U.S. patent application number 12/924198 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for silt and debris filtering system for storm drains.
Invention is credited to Robert Glassheim.
Application Number | 20120074048 12/924198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869565 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120074048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glassheim; Robert |
March 29, 2012 |
Silt and debris filtering system for storm drains
Abstract
An apparatus for removing debris from water passing through a
storm drain comprises a frame adapted to be positioned underneath a
storm grate for receiving the water, the frame having a bottom side
and major and minor sidewalls, the major sidewalls having openings
therein for allowing water to pass; and a filter removably
insertable along at least a portion of the major sidewalls for
filtering debris from the water.
Inventors: |
Glassheim; Robert; (Bradley
Beach, NJ) |
Family ID: |
45869565 |
Appl. No.: |
12/924198 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/165 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0404 20130101;
C02F 1/004 20130101; C02F 2303/24 20130101; C02F 2103/001 20130101;
E03F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/165 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/06 20060101
E03F005/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for removing and collecting debris from water
passing through a storm drain, said apparatus comprising: a frame
adapted to be positioned beneath a storm grate for receiving said
water, the frame having a solid bottom surface, an open top, minor
side walls, and grated major side walls extending between each of
said minor side walls, said major side walls in alignment with an
axis of a storm main; at least a first and second filter member
removably, slidably insertable into channels disposed interiorly
along each of said first and second minor side walls and parallel
to each of said grated major side walls for filtering debris from
said water; and means for removing said frame from beneath said
storm grate.
2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said solid
bottom surface includes a central ridge along a longitudinal axis
of the frame such that said bottom surface is pitched downwardly
from said central ridge toward said grated major side walls.
3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said minor side
walls are formed on an upper periphery with an outwardly extending
flange cooperative with a support lip secured to inner walls of
said storm drain for support of said frame beneath said storm
grate.
4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said minor side
walls are solid and formed within at least one overflow aperture
proximate said upper periphery.
5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support
lip formed on, and positioned in said interior wall of said storm
drain comprises an L-shaped portion of angle iron having a
segmented horizontal surface for support of said outwardly
extending lip of said minor side walls, said segmented horizontal
surface allowing for a removal hook to engage an overflow aperture
in said minor side walls for the upward lifting and removal of said
frame from said storm drain.
6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said means for
removing said frame from beneath said storm grate after said storm
grate removal comprising a hook member formed on said flange
extending outwardly from said upper periphery of said minor side
walls.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said frame has a rectangular
shape.
8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said filter
member is formed with a peripheral frame about said filter
media.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said filters
comprises a mesh screen.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said filters
comprises a filter for collecting petroleum hydrocarbons.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said filters
comprises a mesh screen in combination with a filter for collecting
petroleum hydrocarbons.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising replaceable
filters.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a support structure
for coupling a portion of said frame to a wall of said storm drain.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a storm drain
filter system for filtering water flowing into a storm drain.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Filtering systems useful for storm drains generally prevent
silt and other debris (e.g., dirt, gravel, tree leaves, street
trash, etc.) from entering the storm drain and sewer system. Silt
and other debris entering the storm drains along with rainwater and
other surface water run-offs may clog the storm sewers and cause
street flooding and/or damage to water treatment facilities that
treat the water from storm sewers. Such problems may be exaggerated
and commonly found in many construction sites or similar
locations.
[0005] To prevent such problems, the inventor has invented a novel
silt and debris filtering system for storm drains that is simple to
install and easy to maintain. The filter system of the present
invention is provided with filter units that are easily removed
from the storm drains for cleaning or replacement.
[0006] The closest prior art of which Applicant is aware, is U.S.
Pat. No. 5,284,580, to Shyh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,254 to Autry, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,855,774 to Boelter, and Publication US2004/0226869 to
McClure. The Shyh reference teaches a refuse collecting frame
wherein each lateral side and the bottom of the frame body are
formed with the filtering net, and further teaches that an aperture
is formed in the bottom wall.
[0007] The Boelter and the McClure references teach the use of
removable filter media, but do not teach the manner in which the
Applicant provides for the positioning of different or multiple
filter media, and the ease with which the Applicant's system allows
for the removal, cleaning or replacement of the filter media. Still
further, the apparatus of Boelter and McClure require basket type
or tray type filters which are not required by Applicant. The Autry
reference teaches the use of welded porous exterior and interior
walls, with a filter media of crushed stone positioned there
between clearly making it more difficult for the removal, cleaning,
and/or replacement of filter media in a rapid and facile
manner.
