Abstract:
Individual square shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant square tilling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal square shaped modules drain into square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/657,253, filed on Jul. 24, 2017, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/394,118 filed on Sep. 13, 2016 and a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,514, filed on Apr. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,732,508, issued on Aug. 15, 2017. The present application is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/611,522, filed Jul. 21, 2017 and U.S. Design patent application No. 29/611,524, filed Jul. 21, 2017. Additionally, the subject matter of the present application is related to the following patent applications: U. S. Design patent application No. 29/567,711 filed on Jun. 10, 2016; now Pat. No. D795,383, issued on Aug. 22, 2017 and U.S. Design patent application No. 29/571,016, filed on Jul. 13, 201, now Pat. No. D795,385. The above-referenced applications, including the drawings, are specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all that they disclose and teach and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The embodiments of the present technology relate, in general, to the capture, storage, infiltration, and filtration of fluids, system and methods of using the same, including the subterranean water capture, storage, infiltration and filtration, system and methods of using the same. Although the present invention is described in context of stormwater storage and filtration, the invention is not so limited. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluid storage systems have been in existence for many years, specifically underground storage systems for the collection and storage of water. While water is collected underground for various reasons, over the past 20 years there has been increased focus on collecting and storing storm water runoff. This is done because of two main concerns. The quantity of storm water runoff is a concern because larger volumes of associated runoff can cause erosion and flooding. Quality of storm water runoff is a concern because storm water runoff flows into our rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and/or oceans. Larger volumes of polluted storm water runoff flowing into such bodies of water can have significant adverse effects on the health of ecosystems. 
         [0004]    The Clean Water Act of 1972 enacted laws to improve water infrastructure and quality. Storm water runoff is the major contributor to non-point source pollution. Studies have revealed that contaminated storm water runoff is the leading cause of pollution to our waterways. As we build houses, buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces, we increase the amount of water that runs into our storm water drainage systems and eventually flows into rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and/or oceans. As more land becomes impervious, less rain seeps into the ground, resulting in less groundwater recharge and higher velocity surface flows, which cause erosion and increased pollution levels in water bodies and the environment. 
         [0005]    To combat these storm water challenges associated with urbanization storm water detention, infiltration and retention methods have been developed to help mitigate the impact of increased runoff. Historically, open detention basins, wetlands, ponds or other open systems have been employed to capture storm water runoff with the intention of detaining and slowly releasing downstream over time at low flows using outlet flow controls, storing and slowly infiltrating back into the soils below to maximize groundwater recharge or retain and use for irrigation or other recycled water needs. While the open systems are very effective and efficient, the cost of the land associated with these systems can make them prohibitive. In areas such as cities or more densely populated suburbs the cost of land or availability of space has become limited. In these areas many developers and municipalities have turned to the use of underground storage systems which allow roads, parking lots, and building to be placed over the top of them. 
         [0006]    A wide range of underground storage systems exist, specifically for the storage of storm water runoff. Arrays of pipes, placed side-by-side are used to store water. Pipe systems made of concrete, plastic or corrugated steel have been used. More recently arched plastic chamber systems have been in use. As with pipes, rock backfill is used to fill the space surrounding them to create added void areas for storing additional water along with providing additional structural reinforcement. 
         [0007]    In general, these types of systems require at least one foot of rock backfill over the top and at least one or more feet of additional native soil over the top to support the loading associated with vehicles on streets and parking lots. These systems also require rock backfill of a foot or more around their perimeter sides to provide structural reinforcement due to lateral loading associated with soil pressure. 
         [0008]    Lastly, these systems must also be placed on a rock base for structural support. Because these systems are rounded or arched, a substantial amount of rock backfill must be used to surround them and placed in between the systems. As such, the amount of void space available for storing water compared to the amount of soil required to be excavated is only around 60 percent. 
         [0009]    Over time, plastic and concrete rectangular or cube shaped modular systems were developed that more efficiently stored storm water because the modules could be placed side-to-side and end-to-end without the need for additional rock backfill to be placed between each module as found with pipe and arched systems. With these rectangular and cube shaped systems the void space available for storing water compared to the amount of soil required to be excavated is up to 90% or more. While plastic type rectangular and cubed systems still require at least two feet of rock backfill over the top, two feet around the perimeter sides, and six inches underneath to handle downward and lateral loading, the concrete rectangular and cubed systems do not. 
         [0010]    Concrete rectangular or cubed modular systems have the benefit of not requiring rock backfill over the top or surrounding the sides because of their additional strength when compared to plastic systems. For example, currently available concrete systems can have the bottom of the structure as deep as eighteen feet below surface level standard wall thickness. The thickness of the structure can increase from six inches to eight inches or more plus adding additional rebar reinforcement to allow for deeper installation. 
