Abstract:
An automatic retractable gutter assembly ( 10 ) dispenses rainwater collected in a gutter ( 14 ). A short down-tube ( 26 ) is attached to the gutter ( 14 ). The down-tube ( 14 ) has a high relief port ( 42 ). A spout ( 54 ) is pivotally connected at a fulcrum point ( 56 ) to a lower end ( 32 ) of the down-tube ( 14 ) for articulated movement between closed and deployed positions in response to the absence or presence of rainwater. The spout ( 54 ) partially overlies the high relief port ( 42 ) when in its closed position, yet exposes a cleaning gap ( 70 ) through which a kinetic fluid stream can be directed to back-flush accumulated debris.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/100,716 filed Jan. 7, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to a downspout system for discharging runoff rainwater from a roof surface, and more particularly to an automatic retractable downspout system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Precipitation runoff from roofs and other structures must be controlled so as to prevent soil erosion, foundation damage, and seepage. Such runoff water must be conveyed and deposited a safe distance from the structure&#39;s foundation or otherwise captured in a cistern or other suitable receptacle. Many attempts to collect and dispense rainwater in a responsible manner have been devised over the years. Among them, a gutter and downspout system has perhaps seen the greatest popularity. Generally, the gutter provides an elongated channel to collect rainwater runoff from a roof. The collected rainwater runs down a hole in the gutter and into a downspout which discharges the water flow through a dispensing spout. 
     However, most gutter and downspout systems have some drawbacks. Debris, leaves or twigs are often collected with the rainwater in the gutter. A large quantity of accumulated debris will block the flow of water, causing a clog that must be removed. Routine maintenance is therefore needed on most prior art gutter and downspout systems to pro-actively clear accumulations of debris so that a damaging water back-up condition does not develop in the system which could cause water damage below and as well as inside the building structure to which the gutter and downspout system is attached. This problem is often exacerbated in cold climates where stagnated rainwater in the gutter can freeze, and cause ice damming which can lead to very significant structural damage. For these reasons, the typical prior art gutter and downspout system requires frequent attention to avoid debris accumulation and clogging problems. 
     Another issue with prior art gutter and downspout systems relates to the nuisance factor of the downspout portion and its dispensing spout extending into natural traffic paths around the perimeter of a building structure. Especially in residential applications where access around the house is needed. Consider, for example, a residential home located on a small lot. The dispensing spout that extends from the gutter may need lay on top of the ground nearly to the property line, thereby posing a tripping hazard. Regardless of lot size, it is very often the case that lawn care and/or garden care is required in the vicinity of the downspout portion and its dispensing spout. In these situations, there are many opportunities to inflict damage by collisions with lawn care equipment and/or people. Crushed downspouts and dispensing spouts are common. 
     And still further, many people express dissatisfaction with the aesthetics of prior art downspout and dispensing spout constructions. So much so, that architectural efforts are often taken to hide or camouflage these components. Expensive options exist that attempt to add design interest to the downspouts and dispensing spouts to remediate their otherwise unsightly appearance. As a corollary to this aesthetics issue, the gutter and downspout systems require periodic painting, usually in color to match the trim elements of the structure. The maintenance factor associated with prior art gutter and downspout systems is therefore compounded. 
     The prior art has proposed various apparatus to resolve some of these drawbacks. Examples may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,567,004 to William, issued Sep. 4, 1951, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,375,851 to Fitz, issued Apr. 2, 1968. These prior art examples teach the replacement of the traditional static dispensing spout with a retractable spout feature. The spouts automatically deploy when it rains. However, when not in use the spout raises to prevent damage and remove the obstacle to traffic flow. Nevertheless, the prior art systems with retractable spouts are mechanically complicated, thereby increasing costs and likely failure modes. Furthermore, the prior art systems with retractable spouts are prone to clogging by accumulated debris. The complicated mechanical designs, that include many moving parts, increase the necessity for routine periodic maintenance and make clearing clogs more difficult. 
