Stormwater Storage "Y" Module and System & Method of Use Thereof

Abstract

A stormwater collection and management system and method of assembly is provided to reduce internal wall redundancy, comprising a plurality of generally “Y” shaped vertical wall modules, horizontal hexagon shaped base slabs, and horizontal hexagon shaped top slabs. Said system further comprising various vertical side walls, horizontal base and top slabs, openings for access into said assembly, as well as inlet and outlet conduits. The plurality of vertical wall modules, each being in fluid communication, either directly or indirectly, with each of the other vertical wall modules, are assembled by disposing one end of a vertical wall on one module in direct communication with one end of a vertical wall on an adjacent module. The horizontal hexagon top slab is disposed laterally offset from the hexagon shaped bottom slab below to dispose the outer edges of the top slab, above, and supported by, vertical walls below.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/327,356 filed Apr. 5, 2022, the entirety of which is included herein for reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the field of stormwater management systems. Moreover, it pertains specifically to a new storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof for collecting, storing, treating, and managing storm water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of stormwater storage and management systems, and specific modular components of those systems, have long been used to collect, store, in the form of retention or detention, filter, or otherwise manage, storm water runoff. These storage and management systems are often comprised of a multitude of components and component types assembled together to create a complete system capable of collecting, storing, filtering and generally managing the required volume of stormwater runoff.

While stormwater systems have long been used to collect, store, in the form of retention or detention, filter, or otherwise manage, storm water runoff, there are serious deficiencies and inadequacies with the prior art stormwater storage and management systems. The majority of the prior art systems are deficient or inadequate due to the fact that these systems typically include redundant walls, legs, or structure, where the modular components abut. One reason for this redundancy is the need for structural support of the slab top. Modular component walls or legs are needed, and used, to support the slab top and potential cover material, such as soil, sand, gravel, asphalt, cement, grass, etc. that will be used to cover the system once installation is complete. One of the most significant problems that results from having redundancy of walls, leg, or structure where modular components abut, is the fact that the redundant walls, legs, or structure reduce the storage volume of the individual module. This can result in additional modules, taller modules, or a larger system footprint being required to accommodate the required volume of stormwater runoff.

This problem of redundant walls, legs, or structure, is clearly demonstrated in Zarraonandia, U.S. Pat. No. 10,053,853 B2, which utilizes a hexagon shaped module having inner and outer cylindrical walls, as well as a planer rectangular frame shaped outer wall, and six columns positioned where each planer rectangular frame meets along the vertical edge. This results in a redundancy of planer rectangular frames, and inner and outer curved walls where two modules abut. Further redundancy is evidenced by the two windows that create a single opening between modules.

Additionally, while the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,151,083 B2, FIG. 1, describes a stormwater system module that somewhat addresses the issue of redundancy by only having three vertical walls, and moving them inward from the edges of the module and thereby eliminating the redundancy of shared walls, legs, or structure, the resulting assembly lacks the structural integrity provided by a top slab that registers, or interlocks with the vertical walls below. Additionally, any settling of the ground below any one leg or wall of any module can result in that module listing or leaning at an angle resulting in an uneven top surface or compromised joint, and potential failure of the system by allowing for the cover material above the module to enter the system through the compromised joint.

There is therefore a need for a new storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof for collecting, storing, treating, and managing storm water, that will reduce the redundancy of walls, legs, or structure within the system, provide structural integrity be having offset, registered or interlocking top slabs. and will require fewer modules, and a smaller footprint to collect, store, and manage stormwater runoff than prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The terms “invention”, “the invention”, and “the present invention” referred to in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section herein.

In view of the limitations now present in the prior art methods for storing, collecting, filtering, and otherwise managing storm water collected or conveyed from runoff or a separate collection and storage system, the present invention provides an improved, new and useful storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof for collecting, storing, treating, and managing storm water, which is simpler in fabrication, more universally functional and more versatile in application and operation than known prior art methods or devices.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof for collecting, storing, treating, and managing storm water. It is also a purpose of the present invention to provide a new storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof that has many novel features not offered by the prior art, such as reducing the redundancy of walls, legs, or structure within the system, increasing the storage volume of an individual module, providing structural integrity between modules by having offset, registered or interlocking top slabs, and by requiring fewer modules, and a smaller footprint to collect, store, and manage stormwater runoff than prior art systems, that result in a new and novel storm water storage module and related system and method of use thereof which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art devices, apparatus, or methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in the preferred embodiment comprises a main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit on a horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30, an optional generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit, and a hexagonal shaped top slab.

