High Low Septic System Venting Pipe that Doubles as a Flagpole

Abstract

A septic system flag pole vent provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for septic system venting. One or more vent pipes exiting the septic system are connected to the flag pole. The flag pole includes one or more hollow central regions and openings at the desired height coupled to the one or more hollow central regions provide the septic system venting function.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 471,225, titled “HIGH LOW SEPTIC SYSTEM VENTING PIPE THAT DOUBLES AS A FLAGPOLE”, which was filed on Jun. 5, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,767, titled “HIGH LOW SEPTIC SYSTEM VENTING PIPE THAT DOUBLES AS A FLAGPOLE”, which was filed on Jan. 22, 2024, both of which are incorporated fully herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an improvement to the venting method of a septic or sewer system or component. More specifically this invention is multiple venting pipes that may also be used as a flagpole.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Septic system vents are a necessary element of some system designs. However, they create an eyesore and are difficult to secure them enough to prevent them from falling over or leaning. Septic System vents of various sizes are required in some septic systems. These vents may be attached to tanks, drain fields, and or leach fields and other septic systems. Some vents can be up to 4 feet tall or even 13 feet tall depending on the design. These vents are typically constructed from some sort of piping material such as PVC.

[0004] There are several problems with these vents. The first is that a 4 foot to 13 foot vent in the yard is not aesthetically pleasing. There are ways of camouflaging the vents with paint or coverings, but they are still not esthetically pleasing. The second problem is that it is difficult for installers of septic systems to secure the vents, especially the taller vents. The installers either have to run the vents along a tree or drive a ridged item (like a beam or pole) in the ground next to the vent and then secure the vent to the item. Over time both of these methods cause the vent to become out of plumb and have to be re-adjusted.

[0005] In addition, in some septic systems, multiple vents of different heights may be used. In these instances, there can be a high vent and a low vent. Air is drawn in the low vent naturally. The air moves through the septic system component and exists out of the high vent. The end user of the system is now forced to look at multiple vents sometimes placed right out in the open.

[0006] This invention solves these problems by connecting the septic system vent pipe (both low and high vents) to a flagpole. Openings in the flagpole provide the airflow needed to serve the venting function required by the septic system.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe Invention Features High Low Septic System Venting Pipe That Doubles as a Flagpole

[0007] the invention features a high low septic system venting pipe that doubles as a flagpole. The flagpole may act as the high vent, low vent or both. The high vent may enter the pole on the side of the base of the pole via a saddle connection. The High vent may also enter the pole at the bottom of the pole. The high vent may exit the pole via holes in the side of the pole, out of the top of the pole and or out of the truck of the flag pole. Flagpole trucks sit at the top of each flagpole, providing an exposed pulley and rope system for raising and lowering the flag. All trucks are typically designed to accept decorative balls, eagles and finials. The truck may have screening or small openings to allow venting.

[0008] The low vent pipe of the septic system may reduce down in size small enough to fit inside the body of the flagpole. The smaller pipe may then exit the flagpole in one or many points lower than where the high vent exits the flagpole, for example out of the side of the flag pole nearer the ground level. The low vent openings may have screening to prevent contaminants and / or live animals or insects from entering the vent pipe. The low vent may exit the flagpole via the cleat used for securing the flagpole lanyard. This cleat would be specially designed for this application with an opening to receive the vent pipe exiting the flagpole body and allow air movement through openings in the cleat.

[0009] The present invention features a flagpole providing septic system venting, comprising at least one septic system vent pipe, the at least one septic system vent pipe including first and second ends, the first end of the at least one septic system vent pipe fluidly coupled to a septic system. The invention further includes a vertically extending flagpole. The vertically extending flagpole including at least one hollow central region, a first end fluidly coupled to the second end of the at least one septic system vent pipe, and a second end disposed vertically above ground level. The vertically extending flagpole includes one or more openings in one of a side region and / or a top region of the vertically extending flagpole a preselected height from the ground level, the one or more openings in one of a side region and / or a top region of the vertically extending flagpole in fluid communication with the hollow central region of the vertically extending flagpole.

[0010] A septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling is provided and is configured for fluidly and mechanically coupling the second end of the at least one septic system vent pipe to the first end of the vertically extending flagpole, the septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling configured for providing an airway between the second end of the at least one septic system vent pipe and the central region of the vertically extending flagpole. In one embodiment, the septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling includes a coupling encased in a concrete block.

