U.S. patent application number 10/998908 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for drainage apparatus and methods for installing.
This patent application is currently assigned to SWCS Marketing Group Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael W. Hogenson.
Application Number | 20060112653 10/998908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36565959 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060112653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hogenson; Michael W. |
June 1, 2006 |
Drainage apparatus and methods for installing
Abstract
A drainage apparatus includes a body of material that is
bendable along at least one hinge, thereby defining a first portion
and a second portion of the body of material relative to a hinge
axis. The drainage apparatus is adaptable to the contour of two
surfaces and may further include a plurality of spacer members
extending from the lower surface of the body of material. The
apparatus may be used in a drainage system.
Inventors: |
Hogenson; Michael W.;
(Crystal, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581415
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458
US
|
Assignee: |
SWCS Marketing Group Inc.
Crystal
MN
|
Family ID: |
36565959 |
Appl. No.: |
10/998908 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.5 ;
405/43; 405/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/169.5 ;
405/043; 405/045 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/00 20060101
E02B011/00; E02D 19/00 20060101 E02D019/00 |
Claims
1. A drainage apparatus comprising: a body of material extending
along a length thereof between a first end and a second end,
wherein the body of material comprises an upper surface and a lower
surface, and wherein the body of material comprises at least a
first edge extending along the length of the body of material; at
least one hinge associated with the body of material and extending
along the length thereof, wherein the hinge is configured to allow
a first portion of the body of material to move about a hinge axis
relative to a second portion of the body of material; and a
plurality of spacer members extending from the lower surface of the
body of material.
2. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material
comprises a substantially planar body of material having a
substantially rectangular shape.
3. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional
profile of the body of material transverse to the length of the
body of material has a substantially linear shape at a time before
installation of the drainage apparatus and a substantially L-shape
after installation.
4. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of
the body of material moves radially about the hinge axis relative
to the second portion of the body of material.
5. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
hinge comprises a plurality of hinges associated with the body of
material, wherein the plurality of hinges are configured to allow
the first portion of the body of material to vary in size.
6. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material
is bendable substantially only about each hinge axis.
7. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
hinge comprises a living hinge.
8. The drainage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one
living hinge comprises a channel defined in the upper surface of
the body of material to allow the living hinge to move through a
predetermined range of motion about the hinge axis.
9. The drainage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one
living hinge comprises two opposing channels, wherein the two
opposing channels comprise a first channel defined in the upper
surface of the body of material and a second channel defined in the
lower surface of the body of material.
10. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
plurality of spacer members are integrally formed with the body of
material.
11. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
plurality of spacer members has a geometric shape selected from a
group of geometric shapes consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a
tear-drop, a triangle, a square, and a diamond.
12. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
plurality of spacer members has a geometric shape that includes at
least one apex, wherein the apex faces towards the first edge of
the body of material.
13. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
plurality of spacer members each defines a cavity open at the upper
surface of the body of material.
14. The drainage apparatus of claim 13, wherein the drainage
apparatus is configured to be adjoinable to a second drainage
apparatus by frictionally fitting at least one spacer member of the
drainage apparatus into a cavity defined by a corresponding spacer
member of the second drainage apparatus.
15. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cove
guard member extending along at least a portion of the first edge
of the body of material and outwardly from the bottom surface of
the body of material.
16. The drainage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cove guard
member is connected to the first edge continuously along the length
of the body of material.
17. The drainage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cove guard
member is integrally formed with the first edge and forms a
predetermined angle with the body of material.
18. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material
further comprises a second edge spaced from the first edge by a
distance that allows a drainage trench of a drainage tile system to
be entirely covered by the second portion of the body of
material.
19. A drainage apparatus for use in a drain tile system, the
drainage apparatus comprising: a body of material extending along a
length thereof between a first end and a second end, wherein the
body of material comprises an upper surface and a lower surface,
and wherein the body of material comprises at least a first edge
extending along the length of the body of material; a plurality of
living hinges integrally formed with the body of material and
extending along the length thereof, wherein each living hinge is
configured to allow a first portion of the body of material to move
about a hinge axis relative to a second portion of the body of
material; and a plurality of spacer members integrally formed with
the body of material and extending from the lower surface
thereof.
20. The drainage apparatus of claim 19, wherein the body of
material is bendable substantially only about each hinge axis.
21. The drainage apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a cove
guard member extending along at least a portion of the first edge
of the body of material and outwardly from the bottom surface of
the body of material, wherein the cove guard member is integrally
formed with the first edge.
22. A drainage apparatus comprising: a body of material extending
along a length thereof between a first end and a second end,
wherein the body of material comprises an upper surface, a lower
surface, and at least a first edge extending along the length of
the body of material; means associated with the body of material
for allowing the body of material to bend about a plurality of axes
extending along the length of the body of material; and means for
spacing the body of material from at least two surfaces located at
an angle relative to one another when the body of material is
positioned adjacent thereto.
