Connector with elongate members interwoven into engagement with a mesh grid

Abstract

A connector for coupling a mesh grid to geomembrane overlying a ground surface with a mound of a polymeric material deposited and extending upwardly from a surface of a geomembrane, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane; and an elongated member for encasing a portion thereof within the mound prior to curing, and a distal end portion extending therefrom for interweaving with a least one aperture of the mesh grid, whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound couples the mesh grid to the geomembrane. A method of attaching an article to a geomembrane is disclosed.

Description

CONNECTOR WITH ELONGATE MEMBERS INTERWOVEN INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH A MESH GRIDTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to connectors and methods for attaching mesh grids together or attaching a mesh grid to a geomembrane ground cover.Background Of The Invention

[0002] Geomembrane ground cover sheets overlie large area land sites such as waste lay-down sites including both short-term or long-term closure covers for landfills. The geomembrane sheets are provided as elongated rolls of a plastic impermeable material, which are installed by unrolling on land sites for covering the ground surface. Side edges of adjacent installed sheets are welded together to seal a seam from water flow therebetween into the ground. Often the geomembranes include an upper layer of a tufted geosynthetic to provide a surface of simulated grass blades of tufts of plastic yarns.

[0003] The impermeable geomembrane sheets prevent infiltration of ambient environmental water, typically from rain fall or melting snow, into the ground below the geomembrane covering. Inflow of ambient environmental water below grade may lead to leaching of contaminates into water tables below grade or into streams and ponds. The geomembrane thus restricts water table water from becoming contaminated by flow into and through the waste material at the covered site. Rather, the water flows across the upper surface of the geomembrane to lower flow channels or culverts for directing the water into collection basins or4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024water treatment ponds for treatment before discharge such as water supply systems or to streams, rivers, or lakes. For example, PCT / US21 / 53097 discloses a cover system for overlying ground sites that preferably restrict inflow of ambient environmental water such as from rain, snow, and other precipitation below the ground surface.

[0004] Environmentally restricted cover systems overlay large acreage land sites with elongated geomembrane sheets placed in side-by-side relation. Adjacent edge sides of the geomembrane sheets weldingly join as a water impermeable barrier. The geomembrane however is exposed to shear forces, primarily from wind but also from high velocity water flow. The shear forces cause uplift of the geomembrane and the geomembrane moves with rolling wavelike motion. The geomembrane also experiences movement due to expansion and contraction by heating from the sun during daylight and cooling from rain and overnight darkness. Such movements cause displacement and wear of the geomembrane that may lead to covering failure.

[0005] It is useful also at such landfill sites to install wind disturbance devices over the geomembranes that cover the surface. The wind disturbance devices create turbulent air flow proximate and above the geomembrane, whereby the geomembrane resists wind uplift from wind shear forces of laminar wind flow proximate the geomembrane. One such wind disturbance device is an elongated mesh grid. Mesh grids comprise interconnected longitudinal and transvers strands that define a plurality of apertures. While generally light-weight per unit area, the mesh grid induces turbulent flow as to wind flow over a large land site having an installed mesh grid covering. The geomembrane experiencing reduced shear from the degraded wind flow resists wind uplift that causes geomembrane movement relative to the covered ground.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

[0006] However, there are difficulties in installation of wind disturbance devices to and across geomembranes. Adjacent elongated sheets of mesh grids preferably connect together such as heat bonding adjacent overlapping edge portions. The elongated mesh grids overlie the geomembrane, and cooperatively resist wind uplift both of the mesh grid and the underlying geomembrane. It is not practical to use ground penetrating spikes for fixing the mesh grid to the ground. Landfill site operators are reticent to allow penetrations of geomembranes. Environmental regulations restrict penetration devices. Penetrations form potential leak paths for flow of ambient environmental water through the geomembrane into the ground below the cover. Thermal-induced movement of the ground covering geomembrane can result in openings, tears or rips at cover penetrations. Any such necessary penetration requires monitoring and periodic inspection and maintenance to reseal the penetration and to close the tear or rip openings. Geomembrane movement induced by temperature changes from heating by ambient lighting of the sun and cooling after sundown Ballast devices may similarly lead to rips or open tears in geomembrane.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a connector that engagingly attaches mesh grids to geomembranes overlying a ground surface. It is to such that the present invention is directed.Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0008] The present invention meets the need in the industry by providing a connector for attaching a mesh grid to a geomembrane, comprising a polymeric material for depositing as a mound on a surface of a geomembrane for extending upwardly therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane and an elongated member for seating a portion in the mound of the polymeric material prior to curing to the rigid state, with at least one distal portion of the elongated member extending radially therefrom. A wind disturbance sheet for coupling with the elongated member by engaging the distal portion of the elongated member, whereby the wind disturbance sheet couples with the geomembrane.

