Abstract:
An apparatus for and method of diverting water is provided. The apparatus includes a contoured bottom configured to engage a roofing surface, a backwall extending from the contoured bottom and first and second sidewalls extending from the contoured bottom. The method involves using the apparatus to engage a roofing surface, receive a flow of water, direct the flow of water, and drain the flow of water through an opening.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present specification relates generally to water diverters, and more particularly to an apparatus for diverting water to a location or around obstacles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Roofing structures can be sloped so that water, such as rainwater, can flow off the roof into a gutter system or directly onto the ground. This reduces the accumulation of water on the roof, which can lead to leaks as water permeates through the roofing structure. Accordingly, the sloped roofing structure serves to remove water from the roof. 
         [0003]    Roofing structures often include valleys. In the valley areas of a sloped roofing structure, water is collected from two or more sloped roofing planes or elevations, causing a large volume of water to flow down the valley and into a gutter system, directly onto a lower elevation of the sloped roofing structure, or directly off the roof. In some roofing structures, the valleys can include flashing material extending the length of the valley. The outer edges of the flashing material would also typically be overlapped with the roofing material, such as asphalt shingles, sheet metal, slate, or clay tiles. 
         [0004]    Roofing structures also generally have protrusions along a plane. For example, protrusions can include structural walls, chimneys, skylights, mechanical equipment, frames, vents, or any other device or elements that are mounted onto or built into the sloped roofing structure. As water flows down a sloped roofing plane, the protrusions will impede the flow of water causing water to collect against the protrusion and eventually flow around it. 
         [0005]    When the flow of water through the valley is heavy, such as from a heavy rainfall, the water can overflow, overshoot, or bypass the gutter system. This causes a condition where water flows directly to the ground and potentially onto people. Alternatively, the falling water can cause damage and/or excessive wear and tear or erosion of property or ground below the valley. For example, the flow of water from the valley can discharge directly onto the ground or a lower elevation roofing material causing unsightly staining or premature aging and deterioration of the surface and possible rotting of the substructure below the surface. Similarly, excessive water flow against the wall of a protrusion will accelerate the degradation of the element that protrudes from the roofing structure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for diverting water. The apparatus includes a contoured bottom configured to engage a roofing surface. The apparatus further includes a backwall extending from the contoured bottom. The back wall is disposed at a downstream end of the contoured bottom and having an opening for water to pass therethrough. In addition, the apparatus includes a first sidewall extending from the contoured bottom. The apparatus also includes a second sidewall extending from the contoured bottom. The second sidewall is opposite the first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are configured to direct a flow of water through the opening. 
         [0007]    The apparatus may also include a top cover connected to the first side wall, second sidewall and the backwall to form cavity for receiving the flow of water. 
         [0008]    The backwall may be contoured to direct the flow of water toward the opening. 
         [0009]    The apparatus may also include a base flange extending from the contoured bottom. The base flange may be configured to attached to the roofing surface to reduce leakage. 
         [0010]    The base flange may be configured to be inserted under roofing material. 
         [0011]    The roofing material may be flashing. 
         [0012]    The roofing material may be asphalt shingles. 
         [0013]    The apparatus may also include a screen extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the screen is configured to stop debris from reaching the opening. 
         [0014]    The screen may be removeable for cleaning. 
         [0015]    The apparatus may also include a drainpipe connected to the opening extending away from the backwall. 
         [0016]    The drainpipe may include an elbow for changing the direction of the flow of water. 
         [0017]    The drainpipe may divert water into a gutter system. 
         [0018]    The drainpipe may divert water into a downspout of the gutter system. 
         [0019]    The contoured bottom, the backwall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall may be formed from a unitary molded structure. 
         [0020]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of diverting water. The method involves engaging a roofing surface with a contoured bottom. The method also involves receiving a flow of water over the contoured bottom. In addition, the method involves directing the flow of water to a backwall using a first sidewall extending from the contoured bottom a second sidewall extending from the contoured bottom. The second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The method further involves draining water through an opening in a backwall, the backwall extending from the contoured bottom and disposed at a downstream end of the contoured bottom. 
