WO2016018138A1

WO2016018138A1 - A device for diverting precipitation and a system therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016018138A1
Application number: PCT/MY2015/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seng Ming TAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-28
Publication date: 2016-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-01-30
Also published as: MY186359A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) for diverting precipitation (550). The device (100) comprises an attaching member (20) mounted to a surface; and a diverting member (10). The diverting member (10) is connected to the attaching member (20) such that the diverting member (10) extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the upper end (22) of the attaching member (20) for diverting the flow of the precipitation (550) from the surface. In another aspect, the present invention is related to a system (200).

Description

A DEVICE FOR DIVERTING PRECIPITATION

AND A SYSTEM THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and a system for diverting precipitation. BACKGROUND ART A building, particularly those well-designed ones, is often used as a landmark. Thus, a building facade can either leave a good impression or a not-so impressive one to its corporate occupants.

However, it is often the case inevitable for a building in a concrete jungle to avoid any forms of pollutions especially of pollutants such as dirt and dusts from setting onto the building surface, let alone the unpredictable weather.

Worst still, during a rainy season, the rainwater upon contacting on a building surface would mix with the dirt and dusts formed thereon and run down along the surface. Upon drying, it would leave dirt marks on the building surface. It would be an inevitable eyesore to a corporate building.

As most of the buildings these days are using glass, the dirt marks formed on the glass panels could be easily noticed from the inside of the building. As such, many buildings, particularly in the city, enlist the help of window or building cleaner companies to clear the dirt marks. However, this would undesirably increase the maintenance costs in the long run.

Besides glass panels, these panels could be steel or aluminum clad panels, marble surfaces, powder-coated surfaces, plastic or polycarbonate surfaces or panels, etc. Furthermore, gaps or expansion joints are often left between these panels or surfaces for expansion and contraction purposes due to the changes in the climate or weather.

Because of this, dusts and dirt could easily get trapped on or within these joint areas or gaps. This is made worse by sealants, elastic or otherwise, being used to cover these joints in most cases. For glass panels, silicone is used as the sealant. It has been known that these sealants, as they may be resilient in nature, could more easily attract, trap, absorb, and adsorb dusts and dirt to stick to them. If this is the case, then it would be more an arduous task to prevent dirt marks from forming on the building surfaces.

Apart from building surfaces, such a drawback can be observed in outdoor sculptures or structures, or any other types of surfaces that can face such an issue.

In light of the above, a device and a system that can divert precipitation and address the above-discussed shortcomings are therefore very much needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for diverting precipitation.

The device comprises an attaching member attached to a surface, and a diverting member connected to the attaching member such that the diverting member extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the attaching member for diverting the flow of the precipitation from the surface.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for diverting precipitation. The system comprises an attaching member attached to a surface; and a diverting member connected to the attaching member such that the diverting member extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the attaching member for diverting the flow of the precipitation from the surface. According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device and a system for diverting precipitation.

The device or the system comprises an attaching member and a diverting member which are incorporated or fused into the panel or building facade to form a single continuous entity such that the diverting member extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a system that divert precipitation. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a system that divert and prevent the precipitation from flowing on a surface such as a building surface and a structure surface.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a system wherein the device comprises an attaching member and a diverting member which are fused together continuously in a single piece. The attaching member and the diverting member when fused together are such that the diverting member extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a system wherein the attaching member has a receded area for accommodating the attaching element.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device and a system which further comprises a connecting member in the form of a groove and an extension member which is shaped in an elongated manner along the lengthwise extent of the device.

It is also an object of the present invention, to provide a device and a system comprising a panel or a building facade which incorporate and fuse the attaching member and the diverting member together as a single continuous entity for diverting and preventing precipitation from flowing on a surface such as a building surface and a structure surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device and a system mounted to a panel on a building surface that divert and prevent the precipitation from flowing onto the joint area or gap between the panel mounted with the device or the system and the lower adjacent panel in order to prevent dirt marks from forming on the subsequent panel.