         [0011]    Most concrete rectangular or cube shaped structures have five sides, four vertically extending walls and a bottom or top side. One side must be open because of how pre-cast concrete molds are made and how the concrete structure is pulled from the mold. At least one side of the concrete structure must be missing for it to be pulled from the metal mold that consists of inner and outer walls and either a top or bottom side. 
         [0012]    Unfortunately, this missing side which is required for manufacturing, creates an inherent weak point for the walls. The middle of each wall, especially the longer walls for rectangular structures, where the wall meets the end of the missing top or bottom side has no perpendicular connection as with the opposite side of the same wall where it connects to the top or bottom side. This weak point on the center of each wall at the open end is the reason why these systems have depth limitations. This is known as deflection. This weak point becomes further exaggerated the taller the wall becomes and the longer it becomes; the further away it is from the perpendicular connecting floor or adjacent wall on the opposite end. Therefore, taller systems which extend down deeper from the surface underground run into a compounding problem of taller walls and increased lateral loading (soil pressure). 
         [0013]    Recently, an approach to the aforementioned technical problem has been to replace solid wall chambers with cantilever, or semi-arched arm braces, to support the top module. This approach falls short of addressing common problems in the industry as these systems still cannot sustain increased soil pressure and lateral loading due to its shape without need to increase the wall thickness of the modules or increase the amount of rebar reinforcing therefore increasing material and overall cost of deep installations. The present technology presents a novel approach to addressing common industry limitations. 
         [0014]    The need for a system overcoming these inherent shape-related limitations is evident. The present invention provides an exemplary solution including the method, system, and apparatuses derived from principles of biomimetics; specifically, the employment of tesselated modular assembly. The construction of interlinking mosaic shapes and material layering increases the strength of the modular assembly by reducing crack propagation; thereby allowing the assembly to be underground at greater depths than underground water storage systems known in the art. This type of geometric arrangement also overcomes potential structural weakness of an individual module, as a result of manufacturing errors or transport mishaps. Mosaic configurations disclosed herein also mitigate swelling pressure of ambient soil due to the segmentation design. Paving roads with small segmented materials such as brick or paving stones, as an example, has long been utilized to withstand soil swelling. 
         [0015]    Design inspired by these efficient structures found in nature and the employment these more economic natural shapes, in combination with current precast concrete design processes, present a unique approach for overcoming the limitations of the previous approaches in the industry. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    The invention provides an exemplary method, system, and apparatuses depicted, in one of its many embodiments, as a module and an assembly of modules for collection, storage, infiltration, and treatment of liquid. In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated modular assemblies and related components is disclosed. The arrangement of modules creating interlinking mosaic shapes and concrete material layering creates a tesselated structure for maximized strength. Tesselation provides superior strength on all sides of each module and the assembly as a whole when compared to any rectangular or cubed shaped module known in the art. Its ability to equally distribute loads from the earth on its sides allows it to be installed deeper with reduced wall thickness and rebar reinforcing. 
         [0017]    In accordance with preferred embodiments, an improved modular, underground square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated assemblies and related components with three modular configurations including internal, perimeter, and corner modules. 
         [0018]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated assemblies and related components for collection and storage of storm water. 
         [0019]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated assemblies and related components for infiltration of storm water by utilizing channel-less water flow patterns and a porous base or holes in the floor and/or outflow pipes. 
         [0020]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated assemblies and related components for the storage, treatment and infiltration of and other collected and stored, non-flammable fluid needs are provided. 
         [0021]    In accordance with certain embodiments, a square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselated shaped assemblies and related components with internal square modules placed within external square modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and optional side walls, wherein the external square modules have a combination of legs and walls. 
         [0022]    In accordance with other embodiments, a square shaped module(s) design and resulting tesselataed assemblies and related components with internal square modules placed within external square modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and no side walls, wherein the external square modules have a combination of legs and walls. 
         [0023]    In accordance with some embodiments, assembly can be configured into various shapes and sizes, all being of a square shape, and are useful for meeting the size, space and shape restrictions of locations where the assemblies are being installed. 
         [0024]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, assembly of the square modules and their components may be arranged into squares, rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped and other shapes required to fit within the construction site constraints. 
         [0025]    It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein, with the preferred embodiment for the management of storm water runoff underground. 
