US20100247236A1

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Info

Publication number: US20100247236A1
Application number: US12/410,756
Authority: US
Inventors: Simon Francis Godwin Bradbeer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Elkington Gatic Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-25
Filing date: 2009-03-25
Publication date: 2010-09-30

Abstract

An asymmetric slot drain comprises a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element. The throat element is offset towards one-side of the channel element. Slot drain apparatus which comprises such an asymmetric slot drain and an access/outlet box is also provided. Slot drain apparatus which comprises such an asymmetric slot drain and an end cap adapter is also provided.

Description

This invention relates to an asymmetric slot drain, and to slot drain apparatus having such an asymmetric slot drain and an access/outlet box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known from GB2311549B to provide a slot drain which has a channel portion having a regular polygonal lateral cross-section and an elongate throat portion which provides a narrow opening to the channel portion. Such a slot drain is remarkably beneficial in providing discreet surface water drainage from largely non-porous upper surfaces, such as tiled, paved, tarmac, and concreted areas. The narrow mouth of the throat portion dispenses with the need for large unsightly grills and gratings, yet the significant longitudinal extent allows unrestricted or substantially unrestricted water flow into the larger channel portion therebeneath.

However, due to the narrow throat portion and the requirement to have a larger volume channel therebeneath to accommodate a suitable volume of run-off water, the existing slot drain cannot be used to provide a surface drainage opening which is against or abuts a building, wall or foundations.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an asymmetric slot drain comprising a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided slot drain apparatus comprising an asymmetric slot drain and an access/outlet box to which an end of the slot drain can be coupled, the slot drain including a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element, and the access/outlet box having at least one side including at least one frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-section of the channel element.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided slot drain apparatus comprising an asymmetric slot drain and an end cap adapter to which an end of the slot drain can be coupled, the slot drain including a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element, and the end cap adapter having at least one side including at least one frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-section of the channel element.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an asymmetric slot drain, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a spigot end of the asymmetric slot drain, shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the asymmetric slot drain, taken along line A-A inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an access/outlet box for use with the asymmetric slot drain, according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows the asymmetric slot drain from one end, when in use and against a side of a wall;

FIG. 6 shows an end cap of the in use asymmetric slot drain;

FIG. 7 shows another end of the asymmetric slot drain and the access/outlet box shown in partial cutaway for clarity, when in use and at an interior corner of a wall; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adapter for use with the asymmetric slot drain, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, there is shown one embodiment of anasymmetric slot drain10 which comprises a substantially rigidelongate channel element12 and a substantially rigidelongate throat element14. Thechannel element12 is preferably formed from metal, such as galvanised steel or aluminium, or plastics and includes two separate parts16,18 which are engagable to form a water flow conduit.

The first said part16 of thechannel element12 comprises a completely flat or planar proximal side wall20. The second said part18 of thechannel element12 includes adistal side wall22, atop wall24 which is integral and contiguous with an upper edge of thedistal side wall22, and abottom wall26 which is integral and contiguous with a lower edge of thedistal side wall22.

Thetop wall24 and thebottom wall26 are planar and extend at obtuse included angles from thedistal side wall22. With the two parts16,18 of thechannel element12 assembled together, thetop wall24 approaches but is spaced from an upper portion of the proximal side wall20 to define a channel opening28, and thebottom wall26 meets the proximal side wall20 to close thechannel element12 at its base. A cross-sectional shape of thechannel element12 is trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal when taking the proximal side wall20 as the base.

To connect the two parts16,18 of thechannel element12 together, aflange30 is integrally provided as one-piece on a lower edge of thebottom wall26. Theflange30 is preferably planar and elongate, extending along the longitudinal extent of theslot drain10. Theflange30 thus abuts alower portion32 of the proximal side wall20, thereby enabling permanent engagement, for example, via riveting, of the two parts16,18 of thechannel element12.

Afoot element34 for supporting thechannel element12 may also be provided. In this case, thefoot element34 is a preferably planar elongate strip which is integrally formed as one-piece along a bottom edge of theflange30. Thefoot element34 preferably extends at right angles to theflange30, and away from the proximal side wall20.

When considering the channel opening28 between thetop wall24 and the proximal side wall20, it is clear that a lateral cross-section of thechannel element12 is asymmetric about aplane36 which extends at right angles to and bisects the channel opening28.

Thethroat element14 has spaced and facing first and

second throat walls

38,40 which extend upwardly from the channel opening28 of thechannel element12. Each

throat wall

38,40 is planar or substantially planar. Preferably, thesecond throat wall40 slopes inwardly towards thefirst throat wall38, so that amouth42 of thethroat element14 has a smaller lateral extent than a lateral extent of the channel opening28.

