Patent Publication Number: US-6336770-B1

Title: Drainfield pipe installation device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 09/176,520 filed Oct. 21, 1998 for “Drainfield Pipe Installation and Method” now U.S Pat. No. 6,120,209 which itself is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/703,827 filed Aug. 27, 1996 for “Drainfield Pipe” issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,916, which itself is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/464,971 filed Jun. 5, 1995 for “Septic Tank Drainfield Installation Device and Method” issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,415, all commonly owned with the present invention. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a method and device for the installation of on-site water treatment and sewage disposal systems, and in particular to installation of drainfield pipe. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As defined in the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 10 D-6, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems comprise a sewage treatment and disposal facility, that contains a standard subsurface, filled or mound drainfield system, an aerobic treatment unit, a grey water system tank, a laundry wastewater system tank, a septic tank, a grease interceptor, a dosing tank, a solids or effluent pump, waterless, incinerating or organic waste composting toilets, or a sanitary pit privy that is installed beyond a building sewer on land of the owner or on other land to which the owner has the legal right to install a system. As further defined in the above referenced Code, a drainfield comprises a system of open jointed or perforated piping, approved alternative distribution units, or other treatment facilities designed to distribute effluent for filtration, oxidation and absorption by the soil within the zone of aeration. Further defined in the Code, is a septic tank, which is a watertight receptacle constructed to promote separation of solid and liquid components of wastewater, to provide limited digestion of organic matter, to store solids, and to allow clarified liquid to discharge for further treatment and disposal into the drainfield. 
     Typically, drainfields are “standard subsurface systems”, “filled systems”, or “mound systems.” The above referenced Code defines a standard subsurface drainfield system as an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system drainfield consisting of a distribution box or header pipe and a drain trench or absorption bed with all portions of the drainfield sidewalls installed below the elevation of undisturbed native soil. A filled system is defined as a drainfield system where a portion, but not all, of the drainfield sidewalls are located at an elevation above the elevation of undisturbed native soil on the site. Mound systems are defined as drainfields constructed at a prescribed elevation in a prepared area of fill material. All drainfields where any part of the bottom surface of the drainfield is located at or above the elevation of undisturbed native soil in the drainfield area is a mound system. 
     Drain trenches and absorption beds are the standard for drainfield systems used for disposing of effluent from septic tanks or other sewage waste receptacles. An absorption bed comprises an area in which the entire earth content to a specified depth in the required absorption area is removed, replaced with aggregate to that specified depth, and distribution pipe or other approved drainfield components. The distance between the centers of the distribution lines in standard beds is to be a maximum of 36 inches in order to meet the above referenced Code. Further, the distance between the side wall of the bed and the center of the outside drain is to be no more than 18 inches, but shall not be less than six inches. Header pipe is to extend to within 18 inches of the side walls. The maximum depth from the bottom of the drainfield to the finished ground surface shall not exceed 30 inches after natural settling. The minimum earth cover over the top of the drainfield, distribution box or header pipe in standard subsurface drainfields shall be 6 inches after natural settling. By way of example, depending on the type of drainfield system being utilized, the drainfield absorption surface is to be constructed level or with a downward slope not exceeding one inch per 10 feet. Such requirements, although given here for one state, are typical of the stringent requirements for drainfields. When one considers the lightweight, flexible polyethylene pipe typically used in such drainfields, and the aggregate of heavy gravel, it is appreciated that holding to such dimensional code requirements is difficult, time consuming and costly. A typical system might include a four inch minimum inside diameter having two rows of holes having a specified perforated area. The perforations must be located at a particular angle from a vertical on either side of centerline of the bottom of the pipe. Further, the pipe must be installed so that the perforations are effective in the effluent treatment. Twisting of the pipe can cause a hole to be at the very bottom during installation. Such a condition will not meet Code and will not pass an inspection. It is required that the perforations be such that the effluent is distributed as equally as possible throughout the drainfield area. It is not unusual for a standard drainfield installation to take a three man crew with back hoe more that a day to install a typical standard subsurface drainfield to within Code tolerances. It is also well known that many installations have to be reinstalled because an inspector failed the original installation because a grade or separation dimension was not met. 
     As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,123 to Houck et al., conventional drainage systems of the type described and to which the present invention relates typically comprise horizontally extending corrugated and perforated plastic pipe placed within the drainfield area surrounded by a quantity of loose aggregate material, such as rock or crushed stone. By way of example and in the case of the standard subsurface drainfield, the space between the conduit and the ground occupied by the aggregate defines a drainage cavity in fluid communication with the perforations of the conduit. Such a nitrification field comprises effluent discharging from a septic tank through the perforated pipe of a nitrification line which in surrounded by a specified minimum volume of aggregate material, such as rock or crushed stone. The nitrification field creates a storage area for sewage effluent to be absorbed by the soil. The aggregate maintains the boundaries of the storage area, prevents blockage of the pipe perforations, and promotes the beneficial effects wherein aerobic bacteria organisms act on the sewage colloidal materials to reduce them in the soil. The perforated conduit serves the purpose of delivering the effluent to the aggregate filled cavity for absorption into the soil and to vent sewage gases for preventing local contamination. The use of corrugated pipe permits the trapping of effluent for a secondary, a semi-aerobic treatment within the pipe corrugations. As supported by the Houck &#39;123 patent, the requirements for uniformity and inspections for compliance with state and local codes typically makes the drainfield installation process tedious and time consuming. As a result, Houck &#39;123 looks away from the teachings of the standards employing typical gravel aggregate to fill a trench or absorption bed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,189 to Good discloses an apparatus and method for supporting and positioning pipe during the construction of drain fields and the like. The apparatus comprises an elongate support member with spaced apart clamping units arranged for suspending flexible pipe sections from the elongate support member. The elongate support member is adjustably supported for vertical adjustment on vertically disposed anchoring members driven into a grade surface so as to firmly anchor the pipe supporting apparatus during pouring and spreading of aggregate around the pipe sections. The arrangement facilitates the subsequent releasing of the pipe sections from the pipe supporting apparatus and the removal of the pipe supporting apparatus from the aggregate while leaving the corresponding pipe sections embedded in the aggregate. As addressed in the Good &#39;189 patent, the proper positioning of flexible pipe during the construction process has met with difficulty, since such pipe must be maintained in a proper position while being surrounded by the aggregate, as herein earlier described. Clamping the flexible pipe from the sides and below, although securing the pipe during aggregate pouring, can cause movement in the pipe when the apparatus is being pulled from the aggregate. Further, the combination of the elongate horizontal support member and fixed clamping members limit flexibility of use in varying length pipe runs and varying absorption bed layouts. Convenience and ease of use is desirable during the construction process. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,247 to Murphy discloses a pipe laying apparatus for maintaining the pipe placement during substantial completion of back filling of a trench in which the pipe is being laid. The apparatus comprises a shaft having an adjustable pipe grasping sleeve for engaging varying sizes of pipe. The apparatus is securely placed in to the trench by manipulation of handles or striking of a strike plate with a hammer. Murphy &#39;247 addresses the need for fast and convenient removal of the pipe laying apparatus from a trench. The use of multiple pipe-holders provides such convenience. However, the apparatus as disclosed by Murphy &#39;247 comprises a pipe support placed below the pipe for holding the pipe at a fixed level. In operation, after backfilling a trench to a level above the pipe, the apparatus is rotated for lifting out of the trench while the pipe remains in place. With drainfields using flexible corrugated and perforated flexible pipe surrounded by aggregate material typically of stone, gravel and the like, rotating the apparatus becomes difficult and causes the flexible pipe to be displaced proximate the apparatus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,568,455 to McLaughlin et al. discloses a method of laying pipe in a bed of particle material, wherein a series of posts are removably mounted at spaced positions on the ground along the course of the pipe. The pipe is releasably supported on the posts in a raised condition above the ground while particle material is deposited under the pipe to at least a depth at which the deposit can sustain the pipe in its raised condition. The pipe is released from the support of the posts, and the posts are removed from the deposit while the deposit sustains the condition of the pipe. McLaughlin &#39;455 discloses a bracket plate having an arcuate indentation for mating with the top cylindrical surface portion of various sized pipe. The pipe is held within the arcuate indentation by a flexible cable which wraps around the bottom portion of the pipe while hinged to one end of the plate and removably connected to an opposing end for securing the pipe in place. Once the trench has been backfilled, the cable is released from the plate opposing end and the device is lifted from the backfilled trench. Although very effective for generally light materials and generally rigid pipe, again, difficulty occurs when using the flexible corrugated pipe and aggregate combination as earlier addressed. The cable wrapped around the pipe dislodges the pipe from its position as the device is pulled from its position. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system and method for laying flexible drainfield pipe in an absorption bed or trench backfilled with aggregate such as gravel and stone. It is further an object to provide an efficient and thus cost effective method for installing flexible corrugated drainfield pipe having perforations and install such pipe such that it meets code specifications. Yet another object of the invention is to enhance the ease of placement of the drainfield pipe and maintain the placement to within specified code requirements during the backfilling operation. It is yet another object of the invention to provide for effective removal of pipe installation devices after the aggregate is in place. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method for securing the pipe at a specified grade while clamping the pipe from a top portion thereof, thereby minimizing pipe displacement caused by portions of the device displacing aggregate proximate the pipe or contacting portions of the pipe during removal and thereby displacing the pipe. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention, are provided by a pipe useful in distributing septic tank effluent to a drainfield, and a pipe support useful in the installation of the pipe. The pipe comprises a flexible conduit having a corrugated wall with corrugations extending along a longitudinal axis of the conduit. In one preferred embodiment, each corrugation is generally perpendicular to the axis of the conduit. The conduit includes a flanged end for coupling to an opposing end of an adjacent pipe for placing the adjacent pipe in fluid communication with the pipe. The pipe further comprises an elongate rib integrally formed with the conduit. The elongate rib extends radially outward from and longitudinally along a conduit outside wall portion and is generally parallel to the conduit axis, lying within an imaginary plane including the axis. The rib is positioned for suspending the pipe wherein a portion of effluent carried by the pipe remains within a conduit inside bottom portion, below longitudinally spaced apart perforations within conduit side wall portions. The bottom portion of the conduit radially opposes the rib thus permitting a secondary effluent treatment within the conduit bottom portion. The rib further provides a sufficient pipe stiffening within the rib plane for supporting the pipe in a desired position above a support surface. 
     A drainfield pipe installation device of the present invention is useful for suspending the corrugated pipe above a grade level prior to pouring aggregate, and comprises an elongate member having a proximal end for supporting a pipe section therefrom and a distal end operable with a grade surface for suspending the pipe section therefrom, and a clamp carried by the elongate member at the distal end thereof, the clamp having opposing first and second jaw members operable from a first position for receiving a top portion of the pipe section therefrom, to a second position for biasing against the top portion in a clamping arrangement. The clamp comprises a handle pivotally attached to the proximal end of the elongate member, and includes a proximal end pivotal about a pivot pin carried at a distal end of the handle, the distal end having the first jaw member carried thereby. A locking pin is slidably carried by the handle for movement into and out of the elongate member proximal end, the locking pin slidable into the hole for securing the handle and thus clamp in the locking arrangement. In one preferred embodiment, the second jaw member is integrally formed with the elongate member proximal end. The first jaw member includes fork elements forming a bifurcated end pivotally attached to the elongate member proximal end and carried therebetween. 
     Preferably, the elongate member includes opposing first and second anchor members in a spaced relation for receiving the pipe section therebetween. Further, the first and second anchor members include opposing inside edges outwardly tapered from the proximal end toward the distal end thereof. A first separation distance between the opposing inside edges of the first and second anchor members at the distal end thereof provide for a free longitudinal movement of the pipe section therebetween, and a second separation distance at a proximal end thereof positions the opposing inside edges between corrugations of the pipe section for restricting the longitudinal movement thereof. Each of the opposing inside edges includes an arcuate shape transversely positioned for increasing the separation at the distal end, which separation distance allows the pipe to be slide between the elongate members when positioning the pipe prior to suspension by the device. A slot is carried by the elongate member proximal end for receiving the rib and guiding the rib for clamping. 
     A method aspect of the invention includes installing the pipe at an on-site sewage treatment drainfield comprising the steps of positioning a first set of pipe supporting devices, wherein each device includes means for removably clamping a portion of the device to a pipe rib for holding the pipe in suspended relation above an absorption area grade surface. The absorption area is to be filled with an aggregate such as stone or gravel. Each device further has anchoring means for anchoring each device to the grade surface in a desired alignment for positioning pipe generally horizontally across the absorption area. In one preferred embodiment, the pipe sections are positioned on the grade surface and the devices pushed into the grade surface while straddling above the pipe section. Multiple devices are used to support interconnected pipe sections from corresponding elongate ribs integrally formed on each pipe section. The devices are positioned in spaced relation to each other for supporting the interconnected pipe sections. The supporting devices are adjusted for positioning the first pipe at a desired height above the grade surface. Clamping of the rib is performed for supporting the second pipe sections. Additional pipe sections are positioned for coupling with adjacent pipe sections for forming a drainfield system having pipe sections in fluid communication with each other. The pipe sections are further stiffened by securing the inside edges of the elongate members between the corrugations. Aggregate is then poured around the pipe sections to a desired level above the surface grade for providing an absorption bed in fluid communication with the drainfield pipe sections. The devices maintain the pipe sections at a desired horizontal and vertical position within the absorption area. Once the aggregate is at the desired level above the surface grade and is holding the coupled pipe at their desired position, the pipe members are released from the clamping means thereby placing each pipe section out of communication with the devices. The devices are then removed from their position by manually pulling each device generally upward out of anchoring engagement with the grade surface which results in a drainfield positioned to a specific dimension and in fluid communication with an absorption bed of aggregate surrounding the pipe system of the drainfield. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention as well as alternate embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partial left front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial right rear perspective view of the pipe supporting device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, illustrating a clamp in an open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a top, left and front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a drainfield pipe section in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 9 is a left elevational view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 12 is an elevational cross-section view of the drainfield pipe of FIG. 5 illustrating its position within a drainfield absorption bed; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating use for positioning the pipe section; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial front elevational view of a clamp portion of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a partial top plan view of connected pipe section end portions; 
     FIG. 16 is a top plan view of connected pipe sections; 
     FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of the connected pipe sections of FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is a partial side elevation view of an on-site sewer treatment system illustrating a relationship between a septic tank and drainfield; 
     FIG. 19 is a partial top plan view of the sewer treatment system of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a partial cross-section view of a pipe section of the present invention positioned within a partially filled absorption bed; 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drainfield corrugated pipe well known in the art; 
     FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pipe of FIG. 21 illustrating twisting of typical pipe used within aggregate for a typical drainfield; 
     FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of a pipe holding device; 
     FIG. 24 is a partial elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 23 illustrating a clamp in closed and open positions; 
     FIG. 25 is a partial front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of a supporting device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 26 is a partial front view of the embodiment of FIG. 25 illustrating the device clamping a rib of a pipe section; 
     FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a top, left and front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the pipe section of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 30 is a real elevation view of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 31 is a partial top plan view illustrating connecting pipe sections of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 32 is a partial side elevation view of FIG. 31; 
     FIG. 33 is a top, left and front perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of the pipe section of the present invention; 
     FIG. 34 is a partial side elevation view illustrating connecting pipe sections of FIG. 33; 
     FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a pipe section having an alternate rib embodiment; 
     FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the pipe section of the present invention illustrating a female to female connection elbow pipe section; 
     FIG. 37 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 36 illustrating a male to female connection elbow pipe section; 
     FIG. 38 is a cross-section view through lines  38 — 38  of FIGS. 36 and 37; 
     FIG. 39 is a top plan view of a pipe section of the present invention bending within a horizontal plane perpendicular to the pipe section rib; 
     FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of an improved embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 41 is a rear elevation view of the pipe supporting device in an open clamp position, illustrating the pipe positioned for movement between elongate anchor members of the supporting device; 
     FIG. 42 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 40, illustrating the pipe supported by the pipe support device with the device in the clamped position; and 
     FIG. 43 is a partial cross-section taken through lines  43 — 43  of FIG.  40 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a pipe supporting device  100  used in combination with a drainfield pipe section  200 , in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of elongate anchor members  110  generally parallel to each other and separated by a dimension  112  sufficient for receiving the pipe section  200  therebetween. Although it is anticipated that alternate uses of the present invention will be employed, the preferred embodiment is herein described with reference to the corrugated pipe section  200  having an inside diameter  114  of approximately four inches and an outside diameter  115  including corrugations  117  of approximately four and three quarter inches. In a preferred embodiment of the device  100 , the pipe section  200  loosely fits between the parallel anchor members  110 . Further, in one embodiment, the anchor members  112  are constructed from readily available steel reinforcing bar stock material well known as “rebar” in the construction industry, which rebar is bent at two locations  116  to form the separation dimension  112  and a device handle portion  118  therebetween again as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1-4, by way of example. Any similar bar stock or extrusion that can support the pipe section  200  being handled can be used. The length  120  of the elongate anchor members  110  must be sufficient to penetrate a grade surface  122  to a depth  124  sufficient to hold the anchor members  110  upright without other support means while extending the pipe section  200  above the grade surface  122  by a desired height  126 . 
     As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 5-11, the pipe section  200  comprises a rib  210  that extends radially outward from a longitudinal center axis  211  of the pipe section  200 . In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rib  210  is integrally formed with the pipe section or can be welded along a pipe section top portion  212 . The rib  210  must be sufficiently dimensioned to stiffen the pipe section  200  for limiting flexibility of the pipe section  200  within an imaginary plane  213  passing through the pipe section longitudinal axis  211  and including the rib  210 . In the embodiment herein described, the rib  210  made from the pipe material, is integrally formed with the pipe conduit  215 , and has a rib thickness dimension  209  of approximately one eighth inch. With such a rib thickness dimension  209 , the rib  210  is sufficient to limit flexibility within the plane  213  and permit the supporting devices  100  placed along the pipe section length to hold the pipe section  200  to within a desired elevation and grade or slope. 
     As illustrated with reference to FIG. 12, the rib  210  opposes a pipe section bottom portion  214  which holds effluent within the bottom portion  214  during the operation of the drainfield, as will be further detailed later in this section. The bottom portion  214  is further defined by holes  216  located along pipe section side portions  218 . As earlier described in the background section of this specification, and given here by way of example, the maximum depth from the bottom of the drainfield  312 , as described with reference to FIG. 12, and as will be further described later in this section, the grade surface  122  to the finished ground surface  220  must not exceed 30 inches after natural settling. A minimum earth cover  222  over the top of the drainfield, distribution box or header pipe in standard subsurface drainfields shall be 6 inches after natural settling. By way of example, depending on the type of drainfield system being utilized, the drainfield absorption surface is to be constructed level or with a downward slope not exceeding one inch per 10 feet. In other words, the elevation above grade from a first pipe section end  224  to a second pipe section end  226  must not exceed one inch for every foot along the pipe section  200  as illustrated with reference to FIG.  13 . As illustrated, again with reference to FIG. 12, an effective drainfield for a typical Central Florida absorption bed styled installation has the grade surface  122  approximately twenty four inches above natural wet soil  128  for forming a dry soil layer  129 . A pipe section bottom most surface  228  is positioned at six inches above the grade surface  122 . With a four inch diameter pipe section  200 , the top most surface  230  of the pipe section  200 , not including the rib  210 , will be ten inches above the grade surface  122 . With a rib  210  having a two inch height dimension  211 , aggregate  232  is filled to the top end  214  of the rib for providing twelve inches of aggregate within the absorption bed area. If a soil cap or earth cover  222  of approximately nine to twelve inches in placed over the aggregate top surface  236 , an effective drainfield is constructed within the code specifications. Further, a two inch rib  210  provides additional margin and a precise way of determining the depth of aggregate covering the pipe section  200  under typically adverse installation conditions. 
