U.S. patent application number 10/397015 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for in-line storm water filter.
Invention is credited to Moore, Michael J..
Application Number | 20040188357 10/397015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32988921 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040188357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore, Michael J. |
September 30, 2004 |
In-line storm water filter
Abstract
An in-line filter and method for reducing the solids content of
a liquid passing through a storm sewer line. The frame of the
filter is provided with a screen and optionally, filter media, and
is decreased in size until the frame is small enough to fit into
the storm sewer line into which liquids carrying solids and
pollutants pass. The frame is then expanded into frictional
engagement against the inside surface of the line.
Inventors: |
Moore, Michael J.; (College
Station, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark R. Wisner
c/o Wisner & Associates
Suite 400
1177 West Loop South
Houston
TX
77027
US
|
Family ID: |
32988921 |
Appl. No.: |
10/397015 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/747.3 ;
210/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 5/085 20130101;
B01D 21/0012 20130101; E03F 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/747 ;
210/163 |
International
Class: |
E03F 005/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An in-line filter for reducing the solids content of a liquid
passing through a storm sewer line comprising: a frame adapted for
frictionally engaging the inside surface of a storm sewer line; by
expanding outwardly into engagement with the inside surface of the
storm sewer line; a screen and/or filter fabric retained on said
frame; and an adjustment nut and bolt mounted on said frame for
decreasing the size of said frame until the outside diameter of
said frame, having said screen and/or filter fabric assembled
thereto, is small enough to fit into the storm sewer line and then
increasing the size of said frame until said frame is large enough
to frictionally engage the inside surface of the storm sewer
line.
2. The in-line filter of claim 1 wherein said frame additionally
comprises two collars or guides for receiving said adjustment bolt
therethrough.
3. The in-line filter of claim 2 additionally comprising a nut for
riding on said bolt for bearing against a collar or guide on said
frame that, when turned, causes said frame to expand outwardly.
4. The in-line filter of claim 1 wherein said frame is provided
with means for resisting undesired movement of said screen and/or
filter fabric relative to said frame and inside surface of said
storm sewer line.
5. The in-line filter of claim 4 wherein said movement resisting
means is accomplished by frictionally engaging the inside surface
of said storm sewer line with the screen and/or filter fabric and
said frame with said outward expansion.
6. The in-line filter of claim 1 additionally comprising an inner
frame member adapted for supporting a screen and/or filter
fabric.
7. A method for reducing the solids content of a liquid passing
through a line comprising the steps of: increasing the size of a
first frame to accept a second frame therein, said second frame
supporting a screen and/or filter fabric; decreasing the size of
said first frame to a size small enough to fit within the line in
which it is desired to reduce the solid content of a liquid passing
therethrough; and increasing the size of the first frame until the
first frame frictionally engages the inside diameter of the
line.
8. The method of claim 7 additionally comprising resisting movement
of the inner frame relative to the said first frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
reducing the pollutants in storm water runoff passing through a
storm sewer line. More specifically, the present invention relates
to an apparatus for easily mounting a reusable filter inside a line
for removing pollutants from a liquid passing through a storm sewer
line.
[0002] The present invention has particular application to
disturbed construction sites, where rain on bare ground has the
result of washing large quantities of solids from the site and into
the storm drainage system. In addition to the undesirable removal
of soil from the site, the solids washed from the site can settle
in the storm sewers and/or receiving streams or channels, and can
have the result of interfering with the function of the receiving
streams or channels and/or contaminating the receiving streams or
channels. Of course the solids that wash off of the construction
site are often not just dirt and particulate solids--it is not
uncommon for the run-off to include trash, building materials, and
other solids that can do more than just interfere with the function
of the drain and/or sewer.
[0003] For these, and other reasons, it is desirable to prevent
entry of the solids in the run-off from disturbed construction
sites. The importance of preventing the entry of solids from such
sites into the storm sewer lines has even prompted regulatory
action, and the present invention therefore provides a method to
aide in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations
as set out in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and
specifically, the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System regulations.
[0004] One method that has been used to address this problem is to
build a wood frame, staple fabric over the frame, position the
frame over the opening of the storm sewer in the inlet box, and
brace the frame against the inlet box walls. Although this
construction can function to reduce the solids entering the drain,
its relatively bulky construction makes it difficult to remove
collected pollutants from the inlet box and to replace and/or
maintain the fabric, which can compromise its effectiveness.
Further, it must be purpose-built on-site and cannot be easily
re-used.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for improvements in reducing the
volume of pollutants contained in the water washing off a disturbed
construction site, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide such an improvement, specifically in the form of a filter
that is adapted to fit inside the storm sewer line connected to the
inlet box.
