U.S. patent application number 17/837281 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for water inlet protection system.
The applicant listed for this patent is FLO-WATER, LLC. Invention is credited to Corydon Coppola.
Application Number | 20220298773 17/837281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006390931 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220298773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coppola; Corydon |
September 22, 2022 |
WATER INLET PROTECTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A water inlet protection system and apparatus for removing
sediment and/or chemical from water or other fluids is provided.
The system may include a filtration material that is configured to
be water permeable and to collect sediment within the water. The
system may be configured to be removably secured to various types
of storm drains or water inlets. The system may include a frame
configured to be removably attached to a storm grate. The frame may
also include a plurality of tabs extending from the frame and be
slidably adjustable. The system may also include an s-clip member
or magnets for removably securing the filtration material to a
storm drain or water inlet. Furthermore, the water inlet protection
system may include one or more over-flow protection openings. The
over-flow protection openings may include a raised member or
barrier to regulate the water level where over-flow occurs.
Inventors: |
Coppola; Corydon; (West Des
Moines, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FLO-WATER, LLC |
West Des Moines |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006390931 |
Appl. No.: |
17/837281 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15359907 |
Nov 23, 2016 |
|
|
|
17837281 |
|
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|
|
62259985 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 5/06 20130101; E03F
5/0404 20130101; C02F 2307/00 20130101; C02F 1/001 20130101; E03F
5/16 20130101; B01D 29/27 20130101; C02F 2103/001 20130101; C02F
1/004 20130101; B01D 35/02 20130101; C02F 2201/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03F 5/16 20060101
E03F005/16; B01D 35/02 20060101 B01D035/02; C02F 1/00 20060101
C02F001/00; E03F 5/04 20060101 E03F005/04; B01D 29/27 20060101
B01D029/27 |
Claims
1. A storm drain inlet protection system for a storm drain having a
horizontal inlet covered by a steel grate, the storm drain inlet
protection system comprising: a water permeable filtration material
sized to cover the horizontal inlet; a neoprene sealing material
attached to a perimeter of the filtration material to create a seal
around the perimeter of the horizontal water inlet to prevent water
from entering the horizontal inlet without first passing through
the filtration material; and a plurality of magnets sewn into the
filtration material to magnetically attach the filtration material
to the steel grate.
2. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, wherein the
water permeable filtration material includes an overflow opening to
permit water to flow into the horizontal inlet.
3. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 2, further
comprising: an elevated overflow protection member surrounding the
overflow opening.
4. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 3, wherein the
elevated overflow member is a square member.
5. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, wherein the
water permeable filtration material is further sized to cover a
vertical curb inlet of the storm drain, the vertical curb inlet
covered by the steel grate.
6. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 5, further
comprising: an elongate solid polyethylene core attached to the
water permeable filtration material and covering the vertical curb
inlet to prevent water from entering.
7. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 6, wherein the
elongate solid polyethylene core extends along the curb beyond
either side of the vertical curb inlet.
8. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, wherein at
least some of the plurality of magnets are positioned at corners of
the water permeable filtration material.
9. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, further
comprising: one or more handles attached to the water permeable
filtration material.
10. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, wherein the
water permeable filtration material is rectangular in shape.
11. The storm drain inlet protection system of claim 1, wherein the
water permeable filtration material is circular in shape.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/359,907, filed Nov. 23, 2016, which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to provisional application Ser.
No. 62/259,985, filed Nov. 25, 2015, herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to a water inlet protection
system. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention
relates to a water filtration system for use with a water
inlet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As the world continues to grow and expand, construction and
the harvesting of natural resources has increased exponentially.
These activities impact the environment. Specifically, some of the
Earth's greatest landscapes are threatened by increased road
construction, oil and gas exploration, and mining. Soil erosion,
run-off, and chemicals leaching into the soil or ground water
supplies are just a few of the many things that can negatively
impact the environment. Because impervious surfaces (parking lots,
roads, buildings, compacted soil) do not allow rain to infiltrate
into the ground, more runoff is generated than in the undeveloped
condition. This additional runoff can erode watercourses (streams
and rivers) as well as cause flooding after the storm water
collection system is overwhelmed by the additional flow. Because
the water is flushed out of the watershed during the storm event,
little infiltrates the soil, replenishes groundwater, or supplies
stream base flow in dry weather. The negative effect of these
events can be greatly increased when improper or outdated erosion
and sediment control systems are put into place.
