BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling runoff, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing a gate in a berm to allow control of runoff.
2. Description of Related Art
Many different industries must deal with chemicals being leaked or spilled. For example, in the oil and gas industry chemicals are sometimes leaked during drilling. Rain and other moisture collect these chemicals in runoff. Often the runoff carries undesirable chemicals, which may exit the site unimpeded if the runoff is not controlled.
One way of controlling runoff is to build a berm around the site to contain any runoff. However, even with a berm, there must be an opening to allow runoff to flow. To date, efforts to control the runoff through the opening in the berm have failed. Consequently, there is a need for an apparatus and method for controlling runoff that is effective and efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to describe certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention. It is not intended to show the essential features of the invention nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims.
The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a means for controlling runoff that is collected by a berm or other structure around a site. Runoff can be controlled by using a gate assembly installed in the berm or structure that can be opened or closed as necessary to control runoff collected by the berm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as certain embodiments of the invention, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art berm.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gate assembly in an open position in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a gate assembly in a closed position in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gate assembly in a closed position in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a gate assembly comprising a sliding gate in a closed position in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a gate assembly comprising a sliding gate in an open position in one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Several embodiments of Applicants' invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art berm. Often the site location, or the site producing the runoff, is surrounded with a berm 101. A berm is a structure which collects runoff or to which runoff is funneled. The berm 101 can be constructed of a variety of materials such as stone, soil, gravel, etc. The berm 101 typically comprises at least one hole 113 through which the runoff flows. In the prior art berm 101 illustrated, there is no way to effectively control the flow of the runoff. Thus, if the site contains hazardous material, the runoff will likely contain hazardous material as well. The hazardous runoff will flow unrestricted through the berm 100. This is undesirable for environmental, health, and safety reasons. The site can be virtually any area which produces runoff including commercial, residential, or industrial areas. In one embodiment, the site comprises an oil or gas drilling site.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gate assembly in an open position in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a gate assembly with the gate closed in one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment the gate assembly comprises a central opening 102 disposed in a front wall 107. The central opening 102 can comprise any shape, but in one embodiment the opening 102 is circular. The size of the opening 102 can vary according to the requirements of the particular site. For example, the diameter of opening 102 could be between 4 inches and about 24 inches. In one embodiment, the opening 102 has a diameter of about 18 inches. Coupled to the front wall 107 and defining the opening 102 is a lip 108. The lip 108 can comprise virtually any suitable material. The lip extends outward beyond the plane of the front wall 107. In one embodiment, the lip 108 comprises threads. In another embodiment the lip 108 comprises a pipe coupling such that a pipe can couple to the lip 108.
The gate assembly can comprise virtually any suitable material. In one embodiment the gate assembly comprises a plastic. In another embodiment, the gate assembly comprises a metal such as steel.
As noted, the central opening 102 is disposed in a front wall 107. The front wall 107 can be any shape. In one embodiment the front wall 107 is planar with the opening 102, and the front wall 107 is coupled to a base 112. As used herein, coupled refers to an item which is directly or indirectly connected to another item. The front wall 107 can be coupled via any method or device known in the art including welding, soldering, bolts, etc. As depicted, the stabilizing wall 105 is further supported to the base 112 via support brackets. In one embodiment the front wall 107 is substantially perpendicular to the base 112.
The front wall 107 is also coupled to at least one stabilizing wall 105. The stabilizing wall 105 helps to stabilize the gate assembly within the berm 101. The stabilizing wall 105 can be substantially parallel with the front wall 107. In other embodiments, however, the stabilizing wall 105 can be non-parallel relative to the front wall 107.
In one embodiment the gate assembly further comprises at least one structural wall 106. A structural wall 106 adds further support to the gate assembly and provides a surface that can retain material from the berm 101 to prevent the material from obstructing the opening 102 on the front side of the gate assembly while also helping to anchor the gate assembly to the berm 101. A structural wall 106 intersects the front wall 107 or the stabilizing wall 105 and extends at an angle relative thereto. The structural wall 106 can be any suitable angle. For example, the structural wall 106 can be perpendicular to the front wall 107 or at a 45 degree angle.
