U.S. patent application number 14/607183 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for drainage treatment system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Craig Rothleitner. Invention is credited to Craig Rothleitner.
Application Number | 20180112384 14/607183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61969442 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180112384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rothleitner; Craig |
April 26, 2018 |
DRAINAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a
drainage system is described herein, the system including a support
housing supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of
an opening thereof. The support housing includes a first drainage
means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system also
includes a first insert for collecting debris, the first insert
having a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow
therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris. The first
insert is removably supported within the housing such that when in
place, the first and second drainage means align, permitting liquid
to pass through the drainage treatment system. In use, debris
collects in the system and is removed therefrom by removing the
first insert from the support housing.
Inventors: |
Rothleitner; Craig; (Perth,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rothleitner; Craig |
Perth |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
61969442 |
Appl. No.: |
14/607183 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14143940 |
Dec 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
14607183 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/0404
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/04 20060101
E03F005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2014 |
AU |
2014200454 |
Claims
1. A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a
drainage system, comprising: a support housing adapted to be
supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of an
opening of the drainage system, the support housing including a
first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough, a
first insert for collecting debris, the first insert including a
second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough
while preventing the flow through of debris, the first insert being
removably supported within the housing such that when in place, the
first and second drainage means allow liquid to pass through the
drainage treatment system, wherein the debris collected in the
drainage treatment system is removed therefrom by removing the
first insert from the support housing.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a diffuser locatable
in the first insert.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the diffuser comprises openings
therein to allow the liquid and debris to pass therethrough.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the support housing further
includes a first housing for receiving the first insert.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first housing is tapered
inwardly such that an opening thereof is larger than the bottom
thereof.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the first housing supports one or
more fixings to which the first insert is fixed, the fixings being
in the form of brackets located on the inner surface of the first
housing.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the entire first housing provides
the first drainage means.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a securing means to
removably support the drainage treatment system relative to the
drainage system.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the securing means includes two
or more arms extending upwardly from the first housing.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein a distal end of each arm has an
outwardly extending projection adapted to engage a surface of the
drainage system.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the securing means is provided
by the top portion of the first housing which extends outwardly so
as to be adapted to engage a surface upon which the grate is
supported when the grate is in place.
12. The system of claim 4, wherein the support housing further
includes a second housing.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the support housing includes a
first housing for receiving the first insert, and a second housing
located below the first housing such that in use it is downstream
therefrom.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second housing has a third
drainage means.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the entire second housing
provides the third drainage means.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the entire first insert provides
the second drainage means.
17. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one flow
diverter for directing flow into the first insert.
18. A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris accumulating
in a drainage system, comprising: a support housing supportingly
received in the drainage system and including a first drainage
means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough, a first insert
removably supported within the support housing for collecting
debris, the first insert including a second drainage means for
allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow
through of debris, and a diffuser located in the first insert to
minimize debris collected in the first insert from being ejected
therefrom.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising at least one flow
diverter for directing flow into the first insert.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present continuation-in-part application claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of co-pending and commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/143,940 to the
inventor, filed Dec. 30, 2013, pending, which in turn is a 371
national phase entry of international Appl. Ser. No.
PCT/AU2011/000788 by the inventor, filed Jun. 28, 2011. The present
continuation-in-part application additionally claims priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(b) to Australian Pat. Appl. Ser. No.
2014200454, filed Jan. 28, 2014, pending. The entire contents of
each application noted above are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Example embodiments of the present invention generally
relate to a drainage treatment system for use in drainage systems,
more particularly to a system which collects debris entering a
drain for easy removal therefrom.
Related Art
[0003] A common problem associated with drainage systems is the
tendency for debris to collect in the drainage system. Eventually
the drainage system becomes blocked due to the debris which has
accumulated in the system. Once the drain becomes blocked the area
around the drain floods. This can be extremely hazardous,
particularly where traffic is involved.
