Abstract:
Disclosed are a vent disclosed for a septic system, including a conduit configured to vent gas therefrom, including a leg configured to conceal a portion of, and convey gas from, the conduit, and a method of concealing a conduit configured to vent gas from a septic system including sizing the conduit, then mounting on the conduit a leg configured to convey gas from the conduit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   As people move farther from cities, which generally provide centralized waste treatment facilities, these suburban and rural homeowners often must improve their lots to treat waste products. Such improvements typically include installing septic systems. Septic systems assume many forms and sometimes have associated leach fields for returning treated waste to the environment in a controlled manner. For brevity, as used herein, “septic system” refers to any type of installation that treats waste, including associated leach fields or related systems. 
   State regulations typically dictate the type of and installation requirements for septic systems. State regulations generally are driven solely by functional considerations and afford minimal leeway to avoid undesirable aesthetic consequences of installing septic systems according to the regulations. Thus, unfortunately, rural homeowners required to have a septic system often are left with a prominently visible telltales of septic system installations that destroy the natural beauty of the land which the homeowner sought to enjoy. 
   For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , many state septic system regulatory schemes require venting of septic systems with a vent V. Vent V has an upstanding outlet pipe P and a down turned end D, which define a candy cane shape. While pipe P provides for releasing gases generated by waste decomposition processes in the underlying septic system, down turned end D prevents introduction of debris and precipitation into the septic system which might adversely impact the treatment capability thereof. Because state regulations often prescribe placement of septic systems, leach fields and venting therefor, quite often the homeowner is left to deal with a giant, unsightly candy cane shaped vent V in the middle of the homeowner&#39;s lawn or garden. 
   Some homeowners, dissatisfied with the unsightly appearance of vent V in their yard, modify vent V. For example, some homeowners cut vent V short to render it less obvious. However, such modification may reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of vent V, having been rendered more susceptible to entry by insects, small animals, debris and precipitation. Such modification also may eliminate or defeat filtration devices installed in or configured as part of vent V prior to modification. 
   Other homeowners attempt to disguise vent V with covering devices such shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,411, issued Jun. 19, 2001, to R. C. Warfel and U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,279, issued May 29, 2001, to J. H. Smith. However, such covering devices also may reduce or eliminate effectiveness of vent V, as such may significantly reduce or preclude flow through vent V. Further, such devices often are perceived as obvious contrivances to hide something in the yard. 
   Yet other homeowners attempt to hide the unsightly candy cane shaped vent V by growing shrubbery therearound. However, due to the substantial size of vent V, absent a very mature, well-foliaged hedge or bank or shrubs, vent V is never completely secluded from view. 
   What are needed, and not taught or suggested in the art, are a vent for and method of concealing and venting a septic system. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention overcomes the disadvantages noted above by providing a vent for and method of concealing and venting a septic system. 
   According to the invention, a vent for a septic system, including a conduit configured to vent gas therefrom, includes a leg configured to conceal a portion of, and convey gas from, the conduit. A method of concealing a conduit configured to convey gas from a septic system according to the invention includes sizing the conduit, then mounting on the conduit a leg configured to convey gas from the conduit. 
   The invention provides for concealing and venting a septic system. 
   The invention provides for venting a septic system in a manner that complies with state regulatory schemes. 
   The invention provides for easy installation of a vent that conceals and vents a septic system. 
   The invention provides a vent and a method for venting a septic system that releases decomposing gas to the atmosphere and discourages debris from entering the septic system. 
   The invention provides improved elements and arrangements thereof, for the purposes described, which are inexpensive, dependable and effective in accomplishing intended purposes of the invention. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments which refers to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is described in detail below with reference to the following figures, throughout which similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of a conventional septic system vent; 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a vent according to principles of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional detail view, drawn along line IV—IV in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional detail view, drawn along line V—V in  FIG. 2 ; and 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded, bottom front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.  3 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a vent  10  according to the invention includes a leg  100 , an optional fixture mount  200  and a fixture  300 . Leg  100  and fixture mount  200  effect venting of a septic system (not shown), whereas fixture  300  more completely effects concealing a septic system vent pipe P, as described below. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , leg  100  has a base  105  that may be open or otherwise adapted to receive a portion of a septic system vent pipe P. Leg  100  supports fixture mount  200  and fixture  300 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , leg  100  may define any shape or be disposed with any surface characteristics which a user may find aesthetically pleasing. Preferably, leg  100 , fixture mount  200  and fixture  300  project a high-quality appearance commensurate with being a strategically placed lawn or garden ornament, rather than an obvious attempt to hide an ugly septic system vent pipe. 
   Leg  100  has a sleeve  110  that defines a passage  112  with an interior annular surface  113 . Sleeve  110  conveys gas G received from vent pipe P. Preferably, sleeve  110  passes gas to fixture mount  200 . 
   Annular surface  113  is adapted to closely receive vent pipe P. Surface  113  may be local to where pipe P is received in passage  112 . The snug fit between sleeve  110  and vent pipe P aids in anchoring vent  10  against unsettling forces, such as wind, precipitation, small animate and inanimate bodies disposed on fixture or minor collisions therewith. However, sleeve  110  should not be so tightly secured to vent pipe P that force applied to vent  10  transfers to vent pipe P in an amount that damages the underlying septic system (not shown). 
