Abstract:
An integrally molded, repositionable connector has a collapsible obround body that includes lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. Each lockable annular member includes a static side, a movable side, and a reinforcing bead. Each annular member also has a plurality of arcuate segments defining the obround body. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into position. The connector can also be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/007,932 filed Jan. 16, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,825, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/610,588 filed Mar. 7, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,701. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to gutters and gutter downspouts, and in particular relates to a connector particularly designed to attach to a downspout to provide a flexible, extendible, interlocking channel for funneling rainwater with an obround or generally rectangular cross section. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For many years, buildings have been equipped with gutters and downspouts for removing water from roofs and away from foundations. Typically, the gutters of a building are connected to a number of downspouts. The gutters are designed so that water does not collect in any one place in the gutters. The gutters are usually at a slight decline in the direction of the downspouts so that the force of gravity will cause the rainwater to travel down the decline, through the downspout and exit the opening of the downspout. 
     Fixed angle elbow connectors are typically utilized for connecting gutters and portions of downspouts together. It is desirable to have the downspout supported close to or against the side of the building. Typical elbow connectors are fastened between the gutter and the downspout so that the downspout may be routed from its junction with the gutter back underneath the overhang of the roof or soffit and extend adjacent the overhang at a slight decline. A second fixed angle elbow connector is typically utilized between the portion of the downspout extending adjacent the overhang and the remaining portion of the downspout which extends downward along the side of the building. A third fixed angle elbow connector is typically utilized at the lower end of the downspout portion extending down the side of the building and exhaust the rainwater along the ground away from the side of the building. 
     One problem with known gutter systems is that fixed angle elbow connectors are manufactured with a fixed degree of bend, and are a fixed length. However, when the overhang of a roof is large or not uniform, custom elbow connectors are required. Therefore, installing a gutter system requires measurements and calculations and custom-cutting of the downspouts and elbows so that the gutter and downspout may be properly supported close to the side of the building. 
     Another problem of known gutter systems is that the known elbow connector typically provided at the downspout end which is adjacent the ground only directs water a short distance away from the building. Because of this short distance, water is often exhausted too close to the foundation of the building and causes the foundation to crack or leak. Although another piece of downspout extending on the ground away from the building can be connected to the elbow to exhaust the water further away from the building, adding another piece of downspout has several drawbacks. One drawback is that the downspout portion can only be extended in the same linear direction of the elbow of the downspout because downspout material is not flexible or bendable. Another drawback is that an extension of downspout may have to be moved for lawn care or other reasons and the downspout extension is inconvenient to uncouple and move. 
     Attempts have been made in the art to provide a downspout extension connector that directs water away from a building without simply adding another piece of downspout material. One example of these attempts is the bendable, “corrugated” plastic pipe and adapters that are connected to a downspout and buried in the ground to channel water away from the building. Other examples are described in the patents to Sweers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,006), Schlein (U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,669), Johnson (U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,419), and in Japanese Kokai No. 52-43126. 
     Bendable, corrugated plastic pipes and adapters, such as supplied by Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. of Montezuma, Ga., are known in the art. The adapter is connected to the downspout and then the bendable corrugated plastic pipe is connected to the adapter. Although these corrugated plastic pipes direct water away from the foundation of a building, they suffer from several drawbacks. One drawback of these corrugated plastic pipes is that, although bendable, they will not hold their position. Thus, elbows are required when the user needs a turn in the pipe, or a bent trench must be dug to guide and hold the pipe. 
     Another drawback of the corrugated plastic pipe is the number of parts required. Corrugated, plastic pipes with circular cross-sections require an adapter piece to connect to the rectangular cross-sectional downspout and elbows where a turn in the extension is needed. Another drawback of these corrugated, plastic pipe downspout extensions is their fixed length. The user may need a downspout extension of a greater or lesser length than the fixed length provided. 
     Sweers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,006, describes an adjustable extension assembly for a downspout that includes a fixed piece attachable to the lowermost end of a downspout, a rotatable collar attached to the fixed piece, and at least one extension pivotably attached to the rotatable collar. The assembly described by Sweers can be pointed in different directions and the assembly can be extended to different lengths. However, one of the drawbacks of Sweers is that the assembly can point only linearly and can not bend around objects. 
     Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,419, describes a hinged extension for downspouts. The hinge allows the downspout extension to be selectively disengaged from the downspout so that the extension can be pivoted to provide clearance for routine yard work. However, the hinged extension described by Johnson is not bendable or flexible and only points in the same direction as the downspout. 
     Attempts have also been made in the art to provide a gutter elbow. One example is described in the patent to Schlein (U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,669). Schlein, U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,669, describes a plastic bellows elbow with spigot and socket ends. The device is configured for connecting an eaves trough to a downspout. The elbow comprises plastic having limited flexibility and a tendency to cold flow to a predetermined set under sustained pressure and having an elastic memory. The intermediate portion of the coupling is described as being provided with a “bellows formation” that provides a certain degree of flexibility, allowing it to be bent in any direction and expand and contract. However, the bellows in Schlein will not hold its position and it is of circular cross section. Japanese Kokai No. 52-43126 describes a plastic elbow for a rain trough, characterized by the fact that it is composed by joining the rain trough inserting part and a rain trough receiving part as one body to two ends of a bellows part capable of elongating and bending, in which certain umbrella-shaped parts and annular flexing parts are joined alternately. However, there is no indication that this device is capable of locking into and holding a position. Besides, the arrangement shown in this document is of circular cross section, which does not readily adapt to gutters and downspouts commonly found in the United States, which have generally rectangular cross sections. 
     The Japanese Kokai document shows an elbow having a circular cross section. Aesthetically, a rainwater connector such as an elbow or downspout extension should be of a similar cross section to that of the downspouts and other components, which in the United States is generally rectangular. Prior to the present invention, it has not been possible to make a connector that is of a generally rectangular or obround cross section that is extendible and locks into position. 
     Accordingly, the prior art does not satisfy the need for a connector that is inexpensive, flexible, extendible, locks into place, holds its position, requires few parts, and is interlocking, and has a generally rectangular or obround cross section. The needs outlined above led to the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide a connector that is inexpensive, flexible, extendible, locks into place, holds its position, is unitary, and is interlocking to form a downspout assembly. Moreover, the cross section of the connector is obround, thereby providing a generally rectangular appearance that is more compatible with existing gutters and downspouts. 
     Briefly described, the present invention provides an integrally molded, repositionable connector for connection to a rectangular cross-sectional end of a gutter, a downspout, or the like. The connector of the present invention may be utilized as either a downspout extension connector for exhausting water further away from the building or as an elbow connector for connecting gutters and portions of downspouts together. The body portion is obround, yet still defines corrugations that are flexible, extend, contract, and lock into position, so that the connector may be configured into any angular position and hold its position as described below. 
