Stormwater management system

Abstract

A stormwater management system having a body with an entrance crest and an exit crest, wherein the entrance crest is configured to matingly cover an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber. A cap having a bulbous back end and an open front end defining a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured such that, (a) when the cap is in a first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned outside the body, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of a first type, and further wherein, (b) when the cap is in a second orientation, opposite the first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned inside the body, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of a second type.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling water flow in underground storm water chambers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Culverts, catch basins, storm sewers and out-falls are the common practices for handling, conveying and storing stormwater run-off. In some instances such water is discharged directly into the nearest available water body despite the potentially adverse environmental effects of such action. In some other instances, retention or detention basins / ponds are constructed to retain / detain the run-off. Retention and detention ponds represent the most common structural approach to stormwater management. Although more environmentally sound than direct discharge into an existing water body, such stormwater management approaches preclude other uses of the land. This is of particular importance where land values are high and / or space is limited. The open ponds may also be undesirable in locations near airports because of birds attracted by the pond, or in locations where health, liability or aesthetic considerations make them undesirable. Even the use of “dry” detention basins frequently results in the same types of problems associated with wet ponds. Without proper maintenance, dry detention basins frequently transform into wet ponds.

[0003] Underground systems have also been developed for the storage and disposal of stormwater and sewage system effluent. Those systems most commonly used specifically for stormwater include a large diameter pipe with a partial closing at the end to retard flow for sediment deposition; infiltration trenches, which are basically excavations filled with stone; and sand filters—typically large, partitioned concrete “boxes” with an initial compartment for sediment deposition and a following compartment with sand and under-drains for stormwater filtration. Those commonly used for either stormwater or sewage system effluent are limited to plastic, arch-shaped, open bottom, “infiltration” chambers, which is the field of the present invention.

[0004] In a typical installation, elongated hollow plastic chambers are emplaced in a surface to form a leaching field for receiving such waters and dispensing them into the surrounding earth. Such chambers have a central cavity for receiving inflow water. An open bottom, and apertures in the sides of the chamber provide the means whereby the water is allowed to exit the central cavity and disperse into the surrounding earth. The chambers are usually attached end-to-end to form long rows which may extend in side-by-side juxtaposition.

[0005] For stormwater applications, the assemblage of chambers is generally engulfed in coarse backfill such as gravel or rock and overlying compacted soil to the surface or to a paved cover surface. The resultant installation may be used as a parking lot, roadway, sports field or for other uses.

[0006] In order to sustain the considerable downward forces imposed by the surrounding backfill and overhead vehicular traffic, the chambers are generally of arch-shaped configuration having a corrugated construction. The corrugations consist of a continuous sequence of “ridges” or “crests” separated by “valleys.” The crests and valleys are connected by web portions disposed in planes substantially orthogonal to the axis of elongation of the chamber.

[0007] A typical installation arrangement of a drainage field has evolved in the art so that a multitude of arch-shaped chambers are joined end-wise to form long rows. A multitude of such rows may be placed in side-by-side juxtaposition, resting upon a crushed rock substrate. A linear feeder conduit may deliver the water to the drainage field, and smaller transfer conduits may convey the water to the upstream or inlet extremity of the first chamber in each of the rows, the first inlet extremity being closed by an end wall or cap having an opening to receive the transfer conduit. The successive chambers in the row, subsequent to the first chamber, may have a completely open upstream extremity. The last chamber in the row typically has an open end wall which may be closed with an endcap that may have an opening to accommodate a discharge conduit.

[0008] There are numerous problems that have been identified in the prior art.

[0009] A first problem that has arisen in the art of installing drainage fields arises from the fact currently used sequences of installing a drainage field may commence with placing, and securing on a surface, a series of endcaps, all placed adjacent to each other in a straight line with their axes parallel to each other and at a right angle to the straight line. The endcaps may be connected to each other with a linear feeder conduit to form a manifold. Each endcap being configured such that it may be connected to an open end of a first chamber at a first connection. Thereafter, a second chamber may be connected to the first chamber at a second connection; and, a third chamber to the second chamber at a third connection, and so on, until an endcap is placed on the last chamber to seal off the row, with the option of an outflow conduit connected to the final endcap. The result is a series of parallel chamber rows, having an inlet end sealed with a cap, and an outlet end, sealed with a cap. A common feeder conduit may form a manifold that distributes water to each of the chamber rows.

