Patent Abstract:
The specification and drawing figures describe and show an interlockable drainage system insertable into a ditch that includes two or more liner sections. Each liner section includes a plurality of corrugations that are asymmetrical. The interlockable drainage system also includes a flared channel extending from opposing edges of the liner sections. A shoulder is formed in the opposing ends of the liner sections. A plurality of bosses is formed on the shoulder. The plurality of bosses on one shoulder is compressibly connectable to the plurality of bosses on an opposing shoulder, thus connecting one liner section to another. A connector is provided for added interconnectability of the plurality of bosses. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part from co-pending continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 10/837,213, filed Apr. 30, 2004, which is a continuation-in part application of co-pending divisional application Ser. No. 10/731,315 filed Dec. 8, 2003, which was a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10/453,673 filed on Jun. 3, 2003 that matured into U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,818 B1 issued on Apr. 20, 2004, which itself was a continuation-in-part of parent U.S. application Ser. No. 10/316,756 filed Dec. 11, 2002 that matured into U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,186 B1, issued Feb. 17, 2004. The specification and disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,186 B1, of U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,818 B1, and co-pending divisional application Ser. No. 10/731,315 are incorporated by reference into this document. 
     
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY  
       [0002]     The apparatus and method disclosed and claimed in this document pertain generally to a system for draining and transporting fluids, including water, and fluid mixtures and admixtures containing undesirable solids, gases, trash, dirt, toxins, contaminants, and a wide range of other solids, fluids, gases and other undesirable matter (collectively, in this document, “undesirable fluids and materials”) to a containment, collection, or disposal location (collectively, a “containment area”). More particularly, the new and useful interlockable drainage system disclosed and claimed in this document provides inexpensive, light, portable, light-resistant, ultra-violet light-resistant, inter-connectable drainage liner sections that, when assembled, transport undesirable fluids and materials away from both land and structures on land, thus avoiding the adverse results of the presence of undesirable fluids and materials. The interlockable drainage system is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for drainage control in commercial and residential areas, and for solving diverse and complex conservation and water management problems.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Both stationary undesirable fluids and materials may adversely affect commercial and residential land and structures. Both the land and structures may be adversely affected by the action of undesirable fluids and materials in, against and under structures. The undesirable fluids and materials also may contaminate the land. Structures may be adversely affected by seepage of undesirable fluids and materials beneath structures because, to the extent that seepage occurs in the vicinity of concrete and other materials used to construct foundations and other components of structures, the structure may be adversely affected as more particularly described below. In addition, undesirable fluids and materials may erode open land, as well as land on which structures are constructed, adversely affecting the use, value and utility of land and structures.  
         [0004]     Since time immemorial, a common way to both transport water and to drain undesirable fluids and materials has been the use of ditches. The term “ditch” as used in this document means any excavation dug in the earth, or any structure partially or completely installed above earth, that may be referred to as a drain, channel, canal or acequia, whether lined or unlined, that usually but not always relies on principles of gravity and gravity flow to transport fluids such as water along descending elevations of the ditch.  
         [0005]     Since the introduction and use of combinations of Portland cement and aggregate to the construction industries, concrete-lined ditches have been used to transport fluids such as water through ditches. Examples of such installations of concrete lined ditches are shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . Concrete seemed useful because it could be formed to fit varying slopes and directions of earthen ditches. Water, however, whether freestanding or moving, that seeps into and against concrete in concrete-lined ditches often adversely affects commercial and residential structures. Examples are shown in  FIGS. 1C-1D . Concrete, unfortunately, has inherent brittle tendencies to crack, and is difficult to repair in remote and challenging terrain due in part to the weight of concrete and the weight of hauling and installing equipment and vehicles. Concrete repair also may disrupt landscapes due to heavy equipment needed. Accordingly, corrosion mitigation systems, particularly in connection with concrete, are a significant goal in the construction industries.  