The present invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 shows one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system of the present invention and how they are utilized.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the device and the system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a side or a cross-sectional side view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system with a preferred sloping angle of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view or a cross-sectional side view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system with a different preferred sloping angle of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the inverted version of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system of the present invention and how they are utilized.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the device and the system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a side or a cross-sectional side view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system with a preferred sloping angle of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a side view or a cross-sectional side view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system with a different preferred sloping angle of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one of the preferred embodiments of the device and the system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 shows an example of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows the extending member and how it is connected with respect to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the effect of not using the device and the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a device (100) and a system (200) for diverting precipitation. Hereinafter, the device (100) and the system (200) shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be imderstood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

According to one aspect of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, the device (100) according to the present invention is for diverting precipitation (550) for example, on a surface like a building surface. Regardless of this, it is preferred that the precipitation (550) can be interchangeably replaced by any liquid or material that can flow i.e. the device (100) should not be limited to only divert precipitation (550) but also to divert any liquid or any material that can flow and potentially leave the surface with a stain or mark.

Referring to FIG. 1-11, the device (100) comprises a diverting member (10) and an attaching member (20). The attaching member (20) is mounted to a surface.

Still referring to FIG. 1-11, the diverting member (10) is connected to the attaching member (20) such that the diverting member (10) extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the attaching member (20) for diverting the flow of the precipitation (550) from the surface. Preferably, the diverting member (10) is allowed to extend from one of the longitudinal ends of the attaching member (20).

In one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diverting member (10) extends from the lower end of the attaching member (20) as shown in FIG. 6 & 7. Most preferably, the diverting member (10) extends from the upper end (22) of the attaching member (20) as shown in FIG. 1 & 2. Optionally, the diverting member (10) is allowed to extend from or be attached to any part of the attaching member (20) other than its lower end and its upper end (22) thereof. It is allowed that the diverting member (20) and the attaching member (10) are uniformly, continuously or otherwise formed in one piece (FIG. 11). Referring to FIG. 1-11, the device (100) further comprises an attaching element (30). The attaching element (30) is for attaching the attaching member (20) to the surface.

The attaching element (30) attaches the attaching member (20) to the surface such that it prevents the precipitation (550) and dirt from entering the gap between the attaching member (20) and the surface as shown in FIG. 1-2, 6-7 and 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 1-11, the attaching member (20) is an elongated attaching strip (20). The diverting member (10) is an elongated diverting strip (10) extending substantially at a slanted angle from the attaching strip (20).

Referring to FIG. 1 -5, in one of the preferred embodiments, it is preferred that the diverting strip (10) is mounted or attached to the upper end (22) of the attaching strip (20). The inverted version of the preferred embodiment in which the attaching strip (20) turns upwards instead of downwards wherein the diverting strip (10) is mounted or attached to the lower end of the attaching strip (20) as shown in FIG. 6-10.

Referring to FIG. 3-4, the angle X or Y preferably ranges from 5° to 80° from the diverting strip (10) to the attaching strip (20). It is preferred that in one of the preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, the angle X is 15° whereas in yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the angle Y is 45°.

Referring to FIG. 8-9, in the inverted version of the preferred embodiment, the angle W or V is preferably in the range of from 120° to 175° from the diverting strip (10) to the attaching strip (20). It is most preferred that the angle W is 165° in FIG. 8 whereas the angle V is 135° in FIG. 9.

In both the non-inverted and inverted versions of the preferred embodiment, it is further preferred that the angle between the diverting strip (10) and the attaching strip (20) be less than 60° as any angle more than 60° would slow down the flow of the precipitation causing the device (100) to under-deliver in terms of diverting precipitation, or else sludge or unwanted mark or stain would be formed on the diverting strip (10) instead. Referring now to FIG. 1-2 & 6-7, it is preferred that the surface is a building surface (280). Nevertheless, it is allowed, alternatively that the surface is disposed on an inhabitable or not occupable structure, an outdoor decorative item such as a sculpture or a monument, or any structure similar to a building or for functionable purposes only (like a tower). Preferably, the surface is a building surface (280). The attaching strip (20) is attached substantially to the lower section (293) of one of the panels (290). This is to position the device (100) substantially above a joint area (450) disposed between the panel (290), the device (100) is attached to the lower adjacent panel (290) as shown in FIG. 1-2 & 6-7. The joint area (450) comprises sealant (452) as shown in FIG. 1 -2 & 6-7.