As depicted in FIG. 2A, there are two structural walls 106 that extend on both sides of the front wall 107 and are aligned approximately perpendicular to the front wall 107. The structural walls may have flared portions 117 on each end to help anchor the assembly into the berm 101 and to help prevent material from the berm from flowing around the edge of the structural walls 106. The structural walls 106 can serve several purposes. As described, the structural walls 106 add support. Further, the structural walls 106 prevent material from the berm 101 from flowing through the central opening 102. By providing a berm with a gate assembly, runoff can be allowed to pool on the back side of the gate assembly and berm when the gate 103 is closed. This pool will allow dirt and other debris to settle after a hard rain or other runoff event, for example. Once material has settled, the gate can be opened to allow runoff to flow. As can be appreciated, the longer the structural walls 106, the larger the dam that is created. In one embodiment at least one structural wall 106 extends beyond the base 112.
While not depicted, in other embodiments the berm side of the gate assembly 101 comprises a filter or other such screen which filters debris from flowing through the gate assembly. The filter can help prevent rocks, or other articles of the berm from becoming dislodged and flowing through the gate assembly with the runoff
The gate assembly comprises a gate 103. The gate can comprise any sealing device that is used to close or cover the opening 102. Thus, the gate 103 is sized to cover the opening 102. In one embodiment, the gate is coupled to the front wall 107. The gate 103 can also be coupled to the lip 108. In one embodiment the gate 103 comprises hinges to allow the gate to rotate between an open and closed position.
The gate assembly may further comprise a latch 104. A latch can be any device that is used to manipulate the gate into either an open or a closed position. The latch 104 can take many forms. As shown in FIG. 2A the latch comprises a cam-lock latch 104a. A cam-lock latch 104a comprises a cam that toggles between a locked and open position. When the cam is maneuvered to the closed position the latch 104 maintains the gate 103 in the closed position. In operation, once the cam is toggled to the open position, the gate 103 is free to open. The cam-lock latch may comprise an over-center mechanism that maintains the cam in the current position until a force overcomes the over-center mechanism. The cam-lock allows the gate 103 to be opened with a single handle.
The gate assembly may further comprise a handle 110. The handle 110 can be made of virtually any material. In one embodiment the handle 110 comprises a secured end and an unsecured end. The secured end can be secured with any device known in the art. The handle 110 is secured in such a way that the unsecured end can be used as a lever to assist in opening and closing the gate 103 or to place the gate 103 in a partially open position. For example, a short piece of chain can be attached to the secured end of the handle and to the base using a bolt or other known connection means. In FIG. 2A the handle 110 is shown with the gate 103 in an open position. In such a position the gate 103 is free to open.
FIG. 2B illustrates the handle 110 in a closed position in which the handles nests in support brackets 116 on the gate 103 that are recessed to hold the handle in place and prevent the gate 103 from opening. In this position, even if the latch 104a were manipulated to allow the gate 103 to open, the handle 110 would prevent the gate 103 from opening. Thus, the handle 110 can be used to assist in the opening or closing of the gate 103. In operation, with the handle 110 allows a user to manipulate the latch 104a into the open position. Due to the handle 110 the gate 103 remains in a closed or partially closed position. The operator is then given time to move away from the front of the gate 103. The operator can, for example, stand upon the gate assembly 101. Thereafter the operator manipulates the handle 110 to open the gate 103. This allows the operator to open the gate 103 from a safer location compared to opening the gate 103 while standing in front of the gate 103.
In one embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 2B, the gate assembly further comprises two handle stops 113a, 113b to allow the handle 110 to be fixed in to different positions relative to the gate 103. Although two handle stops are illustrated, any number of handle stops 113 can be utilized. The handle stop 113 maintains the unsecured end of the handle 110 in a desired location. The handle stop 113 can comprise any device that maintains the unsecured end of the handle 110 in the desired position, including a lock, a tab, or a notch. As depicted, the handle stop 113 may comprise tabs 113a, 113b that are secured to the structural wall 106 located below the unsecured end of the handle 110. The first handle stop 113a maintains the gate 103 in a closed position when the latch 104a is released. The operator can then move the handle 110 to the second handle stop 113b. This position will allow the gate 103 to partially open. This provides the operator with a way to control the flow rate of the runoff by maintaining the gate 103 in a partially open position if desired. Alternatively, if the operator desires a completely open gate 103, the handle 110 can be released completely to allow the gate 103 to fully open. FIG. 2A depicts this scenario. Note that by providing the handle 110, the operator need not be in front of the gate 103 when it is opened, but can instead stand on top of the berm 101 to open the gate using the handle 110, thus avoiding contact with the fluid flow through the gate 103.
The size of the gate assembly can vary with the desired application. For example, the size of the gate assembly can vary depending on the size of the berm, as well as the volume of the runoff. In one embodiment the gate assembly is between about four feet and ten feet long, between about one and three feet deep, and between about one and six feet tall. In one embodiment the gate assembly is about eight feet long, about three and a half feet deep, and about three feet tall. Ideally, the gate assembly will be deep enough to allow the berm to be built up around it without berm material falling around the edges of the gate assembly and blocking the gate. The depth needed will vary depending on the material used to backfill around the gate assembly.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gate assembly in a closed position in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 includes an enlarged perspective view of the latch 104. The gate assembly of FIG. 3 further comprises a handle 110 and two handle stops 113a, 113b. The latch 104b in FIG. 3 comprises a plurality of bolts 118 used to secure the gate 303 to the gate assembly. In other embodiments the latch 104b comprises at least one bolt. In one embodiment the bolt 118 further comprises a nut. The nut can comprise any type of nut including, but not limited to, a wing nut. The bolt 118 can be located on the lip 308, the front wall 107, or the gate 303. As depicted, the gate latch 104b comprises a slot 114 and a bolt base 115 which is coupled to a bolt 118. In one embodiment the slot 114 is located on the gate 303. The slot 114 is sized to accept the bolt 118. The bolt 118 is rotatably coupled to the lip 108 via a bolt base 115. In one embodiment, when the slot 114 is received by the bolt, a nut, such as a wing-nut, or other such device secures the bolt 118 in place. This results in the closing of the gate 103. It should be noted that while in one embodiment the slot 114 is located on the gate 103, in other embodiments the slot 114 is located on the front wall 107 or the lip 108. Further, while depicted as the bolt base 115 being located on the lip 108 and the bolt slot 114 being located on the gate 103, in other embodiments these items are switched. To open the gate each bolt 118 is maneuvered so that it no longer engages the slot 114. Thereafter, the gate is maneuvered to the open position.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a gate assembly comprising a sliding gate in a closed position in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a gate assembly comprising a sliding gate in an open position in one embodiment of the invention. In operation the latch 104c is used to maneuver the gate 403 from a closed position as shown in FIG. 4A to an open position as shown in FIG. 4B. As can be seen, the gate 403 laterally slides relative to the opening 102. The gate 403 can slide vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. As depicted the gate assembly comprises tracks 411 that guide the sliding gate 103. While depicted as comprising two tracks 411, this should not be deemed limiting as the gate assembly can comprise one or more tracks 411. The track 411 can comprise ball bearings or other friction reducing devices to facilitate the sliding of the gate 403. Any device, such as a lock, can maintain the gate 403 in the desired position. For example, a lock can engage the gate 403 or the latch 104c to maintain the gate 403 in the open or closed position. In one embodiment the lock can comprise a bolt that when maneuvered into a locking position, extends into the track to prevent the gate 403 from sliding into the closed position.
As depicted, the stabilizing walls 405 of FIG. 4 are not perpendicular to the front wall 407. In other embodiments, however, the stabilizing walls 405 can intersect the front wall 407 at any angle. In still other embodiments the stabilizing walls 405 are approximately parallel to the front wall 407. In one embodiment the gate 403 is located on the wet side of the gate assembly. The wet side is the side of the berm/gate assembly where runoff is collected. The wet side of the lip 108 can extend outward from the gate assembly on the side opposing the gate 403 such that it is upstream of the gate. In this manner, the lip 108, can be connected to a pipe or other such fluid flow device which will receive the runoff flow and direct it to the gate 403. Fluid flow devices can include water hose, pipes, or other devices used to direct the flow of fluid. Typically, the gate 403 is located on the dry side of the gate assembly. One benefit of this embodiment is that the latch 404 is easily accessible.
In one embodiment the gate assembly of FIG. 4 ranges from about two to about five feet tall by about two and about six feet long. In one embodiment the gate assembly is about 3.5 feet by about 4 feet wide.
Now that the gate assemblies have been described, their location in the berm 101 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. As noted, in one embodiment the gate assembly is installed within a berm 101. The gate assembly can be installed at a point at or near the lowest elevation of the berm 101 to facilitate drainage of all runoff collected by the berm 101. Essentially, the installation of the gate assembly allows the berm to be fully closed to collect runoff within the berm when the gate assembly is in a closed position. As noted, the structural wall 106 provides stability to the gate assembly. The structural wall 106 can be integrated with the berm 101 to help secure the gate assembly within the berm 101. The gate assembly can be integrated by digging out a portion of the berm 101, placing the gate assembly in the desired location and then back-filling of the berm 101 around the gate assembly. The gate assembly can be positioned such that the floor of the site surrounded by the berm 101 is a few inches below the bottom of the gate 103. The latch side of the gate assembly can be installed on the dry side of the berm 101.
In one embodiment, the gate assembly is installed so that the base 112 is flush to the bottom of the berm 101. As depicted the gate assembly further comprises an anchor 109 that is approximately perpendicular to the base. The anchor 109 can be pressed into the ground to secure the gate assembly in place and to help prevent the runoff from escaping below the gate assembly. While depicted, other embodiments of the gate assembly do not comprise an anchor 109. Further, while illustrated as being approximately perpendicular to the base and extending across the width of the base, the anchor 109 can extend from the base at virtually any angle and can extend across only a portion of the width of the base. Having the anchor extend across the width of the base will help ensure that runoff does not run underneath the gate assembly.
When closed, the gate assembly prevents at least a portion of the runoff from flowing past the gate assembly. Accordingly, if hazardous material is collected in the runoff, the gate assembly provides a way to control the runoff Without the gate assembly, the runoff would exit the site through the berm 101 uncontrolled. However, with the gate assembly, the material can be stored in the berm 101 until the operators are ready to dispose of the runoff. As noted, in one embodiment the lip 108 comprises threads or other such connections which allow the gate assembly to be coupled to a pipe. Consequently, the gate assembly provides a way to control runoff. This offers many benefits. As described above, this control provides a way to prevent environmental damage which may result from undesirable runoff.
In one embodiment, the gate assembly is not an enclosed structure. An enclosed structure is any three-dimensional object that is fully enclosed and surrounds a volume. For example, a tank is an enclosed structure. In one embodiment the gate assembly is not an enclosed structure because while it has a front, it does not have a back wall. Therefore, the gate assembly is not fully enclosed. Thus, the gate assembly is different than a tank, for example. Because the gate assembly is not an enclosed structure it can control virtually unlimited volumes of runoff from a variety of sources. It is only limited by the size of the berm. Furthermore, because it is not an enclosed structure, the gate assembly can be installed in the exit side of the berm, often without disturbing the remainder of the berm.
While a gate assembly has been described, a method of controlling runoff will now be described. First, a berm which directs runoff to at least one exit location is provided. Next a gate assembly, such as the assembly previously discussed herein, is provided. As discussed, in one embodiment the gate assembly comprises a central opening disposed in a front wall so as to function as a barrier. The gate assembly further comprises a gate sized to seal the central opening, wherein the gate is moveable between an open and a closed position.
The gate assembly can be installed in an existing berm, or the berm can be built around a gate assembly. As discussed, in one embodiment the gate assembly is installed so as to act as a barrier which restricts the flow of runoff In one embodiment the runoff is completely controlled meaning that all of the runoff is controlled. In other embodiments, however, the runoff is only substantially controlled meaning that the majority of the runoff is controlled by the gate assembly.
To stop or slow the flow of runoff the gate is manipulated into the closed position. To open the flow of runoff the gate is manipulated into the closed position. In one embodiment a latch, such as a latch previously described herein, is utilized to manipulate the gate to control the flow of runoff. Although not depicted, a hose attachment with a valve can be coupled to the gate or some portion of the gate assembly to allow contaminated runoff to be pumped into a tank or vacuum truck for later disposal.
For example, the attachment can be attached to the outside of the gate with a valve and quick disconnect fitting. Upon determining that the runoff is contaminated and should not be drained into the environment, a hose can be connected to the quick disconnect fitting and a valve opened to drain runoff from the berm without opening the gate. Alternatively, the gate can be opened and the runoff can be pumped into a tank as it runs out of the gate.
Once the work performed at a particular site has been performed and there is no longer need for containment of runoff, the gate assembly can be removed and re-used at another location. Although an attachment means is not shown in the figures, an eye loop can be attached to a top portion of the gate assembly that remains above the top of the berm. The eye loop can be used to facilitate placement of the gate assembly with a crane, for example, as well as removal of the gate assembly to another location.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various forms of gates, latches, handles and gate assembly structure can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the gate assembly could be completely buried in the berm if a larger berm is desired.
Additional Description
The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.
