Reelable downspout for a rain gutter
OwnerRobert J. Demartiniinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A downspout for use with a rain gutter is formed from an elongate member constructed substantially entirely of plastic material. During shipping and storage, the elongate member is maintained in a generally planar configuration that can be coiled on a mandrel. To produce a downspout, a predetermined length of the elongate member is withdrawn from the coil and cut. The elongate member is then configured into a tubular form having a predetermined geometric cross-section, such as a rectangular or oval cross section. Lateral sides of the elongate member define respective connectors that are interlocked to maintain the tubular form.
Claims12
A combination comprising:
- a downspout having a predetermined length, said downspout being configured in a predetermined tubular form to permit flow of water therethrough;
- a rain gutter having an outlet for discharging water, said downspout being in fluid communication with said outlet of said rain gutter;
- said downspout being formed from an elongate member constructed substantially entirely of plastic material, said elongate member having a generally planar configuration;
- said elongate member having first and second connectors located on respective lateral sides thereof;
- and
- said elongate member adapted to be configured into said tubular form having a predetermined geometric cross section, said first and second connectors being configured to be interlocked so that said elongate member may be maintained as said tubular form.
A method of producing a downspout for use with a rain gutter, said method comprising steps of:
- (a) providing a coil of an elongate member in a first flattened form;
- (b) withdrawing a predetermined length of said elongate member from said coil;
- (c) separating said predetermined length of said elongate member from a remainder of said coil;
- (d) erecting said predetermined length of said elongate member into a second tubular form;
- and
- (e) mounting said predetermined length of said elongate member in said second tubular configuration to a rain gutter attached to a structure such that said predetermined length defines a long dimension of said downspout.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.