A gutter blockage detection and filtration system

Abstract

A gutter blockage detection and filtration system 100 is suitable for mounting to a downstream pipe. It comprises of a removable pipe-shaped member 102 including a top portion 114 and a bottom portion

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to gutter and gutter systems. More particularly, the present invention is related to blockage detection system in gutters that can indicate if the gutters are completely or partially clogged or obstructed and then the debris are filtered out. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Basically, the gutter system is the drainage system which collects rainwater and channel it to the ground through a downpipe. Drainage gutters are means for carrying the runoff water securely before it is transferred to a downpipe, through which the water would reach the storage unit. The water is channelized through these gutters to prevent seepage of water into the building. In the absence of gutters, water flowing over the exterior walls and foundation can lead to dampness, which will weaken the structure and may also provide a favourable environment for the growth of molds and fungi. However, maintaining gutter system is often difficult to maintain the cleanliness of these gutters because of debris, dried leaves, and other waste. In view of these various detection systems have been created to check whether the gutter system is working properly or clogged.

[0003] US7401571 discloses a gutter system that includes an indicator for indicating that the gutter system is clogged or partially clogged. The indicator includes a floating device such as a ball in a retainer within the gutter system and in the vicinity of a downspout and downspout opening that forms a part of a gutter system. The retainer comprises a housing of an open construction and includes a bottom, sidewall structure and a top portion. Since the housing is an open construction, water passing through the gutter can normally flow through the housing. When the gutter system is clear and does not have any substantial obstructions, it follows that 1 fi 12 22 the water accumulation within the gutter will be relatively small. However, when the gutter system is clogged or partially clogged, then there will be some accumulation of water in the gutter system. When there is accumulation of water, the floating device will float to an upper elevated position where the same can be seen from ground level. This indicates a clogged or partially clogged gutter system.

[0004] US7883038B2 discloses a device for reducing clogging of a gutter comprises a housing which fits in a gutter over the downspout. The device contains a motor-driven grinder mechanism which grinds up waterborne leaves and other debris passing through the housing, preferably as they exit through the outlet of the housing to the downspout. The grinder mechanism preferably comprises one or more rotary type blades located above an inlet of the downspout. The device may also include a plunger mechanism which helps push water and debris in the housing through the grinder mechanism. Also, preferable the device includes a water sensor and a debris sensor for operating the motor only when both water and debris are present.

[0005] WO2010059125Al discloses an automated gutter control system comprising a set of water sensors whose timing information can be used for detecting several rain gutter system malfunction. The automatic detector of system malfunction can be used to detect whether the pump speed of the waterjets is in desired rate, to detect any power down issues in the rain gutter, to detect whether there is any blockage and further indicate the location of the blockage in the rain gutter. Both the rain gutter and its top mesh layer are made of heat conductive material. The automated gutter control system is also equipped with temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the rain gutter, such that no water will be sprayed from the water jets if a minimum predetermined temperature is maintained for a minimum duration within a predetermined period of time. 1 fi 12 22

[0006] US20170138779A1 discloses a gutter obstruction gauge apparatus providing a visual indicator of an obstructed gutter by providing a gauge device that provides indication that a gutter is full and needs clearing. The instant gutter obstruction gauge apparatus becomes visible within a gutter when the gutter is filled with debris and requires cleaning. The instant invention advantageously allows for the ability of maintaining the gutters and increasing the performance of the gutter and draining structures. The instant gutter obstruction gauge apparatus is a lightweight uncomplicated structure comprised of readily available materials allowing for easy and low-cost manufacture.

[0007] US6786091B1 discloses an overflow detection device is capable of determining whether liquid outside of the device has reached a predetermined level associated with an overflow condition. A container has a closed end and a capped end opposite the closed end. The container has an enclosing wall which extends from the closed end to an open or capped end to define an interior region. A hole or holes are formed in the enclosing wall. The holes are positioned a predetermined distance from the closed end of the container. The holes permit flow of the liquid into the interior region of the container when the liquid level reaches the predetermined level. A flotation piece is situated in the interior region of the container. The flotation piece is capable of floating on liquid which has flowed into the interior region. A visual indicator piece is coupled to or integral with the flotation piece. The visual indicator piece rises with the flotation piece when the level of the liquid contained in the interior region of the container rises.

[0008] While the aforementioned systems offer various means for detecting the blockage or clogging in the gutter system, there is a still a need for installation of a filtration system internally within the downcomer pipe in order to avoid underground blockages and to allow for expedited and facilitated maintenance. 1 fi 12 22 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In light of the requirements mentioned in the previous section, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification and drawings as a whole.

