Patent Publication Number: US-6219972-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for preventing blockage of a water flow path

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preventing blockage in a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout. 
     A gutter is commonly utilized to collect rainwater from a roof of a building. Debris, such as leaves and other materials may be conducted from the roof to the gutter along with the rainwater. The gutter is usually connected with a downspout through which water is conducted away from the gutter. The downspout may conduct the rainwater to a location spaced from the building. 
     Unfortunately, after a period of time, debris, such as leaves and other materials, collect in the gutter and tend to block the downspout. When this occurs, water can no longer be conducted from the gutter through the downspout. The gutter may then over flow in a manner which may create building maintenance problems. 
     In order to eliminate the problems which result from downspouts becoming blocked by debris, it has previously been suggested that filters or strainers be associated with the downspout. These filters or strainers may be made of wire mesh or screen on which debris is collected. It has previously been suggested that the screen or mesh could slope downwardly so that the debris can be discharged from the screen. Devices having this known construction are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 752,547 and 1,653,473. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for use in preventing blockage of a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout. The apparatus may include a receptacle which is disposed beneath the gutter and is connected in fluid communication with the downspout. A flow of water and debris from the gutter is conducted into the receptacle. 
     A flow of water is connected through an outlet from the receptacle while the debris collects in the receptacle. As the debris collects in the receptacle, it blocks the outlet from the receptacle. As water and debris accumulate in the receptacle, their combined weight effects movement of the receptacle from the collecting orientation to an emptying orientation to dump the water and debris from the receptacle. 
     In one specific embodiment of the receptacle, the outlet from the receptacle is formed by a wall portion of the receptacle through which the water passes prior to collection of debris in the receptacle. As the debris accumulates in the receptacle, the center of gravity of the combined mass of the receptacle and the water and debris in the receptacle may move from a location disposed on one side of an axis about which the receptacle is rotatable to an opposite side of the axis. As this occurs, the weight of the water and debris collected in the receptacle causes the receptacle to rotate from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation. 
     The receptacle may have a plurality of compartments. In one embodiment of the invention, a main compartment of the receptacle is filled with water and debris. A secondary compartment of the receptacle receives water from the main compartment. As the secondary compartment is filled with water, the center of gravity of the receptacle and the water and debris moves relative to an axis about which the receptacle is rotatable to cause rotation of the receptacle to dump the water and debris from the receptacle. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of receptacles sequentially receive water and debris. When a first one of the receptacles becomes at least partially filled with water and debris, the receptacle is moved from a collecting orientation to an emptying orientation. As the first receptacle moves from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation, a second receptacle moves to the collecting orientation and receives water and debris. The receptacles may be disposed in any one of several spatial relationships relative to each other including a circular array. If desired, a plurality of receptacles may be arranged in series along a path flow of water from a gutter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified fragmentary pictorial illustration of an apparatus which is constructed and operated in accordance with the present invention to prevent blockage of a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout; 
     FIG. 2 is a simplified, partially exploded, fragmentary illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1, schematically illustrating the path of flow of water from the gutter and the manner in which debris is collected at an outlet from a receptacle in the apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken generally along the line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3, further illustrating the relationship of the apparatus to the gutter, the path of water flow through the receptacle, and the manner in which debris is accumulated in the receptacle; 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line  5 — 5  of FIG. 3, illustrating the manner in which water flows through the receptacle and debris is collected in the receptacle; 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the manner in which debris at least partially blocks an outlet from the receptacle so that water flows from a main compartment of the receptacle to a secondary compartment; 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 6, illustrating the manner in which the receptacle is rotated from the collecting orientation of FIG. 6 toward an emptying orientation under the influence of the weight water and debris accumulated in the receptacle; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to FIG. 5, illustrating a manner in which an accumulation of an excessive amount of debris in the receptacle may cause a flap to pivot from the closed condition of FIGS. 4 and 7 to an open condition as water and debris are collected in the receptacle and/or during movement of the receptacle from the collecting orientation of FIG. 4 toward an emptying orientation; 
     FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the receptacle in the emptying orientation; 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the manner in which water and debris may flow past the receptacle when it is in the emptying orientation of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 4, of a second embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of receptacles are disposed in series along a flow path of water from the gutter to the downspout; 