In this embodiment, thefirst throat wall38 is integrally formed as one-piece with the proximal side wall20 of thechannel element12, and thesecond throat wall40 is integrally formed as one-piece with thetop wall24 of thechannel element12. The proximal side wall20 and thefirst throat wall38 thus provide a planar or flat side of theslot drain10. Thesecond throat wall40 extends at an obtuse included angle from thetop wall24.

Due to the different shapes of the two parts16,18 of thechannel element12, the channel opening28 and thus also thethroat element14 are offset to one side of thechannel element12. In this embodiment, thethroat element14 is entirely offset at one side of thechannel element12, so as to align with the proximal side wall20. However, it is possible that the proximal side wall20 of thechannel element12 may have a lateral cross-sectional shape which, although different from that of thedistal side wall22 in order to maintain the asymmetry, is not or is not entirely flat. In this case, thethroat element14 may be offset so as to be more towards one side of thechannel element12 than the other, but may not be entirely at one side.

Thethroat element14 of this embodiment is provided substantially symmetrically about the said bisectingplane36. However, again, thethroat element14 may itself be asymmetric about this bisectingplane36, and may even cross through thebisecting plane36, for example, if thethroat element14 is not intended to be vertical.

To maintain a suitable gap between the first and

second throat walls

38,40, a plurality ofspacers44 is utilised. In this case, each, preferably metal or plastics,spacer44 is a separate plate element having two pairs of spacedarms46. Thearms46 are receivable throughcorresponding slots48 in the

throat walls

38,40, and free ends are then folded over to prevent thearms46 from being pulling back through theslots48.

As an alternative, a flange may be provided along one side of each spacer to enable the spacer to be fixed to one of the

throat walls

38,40 prior to assembly of the two parts16,18 of thechannel element12. The arms on the flange side of the spacer can thus be dispensed with, and the remaining arms on the other side can be received through the corresponding slots in the

adjacent throat wall

38,40, when thechannel element12 is assembled.

To close an end of thechannel element12 and thethroat element14, anend cap50 is provided. SeeFIG. 6. Theend cap50 is a, typically metal or plastics, plate having a general perimeter shape which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-section of thechannel element12 and thethroat element14. Aslot52 is provided in theend cap50 to receive at least thedistal side wall22 of thechannel element12, which would thus have a longer longitudinal extent than the proximal side wall20. Theend cap50, when slidably received on thedistal side wall22 would this abut the proximal side wall20 andthroat element14.

To hold theend cap50 in place, one or morefoldable tabs54 are provided adjacent in or on thedistal side wall22 at or adjacent to its end.

To enable theasymmetric slot drain10 to extend around a corner, and/or to provide an outlet for run-off water to a main drainage conduit orpipe56, an access/outlet box58 is provided, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7. The access/outlet box58, in this embodiment, has fourseparate box sides60 interengaged viaslots62 andtabs64. A, preferably removable,cover element66 provides a recessed upper surface, and abase element68 closes a bottom of thebox58. Thebase element68 is also held in place by having its edges engaged with thebox sides60 viatabs69 andslots70.

At least one of thebox sides60 includes one or more frangible cut-outportions72. In this case, a first frangible cut-out portion74 has a shape which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-sectional shape of thechannel element12 of theslot drain10. A second frangible cut-out portion76 has a shape which is complementary with a lateral cross-sectional shape of the main drainage conduit orpipe56.

The cut-outportions72 are bounded by preformed slots orcuts78 in therespective box side60 so that a plurality of only small connections remain between the cut-outportions72 and the rest of thebox side60. The cut-outportion72 can thus be broken away from the rest of thebox side60, either by hand or by a cutting tool, as necessity dictates.

In this embodiment, the first and second cut-outportions72 are provided ondifferent box sides60, but they may be provided on only onebox side60.

Furthermore, it will be understood that a plurality of cut-outportions72 may be provided for different sizes, orientations and shapes ofslot drain10, as well as different sizes of main drainage conduit orpipe56.

As shown inFIG. 8, anend cap adapter82 can be provided to allow a standard drainage pipe, typically having a circular lateral cross-section, to be fluidly connected to thechannel element12 of theasymmetric slot drain10. Theadapter82 is similar to the above-described access/outlet box58, having foursides84 interengaged byslots86 andtabs88, a base also engaged with thesides84 byslots90 andtabs92, and asloping cover94 which is integrally formed as one-piece with one of thesides84. Thecover94 in this embodiment is fixed and thus not removable.

At least one of the box sides84 includes one or more frangible cut-out portions96. In this case, a first frangible cut-out portion98 has a shape which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-sectional shape of thechannel element12 of theslot drain10. A second frangible cut-out portion100 has a shape which is complementary with a lateral cross-sectional shape of the standard drainage.

The cut-out portions96 are bounded by preformed slots or cuts in therespective side84 so that a plurality of only small connections remain between the cut-out portions96 and the rest of thebox side84. The cut-out portion96 can thus be broken away from the rest of thebox side84, either by hand or by a cutting tool, as necessity dictates.

