System and method for removing moisture from water laden structures

Abstract

The invention provides an improved method of drying wet or water damaged surfaces using a vacuum source, a manifold, and a plastic sheet covered grid having a lattice formation with spaces to permit the passing of moisture and air from and beneath the surface to the vacuum source.

Claims

1. A drying system to remove water from and beneath a surface comprising: a vacuum chamber in sealable contact with at least two planar surfaces, the chamber having at least one port to receive a vacuum and a periphery to effect sealing; and a vacuum source connected with the port, wherein the vacuum source creates an enclosure of negative pressure within the chamber and urges water to flow from beneath each surface and towards the vacuum source to effect moisture removal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber straddles across and makes sealable contact with the surfaces of a floor and a wall, or a wall and a ceiling, or a wall and a wall.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the angle of separation between each surface is approximately 90 degrees.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber straddles across and makes sealable contact with the surfaces of a first wall, an second wall, and a floor.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber straddles across and makes sealable contact with the surfaces of a first wall, an second wall, and a ceiling.

6. A surface drying system comprising: a vacuum mat having a surface with at least one vacuum port and a plurality of channels; and a vacuum source connected with the port, wherein the vacuum source creates an enclosure of negative pressure within the perimeter of the mat and urges water to flow through the channels towards the vacuum source to effect moisture removal.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of channels is made by a surface pattern formed into the mat.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of channels are made by a grid having a plurality of overlapping strands underneath the mat.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the port includes a manifold, the manifold having at least one nozzle, the first end of the nozzle in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the second end of the nozzle in fluid communication with the mat.

10. A method for removing moisture, the method comprising: connecting a vacuum source to a first end of a flexible hose, the flexible hose having a second end; placing at least one interplane vacuum chamber with a port to straddle across and make sealable contact with a first plane and a second plane, the first plane intersecting with the second plane; connecting the second end of the flexible hose to the port; and applying the vacuum, creating within the interplane vacuum chamber a reservoir of negative pressure, to effect moisture removal underneath and from the surfaces each plane.

11. A method for removing moisture, the method comprising: placing at least one water impermeable vacuum mat having a manifold over a surface, the mat configured to have a lattice formation, the lattice formation providing spaces; connecting the manifold with a vacuum source; and applying a vacuum, wherein negative pressure causes water to flow through the spaces within the lattice formation to the vacuum source to effect moisture removal underneath and from the surface.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the lattice pattern is formed into the mat

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the lattice pattern is formed by a plurality of overlapping strands underneath the mat.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein the vacuum mats are separately connected to the vacuum source.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein the vacuum mats receive vacuum from vacuum mats connected to the vacuum source.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein a first vacuum mat is placed on a first plane, and a second vacuum mat is placed on a second plane, the first plane intersecting with the second plane.

17. A system for removing moisture, the system comprising: a means for connecting a vacuum source to a first end of a flexible hose, the flexible hose having a second end; a means for placing at least one interplane vacuum chamber with a port to straddle across and make sealable contact with a first plane and a second plane, the first plane intersecting with the second plane; a means for connecting the second end of the flexible hose to the port; and applying the vacuum, creating within the interplane vacuum chamber a reservoir of negative pressure, to effect moisture removal underneath and from the surfaces of each plane.

18. A system for removing moisture, the system comprising: a means for placing at least one water impermeable vacuum mat having a manifold over a surface, the mat configured to have a lattice formation, the lattice formation providing spaces; a means for connecting the manifold with a vacuum source; and a means for applying a vacuum, wherein negative pressure causes water to flow through the spaces within the lattice formation to the vacuum source to effect moisture removal underneath and from the surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0049] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a prior configuration;

[0050] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the general configuration of the active hoseline feature of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 3A is side view of the active hoseline feature of the invention, showing two inserts installed therein;

[0052] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional side view of the insert oriented 90 degrees from the view of FIG. 3A, or as seen from the perspective of viewing along the direction of the active hoseline;

[0053] FIG. 3C is a cross section view of the insert inserted into the active hoseline, and oriented the same as FIG. 3B;

[0054] FIG. 3D is cross section view of the insert oriented the same as the inserts shown installed in FIG. 3A, and 90 degrees from that shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C;

[0055] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views, and cross section top views, respectively, of the improved injector feature of the invention;

[0056] FIGS. 5A-5E are illustrations of the floor drying system feature of the invention;