     There is therefore a need for an improved gutter system that can reduce the required maintenance efforts, that is not prone to clogging, that does not pose an obstruction to traffic around the base of a building structure, that does not detract from the aesthetic appearance of a building structure, and that reduces the normal trim painting requirements. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of this invention, an automatic retractable downspout apparatus is capable of dispensing rainwater collected in a gutter. The apparatus comprises a down-tube that is configured for direct attachment to a gutter. The downtube conducts rainwater in a downward path. The down-tube has an upper end adjacent the gutter and an opposite lower end. The upper end is configured as a water inlet, and the lower end is configured as a water outlet. A spout is pivotally connected at a fulcrum point to the lower end of the down-tube for articulated movement between closed and deployed positions. The spout has a dispensing tip that is collapsed against the down-tube when the spout is in the closed position. In the deployed position, the dispensing tip is extended to disperse water. The spout has a closed bottom defining a basin region that is laterally offset from the fulcrum point when the spout is in the closed position. The basin region is disposed to collect a predetermined tipping volume of rainwater when the spout is in the closed position. A counterpoise is operatively disposed between the spout and the down-tube for continuously applying a counterbalance force to urge the spout toward its closed position. The down-tube includes a high relief port. The high relief port extends from the lower end of the down-tube upwardly to a terminal peak. The spout partially overlies the high relief port when the spout is in the closed position, and the dispensing tip is disposed below the terminal peak of the high relief port to form a cleaning gap. A kinetic fluid stream can be directed through the cleaning gap to back-flush accumulated debris. 
     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing an automatic retractable-deployable spout in combination with a cleaning gap. When the spout is in its closed/retracted position, a person can conveniently remove congregated debris with a jet stream of water or air. When the spout is in its deployed position, as during a rainstorm, the high relief port feature is fully exposed to facilitate the rapid expulsion of debris. The present invention enables a neat and tidy appearance when in the closed position. Furthermore, the ground space below the down-tube and provides clearance for foot traffic and gardening equipment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus and methods for an automatic retractable downspout system, wherein the spout is shown in a closed position and a maintenance person is directing a kinetic fluid stream through the cleaning gap to back-flush accumulated debris; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view as in  FIG. 1  but showing the spout in a deployed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section taken generally along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section taken generally along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a gutter assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a gutter assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of this invention is generally shown at  10 . The gutter assembly  10  is configured for dispensing rainwater collected from the lower edge of a pitched roof  12 . 
     The gutter assembly  10  is illustrated throughout the figures including a trough-like gutter, generally indicated at  14 . The trough-like gutter  14  is formed between an elongated rear section  16  and an elongated front section  18 . The rear section  16  is typically closest to a house or building over which the roof  12  resides. The front  18  and rear  16  sections extend generally parallel to one another on opposite sides of a floor section  20 . The floor section  20 , in other words, interconnects the elongated rear section  16  and the elongated front section  18  to form an elongated channel that is adapted to transport rainwater therealong. As shown in the cross-section views of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the rear section  16  may adjoin the floor section  20  at a generally right angle, and the front section  18  may adjoin the floor section  20  at an oblique angle so as to form an enlarged open top of the elongated channel to receive rainwater runoff from the surface of the roof  12 . In alternative examples, the gutter  14  may be any other configuration, such as semi-circular to name but one. The gutter  14  may also include additional features like a mesh cover, mounting bracketry, or other common features known to those of skill in the art. Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate the many different ways that the gutter  14  may be connected to the house or building adjacent the lower edge of the roof  12 , as exemplified in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     A hole  22  is formed in the floor section  20  of the gutter  14  for discharging rainwater from its elongated channel. Frequently, but not always, the hole  22  is located near a low end of the gutter  14  so that gravity directs all of the water collected in the gutter  14  to flow toward the hole  22 . The hole  22  has a periphery. A drop outlet  24  extends downwardly from the periphery of the hole  22  and is configured to convey the discharged rainwater in a downward path. Preferably, but not necessarily, the hole  22  is generally circular and the drop outlet  24  is generally cylindrical. In alternative examples, the drop outlet  24  may be any other shape, such as rectangular or polygonal. The illustrations suggest that the drop outlet  24  is an integral feature of the floor section  20 , however those of skill in the art will appreciate that the drop outlet  24  could be part of a separate piece that is assembled on-site to the elongated portions of the gutter  14 . This latter scenario may be more common, especially when the components of the gutter  14  are made from plastic. 
     The gutter assembly  10  includes a down-tube, generally indicated at  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . The down-tube  26  is directly attached to the drop outlet  24  for conducting rainwater in a downward path. In the illustrated examples, the down-tube  26  has a tubular body formed about a generally vertical central axis  28 . The central axis  28  passes centrally through the drop outlet  24  and the hole  22  in the gutter  14 . The down-tube  26  has an upper end  30  adjacent the gutter  14  and an opposite lower end  32 . The upper end  30  is configured as a water inlet disposed to receive rainwater. And the lower end  32  is configured as a water outlet. 
     The shape of the down-tube  26  can take many possible different forms. In the illustrated examples, the tubular body of the down-tube  26  is generally rectangular in cross-section, as formed by a mostly flat or planar back side  34 , front side  36 , left side  38  and right side  40 . Needless to say, the cross-section of the down-tube  26  may be circular or polygonal or other configuration instead of rectangular. The cross-section of the down-tube  26  may be dictated to a degree by the shape of the drop outlet  24 . So for example, if the drop outlet  24  is cylindrical, then perhaps the tubular body of the down-tube  26  is also cylindrical. Or in another example, the shape of the down-tube  26  could be largely decorative to accommodate a user&#39;s preference, such as a fluted Greek column or with a spiraling motif. 
     Regardless of the shape of the tubular body, the down-tube  26  is fashioned so as to include a high relief port  42 . The high relief port  42  extends from the lower end  32  of the down-tube  26  upwardly to a terminal peak  44 . The terminal peak  44  is shown in the illustrations having a concave curvature, however other shapes are certainly possible including straight across. The high relief port  42  has an inverted and generally U-shaped configuration formed, at least, in the front side  36  of the down-tube  26 . In some contemplated variations, the high relief port  42  is entirely formed in the front side  36  of the down-tube  26 , such that its periphery is contained in a plane that is generally parallel to the central axis  28 . In other contemplated examples, the high relief port  42  appears more like a notch in the front side  36  that cuts with straight vertical lines into the left  38  and right  40  sides of the down-tube  26 . However, in the illustrated examples, the U-shaped high-relief port  42  is oriented in a plane skewed relative to the central axis  28 . This skewing is the result of the high relief port  42  extending from the front side  36  (at the terminal peak  44 ) at backward angles intersecting the left  38  and right  40  sides of the down-tube  26 . In any configuration, the high relief port  42  creates a relatively large opening in the down-tube  26 , with its terminal peak  44  located relatively high above the lower end  32  of the down-tube  26 . 
     In the preferred embodiments, there is a dimensional or proportional relationship between the vertical length of the high relief port  42  and the overall length of the down-tube  26 . For cleaning purposes, as will be explained in detail below, the terminal peak  44  is preferably located just below the drop outlet  24  when the down-tube  26  is so connected. This naturally places the terminal peak  44  high about ground level in most applications. Therefore, in order best proportion the down-tube  26 , the vertical length of the high relief port  42  is preferably at least one-half the overall length of the down-tube  26 . More preferably still, the vertical length of the high relief port  42  is greater than one-half the overall length of the down-tube  26 . And in the illustrated examples, the vertical length of the high relief port  42  is approximately equal to three-quarters (i.e., 75%) of the overall length of the down-tube  26 . In an example of this latter configuration, if the overall length of the down-tube  26  is about three feet long, then the vertical length of the high relief port  42  will be about two feet three inches, as measured from the lower end  32  to its terminal peak  44 . 
     The down-tube  26  further includes a connector  46 , which is shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . The connector  46  is disposed at the upper end  30  of the down-tube  26  for joining the down-tube  26  to the drop outlet  24  of the gutter  14 . The connector  46  can be designed in a variety of different ways. For example, a hole for screw or pin or rivet may be used to connect the down-tube  26  to the drop outlet  24 . One preferred embodiment of the connector  46  includes a plurality of mounting fingers  48  that are generally centered around the central axis  28 . The mounting fingers  48  are formed with an inwardly hooked configuration and adapted to frictionally press with spring-like compression against the drop outlet  24  of the gutter  14 . In the illustrated example, the plurality of mounting fingers  48  includes at least one mounting finger extending directly from each of the back  34 , front  36 , left  38  and right  40  sides of the down-tube  26 . However, it will be appreciated that the specific form of the connector  46  is not limited to the plurality of inwardly hooked mounting fingers  48 . Perhaps, no connector is necessary to connect between the drop outlet  24  and the down-tube  26 , and an interference or press fit or an adhesive method may be applied for a connection. 
     A clamp  50  may be used to apply a constricting force about the connector  46  of the down-tube  26  to increase frictional engagement with the drop outlet  24  of the gutter  14 . That is to say, the clamp  50  can provide a supplemental compressive force on the inwardly hooked mounting fingers  48  to that the down-tube  26  securely grips the drop outlet  24 . One preferred embodiment of the clamp  50  comprises a circular band clamp, sometimes referred to as an adjustable hose clamp. As such, the clamp  50  will be driven to tighten the mounting fingers  48  about the drop outlet  24  by turning a threaded fastener. The down-tube  26  has an access port  52  formed in its upper end  30 , along its back side  34 . The access port  52  is shown in  FIG. 5  as being generally rectangular, and located between two of the mounting fingers  48 , however other configurations are certainly possible. The purpose of the access port  52  is to provide access to the threaded fastener so that the diameter of the circular band clamp  50  can be adjusted for installation and maintenance. Alternately, the screw-activated clamp  50  may be replaced by a cable tie or other equivalent method. 
     A spout, generally indicated at  54 , is pivotally connected to the lower end  32  of the down-tube  26  for articulated movement between closed and deployed positions. The closed position is considered the normal condition of the gutter assembly  10 , and the deployed position is a temporary state that occurs automatically when a sufficient quantity of rainwater has accumulated and must be dispensed. Operation of the gutter assembly  10  will be described in detail below. The closed position of the spout  54  is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , whereas the deployed position is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . A fulcrum point  56  between the spout  54  and the down-tube  26  can be located at any suitable location. The spout  54  tips or pivots about the fulcrum point  56  while moving between its closed and deployed positions. In the illustrated embodiments, the fulcrum point  56  is established by a generally horizontal hinge shaft  58  that is located on the back side  34  of the down-tube  26 , adjacent the lower end  32 . Of course, other mechanical options are available with which to establish a fulcrum, including pins, living hinges, four-bar linkages, sliding interfaces, and the like. 
     The spout  54  is a somewhat elongated member having a dispensing tip  60  at one end and a closed bottom  62  at its other end. The dispensing tip  60  is spaced most distantly from the fulcrum point  56 , whereas the closed bottom  62  is proximate the fulcrum point  56 . The dispensing tip  60  is perhaps best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 5  comprising a straight terminal edge. In other contemplated embodiments, however, the dispensing tip  60  could be curved or shaped with flow-controlling vanes or an aerator or other beneficial or aesthetic attributes. The spout  54  may take many different shapes. It is contemplated, however, that the shape of the spout  54  will complement the shape of the down-tube  26  so that when in the closed position, the juxtaposed pair will present a harmonious form. Therefore, in cases where the down-tube  26  is generally rectangular in cross-section, the spout  54  will also be generally rectangular having a front portion  64 , and left  66  and right  68  walls. The afore-mentioned closed bottom  62  connects the front portion  64  and the left  66  and right  68  walls into a scoop-shaped construction that is adapted to nest over the down-tube  26  when the spout  54  is in the closed position. That is, when in its closed position ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ), the front portion  64  is generally aligned with the front side  36  of the down-tube  26 , and the left wall  66  is generally aligned with the left side  38  of the down-tube  26 , and the right wall  68  is generally aligned with the right side  40  of the down-tube  26 . It must be understood, however, that the shape of the spout  54  may have other forms—both corresponding with and not corresponding with the shape of the down-tube  26 . 