[0004] Current erosion and sediment control systems include the use
of silt fencing, sand bags, and storm drain covers. Silt fences are
often perimeter controls, typically used in combination with
sediment basins and sediment traps, as well as erosion controls,
which are designed to retain sediment in place where soil is being
disturbed by construction processes. A typical fence consists of a
piece of synthetic filter fabric (also called a geotextile)
stretched between a series of wooden or metal fence stakes along a
horizontal contour level. The stakes are installed on the downhill
side of the fence, and the bottom edge of the fabric can be
trenched into the soil and backfilled on the uphill side, although
it is quite difficult to move the trenched "soil" from the downside
to the upside of the trench. The design/placement of the silt fence
should create a pooling of runoff, which then allows sedimentation
to occur. Water can seep through the silt fence fabric, but the
fabric often becomes "blocked off" with fine soil particles.
Sediment is captured by silt fences primarily through ponding of
water and settling, rather than filtration by the fabric. Sand and
silt tends to clog the fabric, and then the sediments settle in the
temporary pond. Silt fence fabrics (geotextiles) tested in
laboratory settings have shown to be effective at trapping sediment
particles. Although there have been few field tests of silt fences
installed at construction sites, these tests have shown generally
poor results. Other studies and articles about silt fence usage and
practice document problems with installation and maintenance,
implying poor performance.
[0005] Other forms of sediment control and erosion prevention
include the use of sandbag barriers, fiber rolls, and storm drain
inlet protection. Sandbag barriers may prevent or divert the flow
of contaminated water away from a water source or storm drain, but
they fail to provide a filter for removing contaminants from the
water and allowing clean water to pass through. Fiber rolls are
generally a temporary erosion control and sediment control device
used on construction sites to protect water quality in nearby
streams, rivers, lakes and seas from sediment erosion. Typically
they will be made of straw, coconut fiber or similar material
formed into a tubular roll. While these fiber rolls do provide a
basic form of filtration, they generally provide only minimal
filtration and are not reusable. Some of the disadvantages of fiber
rolls are that they may be difficult to move once they become
saturated with water, they should not be used on very steep land,
and if the rolls are not properly staked into the ground, they may
be carried away by high flows. Storm drain inlet protections
typically only include a steel grate with large openings. While
they prevent large items from entering a storm drain or inlet, they
fail to prevent soil sediment and other contaminants from entering
the drain. A sand barrier or fiber roll may be placed around a
storm drain inlet to provide additional protection, but these items
typically provide either extremely slow flow rates or else minimal
filtration.
[0006] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an apparatus
and system that allows for improved filtration and removal of
sediment and other pollutants from water, as well as providing an
increased flow rate through the filtration system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage
of the invention to improve on and/or overcome the deficiencies in
the art.
[0008] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
invention to provide an apparatus and system that includes a frame
with a plurality of tabs extending from the periphery of the
frame.
[0009] It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
invention to provide an apparatus and/or system for use with a
storm drain or water inlet that is configured to remove sediment
and other contaminants from water.
[0010] It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the
invention to provide an apparatus with an adjustable frame and
plurality of tabs extending from the frame, wherein the frame may
be adjustably configured to fit multiple storm drain and inlet
sizes.
[0011] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a system including a frame with a
plurality of tabs extending from the periphery of the frame,
wherein the tabs are configured to removably secure the frame via a
friction fit to a grate of a storm drain.
[0012] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system including
a frame, a plurality of tabs extending from the frame, and a
filtration material removably secured to the frame. Wherein the
filtration material is configured to be water permeable and to
filter out sediment from the water.
[0013] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system including
a frame with one or more corner members that are slidably
interconnected to one another, said frame adjustable to fit
multiple storm drain opening and/or grate sizes.
[0014] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system including
a filtration material removably secured to a storm drain opening by
one or more magnets that are attached to the filter material.
[0015] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system including
one or more s-clip members configured to secure a filtration
material within an open throat drain inlet, said one or more s-clip
members securing the material within the opening via a pressed or
friction fit.
[0016] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system.
[0017] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system utilizing
a filtration material with a water flow rate of approximately 190
gpm/ft.sup.2.