- 1. A gate assembly for installation as a barrier to control runoff, said gate assembly comprising:
- an opening disposed in a front wall for allowing fluid flow;
- a gate for closing said opening; and
- a support structure attached to said opening for allowing said opening to be secured within said berm such that said runoff can be controlled by opening or closing said gate.
- 2. The gate assembly according to clause 1 further comprising a handle secured to said support structure at a first end such that said handle can be maneuvered by a user to apply a force to said gate.
- 3. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause wherein said gate comprises at least one hinge secured to said front wall.
- 4. The gate assembly according to clause 3 further comprising a handle secured to said support structure at a first end such that said handle can be maneuvered by a user to apply a force to said gate.
- 5. The gate assembly according to clause 4 further comprising a first stop for securing said handle in a first fixed position against said gate.
- 6. The gate assembly according to clause 5 wherein said first stop is positioned such that when said gate is unlatched and said handle is placed in said at least one stop, the gate is retained in a partially open position.
- 7. The gate assembly according to clause 5 wherein said first stop is positioned such that when said gate is unlatched and said handle is placed in said at least one stop, the gate is retained in a closed position.
- 8. The gate assembly according to clause 5 further comprising a second stop for securing said handle in a second fixed position against said gate.
- 9. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause further comprising at least one stabilizing wall coupled to said front wall.
- 10. The gate assembly according to clause 9 further comprising a base coupled to said front wall and said at least one stabilizing wall.
- 11. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause further comprising at least one structural wall for securing said gate assembly to said berm and preventing a material of said berm from obstructing said gate.
- 12. The gate assembly according to clause 11 wherein said at least one structural wall is approximately perpendicular to said front wall.
- 13. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause wherein said front wall further comprises a lip.
- 14. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause wherein said gate assembly is not an enclosed structure.
- 15. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause wherein said gate assembly is coupled to a berm.
- 16. The gate assembly according to any preceding clause further comprising an anchor.
- 17. A method for controlling runoff in a berm having at least one exit location for said runoff, said method comprising:
- manipulating a gate in a gate assembly to control said runoff, wherein said gate assembly is located at one of said at least one exit locations, wherein said gate assembly comprises an opening disposed in a front wall for allowing fluid flow and a support structure attached to said opening for allowing said opening to be secured within said berm such that said runoff can be controlled by opening or closing said gate.
- 18. The method according to clause 17 further comprising the step installing said gate assembly in said berm.
- 19. The method according to clauses 17-18 wherein said manipulating a gate comprises manipulating a latch coupled to said gate.
- 20. The method according to clauses 17-19 wherein said gate assembly is not part of an enclosed structure.
- 21. The method according to clauses 17-20 further comprising coupling a fluid flow device to said gate assembly.
- 22. The method according to clauses 17-22 wherein said manipulating a gate comprises utilizing a handle secured to said support structure at a first end to apply a force to said gate.
- 23. A gate assembly for installation in a berm to control a flow of runoff collected by said berm, said gate assembly comprising:
- a first wall having an opening located within the wall;
- a cover for covering said opening that can be secured over said opening to prevent a flow of said runoff through said opening;
- a second wall attached to a first end of said first wall;
- a third wall attached to a second end of said first wall; and
- a base attached to a bottom end of said first wall, said base configured to allow said base to rest against an earthen surface at a bottom of said berm;
- wherein said first wall, second wall, third wall, and base are configured relative to each other such that said gate assembly can be installed in said berm in a manner that a berm material is prevented from obstructing said opening.
- 24. The gate assembly according to clause 23 further comprising:
- at least one hinge connecting said cover to said first wall; and
- at least one latch for securing said cover in a closed position.
- 25. The gate assembly according to clauses 23-24 wherein said second wall comprises a first flange extending from a dry end of said second wall away from said opening and wherein said third wall comprises a second flange extending from a dry end of said third wall away from said opening, said first flange and second flange configured to help secure said berm material around said gate assembly.
- 26. The gate assembly according to clauses 23-25 wherein said base extends outward beyond said second wall and said third wall in the manner that said berm material can be placed on a top side of said base to help secure said gate assembly within said berm.
- 27. The gate assembly according to clauses 23-26 further comprises a handle assembly to assist in the manipulation of said cover while a user is out of the way of a fluid flow from said opening.
- 28. The gate assembly according to clause 27 wherein said handle assembly comprises a rod secured on a first end to said base adjacent said second wall and wherein said third wall comprises a stop attached to a top of said third wall for holding said rod in a fixed position across said cover.
Patent Application
20130108370