         [0021]    The method may also involve directing the flow of water toward the opening using contours of the backwall. 
         [0022]    Engaging the roof surface may involve inserting a base flange under roofing material, the base flange extending from the contoured bottom. 
         [0023]    The method may also involve stopping debris from reaching the opening using a screen. 
         [0024]    The method may involve changing the direction of the flow of water using a drainpipe. 
         [0025]    Changing the direction may divert the flow of water into a gutter system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a roofing structure with an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 2 a - b    are perspective views of the apparatus in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another roofing structure with an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4 a - b    are perspective views of the apparatus in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another roofing structure with an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a representation of a roofing structure is generally shown at  20  with an apparatus  50  for diverting water into a drainpipe  55 . It is to be understood that the roofing structure  20  is purely exemplary and that it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of roofing structures are contemplated where water can be diverted. In the present embodiment, the roofing structure  20  includes a surface having planes  22  and  24 . The plane  22  slopes downward toward a gutter  26  for collecting water. The plane  22  is connected to plane  24  to form a valley covered by flashing  28 . In other embodiments, the roofing structure  20  can be different and include more or less valleys as well as different orientations or numbers of the planes. In further embodiments, the roofing structure  20  can be modified to include curved surfaces instead of planes as well. 
         [0036]    In the present embodiment, the planes  22  and  24  are generally configured to provide shelter and shield the space under the roofing structure  20  from the elements, which can include rain and other forms of precipitation. The planes  22  and  24  are sloped to allow any water falling on the roofing structure  20  to flow off the roofing structure  20  and into the gutter  26  or otherwise off the planes  22  and  24 . In terms of providing shelter, the roofing structure  20  is mechanically engineered to support the weight of the roofing structure  20  as well as any additional weight to which the roofing structure  20  may be subjected, such as additional components like solar panels, skylights, and vent fans. The materials from which the planes  22  and  24  are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the surface of the planes  22  and  24  are asphalt shingles. In other embodiments, the planes can be sheet metal, slate, clay tiles, galvanized metal, rustproof metal, corrosion resistant metal, molded resin-impregnated fiberglass, polymer, compressed-molded polymer, copper, molded ceramic or other material used for roofing. 
         [0037]    The flashing  28  is generally configured to protect the joint between the planes  22  and  24  from water penetration.  FIG. 1  illustrates an open valley design where the flashing  28  is placed directly over the joint and the asphalt shingles overlap the edge of the flashing  28 . It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that other designs are contemplated. For example, the flashing  28  can be substituted with asphalt shingles placed over the valley in a closed valley design. The flashing  28  is not particularly limited and can include flashing made from a wide variety materials. In the present embodiment, the flashing  28  is a metal flashing such as aluminum, lead, copper, stainless steel, or zinc alloy. In other embodiments, the flashing  28  can be plastic, rubber or impregnated paper or omitted in closed valley designs. 
         [0038]    The gutter  26  is generally configured to collect water flowing down from the plane  22 . The gutter is not particularly limited and can include many different designs and materials. For example, the gutter  26  can be made from aluminum, sheet metal, or plastic. The gutter  26  is part of a gutter system typically leads to a downspout (not shown) where water collected in the gutter  26  is drained, for example, to the ground. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , an embodiment of the apparatus  50  for diverting water is shown in greater detail. It is to be understood that the apparatus  50  is purely exemplary and that it will be apparent to a person of skill in the art that variations are contemplated including other embodiments described in greater detail below. The apparatus  50  includes a contoured bottom  60 , a backwall  65 , and sidewalls  70  and  75  opposite of each other. 