[0018] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system utilizing
a filtration material with a water flow rate of approximately 240
gpm/ft.sup.2.
[0019] It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of
the invention to provide a drain inlet protection system utilizing
a filtration material with a water flow rate between approximately
190 gpm/ft.sup.2 and approximately 240 gpm/ft.sup.2 and a filtering
efficiency of approximately 90%.
[0020] These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and
advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every
object, feature, or advantage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Appendix A is an example of a marketing piece that includes
additional information on one embodiment according to at least some
aspects of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0023] FIG. 2A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0024] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the drain inlet protection
system of FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the drain inlet protection
system of FIG. 3A.
[0027] FIG. 3C is a top view of the inlet protection system frame
of FIG. 3A.
[0028] FIG. 3D is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
inlet protection system frame of FIG. 3A.
[0029] FIG. 3E is a side view of the inlet protection system frame
of FIG. 3D.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the drain inlet protection
system of FIG. 4A.
[0032] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0033] FIG. 5B is a side view of the inlet protection system of
FIG. 5A.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a drain inlet protection system including overflow
protection.
[0035] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a drain inlet protection system including overflow
protection.
[0036] FIG. 6C is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system including overflow protection.
[0037] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a drain inlet protection system.
[0038] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a drain inlet protection system.
[0039] FIG. 8A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system.
[0040] FIG. 8B is a side view of the drain inlet protection system
of FIG. 8A.
[0041] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a drain inlet protection
system of FIG. 1 including a drain inlet back-stop.
[0042] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the drain inlet back-stop
of FIG. 9A in combination with the alternative embodiment of a
drain inlet protection system of FIG. 2.
[0043] Various embodiments of the invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings and appendices, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several
views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of
the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to
the various embodiments according to the invention and are
presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The invention is directed towards an apparatus and system
for filtering water at a storm drain or water inlet. A water inlet
protection system may be used to prevent unwanted sediment and
other contaminants from entering a storm drain, water inlet, or the
like. For example, a water inlet protection system may be inserted
in a storm drain to filter water that enters the drain, the system
removing unwanted sediment and contaminants. Generally a water
inlet protection system may include a filter or filtering material.
For example, the water protection system shown in Appendix A
includes a filter material that is configured to trap sediment
contained in water that passes through the storm drain grate and
allow the filtered water to pass through into the drain.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an example embodiment for an above
grate water inlet protection system 30 is shown. The system 30 may
be configured to fit any size, shape or configuration of above
ground storm drain or water inlet. For example, the system may be
configured to fit a square drain, a round drain, or a vertically
oriented drain on the side of a curb. The embodiment shown in FIG.
1 includes a lower portion 33 or flap that may be tucked under the
grate, wherein the grate creates a friction fit to help hold the
system 30 in place. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may also be used
in connection with the above grate systems shown in FIGS. 6A-7B
(described in more detail below and shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A)
and/or with the below grate systems shown in FIGS. 2A-3E (described
in more detail below). The filter material 34 for the above grate
system may be the same or similar to Grey Material, which will be
described in more detail below. The system 30 may be removably
attached to the water inlet by one or more magnets 32. The system
may also include a neoprene or similar rubber-type material
attached to the perimeter of the filtration material 34. The
neoprene may be configured to create a seal around the perimeter of
the water inlet to prevent water from entering the inlet without
first passing through the material 34 to be filtered.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2A-4B, example embodiments of a water
inlet protection system that includes a frame 10 is shown. The
frame 10 may be constructed of one or more corner members 12 and 14
that may be securely fastened to one another in a solid
configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 of the
system may be configured to sit on the underside of the grate 44,
wherein the frame 10 is pinched between the grate and the drain
opening. However, it should also be understood that it is
contemplated that the frame may be configured to sit and/or be
attached to the top of the grate 44. The solid frame 10
configuration may be in the shape of a circle (as shown in FIGS.
