U.S. patent application number 11/769251 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for splash block with diffuser.
Invention is credited to Ken Anderson, Linda Draheim, Jonathan Records.
Application Number | 20090003933 11/769251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40160720 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090003933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Ken ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
SPLASH BLOCK WITH DIFFUSER
Abstract
A splash block having a trough and a diffuser arrangement for
use in controlling water dispensed from a downspout of a home or
building. The diffuser arrangement including a plurality of
diffusing elements that displace a high flow of water produced from
a heavy downpour in a random dispensing pattern to prevent erosion
of the surrounding ground material. The diffuser arrangement also
defining low-flow pathways that accommodate a low flow of water
through the trough.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Ken; (DePere,
WI) ; Records; Jonathan; (Appleton, WI) ;
Draheim; Linda; (Neenah, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
40160720 |
Appl. No.: |
11/769251 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/119 ;
137/312; 52/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 11/227 20130101;
E03F 1/002 20130101; Y10T 137/5762 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/119 ;
137/312; 52/97 |
International
Class: |
E02B 9/04 20060101
E02B009/04 |
Claims
1. A splash block, comprising: a) a trough having a first end and a
second end, the trough being constructed such that water dispensed
into the trough runs in a first direction of flow from the second
end toward the first end, the trough including a base; b) a
diffuser arrangement located at the first end of the trough, the
diffuser arrangement including: i) at least one low-flow opening
that permits a low flow of water to exit the trough at the first
end, the low-flow opening coinciding with the base of the trough;
and ii) a plurality of diffusing elements that displaces water in a
random dispensing pattern at the first end of the trough, the
diffusing elements projecting upward from the base of the
trough.
2. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) the diffuser arrangement
includes a plurality of low-flow openings coinciding with the base
of the trough.
3. The block of claim 2 wherein: a) each of the diffusing elements
are discrete diffusing elements, the low-flow openings being
located between the discrete diffusing elements.
4. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) the base of the trough defines
a substantially planar bottom surface.
5. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) each of the diffusing elements
includes a transition region that diverts water flow from the first
direction of flow to a second random direction of flow different
than the first direction of flow.
6. The block of claim 5 wherein: a) the transition regions of the
diffusing elements are ramped surfaces that divert water flow from
the first direction of flow to the second random direction of
flow.
7. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) each of the diffusing elements
has a width, the width of some diffusing elements being different
from the width of other diffusing elements.
8. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) each of the diffusing elements
has a width, the widths of each of the diffusing elements being
generally the same.
9. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) the diffuser arrangement
includes a plurality of low flow openings defined between the
plurality of diffusing elements, each of the low flow openings
having a width of between about 1/16 and 1/2 inch.
10. The block of claim 1 wherein: a) each of the diffusing elements
are triangular constructions that project upward from the base of
the trough.
11. The block of claim 10 wherein: a) the triangular constructions
are right-angle triangular constructions having a hypotenuse, the
hypotenuse being oriented to face the flow of water.
12. The block of claim 1 wherein; a) the trough includes opposing
side walls extending between the first and second ends of the
trough, and a back wall located at the second end of the
trough.
13. A splash block, comprising: a) a trough having a first end and
a second end, the trough being constructed such that water
dispensed into the trough runs in a direction from the second end
toward the first end, the trough including a base; b) a diffuser
arrangement located at the first end of the trough, the diffuser
arrangement including: i) at least one low-flow water pathway that
permits a low flow of water to exit the trough at the first end,
the low-flow water pathway coinciding with the base of the trough;
ii) a plurality of high-flow water pathways that displaces a high
flow of water in a random dispensing pattern at the first end of
the trough, the high-flow water pathways directing water flow above
the at least one low-flow water pathway.
14. The block of claim 13 wherein: a) the diffuser arrangement
includes a plurality of low-flow water pathways coinciding with the
base of the trough.
15. The block of claim 13 wherein: a) the high-flow water pathways
are provided by diffusing elements that divert water flow from the
at least one low-flow water pathway to the high-flow water
pathways.
16. The block of claim 15 wherein: a) the diffusing elements
include a plurality of discrete diffusing elements that project
upward from the base of the trough.
17. A method of controlling water flow from a downspout, the method
comprising that steps of: a) providing a splash block, the splash
block including a trough; b) positioning the splash block in
relation to a downspout such that water dispensed from the
downspout is received in the trough; c) directing a low flow of
water dispensed from the downspout through openings located at an
end of the trough, the openings coinciding with a bottom surface of
the trough; and d) disrupting a high flow of water dispensed from
the downspout at the end of the trough, the step of disrupting the
high flow of water including displacing the water in a random
pattern to prevent erosion of surrounding ground material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use
in diverting rainwater away from a home or building. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to a splash block used in
association with a downspout of a home or building.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A wide variety of splash block arrangements have been
utilized for carrying run-off water collected by a gutter system
away from a home or building. The more common conventional
arrangements include a block structure that defines a trough. The
block structure is placed under the downspout of a gutter system.
Water dispensed from the downspout into the trough of the block
structure runs to an open end of the trough and away from the
foundation of the home or building.
[0003] In heavy downpours, excessive amounts of rainwater exiting
the open end of the trough can cause surrounding landscape material
to wash away, and can create ruts in the ground adjacent to the
open end of the trough. In general, improvement has been sought
with respect to such arrangements, generally to prevent the
occurrence of erosion or a washout during heavy rain downpours.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a splash
block having a trough and a diffuser arrangement. The diffuser
arrangement displaces a high flow of water from a heavy downpour in
a random dispensing pattern, yet also permits a low flow of water
to exit the trough at a downstream trough end. The random
dispensing pattern produced by the diffuser arrangement during a
heavy rain downpour prevents the erosion or washout of surrounding
ground material.
[0005] A variety of examples of desirable product features and
methods are set forth in part in the description that follows, and
in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practicing various aspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the
disclosure may relate to individual features as well as
combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the
foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the
claimed invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a splash block having
one embodiment of a diffuser arrangement in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a partial, rear perspective view of the splash
block of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a splash block having
another embodiment of a diffuser arrangement in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a splash block having
still another embodiment of a diffuser arrangement in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure; and
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a splash block having
yet another embodiment of a diffuser arrangement in accordance with
the principles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to various features of
the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0012] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate embodiments of splash blocks having
features that are examples of how inventive aspects in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure may be practiced.
Preferred features are adapted for preventing material washout in
an area adjacent to a gutter system downspout of a home or
building.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a splash block 10
is illustrated. The splash block 10 generally includes a trough 12
having a first end 14 and a second end 16. The trough 12 is defined
by a base 18, opposing lateral side walls 20, 22, and a back wall
24. The side walls 20, 22 extend from the first end 14 of the
trough 12 to the second end 16. The back wall 24 is located at the
second end 16 of the trough 12 between the lateral side walls 20,
22. Preferably, the base 18 of the trough 12 is sloped so that
water dispensed into the trough 12 runs in a direction (represented
by arrow A) from the second end 16 toward the first end 14. In the
illustrated embodiment, the base 18 defines a substantially planar
bottom surface 26 of the trough 12.
[0014] In one embodiment, the trough 12 is made of plastic;
although the trough 12 can be made of a variety of other materials,
such as concrete or metal, for example. The side walls 20, 22 and
the back wall 24 are formed integrally with the base 18 of the
trough 12. In the alternative, the walls 20, 22, 24 can be separate
components joined to the base 18 to define the trough 12.
[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the splash block 10 includes
a diffuser arrangement 30 located at the first end 14 of the trough
12. The diffuser arrangement 30 is designed to diffuse and displace
water in a random pattern during heavy rain downpours. That is, the
rainwater is displaced or dispensed in an irregular or non-uniform
manner. By diffusing the water randomly, surrounding ground
material is not washed-out or eroded by the flow of water exiting
the trough, as is a common problem with conventional splash
blocks.