     The invention includes a cleaning gap  70  through which a kinetic fluid stream can directed to back-flush accumulated debris in the gutter  14 . The cleaning gap  70  can take many forms, but in the illustrated examples the cleaning gap  70  is formed between the dispensing tip  60  and the terminal peak  44  of the high relief port  42 . When the spout  26  is in the closed position ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ), there is a space between the dispensing tip  60  and the terminal peak  44 , revealing the cleaning gap  70 . The concave curvature of the terminal peak  44  is spaced apart from the entirety of the dispensing tip  60  when the spout  54  is in the closed position. That is to say, the cleaning gap  70  is the pass-through space that exists between the dispensing tip  60  and the terminal peak  44  of the high relief port  42 . Preferably, the cleaning gap  70  is disposed at or near the gutter  14 . The shape of the cleaning gap  70  can be varied. In the accompanying illustrations, the cleaning gap  70  has the shape of a segment of a circle, namely the region bounded by the chord-like dispensing tip  60  and the subtended arc of the terminal peak  44 , as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 1 . However, the negative space of the cleaning gap  70  could have a different shape if either or both of the dispensing tip  60  and the terminal peak  44  are shaped differently. In other contemplated embodiments, the cleaning gap  70  may be formed as a cleaning hole in the front portion  64  of the spout  54 , or in the front side  36  of the down-tube  26 . Such a cleaning hole may have an equivalent function to receive a kinetic jet of water or air. 
     When the spout  54  is in the closed position, the closed bottom  62  defines a basin region  72  aligned directly below the lower end  32  of the down-tube  26  and laterally offset from the fulcrum point  56 , as best shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 . The basin region  72  is capable of collecting a defined volume of rainwater  74 , which will be referred to hereafter as a predetermined tipping volume. The basin zone  72  may be provided with one or more weep holes  76  (see  FIG. 3 ) to slowly release any rainwater collected therein and thereby avoid a stagnant pond for mosquitos or growing slime. 
     The basin region  72  is laterally offset from the fulcrum point  56 , such that the weight of the predetermined tipping volume of rainwater  74  creates a torque or a moment about the fulcrum point  56  that urges the spout  54  to rotate toward is deployed position. However, a counterpoise, generally indicated at  78 , is operatively disposed with respect to the spout  54  for continuously applying a counterbalance force to urge the spout  54  toward the closed position. When the basin region  72  is empty of water, the counterbalance force, or perhaps more accurately described as a counter-balance torque, is great enough to hold the spout  54  in its closed position. However, when the basin region  72  is filled with rainwater  74 , the weight force (or torque) generated by the predetermined tipping volume of rainwater  74  in the basin region  72  is sufficient to overcome the counterbalance force created by the counterpoise  78  thereby automatically tipping the spout  54  toward the deployed position. 
     The counterpoise  78  could be formed by any number of devices, including springs of all kinds. However, in the illustrated examples, the counterpoise  78  takes the form of a static counterweight attached to the spout  54  adjacent the hinge shaft  58  or fulcrum point  56 . As a static counterweight, the counterpoise  78  relies on a mass laterally offset from the fulcrum point  56  by a sufficient distance so that the mathematical product of its mass times its offset distance is generally less than the mathematical product of the density of rainwater  74  times the predetermined tipping volume of rainwater  74  in the basin region  72  times its lateral offset from the fulcrum point  56 . Naturally, the static counterweight can also take many different forms. In the preferred embodiment, the counterpoise is fashioned by a detachable weight head  80  that is held at a distant by a least one, but preferably a pair of, counterweight arms  82 . The counterweight arms  82  extend rearwardly from the hinge shaft  58  or fulcrum point  56  in a U-shaped arrangement as best seen in  FIG. 5 . The weight head  80  may be semi-circular so that it seats neatly in the concave region of the U-shaped counterweight arms  82  and is there affixed in place by a projecting stud  88  and nut  90  arrangement. Cross-pins  92  may also be incorporated to secure the weight head  80  in position. The cross-pins  92  snap-fit into corresponding holes  94  in the sides of the counterweight arms  82  to provide a three-point attachment arrangement. Of course, many alternative attachment arrangements are possible. Like a teeter-totter, a moment defined by the length of the counterweight arms  82  times the mass of the weight head  80  on one side is opposed by the mass of water in the basin region  72  times its lateral offset from the fulcrum point  56  on the other side. Whichever side is larger will induce the spout  54  to rotate about the fulcrum point  56 . 