[0008] Applicant respectfully submits that the design of
Applicant's filtering system overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel
storm drain filtering system which is easily installed.
[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide for a novel storm drain filter which collects debris and
thereby maintains the storm drain in a free flowing condition.
[0011] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide for a novel storm drain filter in which the filter elements
are easily replaced.
[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide for a novel storm drain element in which the filter
elements can be effective against particulate matter and debris, as
well as liquid contamination, such as petroleum products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An apparatus for removing debris from water passing through
a storm drain comprises a frame adapted to be positioned underneath
a storm grate for receiving the water, the frame having a bottom
side and major and minor sidewalls, the major sidewalls having
openings therein for allowing water to pass; and a filter removably
insertable along at least a portion of the major sidewalls for
filtering debris from the water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following
illustrations wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a storm drain
illustrating the positioning of Applicant's filtering system;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of Applicant's filtering system;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an end view of Applicant's filtering system;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of Applicant's filtering system
illustrating the types of filters slidably removable therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, and
referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storm drain filtering
system generally comprises a frame 10 configured and dimensioned to
be positioned underneath a storm drain grate 12 and one or more
modular filter screen units that re removable from the frame for
cleaning and/or replacement.
[0020] In an exemplary configuration, the frame 10 is a rectangular
box-like structure having a solid bottom side 14 and four side
walls comprising two shorter minor sides 16 and 18 and two longer
major sides 20 and 22. The two minor sides oppose each other and
the two major sides oppose each other. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the minor sidewalls 16 and 18 are solid and
the two major side walls are grated. The grating structure of the
sidewalls may be varied in size and shape to accommodate the
particular filtering needs of a given application or an
installation site for the storm drain filtering system. In FIG. 1
the grate openings 24 on the major side walls are shown as
rectangular, there being a single vertical divider 26.
[0021] The tope side of the frame is open to let the water flow
into the frame. The top edge (or lip) 28 of the frame may be
configured and adapted to be supported by or hang from supporting
structures 30 that may be mounted into the wall 32 of the catch
basin of the storm drain 34 below the storm grate 12. The support
structures may be ledges or hooks. In an embodiment of the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the supporting structures are
ledges formed by stainless steel angle irons that are drilled and
mounted into the wall of the catch basin by bolts or other suitable
hardware. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
supporting structures may be hooks.
[0022] The top edge (or lip) 28 of the frame may be provided with a
flange portion that may hang from the supporting structures,
whether the supporting structures may be ledges or hooks. One or
more handle(s) 36 having an appropriate shape may be provided along
the top edge (or lip) 28 of the frame for ease of handling the
frame during installation of or removal of the storm drain filter
system.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the minor side walls 16 and 18 of
the frame may be tapered so that the frame is wider at the top than
the bottom. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the solid bottom side 14 of
the frame may have a central ridge 38 that is raised along the
longitudinal axis of the frame so that the solid bottom side is
pitched downwardly from the central ridge toward the two major side
walls 20 and 22. This configuration assists the water flowing into
the frame to flow outwardly towards the major side walls to where
the modular filter screens 100 are located and out of the frame,
thereby preventing unwanted collection of water in the frame.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the solid minor side walls may be
provided with one or more overflow holes 40 near the top to allow
water to overflow, in the event that the filter system is filled
with filtered debris and/or silt.
[0025] The major side walls of the frame may be provided with one
or more side drain holes 42 along the bottom edge as shown in FIG.
1.
[0026] All or most of the components of the storm drain filtering
system according to the present invention may be made of a variety
of materials appropriate for such application. Preferably, the
components, including the frame and the modular filter screen units
may be made from appropriate'gauge and grade of stainless steel
that provides appropriate structural strength, durability and
corrosion resistance. An example of such material is 304 stainless
steel.
[0027] The filter system of the present invention also includes
modular filter screens 100 for each of the grated major side walls
20 and 22. The modular filter screens 100 are removably mounted
parallel to each of the two major side walls from inside the frame
in slotted pathways or channels 49 defined by major side walls 20
and 22 and vertical flange pairs 50 and 52 allowing for either 1 or
2 modular filter screens to be associated with each major side wall
20 and 22.
