OA19909A - Pit liner - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are pit liner systems comprising a plurality of curved interlocking panels. Each curved interlocking panel of the pit liner system comprises an interior curved surface and an exterior curved surface, and the plurality of curved interlocking panels are the same and are configured to couple together to form a cylindrical pit liner for lining a pit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This relates to pit liner Systems, and more particularly, to pit liner Systems comprising a plurality of curved interlocking panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pit liners are used to line the inside of a pit to prevent soil from collapsing. Pit liners may be used, for example, to line pits used for latrine or rainwater harvesting purposes. In both cases, a pit liner may be used to stabilize the sides of the pit to prevent the sides from caving in and filling the pit. Pit liners are often constructed of brick, rot-resistant timber, concrète, stones, and/or mortar, which can be a iabor-intensive and time-consuming process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided are pit liner Systems for lining pits such as those used for harvesting rainwater or toileting. As described above, pit liners are typically assembled using materials and processes that are labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, pit liner Systems provided herein may be easily assembled, saving a significant amount of time and labor for one installing a pit liner. Specifically, pit liner Systems disclosed herein may be made of lighter-weight materials than brick, timber, concrète, stones, or mortar used in conventional pit liners. For example, pit liner Systems provided may be made of polymer such as polypropylène or polyethylene, which can allow a pit liner to be assembled and/or installed in a much less laborintensive and time-consuming process than is currently required of conventional pit liners.

In some embodiments, pit liner Systems provided may comprise a plurality of panels. A pit liner may be assembled by coupling two or more panels to line a pit. Additionally, the plurality of panels may be stacked in a compact layer configuration such that the interior curved surface of one interlocking panel is adjacent to the exterior curved surface of another interlocking panel. This compact configuration can be used to allow easy transportation to consumers and/or storage of the panels when not in use. During assembly, the plurality of panels of a pit liner may be coupled together (e.g., interlocked) to form a cylindrical pit liner to line a pit.

Provided herein are pit liner Systems that can be more easily assembled than conventional pit liners, saving time and labor. The pit liner Systems provided herein and described in more detail below may also be configured to stack compactly during storage and/or transportation.

In some embodiments, a pit liner System is provided, the pit liner System comprising a plurality of curved interlocking panels, each curved interlocking panel comprising an interior curved surface and an exterior curved surface, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels are the same and are configured to couple together to form a cylindrical pit liner for lining a pit.

In some embodiments of the System, the plurality of curved interlocking panels can be stacked in a layer arrangement for shipping or storage such that the interior curved surface of a first curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels is adjacent to the exterior curved surface of a second curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises a plurality of holes, and each hole of the plurality of holes extends from the interior curved surface to the exterior curved surface of each curved interlocking panel.

In some embodiments of the System, the plurality of holes comprise 2-10% of the total interior surface area of each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels, wherein the total interior surface area includes a surface area of the interior curved surface and a two-dimensional area of each hole of the plurality of holes.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises a first interlocking edge and a second interlocking edge, and the first interlocking edge of the first curved interlocking panel is configured to interlock with the second interlocking edge of the second curved interlocking 5 panel.

In some embodiments of the System, the first interlocking edge and the second interlocking edge of each curved interlocking panel are rotationally symmetrical by 180°.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel has a thickness of 20 to 30 mm.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel has a height of 0.3 to 1 meter.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel has a width of 0.4 to 0.8 meters.

In some embodiments of the System, each curved interlocking panel has a radius 15 of curvature of 0.25 to 1 meter.

In some embodiments of the System, the plurality of curved interlocking panels is configured to stack vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.

In some embodiments, each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved 20 interlocking panels comprises one or more openings on an upper or lower edge surface and one more protrusions on an upper or lower edge surface, and the one or more protrusions are configured to lock into one or more openings when the plurality of curved interlocking panels are stacked vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.

In some embodiments, the one or more openings each comprise a loop of material that extends at least partially away from the upper edge surface or lower edge surface.

In some embodiments, each curved interlocking panel comprises one or more support ribs, and at least one support rib includes a notch at a location of at least one of the one or more openings.

In some embodiments of the system, the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises 4-8 curved interlocking panels.

In some embodiments of the system, each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.

