Patent ID: 6972088
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: E03F

Abstract:
1. A gate system to be located at the opening to a subsurface catch basin of a storm drain system to block leaves, litter and other debris from entering the catch basin during periods of dryness or little rainfall, said gate system comprising: a catch basin blocking gate extending in a closed position across the catch basin opening to trap said leaves, litter and debris; at least one torsion spring coupled to said catch basin blocking gate to apply a pushing force thereto by which to hold said blocking gate in the closed position across the catch basin opening during a period of little or no rainfall; and a pull rod to which a pulling force is applied during a period of rainfall by a rain water responsive force generator, said pull rod coupled between said force generator and said catch basin blocking gate to transfer said pulling force to said blocking gate during the period of rainfall by which to overcome the pushing force applied by said at least one torsion spring and thereby pull said catch basin blocking gate to an open position out of the catch basin opening to permit rainwater to flow through the catch basin opening and into the catch basin, said at least one torsion spring being wound and storing energy when said pull rod transfers said pulling force to said catch basin blocking gate during the period of rainfall and said catch basin blocking gate is pulled to said open position, and said at least one torsion being unwound and releasing the stored energy during a subsequent period of little or no rainfall by which to push said catch basin blocking gate back to said closed position.