Street Or Curb Inlet For Surface Drainage Patents (Class 404/4)
  • Patent number: 6062767
    Abstract: A storm water receptor having at least one inlet and an outlet positioned at a discharge level lower than the level of the intake provided with a novel, removable divider which divides the receptor into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, having a float-actuated trap door that permits water entering the upper chamber of the catch basin or field inlet to be diverted and flow into the lower chamber until the lower chamber is filled with liquid, at which point the entrance into the lower chamber closes, and water entering the upper chamber passes directly out of the upper chamber through the discharge pipe. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the float-activated trap door can be replaced with a stationary, removable plate or ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Samuil Kizhnerman, Michael J. Calise
  • Patent number: 6059964
    Abstract: A novel filter assembly for a drainage system stormwater catch basin is provided with spaced-apart open frame elements that are joined to and carry a singular mesh fabric filter element, and with manually pivotable support leg elements that permit the assembly to be collapsed for subsequent transportation, storage, or refurbishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Alpine Stormwater Management Company
    Inventor: Daniel M. Strawser, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6045691
    Abstract: A apparatus for use in storm water openings equipped with a cover and openings that allow storm water into the storm sewer. The apparatus includes a plurality of troughs with a bottom and two sides that define the troughs. The troughs support an absorbent sock and directs storm water to openings between the troughs where the storm water discharges into a semi-permeable bag prior to discharge down the storm sewer. The troughs are equipped with small openings at each end and on each side of the trough with the purpose of holding a semi-permeable bag between two troughs. The structure, absorbent sock and semi-permeable bag are located on the peripheral portion of the storm sewer inlet. The structure is installed on the same support for the cover by a thin lip and the cover is placed on top of the lip. The absorbent sock provides the first stage of treatment of the storm water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Holly S McDermott
  • Patent number: 6027283
    Abstract: An end cap for a drainage system comprises a wall element having substantially the same profile as the cross-section of the end of the trench drain channel section. The wall element is adapted to be coupled to the trench drain channel section to form a terminal end of the channel section. At least one transverse groove is provided in the channel section so that, when the end cap is separated at the groove, the height of the end cap corresponds to the depth of the channel section. Typically, a plurality of transverse grooves are provided at spaced intervals along the vertical height of the wall element which correspond to different possible depths of the channel section. Thus, the end cap may be adapted to fit any one of a number of channel sections, regardless of depth. The end cap may further comprise a pipe coupler integrally molded with the wall element such that the wall element and coupler are substantially continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Strongwell Corporation
    Inventors: F. Matthew Schweinberg, Julie F. Frye, Jeff S. Zager
  • Patent number: 6017166
    Abstract: A catch basin guard and filter for preventing entry into a catch basin and subsequently a storm drain. The preferred embodiment provides a form fitting cover having a grate. The invention is designed for catch basins being installed in construction sites. The invention blocks the inlet of a catch basin, thereby deterring the entry of debris, animals and, most importantly, children. This deterrent increases the completion of construction because the catch basin will need less cleaning and evacuating before coupling to the existing storm drain system. The invention additionally has a mesh filter covering the grate, and a second embodiment employs overflow apertures to provide for the passing of fluids should the filter become clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: William H. Mossburg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6015489
    Abstract: A self-relieving curb inlet filter, for intercepting debris, to be positioned in the opening of conventional pre-cast and cast-in-place curb inlets, for reducing water pollution in lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. The present invention is one-piece molded apparatus with screened grid configuration of vertical and horizontal members spaced to allow liquids and small debris to go into the storm sewer system while intercepting large sized debris. The present invention permits accumulated debris collected to be released into the storm sewer system, usually during heavy rainfall events, when flow/debris pressure, against the present invention, increases sufficiently to move/open the present invention. The present invention moves/returns to the original position when flow/debris accumulation pressure decreases from the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignees: Larry J. Allen, Bridgett L. Allen
    Inventors: Larry James Allen, Bridgette Lyniece Allen
  • Patent number: 6010622
    Abstract: A filter for removing particulate matter from water flowing into an inlet, such as a catch basin is disclosed. The filter may comprise an envelope of filter material adapted to receive an inlet cover device, such as a catch basin grate. The inlet device may be inserted within the envelope and placed in an opening of the inlet. Water, for example, may then be double filtered before entering the inlet. A roll filter comprising porous material is also disclosed that may be used in combination or alone when filtering runoff entering a curb drain or other inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Dandy Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Andrew W. Chinn, Daniel M. Strawser, Sr., Geralde M. Chinn
