US3559408A - Spring development system - Google Patents

Abstract

THE SYSTEM CONTEMPLATES THE PROVISION OF A PRECAST WATER COLLECTION BOX OR RESERVOIR COMMUNICATED WITH COLLECTOR DRAIN TILE IN A SPRING OR SEEP AREA THROUGH AN INLET PIPE, AND COMMUNICATED WITH A TROUGH OR HOLDING TANK THROUGH AN OUTFLOW PIPE THE BOX INCLUDES AN OVERFLOW OUTLET PIPE WITH THE VARIOUS PIPES COMMUNICATING WITH THE PRECAST BOX AT PREDETERMINED POINTS ABOVE THE BOTTOM THEREOF, THE INLET PIPE AND THE OVERFLOW OUTLET PIPE BEING RECEIVED AND MORTARED WITHIN TAPERED PRECAST HOLES FOR SIMPLIFYING THE ASSEMBLY.

Description

FebQZ, 1971 LA MAR M. EARNl-mru'V 3,559,408n

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INVENTOR.

United States Patent() 3,559,408 SPRING DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM La Mar M. Earnhart, Box 45, Waynesville, Ohio 45068 Filed Sept. 26, 1968, Ser. No. 762,764 Int. Cl. E02b 11/00, 7/08 U.S. Cl. 61-10 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention is concerned with spring development systems, and more particularly relates to a unique collection box, the manner in which the box is constructed, and the manner in which the box is incorporated and operates in the system.

It is a primary intention of the instant invention to provide a uniquely constructed spring collection box which greatly facilitates the installation of the system and which, in the installed system, provides for a more ecient operation of the system, avoiding most of the problems generally associated with such systems, including the introduction of pollutants into the system and the possibility of the developed area becoming water saturated.

In achieving the above objects, it is contemplated that the spring collection box of the instant invention be precast and of reinforced concrete, having several pipe connecting openings dened therein for engagement therewith by an inlet pipe communicating with the collector tile in the spring area, an over-flow pipe generally aligned with the inlet pipe and offset downwardly approximately one inch therefrom, and one or more outflow pipes leading to stock or holding tanks.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the spring development system;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the spring collection box and the communicating pipe sections,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spring collection box;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view taken through the spring collection box substantially on a plane passing along line 4--4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view through the box taken substantially on a plane passing along line 5-5 in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken sub- 3,559,408 Patented Feb. 2, 1971 stantially on a plane passing alongline 6--6 in FIG. 4.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings,reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate the spring development system. This system includes a spring or seep area 12 having laterally branching collector drain tile 14 positioned therein, aspring collection box 16 downstream from the seep area 12, and a trough or holding tank 18 downstream from thecollection box 16.

In placing the collector tile 14, atrench 20` is dug transversely across the spring or seep area 12 down to an impervious or water-tight layer 22. The title 14, which is preferably four inch drain tile, is laid in thetrench 20 on top of theimpervious layer 22 with gravel or rock 24 v on the uphill side of the tile 14 and tightly tamped clay or poured concrete 26 on the lower side of the tile so as to intersect and keep the water from escaping into the soil on the downhill side of the collector tile 14.

Anelongated inlet pipe 28, preferably formed of sewer tile with sealed joints, communicates the collector tile 14 with thespring collection box 16. An appropriate concreteanti-seep cutofr wall 30 is provided about theinlet pipe 28 immediately below the collector tile 14 so as to prevent any seepage along the pipe` 28.

Communicated with thebox 16 in generally opposed relation to theinlet pipe 28 is a downhill extendingoverflow outlet pipe 32. This overow pipe extends to an area remote from the developed area so as to prevent any overflow and possible water saturation of the developed area.

Also extending from communication with thecollection box 16 is at least one reduceddiameter outflow pipe 34 which communicates with a watering trough or holding tank 18, also provided with anoverflow line 36.

Referring now specifically to thespring collection box 16, this box is to be prefabricated or precast, formed of reinforced concrete so as to define a hollow cylindrical unit with an open upper end. Both theannular wall 38 of thebox 16 and the bottom wall oriloor 40 are preferably to be two inches thick with the transverse internal diameter thereof being eighteen inches. A removable precast concrete top orlid 42 is also provided for sealing thebox 16 while still allowing for convenient access thereto for inspection purposes or the like. Theannular box wall 38 is provided with a pair of generally opposed openings orholes 44 and 46 which accommodate the inlet andoverflow outlet pipes 28 and 32. The openings `44 and 46 are each tapered inwardly from an outside diameter of six inches to an inside diameter of five inches, the ve inch inside diameter being just sulicient so as to allow for a sliding reception of thepipes 28 and 32. The basis for the tapered configuration of theholes 44 and 46 is so as to provide a convenient means for properly mortaring the"`pipes 28 and 32 in theholes 44 and 46 without requiring access to the interior of thebox 16, such being extremely difficult because of the height of the box, approximately four feet, and the narrow interior diameter thereof. With the tapered conlguraiton and the relatively close fit between the pipes and the inner ends of the holes, the mortar can be properly packed in the holes from the exterior of thebox 16 without the mortar falling into the interior of the box itself. Finally, noting the dimension lines in FIG. 4, thehole 46 through which theoverow outlet pipe 32 is communicated, is located slightly below the inlet pipe opening 44, this distance being approximately one inch whereby an overflow or excess build-up of water in thebox 16 will drain through thedownhill overflow pipe 32 and not result in a backow through theinlet pipe 28. This provision of an overflow outlet in the collection box is considered particularly significant as a means for avoiding a water saturation of the development area and waterlogging of the collector tiles during periods of high rainfall. With regard to locating theopenings 44 and 46 in thebox 16, the lowermost portion of the inner edge of theopening 44 will normally be positioned thirteen inches from the inner surface of thefloor 40, and the lowermost portion of the inner diameter of theopening 46 will be located approximately twelve inches above the inner surface of thefloor 40.

Located vertically below each opening 44 and 46 is a second pair ofopenings 48, each positoined approximately seven inches from the inner surface of thebottom 40 and each being approximately one and one-half inches in diameter. While twosuch openings 48 have been illustrated, any practical number thereof can be provided depending upon the number of troughs or holding tanks 18 to be fed. Each of theopenings 48 is particularly adapted to rigidly mount one end of anelongated outflow pipe 34 which feeds a trough 18. It is contemplated that the actual connection includes ashort metal rod 50 embedded within the concrete immediately below and along eachhole 48 and an appropriate pipe connector 52 welded to thisrod 50. Other appropriate connection means can also of course be utilized. Incidentally, it shall bc appreciated that the fact that the overflow outlet pipe opening 46 is spaced several inches above theoutow pipe openings 48 allowed the development of a head of water which insures a proper flow outward through the outow pipe orpipes 34. Further, with regard to FIG. 2, the arrangement shown therein assumes only a single watering trough is being fed, and as such, an appropriate plug 54 has been mounted within theunused opening 48.

In normal operation, the water in the spring or seep area 12 flows along theimpervious layer 22 to the collector tiles 14 which collect and direct the water to the communicatedintake pipe 28 for an introduction of the water into thecollection box 16. The water in thebox 16 flows through the outfiow pipe orpipes 34 into an appropriate downhill trough or holding tank. Should any increase in flow occur beyond that which can appropriately be held in the box or fed into the trough, the water will discharge directly from thebox 16 through theoverflow outlet pipe 32 for discharge away from the spring development area, thus avoiding a water saturation of the area and possible pollution of the system resulting therefrom. i

The specific construction of theprecast collection box 16 is also considered particularly important in simplifying the installaton of the system, not only by avoiding the necessity of an in situ construction of thebox 16, but also by enabling a simplified engagement of the pipes therewith as well as handling of the collecting water while the lower portion of the system is being installed. For example, the provision of the various openings through the side walls enables the construction of the box with a solid fiat bottom which can be properly seated within a ground hole before the pipes are connected therewith. In addition, theholes 48 are particularly useful in providing for a controlled liow of the collected water while the mortar used in setting the ends of thepipes 28 and 32 hardens so as to provide sealed joints. Further, theopenings 48, in conjunction with theoutflow pipes 34 coupled thereto, can be used to direct water away from the development site so as to maintain the site dry during the construction of the water trough, holding tank or the like, after thepipes 34 can be connected to the constructed trough or holding tank for the supplying of water thereto. In this manner, actual construction of the entire system can be effected at one time through a progressive controlling of the water from the spring or seep area as the system is constructed down therefrom. Finally, it should be appreciated that the above set forth dimensions, while considered preferable in most instances, can be varied as long as the relative relationship between the components is maintained.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modications and equivalents may be restored to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A spring development system comprising a spring area, collector means located within the spring area for the gathering of water therein, inlet pipe means having one end thereof in water receiving communication with the collector means and a collection box, said collection box being located downstream from said collector means and having a first inlet opening defined therein, said inlet pipe means having a second end engaged within the collection box opening for a movement of water from the collector means into the collection box, said collection box having a second outflow opening located in a horizontal plane below the first inlet opening, an outfiow pipe having one end engaged within said second opening in liow receiving communication with the collection box, holding tank means downstream from the collection box, said outflow pipe having the second end thereof in fiow discharging communication with said holding tank means, for a movement of water from the collection box into the holding tank means, a third overflow opening defined in said collection box and located in a plane above said second outow opening and slightly below said first inlet opening, said third overow opening being directed downstream therefrom and an overflow outlet pipe having one end thereof engaged within Said third opening in flow receiving communication with the collection box.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said collection box is prefabricated of reinforced concrete.

3. The system of claim 1 including a plurality of outow openings defined in said box at approximately equal height.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first inlet opening and the third overow opening are tapered inwardly from the exterior of the box to the interior thereof, defining, in each instance, a greater diameter at the exterior of the box and a lesser diameter at the interior of the box, the inlet pipe means and the overow outlet pipe being of diameters so as to provide for a close sliding engagement within the corresponding openings relative to the lesser inner diameters thereof whereby a tapered mortar receiving space is provided annularly about each hole received pipe increasing outwardly from the lesser inner diameters.

5. In a spring development system, a collection box, said collection box including a peripheral upstanding wall, a closed bottom, and a removable top, said upstanding wall having a first inlet opening defined laterally therethrough in spaced relation above the bottom, a second outow opening defined therethrough also in spaced relation above the bottom and located in a horizontal plane below the first inlet opening, and a third overflow opening defined therethrough, also in spaced relation above said bottom, said third overflow opening being located in a plane spaced above said second outflow opening and slightly below said first inlet opening.

f6. The collection box ofclaim 5 wherein said first inlet opening and said third overflow opening are each of a tapered configuration, tapering from a larger diameter at the exterior of the wall to a lesser diameter at the nterior of the wall.

7. The collection box ofclaim 6 including an embedded connecting element locked within the wall and communicating with said outflow opening.

8. The collection box of claim 7 wherein said rstinlet opening and said third overflow opening are substantially diametrically opposed from each other.

9. The collection box ofclaim 5 wherein said first inlet opening and said third overflow opening are substantially diametrically opposed from each other.

10. The collection box of claim 9 wherein said collection box is prefabricated of reinforced concrete.

6 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,635,477 7/1927 Hall IS7-236K 1,686,475 10/ 1928 Southgate 137--236X 1,866,826 7/1932 Strothmann 61-10 3,263,378 8/1966 Dorris 52-100 JACOB SHAPIRO, IPrimary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R.

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