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.

