupted downward
slope; and [0016] said surface dispersing said major portion of
said amount of rainwater into a spray of water droplets falling
over an extended area at ground level away from the building.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the impervious surface is deflected
downwardly a predetermined distance away from a first position when
the surface is subjected to a defined loading. The impervious
surface is returned to the first position when the loading is
removed from the surface.
[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, a minor portion of
said amount of rainwater is directed into a channel extending
parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the impervious
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a side view, in perspective, of a
section of one embodiment of the rain diversion device of the
present invention attached to a building structure.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in
isolation.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A.
[0022] FIG. 2C is a side view of a variant of the embodiment of
FIG. 1, FIGS. 2A and 2B, represented in use.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 3B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 3A.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a side view of yet another embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 4B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 4A.
[0027] FIG. 5A is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 5A.
[0029] FIG. 6A is a side view of a further embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 6B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 6A.
[0031] FIG. 7A is a side view of yet another embodiment of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 7B is a top view, in perspective, of the embodiment of
FIG. 7A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, of the drawings,
a first embodiment of a rain disperser 1 is formed from a plastic
material, preferably by extrusion. The disperser 1 is fastened to a
fascia board 20 of an existing building structure, below soffit 40,
and adjacent roof 30 of the building. Back plate 3 and flange 4 act
as a guide to position the disperser 1 in a preferred fastening
position relative to the fascia board 20 of the building.
Typically, the disperser 1 will be secured to the fascia board 20
by screws, nails or other fasteners. Where fasteners are used,
stainless steel fasteners are preferred. In some instances, an
optional guide 13 is marked with a line, groove or other visible
indicator on the back plate 3 so that the installer may
preferentially position the fasteners along the back plate 3, when
mounting the disperser on the building. In other embodiments, the
disperser may be provided with predrilled and countersunk holes to
receive the fasteners when mounting the disperser on the
building.
[0034] The disperser 1 includes a single, substantially flat and
impervious deflector surface 2 extending between the back plate 3
and the drip edge 5. Single deflector surface 2 is offset at an
angle below the horizontal, forming an angled surface to deflect a
major portion of the water away from the building. Water flowing
from the roof 30, or falling as rain directly on to the deflector
surface 2, strikes the surface 2, and most of the water rebounds
outwardly in a radiating spray pattern away from the building
structure.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 2 is shown in the
at rest position, sloped at about 7 degrees below the horizontal.
It is anticipated that in many embodiments, the surface 2 will
extend outwardly beyond the rooftop by about 3-6 inches (about 8-15
cm) if the inward most edge of the surface is positioned about 3-12
inches (about 8-30 cm) below the edge of the rooftop. The outward
reach of the surface may be increased if the surface is secured to
the building so that it is further below the edge of the rooftop.
It will also be appreciated that the slope of the surface may be
modified. It is believed that the preferred angle of the surface is
in the range of about 5 to about 15 degrees below the horizontal.
However, other slopes may be used. For example, in some instances,
the angle (and slope) of the surface may be increased if the
surface is extended outwardly to project a greater distance away
from the edge of the rooftop. Also, the angle and slope of the
surface may be decreased slightly, if the surface is reduced so
that it projects to a lesser extent away from the edge of the
rooftop. It will be understood that other variations will be
possible provided that the surface is of sufficient dimension to
effectively deflect and disperse most of the flowing rainwater into
a spray scattering over an extended area away from the
building.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the disperser
1 includes a collection trough 10 located outwardly of the surface
2, and below drip edge 5.
[0037] Trough 10 includes an outer edge 7 having a ridge 8 to
secure decorative lights (for example Christmas lights) along the
roof of the building. Typically, stringed decorative lights are
provided with spring loaded clamps so that they may be more easily
secured to a building. Ridge 8 provides a `catch` to interact with
clamps or other fasteners used to secure the decorative lights to
buildings.
[0038] Collection trough 10 acts as a reservoir to collect a minor
amount of residual water which may in some circumstances slowing
flow down the rebound surface 2, such as for example, following a
rainfall. Without the collection trough 10, the residual water
droplets may tend to drip from drip edge 5, causing unsightly drip
erosion on landscaped surfaces below the disperser 1. However,
optional collection trough 10 allows the residual water droplets to
pool within the trough 10 for evaporation. If desired, the trough
10 may be configured so that the collected residual water may be
redirected along a channel 6 to a remote location for release to
the ground surface below.
[0039] In certain embodiments of the invention, the disperser may
be made from a single work piece of suitable length. By way of
example, the disperser may be formed into a single piece for
mounting on a building. In some instances, it may be desirable to
make the disperser from a plastic material, by extrusion.
Preferably, the material is flexible, but resilient so that the
disperser will not deform or lose its shape over time. For example,
in some instances it will be preferable to make the disperser from
a flexibly resilient material, (for example a plastic material)
having a satisfactory memory so that the disperser will return to
its original shape and position after an initial displacement or
movement.
[0040] Where sectional pieces of the disperser are joined together,
a suitable sealant may be applied at the joint to inhibit leakage
through optional trough 10.
[0041] In those instances where the disperser is made from a
flexibly resilient material, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the main body of the disperser, including the
surface 2 will tend to deflect downwardly when the surface is
loaded by the impact of a downward flow of rainwater. Any
fluctuations in the flow of water will tend to induce a fluctuation
in the deflection of the surface 2, thereby shifting the position
and slope of the surface 2 relative to a downward stream or flow of
water. Any resulting fluctuation in the relative vertical position
and slope of the surface 2 will tend to increase the ability of the
disperser to distribute the downward flow of water over a larger
area on the ground below.
