Downspout distributor

Abstract

An improved downspout diverter to diffuse water flowing out of a downspout in order to avoid erosion. The improved downspout diverter employs a highly effective progression of diffuser elements, and also provides a more aesthetic appearance, improved manufacturability, a stronger molded design, and eliminates the problem of debris clogging the diverter.

1 . A downspout distributor, comprising:
 an adapter plate for receiving an existing downspout;   a unitary molded splash block formed with an upper chamber defined as a partially-enclosed receptacle with an open upper frame for seating said adapter plate, said upper chamber opening at a horizontal slit onto a diffuser ramp of said molded splash block that serves as a spillway for water ejected from the downspout, said diffuser ramp being bounded on both sides with vertical walls and sloping downward at an angle from said upper chamber to an inclined circular platform;   a first plurality of diffuser elements uniformly spaced along the inclined surface of diffuser ramp, said first plurality of diffuser elements each comprising a solid flat-topped triangular protrusion above the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp; and   a second plurality of diffuser elements uniformly spaced along the inclined surface of the circular platform, said second plurality of diffuser elements each comprising a V-shaped vane protrusion above the inclined surface and extending across the inclined surface of the circular platform.   
     
     
         2 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 1 , wherein said first plurality of diffuser elements comprises within a range from two three first diffuser elements. 
     
     
         3 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 1 , wherein said second plurality of diffuser elements comprises within a range from three to seven second diffuser elements. 
     
     
         4 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second pluralities of diffuser elements all protrude within a range of from 1-2 cm above the inclined surface. 
     
     
         5 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 1 , wherein said second plurality of diffuser elements all extend across a majority of the inclined circular platform. 
     
     
         6 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 1 , wherein said first plurality of diffuser elements all extend across a majority of the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp. 
     
     
         7 . A downspout distributor, comprising:
 a unitary molded splash block comprising a diffuser ramp formed with an inclined spillway, said diffuser ramp being bounded on both sides with vertical walls and sloping downward at an angle;   a first plurality of diffuser elements uniformly spaced along the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp, said first plurality of diffuser elements each comprising a solid flat-topped triangular protrusion above the inclined surface and extending across a majority of the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp; and   a second plurality of diffuser elements uniformly spaced along the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp, said second plurality of diffuser elements each comprising a V-shaped vane protrusion above the inclined surface and extending across at least a majority of the inclined surface.   
     
     
         8 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 7 , wherein said a unitary molded splash block comprises a diffuser ramp formed with an inclined spillway, said diffuser ramp being bounded on both sides with vertical walls and sloping downward at an angle from said upper chamber to an inclined circular platform. 
     
     
         9 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 7 , wherein said first plurality of diffuser elements comprises within a range from two three first diffuser elements. 
     
     
         10 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 7 , wherein said second plurality of diffuser elements comprises within a range from three to seven second diffuser elements. 
     
     
         11 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 8 , wherein said second plurality of diffuser elements are located on said inclined circular platform. 
     
     
         12 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 7 , wherein said first and second pluralities of diffuser elements all protrude within a range of from 1-2 cm above the inclined surface. 
     
     
         13 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 11 , wherein said second plurality of diffuser elements all extend across a majority of the inclined circular platform. 
     
     
         14 . The downspout distributor according to  claim 7 , wherein said first plurality of diffuser elements all extend across a majority of the inclined surface of the diffuser ramp.