System and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in drainage systems with a cage device

Abstract

A fluid control system to control fluid flow within a drainage system is disclosed that includes a cage configured to couple an interior wall of a structure of the drainage system, wherein the cage at least partially surrounds an aperture of the interior wall, and a float device configured to be encapsulated within the cage, wherein while in a resting state, the float device at least partially covers an aperture of the structure of the drainage system. In some instances, when fluid contacts the float device at a flow rate of at least a flow threshold, the float device is configured to at least partially uncover the aperture of the interior wall, or further uncover the aperture of the interior wall. The float device may be formed from a buoyant material and configured to rise from the resting state in accordance with a rising fluid level within the structure.

Claims

1. A fluid control system to control fluid flow within a drainage system, the fluid control system comprising: a cage coupled to an interior sidewall of a structure of the drainage system, wherein the cage at least partially surrounds an aperture of the interior sidewall, wherein the cage includes a plurality of bars including a first bar, a second bar, a third bar, and a fourth bar, wherein the first bar extends from a top of the cage to the interior sidewall thereby forming a side of the cage and a bottom of the cage, wherein the second bar and the third bar each extend from the first bar to the top of the cage without coupling to the interior sidewall, and wherein the bottom of the cage is in a gravitational direction relative to the top of the cage; and a float device encapsulated within the cage, wherein while in a resting state the float device covers the aperture of the interior sidewall of the structure of the drainage system, wherein fluid flow is allowed through the aperture of the interior wall when the float device is dislodged from the resting state to an elevated position, wherein a cylindrical upper portion of the cage is formed of the plurality of bars, wherein the fourth bar is coupled to the sidewall of the structure of the drainage system via a first coupling bar and a second coupling bar that each extend away from the sidewall of the structure of the drainage system, and wherein the fourth bar prevents the float device from contacting the sidewall above the second coupling bar.

2. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein a top portion of the cage includes a barrier thereby preventing the float device from exiting the cage via an opening of the cage.

3. The fluid control system of claim 2, wherein the barrier comprises one or more bars that extend at least partially across the opening.

4. The fluid control system of claim 2, wherein the barrier is mesh and comprises connected strands of a flexible or ductile material.

5. The fluid control system of claim 4, wherein the mesh is formed of metal.

6. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the cage includes (i) a curved portion, and (ii) a top, wherein the curved portion has a first diameter.

7. The fluid control system of claim 6, wherein the top includes an opening that has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and wherein the second diameter is less than a diameter of the float device such that the float device cannot exit the cage via the opening.

8. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein when fluid contacts the float device at a flow rate of at least a flow threshold, the float device is configured to (i) at least partially uncover the aperture of the interior sidewall, or (ii) further uncover the aperture of the interior sidewall.

9. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the structure of the drainage system is a cylindrical structure, and wherein a portion of the float device includes a spherical shape having a radius of curvature corresponding to a radius of curvature of the interior sidewall of the cylindrical structure.

10. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the float device has a spherical shape, and wherein a diameter of the float device is greater than or equal to a diameter of the aperture.

11. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the float device is formed from a buoyant material and configured to rise from the resting state in accordance with a rising fluid level within the structure.

12. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the cage is comprised of a plurality of rectangular or cylindrical bars.

13. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the float device has sufficient buoyancy such that at least a portion of the float device floats above a liquid.

14. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein, while in the resting state, the float device at least partially covers an aperture of the interior sidewall of the drainage system.

15. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the float device having a spherical shape is greater than or equal to a diameter of the aperture.

16. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the float device is formed from a buoyant material and configured to raise from the resting state in accordance with a rising fluid level within the structure.

17. The fluid control system of claim 1, wherein the first bar, the second, and the third bar of the cage are not monolithically formed with the interior sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical structure having a horizontal pipe or culvert attached to the side wall of the cylindrical structure, according to some embodiments;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cylindrical structure of FIG. 1 having a fluid control device coupled thereto wherein fluid is flowing into the cylindrical structure, according to some embodiments;

(4) FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the fluid control device of FIGS. 1-2, according to some embodiments;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view showing an exemplary coupling of the fluid control device with a wall of the cylindrical structure of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front sectional view illustrating an interior of the cylindrical structure of FIGS. 1-2, wherein the drainage control coupled thereto to control fluid flow from an aperture of a horizontal pipe or culvert that opens into the interior of the cylindrical structure, according to some embodiments;

(7) FIG. 6A is a perspective view of cylindrical structure with a first example fluid control device secured in its resting position by a cage or frame where said frame is securely attached to the wall of said structure, according to some embodiments;

(8) FIG. 6B is a perspective view of cylindrical structure with a second example fluid control device secured in its resting position by a cage or frame where said frame is securely attached to the wall of said structure, according to some embodiments;

(9) FIGS. 6C-6C1 are perspective views of a first embodiment of the fluid control system of FIGS. 6A-6B in a raised state and a resting state, according to some embodiments; and

(10) FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a cage bar of FIG. 6C, according some embodiments;

(11) FIG. 6E is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fluid control system 600 of FIGS. 6A-6B, according to some embodiments; and

(12) FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of a cage bar of FIG. 6E, according some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

(14) As used in the description in this application and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description in this application, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(15) Also, as used in this application, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

(16) In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, and unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth in this application should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

(17) Several embodiments of the inventive subject matter are described in detail in this application. The overarching purpose of the inventive subject matter described in this application is to create a device to control the amount of fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid) to be conveyed from or into, for example, a pipe and/or to allow for fluid to drain from, for example, a pipe. It is contemplated that any feature described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to the other embodiment, even if it is not explicitly stated as being a feature of the other embodiment.

(18) Fluid control devices attached to a wall or surface via a line of the inventive subject matter include at least a fluid control device (that may or may not be buoyant), a line, a linkage, and a hinge. The plug is typically formed to take the shape of the aperture the plug is covering and/or the wall that it is to rest against (e.g., a flat surface, irregularly shaped surface, or a circular cross section so that it can couple with a cylindrical drain pipe). The fluid control device is sized and dimensioned to at least cover the opening of the through hole, and it is attached with the wall by a line and linkage and at least one hinge.

(19) Fluid control devices contained within a frame where said frame is attached to a wall or surface, of the inventive subject matter include at least a fluid control device, a framed cage, and a linkage or means to attach the cage to a structural wall. The plug is typically formed to take the shape of the aperture the plug is covering and/or the wall that it is to rest against (e.g., a flat surface, irregularly shaped surface, or a circular cross section so that it can couple with a cylindrical drain pipe). The fluid control device is sized and dimensioned to at least cover the opening of the through hole. The cage which the fluid control device is contained within is attached to the wall via bolts or screws. The cage is shaped to allow the fluid control device to rise and fall within the cage when a buoyant force dislodges the object from a resting position. When dislodged from the resting position allows fluid from or into a through hole depending on the design location.

(20) Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a cylindrical structure having a horizontal pipe or culvert attached to the side wall of the cylindrical structure and a fluid control system is shown according to some embodiments. The fluid control system 100 disclosed includes a fluid control device 101, a linkage 103 and a wall attachment 104. The fluid control device 101 may also be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, each discussed below. The fluid control device 101 may match the cross-sectional shape of an interior wall 105 of the first cylindrical structure 102 (referred to herein for purposes of clarity as a “pipe”) against which the fluid control device 101 rests. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6 include a fluid control device 101 having a circular cross-sectional shape, but it is contemplated that any other cross-sectional shapes can be implemented, which typically will depend on the shape of the interior wall 105 (e.g., a drain pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape). There is no required cross-sectional shape for embodiments of the inventive subject matter, but one common application—pipes 106—are typically cylindrical and therefore have a circular cross-sectional shape.