     FIG. 12 is a simplified elevational view, taken generally along the line  12 — 12 , of FIG. 11, further illustrating the relationship of the apparatus to the gutter; 
     FIG. 13 is a simplified fragmentary illustration depicting a first one of the receptacles of FIG. 11 in an emptying orientation while water is conducted from the gutter through a second one of the receptacles; 
     FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 13, illustrating the first receptacle in the collecting orientation and the second receptacle in the emptying orientation; 
     FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus having a plurality of receptacles which are sequentially filled with water and debris; 
     FIG. 16 is an elevational view, taken generally along the line  16 — 16  of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to FIG. 15, illustrating the manner in which an outlet from a first one of the receptacles is partially blocked by debris and the manner in which water accumulates in the first one of the receptacles; 
     FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to FIG. 17, illustrating the manner in which the first one of the receptacles is rotated from the collecting orientation of FIG. 17 toward an emptying orientation under the influence of water and debris collected in the first one of the receptacles; 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to FIGS. 17 and 18, illustrating the first one of the receptacles in an emptying orientation and a second one of the receptacles in a collecting orientation; 
     FIG. 20 is a simplified sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the invention in which a receptacle has a plurality of compartments disposed in a circular array; 
     FIG. 21 is a pictorial illustration of a component of the apparatus of FIG.  20  and illustrating the relationship of sidewalls of the compartments to outlets through which water is connected from the compartments; and 
     FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic illustration, generally similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the manner in which a bag may be mounted on the downspout to receive debris emptied from a receptacle. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     General Description 
     Rainwater is conducted from a roof of a building (not shown) to a gutter  30  (FIG. 1) which is connected with the building in a known manner. The gutter  30  forms a trough in which rainwater is collected. The flow of rainwater into the gutter  30  frequently includes debris, such as leaves, sticks, and other articles deposited on a roof or other portion of a building. Although the gutter  30  is advantageously utilized to collect rainwater from the roof of the building, it is contemplated that the gutter could be utilized to collect water from other locations in a building or to collect water in other environments. 
     A downspout  32  is connected in fluid communication with the gutter  30 . The downspout  32  forms a conduit through which rainwater is conducted. The downspout  32  may conduct the rainwater to a location spaced from the building, such as to a sewer. Alternatively, the downspout  32  may conduct the rainwater to a cistern where the rainwater is collected. 
     In accordance with a feature of the present invention, a receptacle  34  (FIGS. 1-10) is disposed beneath the gutter  30 . The receptacle  34  is pivotal about a horizontal axis  38  (FIGS.  1 - 3 ). The receptacle  34  is rotatable about the axis  38  from a collecting orientation (FIGS.  3 - 6 ), through an intermediate orientation (FIGS.  7  and  8 ), to an emptying orientation (FIGS.  9  and  10 ). When the receptacle  34  is in the collecting orientation of FIGS. 3-6, water, indicated schematically by arrows  42  in FIGS. 3 and 4, is conducted from the gutter  30  to the receptacle  34 . The water  42  passes through an outlet  44  from the receptacle  34 . 
     In accordance with one of the features of the present invention, the outlet  44  is formed by a foraminous wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34 . The wall portion  46  is formed by a mesh or screen through which the water  42  can pass. If desired, the wall portion  46  could be formed by a piece of sheet metal in which a plurality of small openings have been punched or otherwise formed. 
     In an illustrated body of the invention, the outlet  44  is formed by the wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34 . Although it is believed that this construction will be preferred, it is contemplated that the outlet could be formed in a different manner. For example, outlet openings could be formed at locations other than in the wall portion  46  if desired. 
     Along with the rainwater  42 , debris  50  is conducted from the gutter  30  to the receptacle  34  in a manner indicated schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4. The debris  50  may be leaves, sticks, seeds or nuts from trees, or other materials which accumulate on a roof or other portion of a building. The debris  50  is conducted along with the rainwater into the receptacle  34 . The water, indicated schematically by the arrows  42  in FIG. 4, flows through the outlet  44  formed by the wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34 . However, the debris  50  is separated from the flow of water  42  by the foraminous wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34 . Therefore, the debris  50  accumulates on the wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34  in the manner indicated schematically in FIG.  6 . 
     As the water  42  and debris  50  continue to flow from the gutter  30  into the receptacle  34 , the amount of debris accumulated on the wall portion  46  increases. As the quantity of debris deposited on the wall portion  46  increases, the debris is effective to retard the flow of water through the wall portion. Eventually, the debris  50  will almost completely block the wall portion  46 , in a manner indicated schematically in FIG. 6, so that the water  42  accumulates in the receptacle  34 . 
     Prior to the accumulation of water  42  and debris  50  in the receptacle  34 , the receptacle  34  has a center of gravity which is disposed to the left (as viewed in FIG. 4) of a vertical plane  54  which contains the horizontal axis  38 . However, as the water  42  and debris  50  accumulate in the receptacle  34 , the combined mass of the receptacle  34  and the water  42  and debris  50  has a center of gravity which moves from the left (as viewed in FIG. 4) of the vertical plane  54  to the right of the vertical plane. 
