Abstract:
A floor drain system includes a tray having a well, a riser installable in the tray, and a plurality of beads fixable within the well and outside the riser. The tray includes a perimeter flange attachable to a subfloor, and the well extends downwardly from the perimeter flange. A hollow stem extends downwardly from the well and is connectable to a drain pipe. The riser is installable at a selectable elevation within the stem of the tray, and has an interior drainage pathway orientable toward the drain pipe. The riser defines a seepage pathway outside of the riser and within the stem. The plurality of beads, when fixed together, form a permeable drain field bonded to both the riser and the tray, whereby liquid can pass through the drain field to the seepage pathway.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to floor drains, such as for tiled showers and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a floor drain having a permeable drain field below a finished floor structure and surrounding the drain body. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    Floor and drain structures for tiled showers and the like frequently incorporate a waterproofing layer in the form of a “shower pan” below a tiled surface and mortar bed. Beneath the pan layer, another thin mortar bed called a pre-slope is frequently attached directly onto the sub-floor, creating a slope extending upward from the drain flange (i.e. the top flange of the drain pipe) to the perimeter walls of the shower enclosure. A substantially thick structural bed of mortar is then installed over the top of the pan, as a base for the tile, stone, or other finished flooring material. 
         [0005]    There are some limitations and drawbacks to the use of shower pans. The pan is generally not bonded or fastened either to the substrate beneath or to the mortar bed above. This type of configuration, called a “floating mortar bed”, can present a drainage concern. Each time the shower is used, a new supply of water and organic material (skin, soap, conditioners etc.) is introduced to the mortar bed through perimeter cracks and grout lines between tiles. Shower floor structures of this construction tend to retain significant water in the mortar bed, which drains out slowly. With daily use, the floor structure is repeatedly saturated with water and could take weeks of non-use to dry out completely. This combination of conditions creates an environment ripe for mold growth. 
         [0006]    Recently, “surface bonded” waterproofing products for tiled shower structures have been introduced to the market. The common characteristic among these products is that they bond adequately to the mortar bed below and tile bonds adequately to their top surface with commonly available thinset mortar. Their proper use eliminates the need for a shower pan and floating mortar bed and greatly simplifies shower floor construction. The introduction of such products has created the demand for a new generation of drains to which these can be attached, at the top mortar bed surface, with a secure and water-tight connection. Nevertheless, with such drains it is also desirable to provide a means for water held within the tile, mortar and grout to escape to the drain. 
         [0007]    The elimination of the “floating mortar bed” type construction greatly reduces the amount of trapped water beneath the tiled surface. Nevertheless, there is still a potential for water to seep under the tile or other floor surface before reaching the drain. Unless this seepage is allowed a drainage pathway, it can collect beneath the surface around the drain, creating a breeding ground for mold, etc. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a floor drain system that provides a secure watertight means for top surface attachment of “Surface Bonded” waterproofing membrane materials and an escape pathway for under-tile seepage. 
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a floor drain system including a tray having a well, a riser installable in the tray, and a plurality of beads fixable within the well and outside the riser. The tray includes a perimeter flange attachable to a subfloor, and the well extends downwardly from the perimeter flange. A hollow stem extends downwardly from the well and is connectable to a drain pipe. The riser is installable at a selectable elevation within the stem of the tray, and has an interior drainage pathway orientable toward the drain pipe. The riser defines a seepage pathway outside of the riser and within the stem. The plurality of beads, when fixed together, form a permeable drain field bonded to both the riser and the tray, whereby liquid can pass through the drain field to the seepage pathway. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention provides a drain tray for a floor drain. The drain tray includes a perimeter flange configured to attach to a subfloor, a well, extending downwardly within the perimeter flange, and a stem, downwardly extending from the well. The stem is configured to communicate with a drain conduit, and to receive a drain body attached thereinto. The stem defines a seepage pathway, outside of the drain body, from the well to the drain conduit. The well is configured to receive a plurality of beads, fixable via a chemical solvent to form a permeable drain field bonded to both the drain body and the well, whereby liquid entering the drain field outside of the drain body can enter the seepage pathway. 