[0042] FIG. 2C represents such an example of a flexibly resilient
variant of the disperser shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B. When the
disperser 1 is subjected to a loading, corresponding to the flow of
an amount of rainwater RW, the disperser is deflected by a distance
d.sub.1 from its initial, at rest position A, downwardly to a
second position B. If the disperser is subjected to a heavier
loading corresponding to a greater flow of water, the disperser
will be deflected a greater distance d.sub.2 from its initial, at
rest position, downwardly to a third position C. As represented in
FIG. 2C, a major portion Mj of the amount of rainwater RW strikes
the surface, rebounds from the surface of the disperser, and is
scattered about an extended area of the ground level below. A minor
portion Mn of the rainwater RW may accumulate within the optional
channel found at the terminal end of the surface 2. In certain
applications, the disperser may be designed so that the main body
of the disperser including the surface will be deflected to a
substantial extent when loaded by accumulations of snow, ice or a
combination of the two, in winter conditions. The disperser may be
designed with a non stick surface, to allow the accumulations of
snow and ice to more readily slide off the downwardly displaced and
more steeply sloped surface to fall to the ground level below. The
disperser may be made with a relatively smooth surface 2 from a
material selected for various properties including its non stick
characteristics. In other instances, the rebound surface 2 may be
may be coated with an outer layer of a suitable non stick
protective coating. When the disperser is relieved of the loading
caused by the accumulation of snow and ice, the disperser will
return to its normal, at rest position.
[0043] Other illustrated embodiments of the invention are described
below with reference to specific examples of modifications to the
surfaces of the illustrated disperser devices, the mounting
elements (which in some instances include a back plate 3, with or
without a flange 4) and a disperser device without an optional
trough 10.
[0044] Specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of
the invention in which a disperser 31 includes a modified surface
32 defined by a series of downwardly cascading step segments 32',
32'' and 32'''. The rebound surface 32 is uninterrupted by any
significant obstacles which could lead to pooling of water along
the downward slope of the surface. Although the surface 32 is
defined by this series of steps, the surface is nonetheless
relatively smooth, without any substantial depressions or changes
in the profile of the surface which could induce the pooling of
water on the surface. Rather, the surface 32 presents a relatively
smooth profile which deflects rainwater which strikes that surface
after falling from the edge of the rooftop above.
[0045] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3A,
3B, 4A, 4B, the backplate 3 is provided with the optional flange 4
as described in detail above. These embodiments also show the
collection trough 10, with outer edge 7 having a ridge 8, and the
channel 6 defined along the length of the trough 10, all of which
are described elsewhere herein. FIGS. 5A, and 5B show a disperser
51 with a straight, sloped surface 52, terminating at a drip edge
5. However, the disperser 51 does not include a trough adjacent the
drip edge.
[0046] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of the invention is
illustrated in which the rebound surface 42 of the disperser 41 is
curved in a generally downward slope, with the convex surface 42
points upwardly. Optional bosses 47 are provided along the length
of the disperser to strengthen the disperser against excessive
flexure.
[0047] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a device of the invention in which the
disperser 61 has a straight, uninterrupted, downwardly sloped
surface 62, terminating at a drip edge 5, positioned adjacent a
trough 10 with outer edge 7 and ridge 8. However, in this
embodiment, the modified back plate 63 has a smooth back wall 64.
Although the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein
refer to a mounting element in the form of a back plate, other
mounting elements may be used. For example, the element used to
mount the disperser on a building may include a plate, flange or
other suitable support which may be affixed to a soffit or other
structural component of the building.
[0048] FIGS. 7A and 7B show another disperser 71 with a relatively
straight, uninterrupted, downwardly sloped rebound surface 72,
terminating at raised drip edge 75. The optional drip edge 75
projects upwardly from surface 72 to define a trough-like
depression 78 in which a minor amount of water 80 may
accumulate.
[0049] The invention also includes a method of dispersing rainwater
over an extended area away from a building. An amount of rainwater
flows from the rooftop of the building and falls over the edge of
the rooftop. The method comprises: [0050] securing an impervious
rebound surface adjacent said edge; [0051] directing a major
portion of said amount of rainwater downwardly and outwardly away
from said edge; [0052] said major portion of said amount of
rainwater rebounding along an uninterrupted downward slope; and
[0053] said surface dispersing said major portion of said amount of
rainwater into a spray of water droplets falling over an extended
area at ground level away from the building.
[0054] In another embodiment for dispersing rainwater flowing over
the edge of a rooftop, the method includes the steps of: [0055]
securing an impervious rebound surface adjacent the edge, with the
surface providing an uninterrupted downward slope; [0056]
deflecting a major portion of the amount of rainwater in rebounding
flow along the slope, downwardly and outwardly away from the edge;
and [0057] dispersing the major portion into a spray of water
droplets over an extended area at ground level away from the
building.
[0058] In another embodiment, the impervious surface deflects
downwardly by a predetermined distance when the surface is
subjected to a defined loading. Specifically, the surface moves
away from a first position to a second position when the surface is
subjected a load, such as for example, a substantial flow of
rainwater impacting on the surface, or the weight of an accumulated
amount of snow, ice, or a combination thereof. The impervious
surface is returned to the first position when the loading is
removed from the surface.
[0059] In another embodiment of the invention, a minor portion of
the rainwater flowing over the edge of the rooftop is directed to a
channel extending parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the
impervious surface. This step may be used to inhibit erosion damage
immediately below the terminal edge of the surface.
[0060] The foregoing are merely examples of certain aspects of the
present invention. Many other embodiments, including modifications
and variations thereof, are also possible and will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon a review of the invention as
described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications,
variations and equivalents may be resorted to, and such
modifications, variations and equivalents are intended to fall
within the scope of the invention as described herein and within
the scope of the patent claims.
* * * * *