[0009] In a preferred aspect, the wind disturbance sheet comprises a mesh having interconnected elongated longitudinal and transverse strands that define a plurality of apertures, whereby the respective opposing distal portions of the elongated member are interwoven through a respective aperture of the mesh grid for coupling the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of coupling a mesh grid to a geomembrane ground cover, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a mound of a polymeric material onto a surface of a geomembrane overlying a ground surface, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing thereof and a rigid state upon curing and said polymeric material having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane; and(b) pressing an elongated member into the mound of the polymeric material on the geomembrane prior to curing, whereby the mound of the polymeric material encases a portion of the elongated member therein and a distal portion extends therefrom,whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound anchors the elongated member attachingly to the geomembrane; and(c) interweaving the distal portion of the elongated member through at least one aperture of a mesh grid, said mesh grid having interconnected elongated longitudinal and transverse strands that define a plurality of apertures,4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024whereby the connector couples the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

[0011] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates in exploded perspective view a connector in accordance with the present invention for attaching a grid mesh to a geomembrane.

[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates in perspective view the connector illustrated in Fig. 1 attached to the geomembrane for coupling a mesh grid to a geomembrane.

[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view a mesh grid for engaging the connector for coupling to the geomembrane.

[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective view the connector engaged to the mesh grid for coupling to the geomembrane.

[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates in perspective view the connector coupling the mesh grid to the geomembrane

[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of the connector for coupling a mesh grid to a geomembrane.Detailed Description

[0018] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like identifiers, Fig. 1 illustrates in exploded perspective view a connector 25 in accordance with the present invention4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024for attaching to a geomembrane 28 disposed as an elongated sheet to cover a land site 30. The connector 25 comprises a deposit of a polymeric material as a mound 32 onto a surface of the geomembrane 28. The polymeric material has a flowable state for being deposited, such as an extrusion, and a rigid state upon curing. The polymeric material extrudes from a supply and deposits as the mound 32 to extend upwardly from the surface of the geomembrane 28. A portion 34 of the polymeric material in the mound 32 contacts and attaches to the geomembrane 28. The polymeric material has a bonding affinity for the geomembrane 28. During the cure of the deposited polymeric material of the mound 32 from the flowable state to the rigid state, the mound receives a portion of an elongated member 40.

[0019] In reference to Fig. 2, the portion of the elongated member 40 that seats into the mound 32 in the illustrative embodiment is a medical portion generally 44 whereby opposing distal end portions 46, 48 extend radially therefrom. In an alternate embodiment, the portion that embeds in the mound 32 is a distal end of the elongated member 40 with the opposing distal end extending freely therefrom. The portion 44 embeds within the mound 32, and upon curing of the polymeric material, the connector 25 comprises the elongated member 40 secured to the mound 32 comprises the connector 25. The elongated member 40 comprises a wire or polymeric member suitable for twisting engagement.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3, the connector 25 engages a mesh grid 50. The mesh grid 50 has longitudinal strands 52 and transverse strands 54 interconnected or joined at intersections 56 and defines a plurality of apertures 58. The mesh grid 50 typically is provided as an elongated roll for unrolling installation over the geomembrane 28 covering the land site 30. The connector 25 of the present invention couples the mesh grid 50 to the geomembrane 25, as discussed below.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

[0021] The extending distal end portions 46, 48 of the elongate member 40 flexibly bend for interweaving through a respective one (or more) of the apertures 58 of the mesh grid 50. The interweaving of the distal end portions 46, 48 to the mesh grid 50 couples the mesh grid to the connector 25. The mesh grid 50 overlies the geomembrane 28 with adjacent contacting surfaces, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0022] In one aspect, the installation method involves depositing one or more mounds 32 in laterally spaced relation onto the geomembrane 28 just prior to placement of a leading portion of the roll of mesh grid 50 during the longitudinal unrolling of the mesh grid over the geomembrane. The mound 32 is extruded onto the geomembrane 28 and the elongated member 40 seated in the mound. The distal ends 46, 48 are bent and inserted through respective aperture 57 as the roll of mesh grid 50 is further unrolled to overlie the geomembrane 28. As shown in Fig. 5, the extending distal ends 46, 48 twist together 60 connectingly and thereby couple the mesh grid 50 to the connector 25 and thus couple the mesh grid 50 to the geomembrane 28. During the handling of the mesh grid installation, portions of the uncured polymeric material may flow through the apertures 58 proximate the mound 32 onto an upper surface of the mesh grid 50. Alternatively, the footsteps of installation personnel may press the mesh grid 50 into the mound 32 whereby portions of the polymeric material flow onto the upper surface. This further engages the mesh grid 50 to the connector 25. Upon curing, the polymeric material anchors the mound 32 to the geomembrane 24 and engagingly secures to the mesh grid 50. The connector 25 thereby couples the mesh grid 50 to the geomembrane 28 securely. A plurality of the connectors 25 may be placed in lateral spaced-relation across the width of the geomembrane 28 as the mesh grid 50 is unrolled longitudinally over the geomembrane during installation.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

[0023] In an alternate installation method, the mesh grid 50 installs unrolling longitudinally over the geomembrane 28. Installation personnel then install the connector 25 at selected locations. A supply of the polymeric material connects to a nozzle dispenser for depositing the mound 32 onto the geomembrane 28. The nozzle extends through a respective aperture 58, or alternatively, the stands 54 between several adjacent apertures 58 are slit to provide a working opening for deposit of the mound 32, seating of the elongated member 40, and interweaving of the extending distal ends 46, 48.

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment having a second elongated member 40a overlying the first elongated member 40. The second elongated member 40a is oriented on a line at least oblique to a line defined by the first elongated member 40, or as illustrated, the second elongated member 40a is oriented perpendicular to the line defined by the first elongated member 40.

[0025] The foregoing describes various illustrative embodiments of a connector for attaching a mesh grid to a geomembrane, with a polymeric material deposited in a mound and receiving an elongated member for securing therein with a free distal extent, the polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane. The elongated distal portion of the elongated member interweaves in apertures of a mesh grid received overlying the geomembrane.

[0026] The polymeric material is thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene material, available in a range of forms in high, medium, and low density grades, and preferably a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

[0027] The foregoing discloses connector apparatus and method for attaching an article to a geomembrane overlying a surface. Changes and modifications will be readily apparent by persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the various embodiment presented in the disclosure.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector for attaching a mesh grid to a geomembrane, comprising:a polymeric material for depositing as a mound on a surface of a geomembrane for extending upwardly therefrom, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing onto the geomembrane and a rigid state upon curing and having a bonding affinity for anchoring to the geomembrane;an elongated member for seating a portion in the mound of the polymeric material prior to curing to the rigid state, with at least one distal portion of the elongated member extending radially therefrom; anda wind disturbance sheet for coupling with the elongated member by engaging the distal portion of the elongated member.

2. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

3. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the portion of the elongated member seating in the mound is a medial portion, whereby opposing distal portions extend therefrom.

4. The connector as recited in claim 3, wherein the wind disturbance device comprises a mesh grid having interconnected elongated longitudinal and transverse strands that define a plurality of apertures, whereby the respective opposing distal portions of the elongated member4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024are interwoven through a respective aperture of the mesh grid for coupling the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

5. The connector as recited in claim 4, wherein the opposing distal portions of the elongated member couple by being twisted together for securing the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

6. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the wind disturbance device comprises a mesh grid having interconnected elongated longitudinal and transverse strands that define a plurality of apertures, whereby the extending portion of the elongated member is interwoven to at least one aperture of the mesh grid for coupling the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

7. The connector as recited in claim 6, wherein the portion of the elongated member seating in the mound is a medial portion, whereby opposing distal portions extend therefrom for interweaving with a respective aperture and couple by twisting together to couple the mesh grid to the geomembrane8. The connector as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second elongated member for seating a portion in the mound overlying the first elongated member wherein a distal portion of the second elongated member extends radially therefrom.

9. The connector as recited in claim 8, wherein the second elongated member is seated on a line at an oblique angle relative to a line defined by the first elongated member.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 202410. The connector as recited in claim 8, wherein the second elongated member is seated on a line at perpendicular angle relative to a line defined by the first elongated member.

11. The connector as recited in claim 8, wherein a medial portion of the second elongated member seats in the mound, whereby opposing distal portions of the second elongated member extend radially therefrom.

12. The connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the second elongated member is seated on a line at an oblique angle relative to a line defined by the first elongated member.

13. The connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the second elongated member is seated on a line at perpendicular angle relative to a line defined by the first elongated member.

14. The connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the distal portion of the second elongated member is interwoven with a respective one of the apertures for coupling the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

15. A method of coupling a mesh grid to a geomembrane ground cover, comprising the steps of:(a) depositing a mound of a polymeric material onto a surface of a geomembrane overlying a ground surface, said polymeric material having a flowable state for depositing thereof and a rigid state upon curing and said polymeric material having a bonding affinity for the geomembrane; and4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024(b) pressing an elongated member into the mound of the polymeric material on the geomembrane prior to curing, whereby the mound of the polymeric material encases a portion of the elongated member therein and a distal portion extends therefrom,whereupon curing of the polymeric material in the mound anchors the elongated member attachingly to the geomembrane; and(c) interweaving the distal portion of the elongated member through at least one aperture of a mesh grid, said mesh grid having interconnected elongated longitudinal and transverse strands that define a plurality of apertures,whereby the connector couples the mesh grid to the geomembrane.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the polymeric material is a high-density polyethylene thermoplastic.

17. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising the step of pressing the mesh grid into the mound whereby a portion of the polymeric material extends through one or more of the plurality of apertures to engage the mesh grid to the mound.4865-2870-2635vl2171320-00017309 / 10 / 2024

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