[0004] Debris passing though drainage systems can also be
problematic in water treatment facilities, and may also leak from
the drainage system and prove hazardous to the environment. It is
therefore advantageous to minimize the debris which is able to
accumulate and eventually block the drainage system.
[0005] Several systems have been devised to filter debris from the
liquid as it passes through the drain grate or drain opening. At
some point the debris which has been collected needs to be removed
from the system. In the prior art, this usually entails the use of
a vacuum to suck the collected debris from the system. These
systems incorporate filter plates/screens which slide into a
housing. These plates/screens also require cleaning. In order to do
this the plates/screens must first be removed from the drain and a
high pressure hose used to clean the filter. These systems are
complicated in their construction and do not allow for the easy
removal of debris collected therein. Furthermore the plates/screens
also restrict the flow of liquid able to pass through the drain.
While this may be inconsequential when the flow rate through the
drain is small, it does pose a significant problem as the flow rate
increases.
[0006] Other prior art solutions incorporate a diverter which
channels the liquid as, or after it enters the drain through a
debris collection system. The diverter suffers the same
disadvantages associated with plates/screens. As the diverter
narrows the size of the drain opening, it acts to restrict the flow
through the drain. Again, while this may be inconsequential when
the flow rate through the drain is small, it does pose a
significant problem as the flow rate increases. As the flow rate
increases, the drain is not able to operate at the capacity it was
designed to operate due to the size of the drain opening being
reduced by the diverter. The drain is therefore unable to operate
at its intended capacity. This will lead to flooding around the
drain.
[0007] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention
is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present
invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an
acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to
was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of
the application.
SUMMARY
[0008] An example embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a
drainage system. The system includes a support housing adapted to
be supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of an
opening thereof, the support housing including a first drainage
means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system includes
a first insert for collecting debris, the first insert including a
second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough
while preventing the flow through of debris. The first insert is
removably supported within the housing such that when in place, the
first and second drainage means allow liquid to pass through the
drainage treatment system. The debris collected in the drainage
treatment system is removed therefrom by removing the first insert
from the support housing.
[0009] Another example embodiment is directed to a drainage
treatment system for minimizing debris accumulating in a drainage
system. The system includes a support housing supportingly received
in the drainage system, the support housing including a first
drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system
includes a first insert removably supported within the support
housing for collecting debris, the first insert including a second
drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while
preventing the flow through of debris, and a diffuser located in
the first insert to minimise debris collected in the first insert
from being ejected therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are
not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment
system according to an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support housing of the
drainage treatment system shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the support housing shown in FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the support housing shown in FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the support housing shown in FIG.
2.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first insert according to
the system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drainage treatment system
of FIG. 1 located in a drainage system.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows the support housing located in a drainage
system with the first insert full of debris and removed from the
first housing.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment
system according to another example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support housing of a
drainage treatment system similar to that shown in FIG. 9 but
having only two elongate arms.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of the support housing shown in FIG.
10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the support housing shown in FIG.
10.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the support housing shown in FIG.
10.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment
system according to another example embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the drainage treatment system
shown in FIG. 14.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of the drainage
treatment system shown in FIG. 14.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a diffuser.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first housing and support
arms of a drainage treatment system according to a fourth
embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first housing of a
drainage treatment system according to a fifth embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment
system according to a sixth embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
example embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the
art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures
associated with manufacturing techniques have not been described in
detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the
example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims that follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but
not limited to."
[0033] Reference throughout this specification to "one example
embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the
appearances of the phrases "in one example embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.
[0034] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0035] As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms
"correspond," "corresponds," and "corresponding" are intended to
describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The
use of "correspond" or one of its forms should not be construed to
mean the exact shape or size.
[0036] As used in the specification and appended claims, the term
"debris" is taken to mean any item entrained in a liquid. Typically
this would include leaves, branches, rubbish and sand but in some
applications can also include chemical pollutants.