  • Patent number: 6000881
    Abstract: A modular trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel including a narrow throat into which water can flow and a wider flow passage. The trench drain can include an integrally formed, removable cover which renders the channel close-faced. The removable cover is removed after installation of the drain. The throat can be offset to allow curbside installation of the trench drain. Protuberances are provided to secure the drain in the material in which the trench drain is embedded. Securement clips are provided for receiving support rods and reinforcing rods to ease installation and to provide structural stability to the trench drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Becker, Michael A. Funari, Donald A. Kubiak
  • Patent number: 5989417
    Abstract: A cover for a sewage shaft comprising a shaft lid (1) including apertures (2) for the passage of sewage, a filtering element (3) spanning the region of the apertures (2) being arranged at the lower side of this lid, wherein the filtering element (3) projects into the apertures (2) and, at its upper side, ends substantially flush with the upper side of the shaft lid (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Gerhard Fleischhacker
  • Patent number: 5980740
    Abstract: A filtration system for storm drain collection boxes includes a helical coil frame, open at both ends, which coil frame is attached at an exit end to a vertical exit side wall of the collection box with the exit end aligned with a collection box outlet opening. The opposite, inlet end of the coil frame is suspended from a ceiling of the collection box, and a filter fabric "sock", which is also open at both ends, is positioned surrounding the coil frame. The inlet end of the coil frame is positioned at a level below the ceiling of the collection box. The filter sock normally filters out silt, sediment and solid materials from storm water run-off before the water enters the storm drainage system but the open inlet end of the coil frame and sock acts as an overflow during flooding conditions to permit storm water to bypass the filtration provided by the filter sock while still filtering out solid materials via a wide mesh screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Civitas Erosion Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Harms, Paul W. Stiles, George E. Preuss
  • Patent number: 5890839
    Abstract: A trench forming assembly for forming a trench of predetermined shaped is disclosed according to the present invention. The assembly includes a pair of elongate frame members for defining a support surface for supporting a trench cover and at least one downwardly extending leg attached to each frame member for anchoring the frame members in a predetermined location. The assembly also includes a form body for shaping a hardenable trench forming composition into the predetermined shape of the trench and having an upper surface, opposed side surfaces and a bottom surface. The trench forming assembly further includes at least one counterbuoyancy member extending between the frame members and having a generally downwardly facing engagement surface for operatively engaging a portion of the upper surface of the buoyant form body between the frame members. The counterbuoyancy member can also have an upper surface, opposite the engagement surface, for operatively engaging the elongate frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5853265
    Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5849198
    Abstract: A device and method for removing petroleum based contaminants from the runoff water that passes into a storm drain. The device is a filter apparatus that can be added to a storm drain or a storm drain assembly containing a filter apparatus. The filter apparatus consists of a filter cartridge containing oil absorbing material. The filter cartridge is suspended below the grate of the storm drain by flexible suspension elements such as chains. The top of each of the flexible suspension elements terminate at an attachment element that engages the grate of the storm grate. As a result, the filter cartridge is suspended directly from the grate so as to not disturbed and the position of the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Sharpless
  • Patent number: 5820762
    Abstract: An insert for a storm drain or sanitary sewer inlet such as are found in factory or warehouse floors, parking lots and car washes in which the insert holds one or more bags of filter media. The bags have a very open structure such as coarse weave cotton permitting water entering the drain to pass through each bag and the filter media inside the bag. The entire bag may be conveniently withdrawn from the insert and replaced as the filter media becomes saturated. Preferably, a first bag contains an absorbant cellulose particulate media which absorbs oils and greases and post non-volatile hydrocarbons and a second bag contains specially textured activated carbon which absorbs organically bound heavy metals and volatile hydrocarbons as well other VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Various types of filter media and configurations of these media also allows for the removal of dissolved heavy metals, and even the removal of pathogenic microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Bamer, Gregory Stevens Conrad
  • Patent number: 5803662
    Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5779393
    Abstract: An elongate grate capable of securing an edge portion of an artificial turf surface within a drainage channel is provided. The grate includes an elongate central portion defining a plurality of openings to permit runoff from the artificial turf surface to flow into the drainage channel. Connected to at least one exterior edge of the central portion is a downwardly extending wall portion being interior of the exterior edge for applying a downwardly directed engagement force to the edge portion of the artificial turf surface. According to another embodiment of the grate, an elongate slot is integrally defined in the central portion having a width such the edge portion of the artificial turf can be frictionally engaged therein. According to yet another embodiment, a grate is provided with a central portion positioned between opposed edge portions and defines a plurality of openings therein such that an impervious athletic surface can be formed over each of the edge portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5744048