[0028] The modular filter screens 100 as illustrated in FIG. 4 may
be a mesh or perforated sheet of some appropriate material.
Preferably, the modular filter screens are made from perforated
stainless steel sheets of an appropriate gauge that can withstand
the structural demand of retaining silts and other debris that are
being collected inside the frame and the pressure of the flowing
water through the filter screens. In one embodiment of the present
invention, 16 gauge grade 304 stainless steel that is perforated
with 1/8'' diameter holes on 3/8'' centers, staggered, may be used
for the filter screens. Depending on the range of the particle size
of the debris to be filtered and collected by the filtering system,
the diameter and the spacing of the perforation and the gauge of
the stainless steel spacing of the perforation and the gauge of the
stainless steel spacing of the perforation and the gauge of the
stainless steel sheet may be varied accordingly.
[0029] The perforation also may be any appropriate shape other than
circular holes. The density of the perforations on the filter
screens may be uniform throughout a given screen or, if necessary,
the density of the perforations may vary across the height and
width of the filter screen. For example, the perforations near the
bottom end of the filter screen may have smaller and denser holes
to filter silts and other debris having finer article size. The
perforations near the top end of the filter screen may have larger
and less densely populated holes to filter and collect larger
particle size debris.
[0030] An example of a modular filter screen 100 is illustrated in
FIG. 4. The outline shape of the modular filter screen unit
preferably matches the shape of the major side walls 20 and 22 of
the frame 10. The modular filter screen 100 may be constructed to
have a frame portion 110 supporting the perforated stainless steel
sheets 112 or screens 113. The frame portion 110 of the module
filter screen unit may be configured like a picture frame with one
central opening 114 or may be configured with one or more
cross-members 116 that divide the central opening 114 into two or
more screen sections 118. Such cross members 116 may provide
further structural support for the filter screen to prevent the
filter screen from blowing out from the water pressure or the
pressure exerted by the silts and debris collecting inside the
frame.
[0031] If the cross-members 116 of the modular filter screen units
are sufficiently strong, the frame of the filter system may not
need the grating structure 26 for the major side walls. In that
embodiment of the present invention, the major side walls of the
frame may be just a big opening.
[0032] The modular filter screen units may be configured and
dimensioned to slidably engage the frame. The frame is provided
with channels 49 along the side edges of the two major side walls
along their inside surface as defined by flange pairs 50 and 52.
The channels 49 preferably extend substantially the full height of
the frame. Of course, the channels may also be embodied as clips or
other fastening and/or guiding mechanisms. The side edges of the
modular filter screen units are configured and dimensioned to
engage the channels 49 of frame 10 by sliding into the channel from
the top.
[0033] To install the filtering system of the present invention,
the storm drain grate is lifted up or tilted up from its normal
resting position exposing the storm drain opening. If the storm
drain opening does not have ledges or other suitable support
structure for holding the frame of the filtering system, suitable
supporting structure(s) 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 are installed into
the wall of the catch basis. Such supporting structures include an
L or U-shaped support having a first end for mounting (e.g. via
bolts) to the wall and a second end mountable to the frame. The
frame of the filtering system is then dropped into the storm drain
opening such that the flange portion along the top edge of the
frame rests on the supporting structure(s). Appropriate modular
filter screen units are then installed on each side of the major
side walls of the frame by sliding the modular filter screen units
into the channels of the frame. It should be noted that multiple
filter members can be used with each major side wall as there are
two channels associated with each.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, a stainless steel wire mesh
screen (e.g. a 200 mesh counter per inch or 0.0029 inch width
opening) and a 1.5 inch thick replaceable filter for collecting
debris including petroleum hydrocarbons is provided. The filter and
screen may each be separately removable in a vertical fashion
independent of one another.
[0035] The members of the public works or road maintenance crew
will periodically inspect the storm drains installed with the
filtering system of the present invention. If the filtering system
is filled with silt or other debris, the debris may be removed by,
for example, using a jet-vacuum after the storm grate is removed.
If appropriate, each of the modular filter screens also may be
temporarily removed for cleaning. Because the components of the
filter system, including the modular filter screen units are made
of stainless steel, they are corrosion resistant and should be
reused without being replaced for a long time.
[0036] Therefore, while the present invention has been disclosed
with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore manifestly
intended that the invention be limited only by the claims, and the
equivalence thereof.
* * * * *