Drainage apparatus and methods for installing

Abstract

A drainage apparatus includes a body of material that is bendable along at least one hinge, thereby defining a first portion and a second portion of the body of material relative to a hinge axis. The drainage apparatus is adaptable to the contour of two surfaces and may further include a plurality of spacer members extending from the lower surface of the body of material. The apparatus may be used in a drainage system.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus for use with static structures, e.g., as a component of a drain tile system. Drain tile systems are commonly used where building structures such as commercial sites or dwellings have basements or other subterranean levels that are below a water table. They also may be used where water can seep into the lower walls of a building because of poor drainage around the building or because soil conditions hold water against the building.

When a conventional drain tile system is installed, a trench is dug to lay drain tile along side the interior side of an exterior wall. Backfill material is typically poured into the trench until the backfill material surpasses the bottom of the wall, and openings are made in the wall to allow the water or other fluid to leave the wall. Tubing or a cove plate is installed to direct the water to the backfill material.

Typically, water is directed away from the walls towards a trench in which drain tile has been installed to then carry the water to a sump pump. Drain tile systems that use tubing or cove plating, however, encounter several disadvantages. Cove plating is advantageous relative to tubing in that it does not clog as easily, and it provides continuous drainage along the perimeter of a wall or other surface in which fluid outlet openings have been made. Yet, cove plating is hard to adapt to situations where the fluid outlet openings are higher along a wall than otherwise might be desirable, to accommodate situations such as, for example, where construction debris such as cement has accumulated in the bottom of the wall. Further, without limitation, systems using tubing or cove plating often leave foundations weaker, because the flooring excavated to install the system often cannot be restored near to its original condition and shifting of such structure may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus and methods for installing the drainage apparatus. At least in one embodiment, once installed, the drainage apparatus can be used to direct the flow of a fluid (e.g., water) from a fluid outlet opening in a static structure (e.g., a basement wall), along a passageway created between the drainage apparatus and one or more surface areas of the static structure (e.g., a wall, footings, or the like), and to a receptacle or receiving area (e.g., an excavated and backfilled trench having drain tile therein).

For example, at least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus can be used as a component of a drain tile system for use in directing water away from a wall of a building or other static structure towards a trench in which drain tile has been installed to then carry the water to a sump pump. The drainage apparatus includes one or more hinges, along any of which the drainage apparatus may be bent to form a cove or first portion that is at least partly positionable adjacent the wall and in front of one or more fluid outlet openings, and a second portion that is at least partly positionable over the trench to direct and/or allow water to flow to the drain tile in the trench.

At least in one embodiment, a drainage apparatus includes a body of material, one or more hinges associated with the body of material, and a plurality of spacer members. The body of material extends along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, wherein the body of material includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the body of material includes at least a first edge extending along the length of the body of material. The one or more hinges associated with the body of material extend along the length thereof, wherein each hinge is configured to allow a first portion of the body of material to move about a hinge axis relative to a second portion of the body of material. The spacer members extend from the lower surface of the body of material.

Various embodiments include one or more of the following features: the hinges are configured to allow the first portion of the body of material to vary in size; the body of material is bendable substantially only about each hinge axis; one or more of the hinges are living hinges; one or more of the plurality of spacer members are integrally formed with the body of material; one or more of the spacer members each defines a cavity open at the upper surface of the body of material; wherein one or more drainage apparatus are adjoinable by frictionally fitting together one or more spacer members from each drainage board; and wherein a drainage board further includes a cove guard member.

At least in one embodiment, one or more drainage apparatus are connected to create a drainage system. The drainage system includes at least one first drainage apparatus further including a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting member associated with the body of material and proximate one of the first and second ends of the body of material. The drainage system also includes at least one second drainage apparatus further including a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting member associated with the body of material and proximate one of the first and second ends of the body of material. At least one connecting member of the first drainage apparatus and the at least one connecting member of the second drainage apparatus are configured for use in providing a frictionally fit connection to adjoin the body of material of the first drainage apparatus with the body of material of the second drainage apparatus.

At least in one exemplary embodiment, the drainage system further includes a strap member that includes a plurality of connection elements that are frictionally fit with one or more connecting members of the at least one first drainage apparatus and the at least one second drainage apparatus to adjoin them.

At least in another exemplary embodiment, each connecting member is a spacer member, one or more of which each defines a cavity. As such, one or more connecting members of the at least one first drainage apparatus frictionally fit with one or more connecting members of the at least one second drainage apparatus.

