DOUBLE WALL CANAL LINER

Abstract

A canal liner and method for installing a canal liner. The canal liner has a bottom portion, a first hollow sidewall and a second hollow sidewall. One or more of the sidewalls can have one or more weep holes to allow liquid to at least partially fill one or more internal voids thereof. The sidewalls can be coupled to the bottom portion via one or more hinges such that the canal liner can be transported in a substantially flat, planar shape and folded on-site and placed into the canal.

Claims

1. A canal liner comprising: a first hollow sidewall; a second hollow sidewall; a bottom portion; a first hinge formed or otherwise disposed between said first hollow sidewall and said bottom; and a second hinge formed or otherwise disposed between said second hollow sidewall and said bottom.

2. The canal liner of claim 1 wherein said first hinge comprises a living hinge.

3. The canal liner of claim 2 wherein said second hinge comprises a living hinge.

4. The canal liner of claim 3 wherein said first hollow sidewall, said second hollow sidewall, and said bottom are formed from a single continuous structure.

5. The canal liner of claim 1 wherein said first and said second hinges allow for sufficient rotation to enable said canal liner to lie flat.

6. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising escape structures formed on an inner surface of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

7. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of funneling channels formed along an upper end portion of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

8. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising at least one weep hole disposed in at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

9. The canal liner of claim 8 wherein said weep hole is communicable between an inner portion of said canal liner and an interior of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall, such that at least a portion of water flowing past at least a portion of said canal liner can enter an interior void of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

10. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising at least one vent opening disposed in an upper portion of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

11. The canal liner of claim 1 wherein said bottom portion is hollow.

12. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising at least one extension panel.

13. The canal liner of claim 1 wherein said at least one extension panel has a hollow structure.

14. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of structure recesses formed on a back side of at least one of said bottom portion, said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

15. The canal liner of claim 14 wherein said structure recesses form structural support pillars internal to the at least one of said hollow bottom portion, said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

16. The canal liner of claim 1 further comprising at least one anchoring apron.

17. A method for lining a canal, the method comprising: transporting a plurality of canal liners in an at least substantially flat, stacked configuration, the canal liners each having a substantially planar shape when in the at least substantially flat stacked configuration; respectively folding each of the plurality of canal liners into a non-planar shape that at least substantially corresponds to the shape of the canal, wherein respectively folding comprises folding a first hollow sidewall with respect to a bottom portion and folding a second hollow sidewall with respect to the bottom portion; placing the folded canal liners into the canal; and coupling at least two of the folded canal liners together.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising weighting at least one of the plurality of canal liners by allowing a liquid to at least partially fill at least one of the bottom portion, the first hollow sidewall, and the second hollow sidewall of the at least one of the plurality of canal liners.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising securing at least one of the plurality of canal liners to the canal.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein securing comprises securing with one or more fasteners.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein securing comprises retaining with one or more anchoring aprons.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein respectively folding each of the plurality of canal liners comprises folding at least one of the plurality of canal liners along at least one living hinge.

23. A canal liner comprising: a first hollow sidewall comprising one or more weep holes disposed therein, and one or more vent holes disposed therein, the one or more weep holes and the one or more vent holes providing openings to one or more internal voids of the first hollow sidewall; a second hollow sidewall; and a hollow bottom portion.

24. The canal liner of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of funneling channels formed along an upper end portion of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

25. The canal liner of claim 23 further comprising escape structures formed on an inner surface of at least one of said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

26. The canal liner of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of structure recesses formed on a back side of at least one of said hollow bottom portion, said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

