DRAINAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a drainage system is described herein, the system including a support housing supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of an opening thereof. The support housing includes a first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system also includes a first insert for collecting debris, the first insert having a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris. The first insert is removably supported within the housing such that when in place, the first and second drainage means align, permitting liquid to pass through the drainage treatment system. In use, debris collects in the system and is removed therefrom by removing the first insert from the support housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present continuation-in-part application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/143,940 to the inventor, filed Dec. 30, 2013, pending, which in turn is a 371 national phase entry of international Appl. Ser. No. PCT/AU2011/000788 by the inventor, filed Jun. 28, 2011. The present continuation-in-part application additionally claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(b) to Australian Pat. Appl. Ser. No. 2014200454, filed Jan. 28, 2014, pending. The entire contents of each application noted above are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a drainage treatment system for use in drainage systems, more particularly to a system which collects debris entering a drain for easy removal therefrom.

Related Art

A common problem associated with drainage systems is the tendency for debris to collect in the drainage system. Eventually the drainage system becomes blocked due to the debris which has accumulated in the system. Once the drain becomes blocked the area around the drain floods. This can be extremely hazardous, particularly where traffic is involved.

Debris passing though drainage systems can also be problematic in water treatment facilities, and may also leak from the drainage system and prove hazardous to the environment. It is therefore advantageous to minimize the debris which is able to accumulate and eventually block the drainage system.

Several systems have been devised to filter debris from the liquid as it passes through the drain grate or drain opening. At some point the debris which has been collected needs to be removed from the system. In the prior art, this usually entails the use of a vacuum to suck the collected debris from the system. These systems incorporate filter plates/screens which slide into a housing. These plates/screens also require cleaning. In order to do this the plates/screens must first be removed from the drain and a high pressure hose used to clean the filter. These systems are complicated in their construction and do not allow for the easy removal of debris collected therein. Furthermore the plates/screens also restrict the flow of liquid able to pass through the drain. While this may be inconsequential when the flow rate through the drain is small, it does pose a significant problem as the flow rate increases.

Other prior art solutions incorporate a diverter which channels the liquid as, or after it enters the drain through a debris collection system. The diverter suffers the same disadvantages associated with plates/screens. As the diverter narrows the size of the drain opening, it acts to restrict the flow through the drain. Again, while this may be inconsequential when the flow rate through the drain is small, it does pose a significant problem as the flow rate increases. As the flow rate increases, the drain is not able to operate at the capacity it was designed to operate due to the size of the drain opening being reduced by the diverter. The drain is therefore unable to operate at its intended capacity. This will lead to flooding around the drain.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a drainage system. The system includes a support housing adapted to be supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of an opening thereof, the support housing including a first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system includes a first insert for collecting debris, the first insert including a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris. The first insert is removably supported within the housing such that when in place, the first and second drainage means allow liquid to pass through the drainage treatment system. The debris collected in the drainage treatment system is removed therefrom by removing the first insert from the support housing.

Another example embodiment is directed to a drainage treatment system for minimizing debris accumulating in a drainage system. The system includes a support housing supportingly received in the drainage system, the support housing including a first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. The system includes a first insert removably supported within the support housing for collecting debris, the first insert including a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris, and a diffuser located in the first insert to minimise debris collected in the first insert from being ejected therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support housing of the drainage treatment system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the support housing shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the support housing shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the support housing shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first insert according to the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drainage treatment system of FIG. 1 located in a drainage system.

FIG. 8 shows the support housing located in a drainage system with the first insert full of debris and removed from the first housing.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment system according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support housing of a drainage treatment system similar to that shown in FIG. 9 but having only two elongate arms.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the support housing shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the support housing shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the support housing shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment system according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the drainage treatment system shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of the drainage treatment system shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a diffuser.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first housing and support arms of a drainage treatment system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first housing of a drainage treatment system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drainage treatment system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodiments of the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures associated with manufacturing techniques have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptions of the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one example embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one example embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms “correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” are intended to describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The use of “correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean the exact shape or size.

