Patent Publication Number: US-2011056144-A1

Title: Hidden drain system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/090,993 filed Sep. 8, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is related to building gutter and drain systems. The present invention is particularly applicable to gutter and drain systems for residential and commercial buildings. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Downspout drainpipes, brackets, straps and screws can often be bulky and unattractive. Traditional gutter and drain systems often clog and don&#39;t properly drain water if not constantly maintained. This may be due to the drainpipe being weighed down by debris, such as leaves and branches. These items flow downward and typically clog up the pipe&#39;s sharp elbows. Additionally, traditional metal gutter and drain systems use screwed-on brackets and straps with screws to secured the system to a building. The drains and gutters used are often made of thin gauged metal with is easily damaged and kinked thus causing further problems. 
     Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved gutter and drainage system which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention in several embodiments is an arrangement of components that work together to hide the attachment screws for drainage channels behind the exterior siding. The drain exit for this system is larger for a greater volume of runoff. This helps reduce and/or eliminate wood wrought of the roof top eaves caused by traditional exterior wall-mounted drainage systems. The entire corner cap is preferably an open channel. There is preferably a left side and a right side application. Preferably a spray on rubberized coating is applied to the surface contacting the wall of the building to prevent water from damaging the building. This system is ideal for any residential and most commercial uses. 
     The present invention can be used by contractors for a simple and efficient way to incorporate a downspout drainpipe into corner cap exterior siding of varying types. This product is a pocketed and/or hollowed corner cap. Water and fluid from roof runoff flows into hidden channels inside the siding corner cap channels. Male and female parts connect to provide a clean, close fit for a complete square fit. This ensures long-lasting durability that cannot traditionally be found. Gutters affixed to roofs direct the flow of water into the service elbow, then into the corner cap and downward. This stream may flow into ground level gardens, planters or one&#39;s lawn. It may also flow directly into a storm drain or drain field. The dimensions of this product may vary per application. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an integrated gutter, drain and corner cap system. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide integrated gutter, drain and corner cap system that is resistant to clogging. 
     In one embodiment the invention is a drainage system comprising: at least one gutter, at least one corner cap with a hollow channel for receiving fluid from said at least one gutter, wherein said at least one gutter is installed on a building to receive a flow of rain water and said at least one corner cap is installed on a corner of said building. In another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a service elbow. In yet another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow. In still another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least one internal mesh screen for trapping debris. In another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least two internal mesh screens for trapping debris. In yet another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising a first internal mesh screen of a first fineness and a second internal mesh screen of a second fineness for trapping debris. In still another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising a first internal mesh screen of a first fineness, a second internal mesh screen of a second fineness, and a third internal mesh screen of a third fineness for trapping debris. In yet another embodiment said at least one corner cap receives said flow of rain water from said at least one gutter by means of a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least one independently removable internal mesh screen for trapping debris. In still yet another embodiment the invention further comprises a service elbow attached to said at least one corner cap, a drain spout attached to said at least one corner cap, and a gutter guard associated with said at least one gutter. 
     In yet another embodiment the invention is a drainage system comprising: at least one gutter, at least one corner cap with a hollow channel for receiving fluid from said at least one gutter, a service elbow attached to said at least one corner cap, a drain spout attached to said at least one corner cap, and a gutter guard associated with said at least one gutter, wherein said at least one gutter is installed on a building to receive a flow of rain water and said at least one corner cap is installed on a corner of said building. In still another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow. In yet another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least one internal mesh screen for trapping debris. In another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least two internal mesh screens for trapping debris. In still another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising a first internal mesh screen of a first fineness and a second internal mesh screen of a second fineness for trapping debris. In yet still another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising a first internal mesh screen of a first fineness, a second internal mesh screen of a second fineness, and a third internal mesh screen of a third fineness for trapping debris. In still another embodiment said service elbow is a detachable and reattachable service elbow comprising at least one independently removable internal mesh screen for trapping debris. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention; and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a general perspective view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on a home. 
         FIG. 2  is a general perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. 
         FIG. 3  is a general perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. 
         FIG. 4  is a general cross sectional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. 
         FIG. 5  is a general perspective view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention being installed on new construction. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a close up schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures. 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 1  which is a general perspective view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on a home. The present invention is a drainage system comprising a gutter  10 , service elbow  12 , corner cap with drainage channel  14  and drain spout  16 . 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 2  which is a general perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. Corner cap  14  with drainage channel  18  is shown. Corner cap comprises drainage channel  18 , service elbow input  20 , overhangs  22  and building securing surface  24 . Service elbow input  20  is an opening for accepting a service elbow  12 . Overhangs  22  are included for keeping siding in place and to provide an aesthetically pleasing line even on masonry construction or the like. Building securing surface  24  is designed for accepting a corner of a building and is a possible site for using securing screws or the like. 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 3  which is a general perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. Corner cap  14  with drainage channel  18  is shown. Corner cap  14  comprises drainage channel  18 , service elbow input  20 , overhangs  22 , building securing surface  24  and drain spout output  26 . Service elbow input  20  is an opening for accepting a service elbow  12 . Overhangs  22  are included for keeping siding in place and to provide an aesthetically pleasing line even on masonry construction or the like. Building securing surface  24  is designed for accepting a corner of a building and is a possible site for using securing screws or the like. Drain spout output  26  is an opening for accepting a drain spout. Alternatively, an integrated drain spout of corner cap  14  could be used instead of drain spout output  26 . 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 4  which is a general cross sectional drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner cap with a drainage channel. Corner cap  14  with drainage channel  18  is shown. Corner cap comprises drainage channel  18 , service elbow input  20 , overhangs  22  and building securing surface  24 . Service elbow input  20  is an opening for accepting a service elbow  12 . Overhangs  22  are included for keeping siding in place and to provide an aesthetically pleasing line even on masonry construction or the like. Building securing surface  24  is designed for accepting a corner of a building and is a possible site for using securing screws or the like. The exact dimensions can be modified to accept the particular siding or lack of siding that is used in construction, as well as being modified for different building geometries. 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 5  which is a general perspective view drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention being installed on new construction. Corner cap  14  comprises drainage channel  18  (not shown), service elbow input  20 , overhangs  22 , building securing surface  24  and drain spout output  26 . Service elbow input  20  is an opening for accepting a service elbow  12 . Overhangs  22  are included for keeping siding in place and to provide an aesthetically pleasing line even on masonry construction or the like. Building securing surface  24  is designed for accepting a corner of a building and is a possible site for using securing screws or the like. Drain spout output  26  is an opening for accepting a drain spout. Alternatively, an integrated drain spout of corner cap  14  could be used instead of drain spout output  26 . 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 6  which is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is a drainage system comprising a gutter  10 , service elbows  12 , corner caps with drainage channels  14  and integrated drain spout  16 . 
     Reference is now made, more particularly, to  FIG. 7  which is a close up schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Gutter  10  is covered by gutter guard  28  which could be any gutter guard known in the art to prevent debris from entering the drainage system. Additionally, mesh screens  30  can be incorporated into service elbow  12  to prevent debris from entering drainage channel  18 . Mesh screens  30  could be removable for easy servicing. Mesh screens  30  could be constructed of different finenesses of mesh screen so that heavier and bulkier debris is caught further upstream, and lighter and finer debris is caught further downstream. Pins  32  are used to secured service elbow  12  to gutter  10  and corner cap  14 , it is envisioned that any fasteners know in the art could be used, but preferred embodiments will allow for quick removal and reattachment. One benefit of this feature is it allows a user to remove the service elbow  12  for cleaning, preferably by back flushing. Back flushing can be accomplished by running water through service elbow  12  counter to the typical drain flow. 
     As discussed above the corner cap  14  and other components of the disclosed drainage system could be made of any material known in the art, but preferably is constructed of a plastic or polymer. While the thickness of the walls of the components of the disclosed drainage system could be any practical dimension depending on the application, it is preferable that the thickness of the walls are between 1/64 and ¼ inch thick and more preferably between 1/32 and 1/16 inch thick. In a preferred embodiment the drainage channel of the corner cap has an approximately 3.5 inches by 2 inches cross section for the flow of water. 
     While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.