         [0006]     Concrete drains manufactured from Portland cement and various aggregates are subject to deleterious damage caused at least in part by alkali-silica reactivity (“ASR”). ASR is a chemical reaction between Portland cement concrete and aggregates that in some environments, and under some conditions, may cause severe damage to concrete ditches. ASR also may expedite other reactions that in turn cause damage, such as freeze-thaw or corrosion related damage. The phenomenon has been recognized since at least 1940, but neither the mechanisms of ASR, nor solutions, yet are clearly understood.  
         [0007]     It is known, however, that deterioration of a concrete structure such as a concrete-lined ditch is due at least in part to water absorption by a gel that forms in concrete. The term “gel” as used in connection with concrete fabrication refers to a naturally occurring silica gel that is a colloidal silica resembling course white sand, but has many fine pores, a condition that causes the gel to be extremely adsorbent. Soluble alkalis also are present in cement, and may be affected by undesirable moisture. Vulnerable sites in the silica structure may be attacked by fluid-induced activity, converting the silica to a silica gel that absorbs water or other fluids.  
         [0008]     An important property of concrete is its tensile strength, or its ability to react to longitudinal stress. Liquids, however, are known to adversely affect tensile strength in concrete. If the tensile strength of concrete is exceeded, cracks will form and propagate from one or more alkali-silica reaction sites, weakening the concrete structure. Many if not all of these problems generally associated with ASR may be seen in concrete-lined ditches that have been constructed in situ for any length of time. In addition, concrete becomes ever more expensive, and is difficult to install and maintain.  
         [0009]     Suggested alternatives to concrete-lined ditches or drains are apparatus manufactured of one or more metals. Metal ditch liners, however, have proven to be neither cost effective nor durable in the presence of moving or stationary fluids, particularly undesirable fluids and materials.  
         [0010]     A need exists in the industry, therefore, for a new, useful interlockable drainage system capable of removing undesirable fluids and materials from both open land as well as land adjacent to structures, in which the components of the interlockable drainage system may be installed in unlined ditches as well as over existing concrete-lined ditches or even other ditch liners; a system that is not susceptible to alkali-silica reactivity or to other deleterious affects associated with concrete; and a system that is flexible, light-weight, long-lived, easily installed, easily maintained or replaced, and inexpensive both to install and to maintain.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0011]     The interlockable drainage system for transporting undesirable fluids and materials is insertable into a ditch that is either lined or unlined. The interlockable drainage system includes two or more liner sections. In one embodiment of the system, the two or more liner sections have a generally V-shaped cross-section. The two or more liner sections are flexible, allowing horizontal and vertical displacement due to small shifts caused, for example, by tectonic events. Molding manufacturing processes, of course, allow production of liner sections for an interlockable drainage system in various geometries and sizes to accommodate any number of circumstances and conditions. Each liner section includes a plurality of corrugations. The corrugations are formed between opposing ends of the liner sections. In one embodiment of the interlockable drainage system the plurality of corrugations are asymmetrical. The asymmetrical corrugations are formed of asymmetrical plates. The terms “asymmetrical” and “asymmetrical plates” mean that the corrugations are formed of quadrilateral plates joined by alternating substantially parallel ridges and nonparallel grooves; that each quadrilateral plate includes at least two substantially right angles formed adjacent the substantially parallel ridge; and that each quadrilateral plate also includes at least two angles adjacent the nonparallel groove that are neither right angles nor equal angles.  
         [0012]     The interlockable drainage system also includes a flared channel. The flared channel extends from opposing edges of the liner sections. The flared channel not only is useful for reducing erosion and seepage adjacent the ditch, but also provides a device for inserting anchors that secure the liner sections in place.  
         [0013]     Shoulders are formed in the opposing ends of the liner sections. A plurality of bosses is formed on each shoulder. The plurality of bosses on a shoulder is compressibly connectable to the plurality of bosses on an opposing shoulder in another liner section, thus providing the ability to connect one liner section to another liner section in a simple, quick and effective manner. A range of alternative means may be used to connect the plurality of bosses.  
         [0014]     It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities. The structure and co-operation of structure of the interlockable drainage system will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, drawing figures, and appended claims.  
         [0015]     The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contributions to the art. The interlockable drainage system is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures, but is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems. The claims, therefore, include equivalent constructions. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is intended neither to define the interlockable drainage system, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to limit the scope of the claims.  
       SUMMARY OF DEFINTIONS  
       [0016]     The following terms have the following meanings in this document:  
         [0017]     The term “drain” and “drainage” as used in this document refers at least to the planned installation of a system components disclosed and claimed in this document to route, carry, and move undesirable fluids and materials at a desirable rate of flow from one location to another.  
         [0018]     The term “containment area” and terms of similar import mean any outflow area where the undesirable fluids and materials no longer pose an unacceptable threat to land and structures.  
         [0019]     The term “concrete-lined ditches” means any concrete-lined ditch, drain, or culvert.  
         [0020]     The term “undesirable fluids and materials” means fluids, including water, and fluid mixtures and admixtures containing undesirable solids, gases, trash, dirt, toxins, contaminants, and a wide range of other solids, fluids, gases and other undesirable matter.  
         [0021]     The term “ditch” means any excavation dug in the earth, or any structure partially or completely installed above earth, that may be referred to as a drain, channel, canal or acequia, whether lined or unlined, that usually but not always rely on principles of gravity and gravity flow to transport fluids such as water along descending elevations of the ditch.  
         [0022]     The term “asymmetrical” and “asymmetrical plates” means that the corrugations are formed of quadrilateral plates joined by alternating substantially parallel ridges and nonparallel grooves; that each quadrilateral plate includes at least two substantially right angles formed adjacent the substantially parallel ridge; and that each quadrilateral plate also includes at least two angles adjacent the nonparallel groove that are neither right angles nor equal angles, as perhaps best shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0023]     The novel features of the interlockable drainage system are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a representative environment in which ditches exist;  
         [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of the view of a representative environment shown in  FIG. 1A  with contour lines;  
         [0026]      FIG. 1C  is an end cut-away end view of a concrete ditch liner installed in a ditch;  
         [0027]      FIG. 1D  is an end cut-away end view of a hillside showing water flow from rain passing two concrete ditch liners;  
         [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an uninstalled interlockable drainage system about to be installed in a concrete lined ditch;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hub assembly of the interlockable drainage system;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective exploded view of the hub assembly of the interlockable drainage system and cut-away portion of ditch liner connectable to the hub assembly;  
         [0031]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of two hub assemblies;  
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  is an cut-away view of a ditch liner of the interlockable drainage system installed in a concrete ditch shown without bosses to emphasize other features of the liner components;  
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  is an end view showing greater detail of an anchor inserted through a liner section;  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a perspective end view showing an anchor inserted through a liner section shown without bosses to emphasize other features of the liner components;  
         [0035]      FIG. 5A  is an end view of a liner section shoulder showing a plurality of bosses formed on the shoulder of the liner section;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5B  is an end view of a liner section shoulder showing a plurality of bosses formed on the shoulder of the liner section and an alternative embodiment of a anchors;  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away side view of bosses connectable by a connector; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic view of the asymmetrical plates used for forming the corrugations of the liner sections of the interlockable drainage system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0039]     To the extent that subscripts to numerical designations include the lower case letter “n,” as in “a-n,” the letter “n” is intended to express a number of repetitions of the element designated by that numerical reference and subscripts.  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-7 , an interlockable drainage system  10  is provided that in its broadest context includes two or more liner sections  12   a - n  insertable into a lined or unlined ditch  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . Liner sections  12   a - b  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 2A  include a plurality of corrugations  16   a - n  formed between opposing ends  18   a - d  of liner sections  12   a - b  that in one embodiment are asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  joined by alternating parallel ridges  22   a - n  and nonparallel grooves  24   a - n  best shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0041]     Interlockable drainage system  10  also includes a flared channel  26   a - b  that extends from opposing edges  28   a - b  of liner sections  12   a - b  as best shown in  FIG. 2A . Flared channel  26   a - b  is useful not only for reducing erosion adjacent ditch  14  in which interlockable drainage system  10  is installed, but also provides means  30 ′ for inserting one or more anchors  30   a - n  for securing liner sections  12   a - b  in place as best shown in  FIGS. 3B-5B .  
         [0042]     As best shown by cross-reference between FIGS.  2 C and  5 A- 5 B, a shoulder  32   a - n  is formed in opposing ends  18   a - b  of liner sections  12   a - b . A plurality of bosses  34  is formed on shoulder  32   a - b . Plurality of bosses  34   a - n  on one shoulder  32   a  is provided for compressibly connecting plurality of bosses  34  to another shoulder  32   b , thus interlocking one liner section  12   a  to another liner section  12   b . A connector  36 , best shown in  FIG. 6 , may be used for interconnecting plurality of bosses  34 .  
         [0043]     More specifically, as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A and 3A , interlockable drainage system  10  includes two or more liner sections  12   a - b . Each liner section  12   a - b  of interlockable drainage system  10  is formed with a spaced-apart open span  38  defined by opposing edges  28   a - n  that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of each of two or more liner sections  12   a - b . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , two or more liner sections  12   a - b  are formed with a generally V-shaped cross-section. The generally V-shaped cross-section is to accommodate and fit into a pre-existing concrete ditch liner  40  formed with a V-shaped cross-section as shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-5B . As will be evident to one skilled in the art, interlockable drainage system  10  may be shaped to accommodate or fit into a variety of ditches  14  regardless of cross-section shape. As shown, two or more liner sections  12   a - b  is molded from polyethylene with anti-ultra violet resistant characteristics and fire-resistant characteristics. The material also is chosen to provide excellent friction factors in connection with water movement. Because of the materials used to manufacture the liner sections and methods of manufacture, the two or more liner sections  12   a - b  may be colored to match different terrains and environments to enhance the aesthetics of an installation.  
         [0044]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , two or more liner sections  12   a - b  are thermoformed polyethylene liner sections. Two or more liner sections are formed of Medium Density Polyethylene (“MDPE”) material. Polyethylene and similar thermoplastic materials are unpalatable to rodents that otherwise might bore holes through two or more liner sections  12   a - b . Thermoplastic materials also are highly resistant to heat and fire. Such materials also contribute to rigidity, force resistance, lightness, and environmental acceptance. Nova Chemical NOVAPOL™ provides at least one commercial formulation of the polyethylene. TR-0535-UGhexene MDPE. As a person skilled in the art will also appreciate, however, two or more liner sections  12   a - b  made of other materials also may be appropriate in other circumstances, environments, and conditions. Accordingly, a variety of resins, plastics, and other materials may be used as materials in making interlockable drainage system  10 .  
         [0045]     As indicated, two or more liner sections  12   a - b  may be formed by thermoforming. Thermoforming is a method of manufacturing plastic and resin products by preheating a flat sheet of plastic, then bringing the sheet in contact with a mold whose shape the sheet takes. This may be done by vacuum, pressure, or direct mechanical force. Injection molding also may be used by heating pellets or granules of plastic until melted. The melted material is forced into a split-die chamber, or mold, and allowed to cool and cure into desired shapes. The mold then is opened and the part ejected. As a person skilled in the art also will appreciate, however, two or more liner sections  12   a - b  may be made by any number of other methods, including rotational molding. The method of manufacturing of two or more liner sections  12   a - b  is not a limitation of this disclosure or of the claims.  
         [0046]     Plurality of corrugations  16  is formed between opposing ends  18   a - b  of two or more liner sections  12   a - b . In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A and 7 , plurality of corrugations  16  includes asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n . As also shown perhaps best in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 7 , plurality of asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  have a leading border  42  and a trailing border  44 . Asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  are sequentially joined at leading border  42  and trailing border  44  by substantially parallel ridges  22   a - n  and substantially nonparallel grooves  24   a - n . More specifically, plurality of asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  also is joined at sequentially alternating substantially parallel ridges  20   a - n  and substantially nonparallel grooves  24   a - n.    
         [0047]     Plurality of asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  includes at least two substantially right angles. The at least two substantially right angles A and B are formed adjacent substantially parallel ridges  22   a - n , shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 7  as Angles A and B. As also shown, plurality of asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20 - a - n  includes at least two angles that not only are not right angles, but also are not equal angles, as shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 7  as Angles C and D. The use of corrugations  16  formed as asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  contributes to the mechanical advantages of interlockable drainage system  10 . The mechanical advantages include at least dampening rapid flow of undesirable fluid and materials through interlockable drainage system  10 . Another mechanical advantage is interrupting or trapping the flow of silt, dirt, and similar matter within corrugations  16 , while also providing alternating scoops  46   a - n  to slow the rate of movement of such matter by providing a means for gradual passage of the matter through and over alternating scoops  46   a - n  aligned transversely to the longitudinal axes through interlockable drainage system  10 . Asymmetrical quadrilateral plates  20   a - n  also affect the coefficient of friction otherwise provided by two or more liner sections  12   a - n , and accordingly the rate of flow through interlockable drainage system  10 .  
         [0048]     The inner surface  48   a - b  of two or more liner sections  12   a - b  is thus formed for flow enhancement and control by selection of the proper combination of materials and the configuration of corrugations  16 . The term “flow enhancement and control” as used in this document refers to the fact that inner surface  48   a - b  of one or more liner sections  12   a - b  is shaped and formed to permit passage across and through interlockable drainage system  10  of undesirable fluids and materials sought to be conveyed from one location to another. The term “flow enhancement and control” also means that inner surface  48  of a liner section  12  is shaped and formed to inhibit flow blockage across and through interlockable drainage system  10  that might otherwise be caused by solid materials ceasing to flow through the interlockable drainage system  10  for any reason.  
         [0049]     A flared channel  26   a - b  is provided in interlockable drainage system  10 . In the embodiment shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 2A-5B , flared channel  26   a - b  monolithically extends from opposing edges  28   a - b  of one or more liner sections  12   a - b . Flared channel  26   a - b  includes a substantially L-shaped arm  50   a - b  as perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Flared channel  26   a - b  also includes a foot  52  extending from substantially L-shaped arm  50   a - b . Flared channel  26   a - b  includes an angled flange  54  extending from foot  52 . Flared channels  26   a - b  provide the mechanical advantage of a duct  56  into which dirt and other materials may be mounded and compressed to provide a barrier for resisting seepage and erosion of soil adjacent concrete liner  40 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3A-4 , and because L-shaped arm  50   a - b  is designed to tuck over the lip  58  of concrete liner  40  before backfill of the dirt and other materials.  
         [0050]     In the embodiment shown in FIGS.  2 A and  3 A- 4 , flared channel  26   a - b  also includes an inclined bracket  60   a - n  formed with a hole  62 . Inclined bracket  60   a - n  formed with a hole  62  is shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  as installed at the intersection of the angle formed between foot  52  and angled flange  54 . The angle formed between foot  52  and angled flange  54   a - b  is shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 3A  as Angle E. Inclined bracket  60   a - n  formed with hole  62  provides the mechanical advantage of including an opening provided by hole  62  through which anchor  30  may be aligned and guided for insertion through one or more liners  12   a - b . Inclined bracket  60   a - n  formed with hole  62  also provides the mechanical advantage of a guide facet  64 . Guide facet  64  is angled for properly inserting anchor  30  at the most effective angle through inclined bracket  60   a - n  into soil or other material adjacent concrete liner  40 . The soil or other material adjacent concrete liner  40  is perhaps best shown by cross-reference between  FIGS. 3A-5B  as a crosshatched pattern. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , inclined bracket  60   a - b  in opposing flared channels  26   a - b  are aligned in different orientations, thus providing a more movement resistant installation on insertion of anchors  30  shown in  FIG. 4  as anchors  30   c - d.    
         [0051]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A , one or more anchors  30  is insertable through the flared channel  26   a - b  and inclined bracket  60   a - n  for securing two or more liners  12   a - b  in concrete ditch liner  40 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A , one or more anchors  30   e - f  is an earth anchor. The term “earth anchor” refers to an anchor manufactured under the trademark PLATIPUS® by Platipus Anchors Limited located in Surrey, England. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, any of a variety of anchors  30  may be used. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5B , for example, one or more anchors  30   a - n  is a rod  66   a - b . Rod  66   a - b  is shown to include a stopper  68 . Stopper  68   a - b  not only secures rod  66   a - b  against guide facet  64   a - b  of inclined bracket  60   a - b , but also contributes to orienting the angle of incidence of rod  66   a - b  at the proper angle for insertion through inclined bracket  60   a - b , shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 5B  as Angle F and F′.  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B  and  5 A- 5 B, in one embodiment of interlockable drainage system  10  shoulders  32   a - b  are formed in opposing ends  18   a - d  of two or more liner sections  12   a - b . A plurality of bosses  34   a - n  is monolithically formed on shoulder  32   a - b  in opposing ends  18   a - b  of two or more liner sections  12   a - b . A connector  70  as best shown in  FIG. 6  is provided for interconnecting plurality of bosses  34   a - n . As shown in  FIG. 6 , connector  70  may be threadably inserted through exterior surface  72   a  and through exterior surface  72   b  using a connector  70  that does not make contact with or puncture any other portion of liner sections  12   a - n . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2C and 6 , plurality of bosses  34  is substantially hollow. Plurality of bosses  34  also is formed with an exterior surface  72  and an interior surface  74 . Exterior surface  72  of plurality of bosses  34  is slidably and compressibly connectable and engageable with interior surface  74  of bosses in an opposing shoulder  32   b.    
         [0053]     The mechanical advantage of a slidably connectable and engageable interior surface  74  and exterior surface  72  includes at least providing means for quickly, easily, and compressible interconnecting bosses  34   a - n  for a secure fit that avoids seepage or leakage from interlockable drainage system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , plurality of bosses  34   a - n  is formed as a substantially frusto-conical member formed with a recess  75 . But as will be evident to one skilled in the art, the shape of plurality of bosses  34   a - n  is not a limitation of interlockable drainage system  10 , and may include not only a frusto-conical member, but include a variety of cross-sectional variations including, by way of a non-exclusive example, a hexagonal cross-section.  
         [0054]     Alternative means for compressibly connecting opposing ends  18   a - b  of liner sections  12   a - b  are available but not shown. Alternative connecting means include a first locking channel segment monolithically formed substantially adjacent one end of the two or more flexible liner sections. Connecting means also includes a second locking channel segment monolithically formed substantially adjacent the other end of the two or more flexible liner sections, and further wherein the second locking channel segment is detachably connectable to the first locking channel segment. The alternative means for compressibly connecting opposing ends of liner sections is shown and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,186 B1 issued to one of the named inventors named in this document on Feb. 17, 2004, shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and at column 13, lines 8-16, column 13, lines 61-64, and column 14, lines 38-46, the provisions of which are incorporated by reference into this document.  
         [0055]     Yet another means for compressibly connecting opposing ends of liner sections  12   a - b  is available. Means for compressibly connecting opposing ends of liner sections includes a first locking channel segment monolithically formed substantially adjacent one end of the two or more flexible liner sections. Means also includes a second locking channel segment monolithically formed substantially adjacent the other end of the two or more flexible liner sections, and further wherein the second locking channel segment is detachably connectable to the first locking channel segment. The alternative means for compressibly connecting opposing ends of liner sections is shown and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,818 B1 issued to one of the named inventors named in this document on Apr. 20, 2004, at FIGS. 4-6, and in column 9, lines 23-37, column 10, lines 1-12, and column 10, lines 50-64, the provisions of which are incorporated by reference into this document.  
