Variable space water guard system

A drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain channel arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting the wall. When installed, the back of the wall flashing contacts the wall and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and the drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

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Description
BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a water guard system and, more particularly, to a water guard system having a variable height and/or width.

2. Brief Description of Related Developments

Sub-Floor drain conduit water control systems are used for channeling, collecting and expelling ground water from beneath the floor of basements or other rooms. One such system in U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,044 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a water control system. In this example, a conduit housing directs water from the wall—footing interface to an appropriate drainage path. Other systems, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,443 and 4,745,716 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, disclose water control systems where a channel member is provided between the floor and the wall and a drain pipe is provided below the footing. In these examples, water is directed to the pipe through the fill between the footing and the pipe. A problem arises when there are inconsistencies, for example in floor thickness or footing shape or height. Here, the channel member may not be installed consistently to provide a suitable drainage path. A further problem arises when the fill does not provide a sufficiently porous path for the water. Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a drainage system whereby geometric inconsistencies may be accommodated where the drainage system provides an open and efficient drainage path for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain channel arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting the wall. When installed, the back of the wall flashing contacts the wall and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and the drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain channel having drainage features, the channel arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, the wall flashing having a back, the wall flashing having spacers. When installed, the wall flashing extends above the floor, and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that wall flashing and drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain channel having a combination of straight and rounded walls and drainage features arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting the wall. When installed, the back of the wall flashing contacts the wall and the wall flashing extends over the drain channel and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and the drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation section view of a drainage conduit system incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation section view of a drainage conduit system incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation section view of a drainage conduit system incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation section view of a drainage conduit system incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5D is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5E is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5F is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5G is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5H is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5I is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7C is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7D is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7E is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7F is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8D is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8E is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 8F is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 9-9A are respectively a cross-sectional view of drain system and a foundation system and a partial perspective view of the drain system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 10-10A are respectively a cross-sectional view of a drain system and foundation system and a partial perspective view of the drain system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 11-11A are respectively a cross-sectional view of drain system and a foundation system and a partial perspective view of the drain system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 12-12A are respectively a cross-sectional view of drain system and a foundation system and a partial perspective view of the drain system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, a side elevation section view of a drainage conduit system 10 incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although the embodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