As used in the specification and appended claims, the term “debris” is taken to mean any item entrained in a liquid. Typically this would include leaves, branches, rubbish and sand but in some applications can also include chemical pollutants.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

As to be described in more detail below with reference to the example embodiments, there is provided a drainage treatment system for drainage systems which removes at least part of the debris from the liquid flowing into a drainage system in a manner which will allow easy removal of the debris from the drainage treatment system.

Typical drainage systems may include an opening which allows liquid/debris to enter the drainage system. The opening generally opens into a pit before passing into a pipe. The pit takes many forms including a pipe or a brick pit. Once the liquid/debris enters the drainage system through the opening, a network of pipes channels the liquid/debris to a reservoir, treatment plant, sensitive water body, river or ocean. The opening may be a side opening typically incorporated in a kerb, a road opening typically covered by a grate, or a combination of both. The example embodiments applicable to at least each of these three variants

In contrast to the prior art, the drainage treatment system as described herein enables collection of the debris from the liquid passing into the drainage system but also allows the debris to be removed from the drainage treatment system without the need of a vacuum or other machinery. The example drainage treatment system can quickly be cleaned by removing the first insert and then placing a new one in its place. Alternatively, the debris in the first insert can be discharged into a bin and then the first insert may be placed back into the support housing. Furthermore the present invention does not alter the size of the drain opening, allowing the drain to operate at full capacity when in place.

In an example, the drainage treatment system may include a diffuser. The diffuser may be located in the first insert to minimize debris collected by the first insert from re-entering the drainage system as a result of the impact of the liquid thereupon as the liquid enters the drain opening. The diffuser may comprise openings therein to allow the liquid and debris to pass therethrough and into the first insert. In use, the diffuser may be received in the first insert such that the top of the diffuser is located below the opening of the first insert. As the first insert fills with debris the impact of the liquid falling through the drain opening has the tendency to cause the debris to be ejected from the first insert, allowing the debris to accumulate in the drainage system downstream from the drainage treatment system. Obviously, as the level of debris collected by the first insert increases, a greater amount of debris is ejected. The diffuser absorbs the impact of the liquid falling though the drain's opening, thereby allowing the first insert to collect a greater amount of debris.

The support housing may include a first housing for receiving the first insert, and a securing means to removably support the drainage treatment system relative to the drainage system. In an example, the securing means does not interfere with or cross-over the flow of liquid through the drain opening. The first housing may be tapered inwardly such that an opening of the first housing is larger than the bottom thereof.

In an example, the opening of the first housing may be larger than the size of the drain opening. As an example, the opening of the first housing may be longer and wider than the length and width of the drain opening. With side entry pits, (i.e., where the drain opening is incorporated in the kerb), the pit has an inspection cover, adjacent the drain opening, through which the drainage treatment system may be installed.

In another example, the opening of the first housing may be smaller than the size of the drain opening. This is applicable for pits configured so as to have a grate over the opening, such as those incorporated in a road surface. In these instances the first insert will need to be slightly smaller than the opening in order to allow for installation and removal of the drainage treatment system.

The first housing may support one or more fixings to which the first insert may be fixed. The fixings may be in the form of brackets located on the inner surface of the first housing. In an additional example, the entire first housing provides the first drainage means.

In an example, the first drainage means may be embodied in the form of a mesh material. The first housing may be formed from the mesh material. In another example, the first drainage means may be formed of perforated sheet metal, and the first housing may be formed from the perforated sheet metal. Alternatively, the first housing may be formed from plastic via an injected molding process.

The support housing may be removably received within the drainage system such that the first housing is located in a pipe/pit downstream from the opening. This will require the removal of the drain grate or inspection cover in order to position and remove the support housing. In an example, the opening of the first housing may be smaller than the size of the pit into which it is received. This will allow liquid flowing into the drain to bypass the first housing in the event that the first insert is full of debris, ensuring that the drain continues to operate at full capacity if the first insert is full of debris and does not affect the Hydraulic Gradient line of the drainage network.

In another example, the securing means may include two or more arms extending upwardly from the first housing. The distal end of each arm may have an outwardly extending projection adapted to engage a surface of the drainage system. The surface may be that upon which the grate is supported when the grate is in place over the drain opening. In an example, the distal end of each of the two or more arms may be located on the surface of the drainage system which does not experience the greatest flow rate thereover, thereby ensuring that the drain opening is able to operate at full capacity. In a further example, the securing means is embodied as the top portion of the first housing. The top portion may extend outwardly such that it is adapted to engage the surface upon which the grate is supported when the grate is in place.

The support housing may also include a second housing located below the first housing such that in use it is downstream therefrom. The second housing may have a third drainage means. In an example, the entire second housing provides the third drainage means. The third drainage means and second housing may be embodied in the form of a mesh material. Alternatively, the third drainage means and second housing may be embodied in the form of perforated sheet metal.

In an example, the entire first insert provides the second drainage means. The first insert may be formed from a porous woven material selected according to the minimum sized particle which is to be separated from the liquid. The material may be such that liquid passes through the first insert even when the first insert is full of debris. The woven material may provide a capillary action which allows liquid to pass therethrough.

The first insert may be formed by gluing the material together to form the first insert. The glue, once dry, may act as stiffening members to add rigidity the first insert. However, the glue remains sufficiently flexible to allow the first insert to flex without the material tearing in those regions bonded by the glue. Additionally, the first insert may be formed such that the first insert substantially retains its shape whether it is full or empty. Generally this ensures the material remains flat against the first housing to ensure consistent filtering of liquid. It also assists with capillary action assisting the normal flow through the first insert. Further, the first insert may be snugly received within the first housing, and may be tapered. By having the first housing and first insert tapered, the first insert may easily be removed from and inserted into the first housing.

Moreover, the first insert may be slightly shorter than the first housing. This will allow liquid flowing into the drain to bypass the first insert in the event that the first insert is full of debris. Further, the first insert may have one or more handles to allow easy removal of the first insert from the first housing. Each handle may be located on the bracket of the first housing. This will ensure the walls of the first insert remain adjacent to the wall of the first housing, preventing the first insert from collapsing and therefore not effectively collecting debris as it passes into the drainage system.

The drainage treatment system may also include a second insert which may be received in the second housing. When in place the second insert may be located below the first housing. The second insert may be in the form of a filter for filtering chemicals, oils and/or other similar contaminants from the fluid passing into the drainage system.

The first housing may further be configured so as to have a projection extending outwardly from an edge thereof at an angle of substantially 90° thereto. This projection may extend along the length of the edge. In those situations in which the grate is hingedly connected to the opening, the projection will be able to be positioned along the edge of the drain opening to which the grate is connected. This will ensure debris flows into the opening as opposed to accumulating around the hinge connection.

The system as described in more detail below may further include at least one flow diverter for directing flow into the entry of the support housing. The flow diverter may be operable to direct incoming flow within the drainage system into the first insert, thereby providing directional control of the incoming flow into the first housing.

The flow diverter may further include a feeder plate having an upper end adapted to be disposed adjacent the entry of a drainage system, and a lower end adapted to extend into the first insert, or at least disposed above the open top of the first insert. With this arrangement, the feeder plate extends between the entry of the drainage system and the drainage treatment system, thereby providing a flow control surface along which incoming flow within the drainage system may be guided into the first insert.

The drainage treatment system as described herein is generally designed to be located within the inlet of a drainage system adjacent, but downstream of the opening into the drainage system (e.g. downstream of the grate). However, the drainage treatment system may be located anywhere within the drainage system. The drainage system typically includes a network of pipes which have openings through which liquid and debris pass to enter the drainage system.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an example embodiment is directed to a drainage treatment system 11 (hereafter “system 11”) for removing debris from a liquid as it passes into a drainage system. System 11 is formed to remove hard debris (e.g. sand, leaves, and rubbish) from the liquid flowing into the drainage system, as well as chemical contaminants. Other embodiments as covered by the scope of this disclosure also include those drainage treatment systems which may be used to remove only one of these forms of debris.

System 11 includes a support housing 13. As best show in FIGS. 2 to 5, the support housing 13 includes a first housing 15, a second housing 17 and securing means in the form of four elongate arms 19.

The first housing 15 is formed from perforated sheet metal and provides a first drainage means 21. The first housing 15 is in the shape of a basket having tapered sides. The angle of the taper is such that as much of the liquid leaving the first housing 15 flows into the second housing 17. Inner surfaces of the first housing 15 support fixings in the form of brackets 23 for reasons described below.

The first housing 15 is adapted to receive a first insert 25. The first insert 25 is formed from a woven, porous material to provide a second drainage means 27. The woven, porous material allows liquid to readily pass therethrough whilst blocking debris and therefore removing the debris from the liquid. The first insert 25 is snugly received in the first housing 15. This allows the debris to collect in the first insert whilst the liquid can pass into the drainage system minus the debris. The debris therefore accumulates in the first insert 25 rather than accumulating in the drainage system. The first insert 25 is also of a similar tapered, basket shape to the first housing enabling the first insert 25 to be easily removed from the first housing 15.

The first insert 25 also incorporates a set of handles 29 to assist in removing the first insert 25 from the first housing 15. As best shown in FIG. 7, the handles 29 are adapted to be positioned over the brackets 23, ensuring the first insert 25 does not collapse as debris collects therein.

The second housing 17 is located in spaced relation from the first housing 15 such that in use it is located downstream from the first housing 15. The bottom of the second housing 17 is also formed from perforated sheet metal and provides a third drainage means 31. The second housing 17 is adapted to receive a second insert 33 which is designed to remove contaminants such as oils and other chemicals from the liquid flowing therethrough. The sides of the second housing 17 are solid to ensure as much liquid as possible passes through the second insert 33. In other embodiments the second insert 33 may be located in the first housing 15, negating the need for the second housing 17.

The arms 19 removably support system 11 in position. The arms 19 are attached to the side of the first and second housings. At a distal end 35, each arm has an outwardly extending projection 37. When system 11 is in the drainage system, each projection 37 is adapted to be located on a surface upon which the drainage systems grate 41 rests, as best shown in FIG. 7. With this arrangement the system 11 is suspended from the drain opening. As it utilizes existing structures the system 11 can be readily fitted to an opening without first requiring modification. The arms 19 are made from a sufficiently thin sheet material to allow a degree of flexing as the system 11 is installed or removed.

In use, liquid flowing through the grate 41 passes into and through the first insert 25, leaving behind hard debris such as leaves and sand, etc. The size of the debris removed from the liquid is governed by the material chosen to form the first insert 25. After the liquid passes through the first insert 25 and first housing 15, it flows through the second insert 33, which filters contaminants from the liquid, before passing through the second housing 17 and into the drainage system, relatively free of debris. At regular intervals, or after major downpours, the system 11 may be checked by an operator and the first insert 25 removed from the first housing 15 to empty the debris from the first insert 25. The first insert 25 may be emptied on the spot into a bin, or a replacement insert may be placed in the first housing and the full insert may be cleaned at a later time. Alternatively the entire system 11 may be removed to allow for easy removal of the first insert from the first housing for cleaning or replacement. This is particularly useful when the operator has a lifting mechanism to hand to assist in removing the system 11.

The second insert 33 will not need replacing for several years. When it is time to replace the second insert 33 the system 11 is removed from the drainage system and overall maintenance can be carried out before the system is placed back into position.

Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13. This embodiment is identical to the previous example embodiment with the exception of its shape. The drainage treatment system 111 (hereafter “system 111”) of this embodiment is particularly adapted to those drainage systems having a round opening.

Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17. This embodiment is similar to the first described example embodiment. For convenience, features of this example embodiment that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals. Among other differences, the drainage treatment system of this and the next example embodiment does not have a second housing 17 or second insert 33. The second housing 17 is particularly useful when a further filtering stage is required and can be readily added to the drainage treatment system of this and the subsequent embodiment, as may be required.

The drainage treatment system 211 (hereafter “system 211”) of this embodiment is particularly adapted to suit those drainage systems having a side entry opening, such as those in which the opening to the drainage system is incorporated in the roadside kerb. As may be best noted in FIGS. 14 and 16, the side of system 211 which will be adjacent to the opening is free from any obstacle which would otherwise block the flow of liquid/debris. This is achieved by positioning the arms 19 such that they do not cross between the opening of the drain and the first insert 25.

The system 211 includes a frame 219 to which the distal ends 35 of each arm 19 are secured. The frame 219 is adapted to be located on a surface upon which a drain cover (not shown) rests. When the treat system 211 is in position the frame 219 is located above the side opening and therefore does not interfere with the flow of liquid/debris into the drainage system. The frame 219 also improves the robustness of the system 211 and allows the drainage treatment system to be more easily positioned and removed when required.

The system 211 also includes a diffuser 212. As best shown in FIG. 16, the diffuser is positioned in the first insert 25, such that an upper plate 213 of the diffuser 212 is located below the first inserts 25 opening. The diffuser 212 is positioned such that as the liquid/debris enters through the side opening of the drainage system the liquid impacts upon the diffuser 212. When the diffuser 212 is present the force of the liquid is absorbed by the diffuser 212. This ensures that any debris collected in the first insert 25 is not expelled from the first insert 25 as liquid/debris enters the first insert 25 from the drain opening. This is of particular importance as the level of debris collected in the first insert 25 increases.

As best shown in FIG. 17, the upper plate 213 of the diffuser 212 incorporates a plurality of holes. These holes allow liquid to pass into the first insert 25. The effect of the diffuser 212 is that the liquid ‘sucks’ the debris under it and helps keep the debris in the first insert 25.

Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 18. This embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. For convenience, features of this embodiment that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

The system 311 of this embodiment is particularly adapted to those drainage systems having an opening covered by a grate, whereby the opening is located in a substantially horizontal surface, such as may be the case with road surface drains. In this embodiment the first housing includes two elongate arms 319 extending upwardly from opposed sides of the first housing. The arms 319 extend along the length of the side of the housing. This construction improves the robustness of system 311 and allows the drainage treatment system to be more easily positioned and removed when required.

Among other differences, the drainage treatment systems 211, 311 do not have a second housing 17 or second insert 33. The second housing 17 is particularly useful when a further filtering stage is required and can be readily added to the systems 211, 311 as may be required.

As there is no single standard drain pit and opening the drainage treatment system of the present invention can be customised and adapted to suit most drainage systems. By way of further example, FIG. 19 shows a further example embodiment of a drainage treatment system 411, whereby the first housing 425 has a semi-circular shape.

Another example embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. This embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment; thus features similar or corresponding to features of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals. This example embodiment has been devised for circumstances where the entry 15a of the first housing 15 of the drainage treatment system 11 is set below the entry of the drainage system into which it is to be installed. In such circumstances, there is a possibility that at least a portion of the incoming flow into the drainage system might bypass the first housing 15 and flow around system 11.

In this embodiment, the system 11 incorporates at least one flow diverter 350 for directing flow within the drainage system into the entry 15a of the first housing 15 of system 11. The flow diverter 350 is operable to direct incoming flow within the drainage system into the entry 15a of the first housing 15. In this way there is directional control of incoming flow into the first housing 15. In the arrangement shown, there are two flow diverters 350, one adjacent each end of system 11 according to the embodiment. However, the flow diverter(s) 350 may be located at any appropriate position within system 11.