   An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a coupling, such as a bellows (not shown), for adapting sleeve  110  to maintain fluid communication with a vent pipe outlet having a size or orientation that deters reception in sleeve  110 . For example, if the vent pipe outlet has a larger or smaller size, which would not mate properly for effective fluid communication with vent pipe P, the coupling would be configured with an inlet complementary of the mis-sized vent pipe outlet. If vent pipe P is misaligned, or otherwise situated so as to deter coaxial receipt in sleeve  110 , the coupling would provide flexibility to bend or jog sufficiently to mate with vent pipe outlet. The coupling also may remedy leaks that otherwise might exist due to poor sealing conditions between annular surface  113  and a jagged or warped mating vent pipe surface. 
   Leg  100  has a vertical dimension  125  that is variable as needed to comply with state regulation or design criteria regarding height requirements for septic system venting. Because vertical dimension  125  is inherent to leg  100 , a homeowner is not required to perform measurements or even comprehend existence of a minimum height requirement. Consequently, a homeowner may install vent  10  on vent pipe P, as described below, without any potential for running afoul of government requirements or causing inadequate venting of a septic system. 
   Leg  100  has a top  115  configured to mount with fixture mount  200 . To that end, top  115  may define an annular surface  120  configured to mate with, or be closely received by, a complementary annular surface  205  of fixture mount  200 . Other mounting conventions also may be employed. 
   Fixture mount  200  has a lower wall  210 , a side wall  215 , a top wall  220  and an inner wall  225  that define a passage  230 . Passage  230  conveys gas G received from sleeve  110  to the atmosphere. The particular configuration of passage  230  shown is not required, rather may assume any configuration sufficient for conveying gas G from sleeve  110 . As best seen in  FIG. 6 , apertures  235  in lower wall  210  through which gas G ultimately passes into the atmosphere open downwardly to discourage precipitation and debris from entering the septic system which vent  10  may service. 
   Fixture mount  200  is optional because fixture mount  200  is not required for leg to effect venting or concealing of pipe P. Although not shown, fixture  300  may be configured to mount directly on leg  100  and provide ventilation with down turned outlets in a manner consistent with fixture mount  200 . However, because of a generic mounting surface  240  provided by fixture mount  200 , as described below, employing leg  100  and fixture mount  200  provides for greater options with respect to fixtures  300 , which otherwise may not mount directly on leg  100 , which may be disposed on surface  240  for long-term enjoyment. 
   Top wall  220  defines mounting surface  240  for supporting fixture  300 . An optional recess  245  in mounting surface  240  accommodates an optional complementary projection  305  extending from fixture  300  for securing fixture  300  relative to fixture mount  200 . Other mounting conventions for securing fixture  300  relative to fixture mount  200  may be used. However, no mounting convention is required to achieve the invention. 
   An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a filter or filter cartridge  400  for filtering gas received from vent pipe P prior to release into the atmosphere. Preferably, filter  400  is disposed in fixture mount  200 . Filter  400  may be constructed of charcoal or other materials for removing or treating harmful or undesirable gas components. 
   Fixture  300  ornaments leg  100  and fixture mount  200 , and may assume any aesthetically pleasing configuration. As shown in  FIG. 2 , fixture  300  defines a birdbath basin. Fixture  300  also may define, but is not limited to defining, what are commonly referred to as a gazing ball, a statue, a sun dial or other garden ornament (not shown). 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the method of concealing and venting a septic system includes sizing the conduit or pipe P which conveys gasses from a septic system. Sizing includes cutting pipe P along a cut line C located at a predetermined height H from the ground, or other measurement which may be dictated by regulatory or other design constraints. Preferably, cut line C should be square to the length of pipe P and present a generally continuous outer annular surface for providing a good seal with inner annular surface  113  of sleeve  110  or coupling (not shown) interposed therebetween. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , once pipe P is sized, the method includes mounting on pipe P a leg configured to convey gas from the conduit. For example, leg  100  has sleeve  110  which, when mounted on pipe P as shown in  FIG. 5 , receives gas G from pipe P. Mounting includes effecting an appropriate connection between the leg and pipe P. Thus, the local area of pipe P where cut line C will occur should be selected carefully to ensure optimal sealing and mounting conditions with respect to pipe P. Effecting an appropriate connection may include press fitting sleeve  110  onto pipe P. However, such press fit should not be so tight as to prevent leg  100  from resting on the ground or surrounding mounting surface, which would cause pipe P to bear the weight of vent  10 , which may include an especially heavy fixture  300 , and damage connections between pipe P and the underlying septic system if not the septic system itself. 
   Although not required for concealing or venting, preferably, the method includes mounting a fixture  300  on leg  100 . Displaying fixture  300  may present a more complete display, thereby more effectively concealing vent pipe P. 
   Although fixture mount  200  is shown interposed between leg  100  and fixture  300 , such is not required for mounting fixture  300  on leg  100 , as explained above. With or without an interposed fixture mount  200 , once fixture  300  is installed on leg  100 , the resultant vent  10  effectively conceals and vent pipe P. 
   Preferably, the method includes interposing fixture mount  200  between leg  100  and fixture  300 . As described above, fixture mount  200  provides a generic mounting surface  240  for displaying a large range of viewable objects. 
   Another embodiment of the method includes disposing a filter  400  in passage  230  of fixture mount  200 , as described above. 
   The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, rather only to the appended claims.