REMOVABLE TRASH FILTER BASKET WITH HINGED WIER FOR CATCH BASINS

Abstract

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide improved catch basin filter system for maintenance and access. Preferred embodiments are composed of a diversion trough, a hinged pivot weir, weir to trough mounting brackets, under mounts, weir stops, a weir trash screen, a hole in the weir bottom section and a filter basket, wherein:

Claims

1. A system, for filtering surface stormwater runoff inside a catch basin with a curb, grate, or combination opening that comprises a diversion trough, a hinged pivot weir, weir to trough mounting brackets, under mounts, weir stops, a weir trash screen, a hole in the weir bottom section and a filter basket, wherein: the diversion trough installed to the catch basin side wall below the curb, grate, or combination opening, running the entire width of the side wall until its ends intersect the two adjacent catch basin side walls to form a full gutter to intercept all incoming stormwater flows, the diversion trough attached to the side walls using mounting hardware; the diversion trough having a side wall section opposite the catch basin side wall side cut out to attach and connect mechanically the hinged pivot weir using weir to trough mounting brackets and mounting hardware; the hinged pivot weir extending horizontally from the diversion trough into the catch basin, said hinged pivot weir with a bottom and two sides allow for stormwater runoff to enter from the diversion trough; said hinged pivot weir containing a three sided weir trash screen on its end opposite the diversion trough to retain trash and floatables during higher flow conditions; said hinged pivot weir containing a round hole cut out in its bottom to accept a filter basket, wherein the hinged pivot weir contains two or more hinges in the bottom along the center line of the hole cut out; wherein said filter basket can be easily removed from the weir cut out by lifting it upward from the filter basket folding handle, allowing the hinged pivot weir to fold upward 90 degrees or more, to allow for access into the catch basin below; the filter basket with a top flange rests on the hinged pivot weir bottom to allow stormwater runoff from the hinged pivot weir to flow into it for further filtering of flow by the filtration mechanism before leaving the system into the bottom of the catch basin, the hinged pivot weir further supported by under mounts attached to weir stops to provide structural support and said stops to prevent the hinged pivot weir from bending when in operation; said under mounts extending from the weir stops at an angle between 10 and 180 degrees and opposite ends attached to the side wall for additional support.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter basket comprises two or more filters in a vertically tiered arrangement, from bottom to top, of increasingly finer perforation or mesh, and wherein the vertically tiered arrangement is operative to provide a graduated filtration of particulate materials out of the surface water, and wherein the two or more filters are comprised of perforated metal, perforated plastic, perforated wood, wire mesh, plastic mesh, or combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter basket utilizes a louver expanded metal material with three dimensional openings that are oriented with said opening facing the opposite direction of the flow path to prevent clogging of openings.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter basket comprises the granular media, and wherein the granular media is one or more of the following: perlite, zeolite, carbon, ceramic aggregate, activated alumina, sand, expanded clay/shale/slate, compost, mulch, granular iron, or coco coir.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter basket was one or more membrane filters.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hinged pivot weir is arranged at either the middle, either end of the diversion trough or at any space along its end.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the top part of the filter basket comprises a hydrocarbon boom ring.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the filter basket comprises a removable cover, and wherein the removable top cover is comprised of perforated metal, perforated plastic, wire mesh, or plastic mesh used to keep the granular media in place.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the top of the diversion trough wall is at a lower level than the top of the wall of the hinged pivot weir and weir trash screen so during periods of high flow that exceed the capacity of the filter basket and weir trash screen the higher flows pass over the trough and not the weir, therefore allowing trash and floatables in the weir to be retained.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir illustrating the overall system.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir to emphasize the diversion trough with hinged pivot weir.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir to emphasize the ease of filter basket removal.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a side elevational section view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir illustrating the overall system.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a side elevational section view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir particularly illustrating the mountings.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir in an open position.

[0049] FIG. 8 is an iso view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with a pivot weir emphasizing the diversion trough system.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the catch basin filter system with the pivot weir in different orientations of opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, all the various embodiments of the present invention will not be described herein. It is understood that the embodiments presented here are presented by way of an example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth below.

[0052] Maintaining a regular schedule and paying maintenance fees stormwater systems can quickly become burdensome; therefore, it isn't uncommon for these systems to have a delay in maintenance. Delays in maintenance to remove captured trash and debris not only negates the well-intentioned regulatory guidelines instituted by municipalities; it can lead to local flooding because the catch basin is filled with debris and cannot store the same amount of water it was designed to store.

[0053] An additional issue with designs in the prior art is that as they become clogged with debris, particularly organic debris, if the catch basin filter isn't maintained on an as needed basis, the organic matter will begin to decay which can increase bacteria growth within the storm drain system, and could lead to increased attraction to the drain by vector insects, increasing a public health hazard and nuisance, and can also lead to localized odors wafting above ground.

[0054] A quick review of the prior art of catch basin filters can reveal the inherent issues present in the design as the filter baskets are enclosed and captured trash, debris, and pollutants must be manually removed in order to maintain the designed functionality of the filter basket and prevent flooding. This challenge is addressed in the instant invention through a combination of described elements, but particularly with the placement of the pivot or hinge weir.

[0055] A performance example of the pivot weir in combination with a multi-screen filter within a catch basin measured capture of mean particle sizes of 167 microns and as small as 75 microns. These results were verified by third party testing. The pivot weir treatment process can further be enhanced utilizing specific screening components that capture, isolate, and store larger debris and trash to increase overall system performance, create more laminar flow conditions, and prevent breakdown of trash, debris and organics such as leaves.

[0056] FIG. 1 begins to illustrate the overall catch basin with the catch basin filter assembly 10 within a catch basin 1. The assembly is in proximity of the curb and gutter 4 and the curb opening 3. The catch basin is also comprised of side walls 6 and a floor 5 and an outlet pipe 2.

[0057] FIG. 2 provides a detailed view of the catch basin filter assembly 10, particularly illustrating the diversion trough 11, trough to weir mounting bracket 14, filter basked weir 12, undermounts 15, and trash filter basket 17.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates the ease of removal of filter basket 17 with a hinged handle 18 from the diversion trough 11, filter basket weir 12 and overall catch basin filter assembly 10. The assembly 10 is mounted via a trough to weir mounting brackets 14, undermounts 15, and also includes the weir stop 16.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the catch basin filter assembly 10 installed within a catch basin 1 and the catch basin side wall 6 within position of the curb or gutter 4, a curb opening 3, manhole cover 8, catch basin access opening 9. The catch basin top 7, outlet pipe 2, and floor is also represented.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the catch basin filter assembly 10, particularly highlighting the filter basket weir 12, a trough to weir mounting bracket 14, a side view of the diversion trough 11, a weir stop 16 and an undermount 15 to secure the trash and debris filter basket 17. The catch basin filter assembly 10 is above the catch basin floor 5.

[0061] FIG. 6 is another embodiment highlighting the hinge 19 between the weir debris screen 13, a diversion trough 11, the filter basket weir 12, a trough to weir mounting bracket 14, undermounts 15, and the catch basin floor 5.

[0062] FIG. 7 is an embodiment of the movement of the pivot hinge weir 13 over the filter basket weir 12 and a weir stop 16. In some embodiments, these can be adjusted to create a greater opening. The entire catch basin filter assembly 10 fits within a cutout 20. Also shown are the hinge between the weir 19, undermounts 15, a weir stop 16, the diversion trough 11, and the trough to weir mounting bracket 14.

[0063] FIG. 8 provides a close up view of the weir cut out hole 20, the hinged debris trash screen 13, the hinge between the weir and trash screen 19, the filter basket weir 12, a weir stop 16, and undermounts 15. Adjustments to the hinge can increase access to the catch basin filter assembly 10.

[0064] FIG. 9 represents various positions of the pivot hinge debris screen weir 13 in association with the filter basket weir 12. In some embodiments, a bolt may be used to increase access. The pivot hinge debris screen weir 13 may open to at least 90 degrees.

[0065] The above description of disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the generic principals defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principals and novel features disclosed herein.