Patent Publication Number: US-2006016129-A1

Title: Downspout extension retaining device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to eaves trough and gutter systems, and more particularly to apparatus for positioning and securing downspout extensions.  
      For many years, eaves trough and gutter systems have been employed to collect rainwater from the roofs of houses and other buildings, to prevent the rainwater from falling to the ground directly below the edges of the roof. The major components of earlier systems included the troughs or gutters along the roof edges, and downspouts at low points of the troughs or gutters for receiving the collected rainwater. The downspouts typically are vertically disposed and fastened adjacent the building. A variety of devices for securing downspouts have been proposed, e.g. as described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,711,240 (Merryweather), U.S. Pat. No. 2,701,115 (Rachlin), and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,601,450 and 5,573,209 (both to Lundquist).  
      A problem with these arrangements is the concentration of water exiting the downspout at a location near the foundation of the building. This has led to proposals for channeling water from the downspout to locations farther away from the building, for example splash blocks as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,334,779 (Luff).  
      Nowadays, eaves trough and gutter systems frequently include downspout extensions in the form of conduits substantially the same as the downspout conduits, each coupled to the bottom end of a downspout and extending away from the house or other structure substantially horizontally, but preferably tilted downwardly in the direction away from the building. The extension typically is coupled to the downspout through an elbow having an arc of curvature slightly less than 90 degrees.  
      Downspout extensions vary in length, typically from a few feet to several yards. In any event, they convey water from the downspout to the ground at a desired distance away from the building, to prevent a hard rain from washing away topsoil or otherwise damaging landscaping near the foundation, or causing more serious harm such as basement flooding.  
      One prominent disadvantage is that the downspout extensions are prone to be dislodged from the downspouts during heavy winds, or through kicking or other inadvertent contact by individuals or by pets or other animals. To counteract this disadvantage, several devices have been proposed to support downspout extensions above the ground. These devices frequently are somewhat Y-shaped and incorporate a single leg as in U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 342,016 (Ziegelmann), or U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,121 (Duke) which shows a sewage line support. Devices with two support legs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,102 (Kuempel), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,682 (Tredennick). While these devices are capable of partially securing downspout retainers, all of them position the entire extension, including its exit end, separated from the ground. This leaves the downspout extension vulnerable to displacement, damage, or complete decoupling from the downspout through a kick or other contact that applies a vertical or lateral force to the free end of the downspout extension. Further, these devices either require setting their height before placement of the downspout extension, or fail to allow any height adjustment.  
      Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a downspout extension retaining system that positively secures the downspout retainer against lateral and vertical displacement.  
      Another object is to provide an anchor capable of holding the exit end of a downspout retainer in contact with the ground, so that the ground contributes to securing the extension.  
      A further object is to provide a downspout extension retaining device adapted to be installed after the downspout extension is placed in its intended position, avoiding the need to position the retaining device based on an estimate of the downspout extension position, followed by realignment if the estimate was not accurate.  
      Yet another object is to provide a downspout extension retaining device that is safe, and relatively easy to manufacture and use.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      To achieve these and other objects, there is provided a device for anchoring a ground-supported downspout extension. The device includes an elongate, substantially rigid structural member having a length, a width less than the length, and a thickness less than the width. The structural member is selectively shaped about axes substantially parallel to the width, to provide substantially straight first and second legs at opposite ends of the structural member, and a medial region disposed between the legs and maintaining the legs in laterally spaced apart relation. The structural member is positionable about a ground-supported downspout extension, with the first and second legs upright and disposed on opposite sides of the downspout extension. The legs further extend lengthwise into the ground to prevent any substantial lateral movement of the downspout extension. The medial region overlies the downspout extension to prevent any substantial upward movement of extension.  