[0037] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions of
elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0038] As to be described in more detail below with reference to
the example embodiments, there is provided a drainage treatment
system for drainage systems which removes at least part of the
debris from the liquid flowing into a drainage system in a manner
which will allow easy removal of the debris from the drainage
treatment system.
[0039] Typical drainage systems may include an opening which allows
liquid/debris to enter the drainage system. The opening generally
opens into a pit before passing into a pipe. The pit takes many
forms including a pipe or a brick pit. Once the liquid/debris
enters the drainage system through the opening, a network of pipes
channels the liquid/debris to a reservoir, treatment plant,
sensitive water body, river or ocean. The opening may be a side
opening typically incorporated in a kerb, a road opening typically
covered by a grate, or a combination of both. The example
embodiments applicable to at least each of these three variants
[0040] In contrast to the prior art, the drainage treatment system
as described herein enables collection of the debris from the
liquid passing into the drainage system but also allows the debris
to be removed from the drainage treatment system without the need
of a vacuum or other machinery. The example drainage treatment
system can quickly be cleaned by removing the first insert and then
placing a new one in its place. Alternatively, the debris in the
first insert can be discharged into a bin and then the first insert
may be placed back into the support housing. Furthermore the
present invention does not alter the size of the drain opening,
allowing the drain to operate at full capacity when in place.
[0041] In an example, the drainage treatment system may include a
diffuser. The diffuser may be located in the first insert to
minimize debris collected by the first insert from re-entering the
drainage system as a result of the impact of the liquid thereupon
as the liquid enters the drain opening. The diffuser may comprise
openings therein to allow the liquid and debris to pass
therethrough and into the first insert. In use, the diffuser may be
received in the first insert such that the top of the diffuser is
located below the opening of the first insert. As the first insert
fills with debris the impact of the liquid falling through the
drain opening has the tendency to cause the debris to be ejected
from the first insert, allowing the debris to accumulate in the
drainage system downstream from the drainage treatment system.
Obviously, as the level of debris collected by the first insert
increases, a greater amount of debris is ejected. The diffuser
absorbs the impact of the liquid falling though the drain's
opening, thereby allowing the first insert to collect a greater
amount of debris.
[0042] The support housing may include a first housing for
receiving the first insert, and a securing means to removably
support the drainage treatment system relative to the drainage
system. In an example, the securing means does not interfere with
or cross-over the flow of liquid through the drain opening. The
first housing may be tapered inwardly such that an opening of the
first housing is larger than the bottom thereof.
[0043] In an example, the opening of the first housing may be
larger than the size of the drain opening. As an example, the
opening of the first housing may be longer and wider than the
length and width of the drain opening. With side entry pits, (i.e.,
where the drain opening is incorporated in the kerb), the pit has
an inspection cover, adjacent the drain opening, through which the
drainage treatment system may be installed.
[0044] In another example, the opening of the first housing may be
smaller than the size of the drain opening. This is applicable for
pits configured so as to have a grate over the opening, such as
those incorporated in a road surface. In these instances the first
insert will need to be slightly smaller than the opening in order
to allow for installation and removal of the drainage treatment
system.
[0045] The first housing may support one or more fixings to which
the first insert may be fixed. The fixings may be in the form of
brackets located on the inner surface of the first housing. In an
additional example, the entire first housing provides the first
drainage means.
[0046] In an example, the first drainage means may be embodied in
the form of a mesh material. The first housing may be formed from
the mesh material. In another example, the first drainage means may
be formed of perforated sheet metal, and the first housing may be
formed from the perforated sheet metal. Alternatively, the first
housing may be formed from plastic via an injected molding
process.
