Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a gutter downspout extension device that is capable of improving water flow management, for enhancing drainage efficiency and provide seamless solutions for directing water away from the building or designated area, thereby ensuring optimal performance and preventing blockages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Efficient water management from building rooftops is critical to safeguarding structural integrity and surrounding landscapes. Rainwater, if not properly directed away from a building, causes severe damage, including soil erosion, foundation weakening, basement flooding, and deterioration of external walls. Gutter downspouts are integral to managing rainwater flow, channeling it safely away from structures. However, rapid urbanization and the prevalence of complex architectural designs have created challenges for traditional water discharge, which often fail to meet the demands of modern environments. Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns and increasing rainfall intensity necessitate innovative solutions that ensure the uninterrupted flow of water, while requiring minimal maintenance. Proper water management not only protects structures but also mitigates the risk of urban flooding and supports sustainable water practices.

[0003] Traditional methods of managing water flow from gutters often involve simple downspout extensions or manual redirection. These solutions, suffer from significant limitations, such as fixed positioning, inability to adjust to ground surfaces, and vulnerability to blockages caused by debris. Additionally, traditional extensions are labor-intensive to maintain and lack the capability to adapt to varying environmental or structural conditions, leading to inefficiencies in water management.

[0004] US5813701A discloses about an invention that has a repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

[0005] US3967452A discloses about an invention that has a rain gutter has a bottom wall prepared for connection of a downspout thereto and comprising a downspout opening in the bottom wall having a continuous downturned lip flange around the edge of the opening derived from material displaced from the area of the opening, and extension means on the lip flange, whereby the extension means and the lip flange can engage within the upper end of a downspout to maintain the downspout in alignment with the opening. The lip flange provides a funnel-like closure for the joint between the gutter bottom wall and the upper end of a downspout coupled to the gutter by means of the extension means.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market for gutter downspout. However, the cited invention lacks to ensure adaptability to diverse conditions, seamless operation during heavy rainfall, or automation to minimize human involvement along with lacks versatility which restricts their application in diverse architectural setups, particularly in urban areas with varied building designs.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device capable of managing water discharge efficiently while addressing issues such as clogs, structural compatibility, and environmental variability and ensure seamless operation with minimal maintenance, and effective synthesis with diverse architectural designs, making a highly reliable device in all conditions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enhancing water flow management by efficiently directing rainwater away from buildings or specific areas, thus preventing water buildup and potential damage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preventing blockages and maintain smooth, uninterrupted water flow through downspout, thus ensuring efficient drainage and reducing the risk of clogs.

[0011] Yet, another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adapting to pipes of varying shapes and sizes, thus providing a flexible solution for secure attachment and efficient functionality across different pipe dimensions.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a gutter downspout extension device that is capable of improving water flow management by efficiently directing rainwater away from buildings or designated areas, preventing water buildup and potential damage. The proposed device also capable of preventing blockages, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted flow through the downspout, thereby enhancing drainage efficiency and reducing the risk of clogs, ensuring long-term, reliable performance.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a gutter downspout extension device, comprises of a housing configured with a pair of extendable spout developed to be positioned towards an outlet of a gutter downspout pipe for guiding water flow, a pair of motorized clamps are installed over the housing to secure the pipe outlet, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the housing that is activated by an inbuilt microcontroller to work in sync with an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the housing to detect dimension of the pipe, based on which the microcontroller actuates the clamps to grip the pipe and secure the housing with outlet of the pipe, a drawer arrangement integrated within the housing, upon securing of the housing over the pipe, the microcontroller further activates the ultrasonic sensor to detect distance of the housing and a ground surface, based on which the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement to extend the housing to optimally position the housing in proximity to the ground surface.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a flow sensor integrated on the housing that is activated by the microcontroller to detect movement of water within the downspout, upon detection of the water movement, the microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint installed in between the housing and spout to extend the spouts outward towards a predetermined location, a motorized iris lid installed in over the spout, upon positioning of the spouts towards the location, the microcontroller actuates the iris lid to open for allow water to flow from the spouts towards the pre-determined location, a suction unit is integrated on within the housing, upon detection of presence of blockages within the housing via the imaging unit, the microcontroller actuates the suction unit to remove the blockages and direct the extracted debris into a storage compartment installed within the housing, thereby ensuring uninterrupted water flow.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a gutter downspout extension device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a gutter downspout extension device that offers enhanced water flow management by effectively directing rainwater away from buildings or specific areas, preventing water buildup and potential damage. The proposed device also ensures smooth, uninterrupted flow through the downspout by preventing blockages, promoting efficient drainage and reducing clog risks. Additionally, the device capable of adapts to pipes of various shapes and sizes, offering a flexible, secure attachment solution for reliable functionality across different pipe dimensions.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a gutter downspout extension device is illustrated, comprising, a housing 101 developed to be positioned towards an outlet of a gutter downspout pipe, a pair of extendable spout 102 is arranged with the housing 101, a pair of motorized clamps 103 are installed over the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the housing 101, a drawer arrangement 105 integrated within the housing 101, a motorized pin joint 106 installed in between the housing 101 and spout 102, a motorized iris lid 107 installed in over the spout 102, a suction unit 108 is integrated on within the housing 101 and a storage compartment 109 installed within the housing 101.