At least in one embodiment, a method for use in installing a drainage apparatus against a static structure includes providing a drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof and at least one hinge extending along the length of the body of material, wherein the at least one hinge allows for movement of a first portion of the body of material relative to a second portion of the body of material about a hinge axis; preparing a first surface to receive at least a part of the first portion of the drainage apparatus; preparing a second surface adjoined with the first surface at an angle relative thereto to receive at least a part of the second portion of the drainage apparatus; bending the body of material along the hinge axis to adapt the drainage apparatus to a contour of the first and second surfaces so that at least a part of the first portion of the body of material is adjacent a portion of the first surface and at least a part of the second portion of the body of material is adjacent a portion of the second surface; and positioning the drainage apparatus relative to the adjoining surfaces.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drainage apparatus installed as a component of an exemplary drain tile system.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a drainage apparatus that may be used in a drain tile system, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the drainage apparatus in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the drainage apparatus in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the drainage apparatus in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is a top diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.

FIG. 6B is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.

FIG. 6C is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.

FIG. 6D is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.

FIG. 6E is a top diagrammatic view of another exemplary embodiment of a strap member adjoining two drainage apparatus.

FIG. 6F is a top diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of two overlapping, adjoining drainage apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective exploded view for use in describing the installation of the strap member shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for installing a drain tile system that includes a drainage apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a drainage apparatus, methods for installing the apparatus, and systems using drainage apparatus. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, references are made to the accompanying figures, which figures form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it should be recognized that other embodiments and numerous changes and variations to embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As used herein, the word “bendable” refers to the ability to shape or force a straight body of material, e.g., linear or planar, to assume an angular shape, e.g., to include the appearance of an angle with two adjoining, straight sides.

The present invention may provide one or more advantages. At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus is bendable along one or more hinges so that the height of the cove or first portion of the drainage apparatus is adjustable. Thus, for example, the cove portion can be used in conjunction with openings in cinder blocks where the openings are higher than usual. The cove or first portion also can accommodate thin floors without trimming paneling or other finish work. Further, with one or more hinges, the drainage apparatus is adaptable to surfaces such as walls, floors, or the tops of footings that are either not level or uneven.

When a drain tile system is retrofitted into a previously built structure, permanently removing floor mass can cause a foundation or wall to move or shift. Thus, it is desirable to restore a floor as fully as possible. When a drainage apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed instead of a conventional cove plate, less backfill material can be used and more of the excavated floor can be restored to return more of the floor's strength back against the foundation or wall. Further, plastic sheeting is unnecessary when the drainage apparatus is installed, so moisture gaps caused by shifting plastic are eliminated.

At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus has a cove guard member that helps contain the fluid in a passageway partly defined by an installed drainage apparatus. Further, this cove guard member assists in sealing an interior environment from radon leaks and helps prevent insects from getting into a drainage system and breeding.

At least in one embodiment, two or more drainage apparatus can be adjoined to form a seamless or continuous passageway along an entire perimeter of a wall to allow water to flow from water outlet openings in the wall to a drain tile.

Further, at least in one embodiment, a drainage apparatus according to the present invention is made of a polymer that provides both strength and durability to the apparatus and the system.

Although most of the above-described advantages of the drainage apparatus have been described with reference to a drain tile system, many of these advantages are also available when other embodiments of the drainage apparatus are used as components of other drainage systems. For example, without limitation, a drainage apparatus may be used in a drainage system that does not include a drain tile because the soil drains well, such as sandy soil. Further, a drainage apparatus may be used to direct radon to an exhaust duct or fan for venting it outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary environment in which an embodiment of a drainage apparatus 32 may be used is along a static structure such as, without limitation, the interior side of a wall 12 of a building where the drainage apparatus 32 is used as a component of a drain tile system 10. The drain tile system 10 includes a trench 24 that is excavated along the wall surface area 14 of a wall 12 and the surface areas 18, 19 of any footing 16. Drain tile 30 is laid along the trench to receive water therein and to allow the flow of water through the drain tile 30. The trench is filled with backfill material 26, preferably until upper surface 28 of the backfill material 26 is about level with the bottom 15 of the wall 12 and/or level with the upper footing surface area 18. Water is directed from the wall through water or fluid outlet openings 13 provided along the bottom 15 of the wall 12, e.g., in the hollow 17 of the wall 12.