4A-4B), square (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3D), rectangle (as
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C), or any other polygonal shape. While not
shown in the figures, the corners may also be inverted or rounded
to fit a specific drain opening or grate size. It is also
contemplated that the corner members 12 and 14 may be adjustably
connected. For example, opposing corners 12 and 14 may be slidably
connected using a pin 18 and a track or slot 16. The corners 12 and
14 may also be slidably connected by a solid member (not shown),
wherein each of the corner section 12 and 14 includes a pin 18 that
is configured to slidably attach to tracks at opposing ends of the
solid member. The pins 18 in the corner sections may be configured
to slide within the track or slot of the solid member connecting
the corner members. In one example embodiment, the adjustable frame
10 may configured to adjust the length and width of a square or
rectangular shaped storm drain or water inlet. The frame 10 may
include slidably adjustable members 12 and 14 that allow the length
and width of the frame to be adjusted to correspond to the size of
the drain. Furthermore, the frame 10 is configured for attachment
of a filter or filter material 34. As shown in the picture included
in FIGS. 2A-4B, the filter material 34 may be attached by wrapping
it around a portion of the corner members 12 and 14. The filter
material 34 may be secured by sewing the seam 46, attaching
Velcro.RTM. along the seam 46, hooks, pins, or other similar means
of securing the material 34 in place. An example filter material 34
is a High Flow Grey Material that includes the following
approximate properties:
TABLE-US-00001 Properties ASTM TEST Value Mass per Unit Area
(oz/yd2) D 3776 5.2 Grab Tensile Strength, MD .times. CD (lbs) D
4632 297 .times. 223 Grab Elongation, MD .times. CD (%) D 4632
58/59 Trapezoid Tear, MD .times. CD (lbs) D 4533 81 .times. 75
Puncture (lbs) D 4833 99 Burst Strength (psi) D 3786 340
Permittivity (sec-1) D 4491 2.60 A.O.S. (U.S. sieve - (mm) D 4751
60 Water Flow Rate (gpm/ft2) D 4491 192 Filtering Efficiency (%) D
5141 91.6
While the High Flow Grey is given as an example above, any suitable
filter or filtering material 34 may be used. An example of an
advantage provided by the referenced material, is that the material
is reusable. The High Flow Grey Material may be removed from the
storm drain, the sediment captured in the material may be removed
from the material and disposed in a proper manner, and the material
may be reinstalled in the drain. The material 34 may be rinsed and
reused multiple times without compromising the filtering properties
or flow properties. Also shown in the image included in FIGS. 2B,
3B, and 4B, it can be seen that at the corners of the frame 10,
there may be openings or cut-outs 42 in the filter material 34.
These openings 42 are intended to provide overflow protection in
the event the filter material 34 becomes plugged or clogged to the
point water is unable to pass through the material 34. If this
occurs, the water may still be able to pass through the openings 42
in the corners to prevent water from backing up or flooding over
into other areas because the drain is blocked. The frame 10 and/or
material 34 may also include a loop or handle 38 for lifting and/or
removing the system 10 from a storm drain/water inlet.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 3D, a top view of the adjustable frame 10
is shown. While FIGS. 2A-2B and 3D depict the frame 10 in a
generally square configuration, it should be understood that other
sizes and shapes are considered. For example, the frame 10 may be
adjusted to be in the shape of a rectangle (FIGS. 3A-3C), or
additional slidably adjustable sides may be added to create a
pentagon, hexagon, or similar shapes that may be utilized to fit a
round shaped storm drain or sewer opening. Each side of the frame
includes a top member 14 and an opposing bottom member 12. The top
and bottom members 14 and 12 are slidably connected by one or more
pins 18 or similar means of slideable or telescoping attachment or
connection. For example, the top member 14 may include a fixed pin
18 extending downward through a slot or track 16 cut in the bottom
member 12. Conversely, the bottom member 12 may include a fixed pin
18 extending upward through a slot or track 16 in the top member
14. The pins 18 and tracks or slots 16 are configured to allow the
top and bottom members 14 and 12 to slide relative to one another,
shortening or lengthening that side of the frame 10. All sides of
the frame 10 may be configured in a similar manner to allow the
length of each side to be adjustable. It is also contemplated that
the corners may be attached by a connection member that allows for
slideable adjustment of the size and length of the frame 10. The
connection may be attached to the top or bottom of both opposing
corner members 12 and 14, or the connection member may connect to
the top of one member 12 and the bottom of the opposing member 14,
or vice versa. The connection may be flat or may include one or
more bends to achieve the required fit and/or adjustment. It is
also contemplated that the adjustable frame may incorporate a
telescoping mechanism to provide adjustment of the frame.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3E, a side view of one side of the frame
is shown. It can be seen how the top and bottom members 14 and 12
may be oriented relative to one another. Also shown are how the
pins 18 extend from the top member 14 down through the bottom
member 12 and vice versa. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2A-4B,
located in the corners of the frame 10 are tabs 20 that extend
vertically from the frame. These tabs 20 are configured to hold the
frame 10 in place when positioned in a storm drain or water inlet.