     Turning now to installation and assembly, in use the spout  54  is coupled to the drop outlet  24  using the afore-mentioned clamp  50  or other suitable attachment scheme. The installer may wish to orient the spout  54  so that its dispensing tip  60 , when deployed, will point is a preferred direction usually away from the house or building structure. It is contemplated that in situations where there is sufficient clearance, the spout  54  can be rotated around three hundred sixty (360) degrees about the central axis  28  to find a suitable discharge direction, as suggested by the phantom lines in  FIG. 2 . The installer may wish to adjust the dispersion direction of rainwater for various purposes, such as to harvest rainwater into a reservoir, to aim at a splash block, etc. When the desired orientation is reached, the installer fastens the clamp  50  thru the access port  52  to lock the spout  54  in position. 
     In most climates where the periods of rainfall are fewer than the periods without rainfall, the spout  54  will be in a normally closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . That is, whenever there is not enough water in the basin region  72  to overcome the counterpoise  78 , the spout  54  will automatically position itself in the closed position. Small amounts of water that collect in the basin region  72  will, over time, leak out through the weep holes  76 . A person  84  is shown standing on the ground beside the gutter assembly  10 . The person  84  may observe that the gutter  14  has accumulated a large quantity of debris, perhaps of leaves or twigs. Such debris will tend to congregate toward the drop outlet  24  as flowing water naturally moves in that direction. When a sufficiently large quantity of debris accumulates around the drop outlet  24 , there is a reduced efficiency of the gutter assembly  10 . Rainwater will not move as swiftly through the system, leading to overflows of the gutter  14 . Left unresolved, the hole  22  for rainwater exit can become completed plugged. 
     The present invention enables the person  84  to unclog a partially or fully plugged hole  22  without ascending a ladder. Instead, the person  84  can use a well-aimed spray of water via a garden hose  86  or pressure washer (not shown), or an air stream (as from a leaf blower), to back-flush the drop outlet  24 . The cleaning gap  70  adjacent to the gutter  14  presents an aiming spot for the water or air jet. The incoming water (or air) stream will pass directly through the cleaning gap  70  with an upward trajectory that causes any debris in the vicinity of the drop outlet  24  to be thrust upwardly, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The source of the clog is thereby dislodged, allowing the free-flow of water through the hole  22  of the gutter  14 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The large opening defined by the high relief port  42  further helps to prevent clogs by providing a wide opening through which sticks and other solid debris will readily pass. The large opening of the high relief port  42  also helps to prevent frozen blocks from forming in the down-tube  26  during the winter season. 
     During a rainstorm, water quickly collects in the basin region  72  to reach the predetermined tipping volume. The moment created by the accumulated mass of rainwater in the basin region  72  overcomes the counter-acting moment of the counterpoise  78  and the spout  54  automatically tips out to the deployed condition ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ). As the water runs down the length of the front portion  64  toward the dispensing tip  60 , the moment (or torque) about the fulcrum point  56  is not diminished so that the spout  54  remains in its deployed condition. If the rate of rainfall is sufficiently intense, a continued flow of rainwater through the down-tube  26  will maintain the spout  54  in the deployed condition. When the rate of rainfall is not sufficient to maintain the spout  54  in its deployed condition, the counterpoise  78  will cause the spout  54  to return to its normally closed position. Any small quantities of water that remain trapped in the basin region  72  after the spout  54  automatically retracts to its closed position will slowly exit through the weep hole  76  unless and until new water descending the down-tube  26  enters at a fast enough rate to fill the basin region  72  and cause another tipping event. 
     Therefore, because the moment generated by the counterpoise  78  is less than the moment created by the predetermined tipping volume of rainwater  74 , the spout  54  is automatically deployed and retracted simply by gravity force alone. Once the spout  54  is deployed, the spout  54  will stay in the deployed position as long as a sufficient flow of rainwater from the gutter  14  presses the spout  54  downwardly. 
     Accordingly, the gutter assembly  10  has many advantages, not least of which include the neat and tidy appearance it affords to a house or building structure to which it is attached. In the closed position, the gutter assembly  10  looks compact, and enables the person  84  to conveniently manage the ground space below the down-tube  26  and provides clearance for foot traffic and gardening equipment. Because of the elevated condition of the gutter assembly  10 , human or animal activity is less likely to cause damage to the gutter assembly  10 . 
     The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.