     To accomplish such a configuration as herein described by way of example, the device  100  must hold the pipe section  200  at the desired elevation above the grade surface  122 . Again with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the device  100  further comprises a clamp  130  having a clamp handle  132  pivotally attached at a distal end  134  to an anchor member upper portion  136  using a pivot pin  138 . A handle proximal end  140  permits the handle to be held for movement about the pivot pin  138 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first jaw member  142  is affixed to the clamp handle  132  proximate the handle distal end  134 . A second jaw member  144  is affixed to the anchor member upper portion  136  for communicating with the first jaw member  142  in holding the rib  210  between the jaw members  142 ,  144  as again illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1-4. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 14, an alternate embodiment of the clamp  130  comprises a pin  146  extending from the first jaw  142  for penetrating a rib side wall surface  238  for enhancing a frictional force between the jaws  142 ,  144  while holding the rib  210  therebetween and thus the pipe section  200  in the desired position above the grade surface  122 . Further, and again with reference to FIG. 13, multiple devices  100  are used longitudinally along the pipe section  200  to support the full pipe section  200  or interconnected sections  201 , as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 15-17, and as will later be described. 
     By way of example, a method for installing an on-site sewage treatment system  300  comprising a septic tank  310  and drainfield  312  efficiently and effectively to within code specifications is described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 for a well known subsurface drainfield system comprising a header  314  pipe used for distributing effluent into the corrugated pipe sections  316  making up the drainfield  312 . In one preferred installation method using the drainfield pipe sections  200  and supporting devices  100  earlier described, the septic tank  310  is positioned at a tank bed surface  318  within a pit  320  dug for placement of the tank  310 . A drainfield absorption area  322  is dug wherein the drainfield bed grade surface  122  is at an elevation sufficient for providing a drainfield  316  at an elevation including aggregate  232  around the drainfield  316 . The septic tank  310  is positioned for permitting effluent to flow into the drainfield  316  which is in fluid communication with the tank  310 . Effluent from the tank  310  passes through a tank outlet port  324  through interconnect pipe  326  to the header pipe section  314  as illustrated again with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. Typical header pipe sections  314  comprise an inlet junction  328  for connection to the interconnect pipe section  326  and multiple outlet junctions  330  for connection with the drainfield pipe sections  200 . The method comprises the step of positioning a first set of pipe supporting devices  100  longitudinally along the header pipe section  314  and supporting the header pipe section  314  at a desired elevation and position within the absorption area  322 . By way of the example illustrated with reference to FIG. 18, the header pipe section  314  is positioned below the tank outlet port  324  for gravity feeding of effluent from the tank  310  into the header pipe section  314 . The header pipe section  314  is supported by placing devices longitudinally along the header pipe section  314  approximately every two to three feet in the same way as earlier described with reference to the drainfield pipe sections  200 . In the preferred embodiment, the header pipe section  314  comprises a rib  210  as earlier described but does not include holes  216  as does the drain field pipe sections  200 . The support devices  100  are vertical adjusted by pushing each device  100  into the grade surface  122  or pulling upward from the surface  122  until the desired level for that corresponding portion of header pipe section  314  is at a desired grade or elevation. A method well known for determining elevation uses a laser beam radiating at a given elevation above ground level with drainfield element elevations measured from that beam elevation. It is anticipated that various well known elevation measuring methods will be used during the installation process. Once the header pipe section  314  is at the desired elevation, it is placed in fluid communication with the interconnect pipe  326 . 
     Joined pipe sections  201 , as illustrated with reference to FIG. 18, and as earlier described with reference to FIGS. 15-17 are connected at one end to the header pipe section outlet junctions  330 . As earlier described with reference to FIG. 12, the rib  210  opposes the pipe section bottom portion  214 . With the device  100  supporting the pipe section  200  such that the plane  213  including the rib  210  is generally vertical (the rib  210  extends radially outward from the axis  211 ), it is guaranteed that effluent  244  will be collected within the pipe section bottom portion  214  and retained within the pipe bottom  214  below the holes  216 . It is here that secondary treatment of the effluent  244  takes place as illustrated with reference to FIG.  20 . Additional sets of pipe section  200  are supported by the devices  100  in a similar manner. With reference again to FIGS. 18 and 19, and herein described by way of example, a second header pipe section  332  is connected to ends  334  of the drainfield connected pipe sections  201 . The second header pipe section  332  is similar to the header pipe section  314  with the exception that no inlet junction  328  is needed for the example given herein. A second header inlet junction is either eliminated from the header or blocked off for the example given with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. With such an arrangement, the tank  310 , the interconnect pipe section  326 , header pipe section  314 , pipe sections  201 , and second header pipe section  332  are in fluid communication with each other. With ribs  210  made a part of each pipe section used in the treatment system  300 , the devices  100  will support these sections from top portions of the pipe sections. 
     During installation, the pipe sections  314 ,  201 , and  332  are each clamped to devices  100  placed in spaced relation along the sections, generally every two to three feet for the example herein described. Each device  100  is anchored into the bed grade surface  122 . In one approach, the devices  100  are placed by estimating their desired location and a more precise alignment and elevation is determined using well known leveling methods as a follow-up procedure. It is anticipated that each operator of the devices  100  and pipe sections  200  will develop alternate techniques understood to be a part of the inventive method and structures herein described. 
     Aggregate  336  is then distributed into the absorption bed area  322  as illustrated again with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. With rigidity added to vertical movement of the pipe sections  314 ,  201 , and  332  by the rib  210  sufficient to maintain the sections at the desired elevation when supported by the devices  100 , aggregate  336  can be poured uniformly throughout the bed area  322  to a height just covering the rib  210 . In this way, the clamp handle  132  is held and pivoted for opening the jaws  144 ,  146  and thus releasing the frictional hold of the rib  210 . With a loose pivot pin  138 , the weight of the handle proximal end  140  as a moment arm. Alternately, with a tightened, frictional holding pivot pin  138 , the rib  210  is also sufficiently held with biasing of the jaws  142 ,  144 . The devices  100  are then pulled out of their position and removed for covering of the aggregate  336  by appropriate cover material  338  as illustrated again with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 and as earlier described with reference to FIG.  12 . 
     Again with reference to FIG. 20, an alternate procedure includes filling aggregate  232 , typically gravel or crushed concrete and stone material, to the top most pipe section surface  210  while keeping the rib  210  exposed for inspection after the devices  100  have been removed. The rib  210  provides an excellent visual indication of drainfield alignment and it has been experienced that examining authority inspectors gain confidence that a drainfield is properly installed resulting in efficiency in the approval process as well as the installation process. Aggregate  232  can then be poured to cover the rib  210  or earth cover  222  described earlier with reference to FIG. 12, can be poured directly thereon. 
     For a fuller appreciation of the needs in the industry, and with reference to FIG. 21, consider a drainfield pipe section  400  well known in the art of drainfield installations and construction and used extensively for on-site sewage treatment systems. Such pipe section  400  includes corrugations  410  and is well known to be highly flexible and difficult to align. The pipe section  400  is positioned for placing the holes  412  such that effluent being carried by the pipe section  400  will drain, while maintaining portions of the effluent within the pipe section below the holes  412 . To aid in the installation of pipe sections  400 , a stripe  414  is typically painted along a pipe section top surface portion  416  wherein the stripe  414  opposes that inside pipe portion  418  where secondary effluent treatment must take place. As illustrated in FIG. 22, if the pipe section  400  twists during installation, as it very often does, as witnessed by the need to add the stripe  414  for inspection of hole  412  positioning, effluent  420  intended to be held within the lower inside pipe portion  418 , will drain directly into the absorption bed  422  thus avoiding desired secondary treatment. 
     As described earlier within the background section of this specification, various devices have been developed in an attempt to satisfies the needs associated with the typically difficult installation. Twisting of the pipe sections  400  often goes unnoticed until a final inspection, at the expense of much labor and time needed to correct the situation. Further, it is desirable to have independent support, such as the devices  100  of the present invention, to have freedom to remove a single device  100  during the pouring of aggregate for partial lengths of pipe sections  200 . 
     During the development of the present invention, individual support devices  500 , as herein described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, were used and incorporated an elongate wooden plank  510  for supporting the pipe section  512 . The plank  510 , typically a 2×4, is held on a pipe section top surface  514  by a clamp  516  rotatably attached to an anchor top portion  518 . The device  500  comprises elongate anchor members  520  for penetrating the grade surface  522  as earlier described for positioning the pipe section  512  at a desired elevation and position within the absorption bed. In one embodiment of the device  500  herein described, the clamp  514  partially surrounded one pipe section side  524  when in a closed position  524  as illustrated with reference to FIG.  24 . The clamp  516  pivots about a pivot pin  524  positioned between a clamp distal end  526  and a clamp handle end  528 . In the embodiment illustrated, the pivot pin  524  communicates with a lock nut  530  for frictionally holding the clamp  514  in its closed position  532 . A wrench handle  534  attached to the nut  530  permits adjustment for tightening for the closed position  534  and loosening for an open clamp position  536  needed for removing the device  500 . 
     Alternate embodiments of the devices  100  and pipe sections  200  are anticipated, some of which have been developed and are herein described. In another embodiment  150  of the support device  100 , as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the pipe section top surface portion  230  is held within a cradle member  152 . A slot  154  is formed by tab members  156  extending from the device handle  118 . The rib  210  slides within the slot  154  sufficiently deep to have the pipe section top portion  230  rest against the cradle member  152  as illustrated again with reference to FIG. 26. A pin  158  is rotatably attached to a clamp handle distal end  160 . The pin  158  is positioned to move into the slot  154  in a pin closed position  162  wherein it extends into an aperture  217  of the rib  210  for holding the pipe section  200 . Once aggregate has been poured to its desired level, the pin  158  is pulled out of the rib aperture  217  and out of communication with the rib  210  by rotating a clamp handle  164  on a clamp proximal end  166  separated by the clamp distal end  160  by a second pivot pin  166  positioned for providing such movement. In an opened pin position  168 , the rib  210  is out of communication with the pin  158  thus permitting the device  150  to be pulled out of engagement with the pipe section  200 . 
     In yet another embodiment  170 , as illustrated with reference to FIG. 27, the rib  210  is held by a hook  172  penetrating the rib  210  at one end and pivotally attached to the anchor member upper portion  136 . As earlier described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a nut and wrench handle assemble  174  is used to lock the hook  172  in a closed position in communication with the rib  210  and loosen the hook  172  for pivoting out of communication with the rib  210  for pulling the device  150  away from the aggregate  232 . The devices  150 ,  170  are also used in a preferred method for installing the drainfield as described with reference to the device  100  embodiment. 
     Likewise for the pipe section  200 , alternate embodiments expand on the features herein described and carry the benefits of the present invention. With reference again to FIGS. 15-17, the rib  210  is extended along the pipe section top surface  230  including corrugated pipe conduit  211  and extends onto a female end connection flange portion  248  thus permitting a junction or interconnect location  250  accessible for removable attachment by the device  100 . In addition, the flange portion  248 , includes recessed wall portions  249  positioned for interlocking between adjacent corrugations  247 , as illustrated again with reference to FIG.  15 . By extending the rib  210  onto the flange portion  248 , and stopping the rib  210  short of the male pipe section end portion  251 , the male portion  251  fits within the flange portion  250  and permits a generally continuous rib  210  within the joined pipe section  201  as illustrated again with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In an alternate embodiment of the pipe section  203 , as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 28-32, the rib  210  extends fully across the pipe topmost surface  230  from end to end, from male end portion  251  to flange end portion  250 , unlike that earlier described with reference to pipe section  200 , illustrated and described earlier with reference to FIG. 5, and supporting drawings. However, in the pipe section  203 , the rib  210  at the flange portion  248  is doubled walled for permitting the singled walled rib  210  at the male end portion  251  to be received within a channel  253  formed by the double walled rib portion  255 . In yet another embodiment, a pipe section  205 , as described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, includes a notch  257  within the rib  210  at the male end portion  261 . The rib  210  extends to the end of the pipe male end portion  251  as earlier described with reference to FIG.  28 . In this embodiment, pipe section  205 , the notch  257  receives the flange end portion  250  and permits the continuous rib  210  for the connected pipe sections  201 . 
     Further, and as illustrated with reference to FIG. 35, the rib  210  in alternate embodiments comprises rib sections  213  in spaced relation along the pipe section top surface  230 . Such a configuration is useful when elevation changes require flexing of the pipe section  200  within the vertical plane. In addition to pipe sections  200  as earlier described, pipe section joint or elbow connections  252 ,  257 , as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 36-38, are used in certain installations. As illustrated, elbows  252 ,  257  will have male  254  and female  256  end connections as demanded by the pipe section  200  or the installation desired, and as earlier described with reference to the pipe section  200 , and alternate embodiments. In either case, the rib  210  is affixed as earlier described and as illustrated with reference to FIG.  38 . Further, and as earlier described, a preferred embodiment of the pipe sections herein described have their rib integrally formed with the pipe conduit. 
     As earlier described, the rib  210  provides sufficient rigidity to the corrugated pipe section  200  for maintaining desired elevation and grade along the pipe section  200  during the pouring of aggregate  232 . The pipe section  200  does have a flexibility in a horizontal plane  259  generally perpendicular to the vertical plane  214  of the rib  200  which permits bending within the horizontal plane  259  as illustrated with reference to FIG.  39 . As earlier described with reference to FIG. 13, placing devices  100  every few feet along the pipe section  200  controls the bending for holding the pipe section  200  within the desired location as described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 for the system  300  installation. In such an installation, a separation  340  between pipe sections of drain field  316  as well as a separation  342  from absorption bed side walls  344  is desired. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 40-44, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes improvements to the pipe supporting device  100  above described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, and will herein be described with reference to device  600 . With further reference initially to FIG. 40, the pipe supporting device  600  secures the drainfield pipe section  200  above the grade level  122  in preparation of forming aggregate around the pipe section as earlier described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, by way of example. For the device  600  herein described, one preferred embodiment includes metal cast structure rather than the rebar styled structure earlier described for the device  100 . Elements as earlier described with reference to the device  100  are included and form a part of the present invention. The device  600  comprises a pair of elongate anchor members  610 ,  611  separated by dimension  612  sufficient for receiving the pipe section  200  therebetween. Each elongate member  610 ,  611  includes an edge  606 ,  608  opposing each other and each having a width dimension for being received between the corrugations  117  of the pipe section  200 . Further, the opposing inside edges  606 ,  608  are outwardly tapered from clamping means  614  at a device proximal end  616  toward a device distal end  618 . As illustrated with reference to FIG. 41, by tapering the opposing inside edges  606 ,  608  of the anchor members  610 ,  611 , the pipe section  200  loosely fits between the anchor members  610 ,  611  at a displaced distance from clamping means  614 , while being closely fit proximate the clamping means. As above described, the length  620  of the elongate anchor members  610 ,  611  is sufficient to penetrate the grade surface  122  to a depth  124  for holding the anchor members upright without requiring additional support while securing the pipe section  200  above the grade surface  122  at a desired height  126 , as illustrated with reference again to FIG.  40 . 
     Again with reference to FIGS. 40-42, the device  600  includes the clamping means  614  which comprises a clamp  630  having a clamp handle  632  pivotally attached at a handle distal end  634  to an anchor member upper portion  636  at the device proximal end  602 , using a pivot pin  638 . A handle proximal end  640  permits the handle  632  to be held for movement about the pivot pin  638 . A first jaw member  642  is integrally formed as part of the distal end  634 . A second jaw member  644  is integrally as part of one anchor member upper portion  636  for communicating with the first jaw member  642  in securing the rib  210  therebetween, as again illustrated with reference to FIGS. 40 and 42. In the preferred embodiment herein described with reference to FIGS. 40-42, the first jaw member  642  is in a bifurcated form which permits fork ends  643  to receive the anchor upper portion  636  therebetween, as illustrated with reference again to FIG. 40. A slot  645  is formed within a central portion of the anchor upper portion  636 , which slot is dimensioned for receiving the rib  210  therein. 
     With continued reference to FIGS. 40-42, the clamp  630  further comprises a pin pair  646  extending from a clamping surface of the first jaw  642  for penetrating the rib side wall surface  238  to enhance a frictional force between clamping surfaces of the jaws  642 ,  644  when securing the rib  210  therebetween and thus the pipe section  200  in the desired position above the grade surface  122 . A single pin  646  is useful. However, the use of the pin pair  646  reduces pivoting action of the pipe section  200  and thus improves stiffening of the pipe section within a plane of the pipe section including the rib and axis of the pipe section. To provide further assurance of a locking of the rib  210  between the jaws  642 ,  644  biasing against the rib, and prevent the aggregate typically poured onto the grade surface  122  from lifting the handle away from its clamping position, a locking assembly  648  is provided which includes a locking pin  650  slidable within a channel  652  carried within the handle, as illustrated with reference again to FIG.  40 . The locking pin  650  secures the handle  632  in a clamping position  654 . To secure the locking pin  650 , a pin arm  656  extends radially outward for rotation into a notch  658  carried within the handle  632  for receiving the pin arm  656 , when the locking pin  650  is inserted into a hole  651  in the anchor member upper portion  636 , as illustrated with reference again to FIG. 42, by way of example. 
     As above described with reference to FIGS.  13  and  15 - 17 , multiple devices  100  (and devices  600  as herein to be understood) are used longitudinally along the pipe section  200  to support the pipe section and interconnected sections  201 , as appropriate. As above described, the device  600  includes the elongate anchor members  610  particularly formed with the opposing inside edges  606 ,  608  for slidably fitting between adjacent corrugations  117  when the pipe  200  is fitted into the clamp means  614 , as illustrated with reference again to FIGS. 40 and 42. Such a fit, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 43, allows the generally flexible pipe section  200  to be axially stretched between devices  600 A,  600 B when securing the pipe section, adds a tension  664  within the pipe section and thus enhances the stiffness provided by the rib  210 . During one preferred installation method, the pipe section  200 , or connected sections, positioned on the grade surface  122 . The device  600  straddles the pipe section  200  and is manually pushed into the grade surface  122  to a depth  125  which allows a separation between the elongate anchor members  610 ,  61  that permits the pipe sections to be axially moved therebetween, as illustrated by way of example with reference again to FIG.  41 . As a guide to the user, the inside edges  606 ,  608  include arcuate portions  660 ,  662  which further increase the separation dimension  612 , allowing free axial movement of the pipe sections  200 . 
     Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefits of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.