U.S. patent application number 10/929308 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for modular riser base.
This patent application is currently assigned to TUF-TITE, INC.. Invention is credited to Theodore W. Meyers.
Application Number | 20060042174 10/929308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35941026 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060042174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyers; Theodore W. |
March 2, 2006 |
Modular riser base
Abstract
A modular riser base suitable for use in a lift pump station, a
sump pump station, a drainage holding unit and the like. The riser
base can include a top side with a substantially flat surface for
supporting a pump. The modular riser base includes a bottom side
having reinforcing support structure for strengthening the riser
base. The modular riser base further includes a raised perimeter
edge extending from a top surface of the top side. The edge forms a
connecting member for interconnecting with a mating edge of an
associated riser component. The height of the riser base is
preferably less than the diameter of an inlet pipe delivering
effluent to the station.
Inventors: |
Meyers; Theodore W.;
(Barrington, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
TUF-TITE, INC.
Lake Zurich
IL
|
Family ID: |
35941026 |
Appl. No.: |
10/929308 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 11/00 20130101;
E03F 5/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/020 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/14 20060101
E02D029/14 |
Claims
1. A modular riser base comprising: a top side having an area with
a substantially flat surface; a bottom side having reinforcing
support structure for strengthening the top side of the riser base;
and a raised perimeter edge extending from the surface of the top
side, the raised perimeter edge forming a connection edge for
interconnecting a riser component to the riser base.
2. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the edge is a tongue for a
tongue and groove connection joint.
3. The riser base of claim 1, further comprising: an outer band
encompassing the perimeter edge, the outer band held in fixed
relationship to the edge with a plurality of spokes extending
between the perimeter edge and the outer band.
4. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the support structure
includes a plurality of ribs extending radially from the center of
the riser base to the outer band.
5. The riser base of claim 4, wherein the support structure further
includes at least one intermediate band positioned radially inward
relative to the outer band, the at least one intermediate band
constructed and arranged to connect the radial stiffening ribs
together at an intermediate radial location.
6. The riser base of claim 1, wherein a height defined by the
distance between the top of the raised edge and the bottom side of
the riser base is less than a diameter of an inlet pipe delivering
liquid to a pump station formed on the riser base.
7. The riser base of claim 1, wherein a height defined by the
distance between the raised edge and the bottom side is less than
approximately three inches.
8. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the riser base includes a
member for permitting a threaded fastener to threadingly engage
therewith.
9. The riser base of claim 8, wherein the member receives a
self-tapping threaded fastener.
10. The riser base of claim 8, wherein the member includes at least
two closely spaced spokes.
11. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the riser base is formed in
a substantially circular shape.
12. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the riser base is formed
from plastic material.
13. The riser base of claim 1, wherein the plastic material is
injection molded.
14. A modular lift pump station comprising: a riser base having a
top side, a bottom side, and a height defined by a distance between
the top side and the bottom side, the height being less than a
diameter of a pipe delivering liquid to the lift pump station; a
pump positioned on the riser base for pumping liquid from the riser
base to a lift height; and at least one riser stacked on the riser
base, the riser permitting the liquid to discharge at the lift
height through an outlet pipe extending through a sidewall of the
riser.
15. The modular lift pump station of claim 14 wherein the riser
base further comprises: a top side having a surface for supporting
the pump, a bottom side having reinforcing support structure for
strengthening the riser base; and a raised perimeter edge extending
from the surface of the top side forming a connecting edge member
for connecting to a riser.
16. The modular lift pump station of claim 15, wherein the
connecting edge member is one of a tongue and a substantially
U-shaped cross-section groove for a tongue and groove connection
joint.
17. The modular station of claim 15, wherein the top side includes
a substantially flat surface.
18. The modular station of claim 14, further comprising: a cover to
close off the modular lift pump station.
19. The modular station of claim 15, wherein the riser base
includes: an outer band encompassing the perimeter edge and a
plurality of spokes extending between the perimeter edge and the
outer band.
20. The modular station of claim 19, wherein the support structure
includes a plurality of ribs extending radially from the center of
the riser base to the outer band.
21. The modular station of claim 19, wherein the support structure
further includes at least one intermediate band positioned radially
inward relative to the outer band, the at least one intermediate
band adapted to connect the radial stiffening ribs together at an
intermediate radial location.
22. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the height of the
riser base is less than approximately three inches.
23. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the riser base
includes a member for permitting a threaded fastener to threadingly
engage therewith.
24. The modular station of claim 23, wherein the member is
engageable with a self-tapping threaded fastener.
25. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the riser base is
formed in a substantially circular shape.
26. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the riser base
includes a connecting edge for connecting with an adjacent
riser.
27. The modular station of claim 14, wherein a first riser is
configured to stack on top of the riser base, the riser having a
groove formed in the bottom side thereof for receiving the raised
perimeter edge of the riser base therein, wherein the edge and
groove form a locking tongue and groove engagement between the
riser base and the riser.
28. The modular station of claim 14, wherein each riser includes a
raised perimeter edge formed on a top side and a mating groove
formed in a bottom side for permitting a plurality of risers to
stackingly engage one another with a tongue and groove
arrangement.
29. The modular station of claim 14, wherein each riser further
includes at least one cut-out section forming a through aperture
for permitting an inlet or outlet pipe to extend therethrough.
30. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the riser base is
formed in a substantially circular shape.
31. The modular station of claim 14, wherein each riser includes a
plurality of stiffening ribs on at least one of an inner surface
and an outer surface.
32. The modular station of claim 14, wherein the riser base forms a
base for a sump pump station.
33. The modular station of claim 14, including a cover sealingly
engaged with a riser.
34. A method for pumping effluent with a lift pump station
comprising: providing a riser base having a height less than a
diameter of an inlet pipe; positioning a pump on the riser base;
stacking at least one riser on the riser base to a lift height
required to pump effluent to a desired elevated location;
positioning at least one outlet pipe through a side wall of a riser
corresponding to the lift height required to pump effluent; and
pumping effluent from the lift pump station through the at least
one outlet pipe;
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: sealing a
connection between the riser base and the riser.
36. The method of claim 34, further comprising: fitting a cover
over an uppermost riser to close off the lift station.
37. A method for converting a riser to a lift station, comprising:
providing a riser base having a height less than a diameter of an
inlet pipe; positioning a pump on the riser base; stacking at least
one riser on the riser base to a lift height required to pump
effluent to a required elevated location; sealing a connection
between the riser and the riser base; and positioning at least one
outlet pipe through a side wall of a riser corresponding to the
predetermined lift height required to pump effluent.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: sealing a
connection between the riser base, the first riser, and each
subsequent riser with a sealing member.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the sealing member is a mastic
sealant or a preformed gasket.
40. The method of claim 37, further comprising: fitting a cover
over an uppermost riser to close off the lift station.
41. A drainage holding unit, comprising: a riser base having a top
side, a bottom side, and a height defined by a distance between the
top side and the bottom side, the height being less than a diameter
of a pipe delivering fluid to the holding unit; at least one riser
stacked on the riser base to hold the fluid; an inlet pipe
connected to the riser for delivering fluid from a relatively
higher location; and an outlet pipe connected to the riser for
discharging the fluid to a relatively lower location.
42. The holding unit of claim 37, wherein the outlet pipe is
located below the inlet pipe and fluid is discharged from the
holding unit without using a pump.
43. A drainage holding unit, comprising: a riser base having a top
side, a bottom side, and a height defined by a distance between the
top side and the bottom side, the height being less than a diameter
of a pipe delivering fluid to the holding unit; at least one riser
stacked on the riser base to hold the fluid; an inlet pipe
connected to the riser for delivering fluid from a relatively lower
location; and an outlet pipe connected to a pump for discharging
the fluid to a relatively higher location.
44. A modular lift pump station comprising: a riser base having a
top surface, a pump positioned on the top surface for pumping
liquid from the riser base to a lift height; and at least one riser
stacked on the riser base, the riser permitting the liquid to
discharge at the lift height through an outlet pipe extending
through a sidewall of the riser, and the distance between a bottom
edge of the riser and the top surface of the riser base ranges
between substantially flush to approximately a diameter of an inlet
pipe delivering liquid to the lift pump station.