[0057] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and end views, respectively, of the floor plate of the floor drying aspect of the invention, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional detail of the grid of the floor drying aspect of the invention, and FIG. 6D is a top-view detail of a section of the same grid;

[0058] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an interplane vacuum chamber seal-sealed against a wall-floor junction;

[0059] FIG. 8A is another isometric view of the interplane vacuum chamber;

[0060] FIG. 8B is a side view along the long axis of the interplane vacuum chamber;

[0061] FIG. 8C is a side view along the short axis of the interplane vacuum chamber;

[0062] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of alternate embodiments of the interplane vacuum chamber;

[0063] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a vacuum manifold for attachment with a negative pressure blower;

[0064] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an array of single-ported vacuum mats connected with two vacuum hoses;

[0065] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric top view of the single port-multi reservoir region of the vacuum mat;

[0066] FIG. 13A depicts an isometric top view of an alternate multi port-multi reservoir region embodiment of the vacuum mat:

[0067] FIG. 13B depicts an isometric bottom view of the multi port-multi reservoir region from underneath the vacuum mat, and

[0068] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a branched combination arrangement between single and multi-ported vacuum mats and the terminus of a vacuum hose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates the prior art as set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/890,141 and serves as a basis to explain advantages of the active hoseline feature of present invention.

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates the general configuration and context for the subsequent figures and description of the invention. It will be appreciated that while the tubes 10 of FIG. 2 are of uniform and short relatively short length, and of uniform frequency along hose 12 for drying wall 16 just above baseboard 14, the tubes 10 can be of any length, or of any frequency of distribution, regular or irregular, along hose 12. For example, in some applications it may be desirable for alternate tubes 10 to be long enough to reach a ceiling above the wall 16. In many applications, the preferred frequency of tube distribution along hose 12 will be 8 inches, such that two tubes 10 can be supplied between each wall cavity, such wall cavities (formed by studs within the wall) generally being approximately 16 inches wide along the length of wall 16.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be seen in FIG. 3A that hose 12 will generally be corrugated or ribbed and thus have grooves 18 between each corrugation. Typically, the corrugation will be spiral along the entire length of hose 12, but it need not be, and indeed the corrugation is only a typical feature of most hoses, but is not required for the practice of the invention. (Where the hose 12 is not corrugated, the means for preventing rotation of the insert 20 will differ from that described below). Hoseline 12 is penetrated in FIG. 3A by two inserts 20. Inserts 20 are for receiving and connecting to tubes 10 shown in FIG. 1 and as hereafter described.

[0072] FIG. 3B shows a cross section of insert 20 (typical). Insert 20 is comprised of a piercing point 22, an air scoop 24 adjacent the piercing point 22 and affixed to a hollow shaft 26. Circumferentially about hollow shaft 26 is a barbed nozzle 28 for insertion into tube 10 from FIG. 2. Between barbed nozzle 28 and air scoop 24 along and circumferentially about hollow shaft 26 is a sealing flange 30 having a curved underside 32 and posts 34. Posts 34 are designed and configured to fit within grooves 18 of hose 12, to prevent rotation of insert 20 once inserted into hose 12. While a pair of opposing posts 34 are shown in FIG. 3B, it will be appreciated that only one such post 34, or any other number of such posts may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Similarly, if hose 12 is not corrugated, and thus lacks grooves 18, posts 34 may be sharper, shorter and more numerous than shown, and thereby prevent rotation by partially piercing the outer surface of hose 12, or may be prevented from rotation by suction, adhesive, friction, by wrapping partially around the circumference of hose 12, or by any other means.

[0073] Curved underside 32 of sealing flange 30 has a curvature matching the curvature of the outside diameter of hose 12 so as to facilitate sealing to prevent air passage where insert 20 penetrates hose 12 (except of course through hollow shaft 26 as intended). While such curvature is advantageous, and is an inventive aspect, it will be appreciated that it need not be curved, and that such curvature is not essential to the practice of the invention. Similarly, in some applications adhesive may be used to facilitate a seal between insert 20 and hose 12, but adhesive is not required. For example, in the preferred embodiment, it is anticipated that air scoop 24 will have an inside sealing flange 36 opposite piercing point 22 that will seat against the inner diameter of hose 12 so as to provide a seal. In most embodiments, hose 12 will have a smooth curved surface, even if hose 12 is corrugated on the outside, such that a corresponding curvature may be supplied on inside sealing flange 36. However, it will be appreciated that the seal may be accomplished by any means, and that such corresponding curvature is not required to practice the invention, and that hose 12 may be of any type.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, insert 20 is oriented such that air scoop 24 is facing toward the blower, or parallel with the air flow direction within hose 12. This orientation is shown in FIG. 3C, and will generally result in greater efficiency of the system. However, in alternate embodiments, alternate orientation may be desired. Note that FIG. 3C and FIG. 3B are oriented in the same way, and 90 degrees different from the orientation of FIG. 3A. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, posts 34 straddle part of the circumference of hose 12 at the same point along the length of hose 12. While this arrangement has certain advantages, it will be appreciated that post or posts 34 may be provided anywhere on curved underside 32, and may fit within any groove or grooves 18 in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, posts 18 may be eliminated altogether in applications where prevention of rotation of insert 20 is not required or desired. For example, in some applications it may be desirable to permit easy rotation of insert 20 to adjust the air flow captured or routed by air scoop 24. In most embodiments however, it will be desirable to prevent such rotation.

