Drainage device

A drainage device, system, and method for draining moisture at a wall adjacent to and projecting from a floor is provided. An elongated body extends arcuately above the floor and is attached to the floor to define a channel between the elongated body and the floor for receiving moisture from proximate the wall at a rearward end of the elongated body. A barrier is proximate the wall and defines an opening to the wall adjacent to the floor that is dimensioned complementarily to the elongated body for receiving the elongated body therein. A rear flange at the rearward end is dimensioned to be captively received between the wall and a barrier via the opening for allowing the moisture between the barrier and the wall to drain into the channel via the rearward end. A sealant seals the rear flange to the barrier.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to waterproofing systems, and more particularly to drainage devices, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND

In perimeter drainage systems, water flowing down a wall, such as water flowing exterior to a building and adjacent to a below-grade wall of surrounding earth, is collected in a drainage channel running proximate to the wall. The channel is installed to cause the falling water therein to flow towards a sump, from where it can be pumped away.

Without proper waterproofing and drainage, a building may be damaged. Remediation of damage due to water pooling can be costly and time-consuming. Achieving cost-effective drainage, particularly during building construction, is desirable.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the disclosure describes a drainage device for draining moisture. The drainage device includes an elongated body extending between forward and rearward ends of the elongated body along opposing sides of the elongated body, the elongated body defining an arcuate cross-section as viewed from the forward end and rearward ends such that the elongated body defines an open bottom extending between the opposing sides. The drainage device also includes a pair of side flanges extending from the elongated body along the opposing sides from the rearward end toward the forward end, the pair of side flanges being suitable for use in attaching the drainage device to a floor. The drainage device also includes a rear flange extending arcuately around the elongated body at the rearward end, the rear flange being suitable for being disposed against a wall adjacent to and projecting from the floor.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The rear flange may include a spacer above the elongated body projecting laterally away from a face of the rear flange and from the elongated body. The spacer may be suitable for spacing the elongated body away from the wall when the rear flange is disposed against the wall. The rear flange may include a dimpled backing defining a plurality of protrusions projecting laterally away from a face of the rear flange and from the elongated body. At least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be formed above the elongated body. The dimpled backing may be suitable for spacing the elongated body away from the wall when the rear flange is disposed against the wall. Each side flange may be dimensioned to receive a plurality of fasteners to fasten the elongated body to the floor. The arcuate cross-section may be substantially U-shaped. The arcuate cross-section may be substantially parabolically shaped. The elongated body may define a semicylindrical surface. Each side flange may be suitable for receiving adhesive to attach the elongated body to the floor. Each side flange of the pair of side flanges may project away from a lower portion of the elongated body in opposing directions substantially within a bottom plane defined by the open bottom. The bottom plane may be substantially perpendicular to the lower portion, substantially perpendicular to a forward plane defined by the forward end, and substantially perpendicular to a rearward plane defined by the rearward end. The pair of side flanges may extend from the rearward end to the forward end. Implementations of the described aspects may include a device, a method or process, or assembly.

In an aspect, the disclosure describes a drainage system for draining moisture at a wall that is adjacent to and projects from a floor. The drainage system includes an elongated body extending between forward and rearward ends of the elongated body along opposing sides of the elongated body, the elongated body extending arcuately above the floor between the opposing sides disposed on and attached to the floor to define a channel between the elongated body and the floor for receiving moisture from proximate the wall at the rearward end. The drainage system also includes a barrier proximate the wall, the barrier having an opening to the wall adjacent to the floor that is dimensioned complementarily to the elongated body for receiving the elongated body into the opening. The drainage system also includes a rear flange extending around the elongated body at the rearward end, the rear flange being dimensioned to be captively received between the wall and the barrier via the opening for allowing the moisture between the barrier and the wall to drain into the channel via the rearward end.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The barrier may be substantially parallel to the wall and may include a dimpled backing defining a plurality of protrusions projecting laterally from a face of the barrier to space the face of the barrier away from the wall. The rear flange may include a dimpled backing defining a plurality of protrusions projecting laterally away from a face of the rear flange and from the elongated body towards the wall. The dimpled backing may space the elongated body away from the wall when the rear flange is disposed against the wall. The elongated body may extend substantially perpendicular to the wall such that the channel extends laterally away from the wall for draining the moisture away from the wall. A face of the rear flange may be substantially parallel to the wall. The elongated body may define an arcuate cross-section as viewed from the rearward end. The opening of the barrier may be shaped to receive the elongated body at the rearward end of the elongated body. The rear flange may be adjacent a non-opening portion of the barrier when the elongated body is received into the opening. The rear flange may extend arcuately and substantially completely around a circumferential length of the elongated body at the rearward end of the elongated body. The drainage system may further comprise a pair of side flanges extending from the elongated body along the opposing sides from the rearward end toward the forward end, the elongated body being attached to the floor by the pair of side flanges being attached to the floor. The elongated body may define an arcuate cross-section as viewed from the forward and rearward ends such that the elongated body defines an open bottom extending between the opposing sides. Each side flange of the pair of side flanges may project away from a lower portion of the elongated body adjacent to the open bottom in opposing directions substantially within a bottom plane defined by the open bottom. The bottom plane may be substantially perpendicular to the lower portion, substantially perpendicular to a forward plane defined by the forward end, and substantially perpendicular to a rearward plane defined by the rearward end. Implementations of the described aspects may include a device, a method or process, or assembly.

In an aspect, the disclosure describes a method of draining moisture at a wall adjacent to and projecting from a floor. The method of draining moisture includes attaching to the floor an elongated body extending between forward and rearward ends of the elongated body along opposing sides of the elongated body using a pair of side flanges extending from the elongated body along the opposing sides from the rearward end of the elongated body towards the forward end, when the elongated body is positioned on the floor such that the rearward end is proximal to the wall and the elongated body extends arcuately above the floor to define a channel between the elongated body and the floor. The method of draining moisture also includes captively receiving, between the wall and a barrier, a rear flange extending arcuately around the elongated body at the rearward end of the elongated body by disposing of a barrier proximate to the wall when the barrier has an opening to the wall adjacent the floor that is dimensioned complementarily to the elongated body for receiving the elongated body into the opening.

The method may further comprise sealing a face of the rear flange to the barrier using a sealant to form a seal. Implementations of the described aspects may include a device, a method or process, or assembly.

Embodiments can include combinations of the above features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure relates to draining moisture, e.g. from foundations. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein facilitate more convenient, faster, and more cost-effective devices, systems, and methods compared to existing devices, systems, and methods.

Aspects of various embodiments are described in relation to the figures.

FIGS.1A-1Dare various views of a drainage device100, in accordance with an embodiment. In particular,FIG.1Ais a perspective view of the drainage device100proximate to a wall102that is adjacent to, and projecting from, a floor104.FIG.1Bis a top plan view,FIG.1Cis side elevation view, andFIG.1Dis a front elevation view.

The drainage device100is suitable for draining moisture at the wall102.FIG.1Ais illustrative of an exemplary positioning of the drainage device100relative to the wall102and the floor104. For example, the wall102may be a dirt, stone, and/or shotcrete wall. The floor104is typically porous, such as aggregate rock and/or stone, as may be found at or beneath a concrete foundation of a building (not shown).

In various embodiments, the drainage device100may allow drainage of water or moisture from outside or exterior of the building into a location at the inside or interior of the building, e.g. an interior drain or sump. In various embodiments, the drainage device100may be fluidly connected to the location via a flow-through region. In various embodiments, the flow-through region may comprise high water flow material such as ¾″ clear gravel. In some embodiments, the flow-through region may be a floor region having a gradient and defining an opening channel to allow the moisture to flow to the location under gravity. In various embodiments, a concrete slab may be disposed (directly) on or formed over the drainage device100and may form a finished floor of the building.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.1A-1D, the drainage device100includes an elongated body106. In some embodiments, the drainage device100includes a single elongated body106. The elongated body106defines a forward end108, a rearward end110, a first side112A, and second side112B opposing the first side112A. For example, the elongated body106may be semicylindrical or semitubular (an elongated tubular structure admitting a variety of cross-sectional shapes and defining an elongated open bottom).

Still referring to the embodiment shown inFIGS.1A-1D, the drainage device100extends between forward and rearward ends108,110along the opposing sides112A,112B of the elongated body106. The elongated body106extends arcuately above the floor104between the opposing sides112A,112B. As described further below, the elongated body106may be attached or may be suitable to be attached to the floor104to define a channel between the elongated body106and the floor104for receiving moisture from proximate the wall102as the moistures falls downwards along the wall102adjacent to the drainage device100or otherwise fluidly connected to the drainage device100via a drainage gradient.

As shown inFIGS.1A-1D, the elongated body106is connected to a first side flange114A and a second side flange114B of the drainage device100associated with the first side112A and the second side112B, respectively. The pair of side flanges114A,114B extend along the opposing sides112A,112B from the rearward end110toward the forward end108, e.g. the side flanges114A,114B may extend a portion or all of the length between the forward end108and the rearward end110.

In embodiments ofFIGS.1A-1D, the pair of side flanges114A,114B are suitable for attaching the elongated body106to the floor104. In some embodiments, each side flange114A,114B may be dimensioned to receive a plurality of fasteners to fasten the elongated body106to the floor104. In some embodiments, each side flange114A,114B (or one or more of the side flanges114A,114B) may include or may be suitable for receiving adhesive to adhere the elongated body106to the floor104.

Still referring to the embodiment shown inFIGS.1A-1D, the elongated body106is connected to a rear flange116extending arcuately around the elongated body106at the rearward end110thereof. The rear flange116defines a front face122and a rear face124. The front face122is suitable for receiving a barrier, adhesive, or protrusion during installation of a drainage system using the drainage device100. The rear face124is suitable for being disposed against the wall102.

In various embodiments, the rear flange116extends arcuately and substantially completely around a circumferential length130of the elongated body106at the rearward end110of the elongated body106.

The elongated body106defines an arcuate cross-section118as viewed from the rearward end110and/or the forward end108such that the elongated body106defines an open bottom120that extends along (and between) the opposing sides112A,112B, as illustrated inFIG.1C. The elongated body106and, in particular, a lower portion thereof is adjacent to the open bottom120.

In various embodiments, the arcuate cross-section118is substantially U-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate cross-section118comprises two legs proximal to the opposing sides112A,112B, respectively. The two legs may extend vertically and may be connected to each other via an arc, an arcuate portion, or a convex portion.

In various embodiments, the arcuate cross-section118is substantially parabolically shaped. A parabolic shape curves downward and away from a center such that the opposing ends defining the parabolic shape are further away from the center horizontally than any other point of the shape. Such an outspreading shape is suitable for supporting a large load on the elongated body106.

In some embodiments, the elongated body106defines a semicylindrical surface such that the arcuate cross-section118is semicircular.

In various embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the elongated body106viewed from the forward end108may be distinct from, or the same as, a cross-sectional shape viewed from the rearward end110, e.g. their dimensions may be different and/or general profile shapes. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the elongated body106viewed from the forward end108is smaller than a cross-sectional shape viewed from the rearward end110.

In some embodiments, ribs126A,126B extend radially outwardly from the elongated body106. In some embodiments, the ribs126A,126B are dimensioned in accordance with the elongated body106, such as being 8″ (approx. 200 mm) and 10″ (approx. 254 mm) away from the rear flange116, thereby providing a convenient distance indicator for use during installation. For example, the ribs may be aligned with surrounding fixtures or other environmental features for ease of correct placement of the elongated body106or the rear flange116, and/or may be used as a measurement tool when cutting the elongated body106in cases where a shorter elongated body106is desirable. The ribs126A,126B advantageously strengthen the elongated body106to better hold its shape. In at least the embodiment shown inFIGS.1A-1D, the ribs126A,126B are arcuate.

In some embodiments, the open bottom120is substantially perpendicular to a lower portion128of the elongated body106adjacent to the open bottom120. In some embodiments, each of the side flanges114A,114B project away from the lower portion128in opposing directions substantially within a bottom plane defined by the open bottom120, e.g. seeFIG.1A.

In various embodiments, the bottom plane may be substantially perpendicular to the lower portion128and/or substantially perpendicular to a forward plane defined by the forward end108and substantially perpendicular to a rearward plane defined a rearward end110. In various embodiments, the forward plane and/or the rearward plane may be normal to the side flanges114A,114B.

In various embodiments, advantageously, the elongated body106, the side flanges114A,114B, and/or the rear flange116may be in unitary construction or integrally coupled to each other. In some embodiments, one or more components may be constructed of a hard polymer, e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or sheet metal. In the embodiment ofFIGS.1A-1D, the side flanges114A,114B are suitable for use in attaching the drainage device100to the floor104.

FIG.2Ais a rear elevation view of a barrier132with a dimpled backing134, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG.2Bis a rear elevation view of a drainage device100with a dimpled backing140, in accordance with an embodiment.

In embodiments associated withFIGS.2A-2B, the barrier132is suitable for use in a drainage system for draining moisture at the wall102. The barrier132is suitable to be disposed over or proximate to the wall102. In some embodiments, the barrier132extends substantially parallel to the wall102.

In a typical installation, the barrier132is spaced apart from the wall102. In some embodiments, the barrier132has a dimpled backing134. The dimpled backing134defines a plurality of protrusions136projecting laterally from a face of the barrier132to space the face of the barrier away from the wall102when the barrier132is set against the wall102with one or more of the protrusions136contacting the wall102.

In various embodiments, the barrier132may be a waterproof barrier. In some embodiments, the dimpled backing134may be adhered to a rigid barrier132, e.g. using a sealant.

In some embodiments, the barrier132defines opening(s)138to the wall102dimensioned complementarily to the elongated body106to receive the elongated body106therein at the rearward end110of the elongated body106such that the rear flange116is interposed or sandwiched between the wall102and the barrier132. Typically, the opening(s)138of the barrier are shaped in accordance with the arcuate cross-section118and may even frictionally engage the elongated body106. When the rear flange116is sandwiched between the wall102and the barrier132, the barrier132defines non-opening portion(s) adjacent to the opening(s)138that captively hold the rear flange116. The non-opening portion(s) may or may not have protrusions136.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2B, the rear flange116has installed thereon the dimpled backing140. For example, the dimpled backing140may be adhered on to the rear flange116. It is understood that in some embodiments, no dimpled backing is provided on the rear flange116.

The dimpled backing140is suitable for spacing the elongated body106away from the wall102when the rear flange116is disposed against the wall102.

The dimpled backing140defines a plurality of protrusions142projecting laterally away from the rear face124of the rear flange116. The protrusions142project towards the wall102when the drainage device100is installed against the wall102. In some embodiments, the protrusions142are formed, such as by plastic injection molding or pressing into sheet metal, in the material of the rear flange116.

Advantageously in some embodiments, at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions142is formed above the elongated body106. For example, achieving spacing of the rear flange116from the wall102may be achieved compactly.

The dimpled backing134,140is in some embodiments a dimpled (waterproofing) membrane. In some embodiments, the dimpled backing134,140is available commercially off-the-shelf to facilitate manufacturing and assembly. In some embodiments, the dimpled backing134,140is constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In some embodiments, the barrier132and/or dimpled backing134,140is resiliently flexible. In various embodiments, the barrier132and/or the dimpled backing134,140permits cutting thereof, e.g. using a utility knife. For example, the openings138may be formed by cutting.

In reference toFIG.3A, during a first stage of installation of a drainage system300according to an embodiment of the system300, the elongated body106is positioned substantially perpendicular to the wall102and pushed against the wall, as shown by double-headed arrows inFIG.3A, until the plurality of protrusions142are proximate to or pushed against the wall102. The face124of the rear flange116is typically substantially parallel to the wall102. Such a positioning forms a channel in the elongated body106that extends laterally away from the wall102to drain moisture away from the wall102.

Once positioned as described, the elongated body106is attached to the floor104by attaching the pair of side flanges114A,114B to the floor104. In some embodiments, the elongated body106is fastened to the floor using fasteners144such as nails, rivets, and/or threaded fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the elongated body106may be adhered or otherwise attached to the floor using adhesive or other suitable attachment techniques. The side flanges114A,114B are typically attached flat onto the floor104. Advantageously, such positioning and attaching of the elongated body106can be performed quickly, e.g. precise positioning and ensuring sealed gaps is typically not necessary at this stage.

In reference toFIG.3B, during a second stage of the installation of the drainage system300, the barrier132is disposed over the elongated body106and moved against the wall102so that the barrier132is proximate to the wall102. The barrier132may be disposed over the drainage device100in such a manner as to cause the openings138to be engaged with the elongated body106(e.g. at a portion of an upper wall thereof). In some embodiments, the openings138may be complementarily dimensioned relative to the elongated body106so that a snug fit is achieved therebetween. For example, the elongated body106may thereby be frictionally engaged with the barrier132. However, in many embodiments such frictional engagement is not necessary for proper operation of the drainage system300.

In some installations, the barrier132is slid between rebar (not shown) and the wall102, which in some cases will retainably secure the barrier132against the wall102.

Pushing the barrier132against the wall102typically has the effect of pushing a rear face of the barrier132against the rear flange116. The rear flange116is preferably adjacent to non-opening portion(s) of the barrier132. In some cases, a sealant is applied onto the rear flange116to seal the rear flange116against the barrier132. In some embodiments, the size of the rear flange116is dimensioned based on dimpled backing134of the barrier132. For example, the openings138may be dimensioned to allow the rear flange116to contact a face of the dimpled backing134(and/or barrier132) and not the plurality of protrusions136. It is understood that the plurality of protrusions136may or may not be touching the wall102when the barrier132is pushed against the wall102. In some embodiments, the rear flange116is substantially fully covered by the barrier132when the elongated body106is received into the opening138.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.3A-3B, the rear flange116is suitable, or dimensional, for being captively received or retained between the wall102and the barrier132via the opening138. This allows moisture between the barrier132and the wall102to drain into the channel via the rearward end110of the elongated body106.

In reference toFIG.3C, during a third stage of the installation of the drainage system300according to some embodiments, concrete146is formed over the elongated body106. In some embodiments, the concrete146is formed by applying a spray148of concrete via a nozzle150or other applicator.

FIG.4Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of a drainage system400A installed against a wall102having roughness152, in accordance with an embodiment.

In the system400A, the rear flange116and the barrier132are both free of protrusions for spacing the respective components away from each other and the wall102. Instead, the wall102has sufficient roughness152defining a plurality of roughness elements that serve to space the rear flange116away from the wall. The rear flange116thus spaces the barrier132away from the wall. In variations, the roughness152may be formed intentionally, e.g. by spraying concrete or by implementing other type(s) of constructed roughness(es).

FIG.4Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of a drainage system400B installed against a smooth wall102. In general, the drainage system400A may the same as or different from the drainage system400B.

In the system400B, the rear flange116is in some embodiments coupled to a spacer154. When a spacer154is employed, the barrier132need not have a dimpled backing. The spacer154is preferably disposed above the elongated body106projecting laterally away from a face124of the rear flange116and from the elongated body106. The spacer154is suitable for spacing the elongated body106away from the wall102when the rear flange116is disposed against the wall102. In a variation of the system400B ofFIG.4B, the spacer154is not employed and the rear flange116is dimpled such that protrusions142project laterally away from the rear face124of the rear flange116toward the wall102.

As shown inFIG.4B, a first adhesive156adhesively couples the rear flange116to the barrier132. For example, the first adhesive156may be a sealant to establish a waterproof seal between the rear flange116and the barrier132. Also, in some embodiments a second adhesive158adhesively couples the side flanges114A,114B to the floor104to attach the elongated body106to the floor104. The first adhesive156and the second adhesive158may be PL400™ adhesive, for example.

In various embodiments, the rear flange116may be at least partially overlapping with the barrier132, e.g. to facilitate creation of a seal between the rear flange116and the barrier132.

In some embodiments, the rear flange116is adhesively coupled to the dimpled backing134, e.g. to a protrusion of the dimpled backing134.

In some embodiments, the rear flange116is spaced a distance away from the wall102, such as to accommodate an expected flow volume into the drainage channel. The distance is in some embodiments within the range of 0.25″ (approx. 6.4 mm) to 2″ (approx. 51 mm), and is 0.5″ (12.7 mm) in some embodiments for example.

In some embodiments, the barrier132, with the dimpled backing134, may be provided with cut-outs at a lower end thereof that are adapted to allow or facilitate flow of moisture therethrough, and then positioned or disposed against the wall102. The rear flange116may be then attached, fastened, and/or adhered to the barrier132at an outward face thereof such that the dimpled backing134spaces the drainage device100away from the wall102and the cut-outs in the barrier132fluidly connect a region adjacent to the wall102to a channel formed between the elongated body106and the floor104to allow moisture to flow from the wall102through the channel for drainage.

FIG.5is a flow chart a method500of draining moisture at a wall adjacent to and projecting from a floor, in accordance with an embodiment.

Step502of the method500includes attaching to the floor an elongated body extending between forward and rearward ends of the elongated body along opposing sides of the elongated body using a pair of side flanges extending from the elongated body along the opposing sides from the rearward end of the elongated body towards the forward end, when the elongated body is positioned on the floor such that the rearward end is proximal to the wall and the elongated body extends arcuately above the floor to define a channel between the elongated body and the floor.

Step504of the method500includes captively receiving, between the wall and a barrier, a rear flange extending arcuately around the elongated body at the rearward end of the elongated body by disposing of a barrier proximate to the wall when the barrier has an opening to the wall adjacent the floor that is dimensioned complementarily to the elongated body for receiving the elongated body into the opening.

Some embodiments of the method500includes adhering a face of the rear flange to the barrier using a sealant to form a seal.

In an exemplary implementation, the drainage system400A (FIG.4A) or400B (FIG.4B) is achieved by installing the exemplary embodiment of the drainage device100(FIGS.1A-1D) having side flanges114A,114B by attaching the side flanges114A,114B to the floor, e.g. by nailing or using adhesive (e.g. PL400™ adhesive) to glue the side flanges114A,114B to the floor; then installing the barrier132, which may be a dimple board132for example, by making cut-outs in the dimple board132to fit the location and size of the elongated body106of the drainage device100; then (while installing the dimple board132) applying sealant156(FIG.4B) to the front side122of the rear flange116(FIG.1B); then sliding the dimple board132between the rebar (if any, not shown) and the dirt/shotcrete wall102; then pressing the backside of the dimple board132against the front side122of the rear flange116to contact the sealant156; and then finally shooting concrete against the dimple board132(with device100, dimple board132and sealant156in place).

FIG.6is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of bottom of a finished building with a drainage system300installed against a smooth wall102, in accordance with an embodiment. The cross-section is taken through the elongated body106of the drainage device100. The drainage device100may be attached, adhered, or fastened to a concrete footing160formed over soil at the foundation of the finished building. The drainage device100may be fluidly connected to a drain162via a flow-through region164. The drain162may connect to a sump, from where the fluid is pumped out. The flow-through region164may include gravel, sand, and/or other materials allow water to flow therethrough. A finished concrete floor166and a finished concrete wall168may be formed over the drainage device100, e.g. by pouring or spraying concrete thereon.

The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology. For example, the side flanges may extend only partially between the rearward and forward ends, the side flanges may be small tabs, and the rear flange may have a dimpled backing or otherwise be dimpled while being adhesively coupled to a barrier that has no dimpled backing. Yet further modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, which modifications would be within the scope of the present technology.