Subterranean drainage system

Abstract

A subterranean drain system that includes hollow dimples that extend perpendicularly from a drain board. The system also includes a connector that typically allows multiple boards to be connected together, or to connect to other elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of drainage systems; more specifically, it relates to a subterranean drainage system for structures, which are buried wholly or partially beneath the surface of the earth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper drainage is an important consideration in the design and construction of subterranean structures that may be partially or completely buried. Such subterranean structures include walls and footings that may be formed from poured concrete, cement blocks or other materials. Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure can result in structural damage and leakage into the interior of the structure.

Conventional drainage systems have used perforated pipe laid in a gravel bed along a side of the structure. However, because the pipe-in-gravel system still allows water to contact the structure above the gravel bed, this system is not always successful in protecting the structure. A development in this area is dimpled drain boards comprising a series of raised dimples that provide structural integrity to the board while allowing water to flow between the dimples when the board is laid vertically or horizontally. Because the board may be wide, more of the structure may be covered. To prevent earth and other materials from clogging the space between the hollow dimples, a water permeable mat is placed over the dimples.

However, several problems exist with current dimple board drainage systems. For example, the volume of water that may be drained is fixed and limited by the geometry of the hollow dimple board, and in large area installations, water may back up as the bottom of the drainage system fills. Further, assembly of boards and attachment of outlets can require the use of large numbers of fasteners increasing the time and labor required for installation of the system, especially in large and complex structures.

Therefore, there is a need for a drainage system that is field adjustable in terms of the quantity of water it can handle and that minimizes the need for fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a dimpled drain board comprising: a planar base; a hollow dimple extending perpendicularly from the planar base; and a connector, the connector adapted to maintain the planar base in a spaced apart relationship from another planar base of another dimpled drain board having another hollow dimple.

A second aspect of the present invention is a dimpled drain board comprising:

a planar base having a first surface and a second surface;

a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said planar base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a closed top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector operatively associated with all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship.

A third aspect of the present invention is a drainage system comprising: at least two dimpled drain boards, each dimpled drain board including: a planar base having a first surface and second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a closed top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector on all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base of said dimpled drain board and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, said another dimpled drain board having other hollow dimples identical to said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board; and filter means arranged to prevent non-fluid materials from depositing between said hollow dimples.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a drainage system comprising: a dimpled drain board comprising a planar base having a first surface and second surface and a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a closed top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector operatively engaged to one or more of said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a dimpled drain board according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the dimpled drain board of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view through line 3 — 3 of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view through line 4 — 4 of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a hollow dimple according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a hollow dimple according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a hollow dimple according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a hollow dimple according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a hollow dimple according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is an exploded side view of a first connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of two conventional dimple boards joined according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 11A is an exploded side view of a second connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of two conventional dimple boards joined according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of a third connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a connecting board according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain formed from two dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drainpipe formed from four dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain formed from multiple dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain system formed from multiple dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative pipe connection according to the presenting invention;

FIG. 18 is a partial front view of two dimpled drain boards engaged perpendicular to one another according to the presenting invention; and

FIG. 19 is a partial top view of the dimpled drain boards of FIG. 18 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the present invention, it should be understood that elements designated with a reference number including an appended alpha character (e.g., A, B, C etc.) represent multiple copies of an element having the same reference number without the appended alpha character and are identical to that element.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a dimpled drain board 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , dimpled drain board 100 include a planar base 105 containing a multiplicity of projecting hollow dimples 110 projecting perpendicularly from base 105 . A multiplicity of optional through holes 115 , formed in base 105 , are interspersed with hollow dimples 110 . Each hollow dimple 115 includes a projecting lip 120 . A feature of dimpled drain board 100 is that hollow dimples 110 are formed on base portion 105 in a regular, repeating and uniform pattern. Dimpled drain board 100 has a length “L” and a width “W.” In one example, “L” is between about 8 feet and 500 feet and “W” is between about 6 inches and 48 inches. However, dimpled drain board may be any length or any width. Suitable materials for dimpled drain board 100 include, for example, semi-rigid plastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, poly-vinyl-chloride, polyethylene terephthalate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the dimpled drain board 100 of FIG. 1 . In FIG. 2 , dimpled drain board 100 has a thickness “T.” In one example, “T” is between about one-quarter inch and one-inch. However, any suitable value for “T” may be selected depending upon the precise application for which dimpled drain board 100 is to be used. In the present example, hollow dimple 110 has the shape of a truncated cone, the widest portion of the cone in proximity to base 105 of dimpled drain board 100 .