      Preferably, each of the legs comprises an anchoring section, including a free end of the leg, adapted to be disposed beneath the ground when in use. Upper sections of the legs remain above the ground, and cooperate with the medial region to surround the downspout extension along its top and opposite sides. The bottom of the downspout extension, particularly at its exit end, is supported by the ground. With the lateral spacing between the legs preferably only slightly greater than the width of the downspout extension, the structural member is pushed (or pounded, if necessary) into the ground a distance sufficient to bring the medial region into engagement with the top of the downspout extension. Thus, the structural member and the ground cooperate to secure the extension against vertical and lateral (horizontal) movement.  
      This provides considerably improved retention, compared to the aforementioned devices that maintain downspout extensions at an elevation above the ground. First, the present device eliminates the exposed vertical (or nearly vertical) leg portions extending between the ground and the downspout extension. These portions are bendable, rotatable, or in one case slidable to allow unwanted lateral displacement. Further, the elevated position at which these devices support the downspout extensions expose the extensions to upward forces that cause vertical displacement. Devices constructed according to the present invention virtually eliminate both of these problems.  
      One advantageous form of the device includes a plurality of slots formed in the anchoring sections. These slots are open to the vertical edges of the anchoring sections, with each slot inclined downwardly in a direction inward from its associated edge. In a particularly preferred version, the slots are arranged in two staggered rows. These slots are formed by removing the structural member material, rather than simply by bending it, so that there are no sharp protrusions or edges associated with the slots.  
      The preferred structural member has a uniform thickness of at least one-eighth of an inch, and a uniform width of about one-half inch to nine-sixteenths of an inch. The preferred material is galvanized steel, for its favorable combination of strength and resistance to corrosion. The structural member is smooth and free of burrs, sharp edges or other pointed features. The free ends of the legs are smooth, blunt, and rounded. Due to the material and the minimum thickness, the legs are sufficiently strong to be pushed or driven into the ground, without the need for sharp leading bottom edges, a factor that enhances the safety of the device.  
      In one version of the device, the medial region is 3½ to 4 inches long (7.5 to 10.2 cm), with two arcuate sections and a substantially straight horizontal medial section between the arcuate sections. The legs depend downwardly from the arcuate sections, a distance of about 9-10 inches (23-25 cm). In a similar version, the medial region is  4½- 5 inches (11.5-12.7 cm) long. These versions are used with generally rectangular downspout extensions.  
      In another version of the device, an arcuate medial section maintains opposed upper ends of the legs spaced apart laterally by about  2 2/2 inches ( 5.1-6.4 cm). The legs diverge downwardly, so that their bottom or free ends are spaced apart laterally by a distance of  3½- 4 inches (7.5-10.2 cm). This version is designed for use with downspout extensions having curved or angled profiles.  
      Several additional features are intended to extend the life of the device and the downspout extensions secured by the device. One of these is a protective coating of enamel or Teflon (brand name) paint. The coating not only protects the structural member, but also prevents or minimizes scratching of the downspout extension during installation and removal of the device.  
      Another enhancement is a liner disposed along the medial region and optionally along the upper portions of the legs on the inside of the structural member, so as to be disposed between the structural member and downspout extension when in use. This feature prevents chaffing or metal fatigue of the downspout extension during use, and prevents metal-to-metal chattering noise during windy conditions.  
      The present device is particularly easy to use. The downspout extension is first connected to a downspout supported vertically along the house or other building, and its free end is placed on the ground to locate the extension as desired. Then, the device is positioned above the extension, about six inches from the free end with its legs on opposite sides of the extension. At this point, the device is simply pushed downwardly, or driven with a hammer if necessary, until the medial region is brought into contact with the top of the downspout extension. As the anchoring sections are pushed or driven into the ground, loose soil enters the slots and tends to fill them. This firmly secures the legs in the ground, enhancing the retention of the downspout extension. Another hold-enhancing feature is that while the legs are substantially parallel, they exhibit a slight divergence in the downward direction. More particularly, over the length of the legs, the lateral spacing between them gradually increases, by an amount as little as one-eighth of an inch to as much as an inch or more (from 3.2 mm to over 25 mm), depending on the version of the device involved. This downward divergence enhances the hold, as compared to a structure with parallel, vertical legs.  
      Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for retaining a downspout extension at a selected above-grade location. The apparatus includes a retaining member adapted for overlying surface contact with a top wall of a ground-supported downspout extension. A substantially rigid first leg is integral with the retaining member and extends downwardly away from the retaining member. The first leg comprises a first upper section proximate the retaining member, and a first lower section below the first upper section which includes a free end of the first leg remote from the retaining member. A substantially rigid second leg is integral with the retaining member and extends downwardly away from the retaining member in substantially parallel, laterally spaced apart relation to the first leg. The second leg comprises a second upper section proximate the retaining member, and a second lower section below the second upper section and including a free end of the second leg remote from the retaining member. The first and second lower sections are removably insertable into the ground beneath a ground-supported downspout extension to position the first and second upper sections on opposite sides of and adjacent opposed side walls of the downspout extension, and further to position the retaining member in said overlying contact with the top wall, thus to removably secure the downspout extension above grade.  
      Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a single retaining device, with ground-inserted legs on opposite sides of a ground-supported downspout extension, positively retains the extension against unwanted lateral and vertical displacement. The device cooperates with the ground to support the downspout extension on all sides, with the exit end of the downspout extension advantageously contiguous with the ground. Because the device surrounds the extension from above rather than supporting it from below, its installation can follow, rather than precede, placement of the downspout extension in the desired location. The anchoring of the device is made more secure by the slots or notches formed in the legs, and also by a divergence of the legs, laterally away from one another in the downward direction. Finally, the smooth, rounded and blunt features of the device provide for safer handling, reducing the risk of injury to children and others coming into contact with the device. 
    
    
     IN THE DRAWINGS  
      For a further understanding of the above and other features and advantages, reference is made to the following detailed description, and to the drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is an elevational view showing a rainwater conveyance system with a downspout extension retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a forward elevation of the downspout extension retainer;  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged side elevation of the retainer;  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIGS. 5-7  illustrate several stages in manufacturing the retainer of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a frontal elevation of an alternative embodiment downspout retainer;  
       FIG. 9  is a partial forward elevation of another alternative embodiment downspout extension retainer;  
       FIG. 10  is a forward elevation showing part of a further alternative embodiment downspout extension retainer;  
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the retainer of  FIG. 10 ; and  
       FIG. 12  is a forward elevation of yet another alternative embodiment downspout extension retainer. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1  an eaves trough or gutter system  16  mounted to a house or other building  18  having a gable roof  20 . The system includes a gutter or trough  22  that runs lengthwise along the building, just beneath an edge  24  of the roof, to collect rainwater running off the roof.  
      At a low point along gutter  22 , preferably near one end, a downspout assembly is coupled to the gutter to receive the collected rainwater. Downspout assembly components include 90-degree elbows  26  and  28 , a vertical downspout  30 , and a bottom elbow  32  formed into an arc of less than 90 degrees, e.g. 75 degrees. Straps  34  and  36  mount downspout  30  to the building.  
      A downspout extension  38  is coupled to downspout  30  through elbow  32 . The coupling to the elbow orients the downspout extension at a slight incline, e.g. 15 degrees relative to the ground. An end  40  of the downspout extension is coupled to the elbow. An exit end or free end  42  of the extension lies on the ground and is supported by the ground.  