The main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit 10 comprising, in the preferred embodiment, a single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15, wherein the single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 embodies first, second, and third, wall sections 20 extending outward from the vertex point 21 where the wall sections intersect. Wherein the first, second, and third wall sections 20 of the generally “Y” shape vertical wall 15 embodies a corresponding first, second, and third rectangular opening 25 through said corresponding wall section 20, said opening 25 extending vertically from the bottom of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall section 20 a distance not greater than the height of the wall section 20. The horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 comprising a generally planar, horizontal hexagonal shaped top surface 31, a generally planar, horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom surface 32, having a distance between said top and bottom surfaces sufficient to create first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and six generally planar vertical surfaces 33 extending from the generally planar bottom surface 32 along first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth edges 33 of the hexagonal shape, upward a distance to meet corresponding first second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth edges 34 of the generally planar top surface 31, in the preferred embodiment, thereby forming a monolithic hexagon shaped slab, wherein the distance from the point, or tip, where the first and second vertical sides meet at the top surface, to the point, or tip, where the third and fourth vertical sides meet at the top surface, are equal to the distance from the point, or tip, where the third and fourth vertical sides meet at the top surface, to the point, or tip, where the fifth and sixth vertical sides meet at the top surface, thereby. creating equal distance between any two alternating points, or tips of the hexagon slab top surface and any other two alternating points of the hexagon slab top surface.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit is disposed centrally on the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 so as to dispose the vertex point where the first, second, and third, wall sections of the monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall intersect, in the center of the top surface of the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit and the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30, are fabricated as one piece, or monolithic, however, it is to be understood that they may be fabricated as separate components and connected or positioned by use of mechanical or gravity based connectors or fasteners including but not limited in scope to, pins, rods, plates, bolts, angle, rebar, anchors, embedments, inserts, tiebacks, welds, grooves, slots, saddles, notches, holes, adhesives, grouts, physical male to female interface methods, as well as other methods of connecting or fastening the generally “Y” shaped base wall unit 15 to the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

The hexagonal shaped top slab 40 comprising a generally planar, horizontal hexagonal shaped top surface 41, a generally planar, horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom surface 42, having a distance between said top and bottom surfaces sufficient to create first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and six generally planar vertical surfaces extending from the generally planar bottom surface along first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth edges of the hexagonal shape, upward a distance to meet corresponding first second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth edges of the generally planar top surface, in the preferred embodiment, thereby forming a monolithic hexagon shaped top slab 40, wherein the distance from the point, or tip, where the first and second vertical sides meet at the top surface, to the point, or tip, where the third and fourth vertical sides meet at the top surface, are equal to the distance from the point, or tip, where the third and fourth vertical sides meet at the top surface, to the point, or tip, where the fifth and sixth vertical sides meet at the top surface, thereby creating equal distance between any two alternating points, or tips of the hexagon slab top surface and any other two alternating points of the hexagon slab top surface.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the horizontal hexagonal top slab 40 is disposed laterally offset from the hexagon shaped bottom slab 30, wherein every other point 43 or tip on the planar hexagonal bottom surface 42 of the horizontal hexagonal top slab 40, is disposed at the vertex point 21, on the top surface 22 of the wall sections 20, where the first, second, and third, wall sections 20 of the monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 intersect, and wherein the bottom edge 44 of two adjacent vertical side surfaces 45 of the horizontal hexagonal slab 40 top are disposed generally along the centerline of the top surfaces 22 of two corresponding wall sections 20. This assembly method results in three hexagonal top slabs 40 being used to partially cover the area of one horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30, wherein generally one third of each hexagonal shaped top slab covers one third of a single horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30.