[0047] The support housing may be removably received within the
drainage system such that the first housing is located in a
pipe/pit downstream from the opening. This will require the removal
of the drain grate or inspection cover in order to position and
remove the support housing. In an example, the opening of the first
housing may be smaller than the size of the pit into which it is
received. This will allow liquid flowing into the drain to bypass
the first housing in the event that the first insert is full of
debris, ensuring that the drain continues to operate at full
capacity if the first insert is full of debris and does not affect
the Hydraulic Gradient line of the drainage network.
[0048] In another example, the securing means may include two or
more arms extending upwardly from the first housing. The distal end
of each arm may have an outwardly extending projection adapted to
engage a surface of the drainage system. The surface may be that
upon which the grate is supported when the grate is in place over
the drain opening. In an example, the distal end of each of the two
or more arms may be located on the surface of the drainage system
which does not experience the greatest flow rate thereover, thereby
ensuring that the drain opening is able to operate at full
capacity. In a further example, the securing means is embodied as
the top portion of the first housing. The top portion may extend
outwardly such that it is adapted to engage the surface upon which
the grate is supported when the grate is in place.
[0049] The support housing may also include a second housing
located below the first housing such that in use it is downstream
therefrom. The second housing may have a third drainage means. In
an example, the entire second housing provides the third drainage
means. The third drainage means and second housing may be embodied
in the form of a mesh material. Alternatively, the third drainage
means and second housing may be embodied in the form of perforated
sheet metal.
[0050] In an example, the entire first insert provides the second
drainage means. The first insert may be formed from a porous woven
material selected according to the minimum sized particle which is
to be separated from the liquid. The material may be such that
liquid passes through the first insert even when the first insert
is full of debris. The woven material may provide a capillary
action which allows liquid to pass therethrough.
[0051] The first insert may be formed by gluing the material
together to form the first insert. The glue, once dry, may act as
stiffening members to add rigidity the first insert. However, the
glue remains sufficiently flexible to allow the first insert to
flex without the material tearing in those regions bonded by the
glue. Additionally, the first insert may be formed such that the
first insert substantially retains its shape whether it is full or
empty. Generally this ensures the material remains flat against the
first housing to ensure consistent filtering of liquid. It also
assists with capillary action assisting the normal flow through the
first insert. Further, the first insert may be snugly received
within the first housing, and may be tapered. By having the first
housing and first insert tapered, the first insert may easily be
removed from and inserted into the first housing.
[0052] Moreover, the first insert may be slightly shorter than the
first housing. This will allow liquid flowing into the drain to
bypass the first insert in the event that the first insert is full
of debris. Further, the first insert may have one or more handles
to allow easy removal of the first insert from the first housing.
Each handle may be located on the bracket of the first housing.
This will ensure the walls of the first insert remain adjacent to
the wall of the first housing, preventing the first insert from
collapsing and therefore not effectively collecting debris as it
passes into the drainage system.
[0053] The drainage treatment system may also include a second
insert which may be received in the second housing. When in place
the second insert may be located below the first housing. The
second insert may be in the form of a filter for filtering
chemicals, oils and/or other similar contaminants from the fluid
passing into the drainage system.
[0054] The first housing may further be configured so as to have a
projection extending outwardly from an edge thereof at an angle of
substantially 90.degree. thereto. This projection may extend along
the length of the edge. In those situations in which the grate is
hingedly connected to the opening, the projection will be able to
be positioned along the edge of the drain opening to which the
grate is connected. This will ensure debris flows into the opening
as opposed to accumulating around the hinge connection.
[0055] The system as described in more detail below may further
include at least one flow diverter for directing flow into the
entry of the support housing. The flow diverter may be operable to
direct incoming flow within the drainage system into the first
insert, thereby providing directional control of the incoming flow
into the first housing.
[0056] The flow diverter may further include a feeder plate having
an upper end adapted to be disposed adjacent the entry of a
drainage system, and a lower end adapted to extend into the first
insert, or at least disposed above the open top of the first
insert. With this arrangement, the feeder plate extends between the
entry of the drainage system and the drainage treatment system,
thereby providing a flow control surface along which incoming flow
within the drainage system may be guided into the first insert.
