STORMWATER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AND REMOVING DEBRIS AND TRASH PASSING THROUGH AN OUTLET PIPE TO A STORMWATER POND

Abstract

A stormwater system for capturing and retaining trash and debris entrained in the stormwater. The stormwater system includes an outlet pipe disposed adjacent a stormwater pond. A bag-type filter is secured to the outer end portion of the outlet pipe for catching and retaining trash and debris and preventing the trash and debris from being discharged into the stormwater pond.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stormwater system that includes a stormwater pond, an outlet pipe for directing runoff into the stormwater pond and means to capture debris and trash entrained in the runoff prior to the runoff being discharged into the stormwater pond.

BACKGROUND

Stormwater ponds are employed in commercial and residual areas to collect—from roads, parking lots, roofs, etc. The stormwater is typically channeled through various feeder pipes to an outlet pipe disposed in close proximity to a stormwater pond. Stormwater is discharged from the outlet pipe into the stormwater pond. The stormwater pond is typically designed to discharge the stormwater therefrom at a controlled rate over time which avoids flooding and erosion.

There is one major problem with stormwater ponds. They must be periodically inspected, cleaned and maintained. Invariably, trash and debris of various types become entrained in the stormwater, flow with the stormwater into inlets, through feeder pipes and through the outlet pipe into the stormwater pond. Removing this trash and debris from the stormwater pond is time consuming, labor intensive, and in the end, extremely expensive. And, too, the cleaning requirement is never ending. It must be periodically done for the life of the stormwater pond.

There has been and continues to be a need for a stormwater system that facilitates a more efficient way of dealing with trash and debris entrained in stormwater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses this problem. In one exemplary system, a trash and debris retainer in the form of a porous bag or netting, for example, is secured about the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe. Trash and debris entrained in the stormwater is captured in the retainer. Periodically or from time-to-time, the captured trash and debris are emptied from the retainer.

In one exemplary design, the trash and debris retainer when secured about the outlet end portion of the outlet pipes includes an inlet or first opening that extends around the outlet pipe and a second closeable access opening. Trash and debris can be removed from the retainer by opening the second opening and gaining access to the interior of the retainer. Now captured trash and debris in the retainer can be manually removed through the second opening without removing the retainer from the outlet pipe.

The present invention also comprises a method for treating stormwater. In one embodiment, the method includes capturing the stormwater in one or more inlets of a stormwater system. After catching the stormwater, the stormwater is directed, along with the trash and debris therein, to an outlet pipe disposed adjacent a stormwater pond. The stormwater is directed from the outlet pipe into the stormwater pond. Further, the method includes attaching a permeable bag-type filter to the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe. The method thus includes directing the stormwater from the outlet pipe through the bag filter and into the stormwater pond. As the stormwater flows through the bag filter, the method entails catching the trash and debris in the bag filter and preventing the trash and debris from being discharged into the stormwater pond. The method also includes retaining the trash and debris in the bag filter while stormwater flows through the bag filter. At selected times, the bag filter is opened and the accumulated trash and debris is removed therefrom.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of such invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the stormwater system of the present invention including the provision of a trash and debris retainer disposed on the outlet pipe of the system.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the trash and debris retainer disposed about the outlet end of the outlet pipe.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view showing the trash and debris retainer secured about the outlet pipe.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe and the trash and debris retainer secured about the outlet end portion thereof.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view showing an alternative embodiment for the trash and debris retainer.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating the retainer of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

With further reference to the drawings, the stormwater system of the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. See FIG. 1. Stormwater system 10 includes various stormwater inlets for receiving stormwater runoff from streets, parking lots, roofs, lawns, etc. In one example, the stormwater inlets may be catch basins 12. These stormwater inlets are generally connected to one or more feeder pipes that collect the stormwater from the various stormwater inlets and direct the stormwater to an outlet pipe indicated generally by the numeral 14. Outlet pipe 14 includes an outlet end portion 14A. See FIG. 2. In the example shown in the drawings, the outlet end portion 14A is flared outwardly and a top portion of the flared end is removed. See FIGS. 2 and 4-6. It is appreciated that the specific design of the outlet pipe 14 can vary. The design shown in the drawings is simply one exemplary design of an outlet pipe.

Outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14 is disposed adjacent a stormwater pond indicated generally by the numeral 16. Details of the stormwater pond 16 are not dealt with herein because stormwater ponds are well known.

As seen in the drawings, the outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14 is disposed in close proximity to the stormwater pond 16. That is, the outlet pipe 14 is positioned with respect to the stormwater pond 16 such that the stormwater discharge from the outlet pipe is directed into the stormwater pond. The orientation of the outlet pipe with respect to the stormwater pond 16 can vary. The particular arrangement and relationship shown in the drawings is one example.

A trash and debris retainer, indicated generally by the numeral 20, is associated with the outlet pipe 14 for capturing trash, compost and debris, such as bottles, containers, toys, balls, etc., entrained in the stormwater passing through the system 10. Retainer 20 must be porous. That is, it must be sufficiently porous to allow water to freely flow through the retainer 20. But at the same time, retainer 20 is not so porous that targeted trash and debris pass through the retainer. There are a number of considerations when it comes to the placement of the retainer 20. First, the retainer must be upstream of the stormwater pond 16. The object of this invention is to prevent entrained trash and debris from entering the stormwater pond 16. A second requirement is that the retainer 20 must be positioned in place such that it is easily accessible by those charged with removing trash and debris from the retainer. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the retainer 20 is designed such that it can be opened and closed easily during the process of removing trash and debris therefrom.

The retainer 20 can assume various designs and forms. In the case of the embodiment shown in the drawings, the retainer 20 assumes the form of a bag-type netting or mesh. As seen in the drawings, the retainer includes an inlet opening 20A that is sometimes referred to a first opening. As seen in the drawings, the inlet opening 20A is sized such that it can be extended over the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe 14. See FIGS. 2 and 4-6. In addition, the retainer 20 includes an access opening 20B. The access opening 20B is normally closed so as to capture entrained trash and debris. When it comes time to remove the trash and debris from the retainer 20, the access opening 20B is easily opened and the trash and debris are removed therefrom. Access opening 20B can be designed in various ways. In this example, an end portion opposite inlet 20A is provided with an opening. This opening, that is access opening 20B, can be gathered together and closed with a twist tie or other type of conventional closure devices in order to close the downstream end portion of the retainer 20 so that trash and debris cannot pass through the retainer. In addition, the access opening 20B may have associated therewith a drawstring. The drawstring is configured to close the access opening. In addition, the access opening can be pulled apart so as to form an open area that permits the retained or filtered trash and debris to be removed from the retainer 20.

There are various ways to secure the retainer 20 in a proper position to capture trash and debris being discharged from the outlet pipe 14. As shown in the drawings, retainer 20, when installed on the outlet pipe 14, effectively forms a porous sock or bag with the access opening 20B disposed at the outlet end of the outlet pipe or downstream therefrom. In one embodiment, the retainer 20 assumes a porous bag-like structure. Indeed, the entire retainer can be elongated with the end openings 20A and 20B disposed on opposite ends of the elongated retainer.

In one embodiment shown, the retainer 20 is secured and held in place by two stakes 22. See FIGS. 1-4. Stakes 22 can be constructed of metal, plastic, wood, etc. In one example, the stakes 22 are simply rebar. Note in FIGS. 2-4 that the stakes 22 are spaced just outwardly from the wall of the outlet pipe 14 and driven into the underlying ground. The inlet opening 20A of the retainer 20 is secured to the stakes 22 by any number of conventional fasteners, such as zip ties. Thus, the securement of the retainer 20 to the stakes 22 maintains the retainer about the outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14. Note that the retainer 20 extends completely around the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe 14. Even though there may be a substantial flow of stormwater runoff passing through the outlet pipe 14, this approach to securing the retainer 20 about the outlet end portion 14A will maintain the retainer in place. Note that the retainer 20 does not have to extend around the largest diameter of the outlet pipe 14. Note in FIGS. 3 and 4 that it is possible when there are heavy flow volumes for stormwater to pass over the top of the retainer 20. This is not concerning because generally that water will not include trash and debris. Trash and debris will almost always be entrained in the bottom portion of the stream where the retainer 20 will capture and hold the trash and debris.

Therefore, in use, it is appreciated that the retainer 20 is placed and secured on the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe 14 as discussed above. Over a period of time, trash and debris entrained in the stormwater will be captured in the downstream end of the retainer 20. From time-to-time, it will be necessary to remove the trash and debris from the retainer 20. Because of the design of the retainer 20 and how it is positioned on the end of the outlet pipe, accessing the retainer and removing trash and debris therefrom is a relatively easy task. To do so simply involves opening the access opening 20B and collecting the trash and debris and thereafter closing the access opening.

Various means and approaches can be employed to secure the retainer 20 about the outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14. Another example of how this can be achieved is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. One will note that the stakes 22, shown in FIGS. 1-4, have been eliminated. In order to secure the retainer 20 to the outlet end portion 14A, there is provided a series of studs or screws that are secured in the outlet end portion 14A. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the studs or screws 50 project out from the outlet end portion 14A. As an alternative, the studs or screws 50 can be secured to an inside area of the outlet pipe. In addition, there is another stud or screw 52 secured to the top of the outlet pipe 14. In this embodiment, the retainer is secured to the screws 50. In one embodiment, zip ties are utilized to connect the mesh construction of the retainer 20 to the respective studs or screws 50. Note that the bottom portion of the inlet opening 28 is stretched or disposed along the underside of the outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe. To finally secure the retainer 20 in place, the inlet opening 20A is provided with a drawstring. The drawstring is pulled to an appropriate tension such that the inlet opening 20A extends across the outer end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14. Once the retainer assumes a configuration similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drawstring is extended upwardly and generally rearwardly to where the drawstring is attached to the stud or screw 52. This securely connects or fastens the retainer 20 to the outlet end portion 14A of the outlet pipe 14.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A stormwater system for capturing and retaining trash and debris entrained in stormwater passing through the system, comprising:

one or more stormwater inlets configured to receive stormwater runoff from an area;

an outlet pipe configured to receive the stormwater runoff received by the one or more inlets;

the outlet pipe including an outlet end portion configured to discharge the stormwater runoff;

a stormwater pond configured to receive the stormwater discharge from the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and

a retainer extending around the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe and configured to capture and retain trash and debris entrained in the stormwater runoff passing through the outlet pipe.

2. The stormwater system of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes an elongated flexible mesh filter that is connected about the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe and wherein the elongated flexible mesh filter collects trash and debris but permits stormwater to flow therethrough.

3. The stormwater system of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises a flexible permeable bag filter having one or more openings with each opening having a drawstring associated therewith for closing the opening; and wherein each opening is configured to connect to the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe or to discharge accumulated waste and debris.

4. The stormwater system of claim 1 including a pair of stakes disposed on opposite sides of the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and wherein the retainer is secured to the stakes; and wherein the stakes and retainer are configured such that the stakes maintain the retainer in an open configuration around the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe.

5. The stormwater system of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises a bag filter that includes an opening configured to extend around a portion of the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and wherein there is a drawstring associated with said opening and configured to at least partially close said opening about the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe.

6. The stormwater system of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes an elongated flexible mesh bag filter configured to catch waste and debris discharged from the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and wherein the bag filter includes a pair of openings disposed on opposite end portion of the bag filter; and wherein there is provided a drawstring associated with each opening for closing or partially closing said openings.

7. The stormwater system of claim 6 wherein said one or more stormwater inlets comprises a plurality of catch basins operatively connected to said outlet pipe.

8. The stormwater system of claim 1 further including:

a plurality of studs or screws secured to the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe and projecting therefrom; and

wherein the retainer comprises a flexible mesh bag filter that is connected to the studs or screws projecting from the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe.

9. A method of treating stormwater which includes trash and debris, the method comprising:

catching the stormwater in one or more inlets of a stormwater system;

after catching the stormwater, directing the stormwater and the trash and debris therein to an outlet pipe disposed adjacent a stormwater pond;

directing the stormwater from the outlet pipe into the stormwater pond;

attaching a flexible permeable bag filter to an outlet end portion of the outlet pipe;

directing the stormwater from the outlet pipe through the bag filter and into the stormwater pond;

as the stormwater flows through the bag filter, catching the trash and debris in the bag filter and preventing the trash and debris from being discharged into the stormwater pond;

retaining the trash and debris in the bag filter while stormwater flows through the bag filter; and

at selected times, opening the bag filter and removing accumulated trash and debris therefrom.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the bag filter is elongated and includes two opposed closeable openings, a first opening extending around a portion of an outer end portion of the outlet pipe and a second opening normally closed but openable for removing accumulated trash and debris.

11. The method of claim 10 including closing or partially closing each of said first and second openings via a drawstring.

12. The method of claim 9 further including:

securing a plurality of studs or screws to an outlet end portion of the outlet pipe;

securing the bag filter to said studs or screws such that an inlet opening formed in said bag filter extends at least partially across the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe.

13. The method of claim 9 further including:

driving a pair of stakes into a ground on opposite sides of an outlet end portion of the outlet pipe such that the stakes lie adjacent the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and

securing the bag filter to the stakes such that an inlet opening formed in the bag filter extends across the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe.

14. A stormwater system for capturing and retaining trash and debris entrained in stormwater passing through the system, comprising:

one or more stormwater inlets configured to receive stormwater runoff from an area;

an outlet pipe configured to receive the stormwater runoff received by the one or more inlets;

the outlet pipe including an outlet end portion configured to discharge the stormwater runoff;

a stormwater pond configured to receive the stormwater discharge from the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe; and

an elongated mesh bag connected to said outlet end portion of said outlet pipe and extending outwardly from a terminal end of the outlet pipe and extending towards the stormwater pond such that at least a portion of the elongated mesh bag hangs or is suspended from the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe;

the elongated mesh bag including first and second openings formed on opposite ends thereof;

first and second drawstrings operatively associated with said first and second openings for closing said first and second openings;

wherein said first opening is configured to extend across the outlet end portion of the outlet pipe and is configured to capture trash and debris entrained in the stormwater being discharged from the outlet pipe; and

wherein the second opening assumes a normally closed position but is configured to assume an open position at selected times to enable the captured trash and debris to be removed from the elongated mesh bag.