[0075] In the preferred embodiment, piercing point 22 will be sharp enough and hard enough to enable the puncturing and penetration of the hose 12 simply by grasping the insert 20 by the hand and pushing it through the hose 12. Such configuration eliminates the need for tools in the field when additional inserts are required or desired. However, it will be appreciated that in some applications it will be desirable to construct the insert with material or of a shape that will require tools for such penetration, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0076] It will be appreciated that the length of hollow shaft 26 between curved underside 32 and sealing flange 36 will generally be the same as the thickness of the wall of hose 12, and perhaps slightly shorter so as to squeeze the hose somewhat for a superior seal.

[0077] In the depicted embodiment, it will be seen that sealing flange 36 is configured so as to prevent easy removal of the insert 20 from the hose 12. However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to taper or curve sealing flange 36 so that removal is easier. Alternately, in some embodiments sealing flange 36 can be slot-shaped in plan view such that, after penetration, insert 20 can be rotated ninety degrees thereby locking insert 20 into place, not withdrawable until rotated ninety degrees again so that the flange is parallel with the slice made by the initial penetration.

[0078] In the depicted embodiment, barbed nozzle 28 is barbed to facilitate a frictional seal between insert 20 and tubes 10 (not shown in FIG. 3, but shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.) However, it will be appreciated that barbed nozzle 28 need not be barbed as shown, nor even be sealed frictionally to tube 10, but may be configured in any manner to facilitate a substantial seal between the tube 10 and the insert 20. Indeed, in some applications it may be preferable to not effect any such seal, but it is anticipated that a seal will generally be preferable.

[0079] FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional side view of insert 20. The dotted lines therein depict the interior of hollow shaft 26, through which air passes in operation of the invention.

[0080] FIG. 4 depicts the improved injector feature of the invention. FIG. 4A is a side view if improved injector 40. Injector 40 has a barbed nozzle 42 similar to the barbed nozzle 28 of FIG. 3. Thus, tubes 10 typically connect to barbed nozzle 28 of FIG. 3 on one end and barbed nozzle 42 of FIG. 4 on the other end. In this manner, dry air is blown from the blower through hose to the wet cavity through the tube 10 and injector 40 (in positive pressure mode), or conversely, wet air is sucked from the wet cavity through the injector 40 and tube 10 to the hose, and then to the blower (in negative pressure mode). As with barbed nozzle 28, in the preferred embodiment barbed nozzle 42 may be configured in any manner to effect a substantial seal with tube 10.

[0081] Adjacent barbed nozzle 42 is a tube flange 44 for further facilitating a seal between tube 10 and injector 40. While tube flange 44 is a feature of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that it is not required for the practice of the invention.

[0082] Adjacent tube flange 44 (or adjacent barbed nozzle 42 if a tube flange 44 is not used), is a barbed connector nozzle 46 for connecting another tube 10 to the injector when the injector 40 is used only as a connector, and not as an injector. That is, a feature of the improved injector 40 is that it can be used as a connector between tubes 10 as well as serving as an injector. This dual purpose or function of improved injector 40 is a significant improvement over prior systems. It facilitates improved versatility and convenience in the field. The connector mode may be useful, for example, when a longer tube is desired at a particular point along the hose. A second tube can simply be attached to the first one by slipping it over the injector 40, and seating it along the barbed connector nozzle 46.

[0083] Another inventive aspect of the improved injector 40 is the locking mechanism 50. Locking mechanism 50 is comprised of one or more flexible tabs 52, which, when compressed into injector 40, do not add any dimension to the diameter or outside width of injector 50, but when released, expand the effective diameter or outside width of injector 40 so as to retard or prevent unwanted withdrawal of injector 40 from the wall or ceiling (or other) hole into which it is inserted for drying of a wet structural cavity.