23. A drainage system comprising: a first drainage apparatus
comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof
between a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting
member associated with the body of material and proximate one of
the first and second ends of the body of material; and a second
drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a
length thereof between a first end and a second end, and at least
one connecting member associated with the body of material and
proximate one of the first and second ends of the body of material,
wherein the at least one connecting member of the first drainage
apparatus and the at least one connecting member of the second
drainage apparatus are configured for use in providing a
frictionally fit connection to adjoin the body of material of the
first drainage apparatus with the body of material of the second
drainage apparatus.
24. The drainage system of claim 23, wherein the drainage system
further comprises a strap member comprising a main body and a
plurality of connection elements, and wherein at least one of the
plurality of connection elements is configured to frictionally fit
with the at least one connecting member associated with the body of
material of the first drainage apparatus and at least one of the
plurality of connection elements is configured to frictionally fit
with the at least one connecting member associated with the body of
material of the second drainage apparatus.
25. The drainage apparatus of claim 24, wherein the body of
material of each drainage apparatus further comprises an upper
surface and wherein each connecting member comprises a spacer
member that defines a cavity open at the upper surface of the body
of material with which it is associated, wherein at least one
connecting element of the strap member frictionally fits with at
least one spacer member of the first drainage apparatus and at
least one connecting element of the strap member frictionally fits
with a spacer member of the second drainage apparatus.
26. The drainage system of claim 23, wherein each body of material
of each drainage apparatus further comprises an upper surface and a
lower surface, wherein each connecting member comprises a spacer
member extending from the lower surface of the body of material of
the drainage apparatus with which it is associated, and wherein at
least one spacer member of the first drainage apparatus
frictionally fits with at least one spacer member of the second
drainage apparatus.
27. A method for use in installing a drainage apparatus, the method
comprising: providing a drainage apparatus comprising a body of
material extending along a length thereof and at least one hinge
extending along the length of the body of material, wherein the at
least one hinge allows for movement of a first portion of the body
of material relative to a second portion of the body of material
about a hinge axis; preparing a first surface to receive at least a
part of the first portion of the drainage apparatus; preparing a
second surface adjoined with the first surface at an angle relative
thereto to receive at least a part of the second portion of the
drainage apparatus; bending the body of material along the hinge
axis to adapt the drainage apparatus to a contour of the first and
second surfaces so that at least a part of the first portion of the
body of material is adjacent a portion of the first surface and at
least a part of the second portion of the body of material is
adjacent a portion of the second surface; and positioning the
drainage apparatus relative to the adjoining first and second
surfaces.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first surface comprises at
least one fluid outlet opening, and wherein the method further
comprises bending the body of material of the drainage apparatus so
that it is positionable in front of the at least one fluid outlet
opening.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the body of material of the
drainage apparatus comprises a lower surface, wherein the drainage
apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacer members extending
from the lower surface, and wherein the at least one hinge is a
plurality of living hinges.
30. A method for use in installing a drainage apparatus, the method
comprising: excavating a trench along a wall and any footings
supporting the wall; positioning drain tile in the trench
configured to receive water therein and to allow water to flow
through the drain tile; making at least one water outlet opening
along at least a portion of the wall; providing a drainage
apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length
thereof and at least one hinge associated with the body of
material, wherein the at least one hinge allows for movement of a
first portion of the body of material relative to a second portion
of the body of material about a hinge axis, wherein the drainage
apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacer members, and a
cove guard member extending along the length of the body of
material at a first edge thereof; bending the body of material to
adapt the body of material so that at least a part of the first
portion of the body of material is positionable adjacent a portion
of the wall in front of the at least one water outlet opening and
at least a part of the second portion of the body of material is
positionable above the trench and drain tile therein; and
positioning the drainage apparatus relative to the wall so that the
cove guard member resides adjacent the wall above the at least one
water outlet opening and one or more of the plurality of spacer
members define a passageway between the water outlet openings and
the trench.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the method further comprises
backfilling the trench with a backfill material to a height so that
the second portion of the drainage apparatus is at least partly
above the backfilled trench and adjacent the backfill material.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of spacer
members defines a cavity open at an upper surface of the body of
material, and wherein the method further comprises providing
flooring material over at least a part of the upper surface and
within the cavity.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one hinge is a
plurality of living hinges.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus for
use with static structures, e.g., as a component of a drain tile
system. Drain tile systems are commonly used where building
structures such as commercial sites or dwellings have basements or
other subterranean levels that are below a water table. They also
may be used where water can seep into the lower walls of a building
because of poor drainage around the building or because soil
conditions hold water against the building.
[0002] When a conventional drain tile system is installed, a trench
is dug to lay drain tile along side the interior side of an
exterior wall. Backfill material is typically poured into the
trench until the backfill material surpasses the bottom of the
wall, and openings are made in the wall to allow the water or other
fluid to leave the wall. Tubing or a cove plate is installed to
direct the water to the backfill material.
[0003] Typically, water is directed away from the walls towards a
trench in which drain tile has been installed to then carry the
water to a sump pump. Drain tile systems that use tubing or cove
plating, however, encounter several disadvantages. Cove plating is
advantageous relative to tubing in that it does not clog as easily,
and it provides continuous drainage along the perimeter of a wall
or other surface in which fluid outlet openings have been made.
Yet, cove plating is hard to adapt to situations where the fluid
outlet openings are higher along a wall than otherwise might be
desirable, to accommodate situations such as, for example, where
construction debris such as cement has accumulated in the bottom of
the wall. Further, without limitation, systems using tubing or cove
plating often leave foundations weaker, because the flooring
excavated to install the system often cannot be restored near to
its original condition and shifting of such structure may
occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus and
methods for installing the drainage apparatus. At least in one
embodiment, once installed, the drainage apparatus can be used to
direct the flow of a fluid (e.g., water) from a fluid outlet
opening in a static structure (e.g., a basement wall), along a
passageway created between the drainage apparatus and one or more
surface areas of the static structure (e.g., a wall, footings, or
the like), and to a receptacle or receiving area (e.g., an
excavated and backfilled trench having drain tile therein).
[0005] For example, at least in one embodiment, the drainage
apparatus can be used as a component of a drain tile system for use
in directing water away from a wall of a building or other static
structure towards a trench in which drain tile has been installed
to then carry the water to a sump pump. The drainage apparatus
includes one or more hinges, along any of which the drainage
apparatus may be bent to form a cove or first portion that is at
least partly positionable adjacent the wall and in front of one or
more fluid outlet openings, and a second portion that is at least
partly positionable over the trench to direct and/or allow water to
flow to the drain tile in the trench.
[0006] At least in one embodiment, a drainage apparatus includes a
body of material, one or more hinges associated with the body of
material, and a plurality of spacer members. The body of material
extends along a length thereof between a first end and a second
end, wherein the body of material includes an upper surface and a
lower surface, and wherein the body of material includes at least a
first edge extending along the length of the body of material. The
one or more hinges associated with the body of material extend
along the length thereof, wherein each hinge is configured to allow
a first portion of the body of material to move about a hinge axis
relative to a second portion of the body of material. The spacer
members extend from the lower surface of the body of material.
[0007] Various embodiments include one or more of the following
features: the hinges are configured to allow the first portion of
the body of material to vary in size; the body of material is
bendable substantially only about each hinge axis; one or more of
the hinges are living hinges; one or more of the plurality of
spacer members are integrally formed with the body of material; one
or more of the spacer members each defines a cavity open at the
upper surface of the body of material; wherein one or more drainage
apparatus are adjoinable by frictionally fitting together one or
more spacer members from each drainage board; and wherein a
drainage board further includes a cove guard member.
[0008] At least in one embodiment, one or more drainage apparatus
are connected to create a drainage system. The drainage system
includes at least one first drainage apparatus further including a
body of material extending along a length thereof between a first
end and a second end, and at least one connecting member associated
with the body of material and proximate one of the first and second
ends of the body of material. The drainage system also includes at
least one second drainage apparatus further including a body of
material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a
second end, and at least one connecting member associated with the
body of material and proximate one of the first and second ends of
the body of material. At least one connecting member of the first
drainage apparatus and the at least one connecting member of the
second drainage apparatus are configured for use in providing a
frictionally fit connection to adjoin the body of material of the
first drainage apparatus with the body of material of the second
drainage apparatus.
[0009] At least in one exemplary embodiment, the drainage system
further includes a strap member that includes a plurality of
connection elements that are frictionally fit with one or more
connecting members of the at least one first drainage apparatus and
the at least one second drainage apparatus to adjoin them.
[0010] At least in another exemplary embodiment, each connecting
member is a spacer member, one or more of which each defines a
cavity. As such, one or more connecting members of the at least one
first drainage apparatus frictionally fit with one or more
connecting members of the at least one second drainage
apparatus.
[0011] At least in one embodiment, a method for use in installing a
drainage apparatus against a static structure includes providing a
drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a
length thereof and at least one hinge extending along the length of
the body of material, wherein the at least one hinge allows for
movement of a first portion of the body of material relative to a
second portion of the body of material about a hinge axis;
preparing a first surface to receive at least a part of the first
portion of the drainage apparatus; preparing a second surface
adjoined with the first surface at an angle relative thereto to
receive at least a part of the second portion of the drainage
apparatus; bending the body of material along the hinge axis to
adapt the drainage apparatus to a contour of the first and second
surfaces so that at least a part of the first portion of the body
of material is adjacent a portion of the first surface and at least
a part of the second portion of the body of material is adjacent a
portion of the second surface; and positioning the drainage
apparatus relative to the adjoining surfaces.
[0012] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding
of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring
to the following detailed description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective diagram of an
exemplary embodiment of a drainage apparatus installed as a
component of an exemplary drain tile system.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a drainage apparatus that may be used in a drain tile system,
such as that shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the drainage
apparatus in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the drainage apparatus in FIG.
2.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the drainage apparatus in FIG.
2.
