NESTING UNIVERSAL INLINE SURFACE DRAIN

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/712,793, filed on October 28, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to inline surface drains, and more particularly, to nested inline surface drains that allow a smaller inline surface drain to be placed onto a larger inline surface drain to accept vertical riser pipes that are too small to engage with the larger inline surface drain.

BACKGROUND

Stormwater inlets and piping systems may be used to capture and convey stormwater for a wide variety of applications. Stormwater may commonly be captured at a surface level, for example through a surface drain. The surface drain may be connected to below grade stormwater pipes, stormwater chambers, stormwater crates, or other stormwater management systems that may capture water into an underground conveyance, storage, or treatment system. Such underground systems typically comprise underground pipes, stormwater chambers, stormwater crates, or other stormwater management systems that are brought to the surface by vertically extending riser pipes that may vertically feed the surface drainage into the below grade storm pipes.

Inline surface drains may be used to terminate the vertical riser pipes at the surface level. Conventional inline surface drains may typically be made through custom fabrication processes to fit specifically sized riser pipes. Accordingly, single inline surface drains may not be capable of fitting more than one size of riser pipe. This may limit the functionality and versatility of the surface drains. Therefore, there is a need for an improved inline surface drain that can fit multiple diameters of riser pipes. There is a further need for multiple inline surface drains of various sizes to be connected in a telescoping configuration to allow larger inline surface drains to be connected with smaller diameter riser pipes. There is also a need for an improved inline surface drain that can securely fasten onto the riser pipe to prevent the surface drain from dislodging during installation.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments describe systems, methods, and devices for a nested inline surface drain system. These systems, methods, and devices may include a nested inline surface drain assembly which comprises a first inline surface drain, wherein the first inline surface drain may comprise a first cylindrical frame, and a first plurality of concentric rings coupled to the first cylindrical frame, each of the first plurality of concentric rings having a diameter and a height, wherein the first plurality of concentric rings are configured to connect to a second inline surface drain, and a second inline surface drain, wherein the second inline surface drain may comprise a second cylindrical frame, and a second plurality of concentric rings coupled to the second cylindrical frame, each of the second plurality of concentric rings having a diameter and a height, wherein the second plurality of concentric rings are configured to connect to a riser pipe.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of concentric rings may be configured to extend outwardly from a bottom external surface of the first cylindrical frame. In some embodiments, the second plurality of concentric rings may be configured to extend outwardly from a bottom external surface of the second cylindrical frame.

In some embodiments, diameters of the first plurality of concentric rings may be different. In some embodiments, diameters of the second plurality of concentric rings may be different.

In some embodiments, the first inline surface drain may be oriented at an angle and the second inline surface drain may be oriented vertically. In some embodiments, the first inline surface drain and the second inline surface drain may be oriented vertically.

In some embodiments, one or more heights of the first plurality of concentric rings may be different. In some embodiments, one or more heights of the second plurality of concentric rings may be different. In some embodiments, one or more heights of the first plurality of concentric rings may be the same. In some embodiments, one or more heights of the second plurality of concentric rings may be the same.

In some embodiments, the second cylindrical frame may be configured to detachably connect to one of the first plurality of concentric rings. In some embodiments, the second plurality of concentric rings may be configured to detachably connect to the riser pipe. In some embodiments, a diameter of the riser pipe may be less than a diameter of each of the first plurality of concentric rings.

In some embodiments, at least one of the second plurality of concentric rings may comprise a stepped internal surface. In some embodiments, the stepped internal surface may be configured to accommodate riser pipes of different diameters. In some embodiments, a bottom internal surface of the first cylindrical frame may comprise a stepped surface. In some embodiments, a plurality of steps of the stepped surface may be positioned lower in height as the plurality of steps are closer to a center of the first cylindrical frame. In some embodiments, a bottom internal surface of the second cylindrical frame may comprise a stepped surface. In some embodiments, a plurality of steps of the stepped surface may be positioned lower in height as the plurality of steps are closer to a center of the second cylindrical frame.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a section cut of nested inline surface drains, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a section cut of an inline surface drain, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a section cut of an inline surface drain, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a section cut of nested inline surface drains connected to a riser pipe, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a section cut of angled nested inline surface drains connected to a riser pipe, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As discussed in further detail below, various embodiments of an inline surface drain for stormwater drainage systems are provided. The inline surface drain, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure, may be able to fit multiple diameter riser pipes and may securely fasten to a riser pipe to prevent the surface drain from dislodging during installation. In some embodiments, the inline surface drain may comprise a concentric ring system, such as a plurality of concentric rings, that can be trimmed or knocked-out with a hammer or other known methods to an appropriate size for installation. The length of the concentric rings may also be designed such that the smallest ring may be the longest, and thus, knocked out first. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple inline surface drains of varying sizes may be connected together in a telescoping configuration to allow larger inline surface drains to be connected to riser pipes with smaller diameters. Such telescoping configuration may allow for better field adaptability during installation of the riser pipe and inline surface drains. This may reduce labor costs and time associated with installing inline surface drains and riser pipes.

FIG. 1 depicts a section cut of nested inline surface drain assembly 100. Nested inline surface drain assembly 100 may comprise first inline surface drain 105 and second inline surface drain 110. First inline surface drain 105 and second inline surface drain 110 may be connected in a telescoping configuration to allow first inline surface drain 105 to be connected, through second inline surface drain 110, to a riser pipe (not depicted) which may have an inner diameter that is too small to connect directly to first inline surface drain 105. Connecting first inline surface drain 105 and second inline surface drain 110 in a telescoping configuration as depicted in FIG. 1 may facilitate greater field adaptability during installation.

FIG. 2 depicts a section cut of first inline surface drain 105. First inline surface drain 105 may comprise cylindrical frame 205 and a plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E extending or protruding outwardly from a bottom external surface of cylindrical frame 205. In some embodiments, first inline surface drain 105 may be formed using various casting and/or molding techniques. For example, first inline surface drain 105 may be formed by resin casting, injection molding, extrusion molding, or other plastic casting and/or molding processes. Cylindrical frame 205 and concentric rings 210A-210E of first inline surface drain 105 may be formed using various materials, such as plastics. For example, cylindrical frame 205 and concentric rings 210A-210E may be formed using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), corrugated polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, solid polyethylene, corrugated polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, or solid polypropylene. In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 205 and concentric rings 210A-210E may be formed using fiberglass or thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 205 and concentric rings 210A-210E may be manufactured using the same material. In other embodiments, cylindrical frame 205 and concentric rings 210A-210E may be manufactured using different materials.

Cylindrical frame 205 may have a diameter in a range between about 3 inches and about 48 inches. In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 205 may have a height in a range of between about 3 inches and about 20 inches. Cylindrical frame 205 may be coupled to a plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E. In some embodiments, the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may be cut from cylindrical frame 205. In other embodiments, the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may be detachably coupled to cylindrical frame 205. While FIG. 2 depicts first inline surface drain 105 comprising five concentric rings 210A-210E, in other embodiments, inline surface drain 105 may comprise more or fewer concentric rings.

In some embodiments, each of concentric rings 210A-210E may include differing diameters and may be configured to be detachably coupled to riser pipes or second inline surface drains, such as second inline surface drain 110, of different sizes and diameters. In other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may seal to the riser pipe or second inline surface drain by a connection, such as a gasketed connection, an elastomeric seal, a glue connection, a primer connection, or a solvent welded connection. Concentric ring 210A may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 210B, concentric ring 210B may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 210C, concentric ring 210C may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 210D, and concentric ring 210D may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 210E. The plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may have diameters in a range between about 3 inches and about 48 inches. Accordingly, first inline surface drain 105 may connect to riser pipes or second inline surface drains of varying diameters. In some embodiments, the heights of each of concentric rings 210A-210E may be the same or may vary, as disclosed herein.

As depicted in FIG. 2, cylindrical frame 205 may include a stepped surface. For example, cylindrical frame 205 may include a bottom internal surface that is stepped. In some embodiments, each step 215A-215C on the bottom internal surface of cylindrical frame 205 may correspond to a respective concentric ring of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E. Accordingly, the width of each step 215A-215C may extend the width of each corresponding concentric ring 210A-210E. In some embodiments, steps 215A-215C may be positioned lower in height as steps 215A-215C become closer to a center of cylindrical frame 205. For example, the height of step 215B may be lower than the height of step 215A and the height of step 215C may be lower than the height of step 215B. The plurality of steps 215A-215C may allow the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E to be easily trimmed or knocked-out with a hammer or other known methods to an appropriate size for installation onto a riser pipe or a second inline surface drain.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2, the height of each of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may vary. For example, the height of concentric ring 210A may be less than the height of concentric ring 210B, the height of concentric ring 210B may be less than the height of concentric ring 210C, the height of concentric ring 210C may be less than the height of concentric ring 210D, and the height of concentric ring 210D may be less than the height of concentric ring 210E. The differing heights of concentric rings 210A-210E may allow one or more of the concentric rings 210A-210E to be knocked-out with a hammer or other known method to an appropriate diameter for installation onto a riser pipe of a specific size. For example, the different heights may allow concentric ring 210E to be knocked out first, leaving other concentric rings 210A-210D intact. After knocking out concentric ring 210E, the differing heights may further allow concentric ring 210D to be knocked out second, leaving other concentric rings 210A-210C intact, and so on. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more heights of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may be different while one or more heights of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may be the same. For example, in an embodiment, the height of concentric ring 210E may be greater than the height of concentric ring 210D, and the height of concentric ring 210D may be greater than the height of concentric ring 210C, but the heights of concentric rings 210C-210A may be the same. In other embodiments, the height of each of the plurality of concentric rings 210A-210E may be the same.

FIG. 3 depicts second inline surface drain 110, according to disclosed embodiments. As depicted in FIG. 3, second inline surface drain 110 may comprise cylindrical frame 305 and a plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C extending or protruding outwardly from a bottom external surface of cylindrical frame 305. In some embodiments, second inline surface drain 110 may be formed using various casting and/or molding techniques. For example, second inline surface drain 110 may be formed by resin casting, injection molding, extrusion molding, or other plastic casting and/or molding processes. Cylindrical frame 305 and concentric rings 325A-325C of second inline surface drain 110 may be formed using various materials, such as plastics. For example, cylindrical frame 305 and concentric rings 325A-325C may be formed using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), corrugated polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, solid polyethylene, corrugated polypropylene, foamed polypropylene, or solid polypropylene. In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 305 and concentric rings 325A-325C may be formed using fiberglass or thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 305 and concentric rings 325A-325C may be manufactured using the same material. In other embodiments, cylindrical frame 305 and concentric rings 325A-325C may be manufactured using different materials.

Cylindrical frame 305 may have a diameter between about 3 inches and about 48 inches. In some embodiments, cylindrical frame 305 may have a height in a range between about 3 inches and about 20 inches. Cylindrical frame 305 may further include ribs 310. Ribs 310 may project outwardly from an inner surface of cylindrical frame 305 and may provide strength and structural support to cylindrical frame 305. Cylindrical frame 305 may be coupled to a plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C. In some embodiments, the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may be cut from cylindrical frame 305. In other embodiments, the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may be detachably coupled to cylindrical frame 305. While FIG. 3 depicts second inline surface drain 110 comprising three concentric rings 325A-325C, in other embodiments, second inline surface drain 110 may comprise more or fewer concentric rings.

In some embodiments, the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may include differing diameters and may be detachably coupled to riser pipes of differing sizes and diameters. In other embodiments, at least one of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may seal to the riser pipe by a connection, such as a gasketed connection, an elastomeric seal, a glue connection, a primer connection, or a solvent welded connection. For example, concentric ring 325A may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 325B, and concentric ring 325B may have a smaller diameter than concentric ring 325C. The plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may have diameters in a range between about 3 inches and about 48 inches. Accordingly, second inline surface drain 110 may connect to riser pipes of varying diameters. In some embodiments, the heights of each of concentric rings 325A-325C may be the same or may vary, as disclosed herein.

The plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may include stepped internal surfaces. For example, each of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may include a stepped internal surface. In other embodiments, some of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may have a stepped internal surface and some of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may not have a stepped internal surface. The stepped internal surface of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may allow the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C to accommodate riser pipes of differing diameters. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, concentric ring 325C may include first stepped surface 315 and second stepped surface 320. An internal diameter of concentric ring 325C at first stepped surface 315 may be less than the internal diameter of concentric ring 325C at second stepped surface 320. Accordingly, one or more of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may accommodate riser pipes of different diameters. For example, concentric ring 325C may accommodate a first riser pipe with an external diameter corresponding to first stepped surface 315 and/or a second riser pipe with an external diameter corresponding to second stepped surface 320. Accordingly, concentric ring 325C may accommodate a first riser pipe with a first, larger external diameter and a second riser pipe with a second, smaller external diameter. In some embodiments, the stepped internal surface of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may allow one or more concentric rings to accommodate a plurality of types of riser pipes that have the same nominal dimensions but have different external diameters (e.g., a riser pipe with an external diameter of 6.275” and a riser pipe with an external diameter of 6.625”).

As depicted in FIG. 3, cylindrical frame 305 may include a stepped surface. For example, cylindrical frame 305 may include a bottom internal surface that is stepped. In some embodiments, each step 330A and 330B on the bottom internal surface of cylindrical frame 305 may correspond to a respective concentric ring of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C. Accordingly, the width of each step 330A and 330B may extend the width of each corresponding concentric ring 325A-325C. In some embodiments, steps 330A and 330B may be positioned lower in height as steps 330A and 330B become closer to a center of cylindrical frame 305. For example, the height of step 330B may be lower than the height of step 330A. The plurality of steps 330A and 330B may allow the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C to be easily trimmed or knocked-out with a hammer or other known methods to an appropriate size for installation onto a riser pipe or a second inline surface drain.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3, the height of each of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may be the same. In other embodiments, the height of each of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may vary. For example, in such an embodiment, the height of concentric ring 325A may be less than the height of concentric ring 325B, and the height of concentric ring 325B may be less than the height of concentric ring 325C. The differing heights of concentric rings 325A-325C may allow one or more of the concentric rings 325A-325C to be knocked-out with a hammer or other known method to an appropriate diameter for installation onto a riser pipe of a specific size. For example, the different heights may allow concentric ring 325C to be knocked out first, leaving other concentric rings 325B and 325A intact. After knocking out concentric ring 325C, the differing heights may further allow concentric ring 325B to be knocked out second, leaving concentric rings 325A intact, and so on. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more heights of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may be different while one or more heights of the plurality of concentric rings 325A-325C may be the same. For example, the height of concentric ring 325C may be greater than the height of concentric ring 325A and 325B, but the heights of concentric rings 325A and 325B may be the same.

FIG. 4 depicts second inline surface drain 110 connecting first inline surface drain 105 to riser pipe 405. As depicted in FIG. 4, the diameter of riser pipe 405 may be too small to connect directly to first inline surface drain 105. Accordingly, second inline surface drain 110 may be connected to first inline surface drain 105 and riser pipe 405 may be connected to second inline surface drain 110. Accordingly, surface drainage may flow down through cylindrical frame 205 of first inline surface drain 105 to cylindrical frame 305 of second inline surface drain 110 and then through second inline surface drain 110 to riser pipe 405. Riser pipe 405 may direct the surface drainage through various other underground pipes, stormwater crates, stormwater chambers, or other stormwater management systems to be deposited in the ground or an off-site location. In some embodiments, riser pipe 405 may comprise, for example, a smooth polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. In other embodiments, riser pipe 405 may comprise a corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. In yet another embodiment, riser pipe 405 may be manufactured using, for example, corrugated polypropylene, fiberglass, or thermoplastic polymer.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the diameter of riser pipe 405 may correspond to the diameter of concentric ring 325A of second inline surface drain 110. In such an embodiment, riser pipe 405 may be detachably connected to concentric ring 325A of second inline surface drain 110. In other embodiments, riser pipe 405 may be connected to concentric ring 325A of second inline surface drain 110 through a gasketed connection, an elastomeric seal, a glue connection, a primer connection, a solvent welded connection, or any other form of connection. In other embodiments, riser pipe 405 may be connected to concentric ring 325B or 325C of second inline surface drain 110, depending on the diameter of riser pipe 405. As depicted in FIG. 4, second inline surface drain 110 may be connected to concentric ring 210A of first inline surface drain 105. In other embodiments, depending on the diameter of second inline surface drain 110, second inline surface drain 110 may be connected to one of concentric rings 210B-210E of first inline surface drain 105.

FIG. 5 depicts first inline surface drain 105 connected to second inline surface drain 110 at an angle. In some embodiments, first inline surface drain 105 may be aligned with the surface or ground level, which may be oriented at an angle. Accordingly, to align first inline surface drain 105 with the surface or ground level, first inline surface drain 105 may be installed at an angle. In such embodiments, it may be more difficult to connect riser pipe 405 directly to first inline surface drain 105 because riser pipe 405 may be installed in a vertical orientation. Accordingly, second inline surface drain 110 may be connected to first inline surface drain 105 at an angle. Vertical riser pipe 405 may be connected to the vertically oriented second inline surface drain 110. After connecting second inline surface drain 110 to vertical riser pipe 405, the below-grade opening around vertical riser pipe 405 and second inline surface drain 110 may be partially backfilled. First inline surface drain 105 may then be connected to second inline surface drain 110 and may be oriented at an angle relative to the vertically oriented second inline surface drain 110. In some embodiments, first inline surface drain 105 may be connected to second inline surface drain 110 through a friction fit connection, a snap fit connection, or any other connection type. In some embodiments, first inline surface drain 105 may be connected to second inline surface drain 110 through a gasketed connection to increase watertightness between first inline surface drain 105 and second inline surface drain 110. In other embodiments, second inline surface drain 110 may be welded to first inline surface drain 105 to increase watertightness between second inline surface drain 110 and first inline surface drain 105. After connecting first inline surface drain 105 to second inline surface drain 110, the below-grade opening around first inline surface drain 105 may also be backfilled. A concrete collar may then be poured on the surface level to lock the first inline surface drain 105 in place to maintain the angle of first inline surface drain 105 and create a parallel relationship between first inline surface drain 105 and the surface level. This configuration may allow for field adaptability during installation of inline surface drains and riser pipes. Further, the alignment of the first inline surface drain 105 with the ground or surface level may be done in the field.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, while certain components have been described as being coupled to one another, such components may be integrated with one another or distributed in any suitable fashion.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as nonexclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps.

The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the appended claims cover all systems and methods falling within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more.” Similarly, the use of a plural term does not necessarily denote a plurality unless it is unambiguous in the given context. Words such as “and” or “or” mean “and/or” unless specifically directed otherwise. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur from studying the present disclosure, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.