It is to be understood that the horizontal hexagonal top slabs 40 optionally comprise recesses or notches 46 in the underside bottom surface, around the perimeter and inset a distance, thereby creating a registration notch or lip that will locate the top slab when positioned on the generally “Y” shaped base wall unit or riser unit walls. It is to be further understood that the horizontal hexagonal top slabs 40 may comprise a recessed groove or channel 47 in the underside bottom surface, around the perimeter and inset a distance, thereby creating a registration channel 47 that will locate and secure the position of the horizontal hexagonal top slab 40 when positioned on a corresponding protruding extension of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 or riser unit walls. It is to be understood that the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 may comprise recesses or notches 48 in the top surface of the wall section 20 disposed at the outer third of the wall thickness, to receive a corresponding registration protrusion from the horizontal hexagonal top slab 40. The generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 may alternately comprise a recessed groove or channel 49 in the top surface of the wall section 20 disposed at the inner third of the wall thickness, to receive a corresponding registration protrusion from the horizontal hexagonal top slab 40.

The generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit 50 comprises a single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15, wherein the single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall 15 embodies first, second, and third, wall sections 20 extending outward from the vertex point 21 where the wall sections intersect. Wherein the first, second, and third wall sections 20 of the generally “Y” shape vertical wall 15 embodies a corresponding first, second, and third rectangular opening 25 through said corresponding wall section 20, said opening 25 extending vertically from the bottom of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall section 20 a distance not greater than the height of the wall section 20.

It is to be understood that in the embodiment of the invention where the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit 10 is used in conjunction with the generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit 50, the generally “Y” shaped wall sections 20, are intended to be disposed directly below, and in alignment with, the generally “Y” shaped wall sections 20 the riser unit above, whereby the registration of, and connection to, the riser over the base wall unit can be accomplished by a wide variety of means including but not limited to, mechanical, gravity based, connectors, fasteners, alignment and or registration methods including but not limited in scope to, pins, rods, plates, bolts, angle, rebar, anchors, embedments, inserts, tiebacks, welds, grooves, slots, saddles, notches, holes, adhesives, grouts, sealants, physical male to female interface methods, as well as other methods of connecting or fastening the generally “Y” shaped base wall unit to the generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

It is to be further understood that the rectangular opening 25 through said wall sections of generally “Y” shaped base wall unit 10,15 and or the generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit 50, may be embodied to align, thereby creating a single opening through the stacked base wall and riser wall units.

It is also to be understood that the shape of the openings 25 in the wall sections 20 of generally “Y” shaped base wall unit 10 and or the generally “Y” shaped riser wall unit 50 may be embodied in a variety of shapes and still accomplish the same purpose and function intended by the present invention disclosed herein in the preferred embodiment, including but not limited to, rectangular, arched, oval, round, trapezoidal, parallelogram, rhombus, square, hexagonal, triangular, or other shapes not referred to herein that accomplish the same purpose and function and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

The present invention further comprises vertical end wall units 60 for completely enclosing the system. The end walls 60 may be connected to a base slab. The end wall units may embody one or more wall section having windows. The end wall units 60 may further be embodied as a riser section 65. The end wall units may comprise a top slab. The end wall units may further be embodied, in a plan or top view, as a fraction or portion geometrically thereof, of a hexagon shape, thereby allowing for assembly and alignment with the hexagon shaped bottom slabs 30, and or hexagon shaped top slab 40, or a portion thereof. The base slab of the end wall unit 60 may be embodied in the shape of a generally horizontal diamond, triangle, trapezoid, or hexagon.

The present invention, in alternate embodiments comprises horizontal top slabs having a variety of shapes including but not limited to, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, parallelogram, rhombus, or other shapes not referred to herein that accomplish the same purpose and function and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure, and wherein said top slabs may cover a portion of one generally “Y” shaped base wall unit or corresponding riser unit, or may cover one or a multitude of generally “Y” shaped base wall units or corresponding riser units.

