AU2010200353B2

AU2010200353B2 - Drainpipe protector

Info

Publication number: AU2010200353B2
Application number: AU2010200353A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chris Anthony Gaskin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-02-01
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-01
Also published as: AU2010200353A1

Abstract

-9 A drain protector which intercepts debris before it leaves the gutter on its way to the drainpipe, consisting of a bridge which spans the gutter outlet and a sleeve or fins 5 projecting downwards from the bridge into the outlet. The sleeve fits a round outlet. The fins fit a rectangular outlet. Bridges are made from metal strip or as a one- piece moulding. The accumulated debris is easily removed periodically by hand. | k |10

Description

2010200353 06 Jan 2017 ι

TITLE: DRAINPIPE PROTECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns protection devices for drainpipes which carry rainwater from gutters to the stormwater system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is commonly supposed that leaves are the debris most likely to block a downpipe. Accordingly great reliance is placed on perforated covers which when fitted over the gutter allow rainwater to pass through them but which exclude leaves. While such covers exclude leaves they do not exclude seeds and spores which flourish in the 2 2010200353 06 Jan 2017 sludge which lies in all gutters. The roots of grass spread through the sludge binding it together and the growing tips of the grass project through the perforations to be visible. The roots may grow down through the gutter outlet and extend into the double bend which spans the eaves.

Leaf interceptors in the form of boxes are available for filtering leaves once the downpipe is reached but these tend to be expensive and may themselves introduce problems.

My work has shown that leaves and other small debris do not by themselves block an outlet. Blockages are mostly caused by larger debris such as twigs, children’s toys, balls, cores, and packets of food which stay just upstream of the outlet and prevent the escape of leaves and other small debris which in turn cause a blockage. The gutter overflows.

Where the blockage occurs downstream of the outlet in the double bend or in the downpipe, the metal stays wet and corrosion begins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a drain protector for a gutter outlet, comprising: a debris interceptor which, in use, projects at least partway across the gutter outlet so as to arrest larger debris in the gutter but which allows small debris to drain through the outlet; and interceptor locating means which is adapted, in use, to engage at least part of the gutter which defines the gutter outlet; wherein the debris interceptor is narrow so as to be adapted, in use, to at least fully or substantially extend over the gutter outlet, extending only over a single, substantially-narrow region of the gutter outlet so as to leave a substantially large remainder of the gutter outlet uncovered, which single region extends from side to side of the gutter outlet; such that, in use, the narrow debris interceptor is (i) able to leave open a substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor so as to allow smaller debris to pass through, while the narrow interceptor is sufficient to 3 2010200353 06 Jan 2017 (ii) block larger debris that would otherwise enter and block the gutter outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the interceptor is a bridge which spans the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the locating means is a pair of fins which project from the bridge in order to enter a spigot of the gutter which overlaps the downpipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the locating means is a sleeve which is a slide fit in the spigot of the gutter which overlaps the downpipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the bridge is in two parts aligned or non-aligned in order to arrest and detain larger debris but allows smaller debris to drain from the gutter.

In a preferred embodiment, the ends of the bridge extend beyond the outlet edges in order to be supported by a floor of the gutter.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the bridge is ramped toward an apex lying above the centre of the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the bridge is 3-11mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the apex angle is 150-160 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the interceptor and locating means are bent from a metal strip to introduce protections which act as locators.

In a preferred embodiment, the interceptor and locating means are a unitary plastic moulding.

In a preferred embodiment, the substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor is a majority area of the gutter outlet, while the narrow interceptor covers a minority area of the gutter outlet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a drain protector for a gutter outlet comprising a debris interceptor having a linear upstanding body and a 4 2010200353 06 Jan 2017 horizontal support surface projecting from both ends of the body for standing on the gutter floor in order to receive fasteners through the gutter floor to position the body substantially parallel to the outlet axis in order to span the gutter outlet and cause the piling of larger debris while allowing smaller debris to pass into the outlet; wherein the debris interceptor is narrow so as to be adapted, in use, to at least fully or substantially extend over the gutter outlet, extending only over a single, substantially-narrow region of the gutter outlet so as to leave a substantially large remainder of the gutter outlet uncovered, which single region extends from side to side of the gutter outlet; such that, in use, the narrow debris interceptor is (i) able to leave open a substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor so as to allow smaller debris to pass through, while the narrow interceptor is sufficient to (ii) block larger debris that would otherwise enter and block the gutter outlet.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting a downpipe from blockage by fixing a drain protector comprising a linear interceptor across the gutter outlet which feeds the downpipe and fixing ends of the interceptor to the gutter floor, wherein the drain protector is as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention might be more fully understood, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the eave of a house with the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in position in the gutter.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic section of a gutter outlet with the gutter spigot projecting downwardly into a drainpipe. The embodiment of a drainpipe protector is shown superimposed above the outlet ready to engage it.