    Abstract: A removable storm drain filter to be used in combination with an absorbent media, and a catch basin having grated inlet and standpipe outlet to remove pollutants carried in surface drainage. The storm drain filter is designed to fit within a catch basin, below the grated inlet, and upon the upward terminus of a vertical stand pipe. A filtration vessel (50) is provided to contain absorbent media and to provide a primary flow path through the absorbent media and a secondary flow path (bypass) for high flows. The filter includes a cover plate (70), structurally supported by and above the filtration vessel, to prevent deposition of sediment upon the absorbent media and to prevent direct striking of the absorbent media by influent storm water. The storm drain filter further includes a floatables screen (60) to prevent clogging of the absorbent media by floating debris such as leaves, pine needles, and cigarette butts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Storm Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Stetler
  • Patent number: 5735638
    Abstract: A trench liner system used for forming a single or dual containment trench comprising a primary liner alone or a primary liner with a secondary liner. In a single containment trench, a primary liner means extends along the length of the trench, and includes a plurality of ribs or pleats spaced laterally along the exterior side of the primary liner, so that the primary liner means is supported within the trench by the ribs or pleats and plurality of cavities are formed between the primary liner means and the trench wall and bottom. For a dual containment trench, the secondary liner means also comprises a plurality of ribs or pleats spaced along the exterior side of the secondary liner, so that the secondary liner means is supported by the ribs or pleats and a plurality of cavities are formed between the secondary liner means and the trench wall and bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Hoosier Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John V. Beamer
  • Patent number: 5733444
    Abstract: An annular ring and cap that are positionable within a manhole or catch basin structure above the base of the manhole or catch basin to reduce the amount of debris entering into the manhole or catch basin. The annular ring may be positioned within the manhole or catch basin such that a flange of the annular ring is sandwiched between the base and support frame. When a final grade surrounding the manhole or catch basin is complete and the cover or grating is positioned above the support frame, the cap then serves as a secondary restriction thereby deterring access to underground conduits that are linked to the manhole or catch basin. A plurality of corrosion resistant locking members secure the cap against a ledge of the annular ring. The annular ring further has an inner edge of the ledge that includes first and second shoulder clearance indentations aligned opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Eric A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5733445
    Abstract: A removable filter assembly includes a relatively thin support grate positioned on top of an inlet grate, a filter fabricated from a geotextile material is positioned on the support grate and has an appropriate filter size for removing suspended particulate materials from ground water before the ground water passes into the catch basin, and a covering grate positioned above the filter for protecting the filter from contact damage caused by passing vehicular traffic. The cover includes depending sides for positioning the covering grate and blocking flow. In one embodiment, the support grate has a plurality of spaced apart pads around the exterior thereof, and the filter is placed on the support grate and over the pads. The pads extend into holes in the covering grate to trap the filter therebetween. The covering grate also has a depending peripheral flange that depends downwardly to circumscribe the support grate and an upper portion of the inlet grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony T. Fanelli
  • Patent number: 5729937
    Abstract: The outer sides of the widened top embankment part of the gutter are provided with small integral continuous longitudinal channels that face upwards and into which the terminal edge of the waterproof facing of the concrete structure fitted with a drainage channel formed by the gutters in question can be correctly abutted so as to form a leaktight joint between the facing and the gutters laid one after the other and such that the water discharged by the facing into the supplementary channels can also be carried away. The ends and middle part of the gutter are also suitably shaped so that the gutter can be joined to other similar gutters, whether these be whole modules or modules cut into sections of the desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Edil Plast S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giulio Mantelli
  • Patent number: 5728294
    Abstract: A drain closure apparatus for closing a storm drain, or other type of drain, in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent a flow of hazardous materials into the drain. The closure member comprises a first cover member having an outside diameter and a peripheral edge which corresponds to the outside diameter and peripheral edge of an existing drain cover member covering a drain to enable seating and supporting the first cover member in the drain in place of the existing drain cover member, a second cover member in a hole provided therefor in the center of the first cover member, said second cover member having holes in the top thereof so as to permit a flow of fluid through the second cover member and into the drain, a closure member, and a threaded rod for moving the closure member between a first position and a second position as the second cover member is rotated to selectively close the drain in a fluid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: John P. Deming
  • Patent number: 5725782
    Abstract: A filter for removing particulate matter from water flowing into an inlet, such as a catch basin is disclosed. The filter may comprise an envelope of filter material adapted to receive an inlet cover device, such as a catch basin gate. The inlet device may be inserted within the envelope and placed in an opening of the inlet. Water, for example, may then be double filtered before entering the inlet. A roll filter comprising porous material is also disclosed that may be used in combination or alone when filtering runoff entering a curb drain or other inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dandy Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Andrew W. Chinn, Daniel M. Strawser, Sr., Geralde M. Chinn
  • Patent number: 5720574
    Abstract: A structure for use with water drainage inlets includes an outside wall portion, a perforated bottom portion, and an inside wall portion. The outside wall, bottom, and inside wall together define a trough for retention of a replaceable filter media. The trough is installed on the inside surface of a drainage structure so that drainage water that would normally flow directly through the drainage structure is caused instead to flow through the filter media, thereby removing undesirable materials that may be carried in the water, while permitting the water itself to pass through essentially unimpeded to the ultimate drainage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kristar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Barella
  • Patent number: 5718537
    Abstract: A polymeric trench drain for use in a trench drain system. The trench drain includes an open-faced channel having a crushing rib. The crushing rib prevents buckling of the trench drain due to changes in temperatures. The trench drain also includes removable spacer blocks for use during installation, which prevent the trench drain channel from deforming during installation. Rebar clips and securement clips are provided for easy installation. A unique profile is provided on support ribs to assist in easy stacking of the trench drains prior to installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen R. Becker, Michael A. Funari, Donald A. Kubiak
  • Patent number: 5702595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catch basin face cover for preventing entry into a catch basin and subsequently a storm drain. The preferred embodiment provides a form fitting cover for catch basins being installed in new construction. Newly constructed catch basins are generally not connected into existing storm drains, and consequently, tend to fill with water and debris, or become home for stray animals. The present invention blocks the inlet of a catch basin deterring the entry of water, debris, animals and, most importantly, children. This deterrent increases the completion of new construction sites because the catch basin will need less cleaning and evacuating before coupling to the existing storm drain system. Once the construction is complete, the cover has preformed punch-outs that allow water entry into the storm drain but prevent solid contaminants from entering the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: William H. Mossburg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5702204
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and aligning frame member sections of a trench with a connector is disclosed according to the present invention. The connector may include horizontal and vertical panel sections each defining a pair of openings therein. Protrusions extending from the ends of the adjacent frame member sections are inserted into the openings to securely connect the frame member sections together. The frame member sections may have a protrusion on both horizontal and vertical legs thereof and the connector may include a peripheral edge portion defining an edge of each of the openings and further defining a gap in the body portion. The gap allows the protrusion to be inserted in the opening. The peripheral edge portion may include a resilient end segment and a guide surface defined thereby for guiding the protrusion into the opening. The peripheral edge portion may also include a side segment defining a guide edge adjacent to the gap which is tapered to help guide the protrusion into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5694723
    Abstract: A concrete slab and wall spacer with water and radon removal elements. The invention includes a cross-sectionally, L-shaped elongate strip of semi-rigid, nonbiodegradable material. At least halfway up the entire elongate vertical leg of the L-shape may be a horizontally disposed projection which is integral with the strip. The spacer projection is placed against a wall, the L base resting on a portion of the footing subtended by the wall in a conventional spacer usage. An spacer may be provided for additional support of the L-shaped strip. This spacer is easily removable after the floating slab has set, or the spacer may be left in place for use as a decorative molding. Several applications for the strip, are disclosed, one being the sealing of the shelf to the abutting wall with placement of a gas impermeable membrane in an overlapping arrangement with the L base so as to form, relative to the strip and the abutted wall, an upper fluid region and a lower gas region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Alton F. Parker
  • Patent number: 5653553
    Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5650065
    Abstract: A skimmer cover for a secondary dispersement system orifice in a storm water catch basin prevents inflow of floatable materials, and especially hydrocarbons from motor vehicles, from entering the orifice. The orifice is defined in a neck extending spacedly above the bottom of the catch basin surface to carry the skimmer cover. The skimmer cover provides a top with a peripheral skirt diametrically larger than the neck and supported on the neck to depend therebelow to a point spacedly above the catch basin bottom surrounding the neck. An internal cylinder depends from the cover top within the skimmer cover skirt and defines plural spaced orifices to allow fluid passage therethrough and into the orifice defined by the neck. A depending fastening structure having opposed pivotal lever arms moved by a medial screw therebetween is carried by the skimmer cover top to allow releasable fastening of the skimmer cover within the neck orifice for positional establishment and maintenance of the skimmer cover thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: William J. Sewell
  • Patent number: 5647692
    Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5647689
    Abstract: An elongate grate capable of securing an edge portion of an artificial turf surface within a drainage channel is provided. The grate includes an elongate central portion defining a plurality of openings to permit runoff from the artificial turf surface to flow into the drainage channel. Connected to at least one exterior edge of the central portion is a downwardly extending wall portion being interior of the exterior edge for applying a downwardly directed engagement force to the edge portion of the artificial turf surface. According to another embodiment of the grate, an elongate slot is integrally defined in the central portion having a width such the edge portion of the artificial turf can be frictionally engaged therein. According to yet another embodiment, a grate is provided with a central portion positioned between opposed edge portions and defines a plurality of openings therein such that an impervious athletic surface can be formed over each of the edge portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5632888
    Abstract: A filter for removing particulate matter from water flowing into an inlet, such as a catch basin is disclosed. The filter may comprise an envelope of filter material adapted to receive an inlet cover device, such as a catch basin grate. The inlet device may be inserted within the envelope and placed in an opening of the inlet. Water, for example, may then be double filtered before entering the inlet. A roll filter comprising porous material is also disclosed that may be used in combination or alone when filtering runoff entering a curb drain or other inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Dandy Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Andrew W. Chinn, Daniel M. Strawser, Sr., Geralde M. Chinn
  • Patent number: 5613804
    Abstract: A trench liner system used for forming a dual containment trench and for relining an existing trench has a primary liner and a secondary liner means extending along the length of the trench, a separating means is disposed between the primary liner and the secondary liner. A means for holding the primary liner, the secondary liner and the separating means against the trench walls has a vertical member having an upper end and an opposite lower end, with a first horizontal member extending from the upper end and terminating in a first edge. A first wall depends from the first edge and a second horizontal member extends from the lower end away from the first horizontal member. The second horizontal member terminates in a second edge having a second wall depending therefrom. The outer surface of the vertical member and the upper surface of the second horizontal member form a ledge adapted to receive grates and covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Hoosier Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John V. Beamer
  • Patent number: 5611640
    Abstract: A frame insert for raising the level of a drainage grate cover with respect to a catch basin frame. The frame insert includes a lug for providing a locking surface for a lock device connected to the grate cover. The lug permits a pre-existing lock which locked the grate cover to the catch basin frame to be used to lock the grate cover to the frame insert. The lock engages the frame insert lug at a new lock position which is approximately ninety degrees from the position where it locked the grate cover to the frame before installation of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Harold M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5582720
    Abstract: A drain closure apparatus for closing a storm drain, or other type of drain, in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent a flow of hazardous materials into the drain. The closure member comprises a first cover member having an outside diameter and a peripheral edge which corresponds to the outside diameter and peripheral edge of an existing drain cover member covering a drain to enable seating and supporting the first cover member in the drain in place of the existing drain cover member, a second cover member in a hole provided therefor in the center of the first cover member, said second cover member having holes in the top thereof so as to permit a flow of fluid through the second cover member and into the drain, a closure member, and a threaded rod for moving the closure member between a first position and a second position as the second cover member is rotated to selectively close the drain in a fluid-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: John P. Deming
  • Patent number: 5575925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable filter for buried catch basins. The filter includes a bag located below grade level in the catch basin and looped flaps which extend above grade level and aid in removal of the filter from the catch basin. The filter is held in place in the basin by a heavy grate which rests on the flaps. The flaps extend at grade level away from the grate. The filter is removed from the catch basin for dumping by inserting a lift rod in each flap loop and hooking lift chains to the rods at openings in the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: George E. Logue, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5573351