Drainage conduit system 10 is provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14 having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The system 10 has a subfloor drain channel 22 arranged to be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when installed. The system 10 further has a wall flashing 24 adapted to be connected to drain channel 22 when installed. Drain channel 22 and wall flashing 24 may be fabricated of suitable materials, such as PVC or aluminum for example. As a further example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,672,016, 5,501,044, D456,911 and D354,821, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, disclose, for example, exemplary geometries, fabrication techniques and materials. In alternate embodiments the drain channel may have any other suitable configuration. As seen in FIG. 1 drain 22 rest on the footing 18. Wall flashing 24 has a back 26 disposed for contacting wall 20. When installed, back 26 of the wall flashing 24 contacts wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 is shown as having a general L shaped configuration, though the flashing may have other configurations as will be described below. When installed, flashing 24 may extend over drain channel 22, and may be adjustably connected to drain channel 22 so that wall or drainage flashing 24 and drain channel 22 together define a drainage void 30 with a selectably variable space 32 extending away from the wall. For example, the drain 22 may be moved laterally (in the direction of arrow Y1 relative to the wall and to flashing 24. The selectably variable space 32 may be used, for example to increase or decrease the volume of void 30 to provide an effective drainage path or to accommodate geometric inconsistencies. Void 30 is maintained after floor 16 is poured. As may be realized, in this embodiment flashing 24 may also be vertically adjustable in height relative to drain 22, where spacers 38, 40 extend from back 26 of drainage flashing 24 and contact wall 20, and hence the selectably variable space also extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate embodiment, for example, the horizontal portion of flashing 24 may be separate from and/or be adjustably connected to the vertical portion of flashing 24. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 has a span portion 34 spanning between drain channel 22 and wall 20. Here, span portion 34 of wall flashing 22 span over a span distance 36 between wall 20 and drain 22 that is selectably variable and a function of drain 22 position. Here, as noted before, selection of selectably variable space 32 is effected by selecting the span distance 36. Here, drain channel 22 is adapted to have a selectably variable position relative to the wall flashing to accommodate variables such as positioning accuracy, pour effects or otherwise. Subfloor drain channel 22 may have drainage features, such as holes, slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 is connected to drain channel 22 when installed by resting wall flashing 24 on the top surface of drain 22. The back 26 of wall flashing 24 has spacers 38, 40 that allow seepage to pass and provide venting for void 30. In alternate embodiments, spacers may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is poured. Here, wall flashing 24 is adjustably connected to drain channel 22 so that wall flashing 24 and drain channel 22 together define a drainage void 30 with a selectably variable space where drainage void may extend into channel 22 from and through flashing 24 through spacers 38, 40. In the embodiment shown, subfloor drain channel 22 is shown substantially rectangular with a substantially flat top section 44. In alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel 22 may be provided with alternate shapes, such as with a U shape or combination of straight and rounded walls for example.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown, a side elevation section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit system 60 incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 60 is provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14 having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The system 60 has a subfloor drain channel 62 arranged to be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when installed. The system 60 further has a wall flashing 64 adapted to be connected to drain channel 62 when installed. Wall flashing 64 has a back 66 disposed for contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 64 is shown bent in shape and when installed, extends over drain channel 62, is adjustably connected to drain channel 62 so that wall flashing 64 and drain channel 62 together define a drainage void 70 with a selectably variable space 72 extending away from the wall. In the embodiment shown, flashing 64 is also vertically adjustable in height relative to drain 62 by lateral movement of drain 62. Spacers 78, 80 extend from back 66 of drainage flashing 64 where spacers 78, 80 contact wall 20 and the selectably variable space also extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate embodiment, for example, the angled portion of flashing 64 may be separate from and/or be adjustably connected to the vertical portion of flashing 64. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 64 has a span portion 74 spanning between drain channel 62 and wall 20. Here, span portion 74 of wall flashing 62 has a span distance between wall 20 and drain 62 that is selectably variable and a function of drain 62 position. Here, Selection of selectably variable space 72 is effected by selecting the span distance 76. Here, drain channel 62 is adapted to have a selectably variable position relative to wall flashing 64 to accommodate variables such as positioning accuracy, pour effects or otherwise. Subfloor drain channel 62 may have drainage features, such as holes, slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 64 is connected to drain channel 62 when installed by resting wall flashing 64 on the top surface of drain 62. The back 66 of wall flashing 64 has spacers 78, 80 that allow seepage to pass and provide venting for void 70. In alternate embodiments, spacers may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 64 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is poured. Here, wall flashing 64 is adjustably connected to drain channel 62 so that wall flashing 64 and drain channel 62 together define a drainage void 70 with a selectably variable space where drainage void may extend into channel 62 from and through flashing 64 through spacers 78, 80. In the embodiment shown, subfloor drain channel 62 is shown substantially triangular with a substantially flat diagonal section 84. In alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel 62 may be provided with alternate shapes, such as with a U shape or combination of straight and rounded walls for example.