METHOD OF JOINING DOWNSPOUT COMPONENTS WITHOUT FASTENERS

Abstract

A method of fluidly connecting two downspout components without fasteners. The method embodies an elastic band dimensioned to slidably receive connecting ends of the two downspout components in such a way that the material of the elastic band frictionally engages the received connecting ends in a seamless, fastener-less, drip-free seal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to conduit fasteners and, more particularly, an elastic band that holds two downspout components together without fasteners, and a method of installing the same without tools.

Currently downspouts are held in place by screws or similar fasteners like rivets. These fasteners require tools to install and loosen over time causing the once-joined downspout components to come apart, which in turn can result in a misfunctioning downspout that does not properly diverting rainwater.

As mentioned above, conventional methods of holding downspouts together is through screws or rivets, which are rigid and utilize a small surface holding area, making them difficult to install. Their small surface area also makes these fasteners prone to becoming loose, causing the downspouts to come apart. Furthermore, the holes needed for these fasteners to work are prone to rusting, which can spread along the exterior of the downspout, causing unsightly discoloring. Likewise, other fasteners, such as fittings, require a specific seam element, such as threading, which promote rusting at the discontinuity between the outer surface of the conduit and the specific seam element.

As can be seen, there is a need for an elastic band that holds two downspout components together without fasteners, and a method of installing the same without tools.

The present invention embodies an elastic band dimensioned and adapted to simply slip over the inserted downspout parts, whereby no tools or fasteners are required for installation or maintaining the resulting seal between the inserted downspout parts. The elastic bands are flexible and have a much larger surface holding area for joining the parts of a downspout through, in part, elastic compression and frictional engagement. The elastic bands can come in any color to match different downspouts, providing a seamless drip-free seal that lasts and is not prone to rust.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of seamlessly joining two downspout components without a tool so that a drip-free fluid connection is maintained between the two downspout components without fasteners, the method includes the following: sliding a first connecting end of a first of the two downspout components into a first end of an elastic band; and sliding a second connecting end of a second of the two downspout components into a second end of the elastic band.

In another aspect of the present invention, method of seamlessly joining two downspout components without a tool so that a drip-free fluid connection is maintained between the two downspout components without fasteners, the method includes the following: sliding a first connecting end of a first of the two downspout components into a first end of a silicone elastic band; and sliding a second connecting end of a second of the two downspout components into a second end of the silicone elastic band, wherein the first connecting end and the second connecting end abut or are adjacent in a lumen of the silicone elastic band, and wherein the silicone elastic band is dimensioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of each connecting end.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fluidly connecting two downspout components without fasteners. The method embodies an elastic band dimensioned to slidably receive connecting ends of the two downspout components in such a way that the material of the elastic band frictionally engages the received connecting ends in a seamless, fastener-less, drip-free seal, where no additional tools are required during installation. In other words, the elastic band simply slips over inserted downspout parts to hold them together through friction.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the present invention may include an elastic band 10 used to hold conduits 12, such as downspouts, together. The elastic band 10 may be of unitary construction, having a first opening on one end and a second opening on the opposing end. The elastic band 10 is dimensioned and adapted to slidably receive a first conduit component 14, while the second opening slidably receives a second conduit component 16. The elastic band 10 may have a flat length between five and eight inches, and in some embodiments approximately six and a quarter inch. The elastic band 10 may have a width of two to four inches, and in some embodiments, three inches. The elastic band 10 may have a wall thickness of between 0.04 and 0.08 inches, and in some embodiments 0.063 inches. In one embodiment, the first conduit component 14 may be a downspout elbow joint while the second conduit component 16 may be a downspout extender.

In some but not all embodiments the received ends of the respective conduit components 14 and 16 may abut each other or be adjacent each other inside the lumen of the elastic band 10. The material of the elastic band 10 along with the dimensionality of its openings work in concert to elastically compress the received, distal ends of the first and second conduit components 14 and 16, forming a seamless drip-free seal without other fasteners. The material of the elastic band 10 may frictionally engage the outer surfaces of the conduit components 14 and 16 to firmly hold them in place. The material of the elastic band 10 may be silicone of the like.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of seamlessly joining two downspout components without a tool so that a drip-free fluid connection is maintained between the two downspout components without fasteners, the method comprising: sliding a first connecting end of a first of the two downspout components into a first end of an elastic band; andsliding a second connecting end of a second of the two downspout components into a second end of the elastic band.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first connecting end and the second connecting end abut in a lumen of the elastic band.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first connecting end and the second connecting end are adjacent in a lumen of the elastic band.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is made of silicone.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the elastic band is dimensioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of each connecting end.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the elastic band has a length of approximately 6.3 inches, a width of approximately 3.0 inches, and a thickness of approximately 0.06 inches.

7. A method of seamlessly joining two downspout components without a tool so that a drip-free fluid connection is maintained between the two downspout components without fasteners, the method comprising: sliding a first connecting end of a first of the two downspout components into a first end of a silicone elastic band; andsliding a second connecting end of a second of the two downspout components into a second end of the silicone elastic band,wherein the first connecting end and the second connecting end abut or are adjacent in a lumen of the silicone elastic band, andwherein the silicone elastic band is dimensioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of each connecting end.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the elastic band has a length of approximately 6.3 inches, a width of approximately 3.0 inches, and a thickness of approximately 0.06 inches.