Patent Abstract:
Individual honeycomb shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant honeycomb shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal hexagonal or square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external hexagonal or square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal hexagonal or square shaped modules drain into external hexagonal or square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,514, filed on Apr. 21, 2016 and a Non-provisional conversion of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/394,118, filed on Sep. 13, 2016. Additionally, the subject matter of the present application is related to the following patent applications: U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/567,711 filed on Jun. 10, 2016; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/567,713, filed on Jun. 10, 2016 and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/571,016, filed on Jul. 13, 2016. The above-referenced applications, including the drawings, are specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all that they disclose and teach and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The embodiments of the present technology relate, in general, to the capture, storage, infiltration, and filtration of fluids, use system and methods of using the same, including the subterranean water capture, storage, infiltration and filtration, use system and methods of using the same. Although the present invention is described in context of stormwater storage and filtration, the invention is not so limited. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluid storage systems have been in existence for many years, specifically underground storage systems for the collection and storage of water. While water is collected underground for various reasons, over the past 20 years there has been increased focus on collecting and storing storm water runoff This is done because of two main concerns. The quantity of storm water runoff is a concern because larger volumes of associated runoff can cause erosion and flooding. Quality of storm water runoff is a concern because storm water runoff flows into our rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and/or oceans. Larger volumes of polluted storm water 
         [0004]    Provisional Patent Application for: HEXAGONAL MODULE AND UNDERGROUND STORAGE 
         [0005]    SYSTEM Inventor: Zachariah KENT and John SCOTT, Customer ID 131299, File No. B-00152CIP runoff flowing into such bodies of water can have significant adverse effects on the health of ecosystems. 
         [0006]    The Clean Water Act of 1972 enacted laws to improve water infrastructure and quality. Storm water runoff is the major contributor to non-point source pollution. Studies have revealed that contaminated storm water runoff is the leading cause of pollution to our waterways. As we build houses, buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces, we increase the amount of water that runs into our storm water drainage systems and eventually flows into rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and/or oceans. As more land becomes impervious, less rain seeps into the ground, resulting in less groundwater recharge and higher velocity surface flows, which cause erosion and increased pollution levels in water bodies and the environment. 
         [0007]    To combat these storm water challenges associated with urbanization storm water detention, infiltration and retention methods have been developed to help mitigate the impact of increased runoff Historically, open detention basins, wetlands, ponds or other open systems have been employed to capture storm water runoff with the intention of detaining and slowly releasing downstream over time at low flows using outlet flow controls, storing and slowly infiltrating back into the soils below to maximize groundwater recharge or retain and use for irrigation or other recycled water needs. While the open systems are very effective and efficient, the cost of the land associated with these systems can make them prohibitive. In areas such as cities or more densely populated suburbs the cost of land or availability of space has become limited. In these areas many developers and municipalities have turned to the use of underground storage systems which allow roads, parking lots, and building to be placed over the top of them. 
         [0008]    A wide range of underground storage systems exist, specifically for the storage of storm water runoff. Arrays of pipes, placed side-by-side are used to store water. Pipe systems made of concrete, plastic or corrugated steel have been used. More recently arched plastic chamber systems have been in use. As with pipes, rock backfill is used to fill the space surrounding them to create added void areas for storing additional water along with providing additional structural reinforcement. 
         [0009]    In general, these types of systems require at least one foot of rock backfill over the top and at least one or more feet of additional native soil over the top to support the loading associated with vehicles on streets and parking lots. These systems also require rock backfill of a foot or more around their perimeter sides to provide structural reinforcement due to lateral loading associated with soil pressure. 
         [0010]    Lastly, these systems must also be placed on a rock base for structural support. Because these systems are rounded or arched, a substantial amount of rock backfill must be used to surround them and placed in between the systems. As such, the amount of void space available for storing water compared to the amount of soil required to be excavated is only around 60 percent. 
         [0011]    Over time, plastic and concrete rectangular or cube shaped modular systems were developed that more efficiently stored storm water because the modules could be placed side-to-side and end-to-end without the need for additional rock backfill to be placed between each module as found with pipe and arched systems. With these rectangular and cube shaped systems the void space available for storing water compared to the amount of soil required to be excavated is up to 90% or more. While plastic type rectangular and cubed systems still require at two feet of rock backfill over the top, two feet around the perimeter sides, and six inches underneath to handle downward and lateral loading, the concrete rectangular and cubed systems do not. 