It is preferred that the joint area (450) is an area between the panels (290) that is usually referred to as a movement or expansion joint. These joint areas (450) are commonly sealed by sealants (452) i.e. sealing elements or silicone for glass panels. The width of the joint area (450) generally ranges from 3-10 mm or more.

Preferably, the lengthwise extent of the device (100) spans substantially the lateral length of the panel (290). It is preferred that the attaching element (30) is substantially of a length similar to the length of the attaching strip (20). It is preferred that the lower end (16) of the diverting strip (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450) or substantially lower than the joint area (450) i.e. below the horizontal line A as shown in FIG. 2 & 7.

In the same vein, for the preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 2-4 & 7-9, it is preferred that the width of the attaching strip (20) is at least 13mm whereas the width of the diverting strip (10) is at least 26mm. In the most preferred embodiment, the width of the attaching strip (20) is at least 13mm whereas the width of the diverting strip (10) is at least 39mm. For the preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 9, the heightwise extent of the diverting strip (10) is preferably of at least 26mm whereas the width of the attaching strip (20) is of at least 13mm. According to the most preferred embodiment, the width of the attaching strip (20) is at least 13mm whereas the heightwise of the diverting strip (10) is at least 39mm. It is preferred that the device (100) is light, transparent or of any combinations thereof. It is also preferred that the device (100) blends with the surroundings or the surface of a building to reduce it being an eyesore or for aesthetic value.

The device (100) is preferably made of a material such as steel, metal, aluminum, light material, organic material, waterproof material, delrin, acrylic, polymer such as polycarbonate material, polyolefins (PO), polyurethane (PU), or any combinations thereof but it is not limited to these materials. The material used to produce the device (100) with other materials having from quite similar to very similar properties or any other alternative material deemed suitable to produce the device (100) to the extent that it can perform its function. It is allowed that the device (100) be produced by extrusions for example from steel, welding, injection molding and other methods that can produce the device (100) that performs up to its intended function.

Optionally, the device (100) is allowed to be produced in a single piece as shown in FIG. 11 or in pieces as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 10, i.e. in dismantable pieces or in pieces detachably attached to each other for example the diverting strip (10) is detachably attached to the attaching strip (20). It is also preferable, as afore-describe, the device (100) is made elongated in a lengthwise manner. Referring to FIG. 1-2 & 6-7, it is allowed that the device (100) be mounted to a panel (290) that is made of material such as transparent material, glass, non-glass material or any combinations thereof. It is also allowed that the panels (290) comprise aluminum-clad surfaces, stone surfaces such as marbles, among others; powder-coated surfaces, polycarbonate surfaces, painted surfaces, or any design or material deemed suitable or otherwise for a building facade or exterior, or any combinations thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 1-2 & 6-7, it is most preferred that the attaching element (30) is a sealant such as a weather resistant sealant or silicone to be used as an adhesive. However, the attaching mechanism is interchangeable with glue or any other adhesive material. It is preferred that the attaching element (30) contains these properties but not limited thereto such as waterproof, heat-resistant such as sunlight-resistant and anti-dust. It is also preferred that the device (100) does consist of load-bearing ability such that the device (100) is able to last longer attach to a surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system (200) for diverting precipitation (550). The definition of precipitation (550) can further be extended to any liquid or any material that can flow and potentially leave a surface with a stain or mark. Referring to FIG. 1-11, the system (200) comprises a diverting member (10) and an attaching member (20). The attaching member (20) is mounted to a surface.

The diverting member (10) is connected to the attaching member (20) such that the diverting member (10) extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the attaching member (20) for diverting the flow of the precipitation (550) from the surface.

Preferably, the diverting member (10) extends from either one of the longitudinal ends of the attaching members (20). For example, it is allowed that the diverting member (10) be extended from the lower end of the attaching member (20) as shown in FIG. 6-7. Most preferably, the diverting member (10) extends from the upper end (22) of the attaching member (20) as shown in FIG. 1-2.