A continuous passageway 38 from the water outlet openings 13 to the backfill material upper surface 28 is created using a drainage apparatus 32. The drainage apparatus 32 includes at least one hinge but preferably a plurality of hinges 35 where the drainage apparatus 32 is bendable, thereby defining two portions, a cove or first portion 33 for use adjacent the wall surface area 14 in front of the water outlet openings 13, and a bottom or second portion 34 that extends outwardly from the wall surface area 14 over and adjacent to any upper footing surface area 18 and over at least a part of, but preferably the entirety of, the backfill material upper surface 28.

The passageway 38 is realized because spacer members 39 on the bottom surface 37 of the drainage apparatus 32 define a void between the drainage apparatus 32 and the various surfaces 14, 18, and 28. At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 32 has a cove guard member 36 extending along the first portion 33 to help contain water in the passageway 38 and prevent radon from escaping into an interior environment. If any flooring material was removed to excavate the trench, restoration flooring material 22 can then be provided over at least a part of the drainage apparatus 32, preferably leaving a part, e.g., approximately one-quarter inch, of the first portion 33 exposed, to conform as desirable with the old flooring 20.

The drainage apparatus can be installed for use with other static structure systems as well, to direct the flow of a fluid. For example, without limitation, a drainage apparatus may be used in a drainage system that does not include a drain tile because the soil drains well, such as sandy soil. Further, a drainage apparatus may be used to direct radon to an exhaust duct or fan for venting it outside.

When the drainage apparatus 32 includes a plurality of hinges, it is adaptable to various surface area configurations having one or more surface areas, for example, without limitation, wherein two surface areas are adjoined at an angle relative to one another. For example, a first surface area, e.g., wall surface area 14, having at least one fluid outlet opening 13 is prepared to receive at least part of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32 in a position adjacent to the first surface area. A second surface area, e.g., upper footing surface area 18 and backfill material upper surface 28, positioned at an angle relative to the first surface area, is prepared to receive at least part of the second portion 34 of the drainage apparatus 32 in a position adjacent to the second surface area.

The drainage apparatus 32 is bent along one of the hinges 35 to adapt the drainage apparatus 32 to the contour of the adjoining surface areas, e.g., footing upper surface area 18 and wall surface area 14, so that at least part of the first portion 33 is positionable adjacent the first surface area (e.g., wall surface area 14) in front of the at least one fluid outlet 13, which is generally made at a position to accommodate such coverage, and at least part of the second portion 34 is positionable adjacent the second surface area (e.g., upper surface area 18). Fluid may then traverse the passageway 38 created between the drainage apparatus 32 and the surface areas, such as, without limitation, when the fluid is being gravitationally directed.

FIGS. 2-7 show various exemplary embodiments of drainage apparatus 32 such as shown generally in FIG. 1. For example, drainage apparatus 100 is shown in FIGS. 2-5. FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a drainage apparatus for a drain tile system, illustrating four living hinges, cavities in spacer members, and a cove guard member extending along a first edge. FIG. 3 is a view of the bottom of the same embodiment illustrating the spacer members, FIG. 4 is a side view of the same embodiment illustrating its planar shape and the bending of the apparatus into an angular shape, and FIG. 5 is a top view of the same embodiment illustrating its elongated, rectangular shape.

The drainage apparatus 100 includes a body of material 120 extending along a length 122 (see FIG. 5) thereof between a first end 124 and a second end 126. The body of material 120 includes an upper surface 128, a lower surface 130, and at least a first edge 132 extending along the length 122 of the body of material 120. The drainage apparatus 100 also includes one or more hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material 120 and extending along the length 122 thereof. Further, a plurality of spacer members 170 extend from the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120.

Each hinge 150-153 includes a respective hinge axis 154-157. The drainage apparatus 120 is bendable substantially only at each hinge 150-153 about its respective hinge axis 154-157. As shown in FIG. 4, when bent along a hinge axis 154-157, a first portion 141 and a second portion 142 of the body of material 120 are defined with respect to that hinge axis 154-157. For example, when bent at hinge 153, a first portion 138 and a second portion 140 of the body of material 120 are defined as shown in FIG. 4. The drainage apparatus 100 includes a plurality of hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material 120, which are configured so that each will proportion the body of material 120 into different sized first portions and second portions. Each hinge 150-153 is preferably configured to allow the first portion 141 of the body of material 120 to move radially about the respective hinge axis 154-157 relative to the second portion 142 of the body of material 120.