[0006] However, those skilled in the art will understand from the
following description that the present invention, while being
originally intended for application in the above-described
environment, has broader application in that it is useful in any
environment in which it is desired to reduce the solids content of
a liquid that is passing through a line. It is, therefore, an
object of the present invention to provide an improved in-line
filter for use in wide variety of applications in reducing the
solids content of a liquid passing through a line.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for reducing the solids content of a liquid
passing through a line that is easily and quickly installed before
or as soon as the line is put into service.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for reducing the solids content of a liquid
passing through a line that is durable and reusable.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for reducing the solids content of a liquid
passing through a line that is easily cleaned and maintained.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method for in-line filtering of solids from a liquid
passing through the line that functions to allow the liquid to pass
on through the line even when the filter of the present invention
has trapped sufficient solids as to occlude a portion of the filter
area.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method that is adapted for easily switching the
filter material mesh size and/or effective opening so as to remove
the desired amount of solids from the liquid passing through the
line and/or to remove solids of certain sizes from the liquid
passing through the line.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus and method that is adapted to provide for a variable
by-pass area easily and economically so as to allow for adjustable
by-pass flow to coincide with varying stages of development and
pollutant levels in the storm water runoff.
[0013] Other objects, and the advantages, of the present invention
will be made clear to those skilled in the art by the following
description of the presently preferred embodiments thereof
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] These objects are achieved by providing an in-line filter
for reducing the pollutant content of a liquid passing through a
storm line comprising a first frame adapted for frictionally
engaging the inside surface of a line and a second frame having a
size and shape that allows the second frame to fit into the first
frame after the size of the first frame is increased by expanding
the first frame outwardly to receive the second frame therein. The
filter media is retained between said first and second frames and
an adjustment nut and bolt are mounted on the first frame for
decreasing the size of the first frame after the second frame is
received therein until the outside diameter of the first frame,
having the second frame and the filter media assembled thereto, is
small enough to fit into and frictionally engage the inside surface
of the line.
[0015] The present invention also provides a method for reducing
the solids content of a liquid passing through a line comprising
the steps of increasing the size of a first frame to accept a
second frame therein, said second frame supporting the filter
media, decreasing the size of the first frame to a size small
enough to fit within the line in which it is desired to reduce the
solid content of a liquid passing there through, and increasing the
size of the first frame until the first frame frictionally engages
the inside diameter of the line.
[0016] These objects are also achieved by providing an in-line
filter for reducing the pollutant content of a liquid passing
through a line comprising a single frame adapted for frictionally
engaging the inside surface of a line. The size of the first frame
is increased by expanding the frame outwardly to frictionally
engage the inside surface of a line. The filter media is retained
between said frame and the inside surface of the line and an
adjustment nut and bolt are mounted on the frame for decreasing and
increasing the size of the frame until the outside diameter of the
frame, is small enough to fit into the line and large enough to
frictionally engage the inside surface of the line and retain the
screen and/or filter media.
[0017] The present invention also provides a method for reducing
the solids content of a liquid passing through a line comprising
the steps of increasing the size of the frame to the size of the
line, said frame is covered with filter fabric and then covered
with a stiff screen that is wrapped around said frame to hold the
filter fabric in place, decreasing the size of the frame to a size
small enough to fit within the line in which it is desired to
reduce the solid content of a liquid passing there through, and
increasing the size of the frame until the frame and filter media
frictionally engage the inside diameter of the line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of an
apparatus for reducing the solid content of a liquid passing
through a line that is constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention and that is frictionally engaging the
inside surface of a storm drain pipe.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken
along the lines A-A in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the adjustment nuts and bolt of a
presently preferred embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the adjustment nuts and bolt of a
second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to the figures, a preferred embodiment constructed
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is
indicated generally at reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10
comprises a first frame 12 adapted for fitting into and engaging
the inside surface of a storm sewer pipe 14 of conventional
construction. By referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first
frame 12 is concentric with a second frame 16 and that a layer of
wire mesh 18 is sandwiched between the two frames 12, 16. In the
particular embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the wire mesh 18
serves as a backing for a section of filter media 20 that is also
sandwiched between the two concentric frames 12, 16 and that acts
as a filter to reduce the solids content of liquid passing through
the drain pipe 14.