[0084] In the preferred embodiment, a pair of flexible tabs 52, as shown in FIG. 4B, are arranged opposite one another such that the user can easily grasp the pair between forefinger and thumb, and thereby insert the injector 40 into the hole in the structure enclosing the wet cavity to be dried. However, it will be appreciated that any number of flexible tabs (even merely one), can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Similarly, while in the preferred embodiment the means for effecting the expansion of the tabs beyond the diameter or outside width of the injector 40 is the flexibility of the tabs, molded out of plastic to spring outward from the injector, it will be appreciated that the expansion may be accomplished by other means, such as with a spring. In any case, unlike present systems, the friction is effected behind the wall or ceiling (typically where aesthetics are not a concern), and the withdrawal prevention can be effected with a much smaller hole than otherwise. Moreover, unlike prior friction-based withdrawal prevention systems, the removal can be effected completely non-destructively, simply by squeezing the flexible tabs 52 together into the injector 40.

[0085] An additional inventive feature of the present invention is the improved means for preventing clogging or plugging. Referring again to FIG. 4A, it will be seen that injector 40 has at its end opposite barbed flange 42 a slot 60. Slot 60 is an improvement over prior systems in that it is less amenable to plugging than is the relief valve hole of prior systems designed to create a Bernoulli effect. Thus, in addition to a hole at the end of the injector (not shown), which is the means of prior systems to remove wet air or insert dry air, the present injector has a slot 60 along the side of the injector as an alternate route for the air to move should the end hole of the injector ever clog or plug.

[0086] While injector 40 is shown as being substantially straight, it will be appreciated that it may be slightly or substantially curved, as that may be desirable in certain applications, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0087] In the currently preferred embodiment, injector 40 is approximately 2 inches in overall length, and approximately 3/16 inch in outside diameter on the injector end (that is, the end that is inserted into the wet cavity, as opposed to the barbed nozzle 42 end for receiving the tube 10). However, it will be appreciated that even smaller, or if desired, larger diameter injectors are possible. Similarly, while it is generally preferred that the injector 40 be generally tubular, that is round in cross sectional end view, it need not be so. It could be a square tube, triangular tube, octagonal tube, or any shape permitting the passage of air.

Floor Drying System

[0088] The floor drying aspect of the invention will now be described. While the previous aspects of the invention can be used to dry floors, the following aspect of the new system is particularly advantageous in drying floors, especially hardwood floors. Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5E, what is illustrated is the general method of the new system for drying floors, using the components described in greater detail in FIG. 6. Specifically, FIG. 5A shows the grid laid on the wet floor with a floor plate thereon, and both covered with the impermeable membrane. This membrane is sealed around its perimeter with tape, and is being pierced just above the barbed nozzles of the floor plate. FIG. 5B shows the membrane fitted neatly over the barbed nozzles of the floor plate. FIG. 5C shows two floor plates resting on the grid. FIG. 5D shows the tape being used to seal the membrane over the floor plate and grid. FIG. 5E shows tubes affixed to barbed nozzles of the floor plate, with the tubes off the page being connected to a manifold or hose to the blower, and illustrating the system ready to begin drying in negative pressure mode.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 6, floor plate 70 (12 inch version shown) has a plurality of barbed nozzles 72 for receiving tubing from the hose and blower system previously described. Floor plate 70 is shown in end view in FIG. 6B. Floor plate 70 has side walls 74 which raise floor plate off of the grid by a dimension 76. Dimension 76 is anticipated to be approximately inch, but can be any dimension sufficient to permit air to pass under floor plate 70 and out through barbed nozzles 72 (which are hollow, and connect with tubes 10 as do barbed nozzles 28 and 42 previously described).

[0090] Floor plate 70 depicted in FIGS. 5A-5E, and in FIGS. 6A and 6B, rests upon the grid 78 shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. Grid 78 is comprised of roughly parallel upper strands 80 in one plane superimposed over another set of roughly parallel lower strands 82 in a lower plane. While the strands 82 are roughly parallel with other strands 82, and the strands 80 are roughly parallel with the other strands 80, strands 80 and 82 are not parallel with each other such that, as shown in FIG. 6D, a lattice-work type formation is created. The precise angle of orientation of the strands 80 and 82 relative to each other is not critical. All that is critical for this aspect of the invention is that air and moisture are able to pass from one plane to the other (or in other words, so as to be able to move laterally). That is, the purpose of grid 78 is to provide a space between the impermeable membrane (not shown), which is laid over the grid, and the wet floor through which air and moisture may pass, even when the negative pressure is exerted against the membrane. (In positive pressure mode, no grid is required, but more care must be taken that the perimeter is sealed).

[0091] Now that the details of the particular components of the floor drying system have been described, a general description of the use of the system is provided. Reference to FIGS. 5A-5E may again be helpful here.

[0092] In the preferred embodiment, the grid 78 is either 300 square feet (in the 60 Pak) and 450 square feet (in the 90 Pak). This grid is 30 inches wide. To make handling easier, one way to use it is to cut it into three foot long pieces. When covering a wet area with the grid, the user simply places on the floor enough pieces to cover the affected area to be dried. The grid is irregular enough to allow air and moisture to travel up vertically and then horizontally as there is not a perfect seal between the grid and the floor surface.

[0093] Irregular extruded grid to allow air and moisture to move vertically and laterally between two surfaces, one flat and firm and the other conforming to grid surface (e.g. visqueen).

[0094] The basic components of the system in its preferred embodiment include:

[0095] Vacuum plate that is tunnel shaped that conforms to grid, sealable with the visqueen. Plate is to have vacuum attachment points.

[0096] Vacuum means of 40+ inches of water lift

[0097] Plastic sealing such as 4 mil visqueen.

[0098] In the preferred method of use, painter's tape is specified, as it will not remove finish from the floor when removed. Three or four mil plastic sheeting is recommended as the impermeable membrane because of its ease of handing and use. It is also tough enough to allow foot traffic when system setup is completed.

[0099] Floors that can be effectively dried include hardwood, plaster walls with wet door headers, quarry tile, marble, and other surfaces that include grout which can allow moisture to penetrate beneath the surface.

[0100] In the currently preferred embodiment, the mechanics and steps are as follows:

[0101] Apply special grid 78 to the wet area. This is an irregular grid designed to let moisture and air travel vertically and horizontally between two sealing surfaces. The one surface obviously is the hardwood and the next covering layer will be 3-4 mil plastic sheeting.

[0102] Apply a special vacuum plate 70 on top of the grid. On the top of the plate will be barbed nozzles 72 that will penetrate the plastic sheeting.

[0103] The perimeter will be sealed with 2 wide painter's tape. This type of tape is preferred, as it will not harm the wood finish. If sanding is to be done, lesser expensive masking tape may be used.

[0104] The next step will be to set up blowers such as an Injectidry HP 60 or 90 set on the suction side (negative pressure mode). Next, connect the tubes from the standard Injectidry manifolds to the barbed nozzles 72 on the floor plates 70. When the system is set up, turn on the HP drying system and the floor will be appear to be shrink wrapped.

[0105] In the preferred method of use, some of the finish should be removed prior to drying, using a 3M type floor stripping pads disk beneath a buffer or use fine sandpaper taking care to not take off more than just a little of the finish. No preparatory aggressive sanding should be done unless sanding and refinishing are to be done on completion. If you do not remove some of the finish, however, the drying may not occur very quickly.

[0106] The subfloor must be dried for effective results. If there is a crawlspace, inspect, pull down wet insulation and dry using air movement and dehumidification. If moisture is not removed to equilibrium, the wood floor will most likely gain this excess moisture and cup. If the underside is a finished room, a second HP 60 or 90 can be set up to dry through the ceiling. This will dry the subfloor. Moisture readings of all surface material including subfloor will be the only way to determine dry. In preferred usage, jobs should be monitored daily. Some jobs can literally dry overnight, especially if finish is removed, and over-drying can damage the floor.

[0107] While the preferred usage is for hardwoods, other floors such as tile, slate floors, concrete and other semi-permeable hard surfaces can be dried using the system. Summary of steps (not necessarily in sequence) in the preferred method of the system:

[0108] Step 1: Determine the area that has elevated moisture content.

[0109] Step 2: Might include the initial partial removal of finish in selected areas by light sanding or chemical stripping.

[0110] Step 3: Place the grid over the damp area.

[0111] Step 4: Place a floor plate over the grid out of the traffic area.

[0112] Step 5: Place 3 or 4 mil visqueen over the wet area and over the grid and plate (such a Vac-It Plate available from Injectidry).

[0113] Step 6: Seal around the edges with tape. If no sanding is anticipated, releasable painters tape should be used. Otherwise, masking tape may be used. This will seal the visqueen to the surface to be treated.