[0010] However, the art has evolved to a point where the present structural solutions and methods of laying out the chambers and endcaps is compelled by the structure of the connecting pieces of chambers and endcaps, and always results in the need to lift either an endcap that has been already laid (often, the endcap is connected to a bulky and complex manifold system of pipes), or to lift the final end of a chamber that has already been laid in order to insert an endcap flange beneath that end to form the final connection. Further, where it is decided to insert an intermediate endcap to form an internal weir, it may become necessary to lift an intermediate end of a chamber to carry out this insertion. A typical chamber weighs about 200 pounds, and a manifold can weigh thousands of pounds, so that lifting the chamber or endcap while at the same time inserting an endcap or chamber under its extremity can be extremely awkward and exhausting, especially when this has to be repeated numerous times for numerous rows, and numerous intermediate weirs or manifolds.

[0011] This problem may be better understood with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,399, which at Col. 5:55-Col. 6:5 describes the geometry of a combination of a chamber with two differing end sizes, and a dome (i.e. an endcap) that is configured to permit connection to each end of the chamber.

[0012] “FIG. 7 shows how the interior of the dome has a cross hatch ribbing 32, to provide further strength to the dished portion. The arch shape flange 30 of the end dome has an outer dimension which is less than or equal to the outside dimension of a smaller corrugation 26 of the chamber. Thus, the flange 30 slips within corrugation 28 at the first end of the chamber 24, just as does the smaller corrugation 26 of another chamber. Preferably, the fit of flange 30 at end corrugation 28 is intentionally looser than the fit of the smaller corrugation 26, to the extent that the flange will also fit within the smaller opposing end corrugation 26 of a chamber. Thus only one design end dome is needed for closing both ends of chamber 20” U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,399, Col. 5:55-Col. 6:5.

[0013] The description above from U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,399 describes a geometric relationship between a chamber having two differing end corrugation sizes (a larger size and a smaller size) and an endcap (dome) having a flange configured to connect with either end of the chamber. This patent teaches (a) a flange on an endcap (dome) that is configured to fit within a smaller corrugation at the end of a chamber, and (b) wherein the smaller corrugation is configured to fit within a larger corrugation at the end of another chamber. Thus, the flange is compelled to underlap both the larger and the smaller corrugations of a chamber.

[0014] A similar problem arises in U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,576 where it may be understood with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 in that patent that an endcap is configured to provide a protrusion 540 which is sized to cover both (i) an entrance crest 100 and (ii) is also sized to cover an exit crest 101 of the chamber. In the case of this patent, the flange / protrusion overlaps both the larger and the smaller corrugation ends of a chamber. This gives rise to the same problem as described in the above reference U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,399 (where the flange of an endcap overlaps both the larger and the smaller corrugations of a chamber): namely, in both cases, it is geometrically not possible to lay all the elements of a drainage field sequentially without having to lift up elements that have been previously laid in order to fit the flanges and crests into a mating locking relationship.

[0015] Thus, there is a need in the art for eliminating this burdensome result while installing endcaps and chamber rows together. The instant applicant addresses these and other needs.

[0016] A second problem that arises under the prior art as presently configured, is that it may be desirable to insert an internal weir or baffle inside a row of end-to-end chambers, to settle out solids as needed. While it is known in the art to install an internal weir or baffle in a row of chambers, problems arise during operation of the weir or baffle. During operation of an internal weir, water that discharges over the weir in the flow direction of the chamber may acquire a high velocity, and lead to a sudden change in velocity when the water falls and reaches the soil. Sudden change in flow velocity at the point of contact with the soil can create a hydraulic jump, which can amplify turbulence and erosion near the discharge point.