The present invention, in alternate embodiments, comprises a top slab having a void recess 75 that extends upward from the underside of the slab, wherein the recess has a dimensional width less than the width of the slab and begins a distance inset from the outer edge of the slab thereby creating a void area beneath the slab top surface by raising the inner slab top surface upward a distance, thereby creating vertical walls extending upward from the slab connecting to the raised inner top slab. This void area adds additional storage area for stormwater. It is to be understood that the shape of the raised additional storage area within the top slab can be embodied in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, arched, oval, round, cylindrical, trapezoidal, parallelogram, rhombus, square, hexagonal, triangular, or other shapes not referred to herein that accomplish the same purpose and function and are therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. Additionally the walls created by the raised inner slab section that extend from the top slab outer section to the raised inner slab section, may be angular, thereby creating all or part of a cone, sphere, hexagonal prism, partial sphere, partial cone, cube. It is further anticipated that the raised volume slab top may comprise one or more access opening with corresponding riser rings and manhole cover as required.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a generally “Y” shaped base wall unit having a smaller width that the hexagonal bottom slab. In this embodiment it is anticipated that the riser size would correspond to the base wall unit size.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a void area between the generally “Y” shaped base wall units with hexagon shaped bottom slabs, thereby reducing the number of units required throughout the system. Said void areas are intended to be covered with hexagon shaped top slabs, said top slabs may rest directly on a portion of one or more generally “Y” shaped base wall unit wall sections, or may rest directly on a portion of one or more hexagon shaped top slabs.

The present invention disclosed herein further comprises hexagonal top slabs with access openings covered with access covers, which, in the preferred embodiment, are manhole covers which are intended to be used with optional common ring risers to achieve grade level as required.

The present invention disclosed herein is further intended to embody one or more inlet and outlet pipe connections, manhole interface connections, inlet interface connections, catch basin interface connections, treatment unit interface connections, weep holes, and infiltration openings as required.

The system components disclosed herein are intended to be manufactured from precast concrete, however other materials may be used including but not limited to, plastic, polymer concrete, or similar materials which may be represented in a variety of types and composition mixes having various combinations of ingredients such as those found in the manufacture of concrete, plastics, polymers, cement, water, cementitious materials, and chemical and or mineral admixtures, coloring agents, which when combined will create the concrete material used to manufacture the invention disclosed herein and is therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. The invention may also embody a wide variety of different finishes, colors, and textures such as those commonly utilized in the architectural and stone industries.

The present storm water module referred to herein as the invention, in the preferred embodiment comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising a vertical wall, a hexagon base, and a multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs, said horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 disposed generally beneath the vertical wall, said multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs disposed equally above the vertical wall, said vertical wall comprising first, second, and third wall sections extending outward from the vertex point where the wall sections intersect. Said wall sections comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generally planar, vertical wall faces, first second and third generally planar vertical wall end faces, generally planar top surfaces, and generally planar bottom surfaces. The multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs are disposed above the vertical wall in a manner to position the outer perimeter edge of one third of a hexagonal shaped top slab directly above generally one half of the generally planar top surface of two adjacent vertical wall sections, thereby disposing one hexagonal shaped top slab equally above generally one half of first, second, and third vertical walls of first, second, and third generally “Y” shaped modules in an assembly, thereby providing full perimeter support of the hexagonal shaped top slab by said first, second, and third vertical walls. Further, said first, second, and third wall sections of the generally “Y” shape vertical wall optionally embodies corresponding first, second, and third rectangular opening through said corresponding wall sections, said opening extending vertically from the bottom of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall section a distance not greater than the height of the wall section, resulting in optional openings through any one wall section thereby allowing for the conveyance of liquid from one side of a vertical wall section to an opposing side of a vertical wall section. It is to be understood that said multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs centrally disposed above the generally “Y” shape vertical wall, can otherwise be describe as one hexagonal shaped top slab disposed above the generally “Y” shape vertical wall in an offset manner so as to generally cover one third of the storm water module described above, with both descriptions describing the same positioning of the hexagonal top slabs.

In one embodiment of the preferred embodiment described above, the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, said monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall comprising first, second, and third monolithic wall sections extending outward from the vertex point where the monolithic wall sections intersect.

In another embodiment of the preferred embodiment described above, the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30.

In yet another embodiment of the preferred embodiment described above, the main generally “Y” shaped base wall unit comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30, with said vertical walls comprising void openings.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, a bottom slab, and a top slab.

Another alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and hexagonal shaped top slab, and a bottom slab.

Yet another alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and hexagonal shaped top slab.

Still another alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and hexagonal shaped top slab, with said monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall comprising void openings.

An additional alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a monolithic generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, a bottom slab, and a top slab.