27. The canal liner of claim 26 wherein said structure recesses form structural support pillars internal to the at least one of said hollow bottom portion, said first hollow sidewall and said second hollow sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing which illustrates a perspective view of a canal liner in a folded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a drawing which illustrates a perspective view of a canal liner in an unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a drawing which illustrates a side view of a canal liner in an unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a drawing which illustrates a top edge view of the side of a canal liner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a drawing which illustrates a top view of two canal liners joined together in an unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 6A is a drawing which illustrates a cross-section view of FIG. 5 showing the connection joint of two canal liners, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6B is an illustration of a detail view of a screw locking in two canal liners, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a drawing which illustrates another cross-section view of FIG. 5 showing the cavity volume inside a canal liner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a drawing which illustrates an extension panel positioned near a hollow sidewall according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a drawing which illustrates an extension panel positioned on a hollow sidewall;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a drawing which illustrates an anchoring apron positioned near a hollow sidewall of a canal liner according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] FIG. 11 is a drawing which illustrates a canal liner held in place with a pair of anchoring aprons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) double-walled (i.e. hollow) canal liner that is foldable into a trapezoidal shape to conform to an internal surface of a section of the canal and to provide efficient water flow management. The liner features an internally smooth bottom surface with a low Manning's coefficient of friction, and a unique structural reinforcement on the backside comprising inverted bowls to prevent collapse. Additionally, the liner incorporates longitudinal living hinges that allow it to be folded from a flat sheet into the desired trapezoidal shape for ease of transport, storage, and installation.

[0030] As used herein, when referring to the smooth bottom surface, it is intended to mean that portion that forms or is otherwise at the bottom of the resulting lined canali.e. the surface on which water flows. As used herein, when referring to an inner surface, it is intended to mean the surface that is inside of the resulting lined ditch, whereas when referring to an internal surface, space, or feature it is intended to mean that portion of the liner that is within the void formed by the double walls of the liner.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a novel and effective solution for canal lining systems, combining structural reinforcement with an efficient design and ease of handling. The use of HDPE and integrated features such as shapes and living hinges offer both practical and performance benefits, in aging diches requiring rehabilitation.

[0032] As used throughout this application, the term canal is intended to include any excavation dug in the earth, or any structure partially or completely installed above earth, and can include a drain, channel, canal, ditch, or acequia, arroyo, whether lined or unlined, usually but not always relying primarily on gravity to transport fluids and materials along descending elevations.

[0033] The term Manning's coefficient of friction as used herein is understood to be a roughness coefficient derived from the Manning's equation, which is an empirical equation that applies to uniform flow in open channels and is a function of the channel velocity, flow area, and channel slope.

[0034] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates canal liner 100 in a folded position. Canal liner 100 includes first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115. First hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 are preferably arranged to have a trapezoidal cross-section to maximize the flow capacity of canal liner 100 while maintaining structural stability. The trapezoidal shape allows for efficient water management and reducing maintenance. First hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 are hollow via a double walled configuration of each, featuring a backside and an internal surfacethat most preferably provides a low Manning's coefficient of friction. This low friction coefficient facilitates efficient water flow and reduces frictional losses. The backsides of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 each include a series of structural inverted shapes, specifically, structure recesses 120, recessed areas 125, male attachment protrusion 135, and female attachment recess 130. Optionally one or more of the recesses can instead comprise one or more protrusions, if however, the female recess is changed to a protrusion, it is preferred that the male protrusion is instead formed into a recess to accommodate the change so that the two can nest or otherwise interlock. Male attachment protrusions 135 protrude upward toward the channel created by canal liner 100. Female attachment recesses 130 opens to accommodate male attachment protrusions 135. Male attachment protrusion 135 is inserted into female attachment recess 130 and helps connect and lock two canal liner 100 together and to ensure proper alignment of the two liners 100 so that screw holes 150 and partial holes with rivet nuts 152 align. Note that in one embodiment, rivet nuts 152 are disposed on an interior of canal liner 100, but their location is illustrated in the figures with an arrowhead pointing to their general location and the opening at which they are provided.

[0035] Recessed areas 125 are preferably located on first connection end 140. Screw holes 150 are preferably located within recessed areas 125 of first connection end 140, while rivet nuts 152 are located within second connection end 145. Rivet nuts 152 are partial holes and only penetrate through the inner surface of second connection end 145 and do not penetrate trough the backsides of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, or bottom portion 115. Screw holes 150 preferably penetrate fully through recessed areas 125. First hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 each include a first connection end 140 and a second connection end 145. First connection end 140 is indented and shaped such that it sits above and on top of second connection end 145 when joining two of canal liner 100 together.

[0036] Structure recesses 120 are preferably located on the backside of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 to provide canal liner 100 with structural integrity by providing rigidity and strength. Structure recesses 120 also reinforce canal liner 100, acting as internal structural support pillars within the internal area of canal liner 100, thus preventing the internal surfaces from collapsing together under pressure or load.

[0037] Canal liner 100 also includes rungs 155 and weep holes 160. Rungs 155 can run all or a portion of the length of first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110 from first connection end 140 to second connection end 145 and are most preferably formed on an inner surface thereof. Rungs 155 provide a mechanism for small animals to climb up and escape canal liner 100 if they fall within the channel. Rungs 155 also provide a tiered trickle of water to fall into canal liner 100; this reduces the impact of water that would otherwise occur if the slopes of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110 were purely smooth. Weep holes 160 are located on rungs 155. Weep holes 160 allow water to fill into at least a portion of the internal cavity between the internal surfaces of the back side of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115; this provides canal liner 100 with stability, weight, and support to remain lodged in place withing a canal. In one embodiment, there are three weep holes 160 on first hollow sidewall 105 and another three weep holes 160 on second hollow sidewall 110. However, the number and placement of weep holes can be adjusted as otherwise desired. Weep holes 160 only penetrate through the inner surfaces of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110, and do not penetrate trough the backsides of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115. In another embodiment, there are more than three weep holes 160 on first hollow sidewall 105 and more than three weep holes 160 on second hollow sidewall 110. The weep holes are most preferably disposed along a predetermined height when canal liner 100 is in its folded/installed configuration. This provides a way for water to weep into weep holes 160, trickle down and settle within a lower portion of the internal void of canal liner 100. And the thusly-filled partial void remains trapped therein, such that canal liner 100 remains partially filled with water thereafter, thus providing weight to help canal liner remain seated and in place even when no water is flowing therein.

[0038] Canal liner 100 includes gasket recess 165. Gasket recess 165 allows gasket 167 to be placed between first connection end 140 and second connection end 145 when joining one or more canal liners 100 together. The addition of gasket 167 allows canal liners 100 to be sealed together with a watertight joint. Gasket 167 can be made from, but is not limited to, cork, rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, foam, fiber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyurethane, and other sealants or a combination thereof.

[0039] Canal liner 100 also preferably includes vents 170 near the tops of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110. As water fills the cavity between the internal surface and back side of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110, air is displaced and can escape through vents 170. Vents 170 also accommodate pressure changes within the volume between the internal surface and back side of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110 and helps to equalize the pressure with the atmosphere.

[0040] Canal liner 100 can also include banner slot 175. Banner slot 175 provides a place for an individual to advertise their logo and leave blank or place other messages, for example, a no swimming sign discouraging people from swimming in the channel.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates canal liner 100 in an unfolded position. Canal liner 100 in an unfolded position allows ease of access when transporting and storing canal liner 100 and before installing them. Canal liner 100 further includes living hinges 180. Living hinges 180 allow canal liner 100 to bend and form a trapezoidal shape to fit within canals. Each canal liner 100 preferably includes two living hinges 180, one between first hollow sidewall 105 and bottom portion 115, and the other between bottom portion 115 and second hollow sidewall 110. Living hinges 180 run the length of canal liner 100 beginning at the outside edge of first connection end 140 and running all the way through to the opposing end of second connection end 145. Living hinges 180 are integrated along the length of canal liner 100, allowing it to be folded from a flat sheet into the trapezoidal shape during installation. Living hinges 180 are constructed to maintain flexibility and durability, enabling repeated folding and unfolding without compromising the structural integrity of canal liner 100.