         [0011]    In accordance with yet another aspect thereof, the invention provides a floor drain system, including a drain tray, having a well and a stem, a drain body, installable at a selectable elevation within the drain tray, a quantity of polymer beads, sufficient to substantially fill the well, and a chemical solvent. The drain tray has a perimeter flange configured to attach to a subfloor. The well is disposed within and extends downwardly from the perimeter flange, and the stem extends downwardly from the well and is configured to communicate with a drain pipe. The drain body has an interior drainage pathway, and defines a seepage pathway between the drain body and the stem. The chemical solvent is suitable to be poured over the polymer beads within the well, and to bond the beads to each other and to the drain tray and the drain body, forming a permeable drain field whereby liquid in the well and outside the drain body can pass to the seepage pathway. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floor drain body with a drain grate in place; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the drain grate of  FIG. 1  with the grate removed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a drain tray configured to receive a drain body, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the drain tray of  FIG. 3  with a drain body like that of  FIGS. 1 and 2  installed therein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side, cross-sectional view of the drain tray of  FIG. 3  connected to a drain pipe; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side, split cross-sectional view of the drain tray and drain body of  FIG. 5 , with the drain tray shown installed in two different types of subfloor, with a bead drain field installed around the drain body and a waterproofing membrane and finished floor installed over the drain tray and drain field on one side; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a random group of beads bonded together; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bead having a tapered hole; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the bead of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0023]    As noted above, floor structures for tiled showers and the like have frequently incorporated a waterproofing layer in the form of a “shower pan” below the tiled surface and mortar bed beneath. Still lower, beneath the pan layer, a thin mortar bed called a pre-slope is attached directly onto the sub-floor, creating a slope from the drain flange (i.e. the top flange of the drain pipe) rising to the perimeter walls of the shower enclosure. Installed over top of the pre-slope, shower pans were originally constructed using sheet metal materials. Copper and lead were the choices because they would not rust, could be worked to shape and soldered to cast iron drain flanges. Such flanges were generally placed at or slightly above the subfloor elevation and provided a surface for a secure water-tight connection. Later, rubber and then flexible plastic materials became more economical and began to replace metal shower pans. These new pan materials gave rise to a new generation of drain fittings incorporating clamping collars installed in combination with a sealant material to create a secure water tight seal to the flange. 
         [0024]    There are some limitations to the use of shower pans. Their use has generally been limited to waterproofing shower floors and thresholds only. A pan will typically extend up perimeter walls only about six inches. At corners these materials become more difficult to work with, and are frequently folded rather than cut to maintain water-tight integrity. Folding these materials at transitions can create localized areas where there are multiple layers of material three to six layers thick. Extending these materials up walls and using them to cover features such as built-in shower benches and wall niches can become problematic and impractical. 
         [0025]    The complexity of shower structures using the shower pan construction method is increased by the fact that the pan is frequently not bonded or fastened either to the substrate beneath or to the mortar bed above. This type of configuration is called a “floating mortar bed.” This structural bed of mortar built over the top of such pans has to be sufficiently strong to withstand movement from foot traffic, to support bridging created by settling, and other natural forces. In the United States, the National Tile Council and other code agencies specify that such a floating mortar bed structure is to be a minimum 1.25″ thickness at the drain. The purpose for this floating structure is to create a suitable surface onto which ceramic tile and stone materials can be bonded. 
         [0026]    The floating mortar bed and shower pan structure as described above has been a controversial subject within the tile industry in recent years. At the present time it is still the most commonly used method. This is likely due to the economy of the materials used and that this method is the traditional method being taught. Many traditional tile setters believe it is still the best and most proven method. Others believe it has always been problematic. The most common issue inherent with this structure is that the floating mortar bed is, by design, frequently saturated with water. Each time the shower is used, a new supply of water and organic material (skin, soap, conditioners etc.) is introduced to the mortar bed through cracks and grout lines between tiles. This combination of conditions creates an environment ripe for mold growth. Many in the industry agree that a properly conceived shower floor structure ought to become completely dry within a few hours after use each day to remain mold free. This does not happen with this kind of shower floor construction. 