(21) The fluid control device 101 rests against the interior wall 105 (e.g., blocking the aperture 108) as a result of gravity in conjunction with a linkage 103 that facilitates the fluid control device 101 to “fall” shut. It is contemplated that the bottom portion of the opening of the fluid control device 101 can protrude farther out than the top edge of the opening of the fluid control device 101 so that there is slightly more force (e.g., a force normal to the surface that the door rests against).

(22) In some embodiments, the fluid control device has a spherical shape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the fluid control device 101 having a spherical shape has a radius of curvature that is substantially similar to a radius of curvature of the interior wall 105 of the first pipe 102. Additionally, in some embodiments in which the fluid control device 101 has a spherical shape, a diameter of the fluid control device 101 may be greater than or equal to a diameter of the aperture 108.

(23) In some embodiments, the fluid control device 101 includes a curved side (e.g., only a portion of the fluid control device is curved), wherein the curved side has a radius of curvature that is substantially similar to a radius of curvature of the interior wall 105 of the first pipe 102. Additionally, in some embodiments in which a portion of the fluid control device 101 that is adjacent to the interior wall 105 is curved, a diameter of the curved portion may be greater than or equal to a diameter of the aperture 108.

(24) It should be noted that it is not required for the fluid control device 101 to have a constant curvature, and, instead, the curvature of the fluid control device 101 can vary across different points of the fluid control device 101 to better match an installation location. The fluid control device 101 can also be made of a material that allows the fluid control device 101 to flex or mold itself to the shape of the wall which it rests against.

(25) To couple the fluid control device 101 with the wall 105, a linkage 103 and wall attachment 104 is provided. Some embodiments can include a linkage 103, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6. The linkage 103 allows the fluid control device 101 to swing open or become dislodged to allow fluid to flow out of the aperture 108 in the wall 105. In some embodiments, there may be multiple linkages 103 coupled with the wall 105 via the wall attachment 104, which in some embodiments may comprise at least a screw or bolt as shown as item 400 in FIG. 4.

(26) Linkages 103 of the inventive subject matter can include one or several components, but regardless of the quantity of components comprising, or the configuration of, the linkage 103, the primary purpose of a linkage 103 as described in this application is to couple the fluid control device 101 with an interior wall 105 so that when the fluid control device is in a resting state the aperture 108 is at least partially blocked. For example, a linkage can be a single line or link coupling the hinge to the fluid control device, or it can include two or more lines/links.

(27) Further, FIG. 1 illustrates that fluid may build up from time to time within the first pipe 102 as seen by the fluid level 110 (e.g., water level).

(28) Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the cylindrical structure of FIG. 1 having a fluid control device coupled thereto wherein fluid is flowing into the cylindrical structure is shown according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 specifically illustrates how the fluid control system is configured to enable the fluid control device 101 to transition from a resting state (as seen in FIG. 1) to a raised position. As is seen, the fluid level 110 of FIG. 1 has risen to the fluid level 202 due to the fluid flow 201. However, it should be noted that the fluid may not build up within the first pipe 102; thereby, neither of the fluid levels 110 nor 202 would be present. In such situations, the force of the fluid 201 would need to be sufficient to move the fluid control device 101 from the resting state to the raised position.

(29) Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, illustrations of an alternative embodiment of the fluid control device of FIGS. 1-2 are shown according to some embodiments. It is contemplated that the fluid control device could take on a shape similar to that of a plate or cover such as the fluid control device 300 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. It is contemplated that some embodiments of the cover 302 can include slots 308, cutouts, holes, or any other form of fluid-pervious feature within the bottom area of the plate cover to allow fluid to flow out of the plate cover even when the cover 302 is in the resting position and the through hole is covered. This feature can facilitate draining of fluid through the fluid control device when there is insufficient pressure head to cause the fluid control device to open. The cover 302 may be attached via a line or linkage 306 which is attached to the cover 302 via some type of weld, coupling mechanism or other connection 304 to allow the cover to swing open or become dislodged due to a buoyant force similar to the fluid control device described in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6.

