Articulated downspout extension apparatus
View Patent ↗An extension apparatus for rainwater downspouts comprising a multi-piece, articulated extension device that is attachable to the lowermost portion of a rainwater downspout. The apparatus includes a pivotable joint for articulate movement around the joint. The apparatus further includes elastic members on the apparatus side panels to return the apparatus to an original, resting position after articulation.
1. An extension apparatus comprising:
a first extension member and a second extension member;
said first extension member having a first end and a second end, said second end being pivotally attached to a first end of said second extension member at a pivot point;
said pivot point having a first pivot aperture in said first extension member, a second pivot aperture in said second extension member, and a pivot pin extending through said first and second pivot apertures;
said first extension member and said second extension member each having opposed side panels; and
an elastic member, said elastic member having a first elastic end and a second elastic end wherein said first elastic end is connected to a side panel of said first extension member and said second elastic end is connected to a corresponding side panel of said second extension member.
2. The extension apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first member further includes an elbow having a first elbow end, said first elbow end being configured for mating attachment with a lowermost portion of a downspout.
3. The extension apparatus of claim 2 wherein said second extension member includes a second end configured for mating attachment with a third extension member.
4. The extension apparatus of claim 2 wherein said second end of said first extension member includes at least one flexible flap, and wherein said first end of said second extension member includes a slot, said at least one flexible flap being configured to be received within said slot.
5. A method of using an articulated extension apparatus including the steps of:
providing a first extension member and a second extension member;
providing said first extension member with a first end and a second end;
providing a pivot point, said pivot point having a first pivot aperture in said first extension member, a second pivot aperture in said second extension member, and a pivot pin extending through said first and second pivot apertures;
pivotally attaching said second end of said first extension member to a first end of said second extension member at said pivot point;
providing each of said first extension member and said second extension member with opposed side panels;
providing an elastic member having a first elastic end and a second elastic end;
anchoring said first elastic end to a side panel of said first extension member;
anchoring said second elastic end to a corresponding side panel of said second extension member;
positioning said first extension member and said second extension member in a first position;
pivoting said second extension member about said pivot point to a second position; and
pivoting said second extension member about said pivot point to said first position.
6. The method of claim 5 further including the step of providing said first extension member with an elbow.
7. The method of claim 6 further including the steps of
providing said second end of said first extension member with at least one flexible flap;
providing said first end of said second extension member with a slot; and
positioning said at least one flexible flap within said slot.