DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A drainage system (1300) comprising a cap (1302) having one or more sidewalls defining a recess (1326) and a body (1304). The body (1304) comprises an inlet at a first end (1312) of the body (1304), receivable within the recess (1326) of the cap (1302), an outlet at a second end (1384) of the body (1304), and a passage (1310) to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The system (1300) further comprises a spacer arrangement (1306) to space the body (1304) from the cap (1302) when the inlet is received in the recess (1326) of the cap (1302), so as to form a channel to allow fluid flow to the inlet between an outer surface of the body (1304) and an inner surface of the cap (1302).

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A drainage system configured to be buried in a permeable ground layer, the system comprising: a cap comprising one or more sidewalls defining a recess; a body comprising: an inlet at a first end of the body, receivable within the recess of the cap; an outlet at a second end of the body; and a passage to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; a spacer arrangement to space the body from the cap when the inlet is received in the recess of the cap, so as to form a channel to allow fluid flow to the inlet between an outer surface of the body and an inner surface of the cap; and a coupling portion for coupling the body to a fluid dispersing pipe for dispersing fluid from the outlet, the coupling portion comprising arms for gripping the fluid dispersing pipe.

19. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the spacer arrangement comprises a mounting portion extending from the cap, the mounting portion configured to be received in the passage so as to mount the cap to, and space the cap from, the body.

20. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel is larger towards the first end than towards the second end.

21. A drainage system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the outer surface of the body or inner surface of the cap is tapered between the first and second ends.

22. A drainage system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the outer surface of the body is tapered inwardly from the second end to the first end.

23. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the body and the cap are generally tubular in shape.

24. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 comprising a weir portion arranged at the second end of the body, the weir portion comprising an opening in fluid connection with the dispersing pipe, and a trough at least partially surrounding the opening, such that fluid from the passage is able to collect in the trough and subsequently flow into the opening once the trough is sufficiently full.

25. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the weir portion is integral with the coupling portion.

26. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a seal member disposed between the coupling portion and the pipe.

27. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the permeable layer is a sand layer.

28. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a locator element to allow for location of the drainage system when buried.

29. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 that is for drainage of a bunker on a golf course.

30. A drainage system as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a levelling device mounted to the cap.

31. A cap for locating over the end of a drainpipe of a bunker drainage system, the cap comprising: one or more sidewalls defining a recess for receipt of an end of the drainpipe; a spacer arrangement to space the cap from the drainpipe when the inlet is received in the recess of the cap, so as to form a channel to allow fluid to flow to the inlet between an outer surface of the body and an inner surface of the cap.

32. A cap as claimed in claim 31 wherein the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel is larger towards the first end than towards the second end.

33. A cap as claimed in claim 32 wherein the outer surface of the body or inner surface of the cap is tapered between the first and second ends.

34. A drainage system comprising: a tubular end cap that has a closed end, an open end and an inner surface that defines a void; a drainpipe that has a wall defining an elongate passage for a fluid, the wall having an end portion that has an opening through which a fluid can pass to enter the passage, the wall being such that the end portion is located in the void of the tubular end cap and extends outwardly through the open end of the tubular end cap, an outer surface of the end portion of the wall has a circumference that is less than a circumference of the inner surface of the tubular end cap; and a spacing arrangement that supports the inner surface of the tubular end cap and the outer surface of the drainpipe in a spaced apart relationship to define a space for the fluid to flow and enter the passage via the opening; and a coupling portion for coupling the drainpipe to a fluid dispersing pipe for dispersing fluid from the passage, the coupling portion comprising arms for gripping the fluid dispersing pipe.

35. A drainage system as claimed in claim 34 wherein the cross-sectional area of the space for fluid flow is larger towards the first end than towards the second end.

36. A drainage system as claimed in claim 35 wherein the outer surface of the drainpipe or inner surface of the tubular end cap is tapered between the first and second ends.

