Abstract:
The invention is a diversionary device for storm water runoff that will divert water from the center of the street to the sides of the street where filters are in place by others. The diversion device for diverting storm water consists of a length member having a length and a width, the length extending a selected distance, the length having formed a multiplicity of baffles along the selected distance, the width having a selected profile, the profile being selected to divert storm water, the length member having formed on at least one its ends at least one interlocking means.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 61/014,221 filed Dec. 17, 2007. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    At present, in an urban environment there are very few means for barricading or diverting storm water on streets during storms. The typical methods are to provide sandbags. However, sandbags have several limitations, they leak, they cannot be driven over, they are labor intensive, and they cannot be easily relocated. The present invention overcomes these problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention describes a modular device that is easily assembled on site to provide a simple diversion device to storm water. In overcoming the problems of the prior art, the present invention enables the assembly of one or more units, depending on the width of the road and the degree of the problem, be providing a quick to assemble barricade. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  describes a perspective view of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  describes a side view of an element of the invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  describes a side view of an element of the invention with a turn connected attached. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is a diversion device, which is made up of the following required elements: a series of interlocking length members that form the bulk of the device and an interlocking head member that begins the diversion. The diversion device  100  typically consists of a length member  110  and a head member  180 , although in some instances, only the length members  110  may be employed. With reference now to the figures, and referring specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a diversion device  100  is disclosed consisting of a length member  110  having a selected length, width and height. Length member  110  is not drawn to scale, the length of length member  110  is attenuated for ease of display. Length member  110  may be anywhere from 2½-8 feet in length, so as to span the street in multiple sections. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional profile of length member  110  is generally trapezoidal in cross-section with a base  115 , an apex  120 , and two symmetrical sides  140 . The base  115  is wide base relative to a somewhat narrow apex  120  of about 4″ to 6″, apex  120  having a slot  130  running the length of the apex. Length member  110  should be about 10″ to 16″ in width at base  115 . However, the height of length member  110  is not a limitation of the invention, it should be sufficient to stop a flow of storm water, but low enough to drive over. Spaced along the side  140  of length member  110  are a plurality of baffles  150 . Studies have shown that baffles  150  create pockets of turbulence in the flow of storm water, which have a tendency to impede the flow of storm water, thus slowing the flow of the storm water. Baffles  150  may be formed in one or both sides of the length member  110 . 
         [0008]    Slot  130  may serve multiple functions. As shown in  FIG. 3 , it may receive an extension  135  to increase the height of barrier  100  for instances when there is an abnormal flow of storm water. Alternatively, taller pylons may be inserted in slit  130  at sufficient intervals to create a barrier for cars, and/or pedestrians. 
         [0009]    Length member  110  should be constructed of plastic, rubber or composite material such that it has some flexibility so that it follows the contours of the road. Alternatively length member  110  could be constructed of a hard plastic for use in the center of the street, with end members constructed of a more flexible rubber where the street has more contour. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the profile of the base unit need not be trapezoidal, but that a triangular or rounded profile is within the spirit of the invention. 
         [0010]    Interlocking means are formed in one end or both ends of length member  110 , enabling two or more sections of length member  110  to be connected in order to span a larger portion of the street. Interlocking means are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may include female, male connectors, formed at opposing ends in length member  110 . Interlocking means can also consist of end plates, wherein the base units and head units are connected by means of screws and bolts. Ones of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many methods of connecting the length members. One such method is shown in  FIG. 1 . where connector  125  extends past end piece  123 , and tapers downward. Connector  125  would nestingly fit in a complementary portion of another length member (not shown) to complete the connection. 
         [0011]    Looking again at  FIGS. 1 and 3 , head unit  180  has the same profile as length member  110  and is used to change the direction of diversion device  100 . Head member  180  may be placed in the center of the street to storm water diversion, with length members  110  attached by interlocking means and oriented with the direction of storm water flow. Diversion device  100  then conducts the flow of storm water from the center of the street and toward the gutters on each side of the street. It is not necessary that head member  180  be placed in the center of the street, and it may be biased to either side of the street based on the requirements of controlling storm water flow. In this embodiment, head unit  180  is formed having a square foot print, with female interlocking member  210  for receiving male interlocking means of length members  110 . Interlocking members  220  are recesses, approximately 4″ in depth, for receiving the complementary member from length member  110  (not shown). Interlocking members  220  are semi-cylindrically shaped projections for mating with complementary shaped recesses on length member  110  (not shown). Interlocking members  220  are also approximately 4″ in length. Interlocking members  200  are column shaped projections of approximately 2″ which mate with complementary recesses on length member  110  (also not shown). The angle of intersection selected in this embodiment is 90°. However, any selected angle of intersection may be selected, 90° having been selected solely for the ease of construction. Also shown is slot  230  which corresponds to slot  130  in length member  110 . 
         [0012]      FIG. 2  discloses a side view of length member  110  interlocked with head member  180  at surface  190 . Length member  110  has a series of baffles  150  spaced along its length recessed from smooth surface  140 . Also shown is interlocking means  160 , for interconnecting with another length member  110 . 
         [0013]    Diversion device  100  is preferably made from a high density rubber, but may also be made from, but not limited to Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, poly urethane, or any number of resins to accomplish the device&#39;s desired results. While the invention is intended for a water diversion device to divert storm water runoff to the sides of the street, it is not limited to this purpose. It may also be used as, but not limited to, a complete containment system for storm water pollution prevention, a temporary speed bump, a diversion device for water, sediment, and both pedestrian and automotive traffic, and with the addition of holes to accept a stanchion, act as a barricade. 
         [0014]    While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims.