Abstract:
An adjustable coupler interconnects leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. The coupler can comprise a mating feature, which can be used to mate the coupler between a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber, and an adjustment feature, which can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. Either, or both, features can include a swivel connector mateable to an end of one of the chambers. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/595,674 entitled “Leaching Chamber” and filed by Gray on Jun. 19, 2000, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Hollow plastic leaching chambers are commonly buried in the ground to form leaching fields for receiving and dispersing liquids such as sewage system effluent or storm water into the surrounding earth. Such leaching chambers have a central cavity for receiving liquids. An opening on the bottom and slots on the sides provide the means through which liquids are allowed to exit the central cavity and disperse into the surrounding earth. Typically, multiple leaching chambers are connected to each other in series to achieve a desired subterranean volume and dispersion area. Leaching chambers are usually arch-shaped and corrugated with symmetrical corrugations for strength. Additionally, leaching chambers usually come in standard sizes. The most common size for most leaching chambers is roughly six feet long, three feet wide and slightly over one foot high. 
     The amount of liquid that a given leaching chamber is capable of receiving and dispersing is dependent upon the internal volume of the leaching chamber and the dispersion area over which the leaching chamber can disperse the liquids. Because most plastic leaching chambers are arch-shaped for strength, the volume and dispersion area for any given leaching chamber having the same dimensions is roughly the same. Therefore, most present leaching chambers of the same size have roughly the same capacity. 
     The capacity of a leaching field depends upon the size and the number of leaching chambers employed. If the size or the number of the leaching chambers employed in a leaching field is increased, the volume and dispersion area is increased, thereby increasing capacity of the leaching field. However, increasing the size or the number of leaching chambers also increases the cost as well as the area of land required for burying the leaching chambers. 
     Efficient use of the land can be increased by having the chambers follow the natural contours of the land. When a leaching field is created from the chambers, they are typically installed with a slight downward slope away from the sewer inlet as mandated by local requirements. The elevation of the land, however, may change over the area of the leaching field. Arching and serpentine pathways can be created to generally follow the contours of the land and to avoid obstacles in the ground. For example, by deviating the pathway from a straight line, the chambers can be better installed at the proper grade while reducing the necessity to dig trenches deeper than necessary. Typical systems permit the pathway to turn, from one chamber to the next, by using a substantially fixed angle adapter between successive chambers. 
     SUMMARY 
     While the coarse corrections to the path of the chambers makes more efficient use of the land, the amount of flexibility during installation is limited. One way to increase flexibility is by employing and adjustable coupler between leaching chambers. This allows more variations in connecting the components to yield a desired serpentine pathway for a leaching field. 
     In a particular embodiment, a coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature. The coupler can also directly connect to other couplers. Furthermore, the coupler can be a third leaching chamber, which can be a like chamber to the first and second chambers. 
     The mating feature can be used to mate the coupler between the first leaching chamber and the second leaching chamber. The mating feature can include a swivel connector matable to an end of one of the chambers. The mating feature can also include a flange connector matable to an end of the other chamber. 
     The adjustment feature can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. The adjustment feature can include a swivel connector and the swivel connector can include a post member or a dome structure. The adjustment feature can be bidirectional to facilitate an adjustment in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction—as measured from the longitudinal direction of the connected chambers. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either direction. 
     A more particular coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber, each chamber having a post interconnect and a dome interconnect at respective ends. The coupler can include a post member rotatably connectable with the dome interconnect of the first chamber and a connector for connecting to the post interconnect of the second chamber. The connector can be a flange, which can be a segmented flange. In another embodiment, the connector can include a dome member rotatably connectable to the post interconnect of the second chamber. In yet another embodiment, the connector can include a post member rotatably connectable to the post interconnect of the second chamber. 
     A boss can also be used to define an adjustable range of angles between the first chamber and the second chamber. The boss can interface with the end of the first chamber to limit the adjustable angle the boss can be bidirectional to facilitate an adjustment either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In particular, the range of angles can be about 45°. More specifically, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either direction. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, including various novel details of construction and construction of parts, will be apparent from the following more particular drawings and description of particular embodiments of an adjustable angle coupler for leaching chamber systems in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. It will be understood that the particular couplers embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed and varied in numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a leaching chamber system employing adjustable couplers. 
     FIGS. 2A-2C are foreshortened side views of chambers having a particular post and dome interconnect. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a particular coupler of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 3 mated to a foreshortened leaching chamber. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupler for the post end of a leaching chamber. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first section of a swivel coupler assembly. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second section a swivel coupler assembly. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the assembled swivel coupler sections of FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable coupler insert. 
     FIGS. 10A-10B are schematic diagrams illustrated the use of the adjustable coupler insert of FIG.  9 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a leaching chamber system employing adjustable couplers. The system  1  includes a plurality of leaching chambers  10 A,  10 B,  10 C interconnected by a plurality of adjustable couplers  20 A,  20 B,  20 C to form a conduit. As shown, each coupler  20 A,  30 B,  20 C can deviate the linear path of the conduit by a respective bias angle θ A , θ B , θ C . The bias angle for each coupler is bidirectionally adjustable within a range of angles in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction—as measured from the longitudinal direction of the connected chambers. A particular suitable range of angles is 0-22.5° in either direction—for a 45° range of motion. 
