Patent Abstract:
Modular drainage components include a curb liner section, a culvert receiver, a secondary connector, a trapezoidal ditch liner section and a curved ditch liner section. A plurality of curb liner sections are inserted between a roadway and a strip of land to block overflow from the roadway. The culvert receiver is placed between a open ditch liner section and a culvert. The secondary connector provides a flow path for secondary flow to or from a primary flow. A plurality of trapezoidal ditch liner sections or a plurality of curved ditch liner sections may be placed end to end to form a radiused path of flow.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation-in-part application taking priority from Ser. No. 10/952,090 filed on Sep. 28, 2004, which takes priority from Ser. No. 10/862,527 filed on Jun. 7, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,424. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to routing drainage and more specifically to modular drainage components, which provide different modular components for routing drainage.  
         [0004]     2. Discussion of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     There are two different types of ditch liners. The first type of ditch liner is an open ditch liner. An example of an open type of ditch liner is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,292 to Nienstadt. Nienstadt uses a relatively light plastic resin that is retained with a quantity of stakes. The second type of ditch liner is a closed ditch liner. The closed ditch liner includes a substantially U-shaped trough with a cover. The cover may have openings formed therethrough. Three examples of closed type ditch liners are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,748 to Barenwald et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,327 to Akkala et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,675 to Gunter. The Barenwald et al. and Gunter patents disclose using relatively complicated connecting devices to retain each liner section in tight connection to each other.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for modular drainage components, which route drainage and which may be secured to each other with a connection key.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides a modular ditch liner that does not require complicated installation and assembly. An open modular ditch liner includes a plurality of open liner sections and at least one alignment key. The cross section of each open liner section includes a substantially concave shape formed on a top thereof. The plurality of open liner sections are preferably fabricated from cement block on a cement block casting machine. Casting cement blocks is a cost effective manufacturing process relative to cast iron or open cast molding. A key slot is formed on at least one side of each open liner section to receive a single alignment key. However, the at least one key slot may be replaced with at least one key opening. Each key opening is formed through a length of the open liner section, near a side thereof. The key opening is sized to receive an alignment key.  
         [0008]     A closed modular ditch liner includes a plurality of closed liner sections, a plurality of covers, and at least one alignment key. The cross section of each closed liner section includes at least one trough contour and a single cover retention lip formed on a top end of each side thereof. The plurality of closed liner sections and covers are preferably fabricated from cement block on a cement block casting machine. Each cover is laterally retained between the two cover retention lips. A key slot is formed on at least one side of the closed liner section to receive a single alignment key. However, the at least one key slot may be replaced with at least one key opening. Each key opening is formed through a length of the closed liner section, near a side thereof. The key opening is sized to receive an alignment key.  
         [0009]     The key slot may also include a positive taper or an interference fit. The key slot with an interference fit may have the shape of a negative taper or a substantially rounded shape. The key slot with an interference slot would provide an interference fit to an alignment key. The alignment key includes a block embodiment or an extruded embodiment. The block alignment key would be preferably used in the positive taper key slot. The length of a block alignment key would preferably be as long as an open liner section. Each block alignment key would engage two adjacent open liner sections. The extruded alignment key would be fabricated from an extruded material and preferably retained in an interference fit key slot.  
         [0010]     An alignment key may be replaced by a riser section. The riser section includes a side member and an alignment key projection. The length of the riser section is preferably the same as that of the open liner section. The side member constrains the flow of fluid relative to the open liner section. The alignment key projection is sized to be received by one of the key slots of the open liner section. Further, the open liner sections may be formed as a trapezoid to allow the open liner sections to fit curved drain ditch applications. At least one end of the open liner section is angled.  
         [0011]     A channel alignment key may be used to connect two adjacent open liner sections. An inside width of the channel alignment key is sized to receive the thickness of the two adjacent open liner sections. An erosion barrier insert may be placed between the ends of two adjacent open liner sections. Each erosion barrier insert has substantially the same cross section, as the open liner section, with the exception of a top portion. The top portion of the erosion barrier insert exceeds the height of the substantially concave shape in the open liner section. A radius liner insert includes a cross section that is the same as that of the open liner section. The radius liner insert is placed between the ends of two adjacent open liner sections to help create a radius with a plurality of open ditch liner sections.  