     When the center of gravity of the receptacle  34  and the mass of water  42  and debris  50  in the receptacle shifts to the right of the vertical plane  54 , the receptacle  34  begins to rotate about the horizontal axis  38 , in the manner indicated schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8. As the receptacle  34  rotates from the upwardly opening collecting orientation of FIG.  4  through the intermediate orientations of FIGS. 7 and 8 to the downwardly opening emptying orientation of FIGS. 9 and 10, the water  42  and debris  50  are dumped from the receptacle  34 . When the receptacle  34  reaches the emptying orientation of FIG. 9, the receptacle engages a stop panel  56 . 
     As the receptacle  34  moves from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation, the receptacle  34  moves out of the path of flow of water  42  and debris  50  from the gutter  30  (FIG.  10 ). Therefore, during a relatively short period of time in which the receptacle  34  is in the emptying orientation of FIGS. 9 and 10, water  42  and debris  50  from the gutter  30  are dropped to the ground in an area adjacent to the building. This prevents the downspout  32  from becoming jammed with debris while the receptacle  34  is in the emptying orientation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the receptacle  34  includes a counterweight  58 . The counterweight  58  forms part of a mass of the receptacle  34  and urges the receptacle to the upwardly opening collecting orientation shown in FIG.  4 . However, as the receptacle rotates from the collecting orientation of FIG.  4  through the intermediate orientations of FIG. 7 and 8 to the emptying orientation of FIG. 9, the counterweight  58  accelerates in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS.  4  and  9 ). 
     When the rotation of the receptacle  34  is interrupted at the emptying orientation of FIG. 9, a resilient portion  60  of the receptacle flexes under the influence of the inertia of the counterweight  58 . This results in the counterweight  58  being effective to initiate movement of the receptacle  34  from the emptying orientation of FIGS. 9 and 10 back toward the collecting orientation of FIG. 4 with a snap action. Therefore, the amount of time during which the receptacle  34  is in the emptying orientation is minimized. This results in the amount of time during which water  42  and debris  50  bypass the receptacle  34 , in the manner indicated schematically in FIG. 10, being minimized. 
     Although the counterweight  58  is utilized to urge the receptacle  34  toward the collecting orientation of FIGS. 3 and 4, it is contemplated that the receptacle  34  could be biased toward the collecting orientation in a different manner if desired. For example, a spring could be utilized to urge the receptacle  34  toward the upright collecting orientation of FIGS. 3 and 4 if desired. 
     In accordance with another feature of the invention, the receptacle  34  includes a plurality of compartments. Thus, the receptacle  34  includes a main compartment  64  and a secondary compartment  66  (FIGS.  4 - 10 ). When the receptacle  34  is in the upright orientation of FIG. 4, the water  42  and debris  50  flow into the main compartment  64 . As the debris  50  accumulates, the outlet  44  formed by the wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34  is blocked and the amount of water in the main compartment  64  increases. 
     When the outlet  44  is almost completely blocked by the debris  50 , the water begins to flow over an upper edge or lip  70  of an inner wall  72  which separates the main compartment  64  from the secondary compartment  66 , in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG.  6 . Prior to initiation of the flow of water  42  from the main compartment  64  into the secondary compartment  66 , the combined center of gravity of the receptacle  34 , including the counterweight  58 , the water  42  in the main compartment, and the debris  50  in the main compartment is disposed to the left (as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 6) of the vertical plane  54  containing the horizontal axis  38  (FIG. 3) about which the receptacle  34  is rotatable. As water  42  begins to accumulate in the secondary compartment  66 , in a manner illustrated in FIG. 6, the combined center of gravity of the receptacle  34 , water  42  and debris  50  moves toward the right (as viewed in FIG.  6 ). 
     When the secondary compartment  66  is almost completely filled with water  42 , the combined center of gravity of the receptacle  34 , water  42  and debris  50  will have moved to the right (as viewed in FIG. 6) of the vertical plane  54 . At this time the weight of the receptacle  34 , water  42  and debris  50  applies a torque to the receptacle urging the receptacle to pivot in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 6, about the horizontal axis  38  (FIG.  3 ). 
     As the receptacle  34  begins to pivot about the horizontal axis  38 , in a manner indicated schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8, the combined center of gravity in the receptacle  34 , water  42  and debris  50  shifts further to the right (as viewed in FIGS.  7  and  8 ). This increases the torque inducing clockwise rotational movement of the receptacle  34  about the axis  38 . This results in the acceleration of the receptacle  34  toward the emptying orientation of FIGS. 9 and 10. 
     When the receptacle  34  stops at the emptying orientation of FIGS. 9 and 10, the counterweight  58  is effective to quickly induce reverse or counter clockwise (as viewed in FIGS. 9 and 10) rotation of the receptacle  34 . This results in the receptacle quickly moving back to the upright orientation of FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     Although it is preferred to provide the secondary compartment  66  in the receptacle  34 , the inner wall  72  could be eliminated so that the receptacle has a single compartment. The single compartment would have a size corresponding to the combined size of the main compartment  64  and the secondary compartment  66 . However, it is believed that it will be preferred to form the receptacle  34  with the secondary compartment  66  to increase the stability of the receptacle  34  in the upright orientation of FIGS. 4 and 5 until a sufficient volume of water has accumulated in the main compartment  64  to enable the water to flow from the main compartment to the secondary compartment  66 . 
     The First Embodiment 
     In the embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 1-10, the receptacle  34  is pivotally mounted beneath the gutter  30  (FIG.  1 ). To support the receptacle  34  beneath the gutter, a frame or support member  80  (FIGS. 1 and 2) is fixedly connected with the gutter  30 . The support member  80  has a pair of parallel sidewalls  84  and  86  (FIG. 2) which are fixedly connected with a gutter  30 . An end wall  88  extends between the sidewalls  84  and  86 . The receptacle  34  is pivotally mounted on the sidewalls  84  and  86  for rotation about the horizontal axis  38 . 
     A flap or door  90  (FIGS. 1 and 2) is pivotally mounted on the side walls  84  and  86  adjacent to the gutter  30 . During emptying of the receptacle  34 , the debris  50  collected in the receptacle may cause the flap  90  to pivot upwardly from the closed orientation of FIGS. 4-7 to the open orientation of FIG.  8 . Although the flap  90  could be omitted, it is believed that it may be preferred to provide the flap to accommodate the emptying of voluminous quantities of debris from the receptacle  34 . 
     The downspout  32  is connected with the end wall  88  (FIG. 2) of the support member  80  by a hanger  94 . The hanger  94  has a support section  96 . A slot  98  in the support section  96  is engaged by a retaining hook  100  in the manner illustrated in FIG.  4 . The downspout  32  is fixedly connected with the hanger  94 . 
     An opening  104  (FIGS. 2 and 3) is formed in the bottom portion of a sidewall of the gutter  30 . The opening  104  is aligned with the receptacle  34  and is offset to one side of the hanger  94 . Therefore, water  42  and debris  50  from the gutter  30  flows through the opening  104  into the receptacle  34 . 
     As was previously explained, the debris  50  is collected in the receptacle  34 . However, the water can initially flow through the wall portion  46  and into engagement with a bottom wall  108  (FIG. 3) of the receptacle  34 . The water then flows along the bottom wall  108  to a discharge spout  110  (FIGS. 2-4) from the receptacle  34 . The discharge spout  110  is received in a collection section  114  (FIGS. 2-4) of the hanger  94 . The water  42  flows through the discharge spout  110  of the receptacle  34  into the collection section  114  of the hanger  94  in the manner indicated schematically by the arrows in FIG. 4 until the wall portion  46  of the receptacle  34  becomes blocked by debris. 
     Although one specific manner of rotatably supporting the receptacle  34  beneath the gutter  30  has been illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is contemplated that the receptacle could be supported in a different manner if desired. For example, the receptacle could be supported by the downspout  32 . If it is desired support the receptacle  34  with a downspout  32 , the receptacle could be disposed either immediately beneath the gutter  30  as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or could be spaced from the gutter  30  along the length of the downspout  32 . 
     Second Embodiment 
     In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, a single receptacle  34  is disposed beneath the gutter  30 . The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, a plurality of receptacles are disposed in series beneath the gutter. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11-14 is generally similar to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “a” being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 11-14 to avoid confusion. 
     A gutter  30   a  receives rainwater from a roof or other portion of a building. Along with the rainwater, debris is conducted into the gutter  30   a . A downspout (not shown) receives the water conducted from the gutter. The downspout conducts the water away from the building. 
     In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of receptacles  120  and  122  (FIG. 11) are supported for rotational movement about horizontal axes by a support member  80   a . Water  42   a , indicated schematically by arrows in FIG. 11, is conducted through the receptacles  120  and  122  to a discharge spout  124  formed by the support member  80   a . The discharge spout  124  is fixedly connected with the downspout (not shown). 
     The receptacle  120  has the same general construction and mode of operation as the receptacle  34  of FIGS. 1-10. However, the receptacle  120  does not have a bottom wall corresponding to the bottom wall  108  of the receptacle  34  (FIGS.  2  and  3 ). Thus, water  42   a  flows through an outlet  44   a  formed by a wall portion  46   a  of the first or upper receptacle  120  directly into the second or lower receptacle  122 . The water then flows through an outlet  44   a  formed by a wall portion  46   a  of the second receptacle  122  to the discharge spout  124  which is connected with the downspout. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the upper receptacle  120  includes a main compartment  64   a  and a secondary compartment  66   a . If desired, the secondary compartment  66   a  could be eliminated from the upper and lower receptacles  120  and  122 . The upper receptacle  120  includes a counterweight  58   a  which urges the upper receptacle  120  toward the upright collecting orientation of FIG.  11 . Similarly, the lower receptacle  122  includes a counterweight  58   a  which urges the lower receptacle  122  to the upright collecting orientation of FIG.  11 . 
     Debris (not shown), such as leaves and other materials, will be conducted from the gutter  30   a  along with the water  42   a  into the upper receptacle  120 . The debris will be separated from the flow of water  42   a  by the foraminous wall portion  46   a  of the upper receptacle  120 . Therefore, only water  42   a  will flow from the upper receptacle  120  to the lower receptacle  122  when both of the receptacles are in the collecting orientations illustrated in FIG.  11 . The water conducted through the wall portion  46   a  of the upper receptacle  120  flows through the wall portion  46   a  of the lower receptacle  122  to the discharge spout  124  which is connected with the downspout. 
     As debris accumulates in the upper receptacle  120 , the flow of water through the wall portion  46   a  of the upper receptacle is blocked by the debris. As water continues to flow from the gutter  30   a  into the upper receptacle  120 , the volume of water in the upper receptacle increases until the water flows over an upper edge or lip  70   a  on an inner wall  72   a  of the upper receptacle  120 . The water then fills the secondary compartment  66   a  in the manner previously explained in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. 
     As the water fills the secondary compartment  66   a , the combined center of gravity of the upper receptacle  120  and the water and debris in the upper receptacle shifts from the left (as viewed in FIG. 11) side of a vertical plane  54   a  containing the axis of rotation of the upper receptacle  120  to the right side of the vertical plane. When this occurs, the upper receptacle  120  rotates from the collecting orientation of FIG. 11 to the emptying orientation of FIG.  13 . When the receptacle  120  is in the emptying orientation of FIG. 13, water and debris is dumped from the receptacle  120 . The counterweight  58   a  then causes the receptacle  120  to rotate back to the collecting orientation of FIG.  11 . 
     During emptying of the receptacle  120 , the receptacle  122  remains in the upright or collecting orientation shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. Therefore, water  42   a  flows through an opening  104   a  in the bottom of the gutter  30   a  into the receptacle  122  in the manner illustrated in FIG.  13 . This water then flows through the discharge spout  124  to the downspout. Thus, during operation of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, the debris  50  does not flow through the apparatus in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 10 for the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. The lower receptacle  122  collects any debris which is conducted through the opening  104   a  in the bottom of the gutter  30   a  during emptying of the receptacle  120 . 
     After the receptacle  120  has been emptied numerous times, a substantial quantity of debris may collect in the lower receptacle  122 . This debris will block the flow of water  42   a  through the wall portion  46   a  of the lower receptacle  122 . When this occurs, water will accumulate in the main compartment  64   a  of the lower receptacle  122 . Eventually, water will flow from the main compartment  64   a  into the secondary compartment  66   a.    
     When the secondary compartment  66   a  of the lower receptacle  122  has become substantially full of water, the combined center of gravity of the receptacle  122  and the water  42   a  and debris in the receptacle will have shifted to the right (as viewed in FIG. 11) of a vertical plane  54   a  extending through the horizontal axis of rotation of the lower receptacle  122 . When this occurs, the lower receptacle  122  will pivot from the upright collecting orientation of FIG. 11 to the emptying or discharge orientation of FIG.  14 . When this occurs, the water and debris accumulated in the lower receptacle  122  will be dumped or discharged from the receptacle. 
     During emptying of the lower receptacle  122 , the upper receptacle  120  will remain in the collecting orientation of FIG.  14 . Therefore, water and debris conducted from the gutter  30   a  will enter the main compartment  64   a  of the upper receptacle  120 . The water will pass through the wall portion  46   a  of the upper receptacle  120  and flow to the downspout through the discharge spout  124 . Any debris which is included with the water conducted from the gutter  30   a  will be deposited against the foramens wall portion  46   a  of the upper receptacle  120 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 19. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 19, a plurality of receptacles are sequentially moved between a collecting orientation and an emptying orientation. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 15-19 is generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “b” being associated being associated with the numerals of FIG. 15 to avoid confusion. 
     Rain water from a roof or other portion of a building is collected in a gutter  30   b  (FIGS.  15  and  16 ). The water, indicated schematically by arrows  42   b  is conducted by a downspout  32   b  to a location spaced from the building. 
     In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of receptacles  120   b  and  122   b  (FIG. 15) are provided to receive water and debris conducted from the gutter  30   b . The first receptacle  120   b  has a main compartment  64   b . An outlet  44   b  from the main compartment  64   b  is formed by a foraminous wall portion  46   b . The wall portion  46   b  is formed by a suitable mesh or screen. However, it is contemplated that the wall portion  46   b  could be formed by sheet material in which openings have been punched. 
     In addition to the main compartment  64   b , the receptacle  120   b  includes a secondary compartment  66   b . A counterweight  58   b  forms part of the receptacles  120   b  and  122   b . When the receptacle  120   b  is in the collecting orientation illustrated in FIG. 15, the counterweight  58   b  urges the receptacle  120   b  to the collecting orientation. At the same time, the counterweight  58   b  is effective to urge the second receptacle  122   b  to the emptying orientation of FIG.  15 . 
     Water and debris, such as leaves, sticks and other materials are conducted from the gutter  32   b  through the opening  104   b  to the first receptacle  120   b  in the manner illustrated schematically in FIGS. 15 and 17. The water flows through the wall portion  46   b  and into an open or upper end portion of the downspout  32   b  in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG.  15 . Debris  50   b  conducted from the gutter  30   b  is collected against the wall portion  46   b  in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG.  17 . As the debris  56   b  collects on the wall portion  46   b  of the first receptacle  120   b , the debris blocks a flow of water  42   b  from the main compartment  64   b  of the first receptacle  120   b . This results in an accumulation of water  42   b  in the main compartment  64   b  of the first receptacle  120   b , in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG.  17 . 
     As the water  42   b  accumulates in the main compartment  64   b  of the first receptacle  120   b , it eventually flows over an upper end  70   b  of an inner wall  72   b  of the first receptacle  120   b  into a secondary compartment  66   b . Prior to the flow of water over the upper end  70   b  of the inner wall  72   b , a combined center of gravity of the first receptacle  120   b , the second receptacle  122   b , and the water  42   b  and debris  50   b  in the first receptacle  120   b  is disposed to the left (as viewed in FIGS. 15 and 17) of a vertical plane  54   b  containing an axis  38   b  (FIG. 16) about which the first and second receptacles  120   b  and  122   b  are rotatable. 
     However, as the water flows over the upper end  70   b  of the inner wall  72   b  into the secondary compartment  66   b  (FIG.  17 ), the center of gravity of the receptacles  120   b  and  122   b , including the counterweight  58   b , and of the water  42   b  and debris  50   b  in the first receptacle  120   b  moves toward the right. This results in the application of a clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 17) torque to the first receptacle  120   b  tending to rotate the first receptacle about the axis  38   b . Thus, when the secondary compartment  66   b  is almost completely filled with water, the first receptacle  120   b  rotates about the axis  38   b  from the collecting orientation of FIG.  17  through the intermediate orientation of FIG. 18 to the emptying orientation of FIG. 19 under the influence of the weight of the water  42   b  and debris  50   b  in the first receptacle  120   b.    
     As the first receptacle  120   b  rotates in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG.  18 ), the counterweight  58   b  moves from a location disposed to the left (as viewed in FIG. 18) of the vertical plane  54   b  to a location disposed to the right of the vertical plane  54   b  (FIG.  19 ). When the counterweight  58   b  is in the position illustrated in FIG. 19, it is effective to hold the first receptacle  120   b  in the emptying orientation of FIG.  19 . When the first receptacle  120   b  is in the emptying orientation of FIG. 19, the water  42   b  and debris  50   b  which had accumulated in the first receptacle  120   b  is dumped from the first receptacle. 
     During rotational movement of the first receptacle  120   b  from the collecting orientation of FIG. 17 to the emptying orientation of FIG. 19, the second receptacle  122   b  is rotated from the emptying orientation of FIG. 17 to the collecting orientation of FIG.  19 . The second receptacle  122   b  has the same construction as the first receptacle  120   b . The first and second receptacles  120   b  and  122   b  are fixedly interconnected so that they rotate together about the axis  38   b  (FIG.  16 ). Therefore, whenever the second receptacle  122   b  is in the emptying orientation of FIG. 17, the first receptacle  120   b  is in the collecting orientation. Similarly, whenever the second receptacle  122   b  is in the collecting orientation of FIG. 19, the first receptacle  120   b  is in the emptying orientation. 
     When the second receptacle  122   b  is in the collecting orientation of FIG. 19, water  42   b  flows from the opening  104   b  in the gutter  32   b  into the main compartment  64   b  of the second receptacle  122   b . The water  42   b  flows through the foraminous wall portion  46   b  of the second receptacle  122   b . Any debris in the water  42   b  is deposited on the wall portion  46   b  of the second receptacle  122   b  as the water flows through the wall portion. 
     As water  42   b  continues to flow into and through the second receptacle  122   b  to the downspout  32   b , debris accumulates on the wall portion  46   b . This results in a gradual blocking of the wall portion  46   b  of the second receptacle. As the wall portion  46   b  is gradually blocked, water accumulates in the main compartment  64   b  of the second receptacle  122   b.    
     The water collected in the main compartment  64   b  of the second receptacle  122   b  eventually flows over an upper (as viewed in FIG. 19) end  70   b  of an inner wall  72   b  which separates the main compartment  64   b  from a secondary compartment  66   b . This occurs in much the same manner as illustrated schematically for the receptacle  120   b  in FIG.  17 . 
     As the secondary compartment  66   b  is filled with water, the combined center of gravity of the receptacles  120   b  and  122   b  and the water and debris in the receptacle  122   b  moves from the right (as viewed in FIG. 19) side of the vertical plane  54   b  containing the horizontal axis  38   b  of rotation of the receptacles  120   b  and  122   b . As this occurs, the torque urging the receptacles  120   b  and  122   b  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction increases. 
     When the secondary compartment  66   b  of the second receptacle  122   b  is substantially filled with water, the second receptacle moves from the collecting orientation of FIG.  19  through the intermediate orientation of FIG. 18 to the emptying orientation of FIG.  17 . When this occurs, the receptacle  120   b  is moved from the emptying orientation of FIG. 19 back to the collecting orientation of FIG.  17 . Of course, movement of the second receptacle  122   b  to the emptying orientation (FIG. 17) results in the water and debris in the second receptacle being dumped from the receptacle. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, the receptacles have been rotatable through only a portion of a circle, that is, through a distance of less than 360 degrees. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the receptacles are movable through a complete circle. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 is generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-19, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “c” being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 20 and 21 to avoid confusion. 
     A downspout  32   c  has an upper section  132  and a lower section  134 . The upper section  132  of the downspout  32   c  is connected in communication with a gutter, similar to the gutter  30  of FIG. 1. A receptacle  34   c  (FIGS. 20 and 21) is disposed between the upper and lower sections  132  and  134  of the downspout  32   c.    
     The receptacle  34   c  has a circular configuration and is rotatable about a horizontal axis  38   c  (FIG.  21 ). The receptacle  34   c  includes a circular array of compartments  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 , and  150  (FIG.  20 ). The receptacles  140 - 150  are partially formed by a cylindrical foraminous wall portion  46   c.    
     Each of the compartments  140 - 150  includes an arcuate segment of the foraminous wall portion  46   c . The foraminous wall portion  46   c  is supported by a pair of parallel circular plates  154  (FIG.  21 ). Although only a single plate  154  has been illustrated in FIG. 21 as being connected with one end of the cylindrical wall portion  46   c , it should be understood that a second plate is connected with the axially opposite end of the cylindrical wall portion  46   c . A plurality of walls  158  project radially outward from the foraminous wall portion  46   c  to further define the compartments  140 - 150 . 
     Water, indicated schematically by arrows  42   c  in FIG. 20 is conducted from the upper section  132  of the downspout  32   c  into a housing  162  which encloses the receptacle  34   c . The water  42   c  passes through the foraminous wall portion  46   c  and flows into the lower section  134  of the downspout  32   c . Any debris in the water  42   c  is accumulated in one of the compartments  140 - 150  on the foraminous wall portion  46   c.    
     As the debris collects in one of the compartments  140 - 150 , the center of gravity of the receptacle  34   c  is shifted relative to the axis  38   c . This results in rotation of the receptacle  34   c  about the axis  38   c . Rotation of the receptacle  34   c  moves each of the compartments  140 - 150  in turn from an upwardly facing orientation at an upper portion of the receptacle  34   c  to a downwardly facing orientation at a lower portion of the receptacle  34   c . As the receptacle  34   c  rotates and the compartments  140 - 150  sequentially move to the downwardly facing emptying orientation, debris is dumped from the compartments and flows through passages  166  and  168  (FIG. 20) at the lower (as viewed in FIG. 20) end portion of the housing  162 . 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-21, debris has been dumped from the receptacles to the environment adjacent to the downspout during movement of the receptacles from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 22, debris is dumped from the receptacle to a receiving container disposed adjacent to the receptacle. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 22 is generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-21, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “d” being associated with the numerals of FIG. 22 to avoid confusion. 
