DOWNSPOUT WITH SELF-MOUNTING AND LOCKING ESCUTCHEON PLATE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/631,576 titled “Downspout with Self-Mounting and Locking Escutcheon Plate” and having a filing date of Apr. 9, 2024, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides within the field of plumbing pertaining to a discharge spout that conveys stormwater from a building. More specifically, the invention discloses a discharge spout (i.e., downspout nozzle) and accompanying escutcheon plate that is affixed to the end of a drainpipe where such protrudes through a building's exterior wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of stormwater management and related downspout systems has long centered on effectively redirecting water away from buildings to safeguard the structural integrity of foundations, reduce the potential for soil erosion, and mitigate aesthetic degradation of exterior wall surfaces. Downspout nozzles play the primary role in achieving the conveyance of rainwater from building roofs to the surrounding grounds. Downspout nozzles are integral components of recessed gutter systems deployed on both residential and commercial buildings with flat roofs. The gutter system is carried through piping in the interior of walls or other structures. The system ends in a drain pipe that then is directed through the wall or other structure to a site where water can be safely drained without harming the structure. It is a common challenge to make the site where the pipe passes through the wall of the structure aesthetically pleasing.

Traditional downspout nozzles feature a nozzle and an escutcheon plate. The nozzle may have a flared edge which is attached to an extruding drainpipe to achieve stormwater redirection to a desired location. The escutcheon plate (i.e., wall flange) straddles the drain pipe (typically in the rear of the nozzle) and is flush to the wall in order to conceal the wall's opening around the drainpipe. In many cases, the escutcheon plate may also help to secure the downspout nozzle in place, particularly in cases where the nozzle is made from metal.

Although traditional discharge spouts fulfill these essential functions, there remains significant opportunity for innovation to expedite and simplify the escutcheon plate installation process, and provision a wider range of dynamic mounting configurations. Builders are often imprecise in the length of gutter piping and the holes they may leave in the walls for the piping to pass through.

Conventional downspout nozzle systems present significant challenges during installation and maintenance due to their method of installation and configuration. Typically, the escutcheon plate must be mounted directly to the exterior wall of a building using hardware such as screws, bolts, wall anchors, or adhesive solutions like glue or bonding agents. In such cases, the escutcheon plate's (and often the downspout nozzle's) installation is dependent on direct contact with the wall via hardware in order to achieve a secure and lasting fitting. This method can be noted with versions like Zurn's Z199 bronze downspout nozzle with threaded or PVC slip-on configurations. This approach requires drilling into surfaces such as stucco, brick, or siding, which not only risks damaging the building's façade but also leaves unsightly holes if the downspout is ever removed or repositioned. Furthermore, traditional downspout systems often feature fixed configurations, limiting their adaptability to varying drainpipe lengths or building designs. This constraint can be observed with RectorSeal's Dura G-O-N glue-on nozzle where the escutcheon plate is mounted before the nozzle, and requires the nozzle to be seated into the plate upon installation to the drainpipe. This rigidity may necessitate customization during installation, which can be labor-intensive and require specialized tools or skills, thereby increasing the overall cost and time required. Additionally, conventional systems often lack mechanisms for easy adjustment of the escutcheon plate post-installation, presenting challenges when modifications are needed to accommodate complex architectural designs or post-construction changes.

Therefore, there is a need for a downspout nozzle and escutcheon plate system that are not only easy to install but also robust and adaptable to various building structures and scenarios. The downspout nozzle with self-mounting and locking escutcheon plate, as described and claimed herein, addresses these needs by provisioning a dynamic configuration with a simplified installation process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to devices involving a self-mounting downspout system designed to direct fluid away from buildings with drainpipes. The system includes a spout and a plate. The spout is designed to slide onto and couple with the plastic drainpipe, featuring a lip for directing water and an outer circumference that interfaces with the plate. The plate, which functions as an escutcheon plate, has front and back sides with a central hole, and can be adjustably fixed to the spout's outer circumference.

The plate can be secured to the spout through different mechanisms. In one embodiment, it attaches via a friction fit between the hole's inner circumference and the spout's outer surface, without requiring any screw holes. In another embodiment, the spout features locking tracks on its outer circumference that engage with corresponding locks on the plate's inner circumference. These locking tracks contain inwardly angled teeth that work with a pivoting lever and pawl mechanism, allowing the plate to move in only one direction along the tracks. This design enables the plate to be locked against the wall at various positions along the spout's length.

The system incorporates several design features to ensure proper fit and functionality. The spout can be coupled to the drainpipe using adhesive, and its back edge can sit flush against the wall. The plate includes a hollow space between its edge circumference and central hole, with the inner circumference projecting from the back side past the edge circumference. This design allows the plate to achieve a flush fit with the wall even when the spout doesn't extend fully to the wall surface.

Installation of the system follows a straightforward process: the drainpipe is cut to the desired length, the spout is attached to the drainpipe (potentially using adhesive), and the plate is pushed onto the spout until it sits flush against the wall. The system can include a release mechanism to unlock the plate from the locking track when needed.

This design represents a significant advancement in downspout dressing systems, offering an escutcheon plate that can be secured directly to the nozzle with adjustable positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for separate wall mounting hardware while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional performance.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system that does not require the user to drill holes into the building or apply any glue, welding solvent, bonding agent or other adhesives to keep the plate portion secured.

It is another object of the invention to introduce a quicker, simpler installation process for downspout systems and to reduce installation time.

It is an object of the invention to provide an escutcheon plate that can be installed after the downspout nozzle is already mounted, simplifying the installation sequence.

It is another object of the invention to enable post-installation adjustment of the escutcheon plate's position without requiring removal or adjustment of the downspout nozzle.

It is another object of the invention to accommodate variations in wall surface depth and drainpipe protrusion through variable mounting positions along the length of the spout.

It is another object of the invention to provide an escutcheon plate that can achieve a flush fit with the wall even when the drainpipe is recessed into the wall cavity.

It is another object of the invention to reduce installation complexity by eliminating the need for precise measurements or custom cutting of components during installation.

It is another object of the invention to allow for easy removal and replacement of the escutcheon plate for maintenance or aesthetic updates without disturbing the functional downspout assembly.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system that maintains a secure mounting of the escutcheon plate without dependency on wall surface material or condition.

It is another object of the invention to eliminate potential water infiltration points that could be created by traditional mounting hardware penetrating the building envelope.

It is another object of the invention to accommodate building movement and settling through its adjustable mounting system without compromising the aesthetic finish.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the skill level required for proper installation compared to traditional downspout systems.

It is another object of the invention to provide an installation method that minimizes the risk of damaging the building's exterior finish.

It is another object of the invention to enable the escutcheon plate to be retrofitted to existing downspout installations without requiring removal of the existing nozzle.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system that maintains its adjustability over time without degradation of the mounting mechanism.

It is another object of the invention to reduce the variety of tools and materials required for installation.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . ”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2a depicts a front view of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view FIG. 2a of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a back view of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4a depicts a side view of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4b depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4a of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4c depicts a closeup view of FIG. 4b of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the self-mounting downspout system in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5 a downspout system for directing fluid away from a building is shown generally at 10. The self-mounting downspout system 10 can comprise a plate 12 and a spout 20 wherein the spout can have an outer circumference 24. The plate 12 can have a front side 14, a back side 15 and a hole 17 that can have an inner circumference 29, wherein the plate can be adjustably fixable to the spout's outer circumference without the need for contact with the drainpipe or wall and without the need for any hardware, bonding agents or adhesives. In certain embodiments, the hole 17 can be equipped with at least one lock 16 and in other embodiments the hole 17 has two locks mechanisms on opposing sides from each other or in other embodiments the at least one lock can be omitted from the hole. In other embodiments there can be one, two, three, four or the like locks 16. In embodiments, the plate 12 can be any suitable shape or size but in the preferred embodiment the plate 12 can be sized to fit around the downspout and sit flush against a wall of the building. The plate 12 can be made from such as, for example, brass, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or any suitable material that can withstand the outside elements. The at least one lock 16 can comprise a pivoting lever 23 and a pawl 21. The plate 12 can be an escutcheon plate.

The spout 20 of the system can be hollow having a spout hole 25, a spout outer circumference 24 and a lip 26 for directing fluid away from the building. The spout outer circumference 24 can have at least one locking track 22 disposed on at least one side and in the preferred embodiment the spout outer circumference has two locking tracks on opposing sides of each other. In other embodiments there can be one, two, three, four or the like locking tracks 22 or the locking tracks can be omitted, and the spout outer circumference can be directly attached to the plate's inner circumference 29. In embodiments, the spout portion 20 can be designed to slide onto and can be coupled with the drainpipe and/or wall of the building by a spout hole 25.

The spout portion 20 can couple to the drainpipe by such as, for example, adhesive, press fit, or the like. The at least one locking track 22 of the spout portion 20 can align with the at least one lock 16 of the plate 12. The spout 20 can be made from such as, for example, brass, stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or any suitable material that can withstand the outside elements and water. The spout 20 may be molded from one piece or multiple pieces and coupled together. The spout hole 25 can be sized to fit around the drainpipe 50 as shown in FIG. 4b. The spout hole 25 can be such as, for example a loose fit, interference fit, press fit or the like on the drainpipe 50. The at least one locking track 22 can be plurality of teeth angled inward and can be integral to the outside of the spout 20.

The plate 12 can be inserted onto the spout 20 and secured onto the spout. The pawl 21 can contact at least one tooth 31 wherein when the pawl 21 is engaged onto the tooth 31 it only allows the pawl 21 to move in one direction, as such allowing for the plate 12 to only move in one direction on the spout 20 locking the plate 12 onto the spout 20 against the building. The user can push the plate 12 onto the spout 20 aligning the at least one locking mechanism 16 with the at least one locking track 22 wherein the plurality of teeth 31 allows the lock to pass by each tooth as the plate is pushed along the spout towards the wall but stops the plate portion from moving away from the building. In certain embodiment the at least one lock 16 can have a tab that allows the user to push against releasing the lock from the tooth 31 allowing the user to remove the plate 12 from the spout 20.

In embodiments, the invention also includes a method of installing the self-mounting downspout system on a building having a drainpipe and a wall. The method involves providing the self-mounting downspout system 10, cutting the drainpipe 50 to be flush with a spout hole 25 of the spout 20, placing and coupling the spout onto the drainpipe, and pushing the plate 12 onto the spout until the plate is against the wall 52. When installing the plumbing, builders often do not leave the piping directly flush with the wall surface. The lock track 22 may span a significant portion of the length of the spout 20 to allow the plate 12 to lock to the spout 20 at a position flush with the wall even if the piping is recessed into the wall. If the drain pipe sits proud of the wall, the hollow 35 in the plate 12 can accommodate the drain pipe and still have an edge 37 that sits flush to the wall. The self-mounting downspout system 10 and the method of installing it provide an efficient and effective way of directing fluid away from a building. The system is easy to install and provides a secure and reliable means of fluid drainage. The lock 16 ensures that the system remains in place, even under heavy fluid flow. The system is adaptable to various building structures and drainpipe configurations, making it a versatile solution for fluid drainage needs.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.