Abstract:
A permeable paving system having a base layer and a paving layer, in which the base layer is made of a plurality of substantially hollow structural modules having a rigid bottom wall and a substantially parallel to a rigid top wall retained in a fixed space relationship from each other by a plurality of spacers, in which the structural module has a plurality of side walls extending between the perimeters of the top wall and the bottom wall, in which the top and bottom walls have apertures to allow movement of fluids into and out of the structural modules, and in which the top wall has a plurality of guide lines configured for alignment of paving material, and/or as a guide for cutting the structural module. Alternatively, instead of guide lines, there may be string line posts connectable to an element of the permeable paving system configured to extend above the top wall of said structural module and configured for establishing elevations of paving materials, and/or alignment of paving materials.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/783,162, entitled “PERMEABLE PAVING SYSTEM” filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The field of the invention relates to paving methods and more specifically to a permeable paving system for easy and accurate installation of permeable paved surfaces in a variety of materials. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Paved surfaces are seen everywhere, whether they be on grass, gravel, soil, rooftops, or hardtop. These surfaces usually include pavers of various materials, cobblestones, asphalt, concrete slabs in various forms, and specialty products made from exotic materials. Moreover, the paved surfaces are arranged in recognizable patterns and/or follow a defined path. In all respects, these provide the individual and general public with an aesthetically appealing, and functional surface where the populace may walk, ride, or drive in relative comfort, but in most cases these surfaces are impervious. The US Environmental Protection Agency is actively promoting “Green Infrastructure” as a way to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces. Permeable surfaces reduce the amount of storm water runoff that carries with it pollutants, and floatables that get into the waterways. Over seven hundred US cities have combined storm water and sanitary sewer systems. Large rain events overload sanitary sewage treatment plants causing sewage spills that pollute the waterways. One element of “Green Infrastructure” is “Permeable Paving”. This refers to a paving surface that allows storm water to pass through to a storage layer in the base where it can infiltrate into the soils below. If the soils do not percolate the water, or the desire is to retain the water, not infiltrate, the water can be conveyed out of the storage layer into an external drainage system, or used for rainwater harvesting. The paving surface can be porous asphalt, permeable concrete, permeable pavers, or any other surface material that allows water to pass through. Many of the impervious paved surfaces in municipalities are over infrastructure pipes and conduits that limit the depth of the storage layer. Paved surfaces, such as sidewalks, follow the terrain up and down changing the direction of slope of the paved surface accordingly. 
         [0006]    While the end product or pavement may be functional and appealing, the process of installing the permeable paved surface is a time-consuming and inefficient task. Porous asphalt, permeable concrete, and the other types of permeable paving surfaces require most of the installation steps listed below, but the most time consuming permeable paving surface to install, and most costly, is pavers. For example, a typical permeable paver installation requires excavation to a desired depth, terracing sloped areas, removal of the excavated material, hauling and placement of the base aggregate material, installing an under drain or overflow pipe and connecting to an external drainage system, driving a plurality of stakes into the ground to set string lines to determine the proper elevation of the base aggregate, leveling the base aggregate, the compaction of the aggregate, driving a plurality of stakes to secure straight and flexible edging, the use of a pair of screed pipes on the surface of the compacted aggregate to establish the height of the bedding layer of aggregate, placing the bedding aggregate and leveling it by pulling a screed across the screed rails, setting a plurality of string lines to establish a guide for setting of the pavers in the desired pattern at the proper elevation using the string lines as guides, and installing stone chips in between the joints of the pavers. One solution to the above involves a structural module in U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,011B2 to Marshall, 2010, Apr. 27, which replaces the sub base aggregate. Due to the structural strength, and the increased water storage in a structural module versus stone, an installer gains the advantage of reducing the depth of excavation, and eliminating the sub base layer of aggregate. The structural module reduces the time and expense of excavation, purchasing sub base stone, hauling sub base stone, placing sub base stone, compacting sub base stone, and all types of permeable pavements can be used with it. The structural module does not address the problems of frequent measuring for setting stakes, or the driving of the stakes into the ground multiple times for placement of string lines, or the problem of a change in slope in the terrain of the area being paved, or the driving of spikes to secure straight or flexible edging. The structural module requires a plurality of surface paving layers, including a base layer of aggregate, be placed on top of it. This increases the overall thickness of the pavement structure which can be a problem when going over infrastructure piping, or where there is a high ground water table. 
         [0007]    Another example involves an underlayment support layer of polymeric material in the form of panels that is porous as described in US Publication Number 2010/0284740 A1 to Sawyer. While this solution substantially reduces the time and expense of excavation, purchasing, hauling, placing, and compacting the base stone, the system does not provide for storage of water, or conveyance of water, or the problem of frequent measuring and driving stakes at the proper location for placement of string lines, or the driving of spikes to secure straight or flexible edging. 