[0018] FIG. 6A is a top diagrammatic view of an exemplary
embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 6B is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary
embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 6C is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary
embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 6D is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary
embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 6E is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary
embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 6F is a top diagrammatic view of an exemplary
embodiment of two overlapping, adjoining drainage apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top perspective exploded view for use in
describing the installation of the strap member shown in FIG.
6A.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method
for installing a drain tile system that includes a drainage
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus,
methods for installing the apparatus, and systems using drainage
apparatus. In the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, references are made to the
accompanying figures, which figures form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. Although exemplary
embodiments have been described herein, it should be recognized
that other embodiments and numerous changes and variations to
embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0027] As used herein, the word "bendable" refers to the ability to
shape or force a straight body of material, e.g., linear or planar,
to assume an angular shape, e.g., to include the appearance of an
angle with two adjoining, straight sides.
[0028] The present invention may provide one or more advantages. At
least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus is bendable along
one or more hinges so that the height of the cove or first portion
of the drainage apparatus is adjustable. Thus, for example, the
cove portion can be used in conjunction with openings in cinder
blocks where the openings are higher than usual. The cove or first
portion also can accommodate thin floors without trimming paneling
or other finish work. Further, with one or more hinges, the
drainage apparatus is adaptable to surfaces such as walls, floors,
or the tops of footings that are either not level or uneven.
[0029] When a drain tile system is retrofitted into a previously
built structure, permanently removing floor mass can cause a
foundation or wall to move or shift. Thus, it is desirable to
restore a floor as fully as possible. When a drainage apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed
instead of a conventional cove plate, less backfill material can be
used and more of the excavated floor can be restored to return more
of the floor's strength back against the foundation or wall.
Further, plastic sheeting is unnecessary when the drainage
apparatus is installed, so moisture gaps caused by shifting plastic
are eliminated.
[0030] At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus has a
cove guard member that helps contain the fluid in a passageway
partly defined by an installed drainage apparatus. Further, this
cove guard member assists in sealing an interior environment from
radon leaks and helps prevent insects from getting into a drainage
system and breeding.
[0031] At least in one embodiment, two or more drainage apparatus
can be adjoined to form a seamless or continuous passageway along
an entire perimeter of a wall to allow water to flow from water
outlet openings in the wall to a drain tile.
[0032] Further, at least in one embodiment, a drainage apparatus
according to the present invention is made of a polymer that
provides both strength and durability to the apparatus and the
system.
[0033] Although most of the above-described advantages of the
drainage apparatus have been described with reference to a drain
tile system, many of these advantages are also available when other
embodiments of the drainage apparatus are used as components of
other drainage systems. For example, without limitation, a drainage
apparatus may be used in a drainage system that does not include a
drain tile because the soil drains well, such as sandy soil.
Further, a drainage apparatus may be used to direct radon to an
exhaust duct or fan for venting it outside.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary environment in which an
embodiment of a drainage apparatus 32 may be used is along a static
structure such as, without limitation, the interior side of a wall
12 of a building where the drainage apparatus 32 is used as a
component of a drain tile system 10. The drain tile system 10
includes a trench 24 that is excavated along the wall surface area
14 of a wall 12 and the surface areas 18, 19 of any footing 16.
Drain tile 30 is laid along the trench to receive water therein and
to allow the flow of water through the drain tile 30. The trench is
filled with backfill material 26, preferably until upper surface 28
of the backfill material 26 is about level with the bottom 15 of
the wall 12 and/or level with the upper footing surface area 18.
Water is directed from the wall through water or fluid outlet
openings 13 provided along the bottom 15 of the wall 12, e.g., in
the hollow 17 of the wall 12.
[0035] A continuous passageway 38 from the water outlet openings 13
to the backfill material upper surface 28 is created using a
drainage apparatus 32. The drainage apparatus 32 includes at least
one hinge but preferably a plurality of hinges 35 where the
drainage apparatus 32 is bendable, thereby defining two portions, a
cove or first portion 33 for use adjacent the wall surface area 14
in front of the water outlet openings 13, and a bottom or second
portion 34 that extends outwardly from the wall surface area 14
over and adjacent to any upper footing surface area 18 and over at
least a part of, but preferably the entirety of, the backfill
material upper surface 28.
[0036] The passageway 38 is realized because spacer members 39 on
the bottom surface 37 of the drainage apparatus 32 define a void
between the drainage apparatus 32 and the various surfaces 14, 18,
and 28. At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 32 has a
cove guard member 36 extending along the first portion 33 to help
contain water in the passageway 38 and prevent radon from escaping
into an interior environment. If any flooring material was removed
to excavate the trench, restoration flooring material 22 can then
be provided over at least a part of the drainage apparatus 32,
preferably leaving a part, e.g., approximately one-quarter inch, of
the first portion 33 exposed, to conform as desirable with the old
flooring 20.
[0037] The drainage apparatus can be installed for use with other
static structure systems as well, to direct the flow of a fluid.
