SIDE DRAIN FOR FOOTING OF AN EDIFICE FOR CHANNELING WATER SEEPAGE IN A BASEMENT OR SUBTERRANEAN AREA

Abstract

A side drain device for channeling excess water beneath a basement slab proximate an interior sidewall of a footing. The device includes a vertical first wall section, a perforated second wall section, and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the first and second wall sections to form a drainage channel. The first wall section is configured for placement adjacent to the interior sidewall of the footing. A fourth wall section extends horizontally from an upper portion of the first wall section for placement on a top surface of the footing. A fifth wall section is coupled to an upper portion of the second wall section and above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween. The fourth and fifth wall sections are configured for communication with a channel drain device which is selectively positioned on the top surface and adjacent to a wall of the basement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INNOVATION

Field of Invention

The innovation generally relates to water drainage systems, and more specifically, to water drainage along a footing in a basement or subterranean area.

Related Prior Art

Basements and other subterranean areas are often subject to water seepage through cracks in the foundation walls or the cement floor or slab. Water seepage that is not quickly and properly addressed can cause further damage to the property, such as attracting mold, which is often detrimental to the occupants. Also, the basement/subterranean floor can be subject to hydrostatic/hydrodynamic pressure from the ground water and, if not released, may cause damage to the floor and/or building. In view of these detrimental effects, builders, contractors and homeowners spend significant time and expenses to implement various systems and devices to help mitigate the harmful effects of water seepage and/or radon gas in a basement or other subterranean area.

Referring to FIG. 1, basements or other subterranean chamber/areas 10 often include or have installed one or more trenches 19 to provide drainage channels in the cement floor or slab 14 proximate or adjacent to the vertical foundation walls 16. One technique is to partially form/excavate the trenches 19 in the slab 14 in which the ground thereunder is not exposed. The trenches are routed to a sump (not shown) in which a drainage pipe or a pump is provided to discharge the liquid out of the basement 10. Alternatively, well-known “French drains” can be installed in the basement, where the trenches 19 are fully formed/excavated through the slab 14 so that gravel and perforated conduits (not shown) are inserted in the trench 19 to direct and enable the flow of undesirable water seeping from the walls 16 into the sump for expulsion out of the basement 10. Preferably, the trenches and/or the slab 14 are pitched downwardly so that the liquid in the trenches is gravity-fed into the sump. Although the trenches and channels can help mitigate water damage in the basement, trenches 19 are subject to blockages from dirt and debris and, therefore, require frequent monitoring and maintenance. Moreover, the drainage trenches do not address or solve the problem of radon gas seeping through the trenches. Conversely, the open area formed by the trenches 19 increase susceptibility to admittance of radon gas into the basement 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, another prior art waterproofing drainage device 30 is shown. The drainage device 30 is configured for positioning in a basement 10, and more specifically on the top surface 15 of the foundation wall footing 12 along the joint 18 between the floor slab 14 and foundation wall 16. The side wall 16 is supported by the foundational footing (e.g., poured concrete footing) 12 in a well-known manner. The “top-of the footing” drainage device 30 is formed from a solid, elongated, water impermeable material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other ridged and durable water-impermeable material that is well-known in the art. The drainage device 30 can be cut to desired lengths to run along the footing 12 and sidewall 16 of the basement or subterranean area 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the top-of-the-footing drainage device 30 includes a tubular section 34 having a vertical section or sidewall for placement against the foundation wall 16. The tubular section 34 preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section or profile and includes a plurality of perforations 36 to allow flow of liquid into the interior channel 35 of the tubular section 34. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the rectangular shape of the tubular section 34 is not considered limiting.

Referring again to FIG. 1, optionally, a well-known barrier layer (not shown) can be affixed to the sidewall 16 prior to installation of the top-of-the-footing drainage device 30 to provide a flat, smooth vertical surface area and help direct water seepage and/or prevent radon gas from seeping through cracks and other openings that may exist in the foundation sidewall 16 of the basement 10. The tubular section 34 of the drainage device 30 enables the flow and drainage of water from the joint 18 along the sidewall 16 and beneath the slab 14, as best seen in FIG. 2. Specifically, the water enters through the perforations 36 and flows along the channel 35 to a sump pump (not shown) installed in the floor 14 of the basement 10.

Other prior art drainage/ventilation devices include U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,722 to Bevelacqua discloses a drainage apparatus for basements includes a conventional block or poured concrete wall supported by a footing having an excavation at its inner side extending to the same level as the lower part of the footing, with an aperture and drain tile positioned in the excavation and extending the length thereof. A cover plate extends from the drain pipe and over to the wall for end support on an inner ledge means on the block wall, whereby a floor section can be laid over the cover plate and drain tile to blend into the remainder of the basement floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,297,005 to Bramble et al. discloses a water diverting system for diverting water from a building's foundation, where the foundation includes a basement footing having an interior face oriented towards an interior of the foundation, a basement wall having an interior face oriented towards the interior of the foundation, and a basement floor slab. The system includes a channel for collecting water and is configured to be installed adjacent to the basement footing. The channel is overlaid with a corrugated track for directing water to the channel. A vertical water guide extends perpendicularly from the track and is positioned adjacent to the interior face of the basement wall. The guide includes a plurality of spaced projections for directing water trickling down along the wall to the channel.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,443,204 to Clapper et al. discloses a system for a basement concrete form and drainage which may include a lineal that is a horizontal concrete form for a footing for a wall and a basement floor. The lineal may include a rectilinear tubular structure having a cavity, an outer wall, and drain perforations in the outer wall to permit fluid transmission from the cavity to an exterior of the lineal. In addition, a retainer may be mounted to a stake for the basement concrete form when the stake is embedded in a formation underlying the lineal. The retainer may be selectively vertically positioned along the stake to adjust a height of the lineal relative to the underlying formation.

US publication no. 2023/0038717A1 to Derry et al. discloses a system for draining groundwater away from a substantially vertical foundation wall that extends beneath the surface of the ground, and which has an exterior surface in contact with the ground. The drainage system includes a drainage structure that extends longitudinally along an entire interior foundation wall footing. The drainage structure is fabricated from a plurality of foldable polypropylene panels that are secured to and are adjacent to the foundation footing. The drainage structure forms a drainage channel that facilitates the flow of infiltration water to a sump pump or other means for ejecting water, and extracted radon, from proximate the foundation.

The systems, devices and methods of the prior art are primarily used with new construction edifices and dwellings in which the drainage/ventilation systems are provided on the foundation footings below the cement slab. In older homes, installation of the prior art drainage/ventilation systems requires excavation of the slab near the foundation wall, such as shown in FIG. 3, which can be disruptive in terms of time and disorder, as well as costly to the property owner. The on-the-footing drain such as illustratively shown in FIGS. 2-3 generally works well to keep the basement dry under normal circumstances, but heavier rains and melting snow often causes the water table to rise quicker than the on-the-footing drain can handle under such normal circumstances. The quickly rising water table can increase hydrostatic pressure beneath the basement floor slab and thereby result in damaging the slab and causing leakage of water into the basement through any preexisting and/or newly formed cracks in the slab. Moreover, blockage in the top-of-the-footing drain can cause pooling of water and seepage into the basement area.

SUMMARY

The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art are overcome by the present side drain device for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundational footing of the subterranean area. In an embodiment, a side drain device is provided for channeling excess water beneath a slab of a basement proximate an interior sidewall of a footing. The device includes a vertical first wall section, a perforated second wall section, and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the first and second wall sections to form a drainage channel. The first wall section is configured for placement adjacent to the interior sidewall of the footing. A fourth wall section extends horizontally from an upper portion of the first wall section for placement on a top surface of the footing. A fifth wall section is coupled to an upper portion of the second wall section and above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween. The fourth and fifth wall sections are configured for communication with a channel drain device which is selectively positioned on the top surface and adjacent to a wall of the basement.

More specifically, in one embodiment, the side drain device comprises an elongated first wall section orientated vertically, an elongated second wall section and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the elongated first and second wall sections to form an elongated channel of which the third wall section forms a bottom portion of the elongated channel, wherein an outer surface of the elongated first wall section is configured for placement adjacent an interior sidewall of the foundation footing; a fourth wall section extending horizontally from an upper portion of the elongated first wall section in an outward direction and configured for placement on a top surface of the foundation footing; and a fifth wall section coupled to an upper portion of the elongated second wall section, the fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the fourth and fifth wall sections have a predetermined length sufficient to extend over the top surface of the foundation footing in a direction towards the sidewall.

In one aspect of the side drain device, the upper portion of the elongated second wall section is formed as an elongated inclined sloped portion which is positioned between a lower portion of the elongated second wall section and the fifth wall section, the elongated inclined sloped portion extending upwardly from the lower portion of the elongated second wall section and over the elongated channel. In another aspect, the elongated inclined sloped portion extends over the third wall section at an angle in a range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees. In a further aspect, the elongated inclined sloped portion includes perforations.

In still another aspect, elongated second wall section includes perforations. In yet another aspect, the third wall section includes perforations.

In one aspect, the side drain device is fabricated from polyvinylchloride material.

In another aspect, the third wall section is positioned substantially perpendicular with respect to the elongated first and second wall sections. In a further aspect, the elongated first wall section is positioned perpendicular to the fourth wall section. In yet another aspect, the elongated second wall section is curved.

In still another aspect, the side drain device is positioned beneath the floor slab. In another aspect, the fourth and fifth wall sections are configured for communication with a top-of-the footing channel drain device which is selectively positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to an interior surface of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing in the subterranean area.

In another embodiment, a side drain device is provided for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundation footing of the subterranean area, in which the side drain device comprises: an elongated vertical first wall section having and inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface being configured for placement adjacent an interior sidewall of the foundation footing; an elongated vertical second wall section spaced-apart from the elongated vertical first wall section by a bottom third wall section, the elongated vertical first wall section, the bottom third wall section and the elongated vertical second wall section being joined together and collectively defining an elongated U-shaped channel; a horizontal fourth wall section having a first end affixed to an upper portion of the elongated vertical first wall section and configured to be positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing; an inclined sloped portion having a lower end attached to an upper end of the elongated vertical second wall section, the inclined sloped portion being sloped upwardly and extending over the elongated U-shaped channel; and a horizontal fifth wall section affixed to an upper end of the inclined sloped portion, the horizontal fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the horizontal fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the horizontal fourth and fifth wall sections extend a predetermined length and are configured for communication with a top-of-the-footing channel drain device which is selectively positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to an interior surface of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing of the subterranean area.

In still another embodiment, a method is provided for installing a side drain device for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundation footing of the subterranean area, the side drain device including an elongated first wall section orientated vertically, an elongated second wall section and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the elongated first and second wall sections to form an elongated channel of which the third wall section forms a bottom portion of the elongated channel: a fourth wall section extending horizontally from an upper portion of the elongated first wall section in a direction outwardly from the elongated channel; and a fifth wall section coupled to an upper portion of the elongated second wall section, the fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the fourth and fifth wall sections have a predetermined length sufficient to extend over a top surface of the foundation footing, the method comprising the steps of: exposing the top surface and an interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing; installing the side drain device onto and against the foundation footing, such that an outer surface of the elongated first wall section is positioned vertically adjacent to the interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing and a lower surface of the fourth wall section placed over the top surface of the foundation footing, wherein the gap between the fourth wall section and the fifth wall section faces the interior portion of the sidewall that is supported by the foundation footing; and pouring cement to form the floor slab so as to extend over the side drain device.

In one aspect, wherein prior to placing the elongated first wall section vertically adjacent to the interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing, the method comprises installing a top-of-the-footing channel drain device on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to the interior portion of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing of the subterranean area.

In one aspect, the elongated first and second wall sections are arranged to extend and communicate with the top-of-the-footing channel drain device positioned on the top surface of the foundation footing.

In another aspect, the installing step further includes inserting a footing side drain extension between the gap of the side drain device and the top-of-the-footing channel drain device. In still another aspect, installing step further comprises installing a plurality of side drain devices end-to-end on the top surface of the foundation footing to circumscribe the subterranean area. In yet another aspect, the installing step includes installing one or more corner side drain fittings along the foundation footing. In a further aspect, the installing step includes positioning an end of the side drain device at a sump pump. In another aspect, the method further includes providing perforations in the side drain device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art top perspective view of a basement area having a drainage channel formed between the concrete slab and foundation wall;

FIG. 2 is a top interior perspective view of a basement area having a prior art top-of-the footing waterproofing drainage device installed on a top surface of a foundation wall footing and below the concrete slab;

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged top, front, partial perspective view of the prior art waterproofing drainage device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top, interior perspective view of a basement area having a footing side drain device of the present invention positioned adjacent to an interior side surface of the footing and in communication with the on-the-top drainage device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top, exterior perspective partial view of the footing side drain device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts various perspective views of an embodiment of the side drain device, an inside corner side drain fitting, an outside corner side drain fitting, and a footing extender fitting which is suitable for use between the footing side drain of FIG. 4 and the top-of the footing drain of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 depicts a top, exterior perspective partial view of another embodiment of the elongated footing side drain device suitable for use with a wider foundation wall footing;

FIG. 8 depicts the elongated footing side drain device of FIG. 7 with illustrative dimensions;

FIG. 9 depicts various perspective views of another embodiment of the side drain device, an inside corner side drain fitting, an outside corner side drain fitting, and a footing extender fitting, all of which are suitable for use with the footing side drain device of FIG. 7; and

FIGS. 10A to 10D each depict side elevation views of alternative profiles or cross-sections of the footing side drain device of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a side drain device for channeling water seepage from beneath the floor slab and the foundation sidewalls in a basement or subterranean area. The side drain device is installed beneath the floor slab along the interior sidewall of the foundation footing. The side drain device is generally operable in conjunction with a top-of-the-footing channel drain device which is situated on the top surface of the footing, such that overflow of excess liquids (water) can flow from the top-of-the-footing channel drain device to the side drain device of the present invention, and vice versa, and subsequently be discharged by a sump pump. Moreover, the side drain device of the present invention channels excess liquid from beneath the slab 14 to a sump pump or other similar device to thereby relieve excessive hydrostatic pressures below the slab to minimize damage thereto and prevent seepage through any cracks in the slab 14 and into the basement area 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, a novel footing side drain device 100 is configured for installation directly beneath the slab 14 and against the interior sidewall 13 of the foundation footing 12 to thereby alleviate excess water that rises beneath the floor slab 14 during times of heavy rains and melting snow, which does not readily drain from beneath the edifice. Thus, the side drain device 100 helps alleviate hydrodynamic pressure against the lower surface of the slab 14 during times that water levels quickly rise beneath the slab and thereby minimize cracking and damage to the slab and decreasing the likelihood of flooding conditions in the basement. It is noted that under normal drainage conditions around the foundation 11, the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 and the side drain device 100 each channel water separately to the sump pump. However, at times where there is excess capacity of water coming from the joint 18 and/or the foundation sidewall 16, or beneath the floor slab 14, the water can flow between the drain channels 35, 105 in the event of overflow from either the side drain device 100 or the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30, and vice versa. The excess capacity and fluid overflow can be a result of heavy rains, melting snow, broken pipes and/or blockages, which can be caused by bacteria, rust, and other debris.

Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of the side drain device 100 is shown. The side drain device 100 channels (directs or routes) overflow of water beneath a floor slab 12 of a subterranean area 10 proximate an interior sidewall 13 of a foundation footing 12 of the subterranean area 10 to a sump pump (not shown) or other drainage outlet device/system. The side drain device 100 includes an elongated first wall section 102 having an inner surface and an outer surface and is arranged vertically and configured for placement adjacent an exposed interior vertical sidewall 13 of the footing 12. An elongated second wall section 104 is arranged spaced-apart from the vertical first wall section 102 by an elongated third (bottom) wall section 106, which is formed, positioned or attached therebetween the elongated first and second wall sections. The second wall section 104 includes an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 111. The lower portion 111 is illustratively arranged vertically and, therefore, parallel or substantially parallel with respect to the vertical first wall section 102. The vertical first wall section 102, the third bottom wall section 106 and the lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104 are joined together and collectively define an elongated channel, i.e., a U-shaped channel 105, although such shape is not considered limiting.

An elongated fourth wall section 108 includes a first end affixed to an upper portion (e.g., an upper edge) of the vertical first wall section 102. The elongated fourth wall section 108 is configured and arranged outwardly, preferably in a horizontal orientation, for positioning on a top horizontal surface 15 of the footing 12 and, preferably, has a width sufficient to extend to and preferably underneath a portion of the tubular section 34 of the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30. Further, the upper portion 110 of the second wall section 104 is preferably formed as an elongated inclined sloped portion which extends upwardly from the vertical lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104. The inclined sloped portion 110 is sloped upwardly in a direction towards the vertical first wall 102, i.e., towards the interior sidewall 16 of the basement foundation 11. A fifth wall section 112 is affixed to or coupled to or extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction from the upper portion, i.e., inclined sloped portion 110 of the second wall section 104. The horizontally orientated fifth wall section 112 is spaced a predetermined height above the horizontally orientated fourth wall section 108 to form a gap 109 therebetween. That is, preferably the horizontal fifth wall section 112 has a width (as seen from a cross-sectional view) sufficient to extend to and, more preferably, over the upper surface of the tubular section 34. The horizontal fourth and fifth wall sections 108, 112 extend a predetermined length and are configured for communication with the top-of-the-footing channel drain 30 which is selectively positioned on a top surface 15 of the footing 12 and adjacent to the interior sidewall 16 of the foundation in the subterranean area 10. Accordingly, the gap 109 formed between the horizontal fourth and fifth wall sections 108, 112 preferably has a height that coincides with the height of the tubular section 34 of the top-of-the-footing channel drain 30 to capture any liquid overflow from the joint 18 formed between the floor slab 14 and foundation wall 16. Similarly, water originating from beneath the slab 14 that overflows the side drain device 100 can flow into the top-of-the-footing channel drain 30 for channeling to the sump pump.

In one aspect, the upper portion. i.e., the elongated inclined sloped portion 110 of the second wall section 104 includes spaced-apart perforations 116 to allow the liquid to flow into the channel 105 of the side drain device. Further, the lower portion 111 of the elongated second wall section 104 can also include spaced-apart perforations 114 for increased volumes of liquid flow into the channel 105 of the side drain device. Additionally, the third (bottom) wall section 106 can include perforations 118 to permit flow into and out of the channel 105, as illustratively shown in FIG. 7.

Preferably, the third bottom wall section 106 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the vertical first wall section 102 and the lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104. Alternatively, the bottom wall section 106 can be angled, i.e., either at an inclined or a declined angle from the first wall section 102 to or towards the second wall section 104, as illustratively shown in phantom with respect to FIG. 10A. Preferably, the lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104 is perpendicular to the horizontal fourth wall section 108, and the upper portion. e.g., the inclined sloped portion 110 of the second wall section 104, extends upwardly over the bottom wall section 106 at an angle in a range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the angles between the various wall sections of the side drain device 100 are not considered limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, alternatively shaped side drain devices 100 are illustratively shown. In FIG. 10A, the vertical first wall section 102, the horizontal fourth wall section 108, the horizontal fifth wall section 112 and the third bottom section 106 are arranged and configured as discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. However, the elongated second wall section 104 and the inclined sloped portion are instead replaced by a bulbous or other curved-shaped arrangement. The horizontal fifth wall section 112 remains positioned above and/or over the horizontal fourth wall section 108 to form the gap 109 therebetween. In still another embodiment, the third bottom wall section 106 can be angled, e.g., inclined, between the vertical first wall section 102 and the lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104, as illustratively shown in phantom. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10B, the third bottom wall section 106 is curved in shape between the elongated first wall section 102 and the elongated second wall section 104, while the other wall sections are the same or similarly shaped, as shown in FIG. 10A.

In FIG. 10C, the second wall section 104 is generally triangular in shape in which the bottom wall section 106 is formed at an area generally located where the lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104 and the first wall section 102 are formed. The upper portion 110 of the second wall section 104 is sloped upwardly over the channel 105, as discussed above, and joins with the fifth wall section 112. In FIG. 10D, the side drain device 100 is similarly shaped as the device of FIG. 10C, except that the third (bottom) wall section 106 is curved. It is noted that the profile or cross-section of the second wall section 104 shown in the drawings is not considered limiting, as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of the second wall section 104 can include linear sections/portions, curved sections/portions or combinations of linear and curved portions thereof. Likewise, the third wall section 106 can be formed by linear and/or curved portions. Moreover, although the lower portion of the first wall section 102 is illustratively shown as being linear, such shape is not considered as being limiting, as the lower portion of the first wall section 102 (opposite to the upper portion which joins with the horizontal fourth wall section 108) can also be curved in shape where it joins with the third wall section 106. That is, one or more transitions between the various wall sections of the side drain device 100, e.g., the upper portion of the first wall section 102 and the horizontal fourth wall section 108, can be bowed or curved in shape.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 10A to 10D, the vertical first wall section 102, lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104 and the third bottom wall section 106 form the channel 105 to enable flow of fluids to the sump pump as described above. As well, perforations can be provided in one or more of the upper portion 110 of the second wall section 104, lower portion 111 of the second wall section 104, and the third bottom wall section 106. Moreover, excess fluids can flow through the gap 109 and into the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 during overflow conditions, and vice versa, as discussed below in further detail.

The side drain device 100 is preferably fabricated from a solid, elongated, water impermeable material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other ridged and durable water impermeable material well-known in the art. The side drain device 100 is preferably fabricated by extruded plastic molding or the wall sections can be welded together, among other well-known fabrication techniques and processes. The side drain device 100 can be cut to desired lengths to run along the sidewall 13 of the footing 12 of the basement or subterranean area 10. The corner side drain fittings (FIG. 6) are preferably fabricated by welding, injection molding, among other well-known techniques.

Referring to FIG. 6, fittings suitable for connecting the side drain device 100 around or about corners of the foundation sidewalls 16 and footings 12 are shown. In particular, front and rear perspective views of an outside corner side drain fitting 130 and an inside corner side drain fitting 140 are illustratively shown. The shapes of the outside corner side drain fittings 130 and the inside corner side drain fittings 140 conform to the shapes of the elongated side drain devices 100 to thereby provide ease of installation and provide proper fitting/overlap therebetween to minimize leakage.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is a footing side drain extension 150, which can be positioned between the gap 109 of the side drain and the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 in instances where the footing 12 is wider than conventionally poured footings. The footing side drain extension 150 eliminates any gaps between the side drain device 100 and the top-of-the-footing drainage device 30 to thereby direct liquid overflow from the sidewall of the foundation and/or between the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 and the side drain device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the side drain sections are essentially the same as those depicted in FIGS. 4-6, except that the horizontal fourth wall section 108 and the horizontal fifth wall section 112 are illustratively wider than those depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. As discussed above, the foundation footings 12 can have different widths and the side drains device 100 of the present invention can be fabricated in different sizes to accommodate the various footing widths without having to always rely on inserting a footing side drain extension 150.

The side drain device 100 of the present invention is preferably an add-on device to be used with the prior art top-of-the-footing channel drain devices 30. Under normal drainage conditions, the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 and the side drain device 100 each channel water separately to the sump pump. However, at times where there is excess capacity of water, the water can flow between the drain channels 35, 105 in the event of overflow from either the side drain 100 or the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30, and vice-versa. The excess capacity and fluid overflow can be a result of heavy rains, melting snow, broken pipes and/or blockages, which can be caused by bacteria, rust, and other debris. Accordingly, the side drain device 100 of the present invention supplements the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 to further help alleviate and better control water drainage in a basement or subterranean area 10.

A method of installing the side drain device 100, which is illustratively depicted in FIGS. 4-10B, in conjunction with the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 includes exposing the upper surface 18 and interior sidewall 13 of the foundation footing 12. The installation can take place prior to pouring the entire cement slab floor 14 between the sidewalls 16 in the subterranean area. Alternatively, the perimeter area of a pre-existing cement slab floor 14 can be excavated using commercially available hand and power tools in a well-known manner. Once an upper surface 15 and interior sidewall 13 of the footing 12 is exposed, the side drain device 100 can be installed onto the foundation footing 12. In particular, the installing step includes placing an outer surface of the elongated vertical first wall section 102 adjacent the interior sidewall 13 of the foundation footing 12, while also placing a lower surface of the horizontal fourth wall section 108 onto the upper surface 15 of the foundation footing 15. In this manner, the gap 109 formed between the horizontal fourth wall section 108 and the horizontal fifth wall section 112 faces the interior portion of the sidewall 16 which is supported by the foundation footing 12.

The side drain device 100 is formed as elongated section lengths (e.g., 8 feet or 12 feet lengths), which can be placed consecutively in series for longer footing lengths, as well as cut for custom fit to appropriate lengths. The side drain devices 100 are laid or installed end-to-end to circumscribe an interior perimeter of the foundation footing 12 in the subterranean area. Each of the elongated section lengths preferably includes preformed and spaced-apart perforations 114, 116, 118, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8. A technician or installer can provide additional perforations on-site using e.g., a drill or other hole punching tool, as required. The corner side drain fittings, as illustratively shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, can be installed at corresponding corner sections of the foundation footing 12, as required. For example, the inside corner side drain fitting 140 can be installed at an interior or inside corner formed by the foundation footing 12. Alternatively, an outside corner side drain fitting 130 can be installed at an exterior or outer corner formed by the foundation footing 12. Once the lengths forming the side drain device 100 are installed about the interior perimeter of the foundation footing 12, the floor slab 14 is poured and leveled/pitched so as to extend over and seal the installed side drain device 100 thereunder.

Preferably, prior to placing the elongated vertical first wall section 102 adjacent an interior sidewall 13 of a footing 12, a commercially available top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 is installed against the interior portion of the basement sidewall 16 and on the upper surface of the foundation footing 12. Moreover, the horizontal fourth and fifth wall sections 108, 112 are arranged to extend and communicate with the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 positioned on the upper surface 15 of the foundational footing 12. Preferably, the lengths of the fourth and fifth wall sections 108, 112 are sufficient so that they extend beneath and above the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30, respectively, In other words, the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 is inserted within the gap 109 of the side drain device 100. In an instance where the foundation footing 12 is enlarged, a footing side drain extension can be inserted between the gap 109 of the side drain device 100 and the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30. In this manner, leakage of fluids between the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 and the side drain device 100 can be minimized. The side drain device 100 and the top-of-the-footing channel drain device 30 are routed and/or terminate at a sump pump provided in the subterranean area so that the undesired water/fluids can be expelled from the subterranean area.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present innovation, other and further embodiments and advantages of the innovation can be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art based on this description without departing from the basic scope of the innovation, which is to be determined by the claims that follow.

REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

• • 10 Basement
  • 11 Foundation
  • 12 Footing
  • 13 interior sidewall of footing
  • 14 Slab
  • 15 top surface of footing
  • 16 Foundation walls
  • 18 Joint
  • 19 trench
  • 30 Top-of-the-footing channel drain device
  • 32 First vertical section
  • 34 tubular section
  • 35 interior channel
  • 36 perforations
  • 100 Footing Side Drain Device
  • 102 First wall section
  • 104 Second wall section
  • 105 Channel
  • 106 Third wall section
  • 108 Fourth wall section
  • 109 gap
  • 110 upper portion of second wall section
  • 111 lower portion of second wall section
  • 112 Fifth wall section
  • 114 lower portion wall perforations of second wall section
  • 116 upper portion perforations of second wall section
  • 118 perforations of third wall section
  • 130 outside corner side drain fitting
  • 140 inside corner side drain fitting
  • 150 footing side drain extension

Claims

1. A side drain device for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundation footing of the subterranean area, the side drain device comprising: an elongated first wall section orientated vertically, an elongated second wall section and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the elongated first and second wall sections to form an elongated channel of which the third wall section forms a bottom portion of the elongated channel, wherein an outer surface of the elongated first wall section is configured for placement adjacent an interior sidewall of the foundation footing;a fourth wall section extending horizontally from an upper portion of the elongated first wall section in an outward direction and configured for placement on a top surface of the foundation footing; anda fifth wall section coupled to an upper portion of the elongated second wall section, the fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the fourth and fifth wall sections have a predetermined length sufficient to extend over the top surface of the foundation footing in a direction towards the sidewall.

2. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the elongated second wall section is formed as an elongated inclined sloped portion which is positioned between a lower portion of the elongated second wall section and the fifth wall section, the elongated inclined sloped portion extending upwardly from the lower portion of the elongated second wall section and over the elongated channel.

3. The side drain device of claim 2, wherein the elongated inclined sloped portion extends over the third wall section at an angle in a range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees.

4. The side drain device of claim 2, wherein the elongated inclined sloped portion includes perforations.

5. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the elongated second wall section includes perforations.

6. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the third wall section includes perforations.

7. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the side drain device is fabricated from polyvinylchloride material.

8. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the third wall section is positioned substantially perpendicular with respect to the elongated first and second wall sections.

9. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the elongated first wall section is positioned perpendicular to the fourth wall section.

10. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the side drain device is positioned beneath the floor slab.

11. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the elongated second wall section is curved.

12. The side drain device of claim 1, wherein the fourth and fifth wall sections are configured for communication with a top-of-the-footing channel drain device which is selectively positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to an interior surface of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing in the subterranean area.

13. A side drain device for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundation footing of the subterranean area, the side drain device comprising: an elongated vertical first wall section having and inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface being configured for placement adjacent an interior sidewall of the foundation footing;an elongated vertical second wall section spaced-apart from the elongated vertical first wall section by a bottom third wall section, the elongated vertical first wall section, the bottom third wall section and the elongated vertical second wall section being joined together and collectively defining an elongated U-shaped channel;a horizontal fourth wall section having a first end affixed to an upper portion of the elongated vertical first wall section and configured to be positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing;an inclined sloped portion having a lower end attached to an upper end of the elongated vertical second wall section, the inclined sloped portion being sloped upwardly and extending over the elongated U-shaped channel; anda horizontal fifth wall section affixed to an upper end of the inclined sloped portion, the horizontal fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the horizontal fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the horizontal fourth and fifth wall sections extend a predetermined length and are configured for communication with a top-of-the-footing channel drain device which is selectively positioned on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to an interior surface of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing of the subterranean area.

14. A method of installing a side drain device for channeling overflow of water beneath a floor slab of a subterranean area proximate an interior portion of a sidewall that is supported by a foundation footing of the subterranean area, the side drain device including an elongated first wall section orientated vertically, an elongated second wall section and a third wall section attached between lower portions of the elongated first and second wall sections to form an elongated channel of which the third wall section forms a bottom portion of the elongated channel; a fourth wall section extending horizontally from an upper portion of the elongated first wall section in a direction outwardly from the elongated channel; and a fifth wall section coupled to an upper portion of the elongated second wall section, the fifth wall section being spaced a predetermined height above the fourth wall section to form a gap therebetween, wherein the fourth and fifth wall sections have a predetermined length sufficient to extend over a top surface of the foundation footing, the method comprising the steps of: exposing the top surface and an interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing;installing the side drain device onto and against the foundation footing, such that an outer surface of the elongated first wall section is positioned vertically adjacent to the interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing and a lower surface of the fourth wall section placed over the top surface of the foundation footing, wherein the gap between the fourth wall section and the fifth wall section faces the interior portion of the sidewall that is supported by the foundation footing; andpouring cement to form the floor slab so as to extend over the side drain device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein prior to placing the elongated first wall section vertically adjacent to the interior sidewall surface of the foundation footing, the method comprises installing a top-of-the-footing channel drain device on a top surface of the foundation footing and adjacent to the interior portion of a sidewall supported by the foundation footing of the subterranean area.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongated first and second wall sections are arranged to extend and communicate with the top-of-the-footing channel drain device positioned on the top surface of the foundation footing.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the installing step further includes inserting a footing side drain extension between the gap of the side drain device and the top-of-the-footing channel drain device.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein said installing step further comprises installing a plurality of side drain devices end-to-end on the top surface of the foundation footing to circumscribe the subterranean area.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the installing step includes installing one or more corner side drain fittings along the foundation footing.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the installing step includes positioning an end of the side drain device at a sump pump.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing perforations in the side drain device.