U.S. patent application number 11/619887 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for drainage system.
Invention is credited to William Rzadkowolski.
Application Number | 20070166105 11/619887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38263317 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070166105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rzadkowolski; William |
July 19, 2007 |
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A drainage system for draining a fluid from a hardenable
material as the fluid flows through an aperture formed in the
hardenable material includes a conduit and a catch. The conduit has
an outer surface defining an inner chamber. The catch is supported
by the outer surface of the conduit for directing the fluid from
the aperture into the inner chamber. The catch includes a first tab
and a second tab that extend along a portion of the length of the
conduit, and the second tab is spaced from the first tab. Both the
first tab and the second tab are inserted into the hardenable
material about opposing sides of the aperture to prevent a
collapsing of the conduit and to maintain a flow of the fluid from
the aperture into the inner chamber.
Inventors: |
Rzadkowolski; William;
(Oxford, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
38263317 |
Appl. No.: |
11/619887 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60756156 |
Jan 4, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 3/046 20130101;
E01C 11/227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/043 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/00 20060101
E02B011/00 |
Claims
1. A drainage system for draining a fluid from a hardenable
material as the fluid flows through an aperture formed in the
hardenable material, said system comprising: a conduit having an
outer surface defining an inner chamber and a length extending
between distal ends with an axis extending along said length; and a
catch supported by said outer surface of said conduit and having a
first tab and a second tab, said first tab extending along a
portion of said length of said conduit and said second tab
extending along a portion of said length of said conduit with said
second tab radially spaced from said first tab about said axis for
insertion into the hardenable material about opposing sides of the
aperture.
2. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first tab
and said second tab extend from said outer surface of said conduit
in a direction perpendicular to said outer surface of said
conduit.
3. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second
tab is radially spaced from said first tab at an angle less than 90
degrees relative to said first tab.
4. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said catch
further includes a base disposed on said outer surface of said
conduit interconnecting said first tab and said second tab.
5. A drainage system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said catch is
adhered to said outer surface of said conduit through said
base.
6. A drainage system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said conduit
has a circular cross-section and said base has an arcuate
cross-section for fitting onto said conduit.
7. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said outer
surface of said conduit defines a drainage opening between said
first tab and said second tab and in fluid communication with said
aperture.
8. A drainage system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said catch
further includes a base disposed on said outer surface of said
conduit interconnecting said first tab and said second tab.
9. A drainage system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said base
defines a fluid passage in fluid communication with said drainage
opening and between said first tab and said second tab for
directing fluid from the aperture into said inner chamber.
10. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 further including a
pair of end caps disposed on said conduit and extending between
said first tab and said second tab.
11. A drainage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first
tab and said second tab are continuous along a majority of the
length of said conduit.
12. A method of making a drainage system, said system including a
hardenable material for forming a hardened layer, a conduit having
an outer surface defining an inner chamber, and a catch having a
first tab and a second tab, said method comprising the steps of:
disposing the catch on the outer surface of the conduit; applying
the hardenable material over the conduit and the catch; curing the
hardenable material to form the hardened layer for embedding the
first tab and the second tab within the hardened layer; cutting the
hardened layer to form an aperture; and cutting the outer surface
of the conduit between the first tab and the second tab to form a
drainage opening simultaneously with the forming of the aperture
and with the drainage opening in fluid communication with the
aperture.
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of cutting
the hardened layer is further defined as drilling the hardened
layer to form the aperture.
14. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of cutting
the outer surface of the conduit is further defined as drilling the
outer surface of the conduit between the first tab and the second
tab to form the drainage opening in fluid communication with the
aperture.
15. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of cutting
the outer surface of the conduit is further defined as cutting the
outer surface of the conduit to form the drainage opening of a same
width as the aperture.
16. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of cutting
the outer surface of the conduit is further defined as cutting the
outer surface of the conduit to form the drainage opening of a
smaller width than the aperture.
17. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of
disposing the catch is further defined as adhering the catch to the
outer surface of the conduit.
18. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of applying
the hardenable material is further defined as inserting the first
tab and the second tab into the hardenable material such that the
hardenable material extends over the entire catch.
19. A method as set forth in claim 12 further including a step of
sloping the hardenable material toward the conduit.
20. A catch for a conduit for draining a fluid from a hardenable
material comprising: a base defining a length with said base being
adapted for mounting to the conduit; a first tab extending from
said base along said length and defining a first plane; and a
second tab extending from said base along said length spaced from
said first tab and said second tab defining a second plane angled
relative to said first plane for inserting said first tab and said
second tab into the hardenable material to prevent collapsing of
the conduit and to maintain a flow of the fluid into the
conduit.