For example, without limitation, a drainage apparatus may be used
in a drainage system that does not include a drain tile because the
soil drains well, such as sandy soil. Further, a drainage apparatus
may be used to direct radon to an exhaust duct or fan for venting
it outside.
[0038] When the drainage apparatus 32 includes a plurality of
hinges, it is adaptable to various surface area configurations
having one or more surface areas, for example, without limitation,
wherein two surface areas are adjoined at an angle relative to one
another. For example, a first surface area, e.g., wall surface area
14, having at least one fluid outlet opening 13 is prepared to
receive at least part of the first portion 33 of the drainage
apparatus 32 in a position adjacent to the first surface area. A
second surface area, e.g., upper footing surface area 18 and
backfill material upper surface 28, positioned at an angle relative
to the first surface area, is prepared to receive at least part of
the second portion 34 of the drainage apparatus 32 in a position
adjacent to the second surface area.
[0039] The drainage apparatus 32 is bent along one of the hinges 35
to adapt the drainage apparatus 32 to the contour of the adjoining
surface areas, e.g., footing upper surface area 18 and wall surface
area 14, so that at least part of the first portion 33 is
positionable adjacent the first surface area (e.g., wall surface
area 14) in front of the at least one fluid outlet 13, which is
generally made at a position to accommodate such coverage, and at
least part of the second portion 34 is positionable adjacent the
second surface area (e.g., upper surface area 18). Fluid may then
traverse the passageway 38 created between the drainage apparatus
32 and the surface areas, such as, without limitation, when the
fluid is being gravitationally directed.
[0040] FIGS. 2-7 show various exemplary embodiments of drainage
apparatus 32 such as shown generally in FIG. 1. For example,
drainage apparatus 100 is shown in FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 2 is a top view
of an exemplary embodiment of a drainage apparatus for a drain tile
system, illustrating four living hinges, cavities in spacer
members, and a cove guard member extending along a first edge. FIG.
3 is a view of the bottom of the same embodiment illustrating the
spacer members, FIG. 4 is a side view of the same embodiment
illustrating its planar shape and the bending of the apparatus into
an angular shape, and FIG. 5 is a top view of the same embodiment
illustrating its elongated, rectangular shape.
[0041] The drainage apparatus 100 includes a body of material 120
extending along a length 122 (see FIG. 5) thereof between a first
end 124 and a second end 126. The body of material 120 includes an
upper surface 128, a lower surface 130, and at least a first edge
132 extending along the length 122 of the body of material 120. The
drainage apparatus 100 also includes one or more hinges 150-153
associated with the body of material 120 and extending along the
length 122 thereof. Further, a plurality of spacer members 170
extend from the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120.
[0042] Each hinge 150-153 includes a respective hinge axis 154-157.
The drainage apparatus 120 is bendable substantially only at each
hinge 150-153 about its respective hinge axis 154-157. As shown in
FIG. 4, when bent along a hinge axis 154-157, a first portion 141
and a second portion 142 of the body of material 120 are defined
with respect to that hinge axis 154-157. For example, when bent at
hinge 153, a first portion 138 and a second portion 140 of the body
of material 120 are defined as shown in FIG. 4. The drainage
apparatus 100 includes a plurality of hinges 150-153 associated
with the body of material 120, which are configured so that each
will proportion the body of material 120 into different sized first
portions and second portions. Each hinge 150-153 is preferably
configured to allow the first portion 141 of the body of material
120 to move radially about the respective hinge axis 154-157
relative to the second portion 142 of the body of material 120.
[0043] Preferably, the body of material 120 is substantially
planar, and the surfaces 128 and 130 are a substantially
rectangular shape. The body of material's cross-sectional profile
transverse to the length 122 of the body of material 120 is a
substantially linear shape at a time before the drainage apparatus
100 is installed, and at least one embodiment has a substantially
L-shape after the drainage apparatus 100 is installed. As used in
this paragraph, the word "substantially" refers to the overall
shape or appearance of the body of material at some point in time
and, for example, allows for an angle defining such shape to vary
slightly but still retain an appearance of such a shape. Any body
of material 120 may be used that can form a continuous passageway
for directing water or another fluid from one position, e.g., a
water or fluid outlet opening in a structure to another position,
e.g., a receiving area. Thus, those skilled in the art should be
aware that other shapes may be useful for achieving this end,
depending upon the immediate environment in which the drainage
apparatus 100 is being used.
[0044] The body of material 120 preferably is made of a strong and
durable commercially available material, such as a polymer like
polyvinyl chloride. Other less durable materials, however, such as
cardboard, wax coated cardboard, sheet metal, or mesh also may be
used.
[0045] The length 122 and width 123 of each fabricated individual
drainage apparatus 100 may vary depending on a multitude of
factors, such as manufacturing costs, commercial demand,
convenience, etc. Preferably, the body of material 120 further
includes a second edge 136 spaced from the first edge 132 by
distance 123 (see FIG. 5) that allows, for example, without
limitation, a drainage trench of a drainage tile system to be
entirely covered by the second portion 142 of the body of material
120. In one embodiment, an unfinished drainage apparatus preferably
is about 6 feet long by 12 inches wide.
[0046] Preferably, the body of material 120 is bendable
substantially only along each hinge 150-153. As used herein, the
phrase "bendable substantially only" or like phrases refer to a
body of material that is bendable at an angle and can retain such
angle with little or no forces holding the bent material at such an
angle, even though other locations may have some overall
flexibility. Thus, when the drainage apparatus 100 is bent
substantially only at one hinge 150-153, such as in a typical drain
tile system installation, the cross-sectional profile of the
drainage apparatus 100 transverse to the length 122 of the body of
material 120 is L-shaped to allow the drainage apparatus 100 to fit
adjacent both a wall surface and a horizontal surface such as the
top surface of any footing. Those skilled in the art should
recognize that more than one hinge 150-153 can be used at any time
to bend the body of material 120. It is preferable, however, that
the drainage apparatus 100 fit adjacent the static structure where
it is installed, e.g., typically against two surfaces that lie
orthogonal to each other.
[0047] At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 has
two or more hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material
120. By selectively bending the body of material 120, the first
portion 141 of the body of material 120 may vary in size. This is
advantageous in a drain tile system, for example, because sometimes
concrete is disposed in the bottom of a wall, and water outlet
openings, e.g., openings 13 of FIG. 1, need to be made somewhat
higher than usual. By selectively bending the body of material 120
at the appropriate hinges 150-153, a first portion 141 of
sufficient size can be selected to position adjacent the wall in
front of the higher openings. The size of the first portion 141 is,
of course, limited by the distance 123 between the first edge 132
and second edge 136 of the drainage apparatus 100 and placement of
the hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material 120.
[0048] At least in one embodiment, at least one of the hinges
150-153 is a living hinge, and preferably all of the hinges 150-153
are living hinges, integrally formed with the body of material 120.
Living hinges are thin sections of material that connect two
portions of a body of a material to keep the portions together
while allowing the body of material to bend. The materials used to
form living hinges are often flexible polymers such as
polypropylene or polyethylene. Living hinges associated with the
drainage apparatus 100, however, generally need to bend only a few
times, so they can also be made from, for example, without
limitation, polyvinyl chloride.
[0049] In at least one embodiment, a living hinge, for example,
living hinge 151, includes a channel 158 defined in the upper
surface 128 of the body of material 120. The channel 158 is
configured to allow the living hinge 151 to move through a
predetermined range of motion about the hinge axis 155, preferably
at least 90 degrees so that the drainage apparatus 100 can be
formed into an L-shape, and more preferably an even larger range so
that the drainage apparatus 100 can be adapted to structures where
a wall and floor and/or footings do not meet at a right angle but
form an angle less than 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the
living hinge 151 includes two opposing channels. For example, the
hinge 151 may include a first channel 158 defined in the upper
surface 128 of the body of material 120 and a second channel 159
defined in the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120. This
configuration allows the drainage apparatus 100 to bend more easily
in both directions to accommodate, for example, uneven
surfaces.
[0050] At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100
includes a plurality of spacer members 170 extending from the lower
surface 130 of the body of material 120. Such spacer members 170
may serve one or more purposes. For example, one function may be to
maintain a passageway between the body of material 120 and the
structural surfaces with respect to which the drainage apparatus
100 is positioned, so that fluid can flow between the body of
material 120 and these surfaces. Preferably, the spacer members 170
are integrally formed with the body of material 120, although they
may also be connected to the body of material 120 by, for example,
any mechanical device or fastener or any chemical process such as
bonding.
[0051] Those skilled in the art should be aware that the shape of
the spacer members 170 is practically unlimited. Preferably, they
include a planar surface 171 so that frictional contact between
such surfaces 171 of the drainage apparatus 100 and a structural
surface, e.g., wall against which they are placed, helps hold the
drainage apparatus 100 in position.
[0052] At least in some embodiments, the spacer members 170, or one
or more surfaces thereof, have a geometric shape such as a circle,
ellipse, teardrop, triangle, square, diamond or other shape. At
least in one embodiment, the shape has at least one apex 172, and
the spacer members 170 are configured so that an apex 172 on each
spacer member 170 faces towards the first edge 132 of the body of
material 120 and against the generally expected direction of fluid
flow in the defined passageway when the drainage apparatus 100 is
installed. In doing so, the amount of debris that might otherwise
become caught up on surfaces of the spacer member 170 is
reduced.
[0053] In at least one embodiment, the spacer member has a
predetermined height 176. The height 176 allows water or other
fluid to flow along the surfaces creating the passageway, such as
in FIG. 1, in a more laminar flow and at a rate that is acceptable
for the purposes of the particular installation.