         [0056]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A , an adjustable elbow unit  76  is included with interlockable drainage system  10 . Adjustable elbow unit  76  is removably connectable to opposing ends  18   a - b  of two or more sequential liner sections  12   a - b  in an interlocked interlockable drainage system  10  for changing the direction of flow of the undesirable fluids and materials through interlockable drainage system  10 . Adjustable elbow unit includes a pleat  78 . Pleat  78  provides the resiliency and flexibility of a living hinge in the form of a band  80  that interrupts the sequence of asymmetrical corrugations  20   a - n , and is but one embodiment that may or may not be corrugated. Pleat  78  in adjustable elbow unit  76  provides the mechanical advantage of flexibility and bendability to accommodate changes in direction of an installed interlockable drainage system  10  either along the longitudinal axes of liner sections  12   a - b  joined by adjustable elbow unit  76  or along the transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes. As shown, pleat  78  in adjustable elbow unit  76  provides the desired flexibility and bendability to alter direction of an installed interlockable drainage system  10 , but the mechanism for doing so may be any of a variety of mechanisms. One such alternative mechanism may be a crinkled accordion configuration (not shown). Another such alternative mechanism may be a series of uniform variously shaped corrugations formed in pleat  78  (not shown).  
         [0057]     Other embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 2B-2D  for changing the direction of flow of the undesirable fluids and materials through interlockable drainage system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , interlockable drainage system  10  includes a hub  82 . Hub  82  includes one or more passages  84   a - d  formed with a distal end  86   a - n . A shoulder extension  88   a - n  adjacent distal end  86   a - n  is formed in one or more passages  84   a - d  extending a distance D 1  from distal end  86   a - n  toward center  88  of hub  82  as shown in  FIG. 2D . A plurality of bosses  34 ′ a - n  is monolithically formed on shoulder extension  88   a - n  for slidably interconnecting plurality of bosses  34   a - n  on shoulders  32   a - n  of liner sections  12   a - n  to plurality of bosses  34 ′ a - n  formed on shoulder extension  88   a - n . Connector  70  as shown in  FIG. 7  may be used to further connect plurality of bosses  34   a - n  on shoulders  32   a - n  of liner sections  12   a - n  to plurality of bosses  34 ′ a - n  on shoulder extension  88   a - n.    
         [0058]     As also shown in  FIGS. 2B-2D , hub  82  may be provided with a varying number of passages  84   a - d  for affecting the direction of flow through interlockable drainage system  10 .  FIG. 2D , for example, shows one hub  82  with four passages  84   a - d  connectable to a second hub  82 ′ having three passages  84   e - g . Hub  82 ′ also is shown with a means  90  for splitting or interrupting the flow of undesirable fluids and materials through interlockable drainage system  10 . As shown, means  90  is a wedge  90 ′ extending toward center  88  of a second hub  82 ′ from a closed end  92  of hub  82 ′. The flow of undesirable fluids and materials, for example, from passage  84   f  in the direction of passage  84   e  may be slowed, interrupted, and redirected by wedge  90 ′. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, wedge  90 ′ is only one of several means  90  for affecting the direction of flow through interlockable drainage system  10 . It also will be evident to one skilled in the art that alternative means may be used other than bosses  34 ′ a - n  for compressibly connecting opposing ends  18   a - n  of two or more liner sections  12   a - n . Such alternative means have been described in this document by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,186 B1, issued Feb. 17, 2004, and to U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,186 B1, issued Feb. 17, 2004.  
         [0059]     The interlockable drainage system  10  shown in drawing  FIGS. 1 through 7  is at least one embodiment that is not intended to be exclusive, but merely illustrative of the disclosed but non-exclusive embodiments. Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Claim elements and steps have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as intending to, indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims. Means-plus-function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and screw may not be structural equivalents, in the environment of the subject matter of this document a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4