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown, a side elevation section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit system 100 incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 100 is provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14 having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The system 100 has a subfloor drain channel 112 arranged to be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when installed. The system 100 further has a wall flashing 114 adapted to be connected to drain channel 112 when installed. Wall flashing 114 has a back 116 disposed for contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 114 is shown vertically flat in shape. In alternate embodiments, flashing 114 may have a shape and when installed extend over drain channel 112. Wall flashing 114 is adjustably connected to drain channel 112 so that wall flashing 114 and drain channel 112 together define a drainage void 120 with a selectably variable space 122 extending up from floor 18. In alternate embodiments flashing 114 may also be horizontally adjustable by lateral movement of drain 112. Spacers 128, 130 extend from back 116 of drainage flashing 114 where spacers 128, 130 contact wall 20 and the selectably variable space also extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate embodiment, for example, an L or angled portion of flashing 114 may be provided or may be separate from and/or be adjustably connected to the vertical portion of flashing 114. In a further alternate embodiment, flashing may have 2 portions such that flashing 114 may rest on the top surface of footing 114 while being vertically adjustable. Subfloor drain channel 112 may have drainage features, such as holes, slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 114 is connected to drain channel 112 when installed by resting wall flashing 114 between wall 20 and drain 62. The back 116 of wall flashing 114 has spacers 128, 130 that allow seepage to pass and provide venting for void 120. In alternate embodiments, spacers may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 114 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is poured. Here, wall flashing 114 is adjustably connected to drain channel 112 so that wall flashing 114 and drain channel 112 together define a drainage void 120 with a selectably variable space where drainage void may extend into channel 112 from and through flashing 114 through spacers 118, 120. In the embodiment shown, subfloor drain channel 12 is shown substantially as an inverted U section. In alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel 112 may be provided with alternate shapes, such as with a combination of triangular, straight and/or rounded walls for example.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown, a side elevation section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit system 150 incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 150 is provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14 having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The system 150 has a subfloor drain channel 162 arranged to be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when installed. The system 150 further has a wall flashing 164 adapted to be connected to drain channel 162 when installed. Wall flashing 164 has a back 166 disposed for contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 164 is shown with a rotated T shape and when installed, extends over drain channel 162, is adjustably connected to drain channel 162 so that wall flashing 164 and drain channel 162 together define a drainage void 170 with a selectably variable space 172 extending away from the wall. In an alternate embodiment, flashing 164 may also be vertically adjustable in height relative to drain 162. Spacers 178, 180 extend from back 166 of drainage flashing 164 where spacers 178, 180 contact wall 20 and the selectably variable space also extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate embodiment, for example, the horizontal portion of flashing 164 may be separate from and/or be adjustably connected to the vertical portion of flashing 164 and/or the vertical portion may be of 2 piece construction. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 164 has a span portion 174 spanning between drain channel 162 and wall 20. Here, span portion 174 of wall flashing 162 has a span distance between wall 20 and drain 162 that is selectably variable and a function of drain 162 position. Here, Selection of selectably variable space 172 is effected by selecting the span distance 176. Here, drain channel 162 is adapted to have a selectably variable position relative to wall flashing 164 to accommodate variables such as positioning accuracy, pour effects or otherwise. Subfloor drain channel 162 may have drainage features, such as holes, slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 164 is connected to drain channel 162 when installed by resting wall flashing 164 on the top surface of drain 162. The back 166 of wall flashing 164 has spacers 178, 180 that allow seepage to pass and provide venting for void 170. In alternate embodiments, spacers may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 164 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is poured. Here, wall flashing 164 is adjustably connected to drain channel 162 so that wall flashing 164 and drain channel 162 together define a drainage void 170 with a selectably variable space where drainage void 170 may extend into channel 162 from and through flashing 164 through spacers 178, 180. In the embodiment shown, subfloor drain channel 162 is shown having a flat upper and lower surface with rounded walls. In alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel 62 may be provided with alternate shapes, such as with a U shape, triangular shape or combination of straight and rounded walls for example.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 200 has horizontal portion 202 and vertical portion 204. Flanged portion 206 and spacers 208 are provided on vertical portion 204.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 220 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 220 has horizontal portion 222 and vertical portion 224. Flanged portion 226 and radius separated spacers 228 are provided on vertical portion 224. Horizontal portion 222 and vertical portion 224 are coupled by radius section 230.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 240 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 240 has vertical portion 242 and spacers 244.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 250 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 250 has vertical portion 252, spacers 254 and radius drainage features 256.