With reference to FIG. 1-11, the system (200) further comprises an attaching element (30). The attaching element (30) is for attaching the attaching member (20) to the surface. This prevents the precipitation (550) and dirt from entering the gap between the attaching member (20) and the surface.

Referring now to FIG. 1-4 & 6-9, according to one of the preferred embodiments, the attaching member (20) is preferably an elongated attaching strip (20). The diverting member (10) is an elongated diverting strip (10) extending substantially at a slanted angle from the attaching strip (20).

The angle the diverting strip (10) makes from the attaching strip (20) ranges from 5° to 80°. Preferably, in one of the preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 3, the angle X is 15° whereas in yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the angle Y is 45°.

With reference to FIG. 1-2 & 6-7, the surface is a building surface (280) or a structure surface. A plurality of panels (290) is mounted on the building surface (280). The attaching strip (20) is attached substantially to the lower section (293) of one of the panels (290) such that the system (200) is positioned substantially above a joint area (450) disposed between the panel (290) attached with the system (200) and the lower adjacent panel (290). The definition of the joint area (450) is allowed to extend to a movement or expansion joint or the gap or area that is formed between panels (290). It is preferably that the lengthwise extent of the device (100) spans substantially the lateral length of the panel (290). Referring to FIG. 1-11, the length of the attaching element (30) spans a length that is similar to the length of the attaching strip (20). Referring to FIG 2 & 7, the heightwise extent of the diverting strip (10) preferably spans substantially a length that is relatively longer than the width of the attaching strip (20).

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a device (100) and a system (200) that divert precipitation (550). The present device (100) and system (200) also aim for diverting and preventing the precipitation (550) from flowing on a surface such as of a building or a structure.

With reference to FIG. 2-4 & 7-9, the lower end (16) of the diverting strip (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450) or substantially lower than the joint area (450) i.e. the horizontal line A as shown in FIG. 2 & 7.

It is quite easy for dirt or grime to be caught and formed on the joint area (450) due to rainfall. As such, the lower end (16) of the diverting strip (10) is preferably provided such that it extends lower than the position of the joint area (450) i.e. below the horizontal line A as shown in FIG. 2 & 7. This prevents precipitation (550) or any liquid to flow across the joint area (450) containing trapped dirt and grime and form dirt mark (650) on the subsequent panel (290) later as shown in FIG. 13.

Thus, the device (100) and the system (200) further aim to be mounted to a panel on a building surface (280) as shown in FIG. 1 & 6 such that the precipitation (550) flowing thereon is diverted or prevented from flowing onto the joint area (450) or the gap between the panel (290) mounted with the device (100) or the system (200) and the lower adjacent panel (290) in order to prevent dirt marks (650) from forming on the subsequent panel (290) as shown in FIG. 13. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device and a system for diverting precipitation wherein the device and the system comprises an attaching member (20) and a diverting member (10) which are incorporated or fused into the panel or building facade to form a single continuous entity such that the diverting member (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area. The panel or building facade which incorporates and fuses the attaching member and the diverting member together as a single continuous entity is used for diverting and preventing precipitation from flowing on a surface such as a building surface and a structure surface.

The panel incorporating the attaching member (20) and the diverting member (10) to form a single continuously entity is made of material such as transparent material, glass, non-glass material or any combinations thereof. It is also allowed that the panels (290) comprise aluminium-clad surfaces, stone surfaces such as marbles, among others; powder-coated surfaces, polycarbonate surfaces, painted surfaces, or any design or material deemed suitable or otherwise for a building facade or exterior, or any combinations thereof. It is allowed that the panels (290) be produced by extrusions, by injection molding and other methods from, for example, transparent material, glass, non-glass material or any combinations thereof. The panels (290) can also be allowed be produced by injection molding, by welding or by other methods from metal, for example steel, aluminium or any combinations thereof.

It is also preferred that according to the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present device (100) and the system (200) follow the description and the illustration in the example below: Example

According to one of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present device (100) and the system (200) follows the shape or configuration as shown in the side or side cross-sectional view of the present device (100) and system (200) of FIG. 11. The attaching member (20) and the diverting member (10) are formed continuously in a single piece (therefore there are an attaching portion (20) and a diverting portion (10) being fused together) such that the precipitation, for example, any liquid or water falling from above is diverted downwards without flowing onto the surface (280) as mentioned in the description before. The lower end (16) of the diverting member (10) extend substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450) i.e. below the horizontal line C as shown in FIG. 11 or substantially lower than the joint area (450) itself.

The attaching member (20) comprises a receded area (610) formed on the rear side (224) of the attaching member. The receded area (610) is for accommodating the attaching element (30) such that the attaching element (30) can be selected from an adhesive sealant or any adhesive material that can stick, glue, attach or mount the attaching member (20) or the present device (100) or the system (200) to the building surface (280). As such, as shown in FIG. 11 &12, the attaching member (20) further comprises a pair of flanges (226) formed on the rear side (224) thereof so as to define the receded area (610) to serve the purpose or function of accommodating the attaching element (30) or to grip the attaching element (30) better between the flanges (226).

It is also preferred that the present device (100) and system (200) further comprises a connecting member (710) and an extension member (720). The connecting member (710) is preferably a receiving member such as a groove (710). Both the groove (710) and the extension member (720) are shaped in an elongated manner along the lengthwise extent of the present device (100) and system (200) as shown in FIG. 11 & 12.

The groove (710) is for receiving, detachably or otherwise, the extension member (720). The extension member (720), upon attached therewith, is for extending the present device (100) and system (200) or more specifically, the diverting member (10) to substantially lower than the joint area (450) itself i.e. below the horizontal line A as shown in FIG. 12.

It is preferred that this preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 & 12 comprises the technical features, functions, specifications, technical effects and advantages, and a combination thereof, selectively, optionally or otherwise of each of the previously described embodiments of the present invention. It is also preferred that the different technical features, functions, specifications, technical effects and advantages, and a combination thereof are interchangeable or replaceable among those of the embodiments depending on the circumstances or when the present invention is deemed fit. While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A device (100) for diverting precipitation (550) comprising: an attaching member (20) mounted to a surface; and

a diverting member (10) connected to the attaching member (20) such that the diverting member (10) extends outwardly and downwardly substantially from the attaching member (20) for diverting the flow of the precipitation (550) from the surface.

2. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising an attaching element (30) for attaching the attaching member (20) to the surface.

3. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the attaching element (30) attaches the attaching member (20) to the surface such that it prevents the precipitation (550) and dirt from entering the gap between the attaching member (20) and the surface.

4. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the attaching member (20) is an elongated attaching strip (20); and the diverting member (10) is an elongated diverting strip (10) extending substantially at a slanted angle from the attaching strip (20).

5. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the angle from the diverting strip (10) to the attaching strip (20) ranges from 5° to 80°.

6. A device (100) as claimed in any one of Claims 3-5 wherein the surface is a building surface (280) and there is a plurality of panels (290) mounted on the building surface (280); and the attaching strip (20) is attached substantially to the lower section (293) of one of the panels (290) such that the device (100) is positioned substantially above a joint area (450) disposed between the panel (290) attached with the device (100) and the lower adjacent panel (290).

7. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the lengthwise extent of the device (100) spans substantially the lateral length of the panel (290); and the lower end (16) of the diverting strip (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450) or substantially lower than the joint area (450).

8. A device (100) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 - 7 wherein the device (100) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of metal, polymer, plastic, waterproof material, organic material and combinations thereof.

9. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the device (100) comprises characteristics selected from a group consisting of being light, being transparent and combinations thereof.

10. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the panel (290) is made of material selected from a group consisting of glass, non-glass material and combinations thereof; and the joint area (450) comprises a sealant (452).

11. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the attaching element (30) is an adhesive sealant having characteristics selected from a group consisting of being waterproof, being weather-resistant being heat-resistant, being anti-dust, having a load- bearing ability and combinations thereof.