         [0008]    My previous U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,310B2, dated Oct. 9, 2012, discloses a paver installation system. However, that invention did not take into account the problem of slope in the terrain being paved, the problem of maintaining structural integrity of the grid after being cut by the installer, the problem of snow and ice accumulating on paved surfaces, the variety of permeable paving surface materials, or the problem of connecting under drain and/or overflow pipes to an external pipe system that may be connected to a drainage system or used for rain water harvesting. 
         [0009]    Thus a permeable paving system solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment, a permeable paving system comprises a substantially hollow structure defining a base layer with a fluid storage area, and a surface that restricts the paving surface material, and/or aggregate from entering the fluid storage area of the substantially hollow structure, solves the problem of slope in the terrain to be paved, solves the problem of fluid conveyance out of the structure, solves the problem of maintaining structural integrity after being cut, solves the problem of snow and ice accumulating on the paved surface, solves the problem of the fluid storage area being too close to ground water or infrastructure piping near the surface, solves the problem of measuring multiple times to find the correct locations to drive string line stakes, and eliminates the stakes by providing guidelines for the placement of pavers or by providing an alternate method for attaching string lines. 
         [0011]    Advantages 
         [0012]    Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects of the invention are as follows: to provide a permeable paving system that can be cut to adapt to various site dimensions without losing structural integrity, that can store, infiltrate, and/or easily convey fluids out of the system, that makes it easy to use the fluids for rainwater harvesting, that makes it easy to use the fluids for geothermal heating and cooling, that can be used with various types of permeable pavement surface materials, that easily accommodates a heat source for ice and/or snow melting, that is traffic rated when placed just below the pavement, that reduces the overall depth of the permeable pavement installation, that is relatively inexpensive to install, that increases the speed of installation of permeable pavements, that reduces the amount of labor for installation of permeable pavements, that provides a faster method to level the bedding aggregate, that provides a guide for aligning pavers, that interlocks and pivots to conform to slope in the terrain, that provides a way to slow down the flow of fluids and increase infiltration when used on a slope, that eliminates the need to drive stakes for setting string lines, that eliminates the need to drive spikes to secure straight or flexible edging, and that has a bottom design that does not sink into the sub base. These and other features of a preferred embodiment will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first structural module on a level surface connected to a second structural module on a sloped surface according to an embodiment of a permeable paving system of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a structural module base for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a partial underside view of a bottom wall of a structural module base, including a male interlock spacer and a female interlock spacer, according to an embodiment of a permeable paving system of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a flexible edging for the permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a structural module top wall, including a plurality of guide lines, and a plurality of pavers for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an edge cover for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an integrated straight edging/edge cover for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an inlet/outlet for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a top wall, a screed rail guide, a screed rail, a string line post, an outlet adapter, an ADS transition adapter, an edge cover, and a straight edging for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a string line post for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a pattern guide in running bond pattern for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cut away side view of a pattern guide for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of the interlock joint created by a male interlock spacer and a female interlock spacer for a permeable paving system in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a first structural module on a level surface connected to a second structural module on a sloping surface, a plurality of string line posts with attached string lines connected to an edge cover, an integrated straight edging/edge cover for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14B  is a color version of  FIG. 14A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 14C  is an expanded view of the lower left portion of  FIG. 14B , showing the edge cover, straight edging, and string line posts in better detail. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14D  is an expanded view of the lower right portion of  FIG. 14B , showing the guidelines in better detail. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a structural module with a guide pattern detachably connected in an initial first position for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a structural module with a guide pattern in a second raised position with a plurality of pavers resting on an intermediate layer of aggregate for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a top view of a handle pocket and a mounting slot for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a top view of a shelf and a slot for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a first structural module on a level surface connected to a second structural module on a sloping surface, a plurality of string line posts with attached string lines connected to an edge cover, an integrated straight edging/edge cover with a plurality of pavers resting on an intermediate layer of aggregate for a permeable paving system in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0035]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DRAWINGS - REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  50 
                 flexible edging 
                  52 
                 flat strip 
               
