US20140115998A1

US20140115998A1 - Downspout adapter with cleanout

Info

Publication number: US20140115998A1
Application number: US13/834,115
Authority: US
Inventors: Larry Horgan
Original assignee: GARDEN BUILDERS Inc
Current assignee: GARDEN BUILDERS Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2014-05-01

Abstract

A downspout adapter that provides access to a sub-surface drain system for cleaning is disclosed. The downspout adapter comprises of a hollow main body enclosure with a top section, a middle cavity, and a bottom section. The top section attaches to a downspout on a building, and the bottom section attaches to a sub-surface drain system. A elongated middle cavity allows for the downspout and drain system to be offset from each other. An access opening on the middle cavity allows a user direct access to the drain system for cleaning out debris. In further embodiments a removable debris basket is provided and fitted within the middle cavity to collect debris while cleaning debris from the downspout. The debris basket is then removed after cleaning.

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosed embodiment relates to clean out adapters for rainwater collection downspouts attached to underground drainage systems.
Rainwater collection systems are found on most commercial and residential structures to collect and divert water away from the foundation. Typically, gutters are used to collect rainwater that falls on a structure's roof and carry the water to a downspout. The downspout directs the water off the roofline and away from the foundation or into a sub-surface drain system. With a structure's roof and gutters being constantly exposed to the elements, debris including leaves, pine needles, litter, and other materials enter the collection system and cause backups. To avoid drain backups and potential water damage, the water collection systems need to be cleaned out periodically. This task is potentially dangerous with the height of some gutters, and also expensive if the clog occurs underground in the sub-surface drain system.
Generally, the prior art relating to downspout adapters utilize a screen to trap and remove debris from the base of the downspout before the water enters into the sub-surface drain system. It is known in the art that a screen at the bottom of an adapter chamber, located between the base of a downspout and the entrance of the drain system, is used to collect debris from the downspout. This chamber, a debris trap, is located about waist height, and contains an access panel to remove the collected debris from the screen. Some prior art that uses a screen in the bottom of a chamber contains an overflow port that channels water away from the structure in heavy rains, while in other art the chamber is perforated to allow water to flow out if the screen is clogged. Additionally, other art discloses the use of removable debris receptacles that allows water to strain through the receptacle while debris is collected. The debris receptacle then can be taken out of the downspout adapter for cleaning.
In yet other prior art the downspout adapter has a diverter plate that blocks the opening to the drain system. When the diverter plate is in a closed position the gutter and downspout can be flushed with water and the debris within the system is diverted out of the downspout entirely before entering the drain system. The downspout adapters in the prior art keep the downspout directly above the sub-surface drain system and trap debris before it enters into the sub-surface drain system. When debris does enter into the sub-surface drain system each of the above described adaptors makes it difficult to reach and clean out the sub-surface drain system.
The foregoing example of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.
One aspect of the present invention is to provide easier access to a sub-surface drain system for better clean out.
Another aspect of the present invention is an access opening with a removable cap on the downspout adapter to assist with clean out of the sub-surface drain system.
Other aspects of the present invention are the interchangeable top and bottom sections that connect to the downspout and sub-surface drain pipe, respectively.
A further aspect of the present invention is an access opening providing for attachment of a debris trap during active clean out of the downspout.
In yet another aspect of the present invention is the combination of both a downspout to drain pipe adapter and clean out adapter providing for conservation of materials and labor.
In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
In the exemplary embodiment the downspout adapter comprises a hollow main body enclosure with a top section, a middle cavity, and a bottom section defining a path wherein water flows from a downspout, through the adapter, and into a sub-surface drain system. The top section is a hollow female fitting with an upper and a lower portion that protrudes upward from the middle cavity. The upper portion of the top section is slightly larger than the downspout allowing the base of the downspout to be positioned tightly at the opening of the top section. This connection prevents most debris from entering the top section from outside the downspout. The downspout and top section form the downspout longitudinal axis which occurs at the center of the downspout. The bottom section is also a hollow female fitting with an upper and lower portion that protrudes downwards from the middle cavity, allowing the lower portion of the downspout adapter to be positioned on the top of the drain pipe at the entrance into the sub-surface drain system. The drain pipe and bottom section form the drain pipe longitudinal axis which occurs at the center of the drain pipe. The adaptor provides for the downspout longitudinal axis and the drain pipe longitudinal axis to be offset, allowing for direct access to the sub-surface drain system. The middle cavity has an access opening with a reattachable cap allowing for better access to the drain pipes while cleaning out the sub-surface drain system. With the offset of the downspout axis and drain pipe axes it is easier for the user to clean out the subsurface drain system without having to dig up any pipes. To assist the user in cleaning out the gutters and downspout a removable debris basket is inserted into the drain pipe through the access opening to catch debris while permitting water to flow through. After active clean out the debris basket is then removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor showing the offset of the downspout longitudinal axis and drain pipe longitudinal axis.