Abstract:
A debris-filtering downspout and other water runoff conduits and receptacles are disclosed, and include a screen mounted within a conduit, a culvert, a storm water conveyance or secured to a water collection basin. The screen provides high water throughput and is self-cleaning while effectively filtering debris contained in an incoming water stream. Optionally, media pads may be included to further scrub the water before it exits the downspout assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/819,445, filed Apr. 6, 2004, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
       [0002]    The rain and storm water filtration systems discussed herein relate to filtration systems that employ screens to filter debris and other unwanted material from water streams and, more specifically, to filtration systems having a screen comprising a plurality of wedge wires or tilted wedge wires for filtering water streams. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Rainwater downspouts, curbside storm water runoff collectors, and similar water conduits share a common purpose: removal of water from where it is undesired, be it the roof of a building, a city street, a storm basin, or the like. All such conduits allow a volume of water to pass therethrough. Leaf litter, sand, dirt, grit, and other debris cam accumulate within such conduits and clog them, rendering them ineffective. Equally bad, the poor design of many water conduits allows debris to pass through to downstream channels and, ultimately, the ocean, with a consequent negative environmental impact. 
         [0004]    Not surprisingly, much effort and money has been spent devising ways to avoid clogged water conduits and contaminated water streams. Patents have been granted for inventions designed to filter water at curbside storm drains (U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,758 to Morris et al.), to treat water in a horizontal passageway (U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,545 to Williamson), to create temporary stream filtration systems (U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,219 to Kirk et al.), to remove downspout debris (U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,158 to Tiderington), and to shield rain gutters on the eaves of a building (U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,925 to Jefferys). 
         [0005]    However, with respect to downspouts and storm water systems, the prior art has several shortcomings. Among other things, it is difficult to devise a system that both operates under high flow and effectively filters out small particulate matter and other debris. This is because a filter element that accommodates large flow must also be designed with large spacing to suit the large flow. However, large spacing allows medium to small particulates and waste to pass through unfiltered. Conversely, a filter element designed to trap small particulate matter typically obstructs flow. An ideal water runoff filter would be both capable of passing high flow therethrough and removing small waste and debris. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there remains a need for a filter system for removing debris from a water stream using a filter element that is amenable to high volume flow, capable of removing or trapping waste the size of or even smaller than the size of the gap used for the filter and, preferably, self-cleaning. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention integrates a Coanda screen (sometimes called “Coanda-effect” screen) into water collection systems such as downspouts, storm runoff collectors, sewer drains, and similar conduits and receptacles. An exemplary embodiment includes retrofitting an existing downspout section (or customizing a new downspout section) with a Coanda screen to provide a downspout with a highly efficient filter for removing debris from a stream of water. Depending on the water flow rate and the size of the debris encountered, different screen sizes and different screen mounting angles may be selected to accommodate the same. Filtered water can pass through the screen, while debris is retained by the Coanda screen and then collected in an optional retaining basket. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a curbside inlet to a storm drain is fitted with a Coanda screen. The screen is mounted between a raw inlet basin and an outlet basin. Filtered water is allowed to pass over the screen and then fall through the screen into the outlet basin, which then flows onward via an outlet pipe. Captured debris and waste are allowed to fall into a retention basin. To remove waste and debris more effectively, a retaining basket is used. When full, the basket can be lifted out of the curbside inlet and emptied. 
         [0009]    In yet another embodiment, there is provided a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, and outlet, an interior cavity, and an entrance to the interior cavity; a filter comprising a plurality of wedge wires mounted in the interior cavity of the housing having a portion positioned directly subjacent the inlet; and at least one media pad positioned under the filter for scrubbing water before it exits the outlet. 
         [0010]    The present invention may also be practiced by providing a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, and outlet, an interior cavity, and at least one surface positioned along a first plane; a Coanda filter positioned inside the interior cavity at an angle to the first plane; one or more media pads positioned in the interior cavity at a position below the Coanda filter. 
         [0011]    In still yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an interior cavity; a pair of rails attached to two sections of the interior cavity; at least one removable container positioned on the pair of rails; a media pad positioned in the at least one removable container or below the at least one removable container; and a filter comprising a plurality of wedge wires mounted in the interior cavity in a position above the media pad. 