45. The modular lift pump station of claim 44, wherein the riser
base further comprises: a top side having a substantially flat
surface along at least a portion thereof for supporting the pump, a
bottom side having reinforcing support structure for strengthening
the riser base; and a raised perimeter edge extending from the
surface of the top side forming a connecting edge member for
connecting to a riser.
46. The modular lift pump station of claim 44, wherein the
connecting edge member is one of a tongue and a substantially
U-shaped cross-section groove for a tongue and groove connection
joint.
47. The modular station of claim 44, further comprising: a cover to
close off the modular lift pump station.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] A modular base appropriate for use with a riser in an
on-site waste system, such as for use as a sewage or effluent pump
station.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] On-site waste systems can include septic tanks that drain or
leach sewage effluent into leach fields. Sometimes leach fields are
positioned at a higher location than the septic tank and,
therefore, the septic effluent needs to be pumped to the higher
elevation. The septic effluent can be pumped to a distribution box
then discharged by gravity feed to a leach field or the like.
[0003] Stackable risers for on-site waste and drainage systems are
known. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,617,679 and 5,852,901 issued
to Meyers, and assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure,
disclose plastic stackable risers for providing a grade level
access for underground components such as septic tanks,
distribution boxes, and drop boxes. The '901 patent discloses a
riser with a cylindrical side wall having a top free edge and a
bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the
bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped
connecting member which defines a channel to receive the free edge
portion of an adjacent stackable riser. Other known risers have
different connecting edge construction designs. In use, a plurality
of stackable risers, in the designs taught by the '901 patent, are
interlocked together so that the side walls extend along a common
vertical axis to the underground component and provide a generally
gas tight column above the underground component.
[0004] An improvement to a lift pump station, in the form of
converting a stackable riser structure into a lift pump station, is
contemplated by the disclosure described in detail below.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure provides for a modular liquid pump
station riser base, or a base for liquid storage structures such as
sewage or effluent and the like. The riser base includes a top side
having a substantially flat surface for supporting a pump. The
modular riser base includes a bottom side having reinforcing
support structure for strengthening the riser base. The modular
riser base further includes a raised perimeter edge extending from
the surface of the top side. The raised perimeter edge forms an
edge for being received in a connecting edge member of a riser
component, such as in a U-shaped edge or a tongue for a tongue and
groove joint.
[0006] In another aspect of the disclosure, a modular liquid lift
pump station is provided. The pump station includes a riser base
having a top side, a bottom side, and a height defined by a
distance between the top side and the bottom side that is less than
the diameter of a pipe delivering effluent to the lift pump
station. The modular lift pump station includes a pump positioned
on the riser base for pumping effluent from the riser base to a
predetermined height. At least one riser can be stacked on the
riser base. The riser permits the effluent to discharge at the
predetermined height through an outlet pipe extending through a
side wall of the riser.
[0007] A method for pumping sewage or effluent with a lift pump
station is also provided by the present disclosure. A riser base is
provided that includes a height that is less than a diameter of an
effluent inlet pipe. A pump is positioned on the riser base. At
least one riser is stacked on the riser base to a predetermined
height required to pump the sewage. At least one outlet pipe is
positioned through a side wall of a riser corresponding to the
predetermined height required to pump the sewage. The lift pump
pumps the effluent from the lift pump station through at least one
outlet pipe.
[0008] Other applications of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description
of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a riser base with a riser
stacked thereon;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the
lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view, partially cut away, of the riser base
shown in FIG. 1, with a partial horizontal cross-section taken
along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1 of the stackable riser stacked on the
riser base;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the riser base shown in FIG.
3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the riser base;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the riser base;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the riser base; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of the riser
including a base, a plurality of risers, and a pump positioned on
the riser base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a modular lift pump station 10 is
shown therein. The lift pump station 10 includes a riser base 12.
The riser base 12 is normally positioned below ground level, but is
supported by the floor of an excavated hole 14 formed in the
ground. A riser 16 can be positioned on top of the riser base 12.
The riser 16 can be formed as a unitary piece of a predetermined
height to extend to the ground surface or preferably, a plurality
of risers 12 can be stacked to a ground surface level. A riser
cover (not shown) can be removably attached to the top of the riser
stack and seal the lift pump station 10.