      Free end  42  of extension  38  is retained against the ground by a downspout extension retainer  44  that surrounds the downspout extension along the top and opposite sides, extending into the ground to provide the required anchoring force. Retainer  44  preferably is positioned about six inches inward from free end  42  of the extension, or to the right of end  42  as viewed in the figure. Opposite end  40  is coupled to elbow  32  as noted above. Consequently, unwanted lateral movement of downspout extension  38  usually begins as pivotal motion about a vertical axis coincident with downspout  30 , and in severe cases can dislodge downspout extension  38  from the downspout. Similarly, unwanted upward movement of downspout extension  38  typically begins as pivotal motion, in this case about a horizontal axis at the junction of extension  38  and elbow  32  or at the junction of elbow  32  and downspout  30 . Again, in severe cases the downspout extension can become dislodged. When installed near free end  42 , retainer  44  is particularly well placed to prevent upward and lateral pivoting.  
       FIG. 2  shows downspout extension retainer  44  in greater detail. The retainer is formed from an elongate structural member having a uniform width, and a uniform thickness less than the width. In one preferred version, the length of the structural member is about 25 inches (64 cm), the width is nine-sixteenths of an inch (14 mm), and the thickness is one-eighth of an inch (3.2 mm). The structural member is selectively shaped, i.e. bent about axes extending in the width direction (normal to the plane of  FIG. 2 ), to form a linear top section  46 , opposite laterally spaced apart and downwardly extending legs  48  and  50 , and arcuate sections  52  and  54  between the legs and top section. The retainer has a forward edge  56 , a rearward edge not visible in  FIG. 2 , and parallel inside and outside surfaces  58  and  60  which appear as lines in the figure.  
      Leg  48  includes an upper section  62 , a lower section  64 , and a blunt, rounded free end or tip  66 . When retainer  44  is in use, lower section  64  is beneath the ground, while upper section  62  is above the ground. The division between the upper and lower sections is not fixed, because the extent of retainer insertion into the ground can vary with the width of the downspout extension, the angle of the downspout extension with respect to the ground, and the spacing of the retainer from free end  42 .  
      Leg  50  has an upper section  68 , a lower section  70  and a tip  72  similar to their counterparts in leg  48 .  
      Near tips  66  and  72 , legs  48  and  50  are laterally spaced apart by a distance that exceeds the spacing between the legs near the top, for example by about one-eighth of an inch (3.2 mm). Because of this downward divergence, the ground can exert at least a slight vertically downward force that resists an upward pulling of retainer  44  once it is installed. Thus, retainer  44  is anchored more securely, as compared to a substantially similar structure with parallel vertical legs.  
      A plurality of notches or slots  74  are formed along lower sections  64  and  70 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the slots along lower section  64  of leg  48  are arranged in two rows: one row along and open to forward edge  56 , and the other row open to and along a rearward edge  74  of the retainer. Each slot extends inwardly from its associated edge about one-quarter inch (6.4 mm), inclined downwardly at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the associated edge. The slots are about one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch (1.6-3.2 mm) wide, and span the thickness of leg  48 . The rows of slots are staggered, to avoid an undesirable narrowing of the structural member width between two aligned slots, which would unnecessarily reduce the strength of the leg.  
      Although leg  50  is not shown in the same detail, the slots in leg  50  are the same size, and are similarly arranged.  
      As seen in  FIG. 4 , retainer  44  includes a core  78  of galvanized steel, and a protective coating  80  that surrounds the core. Coating  80  can be a paint, e.g. an enamel paint or polytetrafluoroethylene sold under the brand name Teflon. Coating  80  is thin, e.g. several thousandths of an inch. While coating  80  affords some protection to the core, its primary purpose is to protect the downspout extension anchored by retainer  44 , in preventing scratching of the downspout extension during installation or removal of the retainer.  
      Another factor that protects the downspout extensions, and more generally provides for greater safety in handling the retainer, is a construction that features smooth surfaces, and rounded or blunt edges. Inside surface  58  and outside surface  60  are smooth and flat. Edges  56  and  76  are smooth and rounded. Tips  66  and  72  ( FIG. 3 ) are smooth, blunt, and rounded. Further, slots  64  are formed by removing material rather than by bending it, to avoid creating any sharp protrusions or other features. As a result, retainer  44  as compared to previous devices can be handled with less risk of injury, which is a benefit not only to the installer, but to others, especially children, who may come into contact with the retainer.  