         [0012]    Yet in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, and outlet, an interior cavity, and an entrance to the interior cavity; a filter comprising a plurality of wedge wires mounted in the interior cavity of the housing having a portion positioned subjacent the inlet; and at least one media pad positioned subjacent the filter for scrubbing water before it exits the outlet. 
         [0013]    The present invention may also be practiced by incorporating a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, and outlet, an interior cavity, and at least one surface positioned along a first plane; a Coanda filter positioned inside the interior cavity at an angle to the first plane; at least one media pad positioned in the interior cavity at a position below the Coanda filter. 
         [0014]    Yet, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to incorporate a downspout filter assembly comprising a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an interior cavity; a pair of rails attached to two sections of the interior cavity; at least one removable container positioned on the pair of rails; a media pad positioned in the at least one removable container or below the at least one removable container; and a filter comprising a plurality of wedge wires mounted in the interior cavity in a position above the media pad. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    These and other features of the invention will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like part numbers denote like or similar elements and features, and wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a downspout with a Coanda screen in accordance with practice of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the downspout of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a deflector plate; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the downspout of  FIG. 2 , taken at line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the Coanda screen attached at its downstream end to the downspout; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is another enlarged view of the same Coanda screen attached at its upstream end to the downspout; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a section of the Coanda screen of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a depiction of a concave screen surface; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a storm drain system in accordance with practice of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the storm drain system of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of the storm drain system of  FIG. 7  taken at line A-A; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of an alternative downspout with a Coanda screen; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of another alternative downspout embodiment with a Coanda screen; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a semi-schematic partial transparent, exploded, and perspective view of an alternative downspout filter assembly provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention comprising a plurality media pads for scrubbing filtered water; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a semi-schematic partial transparent, exploded, and perspective view of the alternative downspout filter assembly of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a semi-schematic side view and partial cross-sectional view of the alternative downspout filter assembly of  FIG. 14  mounted on a structure and assembled to an upper and a lower downspout section. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]    In accordance with the present invention, a highly effective filter system for a rain water downspout, sewer inlet, curbside storm water drain, or similar water runoff conduit or receptacle is provided. A preferred embodiment of an improved downspout  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The downspout is mounted to an exterior wall  12  of a building by conventional mounting means (not shown), such as welds, adhesives (e.g., glue, cement, mortar, etc.), mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, screws, clamps, bands, straps. etc.). and other means known in the art. The downspout  10  includes a Coanda screen  20  mounted within a portion  40  of the downspout, referred to herein as an “upgraded downspout portion” or “upgraded downspout section”. The screen is accessible via a downspout opening  60  in the upgraded downspout portion. Water that flows into the downspout from a gutter (not shown) is filtered as it passes through the Coanda screen. Debris caught by the screen can slide out of the downspout opening into an optional retaining basket  80  mounted outside of and below the downspout opening. Effluent from the downspout empties into a splash guard or basin  100  which, preferably, is seated on a concrete slab  102 . Alternatively, the downstream end of the downspout is coupled to an underground header or a drain line (not shown) running to a main sewer or storm drain. The Coanda screen, upgraded downspout portion, retaining basket, and other features are described below in more detail. 
         [0035]    An existing downspout can be upgraded or retrofitted by cutting out or otherwise removing a portion thereof, and installing an upgraded downspout portion or section  40  therein, using a slip joint, welds, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other conventional attachment means. Alternatively, an entire downspout can be fabricated as such and installed as part of a rain water removal system that includes one or more gutters and mounting hardware. In either case, the improved downspout provides a path for funneling water from a roof (or a deck, mezzanine, or other surface) to grade (e.g., street level) or to a storm water runoff drain or a main sewer line. Effluent from the downspout eventually flows to a storm drain or sewer system and then to the ocean, in some cases via a water treatment facility. 
         [0036]    The downspout  10  is preferably constructed of stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, plastic, or some other durable and water-resistant material, and has an interior and an exterior, and a cross-sectional shape that is generally rectangular. Alternatively, the downspout can have a generally circular cross-section or other desired geometry. In an exemplary embodiment, the downspout  10  is physically attached to an exterior wall  12  of a house or a building by any conventional means, such as downspout bands (not shown) anchored to the exterior wall. Water falling into the downspout passes into the upgraded downspout section  40  to the Coanda screen  20 . The Coanda screen  20  allows water to pass through, but traps waste and debris behind. 