         [0040]    The contoured bottom  60  is generally configured to engage the surface of the roofing structure  20 . In the present embodiment, the contoured bottom  60  is configured to engage the flashing  28  such that the apparatus  50  can collect water flowing down along the flashing  28 . In particular, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill that the contoured bottom  60  is designed to engage the surface as flush as possible so that water would flow into the funnel portion of the apparatus  50  instead of through gaps under the contoured bottom  60 . It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the exact shape of the contoured bottom  60  is not particularly limited. For example, the angle of the valley between the planes  22  and  24  can vary and be any value. Accordingly, the contoured bottom  60  can be custom designed to fit any flashing design. In other embodiments, the contoured bottom  60  can engage another portion of the roofing surface such as in front of a protrusion as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the contoured bottom  60  can be designed with a finite number of standard shapes, such as flashing angles, for easy installation in common roofing structure  20  designs. 
         [0041]    The backwall  65  extends from the contoured bottom  60  and is disposed at the downstream end of the contoured bottom  60  when water is flowing over the contoured bottom  60 . In the present embodiment, the backwall  65  is substantially straight and perpendicular to the contoured bottom  60 ; however, it is to be appreciated that the exact angle of the backwall  65  is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the backwall  65  can be configured to be at a smaller or larger angles. In other embodiments, the backwall  65  can be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the ground or vertical (i.e. aligned with the force of gravity) when the apparatus  50  is installed on a sloped roofing structure  20 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, the backwall  65  can be contoured or curved to direct the flow of water toward an opening  80 . 
         [0042]    In the present embodiment, the backwall  65  further includes an opening  80  for water to flow therethrough. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the opening  80  is not particularly limited and can include a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the opening can be a square, rectangle or circle configured to mate with standard drainpipes. In the present embodiment, the opening  80  is a simple hole configured to receive and connect the optional drainpipe  55 , which extends away from the backwall  65  such that water flows through the drainpipe  55  to the gutter  26  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0043]    In the present embodiment, the optional drainpipe  55  can then be connected to the opening  80  using a friction fit, adhesives, mechanical, or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the drainpipe  55  can also be molded as part of the apparatus  50 . The drainpipe  55  of the present embodiment is an elbow in the present embodiment and can be either custom designed, or a standard part available from retail stores. It is appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the elbow can be configured to change the direction of the flow of water. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the elbow receives water flowing along the flashing  28  in the valley and redirects the flow into the gutter  26 . In other examples, the optional drainpipe  55  can be used to divert water directly into the downspout (not shown) of the gutter system. 
         [0044]    In other embodiments, the opening  80  can include a coupling mechanism to couple with hosing or another drainpipe. For example, the opening  80  can have a threaded connector, a quick connect connector, or any other type of suitable connector. 
         [0045]    The sidewalls  70  and  75  extend from the contoured bottom  60  and are opposite of each other as shown in  FIG. 2 a   . In the present embodiment, the sidewalls  70  and  75  are generally parallel to each other, but it is appreciated that other configurations are contemplated. For example, the sidewalls  70  and  75  can form a wedge shape to funnel water toward the opening  80 . In general, the sidewalls  70  and  75  are generally configured to direct a flow of water toward the backwall  65  and subsequently through the opening  80 . 
         [0046]    In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50  further includes an optional top cover  85  connected to the sidewalls  70  and  75  as well as the backwall  65  to form a cavity for receiving a flow of water. It is to be appreciated that the top cover  85  forms a funnel-like structure that is generally configured to receive water at a large opening and direct the water to pass through the opening  80 , which is generally smaller. It will become apparent to a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the optional top cover  85  provides additional protection for the apparatus  50 . For example, the top cover  85  can protect the apparatus from debris such as leaves that may fall onto the contoured bottom  60  and clog the opening  80 . In addition, the top cover  85  can reduce likelihood of overloading the apparatus and having water spill over the backwall  65  and/or the sidewalls  70  and  75 . 
         [0047]    Furthermore, the present embodiment also includes an optional base flange  90  that extends from the contoured bottom  60 . The base flange  90  is generally configured to attach to the surface of the roofing structure  20  to further reduce water leakage underneath the contoured bottom  60 . For example, the base flange  90  can be inserted underneath roofing material such as the flashing  28  or asphalt shingles. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that by overlapping the base flange  90  with the flashing  28  or asphalt shingles, any water flowing toward the apparatus  50  will flow from the roofing material to over the base flange  90  and subsequently over the contoured bottom  60  and through the opening  80 . It is to be understood that the material of the base flange  90  is not particularly limited to any specific material and that several materials are contemplated. Some suitable materials include the same materials used for the contoured bottom  60 , such as various plastics or metal. It is to be appreciated that the base flange  90  can be a separate part connected to the contoured bottom  60  or an extension of the contoured bottom  60 . 
         [0048]    In use, the present embodiment of the invention is generally configured to collect flowing water and divert the flowing water into the gutter. The apparatus  50  receives the flowing water from a valley on the roofing structure between the sidewalls  70  and  75  and allows the water to flow over the contoured bottom  60  to the backwall  65 . The backwall  65  slows the flow of water, but allows the water to flow through the opening at a controlled rate into the optional drainpipe  55  in a controlled manner. 
         [0049]    It is to be re-emphasized that the structure shown in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    is a non-limiting representation only and that variations are contemplated. For example, it is to be appreciated that one or more components, such as the contoured bottom  60 , the backwall  65 , the sidewalls  70  and  75 , the top cover  85 , and the base flange  90  can be formed as a single unitary piece. For example, the entire apparatus  50  can be formed using injection molding, compression molding, or other forming techniques. Alternatively, each of the contoured bottom  60 , the backwall  65 , the sidewalls  70  and  75 , the top cover  85 , and the base flange  90  can be individually formed and joined together using adhesives or other fasteners. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that the material used for any of the components of the apparatus  50  is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50  is constructed from a plastic, such as a polymer. Other suitable materials include metals, such as gavalnized metal, rustproof metal, corrosion resistant metals, molded resin-impregnated fiberglass, copper, ceramic materials, and clay. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a representation of another roofing structure is generally shown at  30  with apparatus  50   a - 1  and apparatus  50   a - 2  (generically, these apparatus are referred to herein as “apparatus  50   a ” and collectively they are referred to as “apparatus  50   a ”, this nomenclature is used elsewhere in this description) having drainpipes  55   a - 1  and  55   a - 2 , respectively, for diverting water around a protrusion  32 . Like components of the apparatus  50   a - 1  and apparatus  50   a - 2  bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus  50 , except followed by the suffix “a”. In the present embodiment, the roofing structure  30  includes a surface  34 . The surface  34  slopes downward toward gutters  36 - 1  and  36 - 2  for collecting water as well as the protrusion  32 , which in this case is a wall of a chimney. 
         [0051]    In the present embodiment, the surface  34  slopes toward the protrusion  32 . During precipitation, water would generally flow toward the protrusion  32  and against the wall. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the force of the flow of water would accelerated the wear on the wall of the protrusion  32 . In addition, the wall of the protrusion  32  forms a joint with the surface  34  which may be susceptible to water penetration when exposed to water flow over long periods of time. 
         [0052]    The apparatus  50   a - 1  and apparatus  50   a - 2  are placed adjacent to each other in the present embodiment to cover a wider area in front of the protrusion  32 . It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art that although two apparatus  50   a - 1  and  50   a - 2  are used to span the width of the protrusion  32  in the present example, a single apparatus of sufficient width can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, more than two apparatus can be used if the protrusion  32  was wider than two of the apparatus  50   a.    