[0042] FIG. 2 also illustrates gasket 167 which is preferably inserted into gasket recess 165. In one embodiment, gasket 167 is a rectangular gasket that is preferably about 20 mmabout 5 mm when it is not wet. In one embodiment, gasket 167 can be an expanding gasket that can expand up to 400% of its original volume when it is wet. Gasket 167 can be applied with an adhesive to keep it in place until the overlap connection is bolted together.

[0043] In one embodiment, canal liner 100 is preferably made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), known for its durability, resistance to environmental stress, and ease of fabrication. Canal liner 100, specifically first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115, can also be made out of, but is not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polylactic acid, polyamide (or nylon), acrylic, and other plastics or a combination thereof.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a side plane view of canal liner 100 in an unfolded position. First hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 can be seen each connected via a living hinge 180. As shown, living hinge 180 has a shallow height compared to first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 which allows canal liner 100 to fold without obstruction. The thickness of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 can be seen, specifically, a volume/cavity exists between the internal surfaces and backsides of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a top plane view of first hollow sidewall 105. The view provided in FIG. 4 is the same view as a top plane view of second hollow sidewall 110. As shown, first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110 include first connection end 140 and second connection end 145. First connection end 140 includes male attachment protrusion 135. Second connection end 145 includes female attachment recess 130. However, these placements can be reversed such that the female attachment recess is disposed on the second connection end and such that the male attachment protrusion is disposed on the second connection end. First hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110 also preferably includes vents 170. Vents 170 are preferably located at the tip of funneling channels 185, such that any water falling into canal liner 100 will funnel through funneling channels 185, primarily bypassing vents 170, and into the channel formed by canal liner 100. Funneling channels 185 help direct water away from vents 170 allowing vents 170 to expel any air inside the volume/cavity within each of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110. Air moves in and out of vents 170 to equalize the pressure within the volume/cavity with atmospheric pressure. Water can occasionally come in and out through vents 170. In one embodiment one or more concrete nails or other securing fasteners can be disposed through one or more of funneling channels 185 to secure canal liner 100 to a canal.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of two canal liners 100 connected in an unfolded position. Female attachment recesses 130 are positioned on second connection end 145. Male attachment protrusions 135 are positioned on first connection end 140. When connecting/joining one or more canal liners 100, first connection end 140 is positioned on top of and over second connection end 145. First connection end 140 and second connection end 145 are then pushed or pressed together, which causes male attachment protrusions 135 to be inserted and held within female attachment recesses 130. First connection end 140 also includes recessed areas 125. Recessed areas 125 dip below the plane that first connection end 140 sits on, similar to a cupholder area. Recessed areas 125 have screw holes 150 at the bottom of their cavity. When attaching one or more canal liners 100, first connection end 140 is positioned on top of and over second connection end 145 such that screw holes 150 in recessed areas 125 of first connection end 140 line up with partial holes which preferably have having rivet nut 152 disposed therein at second connection end 145. Screws 190 penetrate through screw holes 150 in first connection end 140. Screws 190 go through screw holes 150 and screw into rivet nut 152 in second connection end 145 (which is on the underside of FIG. 5). Joining one or more canal liners 100 in this fashion correctly aligns first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 of one canal liner 100 with the corresponding first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 of another canal liner 100. Doing so also ensures that living hinges 180 align and allow canal liners 100 to fold correctly once inserted into a canal.

[0047] Cross sections A-A and B-B can be taken of the joined canal liners 100 in FIG. 5. Cross section A-A is represented by the illustration in FIG. 6A. Cross section B-B is represented by the illustration in FIG. 7.

[0048] FIG. 6A illustrates cross section A-A of the joined canal liners 100 in FIG. 5. Cross section A-A illustrates the cross section of first connection end 140 joined with second connection end 145. As shown, first connection end 140 includes recessed areas 125 where screws 190 are inserted. First connection end 140 rests on top of second connection end 145. Screws 190 penetrate through screw holes 150 in first connection end 140. Screws 190 go through screw holes 150 and are screwed into rivet nuts 152 in second connection end 145. First hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115 each have screw holes 150 and rivet nuts 152 in their first connection end 140 and second connection end 145.

[0049] FIG. 6B illustrates a close-up view of recessed area 125 where a screw 190 is inserted (this is still along cross section A-A of FIG. 5). Screw 190 goes through washer 195, through first connection end 140, and into rivet nuts 152 which is within second connection end 145. Washer 195 helps lock screw 190 in place. Washer 195 and recessed area 125 prevent any debris suspended in water from catching screw 190 as it passes through the channel formed by canal liner 100.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates cross section B-B of the joined canal liners 100 in FIG. 5. Cross section B-B illustrates the volume/cavity between the internal surfaces of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115. In one embodiment, canal liner 100 folds along living hinges 180, creating a trapezoidal shape to fit within a canal. As water fills canal liner 100, a portion of the water seeps into the volume/cavity through weep holes 160, which are disposed on rungs 155. Structure recesses 120 provide canal liner 100 with structure and support as more water fills the channel. As water pours over into canal liner 100, funneling channels 185 help direct water into canal liner 100. As the portion of water that fills the volume/cavity through weep holes 160 rises, air is displaced and can escape through vents 170.

[0051] In one embodiment, one or more canal liners 100 are connected and joined while still in the unfolded position. However, in a most preferred embodiment, canal liners 100 are sequentially installed within a canal and secured to the canal liner 100 that was previously placed.

[0052] In one embodiment, an inner surface of bottom portion 115 is smooth with little to no abrasions or obstructions. In one embodiment, one or more escape structures 155 can be provided to facilitate an animal's escape from canal liner 100. In one embodiment, escape structures 155 can be a plurality of ribs or rungs which preferably are positioned along an inner surface of first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second wall 110. In one embodiment, escape structures 155 preferably extend from at or near the bottom portion of each such hollow sidewall to an area at or near a top thereof. Although ribbed structures are illustrated in the figures for escape structures 155, it is to be understood that escape structures 155 are not limited to only this shape and can comprise any shape or configuration that avoids a smooth slick surface and which thus provides animals with the ability to climb up and out of the inner portion of canal liner 100. In one embodiment, escape structures 155 preferably do not extend the entire height of canal liner 100. In this embodiment, there is preferably a small lower portion (for example less than about 10 inches and more preferably less than about 6 inches) of smooth inner surface on first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110. When a small amount of water is present in canal liner 100, the water will flow smoothly across the inner surfaces of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and bottom portion 115.

[0053] In one embodiment, canal liner 100 is a double-walled construction including a top sheet (sometimes referred to as inner surface) and bottom sheet (sometimes referred to as backside) forming an airtight internal volume or cavity. Optionally the top sheet and the bottom sheet need not be separately-formed and subsequently joined together, instead, they can optionally be formed from continuously. The top sheet and bottom sheet of canal liner 100, in combination, can optionally be formed to any desired dimensions to accommodate canals of any desired size.

[0054] In total, the top and sheets are preferably molded or otherwise connected to form an internal void therebetween. In one embodiment, if water fills the void and freezes into ice, it can expand upward during the freeze and thaw cycles. In one embodiment, living hinges 180 are designed for durability and flexibility, enabling repeated folding and unfolding so that canal liner 100 can be used for permanent or temporary rehabilitation of aging concrete and/or earthen canals.

[0055] Optionally, another nut insert type can be provided in lieu of rivet nut 152. In a still further embodiment, partial holes within the second end 145 can optionally be left without an insert and screw 190 can simply screw directly into the opening. Gasket 167 can be placed in or otherwise glued within gasket recess 165. Gasket recess 165 can be provided in first connection end 140, second connection end 145, and/or both. Gasket recess 165 and gasket 167 put first connection end 140 and second connection end 145 in compression and provide a leak tight connection for the conservation of water.

[0056] Canal liner 100 can be installed by having an unfolded, flat, canal liner 100 shipped in a substantially flat, sheet configuration to an installation site and unfolded into the trapezoidal shape using living hinges 180. Because they can be made to lie substantially flat, they can be shipped as a substantially flat stack of canal liners 100. The now folded canal liner 100 can then be inserted into an existing canal. Once in place, structure recesses 120 provide support and prevent collapse, while the smooth internal surface ensures efficient water flow.

[0057] As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, one or more extension panels 200 can optionally be provided to attach to first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. For example, if the ditch is deeper than can be accommodated by the lengths of first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110, an extension panel 200 can be attached to each hollow sidewall to extend them. Extension panel 200 can be made to any desired height and/or can be provided in a variety of heights such that a user can select a desired height for any given application. Most preferably, extension panel 200 is at least substantially the same length as first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. Like the other panels that preferably form canal liner 100, in one embodiment, extension panel 200 is also preferably a hollow and includes one or more weep holes 160 disposed on a top surface thereof to allow water to leak into the interior void of extension panel 200 to give it additional weight. One or more vents 170 are also provided at or near a top end portion of extension panel 200 to allow air to be displaced when water is flowing into weep holes 160. Although extension panel 200 can be formed into any desired shape, in one embodiment, extension panel 200 preferably comprises a shape which interfaces to mate with an upper end portion of side panels 105 and 110. For example, where extension panel 200 adjoins first hollow sidewall 105 or second hollow sidewall 110 at the location of their funneling channels 185, extension panel 200 preferably comprises protrusion 205, which mates or substantially mates with it. Although funneling channels are not really needed on the bottom of extension panel 200 in order to funnel water, they are preferably provided such that that receive the mating protrusions 205 that are formed on along the top end portion of first hollow sidewall 105 and second hollow sidewall 110, between the respective funneling channels 185 of those hollow sidewalls. Optionally, the bottom end portion of extension panel 200 can be planar or have any other shape and does not necessarily need to actually interlock with the top end portion of the hollow sidewalls in order to provide desirable results.

[0058] Extension panel 200 can be attached to first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110 in any desired manner. However, in one embodiment, it is preferably coupled via one or more fasteners. Although screws, which can optionally be self-tapping screws, can be used, in one embodiment, each of extension panel 200 and first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110 preferably comprise a plurality of fastener openings 210. A fastener can be passed through each of openings 210 to secure extension panel 200 to first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. In one embodiment, such fasteners preferably comprise nuts and bolts, but any other desired fastener can optionally be used. Of course, openings 210 in the extension panel and its respective side panel to which it attaches are preferably disposed such that they are aligned to allow a fastener to be passed there through.

[0059] Extension panel 200 preferably comprises escape structures 155 to allow critters to continue to climb up and out of the ditch. Extension panel 200 is also preferably the same or substantially the same length as the first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. By adding extension panel 200, the canal liner 100 can be used in deeper canals to accommodate the transport of a larger volume of water than would otherwise be possible.

[0060] In one embodiment, canal liner 100 preferably does not comprise living hinges 180, or any hinges for that matter. In this embodiment, canal liner 100 is preferably formed in a partial trapezoidal shape (i.e. the bottom and two sides of a trapezoid)for example as is illustrated in the cross section view of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, to ship or otherwise transport canal liner 100, a plurality of them is preferably not arranged in a flat stack, but can instead be stacked in a nested configuration. By providing canal liner 100 without hinges, the liner is more rigid and can thus facilitate use in earthen ditches while mitigating against the collapse of canal liner 100 which might otherwise occur from soil pressure, which would tend to force the sidewalls inward if they were hinged.