         [0037]    A Coanda screen acts by a shearing action referred to as the “Coanda effect”, which is discussed below in greater detail. In  FIG. 1 , the Coanda screen  20  has an upper surface  22 , a lower or underside surface  24 , a first (upstream) end  26 , a second (downstream) end  28 , and left and right sides, and is made of a plurality of wedge-shaped wires  30 . Additional details of the wires=shape and relative orientation is provided below. 
         [0038]    The Coanda screen  20  is mounted at an angle within the upgraded downspout portion  40 , with the upstream end  26  of the screen elevated relative to the downstream end  28  of the screen. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the upgraded downspout portion  40  has four walls—front  46 , back  47 , left  48 , and right  49  B and has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the remainder of the downspout. The Coanda screen is affixed within the upgraded downspout portion by e.g., securing the upstream end  26  of the screen to the back wall  47  of the upgraded downspout portion, and the downstream end  28  of the screen to the front wall  46  of the upgraded downspout portion. So installed, the screen is seen to form an angle θ (theta) with the back wall. In practice, it has been found that best results are achieved when θ has a value of about 15 to 50 degrees, more preferably, about 20 to 45 degrees. 
         [0039]    To ensure that a substantial portion of the water entering the downspout is filtered, it is preferred that the screen have a large enough area to make contact with all four walls  46 - 49  of the interior of the downspout housing. Alternatively (or, in addition). one or more baffles are mounted within the downspout to divert the flow of water toward the screen. In  FIG. 1 , two baffles  52  and  54  are shown secured to the front wall  46  and side wall  48 , respectively, of the upgraded downspout portion at a position above the downspout opening  60 , and oriented such that the baffle projects toward the Coanda screen  20 . The side baffle  54  comprises a front plate  58  and a rear plate  59 . The rear plate  59  is attached to the side wall  48  by known methods, including welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners and the like while the front plate  58  protrudes from the side wall  48 . The front plate  58  protrusion acts as a diverter to divert water that clings to the side wall towards the screen  20 . Similar attachment and configuration is discussed below for a deflector plate ( FIG. 2A ). 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 3 , two side baffles  54  and  56  are shown, secured to the left  48  and right  49  side walls of the downspout. Fewer or greater numbers of baffles can be mounted within the downspout to provide optimal diversion of water toward the Coanda screen. For example, the back wall  47  can also be configured to include a baffle. This may be desirable where the upstream end  26  of the screen is not recessed within the surface of the back wall  47 . The presence of such a baffle ensures that water cannot bypass the screen. The baffles can be attached to the inside walls of the downspout using any conventional means, including, without limitation, welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners. 
         [0041]    The downspout opening  60  provides access to the Coanda screen for maintenance and cleaning. Although the screen is self-cleaning, occasionally debris may become trapped within the downspout or (rarely) wedged between the wires  30  that form the screen. Access to the screen is facilitated by providing the downspout opening  60  with appropriate dimensions relative to the screen  20 . A preferred downspout opening  60  has a width approximately 50-100% of the interior width of the downspout, and a height approximately 33-75% of the vertical profile of the screen  20 , the latter being measured at the wall opposite the downspout opening (the back wall  47  in  FIG. 1 ) The downspout opening  60  is located intermediate the upstream and downstream ends of the downspout  10 , but not necessarily equidistant from both ends. 
         [0042]    A retaining basket  80  to catch debris caught by the Coanda screen is mounted to the downspout just below a debris deflector plate (further discussed below), using conventional means, such as welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining basket  80  comprises a tightly woven screen made of steel, aluminum, or other weather-resistant material. Debris that does not freely fall into the retaining basket  80  (i.e., debris that clings to the filter due to friction) is eventually pushed out the downspout opening  60  by additional water flowing from the gutter. Water clinging to debris caught in the retaining basket  80  can drip onto the splash guard  100  by passing through the holes of the retaining basket  80 . Alternatively, if an underground header is used to connect with the downspout, water that passes through the retaining basket can be caught by a collector (not shown) mounted beneath the retaining basket, and channeled to the header. 