In some embodiments, a pit liner system comprises a plurality of curved interlocking panels. Each curved interlocking panel can comprise: an interior curved surface and an exterior curved surface, one or more openings on an upper or lower edge surface and one more protrusions on an upper or lower edge surface. The one or more protrusions are configured to lock into one or more openings when the plurality of curved interlocking panels are stacked vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels. The one or more openings can each comprise a loop of material that extends at least partially away from the upper edge surface or lower edge surface. Each curved interlocking panel can also comprise one or more support ribs, at least one support rib includes a notch at a location of at least one of the one or more openings. The plurality of curved interlocking panels are the same and are configured to couple together to form a cylindrical pit liner for lining a pit, and are configured to stack vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure l provides a rainwater harvesting process, according to some embodiments;

Figure 2 shows an assembled pit liner, according to some embodiments;

Figure 3 shows a curved interlocking panel for a pit liner, according to some embodiments;

Figure 4 shows a layered stack of pit Iiners for transportation or storage, according to some embodiments;

Figures 5 A-5G show various aspects of a curved interlocking panel for a pit liner, according to some embodiments;

Figure 6A shows an embodiment of a panel with a loop or band of material extending at least partially away from the upper lip of the panel;

Figure 6B shows a multi-tiered pit liner;

Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of a panel, according to some embodiments;

Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of a panel, according to some embodiments;

Figure 9 shows a front élévation view of a panel, according to some embodiments;

Figure 10 shows a rear élévation view of a panel, according to some embodiments;

Figure 11 shows a side élévation view of a panel, according to some embodiments;

Figure 12 shows an opposite side élévation view of the panel shown in Fig 11, according to some embodiments;

Figure 13 shows a top plan view of a panel, according to some embodiments; and

Figure 14 shows a bottom plan view of a panel, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are pit liner Systems for lining the sides of a pit used for rainwater harvesting or a latrine, for example. In particular, pit liner Systems described herein may include a plurality of panels that are configured to be stacked in a layer arrangement for shipping or storage such that the interior curved surface of a First curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels is adjacent to the exterior curved surface of a second curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels. The plurality of panels may also be easily coupled together and stacked vertically by a user to assemble the pit liner and install it into a pit.

One example of a pit in which the described pit liner Systems may be used is a rainwater harvesting pit. Rainwater harvesting pits may be used to collect rainwater and store it underground by allowing water to percolate into the soil through the open bottom and perforation holes on the surface of the pit liner. This collected rainwater can replenish groundwater which can be pumped up from the ground eisewhere to be used for various purposes.

Figure l shows a simple schematic of rainwater harvesting System 100. As shown, System 100 includes collecter 102, pipes 104a and 104b, well 106, pit 108, and water table l JO. Pit liners provided herein may be used to line the sides of pit 108, preventing the soil from collapsing into the pit.

Collector 102 is a container configured to collect rainwater or other water runoff. Once the water in collector 102 reaches a critical volume, the overflow flows into pipe 104a or pipe 104b. As shown in the figure, collector 102 may be a roof of a structure. Pipe I04a may transport water from collector 102 to pit 108. Pipe 104b may transport water from collector 102 to well 106.

Rainwater may be used immediately or, as described above, it may be filtered and stored underground for later use. Overflow water that flows from collector 102 into pipe 104b may be used without storing underground.

Pit 108 may be configured to filter water as the water percolates through pit 108 and into water table 110. For example, pit 108 may contain various layers of stones, sand, and/or grave! in a particular configuration designed to filter the rainwater as it passes through pit 108. Once the water passes through the height of pit 108, it flows into water table 110. Water may be stored in water table 110 for days, weeks, months, or even years. When it is needed, well 106 can draw the filtered and stored rainwater up from water table 110 for use.

In some embodiments, a pit liner system provided herein may include two or more curved panels that are configured to interlock to form a cylindrical pit liner. For example, Figure 2 shows a single-layer pit liner 200 comprising six panels, according to some embodiments.

In particular. Figure 2 shows pit liner 200 comprising a plurality of panels 212. Each panel 212 includes a plurality of stacking protrusions 214A, a plurality of stacking recessions 214B, a plurality of holes 216, a plurality of pipe cutout outlines 218, and at least two interlocking edges 220. The stacking protrusions 214A and stacking recessions 214B allow for the stacking of panel vertically during use.

Pit liner 200 includes six panels 212 in a single layer. However, pit liner 200 may include any reasonable number of equally-sized panels 212. For example, pit liner 200 may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 equally-sized, curved interlocking panels per layer.

As shown, each panel 212 of pit liner 200 includes a plurality of stacking protrusions 214A and a plurality of stacking recessions 214B. Each protrusion 214A of a first panel 212 corresponds to a recession 214B on a second panel 212. Specifically, protrusions 214A and recessions 214B may be used to assemble a multi-tiered pit liner 200. For example, if each panel 212 is 0.5 meters in height, a single-layered pit liner 200 would be 0.5 meters in height. However, a two-layered pit liner 200 would be 1 meter in height, and a three-layered pit liner 200 would be 1.5 meters in height. Thus, panels 212 may be vertically stacked by aligning a first panel 212 with a second panel 212 such that protrusion 214A slides into recession 214B. This vertical stacking feature allows pit liner 200 to line pits of various heights.

In some embodiments, panel 212 may include a plurality of holes 216. Holes 216 may be configured to allow fluid to transfer from inside the pit to outside the pit. As shown, each panel 212 includes 12 holes 216. However, panel 212 may include any number of holes 216 from to 24. Each hole 216 may extend from an interior surface of panel 212 to an exterior surface of panel 212. If panel 212 has too many holes 216 or the holes 216 are too large, this might allow too much fluid to transfer out of the pit. If there are not enough holes 216 or holes 216 are not large enough, not enough fluid will be able to transfer out of the pit, which could compromise the filtering process. In some embodiments, the total number of holes 216 on a panel 212 may account for 2-20 % or 5-10 % of a surface of panel 212 (e.g., an exterior surface or an interior surface). In some embodiments, the total number of holes 216 may account for less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of a surface of the panel. In some embodiments, the total number of holes 216 may account for more than 2%, more than 5%, more than 10%, or more than 15% of a surface of panel 212. As used in this paragraph, the term “surface” refers to the surface area of the interior surface of panel 212 in addition to the two-dimensional surface of the holes 216, where the surface area of the interior surface and the two-dimensional surface of the holes 216 are in the same plane. In some embodiments, the holes may be rotationally symmetrical by 180°.

Holes 216 may be configured to help alleviate some of the pressure of the load on the pit liner created by the weight of the sides of the pit (e.g., soil). In some embodiments, holes 216 may be configured to prevent the passage of animais and/or insects. For example, holes 216 may be of a spécifie size and shape to prevent rodents such as mice and rats, other underground mammals such as moles, and large insects such as roaches from passing through (e.g., entering the pit). Holes 216 may be any of various shapes including, but not limited to, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a stadium, a rectangle, or a triangle. If holes 216 are too big, they may structurally compromise the pit liner and/or allow rodents and insects to enter the pit. If holes 216 are too small, they cannot allow for sufficient water percolation through the sides of pit liner 200. In some embodiments, holes 216 may, at a widest point, hâve an opening of 10-200 mm, 20-100 mm, or 30-60 mm in length. In some embodiments, holes 216 may, at a widest point, hâve an opening of less than 200 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 100 mm, less than 60 mm, or less than 30 mm in length. In some embodiments, holes 216 may, at a widest point, hâve an opening of greater than 10 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 30 mm, or greater than 60 mm in length. In some embodiments, holes 216 may, at a narrowest point, hâve an opening of 5-100 mm, 10-60 mm, or 20-40 mm in length. In some embodiments, holes 216 may, at a narrowest point, hâve an opening of less than 100 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 40 mm, or less than 20 mm. In some embodiments, holes 316 may, at a narrowest point, hâve an opening of more than 5 mm, more than 10 mm, more than 20 mm, or more than 40 mm.

In some embodiments, each panel 212 may include a plurality of pipe cutout outlines 218. Pipe cutout outlines 218 may be perforated shapes, allowing a user who is assembling a pit liner 200 to easily punch out the perforated shape. In some embodiments, pipe cutout outlines 218 may be a visual marker, indicating to a user where a hole may be eut or drilled without structurally compromising a panel 212 or an assembled pit liner 200. Panel 212 may be constructed such that pipe cutout outlines 218 and/or the area within pipe cutout outlines 218 are thinner than the rest of panel 212, enabling a userto easily remove a pipe cutout outline 218 section to insert a pipe. A pipe, such as pipe 104A or pipe 104B of Figure l may be inserted into a hole created using pipe cutout outline 218. In some embodiments, a heated rod or pipe may be used to melt away the pipe cutout outline 218 to create an opening for a pipe. For example, a heated rod or pipe may be pushed into pipe cutout 218 until the plastic of pipe cutout outline 218 melts away, creating an opening for a pipe.

In some embodiments, each panel 212 may hâve two interlocking edges 220. In particular, each interlocking edge 220 may be on a side of panel 212. An interlocking edge 220 of a first panel 212 may be configured to interlock with an interlocking edge 220 of a second panel. In some embodiments, each interlocking edge 220 may comprise a plurality of protrusions. In some embodiments, each interlocking edge 220 may comprise a plurality of recessions. In some embodiments, each interlocking edge 220 may comprise a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recessions. In some embodiments, a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recessions of two interlocking edges 220 of panel 212 may be configured to interlock with interlocking edges of another panel having a same shape. Interlocking edges are described in more detail below, with respect to Figure 3.

In some embodiments, pit liner 200 may include a top cover. A top cover may be configured to rest on top of pit liner 200 and/or couple to a top edge of pit liner 200 to cover the pit and prevent personal injury (e.g., tripping and/or falling) and/or property damage (e.g., driving or biking over/into the pit). In some embodiments, a top cover may be constructed of the same material as pit liner 200. In some embodiments, pit liner 200 may be constructed from a material used in conventional pit liners, such as those materials described above with reference to conventional pit liners (i.e., brick, rot-resistant timber, concrète, stones, and/or mortar).

Figure 3 shows a front view of panel 300 that may be used to assemble a pit liner. As shown, panel 300 includes an interior surface 322, a plurality of stacking protrusions 314A, a plurality of stacking recessions 314B, a plurality of holes 316, two interlocking edges 320, a plurality of interlocking protrusions 322A, and a plurality of interlocking recessions 322B.

Panel 300 may be used to assemble a pit liner such that interior surface 322 is facing the inside of the pit. An exterior surface of panel 300 would face the soil sides of the pit when pit liner is assembled and installed.

As described above with respect to Figure 2, panel 300 may include a plurality of stacking protrusions 314A and a plurality of stacking recessions 314B. Stacking protrusions 314A may be located on a bottom edge of panel 300, on a top edge of panel 300, or both a bottom and a top edge. Similarly, stacking recessions 314B may be located on a bottom edge of panel 300, on a top edge of panel 300, or on both a bottom and a top edge. As described above, protrusions 314A and recessions 314B may be used to assemble a multi-layered pit liner. For example, if each panel 300 is 0.5 meters in height, a single-layered pit liner would be 0.5 meters in height. However, a two-layered pit liner would be 1 meter in height, and a three-layered pit liner would be 1.5 meters in height. Thus, a first panel 300 may be stacked with a second panel 300 by aligning the first panel 300 with the second panel 300 such that protrusion 314A slides into recession 314B. This stacking feature allows panel 300 to be used to line pits of various heights.

In some embodiments, a first panel 300 may be stacked on top of a second panel 300 in a staggered configuration. In this staggered configuration, the interlocking edges of the first layer of the pit liner will be off-set by the interlocking edges of the second layer of the pit liner. A staggered configuration may help support the load on the pit liner created by the sides of the pit (e.g., weight of the soil). In some embodiments, a second layer of a pit liner may be stacked directly on top of a first layer, with no off-setting configuration. In some embodiments, a second layer of a pit liner may be configured to stack on top of a first layer of the pit liner at a 20 to 60% rotational offset. In some embodiments, a second layer of a pit liner may be configured to stack on top of a first layer of the pit liner at less than a 60%, less than a 50%, less than a 40%, or less than a 30% rotational offset. In some embodiments, a second layer of a pit liner may be configured to stack on top of a first layer of the pit liner at more than a 20%, more than a 30%, more than a 40%, or more than a 50% rotational offset.

Additionally, panel 300 may comprise a plurality of holes 316, such as those described above with respect to holes 216 of Figure 2. Holes 316 may include any and/or ail features described above with respect to holes 216 of Figure 2.

Panel 300 may also include two or more interlocking edges 320. As described above, each interlocking edge 320 may include a plurality of interlocking protrusions 322A and/or a plurality of interlocking recessions 322B. In some embodiments, an interlocking edge 320 may include only interlocking protrusions 322A. In some embodiments, an interlocking edge 320 may include only interlocking recessions 322B. In some embodiments, interlocking edge 320 may include both interlocking protrusions 322A and interlocking recessions 322B. In some embodiments, the interlocking protrusions 322A and/or the interlocking recession 322B of panel 300 are configured to interlock with interlocking edges of another panel having a same shape. As described above, an interlocking edge 320 of a first panel 300 may be configured to interlock with an interlocking edge of a second panel 300 to form a portion of a pit liner. In some embodiments, the interlocking edges 320 may interlock by aligning an interlocking protrusion 322A of the first panel 300 with an interlocking recession 322B of a second panel 300 and bringing the first panel 300 and the second panel 300 together such that interlocking protrusion 322A slides into interlocking recess 322B, locking the two panels together. In some embodiments, a first panel 300 may be removably coupled to a second panel 300, such that the two panels are not permanently locked.

Panel 300 may be made of a light-weight polymer. For exampie, suitable lightweight polymers may include polypropylène or polyethylene. In some embodiments, panel 300 may comprise recycled plastic. In some embodiments, panel 300 may comprise 80-100% recycled plastic. Additionally, panel 300 may be manufactured using injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing, CNC machining, polymer casting, rotational molding, vacuum forming, or blow molding.

1

In some embodiments, a plurality of panels may be configured to stack compactly for ease of storage and/or transportation. For example, Figure 4 shows a stack 400 of a plurality of panels 412. As shown, the panels 412 may stack in a configuration such that an exterior surface of a first panel 412 is adjacent to an interior surface of a second panel 412. Panel 412 may include any and/or ail of the features of panels disclosed in Figures 2, 3, and/or 5.

Figures 5A-5G show various views of a panel 500 that may be used for a pit liner. Specifically, Figures 5A and 5F show a top and bottom view of panel 500, respectively. Figure 5A shows a top view of panel 500 including stacking recession 514B, and Figure 5F shows a bottom view of panel 500 including stacking protrusion 514A. Additionally, Figures 5A and 5F show a thickness of panel 500. If panel 500 is too thick, it may be more expensive to manufacture and transport. If panel 500 is too thin, it would be more susceptible to damage and may not be able to prevent the sides of the pit from collapsing. Jn some embodiments, the thickness of panel 500 (i.e., the distance from an interior surface 526 to exterior surface 524) may be 10-50 mm, 15-40 mm, or 20-30 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of panel 500 may be less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, or less than 20 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of panel 400 may be more than 10 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 30 mm, or more than 40 mm.

Figures 5B and 5D show a close-up view of interlocking edge 520. Specifically, Figure 5B shows a left interlocking edge 520 of panel 500, and Figure 5D shows a right interlocking edge 520 of panel 500. In some embodiments, each interlocking edge 520 may include a plurality of interlocking protrusions 522A and a plurality of interlocking recessions 522B. Interlocking edges 520, interlocking protrusions 522A, and interlocking recessions 522B, may include any and/or ail of the features of interlocking edges 320, interlocking protrusions 322A, and/or interlocking recessions 322B, respectively, of Figure 3.

Figure 5C shows a front view of panel 500 according to some embodiments. Specifically, Figure 5C shows a front view of panel 500 that includes front surface 526, stacking protrusions 514A, stacking recessions 514B, holes 516, interlocking edges 520, interlocking protrusions 522A, and interlocking recessions 522B. Holes 516 may include any and/or ail of the features described above with respect to holes 216 of Figure 2. Interlocking edges 520, interlocking protrusions 522A, and interlocking recessions 522B, may include any and/or ail of the features of interlocking edges 320, interlocking protrusions 322A, and/or interlocking recessions 322B, respectively, of Figure 3.

Figure 5E shows a rear view of panel 500 according to some embodiments. In particular, Figure 5E shows a rear view of panel 500 that includes rear surface 524, stacking protrusions 514A, stacking recessions 514B, holes 516, pipe cutout outlines 518, interlocking edges 520, interlocking protrusions 522A, and interlocking recessions 522B. Holes 516 and pipe cutout outlines 518 may include any and/or ali of the features described above with respect to holes 216 and/or pipe cutout outlines 218 of Figure 2. Interlocking edges 520, interlocking protrusions 522A, and interlocking recessions 522B, may include any and/or ail of the features of interlocking edges 320, interlocking protrusions 322A, and/or interlocking recessions 322B, respectively, of Figure 3.

