Downspout Saddle

Abstract

This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is a new approach to winterization for home and business owners. No invention currently exists that is adaptable to new or existing rain downspouts that from season to season makes home winterization this simple and effective. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is for home or business owners that have problematic areas with snow, ice, icicles, water, critters, or mold.

Description

[0001] This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can be made of molded plastic or metal depending on the downspout material you are matching. This design is intended to be made from molded plastic as most downspouts are made of aluminum or vinyl. This saddle can be adapted to fit any size downspout or material. Existing or new downspouts are cut in place at a set distance from the ground surface to a height where snow and ice cannot reach. Typically, 24″ to 36″ from the ground to the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is attached to the home through a flange using screws or nails. Downspouts are inserted into the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE at the top and bottom and fastened with screws through the screw holes. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can fold up or down accordingly on its hinge and hinge slide as needed in warm or cold seasons. The smaller section of downspout inserted into the bottom of the saddle will remain stored in the saddle during the cold season. The saddle can easily be put into warm season (0 degrees) position if needed. This invention folds up (180 degrees) and allows water to flow freely during winter conditions while assisting to eliminate ice damming at any possible locations. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE also has a guard to keep rodents from climbing up and down downspouts. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE locks in “winter” or “summer” position depending on the time of year with a nut and bolt to assure stability.

[0002] This invention that I Craig Douglas Oman am applying for a patent for is called a DOWNSPOUT SADDLE. The inventor is Craig Douglas Oman Born Oct. 16, 1966 in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA. Craig currently resides in Wyoming. Craig worked in the construction field for 40 plus years all over New England. This invention was needed many years ago by many people. Severe damage is caused annually from ice and water not properly controlled. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE could have, can, and will save homeowners a lot of money on repair costs. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is to be manufactured and distributed strictly in the USA by Doghouse Products LLC. Doghouse Products is to be owned and operated by Craig Douglas Oman (hopefully).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] I, Craig Douglas Oman, have worked in the construction field for 40 plus years. I am the Inventor of the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE. This invention has saved a couple of my clients a lot of money in repair costs over the years. It could have saved many other homeowners as well. Ice and water are major culprits in costly home repairs. Ice buildup begins at ground level and works its way up to the roof area causing ice dams, water seepage, and giant icicles. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE when set for winter conditions allows for unobstructed water flow. The proper functioning of rain gutters and downspouts controls the ground water flow throughout the cold seasons. Unobstructed water flow at all seasons is critical. This invention has an absolute need as I have personally fabricated similar methods in the past with very satisfactory results. Homeowners do not need to remove and store downspouts anymore like they used to in the olden days. That winterization tactic has faded away. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is a necessary addition for proper drainage all around a home or business. It simplifies winterization and spring cleanup, reduces water, mold, and ice damage. It is simple to install and use accordingly for all seasons.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE allows home and business owners to winterize their rain downspouts with ease, annually. A one-time, quick and simple installation of this DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can be done by anyone. It helps prevent all sorts of ice buildup at the foundation, walls, eaves, and roofs by allowing water to flow unobstructed on top of the snow and ice without getting frozen at the ground level under the snow and ice. Eliminating blockage at the ground level of the downspout is critical to avoiding damaging situations. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can reduce mold in the springtime leftover from melting snow and ice. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE has a built-in inner guard for warm seasons to keep pests from climbing up downspouts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] 24 Pages of PDF drawings are included. Drawings are not to scale as the invention adapts to any size.

[0006] Page 1 of 24—Front cover page.

[0007] Page 2 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle bottom part front view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0008] Page 3 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle bottom part side view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0009] i. (FIG. 2) Saddle bottom part side view.

[0010] Page 4 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle bottom part rear view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0011] i. (FIG. 2) Saddle bottom part top view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0012] Page 5 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle top part side view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted. The splash guard is labeled.

[0013] Page 6 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle top part side view 1. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0014] i. (FIG. 2) Saddle top part side view 2.

[0015] Page 7 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle top part top view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0016] i. (FIG. 2) Saddle top part bottom view.

[0017] Page 8 of 24—(FIG. 1) Saddle top part rear view. The dimensions for multiple sized downspouts are noted.

[0018] Page 9 or 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts face view. Hinge bolt, hinge slide, splash guard, and screw flange are labeled.

[0019] i. (FIG. 2) Top and bottom parts rear view.

[0020] Page 10 of 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts sideview 1. Hinge bolt and screw holes are labeled.

[0021] i. (FIG. 2) Top and bottom parts side view 2.

[0022] Page 11 or 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts folded 180 degrees. Mounting flange, hinge slide, and splash guard are labeled.

[0023] Page 12 of 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts folded 90 degrees. Funnel is labeled.

[0024] i. (FIG. 2) Top and bottom parts folded 180 degrees.

[0025] Page 13 of 24—(FIG. 1) Front and rear views at 0 degrees with downspouts included for clarity. Downspouts are labeled.

[0026] Page 14 of 24—(FIG. 1) Side views at 0 degrees with downspouts included for clarity. Downspouts are labeled.

[0027] Page 15 of 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts front view. Hinge slide and splash guard are labeled.

[0028] i. (FIG. 2) Top and bottom parts rear view.

[0029] Page 16 of 24—(FIG. 1) Side view at 90 degrees with downspouts included for clarity. Funnel. Hinge bolt, and downspouts are labeled.

[0030] i. (FIG. 2) Side view at 90 degrees with downspouts included for clarity.

