U.S. patent application number 11/789655 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for method and apparatus for coupling drainage units.
Invention is credited to Theophilus B. Terry.
Application Number | 20080267709 11/789655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39887158 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080267709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terry; Theophilus B. |
October 30, 2008 |
Method and apparatus for coupling drainage units
Abstract
Drainage apparatuses and methods for their assembly, the
drainage apparatuses comprising inter-related connectors and
couplings to improve standardized assembly, and improve
installation and system performance.
Inventors: |
Terry; Theophilus B.;
(Somerville, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ;KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Family ID: |
39887158 |
Appl. No.: |
11/789655 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/43 ; 285/95;
405/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 11/005 20130101;
F16L 37/025 20130101; F16L 25/14 20130101; F16L 21/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/43 ; 285/95;
405/36 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/00 20060101
E02B011/00 |
Claims
1. A method for attaching drainage components comprising the steps
of: providing a drainage unit comprising a conduit, said conduit
having an internal dimension and an external dimension; providing a
connector having a first and second end, at least one of said first
or second ends comprising an external dimension substantially
equivalent to the internal dimension of the conduit, said connector
further comprising integral means for engaging the connector within
the conduit; providing a coupling having first and second ends,
said coupling comprising a plurality of staged internal dimensions,
at least one of said internal dimensions being substantially
equivalent to the external dimension of an end of said connector;
introducing the connector first end into the coupling first end,
said coupling engaging the connector retaining means within the
coupling; and introducing the conduit into the coupling second end,
and engaging the connector retaining means to position the coupling
in a predetermined position.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
providing a drainage component having an external dimension at a
first end, said external dimension substantially equivalent to an
internal dimension of the coupling and said component having an
internal dimension substantially equivalent to the external
dimension of the connector; and introducing the component first end
into the space between said coupling and said connector.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
providing a drainage component having an internal dimension at a
first end, said internal dimension substantially equivalent to an
external dimension of the coupling; and introducing the coupling
into first end into the drainage component.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
providing a drainage component having an internal dimension at a
first end, said internal dimension substantially equivalent to the
external dimension of the connector second end; and introducing the
drainage component first end onto the connector second end, said
connector retaining means engaging the internal dimension of the
component.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the coupling has at least three
staged internal dimensions.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the internal dimensions have
different values.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the connector retaining means
comprise locking tabs.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the connector first and second
ends have varying external dimensions.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the connector has a wall diameter
dimensioned to allow insertion into the coupling to a predetermined
distance within the coupling, such that the end of the connector
intimately contacts a first flange within the coupling.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the connector has a wall
diameter dimensioned to allow insertion into the coupling to a
predetermined distance within the coupling, such that the end of
the connector intimately contacts a second flange within the
coupling.
11. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:
providing a compound to facilitate sealing; applying the compound
about the external dimension or internal dimension of the component
to effect a seal at the interface of the internal dimension of the
second end of the coupling with the external dimension of the first
end of the component, or to effect a seal at the interface of the
external dimension of the connector and the internal dimension of
the component.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the compound is a sealant;
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the compound reacts chemically
with the component and a surface selected from the group consisting
of a coupling surface and a connector surface.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the compound is selected from
the group consisting of: epoxies, acrylonitirles, polyvinyl
chloride cement, and combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of: high density
polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polyvinyl chloride, and combinations thereof.
16. The method of claim 2, wherein the coupling, the connector, and
the drainage component are substantially annular.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the conduit is substantially
longitudinally surrounded by an amount of aggregate, said aggregate
and conduit oriented within a permeable sleeve material.