         [0012]     A width expandable modular ditch liner includes a plurality of open liner sections, a plurality of side connection keys and a plurality of expandable liner sections. A pear shaped slot is formed in each side of each open liner section. The pear shaped slot is formed in at least one side of each expandable liner section. A pitch expandable liner section includes a trapezoidal cross section, which enables expandable liner sections to extend from the open liner section at some predetermined angle. A single pear shaped slot is formed in each side of the pitch expandable liner section. Side and end adjacent liner sections are attached to each other with at least one side connection key. Each side connection key includes a tubular body and two rod inserts. Each tubular body includes a first pear shaped side and a second pear shaped side. Each pear shaped side includes a rod opening. Each rod opening is sized to receive a single rod insert.  
         [0013]     A mitered width expandable modular ditch liner includes a plurality of open liner sections, the plurality of side connection keys and a plurality of expandable liner sections. A pear shaped slot is formed in each side of each mitered open liner section. The pear shaped slot is formed in at least one side of each expandable liner section. Either at least one side of each open liner section may be mitered and/or at least one side of each mitered expandable liner section is mitered to provide an angle between each open liner section and the expandable liner section. Side and end adjacent liner sections are attached to each other with at least one side connection key. A flow restrictor liner section may be substituted for the expandable liner section.  
         [0014]     A liner section spacer is preferably placed between each end of two adjacent liner sections. The liner section spacer includes a pear shaped slot that is sized to be received by one of the tubular bodies of the side connection key. The liner section spacer is fabricated from a resilient material, such as rubber. If the liner section spacer is fabricated from rubber, the rubber preferably has a hardness of 30-60 durometer.  
         [0015]     A tapered alignment key may be used to connect the ends and sides of adjacent liner sections. The tapered alignment key may also be tubular. A positive taper key slot is formed in at least one side wall of each liner section. Each end of the tapered alignment key is sized to fit in a single positive taper key slot such that a gap is left between an end wall of the positive taper key slot and an end of the tapered alignment key. Contact between the tapered walls of the positive taper key slot and tapered surfaces of the tapered alignment key provide some positive locking to prevent the tapered alignment key from moving within the positive taper key slot.  
         [0016]     A modular curb liner includes a plurality of curb liner sections. At least one alignment key is preferably used to retain the plurality of curb liner sections, adjacent to each other. A key slot is formed in at least one side of each curb liner section to receive the at least one alignment key. One side of each curb liner section includes a raised edge. The other side of each curb liner section is placed, adjacent a road and the one side is placed, adjacent a strip of land.  
         [0017]     A culvert receiver includes a liner end and a culvert end. A cross section of each open liner section includes a substantially concave shape formed on a top thereof. The liner end of the culvert receiver is sized to interface with an open liner section. The substantially concave shape preferably matches that of the open liner section. Each side of the culvert receiver preferably flares outward from substantially the liner end to the culvert end. The flare on each side may be straight, curved or any other appropriate shape. The culvert end of the culvert receiver is sized to interface with a culvert. The substantially concave shape flares outward, substantially parallel to each side. At least one alignment key is preferably used to retain a single ditch liner section relative to the liner end of the culvert receiver. A key slot is formed in at least one side, at the liner end of each culvert receiver to receive the at least one alignment key.  
         [0018]     A secondary flow connector includes a first end extension, a second end extension and a side extension. The first end extension, the second end extension and the side extension are sized to interface with an open liner section. A cross section of the first end extension, the second end extension and the side extensions each include a substantially concave shape formed on a top thereof. The substantially concave shape continues through a middle of the secondary flow connector. At least one alignment key is preferably used to retain a single open liner section relative to one of the extensions. A key slot is preferably formed in at least one side of each extension to receive the at least one alignment key.  
         [0019]     A trapezoidal ditch liner includes at least one end being nonperpendicular to a side thereof. The cross section of each trapezoidal ditch liner includes a substantially concave shape formed on a top thereof. At least one alignment key may be used to retain adjacent trapezoidal ditch liners relative to each other. A curved ditch liner includes a ditch liner with two curved sides and two nonparallel ends. The cross section of each curved ditch liner includes a substantially concave shape formed on a top thereof. A plurality of curved or trapezoidal ditch liners may be placed end to end to form a radius of curved ditch liners.  
         [0020]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular ditch liner that is fabricated from a heavy, yet economical material.  
         [0021]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular ditch liner that utilizes an uncomplicated connection device.  
         [0022]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a modular ditch liner that does not require the creation of a perfect trench for installation.  
         [0023]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a modular curb liner that may be used to keep drainage off grass, adjacent a roadway.  
         [0024]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a culvert receiver that may be used as an interface between a ditch liner section and a culvert.  
         [0025]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a secondary flow connector that may be used to connect a main plurality of ditch liner sections with a secondary plurality of ditch liner sections.  
         [0026]     Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a plurality trapezoidal or curved ditch liner sections that may be used to form a radius  
         [0027]     These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an open liner section with two key openings formed therethrough in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a trench with an open modular ditch liner contained therein in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a side cross sectional view of a trench with an open modular ditch liner contained therein in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a closed modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a single closed liner section with two key openings formed therethrough in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a closed modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of a trench with a closed modular ditch liner contained therein in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  is a side cross sectional view of a trench with a closed modular ditch liner contained therein in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a closed modular ditch liner having two trough contours in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  is a partial end view of an open liner section with a positive taper key slot of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 13  is a partial end view of an open liner section with a negative taper key slot of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 14  is a partial end view of an open liner section with a substantially round key slot of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of an extruded alignment key of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a plurality of block alignment keys engaged with a plurality of open liner sections of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0044]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a plurality of riser blocks engaged with a plurality of open liner sections of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 18   a  is a top view of an open liner section with one angled end of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 18   b  is a top view of an open liner section with two angled ends of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0047]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a channel alignment key attached to two adjacent open liner sections of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an erosion barrier insert retained between to adjacent open liner sections of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0049]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a radius liner insert retained between to adjacent open liner sections of an open modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0050]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a width expandable modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0051]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a mitered width expandable modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0052]      FIG. 24  is an end view of a mitered width expandable modular ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0053]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of two liner section spacers retained on a side connection key in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0054]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a tapered alignment key and tubular tapered alignment key retained in an open liner section in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0055]      FIG. 27  is an end view of a mitered width expandable modular ditch liner retained together with a tapered alignment key and a tubular tapered alignment key in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0056]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a plurality of curb liner sections positioned next to each other in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0057]      FIG. 28   a  is a perspective view of a plurality of curb liner sections positioned next to each such that water seeps between adjacent curb liners in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0058]      FIG. 29  is an end view of a curb liner section in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0059]      FIG. 30  is a top view of a culvert receiver in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0060]      FIG. 31  is an end view of a liner end of a culvert receiver in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0061]      FIG. 32  is an end view of a culvert end of a culvert receiver in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0062]      FIG. 33  is a top view of a secondary connector in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0063]      FIG. 34  is a top view of a secondary connector with a side extension that is nonperpendicular to an axis of main flow in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0064]      FIG. 35  is an end view of a secondary connector in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0065]      FIG. 36  is a side view of a secondary connector in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0066]      FIG. 37  is a top view of a plurality of trapezoidal ditch liners in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0067]      FIG. 38  is an end view of a trapezoidal ditch liner in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0068]      FIG. 39  is a top view of a plurality of curved ditch liners in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0069]      FIG. 40  is an end view of a curved ditch liner in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0070]     With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an open modular ditch liner  1 . With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the open modular ditch liner  1  includes a plurality of open liner sections  10  and at least one alignment key  12 . The cross section of each open liner section  12  includes a substantially concave shape  14  formed on a top thereof. Preferably, a tapered surface  16  terminates each end of the substantially concave shape  14 . The tapered surfaces  16  are structured to align with the inclines of each side of a ditch  100 . Preferably, a key slot  18  is formed on at least one side of each open liner section  10  to receive a single alignment key  12 . An alignment key with a square cross section is shown, but the cross section of the alignment key  12  may be other shapes, such as round. The alignment key  12  retains at least two open liner sections  10  in vertical and horizontal alignment to each other. If the base under one of the open liner sections sinks, the alignment key  12  in the adjacent open liner sections will retain the one open liner section in vertical alignment with the adjacent open liner sections.  
         [0071]     The key slot  18  may be replaced with a key opening  20 . Each key opening  20  is formed through a length of the open liner section  10 ′, near an end thereof. The key opening  20  is sized to slidably receive the inner alignment key  22 . The plurality of open liner sections  10  are preferably fabricated from cement block on a cement block casting machine. Casting cement blocks is a cost effective manufacturing process relative to cast iron or open cast molding. When the open liner sections  10  are placed in the ditch  100 , ends of each liner section  10  preferably do not contact each other; a small gap “A” is left between the ends thereof. The value of gap “A” is preferably between 0.01-0.25 inches. It is beneficial for a small amount of water to drain into the ground below the ditch  100 . However, the minimum value of gap “A” may also be defined by what gap (space) allows water to seep between adjacent open liner sections  10 .  
         [0072]     The open modular ditch liner  1  is preferably installed in a ditch  100  with a two inch gravel base  102 . A bottom of the substantially concave shape  14  is preferably aligned with the opening of a culvert  104  placed adjacent to the open modular ditch liner  1 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , water  106  that flows through the culvert  104  or drops directly on to the plurality of open liner sections  10  will seep through the gaps between the open liner sections  10  to the gravel base  102 . The gaps prevent standing water from forming in the open modular ditch liner  1 . The open modular ditch liner  1  is preferably for residential use.  
         [0073]     With reference to  FIGS. 6-9 , a closed modular ditch liner  2  includes a plurality of closed liner sections  26 , a plurality of covers  28 , and at least one alignment key  30 . The cross section of each closed liner section  26  includes a trough contour  32  and a single cover retention lip  34  formed on a top end of each side thereof. Preferably, the cover  28  is sized to be received between the cover retention lips  34 . The height of the cover  28  is preferably substantially the same as the height of the cover retention lips  34 . Each cover  28  fits over at least one closed liner section  26 . The trough contour  32  is preferably U-shaped with two tapered side surfaces  36 .  
         [0074]     Preferably, a key slot  38  is formed on at least one side of each closed liner section  26  to receive a single alignment key  30 . Alignment keys with round and square cross sections are shown, but the cross section of the alignment keys may have other shapes, such as being triangular. The alignment key  30  retains at least two closed liner sections  26 . If the base under one of the closed liner sections sinks, the alignment key  12  in the adjacent closed liner sections will retain the one closed liner section in vertical alignment with the adjacent closed liner sections.  
         [0075]     The key slot  38  may be replaced with a key opening  42 . Each key opening  42  is formed through a length of the closed liner section  26 ′, near an end thereof. The key opening  42  is sized to slidably receive the inner alignment key  44 . The plurality of closed liner sections  26  and the covers  28  are preferably fabricated from cement block on a cement block casting machine. A channel  110  is dug deep enough in a bottom of a ditch  108  to allow the top edges of the closed modular ditch liner  2  to be flush with the tapered sides of the ditch  108 .  
         [0076]     With reference to  FIG. 10 , when the closed liner sections  26  are placed in the channel  110 , ends of each liner section  26  preferably do not contact each other; a small gap “B” is left between the ends thereof. The value of gap “B” is preferably between 0.01-0.25 inches. It is beneficial for a small amount of water to drain into the ground below the ditch  108 . However, the minimum value of gap “B” may also be defined by what gap (space) allows water to seep between adjacent closed liner sections  26 . The ends of the covers  28  preferably do not contact each other to allow water to drain into the plurality of closed liner sections  26 . A gap “C” is left between the covers to allow water  106  to drain into the plurality of closed liner sections  26 . The value of gap “C” is preferably between 0.01-0.25 inches. However, the minimum value of gap “C” may also be defined by what gap (space) allows water to seep between adjacent covers  28 .  
         [0077]     The closed modular ditch liner  2  is preferably installed in a ditch  108  with a two inch gravel base  102 . A bottom of the trough contour  32  is preferably aligned with the opening of a culvert  104  placed adjacent to the closed modular ditch liner  2 . Water  106  flows through the culvert  104  or seeps through the gaps between the plurality of covers  28 , will seep through the gaps between the closed liner sections  26  to the gravel base  102 . The gaps prevent standing water from forming in the closed modular ditch liner  2 . The closed modular ditch liner  2  is preferably for residential use.  
         [0078]      FIG. 11  shows a closed modular ditch liner  3  where each closed liner section  46  has two trough contours  48 . The closed modular ditch liner  3  includes a plurality of closed liner sections  46 , a plurality of covers  50 , and at least one alignment key  52 . The cross section of each closed liner section  46  includes the two trough contours  48  and a single cover retention lip  54  formed on a top end of each side thereof. A support pedestal  56  is formed between the two trough contours  48  to support at least one cover  50 . Preferably, the cover  50  is sized to be received between the cover retention lips  54 . The height of the cover  50  is preferably the same as the height of the cover retention lips  54 .  
         [0079]     Each cover  50  fits over at least one closed liner section  46 . The plurality of covers  50  may be placed perpendicular or in parallel to a length of the plurality of closed liner sections  46 . The trough contour  48  is preferably U-shaped with one tapered side surface  58  and a straight side formed by one side of the support pedestal  56 . Preferably, a key slot  60  is formed on at least one side of each closed liner section  46  to receive a single alignment key  52 . An alignment key with a square cross section is shown, but the cross section of the alignment key  52  may be other shapes, such as round. The alignment key  52  retains at least two closed liner sections  46 .  
         [0080]     The key slot  60  may be replaced with a key opening as shown in  FIG. 6 . The plurality of closed liner sections  46  and the covers  50  are preferably fabricated from cement block on a cement block casting machine. The closed modular ditch liner  3  is positioned in a ditch such that the top edge is flush with the tapered sides of the ditch  102  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The closed liner sections  46  preferably do not contact each other, a small gap “D” is left between the ends thereof. A small gap “E” is preferably maintained between each cover  50 . The value of gaps “D” and “E” are preferably between 0.01-0.25 inches. It is beneficial for a small amount of water to drain into the ground below a ditch. However, the minimum value of gap “D” and “E” may also be defined by what gap (space) allows water to seep between adjacent closed liner sections  46  and covers  50 . The open modular ditch liner  3  is preferably for residential use.  
         [0081]     With reference to  FIG. 12-14 , the key slot may also include a positive taper or an interference fit. At least one positive taper key slot  62  is formed in an open liner section  10 . The at least one positive taper key slot  62  may be formed on one wall of the open liner section  10  or on both walls. An angle “A” of one wall preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. An angle “B” of the other wall preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. An alignment key is received by the at least one positive taper key  62  in at least two adjacent open liner sections  10 .  
         [0082]     The key slot with an interference fit may have the shape of a negative taper or a substantially rounded shape. However, other shapes of interference key slots may also be used, besides the negative taper or substantially round. The key slot with an interference slot would provide an interference fit to an alignment key. At least one negative taper key slot  64  is formed in the open liner section  10 . The taper may be formed on one wall of the negative taper key slot  64  or on both walls. An angle “C” of one wall preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. An angle “D” of the other wall preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. An interference alignment key  66  may be compressed to be inserted or removed from the negative taper key slot  64 . The interference alignment key  66  must be fabricated from a resilient material to allow compression thereof. However, the interference alignment key  66  could also be inserted from an end of the open liner section  10 .  
         [0083]     At least one substantially round key slot  68  is formed in an open liner section  10 . The substantially round key slot  68  is sized to receive the interference alignment key  66 . The interference alignment key  66  may be compressed to be inserted or removed from the substantially round key slot  68 . The interference alignment key  66  could also be inserted from an end of the open liner section  10 .  