[0018] Each riser 16 preferably includes one or more cutouts or
knockouts 18 operable for forming an aperture to permit an inlet
pipe 70 or outlet pipe 74 to extend therethrough (see FIG. 8). The
outlet pipe 74 connects to a pump 72 having an electrical power
line 73. The lift pump station 10 can be substantially round in
cross-section, but can include other geometric shapes such as
square or rectangular if desired, which is primarily determined by
the design of the riser 16 being used. Each riser 16 can include a
plurality of vertically-oriented stiffening rib members 20 formed
on the outer circumference thereof, to provide structural support
to the riser 16. Horizontally oriented stiffening rib members 21
may also be provided on the outer circumference of each riser 16.
Vertically-oriented rib members 23 may also be formed on an inner
surface 22 of each riser 16.
[0019] Each riser 16 includes an outer perimeter edge 24 for
engaging a groove 26 (best seen in FIG. 2) formed in the bottom
side of each riser 16. The perimeter edge 24 and the groove 26
provide a generally tongue and groove joint between adjacent risers
16 and/or between a riser base 12 and an adjacent riser 16 when
they are stackingly engaged with one another. However, risers with
yet other edge connection means for interconnecting one riser to
another can be used with the riser base of the present invention.
Each riser 16 includes a plurality of through apertures 28 for
permitting securement members, such as threaded fasteners 30, to
extend therethrough and threadingly engage a receiving member 32
that is located on the top portion of each riser 16 and each riser
base 12. Each receiving member 32 can be formed to receive a
self-tapping threaded fastener such that when a threaded fastener
30 is threadingly engaged with the receiving member 32, the
threaded fastener 30 will tap and thread into the receiving member
32.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a partial cut-away of the riser 16 and the
riser base 12 wherein a through aperture 28 of the riser 16 is
positioned adjacent the receiving member 32 of the riser base 12,
such that the riser 16 and the base 12 can be mechanically secured
to one another.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-section of a riser 16
positioned on a riser base 12 is illustrated. The riser 16 includes
a groove 26 formed in a side wall 40. A raised edge or tongue 42 is
formed on the riser base 12. The raised edge 42 is constructed and
arranged to slidingly engage with the groove 26 of the riser 16. A
sealant compound, such as butyl mastic, can be used as desired in
conjunction with the tongue and groove seal 44 to ensure a fluid
tight fit between the riser base 12 and the riser 16.
[0022] The riser base 12 has a small height dimension h so that an
excavation hole of essentially any height in the ground can be
fitted with the modular lift pump station 10. For example, in
accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, consisting of
a riser base 12, only one riser 16, and an associated riser cover
(not shown), the overall height for such a "one riser" lift station
can be less than 12 inches. On the other hand, a plurality of
risers 16 can be stacked as high as necessary to match the height
requirements of the hole in the ground. Further, variably sized
risers 16 can be utilized to ensure fit to a desired height of the
lift pump station 10. Regardless of whether a single riser 16 or a
plurality of risers 16 are used, a riser cover 49 (see FIG. 8) may
advantageously be secured to an uppermost riser 16 to close off the
lift pump station 10.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, the riser base 12 is shown from
various perspectives. FIG. 4 shows a partial section of the riser
base 12. The riser base 12 includes an outer band 50 that
encompasses the raised perimeter edge 42. The outer band 50 is held
in fixed relationship with respect to the raised perimeter edge 42
with a plurality of spokes 52 and threaded fastener receiving
members 32 that extend between the outer band 50 and the raised
perimeter edge 42. The fastener receiving members 32 can be formed
with two closely spaced radially-extending spokes 52.
[0024] The riser base 12 includes a top side 60 with at least a
portion having a substantially flat surface for supporting a pump
72 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the riser base 12
includes a bottom side 62 having reinforced support structure 64
for strengthening the riser base 12. The support structure 64
includes a plurality of ribs 66 that extend radially from the
center of the base 12 to the outer band 50. The support structure
64 can include at least one intermediate band 68, such as in the
form of an annular ring, positioned radially inward relative to the
outer band 50. The intermediate band 68 can be constructed and
arranged to connect with the radial stiffening ribs 66.