         [0026]    Further embodiments will be apparent from this written description and accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the internal top module with three legs, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an internal top module with three legs layered with an internal bottom module with three legs, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an example of the assembly of internal top and bottom module, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter module with one leg and one wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter module with two legs and one wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a top perimeter module with two legs and one wall layered with a bottom perimeter module with two legs and one wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter top module with one leg and two walls, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter top module with one leg and two walls layered with a perimeter bottom module with one leg and two walls, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled top tessellated internal modules and separate walls, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of tesselated and layered top and bottom modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  illustrates three-dimensional top and bottom view of a top slab layered with a notch down, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  illustrates a three-dimensional view of side wall panel, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  illustrates a three-dimensional view of a full module assembly storage system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  illustrates three-dimensional view of a complete storage system assembly demonstrating the assembly of top slabs inserted into internal void areas, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  illustrates a three-dimensional view of a complete storage system assembly on a gravel base, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of a complete storage system assembly, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  illustrates a side cut-away view a complete storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  illustrates top view of a full module assembly storage system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 19  illustrates a cut-away, top view of full module assembly storage system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 20  illustrates a three-dimensional and transparent view of an internal top module with three legs, showing internal rebar, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 21  illustrates a three-dimensional and transparent view of a perimeter corner top module with one leg, showing internal rebar in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 22  illustrates an external perspective view of an access riser and access hatch assembly  70 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 23  illustrates three-dimensional and cut-away view of a complete storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 24  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter top module with three walls, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 25  illustrates a three-dimensional top module assembly of only perimeter modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 26  illustrates a three-dimensional cut-away view of an assembly of only perimeter modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of an internal top module with four legs, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of an internal top module with four legs assembled with an internal bottom module with four legs, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view tesselated internal top modules with four legs, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of perimeter top and bottom module, each having one leg and one wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0057]      FIG. 31  illustrates a side view of a series of different joints for combining top and bottom leg and wall modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0058]      FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective view of an internal rectangular top module, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0059]      FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of interior top and bottom rectangular modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0060]    The present embodiment provides a tesselated module and assembly of modules for the underground collection and storage of fluids. Tesselated modules offer enhanced strength due to the interlinking and multi-layering design. Modules can be assembled into various shapes and sizes to meet the size, space and shape restrictions of locations where the assemblies are being installed. 
         [0061]    The module assembly can be generally square, round, rectangular, L-shaped or other shapes to work around other underground structures, including but not limited to sewer lines, utilities, fuel storage tanks, water mains and others. The tesselating process and resulting mosaic and layered assembly provides greatly improved strength at increased depths when compared to currently available technologies and thus overcomes limitations with lateral soil pressures which increase proportionately to the depth below the ground surface. 
         [0062]    Tesselated modules and resulting mosaic and layered assemblies can be installed at various depths and at various module heights. The top of the top module can be flush with the ground surface and placed in parking lots, landscape areas, sidewalks, airports, ports and streets and can be designed to handle site specific loading conditions such as parkway, indirect traffic, direct traffic and others. The module and assembly can also be placed deeper underground with the top of the top module being from a few inches to several dozen feet below finish surface due to its high strength design. The height of the individual modules or resulting assembled two-piece module can be from a few feet to over a few dozen feet in height. 
         [0063]    The tesselated modules and mosaic and layered assembly will allow this system, used for storage of fluids, to be installed deeper underground and be able to handle increased pressure and soil loads due to its shape without need to increase the wall thickness of the modules or increase the amount of rebar reinforcing therefore decreasing material and overall cost of deep installations. This is a major benefit over existing technologies or methods. 
         [0064]    In certain embodiments of the present technology, the absence of interior walls in the design of the interior module and the way modules join together with up to one module being in direct fluid communication with three other modules promotes unrestricted water flow between modules in all directions. This results in a more hydraulically efficient system and allows for fluid to evenly disburse through the assembly and minimize drag, velocities within the system, head loss and in turn enhance the system&#39;s ability to capture pollutants contained within the incoming storm water runoff, especially pollutants such as trash, sediment and TSS which are more easily removed when velocities are reduced via settling. 
         [0065]    In another embodiment, drainage holes at the bottom of a module allow storm water to fully drain out to the floor preventing standing water.  FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of a single drain hole  46 ; however, a module may contain zero to many drainage holes  46  placed in the floor  32  of the bottom module floor  30  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ) when infiltration of water back into the native soil below the complete storage assembly system  100  is desired, see  FIG. 23  as an example. These drainage holes allow water to exit the system evenly throughout every internal bottom module  30 . To connect the complete storage assembly system  100 , both inflow pipes  80  and outflow pipes  82  as in  FIG. 16  can be connected to the complete storage assembly system  100  through any of the module side walls  18  and  40  as depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0066]    In accordance with certain embodiments, modifications of side walls  66  ( FIGS. 12 and 29 ) in specific chambers can also be made near inflow points to act as pre-treatment settling chambers and isolate incoming sediments and other pollutants. 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, specific chambers near outlet points can be modified to include treatment devices or methods such as media filters, membrane filters, biofilters to further treat storm water runoff before leaving the system. 
         [0068]    In accordance with alternate embodiments, internal modules may be assembled as a top modular assembly only or a top and bottom modular assembly combination. Further, internal modules may have configurations of three legs, one leg and one side wall, or two legs and one side wall. 
         [0069]    In accordance with alternate embodiments, perimeter modules of the complete storage assembly  100  may have configurations of one leg and one wall, one leg and two walls, two legs and one wall, or zero legs and three walls. 
         [0070]    In the preferred embodiment, an interior module assembly fits within an external module assembly.  FIG. 1  begins to illustrate an example of a tesselated module of the complete storage assembly  100  (not shown) with a square internal top module  10  designed to collect and store water underground and is maintainable through the access hole  6 . The top module is composed of a square shaped top  12  and, in this embodiment, three legs  14 . The top module top  12  also has a top module side edge  20  and the legs  14  have a top module bottom of leg  16 . The full tesselated module assembly of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 9  represent one embodiment of an unstacked top module used in more shallow, underground cavities wherein the assembled top module may be placed directly on a foundation or compacted rock backfill rather than being assembled to a bottom tesselated module assembly. Similarly, an alternate embodiment as demonstrated in  FIG. 32  wherein the overall shape of the internal top module is rectangular  160  may be installed unstacked in more shallow, underground cavities. 
         [0071]      FIG. 2  illustrates the internal square top module shown in  FIG. 1  in position for assembly with a mirrored internal bottom module  30 . The squared internal top module  10  has top module top  12  with a top module side edge  20  and an access hole  6 . This particular embodiment configuration includes three top module legs  14  with three top module bottom of legs  16  and top module male ship lap joints  22 . The internal bottom module  30  has a bottom module floor  32  with a drainage hole  46  and a bottom module side edge  21 . The internal bottom module  30  also has three bottom module legs  34 , each with a bottom module top of leg  36  and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 3  demonstrates layered internal top and bottom modules assembled together. Water moves through the access hole  6  of the internal top module  10  through the channel-less areas between the assembled legs and out the drainage hole  46 , in accordance with one embodiment. The co-joined internal top module  10  illustrates the elements, including: a squared top module top  12  with a top module side edge  20 , and three top module legs  14  each with top module bottom of the leg  16  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . The internal bottom module  30  of this embodiment also includes a squared bottom modular floor  32  and a bottom module side edge  21  with three bottom module legs  34 , each with a bottom module top of leg  36  with a bottom module female ship lap joint  42 . 
         [0073]    The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4  demonstrates a configuration of a perimeter top module  11  with an access hole  6  as seen in an internal top module  10  (not shown). While a perimeter module may have a combination of walls and legs, as seen in  FIG. 4 , the perimeter top module  11  has one top module side wall  18  with a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module side edge  20 . Additionally, it has one top module leg  14  with a top module bottom of wall  16  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . The perimeter top module  11  with one top module side wall  18  and one top module leg  14  may be layered with a mirrored bottom perimeter module  31  as seen in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0074]    An alternative configuration of a perimeter module is presented in  FIG. 5  wherein the perimeter top module  11  with an access hole  6  has a combination of one top module side wall  18  with a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module side edge  20  and two top modular legs  14 . The perimeter top module  11  has one top module side wall  18  with a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module side edge  21 . Additionally, it has one top module leg  14  with a top module bottom of wall  16  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . 
         [0075]    The embodiment of  FIG. 6  illustrates both top and a bottom perimeter modules. The perimeter top module  11  has two top module legs  14  and one top module side wall  18 . The top module side wall  18  has a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module side edge  20 . The perimeter top module also has an access hole  6 . The legs each have a top module bottom of leg  16  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . The perimeter bottom module  31  also has a wall and two legs and a bottom module floor  32  with a drainage hole  46 . The perimeter bottom module side wall  40  has a bottom module side edge  21  and a bottom module top of wall  41 . The two bottom module legs  34  each have bottom module top of leg  36  and bottom module female ship lap joints  42 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 7  presents an embodiment of a perimeter corner top module  9  depicting two side walls  18  and one top module leg  14 . The top module top  12  of the perimeter corner top module  9  has an access hole  6  and a top module side edge  20 . Attached to the top module top  12  are two top module side walls  18 , each having a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perimeter corner top module  9  mirrored with a corresponding perimeter corner bottom module  3 . Similar to  FIG. 7 , the perimeter corner top module  9  has two side walls  18  and one top module leg  14 . The top module top  12  of the perimeter corner top module  9  has an access hole  6  and a top module side edge  20 . Attached to the top module top  12  are two top module side walls  18 , each having a top module bottom of wall  19  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . The singular top modular leg  14  has a top module bottom of leg  16  and a top module male ship lap joint  22 . 