In this embodiment, the first and second cut-out portions98,100 are provided on thesame side84, but they may be, additionally or alternatively, provided ondifferent sides84.

Furthermore, it will be understood that a plurality of cut-out portions96 may be provided for different sizes, orientations and shapes ofslot drain10, as well as different sizes of standard drainage pipe.

To install theasymmetric slot drain10, a suitable channel or trench102 is dug along the side of a building surface, foundation orwall104. A thin layer ofexpansion material106 is placed in the trench102 and along thewall104, and theasymmetric slot drain10 is placed with its proximal side wall20 against theexpansion material106. In this way, themouth42 of thethroat element14 is as close as possible to surface of thewall106, and thus decorative paving or tiles are not required between themouth42 of theslot drain10 and surface of thewall104.

Once theslot drain10 is located, one end can be attached to the access/outlet box58 oradapter82 once a suitable cut-outportion72,96 has been removed. Hereafter, installation is described with reference to the access/outlet box58. Amain drainage conduit56 is connected to the access/outlet box58 at a lower position so that run-off water flowing from thechannel element12 and into the access/outlet box58 then flows into themain drainage conduit56. A firstconcrete layer108 is poured into the trench102 to encase and hold thefoot elements34 of theslot drain10 and the lower portion of the access/outlet box58. Once suitably cured, a secondconcrete layer110 is poured to cover or substantially cover thechannel element12. A polymer modifiedconcrete layer112 is then finally poured to cover a lower portion of thethroat element14 and provide a bed for decorative tiles or paving blocks114. An upper surface116 of the tiles or paving blocks lies in the same horizontal or substantially horizontal plane as themouth42 of thethroat element14, which is also coplanar with anuppermost edge118 of the access/outlet box58. A waterproofflexible sealant strip120 is used between theuppermost edge122 of thethroat element14 and thewall104.

Although the lateral cross-section of the channel element is generally trapezoid shaped, there is no reason why it cannot be other shapes. The abutting side wall, although preferably in a single or sole plane, could potentially be or include a curve. The throat element, although vertical or substantially vertical when in use, could potentially extend at a sloping angle.

The two parts of the channel element with the two walls of the throat element integrally formed as one-pieces thereon is preferable for ease of manufacture, storage and transportation. However, it is perfectly feasible that the throat element could be separate of the channel element. The channel element may be one-piece or more than two pieces, and the throat element may be one-piece or more than two pieces.

It is thus possible to provide a slot drain which, through its asymmetry and offset throat element, allows extremely close yet unobtrusive positioning of the mouth of the throat element to a wall surface, such as a facade of a building whilst retaining a large channel element.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An asymmetric slot drain comprising a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element.

2. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a lateral cross-section of the channel element is asymmetric about a plane which is perpendicular to and bisects the channel opening.

3. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the channel element has at least two parts.

4. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 3, wherein each part is a longitudinal side of the channel element.

5. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein one side of the channel element meets one wall of the throat element so as to be coplanar or substantially coplanar.

6. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one side of the channel element is flat or substantially flat.

7. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a portion of the channel element to one side of a plane which is perpendicular to and bisects the channel opening is planar or substantially planar.

8. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the channel element is formed in at least two parts, and wherein a first said wall of the throat element is formed integrally with a first said part of the channel element and a second said wall of the throat element is formed integrally with a second said part of the channel element.

9. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the channel element has a top wall, a base wall and two opposing side walls, the base wall being non-perpendicular to both side walls.

10. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the top wall is non-perpendicular to both to both side walls.

11. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 9, wherein one side wall, the top wall and the base wall are integrally formed together as one-piece.

12. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a lateral cross-sectional shape of the channel element is a trapezoid

13. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the throat element extends from between a base and one side of the trapezoid

14. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a spacer between the walls of the throat element.

15. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the spacer is recessed from an opening of the throat element.

16. An asymmetric slot drain as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising an asymmetric end cap which is engagable with an end of the channel element and the throat element.

17. Slot drain apparatus comprising an asymmetric slot drain and an access/outlet box to which an end of the slot drain can be coupled, the slot drain including a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element, and the access/outlet box having at least one side including at least one frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-section of the channel element.

18. Slot drain apparatus as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the access/outlet box includes at least one further frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening for receiving a drainage pipe.

19. Slot drain apparatus comprising an asymmetric slot drain and an end cap adapter to which an end of the slot drain can be coupled, the slot drain including a channel element and a throat element having two walls which extend upwardly from a channel opening of the channel element, the throat element being offset towards one-side of the channel element, and the end cap adapter having at least one side including at least one frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening which matches or substantially matches a lateral cross-section of the channel element.

20. Slot drain apparatus as claimed inclaim 19, wherein the end cap adapter includes at least one further frangible cut-out portion shaped to provide on removal an opening for receiving a standard drainage pipe.