Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02557023 2009-06-30
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VARIABLE SPACE WATER GUARD SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[001] 1. Field of the Invention
[002] The present invention relates to a water guard system
and, more particularly, to a water guard system having a
variable height andjor width.
[003] 2. Brief Description of Related developments
[004] Sub-Floor drain conduit water control systems are used
for channeling, collecting and expelling ground water
from beneath the floor of basements or other rooms. One
such system in U.S. Patent 5,501,044
discloses a
water control system. In this example, a conduit housing
directs water from the wall - footing interface to an
appropriate drainage path. Other systems, such as in
U.S. Patents 4,245,443 and 4,745,716
disclose
water control systems where a channel member is provided
between the floor and the wall and a drain pipe is
provided below the footing. In these examples, water is
directed to the pipe through the fill between the footing
and the pipe. A problem arises when there are
inconsistencies, for example in floor thickness or
footing shape or height. Here, the channel member may not
be installed consistently to provide a suitable drainage
path. A further problem arises when the fill does not
provide a sufficiently porous path for the water.
Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a drainage
system whereby geometric inconsistencies may be
CA 02557023 2006-08-24
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accommodated where the drainage system provides an open
and efficient drainage path for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[005] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a drainage
conduit system for an at least partially subterranean
room having a floor over footings and a wall is provided.
The system comprises a subfloor drain channel arranged to
be disposed under the floor and over the footing when
installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to
the drain channel when installed, and having a back
disposed for contacting the wall. When installed, the
back of the wall flashing contacts the wall and the wall
flashing is adjustably connected to the drain channel so
that the wall flashing and the drain channel together
define a drainage void with a selectably variable space
extending away from the wall.
[006] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
drainage conduit system for an at least partially
subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall
is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain
channel having drainage features, the channel arranged to
be disposed under the floor and over the footing when
installed and a wall flashing adapted to be connected to
the drain channel when installed, the wall flashing
having a back, the wall flashing having spacers. When
installed, the wall flashing extends above the floor, and
the wall flashing is adjustably connected to the drain
channel so that wall flashing and drain channel together
define a drainage void with a selectably variable space.
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[007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a
drainage conduit system for an at least partially
subterranean room having a floor over footings and a wall
is provided. The system comprises a subfloor drain
channel having a combination of straight and rounded
walls and drainage features arranged to be disposed under
the floor and over the footing when installed and a wall
flashing adapted to be connected to the drain channel
when installed, and having a back disposed for contacting
the wall. When installed, the back of the wall flashing
contacts the wall and the wall flashing extends over the
drain channel and the wall flashing is adjustably
connected to the drain channel so that the wall flashing
and the drain channel together define a drainage void
with a selectably variable space extending away from the
wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary
embodiments are explained in the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[009] Fig. 1 is a side elevation section view of a drainage
conduit system incorporating features in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] Fig. 2 is a side elevation section view of a drainage
conduit system incorporating features in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] Fig. 3 is a side elevation section view of a drainage
conduit system incorporating features in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment;
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[0012] Fig. 4 is a side elevation section view of a drainage
conduit system incorporating features in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment;
[0013] Fig. 5A is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0014] Fig. 5B is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0015] Fig. 5C is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0016] Fig. 5D is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0017] Fig. 5E is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0018] Fig. 5F is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0019] Fig. 5G is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0020] Fig. 5H is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0021] Fig. SI is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0022] Fig. 6A is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0023] Fig. 6B is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
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. '.
[0024] Fig. 6C is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0025] Fig. 6D is a partial isometric view of a wall flashing in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0026] Fig. 7A is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0027] Fig. 7B is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0028] Fig. 7C is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[00291 Fig. 7D is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[00301 Fig. 7E is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[00311 Fig. 7F is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0032] Fig. 8A is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in acco'rdance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0033] Fig. 8B is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[00341 Fig. 8C is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0035] Fig. 8D is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0036] Fig. 8E is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and
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[0037] Fig. 8F is a partial isometric view of a subfloor drain
channel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0038] Figs. 9-9A are respectively a cross-sectional view of
drain system and a foundation system and a partial
perspective view of the drain system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment;
[00391 Figs. 10-10A are respectively a cross-sectional view of a
drain system and foundation system and a partial
perspective view of the drain system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment;
[0040] Figs. 11-11A are respectively a cross-sectional view of
drain system and a foundation system and a partial
perspective view of the drain system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment;
[0041] Figs. 12-12A are respectively a cross-sectional view of
drain system and a foundation system and a partial
perspective view of the drain system in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0042] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown, a side elevation
section view of a drainage conduit system 10
incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. Although the embodiments will be described
with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings,
it should be understood that the present invention can be
embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In
addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or
materials could be used.