      Returning to  FIG. 2 , broken lines at  38  show the location of the downspout extension when secured by retainer  44 . Top section  46  overlies a top wall  82  of the downspout extension, and is contiguous with the top wall. Legs  48  and  50 , at least along their respective upper portions, are laterally spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the extension width, i.e. the distance between side walls  84  and  86  of the extension. Each leg is close to its associated side wall, although not necessarily contiguous. A bottom wall  88  of the extension is shown above ground level, represented by a broken line  90 . The above-ground spacing is a result of the upward incline of downspout extension  38  from its free end, which contacts the ground during use of the retainer.  
      Several features of retainer  44  cooperate to provide a secure anchoring of the downspout extension. Legs  48  and  50  are insertable into the ground, to a depth that brings top section  46  into its overlying, contacting relation to downspout extension  44 , specifically top wall  82 . Depending on the nature of the soil, the legs may be inserted by pushing retainer  44 , or by pounding the retainer over each leg with a hammer or other suitable tool. For installations in concrete or asphalt (as in a driveway), it may be necessary to drill holes for the legs. Then, with the legs in place, the holes are filled with hot asphalt or cement to surround and secure the legs. Given their structure, the legs are well suited for this form of installation.  
      In any event, as legs  48  and  50  move downwardly into the ground, soil enters slots  74  and experiences compaction in the slots, resulting in a surprisingly firm hold as compared to that attainable from similarly sized legs without the slots. The previously described downward divergence of legs  48  and  50  also enhances the anchoring of retainer  44 . As a result, any attempted upward movement of downspout extension  38 , particularly near free end  42 , is counteracted with a considerable force exerted primarily through top section  46 . Further, although the primary factor limiting lateral movement of the extension is the close fit of legs  48  and  50 , contact of the retainer top section with the downspout extension creates a frictional force that resists lateral movement.  
      Another factor contributing to the secure retention, is the extent to which the ground itself is employed. Top section  46  of the retainer, through its overlying contact with top wall  82  of the downspout extension, presses the bottom wall of the extension against the ground, particularly at and near free end  42 . Thus, friction between the bottom wall and ground resists lateral movement of the downspout extension. As compared to prior devices with legs extending above the ground yet terminating beneath the downspout extension, stability is enhanced simply by lowering the center of mass of the downspout extension. The lower elevation also results in less exposure of the downspout extension to inadvertent contact that might lift the extension, e.g. accidental kicking.  
      Another advantage of retainer  44  relative to the prior devices, is its simplicity and ease of use. The devices that support downspout extensions with legs or other members beneath the extensions must be installed first, followed by placement of the downspout extension onto the device. There may be a need to reposition the device if the downspout extension is not supported at the desired height or orientation. In contrast, retainer  44  is not installed until the downspout extension is already in the desired position, at the desired orientation. Retainer  44  is simply aligned with the downspout extension, then pushed (or driven) into place.  
      The manufacture of retainer  44  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 . In a first stage ( FIG. 5 ), a straight core piece  92  is cut to the desired length, and finished to provide blunt, rounded ends. Then, the core piece is cut along its opposite edges to provide slots  74 .  
      Next, the core piece is selectively shaped by bending it about forms  94  and  96  to provide the legs, arcuate sections and top section. Typically, the arcuate sections are formed by cold working the core material. Finally, the shaped core piece is sprayed with the protective coating material, as seen in  FIG. 7 .  
      As noted previously, the preferred core material is galvanized steel. Other metals may be used, provided that they exhibit the required combination of strength and corrosion resistance. Polymeric materials also may be employed, the primary concern being durability to withstand pounding if the retainer needs to be driven into the soil. Polymeric retainers are preferably formed by injection molding.  
