Patent Abstract:
Retractable screen systems and methods for catch basins are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a retractable screen apparatus includes a retractable center screen coupled to a retracting spring-loaded tube assembly secured to a portion of the catch basin. Two independently-operating side screens may each be coupled to the retractable center screen. Each side screen may be spring loaded such that each side screen is capable of opening and closing horizontally based on a predetermined fluid flow rate of water flowing into the catch basin.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims a priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/744,980, entitled, “Retractable-Screen Systems and Methods for Curb-Opening Storm Drain Catch Basins,” filed Oct. 9, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to storm drain catch basins, and more specifically to retractable screen systems and methods for catch basins. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typical curbed storm drain catch basins are designed as a primary entry point for urban water runoff. The curb openings provide nuisance water, low flow storm water, and high flow storm water into the catch basin as well as trash and/or debris that emanates from the streets and curbsides. 
     Trash and/or debris such as bottles, cans, plastic wrappers, leaves, grass cuttings, sediments, manure, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants frequently find their way into these catch basins and may travel through storm drain outlet pipes and into rivers, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. 
     A vast majority of screened covers that have been inserted into curb opening catch basins stay closed during the dry season and swing open through mechanical trip devices when the storm water reaches a predetermined curb height. 
     During heavy rainfall events, due to storms or water main pipeline breakage, it is imperative that water flow from the streets into the curb openings containing these retractable screens open up significantly in order to prevent street flooding. 
     Trash and/or debris accumulate in front of these screened devices and along the curbs and gutters from the streets. Street sweeper trucks often provide cleaning service to remove and collect this debris build-up during planned maintenance schedules, which can be performed periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.). The screened devices that have debris build-up will typically remain closed during the street sweeper brush pass, as well as stay closed during nuisance water and low flow storm water events. 
     Typical storm drain screened gate systems designed to remain closed during the dry season or low flow storm water events and open during heavy storm water events are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,338 to Nino, U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,523 to Martinez, U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,645 to Jarvis, U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,894 to Flury, U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,088 to Yehuda, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0103883 to Friezner, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,279 to Saurenman. The disadvantage of such systems is that some of these screen devices incorporate locking pin components, which can malfunction due to trash and/or debris fouling, which prevent opening of the screen device. Additionally, some devices may be too complex in design, with many moving parts that can prevent opening and/or closing due to trash and/or debris entanglement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting an example curb-opening retractable screen system installed across a curb opening storm drain catch basin, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front left side perspective, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front right perspective, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram depicting another example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front right perspective, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the rear view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the rear view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the left side view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the left side view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the right side view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the right side view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the top view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the bottom view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the bottom view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the top view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram depicting an example unassembled curb-opening retractable screen system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front view with the winged screens in an open position, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front view with the winged screens in a closed position, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram depicting another example of a curb-opening retractable screen system, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the claimed subject matter. 
     In the following detailed description, the terms “left” and “right” are intended to indicate such directions as viewed from the upstream side of the curb-view from the street. The terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are intended to include directions that are substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, respectively. 
     The present disclosure relates to retractable screen systems, apparatuses, and/or devices that include mechanical components allowing the retractable screen system, apparatus, and/or device to be in various positions. For example, the retractable screen system may be in a closed, unlocked position, which may prevent street sweeping trucks from pushing trash, debris, and/or litter into, through, and/or past the screened system into the catch basin that may lead into a storm drain system. In another example, the retractable screen system may open to a predetermined level based on a water level (e.g., during storm water curb flow). 
     In some embodiments, the retractable screen system may operate in a horizontal manner (e.g., as opposed to a vertical manner). For example, a winged screen affixed to both sides of a center screen on the retractable screen system may open horizontally toward the inside of a curb opening. 
     The present technology described herein provides the ability to prevent street flooding and clogging of the front of the retractable screen system due to the multiple screen openings of the retractable screen system. The retractable screen system may provide storm water flow opening of a hinged, spring loaded, winged screen on both ends of a central screen, where the winged screens may open horizontally into the storm drain catch basin (e.g., during storm water flow overriding the spring pressure of the screen openings). In some embodiments, the present technology may avoid using locking and unlocking devices, while preventing trash and debris from bypassing the winged screens. In other embodiments, locking and unlocking devices may be used. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting an example curb-opening retractable screen system installed across a curb opening storm drain catch basin  12 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front left side perspective. The screen system may be installed for the catch basin  12  across a curb opening  11  of the curb  21  on a street  15 . The catch basin  12  may be accessed using a manhole  13  in the sidewalk  14 . A winged screen  18  may be connected to both sides of a center screen  10  (e.g., by weld) using piano hinge  17  (e.g., ⅜″ tube), which may allow the winged screens  18  to open into the curb opening  11  in a horizontal manner. Screen mounting bracket  37  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) is secured to center screen  10  using component  20 , which may be any suitable component for affixing compression tube  35  to center screen  10 , such as any one or combination of a cap screw (e.g., ⅜″×¾″), nut, flat washer, lock washer, and the like. The compression tube  35  may mount to screen mounting bracket  37 . Component  23  may mount to the ceiling of the catch basin  12  to secure the screen system. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front right perspective.  FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram depicting another example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front right perspective.  FIGS. 3 and 4  show embodiments of the winged screens  18  in an open position (e.g., horizontally open) while the center screen  10  remains unopened. Since storm water curb flow is typically flow directional, this technology allows curbed water to flow into either the right or left winged screens  18 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the rear view with the winged screens  18  in an open position.  FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the rear view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position. Mounted (e.g., by weld) on the top lip area of the winged screens  18  is a tube  33  of an appropriate size (e.g., ¾″×3″) that has a tension spring  30  mounted over the tube  33  in which one end of the spring  30  is placed to rest by tension against the winged screen  18 , and the other end of the spring  30  is placed to rest by tension through a hole in spring holder  32  secured (e.g., by weld) to the center screen  10 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the left side view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position.  FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the left side view with the winged screens  18  in an open position.  FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the right side view with the winged screens  18  in an open position.  FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the right side view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position. 
     In  FIGS. 7-10 , winged screens  18  connects with a center screen  10  using piano hinge  17 . One or more cap screws  20  secures the center screen  10  to mounting plate  26  (as shown in  FIG. 15 ), wherein one or more cap screws and nuts secures the screen assembly to traveling tube  35  and traveling tube  19 , which may allow the screen system to move backward into the catch basin  12  away from the curb opening  11 . The winged screens  18  have springs  30  that are attached to spring holder tubes  33 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . One side of spring  30  may be placed near the hinge  17  onto the center screen  10 , and the other end of the spring may be placed near the hinge  17  onto the winged screen  18 . The spring tension may be set to allow the winged screens  18  to open at a predetermined storm water curb flow rate. In some embodiments, the spring tension may be set to allow medium to high curb water flow. Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the retractable screen system may be closed, whereas in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the coil spring  34  (as shown in  FIG. 15 ) within traveling tube  19  may be at a minimum or compressed length for maximum storm water flow capacity into the storm water catch basin  12  (e.g., maximum open position during a major storm water event). Anchor  25  may be any suitable component that may be used to secure bracket  23  to the catch basin wall, such as a concrete anchor cap screw. Washer  38  may be any suitable component that may be used to keep traveling tube  19  on track to slide in and out of tube  35  without little to no wobbling effect. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the top view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position.  FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the bottom view with the winged screens  18  in an open position.  FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the bottom view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position.  FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the top view with the winged screens  18  in an open position. The slotted stationary tube  19  contains a coil spring  34  which when fitted with tube  35 , is kept from coming apart under compression by a cap screw and nut  24  which is secured (e.g., by weld) next to the slot end of tube  19 . 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram depicting an example unassembled curb-opening retractable screen system. A coil spring  34  may be set inside a spring mounting tube  19  that is slotted to hold a smaller tube  35  that has a guide  38  fitting into the slot in the mounting tube  19 , allowing the spring to be compressed and decompressed such that the retractable screen system is able to open or close based on predetermined storm water flow rates. To hold the spring in place, a cap screw and nut  24  may be mounted (e.g., by weld) to the end of the slot on the mounting tube  19 . The guide  38  may rest against the cap screw and nut  24 , preventing the retractable screen system from exiting the slot. 
     The mounting tube  19  has adjustable mounting brackets  22  that may be secured (e.g., by weld) and may have additional adjustable positioning brackets  23  secured by cap screws  24  for mounting and securing the screens, mounting tube  19 , and concrete wedge anchors  23  to the concrete ceiling, back wall, and/or side walls of the storm drain catch basin  12 . 
     At the end of the tube  35  is a flat bar  39  of appropriate size (e.g., ½″×125″×2″) that is secured (e.g., by weld) and may contain a spring compression stop. Mounted (e.g., by weld) at one end of tube  35  is a guide washer  38  of appropriate size (e.g., 5/16″), which may fit into the slot of tube  19 , keeping the screens aligned into the curb opening  11  of the storm drain catch basin  12  during compression and decompression of spring  34 , and/or opening and closing of the winged screens  18 . 
     Two mounting brackets  22  are secured (e.g., by weld) to the spring holder tube  19 , and one mounting bracket  22  is secured by a cap screw and nut  24  to the back of the spring holder tube  19 . Attached to the mounting bracket  22  is an adjustable anchoring bracket  23 , which allows adjustment to the screens inside the storm drain catch basin  12 . Concrete wedge anchors  25  are inserted through the tops of the adjustable anchoring brackets and inserted into the ceiling, side walls, and/or back wall of the storm drain catch basin  12  to secure the embodiment of the technology. 
     The center screen  16  may be secured to the slider tube  35  by the screen mounting bracket  37 , which is secured to the slider tube  35  (e.g., by weld). Inserted horizontally through the screen mounting bracket  37  is a cap screw and nut  24  that will secure the center screen  10  to the slider tube  35 . 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front view with the winged screens  18  in an open position.  FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram depicting the example curb-opening retractable screen system from the front view with the winged screens  18  in a closed position. 
     The winged screens  18  as well as the center screen  10  may remain closed when no fluids and/or low-flow fluids enter the screens (e.g., when the fluid flow rate is zero). As fluid begins to enter the system, the winged screens  18  open based upon the tension set for the spring loaded assembly. As the fluid rate increases, the winged screens  18  may accordingly open wider. The center screen spring may compress during extreme storm flow events to allow the retractable screen system to open (e.g., both the winged screens  18  and the center screen  10 ), preventing street flooding. When the fluid flow rate decreases, the winged screens  18  and center spring may accordingly begin to close. The retractable screen system may divert trash and/or debris from entering the storm drain catch basin  12  during zero to low fluid flow conditions (e.g., nuisance water flow from lawn watering). Trash and/or debris build-up in front of the retractable screen system may be collected by street sweeping trucks as they patrol their scheduled street routes. 
       FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram depicting another example of a curb-opening retractable screen system. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the winged screens may open in the same direction, which may be effective for streets that have an incline and/or decline. In some embodiments, the winged screens may open in unison. 
     While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the embodiments is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. 
     Plural instances may be provided for components, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components, operations, and structures are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of the embodiment(s). In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the embodiment(s).

Technology Classification (CPC): 4