[0114] Step 7: Connect tubes to Vac-It Plate and connect tubing to vacuum means.

[0115] Step 8: Apply vacuum.

[0116] Step 9: Monitor and stop drying when equilibrium is reached.

[0117] Step 10: Remove grid and evaluate for any further work.

[0118] Objective is to remove moisture faster than the standard method of letting the wet material dry out naturally, or by merely blowing air over the surface, or by puncturing the floor with holes. Further objective is to provide lower pressure point to induce moisture to move toward lower pressure.

[0119] Other vacuum-based embodiments of the invention use perimeter-deployed and room-centered systems to deliver dry air exchanges with moisture-laden floors, walls, and ceilings. The perimeter deployed systems are illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, and room-centered systems in FIGS. 10-11.

[0120] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an interplane vacuum chamber 104 seal-sealed against a wall-floor junction. The chamber 104 has a front face 104A that is secured by reinforcing rods 104A. Disposed approximately in the middle of the front face 104A is a hose port 104C. Along the periphery of the chamber 104 is a flange 104D, which holds a sealing cushion 104E. The chamber 104 straddles across the junctional regions of a wall 108 and a floor 112. A vacuum hose 116 attaches to the hose port 104C, and to a hose junction 120, which in turn is attached to another vacuum hose 116. The vacuum hose 116 is routed to a vacuum source. The vacuum hose 116 may be punctured by the insert 20 so that vacuum may be conveyed through tubes 10 attached to the insert 20.

[0121] FIG. 8A is another isometric view of the interplane vacuum chamber showing in greater detail the arrangements of the face 104A, the reinforcing rods 104B, the vacuum port 104C, the flange 104D, and one of the side faces 104F.

[0122] FIG. 8B is a side view along the long axis of the interplane vacuum chamber showing the arrangement of the elements of FIG. 8A.

[0123] FIG. 8C is a side view along the short axis of the interplane vacuum chamber and more prominently shows the sealing cushion 104E and the side face 104F with regards to the rest of the elements in FIG. 8A. The sealing cushion 104E contacts the wall and floor surfaces, and upon application of a vacuum, seals the ambient air from the applied vacuum and receives the pressing force of ambient pressure forcing the chamber 104 into the cushion 104E against the surfaces of the floor and wall. The sealing cushion 104E is designed to accommodate varying degrees of surface roughness or surface patterns to impart a good vacuum seal. For surfaces having a sufficiently smooth and uniform texture, alternate embodiments of the interplane vacuum chamber 104 may be applied without the seal cushion 104E in that the perimeter contact points along the flange 104D may be sufficiently complementary to the surfaces exhibiting sufficiently smooth and uniform textures to effect a good seal. For surfaces exhibiting hard and rough or irregular surfaces, the sealing cushion 104E will be soft and spongy to sealably engage the rough and irregular surfaces.

[0124] The chamber 104 is placed along a wall-floor junctional interface and the vacuum is applied. The chamber 104, as configured in the illustration, provides three faces of the chamber, and the wall and floor each supply another face. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the interplane chamber 104 operates as a 5-sided chambera front face 104A, two side faces 104F, the portion of a wall that is straddled, and the portion of the floor that is straddled. As vacuum enters the port 104C, air is removed and the chamber 104 presses against the wall and floor surfaces to make a vacuum port at the wall-floor junction. Water and water-laden air migrates to the vacuum inside the interplane chamber 104.

[0125] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of alternate embodiments of the interplane vacuum chamber. A small interplane chamber 134 and a medium interplane chamber 144 are shown, each having a port 104C. The small and medium interplane chambers 134 and 144 do not have reinforcing rods and are smaller than the interplane chamber 104.

[0126] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a vacuum manifold 154 for attachment with a negative pressure blower. The manifold 154 is approximately hemispherical and includes a plurality of nine hose ports 158, nine being illustrated. More or fewer hose ports are possible, and the manifold need not be hemispherical. The manifold 154 adapts to a vacuum source and each hose port 158 receives the vacuum hose 116. Vacuum pressure is conveyed from the vacuum source through the manifold 154, the vacuum hose 116, and the interplane vacuum chambers 104, 134, and 144. Vacuum pressure is also conveyed between injector 40 mounted in walls, through tubing 10 attached to hose insert 20 penetrating hose 116, and manifold 154 via hose port 158.

[0127] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an array of single-ported vacuum mats connected with two vacuum hoses. As illustrated, a plurality of vacuum mats 204 are placed over water laden areas nearby two vacuum hoses 116. Each vacuum mat 204 has a single port vacuum manifold 210 integral with the vacuum mat 204. The mat 204 is intended to be self-sealing on a single planar surface, and does not straddle two substantially non-parallel surfaces. The single port manifold 210 is designed to be connected to the vacuum hose 116 via the tube 10 attached to the insert 20 that penetrates through the vacuum hose 116. As shown in FIG. 11, the vacuum hose 116 serves as a major vacuum trunk line, and the tube 10 connects to the single port manifold 210. Each vacuum mat 204 has at least one single port manifold 210. As shown in FIG. 11, additional single port manifold 210 not connected via the tube 10 to the hose 116 are stopper shut by using shorter lengths of tubing 11 in which stoppers are inserted to minimize vacuum loses. Alternatively, short lengths of tubing 11 may be pinched shut to preserve vacuum by using pinch or hosing clamps.

[0128] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of the single port vacuum manifold 210 of the vacuum mat in greater detail. The reservoir region 210 includes a raised outer plateau 210A integral with and rising from the mat 204. Integral with and rising from the outer plateau 210A is an inner plateau 210B. As illustrated the plateaus 210A and 210B are substantially rectangular, but other shapes are possiblefor example, circular and oval plateau shapes.

[0129] Interposed with and between the plateaus 210A and 210B are four dome-like reservoirs 210 C distributed approximately in the middle of each side of the plateaus 210A and B. Rising from the middle of the inner plateau 210B is a vacuum port 210D configured to receive the tube 10. The vacuum port 210D is cone shaped to securely attach and hold the tube 10. The number of plateaus and domes may be varied to adjust the cumulative volume of the reservoir available to the manifold 210. Supporting the single-port manifold 210 are four manifold supports 210E that engage the surface to which the vacuum mat 204 is placed. The four manifold supports 210E are solidly configured and do not convey vacuum. The manifold supports 210E serve to minimize the flexing of the single-port manifold 210 that can occur while vacuum is applied, and the number and placement of manifold supports 210E may be varied to accommodate the task of stabilizing the single-port manifold 210 to applied vacuum. Also shown in FIG. 12 in the vacuum mat 204 is one of a plurality of mat supports 204A. The mat support 204A are spaced to provide sufficient clearance between the mat 204 and the floor or other surface it engages to transfer vacuum to foster the transfer of water from on or beneath the surface towards the vacuum source.

[0130] FIG. 13A depicts an isometric top view of an alternate embodiment of the manifold 210 for the vacuum mat 204, namely a multi-port vacuum manifold 310. Substantially similar to the single port reservoir region 210, the multi-port manifold 310 includes at least one, and as illustrated in FIG. 13, includes five vacuum ports 310D. In greater detail, the manifold 310 includes a raised outer plateau 310A integral with and rising from the mat 204. Integral with and rising from the outer plateau 310A is an inner plateau 310B. As illustrated the plateaus 310A and 310B are substantially rectangular, but other shapes are possiblefor example, circular and oval plateau shapes.

[0131] Interposed with and between the plateaus 310A and 310B are four dome-like reservoirs 310 C distributed approximately in the middle of each side of the plateaus 310A and B. Rising from the middle of the inner plateau 210B is a vacuum port 310D configured to receive the tube 10. The vacuum port 310D is cone shaped to securely attach and hold the tube 10. Rising between the domes 310C and near the corners of the inner plateau 310B are four additional vacuum ports 310D. The number of plateaus and domes may be varied to adjust the cumulative volume of the reservoir available to the manifold 310. Similarly, the number of ports may be varied to accommodate different combination arrangements between the vacuum mat 204 to the trunk line 116 or to other vacuum plates 204. Supporting the multi-port manifold 310 are four manifold supports 310E that engage the surface to which the vacuum mat 204 is placed. The four manifold supports are solidly configured and to do not convey vacuum. The manifold supports 310E serve to minimize the flexing of the multi-port manifold 310 that can occur while vacuum is applied. The number and placement of manifold supports 310E may be varied to accommodate the task of stabilizing the multi-port manifold 310 to applied vacuum. Also shown in FIG. 13A in the vacuum mat 204 is one of a plurality of mat supports 204A. The mat supports 204A are spaced to provide sufficient clearance between the mat 204 and the floor or other surface it engages to transfer vacuum to foster the transfer of water or fluids from on or beneath the surface towards the vacuum source.