         [0012]    Concrete rectangular or cubed modular systems have the benefit of not requiring rock backfill over the top or surrounding the sides because of their additional strength when compared to plastic systems. Yet, these rectangular or cubed concrete structures still have depth limitations due to the lateral loading associated with soil pressure. 
         [0013]    For example, currently available concrete systems cannot have the bottom of the structure be deeper than eighteen feet below surface level without modifying the standard wall thickness of the structure from six inches to eight inches or more plus adding additional rebar reinforcement. Doing so adds cost, weight and complexity to design. This inherent design limitation is related directly to the shape and design of these structures. 
         [0014]    Concrete rectangular or cube shaped structures have five sides, four vertically extending walls and a bottom or top side. One side must be open because of how pre-cast concrete molds are made and how the concrete structure is pulled from the mold. At least one side of the concrete structure must be missing for it to be pulled from the metal mold that consists of inner and outer walls and either a top or bottom side. 
         [0015]    Unfortunately, this missing side which is required for manufacturing, creates an inherent weak point for the walls. The middle of each wall, especially the longer walls for rectangular structures, where the wall meets the end of the missing top or bottom side has no perpendicular connection as with the opposite side of the same wall where it connects to the top or bottom side. This weak point on the center of each wall at the open end is the reason why these systems have depth limitations. This is known as deflection. This weak point becomes further exaggerated the taller the wall becomes and the longer it becomes; the further away it is from the perpendicular connecting floor or adjacent wall on the opposite end. Therefore, taller systems which extend down deeper from the surface underground run into a compounding problem of taller walls and increased lateral loading (soil pressure). 
         [0016]    Recently, an approach to the aforementioned technical problem has been to replace solid wall chambers with cantilever, or semi-arched arm braces, to support the top module. This approach falls short of addressing common problems in the industry as these systems still cannot sustain increased soil pressure and lateral loading due to its shape without need to increase the wall thickness of the modules or increase the amount of rebar reinforcing therefore increasing material and overall cost of deep installations. The present technology presents a novel approach to addressing common industry limitations. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, there are also equipment limitations with concrete rectangular or cubed shaped structures. Most precast concrete plants utilize an overhead crane inside a metal building. The height of this crane is a limitation on how tall a single five sided, four walls and a top or bottom side, structure can be. The process of pulling a concrete casting from the mold requires it to be pulled up from the mold, opposite of the open side, sliding the walls out from between the inner and out mold walls. 
         [0018]    Because of this method, generally the walls of these concrete structures are not greater than seven feet tall. Therefore, in order to make a taller overall structure, two shorter structures must be stacked on top of each other in a “clamshell” configuration with open ends facing each other so that the joined structure has one top and one bottom. Once again, the weak point being in the middle of each wall, horizontally, on the end opposite of the perpendicular connecting top or bottom side. 
         [0019]    Lastly, current designs of concrete rectangular or cubed shaped structures, have limitations related to shipping, primarily on large flatbed trucks. These trucks have transportation limits on weight, length, width and height. Standard flatbed trucks are forty feet long. A standard load width is eight feet and a wide load up to twelve feet. Anything wider requires pilot cars and an escort which is very expensive. Also, height limitations are generally eight feet in order to be transported on most interstates due to overpasses. Standard weight limitations are forty-five thousand pounds. When designing a typical subterranean water capture, storage, infiltration system and related apparatuses it is important to make the structure as large as possible without exceeding the shipping limitations to maximize feasibility due to economies of scale. 
         [0020]    As explained, current designs of underground systems have limitations related to weight bearing loads from above and from the sides. These systems must be designed without risk of cracking, collapsing or other types of structural failure. Concrete rectangular or cubed structures have inherent weak points which limit the depth at which they are installed with standard wall thicknesses and design. The inherent flaw is related to the basic shape of the structure which has walls running perpendicular and parallel to one another. 
         [0021]    The need for a system overcoming these inherent shape-related limitations is evident. The present invention provides an exemplary solution including the method, system, and apparatuses derived from principles of biomimetics; specifically, the employment of honeycomb shape modules, also referred to as a reticular web structures, and hexagonal shapes. Design inspired by these efficient structures found in nature and the employment these more economic natural shapes, in combination with current precast concrete design processes, present a unique approach for overcoming the limitations of the previous approaches in the industry. 
