Article for use in a fluid diversion system

Abstract

A synthetic resin article is provided for use in a fluid diversion system with one or more distribution lines. The article's frame has a top, at least one side, a bottom and an interior. At least one aperture is formed at the top. An intake port is disposed on at least one side of the frame, for engagement with the system distribution line. A drainage structure is disposed on the bottom of the frame for downward drainage of standing water into the surrounding soil or other environment. When the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the drainage structure but normally when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the outlet aperture. In preferred embodiments, the top includes a plurality of small outlet gratings for additional percolation. In particularly preferred embodiments, the outlet gratings are formed as a plurality of slots for optimized percolation and diffusion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 118,312, filed Apr. 29, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid diversion systems and more particularly to systems for rain gutter diversion.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Rainfall is an important concern for homeowners and other building owners. Rain is typically collected in a guttering system disposed at the bottom of the roof slope. The rain is then gravitationally guided to one or more downspouts, normally sited at the corners of the building. Downspouts are usually substantially vertical, extending to the groundsoil or other surface structure, such as concrete. Downspouts are typically curved at the bottom with an outlet, so as to dump rainfall in an outward moving fashion away from the building. This is the most common means of disposing of rain falling on a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system achieves effective diversion of water away from building foundations, preventing structural damage and promoting beneficial soil moisture distribution while avoiding erosion, through gentle and wide dispersion of water.

Problems solved by technology

The major problem with such a system is that the water coming out of the downspout outlet normally does not have sufficient velocity to escape the area surrounding the foundation of the building.

Standing water around a foundation is a major structural risk.

Even water diffusing into soil in proximity to the foundation presents a risk, namely mold and undesirable settling of the foundation leading to structural damage.

Also, water in proximity to the foundation may lead to saturation leaking into the basement.

However, another problem may be created.

Such a configuration may result in erosion of soil at the mouth of the extension pipe after repeated discharges, resulting in creation of a trough in the soil or other landscape damage.

In addition, such a discharge fails to provide a beneficial distribution of water, which could occur if the water were distributed more widely and with less velocity.

This system however still does not optimize water discharge for purposes of landscaping and soil treatment because the velocity of the water discharged is too great with even a moderate rain.

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