     The body portion includes a plurality of collapsible corrugations. The collapsible corrugations have lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. The connector further includes end cuffs or connector portions coupled at the ends of the body portion. The cuffs or end connector portions are preferably generally rectangular in cross-section so that the connector can readily be connected to the end of the gutter, downspout, or the like. 
     More particularly described, each lockable annular member of the present invention includes a frustoconical static side and a frustoconical movable side, and a reinforcing bead extending circumferentially about the apex of the junction between the static and movable sides. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into an extended position. The connector can be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into a nested, compressed position. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector that is flexible, extendible, locks into place, and holds its position, yet has a generally rectangular outward appearance. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive and provides a unitary structure. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such devices that will interlock to form a downspout assembly. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment accompanied by the attached drawings wherein identical reference numerals will refer to like parts in the various views. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two interlocked repositionable flexible downspout extension connectors constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, attached to the downspout of a building. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector. 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector, bent to demonstrate its flexibility. 
     FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector attached to a downspout of a building, with an enlarged view of a collapsible corrugation. 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector looking along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 7 is an end view of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector looking along line  7 — 7  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of a selectively removable adapter portion and second interlockable end connector portion of the FIG. 1 downspout extension connector. 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of a selectively removable adapter portion and first interlockable end connector portion of the FIG. 1 embodiment of the downspout extension connector. 
     FIG. 10, consisting of FIGS. 10A-10D, are side views of a first downspout extension connector and a second downspout extension connector of the FIG. 1 embodiment prior to connection, in preparation for connection, and connection to each other. 
     FIG. 11, consisting of FIGS. 11A and 11B, show a downspout extension connector constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12, consisting of FIGS. 12A and 12B, show a downspout extension connector constructed in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair of interlocked repositionable elbow connectors constructed in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, attached to a gutter and forming a downspout assembly. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of two interlocked repositionable elbow connectors of the FIG. 13 embodiment attached to a gutter and forming a downspout assembly. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an elbow connector of the FIG. 13 embodiment having one of its ends angled to the right to demonstrate its flexibility. 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the elbow connector illustrated in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an elbow connector of the FIG. 13 embodiment having one of its ends angled upward to demonstrate the flexibility of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of the elbow connector illustrated in FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 19 is a top view of the elbow connector of the FIG. 13 embodiment. 
     FIG. 20 is a side view of the elbow connector of the FIG. 13 embodiment. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates the collapsible corrugations in the body portion of an elbow connector of the FIG. 13 embodiment. 
     FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a collapsible corrugation of FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  23 — 23  of FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 24 illustrates an end view of the FIG. 13 elbow connector looking along line  24 — 24  of FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 25 illustrates yet another embodiment of an elbow connector with a generally elliptical body portion. 
     FIG. 26 illustrates another view of the FIG. 25 elbow. 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-section taken along the line  26 — 26  of the generally elliptical body portion of the FIG. 26 elbow connector. 
     FIG. 28 illustrates the inner and outer obround cross sections of the corrugation of an obround body. 
     FIG. 29 illustrates a side-cross sectional view of the corrugation of an obround body. 
     FIG. 30 illustrates the relative lengths between respective pairs of obround cross sections of the corrugation of an obround body. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various embodiments of the present invention described herein are a plastic connector that satisfies the need for an apparatus that is inexpensive, flexible, extendible, locks into place, holds its position, has a unitary structure, has an obround cross section, and is interlocking with gutters or downspouts to form a downspout assembly. A connector in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention is extendible and collapsible to different lengths and flexible to different positions. 
     As used herein, the term “obround” means a closed figure having at least two generally parallel or curved sides and generally semicircular ends, quarter rounded ends, or curved corners. Stated in other words, obround as used herein means having periphery segments with rounded intersections. The periphery segments on adjacent sides have unequal lengths; but the periphery segments which oppose one another are generally parallel and are of equal length. The term is thus intended to encompass closed figures having generally parallel opposite sides with rounded corners, generally elliptical closed figures, and generally rectangular closed figures having rounded corners, for example quarter rounded corners. Accordingly, the term obround is meant to be interpreted broadly to cover figures having cross sections that are generally rectangular, generally elliptical, or generally obround, but have rounded corners that facilitate locking, extendible, flexible corrugations constructed as described herein. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment is an obround plastic downspout extension connector  10  that is connected to the end of a downspout to exhaust water away from the foundation of a building. A number of downspout extension connectors,  10   a ,  10   b , can be coupled together to form a downspout extension assembly. A downspout extension connector constructed in accordance with this aspect of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-12. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention include obround downspout extension connectors  100  and  200  shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and obround repositionable elbow-like connector  300  shown in FIGS. 13-27. The elbow connector is utilized for connecting gutters and portions of downspouts together. Both the downspout extension connector and the elbow connector have an obround body portion as described below. 
     Referring further to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a pair of downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Each downspout extension connector  10   a  and  10   b  has an elongate, obround body portion  18 , commonly referred to as an adjustable portion  18 . The connectors also include outer, generally rectangular cuffs  11  that couple to gutters or downspouts, or to like cuffs on other connectors for extending the length of a connector assembly, e.g. assembly  12 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cuffs  11  of the downspout connectors  10   a  and  10   b  each further include a first selectively removable adapter portion  14 , a first interlockable end connector portion  16 , a second interlockable end connector portion  20 , and a second selectively removable adapter portion  22 . 
     The second selectively removable adapter portion  22   a  of downspout extension connector  10   a  and the first selectively removable adapter portion  14   b  of downspout extension connector  10   b  are not shown in FIG. 1 because they have been removed so that the downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  could be coupled together to form extension assembly  12 . Removal of the selectively removable adapter portions  14   b  and  22   a  and the connection of downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  will be more fully described in reference to FIG.  10 . 
     Still referring to FIG. 1, the downspout extension assembly  12  functions as follows. The first selectively removable adapter portion  14   a  of downspout extension connector  10   a  is connected to downspout  24  of building  26 . Rainwater from the roof of building  26  flows down downspout  24 , then flows through the downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  and out the end of second selectively removable adapter portion  22   b . Downspout extension connector  10   a  is shown in FIG. 1 bent around bush  28  to demonstrate the flexibility of a downspout extension connector. A dashed-lined downspout extension connector  10   b ′ is also shown in FIG. 1 to further demonstrate that downspout extension connector  10   b  is flexible and can be locked into different positions. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a downspout extension connector  10  includes a generally elongate body  18  with obround cross section. The elongate body  18  includes a cuff  11  comprising a first selectively removable adapter portion  14  and a first interlockable end connector portion  16  located axially interior to the first selectively removable adapter portion  14 . The body portion  18  is located axially interior to the first interlockable end connector portion  16 . At the end of the body portion  18  opposite to the first interlockable end connector portion  16  is a second interlockable end connector portion  20 . Axially adjacent to the second interlockable end connector portion  20  is a second selectively removable adapter portion  22 . Cutlines  30  separate the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  from the first interlockable end connector portion  16  and the second selectively removable adapter portion  22  from the second interlockable end connector portion  20 . 
     The selectively removable adapter portions  14  and  22  of the cuffs  11  can be removed to facilitate the connection of two or more downspout extension connectors to form a downspout extension assembly  12  such as shown in FIG. 1. A description of forming a downspout extension assembly will be given in reference to FIG.  10 . 
     Although the connectors  10   a ,  10   b  are shown to include removable adapter portions  14 ,  22 , it will be understood that the removable adapter portions are not required for the present invention. The main features of the present invention include the obround cross-sectional shape of the body portion, where the body portion defines corrugations that are flexible, extend, contract, and lock into position, so that the connector may be configured into any angular position and hold its position as described below. While alternative methods for coupling multiple connectors together will be described in connection with FIGS. 11 and 12, it is emphasized that the present invention is not limited to a unitary structure having adapter portions. 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, each selectively removable adapter portion  14  and  22  comprises a rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  and transition regions  36 ,  38 . The rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  are used to connect the downspout extension connector  10  to a downspout. Each of the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  is generally rectangular in cross-section. The cross-sectional area of first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  is larger than the cross-sectional area of second rectangular gutter adapter portion  34 . The rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  are of different sizes so that the downspout extension connector  10  can fit standard downspouts of two different sizes. In the preferred embodiment, first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  has a height of three inches and a width of four inches; and rectangular gutter adapter portion  34  has a height of two inches and a width of three inches. Connecting one of the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  to a downspout will be described in the following paragraph. 
     Still referring to FIG. 2, a griphold  40  is located at the end of each rectangular gutter adapter portion  32 ,  34  and axially interior to the end of each rectangular gutter adapter portion. The gripholds  40  are raised protuberances that extend circumferentially around the gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34 . The gripholds  40  reinforce the gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  and prevent collapse of the gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  during the manufacturing thereof. The gripholds  40  also provide a convenient surface to grasp when connecting or disconnecting the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  to and from a downspout. By grasping the downspout extension connector  10  around the gripholds  40 , the user can slide one of the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32  or  34  around the end of a downspout to attach the downspout extension connector to a downspout. Depending on the size of the downspout, either first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  or second rectangular gutter adapter portion  34  is connected to the downspout. 
     Preferably, the downspout extension connector  10  also includes mounting holes (not shown) on the sides of the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  so that the downspout extension connector  10  can be fixably mounted to a downspout with suitable mounting means, such as screws, bolts or the like. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a side cross-sectional view of a downspout extension connector  10  attached to the downspout  24  of a building  26  is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  is connected to downspout  24  demonstrating how the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34  are slid around downspouts. 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, each selectively removable adapter portion  14 ,  22  also includes a transition region  36 ,  38 . First transition region  36  is axially interior to first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32 . Second transition region  38  is axially interior to second rectangular gutter adapter portion  34 . Each transition region  36 ,  38  is a body that extends from the rectangular gutter adapter portion  32 ,  34  axially inward to the cutlines  30 . Each transition region  36 ,  38  has an obround cross-section adjacent to the cutlines  30  and a generally rectangular cross-section adjacent to the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34 . In between the cutlines  30  and the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34 , the cross-sections of the transition regions  36 ,  38  gradually change from obround to generally rectangular. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of the selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22  and the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20 , at each end of the downspout extension connector  10  can be seen. The transition regions  36 ,  38  are shaded in FIG. 3 to more clearly show the transition from an obround cross-section adjacent the cutlines  30  to a generally rectangular cross-section adjacent the rectangular gutter adapter portions  32 ,  34 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, cutlines  30  separate the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  from the first interlockable end connector portion  16  and the second selectively removable adapter portion  22  from the second interlockable end connector portion  20 . Each cutline  30  is an indentation that extends around the circumference of the downspout extension connector  10 . The cutlines  30  have a cross-sectional thickness that is less than the cross-sectional thickness of the selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22  and the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20  that are on either side of the cutlines. The thin cross-sectional thickness of the cutlines  30  facilitate the removal of the selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22 , as will be more fully described with reference to FIG.  10 . 
     Still referring to FIG.  2  and turning now to the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20 , it will be seen that the interlockable end connector portions are axially interior to the selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22 . The interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20  are obround and each end connector portion extends axially inward to the adjustable portion  18 . Each interlockable end connector portion  16 ,  20  includes an outer collar,  42 ,  44 , a locking rib  46 ,  48 , and an inner collar  50 ,  52 . Each outer collar  42 ,  44  is positioned adjacent to and axially interior to the selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22 . Each locking rib  46 ,  48  is adjacent to and axially interior to the outer collar  42 ,  44 . Each inner collar  50 ,  52  is adjacent to and axially interior to the locking ribs  46 ,  48 . 
     The outer collars  42 ,  44  and inner collars  50 ,  52  are generally cylindrical in shape with an obround cross-section. Each locking rib  46 ,  48  is a curved protuberance that extends circumferentially around the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20 . Each locking rib  46 ,  48  has a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of the outer collars  42 ,  44  and the inner collars  50 ,  52 . Locking rib  46  is called a female locking rib and locking rib  48  is called a male locking rib. 
     Referring still to FIG. 2, the first interlockable end connector portion  16  has a slightly larger cross-section than the cross-section of the second interlockable end connector portion  20 . That is, the cross-sections of outer collar  42  and inner collar  30  are larger than the cross-sections of outer collar  44  and inner collar  52 . In addition, female locking rib  46  has a larger cross-section than male locking rib  48 . The different-sized interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20  allow two downspout extensions to be coupled and held together to form a downspout extension assembly  12  such as is shown in FIG.  1 . This extension assembly capability will be more fully described below in reference to FIG.  10 . 
     In FIG. 2, it will be seen that the body portion  18  is between the interlockable end connector portions  16  and  20 . The body portion  18  comprises a plurality of collapsible corrugations  54 . The accordion-like collapsible corrugations  54  allow the downspout extension connector  10  to be extended or compressed to different lengths and allow the connector  10  to be bent and held in different positions. Thus, the downspout extension connector  10  of the present invention can be compressed and bent out of the way when necessary and can be bent to avoid certain objects. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, the downspout extension connector  10   a  is bent around bush  28 . In addition, the downspout extension connector  10  shown in FIG. 4 is bent to show its flexibility and locking ability. 
     Each collapsible corrugation  54  of the downspout extension connector  10  comprises a static side  56  and a movable side  58 . The static side  56  and the movable side  58  each have a generally frusto-conical shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the movable side  58  of each collapsible corrugation  54  is as far apart from the static side  56  as possible. When the movable side  58  of a collapsible corrugation  54  is as far apart from the static side  56  as possible, the collapsible corrugation is in an extended state. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the collapsible corrugations  54  can be in an extended state, a compressed state, or a halfway state. The collapsible corrugations  54   a  in FIG. 4 are in an extended state because the movable sides  58   a  are as far apart from the static sides  56   a  as possible. The collapsible corrugations  54   b  are in a compressed state because the movable sides  58   b  are as close to the static sides  56   b  as possible. The movable sides  58   b  of collapsible corrugations  54   b  are not visible in FIG. 4 because the collapsible corrugations  54   b  are in a compressed state. The collapsible corrugations  54   c  are in a halfway state, that is, part of each of the movable sides  58   c  is as close to the static sides  56   c  as possible and part of each of the movable sides is as far apart from the static side as possible. 
     FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a collapsible corrugation  54 . The static side  56  and movable side  58  meet at an apex  60 , with a reinforcing bead  64  protruding outwardly on the movable side  58  and extending circumferentially around the corrugation at the apex. The movable side  58  pivots about this apex  60  to either an extended state or compressed state. The movable side  58  is shown in an extended state in FIG. 5; the dashed line shows the movable side  58 ′ in a compressed state. The reinforcing bead  64  provides circumferential rigidity to the corrugations and permits the movable side  58  to move while resisting movement of the static side  56 . Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the length of the movable side  58  is shorter than the length of the static side  56 , which further facilitates movement of the movable side  58 . 
     Refer now to FIG. 6 for a view of downspout extension  10  taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  3 . The second rectangular gutter adapter portion  34  and the gripholds  40  are almost rectangular in the end view of FIG.  6 . The second transition region  38 , the male locking rib  48 , and the collapsible corrugation  54  are also shown. 
     FIG. 6 also shows various radii of curvature of the obround body portion. It is believed that the radii of curvature of the obround body have importance in forming flexible corrugations that extend, collapse, and are lockable. It is known, for example from the parent U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,701, that a downspout extension having a circular tubular body with corrugations that are circular in cross section can be made to extend, contract, and lock into position. However, the inventor is not aware of any collapsible lockable corrugations that have a more rectangular outer configuration to be more compatible with known gutter downspouts. As discussed above, it is an object of this invention to make a rainwater connector that has an outer configuration more rectangular in appearance, to be more aesthetically pleasing and compatible with the rectangular 3×4 and 2×3 inch gutter downspouts commonly found in the United States. The inventor has discovered that an obround configuration allows a more generally rectangular tubular body, with flexible corrugations that extend, collapse, and lock into position. 
     In this regard, FIG. 6 shows the various cross sectional curvatures as are found in preferred embodiments of the present invention. The obround body that forms apex  60  in this figure, which is considered generally rectangular, has eight (8) curved or arcuate segments, each with its own radius of curvature. The top and bottom (long) segments or sides have radii of curvature RT and RB, respectively; the left and right (short) sides or segments have radii of curvature RL and RR, respectively, and the corner segments have radii of curvature RC. 
     In obround configurations that are generally rectangular, the top and bottom radii RT and RB will be the same, and the left and right radii RL and RR will be the same, and the top and bottom radii RT and RB will be greater than the left and right radii RL and RR. The comer radii RC will typically be less than the top, bottom, left, and right radii RT, RB, RL, and RR for obround bodies that are generally rectangular. 
     In a preferred embodiment, each corrugation  54  has an inner obround cross section S that is typically smaller than the outer obround cross section that forms apex  60  as illustrated in FIG.  28 . Each inner obround section S has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the outer cross section forming apex  60 . The radii of curvature dimensions left, right, top, bottom, and corner) SLR, SRR, SRT, SRB, and SRC of the inner obround cross section correspond to the left, right, top, bottom, and corner LR, RR, RT, RB, and RC dimensions of the outer obround cross section forming apex  60 . 
     Still referring to FIG. 6, The centers for the top, bottom, left, and right radii RT, SRT, RB, SRB, RL, SRL, RR, and SRR dimensions are typically calculated after the centers for the corner curvature radii RC, SRC are determined. These centers for the top, bottom, left, and right radii RT, SRT, RB, SRB, RL, SRL, RR, and SRR dimensions are calculated by using at least two reference markers: The first reference marker is either the longitudinal center line LCL or width center line WCL. The second reference marker is a point where a continuous side can be made from a respective comer radius of curvature RC, SRC. For example, the center for the top radius of curvature RT is determined by taking a ray line RT having the predetermined length or radius RT and placing the center of this ray line RT along the width center line WCL. While the end or origin of the ray line remains on the width center line WCL, the arrow at the end of the ray line RT is placed on the last point of a comer radius of curvature RC. In this position, the origin of the ray line RT denotes the center of the radius of curvature RT. The ray line RT is rotated about its center and forms a side of the obround body having a radius of curvature RT. 
     L1 and W1 denote the distance between respective centers for comer curvature radii RC and SRC in length and width directions of the cross sections. LX1 and LX2 denote the distance between centers of curvature radii RC and SRC and a width center line WCL. Perpendicular to LX1 and LX2, WX1 and WX2 denote the distance between centers of curvature radii RC and SRC and a longitudinal center line LCL. L2 denotes the length dimension of the inner obround cross section S while L3 denotes the length dimension of the outer cross section forming apex  60 . Opposite to L2 and L3, W2 and W3 denote the width dimensions of the inner obround cross section S and outer cross section forming apex  60 , respectively. 
     The left and right curvature radii RL and RR of the outer obround cross section forming apex  60  fall within a preferred range of 4.200-5.300 inches while the left and right curvature radii SRL and SRR of the inner obround cross section S fall within a preferred range of 3.900-5.000 inches. The top and bottom curvature radii RT and RB of the outer obround cross section forming apex  60  fall within a preferred range of 8.600-9.700 inches while the top and bottom curvature radii SRT and SRB of the inner obround cross section S fall within a preferred range of 8.300-9.400 inches. The comer curvature radii RC the outer obround cross section forming apex  60  fall within a preferred range of 0.500-1.600 inches while the comer curvature radii SRC of the inner obround cross section S fall within a preferred range of 0.250-1.300 inches. 
     The preferred dimensions of two exemplary embodiments of molds forming the inner and outer obround cross sections of corrugations  54  are listed in Table 1 below. The actual dimensions of the obround cross sections for the corrugations  54  of the obround product are slightly less or substantially equal to the dimensions of the molds. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (Mold Dimensions of Annular Members for two Exemplary 
               
               
                 Embodiments) 
               
               
                 (in Inches) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Dimensions 
                 Example #1 
                 Example #2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 RL, RR 
                 4.780 
                 4.780 
               
               
                   
                 SRL, SRR 
                 4.482 
                 4.482 
               
               
                   
                 RT, RB 
                 9.159 
                 9.192 
               
               
                   
                 SRT, SRB 
                 8.861 
                 8.893 
               
               
                   
                 RC 
                 1.048 
                 1.081 
               
               
                   
                 SRC 
                 0.750 
                 0.782 
               
               
                   
                 LX1 
                 0.863 
                 0.863 
               
               
                   
                 LX2 
                 0.892 
                 0.892 
               
               
                   
                 L1 
                 1.755 
                 1.755 
               
               
                   
                 L2 
                 3.323 
                 3.366 
               
               
                   
                 L3 
                 3.919 
                 3.985 
               
               
                   
                 W1 
                 0.788 
                 0.788 
               
               
                   
                 W2 
                 2.358 
                 2.421 
               
               
                   
                 W3 
                 2.954 
                 3.020 
               
               
                   
                 WX1 
                 0.408 
                 0.408 
               
               
                   
                 WX2 
                 0.380 
                 0.380 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     While preferred dimensions of the molds for the obround corrugations  54  are provided above, the present invention is not limited to these dimensions and includes multiples of the dimensions disclosed. For example, the dimensions of the present invention can be scaled up or down as long as each obround body is both extendable and lockable. 
     For obround bodies that are closer to elliptical, for example as shown in FIG. 27, there may be no separate comer radii of curvature. In this case, the radii of curvature (RL, RR) for the left and right sides will be less than the radii of curvature (RT, RB) for the top and bottom sides. In spite of not having a clearly defmed corner radius in a generally elliptical configuration, the junctions between the shorter segments (RL, RR) and the longer segments (RT, RB) will effectively have a radius of curvature like that of a comer segment RC because of the transition between the different radii (RL, RR&lt;RT, RB). This effective comer radius of curvature should not be less than a predetermined minimum value in order to provide satisfactory locking but extendible corrugations. 
     It is believed that the comer radius RC (actual or effective) must have a predetermined minimum value greater than approximately ⅜ inch in order to have corrugations that satisfactorily extend, contract, and lock into position. It is also believed that there is a required proportion or relationship between the comer radii RT/RB, RL/RR, and RC, in order to provide satisfactory corrugation operation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exact proportions and dimensions of these radii of curvature must be determined on a case by case basis for the particular application. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the obround body of the present invention can be scaled up or down, depending on the intended application of the obround body forming the corrugations  54 . Dimensions of the obround bodies that form corrugations  54  and make the device lockable and extendable can be determined by empirical testing. Such dimensions found by empirical testing to facilitate the locking and extending functions of the obround bodies are not beyond the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 29, a partial side cross sectional view of corrugation  54  in an extended position. Corrugation  54  has a static side  56  and a moveable side  58  that intersect to form apex  60 . Apex  60  further includes a reinforcing bead  64  that has a radius of curvature R2. Between neighboring apexes  60 , there are valleys that have a radius of curvature R1. The distance between apexes  60  is denoted by D1 while the distance between an apex  60  and a valley is denoted by SL1. Similar to apexes  60 , each valley with curvature radius R1 is an intersection of the static side  56  and moveable side  58 . Each static side  56  has a predefined height H1 and a predefined angle A1 with respect to a vertical line while each moveable side  58  has a predefined height H2 and a predefined angle A2 or A3 with respect to a vertical line. 
     Preferred dimensional ranges for the mold forming the side cross section of corrugation  54  illustrated in FIG. 29 include the following: Each corrugation has a wall thickness T1 that falls within the preferred range of 0.007-0.050 inches. More specifically, the wall thickness T1 falls within the more preferred range of 0.012-0.015 inches. Each angle A1, A2, A3 falls within the preferred range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees. The separation distance D1 between respective apexes  60  preferably falls within the preferred range of 0.100-1.200 inches. The distance SL1 between valleys and apexes  60  falls within the preferred range of 0.100-0.500 inches. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the obround body of the present invention can be scaled up or down, depending on the intended application of the obround body forming the corrugations  54 . The dimensions of the obround bodies that form corrugations  54  must have magnitudes such that the device is both lockable and extendable. Therefore, any dimensions found by empirical testing to facilitate the locking and extending functions of the obround bodies are not beyond the scope of the present invention. 
     The preferred dimensions of one exemplary embodiment of a mold forming the side cross sectional view of corrugations  54  is listed in Table 2 below. The actual dimensions of the side cross sectional view for the corrugations  54  of the obround product are slightly less or substantially equal to the dimension of the mold. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 (Mold Dimensions for Side Cross Section of One Exemplary 
               
               
                 Embodiment) 
               
               
                 (in Inches/Degrees) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Value 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A1 
                 50.0 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                 A2 
                 43.9 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                 A3 
                 52.1 Degrees 
               
               
                   
                 R1 
                 0.007 
               
               
                   
                 R2 
                 0.044 
               
               
                   
                 H1 
                 0.298 
               
               
                   
                 H2 
                 0.233 
               
               
                   
                 D1 
                 0.667 
               
               
                   
                 SL1 
                 0.374 
               
               
                   
                 T1 
                 0.015 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     While preferred dimensions of side cross section of the obround corrugations  54  are provided above, the present invention is not limited to these dimensions and includes multiples of the dimensions disclosed. For example, the dimensions of the present invention can be scaled up or down as long as each obround body is both extendable and lockable. 
     While the dimensions of the inner and outer obround cross sections as well as the dimensions of the side cross section of the corrugations  54  facilitate collapsing thereof, sizing respective pairs of inner and outer obround cross sections relative to each other also enhances the collapsing of the structure as illustrated in FIG.  30 . In FIG. 30, respective pairs of inner and outer obround cross sections have obround cross sectional lengths L2 x , L3 x  that decrease or increase from one end to another end of the corrugations  54 . For example, in FIG. 30 the pair of obround cross sections having lengths L2 1 , L3 1  are substantially greater in magnitude relative to the pair of obround cross sections having lengths L2 2 , L3 2  in order to permit the collapsing of obround cross sections having lengths L2 2 , L3 2  into the pair of obround cross sections having lengths L2 1 , L3 1 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a view of downspout extension connector  10  taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 3 is shown. The first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  and gripholds  40  are shown in FIG.  7 . The female locking rib  46  and a collapsible corrugation  54  can also be seen. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, a detailed side view of the second selectively removable adapter portion  22  and the second interlockable end connector portion  20  is shown. 
     FIG. 9 shows a detailed side view of the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  and the first interlockable end connector portion  16 . As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  is larger than the second selectively removable adapter portion  22 . Also, the first interlockable end connector portion  16  has a slightly larger cross-section than the second interlockable end connector portion  20 . As previously mentioned, the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  is of a different size than the second selectively removable adapter portion  22  so that first rectangular gutter adapter portion  32  will fit around a standard downspout of one size and second rectangular gutter adapter portion  34  will fit around a standard downspout of a smaller size. Another reason for the different-sized selectively removable adapter portions  14 ,  22  is so that the first selectively removable adapter portion  14  of a first downspout extension can be connected to the second selectively removable adapter portion  22  of a second downspout extension to form a downspout extension assembly. However, the preferred method of connecting two downspout extension connectors  10  to form a downspout extension assembly is to remove the selectively removable adapter portions  14  and  22 , as will be discussed below in reference to FIG.  10 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 10A, the second selectively removable adapter portion  22   a  and second end connector portion  20   a  of a downspout extension connector  10   a  is shown. The first selectively removable adapter portion  14   b  and first end connector portion  16   b  of downspout extension connector  10   b  is also shown in FIG.  10 A. 
     To form a downspout extension assembly, the selectively removable adapter portions  22   a  and  14   b  are removed from downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b , respectively, as shown in FIG.  10 B. Preferably this is done by using an appropriate cutting tool along the cutlines  30   a  and  30   b . The thin cross-sectional thickness of the cutlines  30   a  and  30   b  facilitates the removal of the selectively removable adapter portions  22   a  and  14   b . As shown in FIG. 10B, a razor blade  62  can be used to remove the selectively emovable adapter portions  22   a  and  14   b . However, other appropriate cutting tools, such as knives, saws, etc. can be used to remove the selectively removable adapter portions  22   a  and  14   b.    
     Referring now to FIG. 10C, the first end connector portion  16   b  and second end connector portion  20   a  are connected together by slipping the larger first end connector portion  16   b  around the smaller second end connector portion  20   a  until male locking rib  48   a  locks into female locking rib  46   b . This completes the connection of downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  to form a downspout extension  12  such as is shown in side cross-sectional view in FIG.  10 D. 
     Referring to FIG. 10D, the first outer collar  42   b  surrounds the second inner collar  52   a . The female locking rib  46   b  surrounds the male locking rib  48   a . The first inner collar  50   b  surrounds the second outer collar  44   a . The raised male locking rib  48   a  prevents the first outer collar  42   b  and first inner collar  50   b  from moving axially away from or towards downspout extension connector  10   a . Thus, downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b  are held together. To disconnect the downspout extension connectors  10   a  and  10   b , the downspout extensions are pulled apart using axial force until the locking ribs  46   b  and  48   a  unlock from each other. Also, the plastic second end connector portion  20   a  can be squeezed slightly to deform the second end connector portion  20   a  and the second end connector portion  20   a  can be slid out of the first end connector portion  16   b.    
     It should be noted that any number of downspout extension connectors  10  can be connected in the manner described above to form a downspout extension assembly of whatever length is required by the user. 
     The downspout extension connector  10  is preferably formed by the following process. A plastic liquid is extruded into a generally cylindrical die. Before the plastic sets, a mold corresponding to the shape of the downspout extension connector  10  clamps around the extruded cylindrical piece and forms or molds the downspout extension connector  10 . Thus, preferably, the downspout extension connector  10  is extruded as one piece of plastic. 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, a downspout extension connector  100  constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 11A is a top view of downspout extension connector  100 , while FIG. 11B is a side view of the downspout extension connector. Downspout extension connector  100  includes an obround adjustable body portion  118  including collapsible corrugations, and outer cuffs  111 . Body portion  118  is similar to body portion  18  described above. At one end of body portion  118  is a cuff  111  comprising an interlockable end connector portion  116 . At the opposite end of adjustable portion  118  is a cuff comprising an interlockable end connector portion  120 . Interlockable end connector portions  116 ,  120  are similar to the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20  described above. 
     Axially adjacent to interlockable end connector portions  116 ,  120  are transition regions  136 . Transition regions  136  are similar to transition region  36  described above. Transition regions  136  are separated from interlockable end connector portions  116 ,  120  by cutlines  130 . Cutlines  130  are similar to cutlines  30  described above. 
     Transition regions  136  gradually transition from the obround cross-section of the body  118  adjacent the interlockable end connector portions  116 ,  120  to a rectangular cross-section adjacent a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132 . The large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132  is axially adjacent to each of the transition regions  136 . Large rectangular gutter adapter portions  132  are similar to gutter adapter portion  32  described above. Typically, each of the large rectangular gutter adapter portions has a height of three inches and a width of four inches to snugly fit around a downspout of the same or similar dimensions. 
     Axially adjacent to each large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132  is an adapter-to-adapter transition region  170 . Each large rectangular gutter adapter portion is separated from the adapter-to-adapter transition region  170  by a cutline  180 . Adapter-to-adapter transition region  170  connects the rectangular opening of large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132  to an end of a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  134 . Small rectangular gutter adapter portions  134  are similar to gutter adapter portion  34  described above. Typically, each of the small rectangular gutter adapter portions has a height of two inches and a width of three inches to snugly fit around a downspout of the same or similar dimensions. 
     Thus, from the description given above in reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, it should be understood that downspout extension connector  100  may be cut along cutlines  130  so that a downspout extension assembly may be formed as described above in reference to FIG.  10 . It should still be further understood that downspout extension connector  100  may be cut along cutline  180  to remove the adapter-to-adapter transition region  170  and small rectangular gutter adapter portion  134 . Thus, using cutlines  180 , three possible states are possible for downspout extension connector  100 : (1) each end of downspout extension connector  100  is a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  134  (no cutting along cutlines  180 ), (2) one end of downspout extension connector  100  is a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  134  and the other end is a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132  (cutting along one of cutlines  180 ), and (3) each end of downspout extension connector  100  is a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  132  (cutting along both cutlines  180 ). 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, a downspout extension connector  200  in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 12A is a top view of downspout extension connector  200 , while FIG. 12B is a side view of the downspout extension connector. Downspout extension connector  200  includes adjustable portion  218  including collapsible corrugation. Adjustable portion  218  is similar to adjustable portion  18  described above. At one end of adjustable portion  218  is a cuff  211  comprising an interlockable end connector portion  216 . At the opposite end of adjustable portion  218  is a cuff  211  comprising an interlockable end connector portion  220 . Interlockable end connector portions  216 ,  220  are similar to the interlockable end connector portions  16 ,  20  described above. 
     Axially adjacent to interlockable end connector portions  216 ,  220  is a transition region  238 . Transition region  238  is similar to transition region  38  described above. The transition regions  238  are separated from interlockable end connector portions  216 ,  220  by cutlines  230 . Cutlines  230  are similar to cutlines  30  described above. 
     Transition regions  238  gradually transition from an obround cross-section adjacent the interlockable end connector portions  216 ,  220  to a rectangular cross-section adjacent a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234 . The small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234  is axially adjacent to each of the transition regions  238 . Small rectangular gutter adapter portions  234  are similar to gutter adapter portion  34  described above. Typically, each of the small rectangular gutter adapter portions has a height of two inches and a width of three inches to snugly fit around a downspout of the same or similar dimensions. 
     Axially adjacent to each small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234  is an adapter-to-adapter transition region  270 . Each small rectangular gutter adapter portion is separated from the adapter-to-adapter transition region  270  by a cutline  280 . Adapter-to-adapter transition region  270  connects the rectangular opening of small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234  to an end of a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  232 . Large rectangular gutter adapter portions  232  are similar to gutter adapter portion  32  described above. Typically, each of the large rectangular gutter adapter portions has a height of three inches and a width of four inches to snugly fit around a downspout of the same or similar dimensions. 
     Thus, from the description given above in reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, it should be understood that downspout extension connector  200  may be cut along cutlines  230  so that a downspout extension assembly may be formed as described above in reference to FIG.  10 . It should still be further understood that downspout extension connector  200  may be cut along cutline  280  to remove the adapter-to-adapter transition region  270  and large rectangular gutter adapter portion  232 . Thus, using cutlines  280 , three possible states are possible for downspout extension connector  200 : (1) each end of downspout extension connector  200  is a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  232  (no cutting along cutlines  280 ), (2) one end of downspout extension connector  200  connector is a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234  and the other end is a large rectangular gutter adapter portion  232  (cutting along one of cutlines  280 ), and (3) each end of downspout extension  200  is a small rectangular gutter adapter portion  234  (cutting along both cutlines  280 ). 
     FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, a repositionable elbow connector  300 . In particular, FIG. 13 illustrates two interlocked repositionable elbow connectors  300   a  and  300   b  attached to a gutter  22  and interlocking with rectangular downspout portions  324   a  and  324   b  to form a downspout assembly  310  associated with the building  26 . Although the downspout assembly  310  is shown in FIG. 13 as made up of two downspout portions  324 , with portion  324   a  being relatively short, a downspout assembly may be made up of any number of downspout portions, and of different lengths. For example, FIG. 14 shows an alternative downspout assembly  310 ′ illustrating a side view of the two interlocked repositionable elbow connectors  300   a  and  300   b  attached to the gutter  22  and forming the downspout assembly  310 ′ of the building  26 , where the downspout portion  324   a  is of much greater length than as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     The elbow connector  300   a  is connected to the gutter  22  running along the length of the overhang portion of the roof of building  26 . Rainwater from the roof of building  26  flows from the roof into gutter  22 . Because of a slight decline in the direction of the downspout assembly  310 , the force of gravity will cause the rainwater to travel down the decline, through the elbow connector  300   a , the downspout portion  324   a , the elbow connector  300   b , and the downspout portion  324   b , and then exit from the opening of the downspout adjacent the ground. 
     Each elbow connector  300   a  and  300   b  has an elongate, generally obround body portion  330  and outer cuffs  311  comprising first and second ends  331  and  332 , respectively. A cross-sectional view of the body portion  330  is shown in FIG.  23 . The body portion  330  also comprises a plurality of collapsible corrugations  334  which are similar to the collapsible corrugations  54  described above. The accordion-like collapsible corrugations  334  allow the elbow connectors,  300   a  and  300   b , to be extended or compressed into different selectable lengths and to be bent and locked in different angular positions. Thus, the elbow connectors  300   a ,  300   b  of the present invention can be extended, compressed, and bent as necessary to align the downspout assembly against the building  26 . 
     The elbow connector  300  is preferably formed by the following process. A plastic liquid is extruded into a generally cylindrical die. Before the plastic sets, a mold corresponding to the shape of the elbow connector clamps around the extruded obround body portion and forms or molds the elbow connector. Thus, preferably, the elbow connector is extruded as one piece of plastic. 
     The elbow connector  300  shown in FIGS. 15-18 is bent to show its flexibility and locking ability. In order to have flexibility and locking ability, each collapsible corrugation  334  comprises a lockable annular member defmed by a static side  336 , a movable side  338 , and a reinforcing bead  364  extending circumferentially about the corrugation (see FIG.  22 ). The static side  336  and the movable side  338  each have a generally frusto-conical shape. The movable side  338  of each collapsible corrugation  334  is as far apart from the static side  336  as possible. When the movable side  338  of a collapsible corrugation  334  is as far apart from the static side  336  as possible, the collapsible corrugation is in an extended state. 
     Referring to FIG. 14, it will be seen that the collapsible corrugations  334  can be in an extended state, a compressed state, or a halfway state. The corrugations of elbow  300   b  which are in an extended state are designated with the reference numeral  334   a , the corrugations which are in the compressed state are designated with the reference  334   b , and the corrugations which are in the halfway state are designated with the reference numeral  334   c.    
     The collapsible corrugations  334   a  in FIG. 14 are in an extended state because the movable sides  338   a  are as far apart from the static sides  336   a  as possible. The collapsible corrugations  334   b  are in a compressed state because the movable sides  338   b  are as close to the static sides  336   b  as possible. The movable sides  338   b  of collapsible corrugations  334   b  are not visible in FIG. 14 because the collapsible corrugations  334   b  are in a compressed state. The collapsible corrugations  334   c  are in a halfway state, that is, part of each of the movable sides  338   c  is as close to the static sides  336   c  as possible and part of each of the movable sides  338   c  is as far apart from the static side  336   c  as possible. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of a straightened elbow connector  300  in the extended state. FIG. 20 illustrates the side view of the elbow connector shown in FIG.  19 . FIG. 21 illustrates the body portion  330  and its collapsible corrugations  334 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 22, an enlarged view of a collapsible corrugation  334  is shown. The static side  336  and movable side  338  meet at an apex  350 , with a reinforcing bead  364  protruding outwardly on the movable side  338 . The movable side  338  pivots about this apex  350  to either an extended state or a compressed state. In FIG. 22, the movable side  338  is shown in an extended state and a dashed-line movable side  338 ′ is shown in a compressed state. As in other embodiments the bead  364  provides circumferential rigidity for the lockable, extendible, collapsible corrugations. 
     The cuffs  311  of the preferred elbow connector  300  include first and second end connector portions  351  and  352 . The first end connector portion  351  is affixed to the first end  331  of the body portion  330  and the second end connector  352  is affixed to the second end  332  of the body portion  330 . The end connector portions  351 ,  352  are generally rectangular in cross-section. FIG. 24 illustrates a view of end connector portion  351  taken along line  24 — 24  of FIG.  19 . 
     Preferably, the first end connector portion  351  is of slightly larger rectangular dimension than the second end connector portion  352  to allow a second end connector portion  352  to be coupled to a first end connector portion by sliding insertion and engagement. Furthermore, both end connector portions  351 ,  352  are preferably ribbed, as best seen in FIG. 24, so as to present an appearance matching that of many commonly found gutters downspouts. 
     Between the first end connector portion  351  and the first end  331  of the body portion  330  is a first transition region  361  and between the second end connector portion  352  and the second end  332  of the body portion  330  is a second transition region  362 . The transition regions  361 ,  362  have a generally rectangular cross-section adjacent the end connector portions  351 ,  352  and transition in cross-section to a generally obround cross-section adjacent the body portion  330 . That is, the transition regions  361  and  362  change from the obround cross-section of the body portion  330  to the rectangular cross-section of the end connector portions  351  and  352 . 
     As mentioned, the first end connector portion  351  has a slightly larger cross-section than the cross-section of the second end connector  352 . However, the periphery of the end connectors  351  and  352  are otherwise identically shaped. The different-sized end connector portions allow the downspout portions  324   a  and  324   b  to be connected and held together to form a downspout assembly  310  as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The first end connector portion  351  is commonly referred to as female and the second end connector portion  352  is commonly referred to as male. Therefore, the end connector portion  351  is sized to fit around the exterior of an end of a standard downspout portion or gutter with the end of the downspout or gutter abutting the transition portion  362  and the end connector portion  352  is sized to fit within the interior of an end of a standard downspout portion. However, when adjoining two elbow connectors directly together, the female end connector portion  351  of one elbow connector fits over the transition portion  362  as well as the male connector portion  352  of the other elbow connector. 
     The elbow connector  300  also can include mounting holes (not shown) on the sides of each of the rectangular end connector portions  351  and  352  so that the elbow connector can be fixably mounted to a downspout portion and/or gutter with suitable mounting means, such as screws, bolts or the like. 
     FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate an alternative elbow connector  300 ′ having a generally elliptical body portion  370 , which, as discussed above, is considered obround. The body is generally elliptical in that it has an elliptical overall appearance, but may not be a true ellipse. Rather, and as shown in FIG. 27, the body has two curved long sides  380 ,  382  having similar curvature, and two curved shorter sides  386 ,  388  having similar curvature. 
     As in other embodiments, the body portion  370  of the elbow connector  300 ′ comprises a plurality of collapsible corrugations  372  which operate in a manner similar to the collapsible corrugations  54  and  334  described above. The elbow connector  321  includes transition regions  381  and  382  and end connector portions  391  and  392 . Each transition region  381 ,  382  has an obround cross-section adjacent to the body portion  370  and a generally rectangular cross-section adjacent to the rectangular end connector portions  391  and  392 . 
     Given the foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiment and design parameters for the present invention, other embodiments of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the claims below.