     A downspout  32   d  includes an upper section  132   d  and a lower section  134   d . The upper section  132   d  of the downspout is connected with a gutter, corresponding to the gutter  30  of FIG.  1 . The upper section  132   d  of the downspout  32   d  conducts water and debris from the gutter to a receptacle  34   d  disposed between the upper and lower sections  132   d  and  134   d  of the downspout  32   d.    
     The receptacle  34   d  has substantially the same construction and mode of operation as the receptacle  34  of FIGS. 1-10. The receptacle  34   d  includes a main compartment  64   d  into which water and debris is conducted from the upper section  132   d  of the downspout  32   d . The water flows through a foraminous wall portion  46   d  of the receptacle  34   d . The debris in the flow of water is deposited on the foraminous wall portion  46   d.    
     As the debris gradually blocks the flow of water through the foraminous wall portion  46   d  of the receptacle  34   d , water flows over an inner wall  72   d  of the receptacle  34   d  into a secondary compartment  66   d  of the receptacle. When the secondary compartment  66   d  of the receptacle  34   d  is substantially filled with water, the receptacle  34   d  pivots from the collecting orientation illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 22 to the emptying orientation illustrated in dashed lines in FIG.  22 . The receptacle  34   d  rotates between the collecting and emptying orientations in the manner previously explained in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. 
     In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the invention, a container  180  is disposed adjacent to the lower section  134   d  of the downspout  32   d  to receive debris dumped from the receptacle  34   d  when the receptacle is in the emptying orientation illustrated in dashed lines in FIG.  22 . Although it is contemplated that the container  180  could have many different constructions, the illustrated container is a bag. The bag forming the container  180  is connected with the lower section  134   d  of the downspout  32   d  by a circular support ring  182 . 
     When the receptacle  34   d  rotates from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation, the debris in the receptacle  34   d  is dumped into the container  180 . The container  180  is periodically emptied. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for use in preventing blockage of a water flow path from a gutter  30  of a building through a downspout  32 . The apparatus may include a receptacle  34  which is disposed beneath the gutter  30  and is connected in fluid communication with the downspout  32 . A flow of water  42  and debris  50  from the gutter  30  is conducted into the receptacle  34 . 
     A flow of water  42  is connected through an outlet  44  from the receptacle  34  while the debris  50  collects in the receptacle. As the debris  50  collects in the receptacle  34 , it blocks the outlet  44  from the receptacle. As water  42  and debris  50  accumulate in the receptacle  34 , their combined weight effects movement of the receptacle from the collecting orientation (FIGS. 4-6) to an emptying orientation (FIGS. 9 and 10) to dump the water and debris from the receptacle. 
     In one specific embodiment of the receptacle  34 , the outlet  44  from the receptacle is formed by a wall portion  46  of the receptacle through which the water  42  passes prior to collection of debris in the receptacle (FIGS.  4  and  5 ). As the debris  50  accumulates in the receptacle  34 , the center of gravity of the combined mass of the receptacle and the water  42  and debris in the receptacle may move from an location disposed on one side of an axis  38  about which the receptacle is rotatable to an opposite side of the axis. As this occurs, the weight of the water  42  and debris  50  collected in the receptacle  34  causes the receptacle to rotate from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation. 
     The receptacle  34  may have a plurality of compartments. In one embodiment of the invention, a main compartment  64  of the receptacle  34  is filled with water and debris. A secondary compartment  66  of the receptacle  34  receives water  42  from the main compartment  64 . As the secondary compartment  66  is filled with water, the center of gravity of the receptacle  34  and the water  42  and debris  50  moves relative to an axis  38  about which the receptacle is rotatable to cause rotation of the receptacle to dump the water and debris from the receptacle. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of receptacles  120  and  122  (FIGS. 11-19) sequentially receive water and debris. When a first one of the receptacles  120   b  (FIG. 17) becomes at least partially filled with water and debris, the receptacle  120   b  is moved from a collecting orientation to an emptying orientation. As the first receptacle  120   b  moves from the collecting orientation (FIG. 17) to the emptying orientation (FIG.  18 ), a second receptacle  122   b  moves to the collecting orientation and receives water and debris. The receptacles may be disposed in any one of several spatial relationships relative to each other including a circular array (FIGS.  20  and  21 ). If desired, a plurality of receptacles  120  and  122  may be arranged in series along a path flow of water  42   a  from a gutter  30   a  (FIG.  11 ). 
     From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.