The present invention in an alternate embodiment, comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising a vertical wall, a hexagon base, and one or a multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs, said horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 disposed beneath the vertical wall, said one or a multitude of hexagonal shaped top slabs disposed above the vertical wall, said vertical wall comprising first, second, and third wall sections extending outward from the vertex point where the wall sections intersect. Said wall sections comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generally planar, vertical wall faces, first second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generally planar vertical wall end faces, generally planar top surfaces, and generally planar bottom surfaces.

The present invention in an alternate embodiment, comprises a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, said vertical wall comprising first, second, and third protrusions extending vertically upward from the generally planar top surface of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall.

The present invention in an alternate embodiment, comprises a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, said vertical wall comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth protrusions extending vertically upward from the generally planar top surface of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall.

It is to be understood that the present invention disclosed herein may further comprise connection methods that connect system components. Said components may be modules, walls, slabs, tops, bottoms, edges, top surfaces, bottom surfaces, side surfaces, end surfaces, end walls, window walls, side walls, hexagon shaped base slabs, hexagonal shaped top slabs, access panels, said connection methods are anticipated to be accomplished by a wide variety of means including but not limited to, mechanical, gravity based, connectors, fasteners, alignment and or registration methods including but not limited in scope to, protrusions, depressions, lips, channels, pins, rods, plates, bolts, angle, rebar, anchors, embedments, inserts, tiebacks, welds, grooves, slots, saddles, notches, holes, adhesives, grouts, sealants, physical male to female interface methods, as well as other methods of connecting system components which are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, a hexagon shaped bottom slab, and a diamond shaped top slab, said diamond shaped top slab being disposed above generally one third of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and over generally one third of the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30.

Another alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, a hexagon shaped bottom slab, and a generally chevron shaped top slab, said generally chevron shaped top slab being disposed above generally two thirds of the generally. “Y” shaped vertical wall and over generally two thirds of the horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising a generally “V” shaped vertical wall, a diamond shaped bottom slab, a rectangular shaped vertical wall, a chevron shaped bottom slab, and a top slab, wherein said rectangular vertical wall and said chevron shaped bottom slab are monolithic, and wherein said “V” shaped vertical wall and said diamond shaped bottom slab are monolithic, wherein said monolithic rectangular shaped vertical wall and chevron shaped base unit abuts said monolithic “V” shaped vertical wall and diamond shaped base unit, thereby creating a generally “Y” shaped module assembly having a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and a horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 after assembly.

An alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a generally “Y” shaped module, said module further comprising first, second, and third generally “V” shaped vertical wall units, said generally “V” shaped vertical wall units further comprising first and second generally rectangular monolithic walls having first and second planar front surfaces, first and second planar back surfaces and first and second planar end surfaces, which in combination form a generally “V” shaped vertical wall, a diamond shaped bottom slab, wherein said monolithic first, second, and third generally “V” shaped vertical wall units abut, thereby creating a generally “Y” shaped module assembly having a generally “Y” shaped vertical wall and a horizontal hexagonal shaped bottom slab 30 after assembly.

Another alternate embodiment of the invention comprises a module having a generally elongated hexagonal shape, said module further comprising first and second generally “V” shaped vertical wall units, a generally rectangular vertical wall unit, and a bottom slab, wherein said generally “V” shaped vertical wall units are disposed at opposing ends of the generally rectangular vertical wall unit, whereby the shape created by one generally “V” shaped vertical wall unit and the generally rectangular vertical wall unit is a generally “Y” shape, whereby the generally “V” shaped vertical walls and generally rectangular vertical wall unit combine to create a shape resembling two “Y” shapes mirrored and sharing the same primary leg of the “Y”. In this embodiment it is to be understood that each module may rotate within the assembly to optimize the module configuration. Vertical generally planar end walls complete the enclosure of the system.

The present invention in an alternate embodiment comprises a main generally “Y” shaped wall unit, said wall unit comprising a single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall, wherein the single monolithic, generally “Y” shaped vertical wall embodies first, second, and third, wall sections extending outward from the vertex point where the wall sections intersect. Wherein the first, second, and third wall sections of the generally “Y” shape vertical wall embodies a corresponding first, second, and third rectangular opening through said corresponding wall section, said opening extending vertically from the bottom of the generally “Y” shaped vertical wall section a distance not greater than the height of the wall section.