    Abstract: A trench liner system used for lining a single containment trench and for forming a dual containment trench from a single containment trench comprising a primary liner means within the trench supported by a separating means between the primary liner and the trench walls and bottom, and a means for holding the primary liner means and the separating means to the trench walls. The separating means comprises a plurality of pairs of elongated members disposed along the trench such that the rear surface of each elongated member is in contact with one wall of the trench and the underside surface of each member is in contact with the bottom of the trench. The elongated members are in opposed relationship to each other. The length of the lower portion of each elongated member is less than one-half the width of the bottom of the trench so that a gap is formed between the distal edges of the lower portions to position therein a means for detecting a leak in the primary liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Hoosier Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John V. Beamer
  • Patent number: 5573350
    Abstract: A method for cutting first and second complementary foamed plastic bodies of a predetermined shape from a single workpiece includes the step of moving a linear cutting element through the workpiece. The linear cutting element, such as a heated wire, is moved through the workpiece to form a first surface which forms a portion of the predetermined shape of the first and second foamed plastic bodies. The workpiece is thereafter shifted in position relative to the linear cutting element and the linear cutting element is again moved through the shifted workpiece to form a second surface. Due to the shifting of the workpiece, the first surface is sloped relative to the second surface. The first and second foamed plastic bodies are preferably first and second trench forms defining the shapes of different sections of a trench drain which has a continuously sloped bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Lannie L. Stegall
  • Patent number: 5568995
    Abstract: A trench liner system used for forming a dual containment trench and for relining an existing trench has a primary liner and a secondary liner means extending along the length of the trench, a separating means is disposed between the primary liner and the secondary liner. A means for holding the primary liner, the secondary liner and the separating means against the trench walls. The separating means also includes a perforated plate in contacting relationship with the lower edges of the opposed elongated members under which a means for detecting a leak in the primary liner is positioned. The separating means has a plurality of ribs spaced between the liner means so that a cavity is formed between the primary liner means and the secondary liner means between the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Hoosier Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John V. Beamer
  • Patent number: 5562819
    Abstract: Apparatus for trapping and collecting debris including an in-line trap contained in a subterranean chamber having an inlet and an outlet for connection to an underground conduit such as a sewer or storm drain conduit. The trap comprises a net being closed on all sides except on an inlet side which faces the inlet to the chamber. The chamber is contained in a vault having a set of upper doors and the bag is attached to a frame structure having suitable supports which may be grasped such that the bag may be lifted upwardly through the doors for replacement. An overflow weir is provided for allow flow past the trap when the bag is full of debris. Sensing systems are further provided for detecting and signalling when the bag is full. A multi-bag system is also disclosed in which at least two bags in parallel are provided such that one bag may accommodate overflow when the other is being serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Fresh Creek Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Turner, Jr., Steven Hurwitt
  • Patent number: 5538361
    Abstract: A system for forming a single-walled trench comprising a pair of frame members, each having a horizontal section and a section depending from the horizontal section; a collapsing pair of wall pans having sidewalls interior to the depending portion of the frame members, a bottom floor disposed between the sidewalls, a releasing mechanism to collapse inward the sidewalls, a device which collapses the sidewalls inward and removes the entire bottom and sidewalls from the poured trench leaving the frames embedded securely in the concrete; and adjustable anchoring means attached to the frame members for providing vertical adjustment of the frame members relative to the ground and each other, leaving all but the frame members available for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Hoosier Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John V. Beamer
  • Patent number: 5529436
    Abstract: An improved trench drain or so-called channel drain system is disclosed which provides a universal drainage unit, preferably formed of injection molded plastic in a standard length, for installation in concrete floors, airport areas, driveways, service station aprons, EPA-mandated on-site collection and disposal areas, and the like. The trench drain unit terminates at one end in a female end and at the other end in a male end. Such drain ends can respectively receive male and female end caps, whereby the drain operates as a single unit drain, or instead can receive the molded interlocking male and female ends of an adjacent trench drain unit, whereby a connected series drain system is created. The mating interlocking male and female ends so encapsulate one another as to create a substantially watertight connection. Drain openings covered by knock-out membranes, with downwardly-extending pipe flange connectors, are located proximal each respective end of the universal drain unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Tuf-Tite, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore W. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5501044
    Abstract: A sub-floor water control drainage conduit element and system which minimizes installation labor, materials and time. The drainage conduit element comprises an elongate conduit section which is somewhat hemispherical or somewhat-rectangular in cross-section and has a flat base on floor wall, and a roof wall and/or sidewall. The floor wall is designed to be supported on the top surface of a footing at the wall-footing interface or in an excavation at the base of a wall. The conduit section is open to admit groundwater, such as from the wall-footing interface, and the element contains an upper vertical wall portion which is designed to extend above the basement floor surface and is spaced from the basement wall to provide a wall drain gap down to the conduit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Patent number: 5478169
    Abstract: A trench forming assembly and removable form for forming a trench of predetermined shape is disclosed according to the present invention. The removable form includes an elongate form body having top, bottom and opposed side surfaces and first and second elongate form removal slots extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the form body. Preferably the removable form has a top surface defining a complex shape including at least a first upwardly extending ear portion which extends longitudinally along the top surface. At least a first form removal slot of this elongate form body extends into a portion of the first ear portion. Advantageously, the form body includes a pair of coplanar elongate slots integrally formed in the side surfaces for receiving a pair of frame members in a predetermined coplanar, spaced relationship above the bottom surface of the form body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Lannie L. Stegall
  • Patent number: 5462383
    Abstract: A housing device intended for fitting in the pavement of a road surface, footpath and the like, such as a junction box for cables, opens out on the surface of the pavement, and has sides (2, 3) which form an interior space and bound an access opening near their top end. In order to also give the device a sufficiently great stability when made of plastic, the sides each have an inside wall (5) and an outside wall (4) which are situated a distance apart, which walls (4, 5) of one side (2, 3) in each case are interconnected by ribs (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Zweva Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Van 'T Veer
  • Patent number: 5462382
    Abstract: Surface drainage apparatus comprises a channel body defining a drainage channel with a cover defining apertures through which drainage can pass into the drainage channel. A fixing means for attachment of the cover to the channel body is provided and comprises a first fixing element for attachment to said channel body and a complementary second fixing element for attachment to said cover. The second fixing element comprises a bolt that is mounted in the cover so as to be capable of sliding into a locking position in the direction toward a long edge defined by said cover and back out of this locking position into an opened position. The first fixing element comprises a retaining means which when the bolt slides into the locking position engages with the bolt in such a way that said cover is retained on the channel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Sauerwein, Wolfgang Arm
  • Patent number: 5454663
    Abstract: A replacement re-cover drain top for a deteriorated top of an existing drain situated in the deck area about a swimming pool. The re-cover top is of a channel-like section and is adapted when installed to overlie an existing drain from which its previous top has been at least partially removed. Drain apertures in the top communicate with the drain on which it is installed from below the upper surface of the top to a depth corresponding at least to the flush level of the adjacent decking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: William J. Stegmeier
  • Patent number: 5443327
    Abstract: A reusable support structure for installing a trench liner in a trench formed in the ground, and a method for doing so. The support structure includes a crossbar having two ends and spanning the trench. The top end of a threaded rod is adjustably connected to the crossbar by a nut threaded onto the rod above the crossbar. The bottom end of the threaded rod is connected to the bottom or floor portion of the liner by a nut threaded onto the rod below the bottom floor portion of the liner, the threaded rod thus passing through the liner floor. A plurality of these trench liners are installed in the trench, and are connected together by one or more tabs at one end of each trench liner that coact with the opposite end of the next adjacent trench liner to connect the two trench liners together. The top nut then rests on the crossbar, supporting the rod, and in turn the trench liner, at the proper height in the trench, the height being adjustable by turning the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Neenah Foundry Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Akkala, Andy Aylward, Tim J. Koller
  • Patent number: 5437516
    Abstract: Surface drainage apparatus is provided comprising a channel body defining a drainage channel and a cover for the channel. A fixing means is provided for attachment of the cover to the channel body and comprises a first fixing element for attachment to the channel body and a complementary second fixing element for attachment to the cover. The first fixing element comprises a clamping spring defining a receiving opening and the second fixing element comprises a peg formed with an enlarged end that is a leading end for insertion of the peg into the clamping spring. The clamping spring and the peg are constructed so that the peg can be inserted into the receiving opening, thereby elastically deforming the spring, and retained therein after insertion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Sauerwein, Wolfgang Arm, Jan Witt