Preferably, the body of material 120 is substantially planar, and the surfaces 128 and 130 are a substantially rectangular shape. The body of material's cross-sectional profile transverse to the length 122 of the body of material 120 is a substantially linear shape at a time before the drainage apparatus 100 is installed, and at least one embodiment has a substantially L-shape after the drainage apparatus 100 is installed. As used in this paragraph, the word “substantially” refers to the overall shape or appearance of the body of material at some point in time and, for example, allows for an angle defining such shape to vary slightly but still retain an appearance of such a shape. Any body of material 120 may be used that can form a continuous passageway for directing water or another fluid from one position, e.g., a water or fluid outlet opening in a structure to another position, e.g., a receiving area. Thus, those skilled in the art should be aware that other shapes may be useful for achieving this end, depending upon the immediate environment in which the drainage apparatus 100 is being used.

The body of material 120 preferably is made of a strong and durable commercially available material, such as a polymer like polyvinyl chloride. Other less durable materials, however, such as cardboard, wax coated cardboard, sheet metal, or mesh also may be used.

The length 122 and width 123 of each fabricated individual drainage apparatus 100 may vary depending on a multitude of factors, such as manufacturing costs, commercial demand, convenience, etc. Preferably, the body of material 120 further includes a second edge 136 spaced from the first edge 132 by distance 123 (see FIG. 5) that allows, for example, without limitation, a drainage trench of a drainage tile system to be entirely covered by the second portion 142 of the body of material 120. In one embodiment, an unfinished drainage apparatus preferably is about 6 feet long by 12 inches wide.

Preferably, the body of material 120 is bendable substantially only along each hinge 150-153. As used herein, the phrase “bendable substantially only” or like phrases refer to a body of material that is bendable at an angle and can retain such angle with little or no forces holding the bent material at such an angle, even though other locations may have some overall flexibility. Thus, when the drainage apparatus 100 is bent substantially only at one hinge 150-153, such as in a typical drain tile system installation, the cross-sectional profile of the drainage apparatus 100 transverse to the length 122 of the body of material 120 is L-shaped to allow the drainage apparatus 100 to fit adjacent both a wall surface and a horizontal surface such as the top surface of any footing. Those skilled in the art should recognize that more than one hinge 150-153 can be used at any time to bend the body of material 120. It is preferable, however, that the drainage apparatus 100 fit adjacent the static structure where it is installed, e.g., typically against two surfaces that lie orthogonal to each other.

At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 has two or more hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material 120. By selectively bending the body of material 120, the first portion 141 of the body of material 120 may vary in size. This is advantageous in a drain tile system, for example, because sometimes concrete is disposed in the bottom of a wall, and water outlet openings, e.g., openings 13 of FIG. 1, need to be made somewhat higher than usual. By selectively bending the body of material 120 at the appropriate hinges 150-153, a first portion 141 of sufficient size can be selected to position adjacent the wall in front of the higher openings. The size of the first portion 141 is, of course, limited by the distance 123 between the first edge 132 and second edge 136 of the drainage apparatus 100 and placement of the hinges 150-153 associated with the body of material 120.

At least in one embodiment, at least one of the hinges 150-153 is a living hinge, and preferably all of the hinges 150-153 are living hinges, integrally formed with the body of material 120. Living hinges are thin sections of material that connect two portions of a body of a material to keep the portions together while allowing the body of material to bend. The materials used to form living hinges are often flexible polymers such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Living hinges associated with the drainage apparatus 100, however, generally need to bend only a few times, so they can also be made from, for example, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride.

In at least one embodiment, a living hinge, for example, living hinge 151, includes a channel 158 defined in the upper surface 128 of the body of material 120. The channel 158 is configured to allow the living hinge 151 to move through a predetermined range of motion about the hinge axis 155, preferably at least 90 degrees so that the drainage apparatus 100 can be formed into an L-shape, and more preferably an even larger range so that the drainage apparatus 100 can be adapted to structures where a wall and floor and/or footings do not meet at a right angle but form an angle less than 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the living hinge 151 includes two opposing channels. For example, the hinge 151 may include a first channel 158 defined in the upper surface 128 of the body of material 120 and a second channel 159 defined in the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120. This configuration allows the drainage apparatus 100 to bend more easily in both directions to accommodate, for example, uneven surfaces.

At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 includes a plurality of spacer members 170 extending from the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120. Such spacer members 170 may serve one or more purposes. For example, one function may be to maintain a passageway between the body of material 120 and the structural surfaces with respect to which the drainage apparatus 100 is positioned, so that fluid can flow between the body of material 120 and these surfaces. Preferably, the spacer members 170 are integrally formed with the body of material 120, although they may also be connected to the body of material 120 by, for example, any mechanical device or fastener or any chemical process such as bonding.