[0031] Page 17 of 24—(FIG. 1) Face view at 90 degrees with downspouts included for clarity. Critter guard is labeled.

[0032] i. (FIG. 2) Faced view folded at 180 degrees.

[0033] Page 18 of 24—(FIG. 1) Top and bottom parts rear view. Critter guard and splash guard are labeled.

[0034] i. (FIG. 2) Top and bottom parts bottom view.

[0035] Page 19 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity.

[0036] i. (FIG. 2) 3D perspective for clarity.

[0037] Page 20 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity. Critter guard, hinge slide, and funnel are labeled.

[0038] i. (FIG. 2) 3D perspective for clarity.

[0039] Page 21 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity.

[0040] i. (FIG. 2) 3D perspective for clarity.

[0041] Page 22 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity. Critter guard, downspout, funnel, and hinge bolt are labeled.

[0042] Page 23 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity. 180 degrees.

[0043] i. (FIG. 2) 3D perspective for clarity. 180 degrees.

[0044] Page 24 of 24—(FIG. 1) 3D perspective for clarity. Screw holes, critter guard, and hinge slide are labeled.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE allows home and business owners to winterize their rain downspouts with ease, annually. A one-time, quick and simple installation of this DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can be done by anyone. It helps prevent all sorts of ice buildup at the foundation, walls, eaves, and roofs by allowing water to flow unobstructed on top of the snow and ice without getting frozen at the ground level under the snow and ice. Eliminating blockage at the ground level of the downspout is critical to avoiding damaging situations. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can reduce mold in the springtime leftover from melting snow and ice. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE has a built-in inner guard for warm seasons to keep pests from climbing up downspouts (it happens all the time).

[0046] This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is a new approach to winterization for home and business owners. No invention currently exists that is adaptable to new or existing rain downspouts. This invention makes home winterization simple and effective. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is for home or business owners that have problematic areas with snow, ice, icicles, water, critters, foundation cracks, leaks or mold. Inside corners are an area where this invention is always needed.

[0047] This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can be made of molded plastic or metal depending on the downspout material. Typical downspouts that are aluminum will work with the molded plastic saddle just fine, if not better. Many different types of plastics or nylons can be used. A rare instance may occur where someone needs to match a specific metal, copper for example. This invention can be made from any metal or plastic, but metal will be rare.

[0048] The size of the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is adjustable to accommodate different sized downspouts. Downspouts are cut in place and installed at a reasonable distance from the ground surface where snow and ice cannot reach. Typically, 24″ to 36″ from the ground to the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is attached to the home with nails or screws. Existing or new downspouts are inserted into the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE at the top and bottom, fastened with screws through the screw holes. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE can fold up or down accordingly on its hinge as needed in warm or cold seasons. The smaller section of downspout inserted into the bottom of the saddle can remain stored in the saddle for the cold season and easily be put into warm season position when necessary. This invention folds up and secures with a bolt that allows water to flow freely during winter conditions while assisting to eliminate ice damming at many possible locations. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE also has a built-in guard to keep rodents from climbing up and down downspouts. The DOWNSPOUT SADDLE locks in “winter” or “summer” position depending on the time of year.

[0049] Ice dams, ice buildup on the ground, ice buildup at the roof eaves, and internal water leaks are most commonly a result of ice blockage starting at the ground level where downspouts are near the frozen ground. As ice builds up around the termination point of the downspout it can and will climb all the way up the downspouts until it backs up into the gutters. Once the gutters are frozen, ice dams begin causing very expensive and untimely remedies. Snow and ice removal in the heart of winter is very expensive. Once leaks start, action must be taken. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE helps to solve the problem at the source. During warm seasons the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is positioned hinged at 0 degrees to allow for normal water flow to the ground. The saddle has a funnel for the 2 parts connecting to prevent water leakage in the saddle in case of an old-fashioned gully washer. During cold seasons the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is to be positioned hinged at 180 degrees and locked with a bolted hinge slide that allows water to flow freely on top of the snow and ice all season long. This keeps the gutters functioning properly. The saddle has a splash guard to protect the wall that it is mounted to. Foundation cracks and leaks are a common result of ice buildup. Mold from melting snow and ice is very common as well. No more ice falling down downspouts in the springtime because it never got a chance to build up because of the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE.

[0050] Managing downspouts may seem excessive until you must pay for ice removal, new roof, or even an accident from a falling icicle. 100 years ago, homeowners would remove downspouts and store them for the winter. It worked then and it will work now. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE has been on my mind for decades now and is the solution to a problem long overlooked.

Claims

2. Ice dams, ice buildup on the ground, ice buildup at the roof eaves, and internal water leaks are most commonly a result of ice blockage starting at the ground level where downspouts are near the frozen ground. As ice builds up around the termination point of the downspout it can and will climb up the downspouts until it backs up into the gutters. Once the gutters are frozen, ice dams begin causing very expensive and untimely solutions. This DOWNSPOUT SADDLE helps to solve the problem at the root cause. During warm seasons the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is positioned hinged at 0 degrees to allow for normal water flow to the ground. The saddle has a funnel for the 2 parts connecting to prevent water leakage in the saddle. During cold seasons the DOWNSPOUT SADDLE is to be positioned hinged at 180 degrees and locked with a bolted hinge slide that allows water to flow freely on top of the snow and ice all season long. The saddle has a splash guard to protect the wall that it is mounted to. This eliminates the possibility for ice backing up at the root. Foundation cracks and leaks are a common result of ice buildup. Mold from melting snow and ice is common and can harm planting beds.

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