[0025] The height h of the base 12, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, is
defined by the distance between the top of the raised edge 42 and
the bottom side of the riser base 62. The height h is preferably
less than a diameter of an inlet pipe 70 (shown in FIG. 8) that
delivers effluent to the lift pump station 10. Inlet pipes 70 are
typically standard 4 inch diameter PVC pipe, but may be of smaller
diameter, e.g. 3 inches or larger diameter, e.g. 6 inches. The
height h is preferably maintained small so that increased
versatility of the modular lift pump station 10 can be achieved.
That is, the small height h takes up limited space and a riser 16
or plurality of risers 16 can be stacked on the riser base 12 to
raise the top of the lift pump station 10 to a desired elevation,
such as approximately to grade level. The height h of the riser
base 12 is thus typically less than three inches, but can vary in
size, larger or smaller, depending on design requirements of a
specific application.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 8, the modular lift pump station 10 is
shown therein. The lift pump station components, including the
riser base 12 and the risers 16, are preferably formed of a plastic
material, such as polyethylene or polypropolene, to prevent
oxidation and corrosion. The riser base 12 and risers 16 can be
formed using conventional techniques such as injection molding and
gas assist molding. The lift pump station 10 includes a riser base
12 and can include a plurality of risers 16 stacked on top of one
another to a desired height, whereby a riser is thus converted into
a lift station through use of a riser base and associated pump and
drain pipes. Sewage or effluent is delivered to the lift pump
station 10 via an inlet pipe 70. The inlet pipe 70 delivers fluid
to the lift pump station 10. An electric pump 72 having a power
line 73 for supplying electrical power pumps the effluent from the
lift pump station 10. An outlet pipe 74 is attached to the pump 72
for delivering, for example, the effluent to a desired
predetermined height (see the lift height as generally denoted by
reference letters LH in FIG. 8) and location. The outlet pipe 74
can include a generally vertical extension 76 and a secondary pipe
extension 78 that is horizontally aligned or angled away from the
lift pump station 10. The secondary pipe extension 78 delivers the
effluent to a desired location at a raised height relative to the
source (not shown) that was delivered from the inlet pipe 70.
[0027] In operation, the modular lift pump station 10 includes the
lift pump station base 12 positioned in a desired location below
ground surface level. A pump 12 is positioned on the top surface 60
of the lift station base 12. At least one riser 16 is positioned on
the riser base 12 such that the tongue and groove engagement 44 (or
other interconnection) in combination with a suitable sealant, such
as butyl mastic, (not shown) forms a generally fluid tight seal
between the lift pump station base 12 and the riser 16. A cutout or
knockout 18 is removed from the riser 16 so that the inlet pipe 70
can extend through the opening created thereby. The inlet pipe 70
permits fluid to enter the lift pump station 10. The secondary pipe
extension 78 of the outlet pipe 74 extends to a desired height and
out through another cutout or knockout 18 (either in the same riser
or different, e.g. higher, riser 16). Effluent is then pumped from
the pump station 10 through the outlet pipe 74 and to a secondary
location and height, such as an associated elevated leach
field.
[0028] Use of the riser base 12 is not limited to the application
of a lift pump station. For instance, in a drainage system or
irrigation system spanning two (or more) grade levels, such as on a
hill, it is often desirable to store drainage or other liquids, at
least on a temporary basis, at an intermediate elevation. The riser
base 12 may advantageously be employed in combination with risers
16 in such circumstances as a temporary fluid collection chamber or
to facilitate redirection of fluid. Fluid may flow into the chamber
through an inlet pipe passing through a cutout or knockout 18
formed in a riser 16 at a first height, and may exit the chamber
through an outlet pipe at a second, e.g. lower height, without the
need for a mechanical pump.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the riser base 12 can be used for
a sump pump station. Sump pump stations are typically utilized in
buildings that have a crawl space or a basement. If the ground
water level becomes too high or the basement has water leaking in
from the outside, a sump pump can be used to remove the water. A
riser base 12 can be assembled with at least one riser to form a
sump pump station. The sump pump station can hold drainage water
until the water rises to a predetermined level. A float switch or
the like can activate the pump housed within the sump pump station
which causes the water to be mechanically pumped out of the sump
pump station.
[0030] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which
scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is
permitted under law.
* * * * *