[0011] In one embodiment, the septic system venting system further includes a second septic system vent pipe, the second septic system vent pipe including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second septic system vent pipe fluidly coupled to the septic system. In this embodiment, the septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling is configured for fluidly and mechanically coupling the second end of the at least one and the second septic system vent pipe to the first end of the vertically extending flagpole.

[0012] The vertically extending flagpole may further include first and second distinct and separate central hollow regions, wherein the first distinct and separate central hollow region in the vertically extending flagpole is fluidly coupled to the first opening regions in one of the side region and / or a top region of the vertically extending flagpole and fluidly coupled to the at least one septic system vent pipe, and the second opening region in the vertically extending flagpole fluidly coupled to the second opening region in one of the side region and / or a top region of the vertically extending flagpole and fluidly coupled to the second septic system vent pipe.

[0013] The septic system venting system may be configured such that the first opening region is located in a side region of the vertically extending flagpole, and wherein the second opening region is located proximate a top portion of the vertically extending flagpole. In this embodiment, the first opening region serves as a low septic system vent and the second opening region serves as a high septic system vent.

[0014] In one embodiment, the septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling includes a baseplate having a at least one hole for coupling one or more septic system vent pipes to one or more flagpole elements. In one embodiment, the coupling baseplate includes a first hole for coupling a first septic system vent pipe to a first flagpole element, and wherein the septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling baseplate includes a second hole for coupling a second septic system vent pipe to a second flagpole element. In one embodiment, the first flagpole element is a low septic system vent and the second flagpole element is a high septic system vent.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a high low venting flagpole according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a is a perspective view of a precast concrete footing providing a connection between one or more septic system vent pipes and a connection plate utilized to couple the flagpole to the venting system of the septic system;

[0018] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a coupling utilized, in one embodiment, to couple the septic system vent pipes to high and or low venting flagpoles according to another feature of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of a connection base plate according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a high low septic system venting flagpole according to the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention features a flag pole that serves to connect one or more septic system vent pipes to the flagpole, and wherein the flagpole serves as either or both of a septic system low or high vent. Openings in the pole provide the airflow needed to serve the venting function required by the septic system.

[0022] The present invention, in one embodiment, may be anchored to the ground, utilizing one or more of the following methods or other similar and / or equivalent methods.

[0023] In one embodiment, the high low septic system venting flagpole 10, FIG. 1, according to the present invention may be secured to the ground using a ground sleeve 12 that is larger than the flagpole vent base 14. This ground sleeve 12 is secured in the ground 16 typically below the finished grade 18. The ground sleeve 12 may be anchored into the ground 16 using concrete or any other foundation material known to be used. The septic system vent to venting flagpole connection may be made in the ground sleeve disclosed herein and well known in the art.

[0024] In one embodiment securing the ground sleeve 12 to the surrounding grounds 16, 10 more lighting ground spikes may be utilized. The venting flagpole may utilize a collar 20, FIGS. 3 and 4 that shrouds or surrounds the area where the venting flag pole 10 enters into supported and surrounded by the ground sleeve 12.

[0025] The ground sleeve 12 may be made from but not limited to the following materials, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, PVC, and concrete. As shown in FIG. 2, the ground sleeve 12 may be provided in the form of a precast concrete footing with a connection plate 20 cast in place and ready to be connected to both the septic system and the high low septic system venting flagpole. The high low septic system venting flagpole 10 may be secured to the ground using anchor bolts 22 that may be embedded into the foundation material such as earth or concrete.

[0026] The anchor bolts 22 may protrude from the foundation as shown in FIG. 3 and secure the flagpole vent base using nuts or any other fastener. The flagpole vent base may be secured to the foundation or ground sleeve 12 using anchoring bolts 22 that fasten through the base plate 20 first and then embedded into the foundation material. The base of the flagpole vent is fitted to the bolts and may be secured with nuts or any other fastener known to be used.

[0027] The vent (air) connection to the high low septic system venting flagpole may be made by routing the septic system vent(s) (low and / or high vents) through the foundation 12 such as the ground sleeve or concrete footing 12 and flagpole vent base. The vent connection may be made using a flanged fitting such as baseplate 20 for example sitting on top, embedded or protruding from the foundation 12. The anchor bolts and nuts may secure the flagpole vent base.

