Expandable downspout
US5867944A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04D13/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downspout in which a section is formed of a material that is substantially elastic and which forms an expandable face member that flexes away from the center of the downspout if the water in it freezes and, when the rainwater thaws, the elastic material returns to substantially its original dimension. It is also preferred that the expandable face member include two longitudinally-extending channels that are substantially V-shaped in cross section. The channels allow for greater outward expansion of the expandable face member, which further reduces the chances of permanent deformation and decreases the stresses on the connection between the expandable face member and the non-flexible portion of the downspout.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.