               
                   
                  54 
                 mounting 
                  55 
                 mounting hole 
               
               
                   
                  70 
                 base 
                  71 
                 cut lines 
               
               
                   
                  72A 
                 shelf 
                  72B 
                 lower mounting hole 
               
               
                   
                  73 
                 side edge 
                  74A 
                 top strut 
               
               
                   
                  74B 
                 bottom strut 
                  75 
                 slope dam 
               
               
                   
                  76A 
                 spacer 
                  76B 
                 female spacer 
               
               
                   
                  76C 
                 male spacer 
                  77 
                 intermediate wall 
               
               
                   
                  78 
                 bottom wall 
                  79 
                 interlock joint 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 top wall 
                  81 
                 guide line 
               
               
                   
                  82A 
                 handle recess 
                  82B 
                 upper mounting hole 
               
               
                   
                  84 
                 screed rail guide 
                  85 
                 screed rail 
               
               
                   
                  86 
                 screed edge 
                  87 
                 top surface 
               
               
                   
                  90 
                 pattern guide 
                  91 
                 flat beam 
               
               
                   
                  92 
                 guide edge 
                  93 
                 bottom edge 
               
               
                   
                  94 
                 fin 
                  95 
                 peg hole 
               
               
                   
                  96 
                 mounting peg 
                  97 
                 leg 
               
               
                   
                  98 
                 split top 
                  99 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 edge cover 
                 106 
                 adapter 
               
               
                   
                 107 
                 female connector 
                 108 
                 male connector 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 straight edging 
                 112 
                 string line post 
               
               
                   
                 114 
                 tie off stud 
                 116 
                 string line hole 
               
               
                   
                 117 
                 post female connector 
                 118 
                 post male connector 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    One embodiment of the permeable paving system is illustrated in  FIG. 1  for easy and efficient installation of permeable paving for various applications such as pathways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, driveways, roadways, medians, and pathways or terraces on roofs or decks etc. The permeable paving system may include a base  70 , a top wall  80 , a plurality of guide lines  81 , and may also include a slope dam  75 , an edge cover  100 , with or without an adapter  106 , and/or a straight edging  110 , with or without the adapter  106 . When the permeable paving material is placed on a radius, flexible edging  50  as shown in  FIG. 4 , may be fastened to the top wall  80 . 
         [0037]    The base  70  in this embodiment being the lower part of a structural module may be stackable and interlocking, and is preferably rated to handle repeated vehicle traffic. The base  70  includes open internal space for storage and movement of fluids. All exterior surfaces of base  70  are substantially open to allow fluids to flow into and out of the base  70  in all directions. Moreover the bottom surface design of the base  70  creates a stable base for vehicular traffic and preventing excessive settling of the paved surface. In this manner, the combination of fluid storage in a shallow profile and the stable structure of the base  70  permits the user to reduce the depth of the sub base material, or eliminate it, resulting in reduction of excavated material and disposal thereof, as well as the reduction in the amount of aggregate required for the permeable paving installation. In roof or deck applications the base  70  provides a very lightweight structure below pathways and terraces with a high void area for storage of fluids that may be used for rainwater harvesting. Soil may be placed in the base  70  when it is being used in a tree pit or other landscape application. A heat source such as a hydronic radiant system, an electric radiant system, or a hot air system may be placed in, or connected to the base  70  for melting of snow and/or ice on the paved surface. Other methods to heat the space in the structural module may be used. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  13  the base  70  may be a rectangle with a pattern forming a grid like structure. This results in a lightweight and durable structure strong enough to handle years of wear. In this embodiment, the structure of the base  70  includes a plurality of square spacers or pillars  76 A, a plurality of rectangular female spacers or pillars  76 B, and a plurality of male spacers or posts  76 C. The spacers  76 A,  76 B, and  76 C may be positioned to allow fluids to flow between and around them. The spacers  76 A,  76 B, and  76 C are interlaced by a plurality of relatively thin connecting top ties, rails, or struts  74 A that form an intermediate wall  77 , and a plurality of bottom ties, rails, or struts  74 B that form a bottom wall  78 . The perimeter edges of the intermediate wall  77 , the perimeter edges of the bottom wall  78 , and a plurality of perimeter spacers  76 A, or  76 B, or  76 C, form a plurality of substantially open side edges  73 . This creates a structure that will support vehicle loads by transferring the load from the top wall  80 , through the intermediate wall  77 , spacers  76 A,  76 B,  76 C and bottom wall  78  to the sub base. The intermediate wall  77  provides structural support for the top wall  80 . The intermediate wall  77  provides structural support when the base  70  is stacked upon another base  70 . The bottom wall  78  rests on the sub base, which may have a generally flat, square, rectangular, or other 2-dimensional configuration and orientation in the form of a landscaping geogrid in order to create a snowshoe affect, and may prevent the base  70  from sinking into the sub base. The base  70  may sit on a sub base such as native soil, aggregates of various materials, or any material providing suitable support for the base  70 . The base  70  may sit on an impermeable liner, a geotextile material, a geogrid, or other materials that may provide, or enhance the support provided by the sub base. Nylon fibers or similar materials may be mixed into the sub base material to add additional support. The impermeable liner may be placed under the base  70  and around the perimeter side edges  73  when storing fluids in the base  70  for rainwater harvesting, geothermal heating and/or cooling, or similar fluid reuse practices. The base  70  may interlock with an adjoining base  70 , by sliding a plurality of male spacers  76 C into a plurality of female spacers  76 B, on one, or more sides of the base  70 . The base  70  may pivot up or down at this joining at an interlock joint  79 . The pivoting action allows the base  70  to adjust to the slope of the supporting surface. The base  70  may include a plurality of cut lines  71 . The cut lines  71  may be located at the outside edge of the spacers  76 A, and the outside edge of the top struts  74 A. The plurality of cut lines  71  may run parallel and perpendicular to a perimeter edge of the base  70 . The cut lines  71  may be recognizable to the user by measuring a specified distance from the perimeter edge where the female spacers  76 B are located. Alternatively, the cut lines  71  may be identified with raised lines, indentations, or any recognizable feature on the intermediate wall  77 . The base  70  may be cut at the cut lines  71  with the remaining section maintaining structural integrity. A section of the base  70  may be cut along the cut lines  71  for installation of a vertical fluid conveyance system. The fluid conveyance system projecting up from the sub base with the open top within the base  70  acting as an under drain or over flow drain. The top wall  80  may cover the removed section of base  70  and the drain opening. A horizontal fluid conveyance system may be used with the base  70  by putting an open end of the fluid conveyance system against or near the base  70 . The base  70  may also be cut, and the open end of the horizontal fluid conveyance system inserted into the area of the base  70  that was removed. The top wall  80  may cover the cut away area in the base  70 . When used in a tree pit or other similar landscape application, the base  70  may be filled with soil, amended soil, or other plant beneficial material. The base  70  may be manufactured so it can be shipped in rolls and unrolled at the installation site. 
         [0039]    The top wall  80  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  9 ,  14 - 16  and  19 , may be a flat, rectangular, rigid material with apertures. In this embodiment, the top wall  80  being the upper part of the structural module connecting to, or resting on the intermediate wall  77 . The top wall  80  may have a top surface  87  with apertures smaller than the paving material P or aggregate. The paving material P or aggregate may be placed directly on the top wall  80 . The top wall  80  restricts the paving material P or aggregate from entering the base  70 , while allowing fluids to pass through into the base  70  where the fluids may infiltrate into the ground, and/or be stored until conveyed out. The top wall  80  may allow fluids to pass through from the base  70 . The top wall  80  enhances the load bearing capacity of the permeable paving system by spreading the load over a larger footprint than if the load were placed directly on the base  70 . Although the top wall  80  in this embodiment is a separate part from the base  70 , alternatively the top wall  80  may be manufactured as an integrated unit with the base  70 . In an alternate embodiment, the top wall  80  may be used without the base  70 . The top wall  80  may connect to an adjoining top wall  80  with male and female connections similar to the connections described for connecting a base  70  to an adjoining base  70 . The top wall  80  in this alternate embodiment may have a plurality of guide lines  81  as described in paragraph [0059]. The underside of the top wall  80  resting on a supporting surface. The permeable paving system of this alternate embodiment may also require flexible edging as described in Paragraph [0063] and/or a plurality of screed rail guides  84  and screed rails  85  as described in Paragraph [0066], and/or a plurality of string line posts  112  as described in Paragraph [0067]. The top wall  80  may be manufactured so it can be shipped in rolls and unrolled at the installation site. 
         [0040]    The guide lines  81  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  9 ,  14 - 16  and  19  are visible on the top surface  87  and may be positioned over the cut lines  71 . The guide line  81 , in this embodiment, may be a plurality of narrow apertures running in a straight line from just inside one edge of the top wall  80  to just short of the opposite edge. The plurality of guide lines  81  may run parallel and perpendicular to a perimeter edge of the top wall  80 . The guide lines  81  may be evenly spaced apart, and may form squares on the top wall  80 . The guide lines  81  may be used to align pavers running parallel with the perimeter edge, and/or perpendicular to the perimeter edge. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the user may lay appropriately sized pavers between two parallel guidelines  81 , without setting string lines to keep the alignment straight. The user may also align the ends of the pavers, or align pavers running in a perpendicular direction by following the perpendicular guidelines  81 , without the need for setting string lines. The guide lines  81  act the same as a string line, without the need to measure both sides of the installation multiple times to find the proper location for driving string line stakes. The guide lines  81  also eliminate the need to connect and tighten the string line multiple times after the stakes are moved and reset. Alternatively, the guidelines  81  may be followed for the setting of traditional string line posts or stakes. The user may establish the location on one side of the installation and may follow the guidelines  81  to the opposite side and set the opposing post without the need to measure for that location. If permeable concrete is being installed, the user may align concrete expansion joints using the guide lines  81 . The user may cut along the guide line  81 , and along the corresponding cut line  71  to reduce the size of the top wall  80  and base  70  to meet varying site dimensions. Cuts through the top wall  80  at the guide line  81  may leave an inner band in place to maintain the structural integrity of the top wall  80 . The guide lines  81  in this embodiment may run almost the full length or width of the top wall  80 . Alternatively the guide lines  81  may include and/or consist of aligned apertures, perforations, marks, indentations, connection points, or printed marks or lines on the top wall  80 , base  70 , edge cover  100 , straight edging  110 , or flexible edging  50  that give the user points of reference for stretching a string line, setting a laser, or aligning a straight edge to create a straight line for laying the paving material P. The user may alternatively use the “click and drop” method for laying pavers. The user may start in a corner and lay pavers down one edge. The user then moves progressively row by row toward the opposing side. The user may periodically measure from the guide lines  81  to the edge of a row of pavers to check the alignment of the pavers. 
         [0041]    The slope dam  75  as shown in  FIG. 1  may be used when the permeable paving system is used on a slope, eliminating the need to terrace the sloped terrain. The slope dam  75  in this embodiment is a pipe, but may have other shapes that allow the slope dam  75  to be inserted into an opening in the side edge  73 . The slope dam  75  may run from the side edge  73  across the permeable paving system in one continuous piece to the opposing side edge  73 . The slope dam  75  may rest on the bottom struts  74 B where the slope dam  75  may be connected or fastened. The slope dam  75  may act as a dam to slow down fluids flowing downhill through the base  70 . The slope dam  75  may increase the amount of fluids that are infiltrated into the soil and may reduce erosion. 
         [0042]    The permeable pavement system may be used with all types of commercial edging, including asphalt, concrete or stone curb, metal edging, or plastic edging etc. In this embodiment, an edge cover  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  14 , and  19 , may be a detachable, rigid, flat material with a plurality of female connectors  107  on one side, and a plurality of male connectors  108  on the opposite side. The edge cover  100  may cover the side edges  73 , and may separate the base  70  from backfill materials placed around the perimeter of the installation. The edge cover  100  may be connected to the side edges  73  by inserting a plurality of male connectors  108  into the female spacers  76 B, or by sliding the plurality of female connectors  107  over the male spacers  76 C. The top wall  80  may be installed on the base  70 , over the male connectors  108  or female connectors  107 . The edge cover  100  may be fastened to the spacers  76 A, when the base  70  is cut to a reduced size. The adapter  106  may be included in the edge cover  100  for the conveyance of fluids in or out of the permeable paving system for rainwater harvesting, and/or geothermal heating and/or cooling. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the adapter  106  may be shaped to connect to a commercially available transition adapter model number 1432, manufactured by Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) with Corporate Headquarters based in Hilliard, Ohio. The adapter  106  may be other shapes to connect to a corresponding shape of the water conveyance system being used. 
         [0043]    The straight edging  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 ,  14 , and  19  is a flat, rigid material, integral with the edge cover  100 . The straight edging  110  may also be a separate part from the edge cover  100 . The straight edging  110 , as shown in this embodiment, extends above the top wall  80  and may create separation between the paving material P, aggregate, and the backfill materials around the perimeter of the installation. The straight edging  110  may act as lawn edging when crushed stone or other similar size materials are used as the paving material P. The edging  110  may act as a stay in place concrete form when permeable concrete or similar material is used as the paving material P. The adapter  106  may be installed in the straight edging  110  when needed for conveyance of fluids in or out of the area above the top wall  80 . The ADS 1432 transition adapter may connect to the adapter  106  for conveying fluids out of, or into the permeable paving system. 
         [0044]    The permeable paver system may also require flexible edging  50 , when the area being paved has an edge on a radius. As shown in  FIG. 4  of this embodiment, the flexible edging  50  may be an elongate flat strip  52  made from durable and flexible material. A plurality of mounting tabs or flanges  54  extend from the bottom of the flexible edging  50 . Each mounting tab  54  includes a mounting hole  55  to secure the edging to the top wall  80  via fasteners. The flexible edging  50  can easily be bent or flexed to match the desired curved contour or radius of the paving material. The flexible edging  50  may be secured in position with fasteners. The fasteners may go through the mounting hole  55 , and an aperture in the top wall  80 . The fasteners may be configured to catch on the bottom of the top wall  80 . The flexible edging  50  may be used in lieu of the straight edging  110 . 
         [0045]    The following describes how to use the permeable pavement system in this embodiment. The ground is excavated to a predetermined depth in preparation for paving. A layer of base material, such as crushed stone, may or may not be needed, depending on the quality of the sub base soil. A geotextile material, a geogrid, or soil stabilizers such as nylon fibers may be installed on, or mixed in the sub base if needed. The sub base, and the base material, if used, are then compacted and leveled. Once leveled, the plurality of bases  70  is laid, and may be interconnected in the area to be paved. If the permeable paver system is going on a rooftop, or other flat prepared surface, the previous steps are not needed. The base  70  may be cut at the cut lines  71  if the base  70  is too big for the area to be paved. The edge cover  100 , if needed, and integral straight edging  110 , if needed, is connected to the base  70 . The top wall  80  may be cut along the guide lines  81  corresponding to any cuts made in the base  70 . The top wall  80  is installed on the base  70 . Flexible edging  50 , is installed on the top wall  80 , if needed. If aggregate is required, the user may mark the location for string lines using the guidelines  81 . The aggregate is placed on the top wall  80 , leveled, and compacted. The paving material P is placed on the top wall  80 , or on top of the aggregate, if used. If the paving material P is pavers, they may be installed directly on the top wall  80  by using the guide lines  81  to align the pavers, or if aggregate is required, the pavers may be aligned by using string lines. All the gaps or joints between the pavers are then filled with stone chips or similar material that is larger than the apertures in the top wall  80 . If the paving material P being installed is concrete, the user may align expansion joints by following the guide lines  81 . Alternatively, a plurality of bases  70 , or plurality of stacked bases  70 , may be placed on an impermeable supporting surface with a plurality of top walls  80  installed on the bases  70 . A geotextile material may be placed on the top wall  80 . A layer of sand or other aggregates may be placed on the geotextile material. The layer of aggregate may be leveled and compacted, and a plurality of bases  70 , or a plurality of stacked bases  70  may be placed on top of the aggregate, and a plurality of top walls  80  installed on the plurality of bases  70 . Aggregate may be placed on the top wall  80 , leveled, and compacted, and a layer of paving material P placed on top of it. The lower level of bases  70  and top walls  80  may act as a fluid storage area, or well for fluid. The fluids in the well may be pumped to a heat exchanger for geothermal heating and cooling, and may be conveyed back to the permeable paving system. 
         [0046]    An alternative embodiment of the permeable paving system as shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  14  and  19  is similar in most respects to the permeable paving system shown in  FIG. 1  except for the addition of a plurality of screed rail guides  84 , a plurality of screed rails  85 , and a plurality of string line posts  112 . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, the screed rail  85  as shown in  FIG. 9  may be placed in the screed rail guide  84 . The screed rail  85  may be round pipe of various materials that lays in the concave radius of the screed rail guide  84 . Alternatively the screed rail  85  may rest on the top surface  87 . The screed rail guide  84  keeps the screed rails  85  parallel. The height of the screed rail  85  corresponds to the desired thickness of an aggregate material, e.g., crushed stone, crushed glass, etc., to be leveled. The top edge of the screed rail  85  serves as a screed edge  86  for leveling the aggregate. A bar or similar element is laid on the screed edge  86  of two or more screed rails  85  and is moved along the screed edge  86  to level the aggregate material after it is placed on the top wall  80 . The screed edge  86  may also be used as a string line would be for aligning the paving material P. The user may measure from the screed edge  86 , to the edge of the paving material P to check alignment of the paving material P. Alternatively the screed rail  85  and screed rail guide  84  may be other mating shapes. The aggregate provides support for the paving material P. The aggregate may be sized larger than the apertures in the top surface  87  to restrict the pieces of aggregate from passing through the top wall  80  into the base  70 , while allowing fluids to pass through. 