         [0043]    In an exemplary embodiment, the downspout is also equipped with an external debris deflector plate  110 . The debris deflector plate is mounted just below the downspout opening  60  along the external surface of the front wall  46 , just above the retaining basket  80 . The debris deflector plate covers any space between the downspout  10  and the retaining basket  80 , and ensures that debris exiting the downspout opening does not fall between the downspout and the retaining basket. 
         [0044]    In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , the deflector plate  110  includes a front plate section  112  configured to deflect debris into the retaining basket, and a rear plate section  114  configured to be attached to the downspout. In an exemplary embodiment, the deflector plate  110 , like the downspout itself, is made of a durable, weather-resistant material, such as aluminum, plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride and unplasticized vinyl), galvanized steel, and the like. The deflector plate can be mounted to the downspout by known methods, including welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and so forth. 
         [0045]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , which is an enlarged view of Detail A indicated in  FIG. 1 . The downstream end  28  of the Coanda screen is shown secured to the downspout front wall  46  by an upper bracket  70  and a lower bracket  72 , without obstructing the flow of debris from the upper surface of the Coanda screen into the retaining basket. The two brackets are attached to the downspout by conventional means, such as welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and so forth. Preferably, the upper bracket is substantially flush with the outer wall of the downspout housing at the bottom of the downspout opening. 
         [0046]    Similarly,  FIG. 5  provides an enlarged view of Detail B indicated in  FIG. 1 . The upstream end  26  of the Coanda screen  20  is shown secured to the downspout back wall  47  by upper  74  and lower  76  brackets. However, in addition to securing the upstream end of the screen  20 , the upper bracket  74  also serves to divert water flow along the back wall  47  of the downspout to the screen. Although not shown, similar upper brackets may also be mounted around the entire perimeter of the screen so that any water flow along any of the four downspout walls is diverted toward the screen. The two brackets  74 ,  76  are attached to the downspout by conventional means, such as welding adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and so forth. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the Coanda-effect screen  20 . The screen comprises a plurality of individual wedge wires  30  which are parallel to one another and separated from each other by a gap or spacing  32 . The individual wedge wires  30  are held together in the indicated arrangement by welding two or more backer rods (not shown) to the base portions  34  of each individual wedge wire  30 . Coanda screens are commercially available in several standard sizes. Generally, the difference in screen selection relates the width, height, and tilt angle  36  of the wedge wires, and the gap spacing  32  between the wedge wires. In addition, the Coanda screen may be ordered with an overall concave shape. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the term “concave” implies a curved contour when viewed with respect to the upper surface  22  of the screen  20 . When a concave screen is specified, the concave shape has the effect of increasing the tilt angle of the individual wedge wires. This in turn allows the leading (upstream) edge  38  of the wedge wire to shear a greater amount of the water, provided that all other parameters are unchanged. In an exemplary embodiment, the Coanda screen has a gap spacing of about 0.1 to 1.0 mm and a tilt angle of about 3 to 15 degrees, with a radius (“R”) of concavity of from about 6 inches to infinity (when R=infinity, the screen is flat). Alternatively, other screen parameters may be used, taking into account the size of the debris likely to be encountered, the anticipated water flow rate and volume, and so forth. 
         [0048]    Coanda screens are available from a number of manufacturers and retailers, including on-line retailers such as www.hydroscreen.com, www.johnsonscreens.com, and www.eni.com/norris/default.html. The screen is described in an article entitled “Hydraulic Performance of Coanda-Effect Screens” by Tony Wahl for publication in the Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 127, No. 6, June 2001, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. 