37. A drainage system as claimed in claim 34 comprising a weir portion arranged at an end of the passage, the weir portion comprising an opening in fluid communication with the dispersing pipe, and a trough at least partially surrounding the opening, such that fluid from the passage is able to collect in the trough and subsequently flow into the opening once the trough is sufficiently full.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 depicts a drainage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a drainpipe used in the drainage system of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative drainpipe used in a different embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a drainpipe end cap used in the drainage system depicted in FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a view looking into an open end of the drainpipe end cap of FIG. 4;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view looking of the drainpipe end cap of FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0052] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the drainpipe end cap of FIGS. 4 to 6;

[0053] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the spacing arrangement used with the drainpipe end cap of FIGS. 4 to 7;

[0054] FIG. 9 is yet a further alternative embodiment of the spacing arrangement used with the drainpipe end cap of FIGS. 4 to 7;

[0055] FIG. 10 shows an installation of the drainage system of FIG. 1 in a golf course bunker;

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of the in situ drainage system shown in FIG. 10; and

[0057] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the drainage system.

[0058] FIGS. 13A and 13B show exploded views of a further alternative embodiment of the drainage system.

[0059] FIG. 14 is section views of a variation of the embodiment of the drainage system shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the drainage system 100 comprises a cap 102 having a tubular form, a drainpipe (or body) 104 and a mounting portion forming a spacing arrangement 106. In this embodiment of the drainage system 100 the end cap 102, the drainpipe 104 and the spacing arrangement 106 are all made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thermoplastic. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments of the present invention some, or all of, the end cap 102, drainpipe 104 and spacing arrangement 106 are made from materials other than PVC thermoplastic such as, for example, a metal.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, the drainpipe 204 is made of a wall 208. The wall 208 is approximately 3 mm in thickness, but a different thickness wall 208 can be used in other embodiments of the invention. The wall 208 defines a passage 210 which carries water (or for that matter other fluids) through the drainpipe 204. The wall 208 has an end portion (i.e. first end) 212 that has an opening (or inlet) 214 through which water can pass and enter the passage 210 of the drainpipe 204. While this embodiment of the invention uses a drainpipe 204 with the open (first) end 214, alternative openings are suitable. For example, referring to FIG. 3 the entire open end 214 shown in FIG. 2 might be completely sealed and instead the drainpipe 304 has a series of openings 316 in the wall 308 of the drainpipe 304.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 4, the end cap 402 has a tubular body 418 that defines a recess and that has a closed end 420 and an open end 422. While the closed end 420 is shown as being flat it is envisaged that in alternative embodiments of the end cap 402 the closed end 420 could be domed (see FIG. 14). Referring to FIG. 5 which is a view looking into the open end 522 of the tubular body 518, the tubular body 518 has an inner surface 524 that defines a void (or recess) 526. The void 526 extends from the open end 522 of the tubular body 518 to the closed end 420 (shown only in FIG. 4) of the tubular body 518.

[0064] As described previously with reference to FIG. 1, the drainage system 100 includes a spacing arrangement 106. Referring to FIG. 6, which shows a cross-sectional view of the drainpipe end cap 602, the spacing arrangement 606 comprises three elongate members 628. The elongate members 628 are fixed to two circular disks 630 such that the elongate members 628 are held in a spaced apart relationship to each other. Each of the elongate members 628 has a lower section 632 that is secured to the inner surface 624 of the drainpipe end cap 602. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the outer surfaces 734 of the elongate members 728 are spaced apart from the inner surface 724 of the tubular body 718 of the end cap 702. Spacing the outer surfaces 734 of the elongate members 728 apart from the inner surface 724 of the end cap 702 tubular body 718 defines a space 738 for receiving the drainpipe 704 such that the end portion 712 of the drainpipe 704 can be located in the void (or recess) 726 of the end cap 702.

[0065] The drainpipe end cap 702 is arranged to be fitted to the open end 214 (see FIG. 2) of the drainpipe 704. In this regard, the elongate members 728 extend outwardly from the void 726 and past the open end 722 of the end cap 702 tubular body 718. By extending outwardly past the open end 722 the elongate members 728 act as a guide when the end cap is being fitted to the open end 214 of the drainpipe 704. It is also noted that this spacing arrangement 706 allows for ready removal and fitting of the end cap 702 to the drainpipe 704 opening 714. The circular disks 730 hold the elongate members 728 at a distance apart which is such that the outer surfaces 734 of the members 728 can be inserted into the passage 710 of the drainpipe 704 via the opening 214 in the end portion 712 of the drainpipe 704. When inserted in the passage 710 of the drainpipe 704 the outer surfaces 734 of the members 728 are positively engaged with the inner surface 740 of the drainpipe 704. Each of the elongate members 728 also have a bottom section 742 that engages with the opening 214 in the end portion 212 of the drainpipe 704. Because the bottom section 742 of the elongate members 728 is spaced apart from the closed end 720 of the end cap 702 tubular body 718, the open end 214 of the drainpipe 704 is spaced apart from the closed end 720 of the drainpipe end cap 702 tubular body 718. As discussed in more detail in the following sections of this specification, spacing the open end 214 of the drainpipe 704 allows water to enter the passage 710 of the drainpipe 704 when the end cap 702 is fitted to the end section 712 of the drainpipe 704.

[0066] It is envisaged that alternative embodiments of the present invention could readily use different spacing arrangements (see FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14) to that which has been described with reference to the three elongate members 728 and the two disks 730. For example, one such alternative embodiment could employ a spacing arrangement in which the three elongate members 728 are replaced with a single length of unitary pipe, which is illustrated in FIG. 8. This alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 (which is a cross-sectional view), in which the end cap 802 has a unitary piece of pipe 844 instead of the three separate elongate members 728. In a further alternative embodiment, the spacing arrangement may not be fixedly connected to the drainpipe end cap as previously described, instead the spacing arrangement may be a separate item that is fitted to the end portion 212 of the drainpipe 204. This alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 which shows an end cross-sectional view of the drainpipe 904 with the end cap 902 fitted thereto. In this alternative embodiment the spacing arrangement comprises four elongate members 948 fixed to the outer surface of the end section of the drainpipe 904. The elongate members 948 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the wall of the drainpipe 904. Like the elongate members 728 shown in FIG. 7, the elongate members 948 of this alternative embodiment have an outer surface that engages with the inner surface of the drainpipe end cap 902.

[0067] In turning now to describing how the drainage system 100 facilitates drainage of bunkers in a golf course, reference is made to FIG. 10. As described previously, the drainage system 1000 comprises a tubular end cap 1002 and a drainpipe 1004. For the sale of clarity, the previously mentioned spacing arrangement is not shown in FIG. 10. When installed in a bunker 1050, both the end cap 1002 and the drainpipe 1004 are buried below the surface level of the sand 1052. The section of the drainpipe 1004 to which the end cap 1002 is fitted is generally positioned vertically. As shown in FIG. 7, there is a space 738 that is defined by the outer surface 758 of the drainpipe 704 and the inner surface 724 of the drainpipe end cap 702. This space 738 is the result of the outer surface 758 of the drainpipe 704 having a circumference that is less than the circumference of the inner surface 724 of the end cap 702. In turning again to FIG. 10, this space 1038 enables water below the surface of the sand 1052 to enter the drainpipe 1004 and be drained away while minimizing the amount of sand that enters the drainpipe 1004. More specifically, as rainwater collects in the bunker 1050 it will settle below the surface level of the bunker sand 1052. As it continues to rain the level of rainwater below the surface 1052 will rise causing it to enter the space 1038 and pass therethrough. With reference to FIG. 11, which illustrates a closer view of the in situ drainage system 1100. As the level of rainwater in the space 1138 rises towards the closed end 1120 of the end cap 1002, which act like a weir, the rainwater will spill over the lip 1160 of the drainpipe 1104 and into the passage 1110 via the drainpipe opening 1114. Because the rainwater passes up through the space 1138 minimal bunker sand enters the drainpipe opening 1114. Because of the weight of the sand it is not drawn up with the water as it rises in level in the passage 1138. The closed end 1120 of the end cap 102 prevents any bunker sand from falling into the drainpipe opening 1114. As previously described the drainpipe end cap 1102 and the drainpipe 1104 are buried beneath the surface level of the bunker sand 1052.

[0068] While the preceding description of an embodiment of the present invention is described in the context of an open ended drainpipe with an end cap fitted thereto, it is possible that the present invention could be embodied in different arrangements. One such example of an alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. Instead of an open ended drainpipe with an end cap fitted thereto as described previously, FIG. 12 shows both an end profile and a side profile of the drainage system 1200. The system 1200 employs a closed end drainpipe 1204. Instead of having an open end to allow water to enter the drainpipe 1204, the drainpipe 1204 has a series of openings 1262 in the top of the drainpipe 1204. As an alternative to a drainpipe endcap, the drainage system 1200 employs an elongate shroud 1264 that extends longitudinally along the length of the drainpipe 1204. This alternative embodiment also uses the spacing arrangement 1268 which holds an inner surface 1270 of the shroud 1264 in a spaced apart relationship to an outer surface 1272 of the drainpipe 1204 to thereby form a space 1274, which as described in relation to the previous embodiment, allows water in the bunker to flow up therethrough and into the drainpipe 1204 openings 1262.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, and shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the drainpipe of the drainage system is of a generally circular or cylindrical tubular form, with a constant cross-section along its length (defined by a single wall). Like the embodiments above, the drainpipe (or body, as it will now be referred to) 1304 of the embodiment 1300 shown in FIG. 13 comprises a generally tubular form defining a passage 1310 for fluid flow, but the tubular form of this embodiment has a cross section that varies along its length. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0070] The cap 1302 of this embodiment comprises a dome-like top portion (see FIG. 14) and a curved sidewall 1318 in the form of a skirt extending downwardly, in use, from the top portion 1320 so as to define a recess or void 1326. The cap 1302 further comprises a mounting portion 1306 that extends within the recess 1326 and generally from the centre of an inner surface of the top portion 1320. The mounting portion 1306 comprises six evenly spaced support ribs 1376 extending radially from a common central axis (i.e. so as to form a generally elongate portion with a star shaped cross-section). An outer edge of each support rib 1376 generally corresponds to the form of a curved inner surface 1378 of the body 1304 (defining the passage 1310 of the body). Thus, in use, the cap 1302 can be mounted to the body 1304 by inserting the mounting portion 1306 into the passage 1310 of the body 1304, such that the outer edges of the support ribs 1376 rest against and engage the inner surface 1378 of the body 1304. To facilitate this mounting, a plurality of longitudinal guide ribs 1380 project from the inner surface 1378 of the body 1304 (defining the passage 1310), such that when the cap 1302 is mounted to the body 1304 (and during mounting), the support ribs 1376 locate between the guide ribs 1380.

[0071] The shape of the support ribs 1376, and the cap 1302 in general, creates a spacing arrangement such that when the mounting portion 1306 is inserted into the passage 1310 (i.e. to mount the cap 1302 to the body 1304) the inner surface 1324 of the cap 1302 is spaced from the outer surface 1382 of the body 1304. The second end 1384 of the body 1304 additionally comprises spacing projections 1386 that also form part of the spacing arrangement (in addition to the mounting portion 1306) and engage the inner surface 1324 of the cap 1302 and maintain the spacing between the cap 1302 and the body 1304. In this way, a channel 1326 is formed between the cap 1302 and the body 1304 to allow fluid to flow to the inlet 1314 of the body 1304 and into the passage 1310.

[0072] As mentioned above, the body 1304 does not have a constant cross-section along its length. The outer surface 1382 of the body 1304 tapers inwardly from its second (lower) end 1384 at the outlet 1388 of the passage 1310, to its first (upper) end 1312 at the inlet 1314. As a result, when the cap 1302 is mounted to the body 1304, the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 1326 (between the cap 1302 and the body 1304) increases with proximity to the first end 1312 or inlet 1314. As a result of this arrangement, fluid that is passing through the fluid channel (see FIG. 14, channel 1438) decreases in velocity as it moves from the second end 1384 of the body 1304 to the first end of the body 1304. This decrease in velocity may help to ensure that the fluid has insufficient energy to carry solids (e.g. sand, dirt, etc.) into the passage 1310.