Referring now to FIG. 5E, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 260 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 260 has vertical portion 262, spacers 264 and rectangular drainage features 266.

Referring now to FIG. 5F, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 270 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 270 has vertical portion 272, dimpled spacers 274 flange 276.

Referring now to FIG. 5G, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 280 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 280 has horizontal portion 282 and vertical portion 284 extending to the above and below horizontal portion 282. Dimpled spacers 286 and drainage features 288 are provided on vertical portion 284. Dimpled spacers 292 are provided on horizontal portion 282. Horizontal portion 282 and vertical portion 284 may be separable or movable relative to each other at interface 292.

Referring now to FIG. 5H, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 300 has horizontal portion 302 and vertical portion 304. Spacers 306 are provided on vertical portion 304. Spacers 308 are provided on horizontal portion 302. Horizontal portion 302 and vertical portion 304 are coupled by chamfer section 310.

Referring now to FIG. 5I, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 320 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 320 has horizontal portion 322 and vertical portion 324. Spacers 326 are provided on vertical portion 324.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 330 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 330 has angled portion 332 and vertical portion 334 extending from angled portion 332. Spacers 336 provided on vertical portion 334.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 340 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 340 has angled portion 342 and vertical portion 344 extending from angled portion 342. Dimpled spacers 346 and 348 are provided.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 350 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 350 has angled portion 352 and vertical portion 354 extending both above and below angled portion 352. Spacers 356 and drainage features 357 are provided on vertical portion 354. Angled portion 352 and vertical portion 354 may be unitary in construction or separable or movable relative to each other at interface 358.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, there is shown a partial isometric view of a wall flashing 360 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 360 has angled portion 362 and vertical portion 364 extending both above and below angled portion 362. Spacers 366 are provided on vertical portion 364. Angled portion 352 and vertical portion 354 are coupled with horizontal interface section 368.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 380 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 380 has rectangular section 382 having chamfered sections 384, 386. Drainage holes 388, 390 are provided in chamfered sections 384, 386.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 400 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 400 has rectangular section 402 having drainage holes 404, 406.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 410 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 410 has a round section 412 having drainage slots 414.

Referring now to FIG. 7D, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 420 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 420 has rectangular section 422 having curved sides 424 and 426 and drainage holes 428, 430.

Referring now to FIG. 7E, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 440 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 440 has triangular section 442 having drainage holes 444, 446.

Referring now to FIG. 7F, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 450 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 450 has D shaped section 452 having drainage holes 454.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 460 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 460 has rectangular section 462 having chamfered section 464. Drainage holes 466 are provided.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 470 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 470 has rectangular section 472 having an angled surface 474. Drainage holes 476, 478 are provided.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 480 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 480 has perpendicular sections 482, 484 and radius section 486. Drainage holes 488 are provided.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 490 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 490 has an inverted U section 492 and drainage channels 494.

Referring now to FIG. 8E, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 500 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 500 has an inverted U section 502, drainage channels 504, 506 and spacers 508. In alternate embodiments, the U section could be, for example rotated 90 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 8F, there is shown a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 510 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 510 has horizontal section 512 and parallel vertical sections 514, 516, 518. Drainage channels 520, 522 and 524 are also provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-9A there is respectively shown an elevation view of a drain system 650 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment and a schematic perspective view of the drain system 650. In FIG. 9, drain system 650 is shown in an installed position on footing 18 of a foundation system. Drain system 650 is substantially similar to drain systems 350, 360 described before and shown in FIGS. 6C-6D. Similar features are similarly numbered. Drain system 650 may have over flashing portion 654 and drain channel portion 652. The wall flashing portion 654 and drain channel portion 652 may be connected, for example integrally formed together as a one piece member of unitary construction. In alternate embodiments the wall flashing portion and drain channel portion may be separate element connected at installation of the drain system. As with the other embodiments, drain system may be made of plastic (e.g. PVC) or other suitable material. As seen best in FIG. 9A, the drain channel has an open channel configuration. The open channel may have upright portions 652, 654L spanned by wall 658. The opening 651 in the open channel drain section is located to face the footing 18 when the drain system is installed (see FIG. 9). The wall flashing portion 654, extends upwards from the drain channel section, as shown, and has a height so that the flashing projects a desired height above the upper surface of floor 16. The back of the wall flashing 654 may have spacers or offsets similar to any of those shown and described in the other embodiments that contact wall 20 and offset the drain system from the wall. The bottom of the wall flashing 654L has cutouts or serrations 657 located along the lower edge (i.e. the edge seated against the footing) for improved drain flow between void 32A and channel. The shape of the cutouts 657 shown in FIG. 9A is merely exemplary, and the cutouts may have any suitable shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-10A there is respectively shown an elevation view of a drain system 660 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment and a partial perspective view of the drain system. The drain system 660 is shown installed on a foundation system in FIG. 10. Drain system 660 is generally similar to drain system 650 described before and shown in FIGS. 9-9A, except as otherwise described below. Similar features are suitably numbered. In this embodiment drain system 660 may have a wall flashing portion 604 and drain channel portion 665, that may be integrally formed in a one piece member of unitary construction. In alternate embodiments, wall flashing section and drain channel may be separate pieces connected when installed. The drain channel is an open section as shown in FIG. 10A. The channel may have a generally rounded shape transitioning from a generally upright section 662 to a generally horizontal section 668. A seating flange 662L projects outward from the drain channel and forms a seating surface for seating the drain system 660 onto footing 18 (see FIG. 10). As seen in FIG. 10, when installed the drain channel opening 661 faces wall 20 and footing 18. The wall flashing projects sufficiently from section 668 so that the flashing extends above the floor 16 when the drain system is installed. The wall flashing section may have spacers or stand offs on the back to offset the flashing from the wall when the drain system is installed.