21. A catch as set forth in claim 20 wherein said first plane
intersects said second plane to define an axis below said base.
22. A catch as set forth in claim 21 wherein said first tab and
said second tab are radially spaced about said axis.
23. A catch as set forth in claim 20 wherein said second tab
extends along said length of said base parallel to said first
tab.
24. A catch as set forth in claim 20 wherein said base has an
arcuate cross-section.
25. A catch as set forth in claim 20 wherein said base defines a
fluid passage for maintaining the flow of the fluid into the
conduit.
26. A catch as set forth in claim 20 further including a pair of
end caps disposed on said base transverse relative to said first
tab and said second tab and extending between said first tab and
said second tab.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No.
60/756,156 filed Jan. 4, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject invention relates to system and method for
draining a fluid from a hardenable material as the fluid flows
through an aperture formed in the hardenable material.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Drainage systems are important when working with concrete
surfaces. Specifically, drainage systems may be used to move a
fluid from an expansion joint between two concrete surfaces. As the
fluid flows into the expansion joint, changes in temperature cause
the fluid to expand and contract, which can crack the concrete
surfaces. Therefore, it is necessary to move the fluid away from
the concrete surface to reduce the fluid in the expansion
joint.
[0006] Various drainage systems are known in the art. One such
drainage system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,266 to Miller
(the '266 patent). The '266 patent discloses a drainage system for
draining a fluid from a hardenable material as the fluid flows
through an aperture formed in the hardenable material. The drainage
systems of the prior art include a conduit that has an outer
surface that defines an inner chamber. The conduit has a length
that extends between distal ends of the conduit and an axis that
extends along the length. The drainage systems of the prior art
also include a catch disposed on the outer surface of the conduit
for directing the fluid from the aperture into the inner
chamber.
[0007] Although the drainage systems of the prior art move the
fluid away from the hardenable material, there remains an
opportunity to improve upon the prior art drainage systems to
prevent the conduit from collapsing and to maintain a flow of the
fluid from the aperture into the inner chamber.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0008] The invention provides for a drainage system for draining a
fluid from a hardenable material as the fluid flows through an
aperture formed in the hardenable material. The system includes a
conduit having an outer surface defining an inner chamber and a
length extending between distal ends with an axis extending along
the length. A catch is supported by the outer surface of the
conduit for directing the fluid from the aperture into the inner
chamber. The catch includes a first tab extending along a portion
of the length of the conduit and a second tab extending along a
portion of the length of the conduit with the second tab radially
spaced from the first tab about the axis for insertion into the
hardenable material about opposing sides of the aperture to prevent
collapsing of the conduit and to maintain a flow of the fluid from
the aperture into the inner chamber.
[0009] The invention further provides for a method of making a
drainage system. The system includes a hardenable material for
forming a hardened layer, a conduit having an outer surface
defining an inner chamber, and a catch having a first tab and a
second tab. The method includes the steps of disposing the catch on
the outer surface of the conduit, applying the hardenable material
over the conduit and the catch, curing the hardenable material to
form the hardened layer for embedding the first tab and the second
tab within the hardened layer, and cutting the hardened layer to
form an aperture. The method further includes the step of cutting
the outer surface of the conduit between the first tab and the
second tab to form a drainage opening simultaneously with the
forming of the aperture and with the drainage opening in fluid
communication with the aperture.
[0010] The invention further provides for a catch for a conduit for
draining a fluid from a hardenable material. The catch includes a
base defining a length with the base being adapted for mounting to
the conduit. The catch further includes a first tab extending from
the base along the length and defining a first plane. In addition,
the catch includes a second tab extending from the base along the
length spaced from the first tab and the second tab defining a
second plane angled relative to the first plane for inserting the
first tab and the second tab into the hardenable material to
prevent collapsing of the conduit and to maintain a flow of the
fluid into the conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first environment
utilizing a drainage system in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second environment
utilizing the drainage system in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conduit and a catch used
with the drainage system in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit and the
catch used with the drainage system of FIG. 3 in accordance with
the subject invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end cap used with the
drainage system in accordance with the subject invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the conduit, the catch, an
the end cap as shown in FIG. 5 assembled in accordance with the
subject invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the drainage system disposed below
a hardened layer in accordance with the subject invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drainage system disposed
below the hardened layer and having an aperture, a fluid passage,
and a drainage opening in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of one embodiment of the drainage
system as shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the drainage
system as shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with the subject
invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side view of the drainage system disposed below
the hardened layer in accordance with the subject invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the drainage system having
at least one drain hole formed in the hardened layer in accordance
with the subject invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drainage system having
at least one slot formed in the hardened layer in accordance with
the subject invention; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drainage system having
a combination of the at least one drain hole and the at least one
slot formed in the hardened layer in accordance with the subject
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, a drainage system
20 is disclosed generally at reference numeral. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the drainage system 20 is used below a hardenable material
22, such as a concrete driveway or sidewalk. Referring to FIGS. 3
and 4, the drainage system 20 includes a conduit 24 having an outer
surface 26 defining an inner chamber 28. A length extends between
distal ends of the conduit 24 with an axis A extending along the
length. A catch 30 is disposed on the outer surface 26 of the
conduit 24 and extends along at least a portion of the length of
the conduit 24. The catch 30 includes a first tab 32 having a first
tab length that extends along the catch 30. In one embodiment, the
first tab 32 defines a first plane P1 that extends through the
first tab 32 and through the axis A. The catch 30 also includes a
second tab 34 having a second tab length equal to that of the first
tab length. Like the first tab 32, the second tab 34 defines a
second plane P2 that extends through the second tab 34 and through
the axis A. It is within the scope of the subject invention that
the second plane P2 extends from the length angled relative to the
first plane P1, causing the first plane P1 and the second plane P2
to intersect, and the axis A may be defined by where the first
plane P1 and the second plane P2 intersect.
[0027] A base (not shown) may be located on the outer surface
conduit 24, generally opposite the catch 30. The base may have a
shape similar to the catch 30, and the first and second tabs 32,
34, but is not limited so such shape. The base acts to increase the
stability of the drainage system 10.
[0028] In addition, at least one of the first tab 32 and the second
tab 34 may extend from the outer surface 26 of the conduit 24
perpendicularly to the outer surface 26. Alternatively, at least
one of the first tab 32 and the second tab 34 may extend from the
outer surface 26 of the conduit 24 obliquely. Since it is within
the scope of the subject invention that the first plane P1 and the
second plane P2 not intersect, the axis A is then defined by
conduit 24. In addition, the first tab 32 may extend continuously
along the portion of the length of the conduit 24 parallel to the
second tab 34. In yet another alternative, the catch 30 may include
a base 36 that is disposed on the outer surface 26 of the conduit
24 that extends along the portion of the length of the conduit 24
to interconnect the first tab 32 and the second tab 34. The length
of the base 36 may be greater than or equal to the first tab length
and the second tab length. It should be understood that the first
tab 32 and the second tab 34 may have different shapes or be
arranged differently with respect to one another. For instance, the
first tab 32 and the second tab 34 may be curved.
[0029] Furthermore, the base 36 is shaped or adapted to mount onto
the outer surface 26 of the conduit 24. For example, if the conduit
24 is a pipe having a cylindrical cross-section, the outer surface
26 is rounded, and therefore, the base 36 of the catch 30 has an
arcuate cross-section to fit onto the conduit 24. It should be
understood that the conduit 24 may have alternative cross-sections
as is known in the art.
[0030] The second tab 34 extends along the portion of the length of
the base 36 and is radially spaced from the first tab 32 about the
axis at an angle .theta. relative to the first tab 32. The angle
.theta. is less than 90 degrees, however, it should be understood
that the angle .theta. may be any angle. Additionally, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, end caps 38 may be disposed on the conduit 24 that
are transverse relative to and extend between the first tab 32 and
the second tab 34 and parallel to one another. With the end caps
38, the first tab 32 and the second tab 34 enclose the portion of
the length of the conduit 24.
[0031] The catch 30, which includes the first tab 32, the second
tab 34, the end caps 38, and alternatively, the base 36, may be
disposed on the conduit 24 in various ways. For example, the base
36 may be adhered to the conduit 24 with an adhesive 40 or a
fastener. Alternatively, the catch 30 may be integrally formed with
the conduit 24 so that the conduit 24 and the catch 30 are formed
from a single piece of material. In yet another alternative, the
catch 30 may simply rest on the conduit 24. It should be understood
that these and other alternatives for disposing the catch 30 on the
conduit 24 are within the scope of the subject invention.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 7, after the catch 30 has been disposed on
the outer surface 26 of the conduit 24, the conduit 24 and the
catch 30 are partially buried in a ground layer 42. It should be
understood that the conduit 24 may be partially placed in the
ground layer 42 before disposing the catch 30 on the outer surface
26 of the conduit 24. Once the catch 30 and the conduit 24 are
placed in the ground layer 42, the hardenable material 22 is
applied over the entire catch 30 and over the portion of the length
of the conduit 24 such that the first tab 32 and the second tab 34
extend into the hardenable material 22. The hardenable material 22
may be sloped toward the catch 30 and the conduit 24. After the
hardenable material 22 is applied to the conduit 24 and the catch
30, the hardenable material 22 is cured to a sufficient hardness.
Once cured, a hardened layer 44 is formed and the first tab 32 and
second tab 34 are embedded in the hardened layer 44.
[0033] Next, referring to FIGS. 8-10, the hardened layer 44 is cut
to form an aperture 46. Simultaneously, the conduit 24 is cut to
form a drainage opening 48. If the catch 30 includes the base 36 as
previously described, then the base 36 is simultaneously cut with
the conduit 24 and the hardened layer 44 to form a fluid passage
50. The aperture 46, the fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening
48 may be cut to form at least one slot 52, such as an expansion
joint. An expansion joint filler 54 may be placed in the at least
one slot 52 as is known in the art. Alternatively, at least one
drain hole 56 may be drilled through the hardened layer 44, the
catch 30, and the conduit 24 to form the aperture 46, the fluid
passage 50, and the drainage opening 48, respectively. A drain cap
58 may be placed over the at least one drain hole 56. Furthermore,
as shown in FIG. 7, the drainage opening 48 in the conduit 24 is
defined by the outer surface 26 between the first tab 32 and the
second tab 34 of the catch 30, and the drainage opening 48 is in
fluid 60 communication with the aperture 46. The base 36 of the
catch 30 defines the fluid passage 50, which is in fluid 60
communication with the aperture 46 and the drainage opening 48.
[0034] Referring specifically to FIG. 9, the fluid passage 50 and
the drainage opening 48 may be cut or drilled to an equal width as
the aperture 46. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10,
the aperture 46 has a first width while the fluid passage 50 and
the drainage opening 48 have a second width that is smaller than
the first width. It should be understood that the width of the
aperture 46, the fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening 48 may
be a diameter if the aperture 46, fluid passage 50, and the
drainage opening 48 are circular in shape, such as the at least one
drain hole 56.
[0035] As previously shown in FIG. 4, cutting the conduit 24 may
cause the conduit 24 to collapse and close the drainage opening 48.
However, by inserting the first tab 32 and the second tab 34 into
the hardenable material 22 and embedding the first tab 32 and the
second tab 34 into the hardened layer 44, the catch 30 can prevent
the conduit 24 from collapsing. Although the hardenable material 22
need not be completely cured before cutting through the hardened
layer 44 to form the aperture 46, when the drainage opening 48 is
cut in the conduit 24, the first tab 32 and the second tab 34 must
be embedded in the hardened layer 44 and the hardened layer 44 must
be strong enough to hold the drainage opening 48 open. If the
hardened layer 44 has not cured enough to hold the drainage opening
48 open, the conduit 24 may collapse and close the drainage opening
48.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 11, the aperture 46 is formed in the
hardened layer 44, the drainage opening 48 is formed in the conduit
24 in fluid 60 communication with the aperture 46, and the fluid
passage 50 is formed in the base 36 of the catch 30 in fluid 60
communication with the aperture 46 and the drainage opening 48.
Now, a fluid 60 can flow from the hardened layer 44 and through the
aperture 46, the fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening 48 into
the inner chamber 28 of the conduit 24. The first tab 32 and the
second tab 34 embedded in the hardened layer 44 hold the drainage
opening 48 open and help reduce the fluid 60 from flowing between
the hardened layer 44 and the conduit 24 through capillary action.
The conduit 24 then carries the fluid 60 away from the hardenable
material 22. It should be understood that the conduit 24 may be any
fluid-carrying device known in the art such as, but not limited to,
a pipe or tube. In addition, the conduit 24 may be made of any
material known in the art capable of carrying the fluid. Such
materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl
chloride (CPVC), or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). It
should be understood that conduits 24 made of other materials are
within the scope of the subject invention.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the aperture 46, the fluid passage
50, and the drainage opening 48 may be various shapes. In FIG. 12,
the aperture 46, the fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening 48
are the at least one drain hole 56. As shown in FIG. 13, the
aperture 46, the fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening 48 are
the at least one slot 52. As shown in FIG. 14, the aperture 46, the
fluid passage 50, and the drainage opening 48 are a combination of
the at least one drain hole 56 and the at least one slot 52.
[0038] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *