Dual channel drainage seal for channeling water seepage and mitigating radon gas admittance in a basement or subterranean area

Abstract

A dual channel drainage seal for enclosing a joint between a slab and a foundation sidewall of a subterranean area. The drainage seal includes and lower channel and an upper channel stacked over the lower channel. The lower channel is affixed on top of the slab and against the sidewall to form and enclosed channel for retaining and routing radon and/or water seepage at the joint to a sump pit. The upper channel is open on top and configured to capture and route water seepage from the sidewall above to the sump for discharge, thereby protecting the interior portions of the slab from radon and water damage.

Claims

1. A dual channel drainage seal for enclosing a joint between a slab and a foundation sidewall of a subterranean area, the dual channel drainage seal comprising: a first vertical wall section having an outer surface configured for placement against the foundation sidewall and an opposing inner surface; a second vertical wall section spaced-apart from the first vertical wall section and having an inner surface; a first horizontal wall section having a first end affixed to a lower portion of the inner surface of the first vertical wall section and a second end affixed to a mid-portion of the inner surface of the second vertical wall section; a second horizontal wall section affixed to a lower edge of the second vertical wall section, the second horizontal wall section being configured for placement against the slab, wherein the first and second horizontal wall sections and the first and second vertical wall sections are fabricated from a non-perforated, fluid impermeable material; and wherein the second horizontal wall section, a lower portion of the second vertical wall section and a bottom surface of the first horizontal wall section collectively define a lower channel, and wherein an upper surface of the first horizontal wall section, a portion of the first vertical wall section which extends above the first horizontal wall section, and an inner surface of the second vertical wall section which extend above the first horizontal wall section collectively define an upper channel of the dual channel drainage seal, wherein the upper channel is arranged over and is isolated from the lower channel such that the upper channel and lower channel are impermeable to fluid flow therebetween.

2. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the lower channel is arranged over the joint to channel radon gas admitted through the joint away from the subterranean area.

3. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the lower channel is arranged over the joint to direct flow of liquids accumulating therein to a sump or discharge conduit.

4. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 3, wherein the dual channel drainage seal is fabricated from polyvinylchloride material.

5. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first vertical wall section includes a plurality of protrusions.

6. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the second horizontal wall section includes a plurality of protrusions.

7. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the first vertical wall section is perpendicular to the first horizontal wall section.

8. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the second vertical wall section is perpendicular to the second horizontal wall section.

9. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the second vertical wall section is perpendicular to the first horizontal wall section.

10. The dual channel drainage seal of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal wall section is affixed to a lower edge of the first vertical wall section.

11. A subterranean area having the dual channel drainage seal of claim 1 positioned over the joint between the slab and the foundation sidewall of the subterranean area.

12. The subterranean area of claim 11, in which the subterranean area is a basement of an edifice.

13. The subterranean area of claim 11, in which the dual channel drainage seal is positioned between the foundation sidewall and a studded or finished wall in the subterranean area.

14. An elongated dual channel drainage seal for enclosing a joint between a slab and a foundation sidewall of a subterranean area, the elongated dual channel drainage seal comprising: an impermeable upper drainage channel stacked over a lower drainage channel, the lower drainage channel having at least one sidewall configured to abut against the slab and form an enclosure between the slab and the foundation sidewall; and the impermeable upper drainage channel having at least one sidewall configured to abut against the foundation sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall forms a U-shaped channel having a top opening configured to collect seepage through the foundation sidewall at height above the U-shaped channel, and wherein the impermeable upper drainage channel is arranged over and is isolated from the lower drainage channel such that the upper drainage channel and lower drainage channel are impermeable to fluid flow therebetween.

15. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 14, wherein the impermeable upper drainage channel routes collected seepage therein to a sump pit.

16. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 14, wherein the lower drainage channel routes seepage from the joint to a sump pit.

17. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 14, which is mounted between the foundation sidewall and a studded or finished wall in the subterranean area.

18. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 14 in which a section of the impermeable upper drainage channel stacked over the lower drainage channel is formed as arranged as a right-angle section to interface with a corner portion of the foundation sidewall of a subterranean area.

19. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 1 in which a section of the impermeable upper drainage channel stacked over the lower drainage channel is formed as arranged as a right-angle section to interface with a corner portion of the foundation sidewall of a subterranean area.

