Abstract: A downspout water conservation diversion adaptor is provided for insertion within the lower part of an upstanding downspout and is selectively operable to divert water flowing downward through the downspout laterally outwardly of the adaptor and along a building wall outwardly beyond which a roof eaves projects for irrigation of ground vegetation disposed beneath the eaves. The adaptor is constructed to automatically bypass excess water flowing downwardly to the adaptor, in excess of that water which may be laterally outwardly directed from the adaptor, in a manner such that the excess water is discharged from the bottom of the downspout.

Abstract: A self-righting gutter system for a structure. Supports mounted to the structure support a gutter. The gutter can rotate from a first water collecting position to a second cleaning position and self-rights to the first water collecting position. The gutter has a greater thickness along a longitudinal axis thereof. The gutter may be rotated, for example, by using a cable, connected to the gutter or by using a properly weighted pole with a hook by standing on the ground. The gutter returns to the water-collecting position or self-rights by letting go of the cable or by removing the pole from the hook, that is, the variable thickness and corresponding weight of the gutter along the axis, i.e. the center of gravity of the gutter, wants to return to its original position.

Abstract: A device for use in association with roof gutters and downpipes for the purpose of removing debris and like items from rainwater as it flows into the downpipe. The device comprises a box compartment having an upwardly facing inclined inlet over which a primary screen is located, and a lower outlet connected to a downpipe through which the filtered water passes. Debris is washed over the inclined screen to the exterior of the device. More than one screen of varying mesh size may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying rain water to a point remote from a building wall, comprising a frame mounted trough which is automatically lowered in response to movement of a piston within the frame. The piston moves in response to the weight of water accumulated within the frame, but is delayed until the rising water level actuates a trough release mechanism. Trough deployment is resisted by the lean of the stored trough and springs which are in tension for all trough positions. Water exits the frame through a cylinder port and drains from the remote end of the trough. A trough stabilizer collects a small amount of water at the end of the trough, the weight of the collected water keeping the trough down until water flow from the trough ceases. Small holes allow slow drainage from the trough stabilizer, which eventually allows the springs to return the trough to its upper position. Provisions are made allow accumulation of water to exit the frame without trough deployment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in connection with a roof drainage apparatus and a roof drainage apparatus. The invention comprises a trough (2) recessed in a roof structure (1), an opening (3) arranged in the bottom of the trough, a water-outlet tube (4) joined to the opening and a means (5) for changing an open water flow into a closed flow when the water flow is increasing. For intensifying the drainage, an element (6) is positioned in the water-outlet tube (4) at a throat after the opening (3), by means of which element the cross-sectional area of the water-outlet tube (4) is regulated in such a manner that the shape of the cross-section of the water-outlet tube (4) remains substantially unchanged at the regulation.

Abstract: An adaptor for eavestrough downspouts has two portions of different cross sections. The first section fits outside the downspout and the other fits inside the drainage extensions. The two portions are hinged together. The adaptor is formed with step-down sized cross sections and a removable panel to allow more sizes of downspouts and extensions to be connected.

Abstract: The device comprises a branch collar suitable for fitting onto a down pipe and having an orifice coinciding with an orifice in the side of the down pipe, the orifices allowing for the insertion of an elastic scoop which, once in the pipe, will adapt to all or part of the inside of wall of the pipe. The scoop is extended by a valve body secured to the branch collar grooves and projections.

Abstract: A device for preventing debris from clogging downsprouts (22) and underground drain pipes (26) consisting of a cap (32), screen (26), and base (34). This device totally screens and contains the water flow. The screen (26) is easily removable by sliding the cap (32) up over the downspout (22). The amount of debris accumulation can be easily observed because either the cap (32) or base (34) is transparent.

Abstract: A clip for holding a downspout lateral in the tipped up position has a C-shaped body constructed of transparent, resilient plastic. The clip is resiliently snapped onto a downspout some distance above where a lateral joins the downspout. The C-shaped body of the clip has at least one depending lip for retaining the downspout lateral. The lateral is tilted upwardly until the upper edge of the lateral rests against the clip then the clip is slid down slightly until the lip engages the upper edge of the lateral and thereby retains it.

