U.S. patent application number 10/292298 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for drainage and footing form device.
Invention is credited to Parker, Alton F..
Application Number | 20030200708 10/292298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29249183 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030200708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker, Alton F. |
October 30, 2003 |
Drainage and footing form device
Abstract
A water-impervious, non-biodegradable, unitary drainage device
for conveying subsoil seepage to suitable disposal areas. The
invention features a "sandwich" construction consisting of a planar
top and base sheets, set apart by a matrix of supports, disposed
between and integrally joined to the sheets. The matrix is a
row-column array of frusto-geometrically shaped elements; in an
alternate embodiment, this sheet-separating array is a series of
parallel row, or columnar, partitions. Partitions, in emulation of
discrete posts, contain structural separations, at selected
locations, in order to relinquish the inherent rigidity of the
unitary construction. The parallel top and bottom sheets are fixed
permanently to, or formed integrally with, posts or partitions,
rendering the nominal construction quite rigid. Making selective
through-cuts in the top sheet imparts, to the invention, a one- or
two-dimensional flexibility that facilitates its use under concrete
floors, installation on vertical surfaces and as a footing
form-drain.
Inventors: |
Parker, Alton F.; (Clifton
Park, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FREDRIC T MORELLE
702 HALSTEAD COURT
HUNTSVILLE
AL
35803
|
Family ID: |
29249183 |
Appl. No.: |
10/292298 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10292298 |
Nov 12, 2002 |
|
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10134270 |
Apr 25, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.5 ;
52/302.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 31/02 20130101;
E04F 2203/08 20130101; E04F 17/00 20130101; E02B 11/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.5 ;
52/302.1 |
International
Class: |
E02D 019/00; E04B
001/70; E04F 017/00; E04F 017/04; E04F 017/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A seepage drain device for conveying water, passing thereinto,
from a first locale to another locale and comprising: a first sheet
of a planar, water-impervious and flexible material; a row-column
matrix of set-apart, support elements, the support elements
projecting essentially orthogonally from the first sheet; and,
wherein the support elements of at least one row are top-wise
overlaid by and fixedly conjoined to a continuous planar member
made of said material, the member being substantially parallel to
the base, thereby effecting a rigidity of the device collinearly
along said at least one row.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the member exhibits a
discontinuity between at least two columns of the matrix, thereby
disestablishing said rigidity at a point along said at least one
row.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the member further comprises a
sheet that extends over and conjoins substantially all rows and
columns of the matrix and exhibits a discontinuity coextensive and
between at least two columns of the matrix and coextensive and
between at least two rows of the matrix, thereby disestablishing
said rigidity in one or more directions in the member.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the support elements are of
frusto-geometrical shape.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the support elements comprise a
plurality of discrete members and are substantially of rectilinear
shape.
6. A monolithic drainage device for use in sub-floor and
subterranean situations and comprising a non-biodegradable, layered
device featuring a continuous, planar bottom layer of a flexible
material and a planar top layer that is rendered non-continuous by
at least one linear slot cut therethrough, the top layer and the
bottom layer disposed in a set apart, parallel registry by, and
integrally joined with, a row-column matrix of discrete support
elements.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the at least one linear slot is
coextensive and between the support elements of a row of the
matrix.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising at least one linear
slot coextensive and between the support elements of a column of
the matrix.
9. The device of claim 7, wherein the top layer features a
multiplicity of perforations.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the top layer features a
multiplicity of perforations.
11. A unitary drainage means for conveying fluids passing thereinto
from a first locale to another locale and comprising: a base member
defined by a planar, water-impervious and flexible material; and a
row-column matrix of set-apart support elements that project
essentially orthogonal from the base, wherein the support elements
of at least one row are top-wise overlaid and joined integrally to
a continuous, planar top member that is substantially parallel to
the base, thereby effecting a rigidity of the device collinearly
along said at least one row.
12. The drainage means of claim 11 formed into a plank, wherein the
matrix is further defined by a column totality of said supports
that is substantially greater than a row totality thereof, thereby
effecting rigidity along a length of the plank.
13. The drainage means of claim 12 further comprising at least one
non-biodegradable and rigid footing-form stake.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/134,270 filed on Apr. 26, 2002, by the same
inventor and entitled: Building Foundation Form With Integral
Drain.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates generally to devices and constructs
used to effect subterranean drainage, from building entrenchments,
such as footings, foundations and walls, where seepage and ground
water are a problem. More specifically, this invention embodies a
particular device that can withstand considerable overburden and
which serves dual functions of providing both drainage and a
form-making structure (form-drain), because it can be realized in
two-dimensional modalities (plank/sheet), having rigidity in either
one or both dimensions.
