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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/699,188, filed on Jul. 14, 2005 (William B. KEY), and entitled “STORM DRAIN RELIEF CHANNEL,” which is incorporated in-full by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the road construction and infrastructure development fields, among others. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storm drain relief channel that is configured to enhance the performance of conventional storm sewers or drains, catch basins, curb inlets, and the like. Finally, the present invention relates to an improved storm sewer or drain, catch basin, curb inlet, or the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It is a code requirement in many municipalities that when an asphalt road having concrete curbs and gutters, and metal curb inlets or the like, (collectively, storm sewers or drains) is installed, the surface of the asphalt road must be left down approximately 1 inch relative to the surface of the concrete curbs and gutters for a given period of time. This may also be done voluntarily, such that the eventual surface of the asphalt road, when finished, is not damaged by construction vehicles and looks smooth and uniform. This creates an undesirable situation in which the curb inlets associated with the storm sewers or drains, which are flush with the surface of the concrete curbs and gutters, and which are preferably flush with the surface of the asphalt road, protrude approximately 1 inch above the surface of the asphalt road for a given period of time. As a result, water and debris are temporarily unable to flow into the storm sewers or drains and collect on the surface of the asphalt road adjacent to the storm sewers or drains. In addition to being a general nuisance, the water can freeze, creating a hazardous condition and potential liability.  
         [0004]     One conventional solution to this problem is to punch holes in the surface of the asphalt road adjacent to the storm sewers or drains, creating an alternate channel for the water and debris to flow into the storm sewers or drains (in addition to the primary grates associated with the curb inlets). These holes, however, are prone to clogging and deteriorating. Thus, this solution is inadequate and what is needed is a better way to channel water and debris into storm sewers or drains while the 1-inch leave-down is required.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a storm drain relief channel that is configured to enhance the performance of conventional storm sewers or drains, catch basins, curb inlets, and the like. The present invention also provides an improved storm sewer or drain, catch basin, or curb inlet design.  
         [0006]     In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a storm drain relief channel for providing fluid/debris access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin including a rigid box structure includes a substantially-hollow channel structure disposed adjacent to the rigid box structure of a curb inlet, the substantially-hollow channel structure having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed adjacent to and substantially flush with, and in fluid/debris communication with, the surface of the road and the second end is configured to be disposed one of adjacent to and within, and in fluid/debris communication with, the interior portion of the curb inlet.  
         [0007]     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for installing/manufacturing a storm drain relief channel for providing access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin including a rigid box structure includes disposing a substantially-hollow channel structure adjacent to the rigid box structure of a curb inlet, the substantially-hollow channel structure having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed adjacent to and substantially flush with, and in fluid/debris communication with, the surface of the road and the second end is configured to be disposed one of adjacent to and within, and in fluid/debris communication with, the interior portion of the curb inlet.  
         [0008]     In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a storm drain relief channel for providing access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin including a rigid box structure includes a substantially-hollow trough structure disposed adjacent to the rigid box structure of a curb inlet, the substantially-hollow trough structure having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed adjacent to and substantially flush with, and in fluid/debris communication with, the surface of the road and the second end is configured to be disposed adjacent to, and in fluid/debris communication with, one or more passages provided through the rigid box structure of the curb inlet.  
         [0009]     In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a storm drain relief channel for providing access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin includes a rigid box structure defining a recessed portion along an edge thereof and a grate cover defining a recessed portion along an edge thereof, wherein the location of the recessed portion of the rigid box structure substantially corresponds to the location of the recessed portion of the grate cover, thereby defining a collective opening. Preferably, the recessed portion along the edge of the rigid box structure has a depth of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings which depict preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, in which like reference numbers denote like parts or components, as appropriate, and in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side planar view illustrating a conventional curb inlet and catch basin utilizing a brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on a slab, masonry, or the like;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top planar view illustrating a conventional curb inlet and catch basin utilizing a brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on a slab, masonry, or the like;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side planar view illustrating a conventional curb inlet and catch basin used in conjunction with the storm drain relief channel of the present invention, the storm drain relief channel disposed at least partially through the brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on the slab, masonry, or the like;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top planar view illustrating a conventional curb inlet and catch basin used in conjunction with the storm drain relief channel of the present invention, the storm drain relief channel disposed at least partially through the brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on the slab, masonry, or the like;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the storm drain relief channel of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the storm drain relief channel of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the storm drain relief channel of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a side planar view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the improved curb inlet and catch basin of the present invention utilizing a brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on a slab, masonry, or the like; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a top planar view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the improved curb inlet and catch basin of the present invention utilizing a brick perimeter foundation which is disposed on a slab, masonry, or the like. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     As described above, in various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a storm drain relief channel that is configured to enhance the performance of conventional storm sewers or drains, catch basins, curb inlets, and the like. The present invention also provides an improved storm sewer or drain, catch basin, or curb inlet design.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a conventional curb inlet  10  and catch basin  12  include a rigid box structure  14  having a grate cover  16  through which water and debris may pass. The rigid box structure  14  typically has a low, or road, side  18  and a high, or curb, side  20  (hood), as well as two other sides  19  ( FIG. 2 ) (collectively, frame). The rigid box structure  14  is typically made of a hardened material, such as steel, cast iron, or the like. Optionally, the rigid box structure  14  is disposed on a perimeter foundation  22 , such as a brick perimeter foundation or the like, which is disposed on a slab  24 , masonry, or the like. The curb inlet  10  rests on the slab  24 , which forms the bottom of the storm sewer or drain. It should be noted that other conventional curb inlet  10  and catch basin  12  designs exist and may be used in conjunction with the storm drain relief channel of the present invention. For example, the rigid box structure  14  may have any number of even or uneven sides, a perimeter foundation  22  may not be used, the sides and bottom of the curb inlet  10  and/or catch basin  12  may be integrally formed, etc.  