Abstract: A splash block is disclosed of the type placed beneath downspouts to disperse and direct rain water away from buildings. The novel feature of the invention relates to means for coupling two or more splash blocks together to connect the splash blocks, such that the effective length of the splash block can be extended to carry water under force of gravity any desired distance from the building foundation. The splash blocks can be coupled in a straight configuration to extend their length, or they can be coupled in an angled configuration to direct water around obstacles, such as shrubbery.

Abstract: A method of making and installing a rain gutter includes the step of providing a gutter of PVC material and attaching the gutter along the eaves of a structure to collect rain water draining from the roof of the structure. A downspout connector of PVC is attached to one end of the gutter utilizing a chemical welding process such that the PVC material in the connector and gutter fuse together to form a single integral piece. The connector is formed so as to redirect water draining from the gutter to a vertical direction, to thereby enter a downspout. Support brackets for the gutters are also manufactured of PVC, and attached to the gutter utilizing the chemical welding process, such that the support brackets become an integral part of the gutter. A special clamp is utilized to connect adjacent pieces during the chemical welding process to insure that the parts are fused together to form an integrated unit.

Abstract: A method of connecting a down spout extension to an eave trough down spout. Firstly, pivotally connect a down spout extension to a lowermost end of an eave trough down spout such that the down spout extension is movable between a substantially vertical stored position and a substantially horizontal operative position. Secondly, position a spring at the connection of the down spout extension and the eave trough down spout biasing the down spout extension into the stored position. The spring tension is set such that a flow of water through the down spout provides a force to overcome the biasing force of the spring thereby moving the down spout extension to the operative position.

Abstract: A protective and aesthetics-enhancing cover for disposition over the open end of a drain pipe projecting outwardly from a building structure. The protective cover comprises a convexo-concave disk which has an outer surface convex away from the building structure and an inner surface concave toward the building structure. The convexo-concave disk is sized so as to effectively hide the drain pipe from view. A tubular mounting flange projects from the disk on the concave surface thereof for coupling to the drain pipe in a telescopic arrangement to thereby hold the cover on the end of the drain pipe. An opening is formed in the disk to allow water to drain from the drain pipe and through the opening.

Abstract: A pivotal rain gutter facilitates easy cleaning thereof. In one embodiment the device has a hinge assembly which is secured to a structural support. A trough is secured to the hinge assembly using a single fastener. The trough is also supported by a retaining strap which is secured to the structural support and may be engaged and disengaged from the trough. The trough may thereby be pivoted down for ease of cleaning. A pole effector facilitates engaging and disengaging of the retaining strap. A flexible downspout allows the gutter to be pivoted up and down without disconnecting the downspout.

Abstract: A rain gutter assembly including an elongated rain gutter including an end and a channel extending longitudinally of the rain gutter, and a connecting member engaged with the end of the rain gutter and including a bayonet portion received in the channel. The rain gutter arranged with a grommet along a rear wall thereof and a mounting fastener engaged within the grommet so as to attach the rain gutter to a building wall. The rain gutter assembly including a downspout having a grommet secured to a rear wall thereof for supporting the downspout to the building wall.. With a mounting fastener slidingly engaging the grommet so as to attach the downspout to the building wall.

Abstract: A habitable structure has a ground-supported, water-impervious floor and upright foundation walls which together define an open top water enclosure. Flooring is supported on the foundation walls essentially covering the open top. Roofing is supported above the flooring so as to define a habitable space between the roofing and the flooring above the enclosure. Various systems for distributing water from the enclosure are disclosed and include the sprinkler system for distributing water outside as well as inside of the structure and heating/cooling systems which can either circulate water from the enclosure as a heat transfer liquid or circulate fluids through water in the enclosure to use the water as a heat sink or heat source.

Abstract: An adaptor for connecting industry standard eavestrough downspouts to drainage extensions of a similar or dissimilar cross section and allowing the extension to be pivoted vertically. Such an adaptor is shown with portions having two different cross sections, one capable of fitting outside several industry standard drainage extensions and having a hinge between the two portions. A mating Velcro.TM. loop-and-hook pair is installed on the drainage extension's outer end and at an appropriate place up the downspout. Thus, a downspout with a round, or squared, or rectangular cross section can be connected to an extension with any of these cross sections, making a total of nine permutations and more if minor bending or fitting of further sizes and shapes of downspouts or extensions is undertaken. In the preferred embodiment, the extension can thereafter be raised to a vertical position and separably fastened there.