18. A method for adapting a drainage component for attachment
comprising the steps of: providing a drainage unit comprising a
conduit, said conduit having an internal dimension and an external
dimension; providing a connector having a first and second end, at
least one of said first or second connector ends comprising an
external dimension substantially equivalent to the internal
dimension of the conduit, said connector further comprising
integral means for retaining the connector within the conduit;
providing a coupling having first and second ends, said coupling
comprising a plurality of staged internal dimensions, at least one
of said internal dimensions being substantially equivalent to the
external dimension of said connector; introducing the connector
first end into the conduit and engaging the connector retaining
means within the conduit; introducing the connector second end into
the coupling first end, and engaging the connector retaining means
within the coupling. providing a drainage component having an
external dimension at a first end, said external dimension
substantially equivalent to an internal dimension of the coupling,
and having an internal dimension substantially equivalent to the
external dimension of the connector; and introducing the component
first end into the coupling, such that the drainage component
extends into the coupling to a distance sufficient to overlap a
portion of the connector within the coupling.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the coupling, the connector,
and the drainage component are substantially annular.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the conduit is substantially
longitudinally surrounded by an amount of aggregate, said aggregate
and conduit oriented within a permeable sleeve material.
21. An apparatus for adapting drainage components for attachment
comprising: a connector having a first and second end, said
connector comprising an external dimension substantially equivalent
to the internal dimension of the conduit, said connector further
comprising integral means for retaining the connector within the
conduit; and a coupling having first and second ends, said coupling
comprising a plurality of staged internal dimensions, one of said
internal dimensions being substantially equivalent to the external
dimension of said connector.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the coupling has at least
three staged internal dimensions.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the internal dimensions have
different values.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connector retaining
means comprise locking tabs.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connector first and
second ends have varying external dimensions.
26. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising: a component
having an internal dimension substantially similar to the external
dimension of the connector, and said component having an external
dimension substantially similar to an internal dimension of the
coupling.
27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the value of the external
dimension of the connector substantially near a connector end is
less than the value of the internal dimension of the coupling
internal dimension, such that a gap having a predetermined value
exists between the coupling and the connector.
28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connector, and the
coupling are substantially annular.
29. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein at least an end of the
component is annular.
30. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a compound to
facilitate sealing applied to the external dimension of the
component to effect a seal at the interface of the internal
dimension of an end of the coupling with the external dimension of
an end of the component.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the compound is a
sealant.
32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the compound reacts
chemically with the component and the coupling.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the compound is selected
from the group consisting of: epoxies, acrylonitirles, polyvinyl
chloride cement, and combinations thereof.
34. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the coupling comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of: high density
polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polyvinyl chloride, and combinations thereof.
35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the component is
substantially longitudinally surrounded by an amount of aggregate,
said aggregate and conduit oriented within a permeable sleeve
material.
36. A drainage assembly comprising: a drainage unit comprising a
conduit, said conduit having a internal dimension and an external
dimension; a connector having a first and second end, said
connector ends comprising an external dimension substantially
equivalent to the internal dimension of the conduit, said connector
further comprising integral means for retaining the connector
within the conduit, said connector retaining means engaged within
said conduit; and a coupling having first and second ends, said
coupling comprising a plurality of staged internal dimensions.
37. The drainage assembly of claim 36, wherein the coupling further
comprises: a first end of having an internal dimension
substantially equivalent to the external dimension of said
connector, with said first end of said coupling in intimate contact
with said connector.
38. The drainage assembly of claim 36, further comprising: a
drainage component having an external dimension at a first end,
said external dimension substantially equivalent to the internal
diameter of an end of said coupling, the external dimension of the
first end of the component in intimate contact with an internal
dimension of the coupling.
39. The drainage assembly of claim 36, further comprising: a
drainage component having an internal dimension at a first end,
said internal dimension substantially equivalent to an external
dimension of the coupling, such that the component internal
dimension at the first end engages an external dimension of the
coupling.
40. The drainage assembly of claim 36, wherein the coupling, the
connector, and the conduit are substantially annular.
41. The drainage assembly of claim 38, wherein the component
comprises at least an end that is annular.
42. The drainage assembly of claim 39, wherein the component
comprises at least an end that is annular.
43. The drainage assembly of claim 36, wherein the conduit
comprises drainage piping.
44. The drainage assembly of claim 36, wherein the conduit is
substantially longitudinally surrounded by an amount of aggregate,
said aggregate and conduit oriented within a permeable sleeve
material.