         [0049]    As explained by Wahl, the Coanda effect is a tendency of a fluid jet to remain attached to a solid flow boundary. As shown in  FIG. 6 , when water  130  flows across the screen  20  from the upstream direction, it tends to remain attached to the upper surface of the screen as it travels in the direction of the downgrade  79 . At a given point along the screen, the water has a thickness “X”. As water  130  flows down the screen, its thickness X is sheared by the leading edge  38  of each individual wedge wire  30 . The sheared water is then redirected approximately tangentially  120  to the direction of the original flow due to the contour of the wedge wire  30 . Thus, different wedge wire contour will cause water to be redirected differently. This shearing action is repeated as water traverses down the screen along the direction of the downgrade  79 . Water is sheared as it travels over other wedge wires  30 . After each layer of water is sheared, it is caused to flow along one of several filtered water paths  120   a,    120   b,    120   c,    120   d,  etc. The thickness of the water stream gets progressively smaller as the downstream end of the screen is approached, and the flow of water appears to slow to a mere trickle, or even drop off altogether. 
         [0050]    This phenomenon is used to great effect in the present invention. Debris-laden water is effectively filtered at the Coanda screen. Any debris that does not fall into the retaining basket  80  during rainfall eventually dries on the screen, and either falls into the basket later, or can be manually removed via the downspout opening  60 . 
         [0051]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , an effective filter system for removing debris from a storm water runoff collector is provided. The runoff collector  200  comprises a Coanda screen  20  installed between a raw inlet basin  210  and an outlet basin  220 . As before, the screen  20  filters incoming water while trapping debris, but the source of water is a raw stream  212 , from an inlet  214 , and the effluent is a discharge stream  222  for an outlet line  224 . 
         [0052]    In an exemplary embodiment, the Coanda screen  20  is mounted between a first weir  230  and a second weir  240 . The screen has a concave surface, with a radius of from about 6 inches to infinity, and is outfitted with an acceleration plate  250 . The acceleration plate  250  is a metal plate of hardened steel, such as stainless steel and the like, mounted to the upstream end  26  of the screen. 
         [0053]    The acceleration plate has a width of approximately 2 inches or higher depending on the size of the storm drain system. When water flows from the raw inlet basin  210  over the weir  230 , it has a relatively low flow velocity. If water is allowed to flow over the screen  20  without first having the necessary flow velocity, the screen=s ability to filter out debris will greatly decrease. The acceleration plate provides a vertical drop of about 2 inches or higher, allowing in-coming water to build up velocity before it contacts the first wedge wire on the screen. 
         [0054]    Debris caught by the Coanda screen can slide into a retention basket  260  located within a retention basin  262 . In an exemplary embodiment, the retention basket  260  is equipped with a handle  264 , which allows the retaining basket to be lifted out of the basin, whereupon the debris can be discarded. The basket  260  may be a conventional basket and may be constructed out of medium to large steel wire mesh. Due to its size, it may be necessary to lift the basket with a crane or a flit truck having a lift. 
         [0055]    In an alternate embodiment of the upgraded downspout  10  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a tapered front wall  46  and a modified back wall  47  having a tapered back wall section  270  is provided. The tapered front wall  46  and tapered back wall section  270  allow the screen  20  to be moved forward in the direction of the retaining basket  80 , and provide clearance for the installation of an acceleration plate  250 . In an exemplary embodiment, additional wall mounted baffles for diverting water toward the screen  20  are not necessary, as the screen is positioned directly below the incoming flow path and even extends past the incoming path. This screen configuration allows all or substantially all of the incoming flow to flow through the screen. 
         [0056]    In another alternate embodiment of the upgraded downspout  10 , shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an optional hinged cover  272  is provided over the downspout opening  60  of an enlarged upgraded downspout  10 . The enlarged upgraded downspout  10  is slightly larger than a conventional or existing downspout section. but has a much larger depth (the distance between the front wall  46  and the back wall  47 ), e.g., on the order of about 1.3 to 3 times deeper. This allows the enlarged upgraded downspout to accommodate a much larger screen  20  than a standard size upgraded downspout. This in turn, allows the much larger screen  20  to filter substantially all of the incoming flow without the need for wall mounted baffles. However, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 10-13 , wall mounted baffles, such as baffles  52  and  54 , can be used. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a semi-schematic partial perspective-partial transparent view of an alternative downspout filter assembly  280  provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention is shown. In one exemplary embodiment, the downspout filter assembly  280  comprises a housing  282 , having a downspout inlet  284 , a downspout outlet  286 , an interior cavity  288  comprising a plurality of filter components, and an optional door cover  290 . The filter assembly  280  is configured for use in a section of a downspout installed on a structure, such as a parking structure, a building, or other structures that require a water gutter system. As readily apparent, a section of a downspout is to be replaced by the downspout filter assembly  280 . When replaced, an upper or upstream section of the downspout is to be coupled to the downspout inlet  284  by conventional means and a lower or downstream section of the downspout is to be coupled to the downspout outlet  286  also by conventional means. Alternatively. the downspout outlet  286  may be coupled directly to a drain or remain opened to drain over a surface drain. The filter assembly  280  is adaptable in that it may be installed in an existing downspout section or be part of a new downspout installation. 