         [0022]    One of the most efficient structures in nature is the honeycomb which is found in beehives, honeycomb weathering in rocks, tripe and bone. The related hexagon shape has been found to make the most efficient use of space and building materials. Throughout history this structure has been admired to be very light, strong and structurally efficient. While this technology has been applied to paper products, composite materials, metals like aluminum, plastics, and carbon nanotubes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0023]    The invention provides an exemplary method, system, and apparatuses depicted, in one of its many embodiments, as a module and an assembly of modules for collection, storage, infiltration, and treatment of liquid. In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components is disclosed. The uniqueness of the shape of each module and the way in which modules are assembled creates a honeycomb structure for maximized strength with minimized use of material. The hexagonal shape provides superior strength on all sides of each module and the assembly as a whole when compared to any rectangular or cubed shaped module. Its ability to equally distribute loads from the earth on its sides allows it to be installed deeper with reduced wall thickness and rebar reinforcing. 
         [0024]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components for collection and storage of storm water. 
         [0025]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components for infiltration of storm water by utilizing channel-less water flow patterns and a porous base or holes in the floor and/or outflow pipes. 
         [0026]    In accordance with certain embodiments, an improved modular, underground hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components for the storage, treatment and infiltration of and other collected and stored, non-flammable fluid needs are provided. 
         [0027]    In accordance with certain embodiments, a hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components with internal hexagonal modules placed within external hexagonal modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and optional side walls, wherein the external hexagonal modules have a combination of legs and walls. 
         [0028]    In accordance with other embodiments, a hexagonal shaped module(s) design and resulting honeycombed shaped assemblies and related components with internal hexagonal modules placed within external hexagonal modules; wherein the internal modules have legs and no side walls, wherein the external hexagonal modules have a combination of legs and walls. 
         [0029]    In accordance with some embodiments, assembly can be configured into various shapes and sizes, all being of a honeycomb pattern, and are useful for meeting the size, space and shape restrictions of locations where the assemblies are being installed. 
         [0030]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, assembly of the hexagonal modules and their components may be arranged into squares, circles, rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped and other shapes required to fit within the construction site constraints. 
         [0031]    It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present technology are disclosed herein, with the preferred embodiment for the management of storm water runoff underground. 
         [0032]    Further embodiments will be apparent from this written description and accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the internal hexagonal top module illustrating the modules&#39; top  12 , access hole  6 , legs  14 , the top modules&#39; bottom of legs  16  and the internal top module side edge  20 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of internal hexagonal top modules shown in  FIG. 1  with an access riser and access hatch assembly  70 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an example of the assembly of internal hexagonal top modules adjacent to each other, and includes the access riser and access hatch as shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  illustrates the configuration of  FIG. 3  with the addition of a hexagonal top slab  62 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the internal hexagonal top module shown in 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  and a hexagonal bottom module showing the various components of each module, including a bottom module floor  32 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is one embodiment illustrating a perspective view of the internal hexagonal top and bottom modules shown in  FIG. 5  joined together with a top module male ship lap joint  22  and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42  in assembly of an internal hexagonal module, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of perimeter hexagonal top module with the addition of a top module side wall  11 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a perimeter hexagonal top module of  FIG. 7 , a male ship lap joint  22  and a bottom module female ship lap joint  42  with the addition of a bottom module side wall  40 , a perimeter hexagonal bottom module  31  and a drainage hole  46 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled top hexagonal internal modules of  FIG. 4  and depicts the perimeter hexagonal top module, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of multiple assembled top and bottom hexagonal modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 11  illustrates a three-dimensional interior view of the full hexagonal module assembly storage system including perimeter hexagonal top modules  11  and perimeter hexagonal bottom modules  31  and an inflow pipe  80  and an outflow pipe  82 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 12  illustrates a three-dimensional exterior view of  FIG. 11  of a full hexagonal assembly storage system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 13  illustrates a three-dimensional top and bottom view of a half-hexagonal top slab  60  and a top slab notch down  68 , used in a completed hexagonal storage system assembly and placed over a hexagonal module assembly internal void area, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 14  illustrates three-dimensional top and bottom view of a hexagonal top slab  62  and a top slab notch down  68 , used in a completed hexagonal storage system assembly and placed over a hexagonal module assembly internal void area, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  illustrates a three-dimensional top and bottom view of double hexagonal top slab assembly, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side wall panel used in a completed hexagonal storage system assembly and placed on its perimeter walls and spanning between hexagonal modules, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 17  illustrates a three-dimensional internal and external view of a full hexagonal module assembly storage system with a hexagonal module assembly internal void area  92 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 18  illustrates an expanded view of  FIG. 17  with side wall panels  66  and hexagonal top slabs (half, single, double), in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 19  illustrates a three-dimensional view of the complete hexagonal storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels on a gravel base  120 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective side view of the completed, exterior module assembly of  FIG. 19 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 21  illustrates a cut-away side view of the completed module assembly of  FIG. 20 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective top view of the exterior of the completed module assembly of  FIG. 19 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 23  illustrates a cut-away top view of the interior of  FIG. 19 , with multi-directional flow path of water  110  from an inflow pipe  80  and to an outflow pipe  82 , in accordance with one embodiment. This figure illustrates how water can flow, resulting in ubiquitous flow for optimal water transfer and disbursement. 