Abstract: An adjustable telescoping downspout which can be laterally or vertically adjusted to a preferred position, extended longitudinally or retracted upwardly to an inoperative position. The two-piece trough is attachable to the downspout in a turret-like arrangement and requires no tools or hardware. The trough further includes a flow diverter at the distal end thereof for diverging and deflecting the water flow in a fan-shape to reduce the likelihood of soil erosion. The flow diverter can either be integrally formed with the trough, or provided as a separate member which can be selectively attached to the distal end of a trough. The diverter member includes a plurality of diamond-shaped protrusions for directing water flow over the side edges of the diverter member and which has a tongue-shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved rotatable gutter system for mounting on a building for disposing of debris collected therein. The apparatus comprises a plurality of supporting brackets mounted to the building with each supporting brackets having a journal mount. A rod is rotatably supported in the journal mounts and defines an axis of rotation. An elongated trough is longitudinally mounted on the rod by a plurality of trough supports. An eccentric is affixed to the rod with a cable being affixed to the eccentric. Energy applied to the cable is transmitted to the eccentric to rotate the elongate trough about the rotational axis into an inverted position to permit debris collected in the trough to fall therefrom. The eccentric provides a variably transmittal of the energy from the cable to the rod.

Abstract: An adjustable extension assembly for a downspout includes a fixed piece attachable to the lowermost end of a downpipe, a rotatable collar attached to the fixed piece, and at least one extension pivotably attached to the rotatable collar. Optionally additional slidably extendable members may be telescopingly attached to the extension. The extension members are channel-shaped in cross-section. The extension may be composed of a polymerized material or a metal. In addition to being easily attached to a downspout, the adjustable extension of the present invention may be selectively adjusted for fitting, for selective water deflection, and for proper lawn maintenance.

Abstract: An elongate channel member is arranged for mounting to a front wall of an awning to direct rainwater therefrom. The channel is arranged to include spaced lug members, having support apertures to each receive a fastener for securement of the channel to the awning member.

Abstract: An interior roof gutter system intended for use on certain large non-residential buildings on which stormwater flows to low elevation perimeter walls. Whereas such walls frequently present a vertically extended parapet, the present invention discloses a novel interior gutter system. The gutter system is preferably composed of fiberglass reinforced polyester, or similar material. The gutter system is comprised of a plurality of rigid independent, elongated, trough-like, monolithic modules. When installed in tandem, with a non-impinged connection, expansion and contraction forces are accommodated. The present invention provides for attachment and flashing to the parapet wall on one of the elongated module walls, and attachment and flashing under the roof membrane on the opposite module wall. To prevent ice formation from blocking normal drainage in freezing climates, a melting device is presented.

Abstract: A method and system for applying a water gathering and channeling roof covering onto the upper roof of a building, which roof is at least slightly pitched, wherein fully annealed sheets of at least 99% titanium with a thickness of less than 0.020 inches are preformed into roof pans with right hand and left hand edges thereof formed into matching, longitudinally extending standing seam elements. The pans are placed in adjacent, abutting relatinship with one another and joined together by press fitting adjacent standing seam elements into a standing seam extending along the roof's pitch and forming a water collecting trough for gathering potable rain water.

Abstract: A habitable structure has a ground-supported, water-impervious floor and upright foundation walls which together define an open top water enclosure. Flooring is supported on the foundation walls essentially covering the open top. Roofing is supported above the flooring so as to define a habitable space between the roofing and the flooring above the enclosure. A catchment system collects rainwater from the roofing and other sources and conducts it into the enclosure where it is stored for future use. The enclosure formed by the foundation walls and floor is modified to permit use as either a water storage tank or habitable area itself.

Abstract: A high pressure water distributor for downpipes. The distributor includes a tube made of a flexible or rigid material having a water tight base and an outlet port. Rain water that is directed into the downpipe is accumulated in the tube and generates a pressure head. As a result of this pressure head the velocity and discharge volume of water from the outlet port increases substantially. The discharged water can be directed through a conventional garden hose, which may be connected to a sprinkler or similar device or the water can simply be conveyed to a remote location from the foundation of the dwelling.

Abstract: A drywell cover to cover a drywell and a drywell system employing the drywell and cover wherein the drywell cover comprises a base cover having a raised, central wall section such as a round cylinder and an open inner section and a plurality of at least three therein supporting rib elements on the top surface of the base cover and extending from the periphery of the base cover to the raised wall section.

Abstract: A gutter assembly that includes a primary gutter and a secondary gutter that are connected to one another and attached to a roof panel. Water is inhibited from flowing between the primary gutter and a panel edge by a flange that overlies the roof panel. The end of the flange has a feather edge so that water atop the panel is directed onto the top of the flange and into the primary gutter. The primary gutter is spaced apart from the edge of the roof panel by a stop member that depends from the flange and that abuts the edge of the panel so that no water can collect between the gutter and the panel edge. This prevents deterioration of the panel. The panel edge also overhangs the secondary gutter to further ensure that no water collects on the panel edge. Drop outlet openings are formed in both gutter parts, and the opening in the secondary gutter is larger than the opening in the primary gutter to prevent water buildup in the primary gutter.

Abstract: A noise baffle for reducing noise in rain gutter systems is provided. A screen or other perforated or fibrous surface is secured beneath a vertical downspout section and above the surface of an angled downspout section for reducing the noise caused by water striking the surface of angled downspouts. The screen eliminates or substantially reduces the noise by breaking the fall of the water falling in the vertical downspout section and dispersing the stream into tiny droplets which do not strike the bottom of the angled downspout section with sufficient force to create noise.

Abstract: A drywell cover to cover a drywell and a drywell system employing the drywell and cover wherein the drywell cover comprises a base cover having a raised, central wall section such as a round cylinder and an open inner section and a plurality of at least three therein supporting rib elements on the top surface of the base cover and extending from the periphery of the base cover to the raised wall section.

Abstract: Described is a preferred fluid flow diverter, such as a rainwater diverter, having an outer duct, and an inner duct within said outer duct and defining a reservoir to collect fluid. The diverter also includes a drainage duct extending from the reservoir to the exterior of the outer duct. The inner duct has a bypass opening at a height above the drainage duct. In this manner, fluid flowing into the inner duct is diverted through the drainage duct, and excess fluid unable to flow through the drainage duct (e.g. during heavy rains) accumulates in the inner duct to the height of the bypass opening and then excess fluid not retainable by the reservoir flows through the bypass opening and is exhausted through the outer duct. Also described are a rainwater diversion apparatus and method incorporating the preferred fluid flow diverter.

Abstract: An improved rain gutter apparatus is arranged to include an elongated and flexible inner contoured surface element formed with outwardly extending projections on both sides thereof and being completely wrapped in an outer covering material with a multitude of openings. When positioned within a rain gutter, rainwater flowing along the gutter is directed into and along water channels formed by the projections. An end of the apparatus is bent so as to extend a short distance into the downspout associated with the gutter thereby ensuring uninterrupted flow of rainwater therein. The covering material prevents the intrusion of leaves and other debris from entering the water channels so as to ensure clog free flow of rain water.

Abstract: A composite drywell, a drywell system and method employing the composite drywell, which composite drywell comprises a cylindrical drywell having a removable top and bottom section, the drywell composed of a plurality of separate, edge-interlocked, arcuate sections which together form the cylindrical wall of the drywell, each arcuate section having a one side edge with a opening extending substantially the length of the side edge and the other side edge having a beaded side edge extending substantially the length of the arcuate section, the beaded edge of the arcuate section adapted to fit in an interlocking, receiving relationship into the other side edge opening of the adjacent arcuate section so as to have all arcuate sections interlocked to form a cylindrical drywell wall.