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gutter blockage detection and filtration system for insertable mounting to a downstream pipe. It comprises of a removable pipe-shaped member comprising, a top portion and a bottom portion configured to be secured to the downstream pipe with a clamp band an outlet to access the interior portion of the removable pipe-shaped member, a perforated steel plate housed inside the removable pipe-shaped member to facilitate the flow of water and a replaceable mesh filter disposed on top of the perforated steel plate filters the debris. Further, a sensor disposed at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member detects a water level, wherein the sensor triggers a notification to a client device upon the water level reaching a predetermined threshold.

[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the removable pipe-shaped member is secured to the downstream pipe with a quick-release clamp band. Further, the removable pipe-shaped member is mounted at a pre-determined height on the downstream pipe to facilitate easy access for cleaning.

[0012] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the outlet is a removable latch secured at an external wall of the removable pipe-shaped member by a plurality of securing means comprising hinge joints or lockable secure pins. Further in an embodiment, the outlet may comprise a permanent opening.

[0013] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the circumference of the 1 fi 12 22 perforated steel plate aligns with the inside of the removable pipe-shaped member and the mesh filter comprises at least one of a fiber, a metal, a fabric or any other suitable material.

[0014] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the sensor comprises at least one of a light sensor, thermal sensor, acoustic sensor, magnetic sensor, or wireless sensor. Further the sensor triggers the notification over a network to the client device comprising at least one of a mobile, laptop or a computing system. The predetermined threshold for the sensor to trigger the notification comprises of water level reaching the sensor probe located at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member. The sensor is disposed outside at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member with the sensor probe inserted inside the removable pipeshaped member. The sensor is an electronic sensor powered by at least one of the electricity or replaceable batteries. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor is disposed outside at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member with the sensor probe inserted inside the removable pipe-shaped member, wherein the sensor is an electronic sensor powered by at least one of electricity or replaceable batteries.

[0015] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the downstream pipe is painted with thermochromic paint.

[0016] This summary is provided merely for the purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description and figures.

[0017] The abovementioned embodiments and further variations of the proposed invention are 1 fi 12 22 discussed further in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter blockage detection and filtration system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of each part of the gutter blockage detection and filtration system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture of the gutter blockage detection system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0022] The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single feature of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms 1 fi 12 22 “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and / or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0025] The utility of the devices described herein will be explained further in detail in the following sections of this document referring to the figures. Specific terms used herein do not restrict the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the gutter blockage detection and filtration system 100 for avoiding underground blockages and to allow for expedited and facilitated maintenance according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system 100 comprises of a removable pipe-shaped member 102, an outlet 106, a perforated steel plate 110, a replaceable mesh filter 108, and a sensor 104.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gutter blockage detection and filtration system 100 for insertable mounting to a downstream pipe. It comprises of a removable pipe-shaped member 102 comprising, a top portion 114 and a bottom portion 116 configured to 1 fi 12 22 be secured to the downstream pipe with a clamp band 118 an outlet to access the interior portion 120 of the removable pipe-shaped member 102, a perforated steel plate 110 housed inside the removable pipe-shaped member 102 to facilitate the flow of water and a replaceable mesh filter 108 disposed on top of the perforated steel plate 110 filters the debris. Further, a sensor 104 disposed at the top portion 114 of the removable pipe-shaped member 102 detects a water level, wherein the sensor 104 triggers a notification to a client device 306 upon the water level reaching a predetermined threshold.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the removable pipe-shaped member 102 is secured to the downstream pipe with a quick-release clamp band 118.

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet 106 is a removable latch secured at an external wall of the removable pipe-shaped member 102 by a plurality of securing means comprising hinge joints or lockable secure pins. In another alternative embodiment, the outlet 106 is a permanent opening.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circumference of the perforated steel plate 110 aligns with the inside of the removable pipe-shaped member 102.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined threshold comprises of water level reaching the sensor 104 probe located at the top portion 114 of the removable pipe-shaped member 102.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the removable pipe-shaped member 102 is mounted at a pre-determined height on the downstream pipe to facilitate easy access for cleaning.

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor 104 comprises at least one of a light sensor, thermal sensor, acoustic sensor, magnetic sensor, or 1 fi 12 22 wireless sensor.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mesh filter 108 comprises at least one of a fiber, a metal, a fabric or any other suitable material to trap the debris. The mesh filter 108 can be replaced by a user on his own without the help of any trained professional.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sensor 104 triggers the notification over a network 304 about the clog condition of the removable pipe-shaped member 102 to the client device 306 comprising at least one of a mobile, laptop or a computing system. Thereafter, the debris can be removed to clear the clogging, and also the excess water can be drained out from the outlet 106 in a different container 122 outside the gutter blockage detection and filtration system 100. If required, the mesh filter 108 can be replaced by way of a new mesh filter.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of each of the components of the gutter blockage detection and filtration system (200) for avoiding underground blockages and to allow for expedited and facilitated maintenance according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The sensor 204 is placed at a predetermined height on the removable pipe-shaped member 202 which detects the level of water so that the user can know about the clogging in the gutter system and prevent from underground clogging or blockage. The outlet 206 is placed on the external wall of the removable pipe-shaped member 202 which houses the perforated steel plate 210 and the mesh filter 208. Once the sensor 204 sends a signal, the user can open the outlet 206 and remove the debris and excess water from the outlet to prevent clogging and blockage of the gutter system. If required, the user can replace the mesh filter 208 with a new one. Further, the outlet 206 can be a removable latch that is fixed with secured pins.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor 204 may be a light 1 fi 12 22 sensor, thermal sensor, acoustic sensor, magnetic sensor or a Bluetooth or wireless sensor which may be linked to any output device such as a laptop or computer or mobile phone by way of an application. The wireless or Bluetooth sensor 204 may send notifications to the user once the water level at the predetermined level is reached.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mesh filter 208 may be made up of any fiber, metal, fabric or any other suitable material.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the outlet 206 may be replaceable latch or a permanent opening in the removable pipe-shaped member 202 for draining out the excess water and changing the mesh filter 208. The outlet 206 may be attached to the removable pipe-shaped member 202 by way of a hinge joint, pins or any other attachment means.

[0040] Fig. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the architecture 300 of the gutter blockage detection and filtration system 302 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The sensor in the gutter blockage detection and filtration system 302 sends notifications to the network (304) which ultimately sends the notifications to the client device 306. The client device 306 may be a mobile, laptop or a computer system which receives the signals from the sensor in the gutter blockage detection and filtration system. Once the sensor sends a signal, the user can open the outlet and remove the debris and excess water from the outlet to prevent clogging and blockage of the gutter system. If required, the user can replace the mesh filter with a new one. Further, the outlet can be a removable latch that is fixed with secured pins.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the user may remove the removable pipe-shaped member 102 by pressing the quick-release clamp and clearing out the debris accumulated and snapping back the removable pipe-shaped member 102 to the downstream pipe of the gutter system. 1 fi 12 22 Alternatively, the whole removable pipe-shaped member can be removed by pressing the quickrelease clamp band and replaced with a new removable pipe-shaped member for further use.

[0042] Overall, the embodiments of the present invention provides a gutter blockage detection and filtration system that prevents underground blockage of the gutter system by providing an easier cleaning and maintenance process for the users. More particularly, the present invention provides a filtration system within the accessible range of the user. It provides smart monitoring of the gutter system for blockages by employing the sensor and further provides the durable mesh filter that allows only the water to flow through but not the debris.

[0043] Examples described herein can also be used in various other scenarios and for various purposes. It may be noted that the above-described examples of the present solution are for the purpose of illustration only. Although the solution has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, numerous modifications may be possible without materially departing from the instructions and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present solution. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any arrangement, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0044] The present description has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms, details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. 27 11 23

Claims

1. A gutter blockage detection and filtration system for a downstream pipe, comprising:a removable pipe-shaped member comprising:a top portion and a bottom portion configured to be secured to the downstreampipe with a clamp band;an outlet to access the interior portion of the removable pipe-shaped member;a perforated steel plate housed inside the removable pipe-shaped member to facilitate the flow of water; anda replaceable mesh filter disposed on top of the perforated steel plate filters the debris;a sensor disposed at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member detects a water level, wherein the sensor triggers a notification to a client device upon the water level reaching a predetermined threshold.

2. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable pipe-shaped member is secured to the downstream pipe with a quick-release clamp band.

3. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet is a removable latch secured at an external wall of the removable pipe-shaped member by a plurality of securing means comprising hinge joints or lockable secure pins.

4. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circumference of the perforated steel plate aligns with the inside of the removable pipeshaped member.27 11 235. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold comprises of water level reaching the sensor probe located at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member.

6. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable pipe-shaped member is mounted at a pre-determined height on the downstream pipe to facilitate easy access for cleaning.

7. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a light sensor, thermal sensor, acoustic sensor, magnetic sensor, or wireless sensor.

8. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh filter comprises at least one of a fiber, a metal, or a fabric.

9. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor triggers the notification over a network to the client device comprising at least one of a mobile, laptop or a computing system.

10. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the downstream pipe is painted with thermochromic paint.

11. The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed outside at the top portion of the removable pipe-shaped member with the sensor probe inserted inside the removable pipe-shaped member.12 The gutter blockage detection and filtration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an electronic sensor powered by at least one of electricity or replaceable batteries.

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