[0016] In particular, conventional splash blocks commonly have an
open trough end. Heavy water flow exiting the open trough end can
wash away surrounding ground material. The surrounding ground
material can include soil, wood chips, and decorative stone, for
example. Such heavy water flow can even create ruts in established
lawns, erode soil away from plantings, and over time, deteriorate
building materials such as masonry and asphalt.
[0017] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the diffuser
arrangement 30 generally includes a plurality of diffusing elements
32. The arrangement 30 also includes gaps or low-flow openings 34
defined between adjacent diffusing elements 32 and between the
diffusing elements 32 and side walls 20, 22. The low-flow openings
34 coincide with the planar bottom surface 26 of the base 18. That
is, the openings 34 are generally at the same level as, and are
partially defined by an extension of, the planar bottom surface 26
of the base 18. The low-flow openings 34 define low-flow water
pathways that permit a low flow of water to exit the trough 12 at
the first end 14; as opposed to trapping water at the first end
until the collected water exceeds a particular level. A low flow of
water is a flow of an amount of water that does not generally
exceed a rate at which erosion or washout occurs; for example, a
flow rate that does not exceed the saturation rate of the
surrounding ground.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2, the plurality of diffusing elements
32 of the diffuser arrangement are configured to obstruct or
disrupt the normal flow of water through the first end 14 of the
trough 12 during a heavy downpour. The normal flow of water is a
flow of water in the direction represented by arrow A through the
first end 14 of trough 12. In particular, the diffusing elements 32
are configured to displace water in a random dispensing pattern at
the first end 14 of the trough 12.
[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the diffusing elements 32 are
discrete elements. That is, the elements 32 are separate or
individually distinct from one another. The low-flow openings 34
are located between and adjacent to the discrete diffusing elements
32. Each of the discrete diffusing elements 32 projects upward from
the planar bottom surface 26 of the base 18. The discrete diffusing
elements 32 are formed integrally with the base 18 of the trough
12; although the elements can also be non-integral components
joined to the base 18.
[0020] Each of the diffusing elements 32 defines a transition
region 36 (FIG. 2) that diverts water flow from the low-flow water
pathways to high-flow water pathways. That is, the transition
region 36 diverts water flow from the first direction (represented
by arrow A) to a second different random direction (represented by
random arrows B).
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the diffusing elements 32 are
triangular in shape, and in particular, are constructed has
right-triangles having a hypotenuse or ramped surface 38 oriented
to face the normal flow of water. The ramped surfaces 38 of the
diffusing elements 32 are the transition regions 36 that divert
water flow from the low-flow water pathways to the high-flow water
pathways. In one embodiment, the ramped surfaces 38 of the
diffusing elements 32 are oriented at angle of between 30 and 60
degrees relative to the planar bottom surface 26 of the base 18;
which creates the vertical vector of the second random direction of
flow (represented by random arrows B).
[0022] The high-flow water pathways direct water flow above the
low-flow water pathways; in particular, the high-flow water
pathways are defined as pathways that run up and off the diffusing
elements 32 of the diffuser arrangement 30. The high-flow water
pathways dispense water produced from a high flow of water in a
random dispensing pattern at the first end 14 of the trough 12. A
high flow of water is a flow of an amount of water that can cause
erosion or washout; for example, a flow of water at a rate that
exceeds the saturation rate of the surrounding ground.
[0023] The high-flow water pathways are random, that is, the water
flow may run up and off either side of a diffusing element, or may
run up and over the diffusing element 24, as shown by random arrows
B in FIG. 2. The random dispensing pattern is provided by directing
the water flow upward over the diffusing elements 32 so that the
water exiting the trough sprays off the diffusing elements 32 in
random directions. The disruption of flow and random spray or
displacement of water prevents erosion of the surrounding ground
material.