Figure 3 is a perspective of the protector shown in Figure 2. 5 2010200353 06 Jan 2017

Figure 4 is a plan of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a perspective of another embodiment in the form of a sheet metal variant.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic section through a further embodiment which is a variant suitable for circular outlets.

Figure 7 is a plan of the variant shown in Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE DRAWINGS

The interceptor may be a bridge which spans the outlet. The locating means may be a pair of fins which project from the undersurface of the bridge in order to enter the spigot of the gutter which overlaps the downpipe. Instead the bridge may span a sleeve, the sleeve being a slide fit in the outlet. When the locating means is a sleeve it is preferable for the leading end of the sleeve to be just below the gutter floor so as not to impede the draining water.

It is not necessary for the interceptor to span the outlet. It may be in two parts, aligned or non-aligned so long as the larger debris is arrested and detained so that it accumulates but does not prevent smaller debris draining from the gutter.

My observations of gutter and downpipe blockages lead me to conclude that if the piece of debris is large enough to exceed 60% of the gutter span then lodgement in the pipework downstream of the outlet is likely. If debris of this size category is kept upstream of the outlet, then blockage of the drainpipe is unlikely. Thus long twigs abut the interceptor and do not pass beyond it but smaller debris and rainwater is free to flow around the interceptor and the arrested twig.

The interceptor and locators may be an integral structure, for example a unitary moulding in plastic or a strip of bent sheet metal. Metal is not the material of choice in that it must be of the same surface metal as the gutter which it contacts if harmful electrolytic corrosion is to be avoided. If water contacts zinc or another plumbing 6 2010200353 06 Jan 2017 metal then the drain protector could last as long as the gutter. If the water is to be collected for drinking it is necessary to choose a metal or alloy which has been approved for plumbing purposes.

In a preferred embodiment, the interceptor is a unitary bridge with fins projecting from the underside which are a push fit into a 75mm, 90mm or 100mm circular spigot of a gutter. The bridge may have the fins spaced to be a push fit into a rectangular section spigot where rectangular section pipework is already installed.

The ends of the bridge may extend beyond the outlet edges in order to be supported by the flat floor of the gutter. The upper surface of the bridge may be ramped towards an apex lying above the centre of the outlet. In use the rain flowing to the outlet bears floating debris with it and larger twigs, chicken bones, apple cores tend to rise up the ramp and sit out of the path of the leaves, seeds, lumps of lichen and small stones which constitute the smaller debris.

Thus the larger debris builds as a pile over the device from where it can be lifted by hand during a periodic inspection. The smaller debris tends to flow down the pipework and on to the stormwater conduit in the vicinity without creating blockages in the pipe.

Under conditions favourable for grass growth grasses may establish extensive root growth in the sludge found in gutters. The purpose of the interception is therefore to prevent this draining into the double bend in the downpipe which joins the gutter spigot to the section of downpipe connected to the wall. This is the most common blockage area and therefore the site of most severe corrosion.

The method aspect of the invention provides a method of protecting the gutter outlet of a downpipe from blockage by fixing a linear interceptor across the mouth of the outlet and fixing the ends of the interceptor to the gutter floor. The method protects a downpipe from blockage by fixing a drain protector comprising a linear interceptor across the gutter outlet which feeds the downpipe and fixing ends of the interceptor to the gutter floor, wherein the drain protector is as described herein. 7 2010200353 06 Jan 2017

The linear interceptor may be a bar with a bend or bow at or near the centre of the outlet. Fasteners may be passed through the gutter and bar so that the bar remains in position.

Referring now to Figure 1 in the accompanying drawings, gutter 2 and the rainwater system shown is made of metal. Spigot 4 is of rectangular section as is double bend 6 and downpipe 8. Zone A is the most vulnerable to blockage.

The gutter outlet 10 (see Figure 4) has its long axis parallel to the gutter axis and lies in the centre of the gutter floor 12. The protector 14 is a unitary polyurethane moulding with a pitched body 16, 175mm in length, creating an apex 18 which is 17mm above the gutter floor, two tails 20 and a pair of fins 22. Both tails have a flat horizontal undersurface 24 which abut the gutter floor 12. The body is 9mm x 9mm between the fins. The outer faces 26 of the fins are mutually parallel in order to project into opposite sites on the outlet 10. The portion 28 of the tail between the flat 24 and the fin is inclined in order to create a flow space for water around the fin. The flats 24 are 30mm in length and avoid the spigot margin 30.

The fins project 20mm into the outlet. This is sufficient to preserve their position even in copious rain when water flow will carry objects such as children’s toys and balls along the gutter. Periodic spells of heavy rain carry debris to the outlet where it piles up on top of the device while allowing water to drain past the pile carrying wet sludge, seeds and leaves with it. If the drainpipe delivers the flow to a rainwater tank, the tank filter intercepts much of this material which is in turn accessible to the operator from the ground. As the level in the gutter falls, the pile remains where it is. Ball 32 (see Figure 1) moves slightly from the position shown but will return to the device when the gutter refills.

Referring now to Figure 5, a strip of galvanised steel 216mm x 9mm long is bent to the profile shown.

The angle between leg 26 and flat 24 is 90°. This variant is made in two sizes to fit 90mm and 100mm outlets.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the variant is a polyurethane moulding also 2010200353 06 Jan 2017 8 consisting of a thin walled cylinder 40 on which are mounted two inclined interceptors 42 which define a gap 44 between them. They each have a flat 24 intended for contact with the floor of the gutter. This works in the same way as the previous embodiments.

It is possible to dispense with the legs if the gutter is permanently modified. This is done by fastening an interceptor to the gutter floor so that it spans the outlet but this requires the gutter to be drilled and sealant applied before rivets are inserted. I have found the advantages of the above embodiment to be:

Downpipe and double bend replacement is obviated.

Subterranean pipe cleaning is obviated.

The flow rate from the gutter is hardly diminished.

It is to be understood that the word “comprising” as used throughout the specification is to be interpreted in its inclusive form, ie. use of the word “comprising” does not exclude the addition of other elements.

It is to be understood that various modifications of and/or additions to the invention can be made without departing from the basic nature of the invention. These modifications and/or additions are therefore considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A drain protector for a gutter outlet, comprising: a debris interceptor which, in use, projects at least partway across the gutter outlet so as to arrest larger debris in the gutter but which allows small debris to drain through the outlet; and interceptor locating means which is adapted, in use, to engage at least part of the gutter which defines the gutter outlet; wherein the debris interceptor is narrow so as to be adapted, in use, to at least fully or substantially extend over the gutter outlet, extending only over a single, substantially-narrow region of the gutter outlet so as to leave a substantially large remainder of the gutter outlet uncovered, which single region extends from side to side of the gutter outlet; such that, in use, the narrow debris interceptor is (i) able to leave open a substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor so as to allow smaller debris to pass through, while the narrow interceptor is sufficient to (ii) block larger debris that would otherwise enter and block the gutter outlet.
2. A drain protector as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the interceptor is a bridge which spans the outlet.
3. A drain protector as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the locating means is a pair of fins which project from the bridge in order to enter a spigot of the gutter which overlaps the downpipe.
4. A drain protector as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the locating means is a sleeve which is a slide fit in the spigot of the gutter which overlaps the downpipe.
5. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 2-4, wherein the bridge is in two parts aligned or non-aligned in order to arrest and detain larger debris but allows smaller debris to drain from the gutter.
6. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 2-5, wherein the ends of the bridge extend beyond the outlet edges in order to be supported by a floor of the gutter.
7. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 2-6, wherein the upper surface of the bridge is ramped toward an apex lying above the centre of the outlet.
8. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 2-7, wherein the width of the bridge is 3-11mm.
9. A drain protector as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein the apex angle is 150-160 degrees.
10. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 2-9, wherein the interceptor and locating means are bent from a metal strip to introduce protections which act as locators.
11. A drain protector as claimed in any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the interceptor and locating means are a unitary plastic moulding.
12. A drain protector of any one of the preceding claims where the substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor is a majority area of the gutter outlet, while the narrow interceptor covers a minority area of the gutter outlet.
13. A drain protector for a gutter outlet comprising a debris interceptor having a linear upstanding body and a horizontal support surface projecting from both ends of the body for standing on the gutter floor in order to receive fasteners through the gutter floor to position the body substantially parallel to the outlet axis in order to span the gutter outlet and cause the piling of larger debris while allowing smaller debris to pass into the outlet; wherein the debris interceptor is narrow so as to be adapted, in use, to at least fully or substantially extend over the gutter outlet, extending only over a single, substantially-narrow region of the gutter outlet so as to leave a substantially large remainder of the gutter outlet uncovered, which single region extends from side to side of the gutter outlet; such that, in use, the narrow debris interceptor is (i) able to leave open a substantially large portion of the gutter outlet uncovered by the debris interceptor so as to allow smaller debris to pass through, while the narrow interceptor is sufficient to (ii) block larger debris that would otherwise enter and block the gutter outlet.
14. A method of protecting a downpipe from blockage by fixing a drain protector comprising a linear interceptor across the gutter outlet which feeds the downpipe and fixing ends of the interceptor to the gutter floor, wherein the drain protector is defined in any one of the preceding claims.