         [0022]     As described above, it is a code requirement in many municipalities that when an asphalt road having concrete curbs and gutters, and metal curb inlets or the like, (collectively, storm sewers or drains) is installed, the surface of the asphalt road must be left down approximately 1 inch relative to the surface of the concrete curbs and gutters for a given period of time. This may also be done voluntarily, such that the eventual surface of the asphalt road, when finished, is not damaged by construction vehicles and looks smooth and uniform. This creates an undesirable situation in which the curb inlets associated with the storm sewers or drains, which are flush with the surface of the concrete curbs and gutters, and which are preferably flush with the surface of the asphalt road, protrude approximately 1 inch above the surface of the asphalt road for a given period of time. This 1-inch leave-down  26  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As a result, water and debris are temporarily unable to flow into the storm sewers or drains and collect on the surface of the asphalt road adjacent to the storm sewers or drains. In addition to being a general nuisance, the water can freeze, creating a hazardous condition and potential liability.  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one exemplary embodiment, the substantially-hollow storm drain relief channel  28  of the present invention is installed, during or subsequent to road construction, adjacent to the low, or road, side  18  of the rigid box structure  14  of the curb inlet  10 , via one or more suitable fasteners. The top portion  30  of the storm drain relief channel  28  defines an opening that is disposed flush with the surface of the asphalt road in which the curb inlet  10  is installed. The bottom portion  32  of the storm drain relief channel  28  defines an opening that is disposed within the curb inlet  10  and/or catch basin  12 , optionally through an opening formed in the perimeter foundation  22  or the low, or road, side  18  of the curb inlet  10  subsequent to or at the time of manufacture. Preferably, the storm drain relief channel  28  is made of a hardened material, such as steel, cast iron, a hardened plastic, or the like, although the present invention contemplates other materials as well. Once installed, the storm drain relief channel  28  of the present invention provides an alternate channel for water and debris to flow into a storm sewer or drain (in addition to the grate cover  16  associated with the curb inlet  10 ). This is especially useful, as the storm drain relief channel  28  is used to accommodate the 1-inch leave-down  26  associated with the storm sewer or drain. The opening defined by the top portion  30  of the storm drain relief channel  28  may be capped or otherwise plugged and paved over when later remedying this 1-inch leave-down.  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , several alternative embodiments of the storm drain relief channel  28  of the present invention are illustrated. For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates a squared or rounded edge embodiment, which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The storm drain relief channel  28  has an overall height  50  of between about 3 inches and about 10 inches, as well as an overall length  52  of between about 3 inches and about 10 inches, although other suitable dimensions may be used. Likewise, the openings of the storm drain relief channel  28  have an overall width  54  of between about 6 inches and about 12 inches, and an overall height  56  of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, although other suitable dimensions may be used.  
         [0025]     Optionally, the storm drain relief channel  28  is formed from one-piece tubular stock from which a piece is cut prior to folding and welding. Other suitable methods of manufacture are contemplated by the present invention. Optionally, the storm drain relief channel  28  includes one or more tabs  60  which may be used to secure the storm drain relief channel  28  to the low, or road, side  18  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) of the rigid box structure  14  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). Ties and/or mortar are also suitable for this purpose.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates a more refined, rounded embodiment, which helps to prevent vehicles and objects moving across the surface of the sub-grade and/or stonebase from catching the edges of the storm drain relief channel  28 . Finally,  FIG. 7  illustrates an even more refined, open embodiment, which helps to prevent clogging. Other shapes and configurations are contemplated by the present invention. Any of the embodiments may also incorporate one or more cross-members or grates (not illustrated) to prevent vehicles and objects moving across the surface of the asphalt road from partially or wholly entering the openings of the storm drain relief channel  28 . This is important in relation to, for example, the tires of a bicycle or the like.  
         [0027]     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , optionally, the storm drain relief channel  28  includes one or more clips  70  which may be used to secure the storm drain relief channel  28  to the low, or road, side  18  of the rigid box structure  14 . Again, ties and/or mortar are also suitable for this purpose.  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , in another alternative embodiment, the storm drain relief channel  28  of the present invention consists of a trough structure  34  or the like that is disposed adjacent to or integrally formed with the low, or road, side  18  of the rigid box structure  14  of the curb inlet  10 . One or more passages or holes  36  are drilled through or formed in the low, or road, side  18  of the rigid box structure  14 , their location substantially corresponding to the location of the trough structure  34 . The one or more passages or holes  36  provide an alternate channel for water and debris to flow into a curb inlet and/or catch basin  12  (in addition to the grate cover  16  associated with the curb inlet  10 ). Again, this is especially useful, as the storm drain relief channel  28  is used to accommodate the 1-inch leave-down  26  associated with the curb inlet  10 . The opening defined by the top portion of the trough structure  34  may be capped or otherwise plugged and paved over when later remedying this 1-inch leave-down.  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in a further alternative embodiment, the storm drain relief channel  28  of the present invention consists of a pair of substantially-corresponding cutaways or recesses  38  and  40  in the low, or road, side  18  of the rigid box structure  14  of the curb inlet  10  and the grate cover  16 . Preferably, the recessed portion  38  along the edge of the rigid box structure  14  has a depth of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches.  
         [0030]     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Summary:
A storm drain relief channel for providing fluid/debris access from the surface of a road to the interior portion of a catch basin including a rigid box structure includes a substantially-hollow channel structure disposed adjacent to the rigid box structure of a curb inlet, the substantially-hollow channel structure having a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed adjacent to and substantially flush with, and in fluid/debris communication with, the surface of the road and the second end is configured to be disposed one of adjacent to and within, and in fluid/debris communication with, the interior portion of the curb inlet.