     Note that the couplers  20  can mate with chambers  10  or other couplers. By interconnecting multiple couplers  20 , the range of the turning angle can be multiplied. As shown the resulting angle θ Σ  from the second chamber  10 B to the third chamber  10 C is the sum of the respective bias angles, θ B +θ C , formed by the second and third couplers  20   B ,  20   C . A particular chamber suitable for embodiments of the invention is described in U.S. Design Patent No. 403,047 entitled “Post and Dome Interconnect for Leaching Chambers” issued to Gray on Dec. 22, 1998, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     It should also be recognized that the chambers  10  and couplers  20  are both conduits and that the coupler features can be integrally formed with the chambers. In other words, each chamber can have features of the adjustable coupler at one or both ends. In that case, the coupler can be another chamber like the adjacent chambers being interconnected. 
     FIGS. 2A-2C are foreshortened side views of chambers having a particular post and dome interconnect. Shown are two identical chambers  10 ,  10 ′, having complementary end flanges  130 ,  130 ′. FIG. 2A shows a post end flange  130 , which includes a post interconnect  138 , a lower subarch flange segment  135 . FIG. 2B shows a dome end flange  130 ′, which includes a dome interconnect  139 , an upper subarch flange segment  136 , a lower top flange segment  133 , and an upper side flange segment  134 . FIG. 2C shows the two chambers  10 ,  10 ′ interconnected by the flanges  130 ,  130 ′. In particular, it should be noted that the dome interconnect  139  is manufactured to include a receptacle for receiving the post interconnect  138 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a particular coupler of FIG.  1 . The coupler  20  includes a swivel body  210 , an end transition  220  and a matable flange  230 . As shown, the coupler  20  is configured to mate with a post and dome interconnect. 
     As shown, the swivel body  210  includes a top section  212  and left and right side sections  2146 L,  214 R. The top and side sections are dimensioned to be slidably rotatable within the interior of the mated chamber, as will be described below. A subarch dome section  216  is dimensioned to be slidably rotatable within the interior of the mated chamber subarch, as will also be described below. At the peak of the subarch dome  2176  is a circular post member  218 , which can mate with the interconnection dome  139  (FIG. 2B) of a chamber. 
     The end transition  220  joins the swivel body  210  to the flange  230 . It includes left and right top sections  222 L,  222 R, left and right side sections  224 L,  224 R, and a subarch section  226 . The point of transition from the coupler body  210  is elevated to form a stop or boss on both the left and right sides  228 L,  228 R. The bosses  228 L,  228 R define the limits of the turn angle θ in the left and right direction, respectively. 
     The matable flange  230  is substantially identical to the dome end flange  130 ′ (FIG. 2B) of the chamber mated to by the post member  218 . As particularly shown, the flange  230  includes a left and right upper top flange area  232 L,  232 R, a left and right lower top flange segments  233 L,  233 R, a left and right lower side flange segment  234 L,  234 R, and an upper subarch flange segment  236 . At the top of the upper subarch flange segment  236  is a dome interconnect  239  that has an empty interior substantially identical to the chamber dome interconnect  139  (FIG. 2B) for meeting with a post of a next chamber. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 3 mated to a foreshortened leaching chamber. The leaching chamber  10  is shown having a valley corrugation  110  and a peak corrugation  120 . A dome end mating flange  130 ′ is coupled to the coupler  20 . As shown, the resulting angle is to the right, limited by the right-side boss  228 R stopping the rotation of the chamber flange  130 ′ at its right lower top flange section  133 R. 
     It should be noted that the above embodiment is specific to the domed end of the leaching chamber  10 . This arrangement has an advantage because the entire coupler body  210  fits within and under the chamber  10 . A similar technique can, however, be applied to the opposite, post end  130  of the chamber  10 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupler for the post end of a leaching chamber. The coupler  30  also includes a swivel body  310 , which slidably rotates under the chamber  10  (FIG.  1 ). The coupler  30 , however, interconnects with the post interconnect  138  (FIG. 2A) on the top of the chamber. To accomplish that task, an elevated circular dome coupler  319  is employed to mate with the chamber post interconnect. 
     The coupler body  310  includes left and right top section  312 L,  312 R and side sections  314 L,  314 R dimensioned to fit and slidably rotate within the mated chamber, like the coupler  20  of FIGS. 2 and 3. Likewise, the coupler  30  includes a subarch dome  316 . For the coupler to rotate, a slit  317  separates the top of the subarch dome  136  from the dome coupler  319 . 
     As also shown, the coupler  30  includes a flange section  320  that matches the flange of the mated, post end of the chamber  10 . The flange  320  includes a lower subarch segment  327 , left and right upper top segments  322 L,  322 R, left and right lower side segments  325 L,  325 R. At the top of the subarch  326  is a post interconnect  328 . 
     It is recognized that the slit  317  may increase the migration of dirt and other debris into the chamber cavity after the chambers are buried. To reduce that effect, the leaching chambers (and similar couplers) can include a tongue feature at the lower subarch flange segment  137  (FIG. 2A) of the post end flange  130  (FIG.  2 A). When connected to the coupler  30 , the tongue can extend to or through the slit  317  to reduce or block the migration. 
     The above slit problem can be eliminated if the leaching chambers are manufactured with a receptacle for receiving the post member  218  (FIG. 2) under the chamber post connector  138  (FIG.  2 A). In effect, there can be an indentation on the underside of the chamber and aligned with the center of the post connector. The relevant dimensions of the coupler could then be adjusted to mate with the post end of the chamber. 
     The use of an adjustable coupler is not limited to chambers having post and dome interconnects. Embodiments can be employed for any type of leaching chamber. FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a coupler assembly having a swivel joint for mating between chambers. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first section of a swivel coupler assembly. The first body  400  includes a floor  402 , a top  404  having a subarch feature  406 , and left and right walls  408 L,  408 R. The top  404  also forms flange segments  415  for mating with a specific chamber. 
     The walls  408 L,  408 R terminate at curved webs  410 L,  410 R. An opening  420  is thereby created between the webs  410 L,  410 R. A circular post connector  422  is formed in the floor  402  and a circular dome  426  is formed at the subarch  406 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second section a swivel coupler assembly. The second body  450  includes a top  454  having a subarch feature  456  and left and right walls  458 L,  458 R. The top  454  also forms flange segment  468  for mating with a specific chamber. 
     The walls  458 L,  458 R terminated at a curved archway  460 . The archway includes a floor  462  having a circular hole  464  that is dimensional to fit around the post  422  of the first body  40 . A circular post  466  at the top of the archway  460  interconnects with the dome  426  of the first body  40 . The archway  460  defines an opening  470 . 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the assembled swivel coupler sections of FIGS. 6 and 7. The curved webs  410 L,  410 R of the first body  400  cooperate with the shape of the archway  460  of the second body  450  to facilitate an angular adjustment between the coupler bodies  400 ,  450 . Liquid can flow between chambers through the opening  470  of the archway  460 . 
     It should be understood that the swivel coupler  40  can be employed with any leaching chamber system by altering the flange details. Examples of different flanges include shiplap-type flanges as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,661 entitled “Leaching System Conduit,” which issued to Nichols et al. on Jul. 26, 1988; U.S. Design Patent No. 329,684 entitled “Leaching Chamber,” which issued to Gray on Sep. 22, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,488 entitled “Leaching System Conduit with Sub-Arch,” which issued to Nichols on Oct. 20, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,733 entitled “Angle Adapter for A Leaching Chamber System,” which issued to Daly et al. on Sep. 23, 1997. The flanges can also be other alternating segmented flanges as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,993 entitled “Leaching Chamber,” which issued to Gray on Jun. 20, 2000. It should be recognized that the chambers may lack end flanges and interconnect differently, such as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 980,442 entitled “Draining Culvert,” which issued to Schlafly on Jan. 3, 1911; U.S. Pat. No. 2,153,789 entitled “Irrigation and Drainage Tube,” which issued to Carswell et al on Apr. 11, 1939; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,042 entitled “Arched Conduit with Improved Corrugations,” which issued to Fouss et al. The teachings of the above-referenced patents are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     It should also be understood that a coupler for chambers having a post and dome interconnect could swivel about both the post interconnect and the dome interconnect of adjacent chambers. Such a coupler could replace the flange end of the coupler of FIG. 3 with the rotatable coupling, such as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable coupler insert. The coupler insert  50  includes peak corrugations  510  and valley corrugations  520 . The footprint of the coupler insert is in the shape of a segment of a toroid. That is, an inner base flange  530  is curved to have a first radius and an outer flange  540  is curved to have a second radius greater than the first radius. The result is a maximum relative turning angle θ max , from end to end, of 45°. Also shown are support gussets  515  connecting the peak corrugations to the outer flange  540 . 
     FIGS. 10A-10B are schematic diagrams illustrated the use of the adjustable coupler insert of FIG.  9 . As shown, the coupler insert  50  joins two chambers  10 D,  10 E. The turning angle between the chambers can be adjusted by sliding one or both chambers  10 D,  10 E over the coupler insert  50  until the desired angle θ D , θ E  is achieved. 
     The leaching chambers and couplers described herein can be prefabricated as a substantially rigid body from high density polyethylene (HDPE). In particular, the leaching chambers are fabricated from T60-800 HDPE. The wall thickness can be between 0.200 and 0.250 inches. Alternatively, the leaching chambers can be made of other suitable polymers of from other substantially rigid materials such as concrete, ceramics or metals. 
     EQUIVALENTS 
     While this adjustable angle coupler for leaching chamber systems has been particularly shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, different ranges of angles can be used depending on the application.