20. The elongated dual channel drainage seal of claim 1 in which at least one sensor is positioned within the upper channel and/or lower channel for sensing liquid accumulating in the dual channel drainage seal device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a basement area having a prior art drainage channel formed between the concrete slab and foundation wall;

(2) FIG. 2 is a top right side perspective view of a basement room having a prior art waterproofing drainage device installed on a foundation wall footing and below the concrete slab;

(3) FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged top, left side, perspective view of the prior art waterproofing drainage device of FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 is a top, left-side perspective view of a first embodiment of a dual channel drainage seal device of the present invention suitable for use on a slab and foundation wall of a basement or subterranean area;

(5) FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4; and

(6) FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 5 including illustrative dimensions of the device.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a subterranean structure illustrating the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4 positioned against a left-side concrete block wall and over a partial trench formed in the slab, and positioned against a right-side poured concrete wall within the partial trench formed in the slab;

(8) FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7 showing the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4 positioned against the left-side concrete block wall and over the partial trench formed in the slab;

(9) FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7 showing the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4 positioned against a right-side poured concrete wall within the partial trench formed in the slab;

(10) FIG. 10 is a top rear perspective view of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4

(11) FIG. 11 depict various views of a corner section of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4;

(12) FIG. 12 depicts various electronic sensors and communication devices for sensing liquid accumulating in the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4;

(13) FIG. 13A-13D depict installation positions of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4 under various basement wall and floor conditions;

(14) FIGS. 14A-14B depict installation positions of the dual channel drainage seal device of FIG. 4 between a studded wall and the foundation wall of the basement room; and

(15) FIG. 15 depicts a partial perspective view of a basement area having a studded interior wall for a finished basement and illustrating the dual channel drainage seal device installed between the basement wall and the studded wall.

(16) To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) The present invention is a dual channel drainage seal for channeling water seepage and mitigating radon gas entry in a basement or subterranean area. The dual channel drainage seal is installed over a joint or trench formed at the joint at which the basement slab and the foundation sidewalls meet. A first lower channel effectively blocks the admittance of radon gas from the joint or trench and directs any radon gas entering the first lower channel outside of the basement or subterranean area. Additionally, the first lower channel diverts water seepage therein from the joint or trench to a sump or drainage conduit for discharge out of the basement or subterranean area. An upper channel of the drainage seal enables any water seepage from the foundation sidewall there-above to be routed into the sump or drainage conduit for discharge out of the basement or subterranean area, thereby protecting the slab and interior area of the basement or subterranean area undesirable water seepage and moisture.

(18) FIGS. 4-5 depict a first embodiment of a novel dual channel drainage seal 100, which is configured for installation directly on a top surface of the slab 14 and against the foundation sidewall 16 to thereby cover a drainage trench 15 formed at the joint 18 between the slab 14 and wall 16 of a basement 10, such as illustratively shown in FIGS. 1-2. Thus, the dual channel drainage seal 100 differs from the prior art, since it is configured for installation above the slab 14 instead of beneath the slab 14 and addresses and solves undesirable admittance of both radon gas and water seepage 8. The dual channel drainage seal 100 includes a plurality of walls or sections including a first vertical wall section 102 having an outer rear surface 104 and an inner surface 106, a first horizontal wall section 110 having a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 114, a second vertical wall section 120 having an inner surface 122 and an outer surface 124, and a second horizontal wall section 130 having a bottom surface 132 and top surface 134. The outer rear surface 104 of the first vertical wall section 102 is configured for being bonded or otherwise securely fastened in a watertight manner against the vertical foundation wall 16, and the bottom surface 132 of the second horizontal wall section 130 is configured for being bonded or otherwise securely fastened in a watertight manner on the upper surface of the horizontal slab 14.

(19) The first horizontal wall section 110 is provided between the first and second vertical wall sections 102, 120 such that the first and second vertical wall sections 102 and 120 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first horizontal wall section 110 has a first end 111 that is attached to the inner surface 106 of, and midway or at a lower portion between, the upper and lower edges 103, 105 of the first vertical wall section 102. An opposing second end 113 of the first horizontal wall section 110 is attached to the inner surface 122 of, and substantially midway between, the upper and lower edges 121, 123 of the second vertical wall section 120. The positioning of the first horizontal wall section 110 is such that the bottom edge 105 of the first vertical wall section 110 is at a height above the bottom edge 123 of the second vertical wall section 120. The second horizontal wall section 130 is attached at the bottom edge 123 of the second vertical wall section 120 and extends inwardly in a direction towards the first vertical wall section 102. The first and second horizontal wall sections 102, 130 are preferably parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The second horizontal wall section 130 extends inwardly a distance suitable for affixing the drainage seal 100 to the top surface of the slab 10. For example, the second horizontal wall section 130 extends inwardly a distance of approximately midway of the first horizontal wall section 110, although such length is not considered limiting

(20) The bottom surface 114 of the first horizontal wall section 110, a lower portion of the inner surface 122 of the second vertical wall section 120 which extends below the first horizontal wall section 110, and the top surface 134 of the second horizontal wall section 130 collectively form a lower channel 140 of the dual channel drainage seal 100. The lower channel 140 is fully closed when the dual channel drainage seal 100 is installed and secured on the slab 14 and sidewall 16, both of which form a part of the closed lower channel 140 Additionally, the inner surface 106 of the first vertical channel 102, the top surface 112 of the first horizontal wall section 110, and an upper portion of the inner surface 122 of the second vertical wall section 120 which extends above the first horizontal wall section 110 collectively form an upper channel 142 of the dual channel drainage seal 100.

(21) In the novel embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6, the various sections are illustratively configured perpendicular to one another. That is, the first and second horizontal wall sections 110, 130 are perpendicular to the first and second vertical wall sections 102, 120. The first vertical wall section 102 and second horizontal wall section 130 are configured vertically and horizontally, respectively, so as to best conform with the vertical and horizontal orientations of the side wall 16 and slab 14, respectively. It is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art for which the invention pertains that the first horizontal wall section 110 and the second vertical wall section 120 can be curvilinear in shape and connected substantially perpendicular to the first vertical wall section 102 and the second horizontal wall section 130, as long as the stacked upper and lower (dual) channels 140 and 142 are maintained to block radon gas from seeping into the basement area 10 and directing water flow away from the slab to a sump or discharge conduit. More specifically, the upper channel 142 is suitable for collecting and diverting seepage 8 (see FIGS. 8-9) that flows through the side wall 16, while the lower channel 140 is suitable for collecting and diverting leaks and seepage that often originate around windows and/or pipe leaks.

(22) The dual channel drainage seal 100 is preferably fabricated from a solid, elongated, water impermeable material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other ridged and durable water impermeable material well-known in the art. The dual channel drainage seal 100 is preferably fabricated by extruded plastic molding or the wall sections can be welded together, among other well-known fabrication techniques and processes. Similarly, dual channel corner sections 1102, as illustratively shown in FIG. 11, are preferably fabricated by injection molding, among other well-known techniques.

(23) Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, a second embodiment of the dual channel drainage seal 600 is shown. Specifically, FIG. 6 depicts a side elevation view and FIG. 10 depicts a top, rear elevation view of the dual channel drainage seal 600. The first and second embodiments are identical except that the lower portion 108 of the first vertical section 102 does not extend below the first horizontal section 110. Rather, the first end 111 of the first horizontal wall section 110 is attached to the bottom edge 105 of the first vertical wall section 102. Additionally, the outer rear surface 104 of the first vertical wall section 102 includes a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid fins or protrusions 146 which extend longitudinally along the lengths of the outer surface 104. Similarly, the bottom surface 132 of the second horizontal wall section 130 includes a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid fins or protrusions 148 that extend longitudinally along the length of the bottom surface 132. The protrusions 146 and 148 serve as spacers to receive a waterproof adhesive or sealant material to secure and provide a watertight seal as between the first vertical wall section 102 and the adjacent sidewall 106, and the second horizontal wall section 130 and the slab 14 of the basement. The protrusions 146 and 148 are illustratively shown as rectangular in shape, which extend outwardly perpendicular from the outer surface 104 of the first vertical wall section 102 and the bottom surface 132 of the second horizontal wall section. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such shape is not considered limiting.

(24) FIG. 6 also shows preferred dimensions of the vertical and horizontal wall sections 102, 110, 120 and 130. In one embodiment, each of the sections 102, 110, 120 and 130 have a thickness of are approximately 1/16 (0.06) inches, the lower channel 140 has a height and width of approximately 2.02.0 inches, and the upper channel 142 has a height and width of approximately 1.52.0 inches. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions are not considered limiting and the various wall sections 102, 110, 120 and 130 can be sized to accommodate the dimensions (e.g., width) of the trench 15 formed in the basement 10. The overall lengths of the dual channel drainage seal 600 is in a range of 6 to 10 feet, although such lengths are not considered limiting.

(25) Although the lower and upper channels 140, 142 are preferably depicted as being rectangular in shape as formed by the vertical and horizontal walls 102, 110, 120, 130 positioned at or substantially at right angles to each other, such shape is not considered limiting, as the drain seal 100 can be curvilinear in shape. For example, the first horizontal wall section 110 can be curved, e.g., concave in shape from a top view perspective of the drain seal 100 to collect any seepage through the wall 16 thereabove, and/or the second vertical wall 120 can have a rounded and/or curvilinear shape. Moreover, the first vertical wall section 102 and second horizontal wall section 130 can be customized to conform to a specific shape of a slab 10 and/or foundation wall 16, as required.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 11, various perspective views of a corner section 1102 of the dual channel drainage seal 600 is illustratively shown. Although the corner section 1102 conforms to the second embodiment of the dual channel drainage seal 600, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the corner section can conform to the first embodiment of the dual channel drainage seal 100, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. In either embodiment, the corner section 1102 forms the upper and lower channels which include stacked right-angles 1104, which transport the fluids and/or block any gases at the corner locations of the edifice, as illustratively shown in FIG. 7.

(27) Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a subterranean structure illustrating the installation of the dual channel drainage seal device 100, 600 positioned against a left-side concrete block wall 16 and over a partial trench 15 formed in the slab 14, and positioned against a right-side poured concrete wall 16 within the partial trench 15 formed in the slab 14. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7 showing the dual channel drainage seal device 100, 600 positioned against the left-side concrete block wall 16 and having the second horizontal wall 130 positioned on top of the slab 14, such that the lower channel 140 is arranged over the partial trench 15 formed in the slab 14. FIG. 9 is an alternative enlarged view of FIG. 7 showing the dual channel drainage seal device 100, 600 positioned against the left-side poured concrete wall 16 and having the second horizontal wall 130 positioned within the partial trench 15 formed in the slab 14, such that at least a portion of the lower channel 140 is arranged within the partial trench 15.

(28) During installation, the slab 14 and lower sidewall 16 areas around the trench 15 are cleaned to eliminate any loose debris, particles and dust. One or more beads of a water-impermeable sealant, e.g., silicon, is run along the lengths of the outer surface 104 of the first vertical wall section 102 and the bottom surface 132 of the second horizontal wall section 130. The beads of sealant are run between the protrusions 146 and 148 and have a thickness slightly larger than the depth of the protrusions 146, 148. The dual channel drainage seal 100 is then positioned over the trench such that the bottom surface 132 of the second horizontal wall section 130 is seated on the slab 14 and the outer surface 104 of the first vertical wall section 102 is seated against the lower sidewall 16. Pressure is applied to the dual channel drainage seal 100 having downward force component and a horizontal force component to provide an uninterrupted and complete seal against the slab 14 and sidewall 16. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sealant can instead be applied directly to the slab 14 and the wall 16. Then the dual channel drainage seal 100 is positioned over the trench and the appropriate pressure forces are manually applied to the dual channel drainage seal to create a permanent seal against the slab 14 and the wall 16. Once the dual channel drainage seal 100 is properly positioned and set, the sealant is then allowed to cure and dry without further movement or disturbance.

(29) Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13D, the dual channel drainage seal 100, 600 is illustratively shown installed around the interior perimeter of the basement or subterranean area. The dual channel drainage seal 100, 600 can be successfully implemented with most types of basement slab/wall arrangements. For example, the drainage seal 100, 600 can be used in a closed basement without any trench or drainage system, as illustratively shown in 13A; with a French drain as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13D; or with a floating floor having a trench 15, as illustratively shown in FIG. 13C. As well, the dual channel drainage seal 100, 600 can be installed along the perimeter of radian heated basement floors, as illustratively shown in FIG. 14A and/or behind studded walls 30 or finished wall in the basement 10, as illustratively shown in FIGS. 14B and 15.

(30) Referring to FIG. 15, the water detection system 1200 can include the water/radon detectors 1204, 1206 positioned proximate areas in the basement 10 which are susceptible to leakage through the walls, such as the sewer line 1502, water line 1504, gas line 1506 and window openings/frame areas 1508. Accordingly, the combination of the dual channel drain seal 100 and the water detection system 1200 can prevent water damage to the basement and alert a home owner of a potential water/radon problem as soon as leakage accumulates in the seal device 100.

(31) In any of the illustrative basement arrangements, the novel dual channel drainage seal 100, 600 can further include a water and vapor monitoring system 1200 to provide an alarm/alert if a gas/water leak occurs. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 12, the basement area can be provided with a water and vapor monitoring system 1200 to provide an alert if a gas/water leak occurs. The water/vapor monitoring system 1200 can include a wired moisture detector 1202 or a wireless moisture detector 1204, as well as a radon or vapor detector 1206. Referring to FIG. 7, a wired moisture detector 120 and a wireless radon detector 106 are illustratively installed in the basement 10 by plugging in the device into an ordinary 15/20-amp, 120-volt electrical socket in a well-known manner. The water/vapor monitoring system 1200 can be any well-known, commercially available moisture/radon monitoring systems. The electronic monitoring devices 1202, 1204, 1206 can be positioned to monitor either or both of the lower and channels 140, 142 of the dual channel drain seal 100, 600. For example, a conductive wire extending from the water monitoring device 1202 can be positioned to reside in the lower channel 140 and/or the upper channel 142 of the dual channel drain seal between the fire stops, such that if moisture accumulates, the conductive wire will cause the monitoring device 1202 to sound an alarm and/or send an alert to an application program 1208, for example, that is loaded on a homeowner's cell phone in a well-known manner.

(32) The dual channel drain seal 100, 600 helps prevent radon from entering between the joint 18 between the sidewalls 16 and slab 14 of a basement or subterranean area 10. As well, any seepage of water at the joint 18, which may be due to excessive hydrostatic pressure from the water table below the slab 18, is retained within the lower channel 140 and routed to a sump pit 25 for collection and controlled discharge out of the basement 10. Thus, the lower channel 140 of the dual channel drain seal helps control gas and water seepage through the joint 18 between the sidewalls 16 and slab 14 of a basement or subterranean area 10. Installing the dual channel drain seal facilitates drainage of leaks at the joint and sidewall to a sump or other drainage area to help prevent mold and mildew from forming in the basement areas, especially behind a finished wall, which is often difficult to detect. Advantageously, the dual channel drain seal 100, 600 is installed on top of the slab 14 or within the trench 15 formed within the slab, thereby eliminating the need to fully breakup and excavate the slab at the joint area 18. Further, the upper channel 142 collects any water seepage through the sidewall of the basement and also routes such fluid to the sump 25 for collection and discharge out of the basement 10.

(33) While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present innovation, other and further embodiments and advantages of the innovation can be envisioned by those of ordinary skill in the art based on this description without departing from the basic scope of the innovation, which is to be determined by the claims that follow.

REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

(34) 8 Liquid seepage 10 Basement 12 Foundation footing 14 Slab 15 Trench 16 Foundation/basement walls 17 French drain 18 Joint 20 Barrier 25 Sump 26 Studded walls 30 Drainage device 32 First vertical section 34 First horizontal section 36 Sloped declining section 38 Lip 40 Second vertical section 42 Second horizontal section 44 Wall 46 Resilient seals 48 Gussets 100 1.sup.st embodiment Dual channel drainage seal 102 1.sup.st vertical wall section 103 Top edge 104 Outer rear surface 105 Bottom edge 106 Inner surface 110 1.sup.st horizontal wall section 112 Top surface 114 Bottom surface 120 2.sup.nd vertical wall section 121 Top edge 122 inner surface 123 Bottom edge 124 outer front surface 130 2.sup.nd horizontal wall section 132 Bottom surface 134 Top surface 140 Lower channel 142 Upper channel 146 Protrusions 148 Protrusions 600 2.sup.nd embodiment Dual channel drainage seal 1102 corner section 1104 right angle channel 1200 water and vapor monitoring system 1202 wired water detector 1204 wireless water detector 1206 vapor detector 1208 application program 1502 sewer line 1504 water line 1506 gas line 1508 window frame.