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view through line 3 — 3 of FIG. 1 . In FIG. 3 , each hollow dimple 110 includes a closed top 125 having a top surface 130 and a sidewall 135 . Hollow dimple 110 is closed at the top and has an opening 140 open to base 105 at a bottom surface 145 of base 105 . A top surface 150 of projecting lip 120 is coplanar with top surface 130 of top 125 . The width “D1” of top 125 and projecting lip 120 together must be greater than the width “D2” of opening 140 in base 105 . This is more fully discussed infra in reference to FIG. 5 B. Sidewall 135 slope inward so hollow dimple 110 is narrower at top surface 130 than at base 105 . The width “D3” of top surface 130 may be equal to or less than the width “D2.”

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view through line 4 — 4 of FIG. 1 . In FIG. 4 , optional through holes 115 extend from a top surface 155 to bottom surface 145 of base 105 .

FIG. 5A is a side view of a hollow dimple 110 and FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5B , a first hollow dimple 110 A is prevented from slipping over a second hollow dimple 110 B by lip 120 B on second hollow dimple 110 B. This keeps a first base 105 B (and first hollow dimple 110 A) spaced apart from a second base 105 A (and second hollow dimple 110 B). Otherwise, a bottom surface 145 A of first base 105 A may collapse toward a top surface 155 B of second base 105 B. First and second hollow dimples 110 A and 110 B represent a multiplicity of hollow dimples 110 A and 110 B on respective dimpled drain boards 100 A and 110 B (not shown) and thus the respective dimpled drain boards are held in a spaced apart relationship.

In FIGS. 1 through 5A hollow dimples 110 and in FIG. 5B , hollow dimples 110 A and 110 B are illustrated as having the shape of a truncated cone. Hollow dimples 110 , 110 A and 110 B may also be formed in other shapes. For example, hollow dimples 110 , 110 A and 110 B may be formed in the shape of a multi-sided truncated pyramid, a cylinder with one closed end or a multi-sided box with one closed end or a semi-sphere with a flattened surface. These alternative shapes are applicable to all embodiments of the present invention as well, however truncated cones or closed end cylinders will be used to illustrate the further embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a side view of a hollow dimple 210 and FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6A , hollow dimple 210 is similar to hollow dimple 110 (see FIG. 5A ) and is attached to a base 205 . Hollow dimple 210 includes a lip 220 , a sidewall 235 and a top surface 230 . Base 215 has a bottom surface 245 and a top surface 255 . Lip 220 has a top surface 250 . Hollow dimple 210 differs from hollow dimple 110 (see FIG. 5A ) in top surface 250 of lip 220 is not co-planar with top surface 230 of hollow dimple 210 , but set back from top surface 230 , exposing an edge 260 of sidewall 235 .

In FIG. 6B , a first hollow dimple 210 A is prevented from slipping over a second hollow dimple 210 B by lip 220 B on second hollow dimple 210 B. This keeps a first base 205 B spaced apart from a second base 205 A. Otherwise, a bottom surface 245 A of first base 205 A may collapse toward a top surface 255 B of second base 205 B. Further, a bottom portion 270 A of an interior surface 265 A of hollow dimple 210 A tightly fits (i.e., frictionally engages) an edge 260 B of second hollow dimple 210 B. First and second hollow dimples 210 A and 210 B represent a multiplicity of hollow dimples 210 A and 210 B on respective dimpled drain boards 200 A and 210 B (not shown) and thus the respective dimpled drain boards are held in a spaced apart relationship.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a hollow dimple 310 and FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7A , hollow dimple 310 is similar to hollow dimple 110 (see FIG. 5A ) and is attached to a base 305 . Hollow dimple 310 includes a lip 320 , a sidewall 335 and a top surface 330 . Base 315 has a bottom surface 345 and a top surface 355 . Lip 320 has an edge 375 . Lip 320 is set back from top surface 330 . Hollow dimple 310 includes a flange 380 adjacent to bottom surface 345 of base 305 .

In FIG. 7B , a first hollow dimple 310 A snaps onto a second hollow dimple 310 B. A recess 385 A formed inside of flange 380 A engages an edge 375 B of lip 320 B of second hollow dimple 310 B. This keeps a first base 305 B spaced apart from a second base 305 A. First and second hollow dimples 310 A and 310 B represent a multiplicity of hollow dimples 310 A and 310 B on respective dimpled drain boards 300 A and 300 B (not shown) and thus the respective dimpled drain boards are held in a spaced apart relationship.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a hollow dimple 410 and FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8A , hollow dimple 410 is similar to hollow dimple 110 (see FIG. 5A ) and is attached to a base 405 . Hollow dimple 410 includes a lip 420 , a sidewall 435 and a top surface 430 . Base 415 has a bottom surface 445 and a top surface 455 . Lip 420 extends perpendicular to top surface 430 . Hollow dimple 410 includes a flange 480 adjacent to bottom surface 445 of base 405 .

In FIG. 8B , a first hollow dimple 410 A snaps onto a second hollow dimple 410 B. A recess 485 A formed inside of flange 480 A engages lip 420 B of second hollow dimple 410 B. A portion of bottom surface 445 A adjacent to an interior surface 465 A of first hollow dimple 410 A rests on top surface 430 B of second hollow dimple 410 B. This keeps a first base 405 B spaced apart from a second base 405 A. First and second hollow dimples 410 A and 410 B represent a multiplicity of hollow dimples 410 A and 410 B on respective dimpled drain boards 400 A and 400 B (not shown) and thus the respective dimpled drain boards are held in a spaced apart relationship.

FIG. 9A is a side view of a hollow dimple 510 and FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of hollow dimples from two different dimpled drain boards according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9A , hollow dimple 510 is similar to hollow dimple 410 (see FIG. 8A ) and is attached to a base 505 . Hollow dimple 510 includes a lip 520 , a sidewall 535 and a top surface 530 . Base 515 has a bottom surface 545 and a top surface 555 . Lip 520 extends perpendicular to sidewall 535 and a top surface 550 of lip 520 is co-planar with top surface 530 . Hollow dimple 510 includes a flange 580 adjacent to bottom surface 545 of base 505 .

In FIG. 9B , a first hollow dimple 510 A snaps onto a second hollow dimple 510 B. A recess 585 A formed inside of flange 580 A engages lip 520 B of second hollow dimple 510 B. A portion of a sidewall 565 A adjacent to recess 585 A of first hollow dimple 510 A rests on top surface 530 B of second hollow dimple 510 B. This keeps a first base 505 B spaced apart from a second base 505 A. First and second hollow dimples 510 A and 510 B represent a multiplicity of hollow dimples 510 A and 510 B on respective dimpled drain boards 500 A and 510 B (not shown) and thus the respective dimpled drain boards are held in a spaced apart relationship.

FIG. 10A is an exploded side view of a first connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10A , a dimple 600 A on a first dimple board 605 A is aligned along an axis 608 with a dimple 600 B on a second dimple board 605 B. Dimple 605 A has an end 610 A opposite from a base 615 A and dimple 605 B has an end 610 B opposite from a base 615 B. Ends 610 A and 610 B are facing each other. Dimples 600 A and 600 B form an aligned dimple pair. A connector 620 is axially aligned between dimple 600 A and dimple 600 B. Connector 620 has the form of a hollow cylinder having an inner surface 625 and open at a first end 630 A facing a top 610 A of first dimple 600 A and open at a second end 630 B facing a top 610 B of second dimple 600 B.

FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of two conventional dimple boards joined according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10B a portion of an outside surface 635 A of first dimple 600 A is frictionally engaged with a first portion 640 A of inside surface 625 of connector 620 and an outside surface 635 B of second dimple 600 B is frictionally engaged with a second portion 640 B of inside surface 625 of connector 620 . Thus, dimpled drain board 605 A and dimpled drain board 605 B are held in a spaced apart relationship.

While only one dimple per dimpled drain board is illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B , it is understood that each dimpled drain board contains a multiplicity of dimples. Further, while one connector is illustrated, there is a multiplicity of connectors. There may be a connector for each aligned dimple pair or a connector for less than every aligned dimple pair.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of connector 620 according to the present invention. In FIG. 10C , an optional first set of grooves 645 A is formed on inside surface 625 of connector 620 near first end 630 A of the connector and an optional second set of grooves 645 B is formed on inside surface 625 of connector 620 near second end 630 B of the connector. Grooves 645 A and 645 B aid in gripping outside surfaces 635 A of dimple 600 A and outside surface 635 B of dimple 600 B respectively (see FIG. 10 B).

FIG. 11A is an exploded side view of a first connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11A , dimple 600 A on first dimple board 605 A is aligned along axis 608 with dimple 600 B on second dimple board 605 B. Ends 610 A and 610 B are facing in the same direction. A connector 650 is axially aligned between dimple 600 A and dimple 600 B. Connector 650 has the form of a hollow cylinder having an inner surface 655 and open at a first end 660 A facing top 610 A of first dimple 600 A and open at a second end 660 B facing a bottom 665 B of second dimple 600 B. (Second end 660 B may be optionally closed). End 660 B is tapered such in toward axis 608 . Optionally, connector 650 may be solid except in the region of grooves 685 A.

FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of two conventional dimple boards joined according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11B a portion of outside surfaces 635 A of first dimple 600 A is frictionally engaged with a portion 665 A of inside surface 655 of connector 625 and an inside surface 670 B of second dimple 600 B is frictionally engaged with a portion 675 B of an outside surface 680 of connector 650 . Thus, dimpled drain board 605 A and dimpled drain board 605 B are held in a spaced apart relationship.

While only one dimple per dimpled drain board is illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B , it is understood that each dimpled drain board contains a multiplicity of dimples. Further, while one connector is illustrated, there are a multiplicity of connectors. There may be a connector for each aligned dimple pair or a connector for less than every aligned dimple pair.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of connector 650 according to the present invention. In FIG. 11C , an optional first set of grooves 685 A is formed on inside surface 655 of connector 650 near first end 660 A of the connector and an optional second set of grooves 685 B is formed on outside surface 680 of connector 650 near second end 660 B of the connector. Grooves 685 A and 685 B aid in gripping outside surface 635 A of dimple 600 A and inside surface 670 B of dimple 600 B respectively (see FIG. 11 B).

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of a third connector for jointing two conventional dimple boards according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12 , dimple 600 A on first dimple board 605 A is aligned along axis 608 with dimple 600 B on second dimple board 605 B. Ends 610 A and 610 B are facing away from each other. Dimples 600 A and 600 B form an aligned dimple pair. A connector 687 is axially aligned between dimple 600 A and dimple 600 B. Connector 687 has the form of a cylinder having a first tapered end 688 A facing dimple 600 A and a second tapered end 688 B facing dimple 600 B. Tapered ends 688 A and 688 B are adapted to frictionally engage inside surfaces (not shown) of respective dimples 605 A and 605 B. Tapered ends 688 A and 688 B may include grooves as illustrated in FIG. 11 C. Connecter 687 may be hollow or solid.

While only one dimple per dimpled drain board is illustrated in FIG. 12 , it is understood that each dimpled drain board contains a multiplicity of dimples. Further, while one connector is illustrated, there are a multiplicity of connectors. There may be a connector for each aligned dimple pair or a connector for less than every aligned dimple pair.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of connecting board 695 according to the present invention. While individual connectors 620 , 650 and 687 may be employed to connect two dimpled drain boards in a spaced apart relationship, multiple connectors 620 (or 650 or 687 ) may be joined together. In FIG. 13 , a multiplicity of connectors 620 (or 650 or 687 ) are joined together by a web 690 to form connecting board 695 . Ends 630 A of connectors 620 extend from one side of web 690 and ends 630 B of connectors 620 extend from an opposite side of web 690 . Web 695 may include a multiplicity of through holes 698 interspersed between connectors 620 (or 650 ). There may be a connector 620 (or 650 ) for each aligned dimple pair of perspective dimpled drain boards to be joined in a spaced apart relationship or a connector for less than every aligned dimple pair. The sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention may be applied to pre-existing commercially available dimple drain boards.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain formed from two dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention. In FIG. 14 , a drain 700 includes a first dimpled drain board 705 A and a second dimpled drain board 705 B. A multiplicity of hollow dimples 710 A are engaged with a multiplicity of corresponding hollow dimples 710 B as illustrated in FIGS. 5B , 6 B, 7 B, 8 B or 9 B and described supra. Thus, first and second dimpled drain boards 705 A and 705 B are held in a spaced apart relationship. First and second drain boards are further wrapped in one of a sheet such as a filter fabric, a sheet protector, perforated board, finish board, and insulation board 720 to prevent soil from clogging the spaces between hollow dimples 710 A and between hollow dimples 710 B. Sheet 720 may be, for example, a water permeable sheet of needle punched impervious material such as polypropylene or a woven material or a fiber mat material.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drainpipe formed from four dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention. FIG. 15 , is similar to FIG. 14 , but there are four dimpled drain boards 705 A, 705 B, 705 C and 705 D held in a spaced apart relationship and wrapped in sheet 720 . FIG, 4 illustrates how the hollow dimpled drainage boards of the present invention may be used to form the equivalent of a perforated drainpipe. Any number of dimpled drain boards may be used and by increasing the number, water carrying capacity of the assembly is increased.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain formed from multiple dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention. In FIG. 16 , drain 725 is formed from a first layer 730 A of dimpled drain boards 735 A, 735 B and 735 C and a second layer 730 B of dimpled drain boards 735 D, 735 E and 735 F. Dimpled drain board 730 A overlaps and engages dimpled drain boards 730 A and 730 B thus holding dimpled drain board 730 A in a fixed spatial relationship with dimpled drain board 730 B. Dimpled drain board 730 F overlaps and engages dimpled drain boards 730 B and 730 C thus holding dimpled drain board 730 B in a fixed spatial relationship with dimpled drain board 730 C. Thus, a drain formed according to the present invention may be extended in length and width with little chance of individual dimpled drain boards shifting position thus reducing the need for individually fastening each dimpled drain board to walls footing, etc., and most certainly reducing the need for fasteners or adhesives to join layers of dimpled drain boards together.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-flow drain system formed from multiple dimpled drain boards according to the presenting invention. In FIG. 17 , drain system 750 include dimpled drain boards 755 A, 755 B, 755 C, 755 E, 755 D, 755 E and 755 F. Dimpled drain boards 755 A, 755 B and 755 D are stacked in the vertical direction 760 as are dimpled drain boards 755 D, 755 E and 755 F. Dimpled drain boards 755 A, 755 B and 755 D are stacked over dimpled drain boards 755 D, 755 E in the horizontal direction 760 . Dimpled drain board 755 A overlaps and engages dimpled drain boards 755 A and 755 B thus holding dimpled drain board 755 A in a fixed spatial relationship with dimpled drain board 755 B. Dimpled drain board 755 F overlaps and engages dimpled drain boards 755 B and 755 C thus holding dimpled drain board 755 B in a fixed spatial relationship with dimpled drain board 755 C. Dimpled drain board 755 G is stacked horizontally over dimpled drain board 755 E and dimpled drain board 755 H is stacked horizontally over dimpled drain board 755 H. A pipe connector 775 is fitted onto dimpled drain board 755 H and attaches to a pipe or footing drain. Pipe connector 775 adapted to engage hollow dimples 770 on dimpled drain board 755 H. Dimpled drain boards 755 A, 755 B, 755 C, 755 E, 755 D, 755 E and 755 F are covered with sheet 720 . In use drain system 750 is installed against a wall 785 below grade. Note pipe connector 775 may be attached to a single dimpled drain board as well. Optionally, one or more connectors 759 may be part of sheet 720 or may be attached directly to a wall 785 for holding sheet 720 in place.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative pipe connection according to the presenting invention. In FIG. 17A , a retaining ring 776 is placed in contact with a dimpled drain board 755 . The retaining ring 776 should not be limited to a ring, but may be any connector of various geometries such as a snap fit using any of the aforementioned attachments or may be a hook and loop fastener or a friction fit as illustrated. In particular, any of numerous types of connectors may be envisioned that assists in holding one of more of a pipe, a footing drain, a filter fabric, a sheet protector, perforated board, finish board, and insulation board to a dimple on a dimple board. Sheet 720 is placed around dimpled drain board 755 and over retaining ring 776 . A pipe connector 778 adapted to be press fitted into retaining ring 776 in order to hold sheet 720 in place. Retaining ring 776 and pipe connector 778 may be used with conventional dimpled drain boards as well as dimpled drain boards according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial front view of two dimpled drain boards engaged perpendicular to one another according to the present invention and FIG. 19 is a partial top view of the dimpled drain boards of FIG. 18 . In FIG. 19 a first dimpled drain board 800 A includes a multiplicity of hollow dimples 805 A and a multiplicity of optional drain holes 810 A. A series of notches 815 A are cut between an edge-row of hollow dimples 805 A into an edge 820 A of dimpled drain board 800 A. Each notch 815 A is adapted to engage with a corresponding edge-row of hollow dimples 805 B from a second dimpled drain board 800 B positioned perpendicularly to first dimpled drain board 800 A.

Thus, the present invention provides a drainage system that is field adjustable in terms of the quantity of water it can handle and that minimizes the need for fasteners.

The description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the following claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base; a hollow dimple extending perpendicularly from said planar base; and a connector, said connector adapted to maintain said planar base in a spaced apart relationship from another planar base of another dimpled drain board having another hollow dimple, further wherein said connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from an outside surface of said hollow dimple; further including a recess formed on an inside surface of said hollow dimple, said recess adapted to snap fit with another projecting lip of said another hollow dimple of said another dimpled drain board.

2. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base; a hollow dimple extending perpendicularly from said planar base; and a connector, said connector adapted to maintain said planar base in a spaced apart relationship from another planar base of another dimpled drain board having another hollow dimple, further wherein said connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from a top of said hollow dimple; further including a recess formed on an inside surface of hollow dimple, said recess adapted to snap fit with a another projecting lip of said another hollow dimple of said another dimpled drain board.

3. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base having a first surface and a second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said planar base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector operatively associated with all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, further wherein each connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from an outside surface of each sidewall of each hollow dimple; further including recesses formed on inside surfaces of each sidewall of each hollow dimple, said recesses adapted to snap fit with other projecting lips of other hollow dimples of said another dimpled drain board.

4. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base having first surface and a second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said planar base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; a connector operatively associated with all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, further wherein each connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from each top of each hollow dimple; and recesses formed on inside surfaces of each sidewall of each hollow dimple, said recesses adapted to snap fit with other projecting lips of other hollow dimples of said another dimpled drain board.

5. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base having a first surface and a second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said planar base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; a connector operatively associated with all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base and another planar base of another dimples drain board in a spaced apart relationship, wherein each connector is a cylinder having a first end and a second end, said first end adapted to operatively engage an outer surface of said hollow dimple and said second end adapted to operatively engage an outer surface of said another hollow dimple; and a planar web holding said connectors together in a spaced apart relationship.

6. A dimpled drain board comprising:a planar base having first surface and a second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said planar base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; a connector operatively associated with all of less than said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, wherein each connector is a cylinder having a first end and a second end, said first end adapted to operatively engage one of an outer surface and an inner surface of said hollow dimple and said second end adapted to operatively engage one of an inner surface and on outer surface of said hollow dimple; and a planar web holding said connectors together in a spaced apart relationship.

7. A drainage system comprising:at least two dimpled drain boards, each dimpled drain board comprising: a planar base having a first surface and second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; a connector on all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base of said dimpled drain board and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, said another dimpled drain board having other hollow dimples identical to said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board, further wherein each connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from an outside surface of each sidewall of each hollow dimple; filter means arranged to prevent non-fluid materials from depositing between said hollow dimples; and recesses formed on inside surfaces of each sidewall of each hollow dimple, said recesses adapted to snap fit with other projecting lips of said other hollow dimples of said another dimpled drain board.

8. A drainage system comprising:at least two dimpled drain boards, each dimpled drain board comprising: a planar base having a first surface and second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector on all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base of said dimpled drain board and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, said another dimpled drain board having other hollow dimples identical to said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board, further wherein each connector is a projecting lip extending perpendicularly from each top of each hollow dimple; filter means arranged to prevent non-fluid materials from depositing between said hollow dimples; and recesses formed on inside surfaces of each sidewall of each hollow dimple, said recesses adapted to snap fit with other projecting lips of said other hollow dimples of said another dimpled drain board.

9. A drainage system comprising:at least two dimpled drain boards, each dimpled drain board comprising: a planar base having a first surface and second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector on all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base of said dimpled drain board and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, said another dimpled drain board having other hollow dimples identical to said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board, further wherein each connector is a cylinder having a first end and a second end, said first end adapted to operatively engage one of an outer surface and an inner surface of said hollow dimple and said second end adapted to operatively engage one of an outer surface and an inner surface of said another hollow dimple; a filter means arranged to prevent non-fluid materials from depositing between said hollow dimples; and further including a planar web holding said connectors together in a spaced apart relationship.

10. A drainage system comprising:at least two dimpled drain boards, each dimpled drain board comprising: a planar base having a first surface and second surface; a multiplicity of hollow dimples arranged in a repeating pattern and extending perpendicularly from said first surface of said base, each hollow dimple having a sidewall, a top and a bottom open to said second surface; and a connector on all or less than all said hollow dimples, each connector adapted to maintain said planar base of said dimpled drain board and another planar base of another dimpled drain board in a spaced apart relationship, said another dimpled drain board having other hollow dimples identical to said hollow dimples of said dimpled drain board, further wherein each connector is a cylinder having a first end and a tapered second end, said first end adapted to operatively engage an outer surface of said hollow dimple and said tapered second end adapted to operatively engage an inner surface of said another hollow dimple; and filter means arranged to prevent non-fluid materials from depositing between said hollow dimples.

11. The drainage system of claim 10 further including a planar web holding said connectors together in a spaced apart relationship.