It is to be understood that in any embodiment of the invention comprising vertical walls, said walls may be embodied with no rectangular opening, thereby creating a solid slab wall preventing liquid passage and thereby directing the flow of liquid through the system. These solid wall slabs may be used intermittently through the overall assembled module system to intentionally guide, control, or otherwise direct the flow of liquid through the system. This feature and function will allow for directed control of infiltration of water back into the ground. This feature and function can also be used to force water into certain parts of the system first. This feature and function will also allow for regulating or managing water as it enters the system rapidly during large storm events, to prevent overflow or back flow in certain parts of the system.

In an alternate embodiment of the hexagonal shaped top slab, the top slab is comprised of monolithic first and second hexagonal shaped slabs, thereby creating one top slab having a double hexagonal shape. This embodiment of the top slab will allow for minimizing installation time as well as serve to add structural stability through the interconnectivity of generally “Y” shaped base units below.

In an alternate embodiment of the hexagonal shaped top slab, the top slab is comprised of monolithic first and second hexagonal shaped slabs, thereby creating one top slab having a double hexagonal shape. This embodiment of the top slab will allow for minimizing installation time as well as serve to add structural stability through the interconnectivity of generally “Y” shaped base units below.

It is to be understood that the present invention disclosed herein may embody or otherwise be combined with or used in conjunction with, treatment and filtration systems. Said treatment and filtration systems may be existing or not yet existing, and it is to be understood that the addition or combination of treatment or filtration devices, systems, or technology, with the invention disclosed herein is to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. Said treatment or filtration devices, systems, or technology include but are not limited to, hydrodynamic separators, oil water separators, biofiltration systems, sedimentation systems, rainwater harvesting systems, water quality treatment systems, rainwater reuse systems, sand filters, media filters, swirl control, flow control, treatment train, baffles, as well as other treatment or filtration devices, systems, or technology not referred to herein that are to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

It is to be further understood that the present invention disclosed herein may embody or otherwise be combined with or used in conjunction with, stormwater management devices, solutions, systems, or technology including but not limited to manholes, inlets, pipe, drywells, vaults, catch basins, box culverts, area drains, trench drains, panel vaults, junction boxes, infiltration devices, planter structures, tree planting structures, downspout filters, general stormwater filters, trash filters, debris filters, diversion structures, detention structures, retention structures, as well as other stormwater management devices, solutions, systems, or technology not listed herein which is to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure.

The system components disclosed herein are intended to be manufactured from precast concrete, however other materials may be used including but not limited to, plastic, polymer concrete, or similar materials which may be represented in a variety of types and composition mixes having various combinations of ingredients such as those found in the manufacture of concrete, plastics, polymers, cement, water, cementitious materials, and chemical and or mineral admixtures, coloring agents, which when combined will create the concrete material used to manufacture the invention disclosed herein and is therefore to be considered apparent and obvious to the disclosure. The invention may also embody a wide variety of different finishes, colors, and textures such as those commonly utilized in the architectural and stone industries.

Additional information for the present invention—Improving on prior art devices, the present invention can be installed in a matter of hours and backfilling usually occurs the same day. Another important advantage that the present invention has over prior art methods and devices is that it requires less open excavation time on a jobsite which also reduces the risk of onsite injury. When de-watering is a jobsite issue, this costly and tedious operation can be considerably lessened because the excavation open time is reduced.

The precast components are intended to be fabricated on steel forms, with structural rebar inner components. All horizontal joints between precast sections can be sealed with a vulcanized butyl rubber joint material conforming to AASHTO M-198 or similar. Joints may also be comprised of other configurations including O-ring joints and wedge gasket joints as well as others not referred to herein which performs the same function.

Optional Concrete Additives—It is anticipated that Antimicrobial admixture can be added to the concrete mix to prevent the formation of hydrogen sulfide gas, additionally other add mixtures such as waterproofing materials, including but not limited in use to, a Crystalline Waterproofing Additive can be used which shall cause the concrete to become sealed against the penetration of liquids from any direction and will protect the concrete, surface to surface, from deterioration due to harsh environmental conditions.

Optional Exterior Waterproofing Coating—Although the stormwater system disclosed herein is designed for water-tightness without exterior coatings or additives, additional coatings may be applied to either internal or external surfaces.