         [0058]    In one exemplary embodiment, the filter components comprise a Coanda filter  20 , a collection container or a debris container  292 , an outlet container  294 , and a filter medium  296 , which may comprise one or more media pads  298   a,    298   b  for one or more different filtering functions. Alternatively, a filter comprising a plurality of wedge wires may be used to filter debris and other contaminants, with tilted wedge wires or Coanda screen being more preferred. Screen pith wedge wires are commercially available, for example, through Goel Engineers in India, which has the following website: http://www.goelka.com/wws.htm. The filter components are housed inside the interior cavity  288  of the housing  282  and are closed therein by a door cover  290  abutting the housing flange  300  and a latch  302 , which may embody a key lock or other prior art means for securing the door to the flange. In one exemplary embodiment, the door cover  290  may comprise two or more door sections and may include a gasket  304  for providing a relatively tight seal as compared to when no gasket is used. The gasket may include any prior art gaskets and may adhere to the door cover by adhesive. The door cover  290  is connected to the housing  282  via one or more conventional hinges or fasteners. For venting, one or more vent holes  291  may be incorporated on one or more sides of the housing  282 . If the vent holes  291  are incorporated, they are preferably positioned at a location with minimal water splash. 
         [0059]    The housing  282  may comprise a number of different shaped configuration, such as a rectangular shaped box, a square shaped box, or a cylindrical shaped box, with a rectangular shaped box being more preferred. The housing  282  may be made from a number of metallic sheets, such as stainless steel sheets, tin sheets, sheet metal, and zinc coated sheet metal with stainless steel sheets being more preferred. Alternatively, plastic, fiberglass, or synthetic plastic materials may be used. 
         [0060]    Referring to the referenced length L, height H, and width W of the housing  282 , in a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly  280  is mounted along a lengthwise direction L against a structure  348  ( FIG. 16 ). To facilitate attachment along the lengthwise direction L, the housing  282  includes a pair of mounting flanges  306   a,    306   b,  one along the upper housing section and one along the lower housing section. Alternatively, the filter assembly  280  may be mounted along the width direction W by incorporating the two mounting flanges  306   a,    306   b  along the width edge of the upper and lower sections of the housing  282 . 
         [0061]    Also shown in  FIG. 14  is an optional final treatment filter media  308 . The final filter media  308 , when incorporated, is to be positioned in a sump  310 , which is the space defined by the area under the two containers  292 , 294  and the bottom of the housing  282 . The media pads  298   a,    298   b  and the final filter media  308 , when incorporated, are configured to remove organic compounds, toxic metals, particulates, and other undesirable contaminants. The various filter medium may comprise, for examples, e.g., activated carbon, Rubberizer® polymers and particulate products, metal absorbing soy bean hulls, peat, siliceous rocks, activated silica, Miex resins, and potassium permanganate pellets. Depending on the contaminants to be removed, the particular media to be used can be selected accordingly. As an alternative or in addition to the absorbent pads, pelletized hypochlorite or other formulations of chlorine may be used as a media to kill undesirable bacteria, such as  E - coli  bacteria. Still alternatively, where electricity power is available, the housing may be equipped with UV (ultraviolet) lamps to provide ultraviolet radiation to also kill undesirable bacteria. Conventional mounting means for mounting UV lamps in a wet environment would be required if UV lamps are incorporated. 