45. A drainage system comprising the apparatus of claim 21.
46. A drainage system comprising the drainage assembly of claim
36.
47. A drainage system comprising the drainage assembly of claim
38.
48. A drainage system comprising the drainage assembly of claim 39.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to liquid drainage systems.
More specifically, the invention relates to aggregate-based liquid
drainage systems, such as those used for foundation drainage,
landscape drainage, athletic fields, open trenches, French drains,
or fields, such as nitrification fields used as discharge points
for septic tanks, etc. More particularly, the present invention
relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating the
pre-selected and secure connectivity of drainage units to other
drainage components and to each other. Such interconnectivity
represents an improvement over the flexible preassembled drainage
line units that are the subject of commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,015,123; 6,173,483; 6,705,800, 6,854,924, and 4,247,136 the
contents of which, cumulatively, are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety, as if made a part of the present
application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Known preassembled drainage line units constitute loose
aggregate in the form of lightweight materials, such as polystyrene
beads provided in surrounding relationship to a preferably
perforated conduit and bound thereto by a perforated sleeve member,
such as plastic netting. Known units may or may not comprise the
perforated conduit, or pipe, to be completely effective in a
selected use, as explained more fully in commonly owned U.S. Pat.
No. 6,854,924.
[0003] While known preassembled drainage line units have enjoyed
commercial success, certain potential performance limitations
persist with respect to manufacture, application and, in
particular, installation. For example, depending upon the end use
drainage configuration, multiple units may be desired. In such
instances it may be desirable for such units to be physically
linked, joined or coupled together or to other structures. Known
installation methods include the use of additional physical, or
otherwise imprecise couplers to join available drainage units to
other structures, such as, for example a drainage manifold or
drainage distribution box, etc. Such methods necessitate severing a
section from the end of an annular structure, such as, for example
a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, followed by physically inserting
the PVC pipe, such as, by friction fit, into an end of a drainage
unit. In such known methods, an additional sealing mechanism, or
sealing step is required to join the two parts, most often
requiring an additional gluing step. In still other known methods,
discrete joining appliances are used to join the drainage unit to
another drainage structure requiring stabilizing features such as
joining, or "self-tapping" screws, etc. Such screws must penetrate
the overlapping ends of the two drainage structures, as well as the
joining coupler. Such joining methods are cumbersome, expensive,
require multiple parts, are time-intensive, and further often fail
to insure proper long-term stabilization. As a result, such known
joining methods are not reliable in terms of preventing leakage, as
such methods employ joining parts to "force" coupling of components
that are not ordinarily designed to "mate" with one another.
Further, such known methods and apparatuses lack the convenience
afforded by a more standardized approach.
[0004] The improved products of the present invention, as described
below, have been developed to overcome the problems associated with
the units described in the known prior art, and to better fulfill
market needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to improved drainage devices
having features to assist in drainage unit installation and
connection to drainage components, such as, for example, drainage
pipes and other drainage components and units.
[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides
a method for adapting a drainage component for attachment. A
drainage unit is provided comprising a preferably substantially
annular conduit that is optionally surrounded by an amount of
aggregate, such that the aggregate and conduit are contained within
a permeable sleeve material, with said conduit extending a
predetermined distance from the sleeve material and aggregate. The
conduit has a internal diameter and an external diameter. A
preferably substantially annular connector is provided having a
first and second end. The connector comprises an external diameter
substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of the conduit,
with the connector further comprising an integral means for
retaining the connector within the conduit. A coupling is provided
having first and second ends, and further comprises a plurality of
staged internal diameters. One of the coupling's internal diameters
is dimensioned to be substantially equivalent to the external
diameter of said connector. The connector's first end is then
introduced into the conduit and engages the connector retaining
means within the conduit. The connector's second end is introduced
into the coupling first end, with the connector's retaining means
engaging the coupling.
