Ada-compliant downspout sidewalk extension

Abstract

A customizable waterway to transport storm-water over non-permeable substrate. Affixed to the substrate, it is low-profile and weight-bearing to allow wheelchairs to pass over without interference and without disturbing the apparatus.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to rain gutter and downspouts and landscape drainage. More particularly, it relates to a downspout extension apparatus designed for safe and efficient passage for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and other wheeled objects to travel over the waterway.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Commonly, buildings are outfitted with gutters along the roof to collect rain water, and downspouts which provide a channel for the water to drain from the gutters. Often times, the downspouts are dumping the water directly onto non-permeable surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways. This creates a hazard for passersby, and also an unavoidable waterway where the path of travel may cause inconveniences such as a person's clothing may get wet. In colder climates, this is of particular concern as the water often times turns to slippery ice, creating a tort liability, in addition to a potential fall hazard. Builders design their buildings for conve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for managing water flow during a storm. A Spout Portal is attached to a downspout and directs water into a Conduit which delivers it to a predetermined path. The Conduit is designed to be customized and can be sealed to prevent leaks. The Conduit is covered by a flat and easily accessible Bridge that allows for wheelchair and other wheeled objects to pass over it without obstacles. The Bridge is also available in different colors for personalization. In colder climate, an optional integrated heater cable system can be added to prevent ice-damming.

Problems solved by technology

This creates a hazard for passersby, and also an unavoidable waterway where the path of travel may cause inconveniences such as a person's clothing may get wet.

In colder climates, this is of particular concern as the water often times turns to slippery ice, creating a tort liability, in addition to a potential fall hazard.

Builders design their buildings for convenience and the most obvious and direct path of travel, but usually fail to take into account the physical limitations of where the water runoff will be dispersed.

It is common to see downspouts dumping on or near sidewalks and driveways because there is no other reasonable option for the gutter installer to direct the water.

One example is an extension tube such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,837 B1 issued to Jeffrey E. Smith, which is not fastened to the ground and creates a trip hazard, as well as the unsightly aesthetics of corrugated plastic tubing stretching spanning its length.

The problem again is that this presents a trip hazard during the rain storm, as well as requiring a manual intervention to raise the extension back up into its waiting position.

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