[0024] Referring back to FIG. 1, the diffusing elements 32 of the
present disclosure each have a height H1. Preferably, the height H1
is sufficient enough to create an obstruction and diversion of flow
such that water is randomly displaced over a large region of the
surrounding area so as to avoid a concentrated flow of water that
would otherwise cause washout. In the illustrated embodiment, the
height H1 of each of the elements 32 is substantially the same as a
height H2 of the side walls 20, 22. Alternatively, the heights of
each element can vary.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, each of the diffusing elements 32 also
has a width W. The width W of some of the diffusing elements 32 is
less than the width of others of the diffusing elements 32. In the
illustrated diffuser arrangement 30, three inner diffusing elements
32 having more narrow widths are located between two outer
diffusing elements 32 having wider widths.
[0026] In alternative embodiments, the diffusing elements can all
have the same width, or can all have different widths, and/or can
be arranged in a different pattern of locations. For example,
referring to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of a splash block 110 is
illustrated. The splash block 110 includes a diffuser arrangement
130 and is generally similar in construction to the splash block 10
previously described; except for the arrangement of diffusing
elements 132 of the diffuser arrangement 130. In particular, the
diffusing elements 132 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 each have a
width W. The width W of each of the diffusing elements 132 is the
same as the other diffusing elements. The diffusing elements 132
are also generally equally spaced from one another such that gaps
or low-flow openings 134 defined between adjacent diffusing
elements 132 are generally all the same size. Each of the low-flow
openings 134 is typically between about 1/16 and 1/2 inch in width.
In the illustrated embodiment, the low-flow openings 134 are about
1/8 inch in width.
[0027] In use, the splash block is positioned underneath the
downspout of a gutter system of a house or building to control the
flow of rainwater from the downspout. When a low flow of rainwater
is dispensed from the downspout, the splash block directs the
rainwater through the low-flow openings 34, 134 at the end of the
trough 12, 112. When a high flow of rainwater from a downpour is
dispensed from the downspout, the diffuser arrangement 30, 130 of
the splash block diverts the high rainwater flow and displaces or
dispenses the water in a random pattern about the surrounding area.
Displacing or dispensing the rainwater in a random pattern reduces
the concentration of flow in one particular region and prevents
erosion or washout.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment of a splash
block 210 is illustrated. The splash block 210 generally includes a
trough 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216. The trough
212 is defined by a base 218, opposing lateral side walls 220, 222,
and a back wall 224. The side walls 220, 222 extend from the first
end 214 of the trough 212 to the second end 216. The back wall 224
is located at the second end 216 of the trough 212 between the
lateral side walls 220, 222. Preferably, the base 218 of the trough
212 includes a sloped bottom surface 226 that causes water to run
in a direction (represented by arrow A) from the second end 216
toward the first end 214.
[0029] Similar to the previous embodiments, the trough 212 is made
of plastic; although the trough 212 can be made of a variety of
other materials, such as concrete or metal, for example. The side
walls 220, 222 and the back wall 224 are formed integrally with the
base 218 of the trough 212. In the alternative, the walls 220, 222,
224 can be separate components joined to the base 218 to define the
trough 212.
[0030] The splash block 210 includes a diffuser arrangement 230.
The diffuser arrangement is located within the trough 212 of the
splash block 210. The diffuser arrangement 230 is designed to
diffuse and slow water flow during heavy rain downpours. That is,
the flow of rainwater is diverted and dispensed in an irregular or
non-uniform manner. By slowing and diffusing the water, surrounding
ground material is not washed-out or eroded by the flow of water
exiting the trough, as is a common problem with conventional splash
blocks.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the diffuser
arrangement 230 includes a plurality of diffusing elements or
projections 232. The diffusing elements or projections 232 extend
or project outward from the sloped bottom surface 226 of the base
218. In one embodiment, the projections 232 are randomly positioned
on the base 218, however a more uniform pattern of projections 232
can also be provided.
[0032] The plurality of projections or diffusing elements 232 of
the diffuser arrangement 230 is configured to obstruct or disrupt
the normal flow of water through the trough 212 during a heavy
downpour. The normal flow of water is a flow of water in the
direction represented by arrow A through the first end 214 of
trough 212. In particular, the diffusing elements 232 are
configured to redirect water in a random dispensing pattern within
the trough 212, and in following, out the first end 214 of the
trough 212. This random dispensing pattern is provided particularly
during heavy down pours. Yet, a low flow of water is still
permitted to exit the trough 212 without significant impedance; as
opposed to being trapped at the first end until the collected water
exceeds a particular level.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the projections or diffusing
elements 232 are discrete elements. That is, the diffusing elements
232 are separate or individually distinct from one another. Each of
the diffusing elements 232 is formed integrally with the base 218
of the trough 212; although the elements can also be non-integral
components joined to the base 218. The diffusing elements 232 of
the present disclosure each have a height H1. Preferably, the
height H1 is sufficient enough to create an obstruction and
diversion of water flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the height
H1 of each of the elements 232 can vary but is generally less than
about 1/2 inch. As shown in FIG. 4, the overall widths of the
diffusing elements 232 vary.
[0034] In addition to the varying sizes, the diffusing elements 232
also have varying shapes. The shapes can include square,
rectangular, or pentagonal shapes that have either irregular or
regular side lengths. Other shapes can be provided. In the
illustrated embodiment, the shape of each diffusing element is
defined by sidewalls 242 that extend generally perpendicular to the
bottom surface 226 of the base 218; although the sidewalls can also
be angled. The sidewalls 242 of the diffusing elements 232 divert
water flow from the normal water pathway to random water pathways
(represented by arrows B). The random water pathways redirect water
in a random dispensing pattern. In heavier flow, the water
obstructed by the sidewalls 242 of the projections 232 may further
spray or crash off the projections in random directions. The
disruption of flow and random spray or displacement of water
prevents erosion of the surrounding ground material.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the projections or diffusing elements
232 are located generally at and forward of a mid-region 246 of the
trough 212. During a heavy down pour, the rain water runs toward
the diffusing elements 232, and where upon contact, crashes against
the sidewalls 242 of the diffusing elements 232 and splashes off in
random directions. The location of the diffusing arrangement 230 at
and forward of the mid-region 246 of the trough 212 assists in
reducing water spray from being directed back onto the house or
building foundation.
[0036] In alternative embodiments, the diffusing elements or
projections can be arranged in a different pattern relative to one
another, and/or have a different appearance or aesthetic feel. For
example, referring to FIG. 5, yet another embodiment of a splash
block 310 is illustrated. The splash block 310 includes a diffuser
arrangement 330 and is generally similar in construction to the
splash block 210 of FIG. 4; except for the arrangement and shape of
diffusing elements 332 of the diffuser arrangement 330. In
particular, the diffusing elements or projections 332 of the
embodiment of FIG. 5 have contoured shapes. The contoured shapes of
the diffusing elements 332 are rough and irregular such that the
arrangement provides a more natural slate or rock-like look. In
addition, the sloped bottom surface 326 of the trough 312 includes
ledge-like contours 340 that also enhance the natural slate or
rock-like look.
[0037] In use, the splash block is positioned underneath the
downspout of a gutter system of a house or building to control the
flow of rainwater from the downspout. When a high flow of rainwater
is dispensed from the downspout, the projections or diffusing
element 232, 332 of the splash block divert and displace the
rainwater in a random pattern. Displacing or dispensing the
rainwater in a random pattern reduces the concentration of flow in
one particular region and prevents erosion or washout.
[0038] The above specification provides a complete description of
the present invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, certain aspects of the invention reside in the claims
hereinafter appended.
* * * * *