[0132] FIG. 13B depicts an isometric bottom view of the multi port-multi reservoir region from underneath the vacuum mat. As shown, the reverse configuration of FIG. 13A is depicted for the plateaus 310A and 310B, the four dome-like reservoirs 310C, the five vacuum ports 310D, and the four manifold supports 310 E. The reverse configuration of the mat support 204A are more clearly shown to reveal one of a plurality of mat channels 204B interposed between the mat channels 204A. It is through the mat channels 204B that vacuum is communicated from the multi-port manifold 310 (or as the case may be, the single port manifold 210) throughout the underside (surface contacting side) of the mat 204, and through which water laden vapor or fluids migrate towards the vacuum source.

[0133] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a branched combination arrangement between single and multi-ported vacuum mats and the terminus of a vacuum hose. Here two single vacuum mats 204 each having single manifolds 210 are shown branching from a vacuum mat having a multi-manifold 310. The main vacuum hose 116 terminates with a cap 320, and three vacuum lines 10 are connected to the cap 320 of the vacuum hose 116. The three vacuum lines 10 are connected to three of the five ports 310D in the multi-port manifold 310. The other two vacuum mats 204 are connected via vacuum lines 10 to the multi-port manifold 310 via the forth and fifth ports 310D, each respectively to the single port manifold 210D. As shown in FIG. 14, additional single port manifold 210 not connected to the vacuum hose 116 are stopper shut with closed tubing 11.

[0134] The arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 14 allows the extension of vacuum to distances exceeding the limits of the main vacuum line 116, especially when available lengths of tubing 10 are limited to pre cut sections, the length of which does not permit direct connection to the cap 320 at the distances required to reach the water laden areas as covered by the single-port manifold 210 plates. In such an arrangement, water laden areas of floor beyond reach to the main vacuum hose 116 can be reached by the series connection between mats 204 respectively equipped with multi-port and single port manifolds 310 and 210.

[0135] While the preferred embodiment of most of the components of the described system will be constructed of plastic, it may be made of many materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as flexible metals or fiberglass.

[0136] The foregoing embodiment is merely illustrative of the use or implementation of but one of several variations or embodiments of the invention. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0137] For example, the interplane vacuum chamber 104 may have more than one vacuum port, and may be configured to be placed in rooms where the interplanes intersect at angles other than 90 degrees between each plane. For example, the interplane chamber 104 may be placed in rooms having corners of acute or obtuse angles. Furthermore, the interplane vacuum chamber may be configured to be placed in the corners of room and thus straddle across three planes that intersect near the corners of two walls and a floor, or two walls and a ceiling. The corner embodiment of the interplane vacuum chamber may similarly be configured to straddle across corners at angles other than 90 degrees between each plane, and have more than one vacuum port.

[0138] As regards the vacuum mats 204, the placing of the mats may be on the floor and on adjoining walls, each independently attached to the main vacuum hose 116 directly from their respective 210 single port or 310 multi port manifolds. Or, as shown in FIG. 13, may be serially connected with a vacuum mat 204 fitted with a 310 multi port manifold connected in series first to the main vacuum hose 116, then to a vacuum mat 204 fitted with a single port manifold 210.

[0139] With regards to the active hoseline, while the system contemplates that the inserts in the active hoseline may be added by users at will, it is contemplated that the preferred embodiment will be sold as a completely pre-configured system, such that no inserts need to be installed by the user, and that the inserts will be essentially permanent for durability.

[0140] While the preferred embodiment contemplates that the inserts may be inserted easily by hand, in some applications it may be preferable that insertion and/or removal of the inserts will require tools. Also, in the preferred embodiment, it is anticipated that the removal of the insert will not leave a hole in the hose, but that the hole into which it was place previously will essentially reseal upon removal of the insert.

[0141] In the preferred embodiment, the inserts for the tubes will be spaced every eight inches. However any frequency, regular or irregular, may be practiced without departing from the invention. Similarly, in the preferred embodiment, hoses will come in ten foot standard lengths. However, any length of hose may be provided, as well as any length of tube. An advantage of the invention is that manifolds (such as that of my prior system) are not required. However, a manifold may still be used with the invention.

[0142] The invention may be practiced with the hoses terminating, or forming a complete circuit back to the blower, and with any number of blowers. Similarly, either positive or negative pressure may be used with the system. Furthermore, the vacuum mats, interplane vacuum chambers, tubes, and hoses may be made of transparent materials, such as plastics, so that the flow of moisture may be visually monitored. This decision will be dictated by conditions or goals.