MODULE FOR DRAINAGE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention provides a modular unit or module (20) for use in an underground water management system. The modular unit or module (20) comprises a prism structure being a polyhedron enclosing a pair of internal members (6, 6′). The internal members (6, 6′) comprise a first member (6) comprising a first arch (9), and a second member (6′) comprising a second arch (9′) located at an angle to and being arranged inverted with respect to the first arch (9). The invention also provides a modular system (100) for use in underground water management, the modular system (100) comprising a plurality of the modules or modular units (20, 20′).

Claims

1. A modular unit for an underground water management system, the modular unit comprising a polyhedral prism structure which encloses or encompasses at least a pair of internal support members, wherein the internal support members comprise a first member having a first U-shaped profile and a second member having a second U-shaped profile, and wherein the first member and the second member are arranged such that one of the first U-shaped profile and the second U-shaped profile is inverted with respect to the other.

2. A modular unit according to claim 1, wherein the internal support members extend between a base of the prism structure and a top of the prism structure to bear load and/or transmit load through the prism structure.

3. A modular unit according to claim 1, wherein one of the first U-shaped profile and the second U-shaped profile is configured and arranged as an arch and the other of the first and second U-shaped profiles is configured and arranged as an inverted arch.

4. A modular unit according to claim 1, wherein the first U-shaped profile and the second U-shaped profile span or extend in planes which are offset at an angle, of at least about 60 degrees, and preferably about 90 degrees, with respect to one another.

5. A modular unit according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of panels members which are interconnected to form the polyhedral prism structure, the plurality of panel members including a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels, wherein the side panels are configured for connection with the bottom panel, and wherein the internal support members are configured for connection with the base panel and/or with a top panel.

6. A modular unit according to claim 5, wherein the bottom panel has a plurality of connection elements configured to receive and/or connect with complementary connection elements provided along edge regions of the side panels and/or along edge regions of the internal support members.

7. A modular unit according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of connection elements of the bottom panel are arranged across a primary face of the bottom panel and preferably comprise a plurality of holes or apertures configured to receive and/or connect with complementary projections provided along edge regions of the side panels and/or along edge regions of the internal support members.

8. A modular unit according to claim 5, wherein a peripheral edge of the bottom panel has a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking engagement or interconnection with corresponding projections and recesses at the peripheral edges of an adjacent or adjoining bottom panel.

9. A modular unit according to claim 5, wherein each of the panels comprises a plurality of openings or perforations, e.g. in the manner of a mesh or an open framework, to allow the passage of water, small amounts of soil, and/or small roots there-through.

10. A modular system for use in underground water management, the modular system comprising a plurality of modular units, each said modular unit comprising a polyhedral prism structure which encloses or encompasses at least a pair of internal support members, wherein the internal support members comprise a first member having a first U-shaped profile and a second member having a second U-shaped profile, and wherein the first member and the second member are arranged such that one of the first U-shaped profile and the second U-shaped profile is inverted with respect to the other.

11. A modular system according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of modular units are configured to be interconnected with one another in a horizontal or side-by-side arrangement of the modular units and/or in a vertical or stacked arrangement of the modular units.

12. A modular system according to claim 11, wherein a top panel of one modular unit in a vertical or stacked arrangement of the modular units forms a bottom panel of the modular unit immediately above said one modular unit.

13. A modular system according to claim 11, wherein a side panel of one modular unit in a horizontal or side-by-side arrangement of the modular units forms a side panel of the modular unit immediately adjacent to said one modular unit.

14. A module for an underground water management system, the module comprising a prism being a polyhedron enclosing or encompassing at least a pair of internal members, wherein the internal members comprise a first member comprising a first arch, and a second member comprising a second arch located at an angle to and being arranged inverted with respect to the first arch.

15. A module for an underground water management system, the module comprising an assembly of panels to form a polygonal prism, the prism enclosing a pair of internal members, wherein the pair of internal members include a first member comprising an inverted arch, and a second member comprising an arch which is arranged to extend span or extend across the inverted arch.

16. A module for use in an underground water management system, the module comprising: multiple panels, preferably rectangular panels, each adapted to interlock or interconnect with adjacent panels to form a polygonal prism structure; and at least two internal members comprising: a first internal member having three orthogonal edges and a fourth edge defining an inverted arch; and a second internal member having three orthogonal edges and a fourth edge defining an arch; wherein the first and second internal members are adapted to interlock with the panels of the prism such that the arch is orthogonal to and spans the inverted arch.

17. A method of assembling a module for use in an underground water management system, the method comprising steps of: providing a first panel, interconnecting the first internal member with the first panel such that the inverted arch is orthogonal to the first panel, interconnecting the second internal member to the first panel such that the inverted arch is orthogonal to the first panel and spans the inverted arch, interlocking second and subsequent panels to form a prism enclosing the first and second internal members.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] For a more complete understanding of the invention and advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a panel for a module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a configuration suitable for use as a top panel or a bottom panel of the module formed as a rectangular prism;

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 1, showing the rectangular (e.g. generally square) planar face of the panel viewed from one corner;

[0064] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a first internal member for a module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first internal member oriented to provide an inverted arch, and FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a second internal member oriented to provide an arch;

[0065] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the first internal member of FIG. 3A from one edge and FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a second internal member of FIG. 3B from one edge;

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a panel for a module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention having a configuration suitable for use as a side panel of a module formed as a rectangular prism;

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a reverse view of the panel of FIG. 5 showing its rectangular planar face;

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 5, viewed from one edge;

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of pairs of the internal members of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B interconnected or interlocked with the panel of FIG. 1 acting as a base or bottom panel of the module. In this view, a plane of the arch of the second internal member is clearly seen angularly offset by 90 degrees from, to intersect and span across, a plane of the inverted arch of the first internal member;

[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the internal structure of FIG. 8 in a module with rectangular planar panels interconnected or interlocked around a periphery of the base panel of FIG. 1 to create the side faces of the module;

[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 9 with a top panel added to complete the module. The top panel may act as the bottom panel of a further module added on top;

[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the module of FIG. 10 with further pairs of internal members interconnected or interlocked with the top panel to start the assembly of a second module vertically on top of the first module;

[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 11 with multiple rectangular planar panels added interconnected or interlocked around a periphery to create the side faces of the second module;

[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 12 with a panel added to act as the top of the second module; and

[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a further embodiment of a panel for a module according to another preferred embodiment of the invention in a configuration for use as a top panel or a bottom panel of a module formed as a rectangular prism.

[0076] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0077] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] With reference firstly to FIG. 1 through to FIG. 7 of the drawings, the various component parts of a modular unit or module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are illustrated. In the particular embodiment shown, the component parts of the module are substantially square and flat or ‘planar’, however it will be appreciated that the module is not so limited and may include component parts of other shapes and configurations. The component parts may preferably be manufactured as monolithic or unitary parts moulded from a robust polymer plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), e.g. LDPE or HDPE, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) or other such materials. These component parts may be manufactured from virgin polymer plastic material, but optionally also from a recycled polymer plastic material.

[0079] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a panel 1 with a generally rectangular (square) face viewed from above (FIG. 1) and in perspective view (FIG. 2). This specific configuration is preferred for use as a top panel or a bottom panel of a rectangular module 20. Typically, the panel 1, when used as a top panel or bottom panel of a module 20, would have a thickness in the range of about 25 mm to 40 mm. A peripheral edge 2 of the panel 1 defines a series of alternating trapezoidal projections 3 and corresponding recesses 4 for interlocking engagement or interconnection with corresponding projections and recesses 3, 4 at the peripheral edges 2 of an adjoining panel 1 to form a ‘dovetail’ joint known for strength and a long-lasting fit. The panel 1 further includes a plurality of circular holes 5 therethrough across the generally planar face of the panel 1. These holes or openings 5 are, on the one hand, configured or adapted to allow passage of water, small amounts of soil or small roots there-through. On the other hand, the holes or openings 5 are adapted to receive complementary rounded or cylindrical projections 8 provided along edges 7 of internal support members 6, 6′ of the module 20 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this manner, the internal support members 6, 6′ can be readily located and secured in position with respect to the panel 1.

[0080] FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first internal member 6 and a second internal member 6′ in both front and perspective views. These first and second internal members 6, 6′ have an open structure with a multiple diamond shaped openings. FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A depict the first planar member 6 with a U-shaped profile oriented to provide an inverted arch 9, whereas FIG. 3B and FIG. 4B depict the same structure but inverted vertically (i.e. upside down) as a second internal member 6′ with a U-shaped profile oriented to provide an arch 9′. As illustrated, these first and second internal members 6, 6′ are substantially flat or planar members and are generally of the same shape and configuration, but in use one is inverted with respect to the other. This enables the production of the module 20 with as little as only two or three different component parts. Each internal member 6, 6′ is adapted at two or more of its edges 7 to interconnect or interlock with an adjacent base panel 1 or top panel. That is, the round projections 8 on the peripheral edges 7 of the planar internal member 6, 6′ is received in a form fit and/or a friction fit in the respective holes 5 in the top and bottom panels 1 of the module 20. The body of these top and bottom planar face panels include multiple holes 5 in a grid formation, the holes being of complementary shape to the projections 8 on the edges 7 of each of the internal members 6, 6′.

[0081] FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate another panel 10 of the module 20 from the front (FIG. 5), from the rear (FIG. 6) and in perspective view (FIG. 7). The configuration of this panel 10 is preferred for use as a side panel of the module—i.e. to form a side face of a rectangular prism formed by the module 20. The body of the panel 10 has an open structure comprising a plurality of diamond shaped openings 11, e.g. in the manner of an open framework. In this way, these panels 10 are configured or adapted for the passage of water, small amounts of soil or small roots there-through. The panels 10 illustrated in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are provided at their peripheral edges with a series of alternating square projections 12 and square recesses 13. The projections 12 of one side panel 10 can thus interconnect or interlock with the recesses 13 in an adjacent side panel 10 and/or with complementary recesses provided in an adjacent top or bottom panel 1 to form a joint that is strong, robust and long-lasting.

[0082] FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 illustrate the preferred steps taken to assemble a first module 20 and then assemble a second module 20′ on top of the first module.

[0083] More particularly, the module 20 of the invention comprises a prism structure being a polyhedron enclosing or encompassing a pair of internal support members 6, 6′, a first member 6 comprising a first (inverted) arch 9, and a second member comprising a second arch 9′ located at an angle to and being arranged inverted with regard to the first arch 9. While the drawing figures depict a polyhedral prism structure having four sides—i.e. bottom panel 1 has four orthogonal edges 2—the invention includes other polyhedral prisms within its scope. Specifically, the invention includes within its scope polyhedral prisms having a bottom panel with at least three co-planar edges, but preferably four, or five or six edges.

[0084] The modules 20 can be used as independent modular units, or they can form an interconnected system 100 of any desired dimension or configuration. The modules can be quickly and simply assembled and installed without the need for special training or tools.

[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates four pairs of internal members 6, 6′ of FIG. 6 interlocked with the panel 2 of FIG. 1 acting as the bottom of the module. In this view, the arches 9′ can be clearly seen to span across the inverted arches 9, extending in planes angularly offset by about 90 degrees. In this particular embodiment, it will be noted that four additional internal support members 6, 6′ are included that are not individually paired to have corresponding opposed arches. In some modules it may be preferable to include these further arched internal members to increase the module strength if it is supporting a particularly heavy above ground structure.

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of FIG. 8 with multiple panels 4 added to create the sides of the module.

[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of FIG. 9 with a panel 1′ added to act as the top, thus completing the first module. Projections on the edges of the internal members 6, 6′ and the side panels 4 interlock with holes in the top panel. The rectangular planar face of the top panel 1′ may also act as the base or bottom panel 1 of any further module 20′ added or assembled on top.

[0088] FIG. 11 illustrates the first module of FIG. 10 with pairs of internal members 6, 6′ added to start the assembly of a second module on top of the first module.

[0089] FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of FIG. 11 with multiple rectangular panels 10 added to create the sides of the second module 20′.

[0090] FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of FIG. 12 with a rectangular panel 1′ added to act as the top of the second module.

[0091] FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of a panel 1 for use as a bottom panel or a top panel in a rectangular prism structure of a module 20 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. In this example, the panel 1 is formed as an open grid or framework of crossed elongate elements 15 defining square apertures 16 which are significantly larger than the individual openings or perforations in the example of the panel 1 shown in FIG. 1, e.g. for easier water passage. Nevertheless, the panel 1 of FIG. 14 still includes holes or openings 5 are adapted to receive and connect with the complementary projections 8 on the edges 7 of internal support members 6, 6′. The peripheral edge 2 of the panel 1 again comprises a series of trapezoidal projections 3 and corresponding recesses 4 for interlocking engagement or interconnection with the complementary projections and recesses 3, 4 at the peripheral edge 2 of an adjoining panel 1 in a ‘dovetail’ joint, as described above with regard to FIG. 1.

[0092] The invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments but as will be understood, it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following, in general terms, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0093] Thus, although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of parts or elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0094] Thus, various modifications and equivalent arrangements to those described above with reference to the drawings are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures that perform the defined function and not only structural equivalents, i.e. also functionally equivalent structures.

[0095] For the purposes of description herein, it will be noted that the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “interior”, “exterior”, as well as variants or derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention and its components as oriented in FIG. 10. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described above are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Further, unless otherwise stated, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0096] It will also be appreciated that the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the module, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to those features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and/or inherent to such module, method, device, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects. In addition, reference to positional terms, such as “lower” and “upper”, used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee in the appropriate context.