(30) In addition, various embodiments of the fluid control device disclosed herein may be specifically configured such that its weight facilitates the fluid control device's return to the resting state once the force of the fluid flow has decreased below a flow threshold required to move the fluid control device as discussed herein. For example, a weight in the form of additional material may be placed on opposing horizontal sides of the cover 302 in order to facilitate the return of the cover 302 to the resting state. In some embodiments, for example when the cylindrical structure is formed of a metallic material, the fluid control device may include one or more magnets that facilitate the return of the fluid control device to the resting state. Additionally, a magnet embedded into the fluid control device, such as at a distal point relative to the wall coupling aids in preventing the fluid control device from shifting from the resting state without a sufficient fluid flow force coming in contact with the fluid control device.

(31) In yet other embodiments, the fluid control system may include a coupling mechanism that includes a first component that attaches to the interior wall of the first pipe or an interior wall of the second pipe and a second component include on or attached to the fluid control device that couples with the first component. For example, the first and second components may comprise a latching mechanism that is opened upon application of at least a threshold amount of force applied to the latching mechanism (or to the fluid control device), such as the flow threshold discussed herein. Similarly, the fluid control device may include a second linkage providing a second attachment point to the interior wall of the first pipe or the interior wall of the second pipe. Such an embodiment would enable control of the amount of fluid that flows between the first and second pipes at any given time (i.e., the second linkage may comprise a chain having a predetermined length; thus, restricting the opening created by the fluid flow).

(32) Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view showing an exemplary coupling of the fluid control device with a wall of the cylindrical structure of FIG. 1 is shown according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the coupling of the fluid control device 101 to the wall 105 via the linkage 103. In the embodiment shown, the linkage 103 couples to the fluid control device 101 through an opening of the control device, e.g., wherein the fluid control device 101 and the opening are part of a single component formed via through injection-molding. The linkage 103 may be coupled to the wall 105 by way of a mounting plate 402 and a fastener 400. Specifically, the linkage 103 may couple to the mounting plate 402 (e.g., via an opening therein) and the mounting plate 402 may be coupled to the wall via the fastener 400. It should be noted that the length of the linkage 103 may vary and that the figures are not intended to provide any limitations thereon.

(33) Referring to FIG. 5, a front sectional view illustrating an interior of the cylindrical structure of FIGS. 1-2, wherein the drainage control coupled thereto to control fluid flow from an aperture of a horizontal pipe or culvert that opens into the interior of the cylindrical structure is shown according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates the mounting plate 402 being attached to the wall 105 via fasteners 400A and 400B. It is contemplated that fluid control device 500 can include one or more features, for example, an opening 502 as shown in FIG. 5, at the bottom portion to facilitate fluid flow even when insufficient fluid has built up behind the fluid control device 500 to dislodge the fluid control device 500 to allow fluid into or out of the interior 104 of the first pipe 102. The feature can be, for example, one or more apertures, a mesh portion, or the opening 502 as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, a mesh screen may be placed across the feature 502 in order to prevent insects from moving between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 106.

(34) Additional embodiments of the features have been contemplated as alternatives or additions to the opening 502, which may include slots, holes, mesh screens, or any other form of fluid-pervious feature within the bottom area of the fluid control device to allow fluid flow. Such an opening 502 can facilitate draining of fluid through the fluid control device 101 when there is insufficient pressure to cause the fluid control device 101 to open or a lack of buoyant force from beneath the fluid control device 101 to cause the fluid control device 101 to rise.

(35) Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, a fluid control system 600 including a fluid control device (also referred to as a “float device”) 608 contained within a frame or cage attached to the wall 105 is shown according to some embodiments. The fluid control device 608 may have a spherical shape that is typically formed to take the shape of the wall that it is to rest against (e.g., a circular cross section so that it can couple with a cylindrical drainpipe). The fluid control device 608 is sized with dimensions to at least cover the aperture of the second pipe 106 (e.g., having a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture 108). For instance, the diameter of the fluid control device 108 may be 1%, 2%, 5% or 10% larger than the diameter of the aperture 108. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the recited percentages. The float device may have sufficient buoyancy such that at least a portion of the float device floats above a liquid.

(36) The cage may be formed with one or more bars 602 and is shaped to allow the fluid control device 608 to rise and fall within the cage when a force contacts the fluid control device 608; thus, moving the fluid control device 608 from a resting position to a raised position. The one or more bars 602 forming the cage may have a cylindrical or rectangular cross-shape (see FIGS. 6C-6F). The force may be fluid flow 201 as seen in FIG. 2, or simply a raising fluid level 110. When dislodged from the resting position, the fluid control device 608 allows fluid to move through the aperture 108 between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 106. As shown in FIG. 6A, the top 604 of the cage may be solid to prevent the fluid control device 608 from escaping the confines of the cage. Alternatively, the top 604 may comprise one or more bars or a mesh top that prevent the fluid control device 608 from escaping the confines of the cage, where the bars and/or mesh top may be formed of metal or plastic. Referring to FIG. 6B, the cage can be configured with a narrow top 612 to prevent the fluid control device 608 from escaping the confines of the cage. For instance, the cage may include cage bars 602 having a curved lower portion, and a top 612 (which includes an opening), where the curved lower portion has a first diameter and the opening of the top 612 has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

(37) When no fluid is within the structure or the fluid is at a level similar to 110 in FIG. 1, the fluid control device 608 falls back to the resting location to restrict fluid from moving through the aperture 108. Referring generally to FIGS. 6A-6B, the cage encapsulates the fluid control device 608 within a defined space by at least partially surrounding the fluid control device 608. In some embodiments, the fluid control device 608 may include an opening 610 similar to the opening 502 of FIG. 5.

(38) Referring to FIGS. 6C-6C1, perspective views of a first embodiment of a barrier for the fluid control system 600 of either of FIGS. 6A-6B are shown according to some embodiments. As shown, the top portion 604 of the cage includes a barrier 614 that is comprised of a plurality of bars 616-618 that extend at least partially across the opening 601. For instance, a first bar 616 extends across the entire diameter of the opening 601 and a second bar 618 extends partially across the diameter of the opening 601. It is noted that the barrier 614 may be comprised of either or both of the bars 616-618 as well as additional bars. In some embodiments, the bars 616-618 may be formed of metal or plastic. The cage attaches to an interior of the wall 105 via first and second coupling bars 606A-606B. FIG. 6C1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a barrier for the fluid control system 600 of either of FIGS. 6A-6B where the fluid control device 608 is in a resting state. Referring to FIG. 6D, a cross-sectional view of a cage bar 602 of FIG. 6C is shown according to some embodiments. As is seen, FIG. 6D illustrates that the cage bar 602 of FIG. 6C has a circular cross-section.

(39) Referring to FIG. 6E, a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fluid control system 600 of FIGS. 6A-6B is shown according to some embodiments. As shown, the top portion 612 of the cage includes a barrier 620 that is comprised of a mesh barrier that spans across the opening 601. In some embodiments, the mesh barrier may be formed of metal or plastic. Referring to FIG. 6F, a cross-sectional view of a cage bar 603 of FIG. 6E is shown according to some embodiments. As is seen, FIG. 6F illustrates that the cage bar 603 of FIG. 6E may have a hyperrectangular shape (having a rectangular cross-section as) as opposed to the cylindrical bars illustrated in FIG. 6C.

(40) In some embodiments, one example of a drainage plug or cover of the inventive subject matter, the plug or cover is attached to a drainage system for a retaining wall. The plug or cover can be useful on such a drainage system to prevent animals or insects from crawling or flying into the pipe, and also to improve the aesthetics of the drainage system so that it better matches the wall where the plug or cover is mounted. When fluid flows through the drainage system, it flows out of the pipe that the fluid control device is attached to. The fluid control device may also be located on the upstream end of a pipe, covering an aperture, to restrict fluid from exiting the pipe in the absence of a buoyant force which would dislodge the fluid control device in the same manner when the object is on the downstream end of the pipe as previously discussed.

(41) Thus, specific embodiments of drainage plug have been disclosed. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts in this application. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.