         [0078]    Also in  FIG. 8 , the perimeter corner bottom module  3  includes two bottom module top of walls  41  for each bottom module side wall  40 , two bottom module side edges  21 , and a bottom module floor  32  with a drainage hole  46 . The bottom module leg  34  of the perimeter corner bottom module  3  has a bottom module top of leg  36  and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  demonstrates an assembly  50  of top modules  10  and separate walls  66 . The top modules  10  include a top module top  12 , an access riser and access hatch assembly  70 , side wall panels, and top module side edges  20 . The top module legs  14  also illustrate the top module bottom of legs  16 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 10  represents an embodiment of an assembly  51  of top  10  and bottom modules  30  layered. The top module portion includes perimeter top modules  11  with two top module legs  14 , a perimeter corner top module  9 , and internal top modules  10 , and a perimeter top module  11 . Also, part of the top module elements are: an access riser and access hatch assembly  70 , a top slab  62 , top module tops  12 , top module side edges  20 , top module side walls  18 , perimeter corner top module wall intersection  4 , and top module legs  14 . 
         [0081]    Further,  FIG. 10  represents an embodiment of the bottom module portion, including: internal bottom modules  30 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , bottom module side walls  40 , and bottom module side edges  21 . Also depicted is a drainage hole  46 , and bottom module legs  34 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  illustrates a top view and bottom view of top slab  62  and a top slab notch down  68 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 12  presents a side wall panel  66  which may be included with some embodiments. 
         [0084]      FIG. 13  presents a complete storage system assembly  100  with multiple access risers and access hatch assemblies  70 , inflow pipes  80  and an outflow pipe  82 . Also shown is a modular assembly internal void area  92 . Other elements previously presented include: perimeter top modules  12 , perimeter corner top modules  9 , perimeter corner bottom modules  3 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , top module side walls  18 , bottom module side walls  40 , internal top modules  10  and top module tops  12 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 14  demonstrates how top slabs  62  can be inserted in module assembly internal void areas  92 . Similar to  FIG. 13 , other features of an embodiment of the invention include: a complete storage system assembly  100  with multiple access risers and access hatch assemblies  70 , inflow pipes  80  and an outflow pipe  82 . Also shown is a modular assembly internal void area  92 . Other elements previously presented include: perimeter top modules  12 , perimeter corner top modules  9 , perimeter corner bottom modules  3 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , top module side walls  18 , bottom module side walls  40 , internal top modules  10  and top module tops  12 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  presents an embodiment of a complete storage system assembly  100  located on top of a gravel base  120 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 16  presents a side view of a complete storage system assembly  100  with an inflow pipe  80  and an outflow pipe  82 , top slabs  62 , access risers and access hatch assemblies  70 , perimeter corner top modules  9 , and perimeter corner bottom modules  3 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 17  presents a cut-away, side view of a complete storage system assembly  100  with an outflow pipe  82 , top slabs  62 , access risers and access hatch assemblies  70 , top module tops  12 , perimeter top modules  11 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , top module side walls  18 , bottom module side walls  40 , and bottom module floors  32 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 18  presents a top view of one embodiment of complete storage system assembly  100  with an inflow pipe  80  and an outflow pipe  82 , top slabs  62 , access risers and access hatch assemblies,  70 , top module tops  12 , perimeter top modules  11 , perimeter corner top modules  9 , internal top modules  10  and perimeter corner top modules  4 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 19  illustrates a cut-away, top view of full module assembly storage system complete storage system assembly  100  with an inflow pipe  80  and an outflow pipe  82  with multi-direction flow path of water  110 . Also included are elements included in previous figures, including: perimeter corner bottom modules  3 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , internal bottom modules  30 , module assembly internal void areas  92 , bottom module side walls  40 , bottom module legs  34 , internal top modules  10  and a drainage hole  46 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective view of  FIG. 1  with an internal rebar reinforcement  8  in the internal top module  10 . Also presented are three top module legs  14  and top module bottoms of legs  16 , and a top module top  12  and top module side edges  20 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of  FIG. 7  with an internal rebar reinforcement  8  in a perimeter corner top module  9 . Also presented is a top module top  12 , top module side edges  20 , top module side walls  18 , top module bottom of walls  19 , a perimeter corner top module wall intersection  4 , and one top module leg  14  with a top module bottom of leg  16 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 22  presents a detailed view of an access riser and access hatch assembly  70  with a manhole access cover  72 , a manhole access cover frame  74 , and manhole access risers  76 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 23  presents a three-dimensional, cut-out view of a complete storage system assembly  100  on a gravel base  120 , in accordance with one embodiment. Other elements of the invention include: top slabs  62 , top module tops  12 , access risers and access hatch assemblies  70 , top module side walls  18 , bottom module side walls  40 , an outflow pipe  82 , perimeter top modules  11 , perimeter bottom modules  31 , perimeter corner bottom modules  3 , perimeter corner top modules  9 . Internally, this figure presents the drainage hole  46 , top module legs  14 , bottom module legs  34 , internal top modules  10  and module assembly internal void areas  92 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 24  depicts a perimeter three-walled module top  125  comprising an access hole  6 , a top module top  12 , top module side walls  18 , and a top module bottom of wall  19 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 25  presents a perimeter three-walled module top  125 , also featuring perimeter corner top modules  9  and perimeter top modules  11 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 26  presents a perimeter three-walled module bottom  127 , also featuring perimeter corner bottom modules  3  and perimeter bottom modules  31 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 27  presents an alternate embodiment of an internal top module with four legs  130  as well as elements seen in other top modules, including: an access hole  6 , a top module top  12 , a top module side edge  20 , and top module legs  14  with top module bottoms of legs  16 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 28  presents an assembled combination of an internal top module with four legs  130  and an internal bottom module with four legs  140 . Also depicted are elements of the invention previously seen, including: an access hole  6 , a top module top  12 , a top module side edge  20 , and top module legs  14  with top module bottoms of legs  16 . Pertaining to the bottom module with four legs  140 , other elements presented include: a drainage hole  46 , a bottom module floor  32 , bottom module side edges  21 , four bottom module legs  34  with bottom module tops of legs  36  and bottom module female ship lap joints  42 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 29  presents an assembly of internal top modules with four legs  130  and top module tops  12 , an access riser and access hatch assembly  70 , and side wall panels  66 . Also presented are the top module side edges  20 , the top module legs  14 , and the top module bottoms of legs  16 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 30  presents a perimeter top module  11  layered with a perimeter bottom module  31 . Both the top and bottom modules have one wall and one leg. The perimeter top module  11  depicts a top module top  12  with a top module side edge  20  and an access hole  6 . It also presents the top module side wall  18  and the top module leg  14  with a top module bottom of leg  16  and top module male ship lap joint  22 . 
         [0102]    Further,  FIG. 30  depicts elements common in a bottom module, including: a bottom module floor  32  with a bottom module side edge  21  and a drainage hole  46 . Also presented is a bottom module side wall  40  with a top module bottom of wall  19  and a bottom module top of wall  41 , as well as a bottom module leg  34  with a bottom module top of leg  36  and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 31  demonstrates several types of connection joints to connect legs of top and bottom modules. From left to right, there is an example of top and bottom legs without flat surfaces  150 , assembled via a ship lap joint  151 , a groove joint  152 , and a ball and socket joint  153 . The utilization of differing joints depends largely on the ambient soil load pressures of a particular site location. For example, top module male ship lap joint  22  (as seen in  FIG. 2 ) and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42  creates a connection between the layered modules together without risk of horizontal shifting of the two stacked modules. 
         [0104]      FIG. 32  presents an alternative embodiment wherein the modules are rectangular. For example, this internal rectangular top module  160  has a top module top  12  with top module side edges  20  and an access hole  6 . It also has four top module legs  14  with corresponding top module bottoms of legs  16 . It is noted that as with square modules, rectangular modules may be configured with a varying array of walls and legs. 
         [0105]      FIG. 33  presents an internal rectangular top module  160  layered with an internal rectangular bottom module  170 . In this figure, the internal rectangular top module  160  includes: a top module top  12  with top module side edges  20  and an access hole  6 . It also has four top module legs  14  with corresponding top module bottoms of legs  16  and top module male ship lap joints  22 . 
         [0106]    Also presented in  FIG. 33  is the internal rectangular bottom module  170  with a bottom module floor  32 , bottom module side edges  21 , and a drainage hole  46 . Also presented are four bottom module legs  34 , each with bottom module tops of legs  36  and bottom module female ship lap joints  42 . 
         [0107]    In certain embodiments, the tesselated module and assembly of modules include joint lines between modules which can be sealed with a waterproof sealant or the entire module assembly wrapped in a plastic liner to make the storage system water tight. 
         [0108]    Conjoining of the modules is not limited to joints wherein differing construction environments may require different assembly methods, to increase, for example, the strength of the assembled module, may be employed and are possible and have been contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0109]    In another embodiment, the addition of side walls on the top module  18  of  FIG. 7  and the bottom module  31  of  FIG. 8  may be installed to define a perimeter. 
         [0110]    The top module  10  can be used in conjunction with other square top modules  10 , placed side-by-side, to create a tessellated module assembly  50  as represented in  FIG. 9 . The assemblies  50  made of square top modules  10  can only be made so tall due to manufacturing limitations of the top modules side wall  18  height. When taller module assemblies  51  are required as in  FIG. 10 , the top module  10  can be stacked on top of a bottom module  30  to form a taller assembled module  50 . This taller assembled module can be twice as tall as a single top module  10  therefore resulting in taller tessellated module assemblies  51  capable of storing larger volumes of water. External top  11  and bottom  31  modules are placed around the perimeter of the assembly  51  to define its outer extent. 
         [0111]    The tessellated module assemblies  50  made of many top modules  10  or stacked top  10  and bottom  30  assembled modules are placed side-by-side in rows to create various shapes that are all arranged in a tessellated pattern as in  FIG. 13 . As the number of stacked top  10  and  11  and bottom  30  and  31  internal and external modules grow the more flexibility there is to vary the shape of the complete storage assembly  100  into squares, circles, rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped and other shapes required to fit within the construction site constraints. 
         [0112]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , in certain embodiments, the individual modules have to be configured so that each module is in fluid communication with one another to allow water to fill up all modules evenly. This is achieved through minimization of perimeter top modules  10  and  11 , side walls  18 , and perimeter bottom modules  30  and  31 , side walls  40  by only placing them along the perimeter of the complete storage system assembly  100 . Modules  11 ,  31 , located on the perimeter of the tessallated module assembly  100 , will have solid side walls  18 ,  40  as the complete storage system assembly  100  will be buried underground and be surrounded in soil. 
         [0113]    Notably, others have used assemblies defining lateral and longitudinal channels to distribute water through underground assembly. In contrast, the present technology&#39;s enhanced function of the tessellated module assembly has improved performance, functionality and accessibility of the complete storage system assembly  100  by allowing water to freely flow and fill the assembly in all directions  110  unimpeded by channels as shown in  FIG. 19  without any defined channels 
         [0114]    Additionally, as in  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23 , access riser and hatch assemblies  70 , which are composed of a manhole cover  72 , manhole cover frame  74 , and one or more manhole access risers  76  to bring the assembly  70  up to ground level. Access into the tessellated module assembly  10  is provided via this access riser and hatch assembly  70  via a hole  6  in the top  12  of the top module  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0115]    Because of the complete storage system assembly  100  is a tessellated array, each individual module  3 ,  9 ,  11 , and  31  along the perimeter is supported and connected by at least two or three adjacent modules  3 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  30  and  31 , two modules  3 ,  9 ,  11 , and  31  in the corners and three modules  3 ,  9 , 10 ,  11 ,  30  and  31  along the sides. The load distribution of this configuration is optimized due the to the tessellated configuration of the complete storage system assembly  100 . Outer perimeter modules  3 ,  9 ,  11  and  31  make contact with other modules  3 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  30  and  31  and the contact is made at ninety degree angles so the load on the perimeter modules  3 ,  9 ,  11  and  31  is dispersed evenly to other modules  3 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  30  and  31 . This even load disbursement provides the complete storage system assembly  100  with maximum compression strength and thus able to handle soil pressures associated with deep installations. 
         [0116]    Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  and  FIGS. 15 to 18 , because of the load distribution among modules  3 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  30  and  31 , some of the inner modules  10  and  30  can be removed, usually in a checkerboard pattern for adjacent rows and columns in a complete storage system assembly  100 . The tessellated shaped pattern of the complete storage system assembly  100  allows for the removal of the inner modules  10  and  30 , without loss of strength. The internal void area  92  reduces the number of internal modules needed ( 10  and  30 ), and reduces the overall cost of the complete storage system assembly  100 . In some cases, two adjacent modules ( 10  and  30 ) in the same row or same column can be removed without sacrificing strength of the complete storage system assembly  100 . Overall the system is more efficient and more economically feasible due to less material being used to store the same amount of water along with decreasing the overall shipping costs that would be associated with additional internal modules  10  and  30 . 
         [0117]    Referring again to  FIG. 18 , it is shown that additional top slabs are used to cover the module assembly internal void areas  92  to create an enclosed chamber. For locations where a single module  10  and  30  is removed,  FIG. 14 , as an example, depicts a top slab  62  can be placed over the void  92 . 
         [0118]      FIGS. 16 and 17  are side-views of the complete storage system assembly  100 , and showing that inflow pipes  80  and outflow pipes  82  can enter the complete storage system assembly  100  at various positions on the side walls  18 ,  40  or  66  (not shown) of the modules  11  and  31 . The position of the top slab  62  are also shown sitting above the module top  10  and forming a roof over the complete storage system assembly  100  as depicted in one embodiment. 
         [0119]    In accordance with one embodiment,  FIG. 17 , a side-cut-away view of the complete storage system assembly  100  showing the internal components of the system including drainage holes  46 , access riser and access hatch assembly  70  and the top slabs  62  is presented. This top slab is designed with flat top, of various thicknesses to handled surface loading conditions, and further have a notch down  68  on their bottom sides, as depicted in  FIG. 11 , in accordance with one embodiment. Further,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15  lock the top slab  62  in place when placed over the internal void areas  92 . The notch down  68  is slightly narrower than the internal void area  92  on all sides and the top slab  62  larger than the void areas  92 , in accordance with a further embodiment. 
         [0120]      FIG. 18  is an illustrated embodiment of a top-view looking down on the  100  and the resulting tessellated pattern is formed. Access riser and access hatch assemblies  70  are positioned throughout key points in individual module tops  10 , allowing access into the complete storage system assembly  100  through access holes  6  for maintenance and cleaning of the complete storage system assembly  100 . 
         [0121]      FIG. 19  presents a top-cut-away-view showing the internal space of the complete storage system assembly  100 , including various combinations of individual module walls  40 , the internal void areas  92 , side wall panels  66  along the two perimeter sides, and optional drainage holes  46 , in accordance with one embodiment. Furthermore,  FIG. 19  demonstrates, through use of arrows  110 , how water flows from inflow pipes  80  to a first module and flows to other modules and internal void areas  92  unimpeded. Internal modules  10  and  30  allow water to flow freely in all directions, with no defined channels for more efficient distribution of fluid within the complete storage system assembly  100  and eventually exit via the outflow pipe  82  and/or infiltrate back into the soil below via drainage holes  46 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 24  is an illustrated embodiment of a top module  10  and the associated internal metal rebar  8  configuration. For example, in one embodiment of modules  10  made of concrete, the structure has to be reinforced with rebar and/or rebar mesh  8 , oriented in a criss-cross pattern. The rebar  8  should be used in the internal top module  10  and the top module top  12 , sides  20  and legs  14 . See  FIG. 21  as an example. Also, the rebar  8  should be used in the internal square bottom module&#39;s  30  floor  32 , sides  40  and legs  34 . The size and amount of rebar  8  is a function of the structure load requirements and soil conditions. This same rebar reinforcement would also be used in top slab  62  and side wall panel  66  and also including the manhole access risers  76 . 
         [0123]    In other embodiments composite or metal strands or other suitable construction materials in addition to metal rebar  8  or in place of rebar to reinforce the concrete or replace the need for rebar, may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0124]    In an additional embodiment, the modules can be set up with the exterior (perimeter and corner) bottom module  31  and  3  having a solid floor section to detain or retain water. If infiltration of storm water into native soil is allowable or desired, the floor of each bottom module can include a drainage hole  46  to allow captured storm water to exit through the bottom  32  of each bottom module  3 ,  30 , and  31  into the underlying rock base  120  layer and or native soil for ground water recharge.  FIG. 15 , employs a gravel base  120 ; however, it is understood that this representation is an example and that other representations, for example, a concrete slab, native soil are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0125]    In yet another embodiment,  FIG. 22  shows three components of the access riser and access hatch assembly  70  which consists of one or more manhole access risers  76  to bring the manhole access cover  72  and frame  74  up to ground level. 
         [0126]    In another embodiment, drainage holes at the bottom of a module allow storm water to fully drain out through the bottom  32  of each bottom module  3 ,  30 , and  31  preventing standing water.  FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of assembled top  9 ,  10 , and  11  and bottom modules  3 ,  30 , and  31  a single drainage hole  46 ; however, a module may contain zero to many drainage holes  46  placed in the bottom modular floor  32  of the internal bottom module floor  30  when infiltration of water back into the native soil below the complete storage system assembly  100  (not shown) is desired, see  FIG. 3  as an example. Drainage holes  46  allow water to exit the system evenly throughout every bottom module  3 ,  30 , and  31 . To connect the complete storage system assembly  100 , both inflow pipes  80  and outflow pipes  82  (as seen in  FIG. 14 ) can be connected to the complete storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels  100  through any of the module side walls  18 ,  40  as depicted in  FIGS. 17 and 66  as best seen in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0127]    In some embodiments, a tesselated complete storage system assembly  100  as exampled in  FIG. 23  for the underground collection and storage of water are built to handle site specific loading conditions. Surface loads applied to underground storage systems vary based upon pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and can be broken down into the following categories may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0128]    Parkway loading includes sidewalks and similar areas that are adjacent to streets and other areas with vehicular traffic. Indirect traffic loading includes areas that encounter daily low speed traffic from vehicles ranging from small cars up to semi-trucks. Direct traffic loading includes areas, such as streets and interstates that encounter a high volume of high speed traffic from vehicles ranging from small cars to large semi-trucks. There is also heavy duty equipment loading that includes traffic from, for example, airplanes and heavy port equipment. 
         [0129]    Accordingly, underground storage systems of the present invention may be constructed having walls, floors, and/or ceilings of various thicknesses, shapes and strengths (e.g., differing thicknesses of concrete or steel or differing amounts of rebar) such that they achieve a parkway load rating (e.g., a H10 load rating), an indirect traffic load rating (e.g., a H20 load rating), a direct traffic load rating (e.g., a H20 load rating), or a heavy duty equipment load rating (e.g., a H25 load rating), as required for a given installation site. Such embodiments may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0130]    The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Feature(s) of the different embodiment(s) may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.