[0007] In another preferred embodiment, a substantially annular
drainage component is provided having an external diameter at a
first end, with the external diameter being substantially
equivalent to an internal diameter of the second end of the
coupling. The component first end is then inserted into the
coupling second end. A sealing compound or other sealing means may
be provided to surfaces of the components to effect enhanced
sealing. The sealant may preferably react chemically with any of
the coupling, connector and/or drainage component surfaces as
required.
[0008] According to a further embodiment, the present invention is
directed to an apparatus for adapting drainage components for
attachment comprising a substantially annular connector having a
first and second end. The connector comprises an external diameter
substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of the conduit,
and an integral means for retaining the connector within the
conduit. The apparatus further comprises a coupling having first
and second ends, and comprising a plurality of staged internal
diameters; one of the internal diameters being substantially
equivalent to the external diameter of said connector.
[0009] In a still further embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a drainage assembly comprising a drainage unit
comprising a substantially annular conduit surrounded by an amount
of aggregate and contained within a permeable sleeve material, with
said conduit extending a predetermined distance from the sleeve
material and aggregate. The conduit has an internal diameter and an
external diameter. The system further comprises a substantially
annular connector having a first and second end, and an external
diameter substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of the
conduit. The connector further comprises integral means for
retaining the connector within the conduit, said connector engaged
within said conduit. A substantially annular coupling having first
and second ends, and a plurality of staged internal diameters is
provided to engage with the connector. The first end of the
coupling, therefore, has an internal diameter substantially
equivalent to the external diameter of the connector.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the drainage assembly of the
present invention further comprises a substantially annular
drainage component having an external diameter at a first end that
is substantially equivalent to the internal diameter of the second
end of the coupling, such that the drainage component may
intimately contact with the second end of the coupling.
[0011] Further objects, advantages and embodiments of the invention
will become evident from the reading of the following detailed
description of the invention wherein reference is made to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention, showing a coupling ring for coupling a drainage unit to
another drainage component.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the present invention showing the coupling ring positioned to join
a drainage unit coupler to a drainage component.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of
the present invention, showing a drainage unit coupler and a
drainage component, engaged in relation to one another via a
coupling ring.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention, showing a drainage unit
coupler and a drainage component pipe, engaged in relation to one
another via a coupling ring
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded side view of an embodiment
of the present invention, showing the drainage unit coupler and a
coupling ring.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing the coupling ring shown in FIG. 5 engaged on
either side by drainage unit couplers.
[0018] FIGS. 7-8 are perspective side views of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 6 with the addition of a drainage unit component
engaged with a coupler and the coupling ring.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention, showing a drainage component pipe secured to a drainage
unit via the coupling ring/drainage unit coupler arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] As disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patents, the
production and use of drainage units for installation in a drainage
field, such as, for example, in a nitrification field employed in a
ground absorption sewage treatment and disposal system, etc.