12. A device (100) as claimed in any one of Claim 1 to Claim 11 wherein the device (100) produced is selected from a group consisting of in a single piece, or in a plurality of pieces; and for the plurality of pieces, the pieces are detachably attached to each other.

13. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 1 comprising:

an attaching member (20);

said attaching member has a pair of flanges (226); and a receded area (610) formed on the rear side (224) of the attaching member (20).

14. A device (100) as claimed in 13 wherein the receded area (610) is for accommodating the attaching element (30).

15. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14 wherein the attaching member (20) and the diverting member (10) are formed continuously in a single piece.

16. A device (100) as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the attaching element (30) is gripped between the flanges (226).

17. A device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 13 - 16 further comprises a connecting member (710) and an extension member (720) wherein the extension member (720) is attached to the connecting member (710) for extending the device (100) to substantially lower than the joint area (450).

18. A device (100) as claimed in claim 17 wherein the device is produce by extrusions or by injection molding

19. A device (100) as claimed in claim 18 wherein the device is made from aluminium or steel.

20. A system (200) for diverting precipitation (550) comprising: an attaching member (20) mounted to a surface; and

21. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 20 further comprising an attaching element (30) for attaching the attaching member (20) to the surface.

22. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the attaching member (20) is an elongated attaching strip (20); and the diverting member (10) is an elongated diverting strip

(10) extending substantially at a slanted angle from the attaching strip (20).

23. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the angle from the diverting strip (10) to the attaching strip (20) ranges from 5° to 80°.

24. A system (200) as claimed in any one of Claims 20 - 23 wherein the surface is a building surface (280) and there is a plurality of panels (290) mounted on the building surface (280); and the attaching strip (20) is attached substantially to the lower section (293) of one of the panels (290) such that the device (100) is positioned substantially above a joint area (450) disposed between the panel (290) attached with the device (100) and the lower adjacent panel (290).

25. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the lengthwise extent of the device (100) spans substantially the lateral length of the panel (290); and the lower end (16) of the diverting strip (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450) or substantially lower than the joint area (450).

26. A system (200) as claimed in any one of Claims 20-25 wherein the device (100) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of metal, polymer, plastic, waterproof material, organic material and combinations thereof; and the device (100) comprises characteristics selected from a group consisting of being light, being transparent and combinations thereof.

27. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 25 or Claim 26 wherein the panel (290) is made of material selected from a group consisting of glass, non-glass material and combinations thereof; and the joint area (450) comprises a sealant (452).

28. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the attaching element (30) is an adhesive sealant having characteristics selected from a group consisting of being waterproof, being weather-resistant being heat-resistant, being anti-dust, having a load-bearing ability and combinations thereof.

29. A system (200) as claimed in any one of Claims 20 - 28 wherein the device (100) produced is selected from a group consisting of in a single piece, or in a plurality of pieces; and for the plurality of pieces, the pieces are detachably attached to each other.

30. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 20 comprising:

an attaching member (20);

said attaching member has a pair of flanges (226); and

a receded area (610) formed on the rear side (224) of the attaching member (20).

31. A system (200) as claimed in 30 wherein the receded area (610) is for accommodating the attaching element (30).

32. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 30 or Claim 31 wherein the attaching member (20) and the diverting member (10) are formed continuously in a single piece.

33. A system (200) as claimed in Claim 32 wherein the attaching element (30) is gripped between the flanges (226) of the attaching member (20).

34. A system (200) as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 33 further comprises a connecting member (710) and an extension member (720) wherein the extension member (720) is attached to the connecting member (710) for extending the device (100) to substantially lower than the joint area (450).

35. A panel (290) for diverting precipitation (550) comprising an attaching member and a diverting member which are incorporated or fused into the panel or building facade to form a single continuous entity such that the diverting member (10) extends substantially lower than the upper edge of the joint area (450).

36. A panel as claimed in claim 35 wherein the panel is made of materials selected from transparent material, glass, non-glass or a combination thereof.

37. A panel as claimed in claim 35 wherein the panel is made from metal selected from aluminium or steel or a combination thereof.

38. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein the panel is produced by extrusions, injection molding, welding or a combination thereof.