[0024] It will be noted that, in the preferred embodiment shown,
the filter media 20 does not necessarily cover the entire layer of
wire mesh 18 or the second frame 16. When the apparatus 10 of the
present invention is placed into the drain pipe 14 with the first
frame engaging the inside surface of pipe 14, the filter media 20
functions to filter the solids from the water passing there
through, with the resulting accumulation of solids at the upstream
side of the apparatus 10. Although not immediately apparent from
the drawings, the size of second frame 16 is fixed, i.e., not
adjustable. In the case of the round drain pipe 14 shown in the
figures, because the drain pipe 14 is round, it is the diameter of
the second frame 16 that is not adjustable, but those skilled in
the art who have the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that
the line in which the apparatus 10 is utilized need not be round
such that the apparatus 10 may be shaped in any shape as required
by the shape of the particular line in which the apparatus 10 is to
be positioned. It is for this reason that the present specification
refers to the "size" of the frames 12, 16 rather than using words
such as "~diameter," which carry connotations of shape, to describe
the frames 12 and 16. By contrast, the size of first frame 12 can
be changed, and in particular, as best shown in FIG. 3, first frame
12 is provided with integral collars 22A and 22B, one on each free
end of frame 12, having an adjustment bolt 24 and nut 26 positioned
thereon. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
adjustment bolt 24 is threaded and extends through collar 22B,
adjustment nut 26 and collar 22A and into a fixed threaded nut 28
that is fixedly attached to collar 22A. Collar 22A and threaded
fixed nut 28 is arranged such that the rotation of bolt 24 causes
collar 22B to travel along the length of bolt 24, thereby
decreasing the size of the first frame 12 to which collars 22A and
22B are mounted. Similarly, the size of first frame 12 is increased
by rotating bolt 24 until the head of the bolt 24 disengages the
collar 22B and creates a space between the head of bolt 24 and
collar 22B. Then, by rotation of the adjustment nut 26 while
holding the bolt 24 fixed, collar 22B travels along the length of
bolt 24, thereby increasing the size of the first frame 12 to which
collars 22A and 22B are mounted.
[0025] Those skilled in the art will, however, recognize that the
size of first frame 12 can be changed in a number of ways that do
not involve the adjustment bolt 24 and nut 26 such that the present
invention should not be considered restricted in its scope to the
particular size adjusting means shown in FIG. 3. It does happen,
however, that a threaded adjustment bolt such as the bolt 24 is
particularly useful for this purpose because it easily allows for
varying degrees of change in size, thereby insuring secure
engagement of the first frame 12 and the inside surface of the
drain pipe 14. Further, in the particular embodiment shown, the
threaded adjustment bolt 24 is provided with an adjustment nut, 26
that rides on the threads of bolt 24. When the apparatus 10 of the
present invention is inserted into the storm drain pipe 14,
rotation of adjustment nut 26 toward the collar 22B causes movement
of collar 22B relative to bolt 24, and because collar 22B is
integral with first frame 12, the movement of collar 22B relative
to bolt 24 causes the size of first frame 12 to increase so as to
securely engage the inside surface of the drain pipe 14.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, and
specifically by reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first
and second frames 12, 16 are both "C"-shaped when viewed in
section. This "C"-shape of first and second frames 12, 16 functions
to resist movement of second frame 16 relative to first frame 12,
thereby affirmatively retaining the wire mesh 18 and filter fabric
20 therebetween. It will be recognized, however, by those skilled
in the relevant art that the same goal is accomplished by rolling
the edge of one or the other (or both) of first and second frames,
12, 16 to create a lip along the edge of the frames 12, 16 and/or
by a detent or nipple formed in one or the other of frames 12, 16
to provide a snap or friction fit between frames 12, 16.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown an alternate
embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention in which
like numerals are used to identify parts corresponding to the
component parts of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. In this
alternate embodiment, instead of two "C"-shaped frames, one frame
12 is covered with filter media 20 and the wire mesh 18 wrapped
around the exterior surface and into the interior surface of frame
12. Just as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the size of the
frame 12 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5 can be changed. In
particular, and as best shown in FIG. 5, frame 12 is provided with
integral guides or collars 23A and 23B, one on each free end of
frame 12, having an adjustment bolt 24 and nut 26 positioned
thereon. In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
adjustment bolt 24 is threaded and extends through the guide or
collar 23B, adjustment nut 26 and guide or collar 23A, and into a
threaded nut 28 that is fixedly attached to guide or collar 23A.
Guide, or collar, 23A and threaded fixed nut 28 are arranged such
that the rotation of bolt 24 causes guide or collar 23B to travel
along the length of bolt 24, thereby decreasing the size of the
frame 12 to which guides or collars 23A and 23B are mounted.
Similarly, to increase the size of the frame 12, bolt 24 is rotated
until the head of bolt 24 disengages the guide or collar 23B and
creates a space between the adjustment bolt 24 and collar 23B.
Then, by rotation of adjustment nut 26 while holding the bolt 24
fixed, guide or collar 23B is caused to travel along the length of
bolt 24, thereby increasing the size of the frame 12 to which
guides or collars 23A and 23B are mounted.
[0028] Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this
disclosure will recognize that certain changes can be made to the
component parts of the apparatus of the present invention without
changing the manner in which those parts function to achieve their
intended result. All such changes, and others which will be clear
to those skilled in the art from this description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention, are intended to fall within the scope
of the following, non-limiting claims.
* * * * *