For example, the frame 10 may be placed in a storm drain with a
filter material 34 attached. The frame 10 may be extended to fit
the size of the drain. Once the frame 10 has been extended to fit
the drain, the grate 44 may be placed on top of the frame 10. The
tabs 20 may be configured to be outside the outer edge of the frame
of the storm grate, therefore preventing the adjustable frame 10
from being pulled inward when a weight or force is applied to the
filter material 34 by fluid or material trying to pass through the
drain. The tabs 20 may create a friction fit with the grate to hold
the system 10 in place. While the frame has been described as
adjustable, it is contemplated that a solid frame may also utilize
the tabs 20 for positioning, orienting, or holding in place the
frame relative to a storm drain grate or sewer cover.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, an example embodiment of a water
inlet protection system 30 for use with an open throat inlet along
a curb 50, or similar. This embodiment includes an s-shaped clip
member 35 that may be sewn into the filtering material 34. The
s-clips 35 may be located at the ends or edges 37 of the inlet
system 30, but additional s-clips 35 may be located along the width
of the system to provide additional support if needed. The s-clips
35 generally may be constructed of a flexible material, such as a
metal alloy or plastic polymer. The clips 35 should provide
necessary strength and flexibility properties to be wedged into the
open throat inlet opening along a curb 50 to create a pressed or
friction fit with the inlet opening of the curb 50, as shown in the
side view of FIG. 5B. This embodiment of the protection system 30
may include a neoprene strip 36 along the horizontally oriented
edges to provide a seal to the curb or drain surface when the
neoprene is wet. S-clips 35 may be attached to the filtration
material 34 by sliding the clips 35 in between seams in the fabric
or other similar means of removable attachment may be utilized. The
edges of the material 34 may be configured to butt up end to end to
attach additional open throat protection systems 30 together if a
wider system is needed for a particular drain or inlet. The
Velcro.TM. may also be configured for attaching a solid member that
may be configured to directing the flow of the water through the
filter material.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, three example embodiments of an
above grate system 30 are shown. Common components that may be
included in all three embodiments include a handle or pull strap
38, magnets 32, and a neoprene strip 36. The handle or pull strap
38 may be used for lifting or removing the system 30 from a storm
drain or water inlet. The magnets 32 may be sewn into or similarly
attached to the filter material 34 and configured/positioned to
magnetically/removably attach the system 30 to a steel grate 44 or
inlet of a storm drain or similar water inlet. For example, in the
square shaped embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the magnets 32 may
be located at the corners so as to magnetically attach the system
30 to the corner of square grate 44 of a storm drain. Generally the
magnets 32 may be positioned anywhere within the confines of the
protection system, but typically will be located proximate to the
corners or edges so as to create a seal at the outer edge so that
storm water may not enter the drain without first passing through
the filter material 34. The magnets 32 also serve to hold the
system 30 in place, such that it does not blow away or get swept
away by flowing water. The magnets 32 may also be placed on top of
the fabric. Similarly, a neoprene strip(s) 36 may be included or
sewn into the outer edge of the material 34 of the system 30 and
configured to create a seal at the outer edge to prevent water from
entering the drain 44 without first passing through the filter
material 34. The neoprene 36 may be configured, such that when wet,
it will increase in weight and create a seal with the grate 44 of
the drain or the structure surrounding the drain.