[0023] The device discloses herein includes a housing 101 is developed to be positioned towards outlet of a gutter downspout pipe for guiding water flow. The housing 101 is made from a sturdy material to withstand the flow pressure of the water. The housing 101 integrated with a push button for activating/deactivating the device.

[0024] The push button is accessed by a user for activating the device, thus once the user pressed the button, and then the button internally completes the electrical circuit, which turn the device on. The button contains an actuator and a spring, which triggered upon pressing. The actuator moves the internal contact that complete the circuit and allow electrical current to flow, thereby powering the device. Once the button is released, the spring resets the button and return to original position.

[0025] On pressing the push button, an inbuilt microcontroller gets activated for performing the device working. The microcontroller used herein is pre-fed using artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols to coordinate the working of the device. Once the microcontroller activated, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 arranged on the platform for capturing and processing multiple images of the surrounding of the housing 101.

[0026] The imaging unit 104 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the housing 101, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 104 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 104 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The imaging unit 104 works in synced with an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the housing 101 to detect dimension of a pipe.

[0027] The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the pipe. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for detecting the dimension of the pipe. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of the pipe which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the pipe surface. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the pipe and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the dimension of the pipe. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal determines dimension of the pipe for securing the housing 101 with outlet of the pipe.

[0028] Upon detecting dimension of the pipe, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized clamps 103 that are installed over the housing 101 to secure the pipe outlet. The motorized clamps 103 are fastening equipment used to hold or secure the housing 101 to the pipe tightly together to prevent movement or separation. The clamp comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps, attached with motor to grip the housing 101. While, the motor is actuated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorized clamps 103 in order to affix the housing 101 to the pipe.

[0029] Further upon securing the housing 101 over the pipe, the microcontroller activates a drawer arrangement 105 integrated on the housing 101 to extend the housing 101 to optimally position in proximity to the ground surface. The drawer arrangement 105 consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends/contract length/width of the housing 101 such that the housing 101 extend to positioned a pair of extendable spout 102 attached with the housing 101 in proximity to the ground surface for guiding the flow of water.

[0030] The pair of extendable spouts 102 is used to guide the flow of water from the gutter downspout pipe. These spouts 102 are adjustable in length, allowing for customization based on the desired water flow direction and distance. By extending or retracting, the spouts 102 efficiently direct water away from the pipe, thus ensuring optimal drainage. The extension/retraction of the extendable spouts 102 is powered pneumatically by the microcontroller by employing a pneumatic unit associated with the spouts 102, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the spouts 102. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the spouts 102 and due to applied pressure the spouts 102 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the spout 102 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the spouts 102 in order to guide the flow of water from the gutter downspout pipe. Followed by, the microcontroller activates a flow sensor embedded on the housing 101 to detect movement of the water within the downspout.

[0031] The flow sensor measures the rate of water movement through the downspout. The flow sensor typically works by applying Faraday's Law of Induction. These sensors use a magnetic field generated by electrodes around the downspout. As the conductive water flows through the pipe, the sensor induces a voltage in the water that is proportional to the flow rate. This voltage is measured by the electrodes, and the sensor calculates the flow rate based on the detected signal. Upon detection of the water movement, the microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint 106 arranged in between the housing 101 and spout 102 to extend the spouts 102 outward towards a predetermined location.

[0032] The motorized pin joint 106 comprises of a pin incorporated within a bearing and coupled to a DC motor via a shaft to provide required movement to the motorized pin joint 106. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the motorized pin joint 106 respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the motorized pin joint 106 that in turn provides movement to the spouts 102 for extending the spouts 102 outward towards the predetermined location. Upon positioning of the spouts 102 towards the predetermined location, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 107 integrated over the spouts 102 to open/close for allow water to flow from the spouts 102 towards the pre-determined location.

[0033] The motorized iris lid 107 is an adjustable aperture that controls the flow of the water through the spout 102. The hole expands or contract to regulate the volume or pressure of the fluid passing through, allowing precise control over the flow rate through the spouts 102. Thereby, the hole consists of overlapping, moveable blades arranged in as circular pattern that expand or contract by a motor as per the microcontroller instructions. When the motor is activated, the motor moves the blades, opening or closing the aperture. Thus, enable the water to flow from the spouts 102 towards the pre-determined location.

[0034] Additionally, in case the imaging detects presence of any blockages within the housing 101, the microcontroller actuates a suction unit 108 that is installed on within the housing 101 to remove the blockages. The suction unit 108 works by creating a vacuum to draw in air, liquids, or debris from a specific area. The suction unit 108 typically consists of a motor, a pump, a hose, and a collection container. When activated, the motor powers the pump, which generates negative pressure or suction. This suction pulls debris into a storage compartment 109. The storage compartment 109 is an enclosed space developed to store the extracted debris. The storage compartment 109 is sealed to prevent contamination or leakage and feature removable or transparent covers for easy access and inspection. The storage compartments 109 help keep spaces organized, ensure safe containment, and simplify waste management or storage.

[0035] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically and electronically operated components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 developed to be positioned towards the outlet of the gutter downspout pipe for guiding water flow. The housing 101 having the push button that is accessed by the user for pressing the push button, upon pressing, the microcontroller activates and initiating the device's functioning. The microcontroller then activates the imaging unit 104 which in sync with the ultrasonic sensor to captures and processes images to determine the dimensions of the pipe outlet. This data is then sent to the microcontroller, which adjusts the position of the housing 101 using the motorized clamps 103 to secure the pipe outlet. The microcontroller also activates the drawer arrangement 105 to extend the housing 101, positioning the housing 101 near the ground surface. This adjustment allows the pair of extendable spouts 102 to guide the water flow. Once water movement is detected by the flow sensor, the microcontroller extends the spouts 102 outward and activates the motorized iris lid 107 to control water flow. In case any blockages are detected via the imaging unit 104 triggers the microcontroller to activate the suction unit 108 that removes debris into the storage compartment 109, thus ensuring uninterrupted water flow.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A gutter downspout extension device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 configured with a pair of extendable spout 102 developed to be positioned towards an outlet of a gutter downspout pipe for guiding water flow, wherein a pair of motorized clamps 103 are installed over said housing 101 to secure said pipe outlet;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said housing 101 that is activated by an inbuilt microcontroller to work in sync with an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said housing 101 to detect dimension of said pipe, based on which said microcontroller actuates said clamps 103 to grip said pipe and secure said housing 101 with outlet of said pipe;
iii) a drawer arrangement 105 integrated within said housing 101, wherein upon securing of said housing 101 over said pipe, said microcontroller further activates said ultrasonic sensor to detect distance of said housing 101 and a ground surface, based on which said microcontroller actuates said drawer arrangement 105 to extend said housing 101 to optimally position said housing 101 in proximity to said ground surface;
iv) a flow sensor integrated on said housing 101 that is activated by said microcontroller to detect movement of water within said downspout, wherein upon detection of said water movement, said microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint 106 installed in between said housing 101 and spout 102 to extend said spouts 102 outward towards a predetermined location;
v) a motorized iris lid 107 installed in over said spout 102, wherein upon positioning of said spouts 102 towards said location, said microcontroller actuates said iris lid 107 to open for allowing said water to flow from said spouts 102 towards said pre-determined location.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a suction unit 108 is integrated on within said housing 101, and upon detection of presence of blockages within said housing 101 via said imaging unit 104, said microcontroller actuates said suction unit 108 to remove said blockages and direct said extracted debris into a storage compartment 109 installed within said housing 101, thereby ensuring uninterrupted water flow.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.