[0057] The drainage treatment system as described herein is
generally designed to be located within the inlet of a drainage
system adjacent, but downstream of the opening into the drainage
system (e.g. downstream of the grate). However, the drainage
treatment system may be located anywhere within the drainage
system. The drainage system typically includes a network of pipes
which have openings through which liquid and debris pass to enter
the drainage system.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an example embodiment is directed
to a drainage treatment system 11 (hereafter "system 11") for
removing debris from a liquid as it passes into a drainage system.
System 11 is formed to remove hard debris (e.g. sand, leaves, and
rubbish) from the liquid flowing into the drainage system, as well
as chemical contaminants. Other embodiments as covered by the scope
of this disclosure also include those drainage treatment systems
which may be used to remove only one of these forms of debris.
[0059] System 11 includes a support housing 13. As best show in
FIGS. 2 to 5, the support housing 13 includes a first housing 15, a
second housing 17 and securing means in the form of four elongate
arms 19.
[0060] The first housing 15 is formed from perforated sheet metal
and provides a first drainage means 21. The first housing 15 is in
the shape of a basket having tapered sides. The angle of the taper
is such that as much of the liquid leaving the first housing 15
flows into the second housing 17. Inner surfaces of the first
housing 15 support fixings in the form of brackets 23 for reasons
described below.
[0061] The first housing 15 is adapted to receive a first insert
25. The first insert 25 is formed from a woven, porous material to
provide a second drainage means 27. The woven, porous material
allows liquid to readily pass therethrough whilst blocking debris
and therefore removing the debris from the liquid. The first insert
25 is snugly received in the first housing 15. This allows the
debris to collect in the first insert whilst the liquid can pass
into the drainage system minus the debris. The debris therefore
accumulates in the first insert 25 rather than accumulating in the
drainage system. The first insert 25 is also of a similar tapered,
basket shape to the first housing enabling the first insert 25 to
be easily removed from the first housing 15.
[0062] The first insert 25 also incorporates a set of handles 29 to
assist in removing the first insert 25 from the first housing 15.
As best shown in FIG. 7, the handles 29 are adapted to be
positioned over the brackets 23, ensuring the first insert 25 does
not collapse as debris collects therein.
[0063] The second housing 17 is located in spaced relation from the
first housing 15 such that in use it is located downstream from the
first housing 15. The bottom of the second housing 17 is also
formed from perforated sheet metal and provides a third drainage
means 31. The second housing 17 is adapted to receive a second
insert 33 which is designed to remove contaminants such as oils and
other chemicals from the liquid flowing therethrough. The sides of
the second housing 17 are solid to ensure as much liquid as
possible passes through the second insert 33. In other embodiments
the second insert 33 may be located in the first housing 15,
negating the need for the second housing 17.
[0064] The arms 19 removably support system 11 in position. The
arms 19 are attached to the side of the first and second housings.
At a distal end 35, each arm has an outwardly extending projection
37. When system 11 is in the drainage system, each projection 37 is
adapted to be located on a surface upon which the drainage systems
grate 41 rests, as best shown in FIG. 7. With this arrangement the
system 11 is suspended from the drain opening. As it utilizes
existing structures the system 11 can be readily fitted to an
opening without first requiring modification. The arms 19 are made
from a sufficiently thin sheet material to allow a degree of
flexing as the system 11 is installed or removed.
[0065] In use, liquid flowing through the grate 41 passes into and
through the first insert 25, leaving behind hard debris such as
leaves and sand, etc. The size of the debris removed from the
liquid is governed by the material chosen to form the first insert
25. After the liquid passes through the first insert 25 and first
housing 15, it flows through the second insert 33, which filters
contaminants from the liquid, before passing through the second
housing 17 and into the drainage system, relatively free of debris.