         [0027]    Within the past few years several companies have begun to develop “surface bonded” water proofing products and systems for tiled shower structures that eliminate the need for a shower pan and floating mortar bed. Some of these new systems are substantially thinner and require less material than prior methods. Some are also better at allowing seepage water to evaporate. In spite of these improvements, however, there is still a significant potential for water to seep under the tile or other floor surface before reaching the drain. Despite the use of waterproofing membranes and the like, over time there is always some likelihood that water will seep through cracks in the finished floor, and migrate downward. Unless this seepage also has a drainage pathway, it can provide a breeding ground for mold, etc., and can shorten the life of the floor structure. 
         [0028]    The present disclosure provides a drain mechanism and system whereby surface-applied waterproofing materials can create a water-tight seal and secure attachment at the top mortar bed surface without the need for a clamping collar and mechanical fasteners. It also provides a system whereby water that might otherwise remain trapped within grout lines and mortar can migrate under the pull of gravity and escape to the drain opening. 
         [0029]    The figures herein show an embodiment of a floor drain system that provides an alternate drainage pathway for seepage. Shown in  FIG. 1  is a drain body or riser  10  with a grate  12  having drain openings  13 . The drain body is shown with the grate removed in  FIG. 2 . This drain body  10  is a one-piece unit, having a generally rectangular upper portion  14  defining an inlet, and a circular lower portion  16  defining an outlet and being configured to mate with an underdrain structure (e.g. like that shown in  FIG. 3 ). It is to be understood that, while the drain body shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  has a rectangular inlet, drain bodies having inlets of other shapes, such as circular, can also be used. The lower portion of the drain body includes external helical threads  18  for connection to the underdrain, allowing the height of the drain inlet to be adjusted by rotating the drain body. The drain body can be of an injection-molded polymer, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, allowing it to be strong and lightweight. 
         [0030]    The inlet portion  14  of the drain body  10  includes a shoulder  20  on its inner perimeter, for supporting the drain grate  12 . Surrounding the shoulder is a grout rim  22  that is integral with the drain body. The grate  12  is supported only around it&#39;s perimeter by a narrow shelf (i.e. shoulder  20 ) in the drain body  10 . Just inside and below that shelf is a near-vertical surface  21  that extends down to the floor of the bowl  30 . Against this surface an inner perimeter rib or wall of the grate frame can make a light friction fit. The inner surface of the grout rim includes 90 degree filleted corners  26 . This configuration helps reduce binding of the grate and allows for a wide selection of grate opening configurations. The drain body can also include a step or recess  28  in the bowl floor  30 , which can allow for the inclusion of a hair trap device (not shown). 
         [0031]    By design, the bowl  30  of the drain body  10  is relatively deep (compared to the size of the grate openings  13 ). This helps create a shadow and a blacked-out effect that is very desirable, especially where the drain body is black or some other dark color. When viewed from the top through the openings  13  in the grate  12 , the visibility of any build-up of soap scum, scale and hair will be substantially reduced. The grate looks clean and beautiful and is not detracted by a view of scum build up just below the surface. 
         [0032]    The grout rim  22  provides a sharp termination at the top edge of the drain body  10 , and becomes substantially hidden to the eye when embedded into an adjacent grout line. When a drain grate  12  is inserted into the inlet portion  14  and supported by the shoulder  20 , friction between the vertical surface  21  and a perimeter rib (not shown) of the drain grate&#39;s frame holds the grate in place. A small clearance can be maintained between the grate  12  and the grout rim  22  to allow for drainage immediately around the slightly elevated grate. 
         [0033]    Around the outer sides  34  of the inlet portion  14  of this embodiment of the drain body  10  are undercut grout locking features that help anchor the drain body with surrounding mortar and grout material. The undercut grout locking features can include a horizontal undercut edge  42 , and tapered or dovetail surfaces associated with vertical buttresses  36 , to cause the buttresses to interlock with surrounding grout, allowing the grout to capture the drain body and hold it in position in a dovetail arrangement. The buttresses have a dovetail shape that becomes wider as the buttress extends away from the sidewall  34  of the drain body. This provides dovetail surfaces that are angled toward the drain body, so that a mechanical interlock is created with grout material that surrounds the drain body. Since the dovetail surfaces of the buttresses are angled with respect to a vertical plane, and the angled undercut surface of the undercut edge  42  is angled with respect to a horizontal plane, the undercut edge and the dovetail buttresses combine to anchor the drain body with respect to both vertical and horizontal movement. 
         [0034]    The outer sides  34  of the drain body can also include vertical darts  48  below or along the horizontal undercut  42  to improve plastic flow to thin wall sections during the molding process, as well as to add rigidity. Given their angular faces, the darts also help provide additional anchorage of the drain body in the surrounding grout material, while their small size in relation to the buttresses does not weaken the anchoring grout material between the buttresses. 
         [0035]    Since it is installed using only a light friction fit and no screws or other fasteners, the drain grate  12  can be easily removed, such as by using a T-handle grate removal tool (not shown), or other suitable tool. During installation of the drain body and construction of the surrounding floor structure, a solid flat plug can be installed in the drain body in place of the grate to prevent construction debris from falling into the drain, prevent damage to the grate, and to stabilize the knife edge rim  22  of the drain body and help maintain the shape of the inlet. 
         [0036]    As noted above, the helical threads  18  on the lower stem  16  of the drain body can be screwed into a threaded receiving end of a drain pipe. However, these threads can also attach to other structure, such as a bonding flange or drain tray  200 , shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . The drain tray is shown in cross-sectional view in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the tray  200  generally includes a perimeter flange  202 , a depressed well section  204  inside the perimeter flange, and a tubular lower stem  206  that is configured to attach to a drain pipe  208 . 
         [0037]    The perimeter flange  202  is configured to attach to or be embedded within a subfloor, with a finished floor installed over the top of it. Such an installation is shown in  FIG. 6 . As used herein, the phrase “attachable to a subfloor” is intended to include any type of installation upon or within or in association with a subfloor of any type. Thus, whether the tray  200  is attached atop a wood subfloor  308 , embedded in a concrete subfloor  310 , or attached in any other way, with a finished floor  302  installed above it. The top surface of the perimeter flange can include ribs or ridges  216  that help provide a strong mechanical connection to water-proofing, mortar or other floor materials that are installed over it. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , an emulsion waterproofing membrane  300  is installed over the perimeter flange. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  6 , the lower stem  206  of the drain tray  200  can be configured to attach to a collar or adapter  220  that in turn attaches to a drain pipe  208 . This can be an adhesive or solvent weld-type of connection. Alternatively, the lower stem  206  can attach directly to a drain pipe, such as by having external helical threads (not shown) that can be threadedly attached to a drain pipe, in a manner similar to the way in which the drain body  10  is attached to the tray  200 . Any other suitable method for attaching the tray to the drain pipe  208  can also be used. 
         [0039]    The interior  222  of the stem  206  includes an internal helical thread  224 , having drainage gaps  226 . These structures are most easily viewed in  FIG. 5 . In the embodiment that is shown, the helical thread  224  defines a single revolution. Alternatively, multiple helical threads can also be used. This single helical thread is configured to mesh with the external helical threads  18  of the stem of the drain body  10 . The gaps  226  in the helical thread  224  make this thread discontinuous and allow drainage of moisture from the well  204  of the drain tray  200 , as discussed below. Where multiple threads are used to connect to the drain body  10 , gaps can be provided in each thread to provide the drainage pathway. 
         [0040]    Below the helical thread  224  are several vertical friction bars  228 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the outer helical threads  18  of the stem  16  of the drain body  10  intermesh with the single thread  224  of the drain tray, and self-thread by digging into the friction bars  228 . This self-threading feature provides resistance to rotation of the drain body during installation, and also provides greater stability to the drain body than would otherwise result from connection with the single helical thread alone. The drain body  10  can be rotated while threading onto the single thread  224  and the friction bars  228 , until reaching a desired elevation, so that the grate  12  of the drain body will match the elevation of the finished floor. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , the depressed well section  204  is defined by a perimeter wall  230  and a floor  232 , which leads to the interior  222  of the stem  206 . The floor  232  of the well can be sloped toward the interior  222  of the stem to facilitate drainage. It is to be recognized, however, that the well section can be configured in a variety of shapes other than that shown. For example, the junction between the wall  230  of the well  204  and the floor  232  can be curved much more than shown in  FIG. 5 . Indeed, rather than having a substantially vertical wall and horizontal floor, the entirety of the well  204  can be defined by a single surface that continuously curves from its intersection with the horizontal perimeter flange  202 , to its junction with the vertical stem  206  of the tray. Other shapes can also be used, so long as there is adequate room for installation of the drain body, and the insertion of beads to create a drain field, as discussed below. Additionally, the well can be square or rectangular, or some other shape, in addition to the circular shape shown in the figures. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , after the drain body  10  is installed in the stem  206  of the drain tray  200  and placed at the desired height, the well  204  can be filled with polymer beads  250  up to the level of the perimeter flange  202 . The well  204  is larger across than the maximum dimension of the upper portion  14  of the drain body  10 . Thus, whether the drain body is square, as shown in the figures, or any other shape, there will be openings around the sides of the drain body into which the beads  250  can be poured. Beads  250  filling one side of the well  204  are shown in  FIG. 6 . Once the well is filled, a chemical solvent is then poured over the beads, and partially welds (via solvent welding) the beads together, while still leaving void spaces between them. Views of the finished bead installation are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0043]    The mass of beads  250  solvent welded together within the well  204  creates a bead drain field  252 , providing a permeable matrix with significant void spaces. The matrix of void spaces provides a drainage pathway for seepage to reach the interior  222  of the stem  206  of the drain tray  200 , and thence drain into the drain pipe  208 , thus allowing more rapid and complete drainage of the subfloor system above the drain. Additionally, the drain body  10 , drain tray  200  and the beads  250  can be of common or similar polymer materials. For example, in one embodiment the drain body, tray and beads are of ABS plastic. Consequently, the solvent that causes the beads to bond together will also bond the mass of beads to both the drain body and the tray. A solvent that is suitable for ABS plastic in this embodiment is lacquer thinner. The bonding action of the solvent fixes the position of the drain body  10  with respect to the tray  200  and the bead drain field, and creates a solid construction. 
         [0044]    To complete the installation, an emulsion water-proofing membrane  300  can be installed over the top of a portion of the bead drain field  252  and the perimeter flange  202 . Other types of waterproofing structures can also be used. A finished floor surface  302 , such as tile  304  installed on a bed of mortar  306 , shown in  FIG. 6 , can then be placed atop the water-proofing membrane  300  and installed flush with the top of the drain grate  12  and against the side wall  34  of the drain body  10 . The mortar bed extends up to the side wall  34  of the drain body  10  over the bead drain field  252 . However, the waterproofing membrane  300  only extends partway across the top of the bead drain field. This allows moisture that is within the mortar to drain down into the bead drain field  252 , and reach the seepage pathway that leads to the drain, thus allowing the mortar bed  306  to drain and dry more quickly and completely. 
         [0045]    The bonded bead drain field  252  serves as a 3D bonding matrix for the waterproofing emulsion  300  or a bonded sheet membrane (not shown) that is installed above it. Emulsion-based waterproofing materials bond to surrounding materials, but the bond can be relatively weak to ABS and PVC plastic materials. Once cured, an emulsion-based waterproofing membrane can be peeled as a sheet from many types of materials. Advantageously, a waterproofing emulsion can be worked into and penetrate around the bonded beads  250  and the void spaces in the top few layers of the drain field matrix  252 , creating a three dimensional bond with the top portion of the bead matrix. Since the bead drain field is bonded as a unit to the drain body and the drain tray, this creates a mechanical connection between the waterproofing material and the drain installation, and helps eliminate the need for a mechanical clamping plate and fasteners to attach a waterproofing membrane, as are commonly used in drain installations. The section of the bead matrix  252  to which the waterproofing material bonds can be about two beads deep to form an adequate bond. 
         [0046]    The bead drain field  252  surrounding the drain body  10  provides several benefits. First, the mass of beads  250  solvent welded together holds the drain body  10  in the desired place, and adds strength to the complete drain installation. It also provides a permeable drain field  252  that directs any seepage down and around the outside of the stem  16  of the drain body, and into the drain pipe  208 . 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the beads  250  are of ABS plastic, about 5 mm diameter, and are generally spherical. The beads can be regular and round or somewhat irregular. Different sizes and shapes can be used. A mass  400  of bonded beads  250  is shown in  FIG. 7 . These beads are generally spherical and of a common size. The beads can be solid or, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the beads can have holes in them. In these figures, the beads each have a tapered hole  402  extending through their center.  FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of a single bead  250  with a tapered hole  402  extending through it. The tapered holes can provide a pathway for drainage and/or a pathway for the solvent. This facilitates bonding of the mass of beads during installation, and holes that do not fill with dissolved plastic material will provide additional drainage pathways for water. The holes also make the beads lighter and provide more surface bonding area, while providing an open matrix that has sufficient structural strength to support weight above it. 
         [0048]    The drain system with the bead matrix drain field  252  disclosed herein has several desirable characteristics. First, the bead drain field  252  promotes weep drainage below the finished floor surface  302 . This helps make drainage faster and more complete, thus inhibiting the growth of mold and the like, and contributing to the integrity and long life of the finished floor installation. Polymer beads are also very useful for a drain field because they are less likely to support mold growth than organic fibers or mineral aggregate. Additionally, plastic beads of this size tend to shed water rather than absorbing it, and do not support capillary action. 
         [0049]    The use of loose beads to create a drain field also increases the flexibility and ease of use of this system. The loose beads  250  take the shape of the well  204  or whatever cavity exists around the drain body, and, prior to fixing them with the solvent, can be easily moved or adjusted like a fluid, allowing a user to easily adjust the final position of the drain body  10 . Since the beads and drain body are easily repositionable prior to introduction of the solvent, there is no inconvenience of a chemical reaction (e.g. of an adhesive) dictating a cure time before which all adjustments must be final. The beads  250  and the drain body  10  and drain tray  200  remain clean and dry while positioning the drain body in the desired place. Custom shapes are not needed for the well or for the beads. The manufactured bead size can be very consistent, so that the beads are all the same size and shape. This allows control of and helps maximize the quantity of void space between the beads. The use of initially loose beads placed around the drain body also allows for multiple choices of the size and shape of the drain inlet and cover options. 
         [0050]    The solvent weld approach also avoids some of the undesirable effects of chemical adhesives. First, creating the bead drain field  252  does not require mixing of adhesive and beads, which makes it simple to install. This system is also economical because a one part solvent can be used to bond the beads  250  together, as opposed to a two part adhesive. Additionally, an adhesive binder will create an adhesive film having some thickness, which can clog drainage and bonding passageways. Instead, by use of a solvent weld approach, adjacent polymer drain components (i.e. the beads and drain body and tray) are fused together of the material of the beads themselves, and no additional quantity of material is introduced which could clog the drain field. 
         [0051]    The bead drain field  252  also increases the strength of the overall drain structure. The solvent weld provides a quick set. Once doused with solvent, the bead matrix and drain components are very rapidly fused in position, allowing work in surrounding areas to begin as soon as the solvent is able to flash off. Typically this happens within 10 minutes, but can be much quicker if air flow is increased via a fan, compressed air etc. With all components solvent bonded together, an enhanced structure is created that is stronger than the individual components alone. 
         [0052]    It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.