Abstract: A foam roofing system in which a unique universal beam allows adjacent foam roofing sections to be joined and substantially eliminates water leaks. The universal beam is formed with a design that creates a series of water dispersing channels on either side of a center web and a third concave channel on a surface opposite the channels. Adjacent roofing panels are joined by two of the universal beams on upper and lower surfaces with the beams being in reverse orientation. The beam thus provides a series of at least three separate channels for dissipating excess water. The system also includes a unique coupling splice for joining joists, or cross beams, that support the roofing system. The splice coupling has stiffening ribs to prevent collapse of hollow sheet metal joists when bolted together. The universal beam also accommodates transparent panels to allow the roofing system to include a skylight, if desired.

Abstract: An articulated downspout (10) is disclosed having an upper fluid duct (12), an elongated lower fluid duct (14) pivotably connected to the upper fluid duct (12), and a planar flap (16) also pivotably connected to the upper fluid duct (12). The lower fluid duct (14) pivots between a raised position where horticultural equipment can pass therebelow unimpeded, and a lowered position for the distribution of rainwater. The lower fluid duct (14) is released from its raised position in response to downward pressure exerted by rainwater on the collection portion (26) of the flap (16).

Abstract: A modular tent structure comprises a canopy structure (20) including a peripheral frame (23) adapted to support a covering roof sheet (24) and comprising collapsible sides, each constituted by a central crown joint structure to each side of which is pivoted a laterally extending support member (34), and a tie member releasably interconnecting the crown joint structure and the pivotally-connected laterally-extending support members (34). An axially-extendible mast structure is disposed centrally of the peripheral frame and is adjustable to vary tension in the covering roof sheet (24). Bracing means releasably interconnect the central mast structure and each central crown joint of the peripheral frame (23).

Abstract: An end overflow apparatus for a rain gutter is provided and consists of a structure at the end of the rain gutter for allowing rain water to overflow the end of the rain gutter when both the rain gutter and the leader are clogged with debris caused by a downpour of the rain water that is too much for the clogged rain gutter and the leader to normally handle.

Abstract: An improved drywell system and method of controlling the flow and distribution of surface water employing a drywell, the drywell including a cylindrical drywell adapted to be positioned beneath the ground, which drywell has at least one large diameter port in the cylindrical wall of the drywell to receive or discharge surface and a plurality of smaller diameter distribution ports, generally uniformly distributed about the cylindrical wall surface of the drywell and a removable bottom cover and a removable top cover, the small diameter distribution ports having a conical shape to receive tapered plugs, the plugs adapted to be easily removed or installed prior to use by selection of the plug so that the direction and distribution of the flow of surface water beneath the surface may be controlled.

Abstract: A roofing system for a sloped roof having a base with a generally horizontal top surface and a generally vertical edge has an internal gutter in its lower margin. The system includes a first flashing, that is attached to the base, having a lip which projects from the top surface of the base. The base is covered with sheets of flexible, thermally weldable roofing material with the top margin of each sheet being attached to the base and the bottom margin overlapping and welded to the adjoining sheet. The lower margin of the lowest sheet overlies the lip of the first flashing to form the gutter. A second flashing, which conformingly overlies the first flashing, is attached to the base over the sheet to clamp the margin of the sheet against the edge of the base. The margin of the lowermost sheet is pulled progressively tauter over the lip of the first flashing at the sides of the roof than at the downspout to make the gutter slope downwardly towards the downspout.

Abstract: An improved gutter-downspout connection unit to be used in connecting a conventional gutter to a conventional downspout in rain water removal systems which is generally anvilar in structure comprising an upper body having first and second upper body sides and first and second end pieces with at least one of the end pieces having a smooth curvature which downwardly and inwardly converges towards the other end piece wherein the upper body sides and the end pieces adjoin each other along common edges such that the upper edges of the upper body sides and the end pieces form a common edge defining a top opening, and the lower edges of the upper body sides and the end pieces form a common edge defining a bottom opening substantially opposite the top opening, such that and debris and water contained in the conventional gutter will follow a curved path from the gutter to the downspout thereby making the gutter-downspout connection unit essentially clog-resistant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel removable, yet secure, gutter and fastener system. More particularly, the invention relates to elongated roof gutter sections which include a bottom member and a front wall and a rear wall attached lengthwise along the member's opposite edges thereby forming a channel. The gutter sections further include an overhanging lip consisting of the bottom member and protruding away from the channel at either end of the channel. The elongated roof gutter sections are removably mounted using a hook and slot, or an interlocking flange system to an elongated fastener member which, in turn, is mounted along the roof line of a building.

Abstract: Shield means for surrounding or replacing the lower portion of a downspout to prevent damage to the downspout structure.

Abstract: A debris separator is provided in the downspout of a gutter system wherein a steeply angled grating is provided in the downspout which permits water to flow down through the downspout while leaves and other debris are carried downwardly along the grating and out of an opening in the downspout.

Abstract: Gutters and downspouts on buildings such as home conventionally communicate with drain lines for the disposal of rain water. The drain lines are sometimes connected with sewers by way of a footer drain around the foundation of the building and sometimes communicate with dry wells adjacent the building. A problem with all such downspout drainage systems is that particulate material such as leaves, small pieces of roofing and other kinds of debris tend to enter the system through the downspouts. The material accumulates in the drainage lines including the footer drains around the foundation and often fills up the dry wells with the undesirable result of storm water being introduced into the basement of the building and the resultant damage to articles in the basement as well as the foundation walls and basement floors. These problems can be eliminated by preventing the debris from entering the footer drains and/or dry wells and the downspout trap and clean out of the present invention eliminates the problem.

Abstract: A rain gutter which is formed of a one-piece sheet of material and includes terminal flanges. A clip member secured to the building side wall includes a channel into which the gutter terminal flanges are restrictively fitted to suspend the gutter below the building roof. The gutter top wall includes openings to allow moisture to be drained, while preventing entry of debris which could clog the gutter and downspout.

Abstract: A rain water leader/gutter adaptor which is adapted to siphon rain water from a gutter. The rain water may be collected inside a gating vessel which is attached to the rain water leader/gutter adapter. In a modified form a leader adaptor is attached to siphon excess rain water from within the rain water leader/gutter adapter once the water collector fills up.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel device for cleaning gutters that can be either power driven or manually operated. This device comprises an elongated, self-supporting, flexible member which is placed into and along the length of a gutter. When activated, this member causes debris within the gutter to be transported to a discharge outlet.Also disclosed is a novel gutter having a configuration to receive and maximize the efficiency of operation of the self-cleaning gutter member.

Abstract: A run-off trough for a down spout associated with a gutter for a house or building which trough can be light in weight and easily portable to a down spout use location, and which can be easily modified at its use location to become sufficiently heavy that it is not easily displaceable therefrom unintentionally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downpipe (10) provided with a longitudinally extending slot (16). When joining two downpipe sections together, by means of a longitudinal join or an angled join, the longitudinal slot enables the upper downpipe section to be compressed slightly so that it can be readily pushed into the lower downpipe section. Pipe-bends intended, for example, to serve as water outlets, may readily be formed by cutting a notch or recess (22', 22") through the flanges (14) defining the slot (16) and through the laterally located legs (18) of the downpipe, and then forming a fold at the bottom of the notch in the rear side (20) of the downpipe. Pipe-bends and water outlets can be fixed in position by joining together the overlapping sides with the aid of screws, rivets or like fasteners (26). The longitudinal slot of two adjacent sections can face in opposite directions.

Abstract: Discharge water from a building, e.g., rainwater discharged from downspouts or groundwater discharged from sump pumps, is carried away from the building in an underground pipe to an aboveground discharge outlet, said discharge operating only when the pipes are full of water and under pressure from the inlet. The underground pipe extends for a substantial distance away from the building and either turns upwardly to the aboveground discharge outlet; or empties into an underground tank which bleeds water downward into the surrounding earth through a porous bottom surface, and communicates water upward through its upper surface with the aboveground outlet.

Abstract: A one-piece outlet tube for joining the flat bottom wall of a metal gutter with a vertical downspout is formed from an initially flat blank. A continuous flat support flange extends around the margin of the gutter outlet tube at its upper end and rests upon the gutter flat bottom wall adjacent to an opening provided in this wall to receive the outlet tube. Integral outwardly struck downwardly tapering lock lugs are formed on the four side walls of the outlet tube closely beneath the flat flange for secure locking engagement beneath the gutter flat bottom wall when the outlet tube is inserted downwardly through the opening of this wall. The outlet tube is sealed with the gutter flat bottom wall around its support flange.