require ease of installation on-site at an end use, uniformity,
etc. Since such drainage units must often connect to other drainage
components, it is important for drainage units to conveniently and
predictably interconnect with other drainage components, as well as
themselves. As explained above, known systems in the field do not
lend themselves to convenient, substantially uniform and/or
predictable connectivity.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, a
drainage coupler 10 having first 12 and second 14 ends. In this
embodiment, the coupler 10 has multiple flanges 16, 18. First end
12 has an inner diameter that is greater than the inner diameter
occurring at the interior of either of flanges 16, 18, or of second
end 14.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, drainage coupler 10
is ready to couple drainage connector 20 to a drainage component
30. As shown in FIG. 3, drainage component 30 has an outer diameter
substantially equivalent to the inner diameter of the first end 12
of coupler 10. Also as shown, the outer diameter of drainage
connector 20 is substantially equivalent to the inner diameter of
the coupler 10 at end 14. As shown, drainage connector 20 comprises
locking tabs 24 that extend slightly beyond the outer diameter of
drainage connector 20. The tabs 24 work to insure a snug fit of the
connector 20 within coupler 10. As connector 20 is inserted into
coupler 10, the tabs 24 are compressed inward by the inner wall 19
of flange 18 of within coupler 10. Once the connector 20 is
inserted a distance such that the lower ends 25 of tab 24 "clear"
the inner wall 19 of flange 18, the tabs 24 substantially return to
about their original position (their general position prior to
being inserted within the coupling 10). By so extending, or
substantially returning (i.e. "springing back") to their original
position once past the inner wall 19 of flange, the connector 20 is
locked into a desirable, fixed position in intimate contact with
respect to coupling 10. Drainage component 30, in FIG. 3 is shown
as having an outer diameter substantially equivalent to the inner
diameter of the first end 12 of the coupler 10. In one embodiment,
to secure the component 30 in its desired orientation within the
coupling 10, it is contemplated that a suitable compound to effect
enhanced sealing is provided to one or more surfaces including: 1)
the outer surface of the component 30 near the end 32, and 2) the
inner surface of the first end 12 of component 10. One particularly
preferred epoxy is All Purpose PVC Cement manufactured by Oatey
(Cleveland, Ohio). The sealing compound is understood to be any
compound that assists in enhancing the seal at adjacent surfaces of
the drainage components to the drainage coupling apparatus. FIG. 3
further shows an embodiment of the present invention where a gap 34
exists within coupler 10 between the secured end 32 of the
component 30, and the end 22 of the connector 20.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention. As in FIG. 3, connector 20 is
inserted into coupling 10 to a distance such that locking tabs 24
"engage", or are released substantially to "spring back" to their
original position extending slightly out from the outer diameter of
connector 20 once past flange 18 of coupling 10, as explained
above. However, in this embodiment, the inner contour of coupling
10 allows for component 30 to be extended into coupling 10 to a
distance further than in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. In
this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner wall 36 of component
30 is brought into intimate contact between the outer wall of
connector 20, and the inner wall of coupling 10 at about flange 18.
In this way, the gap 34 present in FIG. 3 is obviated, potentially
resulting in an embodiment of the present invention having enhanced
strength against the remote possibility of rupture during fluid
through flow, as the coupling 10 surrounds the component 30 and the
connector 20 in an overlapping orientation.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
present invention where coupling 50 comprises first and second
sections 52, 54 respectively with first section 52 having an inner
diameter that is less than the inner diameter of second section 54,
with an inner flange 56 separating the first and second sections.
Connector 60 shows the presence of locking tabs 64 that assist in
securing connector 60 in position within coupling 50 when the
connector 60 is inserted into coupling 50.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the components of FIG. 5 joined to achieve
assembly 70 where connector 60 is in position within coupling 50.
Connector 60 is shown inserted into the second section 54 of
coupling 50, such that coupling 50 is held in position on the
connector that is past the locking tabs 64a.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of assembly 80 with
component 74 having an inner diameter dimensioned to be
substantially equivalent to the outer diameter of first section 52
of coupling 50, but less than the outer diameter of the second
section 54 of connector 50. Locking tabs 64a are shown in their
extended position, "locking" coupling 50 into the desired, secured
position. In FIG. 8, component 74 is dimensioned such that it has
an inner diameter at its end 75 dimensioned to be substantially
equal to the outer diameter of section 54 of coupling 50. In this
way, the inner surface of connector 74 desirably "mates" with the
outer contour of the outer surface of the section 54 of coupling
50.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a perspective of one embodiment of the
invention, whereby coupling 50 is shown engaging connector 60 and
component 74. Connector 60 engages annular element 92 that extends
from drainage unit 90.
[0028] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the coupling may be made from any moldable thermoplastic or
thermoset material able to withstand environmental degradation, and
moldable to any suitable dimension desired to facilitate coupling a
drainage unit to another connector that is in intimate contact
with, or is itself integral to another drainage component or
drainage component line. More preferably the coupling is made from
a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Most preferably,
the coupling of the present invention is made from a PVC.
[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
connectors may be made from any moldable thermoplastic or thermoset
material able to withstand environmental degradation and moldable
to any suitable dimension desired to facilitate coupling a drainage
unit to another connector that is in intimate contact with, or is
itself integral to another drainage component or drainage component
line. More preferably the coupling is made from a material selected
from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and
ABS. Most preferably, the connectors used in connection with the
present invention are made from a high density polyethylene
(HDPE).
[0030] Still further, it is understood that the connectors and
couplings of the present invention are dimensioned to receive an
annular drainage component such as a pipe or tubing that is itself
integral with a drainage component, or that is connected to another
drainage component. In this way, the coupling acts to securely,
conveniently and predictably join, in uniform fashion, the drainage
apparatuses that are the subject of commonly assigned U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,015,123; 6,854,924 and 6,705,800 (the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein, as if made a part of this
specification) to a second drainage component having an annular
connector. The present application contemplates that such annular
connectors are made from any suitable moldable thermoplastic or
thermoset material able to withstand environmental degradation and
moldable to any suitable dimension desired to facilitate coupling a
drainage unit to another connector that is in intimate contact or
is itself integral to another drainage component or drainage
component line. More preferably the annular elements or connectors
extending from the drainage units are made from a material selected
from the group consisting of HDPE, polypropylene, PVC or Most
preferably, the annular elements or connectors used in connection
with the present invention are made from HDPE.
[0031] According to present industry standards in the drainage art,
four inch corrugated pipe or tubing is used in concert with the
drainage units that are the subject of the aforementioned commonly
assigned US Patents. Therefore, the present invention solves the
existing problem of how best to connect the drainage units
comprising the internally disposed pipe to other drainage
components that are in intimate contact with connectors such as
polyethylene (PE) pipe. Such PE pipe typically connects to drainage
components including drainage manifolds or drainage distribution
boxes.
[0032] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises the use
of specialized, uniform parts that quickly and predictably
standardize the process of joining and coupling drainage components
together, by providing a uniform connector that is sized to
securely engage the aggregate-filled drainage units. The connector
is designed to intimately engage a specially designed, uniform
coupling ring having a plurality of sections, each with varying
inner diameter suited to mate with annular components of varying
dimensions common to the pipe and drainage industry. In this way,
the annular component having a certain outer diameter mates with
the coupling ring having a matching inner diameter to provide a
secure, predictable intimate connection, with or without the
separate application of securing compounds or securing agents such
as, for example, adhesives, bonding agents, glues, screws,
fasteners, clamps, etc. Such systems and apparatuses of the present
invention thus afford much economy to the otherwise tedious and
imprecise methodology presently used, whereby pipes (e.g. PVC or
PE, etc.) require use of a pipe coupler, or otherwise cut ends off
from the pipe to create an ad hoc securing means to be glued or
otherwise secured onto the end of a PVC fitting.
[0033] In one preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises
a specially molded and dimensioned coupling ring with a plurality
of inner diameter specifically designed to mate with both
standardized outer diameters of approved pipe commonly used in the
drainage industry, such as, Sch 40 and Sch 35 pipe. Thus, the
innovative couplings and systems of the present invention allow
either commonly sized pipe to be connected to the aggregate-filled
drainage components via the versatile coupling ring.
[0034] It is understood that the connectors, coupling and drainage
components will most often be annular, as the accepted drainage
component conveyance for fluids is most often a pipe, and the
interconnected appliances must "mate, or otherwise engage with such
pipe, which is ordinarily presented with a substantially annular
configuration. Such annular components will therefore have an inner
and outer diameter and radius. However, it is also understood that
the components, couplings and connectors presented in the
embodiments of the present invention are not limited in any way to
any such annular orientation. Therefore, the present invention
contemplates improved drainage systems having components, couplings
and connectors that may not be annular, either along their length,
or at their ends. In these instances of non-annularinity, the
components, couplings and connectors of the present invention will
have internal and external dimensions, rather than diameters. The
only shape requirement in such cases, is that the components,
couplings and connectors are suitably, cooperatively dimensioned
for predetermined engagement with one another as disclosed herein,
and as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the drainage
fitting industry in light of the teachings herein.