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the downspout adaptor.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a debris basket of the downspout adaptor.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of the downspout adaptor. FIG. 1 is a side view of the downspout adaptor. In the depicted embodiment the downspout adapter is one molded polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) piece with three main sections: a top section 100, a middle cavity 200, and a bottom section 300. It should be understood that the downspout adapter may be constructed as a plurality of pieces and with any type of material suitable for drainage systems, such as PVC, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”), or aluminum.
As shown in FIG. 3, a top view of the downspout adapter, the top section 100 in the depicted embodiment is a rectangular hollow female fitting with an upper and lower portion extruding above the middle cavity 200. The top section 100 is slightly larger than the building downspout allowing the downspout to fit within the upper portion of the top section 100. The opening of the top section 100, however, is tight enough to prevent most debris from entering through the top of the connection. The top section 100 can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes to fit the variety of shapes and sizes of downspouts in use including rectangular and circular cross-sections. In the depicted embodiment, the top section 100 has a width d1 of 3⅝ inches and a length d2 of 2⅜ inches to accommodate a standard 2″×3″ nominal size residential downspout.
In alternate embodiments, the top section 100 may be constructed as a separate piece or pieces from the middle cavity 200, allowing for interchangeability if downspout sizes are changed during the structure's life cycle. It should be noted that other ways to connect the downspout to the top section may be used. If the downspout size is larger or smaller then the top opening, an adapter piece may be used to connect the two pieces and still maintain a connection that does not let in debris. The adapter may be ridged or consist of a flexible member to accommodate the connection required.
The middle cavity 200 in the depicted embodiment is hollow, partially rectangular in shape, and has the approximate width as the top section 100. In the depicted embodiment the middle cavity 200 has a width d1 of 3⅝ inches matching the width of the top section 100 fitting a standard 2″×3″ residential downspout. It should be appreciated that the downspout adapter width can change to accommodate different downspout cross-section dimensions or have a different width then the top section 100. Directly below the top section 100, the middle cavity 200 has a sloped base for directing water flowing from the downspout to the sub-surface drain system. A sloped or tapered base section below the top section 100 allows water to flow through the downspout adapter to the drain pipe without accumulation or ponding inside. In the depicted embodiment the slope of the base section is approximatly 30° from the horizontal allowing for drainage. It should be appreciated that any slope that allows for the downspout water to drain into the drain pipe can be used. The length d3 of the middle cavity 200 allows the downspout longitudinal axis 101 and the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 to be offset from one another as shown in FIG. 5. This offset allows for better access to the drain system for cleaning and flushing the drain pipes therein. In the depicted embodiment the length d3 of the middle cavity 200 is 6¼ inches allowing access to the drain pipe. It should be known that the middle cavity 200 can be any shape and size that allows water to drain to the drain pipe from the downspout and which provides access to the drain pipe. If the longitudinal axis of both the drain pipe and downspout are further apart; the length of the middle cavity 200 will be longer.
For better access to the drain system an access opening 201 with a cap 202 is located on the middle cavity 200 above the bottom section 300. FIG. 3, a top view of the downspout adapter, shows the access opening 201 above the bottom section 300. In the depicted embodiment the access opening 201 and cap 202 are rectangular in shape and located on the top panel of the middle cavity 200. The thickness t1 of the cap 202 also matches the thickness t1 of the middle cavity 200 in the depicted embodiment. The access opening 201 is large enough to provide adequate access to clean out the drain pipe from above. In the depicted embodiment, the cap 202 is attached to the middle cavity 200 with two screws 203 into a mounting shoulder 204, which is a thickened area of the middle cavity 200. Screw holes 205 are located on the cap 202 and the mounting should 204 of the middle cavity 200 allowing the screws 203 to be threaded though and tightened into the mounting shoulder 204. This connection allows for the cap 202 to be removed and then replaced whenever cleaning is necessary. It should be recognized that connecting the cap 202 to the middle cavity 200 can use a variety of connection methods including latches, clips, and other known methods.
At the bottom of the middle cavity 200, offset from the top section 100, the bottom section 300 is located. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom section 300 is a circular partially-hollow female fitting extruding from the middle cavity 200 with an upper and lower portion and allowing for attachment to the top of the sub-surface drain system. The bottom section 300 is sized and adapted for a drain pipe to fit within the lower portion of the bottom section 300. In the depicted embodiment the outside diameter OD is 4½ inches. The connection to the drain pipe is a tight fitting joint, which can be glued, slip fit, snapped, or fitted together depending on the type of drain pipe. Similar to the top section 100, in alternate embodiments the bottom section 300 can be constructed as a separate piece or pieces from the middle cavity 200 allowing for interchangeability between different size drain pipes. Additionally, adapters, either ridged or flexible, may be used if the drain pipe is larger or smaller then the bottom section 300.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the depicted embodiment with the cap 202 removed. The downspout and sub-surface drain pipe are not shown for clarity. With the cap 202 removed the access opening 201 shows how the users access the drain system for cleaning and flushing debris. Additionally, with a clear path to the drain system provided by the access opening 201, rotor rooting the drain system is also a possibility. Most city building codes are starting to require schedule 40 PVC pipe for any sub-surface drainage systems. Inevitably plugging of the sub-surface drains occur and the described downspout adapter with clean out will allow the use of a rotor rooter to clear the blockage, assuring the long term viability of the sub-surface drainage system. Even with current thinner walled sub-surface systems in use today a rotor rooter can be used with care to clear any blockage. Prior art that describes the use of adapters with screen traps built in do not have this advantage and could even possibly be damaged with the use of a rotor rooter.
FIG. 5 details the offset between the downspout and sub-surface drain system in the depicted embodiment. The downspout 102 connecting to the top section 100 defines the downspout longitudinal axis 101 as the center of the downspout. The drain pipe 302 connecting to the bottom section 300 defines the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 as the center of the drain pipe. The downspout adaptor allows for the downspout longitudinal axis 101 and the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 to be offset for better access to the sub-surface drain pipe. This offset allows the drain pipe to be cleaned out directly, unlike the prior art which aims to catch debris before the water goes into the sub-surface drain system.
Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the downspout adaptor is long enough d3 to allow for the outside edge of the downspout 103 to be offset in relation to the inside edge of the drain pipe 303. With the offset of the downspout longitudinal axis 101 and the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301, and the offset of the outside edge of the downspout 103 and the inside edge of the drain pipe 303 the user is able to access the entire drain pipe without obstructions. This allows both for easier access and for better cleaning of the drain system. It is noted that some downspout/drain pipe configurations it may not be possible to provide an offset between the outside edge of the downspout 103 and the inside edge of the drain pipe 303.
In an alternative embodiment, a debris trap is placed at the entrance of the drain system pipe to catch debris within the adapter while allowing water to flow into the sub-surface drain system. The screen can be either fixed or removable for cleaning the downspout adapter.
FIGS. 6-9 show a second embodiment of the downspout adapter. The second embodiment performs essentially the same functions as the first embodiment and provides easy access to a sub-surface drain system for better clean out. FIG. 6 is a side view of the second embodiment of the downspout adapter. In the depicted embodiment the downspout adapter comprises three main sections: a top section 100, a middle cavity 200, and a bottom section 300. Similar to the first embodiment, the downspout adaptor is constructed as one molded PVC piece. It is understood that any type of suitable material can be used and that the downspout adapter may be constructed as more than one piece.
The top section 100 is a rectangular hollow female fitting with an upper and lower portion extruding above the middle cavity 200. The upper portion of the top section 100 connects to the base of a building downspout. In the depicted embodiment the top section 100 is sized to fit a standard 2″×3″ nominal size residential downspout with a width d1 of 3⅝ inches and a length d2 of 2⅜ inches. It is understood that the top section 100 can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes to fit a variety of downspout systems.
The middle cavity 200 connects both the top section 100 and the bottom section 300 and has a length d3 that allows for the downspout longitudinal axis 101 and the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 to be offset. In the depicted embodiment the middle cavity 200 is a hollow, partially rectangular in shape, and has the same width d1 as the top section 100, 3⅝ inches, and a length d3 of 7½ inches. Directly below the top section 100 opening, the middle cavity 200 has a sloped base for directing water flowing from the downspout at the downspout longitudinal axis 101 into the sub-surface drain pipe system at the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301. This sloped base section can be either a sloped wall of the middle cavity 200, as shown in FIG. 6, or a tapered base section, not shown. The sloped base section allows for water flow to be directed inside of the middle cavity 200 without any accumulation or ponding inside. In the depicted embodiment the slope of the base section is approximately 30° from horizontal.
Providing access for clean out of the sub-surface drain pipe system is an access opening 201 with a cap 202 located on the middle cavity 200 above the bottom section 300 along the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301. In the depicted embodiment the access opening 201 and cap 202 are substantially D-shaped allowing for access to the sub- surface drain system. The access opening 201 and cap 202 are located on the top portion of the middle cavity 200 providing direct access above the drain pipe along the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301. The cap 202 is attached to the middle cavity 200 at the access opening 201 with two screws 203 into a mounting shoulder 204. In the depicted embodiment the mounting shoulder 204 is a thickened area protruding outwards with respect to the middle cavity 200 in the shape of a half oval as shown in FIG. 7. Screw holes 205 are located on the cap 202 and the mounting shoulder 204 of the middle cavity 200 allowing the screws 203 to be threaded though and tightened. This connection allows for the cap 202 to be removed and replaced whenever cleaning is necessary. It should be recognized that connecting the cap 202 to the middle cavity 200 can use a variety of connection methods including latches, clips, and other known methods.
At the bottom of the middle cavity 200, offset from the top section 100, the bottom section 300 is attached to the middle cavity 200. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom section 300 is a circular partially-hollow female fitting with an upper and lower portion extruding from the middle cavity 200. The lower portion of the bottom section 300 attaches to the top opening of the sub-surface drain system. The bottom section 300 is sized and adapted to match various drain pipes. In the depicted embodiment the inside diameter ID is 4½ inches to fit a schedule 40 PVC drain system pipe.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the depicted embodiment with the cap 202 removed. The downspout and sub-surface drain pipe are not shown for clarity. With the cap removed to the access opening 201 the users access the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 for cleaning and flushing debris. In the depicted embodiment the radius of the bottom section 300 is similar to the outside edge shape of the middle cavity 200, access opening 201, and cap 202.
FIG. 10 shows a removable debris basket 400 that fits within the access opening 201 along the drain pipe longitudinal axis 301 to assist in active clean out of the downspout. In the depicted embodiment the debris basket 400 is partially rectangular in shape having an open top, four sides, and a bottom. One of the sides is substantially half-height and curved in shape to fit within the adapter and drainpipe. Attached to the top of the basket are two handles or flaps 401 that assist the user in placing the debris basket 400 in position at the drain pipe and to support the debris basket 400 in place at the access opening 201. In the depicted embodiment the debris basket 400 is constructed out of galvanized wire with each side of the basket being a metal mesh to collect debris while allowing water to still flow through. It is understood that any type of material such as plastic can be used for the construction of the debris basket 400.
The debris basket 400 is used for active clean out and does not remain in the downspout adaptor during non-use. To flush and clean the downspout the debris basket 400 is used to collect debris before entering the drain system. The user will remove the cap 202 and place the debris basket 400 into the access opening 201 and into the bottom opening 300. The building downspout is cleaned and flushed with debris collected in the debris basket 400. The debris basket 400 is then removed and the cap 202 is replaced after clean out.
Generally rainwater falls on a structure and is carried through a gutter system to a downspout. Debris is picked up by the water and is carried through the downspout and the downspout adapter into the sub-surface drain system that moves the water away from the structure's foundation. When the sub-surface drain system has accumulated debris the user will remove the cap from the downspout adapter and clean or flush the drain system directly. The downspout adapter allows for better access to the drain system without having to excavate the area around the drain system.
Additionally, another benefit of the disclosed invention is the combination of a clean out and adapter from the downspout to the sub-surface drain pipe. Currently, conventional downspout adapters provide only a connection between the downspout and drain pipe. If a clean out is needed, it must be added to either the downspout or the sub-surface drain pipe. In general practice clean outs are rarely used because of the added material and labor costs. By combining two functions into a single adaptor both installation time and raw materials are saved. With green building initiatives throughout the nation this invention is particularly helpful.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations are within their true spirit and scope. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.
In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The above definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the invention.