Those skilled in the art should be aware that the shape of the spacer members 170 is practically unlimited. Preferably, they include a planar surface 171 so that frictional contact between such surfaces 171 of the drainage apparatus 100 and a structural surface, e.g., wall against which they are placed, helps hold the drainage apparatus 100 in position.

At least in some embodiments, the spacer members 170, or one or more surfaces thereof, have a geometric shape such as a circle, ellipse, teardrop, triangle, square, diamond or other shape. At least in one embodiment, the shape has at least one apex 172, and the spacer members 170 are configured so that an apex 172 on each spacer member 170 faces towards the first edge 132 of the body of material 120 and against the generally expected direction of fluid flow in the defined passageway when the drainage apparatus 100 is installed. In doing so, the amount of debris that might otherwise become caught up on surfaces of the spacer member 170 is reduced.

In at least one embodiment, the spacer member has a predetermined height 176. The height 176 allows water or other fluid to flow along the surfaces creating the passageway, such as in FIG. 1, in a more laminar flow and at a rate that is acceptable for the purposes of the particular installation.

At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 includes a cove guard member 180 extending along at least a portion of the first edge 132 of the body of material 120 and outwardly from the lower surface 130 of the body of material 120. The cove guard member 180 is used to reduce the likelihood that fluid can escape over the first portion 141 and/or radon can leak into an interior environment. Preferably, the cove guard member 180 is connected to the first edge 132 continuously along the length 122 of the body of material 120. Preferably, the cove guard member 180 is integrally formed with the first edge 132 of the body of material 120 and forms a predetermined angle 182 with the body of material 120. Preferably the angle 182 is greater than 10 but less than 90 degrees, and most preferably 45 degrees, and preferably the distance 184 perpendicular from the first portion 141 to the distal end 186 of the cove guard member 180 is the same as the height 176 of the spacer members 170. Thus, when the body of material 120 is bent along one or more hinges 150-153, the cove guard member 180 is part of and resides along the top of the first portion 141 when the drainage apparatus 100 is properly positioned and the distal end of the cove guard is in contact with the wall surface area 14.

At least in one embodiment, one or more spacer members 170 each define a cavity 174 open at the upper surface 128 of the body of material 120. When flooring material such as cement is provided to restore a floor over a drainage apparatus 100, the flooring material can enter one or more of these cavities 174, thereby returning much of the strength of the old flooring against the foundation, e.g., wall 12 and footing 16 to maintain their integrity. This also helps prevent the drainage apparatus 100 from shifting out of position, which may cause moisture leaks between the cove guard member 180 and the structural wall or between adjoining drainage apparatus 100.

At least in one embodiment, the drainage apparatus 100 are configured to adjoin to each other, upon being appropriately aligned, to form a drainage system. Those skilled in the art should recognize that there are numerous configurations to accomplish this adjoining, including configurations wherein two drainage apparatus are abutted next to each other and configurations wherein two drainage apparatus overlap. Preferably, drainage apparatus are frictionally fit together to minimize the number of additional parts needed to connect them, although those skilled in the art should recognize that there are many other ways to connect them, such as various kinds of mechanical fasteners and chemical bonding methods.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6F, at least in one embodiment, a first set of one or more spacer members 270 define cavities 274 that are larger than a second set of one or more spacer members 271. By appropriately configuring the first set of spacer members 270 on one drainage apparatus 220 and the second set of spacer members 271 on a second drainage apparatus 221, the two drainage apparatus 221 and 220 can be overlapped, aligned, and frictionally fit together by pressing the smaller second set of spacer members 271 into the cavities of the larger first set of spacer members 270. The contour of the cavities 274 and the exterior surfaces (not shown) of the second set of spacer members 271 correspond to enhance the frictional fit. Preferably, the cavities 274 of the first set of spacer members 271 have a bottom surface and one or more, and most preferably a plurality of, peripheral walls.

Those skilled in the art should recognize that there are numerous permutations for this overlapping configuration. For example, a structure facing upwardly from an upper surface of a drainage apparatus to fit into an opening defined in a second drainage apparatus may be used. In yet another example, ends of two drainage apparatus may be configured to be interlocking.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and 7, one or more strap members 290 are used to adjoin two abutting drainage apparatus 210 and 211. Each strap member 290 includes a main body 291 further including a lower surface 292 and at least two connection elements 295 extending therefrom. At least one connection element 295 is configured to frictionally fit with a connecting member 296 on each of the drainage apparatus 210 and 211. Preferably, at least two connection elements 295 frictionally fit with corresponding connecting members 296 on each drainage apparatus 210 and 211 so that the bodies of material of each drainage apparatus 210 and 211 cannot shift with respect to one another, e.g., to prevent a moisture leak. Further, preferably the connecting member 296 on each drainage apparatus 210 and 211 is the same feature used as a spacer member, e.g., FIG. 3, 170.