At regular intervals, or after major downpours, the system 11 may
be checked by an operator and the first insert 25 removed from the
first housing 15 to empty the debris from the first insert 25. The
first insert 25 may be emptied on the spot into a bin, or a
replacement insert may be placed in the first housing and the full
insert may be cleaned at a later time. Alternatively the entire
system 11 may be removed to allow for easy removal of the first
insert from the first housing for cleaning or replacement. This is
particularly useful when the operator has a lifting mechanism to
hand to assist in removing the system 11.
[0066] The second insert 33 will not need replacing for several
years. When it is time to replace the second insert 33 the system
11 is removed from the drainage system and overall maintenance can
be carried out before the system is placed back into position.
[0067] Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13.
This embodiment is identical to the previous example embodiment
with the exception of its shape. The drainage treatment system 111
(hereafter "system 111") of this embodiment is particularly adapted
to those drainage systems having a round opening.
[0068] Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17.
This embodiment is similar to the first described example
embodiment. For convenience, features of this example embodiment
that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment
have been referenced with the same reference numerals. Among other
differences, the drainage treatment system of this and the next
example embodiment does not have a second housing 17 or second
insert 33. The second housing 17 is particularly useful when a
further filtering stage is required and can be readily added to the
drainage treatment system of this and the subsequent embodiment, as
may be required.
[0069] The drainage treatment system 211 (hereafter "system 211")
of this embodiment is particularly adapted to suit those drainage
systems having a side entry opening, such as those in which the
opening to the drainage system is incorporated in the roadside
kerb. As may be best noted in FIGS. 14 and 16, the side of system
211 which will be adjacent to the opening is free from any obstacle
which would otherwise block the flow of liquid/debris. This is
achieved by positioning the arms 19 such that they do not cross
between the opening of the drain and the first insert 25.
[0070] The system 211 includes a frame 219 to which the distal ends
35 of each arm 19 are secured. The frame 219 is adapted to be
located on a surface upon which a drain cover (not shown) rests.
When the treat system 211 is in position the frame 219 is located
above the side opening and therefore does not interfere with the
flow of liquid/debris into the drainage system. The frame 219 also
improves the robustness of the system 211 and allows the drainage
treatment system to be more easily positioned and removed when
required.
[0071] The system 211 also includes a diffuser 212. As best shown
in FIG. 16, the diffuser is positioned in the first insert 25, such
that an upper plate 213 of the diffuser 212 is located below the
first inserts 25 opening. The diffuser 212 is positioned such that
as the liquid/debris enters through the side opening of the
drainage system the liquid impacts upon the diffuser 212. When the
diffuser 212 is present the force of the liquid is absorbed by the
diffuser 212. This ensures that any debris collected in the first
insert 25 is not expelled from the first insert 25 as liquid/debris
enters the first insert 25 from the drain opening. This is of
particular importance as the level of debris collected in the first
insert 25 increases.
[0072] As best shown in FIG. 17, the upper plate 213 of the
diffuser 212 incorporates a plurality of holes. These holes allow
liquid to pass into the first insert 25. The effect of the diffuser
212 is that the liquid `sucks` the debris under it and helps keep
the debris in the first insert 25.
[0073] Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 18. This
embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. For
convenience, features of this embodiment that are similar or
correspond to features of the first embodiment have been referenced
with the same reference numerals.
[0074] The system 311 of this embodiment is particularly adapted to
those drainage systems having an opening covered by a grate,
whereby the opening is located in a substantially horizontal
surface, such as may be the case with road surface drains. In this
embodiment the first housing includes two elongate arms 319
extending upwardly from opposed sides of the first housing. The
arms 319 extend along the length of the side of the housing. This
construction improves the robustness of system 311 and allows the
drainage treatment system to be more easily positioned and removed
when required.
[0075] Among other differences, the drainage treatment systems 211,
311 do not have a second housing 17 or second insert 33. The second
housing 17 is particularly useful when a further filtering stage is
required and can be readily added to the systems 211, 311 as may be
required.
[0076] As there is no single standard drain pit and opening the
drainage treatment system of the present invention can be
customised and adapted to suit most drainage systems. By way of
further example, FIG. 19 shows a further example embodiment of a
drainage treatment system 411, whereby the first housing 425 has a
semi-circular shape.
[0077] Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and
21. This embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment;
thus features similar or corresponding to features of the first
embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals.
This example embodiment has been devised for circumstances where
the entry 15a of the first housing 15 of the drainage treatment
system 11 is set below the entry of the drainage system into which
it is to be installed. In such circumstances, there is a
possibility that at least a portion of the incoming flow into the
drainage system might bypass the first housing 15 and flow around
system 11.
[0078] In this embodiment, the system 11 incorporates at least one
flow diverter 350 for directing flow within the drainage system
into the entry 15a of the first housing 15 of system 11. The flow
diverter 350 is operable to direct incoming flow within the
drainage system into the entry 15a of the first housing 15. In this
way there is directional control of incoming flow into the first
housing 15. In the arrangement shown, there are two flow diverters
350, one adjacent each end of system 11 according to the
embodiment. However, the flow diverter(s) 350 may be located at any
appropriate position within system 11.
[0079] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the drainage
system is identified by reference numeral 351 and the entry of the
drainage system is identified by reference numeral 352. Each flow
diverter 350 includes a feeder plate 355 having an upper end 357
disposed adjacent the entry 352 and a lower end 359 extending into
the first insert 25, or at least disposed above the open top 25a of
the first insert 25. With this arrangement, the feeder plate 355
extends generally between the entry 352 of the drainage system 351
and system 11, and presents a flow control surface 361 along which
incoming flow entering the drainage system 351 through entry 352
can be guided into the first insert 25. In this embodiment, each
feeder plate 355 includes a sheet 363 of pliant material which is
rigid yet sufficiently flexible to permit deformation into a
desired profile. By way of example, the sheet 363 may comprise
flashing material of a type known to a person skilled in the art.
The sheet material may be retained in place in any appropriate
manner, such as by ties 365 as depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0080] While flow diverter 350 has been described as a feature of
this embodiment, it may be applicable to any previously described
example embodiment as described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to
19.
[0081] Certain advantages of the example drainage treatment systems
described herein above may include but are not limited to a system:
(a) easily installed and removed, while having no visual impact;
(b) that facilitates the removal of collected debris; (c) where the
degree of filtering can be varied by using different materials for
the inserts; (d) that can provide clean water supply for use in
other areas and can enable water harvesting; (e) which includes an
insert that cannot at any time be pushed up by the water level and
form a blockage in the pit or pipe due to the size of the insert
being greater that the size of the overflow; and (f) that at all
times has more overflow area at the top of the basket than the size
of the interconnecting pipe and hence will not affect the Hydraulic
Gradient Line.
[0082] The example embodiments having been described, it is
apparent that such have many varied applications. For example, the
example embodiments may be applicable but not limited to connection
to various devices, structures and articles. Additionally,
modifications and variations as would be apparent to the skilled
artisan are considered to fall within the scope of the example
embodiments of the present invention. For example, the first insert
may be formed from two or more layers, with one layer adapted to
remove hard debris while the other layer is adapted to remove
chemical contaminants.
[0083] The present invention, in its various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes components, systems and/or
apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein,
including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets
thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and
use the present invention after understanding the present
disclosure. The present invention, in its various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes providing components, systems
and/or apparatuses in the absence of items not depicted and/or
described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or
aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have
been used in previous components, systems and/or apparatuses, e.g.,
for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0084] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not
intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed
herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various
features of the invention are grouped together in one or more
embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments,
configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in
alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration,
or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0085] Moreover, though the description of the invention has
included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or
aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations,
combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the
invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those
in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is
intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments,
configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *