AU2004100306A4 - Improvements In and Relating to Drainage Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

A, 3 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Technical Field The present invention is directed to improvements in and relating to drainage systems.

In particular, the invention relates to aspects of the manufacture and operation of an improved drainage system utilising flexible fluming incorporating features to address problems currently evident with available fixed fluming or alternative flexible fluming drainage systems.

It is envisaged the flexible fluming will be used wherever drainage issues, or the need to divert fluids away from specific sites is required. However, it should be appreciated that this invention may have applications outside this field.

Background Art Drains are pipes, channels and so forth designed to transport fluids, including water, melting snow, sewage, wastes runoff, other liquids away from a site. Fluming is one form of drain. Manufactured or excavated fluming typically is a long, narrow, trough or artificial channel for conveying fluid and matter from one site to another.

Irrigation fluming is used to direct water from a watercourse along a water race to a point where the water is available to crops, stock and so forth. Drainage fluming typically is used to direct and control the flow of water through bypassing or diverting water to different end points. Surface irrigation and/or water transfer are important considerations in agriculture/horticulture, construction industries and so forth.

Fluming may comprise solid structures of materials such as metal, plastic, concrete, brick or wood. These may be substantially cylindrical and so forth, like pipes; or may be semicircular in configuration. They are typically constructed on site and may also include support structures to retain the fluming in the desired arrangement.

Alternatively, flexible fluming is often manufactured from woven, laminated fabrics, such as canvas which may be PVC coated, or be woven polyethylene industrial textile as a result in advances in fabrication solutions. The fabric is used to produce open-ended tubes that expand when conveying water and collapse flat when empty. These layflat forms have advantages for installation.

There are advantages to such flexible fluming in that significant lengths of fluming may be manufactured cost effectively, do not require the structural components of solid fluming and kilometres of fluming can be carried in the back of a truck in rolls, be transported to any location and be readily fed out over the desired distance where the drainage (or irrigation) system is required.

Flexible fluming has further advantages over fixed drains or fixed fluming in that it is able to be used temporarily as required and rolled up after use and stored. Further, flexible fluming can be used in locations where fixed drains/fluming would not be possible, or would be difficult to achieve; for transferring water by pump from a channel or a river to a dam; for conveying water to specific locations and across access ways that must not become water logged; for transferring drinking water; for flood or row-crop irrigation.

Further, with improved fabrics, woven layflat fluming has been shown to be capable of attaining water pressures well beyond conventional unsupported layflat fluming.

Advances in manufacture also enable the flexible fluming to be manufactured to any length. However, standard lengths may be from 25 metres (or less), to 200 metres (or more) and have diameters as required to provide the consumer with a choice depending on the desired application. The materials from which the flexible fluming are manufactured may be high strength, reinforced and yet remain flexible to make the flexible fluming readily adapted to traverse most terrains.

However, there are identifiable problems associated with flexible fluming. These include the ability to retain the flexible fluming in a preferred orientation, thereby minimising the likelihood and effects of redirection of channeled liquids as a result of inadvertent repositioning of the flexible fluming. Such repositioning may be the result of stock movement, traffic across the flexible tubing (both vehicular and foot traffic), strong winds in exposed sites, and so forth.

While the present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications, it is in relation to problems associated with existing flexible fluming drainage systems that the present invention was developed. More specifically, it was with the problems at least associated with the lack of suitable anchor points, the limited number of anchor points, the strength of the flexible fluming at the anchor points, the ease of anchoring the flexible fluming and the ease of attaching it to existing fixed drainage systems, as offered in readily available systems, that the present invention was developed.

It would be useful therefore be useful to have a simple flexible drainage system for use in conveying or diverting fluids for irrigation, for addressing storm water runoff, for diverting water flows on construction sites and for flood control and so forth that: a) Could have the benefits of being easily attached to a drain, culvert and so forth as required; yet b) Could be oriented to whatever direction flow of the conveyed fluid was desired; and c) Could be easily maintained in position requiring minimum time and physical requirements on the part of the user; and d) Offered a durable and easy alternative to existing solid, fixed or flexible fluming systems.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some if not all of the advantages of the above proposed system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems.

Ideally the present invention will also provide a drainage system which allows for the substantially trouble free redirection or conveying of fluids.

Ideally the cam system is suitable for use or is suitable to being adapted for use in situations where fixed fluming or drains and currently used and in situations where fixed fluming is not a viable option because of terrain, ground stability, crops and so forth.

It is therefore a further object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible drainage system for conveying fluid therewithin to a preferred location, said drainage system including a substantially tubular elongate body, the body being adapted at at least one of its distal ends to engage in series with at least one other drainage system, the body being positioned on or relative to a surface over which the fluid is to be conveyed and being substantially flexible to accommodate contours of the surface and to operate between a substantially expanded configuration when conveying fluid to a substantially collapsed configuration when little or no fluid is being conveyed thereby, the drainage system characterised by the body including a lower surface and including on at least a portion of which at least one cleat, said cleat including apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a flexible drainage system for conveying fluid therewithin to a preferred location, said drainage system including a substantially tubular elongate body, the body being adapted at at least one of its distal ends to engage in series with at least one other drainage system, the body being positioned on or relative to a surface over which the fluid is to be conveyed and being substantially flexible to accommodate contours of the surface and to operate between a substantially expanded configuration when conveying fluid to a substantially collapsed configuration when little or no fluid is being conveyed thereby, the drainage system characterised by the body including a lower surface and including on at least a portion of which at least one cleat, said cleat including apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface, the method including the steps of: a) Manufacturing a flexible length of hollow tubular body being open at each distal end and adapted at at least one distal end to engage with at least one other drainage system; and b) Attaching at least one cleat externally of the body and on at least a portion of the body which, in use, rests against the surface; and including on the cleat c) Apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures being adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface.

Preferably, the body is manufactured from flexible polypropylene fabric which is cost effective, durable, has improved resistance to the effects of ultra-violet light, is weatherproof and strong, is capable of conducting fluids at high pressure, is lighter weight than wooden, metal, concrete, or clay equivalents and is able to be welded to itself. For example, the preferred material used carries a warranty of up to 10 years against UV degradation. Further, the flexible polypropylene fabric is preferably reenforced, for additional strength and durability.

The use of flexible polypropylene fabric obviates the cost of half-pipe fluming materials, constructions and support systems.

Preferably, the method of manufacturing a drainage system enables the elongate body to be manufactured in the collapsed orientation and in substantial tubular lengths which enables the body to be rolled up, transported to any location, cut to the desired length for that situation and be readily fed out over the desired distance where the drainage system is required.

Being flexible has further advantages over fixed drains or fixed fluming in that the body of the drainage system is able to be used temporarily as required and rolled up after use and stored.

During the manufacture of the body of the drainage system, welding effects strong bonding of overlapped regions of the polypropylene fabric, whether in the manufacture of the tubular configuration of the body, in the external attachment of the cleat(s) at desired locations on the body, or in adapting the distal end(s) of the body to be capable of engaging with another drainage system as required.

However, whilst polypropylene fabric is a preferred material for manufacturing the body of the drainage system, it should be appreciated that any suitable material may be used or adapted for use in the manufacture of the body.

Advances in manufacture also enable the flexible fluming to be manufactured to any length. Standard lengths of 25 metres (or less), to 200 metres (or more) may be manufactured, may be produced in rolls and cut on site to suit the length required of the particular application, or lengths may be welded together to make a body of any length required.

Preferably the diameter of the tubular body is dictated by the desired application. The body diameter may range from 200 millimetres (internal diameter) to 900 millimetres (internal diameter) as required to suit all standard pipe materials (concrete, plastic, steel and so forth) which may form the existing drainage system to which the body is to be engaged with. However, greater or lesser diameter embodiments may be manufactured, as required.

The ability to retain the body in a preferred orientation is important, thereby minimising the likelihood and effects of redirection of channeled liquids as a result of inadvertent repositioning of the body. As previously discussed, such repositioning may be the result of stock movement, traffic across the flexible tubing (both vehicular and foot traffic), strong winds in exposed sites, and so forth. Maintaining the position of the body is relevant when the body is being used to transmit water from the discharge end of a culvert. In such situations, the water may be flowing at substantial speed and volume.

Inadvertent repositioning of the body may result in soil erosion, damage to roadside embankments, flow of water into areas where water is undesirable and so forth.

To improve retention of the body in a preferred location and orientation, at least one cleat is attached to the body in the region where the body lies against the surface over which the drainage system is used. The use of a single cleat on the body may be preferable for small diameter drainage systems, where the terrain is relatively flat, where repositioning of the body by stock, traffic or environmental forces is minimal, or where water pressures may be limited. Additional cleats may be included on the body where large diameter drainage systems are employed, the terrain is substantially rugged, there is a greater risk of movement of the body due to water pressures, traffic and so forth. This does not however, limit the use of double cleat versions, or other multiple cleat options in whatever situation as desired.

In addition the single and multiple cleat options are designed to suit different ground conditions. For example, in situations where anchoring is likely to be compromised, because of the soil type, water content and so forth, the use of a multiple cleat body would be desirable.

Preferably, the cleat(s) are welded to the body along the entire length of the body and extend laterally of the body when the body is in use. This however, does not limit the invention to this embodiment alone, as multiple cleats of shorter length may be used and attached to the body at specific distances apart, or the body may include a combination of full length and shorter length cleats.

Where multiple cleats are employed, their point of attachment to the body is typically distanced from each other. The distance varies with the diameter of the body, as it is preferable that the under surface of the body lie substantially flat against the surface, for better retention. If the multiple cleats were located at the same position, yet still extended laterally of the body, the diameter and weight of the body would cause the body to move more easily than if the cleats and attachment points were distanced apart. However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable, because of the terrain, that multiple cleats be substantially attached at the same point on the body.

In addition, the cleats include at least a thicker portion which in some embodiments is double thickness. This portion is designed to support the means for anchoring the cleat and the body to the service. In preferred embodiments, the thicker portion may be achieved by welding two thicknesses of the material of the body together. In other embodiments additional strengthening or reinforcing may also be added in the form of a wire, or any other structure, sandwiched between the laminated layers of the thicker portion. It is preferable that any reinforcing does not limit the flexibility of the body, which might otherwise limit the ability to roll up the body length for transport and storage, or make it more difficult to lay down on site.

Along the cleat there is preferably included apertures to enable anchoring apparatus to secure the cleat (and the body) in its preferred orientation and location. Preferably, the apertures are protected by brass eyelets to minimise ripping of the fabric of the body if placed under stress. Preferably, brass eyelets are used for durability against rusting due to the weather, surrounding water.

In one preferred embodiments, the brass eyelets are located along the cleat in an arrangement of two 12 millimetre eyelets at two metre centres. However, this is only one preferred arrangement and any other number, positioning, size and so forth of the apertures may be used.

To fix the body and cleat to the surface, preferably anchoring apparatus is employed. In preferred embodiments where the eyelets are 12 mm, the cleat will be fixed to the ground/surface using a 400 millimetre long M10 steel rod. Alternatives that may be employed include a half waratah (metal standard) and No. 8 fencing wire.

To maintain the body in series in relation to another drainage system, such as the discharge end of a culvert, the distal end of the body to be engaged with the culvert is fed over the outside of the culvert/pipe. Preferably, the body at its distal end is doubled over so that the body is returned inside itself for a preferred distance to prevent the material of the body chaffing against the rough edges of the culvert pipe. This is a time efficient and effective method of minimising the chaffing and wearing effect on the material of the body. However, in some embodiments, the distal end may be reinforced by the inclusion of additional welded or reinforced panels, in that region. This latter embodiment may be a preferred option where the drainage system is provided for use in set lengths, as opposed to rolls which are cut to length as required for the particular situation.

Prior to attaching the body to the culvert end, the cleat(s) may be trimmed back to enable more efficient and effective fitting of the body to the discharge end of the culvert.

Once the body is fitted to the culvert it is maintained in position on the culvert by the use of retention apparatus. In preferred embodiments of the drainage system, the retention apparatus includes at least one stainless steel strap and jubilee clip to effect a tight band around the circumference of the culvert and body engaged, overlapped region. In other embodiments, the retention apparatus may be band-it straps, or any other strap or retention system that may be used with, or adapted for use with the invention.

Whilst the colour of the drainage system has no impact on its functionality, it does have relevance for environmental or aesthetic reason. Accordingly, in reserves and so forth a less conspicuous colour may be preferable to a brightly coloured version for use on industrial or construction sites. Accordingly, the colour range of the invention may be matched to its end use.

The present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications. However, it was with the problems at least associated with the lack of suitable anchor points, the limited number of anchor points, the strength of the flexible fluming at the anchor points, the ease of anchoring the flexible fluming and the ease of attaching it to existing fixed drainage systems, as offered in readily available systems, that the present invention was developed. Further, it provides benefits of a system which can readily be attached to various pipes of varying diameters and materials, it can be oriented to whatever direction flow of the conveyed fluid is desired; and can be easily maintained in position requiring minimum time and physical requirements on the part of the user. It also offers a durable and easy alternative to existing solid, fixed or flexible fluming systems.

As can be appreciated variations to and from the above described embodiments may be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

It should further be appreciated a variety of different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention exist, even within the ambit of the above described cam system.

A specific embodiment for the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing one embodiment should not be seen as limiting the scope of this invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of the drainage system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a top plan view of the drainage system of Figure 1 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the drainage system of Figures 1 and 2 showing a double cleat version, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the drainage system of Figures 1 and 2 showing a single cleat version, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the body of the drainage system of Figure 3 in an expanded configuration, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the body of the drainage system of Figure 3 in collapsed configuration, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view of the body of the drainage system of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view of the body of the drainage system of Figure 4 in collapsed configuration, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Best Modes for carrying out the Invention With reference to the diagrams (Figures 1 to 6b) by way of example only, there is provided a drainage system (generally indicated by arrow for conveying fluid therewithin to a preferred location.

The drainage system 1, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, includes a substantially flexible, tubular elongate body 2. The body 2 is adapted at at least one of its distal ends to engage in series with at least one other drainage system 9, which in the described embodiment is at the discharge end of a culvert pipe.

The body 2 is positioned on or relative to a surface 12 over which the fluid is to be conveyed and as such is substantially flexible to accommodate contours of the surface 12.

The flexibility of the body 2 also enables the body of the drainage system to operate between a substantially expanded configuration when conveying fluid (as shown in Figures 5a and 6a) to a substantially collapsed configuration when little or no fluid is being conveyed thereby (as shown in Figures 5b and 6b).

The body 2 of the drainage system 1 includes a lower surface (as shown in Figures 3 and On at least a portion of the lower surface there is welded at 4 at least one cleat 3.

Figure 3 illustrate a single cleat version, whilst Figure 4 illustrates a double cleat version.

In both versions the cleats extend the length of the body. However, in other embodiments, which are not illustrated, the cleat length, dimensions, configuration and position may vary. In multiple cleat versions, as illustrated by the double cleat version of Figure 3, the cleats are distanced from each other to enable the under surface of the body to contact the surface and provided the drainage system with improved stability.

The cleats are also reinforced, or strengthened in the embodiments illustrated, by being of at least double thickness 5 of material, being welded or otherwise laminated together.

I C This strengthening is determined by the means for attaching the drainage system 1 to the surface 12 over which it is positioned.

To this end, each cleat 3 includes apertures 6 located at predetermined distances along the cleat 3. In the illustrated embodiments, the apertures 6 are brass eyelets located along the cleat in an arrangement of two eyelets at two metre centres. The distance 8 between adjacent eyelets in the pair is 12 millimetre However, this is only one preferred arrangement and any other number, positioning, size and so forth of the apertures may be used.

The apertures 6 are adapted to receive anchoring apparatus 7 to maintain positioning of the body 2 on the surface 12 (as illustrated in Figure In the illustrated embodiment where the eyelets are 12 mm, the cleat is be fixed to the ground/surface using a 400 millimetre long M10 steel rod. Alternatives that may be employed include a half waratah (metal standard) and No. 8 fencing wire (not shown).

To maintain the body 2 in series in relation to another drainage system 9, such as the discharge end of a culvert, the distal end of the body to be engaged with the culvert is fed over the outside of the culvert/pipe. Preferably, the body at its distal end is doubled over so that the body is returned inside itself, at 10, for a preferred distance to prevent the material of the body chaffing against the rough edges of the culvert pipe. This is a time efficient and effective method of minimising the chaffing and wearing effect on the material of the body. However, in some embodiments, the distal end may be reinforced by the inclusion of additional welded or reinforced panels, in that region. This latter embodiment may be a preferred option where the drainage system is provided for use in set lengths, as opposed to rolls which are cut to length as required for the particular situation.

Prior to attaching the body to the culvert end, the cleat(s) may be trimmed back (as shown in Figures 3 and to enable more efficient and effective fitting of the body to the discharge end of the culvert.

Once the body is fitted to the culvert it is maintained in position on the culvert by the use of retention apparatus 11. In preferred embodiments of the drainage system, the retention apparatus includes at least one stainless steel strap and jubilee clip to effect a tight band around the circumference of the culvert and body engaged, overlapped region. In other embodiments, the retention apparatus may be band-it straps, or any other strap or retention system that may be used with, or adapted for use with the invention.

As can be appreciated variations to and from the above described embodiments may be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. A flexible drainage system for conveying fluid therewithin to a preferred location, said drainage system including a substantially tubular elongate body, the body being adapted at at least one of its distal ends to engage in series with at least one other drainage system, the body being positioned on or relative to a surface over which the fluid is to be conveyed and being substantially flexible to accommodate contours of the surface, the body operating between a substantially expanded configuration when conveying fluid and a substantially collapsed configuration when little or no fluid is being conveyed thereby, the drainage system characterised by the body including a lower surface included on at least a portion of which is at least one cleat, said cleat including apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface.

2. A flexible drainage system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein either or both the cleats and distal ends of the body are reinforced to accommodate the apertures, the anchoring apparatus and the at least one other drainage system respectively.

3. A flexible drainage system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the cleats include pairs of apertures set at a predetermined distance of 12 mm between each aperture in a pair and having a 2 meter centre between adjacent pairs.

4. A flexible drainage system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein where there is more than one cleat, the cleats are distanced from each other to enable the under surface of the body to contact the surface and provided the drainage system with improved stability. A method of adapting an existing flexible drainage system to effect a flexible drainage system for conveying fluid therewithin to a preferred location, said drainage system including a substantially tubular elongate body, the body being adapted at at least one of its distal ends to engage in series with at least one other drainage system, the body being positioned on or relative to a surface over which the fluid is to be conveyed and being substantially flexible to accommodate contours of the surface and to operate between a substantially expanded configuration when conveying fluid to a substantially collapsed configuration when little or no fluid is being conveyed thereby, the drainage system characterised by the body including a lower surface and including on at least a portion of which at least one cleat, said cleat including apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface, the method including the steps of: a) Either or both manufacturing or taking a manufactured flexible length of hollow tubular body being open at each distal end and adapted at at least one distal end to engage with at least one other drainage system via the use of retention apparatus; and b) Attaching at least one cleat externally of the body and on at least a portion of the body which, in use, rests against the surface; and including on the cleat c) Apertures located at predetermined distances, the apertures being adapted to receive anchoring apparatus to maintain positioning of the body on the surface.