Cored Opening with MH Boots for Pipe Penetrations—All pipe penetrations for the stormwater system disclosed herein in the preferred embodiment can utilize cored openings with flexible manhole boots and stainless strap anchors. Pipe penetrations may be cast in during manufacturing.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the intended use and function of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding the invention disclosed herein. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of intended use, function, construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings further describe by illustration the advantages and objects of the present invention.

FIG. 1. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab.

FIG. 2. Drawing of a Plan view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit and hexagon slab base.

FIG. 3. Drawing of a Front view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit and hexagon slab base.

FIG. 4. Drawing of a Rear view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit and hexagon slab base.

FIG. 5. Drawing of a Left-Side view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with hexagon bottom slab.

FIG. 6. Drawing of a Right-Side view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with hexagon bottom slab.

FIG. 7. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped riser wall unit with openings.

FIG. 8. Drawing of a Plan view showing “Y” shaped riser wall unit.

FIG. 9. Drawing showing a perspective view of three assembled “Y” shaped base wall units with openings and monolithic hexagon bottom slabs.

FIG. 10. Drawing showing a perspective view of three assembled “Y” shaped riser wall units with openings.

FIG. 11. Drawing showing a perspective view of three assembled “Y” shaped riser wall units with openings and a hexagon slab top.

FIG. 12. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with hexagon bottom slab, with three hexagon shaped top slab units in the installed position, with one top slab having a manhole opening.

FIG. 13. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings in two walls and a hexagon bottom slab.

FIG. 14. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped riser wall unit with openings in two walls.

FIG. 15. Drawing showing a perspective view of seven “Y” shaped base wall units with openings and monolithic hexagon bottom slabs, in the assembled position.

FIG. 16. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab, with “Y” shaped recessed channel 49 in the top of the walls.

FIG. 17. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped riser wall unit with openings, with “U” shaped recessed channel 49 in the top of the walls.

FIG. 18. Drawing showing a plan view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab, with “U” shaped recessed channel 49 in the top of the walls.

FIG. 19. Drawing showing a front view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab, with “U” shaped recessed channel 49 in the top of the walls.

FIG. 20. Drawing showing a rear view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab, with “U” shaped recessed channel 49 in the top of the walls.

FIG. 21. Drawing showing a plan view of a hexagon slab.

FIG. 22. Drawing showing a perspective view of one “Y” shaped base wall unit with openings and a hexagon bottom slab beginning the assembly of a system.

FIG. 23. Drawing showing a perspective view of two “Y” shaped base wall units with openings and a hexagon bottom slab being positioned to assemble together along one edge.

FIG. 24. Drawing showing a perspective view of two “Y” shaped base wall units with openings, assembled together, and one unit being positioned to be added to the assembly.

FIG. 25. Drawing showing a perspective view of three “Y” shaped base wall units with openings, assembled together.

FIG. 26. Drawing showing a perspective view of seven “Y” shaped base wall units with openings, assembled together.

FIG. 27. Drawing showing a perspective view of a “Y” shaped base wall unit with hexagon bottom slab, with three hexagon shaped top slab units in the installed position.

FIG. 28. Drawing showing a perspective view of three “Y” shaped base wall units with no openings, assembled together.

FIG. 29. Drawing showing a perspective view of three “Y” shaped riser wall units with no openings, assembled together.

FIG. 30. Drawing showing a perspective view of three “Y” shaped base wall units with no openings, assembled together with a top slab in the installed position.

FIG. 31. Render showing an exploded isometric view of a portion of an assembly of base wall units, riser wall units, top slabs, and side walls.

FIG. 32. Render showing a perspective view of an assembled system without top slabs.

FIG. 33. Drawing showing a perspective view of multiple end wall units and slab tops with corresponding shape.

FIG. 34. Shows a Render showing a perspective view of multiple top slab options including double hexagon, double hexagon with manhole, single hexagon, single hexagon with manhole, rectangular, raised hexagon (increased storage), raised cylindrical, raised prism, raised sphere (dome), and each of same said tops with manhole access.

FIG. 35. Shows a Render showing a perspective view of working system components in MAYA software.

FIG. 36. Shows a Plan view showing “Y” shaped base wall units and various end wall units, in one possible assembly configuration with no top slabs.

FIG. 37. Shows a Plan view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit with three offset hexagon top slabs above in the installed position.

FIG. 38. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit having openings in all three walls with a hexagon base slab and uninstalled hexagon top slab in an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 39. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall unit having openings in all three walls with a hexagon base slab and installed hexagon top slab in an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 40. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped riser wall unit with a hexagonal base slab, and a hexagonal top slab in the alternate embodiment

FIG. 41. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped riser wall unit with a hexagonal base slab.

FIG. 42. Isometric view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with bottom slabs with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations, with some walls having no openings.

FIG. 43. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped riser wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations, with some walls having no openings.

FIG. 44. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units with openings in the walls

FIG. 45. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations, with some walls having no openings.

FIG. 46. Isometric view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations.

FIG. 47. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations, with some walls having no openings.

FIG. 48. Isometric render view showing “Y” shaped base wall units with stacked “Y” shaped riser units and various wall opening sizes and configurations, with three hexagonal top slabs in the installed position.

FIG. 49. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of a “Y” shaped module comprised of a monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall having a diamond shaped bottom slab, and a monolithic rectangular shaped vertical wall having a chevron shaped bottom slab in the separated position.

FIG. 50. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of a “Y” shaped module comprised of a monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall having a diamond shaped bottom slab, a monolithic rectangular shaped vertical wall having a chevron shaped bottom slab in the separated position, with an uninstalled hexagonal top slab offset above.

FIG. 51. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of two “Y” shaped modules, each comprised of a monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall having a diamond shaped bottom slab, and a monolithic rectangular shaped vertical wall having a chevron shaped bottom slab in the separated position, with corresponding diamond and chevron shaped top slabs above in the uninstalled and installed positions.

FIG. 52. Isometric underside render view showing an alternate embodiment of a “Y” shaped module comprised of a monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall having a diamond shaped bottom slab, and a monolithic rectangular shaped vertical wall having a chevron shaped bottom slab in the separated position.

FIG. 53. Isometric view showing an alternate embodiment of two “Y” shaped base wall units with monolithic “Y” shaped vertical walls with openings and hexagonal bottom slab, with a chevron shaped top slab in the installed and uninstalled positions.

FIG. 54. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of two “Y” shaped base wall units with monolithic “Y” shaped vertical walls with openings and hexagonal bottom slab, with a diamond shaped top slab in the installed and uninstalled positions.

FIG. 55. Isometric render views showing the generally “Y” shaped module in an alternate embodiment comprising first, second, and third monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall units with diamond shaped bottom slabs in the separated positions.

FIG. 56. Isometric underside render view showing the generally “Y” shaped module in an alternate embodiment, said module further comprising first, second, and third monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall units with diamond shaped bottom slabs, in the separated positions.

FIG. 57. Isometric render view showing the generally “Y” shaped module in an alternate embodiment, said module further comprising first, second, and third monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall units in the separated uninstalled position, each having diamond shaped bottom slabs and diamond shaped top slabs in the installed position.

FIG. 58. Isometric render view showing the generally “Y” shaped module in an alternate embodiment, said module further comprising first, second, and third monolithic generally “V” shaped vertical wall units in the separated uninstalled positions, each having diamond shaped bottom slabs, with diamond shaped top slabs uninstalled above.

FIG. 59. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 60. Isometric render view showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 61. Isometric render view of an assembly of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 62. Isometric underside render view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 63. Perspective render view of a stormwater system assembly showing inner “Y” shaped base units, outer end wall units, and some top slabs in the installed position.

in the installed position over three “Y” shaped base units below, all within a 3d modeling environment.

Claims

1. A modular stormwater management system, wherein the system is comprised of a plurality of individual adjoining “Y” shaped modules,

a. The stormwater management system of claim 1, wherein the “Y” shaped modules comprise a hexagon slab base.

b. The stormwater management system of claim 1, wherein the “Y” shaped module comprises openings on one or more vertical wall.

c. The stormwater management system of claim 1, wherein the “Y” shaped module comprises recessed channels in the wall top surface.

d. The stormwater management system of claim 1, comprising hexagon shaped top slabs offset from the bottom hexagon base.

e. The stormwater management system of claim 1, comprising hexagon shaped top slabs having recessed edges.