[0017] Thus, there is a need in the prior art for solutions to these further problems. These and other needs are addressed by the present invention.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention includes a stormwater management system, which comprises a chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and having: a body having an entrance end and an exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the body; an entrance crest, positioned at the entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface; an exit crest, positioned at the exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface. The entrance crest is configured to matingly cover an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber, in an end-to-end connection. The stormwater management system further includes a having: a bulbous back end and an open front end, the bulbous back end being configured to obstruct the flow of water, and the open front end defining a protrusion that is hollow and extending around a perimeter of the open front end. The protrusion is configured such that, (a) when the cap is in a first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned outside the body of the chamber, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest of the chamber to form a connection of a first type between the cap and the chamber, and further such that (b) when the cap is in a second orientation, opposite the first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned inside the body of the chamber, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of a second type between the cap and the chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments of the stormwater management system the protrusion of the cap and the entrance crest of the chamber are configured such that, when the protrusion is matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of the second type, then the protrusion is further shaped so as to matingly receive and to cover an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber.

[0020] In other embodiments of the stormwater management system, the entrance crest defines at least one stub having a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the stub being attached to an inside surface of the entrance crest, and further the protrusion defines at least one aperture sized to allow the at least one stub to pass therethrough. Yet further, the bottom end of the at least one stub is configured to pass through the at least one aperture when the cap forms a connection of the second type to the chamber, and additionally, the at least one stub is configured to rest upon an external surface of an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber, when the other structure is connected to the open front end of the cap.

[0021] In yet further embodiments of the stormwater management system, the external surface of the exit crest defines at least one depression which is configured to receive within it a stub on another structure having the same shape as the chamber.

[0022] In yet further embodiments of the stormwater management system the at least one depression is configured to prevent movement of the at least one stub on another structure having the same shape as the chamber in any direction except upwards.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention is a method of assembling a stormwater management system which includes providing a first chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and which comprises, a first body having a first entrance end and a first exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the first body; a first entrance crest, positioned at the first entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface; and a first exit crest, positioned at the first exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface.

[0024] Whereupon, the method further comprises providing a cap having a bulbous back end and an open front end, and defining a protrusion at the open front end, then, connecting the cap to the first chamber by positioning the protrusion to cover the first exit crest, wherein the bulbous back end is positioned outside of the first body.

[0025] Further, providing a second chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and which comprises, a second body having a second entrance end and a second exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the second body; a second entrance crest, positioned at the second entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface; a second exit crest, positioned at the second exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface.

[0026] Whereupon, the method further comprises connecting the second chamber to the cap by positioning the second entrance crest to cover the protrusion, so that the bulbous back end of the cap is positioned outside the first body and inside the second body.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method includes passing at least one stub that is formed on the internal surface of the second entrance crest through an aperture formed in the protrusion.

[0028] In yet further embodiments, the method includes inserting a bottom end of the at least one stub into a depression formed on the external surface of the first exit crest.

[0029] In another aspect, the invention is an endcap for use as a baffle inside a row of water management chambers, the endcap having an axis of symmetry. The endcap comprises at least one planar wall that is oriented in a plane that is vertical and facing in a direction which is at right angles to the axis of symmetry of the cap; at least one aperture that is formed in the planar wall.

[0030] In some embodiments, the endcap further comprising a structure that is integral with the endcap, and including upwardly extending blades positioned to induce turbulence in the flow of water as water exits the at least one aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the upwardly extending blades are 3 inches to 5 inches in height, and are 3 inches to 5 inches in width.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an elevational side view of a row of chambers and related endcaps which form part of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the row of chambers and related endcaps shown in FIG. 1

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the row of chambers and related endcaps shown in FIG. 1

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exit end of chambers and endcaps shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a sectional detail view of the chambers and endcaps of FIG. 1, at a location indicated by numeral 30.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a sectional detail view of the chambers and endcaps of FIG. 1, at a location indicated by numeral 32.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a sectional detail view of the chambers and endcaps of FIG. 1, at a location indicated by numeral 34.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a sectional detail view of the chambers and endcaps of FIG. 1, at a location indicated by numeral 36.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view from the rear of an endcap included in the invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows an elevational front view of the endcap shown in FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows an bottom view of the endcap shown in FIG. 9.

[0042] FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment, specifically an alternate embodiment of the sectional detail view in FIG. 7.

[0043] FIG. 13 shows view from below, of a chamber of the invention, which shows details of an alternate embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The chambers and endcaps of the present invention may be fabricated by one of many well known methods, such as of polypropylene by way of injection molding techniques. Thus, during molding, the plastic is configured to form a chamber having outwardly directed hollow crests or corrugations. The wall thickness of the chamber may be uniform throughout or varied to achieve structural reinforcement in specific areas.

[0045] Referring now to the figures, a preferred embodiment of a chamber 10 of the present invention is shown and described. Considered on its own, the chamber 10 comprises a monolithic plastic structure elongated upon a straight axis between an open inlet end or extremity 22 and an open outlet end or extremity 24. Each chamber 10 is comprised of a wall 14 having an arch-shape cross section and defining an open bottom 15. Wall 14 has a multiplicity of alternating crests 16 and valleys 17 running along the arch shape in planes orthogonal to the straight axis, thereby causing the wall 14 to have a corrugated appearance.

[0046] In a typical installation, a multitude of the chambers of the present invention are joined end-wise to form long rows. A multitude of such rows may be in side-by-side juxtaposition (configuration not shown), resting upon a crushed rock substrate. A feeder conduit (not shown) may deliver the water to the drainage field, and smaller transfer conduits may convey the water to the upstream or inlet extremity of the first chamber in the row, said first inlet extremity being closed by an endcap having an opening to receive the conduit.

[0047] The assemblage of said rows of chambers is then covered with crushed rock or coarse gravel to the top of the chambers, covered with filter fabric of specified characteristics, and with soil to the surface or to a stone sub-base for a paved surface to complete the leaching field installation.The Configuration of a Row of Chambers

[0048] FIG. 1 shows how a series of chambers may be connected to each other in use specifically, in this example, with three identical chambers 10, 10′ and 10″ attached end-to-end with each other in a row 11. Each chamber has an upstream entrance end 22, and a downstream exit end 24. Additional structures may be attached to the three chambers, as will be described herein. For example, a first endcap 12 may be attached to entrance end 22 of the row. The endcap 12 will be described in more detail below, and how it is designed to close off the entrance opening. Through the use of cut-outs, it may be used to provide a cylindrical access point for a manifold distribution pipe (not shown in the drawings). Other endcaps may be subsequently added.

[0049] Referencing to FIG. 1, the endcap 12 and the first chamber 10 are connected to each other at a location identified by numeral 30. The first chamber 10 and the second chamber 10′ are connected to each other at a location identified by numeral 32. The second chamber 10′ and the third chamber 10″ are connected to each other at a location identified by numeral 34. The third chamber 10″ terminates at a location identified by numeral 36. At this location, an endcap (not shown) may be attached to close off the row 11 or, alternatively, a further chamber (not shown) may be attached to extend the length of the row 11.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the assembly of chambers in row 11 shown in FIG. 1. Also seen in this view is a second endcap 12′ which is configured to be inserted, using novel and advantageous structures detailed below, between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 10′. The additional endcap 12′ may be configured to have a planar wall 60 defining circular apertures 62, 64 located a certain distance above a surface level, and to function as a weir or baffle to control the flow of water inside the row 11 of chambers. Further details of the endcaps 12 and 12′ are shown below and described with reference to FIGS. 9-11.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the assembly of chambers and endcaps in row 11 shown in FIG. 1. This view shows additional details in the location of the first endcap 12 and the second endcap 12′ in relation to the three chambers 10, 10′ and 10″.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a perspective view seen from above the exit extremity of the row 11 of chambers. FIG. 4 does not show an endcap at the exit extremity of the row 11 for purposes of clarity. However, these views are schematic to the extent that an additional endcap could be attached to the third chamber in the manner shown in detail in FIG. 6. Alternatively, a fourth, or fifth chamber could be attached in the manner shown in detail in FIG. 7, followed by an additional endcap, depending on the desired configuration.

[0053] In a further aspect, the invention includes the specific shape of the endcaps 12, which are configured to meet the requirements of the invention. These endcaps and their shapes are described more fully below in reference to FIGS. 9-11.

[0054] Turning now to the detailed structures and assembly of components of a row 11 of chambers 10 with endcaps 12 having embodiments of the invention which provide it with advantages over the prior art. The specific advantages that are present in the configuration of the invention shown in FIGS. 5-8 is that this configuration allows the caps and chambers to be assembled and laid down on a soil surface without at any point having to lift a chamber in order to install a following chamber or an endcap.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view of a connection between the endcap 12 and the first chamber 10, the location of the connection being identified by numeral 30 in FIGS. 1 and 2. This connection is achieved by simply placing the endcap 12 on a generally flat surface (typically, the ground), so that protrusion 18 extends upwardly. A manifold if inlet pipes (not shown) may be connected to the endcap 12. Then, chamber 10 is lifted preferably by crane above the drainage field and placed so that entrance crest 40 of the chamber 10 is dropped onto the endcap so as to cover the protrusion 18. (As used herein, the word “cover” is intended to mean that, a side elevational view of the respective elements placed on a surface will show a first element “covering” a second element when the first element is above the second element.) Thus, in a single movement, the chamber 10 may be installed with a mating connection to the endcap 12.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the entrance crest 40 of the chamber 10 defines a stub 42 which is attached to an interior surface of the entrance crest 40, and extends downwardly through an aperture 44 that is formed in the protrusion 18. The purpose of the stub 42 and the aperture 44 will become apparent in the explanation for its presence in relation to FIG. 6 and FIG. 12.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a connection between the first chamber 10 to the second chamber 10′ at the location marked by numeral 32. As described above, an embodiment of the invention is to accommodate, on the interior of the row of chambers, an additional or second endcap 12′ with the purpose of providing an internal baffle to slow down and divert the flow of water internal to the row of chambers 11 by providing an internal weir. The endcap 12′ has score lines which identify openings 62, 64 (seen in FIG. 9) which may be cut out and removed. Here, endcap 12′ is provided for positioning and attaching at the location in the row 11 identified by numeral 32 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In order to accomplish this attachment, cap 12′ with openings 62, 64 cut out is placed on a surface adjacent the exit crest 50 of the first chamber 10, and turned to face in an opposite direction to that of cap 12 (which has already been connected to the entrance end of the chamber as described in relation to FIG. 5). The protrusion 18′ of second endcap 12′ is placed directly in position to cover the exit crest 50 of the chamber 10, thus forming a connection between the second cap 12′ and the first chamber 10. During this covering placement of the endcap 12′ no lifting is needed for the first chamber 10. Thereafter, a second chamber 10′ is provided and placed directly in position so that the entrance crest 40′ of the second chamber 10′ is placed to cover the protrusion 18′ of the second cap 12′. Again, no lifting of any element already placed is needed to install and connect the second chamber as shown. Thus, a triple layer, as shown in FIG. 6, is formed by (a) the entrance crest 40′, top layer, (b) the protrusion 18′, middle layer, and (c) the exit crest 50, bottom layer—effectively attaching the second chamber 10′ to the first chamber 10 and at the same time attaching the second cap 12′ at the joint location 32 to both the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 10′. It will be appreciated that, at no stage in the formation of this arrangement is it necessary to lift one element that had already been placed, in order to install a subsequent element. Each layer can be placed in location from above without moving another element previously placed.

[0058] In this triple layer connection of FIG. 6, the entrance crest 40′ of the second chamber 10′ may include a stub 42′, configured to pass through an aperture 44′ which is formed in the protrusion 18′ of the second cap 12′. In this case, the lowest point of the stub 42′ may form a bearing surface to rest upon an external surface of the exit crest 50 of the first chamber 10.