[0051] FIG. 6A shows an example embodiment of the system 30 for use
with a vertical water inlet on the side of a curb may also include
a solid core, such as a polyethylene member, that is designed to
give the system 30 structure and rigidity along the back edge along
vertical inlet portion of the curb 50. The solid core may also
serve to prevent the flow of water through the vertical portion of
the inlet, which typically may not include any type of grate or
screening, while directing the water to pass through the filter
material 34 located on top of the horizontal portion of the
drain/grate 44.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 6A-8B, examples of the square and
circular embodiments of the above grate protection system 30 are
shown. In FIGS. 6B and 7B, the square system 30 is shown, include
one or more handles 38, magnets 32, neoprene strips 36, and the
filter material 34. Similarly, FIGS. 6C and 8A-8B show examples of
round embodiments including one or more handles 38, magnets 32,
neoprene strips 36, and the filter material 34. FIGS. 6A-6C show
example embodiments of the system 30 including an overflow
protection member 40 surrounding a cut-out portion 42 of the
filtering material 34. The overflow protection member 40 may be
included in any or all embodiments of the water inlet protection
system 30. The overflow protection barrier shown in FIGS. 6A-6C.
may include an elevated ring or square member 40 with a hole in the
center 42 that allows water to pass directly through to the drain
44. The overflow protection member 40 is intended to provide
overflow protection in the event the filter material 34 becomes
plugged or clogged to the point water is unable to pass through the
material 34. If this occurs, the water may still be able to pass
through the openings 42 in the center to prevent water from backing
up or flooding over into other areas because the material 34 over
the drain 44 is blocked.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the overflow protection barrier may
be elevated above the filter material 34 to facilitate or encourage
water to pass through the filter material 34 as opposed to entering
the drain 44 through the hole 42 in the center of the overflow
barrier 40. The height of the overflow barrier 40 may be configured
based on the specific needs at a particular drain site. For
example, if a standing water level exceeding three inches (3'')
would be damaging or hazardous to the surrounding area, the
protection member 40 may be configured to have a height of two
inches to prevent standing water from ever reaching a height of
three inches (3''). However, if it is more important that all water
entering a particular drain pass through the filter material 34,
the height of the protection member 40 may be increased.
[0054] FIGS. 7A-8B show alternative embodiments of a drain inlet
protection system that may be attached to the top of the grate of a
storm drain or similar water inlet. The embodiments shown in FIG.
7A-8B do not include the water over flow barrier or cut-out.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 9A, an alternative embodiment of the
system 30 represented in FIG. 1 is shown. FIG. 9A shows an inlet
protection system including a back-stop 31 that is not permeable.
The system 30 shown in FIG. 9A may be configured to have a
non-permeable backstop to direct the flow of water elsewhere, and
prevent water from entering an opening on the vertical portion of a
curb 50. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9A may be utilized in
combination with the other inlet protection systems 10 and/or 30
described above. For example, the system 30 of claim 9A may be used
in connection with the below-grate inlet protection system 10 shown
in FIGS. 2-3, wherein the lower portion of 33 of system 10 may be
inserted underneath the grate 44 that the below-grate frame 12 and
14 of the inlet protection system 30 is attached to. In this
example, the back-stop 31 will prevent water from flowing in the
vertical inlet/opening on the curb 50, and will re-direct the water
to flow down the grate 44, wherein the water will be filtered
through the filter material 34 attached to the frame 12 and 14. The
back-stop 31 may also be used in connection with the above-grate
systems shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 7A.
[0056] While not shown in the figures, it should be understood that
alternative forms of water filtration and inlet protection systems
have been contemplated. For example, the filtering material
described above may be utilized to construct a dewatering bag to
filter sediment out of water pumped through the bag prior to
entering a drain or other water system. The dewatering bag may be
made or constructed of a filter material similar to the material
described above. Furthermore, the dewatering bag may be configured
to be used in conjunction with a hose or pump. In preferred
embodiment that dewater bag may be attached to a hose that is
connected to the outlet of a pump. For example, the dewatering bag
may include an opening or inlet that may be configured for
attaching a hose to the dewatering bag. The bag may then be placed
near or proximate to a drain or water inlet, and as the pump
transfers water to the dewatering bag, the water will pass through
the filter material, leaving sediment and other contaminants
trapped in the dewatering bag. Furthermore, chemicals and/or other
filtering elements may be inserted in the dewatering bag to aid
with the removal or reduction of harmful chemicals, such as
nitrates, from the water.
[0057] The dewatering bags may come in many shapes and sizes. For
example, a short and wide shaped configuration may be utilized for
a dewatering bag. Alternatively, the dewatering bag may be long and
narrow. The size and shape of the dewatering bag may be configured
based on the size of the drain or water inlet. The size of the
dewatering bag may also be configured based on the size of the pump
and/or the amount of fluid pumped It may also be configured based
on pump size and/or the size of the hose utilized to pump water
into the dewatering bag. A strap may be utilized to removably
secure the dewatering bag to a hose or pump. For example, a strap
that includes a D-ring clip for fastening the strap may be used to
removably secure the dewatering bag to a pump outlet.
[0058] This embodiment of the protection system will generally come
in a predetermined length, for example ten feet (10') lengths. The
ends of the protection system may include Velcro.TM., D-rings and a
strap, or similar means of connection that are configured for
attaching multiple lengths of the protection system together. A
strap may also be used for attaching multiple lengths of the
protection system together. The protection system may be configured
to include handles that can be used in moving or placing the
protection system.
[0059] It is also contemplated that the water inlet protection
system may include filter material (as described above) attached to
a plurality of wood or metal stakes or similar. The stakes may be
utilized to orient the filter material in a vertical position.
Furthermore, the stake can hold the filter material in place and
attach the filter material to the ground and provide a boundary for
filtering out sediment from water. The filter material may have a
height of approximately 39.5 inches.
[0060] Another embodiment of a water inlet protection system may
also be configured for use in the concrete or construction
industry. For example, the water inlet protection system may be
configured to separate the sediment and materials included in
concrete from the water. When cleaning tools or rinsing out
containers utilized in pouring concrete, any leftover or reaming
concrete must be properly disposed of and should not be rinsed down
a drain. The water inlet protection system may include a base and
frame for attaching a filtering material to. The base and frame may
be configured in a square, rectangular or generally round shape,
but may be constructed in any shape that includes an opening at the
top. The concrete may be rinsed into the filter material and water
applied. Chemicals should also be added to aid the removal or
reduction of PH levels and/or contaminants. For example,
Bio-flucculant and PLO-flocculant-enables filtering of fines. PH
Stabilizer may also be added to relegate PH when needed. For use
with concrete, an additional geotextile fabric is required to slow
the filtration process and allow the chemicals to mix/interact with
the concrete and water mixture. The filter material may be
configured to remove the concrete material and other sediment,
while allowing the water to pass through the material. The water
passing through the filter material may then pass safely through
the drain or water inlet without introducing the sediment and
contaminants included in concrete. Filtering out the water from the
concrete also allows the concrete material to dry faster and be
properly disposed of once captured by the filter material.
[0061] While many embodiments of the filter material 34 to be used
with the water inlet protection systems described above are
contemplated, two example embodiments of the material are described
in greater detail below. One example embodiment of filter material
with the following properties and/or characteristics:
TABLE-US-00002 Properties ASTM TEST Value Mass per Unit Area
(oz/yd2) D 3776 5.2 Grab Tensile Strength, MD .times. CD (lbs) D
4632 297 .times. 223 Grab Elongation, MD .times. CD (%) D 4632
58/59 Trapezoid Tear, MD .times. CD (lbs) D 4533 81 .times. 75
Puncture (lbs) D 4833 99 Burst Strength (psi) D 3786 340
Permittivity (sec-1) D 4491 2.60 A.O.S. (U.S. sieve - (mm) D 4751
60 Water Flow Rate (gpm/ft2) D 4491 192 Filtering Efficiency (%) D
5141 91.6
An alternative embodiment of the filter material may include a
filter material with the following properties and/or
characteristics:
TABLE-US-00003 Properties ASTM TEST Value Mass per Unit Area
(oz/yd2) ISO 9073-1 3.84 Breaking Strength, MD (lbs/2 in) ISO
9073-3 102.4 Breaking Strength, CMD (lbs/2 in) ISO 9073-3 87.9
Elongation to break, MD (%) ISO 9073-3 32.8 Elongation to break,
CMD (%) ISO 9073-3 34.7 Water Flow Rate (gpm/ft2) Mfg Testing
240
It is also contemplated that a filtering material 34 may be
utilized that includes a flow rate somewhere in between the two
materials referenced above.
[0062] A water inlet protection system including a filter material
capable of removing sediment and other water contaminants, while
allowing for an improved flow of water has thus been described. The
present invention contemplates numerous variations, options and
alternatives, and is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
described herein. For example, any of the alternative embodiments
described above may be modified or used in combination with one or
more of the other embodiments. Other changes are considered to be
part of the present invention.
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