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , an embodiment of the apparatus  50   a - 1  and apparatus  50   a - 2  for diverting water is shown in greater detail. The apparatus  50   a - 1  includes a contoured bottom  60   a - 1 , a backwall  65   a - 1  having an opening  80   a - 1 , and sidewalls  70   a - 1  and  75   a - 1  opposite of each other. In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50   a - 1  also includes the optional top cover  85   a - 1  and the optional base flange  90   a - 1 . The apparatus  50   a - 2  includes a contoured bottom  60   a - 2 , a backwall  65   a - 2  having an opening  80   a - 2 , and sidewalls  70   a - 2  and  75   a - 2  opposite of each other. In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50   a - 2  also includes the optional top cover  85   a - 2  and the optional base flange  90   a - 2 . 
         [0054]    In use, the present embodiment of the invention is generally configured to collect flowing water and divert the flowing water around the protrusion  32  and into the gutters  36 - 1  and  36 - 2 . The apparatus  50   a - 1  and apparatus  50   a - 2  each receives the flowing water from the surface  34  of the roofing structure  30  and redirects it to the gutters  36 - 1  and  36 - 2 , respectively. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of the apparatus  50   b  for diverting water is shown. Like components of the apparatus  50   b  bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus  50 , except followed by the suffix “b”. The apparatus  50   b  includes similar features as the apparatus  50  including sidewalls  70   b  and  75   b  opposite of each other, the optional top cover  85   b , and the optional base flange  90   b . As shown, the apparatus  50   b  is also connected to a drainpipe  55   b . In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50   b  also includes a screen  95   b  that extends between the sidewall  70   b  to the sidewall  75   b  and from top cover  85   b  to base flange  90   b  covering the entire opening. 
         [0056]    The screen  95   b  is generally configured to stop debris from reaching the opening on the backwall (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). In the present embodiment, the screen  95   b  is also removeable to provide for easy cleaning of the screen  95   b  as well as the apparatus  50   b . The manner by which the screen  95   b  is secured to the apparatus is not particularly limited. For example, the screen can be secured using removeable clips, magnets, or fasteners such as screws or bolts. In other embodiment, the screen  95   b  can be permanently attached to the other parts of the apparatus  50   b  using adhesives or be unitarily formed with sidewalls  70   b  and  75   b.    
         [0057]    It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description would recognize that the materials from which the screen  95   b  is made is not particularly limited. The screen  95   b  would need to be constructed from a weatherproof material with sufficient mechanical strength to stop debris from entering the apparatus  50   b . Some examples of suitable materials include metal, and plastic. In addition, the size of the holes in the screen  95   b  is not particularly limited. It is to be understood that the size of the holes can also vary depending on the specific environment where the apparatus is to be deployed and the size of the expected debris. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a representation of another roofing structure is generally shown at  40  with apparatus  50   c  having a drainpipes  55   c  for diverting water around a protrusion  42 . Like components of the apparatus  50   c  bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus  50   b - 2 , except followed by the suffix “c”. In the present embodiment, the roofing structure  40  includes a surface  44 . The surface  44  slopes downward toward gutter  46  for collecting water as well as a portion of the protrusion  42 , which in this case is a wall of a chimney. It is to be appreciated that the apparatus  50   c  functions substantially similar to the apparatus  50   b - 2 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of the apparatus  50   d  for diverting water is shown. Like components of the apparatus  50   d  bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus  50 , except followed by the suffix “d”. The apparatus  50   d  includes similar features as the apparatus  50  including a backwall  65   d , sidewall  75   d , the optional top cover  85   d , and the optional base flange  90   d . In the present embodiment, the apparatus  50   b  also includes a flexible drainpipe  55   d . The flexible drainpipe  55   d  is generally configured to provide an adjustable diverter where the water can be diverted to various locations. 
         [0060]    Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is the ability to direct water into a gutter system without overflowing the gutter system that receives a substantial amount of water from an angle. In addition, the invention can reduce excessive wear and tear, such as staining, discoloring, and premature aging, on various roofing structures or property below roofing structures caused by excessive water flow or erosion. 
         [0061]    While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims.