Modular trench drain system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6612780
  • Patent Number
    6,612,780
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, November 15, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 2, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
A modular trench drainage system for placement in a trench of a natural surface or pavement. The system includes a base conduit, a grate cover pivotably secured to the base conduit for covering the base member, a coupling mechanism for pivotably securing the grate cover to the base conduit, an alignment mechanism for aligning the grate cover with respect to the base conduit when the grate cover is placed in a closed position over the base conduit, and a locking mechanism for locking the grate cover to the base conduit.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates generally to a modular trench drainage system including a base member and a removable grate cover, and especially, such a system that reduces the installation time of the drainage system and accommodates expansion and/or contraction of a surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




2. Description of the Related Art




Conventional trench drains are typically recessed into a natural surface or pavement area composed of a material such as concrete and the like for catching fluid runoff and preventing entry of undesirable debris such as leaves and branches into the drain. These drains comprise generally a base frame member and a grate cover which is positioned on and received by the base member in order to cover an exposed opening at the upper surface of the base frame member. The base frame member includes a lower wall and a pair of sidewalls extending from the lower wall to define a fluid conduit. Typically, upper end surfaces of each sidewall are mitered in order to provide a support surface for the grate cover. The grate cover includes a lower surface which rests on the base frame member conduit and an upper surface that serves as a support surface for vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. The upper surface of the grate cover is provided with a plurality of openings along its length to permit the entry of fluid runoff into the base frame member.




A disadvantage of conventional trench drain systems is the potential safety hazard resulting from the lack of a connection, removable or otherwise, between the grate cover and the base frame member. Because the grate cover is unattached to the base frame member, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal of the top cover is likely, and thus, could result in injury to a pedestrian or damage to a vehicle.




Another disadvantage of conventional trench drain systems is the difficulty and time involved with the installation and/or removal the grate cover from the base frame member. This is due to the use of complicated attachments schemes for establishing a secure connection between the grate cover and the base frame member.




Yet another disadvantage of conventional trench drain systems is the inability of removing the grate cover from the base frame member in order to perform maintenance on the system. For example, some trench drain systems are characterized in a permanent, unitary attachment between the grate cover and base frame member, thereby preventing the removal of the grate cover. Because quick and easy access to the interior of the base frame member cannot be accomplished by merely removing the grate cover therefrom, the entire system must be removed in order to perform routine maintenance such as removing debris and sediment from the interior of the base frame member.




Still another disadvantage associated with conventional trench drain systems is the instability of the connection between the grate cover and base frame member when the natural surface or pavement area in which the trench drain is inserted expands and/or contracts. For example, during warmer months, the natural surface or pavement area surrounding the sidewalls of the base frame member become heated, thereby expanding and exerting an inward force or pressure on the sidewalls. This force causes the sidewalls to deflect laterally inwardly, and thus, results in their original shape becoming distorted.




The distortion of the sidewalls adversely effects the connection between the grate cover and the base frame member in at least two ways. First, the distortion of the sidewalls may cause a loss in connection between the grate cover and the base frame member. Such a loss in connection diminishes the ability of the trench drain to prevent unwanted debris from entering therein and may also cause potential hazards to both pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic. Secondly, the distortion of the sidewalls may place the grate cover out of alignment with the base frame member. In other words, the distortion of the sidewalls may cause bulging of the grate cover, thereby resulting in difficulty in or even preventing the re-establishment of the connection between the grate cover and the base frame member even if an intentional, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal of the grate cover from the base frame member has occurred. This becomes economically disadvantageous since the trench drain system must be removed and replaced with a new trench drain system.




It is known, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,067, to provide a modular drain system that functions as an expansion joint to accommodate expansions and contractions in concrete slabs into which the drain is embedded. This system, however, includes an integrated design characterized by an upper portion which functions as a grate cover and which is permanently attached to a lower portion which function as a base frame member for accommodating entry and removal of a fluid. Accordingly, performing routine maintenance such as cleaning of the system is difficult since the entire drain system must be replaced.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the foregoing disadvantages in providing a modular trench drain system that reduces the time involved for installation and removal of the system.




It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system having a base conduit and a detachable grate that allows the facilitation of routine maintenance.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system having a pivotal connection between the base conduit and the grate cover that facilitates the removal of the grate cover from the base conduit in a simple, yet expedient manner.




It is a still another object of the present invention to provide such a system which is capable of withstanding distortion of the base conduit without losing the connection between the grate cover and the base conduit.




It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a system having a robust connection between the grate cover and the base conduit even in cases which the base conduit becomes distorted due to the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such a system having a structural interconnection between the grate member and the base conduit that facilitates reconnection of the grate cover to the base conduit even in cases in which the base conduit becomes distorted due to the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system that permits realignment between the grate cover and the base conduit even in cases in which the base conduit becomes distorted due to the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




Yet and still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system having a grate cover that is mechanically fastened to the base conduit to prevent unintentional, accidental or unauthorized open drain conditions.




These, as well as other objects, are achieved in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a modular trench drain system is provided for placement into a natural surface or pavement area such as concrete or the like. The system includes a base conduit and a grate cover pivotably connected to the base conduit for movement between an open position exposing an upper surface of the base conduit and a closed position covering the exposed upper surface of the base conduit while permitting fluid communication between the exterior of the cover and the base conduit.




The base conduit includes a support surface for supporting and anchoring the base conduit in a trench formed in the natural surface or pavement area, an interior lower wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upwardly from the lower wall to define a channel that permits the collection and flow of a liquid such as water and the like. The support surface includes a pair of flange members which outwardly extend perpendicularly with respect to the sidewalls to allow the base conduit to be secured to the natural surface or pavement area via nails, bolts or the like, and thereby prevents movement of the base conduit relative to the natural surface or pavement area.




The grate cover includes a substantially rectangular body including a lower surface that faces into the channel of the base conduit and an upper surface that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement area. The grate cover body is provided with a plurality of spaced openings that extend from the upper surface to the lower surface to permit communication between the exterior and the channel for admitting fluids such as water or the like into the channel.




The system further includes a coupling mechanism for pivotably securing or connecting the grate cover to the conduit base when the grate cover is in the closed position. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling member formed at the upper end of the sidewall and a second coupling member formed on the lower surface of the grate cover body. The second coupling member is adapted to form a pivotal locking engagement with the first coupling member when the grate cover is in the closed position. The first coupling member includes an elongated flange that projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall and into the channel. The second coupling member includes an elongated shaft and a shoulder that projects substantially perpendicularly from the shaft. The shoulder is spaced from the lower surface of the grate cover to define a groove or gap into which a distal end of the first coupling member is pivotably received when the grate cover is in the closed position. In this way, the connection between the first coupling member and the second coupling member function together as a hinge-type joint.




Located in a transverse direction opposite to the coupling mechanism is an alignment mechanism for aligning the grate cover with respect to the base conduit when placing the grate cover in the closed position. The alignment mechanism includes an alignment bar formed at the lower surface of the grate cover at a position opposite to the second coupling member and an alignment bar formed at the upper end of the sidewall for engaging the alignment bar when the grate cover is in the closed position.




In a second embodiment, the modular trench drain system includes a coupling mechanism having an upper coupling member and a lower coupling member each formed at the upper end of one sidewall. A second coupling includes an extension arm which is offset downwardly from the upper surface of the grate cover body and a shoulder which projects substantially perpendicularly from the extension arm. The upper coupling member is spaced from the lower coupling member to define a groove or gap into which the second coupling member is pivotably received when the grate cover is in the closed position. The system of the second embodiment includes an alignment mechanism. An alignment mechanism including an alignment bar is provided for aligning the grate cover with respect to the base conduit when placing the grate cover in the closed position. The alignment bar is provided with a contact surface adapted to contact an upper flange member when the grate cover is in the closed position is provided.




In a third embodiment, the system includes symmetrical coupling mechanisms for pivotably securing the grate cover to the base conduit when the grate cover is in the closed position. The coupling mechanisms include a pair of first coupling members formed at the upper end of the sidewalls, respectively, and a pair of second coupling members formed on the lower surface of the grate cover body and adapted to pivotably engage the first coupling members, respectively, when the grate cover is in the closed position. The first coupling members each include an elongated flange that projects substantially perpendicularly from a respective sidewall while the second coupling members each include an elongated shaft having a projection which is spaced from the lower surface to define a groove or gap into which the first coupling members are pivotably received, respectively, when the grate cover is in the closed position. In this way, the connection between the first coupling members and the second coupling members function together as hinge-type joint.




A fourth embodiment of the invention includes a drain system that provides additional protection against expansion and/or contraction of a surrounding natural surface or pavement area that may adversely effect the connection between the grate cover and the base conduit. The modular trench drain system includes a base conduit having a lower wall and a pair of opposing sidewalls with vertical extensions which protect the outer side surfaces of the grate cover from the effects of expansion and/or contraction of a surrounding natural surface or pavement. Accordingly, the vertical extensions absorb the forces associated with the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




Each embodiment may be provided with additional coupling mechanisms for mechanically locking or securing the grate cover to the base conduit. These coupling mechanisms include a plurality of fasteners such as screws, bolts or the like which are rotateably secured into pre-drilled or pre-threaded bores that extend throughout the base conduit and the grate cover. The combination of the coupling mechanisms and the alignment mechanism function to prevent the unintentional, unauthorized or accidental vertical and longitudinal displacement of the grate cover with respect to the base conduit once the grate cover is in the closed position. They also function to allow easy access to the interior of the base conduit to perform maintenance on the drain system.




Moreover, various fittings, such as universal Tee or universal cross connectors, end adapters, end plugs and the like may be provided to facilitate on site installation of the trench drain system. In order to interconnect a plurality of axially-aligned modular trench drain assemblies, a connector member is provided to establish an elongated channel of indefinite length and devoid of any structural breaks or seals. The connector member may include a gasket member that provides a mechanical seal between assemblies.




The present invention will now be further described by reference to the following drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a modular trench drain system in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a cross-sectional frontal view of the modular trench drain system of

FIG. 1

in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 3

is a cross-sectional exploded view of the modular trench drain system of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is a cross-sectional frontal view of the modular trench drain system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional exploded view of the modular trench drain system of

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 6

is a cross-sectional frontal view of the modular trench drain system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;





FIG. 7

is a cross-sectional exploded view of the modular trench drain system of

FIG. 6

;





FIG. 8

is a cross-sectional frontal view of the modular trench drain system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;





FIG. 9

is a cross-sectional exploded view of the modular trench drain system of

FIG. 8

;





FIG. 10

is a plan view of a 90° modular trench drain adaptor;





FIG. 11

is a plan view of a 45° modular trench drain adaptor;





FIG. 12

is a perspective view of an end discharge adapter for use with the modular trench drain system;





FIG. 13

is a perspective view of an end cap adapter for use with the modular trench drain system;





FIG. 14

is a top view of a universal Tee adapter for use with the modular trench drain system;





FIG. 15

is a top view of a universal cross adapter for use with the modular trench drain system;





FIG. 16

is a perspective view of a side drainout for use with the modular trench drain system; and





FIG. 17

is a perspective view of a bottom drainout for use with the modular trench drain system.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to

FIGS. 1-3

, which illustrate in an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a modular trench drain system


10


for placement in a trench of a natural or pavement area


11


such as concrete or the like. The modular trench drain system


10


includes a base conduit


20


and a grate cover


30


pivotably connected to the base conduit


20


for movement between an open position exposing an upper surface of the base conduit


20


and a closed position covering the exposed upper surface of the base conduit


20


while permitting fluid communication between the exterior of the cover


30


(i.e., the outside environment) and the base conduit


20


. In order to interconnect a plurality of axially-aligned modular trench drain assemblies


10


, a connector member


40


is provided to establish an elongated channel of indefinite length and devoid of any structural breaks or seals. Preferably, the connector member


40


has a shape that matches the contour of the inner surface of the base conduit


20


and is bonded or connected to the inner surface of a respective base conduit


20


using any suitable industrial adhesive or mechanical bonding technique. Of course, both the base conduit


20


and the connector member


40


may be of any shape that permits the accumulation and removal of a fluid.




As best depicted in

FIGS. 2 and 3

, the base conduit


20


includes a support surface


25


for supporting and anchoring the base conduit


20


in the trench formed in the natural surface or pavement area


11


, an interior lower wall


21


, and pair of opposing sidewalls


22


,


23


extending upwardly from the lower wall


21


to define a channel


24


that permits the collection and flow of a liquid such as water and the like. The support surface


25


includes a pair of flange members which outwardly extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the sidewalls


22


,


23


to allow the base conduit to be secured to the natural surface or pavement area via nails, bolts or the like.




The grate cover


30


includes a substantially rectangular body


31


including a lower surface


31




a


that faces into the channel


24


and an upper surface


31




b


that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement area


11


. The grate cover body


31


is provided with a plurality of spaced openings


32


that extend from the upper surface


31




b


to the lower surface


31




a


to permit fluid communication between the exterior of the system


10


and the channel


24


. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the openings


32


may comprise various geometric configurations, such as single slots, double slots, angled slots or any geometric pattern of round or shaped holes that allow fluid entry into the base conduit


20


.




The modular trench drain system


10


further includes a coupling mechanism for securing or connecting the grate cover


30


to the conduit base


20


when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling member


26


formed at the upper end of the sidewall


23


. The first coupling member


26


comprises an elongated flange that projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall


23


and into the channel


24


. Preferably, the first coupling member


26


has a length that extends longitudinally throughout the length of the base conduit


20


.




A second coupling member


34


formed on the lower surface


31




a


of the grate cover body


31


is provided to pivotably engage the first coupling member


26


when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position. As best shown in

FIG. 3

, the second coupling member


34


comprises an elongated shaft


34




a


and a shoulder


34




b


that projects substantially perpendicularly from the shaft


34




a


. The second coupling member


34


has an axial length that extends longitudinally throughout the length of the grate cover


30


. The shoulder


34




b


is spaced from the lower surface


31




a


of the grate cover


30


, this space defining a groove or gap


37


into which a distal end of the first coupling member


26


is pivotably received when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position. In this way, the connection between the first coupling member


26


and the second coupling member


34


function together as a hinge-type joint.




Accordingly, the second coupling member


34


is adapted to pivot about the distal end of the first coupling member


26


during the installation and/or removal of the grate cover


30


from the base conduit


20


. Once engaged, the first and second coupling members


26


,


34


function to prevent any unintentional, accidental or unauthorized vertical or upward displacement of the grate cover


30


with respect to base conduit


20


at a point adjacent to the coupling mechanism. The pivotal engagement between the first and second coupling members


26


,


34


also facilitates easy installation and removal of the grate cover


30


when routine maintenance on the system


10


is required.




Located transversely in a direction opposite to the coupling mechanism is an alignment mechanism for aligning the grate cover


30


with respect to the base conduit


20


when placing the grate cover


30


in the closed position. The alignment mechanism comprises a flange member


27


and an alignment bar


33


. The flange member


27


is formed at the upper end of the sidewall


22


and is adapted to engage the alignment bar


33


when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position. The flange member


27


projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall


22


and into the channel


24


and has an axial length which extends longitudinally throughout the length of the base conduit


20


.




The alignment bar


33


is formed at the lower surface


31




a


of the grate cover body


31


opposite to the second coupling member


34


and projects into the channel


24


when the grate cover


31


is in the closed position. The alignment bar


33


projects substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lower surface


31




a


of the cover body


31


, and preferably, extends longitudinally throughout the length of the grate cover


30


. The alignment bar


33


is provided with a contact surface


33




a


that is adapted to contact the flange member


27


when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position.




It will become apparent that, because the first coupling member


26


and the flange member


27


are symmetrical, the grate cover


30


may be rotated 180° so that the contact surface


33




a


of the alignment bar


33


contacts the first coupling member


26


. Accordingly, the connection between the alignment bar


33


and the first coupling member


26


may serves as the alignment mechanism. In this regard, the flange member


27


may then be pivotably received into the gap


37


when the grate cover


30


is in the closed position, and thus, may serves as the coupling mechanism.




As best shown in

FIG. 2

, the system


10


may also include a locking mechanism for locking the grate cover


30


to the base conduit


20


. Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of fasteners


35


,


36


such as screws, bolts or the like that are rotateably secured mechanically into pred-drilled or pre-threaded bores that extend through the flange member


27


and the grate cover


30


. The locking mechanism is advantageous since it prevents the grate cover


30


from accidental, unintentional and unauthorized vertical and longitudinal displacement with respect to the base conduit


20


once in the closed position. It will become apparent that additional locking mechanisms may be provided also comprising the fasteners previously described and which are likewise rotateably secured mechanically into pred-drilled or pre-threaded bores that extend through the flange member


26


and the grate cover


30


.




In order to secure the grate cover


30


to the base conduit


20


, i.e., to place the grate cover


30


in the closed position, the grate cover


30


is manipulated to a position above the base conduit


20


so as to engage the coupling mechanism. In other words, the second coupling member


34


is manipulated downwardly so that the first coupling member


26


is received into the gap


37


created by the coupling member


34


and the grate cover


30


. Next, the grate cover


30


is again manipulated downwardly so that the alignment bar


33


, specifically the contact surface


33




a


, contacts the distal end or tip of the flange member


27


, thereby causing the grate cover


30


to be manipulated to the closed position. When the grate cover


30


is manipulated to the closed position, the contact surface


33




a


applies a support force or pressure to the distal end of the flange


27


. When the system


10


is placed in the natural surface or pavement area


11


, this force has a magnitude which is at least substantially equal to the force applied to the sidewall


22


by the natural surface or pavement area


11


. Thus, an additional point of connection between the grate cover


30


and the base conduit


20


is established. Of course, the grate cover


30


may also be manipulated to the closed position by rotating the grate cover


30


180° so that the flange member


27


enters the gap


37


to form a pivotal engagement with the second coupling member


34


.




The locking mechanism for locking the grate cover


30


to the base conduit


20


may be deployed by manually or mechanically screwing the fasteners


35


,


36


into the pre-drilled or pre-threaded bores of the flange member


27


and the grate cover


30


. As previously mentioned, additional locking mechanisms may be employed by manually or mechanically screwing additional fasteners into pre-drilled or pre-threaded bores of the first coupling member


26


and the grate cover


30


. In order to interconnect a plurality of modular trench drain assemblies


10


, connector member


40


is merely slid under the first coupling member


26


and flange member


27


, which serve to also align the connector member


40


with respect to the base conduit


20


.




Thus, the combination of the coupling mechanism, the locking mechanism and the alignment mechanism function to prevent unintentional, unauthorized or accidental vertical and longitudinal displacement of the grate cover


30


with respect to the base conduit


20


once the grate cover


30


is in the closed position. In addition, such a combination facilitates the uncomplicated removal of the grate cover


30


from the base conduit


20


in order to perform routine maintenance on the system


10


.




In a situation in which the natural surface or pavement area


11


expands and/or contracts to thereby distort or deform the base conduit


20


, i.e., the sidewalls


22


,


23


, the grate cover


30


may still be manipulated to the closed position even in the event of an intentional, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal from the base conduit


20


. In such an occurrence, the grate cover body


31


may be manipulated into a position above the base conduit


20


so as to pivotably engage the first coupling member


26


and the second coupling member


34


. Next, the side of the grate cover


30


, in which the alignment bar


33


extends, is manipulated downwardly so that the contact surface


33




a


applies the support force to the distal end of the flange member


27


. The support force includes a substantially lateral force or pressure component, i.e., as indicated by arrow F in

FIG. 2

, that causes the upper portion of the sidewall


22


to deflect laterally outwardly. The lateral outward deflection of the sidewall


22


increases the overall area at least at an upper area of the conduit


24


to thereby allow the grate cover


30


to rest on the base conduit


20


, and thus, establishes a detachable pivotal connection between the grate cover


30


and the base conduit


20


. Of course, the grate cover


30


may also be manipulated to the closed position in this situation by rotating the grate cover


30


180° so that the flange member


27


is received into the gap


37


. Accordingly, the alignment mechanism is especially effective when the base conduit


20


is deformed due to an inward force or pressure received from the pavement area


11


since it allows the grate cover


30


to be manipulated to the closed position even if an intentional, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal of the grate cover


30


has occurred.




Referring now to

FIGS. 4 and 5

, which illustrate in a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a modular trench drain system


110


for placement in a trench of a natural surface or pavement area


111


such as concrete or the like. The modular trench drain system


110


includes a base conduit


120


and a grate cover


130


pivotably connected to the base conduit


120


so as to cover an exposed open surface of the base conduit


120


. To interconnect a plurality of modular trench drain assemblies


110


, a connector member


140


is provided to establish an elongated channel of indefinite length and devoid of any structural breaks or seals. The connector member


140


is preferably of a shape that matches the contour of the inside surface of the base conduit


120


and is bonded or connected to the interior surface of a respective base conduit


120


using any suitable industrial adhesive or mechanical bonding technique. Of course, both the base conduit


120


and the connector member


140


may be of any shape that permits the accumulation and removal of a fluid.




The base conduit


120


includes a support surface


125


for supporting and anchoring the base conduit


120


in the trench formed in the natural surface or pavement area


111


, an interior lower wall


121


, and pair of opposing sidewalls


122


,


123


which extend from the lower wall


121


to define a channel


124


that permits the collection and flow of a liquid such as water and the like. In this regard, the support surface


125


may be secured to the natural surface or pavement


111


via nails, bolts or the like that are driven through the flange members of the support surface


125


and into the ground.




The grate cover


130


includes a substantially rectangular body


131


including a lower surface


131




a


that faces into the channel


124


and an upper surface


131




b


that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement


111


. As in the previous embodiment, the grate cover body


131


may be provided with a plurality of spaced openings (not shown) that extend through the upper surface


131




b


to the lower surface


131




a


to permit communication between the exterior of the system


110


(i.e., the outside environment) and the channel


124


for admitting fluids such as water or the like into the channel


124


. Accordingly, the grate cover


130


is operable between an open position exposing the channel


124


and a closed position covering the channel


124


while permitting fluid communication between the exterior of the system


110


and the channel


124


.




The system


110


further includes a coupling mechanism for pivotably securing the grate cover


130


to the conduit base


120


when the grate cover


130


is in the closed position. The coupling mechanism comprises an upper coupling member


126


and a lower coupling member


128


each formed at the upper end of the sidewall


123


and a coupling member


134


provided on the distal end of the grate cover


131


to form a pivotal engagement with the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


when the grate cover


130


is in the closed position.




The upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


each comprise an elongated flange that projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall


123


into the channel


124


, although the lower coupling member


128


extends further into the channel than the upper coupling member


126


. Preferably, the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


each extend longitudinally throughout the length of the base conduit


120


while the coupling member


134


extends longitudinally throughout the length of the grate cover


130


. The upper coupling member


126


is spaced from the lower coupling member


126


, this space defining a groove or gap


137


into which the coupling member


134


is pivotably received when the grate cover


130


is in the closed position.




As shown in

FIG. 5

, the coupling member


134


comprises an extension arm which is offset downwardly from the upper surface


131




b


of the grate cover body


131


and a shoulder portion


134




a


which projects substantially perpendicularly from the extension arm. When the grate cover


130


is in the closed position, the distal end of the upper coupling member


126


abuts the shoulder portion


134




a


of the coupling member


134


to establish a pivot point between the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


and the coupling member


134


. Accordingly, the coupling member


134


is adapted to pivot about the distal end of the upper coupling member


126


during installation and/or removal of the grate cover


130


. Once engaged, the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


and the coupling member


134


cooperate to prevent the unintentional, unauthorized or accidental vertical or upward displacement of the grate cover


130


with respect to base conduit


120


. The pivotal engagement between the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


and the coupling member


134


is advantageous since it facilitates the easy installation and removal of the grate cover


130


from the base conduit


120


in order to perform routine maintenance on the system


110


.




The system


110


also includes an alignment mechanism for aligning the grate cover


130


with respect to the base conduit


120


when placing the grate cover


130


in the closed position. The alignment mechanism comprises an alignment bar


133


and an upper flange member


127


. The alignment bar


133


projects into the channel


124


substantially acutely with respect to the lower surface


131




a


of the cover body


131


and has a length that extends longitudinally throughout the length of the grate cover


130


. The alignment bar


133


is provided with a contact surface


133




a


adapted to contact the upper flange member


127


when the grate cover


130


is in the closed position. It will become apparent that the alignment bar


133


may be alternatively positioned so as to extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lower surface


131




a


of the cover body


131


.




A lower flange member


129


is formed at the upper end of the sidewall


122


, the lower flange member


129


being spaced downwardly from upper flange member


127


to form an abutment and alignment surface with the upper surface of the connector


140


. The upper flange member


127


is formed at the upper end of the sidewall


122


and has a distal end adapted to engage the alignment bar


133


when the grate cover


130


is in the closed position. The upper flange member


127


projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall


122


and into the channel


124


and has an axial length which extends longitudinally throughout the length of the base conduit


120


. Like the first embodiment, the system


110


may also be provided with a plurality of fasteners such as screws, bolts or the like to prevent the grate cover


130


from unintentional, unauthorized or accidental vertical and longitudinal displacement with respect to the base conduit


120


once in the closed position. In this regard, the fasteners may be rotateably secured into pred-drilled or pre-threaded bores that extend throughout at least one of the upper flange member


127


, the upper coupling member


126


and the grate cover


130


in order to perform this function.




The grate cover


130


may be connected to the base conduit


120


in a similar manner performed in the first embodiment. In other words, the grate cover


130


may be manipulated downwardly to a position above the base conduit


120


so that the coupling member


134


is received into the groove


137


created by the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


. Next, the grate cover


130


is again manipulated downwardly so that the alignment bar


133


, specifically the contact surface


133




a


, contacts the distal end or tip of the upper flange member


127


, thereby causing the grate cover


130


to be manipulated to the closed position.




When the grate cover


130


is manipulated to the closed position, the contact surface


133




a


applies a support force to the distal end of the upper flange member


127


. When the system


110


is placed in a trench of the natural surface or pavement area


111


, this support force has a magnitude which is substantially equal and opposite to the force applied to the sidewall


122


by the pavement area


111


. Thus, an additional point of connection between the grate cover


130


and the base conduit


120


is established. In order to interconnect a plurality of modular trench drain assemblies


110


, the connector member


140


is merely slid under the lower flange member


129


.




In a situation in which the natural surface or pavement area


111


expands and/or contracts to thereby distort or deform the base conduit


120


, i.e., the sidewalls


122


,


123


, the grate cover


130


may still be manipulated to the closed position even in the event of an intentional, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal from the base conduit


120


. In such an event, the grate cover body


131


is manipulated to a position above the base conduit


120


so as to pivotably engage the upper and lower coupling members


126


,


128


, and the second coupling member


134


. Next, the side of the grate cover


130


, in which the alignment bar


133


extends, is manipulated so that the support force is applied from the contact surface


133




a


to the distal end of the upper flange member


127


. The support force includes a substantially lateral component, i.e., as indicated by arrow F in

FIG. 4

, that causes the upper portion of the sidewall


122


to deflect laterally outwardly. The lateral outward deflection of the sidewall


122


increases the overall area of the chamber


124


to allow the grate cover


130


to rest on the base conduit


120


, thereby establishing a detachable pivotal connection between the grate cover


130


and the base conduit


120


.





FIGS. 6 and 7

illustrate a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention in which a modular trench drain system


210


is provided for placement in a trench of a natural surface or pavement area


211


such as concrete or the like. The modular trench drain system


210


includes a substantially hexagonal-shaped base conduit


220


and a grate cover


230


pivotably connected to the base conduit


220


so as to cover an exposed open surface of the base conduit


220


. In order to interconnect a plurality of modular trench drain assemblies


210


, a connector member


240


is provided to establish an elongated channel of indefinite length and devoid of any structural breaks or seals. The connector member


240


is of a shape that matches the contour of the inside surface of the base conduit


220


and is bonded or connected to the interior surface thereof using any suitable industrial adhesive or mechanical bonding technique. Of course, both the base conduit


220


and the connector member


240


may be of any shape that permits the accumulation and removal of a fluid.




The base conduit


220


includes a support surface


225


for supporting and anchoring the base conduit


220


in the trench formed in the natural surface or pavement


211


, an interior lower wall


221


, and pair of opposing sidewalls


222


,


223


which extend from the lower wall


221


to define a channel


224


that permits the collection and flow of a liquid such as water and the like. As in the previous embodiments, the support surface


225


may be secured to the natural surface or pavement


211


via nails, bolts or the like that are driven through the flange members of the support surface


225


and into the pavement area


211


.




The grate cover


230


includes a substantially rectangular body


231


including a lower surface


231




a


that extends into the channel


224


and an upper surface


231




b


that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the pavement area


211


. As provided in the previous embodiments, the grate cover body


231


is preferably provided with a plurality of spaced openings that extend from the upper surface to the lower surface to permit communication between the exterior and the channel


224


for admitting fluids such as water or the like into the channel


224


. Accordingly, the grate cover


230


is operable between an open position exposing the channel


224


and a closed position covering the channel


224


while permitting fluid communication between the exterior of the cover


230


(i.e., the outside environment) and the channel


224


.




The system


210


is provided with a coupling mechanism for pivotably securing the grate cover


230


to the base conduit


220


when the grate cover


230


is in the closed position. The coupling mechanism comprises a pair of symmetrical first coupling members


226


,


227


formed on the upper end of the sidewalls


222


,


223


, respectively, and a pair of symmetrical second coupling members


234


,


235


formed on the lower surface


231




a


of the grate cover body


231


. The second coupling members


234


,


235


are adapted to pivotably engage the first coupling members


226


,


227


, respectively, when the grate cover


230


is in the closed position.




The first coupling members


226


,


227


each comprise an elongated flange that projects substantially perpendicularly from the sidewalls


222


,


223


, respectively, and into the channel


224


. Preferably, the first coupling members


226


,


227


extend longitudinally throughout the length of the base conduit


220


. As best shown in

FIG. 7

, the second coupling members


234


,


235


each comprise an elongated shaft which projects substantially acutely with respect to the lower surface


231




a


of the grate cover body


231


. It will become apparent that the second coupling members


234


,


235


may alternatively project substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lower surface


231




a


of the cover body


231


. The second coupling members


234


,


235


each are provided with a projection


234




a


,


235




a


which outwardly extends substantially perpendicularly from their respective shafts


234


,


235


towards the sidewalls


222


,


223


. Preferably, the second coupling members


234


,


235


extend longitudinally throughout the length of the grate cover


230


. The projections


234




a


,


235




a


are spaced from the lower surface


231




a


of the grate cover


230


, this space defining a groove or gap


237


,


238


in which the first coupling members


226


,


227


are pivotably received, respectively, when the grate cover


230


is in the closed position. In this way, the connection between the first coupling members


226


,


227


and the second coupling members


234


,


235


function together as hinge-type joints.




Accordingly, the second coupling members


234


,


235


are adapted to pivot about the respective distal ends of the first coupling members


226


,


227


during installation and/or removal of the grate cover


230


from the base conduit


220


. In this way, the pivotal engagement between the first coupling members


226


,


227


and the second coupling members


234


,


235


facilitates the easy installation and removal of the grate cover


230


. It will become apparent that any one or both of the respective coupling mechanisms can be adapted to also align the grate cover


230


with respect to the base conduit


220


when placing the grate cover


230


in the closed position.




The system


210


also includes a set of locking mechanisms for locking the grate cover


230


at both sides thereof to the base conduit


220


. The locking mechanisms comprise a plurality of fasteners


236


,


237


which may include screws, bolts or the like which are rotateably secured into pred-drilled or pre-threaded bores


226




a


,


227




a


,


236




a


,


237




a


that extend throughout the flange members


226


,


227


and the grate cover


230


. Hence, the locking coupling mechanisms are advantageous in preventing significant longitudinal or vertical displacement of the grate cover


230


with respect to the base conduit


220


once in the closed position. The combination of the coupling and locking mechanisms function to prevent the unintentional, unauthorized or accidental vertical removal of the grate cover


230


with respect to the base conduit


220


once the grate cover


230


is in the closed position.




The grate cover


230


may be connected to the base conduit


220


in a similar manner performed in the previous embodiments. In other words, the grate cover


230


may be manipulated downwardly to a position above the base conduit


220


so as that the distal end of the first coupling member


226


is received into the groove


237


created by the grate cover


230


and the projection


234




a


. Next, the grate cover


230


is again manipulated downwardly so that that the distal end of the first coupling member


227


is received into the groove


238


created by the grate cover


230


and the projection


235




a


, thereby causing the grate cover


230


to be manipulated to the closed position.




When the grate cover


230


is manipulated to the closed position, the second coupling member


235


applies a support force to the distal end of the first coupling member


227


. When the system


210


is placed in a trench of the natural surface or pavement area


211


, the support force has a magnitude which is at least substantially equal to the force applied to the sidewall


222


by the pavement area


211


, and thus, establishes an additional point of connection between the grate cover


230


and the base conduit


220


. In order to interconnect a plurality of modular trench drain assemblies


210


, the connector member


240


is merely slid under the second coupling members


226


,


227


.




The locking mechanisms are then deployed by manually or mechanically screwing the fasteners


236


,


237


into the pre-drilled or pre-threaded bores of the first coupling members


226


,


227


and the grate cover


230


. Thus, the combination of the locking and coupling mechanisms function to prevent significant vertical and longitudinal displacement of the grate cover


230


with respect to the base conduit


220


once the grate cover


230


is in the closed position. In addition, the locking and coupling mechanisms facilitate the easy removal of the grate cover


230


in order to perform routine maintenance on the system


210


. Of course, because the first and second coupling members are symmetrical, the grate cover


230


may also be manipulated to the closed position by rotating the grate cover


230


180° so that the distal end of the first coupling member


227


enters the gap


237


to form a pivotal engagement with the second coupling member


234


.




In a situation in which the natural surface or pavement area


211


expands and/or contracts to thereby distort or deform the base conduit


220


, i.e., the sidewalls


222


,


223


, the grate cover


230


may still be manipulated to the closed position even in the event of an intentional, unintentional, unauthorized or accidental removal from the base conduit


220


. In such a scenario, the grate cover body


231


may be manipulated to a position above the base conduit


220


so as to pivotably engage the first coupling member


226


and the second coupling member


234


. Next, the side of the grate cover


230


, in which the second coupling member


235


extends, is manipulated so that a contact surface at the coupling member


235


applies the support force to the distal end of the first coupling member


227


. The support force includes a substantial lateral force component, i.e., as indicated by arrow F in

FIG. 6

, that causes the upper portion of the sidewall


222


to deflect laterally outwardly. The lateral outward deflection of the sidewall


222


increases the overall area of the chamber


224


to allow the grate cover


230


to rest on the base conduit


220


, thereby establishing a detachable pivotal connection between the grate cover


230


and the base conduit


220


.





FIGS. 8 and 9

illustrate a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention which parallels the structural and operational features previously described in the third embodiment, but provides additional protection against expansion and/or contraction of a surrounding natural surface or pavement area


311


that may adversely effect the connection between the grate cover


330


and the base conduit


320


. In particular, the modular trench drain system


310


of this embodiment includes a substantially hexagonal-shaped base conduit


320


, a connector member


340


and a grate cover


330


pivotably connected at both sides thereof to the base conduit


320


so as to cover an exposed open surface of the base conduit


320


. The base conduit


320


includes an interior lower wall


321


and pair of opposing sidewalls


322


,


323


which extend from the lower wall


321


to define a channel


324


that permits the collection and flow of a liquid such as water and the like. The sidewalls


322


,


323


of the fourth embodiment, however, include extensions


322




a


,


323




a


having a distal surface that lies coplanar with an upper surface


331




b


of the grate cover body


331


, and thus, is also coplanar with the contiguous surface of the pavement area


311


. In this way, the extensions


322




a


,


323




a


protect the grate cover


320


from the effects of expansion and /or contraction of a surrounding natural surface or pavement area


311


.




Each embodiment of the modular trench drain system may be prefabricated to facilitate a broad range of system configurations. As shown in

FIGS. 10 and 11

, when changing the direction of the system is required, the end of a drain section may be attached to either 90° drain adaptor


410


or a 45° drain adaptor


510


. In a situation that requires the removal of fluid from the system so that it flows axially therethrough, an end discharge adaptor


600


, of the kind illustrated in

FIG. 12

, is inserted into the chamber of a base conduit. The end discharge adaptor


600


comprises a base portion


601


that extends across the open end of a base conduit and a connector portion


602


having a size adapted for receipt into the chamber portion of the base conduit, and a fitting, pipe or tubular section


603


adapted to permit the discharge of the fluid out of the base conduit, and thus, the system. The connector portion


602


is preferably secured to the base conduit using any suitable industrial adhesive or mechanical bonding technique.




Likewise, an end section of a drain section may be closed by inserting an end plug or cap adapter


700


, as shown in

FIG. 13

, at the chamber of a base conduit. The end plug adapter


700


serves to prevent fluid flow through the base conduit in which it is inserted. The plug adapter


700


comprises a base portion


701


that extends across the open end of the base conduit and a projection member


702


having a size adapted for receipt into the chamber portion of the base conduit. The end plug


700


may be bonded or connected to the interior surface of the base conduit using any suitable industrial adhesive or mechanical bonding technique. Where a universal Tee or cross connection is required, at least one of the systems


800


and


900


illustrated in

FIGS. 14 and 15

, respectively, may be provided.




Water collected into the interior of the system may be suitably flowed away from the site in which the system is employed by interconnecting any conventional piping, fitting or tubing to the drain system. In this regard, each embodiment of the invention may adapted so that any one of the piping, fitting or tubing is connected to extend underneath and/or transversely from the system. As shown in

FIG. 16

, each embodiment of the invention is adaptable so as to include at least one side drainout adapter


1010


to establish a transverse fluid discharge path from the system. The side drainout


1010


may include the components of each of the previously described embodiments, but is provided with a discharge conduit


1050


comprising a fitting, pipe or tubular section that establishes a transverse fluid discharge path through a sidewall


1023


of a base conduit


1020


.

FIG. 17

shows an embodiment of the invention in which a bottom drainout adapter


1110


including a discharge conduit


1150


comprising a fitting, pipe or tubular section that establishes a fluid discharge path through a support surface


1125


of the base conduit


1120


.




Accordingly, the modular trench drain system of the present invention provides numerous structural and operational advantageous over conventional systems. For example, the coupling mechanism establishes pivotal engagement between the base conduit and the grate cover that allows the facilitation of routine maintenance. The pivotal connection between the base conduit and the grate cover also facilitates the removal of the grate cover from the base conduit in a simple, yet expedient manner. The combination of the coupling mechanism, the alignment mechanism and at least one locking mechanism allows the system to withstand distortion of the base conduit without losing the connection between the grate cover and the base conduit, even in cases in which the base conduit becomes distorted due to the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area.




The alignment mechanism is advantageous in facilitating reconnection of the grate cover to the base conduit while also permitting realignment between the grate cover and the base conduit even in cases in which the base conduit becomes distorted due to the expansion and/or contraction of the surrounding natural surface or pavement area. The locking mechanism is advantageous in allowing the grate cover to be mechanically fastened to the base conduit to thereby prevent unintentional, accidental or unauthorized open drain conditions.




In accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that each component of the system is composed of a rigid (i.e., durable) material that is capable of withstanding forces exerted by the natural or pavement. It is also preferred that each component of the system is composed of a non-corrosive material that is chemical resistant to most acids, thereby making the system suitable for corrosive environments like oil refineries, coastal areas, marine applications, etc. Moreover, it is preferred that each component of the system is composed of a non-porous material that is resistant to biological growths or attacks. It is also preferred that each component of the system is composed of a nonconductive material, i.e., a material which exhibits high di-electric properties. It is also preferred that each component of the system is composed of a non-porous material (i.e., liquid impermeable). Accordingly, the preferred material in accordance with the invention may comprise a polymer or resin, iron castings, steel, aluminum and composites or like materials that exhibit the aforementioned properties. It is also preferred that whenever interconnecting two or more modular trench drain systems, connectors and/or adapters, a gasket or equivalent device is used in order form a mechanical seal.




The present invention has application in both domestic and commercial environments. For example, the invention has application in an environment characterized by light duty traffic, i.e., an environment that involves pedestrian and cyclist travel. Moreover, the invention also has application in an environment characterized by heavy duty traffic, i.e., an environment that involves slow moving, low traffic for light and heavy vehicles. Lastly, the invention has application in an environment characterized by heavy duty traffic, i.e., an environment that involves high concentration of loads such as the type of loads exhibited on aircraft runways.




Various modifications and alterations to the present invention may be appreciated based on a review of this disclosure. These changes and additions are intended to be within the scope and spirit of this invention as defined by the following claims. In this regard, while the coupling mechanism is designed as a pivotal hinge connection, any known mechanical joint connection may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, any one of the exemplary features of the above-described embodiments may be combined to create a trench drain system.



Claims
  • 1. A drain system for placement into at least one of a natural surface and a pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member moveable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel; a coupling mechanism for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position, wherein said alignment mechanism is adapted to apply a support force to at least one of said sidewalls of said base conduit when said cover member is manipulated into said closed position, said alignment mechanism including an alignment bar projecting from a lower surface of said cover member and an alignment flange member projecting substantially perpendicularly from said first sidewall inwardly into said channel.
  • 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said alignment bar includes a contact surface adapted to apply said support force to a distal end of said alignment flange member when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said alignment flange member extends longitudinally throughout the length of said base conduit and said alignment bar extends longitudinally throughout the length of said cover member.
  • 4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a locking device for providing a locking connection between said cover member and said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one end plug for preventing fluid flow through said base conduit.
  • 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one end plug comprises a base portion extending across an open axial end of said base conduit and a projection member having a size adapted for receipt into said chamber of said base conduit.
  • 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one end discharge adaptor for permitting the discharge of the fluid from said base conduit.
  • 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said at least one end discharge adapter comprises a base portion extending across an open axial end of said base conduit and a projection member having a size adapted for receipt into said chamber of said base conduit and a pipe section adapted to permit the discharge of the fluid from said base conduit.
  • 9. A drain system for placement into at least one of a natural surface and a pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member moveable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel; a coupling mechanism for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position, wherein said alignment mechanism is adapted to apply a support force to at least one of said sidewalls of said base conduit when said cover member is manipulated into said closed position, and said coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling member formed on said second sidewall and a second coupling member formed on a lower surface of said cover member for engagement with said first coupling member when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said second coupling member is adapted for pivotal engagement about said first coupling member when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said first coupling member comprises a coupling flange member that extends substantially perpendicularly from said second sidewall and into said channel and said coupling member comprises an elongated shaft and a shoulder portion that projects substantially perpendicularly from said shaft and towards said second sidewall.
  • 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said shoulder portion is spaced from a lower surface of said cover member, said space defining a gap into which a distal end of said coupling flange member is pivotably received when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 13. A drain system for placement into at least one of a natural surface and a pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member moveable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel; a coupling mechanism for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position, wherein said alignment mechanism is adapted to apply a support force to at least one of said sidewalls of said base conduit when said cover member is manipulated into said closed position, and said coupling mechanism comprises upper and lower coupling members formed on said second sidewall and a second coupling member formed on said cover member for engagement with said upper and lower coupling members when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said second coupling member is adapted for pivotal engagement about said upper and lower coupling members when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said upper and lower coupling members each comprise a coupling flange member that extends substantially perpendicularly from said second sidewall into said channel and said second coupling member comprises an extension arm which is offset downwardly from an upper surface of said cover member.
  • 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said upper coupling member is spaced from said lower coupling member, said space defining a gap into which said extension arm is pivotably received when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 17. A drain system for placement in at least one of a natural surface and pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member connectable to said base conduit and operable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel, said cover member comprising a body including a lower surface that faces into said channel and an upper surface that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement area when said cover member is in said closed position covering said channel; a coupling device for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and a locking device for providing a locking connection between said cover member and said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit, said alignment mechanism including a second coupling device comprising an alignment bar that projects from said lower surface of said cover member and an alignment flange member, said alignment flange member projecting substantially perpendicularly from said first sidewall inwardly into said channel; wherein said alignment bar includes a contact surface adapted to apply a support force to a distal end of said alignment flange member.
  • 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said alignment flange member extends longitudinally throughout the length of said base conduit and said alignment bar extends longitudinally throughout the length of said cover member.
  • 19. The system according to claim 17, wherein said locking device comprises at least one of a plurality of bolts and a plurality of screws.
  • 20. The system according to claim 17, further comprising at least one end plug for preventing fluid flow through said base conduit.
  • 21. The system according to claim 20, wherein said at least one end plug comprises a base portion extending across an open axial end of said base conduit and a projection member having a size adapted for receipt into said channel of said base conduit.
  • 22. The system according to claim 17, further comprising at least one end discharge adaptor for permitting the discharge of the fluid from said base conduit.
  • 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said at least one end discharge adapter comprises a base portion extending across an open axial end of said base conduit and a projection member having a size adapted for receipt into said channel of said base conduit and a pipe section adapted to permit the discharge of the fluid from said base conduit.
  • 24. A drain system for placement in at least one of a natural surface and pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member connectable to said base conduit and operable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel, said cover member comprising a body including a lower surface that faces into said channel and an upper surface that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement area; a coupling device for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and a locking device for providing a locking connection between said cover member and said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit, said alignment mechanism including a second coupling device comprising an alignment bar that projects from said lower surface of said cover member and an alignment flange member, wherein said alignment bar includes a contact surface adapted to apply a force to a distal end of said alignment flange member, and said coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling member formed on said second sidewall and a second coupling member formed on said lower surface of said cover member for engagement with said first coupling member when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein said second coupling member is adapted for pivotal engagement about said first coupling member when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 26. The system according to claim 25, wherein said first coupling member comprises a coupling flange member that extends from said second sidewall into said channel and said second coupling member comprises an elongated shaft and a shoulder portion that projects from said shaft and towards side first sidewall.
  • 27. The system according to claim 26, wherein said shoulder portion is spaced from said lower surface of said cover member, said space defining a gap into which a distal end of said coupling flange member is pivotably received when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 28. A drain system for placement in at least one of a natural surface and pavement area and subjected to an inward pressure associated with at least one of expansion and contraction of the natural surface or pavement area, the drain system comprising:a base conduit including a lower wall and first and second opposing sidewalls extending from said lower wall to define a longitudinally-extending channel; a cover member connectable to said base conduit and operable between an open position exposing said channel and a closed position covering said channel, said cover member comprising a body including a lower surface that faces into said channel and an upper surface that is coplanar with the contiguous surface of the natural surface or pavement area; a coupling device for securing said cover member to said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and a locking device for providing a locking connection between said cover member and said base conduit when said cover member is in said closed position; and an alignment mechanism for aligning said cover member with respect to said base conduit, said alignment mechanism including a second coupling device comprising an alignment bar that projects from said lower surface of said cover member and an alignment flange member, wherein said alignment bar includes a contact surface adapted to apply a support force to a distal end of said alignment flange member, and said coupling mechanism comprises upper and lower coupling members formed on said second sidewall and a second coupling member formed on said cover member for engagement with said upper and lower coupling members when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 29. The system according to claim 28, wherein said second coupling member is adapted for pivotal engagement about said upper and lower coupling members when said cover member is in said closed position.
  • 30. The system according to claim 29, wherein said upper and lower coupling members each comprise a coupling flange member that extends substantially perpendicularly from said second sidewall into said channel and said second coupling member comprises an extension arm which is offset downwardly from said upper surface of said cover member.
  • 31. The system according to claim 30, wherein said upper coupling member is spaced from said lower coupling member, said space defining a gap into which said extension arm is pivotably received when said cover member is in said closed position.
Parent Case Info

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/248,212, filed Nov. 15, 2000.

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Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/248212 Nov 2000 US