FIGS. 11-11A show an elevation view and cross-sectional view of another drain system 660′ in accordance with still another embodiment. Drain system 660′ is substantially similar to drain system 660 shown in FIGS. 10-10A, and similar features are similarly numbered. As seen in FIG. 11A, in this embodiment the seating flange 662L′ extends inwards, or towards the wall 18 (see also FIG. 11). When installed, the drain system 660 is seated with flange 662L′ against the footing. FIGS. 12-12A shown an elevation view and cross-sectional view of a drain system 670 in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment. The drain system 670 in this embodiment is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 6C and described before, and similar features are similarly numbered. In this embodiment, the wall flashing portion 674 is integrally formed with drain channel portion 675, of the drain system 670, so that wall flashing and drain channel are an integral one-piece member of unitary construction. The drain channel in this embodiment has a generally two leg, or floor-less, triangular shape as seen in FIG. 12A. The free edges of the channel legs 672, 674L provide the seating surface for seating the drain system 670 onto the footing 18. Hence, the open bottom of the drain system faces the footing. The back leg 674L, which is shown as substantially upright but may be inclined as desired towards or away from the wall, may have openings 677 of any suitable shape, in its seating edge, to allow drainage flow from the wall 18 into the drain channel.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. For example, the height and/or width combinations and alternatives may be combined or used generally to establish variable horizontal and/or vertical drainage paths or voids. As a further example, geometric features of the flashing and/or drain may be mixed or combined. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace this and all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall, the system comprising:

a subfloor drain channel arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed; and
a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting the wall;
wherein when installed, the back of the wall flashing contacts the wall defining at least one drainage channel between the wall flashing and wall, and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and the drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the wall flashing has a span portion spanning between the drain channel and wall.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the span portion of the wall flashing has a span distance that is selectably variable.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein selection of the selectably variable space is effected by selecting the span distance.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the drain channel is adapted to have a selectably variable position relative to the wall flashing.

6. A drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall, the system comprising:

a subfloor drain channel having drainage features, the channel arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed; and
a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, the wall flashing having a back, the wall flashing having spacers;
wherein when installed, the wall flashing extends above the floor, and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that wall flashing and drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the subfloor drain channel is substantially rectangular.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the subfloor drain channel has a substantially flat top section.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the spacers extend from the back of the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall and the selectably variable space extends up from the footings.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the wall flashing is generally L shaped, and wherein when installed, the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the wall flashing is generally L shaped, and wherein when installed, the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the spacers extend from the back of the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the spacers extend from the back of the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall.

14. The system according to claim 6, wherein the subfloor drain channel has a combination of straight and rounded walls.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the wall flashing is generally L shaped, and wherein when installed, the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the spacers extend from the back of the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the wall flashing is of unitary construction, the spacers being integral to the wall flashing and extending from the back of the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall.

18. A drainage conduit system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall, the system comprising:

a subfloor drain channel having a combination of straight and rounded walls and drainage features arranged to be disposed under the floor and over the footing when installed; and
a wall flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting the wall, the back having a spacer for spacing a portion of wall flashing from the wall;
wherein when installed, the back of the wall flashing contacts the wall, the spacer and spaced portion of wall flashing forming, between wall flashing and wall, another drain channel, and wherein the wall flashing extends over the drain channel and the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing and the drain channel together define a drainage void with a selectably variable space extending away from the wall.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the wall flashing extends above the floor.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the wall flashing is of unitary construction and the spacers are integral to the wall flashing, and wherein when installed, the spacers contact the wall.

Patent History
Publication number: 20070044396
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2007
Inventor: Lawrence Janesky (Seymour, CT)
Application Number: 11/211,421
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 52/169.500
International Classification: E02D 19/00 (20060101);