STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to storm water control systems. More particularly, the invention concerns a fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
The control of excess runoff rain water has long been a problem faced by municipalities throughout the civilized world. Heavy rainfall can create large volumes of runoff that must be handled effectively in order to avoid flooding, that can result in road closures and substantial property damage. Accordingly, most municipalities have installed drain systems that include curbside drains that are provided at spaced apart locations along most thoroughfares. The curbside drains typically lead to main drain pipes that carry the water to adjacent rivers, directly to the ocean, or to remote catch basins.
While the prior art drain systems have, for the most part, proven effective in carrying runoff storm water away from the streets and populated areas, the control of man-made and natural debris entering the drain systems remains a major problem. For this reason, various attempts have been made in the past to prevent unwanted debris from entering into curb side drains. These prior art attempts have included placing plates over the drains that are specially configured to trap the debris and still provide limited space for the water to flow. This approach has generally proven unsatisfactory because, as a general rule, the drains cannot adequately accommodate the runoff during heavy rainfall events. Other attempts have been made to design curbside drain gates that remain closed during dry periods, but open during moderate to heavy rainfall events.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,746 issued to Bredbenner illustrates one prior art approach to providing a specially configured catch basin curb inlet opening cover that comprises a rectangular grating panel that is adapted to be supported in a stationary frame surrounding and opening of a storm drain inlet. U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,304 issued to Lill et al. illustrates another prior art approach to providing a specially configured catch basin curb inlet opening cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,894 issued to Flury discloses an automatically openable and closable gate system for use with street side curb openings that includes a gate which during dry and low flow water drainage situations is in a closed position and during periods of heavy rainfall will automatically open. U.S. Publication No. 2008/0226390 discloses a system that is somewhat similar to the Flurry system and includes an automatic fluid channel screen lock-unlock system for automatically locking and unlocking a screen that is disposed within a fluid channel wherein the screen is rotatable relative to the channel from a closed position to an open position.
The prior art fluid channel screen lock-unlock systems have frequently proven to be unsatisfactory because the screens tend to jam in the locked position causing unwanted flooding.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By way of brief summary, the present invention comprises a fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a conventional curbside storm drain of the character having spaced apart side walls that define a fluid flow channel through which fluid flows. In one form of the invention the apparatus comprises an elongated, yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension that substantially spans the fluid flow channel and a plurality of transversely spaced apart flow control vanes that are connected to the cable. The flow control vanes function to control fluid flow through the curbside drain and work in tandem to block the entry of unwanted debris into the storm drain. To accomplish this purpose, the flow control vanes are pivotally movable between a first at rest position and a second position wherein an increase in fluid flow through the fluid flow channel is permitted. The system further includes a mechanism for controlling the tension in the elongated, yieldably deformable support cable and thereby controlling the resistance that is offered by the system to the flow of fluid through the fluid flow channel and the entry of objects into the storm drain.
With the forgoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that effectively controls the flow of fluid and the introduction of unwanted debris into the entrance of a curbside storm drain.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can readily be installed by unskilled workmen in curbside storm drains of varying standard and nonstandard construction.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned character that effectively prevents the entry of unwanted debris into curbside storm drains during conditions of low to moderate rainfall, but may permit the free entry of debris into the storm drain during conditions of heavy rainfall.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described that can be specially tailored to accommodate directional fluid flow as, for example, downhill fluid flow.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the described in the preceding paragraph which, because of its unique design, cannot jam and will automatically open to permit fluid flow through the flow control channel when the flowing water impinges upon control vanes.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs that is easy to install and in no way affects the structural integrity of the curbside storm drain.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in which the flow control vanes of the apparatus can be readily modified for use in storm drains of varying height and width.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in the preceding paragraph which, because of the unique design of the light weight flow control vanes of the apparatus, permits a significantly higher flow volume of water through the fluid flow channel than is permitted by prior art devices embodying perforated flow control gates.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs that is easily adjustable to accommodate varying fluid flow conditions.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in which advertising indicia can readily be imprinted on the exposed faces of the flow control vanes of the apparatus.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described in the preceding paragraphs which when installed in no way obstructs travel along the street where the curbside storm drains are installed.
Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid flow control system that embodies materials that have little recyclable value so as to discourage theft of the apparatus for potential resale.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described that is durable in use and one that can be inexpensively manufactured, installed and maintained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a generally perspective front view of one form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus as it appears when installed in a conventional curbside storm drain.
FIG. 2 is a generally perspective rear view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in an open position to permit fluid and debris flow through the flow channel of the storm drain.
FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged front view of one form of the control vane of the apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged side view of the control vane shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of the control vane shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of an alternate form of control vane.
FIG. 6A is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective top view of still another alternate form of control vane.
FIG. 6B is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective bottom view of the control vane shown in FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7 is a generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus showing the control gate in its closed position.
FIG. 8 is a generally perspective view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in an open position to permit fluid and debris flow through the flow channel of the storm drain.
FIG. 9 is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the control gate portion of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in its open position.
FIG. 10A is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of one of the control vanes of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention.
FIG. 10B is a side view of the control vane shown in FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10C is a front view of the control vane shown in FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10D is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 10D-10D of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of the area designated in FIG. 9 as 11-11.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the tensioning mechanism of this latest form of the invention for controlling the tension of the elongated tensioning cable of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the control gate portion of still another form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention showing the apparatus in its open position.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of the area designated in FIG. 13 as 14-14.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the tensioning mechanism of this latest form of the invention for controlling the tension of the elongated tensioning cable of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a generally perspective rear view of an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus as it appears when installed in the conventional curbside storm drain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown as it appears when positioned within the conventional curbside storm drain. This form of the apparatus, which is generally designated in the drawings by the numeral 18, functions to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance “E” of the storm drain “SD” that comprises a structure “S” having spaced apart side walls “W” that define a fluid flow channel “C” (FIG. 2) through which fluid, such as rainwater flows. In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 2 the apparatus comprises a control gate assembly 20 that includes a support member 22 that is connected to structure “S” and spans the fluid flow channel “C”. Support number 22 is here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having extremities that are disposed in engagement with the sidewalls “W” of the structure “S” (FIG. 1). Pivotally connected to support member 22 for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes 24. Flow control vanes 24, which also comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate 20, uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes 24 has a front face 24a, a rear face 24b, a lower portion 26, an upper portion 28 and an intermediate portion 30. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the intermediate portion 30 of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening 30a that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 22. More particularly, in the form of in the invention shown in these figure drawings, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 22. In an alternate form of flow control, vane 24ALT which is of the somewhat similar configuration shown in FIG. 5, the lower portion 31 of the control vane is curved and is provided with a plurality of spaced apart openings 31a. In another alternate form of flow control vane 33, which as of the configuration shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B of the drawings, the opening is provided in the form of a semicircular opening 33c that is constructed and arranged to releasably grip the support member 22. As indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, if desired, indicia such as advertising indicia “I” can be imprinted on the face of the control vanes 24.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 12 of the drawings, an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 56. This form of the apparatus is similar in many respects to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings and operates in a somewhat similar Manner to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of the storm drain “SD-1” that comprises a structure “S-1” having spaced apart side walls “W-1” that define a fluid flow channel “C-1” (FIGS. 7 and 8) through which fluid, such as rainwater flows.
Apparatus 56 here comprises a control gate assembly 58 that includes a pair of side panels 60a and 60b that are connected to structure “S-1” in the manner shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Connected to and spanning the side panels is an elongated support member 62 here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having first and second extremities 62a and 62b that are disposed in engagement with the side panels 60a and 60b (FIG. 9). Pivotally connected to support member 62 for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes 64.
Flow control vanes 64, which comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate, uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C-1” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes 64 has a front face 64a, a rear face 64b, a lower portion 66, an upper connector portion 68 and an intermediate portion 70. As best seen in FIG. 10A, the upper connector portion 68 of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening 68a that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 62. More particularly, in this latest form of the invention, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 62. As shown in FIG. 10A, each of the flow control vanes 64 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 64s that slidably receives an apertured cable receiving member 72 and a closure member 74 that closes the lower extremity of the slot.
As before, an important aspect of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention is an elongated, biasing member, shown here as an elongated, yieldably deformable biasing cable 80 (FIGS. 9 and 11) having a first end 80a and a second end 80b. Cable 80 is received within openings 72a formed in the apertured cable receiving members 72 that are slidably received within slot 64s (FIG. 10A) and are affixed to the control vanes 64 at the location illustrated in FIG. 10B. Cable 80 uniquely functions to controllably resist movement of the vanes toward their second position. In a manner presently to be described, cable 80 is continuously maintained in tension and the degree of tension in the cable is regulated by first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms 82a and 82b that are connected to cable 80 and are carried by the side panels 60a and 60b. These important tensioning mechanisms, which are of identical construction and operation, each comprise a generally circular shaped connector plate 86 that is connected to a selected one of the side panels and an elongated hollow cylindrical member 88 that is affixed to the connector plate and extends outwardly there from. Disposed internally of hollow cylindrical member 88 is a female driving member 90 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves 90a (see FIG. 12). Circumscribing hollow cylindrical member 88 is a circular shaped cable spool 92 about which the cable 80 is entrained. Connected to cable spool 92 and also circumscribing hollow cylindrical member 88 is a conventional helical torsion spring 94 that has first and second ends 94a and 94b respectively. Helical torsion spring 94 functions to provide controlled resistance to the rotation of the cable spool 92 and to in this way control the degree of tension in the cable. Connected to the second end of the torsion spring 94 is a tensioning assembly 98, which is operably associated with driving member 90 and which, in a manner presently to be described, functions to controllably twist the torsion spring. Tensioning assembly 98 here includes a generally circular shaped connector plate 100, which includes an outwardly extending, generally arcuate shaped spring engaging segment 102. Also forming a part of the tensioning assembly 98 is an internally threaded, male driven member 104 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines 104a that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves 90a of driving member 90. Threadably connected to male driven member 104 and extending through hollow cylindrical member 88 is an elongated, generally cylindrical member 106. Slidably connected to the outboard end of hollow cylindrical member 88 for movement between an at rest position and an inward position is an actuating assembly 108 that includes a collar 108a that circumscribes elongated cylindrical member 106. Affixed to collar 108a is an actuating driver 110 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines 110a that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves 90a of driving member 90 when the actuating assembly 108 is moved into its inward position. Circumscribing elongated cylindrical member 106 and housed within hollow cylindrical member 88 is a biasing spring 111 that functions to yieldably resist inward movement of the actuating assembly 108.
Each of the first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms 82a and 82b are manually operated by an operating assembly 112 that can be operably associated with actuating drivers 110. Operating assembly 112, which functions to controllably rotate the actuating drivers 110 and, in turn, rotate the driving members 90, includes a generally cylindrically shaped body 114, a hand gripping head portion 116 and a connector end 118. As best seen in FIG. 11, connector end 118 is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves 118a that receive splines 110a of actuating driver 110 when the operating assembly 112 is mated with the actuating drivers 110.
In using the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of this latest form of the invention, the cable 80 can be appropriately tensioned through the alternate use of the first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms 82a and 82b. This tensioning step is accomplished by inserting the connector end of the manually operated, operating assembly 112 into the selected tensioning mechanism in a manner such that splines 110a of actuating driver 110 are received within the multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves 118a of the operating assembly 112. Manual rotation of the operating assembly 112 will controllably rotate the actuating driver 110, which will rotate the driving member 90 and, in turn, will rotate driven member 104 and connector plate 100. Rotation of the connector plate 100 will cause the arcuate shaped spring engaging segment 102 to controllably twist the torsion spring 94 and controllably rotate the spool 92. In this way the resistance offered to the rotation of the circular shaped cable spool 92 about which the cable 80 is entrained can be selectively controlled.
As before, as the water flows through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinges on the control vanes 64, the lower portions of the control vanes will tend to move outwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. However, since the lower portions of the control vanes are interconnected with the cable 80, the cable will yieldably resist the outward movement of the control vanes, which outward movement is tending to move the cable into an arcuate configuration (FIG. 9). It is apparent that the degree of tension placed on the cable 80 controls the amount of force that must be imparted on the control vanes by the flowing fluid to move the cable into the arcuate configuration shown in FIG. 9. The greater the tension on the cable 80, the greater is the force against the fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinging on the control vanes that is required to move the cable into an arcuate configuration as is illustrated in FIG. 9 and to move the control gate into an open position. Conversely, the lesser the tension on the cable 80, the lower is the force against fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinging on the control vanes that is required to move the control gate into an open position.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 of the drawings, still another form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 122. This form of the apparatus is similar in many respects to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 through 12 of the drawings and like numerals are used in FIGS. 13 and 14 to identify like components. As before, the apparatus operates in a manner to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance C-1 of the storm drain.
Apparatus 122 here comprises a control gate assembly 124 that includes a pair of side panels 126a and 126b that are connected to structure “S-1”. Connected to and spanning the side panels is an elongated support member 62 here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having first and second extremities 62a and 62b that are disposed in engagement with the side panels 126a and 126b (FIG. 13). Pivotally connected to support member 62 for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes 64.
Flow control vanes 64, which are identical construction and operation to those previously described, comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate, that uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C-1” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes 64 has a front face 64a, a rear face 64b, a lower portion 66, an upper connector portion 68 and an intermediate portion 70. As best seen in FIG. 10A, the upper connector portion 68 of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening 68a that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 62. More particularly, in this latest form of the invention, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member 62. As shown in FIG. 10A, each of the flow control vanes 64 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 64s that slidably receives an apertured cable receiving member 72 and a closure member 74 that closes the lower extremity of the slot.
As before, an important aspect of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention is an elongated, biasing member, shown here as an elongated, yieldably deformable, continuous biasing cable 130 (FIGS. 13 and 14). Cable 130 is received within openings 72a formed in the apertured cable receiving members 72 that are affixed to the control vanes 64 (see FIGS. 13 and 15). Cable 130 uniquely functions to controllably resist movement of the vanes toward their second position. In this latest embodiment of the invention the tension in cable 130 is continuously maintained by a single tensioning mechanism 132 that is carried by side panel 126a. This important tensioning mechanism, which is of similar construction and operation to the previously described tensioning mechanisms 82a and 82b, comprises a generally circular shaped connector plate 86 that is connected to side panel 126a and an elongated hollow cylindrical member 88 that is affixed to the connector plate and extends outwardly there from. Disposed internally of hollow cylindrical member 88 is a female driving member 90 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves 90a (see FIG. 15). Circumscribing hollow cylindrical member 88 is a circular shaped cable spool 134 about which the cable 130 is entrained. As illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 of the drawings, cable 130 passes around cable spool 134, downwardly around a pulley 136 mounted on side plate 126a, longitudinally through the apertured cable receiving member 72, around a lower pulley 138 mounted on plate 126b, upwardly around an upper pulley 140 mounted on plate 126b, longitudinally across the upper, rear surfaces of the flow control vanes 64 and finally once again around cable spool 134 thus forming a continuous loop. Connected to cable spool 134 and also circumscribing hollow cylindrical member 88 is a conventional helical torsion spring 94 that has first and second ends 94a and 94b respectively. Connected to the second end of the torsion spring 94 is a tensioning assembly 98, which is operably associated with driving member 90 and which, in a manner presently to be described, functions to controllably twist the torsion spring. Tensioning assembly 98 here includes a generally circular shaped connector plate 100, which includes an outwardly extending, generally arcuate shaped spring engaging segment 102. Also forming a part of the tensioning assembly 98 is an internally threaded, male driven member 104 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines 104a that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves 90a of driving member 90. Threadably connected to male driven member 104 and extending through hollow cylindrical member 88 is an elongated, generally cylindrical member 106. Slidably connected to the outboard end of hollow cylindrical member 88 for movement between an at rest position and an inward position is an actuating assembly 108 that includes a collar 108a that circumscribes cylindrical member 106. Affixed to collar 108a is an actuating driver 110 that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines 110a that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves 90a of driving member 90 when the actuating assembly 108 is moved into its inward position. Circumscribing cylindrical member 106 and housed within hollow cylindrical member 88 is a biasing spring 111 that functions to yieldably resist inward movement of the actuating assembly 108.
Tensioning mechanism 132 includes a manually operated, operating assembly 112 that is identical in construction and operation to that previously described. As in the last described embodiment of the invention, the tensioning step is accomplished by inserting the outboard end of the manually operated, operating assembly 112 into the tensioning mechanism in a manner such that splines 110a of actuating driver 110 are received within the multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves 118a of the operating assembly 112. Manual rotation of the operating assembly 112 will controllably rotate the actuating driver 110, which will rotate the driving member 90 and, in turn, will rotate driven member 104 and connector plate 100. Rotation of the connector plate 100 will cause the arcuate shaped spring engaging segment 102 to controllably twist the torsion spring 94 and controllably rotate the spool 134. In this way the resistance offered to the rotation of the circular shaped cable spool 134 about which the continuous cable 130 is entrained can be selectively controlled.
As before, as the water flows through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinges on the control vanes 64, the lower portions of the control vanes will tend to move outwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings. However, since the lower portions of the control vanes are interconnected with the cable 130, the cable will yieldably resist the outward movement of the control vanes, which outward movement is tending to move the cable into an arcuate configuration (FIG. 13). It is apparent that the degree of tension placed on the continuous cable 130 controls the amount of force that must be imparted on the control vanes by the flowing fluid to move the cable into the arcuate configuration shown in FIG. 13.
Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Patent Application
20150053598