[0061] As best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, canal liner 100 can optionally include one or more anchoring aprons 220 to help secure the sidewalls and keep the upper edges of those sidewalls from bending inward toward one another from soil pressure. Like the side extension, anchoring aprons 200 also preferably comprise a shape which mates with the upper end portion of first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. For example, protrusions 221 on an inner surface of lip 225 of anchoring apron 220 preferably mate with funneling channels 185 of first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. One or more fastener openings 210 can be disposed or otherwise formed through lip 225 of anchoring apron 220 to allow a user to pass a fastener therethrough to facilitate securing anchoring apron 220 to the hollow sidewall. The upper end portion of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and/or extension panel 200 can have one or more fastener openings 210 provided in locations that align with those of lip 225. Of course, however, fastener openings 210 need not be provided. Optionally, screws or other fasteners can be used to secure lip 225 to the upper end portion of first hollow sidewall 105, second hollow sidewall 110, and/or extension panel 200. Accordingly, anchoring apron 220 can be used with canal liner 100 with or without extension panels 200. Lip 225 preferably comprises ribs, protrusions, and/or shapes and/or textures to provide one or more escape structures 155 thereon.

[0062] In one embodiment, when anchoring apron 220 is positioned in its intended operative position, it preferably comprises: base 222, which is preferably at least substantially horizontal; riser 223, which is preferably at least substantially vertical; top 224, which is preferably at least substantially horizontal; and lip 225, which is preferably formed at a downward angle of departure from top 225, and which angle of departure is preferably at least substantially supplementary to the angle formed between bottom 115 and the hollow sidewall to which anchoring apron 220 is applied. When anchoring apron 220 is used, the ditch in which liner 100 is to be installed is most preferably widened at its upper portion to accommodate anchoring apron 220. In one embodiment, the height of this widened area is preferably about the height of riser 223. As best illustrated in the section view of installed liner 100 with a pair of anchoring aprons 220 (see FIG. 11), once anchoring aprons are positioned onto their respective hollow sidewall of the liner (and optionally after they are secured thereto), backfill 230 is preferably disposed atop base 222 of each of anchoring aprons 220, to hold them into place.

[0063] Optionally, anchoring aprons 220 can be used with extension panels 200. In this embodiment, the anchoring aprons preferably attach to the upper portion of the side extensions in the same manner as when they are attached first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. And, the ditch is also widened at its upper portion. Accordingly, an anchoring apron can be disposed in the widened area of the ditch and secured with backfill, but instead of it directly holding first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110, it is instead directly holding extension panel 200, which in turn is holding first hollow sidewall 105 and/or second hollow sidewall 110. Thus, extension panels 200 can optionally comprise fastener openings 210 such that fasteners can be passed therethrough to couple anchoring apron 220 to extension 200.

[0064] Although the application describes some items as being hollow it is to be understood that this term is intended to include one or more internal voids, regardless of whether there are one or more intervening internal structures disposed within the one or more internal voids. Thus, the term hollow is not limited to only structures that have a continuous void formed or otherwise disposed therein. The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described components and/or operating conditions of embodiments of the present invention for those used in the preceding examples.

[0065] The terms, a, an, the, and said mean one or more unless context explicitly dictates otherwise. Note that in the specification and claims, about, approximately, and/or substantially means within twenty percent (20%) of the amount, value, or condition given. All computer software disclosed herein may be embodied on any non-transitory computer-readable medium (including combinations of mediums).

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention can include every combination of features that are disclosed herein independently from each other. Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the disclosed embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and this application is intended to cover, in the appended claims, all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference. Unless specifically stated as being essential above, none of the various components or the interrelationship thereof are essential to the operation of the invention. Rather, desirable results can be achieved by substituting various components and/or reconfiguring their relationships with one another.