In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the drainage system is identified by reference numeral 351 and the entry of the drainage system is identified by reference numeral 352. Each flow diverter 350 includes a feeder plate 355 having an upper end 357 disposed adjacent the entry 352 and a lower end 359 extending into the first insert 25, or at least disposed above the open top 25a of the first insert 25. With this arrangement, the feeder plate 355 extends generally between the entry 352 of the drainage system 351 and system 11, and presents a flow control surface 361 along which incoming flow entering the drainage system 351 through entry 352 can be guided into the first insert 25. In this embodiment, each feeder plate 355 includes a sheet 363 of pliant material which is rigid yet sufficiently flexible to permit deformation into a desired profile. By way of example, the sheet 363 may comprise flashing material of a type known to a person skilled in the art. The sheet material may be retained in place in any appropriate manner, such as by ties 365 as depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21.

While flow diverter 350 has been described as a feature of this embodiment, it may be applicable to any previously described example embodiment as described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19.

Certain advantages of the example drainage treatment systems described herein above may include but are not limited to a system: (a) easily installed and removed, while having no visual impact; (b) that facilitates the removal of collected debris; (c) where the degree of filtering can be varied by using different materials for the inserts; (d) that can provide clean water supply for use in other areas and can enable water harvesting; (e) which includes an insert that cannot at any time be pushed up by the water level and form a blockage in the pit or pipe due to the size of the insert being greater that the size of the overflow; and (f) that at all times has more overflow area at the top of the basket than the size of the interconnecting pipe and hence will not affect the Hydraulic Gradient Line.

The example embodiments having been described, it is apparent that such have many varied applications. For example, the example embodiments may be applicable but not limited to connection to various devices, structures and articles. Additionally, modifications and variations as would be apparent to the skilled artisan are considered to fall within the scope of the example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the first insert may be formed from two or more layers, with one layer adapted to remove hard debris while the other layer is adapted to remove chemical contaminants.

The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, systems and/or apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing components, systems and/or apparatuses in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous components, systems and/or apparatuses, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris entering a drainage system, comprising:

a support housing adapted to be supportingly received in the drainage system downstream of an opening of the drainage system, the support housing including a first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough,

a first insert for collecting debris, the first insert including a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris, the first insert being removably supported within the housing such that when in place, the first and second drainage means allow liquid to pass through the drainage treatment system,

wherein the debris collected in the drainage treatment system is removed therefrom by removing the first insert from the support housing.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a diffuser locatable in the first insert.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the diffuser comprises openings therein to allow the liquid and debris to pass therethrough.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the support housing further includes a first housing for receiving the first insert.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first housing is tapered inwardly such that an opening thereof is larger than the bottom thereof.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the first housing supports one or more fixings to which the first insert is fixed, the fixings being in the form of brackets located on the inner surface of the first housing.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the entire first housing provides the first drainage means.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a securing means to removably support the drainage treatment system relative to the drainage system.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the securing means includes two or more arms extending upwardly from the first housing.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein a distal end of each arm has an outwardly extending projection adapted to engage a surface of the drainage system.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the securing means is provided by the top portion of the first housing which extends outwardly so as to be adapted to engage a surface upon which the grate is supported when the grate is in place.

12. The system of claim 4, wherein the support housing further includes a second housing.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the support housing includes

a first housing for receiving the first insert, and

a second housing located below the first housing such that in use it is downstream therefrom.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the second housing has a third drainage means.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the entire second housing provides the third drainage means.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the entire first insert provides the second drainage means.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one flow diverter for directing flow into the first insert.

18. A drainage treatment system for minimizing debris accumulating in a drainage system, comprising:

a support housing supportingly received in the drainage system and including a first drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough,

a first insert removably supported within the support housing for collecting debris, the first insert including a second drainage means for allowing liquid to flow therethrough while preventing the flow through of debris, and

a diffuser located in the first insert to minimize debris collected in the first insert from being ejected therefrom.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising at least one flow diverter for directing flow into the first insert.