[0054] At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100
includes a cove guard member 180 extending along at least a portion
of the first edge 132 of the body of material 120 and outwardly
from the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120. The cove
guard member 180 is used to reduce the likelihood that fluid can
escape over the first portion 141 and/or radon can leak into an
interior environment. Preferably, the cove guard member 180 is
connected to the first edge 132 continuously along the length 122
of the body of material 120. Preferably, the cove guard member 180
is integrally formed with the first edge 132 of the body of
material 120 and forms a predetermined angle 182 with the body of
material 120. Preferably the angle 182 is greater than 10 but less
than 90 degrees, and most preferably 45 degrees, and preferably the
distance 184 perpendicular from the first portion 141 to the distal
end 186 of the cove guard member 180 is the same as the height 176
of the spacer members 170. Thus, when the body of material 120 is
bent along one or more hinges 150-153, the cove guard member 180 is
part of and resides along the top of the first portion 141 when the
drainage apparatus 100 is properly positioned and the distal end of
the cove guard is in contact with the wall surface area 14.
[0055] At least in one embodiment, one or more spacer members 170
each define a cavity 174 open at the upper surface 128 of the body
of material 120. When flooring material such as cement is provided
to restore a floor over a drainage apparatus 100, the flooring
material can enter one or more of these cavities 174, thereby
returning much of the strength of the old flooring against the
foundation, e.g., wall 12 and footing 16 to maintain their
integrity. This also helps prevent the drainage apparatus 100 from
shifting out of position, which may cause moisture leaks between
the cove guard member 180 and the structural wall or between
adjoining drainage apparatus 100.
[0056] At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 are
configured to adjoin to each other, upon being appropriately
aligned, to form a drainage system. Those skilled in the art should
recognize that there are numerous configurations to accomplish this
adjoining, including configurations wherein two drainage apparatus
are abutted next to each other and configurations wherein two
drainage apparatus overlap. Preferably, drainage apparatus are
frictionally fit together to minimize the number of additional
parts needed to connect them, although those skilled in the art
should recognize that there are many other ways to connect them,
such as various kinds of mechanical fasteners and chemical bonding
methods.
[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 6F, at least in one
embodiment, a first set of one or more spacer members 270 define
cavities 274 that are larger than a second set of one or more
spacer members 271. By appropriately configuring the first set of
spacer members 270 on one drainage apparatus 220 and the second set
of spacer members 271 on a second drainage apparatus 221, the two
drainage apparatus 221 and 220 can be overlapped, aligned, and
frictionally fit together by pressing the smaller second set of
spacer members 271 into the cavities of the larger first set of
spacer members 270. The contour of the cavities 274 and the
exterior surfaces (not shown) of the second set of spacer members
271 correspond to enhance the frictional fit. Preferably, the
cavities 274 of the first set of spacer members 271 have a bottom
surface and one or more, and most preferably a plurality of,
peripheral walls.
[0058] Those skilled in the art should recognize that there are
numerous permutations for this overlapping configuration. For
example, a structure facing upwardly from an upper surface of a
drainage apparatus to fit into an opening defined in a second
drainage apparatus may be used. In yet another example, ends of two
drainage apparatus may be configured to be interlocking.
[0059] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and 7, one or
more strap members 290 are used to adjoin two abutting drainage
apparatus 210 and 211. Each strap member 290 includes a main body
291 further including a lower surface 292 and at least two
connection elements 295 extending therefrom. At least one
connection element 295 is configured to frictionally fit with a
connecting member 296 on each of the drainage apparatus 210 and
211. Preferably, at least two connection elements 295 frictionally
fit with corresponding connecting members 296 on each drainage
apparatus 210 and 211 so that the bodies of material of each
drainage apparatus 210 and 211 cannot shift with respect to one
another, e.g., to prevent a moisture leak. Further, preferably the
connecting member 296 on each drainage apparatus 210 and 211 is the
same feature used as a spacer member, e.g., FIG. 3, 170.
[0060] Those skilled in the art should be aware that there are
numerous configurations that may use a strap member to connect two
drainage apparatus. For example, the connection elements of a strap
member may frictionally fit into an opening defined in each
drainage apparatus, a structure on each drainage apparatus may
frictionally fit into an opening defined in a strap member, or a
strap member may be used without any connection elements to
interlock with each of two drainage apparatus to adjoin them.
[0061] FIG. 6A illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two
drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with a
connecting member of each drainage apparatus 210, 211, which
connecting members are directly across from one another. FIG. 6B
illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus
210, 211 by frictionally fitting with a connecting member of each
drainage apparatus 210, 211, which connecting members are
positioned diagonally from one another. FIG. 6C illustrates a strap
member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by
frictionally fitting with two connecting members of each drainage
apparatus 210, 211. FIG. 6D illustrates a strap member 290
adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting
with three connecting members of each drainage apparatus 210, 211.
FIG. 6E illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage
apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with an array of
connecting members along an end of each drainage board 210, 211.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the installation of the strap
member in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 further illustrates conforming the
contours of connection elements 295 to correspond to those of the
connecting members 296 on each of the drainage apparatus 210,
211.
[0062] The installation of a drainage apparatus as a component of a
drain tile system or other system involves some procedures that are
common to all such systems and other procedures that are distinct
to a particular system. By way of illustration only, an
installation flowchart is shown in FIG. 8, which describes an
exemplary installation method 300 for installing a drainage
apparatus 32 (FIG. 1) as a component of a drain tile system such as
system 10 shown in FIG. 1. The system reference numerals shown in
FIG. 1 shall be used to assist in describing the method.
[0063] First, an area for installation is chosen, which area is
typically along the interior side of an outside wall 12 of a
building or other static structure. A trench 24 is excavated (block
302) into the floor 20 along the wall 12, which trench 24 continues
down past the bottom 15 of the wall 12 and below any upper footing
surface 18 of a footing 16 supporting the wall 12. The trench 24
preferably is anywhere between 12 and 14 inches wide and 8 to 24
inches deep. The trench 28 runs along side the wall 12 and the
surfaces 18, 19 of the footing 16, which trench 28 has a first end
and a second end that may be coextensive with the length of the
wall.
[0064] The wall surface area 14 and upper footing surface area 18
are prepared to receive a drainage apparatus 32 (block 304)
positionable adjacent thereto. Often, this involves scraping at
least some debris, for example, construction debris such as wood or
excess cement, free from the surface areas 14, 18. Preferably, the
surface areas 14, 18 are made as clean and as level as practical
both for convenience in installing the drainage apparatus 32 and to
maintain a continuous passageway 38 between the drainage apparatus
32 and the surface areas 14, 18.
[0065] Backfill material 26 such as gravel, stones, or other
permeable material is often backfilled into the trench 24 (block
306) to prepare the trench 24 to receive the drain tile 30.
Preferably, three-quarter inch washed river rock is used, since it
holds dirt and silt back well and generally does not undermine the
strength of the flooring and any footings. Preferably, the bedding
of backfill material 26 slopes from one end of the trench to the
other end of the trench in preparation to receive the drain tile
30.
[0066] Drain tile 30 is positioned in the trench 24 so that the
drain tile 30 also slopes from one end of the trench to the other
end of the trench, and water thus may flow through the drain tile
30 towards a sump pump. Preferably the drain tile 30 is a pipe with
a line of holes made along the length of the pipe. The pipe is
positioned with the holes facing towards the bottom of the trench
24 to receive water as early as possible. Another commonly used
drain tile is a hose with slits or holes. Other conduits are also
available for use. Once the drain tile 30 is installed, the trench
24 can be further backfilled (block 310), preferably up to the
upper footing surface 18 or the bottom of the wall 15. Preferably
the same backfill material 26 as described above is used.
[0067] To direct water or other fluid from the wall 12, one or more
water or fluid outlet openings 13 are made in the surface area 14
of the wall 12 (block 312) along the bottom of the wall 12, which
openings 13 are small enough so that they do not affect the
integrity of the wall 12. Where the wall 12 has hollows 17 in which
the water can collect, such as in a cinder block wall, often an
opening 13 is made through the surface area 14 of the wall 12 and
into each hollow 17. The openings 13 are made along the bottom of
the wall 15 at a height from the bottom of the wall 15 that allows
a first portion 33 of one or more drainage apparatus 32 to be
positioned in front of each opening 13 so that any cove guard
member 36 extending along the top of the first portion 33 can
prevent water from spilling over the first portion 33 and radon
from escaping.
[0068] A drainage apparatus 32 is obtained and trimmed for the
particular project (block 314). Often this means that the length of
the drainage apparatus 32 will be trimmed. Once the desirable
height of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32 is
determined and the hinge(s) 35 along which the body (of material)
will be bent are selected for the contour of the surface areas 14,
18, 28, the width of the second portion 34 can be determined and
the excess trimmed off as desirable. The desirable width of the
second portion depends on the extent to which it is desirable to
position the drainage apparatus 32 over the backfill material 26;
preferably the backfill material 26 is entirely covered.
[0069] The body of material of the drainage apparatus 32 is bent
along the appropriate hinges (block 316) so that the body of
material conforms to the contour of the surface areas 14, 18, 28.
At least part of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32
is then properly positioned adjacent the wall surface area 14 and
at least part of the second portion 34 of the drainage apparatus 32
is properly positioned adjacent the upper footing surface 18 and at
least a part of the backfill material upper surface 28. Preferably,
when properly positioned, the cove guard member 36 resides adjacent
to and contacts the wall 12 above the water outlet openings 13, and
one or more of the spacer members 39 are used to define a
passageway 38 between the water outlet openings 13 and the trench
24.
[0070] When the drainage apparatus 32 has been properly installed,
spacer members 39 of the drainage apparatus 32 abut both the wall
surface area 14 and the upper footing surface 18. Then, when any
excavated flooring is restored as desirable (block 320), such as
filling cement over the drainage apparatus 32 and into any cavities
in the spacer members 39, preferably including up to the top
one-quarter inch of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus
32, much of the original strength of the floor is restored and the
integrity of the foundation of the static structure is
maintained.
* * * * *