[0028] Between the flanged fitting 20 and the flagpole vent base 26 may be a seal made from a rubber, silicone or any other similar seal material known to those skilled in the art. The flagpole vent base may be a fixed or hinged base (not shown but well known to those skilled in the art) along with a counterweight to allow easier lowering and raising of the venting flagpole.

[0029] The anchor bolt system including anchor bolts 22 leased one vent pipe may use a lightning ground spike. The flagpole vent base may be a separate part or part of the pole or pole section. There may be a collar that shrouds the foundation base connection point. The anchor bolt and pole base may be made from but not limited to the following materials, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, PVC and concrete.

[0030] The venting flagpole 10 may be secured by embedding the pole or pole section directly into the ground. The system connection may be made under grade with a pipe connection method known to be used. The direct burial may use a lighting ground spike. There may be a collar 20 that shrouds or surrounds the point where the flagpole vent enters the grade.

[0031] In another embodiment, a pipe saddle 28 well known to those skilled in the art may be utilized to connect one or more of the septic system high or low vents to the base of the septic system venting flagpole 10.

[0032] The flagpole 10 may have multiple openings of any shape or size at any location on the pole to allow for different septic system venting specifications. For example, there may be some openings 30 nearer the base of the flagpole 10 providing a low vent area exhaust for the septic system. The number of openings are determined by the amount of venting are required by the septic system as can be determined and well known by those skilled in the art. In the case of a flagpole utilized as a high vent septic system vent, openings 32 nearer the top of the flagpole are provided. Again, the size and amount of venting is dictated by the septic system design and is well known to those skilled in the art but would typically equal to a three inch opening. The openings 30 / 32 may have a screening material or mesh, or any other material used to prevent larger objects than desired from entering the openings.

[0033] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the high low venting flagpole 10 may include both a low vent are exhaust and a high vent are exhaust connected to the appropriate septic system vents. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the venting flagpole may have two separate chambers 38, 40 that allow two septic system vent pipes 42 / 44 to be connected to the venting flagpole. This would allow intake and exhaust venting out of one pipe / flagpole.

[0034] The flagpole 10 may serve as the high vent with one or more openings 32 towards the top of the flag pole 10. Air may vent from top of the pole 32b or out of the side 32a of the flag pole. There also may be another chamber 38 attached to the side of the pole 10 with a process of attachment as known in the art to be used. This second chamber 38 may be shorter in height than the flagpole. Air can be drawn into the system or expelled from the openings in the small chamber 38 (depending on the system design) called the low vent. The septic system may be connected to just the high vent, just the low vent, or both. The second chamber 38 if provided includes a number of openings 39 providing a venting area equal to a three-inch opening.

[0035] The high low septic system venting flagpole according to the present invention may connected with the septic system utilizing a connection plate 20. This plate may be made from steel, pvc or other materials known to be used. The plate preferably has two vent holes 44, 46 through it. One hole 46 is for the low vent while the other hole 44 is for the high vent. On the downward facing side of the plate are two couplings 48 welded or attached to the plate 20 by any suitable process known to those skilled in the art. These couplings may be threaded, a sweat connection or just a stub of piping material to allow the septic system piping to be connected using methods known to be used. Extending from the coupling 48 there may be a 90-degree coupling followed by a stub of piping material to allow the septic system 42 / 44 to be connected. The upwards facing side of the plate is flat and is to be connected to the flagpole base plate with a method known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, anchor bolts that are embedded in concrete below the plate and that protrude through the connection plate 20 and the base plate and are secured with nuts. There may be a seal or sealant between the flagpole base plate and the connection plate. The entire connection plate assembly may be a piece part or individual components. The connection plate as an assembly may be embedded in concrete on site or as a separate part, embedded in a concrete precast (as shown in FIG. 2) and may be available as a one piece connection plate footing.

[0036] Saddle Connection-Both the high and or the low vent from the septic system may be connected to the flagpole via a saddle type plumbing connection 28, FIG. 1, known to be used in the plumbing industry including but not limited to a clamp / compression saddle using or not using a gasket, a solvent welded saddle tee, flexible saddle tee or wye for example without limitation.

