MULTI-PURPOSE DRAINPIPE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to drain pipes and, more particularly, to a drainpipe that may be selectively used for surface drainage, channel drainage, or as a french drain.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In U.S. Patent No. 3,903,929, Mock teaches an irrigation conduit formed by extruding a flexible, imporous polymer in the form of a structure having first and second integral tubes connected by a common wall separating their interiors. A first series of holes extends through the common wall so as to connect the interiors of the tubes.

[0003] In U.S. Patent No. 4,370,230, Tylmann teaches a drainpipe having a triangular cross-sectional shape and an oblong slot in the bottom surface, which is closed over by a stepped ledge having webs and grooves. The slot and grooves in the ledge form a flow connection between a filter basin and the interior of the drainpipe.

[0004] In U.S. Patent No. 4,904,112, McDonald teaches an underground irrigation system comprising an inner pipe having a plurality of apertures on a top surface that is connected to a pressurized water input source. The inner pipe is located within a slightly larger outer pipe and rests on a bottom inner surface of the outer pipe. A series of longitudinal lots on a bottom portion of the outer pipe permits water flowing from the inner pipe to the outer pipe to trickle unimpeded into the surrounding soil.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a first set of examples of the present invention, there is provided a drainpipe for selective use in surface, channel, or french drainage, the drainpipe comprising: means for capturing drainage fluids; means for transporting the captured drainage fluids; and means for flushing debris from the drainpipe; wherein the capture means further comprises means for selecting between capture by gravity feed and capture

by pressure feed; and wherein the capture means further comprises means for selectively depositing captured debris proximate to the flushing means.

[0006] In another example, the means for capturing drainage fluids of the above- described drainpipe includes an opening along a longitudinal axis of the transporting means.

[0007] In another example, the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids of the above-described drainpipe includes a pipe.

[0008] In another example, the means for flushing debris of the above-described drainpipe includes a raceway for guiding a flushing device.

[0009] In another example, the means for selecting between capture by gravity feed and capture by pressure feed of the above-described drainpipe includes selecting between positioning the means for capturing drainage fluids approximately above the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids and positioning the means for capturing drainage fluids approximately below the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids.

[0010] In another example, the means for selecting between capture by gravity feed and capture by pressure feed of the above-described drainpipe includes: an opening along a longitudinal axis of the transporting means; and a channel connecting the opening to the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids, the channel shaped to change direction of fluid flow of the drainage fluids between approximately ninety to approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees; and wherein the opening is selectively positioned approximately above the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids for capture by gravity feed and positioned approximately below the means for capturing drainage fluids for capture by pressure feed.

[0011] In another example, the means for selectively depositing captured debris proximate to the flushing means of the above-described drainpipe includes: an opening

disposed along a longitudinal axis of the transporting means; and a channel connecting the opening to the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids, the channel shaped to change direction of fluid flow of the drainage fluids between approximately ninety to approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees; and wherein the connection of the channel to the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids is proximate to the flushing means. In a further example, the opening is selectively positioned approximately below the means for capturing drainage fluids.

[0012] In another example, the means for selectively depositing captured debris proximate to the flushing means of the above-described drainpipe includes: an opening disposed along a longitudinal axis of the transporting means; and a channel connecting the opening to the means for transporting the captured drainage fluids, the channel shaped to change direction of fluid flow of the drainage fluids between approximately ninety to approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees; and wherein one exterior surface of the channel is shaped to form a raceway for guiding a flushing device. In a further example, the opening is selectively positioned approximately below the means for capturing drainage fluids.

[0013] According to a second set of examples of the present invention, there is provided a drainpipe comprising: a pipe; an opening disposed along a longitudinal axis of the pipe; a fluid capture wall disposed on a first side of the opening; and a flush pipe chase disposed on a second side of the opening; wherein the fluid capture wall and the flush pipe chase forms a channel from the opening to the interior of the pipe; and wherein the channel is shaped to change direction of fluid entering the opening between approximately ninety to approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees.

[0014] In another example, the flush pipe chase of the above-described drainpipe comprises a raceway for guiding a flushing device.

[0015] In another example, the opening of the pipe of the above-described drainpipe is positioned approximately above the remaining interior of the pipe, whereby the drainpipe may be used for channel drainage.

[0016] In another example, the opening of the pipe of the above-described drainpipe is positioned approximately above the remaining interior of the pipe and the opening closed, whereby the drainpipe may be used for surface drainage.

[0017] In another example, the opening of the pipe of the above-described drainpipe is positioned approximately below the remaining interior of the pipe, whereby the drainpipe may be used for french drainage.

[0018] In another example, one exterior surface of the channel of the above-described drainpipe is shaped to form a raceway for guiding a flushing device and the channel opens into the interior of the pipe at a location proximate to the raceway.

[0019] In another example, flush pipe chase of the above-described drainpipe includes a raceway for guiding a flushing device and the channel opens into the interior of the pipe at a location proximate to the raceway.

[0020] In another example, the above-described drainpipe further includes a flushing tube disposed adjacent to the flush pipe chase of the channel.

[0021] From all of the foregoing it will be evident that, although particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, nevertheless various modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description and the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe of the present invention;

Fig. IA is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe of the present invention, with the insertion of a flushing tube or flush pipe;

Fig. 2 is a 3-D perspective view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe of the present invention, shown in the surface or channel drainage position;

Fig. 3 is a 3-D perspective view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe of the present invention, shown in the french drain position; and

Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe of the present invention, detailing various structures and functional features.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0023] The following elements are numbered as described in the drawings and detailed description of the invention:

1, 1 ' multi-purpose drain pipe 2 flush pipe chase

3 fluid capture wall 4 fluid containment transport

5 capture opening 6 capture entrance

7 flush opening 8 flushing tube

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0024] Each of Figs. 1-4 illustrate examples of the multi-purpose drainpipe to produce various aspects of the present invention, though these particular embodiments are illustrated and described herein only for exemplary purposes. Moreover, variations of the system and methods of utilizing the same will become apparent to those of ordinary skill

in the relevant structural and mechanical arts upon reading the following disclosure. Thus, the present invention is not to be considered limited to only the structures, systems, and methods described herein.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe 1 of the present invention. An entrance along the longitudinal length of drainpipe 1 allows entrance of fluids. As will be further detailed in Fig. 4, the entrance is shaped such that any fluid that enters drainpipe 1 must change direction of movement during entry into drainpipe 1.

[0026] Fig. IA is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe 1 of the present invention, with the insertion of a flush pipe or flushing tube 8. In the present example, flushing tube 8 is placed in a raceway formed by the shaped entrance for entering fluids.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a 3-D perspective view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe 1 of the present invention, shown in the surface or channel drainage position. In this example and mode of operation, drainpipe 1 is positioned such that the longitudinal entrance for fluids runs along the top of drainpipe 1. In this position, fluids enter the entrance at the top and dump into drainpipe 1, providing channel drainage along the length of drainpipe 1. Excess debris is prevented from entering drainpipe 1 owing to the diverting direction of fluid movement due to the shape of the entrance. In surface drainage applications, an end of drainpipe 1 is typically connected to a capture point, such as a drainage collection box (not illustrated). In such applications, a longitudinal entrance is not needed and a sealing strip is used to close the longitudinal entrance.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a 3-D perspective view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe 1' of the present invention, shown in the french drain position. The term "french drain" has taken many definitions. One definition is an underground drain tile surrounding a foundation for the purpose of routing water either to daylight or a sump pump. The term is used here in its broadest sense, a land drain installed towards the bottom of a trench that has been backfilled with shingle, similar coarse stone, or some sort of drainage material. In this example and mode of operation, drainpipe 1' is positioned such that the

longitudinal entrance for fluids runs along the bottom of drainpipe 1'. In this position, fluids enter the entrance at the bottom if the surrounding fill overcomes a certain moisture content and the fluids dump into drainpipe 1', providing "french" drainage along the length of drainpipe 1'. Excess debris is prevented from entering drainpipe V owing to the diverting direction of fluid movement due to the shape of the entrance.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of an example of the multi-purpose drainpipe 1 of the present invention, now detailing various structures and functional features. A fluid containment transport 4, in this example, the main wall of drainpipe 1, encloses drainpipe 1 and is used to transport the collected fluids. While a circular shape is shown, any shape or means for fluid containment and transport to or from a discharge or collection point may be used for fluid containment transport 4.

[0030] The shape of an entrance along the longitudinal length of fluid containment transport 4 is used to form several structures and functions necessary to perform channel, surface, and/or french drainage modes of operation. In this example, capture opening 5 is the entrance along the longitudinal length of drainpipe 1. In the channel drain mode of operation, capture opening 5 provides means to capture fluids by gravity feed. In the french drain mode of operation, capture opening 5 provides means to capture fluids by pressure feed. In the surface drain mode of operation, capture opening 5 is not needed and may be closed by a sealing strip (not illustrated) as drainpipe 1 is typically connected to a capture point, such as a drainage collection box (not illustrated). In a further example, capture opening 5 may be partially closed or selective lengths may remain open, as a particular application may demand.

[0031] Walls shape the entrance, the walls changing the direction of fluid flow prior to deposit inside drainpipe 1. One wall on one side of capture opening 5 is fluid capture wall 3. Fluid capture wall 3 illustrates one example of means to segregate any entering debris from the flow of draining fluids inside fluid containment transport 4 of drainpipe 1. Fluid capture wall 3 is shaped to change direction of fluid flow approximately ninety to one-hundred-eighty degrees after a non-diverted excursion of a short distance. Fluid capture wall 3 is particularly important in the french drain mode of operation. As will be

further detailed below, fluid capture wall 3 also provides a means for dumping any entering debris proximate or adjacent to a flush pipe or flushing tube 8 (as illustrated in Fig. IA).

[0032] The wall on the other side of capture opening 5 is flush pipe chase 2. Flush pipe chase 2 is shaped to run co-parallel to fluid capture wall 3, forming the inside track or channel of the approximately ninety to one-hundred-eighty degree bend. Flush pipe chase 2 is one example of means for holding a flushing tube or provision of a raceway for a cleaning tool or brush. In the channel or french drain modes of operation, flush pipe chase 2 further provides means for shielding capture opening 5, the fluid entrance or intake opening, from the fluid flow inside fluid containment transport 4 of drainpipe 1.

[0033] The end of flush pipe 2 and fluid capture wall 3 forms an opening, capture entrance 6, into the interior of drainpipe 1. Fluids entering capture opening 5 are diverted in direction by flush pipe chase 2 and fluid capture wall 3 prior to being deposited into drainpipe 1 at capture entrance 6. In the french drain mode of operation, capture entrance 6 is higher than capture opening 5, providing a means for restricting the inflow of fluids unless a moisture threshold is reached, establishing a hydrostatic head threshold requirement for the moisture outside drainpipe 1 to overcome prior to dumping into fluid containment transport 4 of drainpipe 1.

[0034] Flush pipe chase 2 and a portion of fluid containment transport 4 forms an enclosure which may contain a flush pipe or flushing tube 8, as illustrated in Fig. IA. Between the end of flush pipe chase 2 and a portion of fluid containment transport 4 is an open space, flush opening 7, where flushing tube 8 is exposed to the interior of drainpipe 1. In this example, capture entrance 6 is located in close proximity or adjacent to flush opening 7. In the french drain mode of operation, this allows debris entering drainpipe 1 from capture opening 5 to be dumped from capture entrance 6 into the vicinity of flush opening 7. In the french drain mode of operation, capture entrance 6 and flush opening 7 serve to contain debris, keeping the rest of fluid containment transport 4 relatively clear for fluid transport. In operation, flushing tube 8 distributes flush pressure to transport debris to discharge, typically higher pressures (60 to 120 pounds per square inch) used in

the surface drain mode of operation and lower pressures used in the french drain mode of operation, the lower pressures preventing injection into the soil. The higher pressures are possible, as the structure of drainpipe 1 can withstand the localized higher pressures.

[0035] In operation, the present invention allows either the snaking of a cleaning tool or brush, or provides the option of leaving a flushing pipe or tube deployed within the drainpipe. Leaving a flushing pipe or tube deployed greatly simplifies cleaning of the drain, especially when deployed in the french drain or channel drain modes. The present invention is particularly well suited for highly contaminated line applications, such as sewer and grease trap lines. Of particular economical interest, the present invention eliminates the need for a pump in drain lines laid with less than one degree of grade. The hydrostatic head function of the capture entrance also provides a means for providing a relatively constant moisture content in and around a structure, as the drainpipe of the present invention, when used in the french drain mode, does not collect fluids until a certain hydrostatic head, a certain moisture content, is reached. With these features, the present invention is particularly well suited for providing yard drainage.

[0036] The foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant structural or mechanical art. Further, the embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode for practicing the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is permitted by prior art.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0037] Accordingly, various examples of the invention may offer one or more of the following objects or advantages, illustrating industrial applicability.

[0038] The present invention provides a single pipe unit deployable for use in a variety of drainage applications, eliminating the need for maintaining an inventory of various types of drainage pipe for differing applications. In particular, the present invention provides a single pipe unit suitable for surface, channel, or french-style drainage.

[0039] The present invention provides a drainpipe unit deployable with a built-in raceway for insertion of a cleaning brush or tool. In the alternative, the built-in raceway may contain a semi-permanently or permanently deployed flushing tube or pipe, which may be used to periodically clean debris from the drainpipe. High or low pressure flushing may be used, depending upon the application. The raceway may be used as a jetting channel, or a jetting or bleeder pipe may be used, creating a venturi effect to unplug or remove sedimentation or debris.

[0040] The present invention provides a drainpipe unit that eliminates the need for an expensive and troublesome pump in low-grade (such as less than one degree grade) drainage applications. Since the present invention provides for flushing and debris removal, passive drainage may be used even at these lower grades of drainage.

[0041] The present invention provides a drainpipe unit that acts to provide drainage only above a level of threshold moisture content. Until a certain amount of moisture enters the drain field, enough to overcome the hydrostatic head of the entrance aperture, the moisture does not enter and dump into the drainpipe unit.

[0042] The present invention provides a drainpipe unit that may be used for highly contaminated lines, such as sewer and grease trap lines.

[0043] The present invention provides a drainpipe unit that may be used for channel drainage, where it is desired to remove fluids from a lineal zone. Applications include perimeters of pools, ponds, or bayous to control overflow.