Liquid purification or separation – Structural installation – Flume stream type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-20
2001-06-05
Upton, Christopher (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Structural installation
Flume stream type
C210S164000, C210S170050, C210S299000, C210S482000, C210S532100, C404S004000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241882
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to filtration systems for drain inlets, and more particularly to sump and filtration devices for drain inlets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Drainage systems provide a means for transporting fluid flow from surface areas to other areas such oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries, streams and the like. Drain inlets or catch basins are the initial entry points of drainage systems.
Generally, a drain inlet comprises a walled structure having an open top for receiving fluid flow and one or more drain exits situated at its lower portion. The inlet is situated such that its top portion is at approximately surface level, and in many cases it is covered with a grate. Usually the drain exits are pipes exiting the drain inlet. Grates covering the top opening of the drain inlet serve to block larger items of debris contained in surface runoff, such as tree limbs and the like. However, smaller items of debris, sedimentation, pollutants and other contaminants pass readily through the grate and into the drain inlet and thereafter into the drainage system via the drain exits.
Although filtration systems for inhibiting the flow of debris, sediments, pollutants and other contaminants from entering the drainage system are desirable, it is important that the filtering system avoid restricting the ability of the drainage system to accommodate the desired volume of fluid flow. If the fluid flow, such as storm water runoff, is impeded, then flooding might occur. Accordingly, effective devices and systems are desired for inhibiting the entrance of debris, sedimentation, pollutants and other contaminants into drainage systems, while minimizing any restrictions to the capacity of the drainage system to receive fluid flow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to sump and filtering devices for use in drain inlets. The device comprises a platform having one or more openings therein and dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior perimeter of a drain inlet. An upwardly oriented fluid receiving member having an upper end and a lower end and an opening therethrough is engaged with at least one of the openings of the platform such that the opening in the fluid receiving member is in fluid communication via the lower end with at least one of the openings in the platform. In one embodiment a filter body is attached in cooperative engagement with the upper end of the fluid-receiving member. In another embodiment, a filter member is interposed between and in cooperative engagement with the lower end of the fluid receiving member and the platform.
The sump and filter device of the present invention can be supported in the inlet in a variety of ways. For example, the platform can comprise one or more support members extending downwards from the platform to support the platform above the drain exits in the lower portion of the inlet. In addition, the platform can be anchored in position using wall-mounting members for anchoring the platform in the desired position to the interior wall of the inlet. In order for the platform to inhibit the flow of fluid between the outer perimeter of the platform and the interior wall of the drain inlet, the device can further include a wall engagement member situated along at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the platform. For example, the wall engagement member can be a gasket. In addition, the wall engagement member may comprise a bladder, such as an inflatable bladder positioned at least partially around the outer perimeter of the platform. In addition, the bladder can contain an expandable foam material. In one embodiment, the bladder will provide both sealing engagement between the outer perimeter of the platform and the interior wall of the inlet and anchor the device within the inlet in the desired position.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent form the drawings and the following detailed description of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 705447 (1902-07-01), Sargent
patent: 893915 (1908-07-01), Frazee
patent: 1507531 (1924-09-01), Vaudell
patent: 2432203 (1947-12-01), Miller
patent: 2497577 (1950-02-01), Biggerstaff
patent: 3042210 (1962-07-01), Hattori
patent: 5062735 (1991-11-01), Gardin
patent: 5405539 (1995-04-01), Schneider
patent: 5498331 (1996-03-01), Monteith
patent: 5916436 (1999-06-01), Devore et al.
patent: 5980740 (1999-11-01), Harms et al.
Howrey Simon Arnold and White LLP
Kristar Enterprises, Inc.
Upton Christopher
LandOfFree
Sump & filter device for drainage inlets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Sump & filter device for drainage inlets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sump & filter device for drainage inlets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2504492