[0037] The venting flag pole 10 may be one piece or multiple pieces. The venting flag pole may be a telescoping pole. The venting flag pole may be any height, gauge, and width depending on the septic system design and or user preference. The venting flag pole may be manufactured from but, not limited to, the following materials, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, PVC.

[0038] Affixed to the venting flagpole may be but not limited to the following; cleats or other halyard securing devices known to be used for flags, manufactured with materials as is known in the art; internal and external halyards or other flag hoisting devises know to be used, manufactured with materials known to be used in the art; pulleys or other rotating mechanisms know to be used, manufactured with materials known to be used in the art; locking and non-locking inspection and access hatches, manufactured with materials as known to be used in the art; flag securing clips or other clipping devises as known to be used in the art, and manufactured with materials known to be used in the art; flashing collars, sound dampening devises for the flag clipping or snapping devices; sliding tracks; internal and external hoisting and lowering winches or other hoisting and lowering devices; halyard covers; counterweights; ball or other ornament located on top of the flag pole or other decorative or functional objects; halyard swivel snaps or other similar devices; halyard counterweights; halyard shock springs and safety cables; retainer beads or other halyard retaining devices; and internal or external trucks, all well known in the flagpole art.

[0039] Accordingly, the septic system venting flag pole and accompanying base and interconnection system according to the present invention provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for the problem of providing one or more septic system vents. One or more vent pipes exiting the septic system component is / are connected to the flag pole. The flag pole becomes the vent pipe. Openings in the pole at the desired height and in the desired and needed size / venting area provide the venting function.

[0040] The present invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A flagpole providing a septic system venting system, comprising:at least one septic system vent pipe, said at least one septic system vent pipe including first and second ends, said first end of said at least one septic system vent pipe fluidly coupled to a septic system;a vertically extending flagpole, said vertically extending flagpole including at least one hollow central region, a first end fluidly coupled to said second end of said at least one septic system vent pipe, and a second end disposed vertically above ground level, said vertically extending flagpole including one or more openings in one of a side region and / or a top region of said vertically extending flagpole a preselected height from said ground level, said one or more openings in one of a side region and / or a top region of said vertically extending flagpole in fluid communication with said hollow central region of said vertically extending flagpole; anda septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling, configured for fluidly and mechanically coupling said second end of said at least one septic system vent pipe to said first end of said vertically extending flagpole, said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling configured for providing an airway between said second end of said at least one septic system vent pipe and said central region of said vertically extending flagpole.

2. The septic system venting system of claim 1, further including a second septic system vent pipe, said second septic system vent pipe including a first end and a second end, said first end of said second septic system vent pipe fluidly coupled to said septic system;wherein said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling is configured for fluidly and mechanically coupling said second end of said at least one and said second septic system vent pipe to said first end of said vertically extending flagpole; andsaid vertically extending flagpole further including first and second distinct and separate central hollow regions, said first distinct and separate central hollow region in said vertically extending flagpole fluidly coupled to said first opening regions in one of said side region and / or a top region of said vertically extending flagpole and fluidly coupled to said at least one septic system vent pipe, and said second opening region in said vertically extending flagpole fluidly coupled to said second opening region in one of said side region and / or a top region of said vertically extending flagpole and fluidly coupled to said second septic system vent pipe.

3. The septic system venting system of claim 2, wherein said first opening region is located in a side region of said vertically extending flagpole, and wherein said second opening region is located proximate a top portion of said vertically extending flagpole.

4. The septic system venting system of claim 3, wherein said first opening region serves as a low septic system vent and said second opening region serves as a high septic system vent.

5. The septic system venting system of claim 1, wherein said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling includes a coupling encased in a concrete block.

6. The septic system venting system of claim 1, wherein said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling includes a baseplate having a at least one hole for coupling one or more septic system vent pipes to one or more flagpole elements.

7. The septic system venting system of claim 6 wherein said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling baseplate includes a first hole for coupling a first septic system vent pipe to a first flagpole element, and wherein said septic system vent pipe to flagpole coupling baseplate includes a second hole for coupling a second septic system vent pipe to a second flagpole element.

8. The septic system venting system of claim 7 wherein said first flagpole element is a low septic system vent and said second flagpole element is a high septic system vent.

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