Subterranean fluid cavity and methods and systems comprising same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to, in part, modules that allow for the exchange of a fluid such as a liquid or gas to and / or from a medium or surface and systems and methods comprising same. In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for directing the flow of a fluid passing through a medium, the apparatus comprising a top having a plurality of perforations and a base that is positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the top, thereby defining a cavity for passage of fluid therein. The top comprises a plurality of integrated supports extending from the bottom surface of the top, the integrated supports maintaining the height of the cavity and being sufficient in number, size, and physical properties as to permit the top to support the weight of the medium and activity above the medium. A sealing strip can be installed within the cavities of the modules to contain or direct fluid within the system.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 279,174 filed Oct. 24, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 339,792, filed Oct. 26, 2001.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002] The invention relates to an integrated system of modules that control the intake and outtake of fluids, such as water or air, through a medium such soil. The apparatus of the present invention, and methods and systems comprising same, involve providing interconnected modules that reside underneath the majority of and preferably, substantially all of the medium. The modules form a subterranean cavity for fluid passage. In preferred embodiments, fluid flow can be contained and directed within the cavity.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003] The present invention is directed to apparatuses, and systems and methods involving same, that control the subterranean environment of a variety of media, including but not limited to, artificial and natural turf surfaces i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] These and other needs in the art are met by the present invention. The present invention provides convenient, simple apparatuses, systems, and methods for the removal and exchange of fluids with a medium. In certain embodiments, the medium may support microenvironments, such as, but not limited to, microenvironments with plants or botanical gardens. The medium may also support natural or artificial turf systems. The methods and systems of the present invention comprise a module that is at a level below the surface of the medium. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the modules comprise a top having a plurality of perforations and a base that is adjacent and substantially parallel to the top to form an interior volume or cavity for the passage of a fluid therein. A plurality of supports is interposed between the top and the base such that the height of the cavity is maintained. The supports are sufficient in number, size, and physical properties as to permit the top to support the weight of an overlying. In certain preferred embodiments, the top further comprises retaining ribs to provide additional strength to the top and provide lateral support to the overlying.

Problems solved by technology

Environmental events, such as heavy rain fall or snow fall, or man-made events, such as over-watering or fertilization, may cause damage due to the accumulation of water, fluids, and / or other waste products on the natural grass playing surface or growing surface of a lawn, turf, or garden.

These may lead to soft spots or erosion of the surface of the growing medium.

In this connection, these are safety concerns due to potential for slip and fall accidents as well as microbe or mold growth resulting from pooling water.

Additionally, excess accumulation of fluids on the growing medium may also lead to drowning of the plant(s) contained therein.

These systems, however, are not without their drawbacks.

Grading systems may not be practical for installations where a level surface is needed.

These systems, due to their many juncture points, may be prone to leakage of the pipe joints or failure of the pump to remove or redirect the fluid from the surface of the soil.

In addition, underground drainage pipe systems are limited in the amount of the fluid and flow rate that they may remove from the surface.

Pipe systems are also limited in the amount of fluid that they can transport into and out of the medium.

The varying efficiencies of fluid transport results in non-uniform fluid movement within the medium.

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