[0059] The stub 42′ may secure the chamber 10′ from sliding in relation to the cap 12′ and also may allow the weight of the entrance crest 40′ to bear down, via the stub 42′ and through the aperture 44′ onto an external surface of the exit crest 50 of the first chamber.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows how, moving on to the next joint location at numeral 34 (FIG. 1), the third chamber 10″ may be connected to the second chamber 10′—in this case without the use of another cap for an internal weir at that location. In this case, a third chamber 10″ may be provided and lifted by crane and the entrance crest 40″ of the third chamber 10″ may be placed to cover the exit crest 50′ of the second chamber 10′ to form a connection between the second chamber 10′ and the third chamber”. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that where a connection between the second chamber 10′ and the third chamber 10″ is to be formed without the inclusion of an endcap 12′ (it is included in FIG. 6), an extra space may arise in the connection between connected chambers 10′ and 10″. Such an extra space, if not designed for, may give rise to a kink or instability in the connection between the chambers 10′ and 10″. However, as may be understood with reference to FIG. 7, a stable gap, as indicated by the letter “S,” may be formed between the exit crest 50′ of the second chamber 10′, and the entrance crest 40″ of the third chamber 10″ through the operation of the stub 42″, extending as it does from the internal surface of the entrance crest 40″ and bearing down onto the external surface of the exit crest 50′ of the second chamber 10′. This space “S” is configured, via the length of stub 42″ to be precisely sized so that, if a protrusion of another cap were to be inserted into the space “S” (such as in FIG. 6) it would snugly occupy that space. However, where the installer decides that an additional cap is not required on the interior of the row 11 of chambers at this location, the space “S” is formed. This advantageous feature keeps the space “S” constant, and prevents misalignment between the second chamber 10′ and the third chamber 10″.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment of the chambers including chambers 10, 10′ and 10″, the view in FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the alternative embodiment taken at the same location numeral 34, but with chambers 13′ and 13″ in which entrance crest 41′ is shown covering exit crest 51′ to form a mating connection between the two chambers 13′ and 13″. To be clear, this embodiment may replace all the chambers described in the previous embodiment. Here, as in the previous embodiment, the gap “S” is also present between the two chambers. In this embodiment, the problems solved by the previous embodiment are also solved, but with an improvement in that the outer surface of the exit crest 51′ defines a depression 45′ that may act as a detent in cooperation with a stub 43″ that extends downwardly from an interior surface of the entrance crest 41″ of chamber 13″. The stub 43″ is configured to extend downward through the space “S” and into the depression 45′ where it bears on the floor of the depression. The depression 45′ has shoulders 47′ which prevent the stub 43″ from moving backward or forward along the axis A-A of the chamber (see FIG. 13). It also prevents the stub from moving left or right across the axis A-A of the chamber. Further, the floor of the depression prevents the stub from moving downward. Thus, of all six degrees of translational freedom, the interaction between the stub 43″ and the depression 45′ acts as a detent to prevent five degrees of freedom of movement of the stub 43″ in relation to the depression 45′, namely, it prevents, (a) backward and forward movement along axis A-A, (b) left and right movement across the axis A-A and (c) downward movement. The potential upward movement of the stub 43″ in relation to the depression remains to permit disassembly of the connected chambers from each other. All other movement is prevented, thereby providing a tight and stable fit of this connection under gravity load.

[0062] Further aspects of this feature of the invention may be understood with reference to FIG. 13, which shows a bottom view of a left portion of a chamber having an entrance crest 41″ and also a right portion of another chamber having an exit crest 51′. Both the left portion and the right portion are possessed by a single chamber, although they are shown in two separate portions because the left portion will be connected to the right portion of a different chamber having the same configuration. The chamber has a longitudinal axis of symmetry A-A which allows visualization of the entire chamber, although a lower portion is not shown to allow a larger scale in the figure for clarity. In FIG. 13 it is shown that a stub 43″ may take the form of an elongate blade of circumferential length “L′”, and that there may be a plurality of such blade-like stubs 43″. Also shown in the inner surface of the exit crest 51′ are a plurality of depressions 45′, each having a circumferential length “L” and being positioned to mate and cooperate with a corresponding stub 43″ on another chamber of the same shape. It will be appreciated that the distribution of the stubs and depressions are distributed around the circumferential arch of each crest (exit and entrance) so that the detent effect is enhanced with ring compression provided by the curved arch when a connection is made. The length “L” of each depression 45′ may be sufficient to subtend an angle of about 5-10 degrees at the center and base of the arch. The length “L′” each stub 43″ may be selected to snugly fit within each corresponding depression.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows the exit end 24 of the third chamber 10″ and exemplifies how the exit crest 50″ is positioned to potentially be connected either (a) to a fourth chamber (not shown) as in FIG. 7, thus providing for an extended row 11; or (b) to an endcap (not shown) sealing off flow out of the third chamber 10″ and aligned much as the second endcap 12′ which is shown in FIG. 6; or (c) both a further endcap (not shown) and a further chamber (not shown) as is shown in FIG. 6.