         [0084]     The alignment key may also include an extruded embodiment or a block embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 15 , an extruded alignment key  70  preferably includes a key base  72  and at least one key projection  74  extending from the key base  72 . At least one substantially round key slot  68  is formed in the open liner section  10  to receive the at least one key projection  74 . However, other shapes of interference key slots and key projections may also be used, besides substantially round. The extruded alignment key  70  must be fabricated from a resilient material to allow the at least one key projection  74  to be compressed for insertion into the at least one substantially round key slot  68 . The extruded alignment key  70  may also be inserted from an end of the open liner section  10 . The extruded alignment key  70  is preferably long enough to retain a plurality of open liner sections  10 .  
         [0085]     With reference to  FIG. 16 , a block alignment key  76  includes a block base  78  and a key projection  80  extending from the block base  78 . A key slot  18  is disposed in the open liner section  10 . The block alignment key  76  preferably has the same length “L” as the open liner section  10 . Each block alignment key  76  is positioned to engage two adjacent open liner sections  10 . A block alignment key  76 ′ does not have the same height as the open liner section  10 .  
         [0086]     With reference to  FIG. 17 , an alignment key may be replaced by at least one riser section. A first riser section  82  includes a first side member  84  and a first key projection  86  extending from the first side member  84 . The first riser section  82  may also include at least one key slot  88  for receiving at least one second key projection of a second riser section  90 . The second riser section  90  includes a second side member  92  and the at least one second key projection (not shown) extending from the second side member  92 . Lengths of the first and second riser sections are preferably the same as that of the open liner section  10 . The first side member  84  constrains the flow of fluid relative to the open liner section  10 . The second side member  92  constrains the flow of fluid relative to the first side member  84 .  
         [0087]     With reference to  FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b , an open liner section section may be formed as a trapezoid (viewed from a top) to allow the open liner sections  10 ′,  10 ″ to fit curved drain applications. One end of an open liner section  10 ′ is terminated with an angle “E.” One end of an open liner section  10 ″ is terminated with an angle “E” and the other end of the open liner section  10 ″ is terminated with an angle “F.” 
         [0088]     The length “L” of any open liner section  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ,″ preferably has a value of between 7-14 inches. The length of any block alignment key  76 ,  76 ′, preferably has a value of between 7-14 inches. The length of any riser block  82 ,  90 , preferably has a value of between 7-14 inches. The modular ditch liner  1 - 3  may be used in other drainage applications, such as swales. It is preferable that adjacent open liner sections  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ be arranged to have a gap therebetween for drainage.  
         [0089]     With reference to  FIG. 19 , a channel alignment key  94  is used to connect two adjacent open liner sections  10 . The channel alignment key  94  includes a base leg  95  and a first retention leg  97  extending from one end of the base leg  95  and a second retention leg  99  extending from the other end of the base leg  95 . An inside length between the first and second retention legs is sized to receive the thickness of the two adjacent open liner sections  10 . Use of the channel alignment key  94  eliminates the need for a key slot in each open liner section  10 . A channel alignment key could also be used to retain a width (instead of thickness of two adjacent open liner sections  10 .  
         [0090]     With reference to  FIG. 20 , an erosion barrier insert  96  is placed between the ends of two adjacent open liner sections  10 . Each erosion barrier insert  96  has substantially the same cross sectional area as the open liner section  10 , with the exception of a top portion  98 . The top portion  98  of the erosion barrier insert  96  extends above a lowest portion  15  of the substantially concave shape  14  in the open liner section  10 . The erosion barrier insert  96  reduces the rate of flow through a plurality of open liner sections  10 .  
         [0091]     With reference to  FIG. 21 , a radius liner insert  120  includes a cross section that is preferably the same as that of the open liner section  10 . One end of the radius liner insert  120  has a dimension X and the other end of the radius liner insert  120  has a dimension Y, where X&gt;Y. The radius liner insert  120  is placed between the ends of two adjacent open liner sections  10  to help create a radius with a plurality of open ditch liner sections  10 .  
         [0092]     With reference to  FIG. 22 , a width expandable modular ditch liner  122  includes a plurality of open liner sections  124 , a plurality of side connection keys  126  and a plurality of expandable liner sections  128 . The plurality of open liner sections  124  do not require a substantially concave shape  125  formed on a top thereof. The top of the plurality of open liner sections  124  may be flat, when used in a width expandable modular ditch liner  122 . A pear shaped slot  130  is formed in each side of each open liner section  124 . The pear shaped slot  130  is formed in at least one side of each expandable liner section  128 . A pitch expandable liner section  132  includes a trapezoidal cross section, which enables the expandable liner section  128  to extend from the open liner section at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is created by a side angle created on at least one side of the trapezoidal cross section. A single pear shaped slot  130  is formed in each side of the pitch expandable liner section  132 .  