      When a 25-inch (64 cm) core is shaped as described, the length of legs  48  and  50  is about nine inches (22.9 cm), top section  46  is about three inches (7.6 cm), and each of arcuate sections  52  and  54  has a radius of curvature of one inch (2.5 cm).  
      In an alternative version retainer designed for use with a smaller downspout extension, the legs are about eight inches (20.3 cm) long, the top section is about two and one-half inches (6.4 cm) long, and the arcuate sections again have a one-inch radius of curvature. The legs again diverge downwardly, to provide a lateral spacing between the legs that increases by about one-eighth of an inch over the length of the legs.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment downspout extension retainer  100  for use with downspout extensions having annular profiles. A structural member  102 , having a uniform width and thickness of nine-sixteenths of an inch (14 mm) and one-eighth of an inch (3.2 mm), respectively, is selectively shaped by bending about width-direction axes to form legs  104  and  106 , and an arcuate top section  108  between the legs. Preferably, top section  108  has a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the downspout extension. As compared to the legs of previous embodiments, legs  104  and  106  exhibit a more pronounced downward divergence, in that the lateral spacing between the legs increases from about two and one-half inches (6.4 cm) near the top section, to about three and one-half inches (8.9 cm) near the free ends or tips  110 ,  112  of the legs. As before, slots  114  are formed in staggered rows along the lower edge portions of the legs, to enhance anchoring when the legs are inserted into the ground. Because of the single bend radius of top section  108 , the legs diverge more in this version as compared to previous embodiments. This is useful for accommodating downspout retainers with angled profiles.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates the top portion of another alternative embodiment retainer  116  with a top section  118 , laterally spaced apart downwardly depending legs  120  and  122 , and arcuate sections  124  and  126  between the top section and legs. A liner  128  is mounted to an inside surface of retainer  116 , along the top section and arcuate sections, and preferably along at least the upper portions of legs  120  and  122 . Liner  128  can be secured with an adhesive, or with countersunk (flush) rivets or other suitable fasteners, one of which is indicated at  130 .  
      Liner  128  preferably is formed of rubber, or a rubber-like polymeric material. The function of the liner is to prevent chafing or metal fatigue in the downspout extension during normal use of the retainer, and to prevent metal-to-metal chattering during windy conditions. Further, to the extent that an elastically compressible liner is disposed between the downspout extension and legs while slightly compressed, it provides an improved fit and retention against lateral displacement.  
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a further alternative embodiment retainer  132 , in which portions of legs  134  and  136  are cut away and bent outwardly to provide upwardly directed tabs  138 . Tabs  138  provide a more secure anchoring of the retainer, by resisting an upward pulling of the retainer once the legs are inserted into the ground.  
       FIG. 12  shows another alternative embodiment downspout extension retaining assembly  140  including a retainer  142  with downwardly depending legs  144  and  146 , and a pair of leg receiving members  148  and  150  mounted substantially permanently in the ground and extending upwardly for a releasable coupling to legs  144  and  146  using fasteners  152 . Each leg has a series of apertures formed through it, to allow for selective adjustment of the retainer height. Each fastener  152  can be a double (as shown) or single expandable latch pointed pin. The double pin configuration prevents any lateral movement of retainer  142 . The upper portions of receiving members  148  and  150  preferably protrude above the ground as shown, or may remain below grade. This arrangement is advantageously employed to retain downspout extensions over patios, driveways, and other hard surfaces.  
      Thus in accordance with the present invention, a retaining device cooperates with the ground to surround a downspout extension, securing the same against unwanted lateral and vertical displacement. The retainer overlies the downspout extension with its legs inserted into the ground on opposite sides of the extension. Slots or other features along the beneath-ground sections of the legs, and a divergence of the legs in the downward direction, cooperate to more securely anchor the retainer. To accommodate a variety of downspout extension designs, the retainers can be selectively shaped with either linear or curved top sections of differing lengths and radii of curvature.