Those skilled in the art should be aware that there are numerous configurations that may use a strap member to connect two drainage apparatus. For example, the connection elements of a strap member may frictionally fit into an opening defined in each drainage apparatus, a structure on each drainage apparatus may frictionally fit into an opening defined in a strap member, or a strap member may be used without any connection elements to interlock with each of two drainage apparatus to adjoin them.

FIG. 6A illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with a connecting member of each drainage apparatus 210, 211, which connecting members are directly across from one another. FIG. 6B illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with a connecting member of each drainage apparatus 210, 211, which connecting members are positioned diagonally from one another. FIG. 6C illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with two connecting members of each drainage apparatus 210, 211. FIG. 6D illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with three connecting members of each drainage apparatus 210, 211. FIG. 6E illustrates a strap member 290 adjoining two drainage apparatus 210, 211 by frictionally fitting with an array of connecting members along an end of each drainage board 210, 211. FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the installation of the strap member in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 further illustrates conforming the contours of connection elements 295 to correspond to those of the connecting members 296 on each of the drainage apparatus 210, 211.

The installation of a drainage apparatus as a component of a drain tile system or other system involves some procedures that are common to all such systems and other procedures that are distinct to a particular system. By way of illustration only, an installation flowchart is shown in FIG. 8, which describes an exemplary installation method 300 for installing a drainage apparatus 32 (FIG. 1) as a component of a drain tile system such as system 10 shown in FIG. 1. The system reference numerals shown in FIG. 1 shall be used to assist in describing the method.

First, an area for installation is chosen, which area is typically along the interior side of an outside wall 12 of a building or other static structure. A trench 24 is excavated (block 302) into the floor 20 along the wall 12, which trench 24 continues down past the bottom 15 of the wall 12 and below any upper footing surface 18 of a footing 16 supporting the wall 12. The trench 24 preferably is anywhere between 12 and 14 inches wide and 8 to 24 inches deep. The trench 28 runs along side the wall 12 and the surfaces 18, 19 of the footing 16, which trench 28 has a first end and a second end that may be coextensive with the length of the wall.

The wall surface area 14 and upper footing surface area 18 are prepared to receive a drainage apparatus 32 (block 304) positionable adjacent thereto. Often, this involves scraping at least some debris, for example, construction debris such as wood or excess cement, free from the surface areas 14, 18. Preferably, the surface areas 14, 18 are made as clean and as level as practical both for convenience in installing the drainage apparatus 32 and to maintain a continuous passageway 38 between the drainage apparatus 32 and the surface areas 14, 18.

Backfill material 26 such as gravel, stones, or other permeable material is often backfilled into the trench 24 (block 306) to prepare the trench 24 to receive the drain tile 30. Preferably, three-quarter inch washed river rock is used, since it holds dirt and silt back well and generally does not undermine the strength of the flooring and any footings. Preferably, the bedding of backfill material 26 slopes from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench in preparation to receive the drain tile 30.

Drain tile 30 is positioned in the trench 24 so that the drain tile 30 also slopes from one end of the trench to the other end of the trench, and water thus may flow through the drain tile 30 towards a sump pump. Preferably the drain tile 30 is a pipe with a line of holes made along the length of the pipe. The pipe is positioned with the holes facing towards the bottom of the trench 24 to receive water as early as possible. Another commonly used drain tile is a hose with slits or holes. Other conduits are also available for use. Once the drain tile 30 is installed, the trench 24 can be further backfilled (block 310), preferably up to the upper footing surface 18 or the bottom of the wall 15. Preferably the same backfill material 26 as described above is used.

To direct water or other fluid from the wall 12, one or more water or fluid outlet openings 13 are made in the surface area 14 of the wall 12 (block 312) along the bottom of the wall 12, which openings 13 are small enough so that they do not affect the integrity of the wall 12. Where the wall 12 has hollows 17 in which the water can collect, such as in a cinder block wall, often an opening 13 is made through the surface area 14 of the wall 12 and into each hollow 17. The openings 13 are made along the bottom of the wall 15 at a height from the bottom of the wall 15 that allows a first portion 33 of one or more drainage apparatus 32 to be positioned in front of each opening 13 so that any cove guard member 36 extending along the top of the first portion 33 can prevent water from spilling over the first portion 33 and radon from escaping.

A drainage apparatus 32 is obtained and trimmed for the particular project (block 314). Often this means that the length of the drainage apparatus 32 will be trimmed. Once the desirable height of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32 is determined and the hinge(s) 35 along which the body (of material) will be bent are selected for the contour of the surface areas 14, 18, 28, the width of the second portion 34 can be determined and the excess trimmed off as desirable. The desirable width of the second portion depends on the extent to which it is desirable to position the drainage apparatus 32 over the backfill material 26; preferably the backfill material 26 is entirely covered.

The body of material of the drainage apparatus 32 is bent along the appropriate hinges (block 316) so that the body of material conforms to the contour of the surface areas 14, 18, 28. At least part of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32 is then properly positioned adjacent the wall surface area 14 and at least part of the second portion 34 of the drainage apparatus 32 is properly positioned adjacent the upper footing surface 18 and at least a part of the backfill material upper surface 28. Preferably, when properly positioned, the cove guard member 36 resides adjacent to and contacts the wall 12 above the water outlet openings 13, and one or more of the spacer members 39 are used to define a passageway 38 between the water outlet openings 13 and the trench 24.

When the drainage apparatus 32 has been properly installed, spacer members 39 of the drainage apparatus 32 abut both the wall surface area 14 and the upper footing surface 18. Then, when any excavated flooring is restored as desirable (block 320), such as filling cement over the drainage apparatus 32 and into any cavities in the spacer members 39, preferably including up to the top one-quarter inch of the first portion 33 of the drainage apparatus 32, much of the original strength of the floor is restored and the integrity of the foundation of the static structure is maintained.

Claims

1. A drainage apparatus comprising:

a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, wherein the body of material comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the body of material comprises at least a first edge extending along the length of the body of material;

at least one hinge associated with the body of material and extending along the length thereof, wherein the hinge is configured to allow a first portion of the body of material to move about a hinge axis relative to a second portion of the body of material; and

a plurality of spacer members extending from the lower surface of the body of material.

2. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material comprises a substantially planar body of material having a substantially rectangular shape.

3. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional profile of the body of material transverse to the length of the body of material has a substantially linear shape at a time before installation of the drainage apparatus and a substantially L-shape after installation.

4. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the body of material moves radially about the hinge axis relative to the second portion of the body of material.

5. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge comprises a plurality of hinges associated with the body of material, wherein the plurality of hinges are configured to allow the first portion of the body of material to vary in size.

6. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material is bendable substantially only about each hinge axis.

7. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hinge comprises a living hinge.

8. The drainage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one living hinge comprises a channel defined in the upper surface of the body of material to allow the living hinge to move through a predetermined range of motion about the hinge axis.

9. The drainage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one living hinge comprises two opposing channels, wherein the two opposing channels comprise a first channel defined in the upper surface of the body of material and a second channel defined in the lower surface of the body of material.

10. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of spacer members are integrally formed with the body of material.

11. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of spacer members has a geometric shape selected from a group of geometric shapes consisting of a circle, an ellipse, a tear-drop, a triangle, a square, and a diamond.

12. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of spacer members has a geometric shape that includes at least one apex, wherein the apex faces towards the first edge of the body of material.

13. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of spacer members each defines a cavity open at the upper surface of the body of material.

14. The drainage apparatus of claim 13, wherein the drainage apparatus is configured to be adjoinable to a second drainage apparatus by frictionally fitting at least one spacer member of the drainage apparatus into a cavity defined by a corresponding spacer member of the second drainage apparatus.

15. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cove guard member extending along at least a portion of the first edge of the body of material and outwardly from the bottom surface of the body of material.

16. The drainage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cove guard member is connected to the first edge continuously along the length of the body of material.

17. The drainage apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cove guard member is integrally formed with the first edge and forms a predetermined angle with the body of material.

18. The drainage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body of material further comprises a second edge spaced from the first edge by a distance that allows a drainage trench of a drainage tile system to be entirely covered by the second portion of the body of material.

19. A drainage apparatus for use in a drain tile system, the drainage apparatus comprising:

a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, wherein the body of material comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the body of material comprises at least a first edge extending along the length of the body of material;

a plurality of living hinges integrally formed with the body of material and extending along the length thereof, wherein each living hinge is configured to allow a first portion of the body of material to move about a hinge axis relative to a second portion of the body of material; and

a plurality of spacer members integrally formed with the body of material and extending from the lower surface thereof.

20. The drainage apparatus of claim 19, wherein the body of material is bendable substantially only about each hinge axis.

21. The drainage apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a cove guard member extending along at least a portion of the first edge of the body of material and outwardly from the bottom surface of the body of material, wherein the cove guard member is integrally formed with the first edge.

22. A drainage apparatus comprising:

a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, wherein the body of material comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least a first edge extending along the length of the body of material;

means associated with the body of material for allowing the body of material to bend about a plurality of axes extending along the length of the body of material; and

means for spacing the body of material from at least two surfaces located at an angle relative to one another when the body of material is positioned adjacent thereto.

23. A drainage system comprising:

a first drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting member associated with the body of material and proximate one of the first and second ends of the body of material; and

a second drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and at least one connecting member associated with the body of material and proximate one of the first and second ends of the body of material, wherein the at least one connecting member of the first drainage apparatus and the at least one connecting member of the second drainage apparatus are configured for use in providing a frictionally fit connection to adjoin the body of material of the first drainage apparatus with the body of material of the second drainage apparatus.

24. The drainage system of claim 23, wherein the drainage system further comprises a strap member comprising a main body and a plurality of connection elements, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connection elements is configured to frictionally fit with the at least one connecting member associated with the body of material of the first drainage apparatus and at least one of the plurality of connection elements is configured to frictionally fit with the at least one connecting member associated with the body of material of the second drainage apparatus.

25. The drainage apparatus of claim 24, wherein the body of material of each drainage apparatus further comprises an upper surface and wherein each connecting member comprises a spacer member that defines a cavity open at the upper surface of the body of material with which it is associated, wherein at least one connecting element of the strap member frictionally fits with at least one spacer member of the first drainage apparatus and at least one connecting element of the strap member frictionally fits with a spacer member of the second drainage apparatus.

26. The drainage system of claim 23, wherein each body of material of each drainage apparatus further comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein each connecting member comprises a spacer member extending from the lower surface of the body of material of the drainage apparatus with which it is associated, and wherein at least one spacer member of the first drainage apparatus frictionally fits with at least one spacer member of the second drainage apparatus.

27. A method for use in installing a drainage apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof and at least one hinge extending along the length of the body of material, wherein the at least one hinge allows for movement of a first portion of the body of material relative to a second portion of the body of material about a hinge axis;

preparing a first surface to receive at least a part of the first portion of the drainage apparatus;

preparing a second surface adjoined with the first surface at an angle relative thereto to receive at least a part of the second portion of the drainage apparatus;

bending the body of material along the hinge axis to adapt the drainage apparatus to a contour of the first and second surfaces so that at least a part of the first portion of the body of material is adjacent a portion of the first surface and at least a part of the second portion of the body of material is adjacent a portion of the second surface; and

positioning the drainage apparatus relative to the adjoining first and second surfaces.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first surface comprises at least one fluid outlet opening, and wherein the method further comprises bending the body of material of the drainage apparatus so that it is positionable in front of the at least one fluid outlet opening.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the body of material of the drainage apparatus comprises a lower surface, wherein the drainage apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacer members extending from the lower surface, and wherein the at least one hinge is a plurality of living hinges.

30. A method for use in installing a drainage apparatus, the method comprising:

excavating a trench along a wall and any footings supporting the wall;

positioning drain tile in the trench configured to receive water therein and to allow water to flow through the drain tile;

making at least one water outlet opening along at least a portion of the wall;

providing a drainage apparatus comprising a body of material extending along a length thereof and at least one hinge associated with the body of material, wherein the at least one hinge allows for movement of a first portion of the body of material relative to a second portion of the body of material about a hinge axis, wherein the drainage apparatus further comprises a plurality of spacer members, and a cove guard member extending along the length of the body of material at a first edge thereof;

bending the body of material to adapt the body of material so that at least a part of the first portion of the body of material is positionable adjacent a portion of the wall in front of the at least one water outlet opening and at least a part of the second portion of the body of material is positionable above the trench and drain tile therein; and

positioning the drainage apparatus relative to the wall so that the cove guard member resides adjacent the wall above the at least one water outlet opening and one or more of the plurality of spacer members define a passageway between the water outlet openings and the trench.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the method further comprises backfilling the trench with a backfill material to a height so that the second portion of the drainage apparatus is at least partly above the backfilled trench and adjacent the backfill material.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of spacer members defines a cavity open at an upper surface of the body of material, and wherein the method further comprises providing flooring material over at least a part of the upper surface and within the cavity.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one hinge is a plurality of living hinges.