         [0048]    The string line post  112  as shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  14 , and  19  may be an elongate member extending vertically above the top wall  80 . The string line post  112 , as shown in this embodiment, may have a post male connector  118  that may be connected to the female connector  107 . The post male connector  118  may alternatively connect to the female spacer  76 B. The string line post  112  may have a post female interlock  117  that may connect to the male connector  108 . The post female interlock  117  may alternatively connect to the male spacer  76 C. The string line post  112  may alternatively connect to the base  70 , edge cover  100 , top wall  80 , or straight edging  110 , or flexible edging  50  using fasteners. To accommodate various pavement heights, the post  112  may have a plurality of string line holes  116 , one over the other, which the user may select from to establish the elevation of the string line. The string line post  112  may have a plurality of tie-off studs  114  that the string line may be attached to. The string line post  112  may be other shapes that connect in a single location, or that connect in a plurality of locations on the base  70 , edge cover  100 , top wall  80 , flexible edging  50 , or the straight edging  110 . The plurality of string line holes  116  may be in a single vertical row, a plurality of vertical rows, or the plurality of string line holes  116  may be in other configurations. The string line post  112  may also be without string line holes  116 , and may be shaped to use other methods of connecting a string line. A product that is currently available is “StringAlong” from Cappuccio Enterprises. StringAlong connects to a commercially available string line post or stake with a fastener, and a string line may be easily connected to the “StringAlong” product. The user may pre mark connection points for the string line post  112  by selecting and marking a location on one side of the installation. The user may then follow the guide lines  81  across to the opposite side and mark that location, eliminating the need to measure each side. Alternatively, a commercially available or homemade string line post or stake may be driven into the ground, and the string line connected to it, or to a product such as the “StringAlong”. The user may drive the second post on the opposite side of the installation, after aligning the string line with the guide lines  81 . The string line post  112  may be used with or without an intermediate layer of aggregate. The string line post  112  attachment locations may be at the guidelines  81 , so that an attached string line between two string line posts  112  will align with the guideline  81 . The string line posts  112  with attached string line acting as elevated guidelines  81  for alignment of paving material P when aggregate is placed on the top wall  80 . 
         [0049]    The steps for using the permeable pavement system as shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  14 , and  19  are substantially the same as the steps used for  FIG. 1  with the following modifications. After the installation of all the required components, selected from the following; the base  70 , the top wall  80 , the edge cover  100 , the straight edging  110 , the adapter  106 , and the flexible edging  50 , the user may select and mark a plurality of locations for string lines. The user may select and mark one edge of the installation and follow the respective guide lines  81  across the installation, and mark the opposite side. This step may be repeated for setting string lines in a perpendicular direction. The following steps pertaining to the screed rail guides  84  and the screed rails  85  will not be needed if aggregate is not being used, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Lay at least two screed rails  85  in two parallel guides  84 . Place an intermediate layer of aggregate on the top wall  80  in the area where the screed rails  85  are laying in the screed rail guides  84 . Place a screed bar on the plurality of screed edges  86 . Level the intermediate layer of aggregate by moving the screed bar across the screed edges  86 . Move the screed rails  85  by sliding them along the screed rail guides  84  to the next area to be leveled. Remove the screed rails  85  from the screed rail guides  84  after the last area is leveled adjacent the aforementioned screed rail guides  84 . Select the next area to be leveled where the screed rails  85  will be laid in two different screed rail guides  84 . Remove the screed rails  85  after all areas of the installation have been leveled. All divots left by the screed rail  85  are filled and leveled prior to the placement of the paving material P. Moreover, porous asphalt, permeable concrete, pavers, or any other paving surface may be placed on the intermediate layer of aggregate. The edge cover  100  has male connectors  108  on one side, and female connectors  107  on the opposite side. In this embodiment slide the post male connector  118  into the female connector  107 , and on the opposite side of the installation slide the post female connector  117  on the male connector  108 . On one side of the installation, insert the string line in the selected hole  116  and secure it to the post  112  at an elevation slightly above the desired elevation of the paving surface P. Move to the other side of the installation and insert the string line in the selected hole  116 , pulling the string line tight before securing it to the post  112 . If the paving material is pavers, the string line may be used to help align the pavers. Additional string lines may be set parallel and perpendicular to the string line that was set first, using the method described above. The posts  112  with string lines attached may be moved to a new position on the edge cover  100  or base  70  as many times as needed. Remove the posts  112  and the string lines after aligning the paving material P. If the paving material is pavers, fill all the gaps between pavers with stone chips, glass chips, or similar material. 
         [0050]    An alternative embodiment of the permeable pavement system is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 . The alternative permeable pavement system is similar in most respects to the first embodiment except for the addition of a plurality of pattern guides  90 , modifications to the base  70 , and modifications to the top wall  80 . The base  70  modifications include the addition of a plurality of shelves  72 A and the addition of a plurality of lower mounting holes  72 B. The top wall  80  modifications include a plurality of handle recesses  82 A, and a plurality of upper mounting holes  82 B. The string line posts  112  are preferably not used in this embodiment. 
         [0051]    In this embodiment the pattern guide  90  as shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  15 , and  16 , may be an elongated, flat beam  91  with a plurality of dividers or fins  94  extending orthogonal from the flat beam  91 . The flat beam  91  may have a guide edge  92 , a bottom edge  93 , and a plurality of peg holes  95 . A plurality of mounting pegs  96  may be inserted into the peg holes  95  through openings visible in the bottom edge  93 . The mounting peg  96  may be a round, elongated member. The mounting peg  96  may have a split head  98  with an enlarged section at the end. The enlarged section causing the split head  98  to flex in as it enters the peg hole  95 . The split head  98  flexing back out as it reaches an enlarged diameter in the peg hole  95 , holding the enlarged section of the split head  98  in the peg hole  95 . The mounting peg  96  is able to rotate 360 degrees in this position. The mounting peg  96  may have a handle  99  located just below the bottom edge  93 . The handle  99  being an elongated member extending orthogonal to the mounting peg  96 . The handle  99  may be used to rotate the mounting peg  96 . The distal end of the mounting peg  96  includes a locking extension or leg  97  extending orthogonal to the mounting peg  96 . The pattern guides  90  with the bottom edge  93  resting on the top wall  80 , may be used to level an intermediate layer of aggregate in a first or initial position. After leveling the aggregate, the user may move the guide  90  to a second raised position where the flat beam  91  and the fins  94  provide the user physical dividers for laying pavers into a pattern. The removal of the pattern guide  90  leaves gaps between the pavers that may be filled with stone chips or similar material that may allow fluids to pass through. In this embodiment, the plurality of dividers  94 , and the flat beam  91  together form a running bond pattern, but other patterns such as herringbone or basket weave, and others, may be formed by changing the location of the fins  94 . The height of the flat beam  91  corresponds to the desired thickness of aggregate material, e.g., crushed stone, crushed glass, etc., to be leveled. The top edge of the flat beam  91  serves as the guide edge  92  for leveling the aggregate. A bar or similar element is laid on the guide edge  92  of at least two pattern guides  90  and the bar is moved across the guide edges  92  to level the aggregate. 
         [0052]    In this embodiment the base  70  is modified as shown in  FIG. 18 . The shelf  72 A may be a flat, thin material that is recessed in the spacer  76 A and molded with, or connected to three walls of the spacer  76 A. The top of the shelf  72 A being the bottom of a recessed pocket that the bottom of the leg  97  rests on when the pattern guide  90  is in the second raised position. The lower mounting hole  72 B may be a rectangular aperture alongside the shelf  72 A, and sized to allow the leg  97  to pass through. 
         [0053]    In this embodiment the top wall  80  is modified as shown in  FIG. 17 . The handle recess  82 A may be a square recessed area below the top surface  87 . The handle  99  may rest in the handle recess  82 A when the pattern guide  90  is in the first or initial position. The bottom side of the handle recess  82 A being directly above the shelf  72 A, creating the top of the recessed pocket. The top of the leg  97  being against the bottom side of the handle recess  82 A when the pattern guide  90  is in the second raised position. The upper mounting hole  82 B may be a key hole shaped aperture in the handle recess  82 A. The upper mounting hole  82 B being positioned above the lower mounting hole  72 B in a perpendicular arrangement to the lower mounting hole  72 B. The upper mounting hole  82 B being positioned to allow the leg  97  to pass through, be turned a quarter turn clockwise, and pass through the lower mounting hole  72 B. Thus allowing the bottom edge  93  to rest on the top wall  80  in the first or initial position. 
         [0054]    The steps for using the permeable pavement system as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  are substantially the same as those in  FIG. 1 , with the following modifications. After the installation of the required components, selected from; the base  70 , the top wall  80 , the edge cover  100 , the straight edging  110 , the flexible edging  50 , the slope dam  75 , and the adapter  106 , two or more pattern guides  90  may be placed on the top wall  80 . The pattern guides  90  are installed by inserting the leg  97  in the upper mounting hole  82 B. The leg  97  is rotated a quarter turn clockwise into, and through the lower mounting hole  72 B allowing the pattern guide  90  to rest on the top wall  80 . The handle  99  resting in the handle recess  82 A. A layer of aggregate is placed on the top wall  80  in the area where the pattern guides  90  are located. A bar or similar element may be pulled across the guide edge  92  of at least two pattern guides  90  to level the bedding layer of aggregate. The pattern guides  90  may be grabbed by the user and pulled up, pulling the leg  97  into, and through the lower mounting hole  72 B. The top of the leg  97  will stop on the underside of the handle recess  82 A. The user may rotate the leg  97  one eighth of a turn counterclockwise into the recessed pocket created below the underside of the handle recess  82 A, and the top of the shelf  72 A. The legs  97 , engaged in the recessed pocket, holding the pattern guide  90  up in the second raised position. The user may install pavers using the pattern guides  90  to lay the pattern. After laying the pavers, the pattern guides  90  may be removed by turning the leg  97  an additional one eighth of a turn counterclockwise and pulling the leg  97  upward through the upper mounting hole  82 B. The pattern guides  90  may be moved to the next area to be leveled. The gaps between the pavers are filled with stone chips or similar material. Alternatively the pattern guides  90  may be removed immediately after the aggregate has been leveled when permeable concrete, porous asphalt or permeable paving other than pavers is used. 
         [0055]    It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompass any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.