SEPTIC CHAMBER SNAP LOCKING COUPLING JOINT

Abstract

An overlapping joint coupling system for septic chambers where the end of one chamber is designed to fit over the opposite end of an adjoining chamber of like construction, and where the overlapping end coupling section includes a retention pocket for receiving a flexible snap locking member formed in the underlying end coupling section, and the connection of the end coupling sections forms a joint which enables one chamber to pivot in a horizontal plane relative the other chamber of like construction.

Claims

1. A snap-lock coupling joint for connecting a set of septic chambers, comprising: (a) A first septic chamber having a generally arch-shaped cross section and opposing first and second end coupling sections, wherein said second end coupling section is shaped to overlap and connect with said first end coupling section of a second septic chamber having a generally arch-shaped cross section and the same said first and second end coupling sections; (b) said first end coupling section having an upstanding outer wall portion which includes a flexible, resilient locking member that projects outwardly therefrom; (c) said second end coupling section including an inner wall portion with a retention pocket formed therein for receiving said locking member of said first end coupling section; and (d) said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber, when seated in overlapping relation to said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber, forming a locked coupling joint therebetween which resists vertical separation and permits limited horizontal angular movement of said second septic chamber relative to said first septic chamber.

2. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said first end coupling section includes a first raised connecting feature with a tapered, curvilinear sidewall which incorporates said locking member.

3. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 2, wherein said second end coupling section includes a complimentary shaped second raised connecting feature which fits closely over said raised connecting feature of said first end coupling section and includes said inner wall portion with said retention pocket.

4. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 3, wherein said first and said second raised connecting features of said first and said second end coupling sections are substantially circular in cross section along a horizontal plane extending therethrough.

5. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking member is cantilevered along a top supporting edge thereof to provide flexibility and resilience thereto.

6. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 5, wherein said locking member is formed by an opening extending through said outer wall along opposite sides and a lower end thereof.

7. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said inner wall portion of said second end coupling section includes a circumferentially extending shelf formed therein which facilitates formation of said retention pocket and provides a catch for said locking member.

8. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 7, whereupon said locking member is adapted to flex inwardly upon engagement with said shelf and snap resiliently outward thereafter into said retention pocket of said second end coupling section.

9. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said second end coupling section is solid throughout so as to cover said first end coupling section when seated in overlapping relation to said first end coupling section.

10. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said first end coupling section includes a first raised circular shaped connecting feature, a top surface portion thereof which defines a depression adapted to receive at least one depending rib structure formed in a complimentary shaped second raised connecting feature of said second end coupling section, said depression and said rib structure being adapted to cooperatively resist separation of said first septic chamber from said second septic chamber along an axis extending therebetween.

11. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 1, wherein said first end coupling section and said second end coupling section are connectable in locking engagement through solely vertical transition and placement of said second end coupling section upon said first end coupling section.

12. A snap-lock coupling joint for connecting a set of septic chambers, comprising: (a) A first septic chamber having a generally arch-shaped cross section and opposing first and second end coupling sections, wherein said second end coupling section is shaped to overlap and connect with said first end coupling section of a second septic chamber having a generally arch-shaped cross section and the same said first and second end coupling sections; (b) said first end coupling section having a first raised connecting feature with a tapered, curvilinear sidewall which incorporates a flexible, resilient locking member projecting downwardly and outwardly from an upper peripheral portion thereof; (c) said second end coupling section including a second raised connecting feature which is complimentary in shape to and fits closely over said first raised connecting feature of said first end coupling section, said second raised connecting feature of said second end coupling section including a retention pocket formed in an inner wall portion thereof which is adapted to receive in locking relation said locking member of said first end coupling section; and (d) said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber and said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber, when connected in overlapping relation, forming a locked coupling joint therebetween which resists vertical separation and permits limited horizontal angular movement of said second septic chamber relative, to said first septic chamber.

13. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said first end coupling section is comprised of a generally arch-shaped flange member having a substantially smooth upper surface from which said first raised connecting feature extends, said first raised connecting feature being generally circular in shape with said sidewalls tapering upwardly from said flange member.

14. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 13, wherein said second end coupling section is comprised of a generally arch-shaped flange member having a substantially smooth underside surface which is adapted to rest upon and engage said smooth upper surface of said flange member of said first end coupling section when said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber is connected in overlapping relation to said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber.

15. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 14, wherein said first raised connecting feature of said first end coupling section and said second raised connecting feature of said second end coupling section are generally circular in shape.

16. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said locking member is formed by a generally U-shaped opening extending through said sidewall of said first raised connecting member, thus forming a flexible cantilever joint along an upper edge of said locking member.

17. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said inner wall portion of said second raised connecting feature includes a circumferentially extending shelf formed therein which facilitates formation of said retention pocket and provides a catch for said locking member.

18. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 17, whereupon vertical placement of said second end coupling section upon said first end coupling section causes said locking member to flex inwardly during movement over said shelf and resiliently snap outward thereafter into said retention pocket of said second end coupling section.

19. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said second end coupling section is solid throughout so as to cover said first end coupling section when seated in overlapping relation to said first end coupling section.

20. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said first raised connecting feature of said first end coupling section has a generally circular horizontal configuration, a top surface portion of which defines a depression adapted to receive at least one depending rib structure formed in said second raised connecting feature of said second end coupling section, said depression and said rib structure being adapted to cooperatively interact to resist separation of said first septic chamber from said second septic chamber along an axis extending therebetween.

21. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 12, wherein said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber is connectable in locking relation to said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber through solely vertical inter-engagement thereof.

22. A snap-lock coupling joint for connecting a set of septic chambers, comprising: (a) A first septic chamber having a generally arch-shaped cross section and opposing first and second end coupling sections, wherein said second end coupling section is complimentarily shaped to overlap and connect with said first end coupling section of a second septic chamber of the same configuration; (b) said first end coupling section having a generally smooth outer surface portion with a first circular shaped connecting feature extending upwardly therefrom, said first connecting feature having a tapering sidewall which incorporates an outwardly protruding flexible locking member with an open relief formed about two opposite sides and a lower end thereof: (c) said second end coupling section having a generally smooth underside surface portion and a second circular shaped connecting feature adapted to overlap in close-fitting relation said smooth outer surface and said first connecting feature of said first end coupling section; (d) said second raised connecting feature of said second end coupling section including a retention pocket formed in an inner wall portion thereof which is adapted to receive in locking relation said locking member of said first end coupling section; and (e) said second end coupling section being solid throughout so as to cover said first end coupling section when seated in overlapping relation thereto.

23. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 22, wherein a top surface portion of said first connecting feature defines a first engagement member which is adapted to mate with a second engagement member formed in said second raised connecting feature, where said first and said second engagement members are adapted to cooperatively interact to strengthen the coupling joint and resist separation of said first septic chamber from said second septic chamber along an axis extending therebetween.

24. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 22, wherein said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber and said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber, when connected in overlapping relation, form a locked coupling joint therebetween which resists vertical separation and permits horizontal angular movement between said first septic chamber and said second septic chamber.

25. The snap-lock coupling joint set forth in claim 22, wherein said second end coupling section of said first septic chamber is connectable in locking relation to said first end coupling section of said second septic chamber through solely vertical transitional engagement thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a septic chamber incorporating an improved snap locking coupling joint on opposite ends thereof, with the chamber oriented to show the construction of the underlying end section of the coupling joint thereof;

[0016] FIG. 1A is an enlarged blown-up perspective view of a portion of the septic chamber shown in FIG. 1, showing an optional traction nub feature incorporated into the upper surface of the chamber;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the septic chamber shown in FIG. 1, reversed in orientation to show the construction of the overlaying end section of the snap locking coupling joint;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the septic chamber shown in FIG. 1, showing the opposing end coupling sections which overlap to form an improved septic chamber snap locking joint;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view showing the details of the flexible locking element incorporated in the underlying end coupling section of the septic chamber shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a close-up planar cross-sectional view of the overlaying end coupling section of the septic chamber shown in FIG. 1, showing the inner pocket element formed in the inner surface thereof which is adapted to receive the locking element incorporated in the underlying end coupling section of a chamber of like construction;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a pair of joined septic chambers incorporating an improved snap locking coupling joint, showing the overlapping of one end coupling section over the other in locking relation;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a close-up top planar view of the overlapping snap locking coupling joint shown in FIG. 6;

[0023] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7A-7A of FIG. 7, with certain background details removed to show the detail of the snap locking coupling joint when two like septic chambers are joined together; and

[0024] FIG. 7B is a close-up view of the circled detail area designated as “7B” in FIG. 7A, showing the detailed construction and mating of the flexible snap locking feature formed in the underlying end coupling joint section and the receiving pocket feature formed in the overlying end coupling section of the snap locking coupling joint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0026] With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a septic leaching chamber 1 which incorporates an improved snap locking coupling joint (3A, 3B) is disclosed. While it is contemplated that the improved snap locking coupling joint (3A, 3B) of the present invention may be incorporated with any septic chamber configuration, the septic chamber 1 disclosed in the drawings herewith is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/223,230 and U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/812,621, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] As shown, chamber 1 is generally arch shaped, having an open bottom 5 which is wider than the top 7, and connecting sidewalls 9 which are substantially planar and incorporate a plurality of horizontally extending slots 11 to help maximize the leaching area and effluent dispersion into the surrounding soil. The chamber design includes asymmetric corrugations 13 running transversely along the length of the chamber 1 between opposite base footing members 10A and 10B. Each transverse corrugation 13 has a wide section 15 on one side and a narrow section 17 on the opposed side of the chamber 1, the orientation of which alternates along the length of chamber 1. Consequently, the corrugation walls run at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 1, thus significantly increasing the longitudinal stiffness of the chamber 1.

[0028] As seen in FIG. 1A, a plurality of optional traction nubs 45 may be incorporated in the top surface 7 of each corrugation 13 to help provide better footing and traction for installers and others during installation of the chambers 1. As shown, such traction nubs 45 may comprise numerous small pyramids or cone-like shaped upstanding projections with upwardly facing apexes intended to engage the footwear of installers and others who traverse across the chambers 1 during installation. Of course, other configurations and differently shaped traction nub features are conceivable which would help to enhance traction atop such chambers 1 without departing form the invention herein.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end coupling sections 3A and 3B which comprise the snap locking coupling joint have a generally arch shape configuration. Coupling section 3B is designed to overlap and mate with coupling section 3A of an adjoining chamber 1, thus facilitating joinder of the chambers end-to-end and permitting a degree of angular adjustment therebetween (typically 3 to 10 degrees left and right). To this end, as seen in FIG. 1, the coupling section 3A includes an outwardly extending flange portion 19 with a raised generally circular or curvilinear connecting feature 21 located at a top portion thereof. Similarly, coupling section 3B includes a flange portion 23 with a corresponding raised generally circular or curvilinear connecting feature 25 located at a top portion thereof which is adapted to overlay connecting feature 21 of coupling section 3A. The extent of angular or rotational movement between connecting features 21 and 25, and thus between adjoining chambers 1, is determined and limited primarily by the amount of defined clearance maintained between the base footing members 10A and 10B of adjoining chambers 1. Once a predetermined maximum angular adjustment between adjoining chambers 1 is reached, either the base footing member 10A or 10B thereof (depending on the direction of displacement) will impinge upon the associated footing member of the adjoining chamber 1, thus preventing further angular movement therebetween.

[0030] As seen throughout the drawings, the connecting feature 21 of the underlying coupling section 3A is dimensioned slightly smaller than the connecting feature 25 of the overlapping end coupling section 3B, and the sidewalls 31 and 41 of the respective connecting features 21 and 25 flare or slope outwardly from top to bottom such that the two end sections 3A and 3B form a slip fit when overlapped. Thus, coupling end sections 3A and 3B together may be accomplished by simply setting coupling section 3B over coupling section 3A and applying downward pressure thereto. No additional angling or axial transitioning of one chamber relative to another is required. While it is contemplated that adjoining chambers 1 will be of like construction, it is possible that such chambers could have different main body configurations, provided the end coupling sections 3A and 3B of each chamber are configured in a manner as described herein.

[0031] As best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A, when a pair of chambers 1 are joined together, the substantially smooth bottom surface of flange portion 23 of the overlapping coupling section 3B is adapted to rest upon and engage the substantially smooth upper surface of flange portion 19 of coupling section 3A. In this regard, infiltration of soil and other media within the chamber confines is minimized during installation and use, and coupling sections 3A and 3B are permitted to freely move relative to one another during angular adjustment thereof.

[0032] In furtherance of this objective, the overlapping flange portions 23 and 19 of coupling sections 3B and 3A are also designed to prevent any gapping or break in engagement during angular adjustment of the chambers 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the flange portion 23 of coupling section 3B is less substantial than the flange portion 19 of the underlying coupling section 3A. Flange portion 23 of coupling section 3B is relatively narrow and tapers inward from the connecting feature 25 toward the main body of chamber 1. Flange portion 19 of coupling section 3A, on the other hand, is wider and expands or flares slightly outward from the connecting feature 21 away from the main body of chamber 1. This construction helps facilitate pivoting and angular adjustment of end coupling section 3B relative to end coupling section 3A without any break in contact therebetween, thus further preventing undesirable soil intrusion within the chambers 1.

[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7B of the drawings, positive locking engagement of a set of chambers 1 is achieved with built-in snap locking features formed in the overlapping end coupling sections 3A and 3B of each chamber 1. As shown in FIG. 4, at least one flexible snap locking member 27 is formed in the tapered upstanding sidewall 31 of the raised connecting feature 21. Each snap locking member 27 is designed to extend downward from a top perimeter portion 29 of the circular connecting feature 21 of the underlying coupling section 3A. This locking member 27 is provided with a relief in the form of a generally U-shaped opening 43 extending around its lower end 33 and along each of its sides, thus creating a cantilever along its top supporting edge 35. This imparts radial flexibility and resiliency to the locking member 27 relative to the connecting feature 21 to facilitate joinder with an overlapping coupling section 3B of another chamber 1.

[0034] As seen best in FIGS. 4 and 7B, the lower end portion 33 of the snap locking member 27 flares radially outward relative to the tapered sidewall 31 of the underlying connecting feature 21. This flared lower-end portion 33 is adapted to be received within a retention pocket 37 (see, FIG. 5) formed on the inside surface 47 of the circular connecting feature 25 of the overlapping coupling section 3B when two chambers 1 are joined together, thus locking the adjoining chambers 1 together and preventing vertical dislodgement thereof.

[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7B, the snap-lock retention pocket 37 is defined by a peripheral shoulder 39 which protrudes radially inward from the inside surface 47 of the tapered sidewall 41 of the circular connecting feature 25. Shoulder 39 is positioned on the inner circumferential surface 47 of connecting feature 25 to correspond with the positioning of an associated locking member 27 on the connecting feature 21 of an adjoining chamber 1. Shoulder 39 extends at least partially around the inner circumferential surface 47 and is spaced downward from the top thereof, thus defining the retention pocket 37 adjacent a top portion of coupling section 3B. Accordingly, while shoulder 39 functions to catch locking member 27 and restrict vertical separation of connected coupling sections 3A and 3B, it is also designed to permit angular rotation therebetween.

[0036] The inter-engagement of upstanding connecting features 21 and 25 of coupling sections 3A and 3B also helps to prevent axial separation of a pair of connecting chambers, as the corresponding sidewalls 31 and 41 of the corresponding connecting features bear against one another to resist any such force applied thereto. In addition thereto, the top surfaces of connecting features 21 and 25 may also be formed with complimentary mating support features (51, 53) which interact to help resist against any axial separation forces exerted upon the coupling joint. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top of underlying connecting feature 21 may be formed with a depression 51 extending circumferentially at least part way around the perimeter thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, one or more downward extending structural support elements or ribs 53 formed in a top portion of connecting feature 25 may then be configured to mate with and seat within depression 51 when coupling section 3B is overlayed upon coupling section 3A. In this manner, ribs 53 will align with and bear against an interior wall of depression 51 to help resist against any axial force tending to separate the connected chambers.

[0037] Notably, the circumferential length of depression 51 relative to that of the mating ribs 53 is predetermined and set to allow the ribs 53 to move angularly within depression 51 a distance at least corresponding to that allowed between the set of adjoining chambers 1. Accordingly, while the interaction of depression 51 and support ribs 53 resist axial separation of connected chambers 1, allowance for angular adjustment thereof is maintained. In addition to the above, as an added benefit, the depression 51 and mating ribs 53 formed in the top ends of connecting features 21 and 25 provide additional structural support to the respective coupling sections 3A and 3B, thus helping to enhance the overall structural integrity thereof.

[0038] To add even further structural integrity to the locking coupling sections 3A and 3B, it is also contemplated that the exterior surface of overlapping flange portion 23 of coupling section 3B be configured with one or more elongated protruding support ribs 55. As shown, support ribs 55 connect to the sidewall 41 on each opposite side of connecting feature 25 and extend downwardly therefrom toward the lower base footings 10A and 10B of chamber 1. As shown in FIG. 6, similar support ribs 49 may also be formed on the underside surface of the flange portion 19 of coupling section 3A, if so desired.

[0039] Although it is certainly possible for just a single snap locking member 27 and retention pocket 37 to be incorporated into each chamber, in a preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that at least two snap features be disposed at least somewhat diametrically opposed relative to one another (approximately 167 degrees in disclosed embodiment) to create a left to right positive locking engagement. Thus, as shown best in FIGS. 6-7B, upon placement of the coupling section 3B of a first chamber 1 over the coupling section 3A of a second chamber 1, a pair of chambers 1 may be readily joined in a positive locking relation. The tapered sidewalls 31 and 41 of the respective connecting features 21 and 25 of the coupling sections 3A and 3B act to guide the chambers 1 into proper position for suitable connection without the need for specialized procedures or instructions for installation. Further, the disposition of the snap locking and snap receiving features 27 and 37 allows for the chambers 1 to be coupled without any special orientation or vertical angularity.

[0040] Therefore, as shown, upon placement of the end coupling section 3B of a first chamber 1 over the end coupling section 3A of a second chamber 1 and applying downward pressure, each flexible snap locking member 27 of the underlying coupling section 3A will flex inwardly to allow passage of its flared end 33 over an associated shoulder 39 formed in the coupling section 3B of the adjoining chamber. The snap locking member 27 will then snap outwardly into a locking position within the retention pocket 37 formed in the connecting feature 25 of coupling section 3B. Also, supporting rib(s) 53 of the overlying connecting feature 25 will seat within the depression 51 formed in the top of connecting feature 21. No special angling or axial transition of the respective chambers is required to establish a positive locking engagement.

[0041] Upon angular adjustment of the adjoining chambers, the flared end 33 of the flexible snap locking member 27 of coupling section 3A will be permitted to slide along the inward protruding shoulder 39 of the overlapping coupling section 3B, thus allowing the snap locking member 27, and its associated chamber 1, to rotate about the center of the mating circular connecting features 21 and 25 of the joined coupling sections 3A and 3B. In this manner, the joined chambers 1 are allowed to freely pivot left or right relative to one another within a predetermined limit established by the base footings 10A and 10B of the connected chambers 1. Since the outer body of the connecting feature 25 on the overlapping end section 3B is solid throughout, the snap locking member 27 on coupling section 3A remains covered upon installation, thus preventing any infiltration of soil and other media into the chamber confines through opening 43 which surrounds locking member 27.

[0042] Accordingly, with the present invention, a simplified manner of connecting adjoining septic chambers 1 with a positive locking system is achieved. The present snap locking coupling system for septic chambers is easy to install with no specific requirements for orientation or angularity. Moreover, it is flexibly designed to account for angular misalignment and curvilinear installations and is constructed to prevent infiltration of soil and other media into the chamber confines during installation and use. Since the snap locking feature is flexible in nature, if necessary, vertical disengagement and separation of the joined chambers may be accomplished with relative ease as compared to conventional chamber locking systems.

[0043] The disclosure herein is intended to be merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure which comprises the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.