Claims

1. A downspout adapter comprising:

a hollow main body enclosure with a top section, a middle cavity, and a bottom section defining a path wherein water flows from a downspout, through the main body, and into a drain pipe;

the top section is a hollow female fitting with an upper top section and a lower top section with the entire top section protruding upward from the middle cavity, said upper top section attachable to a downspout, wherein the center of a downspout defines a downspout longitudinal axis, and wherein a downspout longitudinal axis is coaxial with a center axis of the top section when installed;

the bottom section is a partially-hollow female fitting with an upper bottom section and a lower bottom section with the entire bottom section protruding downwards from the middle cavity, said lower bottom section attachable to a drain pipe, wherein the center of a drain pipe defines a drain pipe longitudinal axis, and wherein a drain pipe longitudinal axis is coaxial with a center axis of the bottom section when installed;

the middle cavity having an access opening positioned above the bottom section providing access to a drain pipe; and

wherein the top section and bottom section are substantially offset in a horizontal direction allowing for better access to a drain pipe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hollow main body enclosure is a plurality of molded pieces.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top section is interchangeable to fit a variety of downspout sizes.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bottom section is interchangeable to fit a variety of drain pipe sizes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable cap that covers the access opening.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the access opening is along a drain pipe longitudinal axis when installed providing for better access to a drain pipe.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a removable debris basket, the debris basket sized to fit within the access opening and a drain pipe, and allowing liquid to strain through while collecting debris.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the debris basket further comprising a handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the outside edge of a downspout is offset from the inside edge of a drain pipe.

10. A method for cleaning out drain systems in a building comprising:

attaching an adapter between a downspout and a drain pipe, the adapter having a top section, a middle cavity, and a bottom section, wherein the top section connects to a downspout, a downspout having a downspout longitudinal axis which is coaxial with a center axis of the top section, wherein the bottom section connects to a drain pipe, a drain pipe having a drain pipe longitudinal axis which is coaxial with a center axis of the bottom section, and wherein the top section and the bottom section are substantially offset at a horizontal distance;

accessing a drain pipe along a drain pipe longitudinal axis through an access opening; and

removing debris from a drain pipe.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein a removable cap provides access to the access opening.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising mounting a debris basket in the adapter so that debris is captured during cleaning of a downspout.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein, the debris basket is removed after cleaning a downspout.

14. A downspout adapter comprising:

means for connecting the top section to a downspout so that a downspout longitudinal axis is coaxial with a center axis of the top section when installed;

means for connecting the bottom section to a drain pipe so that a drain pipe longitudinal axis is coaxial with a center axis of the bottom section when installed;

means for accessing a drain pipe so that a drain pipe can be cleared of debris; and

wherein the top section and the bottom section are substantially offset at a horizontal distance.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the means for accessing a drain pipe comprises an access opening with a removable cap.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising means for trapping debris before entering a drain pipe.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for trapping debris comprises a removable mesh debris basket.