           [0057]      FIG. 24  illustrates a perspective view of  FIG. 1  with internal rebar reinforcement  8  within a concrete module, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0058]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of  FIG. 7  with the addition of a top module side wall  18  and a top module bottom of wall  19 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0059]      FIG. 26  illustrates an external perspective view of an access riser and access hatch assembly  70  with a manhole access cover  72 , a manhole access cover frame  74 , and manhole access risers  76 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0060]      FIG. 27  illustrates a three-dimensional internal, cut-away and external view of a complete hexagonal storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0061]      FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of the assembled top hexagonal internal modules  10 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0062]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of multiple assembled top and bottom hexagonal modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern, in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0063]    The present embodiment provides a hexagonal module and assembly of modules for the underground collection and storage of fluids. The hexagonal modules offer enhanced strength and efficiency individually and in assembly of multiple modules. Modules can be assembled into various shapes and sizes, all being of a honeycomb pattern, to meet the size, space and shape restrictions of locations where the assemblies are being installed. 
         [0064]    The module assembly can be generally square, round, rectangular, L-shaped or other shapes to work around other underground structures, including but not limited to sewer lines, utilities, fuel storage tanks, water mains and others. The hexagonal shape and resulting honeycomb assembly provides greatly improved strength at increased depths when compared to currently available technologies and thus overcomes limitations with lateral soil pressures which increase proportionately to the depth below the ground surface. 
         [0065]    Hexagonal modules and resulting honeycomb assemblies can be installed at various depths and at various module heights. The top of the top module can be flush with the ground surface and placed in parking lots, landscape areas, sidewalks, airports, ports and streets and can be designed to handle site specific loading conditions such as parkway, indirect traffic, direct traffic and others. The module and assembly can also be placed deeper underground with the top of the top module being from a few inches to several dozen feet below finish surface due to its high strength design. The height of the individual modules or resulting assembled two-piece module can be from a few feet to over a few dozen feet in height. 
         [0066]    The hexagonal shape and honeycomb assembly will allow this system, used for storage of fluids, to be installed deeper underground and be able to handle increased pressure and soil loads due to its shape without need to increase the wall thickness of the modules or increase the amount of rebar reinforcing therefore decreasing material and overall cost of deep installations. This is a major benefit over existing technologies or methods. 
         [0067]    In certain embodiments of the present technology, the absence of interior walls in the design of the interior module sand the way modules join together with up to one module being in direct fluid communication with six other modules promotes unrestricted water flow between modules in all directions. This results in a more hydraulically efficient system and allows for fluid to evenly disburse through the assembly and minimize drag, velocities within the system, head loss and in turn enhance the system&#39;s ability to capture pollutants contained within the incoming storm water runoff, especially pollutants such as trash, sediment and TSS which are more easily removed when velocities are reduced via settling. 
         [0068]    In another embodiment, drainage holes at the bottom of a module allow storm water to fully drain out to the floor preventing standing water.  FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a single drain hole  46 ; however, a module may contain zero to many drainage holes  46  placed in the floor  32  of the bottom module  30  when infiltration of water back into the native soil below the hexagonal module assembly storage system  90  is desired, see  FIG. 21  as an example. These drainage holes allow water to exit the system evenly throughout every bottom module  30 . To connect the module assembly  90 , both inflow pipes  80  and outflow pipes  82  as in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  can be connected to the assembly  90  through any of the module side walls  18 ,  40  and  66  as depicted in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0069]    In accordance with certain embodiments, modifications of side walls  40  in specific chambers can also be made near inflow points to act as pre-treatment settling chambers and isolate incoming sediments and other pollutants. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, specific chambers near outlet points can be modified to include treatment devices or methods such as media filters, membrane filters, biofilters to further treat storm water runoff before leaving the system. 
         [0071]    In the preferred embodiment, the interior hexagonal module fits within an external hexagonal module.  FIG. 1  begins to illustrate a full hexagonal module assembly storage system  90  with hexagonal internal top module  10  designed to collect and store water underground and maintainable through the access hole  6 . The top module is composed of a hexagonal shaped top  12  and three legs  14 . The full hexagonal module assembly of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6  represent one embodiment of an unstacked top module used in more shallow, underground cavities wherein the assembled top module may be placed directly on a floor base or ground surface rather than being assembled to a bottom hexagonal module assembly. 
         [0072]      FIG. 2  illustrates an internal hexagonal top module shown in  FIG. 1  with an access riser and access hatch assembly  70  inserted over the access hole  6 . Although a particular presentation of the top module and an access riser and access hatch assembly are presented, it is understood that this is an example and that other configurations in arrangement may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  provide an illustrated embodiment demonstrating a configuration of the multiple top modules. The open design provides water flow to disperse evenly through a channel-less hexagonal chamber. 
         [0074]    The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  demonstrate modular assembly where a hexagonal top module  10  can be joined with a hexagonal bottom module  30  to form an assembled hexagonal module as shown in  FIG. 6 . A hexagonal bottom module  30  is composed of the same components of the hexagonal top module  10  except the module  30  is upside down. The hexagonal top module has a hexagonal top slab  12  and the hexagonal bottom module  30  has a floor  32  and three legs  34 . 
         [0075]    In certain embodiments, the hexagonal module and assembly of modules include joint lines between modules which can be sealed with a waterproof sealant or the entire module assembly wrapped in a plastic liner to make the storage system water tight. 
         [0076]    In yet another embodiment, in order to join together a hexagonal top module  10  with a hexagonal bottom module  30 , a male shiplap joint  22  is added on the top module bottom of leg  16  and a female shiplap joint  42  is added on the bottom module top of leg  36 . This male  22  to female  42  shiplap joint connection allows the hexagonal top module  10  and hexagonal bottom module  30  to be locked together without risk of horizontal shifting of the two stacked modules which form an assembled hexagonal module as in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0077]    Conjoining of the modules is not limited to lap joints wherein differing construction environments may require different assembly latches, to increase, for example, the strength of the assembled module, may be employed and are possible and have been contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0078]    In another embodiment, the addition of side walls on the top module  18  of  FIG. 7  and the bottom module  31  of  FIG. 8  maybe installed to define a perimeter. 
         [0079]    In an alternate embodiment, the internal hexagonal top module  10  as presented in  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29  lack side wall panels  66  and the internal hexagonal bottom module  30  of  FIG. 29  also lacks side wall panels  66 . The result is a lack of a perimeter in the internal modules. This reduces the overall materials required for an installation and thereby reduces costs. 
         [0080]    The hexagonal top module  10  can be used in conjunction with other hexagonal top modules  10 , placed side by side, to create a honeycomb shaped hexagonal module assembly  50  as represented in  FIG. 9 . The assemblies  50  made of hexagonal top modules  10  can only be made so tall due to manufacturing limitations of the hexagonal top modules side wall  18  height. When taller hexagonal module assemblies  51  are required as in  FIG. 10 , the hexagonal top module  10  can be stacked on top of a hexagonal bottom module  30  to form a taller assembled hexagonal module  50 . This taller assembled hexagonal module can be twice as tall as a single hexagonal top module  10  therefore resulting in taller honeycomb shaped hexagonal module assemblies  51  capable of storing larger volumes of water. External top  11  and bottom  31  modules are placed around the perimeter of the assembly  51  to define its outer extent. 
         [0081]    The hexagonal module assemblies  50  made of many hexagonal top modules  10  or stacked top  10  and bottom  30  assembled hexagonal modules  51  are placed side by side in rows to create various shapes that are all arranged in a honeycomb pattern as in  FIG. 12 . As the number of stacked top  10  and  11  and bottom  30  and  31  internal and external modules grow the more flexibility there is to vary the shape of the complete assembly  90  into squares, circles, rectangles, L shapes, S shaped, U shaped and other shapes required to fit within the construction site constraints. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12 , and  FIG. 17 , in certain embodiments, the individual modules have to be configured so that each module is in fluid communication with one another to allow water to fill up all modules evenly. This is achieved through minimization of top module side walls  18  and bottom module side walls  40  by only placing them along the perimeter of the complete assembly  90 . Modules  11 ,  31 , located on the perimeter of the hexagonal module assembly  90 , will have solid side walls  18 ,  40  as the assembly  90  will be buried underground and be surrounded in soil. 
         [0083]    Notably, others have used assemblies defining lateral and longitudinal channels to distribute water through underground assembly. In contrast, the present technology&#39;s enhanced function of the hexagonal module assembly has improved performance, functionality and accessibility of the assembly  90  by allowing water to freely flow and fill the assembly in all directions unimpeded by channels. 
         [0084]    Additionally, as in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 19 , access riser and hatch assemblies  70 , which are composed of a manhole cover  72 , manhole cover frame  74 , and one or more manhole access risers  76  to bring the assembly  70  up to ground level. Access into the module assembly  90  is provided via this access riser and hatch assembly  70  via a hole  6  in the top  12  of the top module  10  as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0085]    Because of the assembly  90  is honeycombed shaped each individual module  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  along the perimeter is supported and connected by at least two or more adjacent modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31 , two to three modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  in the corners and four modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  along the sides. The load distribution of this configuration is optimized due the to the honeycomb configuration of the assembly  90 . Outer perimeter modules  11  and  31  make contact with other modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  on the two sides and make contact with two additional modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  along the next inner row or column of modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  and the contact is made at sixty degree angles so the load on the perimeter modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  is dispersed evenly to other modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31 . This even load disbursement provides the overall assembly  90  with maximum compression strength and thus able to handle soil pressures associated with deep installations. 
         [0086]    Furthermore, referring to  FIG. 11 . and  FIG. 12  and  FIGS. 17 to 19 , because of the load distribution among modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31 , some of the inner modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  can be removed, usually in a checkerboard pattern for adjacent rows and columns in an assembly  90 . The honeycomb shaped pattern of the assembly  90  allows for the removal of the inner modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  without loss of strength. The internal void area  92  reduces the number of modules needed  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31 , and reduces the overall cost of the assembly  90 . In some cases, two adjacent modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31  in the same row or same column can be removed without sacrificing strength of the overall assembly  90 . Overall the system is more efficient and more economically feasible due to less material being used to store the same amount of water along with decreasing the overall shipping costs that would be associated with additional modules  10 ,  30 ,  11 , and  31 . 
         [0087]    Referring again to  FIG. 18 , it is shown that additional top slabs are used to cover the module assembly internal void areas  92  to create an enclosed chamber. For locations where a single module  10  and  30  is removed,  FIG. 14 , as an example, depicts a hexagonal top slab  62  can be placed over the void  92 . For locations where two adjacent modules  10  and  30  are removed  FIG. 15  a double hexagonal top slab assembly  64  can be placed to cover the void  92 . 
         [0088]    In one embodiment, around the perimeter of the assembly  90  where the individual modules  11  and  31  are arranged in a honeycomb pattern, they stick out to create an indented perimeter, as depicted in  FIG. 17 . Side panels  66  can be placed over these indented areas for additional storage and create a more linear perimeter surface wall. Once these side panels  66  are placed, the resulting top of these additional void areas  92  can be covered with a half-hexagonal top slab  60  as presented in  FIG. 13 . The resulting is  FIG. 19 , is a complete hexagonal storage system assembly with top slabs and side panels  100 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 20  is a side-view of the completed hexagonal storage system assembly  100 , and shows that multiple inflow pipes  80  and outflow pipes  82  can enter the assembly  100  at various positions on the side walls  18 ,  40  or  66  of the modules  11  and  31 . The position of the various top slabs  60 ,  62 , and  64  are also shown sitting above the module top  12  and forming a roof over the completed assembly  100  as depicted in one embodiment. 
         [0090]    In accordance with one embodiment as presented in  FIG. 21 , is a side-cut-away view of the completed hexagonal storage system assembly  100  showing the internal components of the system including drainage holes  46 , access riser and access hatch assembly  70  and the top slabs  60 ,  62 , and  64 . These top slabs are designed with flat top, of various thicknesses to handled surface loading conditions, and further have a notch down  68  on their bottom sides, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , in accordance with one embodiment. Further,  FIG. 14 ,  FIGS. 15  and  FIG. 21  lock the top slabs  60 ,  62 , and  64  in place when placed over the internal void areas  92 . The notch down  68  is slightly narrower than the internal void area  92  on all sides and the top slabs  60 ,  62 , and  64  larger than the void areas  92 , in accordance with a further embodiment. 
         [0091]      FIG. 22  is an illustrated embodiment of a top-view looking down on the complete hexagonal storage system assembly  100  and the resulting honeycomb pattern is formed. 
         [0092]    Access riser and access hatch assemblies  70  are positioned throughout key points in individual module tops  12  and allows access into the system  100  through access holes  6  for maintenance and cleaning of the system  100 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 23  presents a top-cut-away-view showing the internal space of the system  100 , including various combinations of individual module walls  40 , the internal void areas  92 , side wall panels  66  along the two perimeter sides, and optional drainage holes  46 , in accordance with one embodiment. Furthermore,  FIG. 23  demonstrates, through use of arrows  110 , how water flows from inflow pipes  80  to a first module and flows to other modules and internal void areas  92  unimpeded. Internal modules  10  and  30  allow water to flow freely in all directions for more efficient distribution of fluid within the completed assembly  100  and eventually exit via the outflow pipe  82  and/or infiltrate back into the soil below via drainage holes  46 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 24  is an illustrated embodiment of a hexagonal top module and the associated internal metal rebar  8  configuration. For example, in one embodiment of modules  10  made of concrete, the structure has to be reinforced with rebar and/or rebar mesh  8 , oriented in a criss-cross pattern. The rebar  8  should be used in the internal hexagonal top module  10  and the top module top  12 , sides  20  and legs  14 . See  FIG. 25  as an example. Also, the rebar  8  should be used in the internal hexagonal bottom module&#39;s  30  floor  32 , sides  40  and legs  34 . The size and amount of rebar  8  is a function of the structure load requirements and soil conditions. This same rebar reinforcement would also be used in top slabs  60 ,  62 , and  64  and side wall panel  66  and also including the manhole access risers  76 . 
         [0095]    In other embodiments composite or metal strands or other suitable construction materials in addition to rebar  8  or in place of rebar to reinforce the concrete or replace the need for rebar, may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0096]    In an additional embodiment, the modules can be set up with the exterior bottom module having a solid floor section to detain or retain water. If infiltration of storm water into native soil is allowable or desired, the floor of each bottom module can include a drainage hole to allow captured storm water to exit the bottom of each module into the underlying rock base layer and or native soil for ground water recharge.  FIG. 19 , employs a gravel base floor  120 ; 
         [0097]    however, it is understood that this representation is an example and that other representations, for example, a concrete slab, are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0098]    In yet another embodiment,  FIG. 26  shows three components of the access riser and access hatch assembly  70  which consists of one or more manhole access risers  76  to bring the manhole access cover  72  and frame  74  up to ground level. 
         [0099]    In some embodiments, a hexagonal module and assembly of modules  FIG. 27  for the underground collection and storage of water are built to handle site specific loading conditions. Surface loads applied to underground storage systems vary based upon pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and can be broken down into the following categories may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0100]    Parkway loading includes sidewalks and similar areas that are adjacent to streets and other areas with vehicular traffic. Indirect traffic loading includes areas that encounter daily low speed traffic from vehicles ranging from small cars up to semi-trucks. Direct traffic loading includes areas, such as streets and interstates that encounter a high volume of high speed traffic from vehicles ranging from small cars to large semi-trucks. There is also heavy duty equipment loading that includes traffic from, for example, airplanes and heavy port equipment. 
         [0101]    Accordingly, underground storage systems of the present invention may be constructed having walls, floors, and/or ceilings of various thicknesses, shapes and strengths (e.g., differing thicknesses of concrete or steel or differing amounts of rebar) such that they achieve a parkway load rating (e.g., a H10 load rating), an indirect traffic load rating (e.g., a H2O load rating), a direct traffic load rating (e.g., a H2O load rating), or a heavy duty equipment load rating (e.g., a H25 load rating), as required for a given installation site. Such embodiments may be employed and are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0102]    The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Feature(s) of the different embodiment(s) may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4