[0064] As will be appreciated, in each of these connections in which an additional element is added, the same may be accomplished without having to lift an earlier placed element to slide the additional element underneath an adjacent element. This is an advantageous feature over the prior art. Rather, a constant sequence of additional elements may be placed without any previous element being lifted.EndcapFIG. 9 shows a perspective view from the rear and above of an endcap that is included in the invention. The first endcap 12 and the second endcap 12′ are manufactured from the same mold and are sold as the same product. However, the common endcaps have scoring lines cast into their surfaces, allowing an assembler to cut out portions of the cap using a sharp blade. Thus, a cap of a single original same form may also be used as an internal weir or baffle, and may be converted into the same by cutting out circles 62, 64 using scoring lines occupying the same configuration as the circles. The same cap may be converted instead to be part of a manifold with holes cut into the back 20.

[0066] As explained above, the endcap 12, 12′ is configured to be able to be seal off the flow of water and the end of the row of chambers. For this purpose, it has a bulbous back end 20 configured to hold back water introduced in the chamber. Score lines allow the cutting of an outlet as desired where sealing off water flow is not its elected purpose.

[0067] At the opposite end to the bulbous back end, is an open end, best seen in FIG. 10. Surrounding an upper perimeter of the open end is a protrusion 18 that is configured to mate with the entrance crest 40, 40′ of a chamber (connection being at external surface to the protrusion), and also with the exit crest 50, 50′ of a chamber (connection being at internal surface to the protrusion) when the chamber and the cap are placed on a common level surface, as described above.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 9-11 we turn now to the description of further specific novel and advantageous geometry of the second endcap 12′, which is shaped to possess planar walls 60 that are oriented in a plane that is (a) vertical, and (2) facing in a direction “P” which is at right angles to the axial line of symmetry of the cap 12 identified as “F” in FIG. 11. On these walls 60 a plurality of holes or apertures, 62, 64 are cut (along scoring lines) to provide a baffle or weir effect as water flows along the row 11 of chambers 10, 10′, 10″. Water that flows into the first chamber 10 will fill up behind the second cap 12′ until the water flows out of openings 62, 64. This geometry forces the water to change direction of flow from being along the axis “F” of the chamber rows, to being perpendicular to that direction. This results in a baffle effect which has the beneficial outcome of reducing the energy in the water by a hydraulic jump that would otherwise tend to result and would scour the bottom soil surface of the row 11 of chambers.

[0069] An additional feature of the endcap 12 as shown in FIGS. 9-11 is a rip-rap sheet which is positioned beneath the apertures 62, 64 from which water will be discharged when water is flowing in the row 11 of chambers. The rip-rap sheet is configured to create turbulence in flowing water that passes across its surface. To this end, upwardly extending blades 70 are molded into the structure of cap 12, and positioned just beneath the apertures 62, 64 to interfere with the flow of water as it exits therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the height of each blade is between 3 inches and 5 inches, while the width of each blade is between 3 inches and 5 inches.Sequence of Installation

[0070] As will be apparent from FIGS. 5-8, a row of chambers may be laid out in the following sequence. With reference to FIG. 5, an endcap 12 may be laid out on a surface. (Although not shown in the figures, a manifold of pipes may be attached to the back of the endcap 12.) Then, a first chamber 10 may be connected to the endcap 12, in which connection the entrance crest 40 will cover the protrusion of the endcap 12. Because of this covering arrangement, the end cap need not be moved from its position on the ground when the connection is formed.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows that the next connection may be formed without lifting or moving the already laid chamber 10. A second endcap 12′ may electively be attached to the exit crest 50 of chamber 10, without moving or lifting chamber 10—because the protrusion 18′ covers the exit crest 50. (In this case, the orientation of the second endcap 12′ is reversed from that of the first endcap 12.) After that, a further chamber 10′ may be connected to the endcap 12′ without moving or lifting any of chamber 10 or endcap 12′.

[0072] If it is elected not to install an internal endcap 12′, then the nature of the connection would follow FIG. 7 (or FIG. 12 if the alternative embodiment is used), where a connection between two chambers alone is shown. Here, chamber 10′ is shown, already laid in place. Chamber 10″ is provided and attached to chamber 10′ by way of placing the entrance crest 40″ to cover the exit crest 50′. Again, no movement or lifting of previously laid chamber 10′ is required in this sequence.

[0073] FIG. 8 is shown without any connection yet made to the exit crest 50″ of chamber 10″. However, the exit crest may receive either and endcap alone, as described in the process shown with reference to FIG. 6; alternatively, the exit crest may receive another chamber as described with reference to FIG. 7; alternatively, it may receive an endcap plus another chamber, as described with reference to FIG. 6. None of these connections require that an element already laid down will require to be moved or lifted to form a connection with the next element. This absence of required lifting and movement is an advantage of the instant novel invention where scores of connections may be required in a drainage field with multiple rows 11.

[0074] Thus there is described a configuration of chambers and caps that address the identified, and other problems, in the prior art. While particular examples of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broadest aspects. The aim of the appended claims, therefore, is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stormwater management system, comprising:a chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and having:a body having an entrance end and an exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the body;an entrance crest, positioned at the entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface;an exit crest, positioned at the exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface;wherein the entrance crest is configured to matingly cover an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber, in an end-to-end connection;a cap having:a bulbous back end and an open front end, the bulbous back end being configured to obstruct the flow of water, and the open front end defining a protrusion that is hollow and extending around a perimeter of the open front end, wherein the protrusion is configured such that,when the cap is in a first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned outside the body of the chamber, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest of the chamber to form a connection of a first type between the cap and the chamber, and further wherein,when the cap is in a second orientation, opposite the first orientation such that the bulbous back end is positioned inside the body of the chamber, the protrusion will be matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of a second type between the cap and the chamber.

2. The stormwater management system of claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the cap and the entrance crest of the chamber are configured such that, when the protrusion is matingly covered by the entrance crest to form a connection of the second type, then the protrusion is further shaped so as to matingly receive and to cover an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber.

3. The stormwater management system of claim 1, wherein:the entrance crest defines at least one stub having a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the stub being attached to an inside surface of the entrance crest; and whereinthe protrusion defines at least one aperture sized to allow the at least one stub to pass therethrough; andthe bottom end of the at least one stub is configured to pass through the at least one aperture when the cap forms a connection of the second type to the chamber, and further wherein the at least one stub is configured to rest upon an external surface of an exit crest of another structure having the same shape as the chamber, when the other structure is connected to the open front end of the cap.

4. The stormwater management system of claim 3, wherein:the external surface of the exit crest defines at least one depression which is configured to receive within it a stub on another structure having the same shape as the chamber.

5. The stormwater management system of claim 4, wherein the at least one depression is configured to prevent movement of the at least one stub on another structure having the same shape as the chamber in any direction except upwards.

6. A method of assembling a stormwater management system, comprising:providing a first chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and which comprises,a first body having a first entrance end and a first exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the first body;a first entrance crest, positioned at the first entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface;a first exit crest, positioned at the first exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface;providing a cap having a bulbous back end and an open front end, and defining a protrusion at the open front end,connecting the cap to the first chamber by positioning the protrusion to cover the first exit crest, wherein the bulbous back end is positioned outside of the first body;providing a second chamber being arch-shaped with an open bottom and which comprises,a second body having a second entrance end and a second exit end, and that has a plurality of crests that are upstanding and hollow and positioned along a length of the second body;a second entrance crest, positioned at the second entrance end and having an external surface and an internal surface;a second exit crest, positioned at the second exit end and having an external surface and an internal surface;connecting the second chamber to the cap by positioning the second entrance crest to cover the protrusion, so that the bulbous back end of the cap is positioned outside the first body and inside the second body.

7. The method of 6, wherein positioning the second entrance crest to cover the protrusion includes passing at least one stub that is formed on the internal surface of the second entrance crest through an aperture formed in the protrusion.

8. The method of claim 7, further including, inserting a bottom end of the at least one stub into a depression formed on the external surface of the first exit crest.

9. An endcap for use as a baffle inside a row of water management chambers, the endcap having an axis of symmetry, the endcap comprising;at least one planar wall that is oriented in a plane that is vertical and facing in a direction which is at right angles to the axis of symmetry of the cap;at least one aperture that is formed in the planar wall for admitting water to flow therethrough.

10. The endcap of claim 9, further comprising a structure that is integral with the endcap, and including at least one upwardly extending blade positioned to induce turbulence in the flow of water as water flows from the at least one aperture.

11. The endcap of claim 10, wherein the at least one upwardly extending blade is 3 inches to 5 inches in height, and is 3 inches to 5 inches in width.

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