[0035] Such standardization afforded by the systems and apparatuses
of the present invention is especially important for use within
regulated industries, such as transportation, home and other
construction industries, etc. where materials and their proper
installation are commonly regulated by various codes and ordinances
to insure public safety.
[0036] The aggregate used in the drainage units requiring coupling
to other drainage components is preferably made from lightweight
plastic pieces (e.g. plastic puffballs, chips, cubes, etc.), and is
preferably crush-resistant, blown polystyrene pieces of any desired
shape selected to predictably facilitate the liquid throughflow
drainage features of the resulting drainage units. Such aggregate
is preferably held in a tubular sleeved orientation by netting as
disclosed in the aforementioned commonly assigned U.S. Patents.
[0037] The sleeve netting is preferably a seamless plastic mesh
tube of construction netting with an expandable diameter of
variable size, for example, of from about 12 inches up to about 36
inches or more. However, it is understood that a plastic or other
useful material can be selected to stretch or shrink to any
conceivable desired unit diameter, dependent only on the
requirements of the end use of the drainage unit in the field. The
sleeve material may be provided to the manufacturing methods and
apparatuses of the present invention substantially continuously as,
for example, a roll, or may be supplied in individual,
pre-dimensioned segments, as desired.
[0038] The drainage units contemplated for use with respect to the
coupling of the present invention comprise a perforated conduit, or
other pipe component, depending on the end use field requirements
of the drainage units.
[0039] As described in the '924 patent, the drainage units may
comprise a liquid permeable barrier sheet that may be constructed
of any suitable pliable water permeable sheet material such as
paper or cloth, but is preferably a geo-textile material such as
nylon having a fine weave to block the passage of solids such as
sand or dirt, but remain sufficiently permeable to allow the
passage of water and fluids therethrough, preferably at a
predictable and pre-selected rate. The barrier sheet may be of any
desired thickness. The barrier sheet may be very thin to readily
conform to the shape of the unit, which is preferably cylindrical,
or the barrier sheet may be of a thickness as desired to provide
rigidity to the unit for desired applications. The non-permeable
barriers sheets are made from any suitable material that is
impervious to liquids. Preferred non-permeable barrier sheets are
made from plastics as would be readily understood by one skilled in
the field of liquid impervious materials.
[0040] It is to be understood that, according to contemplated
embodiments of the present invention, the novel connector and
coupling arrangement with conduits may be useful in the drainage
and other fields of use without the presence of aggregate
surrounding the conduit. In other words, according to the present
invention, a drainage or other conduit (such as, for example, a
pipe) may engage one end of the connector and coupling, and another
conduit or component (such as, for example, a second pipe) may
engage the other end of the connector and coupling. In this way, a
first conduit generally "fits" over the connector and is retained
in position due to frictional fit with the aid of the retaining
means. The first conduit then engages the outside of the first end
of the coupling ring to a predetermined distance, and can be
secured in position by means of supplied adhesive applied to the
external surface of the coupling ring. Further, a second conduit
can then be introduced to the interior of the second end of the
coupling ring, and may preferably be "sandwiched" between the
interior of the coupling ring and the exterior of the
connector.
[0041] The present invention, therefore, generally contemplates the
use of a versatile 2-piece connector and reinforcing coupling ring
to universally join conduits of varying sizes. The conduits may fit
within or outside of the connector and coupling ring as need to
effect the desired union of conduits in a drainage or other line
for the purpose of transporting fluids. In addition, depending upon
the dimensions of the conduits being joined, and in certain
circumstances, the present application also contemplates and
embraces arrangements where the connector may engage a second
coupling ring such that the connection unit comprises three pieces;
two coupling rings engaged with the connector. In this orientation,
one or both of the conduits being joined via the connector and
coupling rings could be "sandwiched" between the exterior of the
connector and the interior of the coupling ring.
[0042] The present invention may be embodied in still other
specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to
be construed in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims set forth
below rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *