SLOPE DRAIN

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is generally directed to the field of water drainage systems, and more specifically to an efficient and versatile slope drain that enables the interchangeable connection of different drainage pipes.

BACKGROUND

Water drainage systems are well known for use in various commercial and residential applications to direct water away from structures, at least some of which include slope drains. A slope drain is a pipe, channel or conduit that is used to collect and transport storm runoff or ground water into a stabilized watercourse, trapping device, or stabilized area. Slope drains can be used, for example, with earth dikes and drainage ditches to intercept and direct surface flow away from slope areas to protect cut and full slopes. As such, slope drains can either be permanent or temporary.

There exists a general and prevailing need in the field of water drainage systems to make these systems more versatile, enabling use in a number of different environments. There is another prevailing need in the field to provide slope drains that can enable a slope drain to be interchangeably couplable with multiple types of drain pipes, but without adversely impacting functionality or efficacy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Therefore and in accordance with at least one aspect, there is provided a slope drain comprising a tapered hollow drain body and a pipe connection section disposed at a proximal end, as well as a grate covering an open top opening of the tapered drain body, the grate portion having a plurality of spaced slotted openings sized and configured to permit the passage of water therethrough. The pipe connection portion is shaped and configured to enable a plurality of drain pipes of varying size and type to be individually and interchangeably fitted therewith.

In at least one version, the drain body and pipe connection portion of the slope drain are integral to one another. In one or more versions, the slope drain can be made from a moldable plastic material. According to one or more embodiments, the grate can be releasably attached to the open top opening of the hollow drain body. Alternatively, and according to one or more embodiments, the grate can be integrally formed with the remainder of the slope drain.

According to at least one version, the pipe connection portion can include one or stepped sections on an outer surface, on an inner surface and/or on an outer and inner surface, the stepped sections enabling the attachment of different sized pipes onto or within the pipe connection portion.

Advantageously, the herein described slope drain permits a plurality of different drainage pipes including corrugated and smooth drain pipes of varying type to be releasably attached thereto, enabling versatility when in use for commercial and residential applications such as dry wells, culverts, sidewalks, planted beds, creeks, swales, and other challenging drainage areas. In addition, the slope drain does not require periodic maintenance and also is configured to withstand the demands of regular lawn maintenance. The herein described slope drain is also durable and the design prevents in ingress of pests or large debris into the drainage system. Moreover, the grate is easily removed according to at least one version to permit debris accumulating over time to be removed from the interior of the slope drain.

The herein described slope drain can be made from a minimum number of components, thereby making the slope drain cost effective and labor effective in terms of manufacture. In addition, the slope drain described herein is easy to use and incorporate into new and/or already existing water drainage systems. Additionally, the slope drain is extremely versatile in terms of use for a variety of applications wherein the slope drain can be interchangeably attached to a plurality of different types of drain pipe.

These and other features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a slope drain made in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the slope drain of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the slope drain of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view taken through section A-A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front facing view of the slope drain of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a rear facing view of the slope drain of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a top partially exploded perspective view of the slope drain of FIGS. 1-6, showing the assembly/disassembly of the grate section therefrom;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a slope drain made in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the slope drain of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the slope drain of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a front facing view of the slope drain of FIGS. 8-10;

FIG. 12 is a rear racing view of the slope drain of FIGS. 8-11;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective partially exploded view of the slope drain of FIGS. 8-12, showing the assembly/disassembly of the grate section;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a drainage assembly made in accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the assembly including a slope drain having a corrugated pipe attached thereto;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the drainage assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the drainage assembly of FIGS. 14 and 15, as taken in section, through line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of another drainage assembly made in accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the assembly including a slope drain having a drainage pipe attached thereto;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the drainage assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the drainage assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18, as taken in section through line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of another drainage assembly made in accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the drainage assembly including the slope drain of FIGS. 17-19 having another attached pipe;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the drainage assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the drainage assembly of FIGS. 20 and 21, as taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of yet another drainage assembly including a slope drain made in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure and an attached corrugated drainage pipe;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the drainage assembly of FIG. 20; and

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the drainage assembly of FIGS. 23 and 24, as taken through line 25-25 of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following relates to various embodiments of a slope drain for drainage systems/assemblies that are made in accordance with one or more aspects as described herein. It will be readily apparent to the reader that there are other variations and modifications that can be made that embody the inventive concepts described herein. Throughout the course of discussion, several terms are used in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms, which include “distal,” “proximal,” “side,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “third” and the like are not intended to limit the overall scope of the present invention, except where so specifically indicated. Specific dimensions are also provided in at least one described embodiment in order to provide a simple example of sizing. It will be well understood that the slope drains according to the described teachings, however, can be suitably scaled, depending for example on the sizes of drain/drainage pipe used and/or the drainage system/assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a slope drain 100 made in accordance with a first embodiment. The slope drain 100 is defined by a tapered drain body 110 and a pipe connection portion 130, the latter extending outwardly from a proximal end 114 of the drain body 110. The tapered drain body 110, according to this embodiment, is a hollow member having a variable height over its length. More specifically, the drain body 110 is defined by a maximum height dimension at the proximal end 114 of the drain body 110, with the height dimension tapering gradually to a minimum height dimension at a distal end 112 of the drain body 110. According to this embodiment, the drain body 110 is further defined by a bottom surface 116 and respective side surfaces 118 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 116. Each of the bottom and side surfaces 116, 118 are ostensibly flat with the exception of transitions between the bottom surface 116 and each of the side surfaces 118, which according to this specific embodiment are curved transitions. As previously noted, and as a result of the tapered shape of the drain body 110, the side surfaces 118 have a maximum height dimension at the proximal end 114 and a minimum height dimension at the distal end 112 of the drain body 110. The angled top or uppermost portion of the tapered drain body 110 is open and further includes an upper flange 124. This upper flange 124, which according to this embodiment is rectangular in shape, forms an upper perimeter that follows the tapered configuration of the drain body 110 in order to provide a seat for a grate section 140, the latter also being rectangularly shaped according to this specific embodiment. According to this depicted embodiment, the upper flange 124 is integrally molded as part of the drain body 110. Alternatively, the upper flange could be designed as a separate component that is configured for attachment to the open top of the drain body 110, either as part of the grate section 140, or which can be a component that is entirely separate from the grate section 140.

The grate section 140 according to this embodiment is defined by a single planar member, such that when fitted and fixedly secured within the opening defined by the upper flange 124, an uppermost or top surface 141 of the grate section 140 is essentially flush with the top or uppermost surface of the upper flange 124. The grate section 140 is further defined by a series of equally spaced through openings or slots 146, each opening or slot 146 having an elongated elliptical shape with the each opening 146 having a major dimension that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to a major longitudinal axis L of the slope drain 100.

The pipe connection section 130, as previously noted, extends from the proximal end 114 of the hollow drain body 110. According to this embodiment, the pipe connection portion 130 is substantially cylindrical in shape and hollow therethrough, the pipe connection portion 130 being defined by a circular or substantially circular through opening 134 that extends into the hollow interior of the tapered drain body 110. The pipe connection portion 130 is disposed in a manner such that the lowest point of the through opening 134 is aligned axially with the bottom surface 116 of the drain body 110, as shown, with the uppermost portion of the opening 134 of the pipe connection portion 130 being located just below the formed upper flange 124 supporting the grate section 140.

According to this embodiment, an exterior or outer surface 132 of the pipe connection portion 130 includes a plurality of axially disposed annular sections. More specifically, respective first, second and third annular sections 135, 137 and 139 are arranged axially from a proximal end of the pipe connection portion 130 toward the proximal end 114 of the drain body 110. Each of the annular sections 135, 137, 139 defines a different outer diameter of the pipe connection portion 130. More specifically and according to this embodiment, the second annular section 135 has a slightly larger outer diameter than that of the first annular section 137 and the third annular section 139 has a slightly larger outer diameter than those of either of the first or second annular sections 135, 137 in which a stepped arrangement is created on the outer surface of the pipe connection portion 130 between each annular section. It will be understood that the overall number of annular sections can be suitably modified.

In addition, and according to this specific embodiment, the first annular section 135 according to this embodiment further includes a pair of diametrically opposed and outwardly extending tabs or detents 136. According to this specific embodiment, an outer annular flange 133 is also formed on the third annular section 139. The outer annular flange 133 extends radially outward from an outer or exterior surface of the third annular section 139 and according to this embodiment is integral therewith. As discussed herein, the outer annular flange 133 is configured to provide a mechanical stop for a pipe, such as a corrugated drain pipe, when the pipe is coupled onto the pipe connection portion 130.

While the exterior surface of the pipe connection portion 130 is defined by the stepped configuration of the annular sections 135, 137, 139, the interior surface of the pipe connection portion 130 according to this specific embodiment is substantially smooth and continuous with a constant inner diameter maintained substantially over the entire length of the pipe connection portion 130 As previously discussed, and according to this specific embodiment, the drain body 110 is an angled hollow section have a tapering configuration or shape with the pipe connection portion 130 being formed with a substantially cylindrical configuration that extends from the proximal end 114 of the drain body 110. The grate section 140 is mounted to the angled top surface of the drain body 110, and as noted, the top or uppermost surface 141 of the grate section 140 is flush with the top of the cavity formed by the upper flange 124. According to this embodiment, the drain body 110 and the pipe connection portion 130, including the upper flange 124 and the annular outer flange 133, are integrally formed from a durable moldable plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) by injection molding or other suitable fabrication process. It will be understood, however, that other durable structural materials including, but not limited to other durable plastics, stainless steel and/or aluminum can alternatively be used, although it is preferred at least according to this embodiment to employ a lightweight durable material. Alternatively, the pipe connection portion 130 can be a separate component that can be attached to the proximal end 114 of the tapered drain body 110 in any conventionally known technique, such as, but not limited to clipping, securement using fasteners, adhesives/gluing or providing an interference fit between the components for securement.

The grate section 140 is attached to the open top opening of the tapered drain body 110 and more specifically is placed within the cavity formed in the upper flange 124 by one or more threaded fasteners 147 according to this embodiment. As shown in this specific version, a pair of #8×¾″ long Phillips screws are used to fixedly secure the grate section 140 in place using aligned openings that are formed in the grate section 140 and anchor posts 149 molded or otherwise formed in the drain body 110 at the distal and proximal ends 112, 114, respectively. It will be understood that the number and positions of the fasteners 147 can be varied for securement of the grate section 140, provided that the grate section 140 can be releasably removed from the drain body 110, as needed. Alternatively, the grate section 140 can be integrally formed with the hollow drain body 110 or the grate section 140 can be attached to the drain body 110 by other suitable means, including, but not limited to clips, gluing, hook, and loop fasteners and the like. In at least one embodiment, however, the grate section 140 should be disposed in order to enable selective detachment, such as for cleaning debris, if needed, from within the hollow drain body 110 and/or pipe connection portion 130. According to this specific embodiment, the grate section 140 is made from polypropylene, though the grate section 140 can alternatively be made from other durable structural materials such as, but not limited to other durable plastics, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Specifics relating to this specific embodiment are herein provided for use with various 4-inch drainage pipes. More specifically, the slope drain 100 according to this specific embodiment has a total length dimension of about 15 inches and an overall width of about 4.3 inches, with the pipe connection section 130 having a total length dimension of approximately 3 inches. The defined taper of the slope drain 100 is 20 degrees between the distal and proximal ends 112, 114 of the drain body 110. As noted, the foregoing dimensions are provided as an example for sizing and more specifically for use with four (4) inch drain pipes of various types. That said, it will also be readily understood that the herein described slope drain can be suitably scaled and/or configured accordingly based on application and use.

Advantageously, the series of slotted openings 146 formed in the grate section 140 permits the outward passage of water. However, the grate section 140 otherwise prevents the incursion of rodents, animals, and pests, as well as large debris to pass into the drainage system. The grate section 140 being detachably removable from the slope drain 100 therefore permits the removal of any debris that may have accumulated over time.

A second embodiment of a slope drain 200 is shown in FIGS. 8-13. Similar to the previous embodiment, the slope drain 200 is defined by a tapered drain body 210 and a pipe connection portion 230, the latter extending outwardly from a proximal end 214 of the drain body 210. The tapered drain body 210, according to this embodiment, is a hollow member having a variable height dimension over its length. More specifically, the drain body 210 is defined by a maximum height dimension at its proximal end 214 wherein the height dimension tapers gradually to a minimum height dimension at a distal end 212 of the drain body 210.

According to this embodiment, the drain body 210 is further defined by a bottom surface 216 and respective side surfaces 218 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 216. Each of the bottom and side surfaces 216, 218 are ostensibly flat with the exception of transitions formed between the bottom surface 216 and each of the side surfaces 218, in which these transitions are curved according to this embodiment. As noted above and as a result of the tapered shape of the drain body 210, the side surfaces 218 have a maximum height dimension at the proximal end 214 and a minimum height dimension at the distal end 212 of the drain body 210. The angled top or uppermost portion of the tapered drain body 210 is open and further includes an upper flange 224. The upper flange 224, which according to this embodiment is rectangular in shape, forms an upper perimeter that follows the tapered configuration of the drain body 210 in order to provide a seat or cavity for a grate section 240, the latter also being rectangularly shaped according to this specific embodiment. According to this embodiment, the formed upper flange 224 is integrally molded as part of the drain body 210. Alternatively, however, the upper flange 224 can be designed or otherwise configured as a separate component for attachment to the open angled top of the drain body 210, either as part of the grate section 240, or as an intermediate component.

The grate section 240 is defined by a single planar member, such that when fitted and fixedly positioned within the formed opening of the upper flange 224, the uppermost or top surface 241 of the grate section 240 is essentially flush with the top or uppermost surface of the upper flange 224. The grate section 240 according to this embodiment is defined by a series of equally spaced openings or slots 246, each opening or slot 246 having an elongated elliptical shape with each opening or slot 246 having a major direction that is substantially orthogonal to a major longitudinal axis L of the slope drain 200.

The pipe connection section 230 is also hollow and as noted extends from the proximal end 214 of the hollow drain body 210. According to this embodiment, the pipe connection portion 230 is substantially cylindrical in shape and hollow therethrough, the pipe connection portion 230 being defined by a circular or substantially circular through opening 234 that extends into the hollow interior of the drain body 210. The pipe connection portion 230 is disposed in a manner such that the lowest point of the through opening 234 is aligned axially with the bottom surface 216 of the drain body 210, as shown, with the uppermost portion of the through opening 234 of the pipe connection portion 230 being below the formed upper flange 224 supporting the grate section 240.

The pipe connection portion 230 according to this embodiment is defined by a wall of substantially constant thickness over its length and further includes a plurality of axially disposed annular sections. According to this specific embodiment, three (3) annular sections 235, 237 and 239 are formed in the pipe connection portion 230, but it will be understood that the overall number of annular sections can be suitably varied. More specifically and according to this embodiment, each of the annular sections 235, 237, 239 are formed from cylindrical wall of the pipe connection portion 230 having a constant thickness over its length and forming a stepped telescoping arrangement. In this specific version, the outer and inner diameters of the pipe connection portion 230 are varied at each annular section in which the outer diameter of the first annular section is larger than that of the second annular section 237 and the outer diameter of the second annular section 237 is larger than the outer diameter of the third annular section 239. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the first annular section 235 is larger than the inner diameter of the second annular section 237 and the inner diameter of the second annular section 237 is larger than that of the third annular section 239. Stepped transitions are formed on the outer surface and inner surface of the pipe connection portion 230, separating each annular section from one another.

As discussed, and according to this specific embodiment, the drain body 210 is a hollow section having a substantially angled configuration or shape with the pipe connection portion 230 being formed with a cylindrical configuration that extends from the proximal end 214 of the drain body 210. The grate section 240 is mounted to the angled top surface of the drain body 210 and as noted, the top or uppermost surface 241 of the grate section 240 is flush with the top of the cavity formed in the upper flange 224. According to this embodiment, the drain body 210 including the upper flange 224, and the pipe connection portion 230 are integrally formed from a durable moldable plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using an injection molding or other suitable fabrication process. It will be understood, however, that alternative structural materials including, but not limited to other durable plastics, stainless steel and/or aluminum, although it is preferred at least according to this embodiment that a lightweight durable material be utilized. Alternatively, the pipe connection portion 230 can be a separate component that can be attached to the proximal end 214 of the tapered drain body 210 using any conventionally known technique, such as but not limited to clipping, securement using fasteners, gluing, or providing an interference fit between the components.

The grate section 240 is attached to the open top opening of the tapered drain body 210 and more specifically within a cavity formed in the upper flange 224 by one or more threaded fasteners 247. As shown in this specific version, a pair of #8×¾ long Phillips screws are used to fixedly secure the grate section 240 in place using aligned openings that are formed in the grate section 240 as well as anchor posts 249 that are integrally molded or otherwise formed in the distal and proximal ends 212, 214, respectively, of the drain body 210. It will be understood that the number as well as the placement of the fasteners can be suitably varied for securement of the grate section 240, provided that the grate section 240 can be removed releasably from the drain body 210, as needed. Alternatively, the grate section 240 can be integrally formed with the hollow drain body 210 or the grate section 240 can be attached to the drain body by other suitable means, including, but not limited to clips, gluing, hook, and loop fasteners and the like. In at least one embodiment, however, the grate section 240 should be disposed to enable selective detachment, such as for cleaning debris, as needed, from the hollow drain body 210 and/or the pipe connection portion 230. According to this specific embodiment, the grate section 240 is made from polypropylene, though the grate section can alternatively be made from other durable structural materials such as, but not limited to other durable plastics, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Advantageously, the series of openings or slots 246 formed in the grate section 240 permits the outward passage of water, but prevents the incursion of rodents, animals, and pests, as well as large debris to pass into the drainage system. The grate section 240, being detachable from the drain body 210, permits the clearance of debris that may accumulate over the passage of time.

With reference to FIGS. 14-25, various drainage assemblies are described for the slope drains 100, 200 having various interchangeable drainage or drain pipes. The interchangeable attachment of different drainage pipes demonstrates versatility for use in various water drainage systems, such as those designed for residential or commercial applications. In the following descriptions, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts for the sake of clarity. First and with reference to FIGS. 14-16, there is shown a water drainage system or assembly 400, which is further defined by a slope drain 100, such as previously discussed, and a drainage pipe 410. In this specific embodiment, the drainage pipe 410 is a corrugated pipe of a prescribed diameter (e.g., 4 inches). As previously discussed, and with additional reference to FIGS. 1-7, the drain body 110 of the slope drain 100 is tapered and further defined by a distal end 112 and an opposing proximal end 114. A grate section 140 is attached to an open top of the drain body 110, the latter further including an integrally molded upper flange 124, the latter defining a cavity having a perimeter within which the grate section 140 is disposed, the top most surface 141 of the grate section 140 being substantially flush or coplanar with the open top end of the upper flange 124 of the drain body 110. In this described drainage system, and as previously described the grate section 140 is fixedly secured to the drain body 110 using threaded fasteners 147 through aligned openings formed in anchor posts 149 formed integrally in the distal end 112 and proximal end 114 of the drain body 110.

As previously discussed, the pipe connection portion 130 of the slope drain 100 is integral with the drain body 110 and extends proximally from the proximal end 114 of the drain body 110. The pipe connection portion 130 is defined by a substantially cylindrical configuration, which is hollow and extends into the hollow interior of the drain body 110 and further includes the annular sections 135, 137, 139, each having a stepped outer surface in which the outer diameter increases from the proximal end of the pipe connection portion 130 to the proximal end 114 of the drain body 110.

In operation, the corrugated drainage pipe 410 is attached to the pipe connection section 130 by engaging a distal end of the drainage pipe 410 over the exterior or outer surface of the pipe connection section 130 and advancing the drainage pipe 410 over each of the adjacent annular sections 135, 137, 139, respectively. The slight outward tapering of the pipe connection portion 130 creates a snug fit in which the corrugations of the drainage pipe 410 engage each of the projecting detents 137 of the first annular section 135 with the drainage pipe 410 being axially advanced until the distalmost end of the drainage pipe 410 is seated against the outer flange 133 of the annular section 139, the latter flange 133 forming a mechanical stop.

Alternatively, the drainage pipe 410 can be axially advanced over either the first annular section 135 and/or the second annular section 137 only.

Additional versatility is further shown in FIGS. 23-25 for a water drainage assembly 700 defined by the slope drain 100 and a corrugated drainage pipe 710, the latter being similar to the corrugated drainage pipe 410 discussed above. In this water drainage assembly 700, the drainage pipe 710 is advanced into the hollow through opening of the pipe connection portion 130, as best shown in FIG. 25 through an interference fit with the smooth inner surface.

With reference to FIGS. 17-19, another water drainage system 500 is shown that includes a slope drain 200 and a drainage pipe 510. As in the preceding, similar parts are herein labeled with the same reference numbers for the sake of clarity. In this specific example, the drainage pipe is a 4-inch SDR 35 pipe and the slope drain 200 is identical to that previously described per FIGS. 8-13 with the exception that the pipe connection portion 230 in this version includes only two (2) stepped annular sections 235, 237.

According to this embodiment, the drainage pipe 510 is fitted within the interior of the pipe connection portion 230 wherein a distal end of the drainage pipe 510 is advanced into the through opening 234. The outer diameter of the drainage pipe 510 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first annular section 235, as clearly shown in FIG. 19 and able to pass therethrough. As the drainage pipe 510 is further advanced within the through opening 234, the outer diameter of the drainage pipe 510 engages the inner diameter of the second annular section 237 as a snug interference fit. The distal end of the drainage pipe 510 is prevented from further advancement within the pipe connection portion 230 by the distal inwardly stepped end of the second annular section 237, creating a mechanical stop.

With reference to FIGS. 20-22, another water drainage system 600 is shown including the slope drain 200 and another or second drainage pipe 610. In this example, the drainage pipe 610 is a 4-inch SCHD 40 drainage pipe. Similar parts are again labeled with the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity. The slope drain 200 in this example is identical to the version shown and described previously in FIGS. 17-19 including a drain body 210 and pipe connection portion 230, the latter having a pair of adjacent stepped annular sections 235 and 237. In this specific version and as best shown in FIG. 22, the distal end of the drainage pipe 610 is initially advanced into the through opening of the pipe connection portion 230. The outer diameter of the drainage pipe 610 is sized to engage the inner diameter of the annular section 235 in a snug interference fit. The inner diameter of the second annular section 237, however, is smaller than the outer diameter of the drainage pipe 610 and the drainage pipe 610 is prevented from further advancement into the pipe connection portion 230 when the distal end of the drainage pipe 610 engages the step transition between the first annular section 235 and the second annular section 237. As such, the drainage pipe 510 and drainage pipe 610 are interchangeably couplable to the pipe connection portion 230 of the slope drain 200.

While the concepts have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the concepts are not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with one or more variations. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process, when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

Therefore, to the extent there are variations involving the concepts described herein, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to that recited found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well.

To the extent that the claims recite the phrase “at least one of” in reference to a plurality of elements, this is intended to mean at least one or more of the listed elements and is not limited to at least one of each element. For example, “at least one of an element A, element B, and element C,” is intended to indicate element A alone, or element B alone, or element C alone, or any combination thereof. “At least one of element A, element B, and element C” is not intended to be limited to at least one of an element A, at least one of an element B, and at least one of an element C.

This Detailed Description uses examples to disclose various slope drains, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The intended scope of the concepts described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description set forth herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the form disclosed. Other modifications and/or variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of one or more aspects set forth herein and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand one or more aspects as described herein for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated and in accordance with the following appended claims. Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above and described in any and all exhibits and other materials submitted herewith, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above and as set forth in the following appended claims.

PARTS LIST FOR FIGS. 1-25

• • 100 slope drain
  • 110 hollow drain body
  • 112 distal end, drain body
  • 114 proximal end, drain body
  • 116 bottom surface, drain body
  • 118 side surfaces, drain body
  • 124 upper flange
  • 130 pipe connection portion
  • 132 exterior surface, pipe connection portion
  • 133 outer annular flange, pipe connection portion
  • 134 through opening, pipe connection portion
  • 135 first annular section
  • 137 second annular section
  • 139 third annular section
  • 140 grate or grate section
  • 141 top or uppermost surface, grate section
  • 146 plurality of spaced openings or slots, grate section
  • 147 threaded fasteners
  • 149 anchor posts
  • 200 slope drain
  • 210 hollow drain body
  • 212 distal end, drain body
  • 214 proximal end, drain body
  • 216 bottom surface, drain body
  • 218 side surfaces, drain body
  • 224 upper flange
  • 230 pipe connection portion
  • 232 exterior surface, pipe connection portion
  • 234 through opening, pipe connection portion
  • 235 first annular section
  • 237 second annular section
  • 239 third annular section
  • 240 grate or grate section
  • 241 top or uppermost surface, grate section
  • 246 plurality of spaced openings or slots, grate section
  • 247 threaded fasteners
  • 249 anchor posts
  • 400 drainage system
  • 410 drain or drainage pipe
  • 500 drainage system
  • 510 drain or drainage pipe
  • 600 drainage system
  • 610 drain or drainage pipe
  • 700 drainage system
  • 710 drain or drainage pipe

Though a number of embodiments have been discussed in detail, it will be understood to those of sufficient skill that other variations and modifications will be apparent, which can be made within the intended scope of this application and as set forth in the following numbered claims.