         [0062]    Broadly speaking regarding operation of the downspout filter assembly  280 , during a rain storm or cleaning operation in which water is used, water is directed down a downspout, flows through the downspout inlet  284 , is filtered by the Coanda filter  20 , in which solids and other suspended contaminants are filtered by the filter  20  and are trapped along the upper surface of the filter and the passes through to the outlet container  294 . The trapped solids and other suspended contaminants are subsequently collected in the collection container  292 , either by being pushed into the container  292  by later trapped solids, gravity, or by a service technician. The filtered water that passes through the filter  20  is additionally filtered by the filter medium  296  positioned in the outlet container  294  and by the final filter media  308  located in the sump  310 , if incorporated. Water then flows out the filter assembly  280  via the downspout outlet  286 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 15  in addition to  FIG. 14 , an exploded perspective view of the downspout filter assembly  280  provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention is shown. The filter  20  incorporated herein is similar to the filter described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-6A , and, in addition, may include both wedge wires and tilted wedge wires. A baffle or plate  312 , which may embody a rectangular metallic or plastic plate, is connected to the lower edge of the filter  20  with a second plate  314  connected to the filter  20  at its underside to form an inverted “V” shaped ledge  316 . When assembled, the ledge  316  is adapted to receive or rest on the support rim  318  of the collection container  292  and the support rim  320  of the outlet container  294  (See, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ) while the upper filter section rests against the back wall of the housing  292 . Optionally, latching mechanisms may be used to removably fasten the filter inside the housing using conventional fastening means. 
         [0064]    The containers  292 ,  294  incorporated herein may be made of a metallic mesh material for durability, such as a stainless steel mesh material. However, rubber or hard plastic containers may also be incorporated where desired. In one exemplary embodiment, the mesh size for the collection container  292  should be smaller than the mesh size for the outlet container  294  to prevent or minimize small solids collected in the collection container  292  from escaping through the plurality of openings provided by the mesh. Obviously, the mesh size for both containers can be similarly sized for ease of manufacturability. Handles  322  may be added to the containers  292 ,  294  for ease of handling the containers during cleaning or other maintenance operation when the containers are removed from the interior cavity  288 . 
         [0065]    The outlet container  294  and the media pads  298   a,    298   b  should be sized such that the perimeter of the pads contacts the interior surface of the outlet container  294  when the media pads  298   a,    298   b  are placed therein ( FIG. 16 ). As readily apparent, this configuration ensures that water entering the outlet container  294  will pass through the media pads  298   a,    298   b  before it exists the downspout outlet  286 . The pads  298   a,    298   b  are positioned in the outlet container by stacking and resting them directly on the base of the container  294 . Optionally, a treatment pad separator (not shown) may be placed in the container first before the first media pad is added with additional treatment pads to be placed in between a set of media pads. The overall dimensions of the containers  292 ,  294 , media pads  298   a,    298   b,  and other components of the filter assembly  280  can vary depending on the volume throughput of the particular downspout, which can vary from installation to installation. In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly  280  and all its components should be sized to handle about 110% to about 125% of the maximum expected flow rate of the particular downspout section. 
         [0066]    In one exemplary embodiment, an exit flow deflector  324  comprising a base  326  and two side walls  328  each comprising a rail or a flange  330  are incorporated in the filter assembly  280 . The base  326  preferably has a surface that is sloped about 10-30 degrees from the surface of the flanges  330  for directing flow entering the sump area  310 , as further discussed below. The flow deflector  324  should have a length and a width approximately that of the outlet container  294 . The flow deflector  324  is preferably made from a rigid material, such as a sufficiently gauged metallic sheet or a hard plastic. 
         [0067]    In an exemplary embodiment, a main baffle or deflector plate  332  may be incorporated in the filter assembly  280 . As further discussed below, the main baffle  332 , if desired, may be installed subjacent or behind the filter  20  so that as water passes through the filter  20 , it is deflected away from the back side wall  334  of the housing  282  by the main baffle. As readily apparent, this arrangement allows the baffle to direct water away from the housing wall so that the water can then flow through the outlet container  294  where it could be scrubbed or cleaned by the media pads  298   a,    298   b,  When installed, the surface of the main baffle  332  should be angled about 5-30 degrees relative to the back sidewall  334 . Rivets, spot welding, brackets, fasteners, or other conventional attachment means may be used to attach the flange section  336  of the main baffle  332  to the back sidewall  334 . 
         [0068]    Two brackets or rails  338 , one on an outside sidewall  340  and one on an inside sidewall  342 , are incorporated for placement of the exit flow deflector  324  and the two containers  292 ,  294  thereon. The rails  338 , which resemble right-angle brackets, provide two ledges that protrude from the two sidewalls  340 ,  342 . The ledges are configured to support the deflector  324  and the two containers  292 ,  294  when the same are placed thereon. More particularly, the rails  338  support the deflector  324  and the two containers  292 ,  294  by first placing the two flanges  330  of the deflector  324  on the rails  338  and then placing the containers  292 ,  294  over the rails, with the outlet container  294  preferably placed directly over the deflector  324  (See. e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). The sump  310  is an area defined in part by the base of the containers  292 ,  294  when over the same are placed on the rails  338 . 
         [0069]    A containment dam  342  is positioned at the entrance  344  to the interior cavity  288  of the housing  282 . The containment dam  342  preferably contacts and forms a seal with the two side walls  340 ,  342  and the base wall  346  of the housing. The containment dam  342  preferably extends about ⅕ to about ⅓ of the height of the entrance  344 , and should at least be level with or rises above the surface of the rails  338 . The containment dam  342  may be attached to the housing using any prior art methods, including forming the dam by bending a portion of one or more of the sidewalls and then using welding or epoxy to seal the seam. 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 16  in addition to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a semi-schematic side view and partial cross-sectional view of the downspout filter assembly  280  is shown mounted on a structure  348 . As previously discussed, the filter assembly  280  may be mounted by fastening the upper and lower mounting flanges  306   a,    306   b  to the structure using a plurality of fasteners  350 . The inlet  284  and outlet  286  are strapped or clamped to the upper downspout section  352  and lower downspout section  354 , respectively, using fastening clamps or straps  356  in combination with pliant wrappers  358 . The pliant wrappers can embody rubber sheets or other equivalent materials. However, any prior art coupling means may optionally be used to couple the inlet and outlet of the system  280  to the upper and lower downspout sections. 
         [0071]    As shown when water  360  enters the downspout assembly  280  via the inlet  284  and into the interior cavity  288 , the water makes contact with the filter  20 . As previously discussed, debris and other solids carried by the water  360  are then trapped by the filter  20  along the upper surface  22  of the filter. The solids and the debris are then pushed by the stream of incoming water and incoming solids, and/or by gravity, and fall into the collection container  292 . Water, however, passes through the filter  20  to the underside  24  of the filter in the direction of the main deflector plate  332 . During normal flow, water flows in a downward direction towards the outlet container  294 , where it is then cleaned or scrubbed by the media pads  298   a,    298   b  before being deflected again by the exit flow deflector  324 . The exit flow deflector  324  channels the water over the final filter media  308  where it is further cleaned or scrubbed before existing the housing  292  via the outlet  286 . 
         [0072]    As readily apparent, the media pads  298   a,    298   b,    308  may be eliminated, replaced with other media pads, or used in combination with additional media pads depending on the desired outcome and/or on environmental regulations. When media pads are used, treatment pad separators  362  may be used to separate the media pad from an adjacent pad or from a solid surface, such as the bottom of the housing. The separators  362  may be made from nylon or plastic webbing sheets such as spun-bonded webbing sheets, steel mesh, porous media, or other material to provide gaps or passages for the water flow. 
         [0073]    In an exemplary embodiment, a passage  364  is provided internally of the interior cavity  288  for bypassing water  360  around the media pads  298   a,    298  positioned inside the outlet container  294 . This passage  364  is located intermediate the lower edge of the main deflector  332  and the top of the outlet container  294  proximate the back sidewall  334  of the housing  292 . In the event the media pads  298   a,    298   b  are clogged and water backs up in the outlet container  294 , water can escape through the passage  364  to then flow out of the housing  292  via the outlet  286 . 
         [0074]    Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred and exemplary embodiments, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. For example, an upgraded downspout section can be manufactured as a separate unit and installed as a new downspout. Other materials than those described herein can be used to make the various components of the apparatus described. Changes to the way the baffles are installed, the way they are shaped, the way the deflector plates are installed, and the way the screens are installed within the housing can be made. Other alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the true scope of the invention.