In some embodiments, panel 500 may be 0.2 to 1.5 meters (m) or 0.5 to 1 m in height. If panel 500 is too tall, it would be more expensive to produce, more difficult to transport, and less adaptable to various pit heights. If panel 500 is too short, more panels would hâve to be vertically stacked to completely line a pit, and the pit liner may be more inclined to fail or collapse. In some embodiments, the height of panel 500 may be more than 0.2 m, more than 0.3 m, more than 0.4 m, more than 0.5 m, more than 0.6 m, more than 0.7 m, more than 0.8 m, more than 0.9 m, more than 1 m, more than 1.1m, more than 1.2 m, more than 1.3 m, or more than 1.4 m. In some embodiments, the height of panel 500 may be less than 1.5 m, less than 1.4 m, less than 1.3 m, less than 1.2 m, less than 1.1m, less than 1 m, less than 0.9 m, less than 0.8 m, less than 0.7 m, less than 0.6 m, less than 0.5 m, less than 0.4 m, or less than 0.3 m.

Jn some embodiments, a width of panel 500 may be 0.3 to 2 meters (m) or 0.5 to 1 m. In some embodiments, the width of panel 500 may be more than 0.3 m, more than 0.4 m, more than 0.5 m, more than 0.6 m, more than 0.7 m, more than 0.8 m, more than 0.9 m, more than 1 m, more than 1.1m, more than 1.2 m, more than 1.3 m, more than 1.4 m, more than 1.5 m, or more than 1.8 m. In some embodiments, the width of panel 500 may be less than 2 m, less than 0.8 m, 1.5 m, less than 1.4 m, less than 1.3 m, less than 1.2 m, less than 1.1 m, less than 1 m, less than 0.9 m, less than 0.8 m, less than 0.7 m, less than 0.6 m, less than 0.5 m, or less than 0.4 m.

Finally, Figure 5G is three-dimensional computer-aided image of panel 500. Figure 5G shows an interior surface of panel 500.

A pit liner assembled using a plurality of panels 500 may hâve a radius of 0.25 to 1.5 meters (m). In some embodiments, a radius of a pit liner assembled using a plurality of panels 500 may be less than 1.5 m, less than 1.25 m, less than 1 m, less than 0.75 m, or less than 0.5 m. In some embodiments, a pit liner assembled using a plurality of panels 500 may hâve a radius of more than 0.25 m, more than 0.5 m, more than 0.75 m, more than 1 m, or more than 1.25 m.

In some embodiments, each panel 500 may hâve a radius of curvature of 0.25 to 1.5 meters (m). In some embodiments, a radius of curvature of panel 500 may be less than 1.5 m, less than 1.25 m, less than 1 m, less than 0.75 m, or less than 0.5 m. In some embodiments, a radius of curvature of panel 500 may be more than 0.25 m, more than 0.5 m, more than 0.75 m, more than 1 m, or more than 1.25 m.

Figure 6A shows an embodiment of a first panel 600 with a loop or band of material 602 extending at least partially away from the upper lip 604 of the panel 600. The loop or band of material may be used instead of or in addition to the recesses described herein. The loop of material 602 forms an opening for accepting a protrusion 612 from a second panel 608 that is vertically stacked on top of panel 600 during use. The first panel 600 may include one or more reinforcing ribs 606. The reinforcing ribs may include a notch 607 at a location that corresponds to a location of the loop of material 602. The second panel 608 may include a lip 614. By notching the reinforcing rib 606 at the location of the loop of material 602, additional space for protrusion 612 to slide into the opening of the loop of material 602 is created. In addition, force on protrusion 612 is reduced when the panels 600 and 608 are stacked vertically during use. In some embodiments, the loop or band of material 602 allows for a more secure link than a recess. Each panel 600 and 608 may include a two or more loops of materials and two or more protrusions.

Figure 6Β shows a multi-tiered pit liner 620. In some embodiments, the multitiered tower can include two or more tiers, three or more tiers, or four or more tiers. In figure 6B an embodiment with three vertically stacked tiers 622, 624 and 626 is illustrated. The plurality of panels that make up tier 622 may be locked into place vertically above the panels of tier 624 by a plurality of protrusions in the bottom lip of the panels of tier 622 locking into a plurality of loops of material in the upper lip of the panels of tier 624. Likewise, the plurality of panels that make up tier 624 may be locked into place vertically above the panels of tier 626 by a plurality of protrusions in the bottom lip of the panels of tier 624 locking into a plurality of loops of material in the upper lip of the panels of tier 626.

Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the panel 600. Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the panel 600. Figure 9 shows a front élévation view of a panel 600. Figure 10 shows a rear élévation view of a panel, according to some embodiments. Figure. 11 shows a side élévation view of a panel 600. Figure 12 shows an opposite side élévation view of the panel 600. Figure 13 shows a top plan view of a panel 600. Figure 14 show a bottom plan view of a panel 600.

Unless defined otherwise, ail terms of art, notations and other technical and scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to hâve the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such définitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial différence over what is generally understood in the art.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and ail possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is further to be understood that the terms “includes, “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, éléments, components, and/or units but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, éléments, components, units, and/or groups thereof.

This application discloses several numerical ranges in the text and figures. The numerical ranges disclosed inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints, even though a précisé range limitation is not stated Verbatim in the spécification because this disclosure can be practiced throughout the disclosed numerical ranges.

The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to spécifie embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the précisé forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Although the disclosure and examples hâve been fuily described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

1. A pit liner System comprising:

a plurality of curved interlocking panels, each curved interlocking panel comprising an interior curved surface and an exterior curved surface, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels are configured to couple together to form a cylindrical pit liner for lining a pit.

2. The System of claim 1, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels can be stacked in a layer arrangement for shipping or storage such that the interior curved surface of a first curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels is adjacent to the exterior curved surface of a second curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels.

3. The System of claim 1 or 2, wherein each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises a plurality of holes, and each hole of the plurality of holes extends from the interior curved surface to the exterior curved surface of each curved interlocking panel.

4. The System of claim 3, wherein the plurality of holes comprise 2-10% of the total interior surface area of each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels, wherein the total interior surface area includes a surface area of the interior curved surface and a two-dimensional area of each hole of the plurality of holes.

5 panels, wherein the one or more openings each comprise a loop of material that extends at least partially away from the upper edge surface or lower edge surface, and one or more support ribs, at least one support rib includes a notch at a location of at least one of the one or more openings, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels are the same and are configured to couple

5. The System of any of claims 1-4, wherein each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises a first interlocking edge and a second interlocking edge, and the first interlocking edge of the first curved interlocking panel is configured to interlock with the second interlocking edge of the second curved interlocking panel.

6. The System of claim 5, wherein the first interlocking edge and the second interlocking edge of each curved interlocking panel are configured to interlock with interlocking edges of another panel having a same shape.

7. The System of any of claims 1-6, wherein each curved interlocking panel has a thickness of 20 to 30 mm.

8. The system of any of claims l-7, wherein each curved interlocking panel has a height of 0.3 to l meter.

9. The system of any of claims l-8, wherein each curved interlocking panel has a width of 0.4 to 0.8 meters.

10. The System of any of claims l-9, wherein each curved interlocking panel has a radius of curvature of 0.25 to l meter.

I l. The system of any of claims l-l 0, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels is configured to stack vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.

12. The system of claims l-l l, wherein each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises one or more openings on an upper or lower edge surface and one more protrusions on an upper or lower edge surface, and the one or more protrusions are configured to lock into one or more openings when the plurality of curved interlocking panels are stacked vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more openings each comprise a loop of material that extends at least partially away from the upper edge surface or lower edge surface.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each curved interlocking panel comprises one or more support ribs, and at least one support rib includes a notch at a location of at least one of the one or more openings.

15. The system of any of claims l-l4, wherein the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises 4-8 curved interlocking panels.

16. The system of any of claims l-l5, wherein each curved interlocking panel of the plurality of curved interlocking panels comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.

17. A pit liner system comprising:

a plurality of curved interlocking panels, each curved interlocking panel comprising: an interior curved surface and an exterior curved surface, one or more openings on an upper or lower edge surface and one more protrusions on an upper or lower edge surface, the one or more protrusions are configured to lock into one or more openings when the plurality of curved interlocking panels are stacked vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking

10 together to form a cylindrical pit liner for lining a pit, and are configured to stack vertically to form a pit liner comprising two or more vertical layers of curved interlocking panels.