         [0093]     Side and width adjacent liner sections are attached to each other with the single side connection key  126 . Each side connection key  126  includes a tubular body  134  and two rod inserts  136 . Each tubular body  134  includes a first pear shaped side  135  and a second pear shaped side  137 . Each pear shaped side includes a rod opening  138 . Each rod opening  138  is sized to receive a single rod insert  136 . The tubular body  134  is first inserted into a plurality of adjacent liner sections. A single rod insert  136  is then inserted to each rod opening  138 . The pitch expandable liner section  132 , the expandable liner section  128  and the side connection key  126  allow a width of the opening liner section  124  to be expanded in one or both directions.  
         [0094]     With reference to  FIGS. 23-24 , a mitered width expandable modular ditch liner  140  includes a plurality of open liner sections  142 , the plurality of side connection keys  126  and the plurality of expandable liner sections  128 . The plurality of open liner sections  142 ′ do not require a substantially concave shape  143  formed on a top thereof. The top of the plurality of open liner sections  142 ′ may be flat, when used in a mitered width expandable modular ditch liner  140 . The pear shaped slot  130  is formed in each side of each open liner section  142 ′. The pear shaped slot  130  is formed in at least one side of each expandable liner section  128 . At least one side  143  of each mitered width expandable liner section  142 ′ may be mitered to provide an angle between each open liner section  142 ′ and the expandable liner section  128 ′.  
         [0095]     At least one side  129  of each open liner section  128 ′ may be mitered to provide an angle between each expandable liner section  128 ′ and the open liner section  142 ′. Side and end adjacent liner sections are attached to each other with at least one side connection key  126 . A flow restrictor liner section  144  may be substituted for the expandable liner section  128 . The flow restrictor liner section  144  includes an additional height to slow down the flow velocity of water flowing through the mitered width expandable modular ditch liner  140 .  
         [0096]     With reference to  FIG. 25 , a liner section spacer  146  may be placed between two adjacent liner sections. The liner section spacer  146  includes a pear shaped slot  148  that is sized to be received by one of the pear shaped sides of the tubular body  134  of the side connection key  126 . The liner section spacer  146  is fabricated from a resilient material, such as rubber. If the liner section spacer  146  is fabricated from rubber, the rubber preferably has a hardness of 30-60 durometer.  
         [0097]     With reference to  FIGS. 26-27 , a tapered alignment key  150  is used to connect the ends and sides of adjacent liner sections. The tapered alignment key  150  is preferably fabricated from concrete, but other materials may also be used. A tubular tapered alignment key  152  is preferably fabricated from an extruded plastic material, but other materials may also be used. The tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  may be characterized as a side connection key. A first side of the tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  includes a first tapered surface  153  and a second tapered surface  155 . A second side of the tapered alignment key  150  includes a first tapered surface  157  and a second tapered surface  159 . A positive taper key slot  154  is formed in at least one side wall of the open liner section  10 ′ and expandable liner sections  156 ,  158 . When the open liner section  10 ′ is used with at least one expandable liner section  156 ,  158 , the substantially concave shape  14  does not have to be formed in a top thereof. The tapered key slot  154  includes a first tapered wall  160 , a second tapered wall  162  and an end wall  164 .  
         [0098]     An angle “A” of the first tapered wall  160  preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. An angle “B” of the second tapered wall  162  preferably has a range of between 0.5 to 5 degrees, but other angles may also be used. A gap “G” preferably exists between an end of the tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  and the end wall  164 , when the tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  is fully inserted into the tapered key slot  154 . The gap “G” has a preferably width of at least 0.03 inches. Contact between the tapered walls  160 ,  162  of the positive taper key slot  154  and tapered surfaces  153 ,  155 ,  157 ,  159  of the tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  provide some positive locking to prevent the tapered alignment key  150 ,  152  from moving within the positive taper key slot  154 .  
         [0099]     With reference to  FIGS. 28-29 , a modular curb liner  4  includes a plurality of curb liner sections  166 . At least one alignment key  168  is preferably used to retain the plurality of curb liner sections  166 , adjacent to each other. A key slot  164  is preferably formed in at least one side of each curb liner section  166  to receive the at least one alignment key  168 . One type of alignment key is shown  FIGS. 28-29 , but other types of alignment keys may also be used, such as those previously disclosed in this application. One side of each curb liner section  166  includes a raised edge  172 . A gradual slope  174  smoothly joins a top of the curb liner section  166  with the raised edge  172 . The gradual slope  174  may be curved, straight or any other appropriate contour. The one side of the plurality of curb liner sections  166  are placed adjacent a strip of land  300  and the other side of the plurality of curb liner sections  166  are placed adjacent a road  302 .  
         [0100]     When the curb liner sections  166  are placed in a channel  304 , ends of each curb liner section  166  preferably do not contact each other; a small gap (space) “H” is left between the ends thereof. The value of gap “H” is preferably at least 0.01 inches. It is beneficial for a small amount of water to drain into the ground below the ditch  100 . However, the minimum value of gap (space) “H” may also be defined by what gap (space) allows water to seep between adjacent curb liner sections  166 .  
         [0101]     With reference to  FIGS. 30-32 , a culvert receiver  176  includes a liner end  178  and a culvert end  180 . A cross section of each open liner section includes a substantially concave shape  182  formed on a top thereof. The liner end  178  of the culvert receiver  176  is sized to interface with an open liner section. The substantially concave shape  182  preferably matches that of the open liner section. Each side of the culvert receiver flares outward from substantially the liner end  178  to the culvert end  180 . A shape of the flare on each side may be straight, curved or any other appropriate shape. The culvert end  180  of the culvert receiver is sized to interface with a culvert. The substantially concave shape  182  flares outward, substantially parallel to each side. At least one alignment key  168  is preferably used to retain a single open liner section relative to the liner end  178  of the culvert receiver  176 . The key slot  164  is preferably formed in at least one side of each culvert receiver  180  at the liner end  178  to receive the at least one alignment key  168 . One type of alignment key is shown in  FIGS. 30-32 , but other types of alignment keys may also be used, such as those previously disclosed in this application.  
         [0102]     With reference to  FIGS. 33-36 , a secondary flow connector  184  includes a first end extension  186 , a second end extension  188  and a side extension  190 . The first end extension  186 , the second end extension  188  and the side extension  190  are sized to interface with an open liner section. A cross section of the first end extension  186 , the second end extension  188  and the side extension  190  each include the substantially concave shape  182  formed on a top thereof. The substantially concave shape  182  continues through a middle of the secondary flow connector  184 . The at least one alignment key  168  is preferably used to retain a single open liner section relative to one of the extensions. The key slot  164  is formed in at least one side of each extension to receive the at least one alignment key  168 . One type of alignment key is shown  FIGS. 33-36 , but other types of alignment keys may also be used, such as those previously disclosed in this application. The side extension  190  extends substantially perpendicularly from the secondary flow connector  184 . However, the side extension  190  may also extend from the secondary flow connector  184 ′ at a nonperpendicular angle, as shown in  FIG. 34 .  
         [0103]     With reference to  FIGS. 37-38 , a trapezoidal ditch liner  192  includes at least one end being nonperpendicular to a side thereof. Angles A and B are preferably equal to each other and less than 90 degrees. The cross section of each trapezoidal ditch liner  192  includes the substantially concave shape  182  formed on a top thereof. A plurality of trapezoidal ditch liners  192  may be placed end to end to form a radius of ditch liners. With reference to  FIGS. 39-40 , a curved ditch liner  194  includes a ditch liner with two curved sides and two nonparallel ends. The cross section of each curved ditch liner  194  includes the substantially concave shape formed  182  on a top thereof. A plurality of curved ditch liners  194  may be placed end to end to form a radius of curved ditch liners  194 .  
         [0104]     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4