[0005] 2. Discussion of Relevant Art
[0006] Several inventions, within the field, have been studied to
find a drainage device that would serve the dual functions
mentioned above. U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,799 ('799), issued Jul. 6,
1993, for PERMANENTLY INSTALLED BUILDING FOUNDATION FORM, although
well suited to the duality of form-drain usage, remains highly
limited and not extendable to basement walls or above ground
construction, such as elevated garage floors. Essentially, this
1993 invention taught a foraminous, hollow plank device that is
used in the manner of standard planking for the formation of
foundation forms. The non-biodegradable staking devices of '799 are
contemplated for use in the instant invention.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,515 (515), issued Jun. 20, 1989 for
SUBTERRANEAN DRAIN shows a unit for emplacement, by adhesion, to a
subterranean wall, and interposed between the wall and (backfilled)
soil. Shown is a rollable, planar sheet from which project
spaced-apart frusto-conical (i.e., truncated cone) elements that
support a geotextile filter fabric. In actual application, the
instant inventor has recognized three limitations that prevent or
forestall his use of the '515 device: (1) the flexibility of the
planar sheet is not restricted enough to use as a form, and waves
or ripples form in the sheet(s) when the device is used over soil
and under basement floors; further, its adhesion to a wall is
potentially frustrated by its (peel-off) flexibility; (2) it cannot
be used as a footing form-drain because, in itself, it cannot be
rigidified; and, (3) it lacks the support strength necessary to
serve as an under-concrete structure, because the fabric is easily
pressed into the conduit matrix. Another disclosure, U.S. Pat. No.
4,943,185 ('185), issued Jul. 24, 1990 for COMBINED DRAINAGE AND
WATERPROOFING PANEL SYSTEM FOR SUBTERRANEAN WALLS, although
exemplifying greater detail than '515, nonetheless shows similar
concept, is likewise restricted to subterranean walls and has the
same overall limitations.
[0008] FINNED SUBTERRANEAN DRAINAGE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
FABRICATING THE SAME is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,792
('792), issued Nov. 23, 1993, and which shows, generally, a planar
and flexible drainage core that projects T-shaped elements (termed
"fins") in lieu of the previously disclosed "frusto-geometricals"
(a term used in this paper and meaning, literally, "posts" having
geometrical cross sections). The tops of the T-shaped elements are
flat and lie within a second, parallel plane which is set apart
from the core plane. Significant spacing is shown between the fins
and, like the above types of drain devices, a geotextile fabric is
overlain the second plane to exclude soil particulate. With the
exception of offering better internal flow characteristics, greater
support for a non-viscous overburden and possibly less flexibility
in a single dimension (along the x-axis, as defined in the patent),
no greater aid is provided to the instant inventor, for fulfillment
of his above-stated requirements. A late development, in drainage
devices, is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,297, entitled: FOUNDATION
WALL CONSTRUCTION. This device is a rigid sheet "sandwich", defined
by two plastic, parallel plies that are separated by a multiplicity
of parallel partitions that effect a plurality of channels. It is
an integral (monolithic) structure that bears perforations in the
sheet facing the soil and is used with a filter fabric or large
aggregate, interposed the soil and the perforated sheet.
[0009] Finally, as indicative of the art that pre-existed before
the above patents, U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,087, for FOUNDATION WALL
PROTECTIVE SHEET, offers one of the first devices for providing
dimples (posts or detents), as a stand-off mechanism for spacing a
filter fabric, and a physical folding crease to accommodate bending
about the footing.
[0010] Two limitations common to all of the discussed art, with the
exception of '297 and '799, are that: (1) the highly flexible bases
or "cores" present considerable difficulty in adhering them to
vertical structures, unless first nailed in place. They are not
installed with the comparative ease of plywood or wallboard, which
is more readily propped and, if fixed with an adhesive, will not
peel; and, (2) geotextile fabric must be used over a highly
foraminous support structure (projections). These limitations
severely hamper their speed of installation and/or their usage
under soil or poured (concrete) floors, where seepage occurs
through the overburden and must enter into the interstitial drain
network. Further to their total flexibility, the easy roll ability
of these planar/sheet devices is a desirable characteristic that
lends, to all of them, ease in packaging and shipping, as well as a
rapid horizontal lay-down facility, during installation, and, to
some extent, accommodation of discontinuities encountered in the
vertical lay-up plane. However, high flexibility presents a problem
in leveling, over a sub-soil/aggregate; this can require a more
labor-intensive installation process, in order to avoid ripple- or
wave-created wells.
[0011] Thus, the instant inventor required a drainage device that
would embody the character of flexibility for rolling, yet retain
up to significant inflexibility, in at least one dimension
(direction) of the plane, while accommodating, during installation
in that direction, transition to another plane. The accommodation
facility is simply the ability to maintain integrity of drainage
down a wall and over a footing or, from one level of an elevated
floor, down a wall and even to another floor. The reader should
understand that, to acquire the desired form-drain device, a
balance must be struck between the characteristics of flexibility
and rigidity. Disruption in the integrity of a drainage system
should not be entertained; and, a discontinuity in a form, that
allows bulging, cannot be tolerated.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0012] Because they show the present state of the art in drainage
devices having a basic two-dimensional or an ostensible sandwich
structure, as well as disclosing various projections therefor, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,857,297, 5,263,792, 5,224,799, 4,943,185 and 4,840,515
are hereby incorporated by reference.
DEFINITIONS
[0013] Generally throughout this disclosure, words of description
and claim shall have meanings given by standard English usage;
however, certain words will be used that may have a more stylistic
meaning and are defined as follows:
[0014] continual--having intermittent, or periodic, breaks or
discontinuities;
[0015] continuous--having no breaks or discontinuities;
[0016] form-drain--a device used for forming or molding so as to
receive within the mold, proper, a plastic or otherwise viscous
material, while providing fluid drainage (seepage) through selected
passages within the device;
[0017] integral--necessary to complete or in itself complete;
[0018] rigidity--a physical property of an object wherein the
object substantially resists deflection in a particular dimension
(direction) or plane; and
[0019] unitary--having wholeness, as in a single unit or monolith
composed of plural members.
[0020] The above listing is not exhaustive. Certain other stylized
terms, used previously or hereafter, are defined at the time of
their first usage or placed in quotation marks and used with
conventional wording.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The instant inventor has overcome the deficiencies or
limitations of the earlier art by providing an inexpensive, easily
applied innovation that solves the problems of draining water from
building floors or subterranean walls and providing a form-drain
mechanism for both forming and draining footings or
foundations.
[0022] The preferred embodiment of the invention is formed from a
non-biodegradable, extrudable or castable plastic such as ABS, PVC,
polystyrene, and the like. The desired goal is to acquire a
material that has unlimited in-ground use, while yet having a
degree of flexibility that would allow rolling or reflexive bending
after fashioning into a sheet form.
[0023] The invention consists, essentially, of a "sandwich" device
having a top plane of the aforementioned material and a bottom
plane, the planes separated by a series of parallel supports, that
form an integral unit with the planes. Thus, what is formed, in the
first instance, is a substantially planar device,
fluid-impenetrable at top and bottom and possessing a multiplicity
of parallel fluid conduits or channels, interiorly of the device.
The supports may be either of a partition type--continuous (without
discontinuity); or, they may be of the discrete post
type--continual (with periodic breaks). Such attributes depend on
whether a flexion or bending along a principal axis of the supports
is desired.
[0024] When a series of discontinuities is desired in partition
supports, a concomitant series of discontinuities (or cuts), often
including perforations, will appear in the top plane and continue
(crosswise), through the partition array, but without violation to
the integrity of the bottom plane. This will allow the device,
being oriented to the x-y dimensional axes (the x-y plane), to roll
about either the x or y axis, say the x, into the -z dimension.
Similarly, a series of cuts through the top plane and between the
partitions (still without violation of bottom plane integrity) will
facilitate rolling of the device about the (remaining) y axis, also
into the -z dimension. Optionally, the partition structure is
discarded in favor of plane separators consisting of a row-column
matrix of projections, or posts, as seen in the above-discussed
relevant art. Here, the rows or columns of discrete and uniformly
separated projections are simply discontinuous "partitions"
separating the top and bottom planes. When the desired thin cuts
(as described above) are made in the top plane, to effect a
flexibility or roll ability, such characteristics are acquired, but
the resultant device remains rigid with respect to roll about the
x-y axes, into the +z dimension. This unique condition, a
selectable rigidifying, obtains because the top plane, although
discontinuous along the x or y axis, because of the multiplicity of
cuts, nonetheless remains virtually integral in itself. Each of the
projections (integrally) supports a "platform" that is in abutment
with its adjacent neighbors, whether they be long, broad strips or
multiple squares/rectangles, depending on the direction and/or
multiplicity of cuts. Thus, rolling the "sandwich" device into the
+z dimension is greatly impeded and, depending on the material and
thickness of the top plane, a deliberate force must be exerted to
do so.
[0025] When used as a drain for walls, the sheeted device is
adhered to the wall so that its top, or perforable surface, faces
the source of seepage or ground water and its conduits direct the
fluid (usually) downward. As a drain for floors, the same surface
is oriented upward and fluid is drawn off to the sides. Use as a
form-drain requires construction of the invention with flexibility
or roll ability in but one direction; this application is discussed
hereinafter to greater length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Of the Drawings:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a prior art illustration of a matrix of finned
projections;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a prior art illustration of the FIG. 1 art using
frusto-conical projections;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the Cartesian Coordinate System,
which serves as a reference throughout the Detailed Description of
the Invention:
[0030] FIG. 4 is depiction of the invention's base, with
partitions;
[0031] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the FIG. 4 device showing cuts
in the partitions;
[0032] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the FIG. 4 device showing the
second, top plane of the invention, with cuts crosswise to the
partitions;
[0033] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the FIG. 4 device showing the
top plane of the invention, with cuts parallel to (between) and
crosswise to the partitions;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an illustration, depicting the invention,
featuring a post projection matrix with a limited top plane
construction;
[0035] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the invention of FIG. 8,
looking into the channel network;
[0036] FIGS. 10 and 11 are illustrations of one mode of the
invention and depict, respectively, a cross sectional view of a
sheet of the invention, emplaced on a wall, and a detail
thereof;
[0037] FIGS. 12 through 17 are drawings of various perforate
patterns of the top plane;
[0038] FIGS. 18 and 19 are partial, orthographic illustrations of
the invention in its form-drain mode or other vertical placement;
and
[0039] FIG. 20 shows a limited installation view of the FIG. 18
modality.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] A great deal of variety exists relative to sheet-type,
rollable drain devices that possess multi-channel flow and fabric
stand-off features. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict examples of two such
devices, the first 10, showing fin projections 11, and the second
12, depicting frusto-conical posts 13. The second, FIG. 2, also
shows a geotextile 14, superposed (but not secured to) the posts
13.
[0041] Turning to FIGS. 3 through 7, the instant invention 20 is
depicted, in a first modality, through progressive stages of
generation (deemed "items"), with reference being had to FIG. 3,
the Cartesian Coordinate System. In a first stage, FIG. 4, the
incipient invention is shown composed of a planar (x,y) base 22,
from which projects upward (+z) a series of parallel, fixed
partitions 24. The material of composition may be any reasonably
flexible, water-impervious, non-biodegradable material such as ABS,
PVC, polystyrene, etc. At this point, the item may be rolled about
the y axis, into the -z dimension. Progressing to FIG. 5, the
partitions of the FIG. 4 structure are subjected to multiple
transverse, inline cuts 26 that give rise to multiple, smaller
partitions 27. The cuts, which may be of variable thickness, do not
penetrate the base 22; but, as can be envisioned, the item may now
be rolled about the x axis, into the -z dimension. Having acquired
an item that emulates the prior art (FIGS. 1 and 2), in its ability
to roll about the x and y axes, FIG. 6 shows how a substantially
complete rigidity is acquired in the item, along the x axis, by
securing, to the tops of the projections, a continuous strip 28 (or
top plane) of the base-type material. Alternative to placing
individual strips, a complete top plane may be fixed to the tops of
the projections, of FIG. 4, and then cut along the x axis, through
the partitions to effect the FIG. 6 item. Significant rigidity
along the y axis, into the +z dimension, is maintained, but roll
into the -z is allowed. In FIG. 7, the invention 20 is realized by
the further cutting of the strips 28 (or top plane) to form,
essentially, finned elements 27, 28'. What would appear similar to
the FIG. 1 device is a significant improvement, in that the
invention 20 is a "sandwich" of selective rigidity (in x or y
planes), but capable of rolling into the -z dimension. The instant
inventor thus teaches a drain device that may be rolled for
packaging, placed on walls and not peel, placed under concrete
flooring without wrinkling and able to sustain heavy overburden,
and most significantly, is suitable as a subterranean form-drain
device.
[0042] Having disclosed the salient features of the invention,
there is now presented a series of drawings that illustrate these
features, in different style and shapes, as well as uses of the
invention. FIG. 8 depicts the invention, as employing
frusto-geometrical projections, specifically truncated,
three-dimensional cones 30 (frusto-conical) to acquire passageways
P, along the x axis, Px, and the y, Py. Secured to the top of each
projection is a single, planar top 28'. The spacing .delta. between
tops varies, depending on the size desired, and the use to which
the invention is placed, but small enough to effect practical
abutment. This figure illustrates how the basic, flexible drain
device can be rigidified, selectively, in (along) the x (xR) or y
(yR) directions, or both. Much of the detail is left out of the
drawing (including invisible or phantom definition), for the sake
of clarity. FIG. 9 is an elevation of the invention, taken at 9-9
of FIG. 8. As mentioned previously, it is lacking in some detail
and the .delta. observed between tops 28' is somewhat
exaggerated.
[0043] FIGS. 10 and 11 show, respectively, a nominal installation
of the invention and a detail taken at 11 of FIG. 10. In FIG. 10:
the invention is adhesively 32 attached to a vertical subterranean
wall 36; forcibly bent, causing displacements 34 in rows of tops
28' at the proximate juncture of the wall and its footing 38;
formed about the footing; and, directed downwards to a collection
zone C, so that drained water may be taken off to a sewer, sump or
drywell. Seepage and other ground water may pass from the soil S
into the interstitial passageways, through the cuts 26.
[0044] Regardless of the narrowness .delta. of the cut 26,
provision is made by the inventor to allow adequate entry into the
drain device. This is accomplished by perforating the top plane,
whether it be of the continuous 28 or continual 28' type. FIGS. 12
through 17 depict several of these perforate tops, in plan views;
elemental identification is consistent with the item numbering used
previously. Generally, these various patterns are attained through
use of techniques well-known in the art, such as stamping, gluing,
drilling and/or crosscutting (ibid., FIGS. 5-7). All of these
figures, save FIG. 13, exhibit bending constraint (rigidity) in
both directions of the plane; whereas, FIG. 13 exhibits flexibility
in one direction, due to the lack of tops 28', along at least one
column of posts 30.
[0045] The fabricator of this invention has wide latitude of design
variation available. For example, the thickness of the base 22 may
be varied, depending on the intended use and situs of application:
for concrete form usage, it will be relatively thick; while, for a
wall placement, the demand may be only a few millimeters. Selection
of the .delta. of various slots/cuts 26, to obtain a desired degree
of rigidity, is another parameter enjoying such variability.
[0046] In FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively, the invention 20 is shown
in two modes, using post projections 30 and partition projections
27. The orientation of both embodiments is that of FIG. 10, a
placement on a vertical wall, the top plane having the separated
strip 28 configuration. These modalities are made with hole H
perforations or foramens. As may be reasoned with a reference to
the footing 38 coverage of FIG. 10, both are excellent drain
devices when used under soil or concrete floors, such as in a
parking garage or basement.
[0047] Final to the Drawings, FIG. 20 suggests a portion of the
structure used for a footing or foundation form, employing the
invention 20, in the mode of FIG. 18. When the invention 20 is
manufactured for shipment in rolls, cuts 26 are made at intervals
commensurate with the desired roll size. The desired widths W of
the form planks are cut on-site with circular or similar saws, then
placed, as is the norm, and curved about corners using a single,
transverse cut T through the top plane 28. Non-biodegradable stakes
40 are used, as required, to position the planks, as well as to
prevent any tendency of a plank to bend because of the
manufacturer's cut 26. All elements in the drawing are consistent
with those earlier identified, the one exception being the concrete
reservoir 38' that is formed by the illustrated plank working in
cooperation with its parallel complement (not shown). This
basically sheet device can also be made in plank form or flat
sheets, such as plywood. In these cases, the cut 26 would, most
likely, not be made. Such variations depend on the manufacturer's
desire and its fabrication plant, as well as its shipping
facilities.
[0048] As can be seen, the invention may be made in a wide range of
dimensions and with great variation in projection geometries. Those
skilled in the construction trades will readily comprehend and
appreciate the invention; and, they will no doubt conceive many
more uses for its application. Such are commended to the field,
consistent with the hereinafter appended claims.
* * * * *