[0073] The inner surface 1378 of the body 1304 has a curved form. In general (depending on the type, flow rate, etc. of the fluid), surface tension in the fluid may cause it to flow along this inner surface 1378 rather than drop down the centre of the passage 1310.

[0074] At the second end 1384 (i.e. adjacent the outlet 1388) the body 1304 is mounted to a coupling portion 1390, which allows the drainage system 1300 to be coupled to e.g. a fluid dispersing pipe 1391. The coupling portion 1390 comprises a generally tubular side wall 1392 that couples with the body 1304 so as to create a fluid-tight seal between the coupling portion 1390 and the body 1304. A generally planar base 1393 extends across the coupling portion 1390 (i.e. bounded by the tubular sidewall 1392), and a weir portion 1394, also having a tubular pipe shape, extends through the planar base 1393.

[0075] Hence, on an upper side of the planar base 1393 of the coupling portion (adjacent the outlet 1388 of the body 1304) a trough is formed between the weir portion 1394 and the sidewall 1392 of the coupling portion 1390. The lower side (e.g. underside) of the coupling portion 1390 comprises a tubular projection 1395 that extends from the planar base 1393 and fits within an aperture 1397 in the fluid dispersing pipe 1391.

[0076] The coupling portion 1390 further comprises curved anus 1396 that extend from the lower side of the planar base 1393 and are shaped so as to grip the fluid dispersing pipe 1391 (i.e. at the location of the opening 1397).

[0077] The system further comprises a sealing member, in the form of a foam ring 1398. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, this ring 1398 is shown between the body 1304 and the coupling portion 1390. However, in use, this ring 1398 is positioned between the fluid dispersing pipe 1391 and the coupling portion 1390 (around the projecting part of the weir portion 1394) so as to create a fluid seal between the pipe 1391 and the coupling portion 1390.

[0078] In use, fluid passes from the passage 1310 of the body into the coupling portion 1390 and collects in the trough. Once the level of water reaches the top of the weir portion 1394, it flows from the trough through the centre of the weir portion 1394 and into the fluid dispersing pipe 1391. This weir portion 1394 provides a secondary barrier to solids that may have passed into the inlet 1314 of the body 1304 and through the passage 1310.

[0079] FIG. 14 shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B and described above. These figures are provided for the purpose of showing an exemplary internal structure of the cap and body of the embodiment shown in

[0080] FIGS. 13A and 13B (albeit with minor variations). Hence, similar numbering has been used in this figure.

[0081] Also apparent from FIG. 14 is the weir portion 1494 that defines a trough around an opening (that leads to the pipe 1491), except that the trough is bounded by the weir portion 1494 and the body 1404 (rather than by the sidewall of the weir portion as is the case in FIGS. 13A and 13B).

[0082] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

[0083] For example, the drainage system may comprise a locator element to allow for location of the system when buried under e.g. sand in a bunker. This locator element may, for example, be in the form of metal part (e.g. disc, ring, plate, etc.) that is affixed to the drainage system. This would allow the drainage system to be detected by a metal detector. The locator element may otherwise be a transponder emitting a signal, an NFC tag, RFID tag, etc.

[0084] The drainage system may additionally or alternatively comprise a levelling device. For example, the levelling device may be a bullseye level mounted to the drainage system (e.g. on the cap). This may allow an installer of the drainage system to ensure that the body and cap are level when positioned on a water dispersing pipe.

[0085] The body or drainpipe of the drainage system may not have a circular cross-section. It may instead take any other suitable form (e.g. conical, box-like, etc).

[0086] The various portions of the drainage system (e.g. drainpipe, cap, base portion) may be formed as separate connectable pieces, or may be integrally formed as a single part.

[0087] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the drainage system.