Abstract: A trench forming assembly for forming a trench of predetermined shaped is disclosed according to the present invention. The assembly includes a pair of elongate frame members for defining a support surface for supporting a trench cover and at least one downwardly extending leg attached to each frame member for anchoring the frame members in a predetermined location. The assembly also includes a form body for shaping a hardenable trench forming composition into the predetermined shape of the trench and having an upper surface, opposed side surfaces and a bottom surface. The trench forming assembly further includes at least one counterbuoyancy member extending between the frame members and having a generally downwardly facing engagement surface for operatively engaging a portion of the upper surface of the buoyant form body between the frame members. The counterbuoyancy member can also have an upper surface, opposite the engagement surface, for operatively engaging the elongate frame members.

Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: An elongate grate capable of securing an edge portion of an artificial turf surface within a drainage channel is provided. The grate includes an elongate central portion defining a plurality of openings to permit runoff from the artificial turf surface to flow into the drainage channel. Connected to at least one exterior edge of the central portion is a downwardly extending wall portion being interior of the exterior edge for applying a downwardly directed engagement force to the edge portion of the artificial turf surface. According to another embodiment of the grate, an elongate slot is integrally defined in the central portion having a width such the edge portion of the artificial turf can be frictionally engaged therein. According to yet another embodiment, a grate is provided with a central portion positioned between opposed edge portions and defines a plurality of openings therein such that an impervious athletic surface can be formed over each of the edge portions.

Abstract: A support frame assembly is provided for supporting drainage channel sections adjoined in an end-to-end relationship and for anchoring the drainage channel sections to a support surface. The support frame assembly includes a pair of substantially vertical legs and a channel support piece mounted to the upper end portion of each of the legs for supporting the drainage channel sections. The support frame assembly also includes a cross member extending between the lower end portions of the legs at a position below the channel support pieces. In one embodiment, a pair of aligned openings are provided in the cross member and one of the legs so that an anchor member can be driven through the openings and enter the support surface at an acute angle relative thereto. In another embodiment, hinge members are provided between the cross member and the legs so that the cross member can be oriented to sit flat on a sloped surface. Associated methods also form a part of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and aligning frame member sections of a trench with a connector is disclosed according to the present invention. The connector may include horizontal and vertical panel sections each defining a pair of openings therein. Protrusions extending from the ends of the adjacent frame member sections are inserted into the openings to securely connect the frame member sections together. The frame member sections may have a protrusion on both horizontal and vertical legs thereof and the connector may include a peripheral edge portion defining an edge of each of the openings and further defining a gap in the body portion. The gap allows the protrusion to be inserted in the opening. The peripheral edge portion may include a resilient end segment and a guide surface defined thereby for guiding the protrusion into the opening. The peripheral edge portion may also include a side segment defining a guide edge adjacent to the gap which is tapered to help guide the protrusion into the opening.

Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: An elongate grate capable of securing an edge portion of an artificial turf surface within a drainage channel is provided. The grate includes an elongate central portion defining a plurality of openings to permit runoff from the artificial turf surface to flow into the drainage channel. Connected to at least one exterior edge of the central portion is a downwardly extending wall portion being interior of the exterior edge for applying a downwardly directed engagement force to the edge portion of the artificial turf surface. According to another embodiment of the grate, an elongate slot is integrally defined in the central portion having a width such the edge portion of the artificial turf can be frictionally engaged therein. According to yet another embodiment, a grate is provided with a central portion positioned between opposed edge portions and defines a plurality of openings therein such that an impervious athletic surface can be formed over each of the edge portions.

Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: A drainage system includes a conduit connector which is integrally molded within a precast drainage system component in order to provide for the interconnection of a variety of drainage system components, such as drainage channel sections and catch basins. The conduit connector can include a connector body which defines an aperture of a predetermined shape and size which are selected to match and snugly engage the conduit. The connector body further includes at least one locking anchor to secure the connector body against movement relative to the precast component. The locking anchor can include a longitudinal movement resisting anchor and/or a rotational movement resisting anchor. In order to further secure the conduit connector within the precast component, the wall of the precast component is substantially continuous about the conduit connector. In addition, the connector body preferably has a predetermined thickness which is no greater than the thickness of the precast component walls.

Abstract: A method for cutting first and second complementary foamed plastic bodies of a predetermined shape from a single workpiece includes the step of moving a linear cutting element through the workpiece. The linear cutting element, such as a heated wire, is moved through the workpiece to form a first surface which forms a portion of the predetermined shape of the first and second foamed plastic bodies. The workpiece is thereafter shifted in position relative to the linear cutting element and the linear cutting element is again moved through the shifted workpiece to form a second surface. Due to the shifting of the workpiece, the first surface is sloped relative to the second surface. The first and second foamed plastic bodies are preferably first and second trench forms defining the shapes of different sections of a trench drain which has a continuously sloped bottom surface.

Abstract: A grate attachment fixture is disclosed which rotationally engages a locking bar with the opposed sidewalls of a drainage channel and which thereafter secures a grate to the drainage channel. The grate attachment fixture includes a rotatable connector adapted to adjustably interconnect the locking bar and the grate. The grate attachment fixture also includes a grate securing member affixed to the locking bar. The grate securing member includes a pair of adjustment surfaces including a positive engagement surface for engaging a portion of the connector such that upon rotation of the connector in a first angular direction, the locking bar initially rotates within the trench in the first angular direction until the first locking bar engages the opposed sidewalls. Thereafter, the positive engagement surface cooperates with the connector to apply a tensile force between the grate and the locking bar upon further rotation of the connector.

Abstract: A drainage channel system for forming a trench is disclosed according to the present invention. The drainage channel system includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent drainage channel sections. Each alignment key includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of adjacent drainage channel sections. Accordingly, each jaw member engages the predetermined exterior portions of the respective sidewalls to longitudinally interlock the drainage channel sections. In particular, each jaw member includes opposed clamping tabs having longitudinally opposed surfaces which apply a longitudinally compressive force to the adjacent drainage channel sections.

Abstract: The invention provides a drainage channel preferably formed from a sheet material, such as stainless steel. The channel has a flat bottom and upwardly extending sidewalls that form an acute angle with the bottom. A pair of shoulders extend outwardly from upper portions of the sidewalls for receiving a grate. Upper edge walls extend upwardly from outer portions of each shoulder. The exterior width of the channel at its bottom is less than the interior width or the channel between the upper edge walls, but greater than the interior channel width between the upper ends of the sidewalls. Consequently, the drainage channel can be mechanically anchored in concrete without requiring use of additional anchoring elements, and is also stackable.

Abstract: A trench forming assembly for forming a trench of predetermined shaped is disclosed according to the present invention. The assembly includes a pair of parallel elongate frame members for defining a support surface for supporting a trench cover. The assembly also includes an elongate form body for shaping a hardenable trench forming composition into the predetermined shape of the trench and having opposed side surfaces with which the frame members may be engaged. The trench forming assembly further includes at least one pair of upwardly extending legs for anchoring the frame members in a predetermined location. Each upwardly extending leg is joined at a top portion to one of the frame members and is joined at a lower portion to a corresponding leg for forming a generally U-shaped structure. The generally U-shaped anchoring leg structure maintains engagement of the frame members with the side surfaces of the form body.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for forming a trench (T) includes one or more frame members (16) that cooperate with a removable form (12) around which a moldable trench forming composition (C) is poured. The form is made of deformable buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene. Rebar legs (18) are attached to the frame members to provide secure anchoring of the frame members to both the ground (E) and in the trench forming composition. Preferably, each frame member includes a horizontal leg that is received in a slot (22) formed in one of the opposing side walls of the form. The cooperating engagement between the frame member (16) and the form provides longitudinal support to prevent the buoyant form (12) from lifting within the trench composition (C) while also maintaining the proper spacing and planar alignment of the frame members. Wire strands (28) are placed within cooperating guide tracks (24) in the opposed ends of the form.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for forming a trench (T) includes one or more frame members (16) that cooperate with a removable form (12) around which a moldable trench forming composition (C) is poured. The form is made of deformable buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene. Rebar legs (18) are attached to the frame members to provide secure anchoring of the frame members to both the ground (E) and in the trench forming composition. Preferably, each frame member includes a horizontal leg that is received in a slot (22) formed in one of the opposing side walls of the form. The cooperating engagement between the frame member (16) and the form provides longitudinal support to prevent the buoyant form (12) from lifting within the trench composition (C) while also maintaining the proper spacing and planar alignment of the frame members. Wire strands (28) are placed within cooperating guide tracks (24) in the opposed ends of the form.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for forming a trench (T) includes one or more frame members (16) that cooperate with a removable form (12) around which a moldable trench forming composition (C) is poured. The form is made of deformable buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene. Rebar legs (18) are attached to the frame members to provide secure anchoring of the frame members to both the ground (E) and in the trench forming composition. Preferably, each frame member includes a horizontal leg that is received in a slot (22) formed in one of the opposing side walls of the form. Wire strands (28) are placed within cooperating guide tracks (24) in the opposed ends of the form. The wire strands are pulled through to deform the form after the composition has hardened.

Abstract: The invention comprises a grate having a device to prevent it from dislodging when a vehicle drives over the grate. For this purpose, a part (2') of the supporting component at a side face of the grate (1) is designed as a thin, tongue-shaped wall (33) with an outer thickening (34). The supporting component has a notch (35) that is vertical with respect to its longitudinal axis on an end of the tongue-shaped wall, a thickening (22) or a depression being located on an inner side face of the associated supporting frame.

Abstract: A drainage channel comprising a channel body which is U-shaped in cross-section and defines a concave base and integrally formed opposing first and second vertically spaced-apart side walls, the first and second side walls including respective crowns formed in upper free ends of the side walls. The upper free end of the side walls define a predetermined thickness between respective inner side wall surfaces and outer sidewall surfaces. The outer surfaces of the side walls define an elongate detent spaced below the upper free ends of the first and second side walls and extending along at least part of the length of the channel body and defining an area of reduced thickness below the relatively thicker free ends of the first and second side walls. A coping encloses the crown of a respective side of the channel body. The coping includes an inner leg for resting against the inner side wall surfaces of the channel and an outer leg for resting against the outer side wall surfaces of the channel.