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[0043] Drainage conduit sti=stem 10 is provided for an at least
partially subterranean room 14 having a floor 16 over
footings 18 and wall 20. The system 10 has a subfloor
drain channel 22 arranged to be disposed under floor 16
and over footing 18 when installed. The system 10 further
has a wall flashing 24 adapted to be connected to drain
channel 22 when installed. Drain channel 22 and wall
flashing 24 may be fabricated of suitable materials, such
as PVC or aluminum for example. As a further example,
U.S. Patents 6,672,016, 5,501,044, D456,911 and D354,821
disclose, for example, exemplary geometries,
fabrication techniques and materials. In alternate
embodiments the drain channel may have any other suitable
configuration. As seen in Fig. 1 drain 22 rest on the
footing 18. Wall flashing 24 has a back 26 disposed for
contacting wall 20. When installed, back 26 of the wall
flashing 24 contacts wall 20. In the embodiment shown,
wall flashing 24 is shown as having a general L shaped
configuration, though the flashing may have other
configurations as will be described below. When
installed, flashing 24 may extend over drain channel 22,
and may be adjustably connected to drain channel 22 so
that wall or drainage flashing 24 and drain channel 22
together define a drainage void 30 with a selectably
variable space 32 extending away from the wall. For
example, the drain 22 may be moved laterally (in the
direction of arrow Yi relative to the wall and to
flashing 24. The selectably variable space 32 may be
used, for example to increase or decrease the volume of
void 30 to provide an effective drainage path or to
accommodate geometric inconsistencies. Void 30 is
maintained after floor 16 is poured. As may be realized,
in this embodiment flashing 24 may also be vertically
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adjustable in height relative to drain 22, where spacers
38, 40 extend from back 26 of drainage flashing 24 and
contact wall 20, and hence the selectably variable space
also extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate
embodiment, for example, the horizontal portion of
flashing 24 may be separate from and / or be adjustably
connected to the vertical portion of flashing 24. In the
embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 has a span portion 34
spanning between drain channel 22 and wall 20. Here,'span
portion 34 of wall flashing 22 span over a span distance
36 between wall 20 and drain 22 that is selectably
variable and a function of drain 22 position. Here, as
noted before, selection of selectably variable space 32
is effected by selecting the span distance 36. Here,
drain channel 22 is adapted to have a selectably variable
position relative to the wall flashing to accommodate
variables such as positioning accuracy, pour effects or
otherwise. Subfloor drain channel 22 may have drainage
features, such as holes, slots, notches or otherwise. In
the embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 is connected to
drain channel 22 when installed by resting wall flashing
24 on the top surface of drain 22. The back 26 of wall
flashing 24 has spacers 38, 40 that allow seepage to pass
and provide venting for void 30. In alternate
embodiments, spacers may not be provided. In the
embodiment shown, wall flashing 24 extends above floor 16
after floor 16 is poured. Here, wall flashing 24 is
adjustably connected to drain channel 22 so that wall
flashing 24 and drain channel 22 together define a
drainage void 30 with a selectably variable space where
drainage void may extend into channel 22 from and through
flashing 24 through spacers 38, 40. In the embodiment
shown, subfloor drain channel 22 is shown substantially
rectangular with a substantially flat top section 44. In
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alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel 22 may be
provided with alternate shapes, such as with a U shape or
combination of straight and rounded walls for example.
f00441 Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown, a side elevation
section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit
system 60 incorporating features in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 60 is
provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14
having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The
system 60 has a subfloor drain channel 62 arranged to be
disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when
installed. The system 60 further has a wall flashing 64
adapted to be connected to drain channel 62 when
installed. Wall flashing 64 has a back 66 disposed for
contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 64 is shown bent in shape and when installed,
extends over drain channel 62, is adjustably connected to
drain channel 62 so that wall flashing 64 and drain
channel 62 together define a drainage void 70 with a
selectably variable space 72 extending away from the
wall. In the embodiment shown, flashing 64 is also
vertically adjustable in height relative to drain 62 by
lateral movement of drain 62. Spacers 78, 80 extend from
back 66 of drainage flashing 64 where spacers 78, 80
contact wall 20 and the selectably variable space also
extends up from the footings 18. In an alternate
embodiment, for example, the angled portion of flashing
64 may be separate from and / or be adjustably connected
to the vertical portion of flashing 64. In the embodiment
shown, wall flashing 64 has a span portion 74 spanning
between drain channel 62 and wall 20. Here, span portion
74 of wall flashing 62 has a span distance between wall
20 and drain 62 that is selectably variable and a
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function of drain 62 position. Here, Selection of
selectably variable space 72 is effected by selecting the
span distance 76. Here, drain channel 62 is adapted to
have a selectably variable position relative to wall
flashing 64 to accommodate variables such as positioning
accuracy, pour effects or otherwise. Subfloor drain
channel 62 may have drainage features, such as holes,
slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown,
wall flashing 64 is connected to drain channel 62 when
installed by resting wall flashing 64 on the top surface
of drain 62. The back 66 of wall flashing 64 has spacers
78, 80 that allow seepage to pass and provide venting for
void 70. In alternate embodiments, spacers may not be
provided. In the embodiment shown, wall flashing 64
extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is poured. Here,
wall flashing 64 is adjustably connected to drain channel
62 so that wall flashing 64 and drain channel 62 together
define a drainage void 70 with a selectably variable
space where drainage void may extend into channel 62 from
and through flashing 64 through spacers 78, 80. In the
embodiment shown, subfloor drain channel 62 is shown
substantially triangular with a substantially flat
diagonal section 84. In alternate embodiments, subfloor
drain channel 62 may be provided with alternate shapes,
such as with a U shape or combination of straight and
rounded walls for example.
[0045] Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown, a side elevation
section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit
system 100 incorporating features in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 100 is
provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14
having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The
system 100 has a subfloor drain channel 112 arranged to
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be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when
installed. The system 100 further has a wall flashing 114
adapted to be connected to drain channel 112 when
installed. Wall flashing 114 has a back 116 disposed for
contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 114 is shown vertically flat in shape. In
alternate embodiments, flashing 114 may have a shape and
when installed extend over drain channel 112. Wall
flashing 114 is adjustably connected to drain channel 112
so that wall flashing 114 and drain channel 112 together
define a drainage void 120 with a selectably variable
space 122 extending up from floor 18. In alternate
embodiments flashing 114 may also be horizontally
adjustable by lateral movement of drain 112. Spacers 128,
130 extend from back 116 of drainage flashing 114 where
spacers 128, 130 contact wall 20 and the selectably
variable space also extends up from the footings 18. In
an alternate embodiment, for example, an L or angled
portion of flashing 114 may be provided or may be
separate from and / or be adjustably connected to the
vertical portion of flashing 114. In a further alternate
embodiment, flashing may have 2 portions such that
flashing 114 may rest on the top surface of footing 114
while being vertically adjustable. Subfloor drain channel
112 may have drainage features, such as holes, slots,
notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 114 is connected to drain channel 112 when
installed by resting wall flashing 114 between wall 20
and drain 62. The back 116 of wall flashing 114 has
spacers 128, 130 that allow seepage to pass and provide
venting for void 120. In alternate embodiments, spacers
may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 114 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is
poured. Here, wall flashing 114 is adjustably connected
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to drain channel 112 so that wall f lashing 114 and drain
channel 112 together define a drainage void 120 with a
selectably variable space where drainage void may extend
into channel 112 from and through flashing 114 through
spacers 118, 120. In the embodiment shown, subfloor drain
channel 12 is shown substantially as an inverted U
section. In alternate embodiments, subfloor drain channel
112 may be provided with alternate shapes, such as with a
combination of triangular, straight and / or rounded
walls for example.
[0046] Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown, a side elevation
section view of an alternate embodiment drainage conduit
system 150 incorporating features in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. Drainage conduit system 150 is
provided for an at least partially subterranean room 14
having a floor 16 over footings 18 and wall 20. The
system 150 has a subfloor drain channel 162 arranged to
be disposed under floor 16 and over footing 18 when
installed. The system 150 further has a wall flashing 164
adapted to be connected to drain channel 162 when
installed. Wall flashing 164 has a back 166 disposed for
contacting wall 20. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 164 is shown with a rotated T shape and when
installed, extends over drain channel 162, is adjustably
connected to drain channel 162 so that wall flashing 164
and drain channel 162 together define a drainage void 170
with a selectably variable space 172 extending away from
the wall. In an alternate embodiment, flashing 164 may
also be vertically adjustable in height relative to drain
162. Spacers 178, 180 extend from back 166 of drainage
flashing 164 where spacers 178, 180 contact wall 20 and
the selectably variable space also extends up from the
footings 18. In an alternate embodiment, for example, the
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horizontal portion of flashing 164 may be separate from
and / or be adjustably connected to the vertical portion
of flashing 164 and / or the vertical portion may be of 2
piece construction. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 164 has a span portion 174 spanning between
drain channel 162 and wall 20. Here, span portion 174 of
wall flashing 162 has a span distance between wall 20 and
drain 162 that is selectably variable and a function of
drain 162 position. Here, Selection of selectably
variable space 172 is effected by selecting the span
distance 176. Here, drain channel 162 is adapted to
have a selectably variable position relative to wall
flashing 164 to accommodate variables such as positioning
accuracy, pour effects or otherwise. Subfloor drain
channel 162 may have drainage features, such as holes,
slots, notches or otherwise. In the embodiment shown,
wall flashing 164 is connected to drain channel 162 when
installed by resting wall flashing 164 on the top surface
of drain 162. The back 166 of wall flashing 164 has
spacers 178, 180 that allow seepage to pass and provide
venting for void 170. In alternate embodiments, spacers
may not be provided. In the embodiment shown, wall
flashing 164 extends above floor 16 after floor 16 is
poured. Here, wall flashing 164 is adjustably connected
to drain channel 162 so that wall flashing 164 and drain
channel 162 together define a drainage void 170 with a
selectably variable space where drainage void 170 may
extend into channel 162 from and through flashing 164
through spacers 178, 180. In the embodiment shown,
subfloor drain channel 162 is shown having a flat upper
and lower surface with rounded walls. In alternate
embodiments, subfloor drain channel 62 may be provided
with alternate shapes, such as with a U shape, triangular
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shape or combination of straight and rounded walls for
example.
[0047] Referring now to Fig. 5A, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 200 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 200 has horizontal
portion 202 and vertical portion 204. Flanged portion 206
and spacers 208 are provided on vertical portion 204.
[0048] Referring now to Fig. 5B, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 220 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 220 has horizontal
portion 222 and vertical portion 224. Flanged portion 226
and radius separated spacers 228 are provided on vertical
portion 224. Horizontal portion 222 and vertical portion
224 are coupled by radius section 230.
[0049] Referring now to Fig. 5C, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 240 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 240 has vertical
portion 242 and spacers 244.
[0050] Referring now to Fig. 5D, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 250 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 250 has vertical
portion 252, spacers 254 and radius drainage features
256.
[0051] Referring now to Fig. 5E, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 260 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 260 has vertical
portion 262, spacers 264 and rectangular drainage
features 266.
[0052] Referring now to Fig. 5F, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 270 in accordance with
CA 02557023 2006-08-24
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 270 has vertical
portion 272, dimpled spacers 274 flange 276.
[00531 Referring now to Fig. 5G, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 280 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 280 has horizontal
portion 282 and vertical portion 284 extending to the
above and below horizontal portion 282. Dimpled spacers
286 and drainage features 288 are provided on vertical
portion 284. Dimpled spacers 292 are provided on
horizontal portion 282. Horizontal portion 282 and
vertical portion 284 may be separable or movable relative
to each other at interface 292.
[0054] Referring now to Fig. 5H, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 300 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 300 has horizontal
portion 302 and vertical portion 304. Spacers 306 are
provided on vertical portion 304. Spacers 308 are
provided on horizontal portion 302. Horizontal portion
302 and vertical portion 304 are coupled by chamfer
section 310.
[0055] Referring now to Fig. 51, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 320 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 320 has horizontal
portion 322 and vertical portion 324. Spacers 326 are
provided on vertical portion 324.
t0056] Referring now to Fig. 6A, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 330 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 330 has angled
portion 332 and vertical portion 334 extending from
angled portion 332. Spacers 336 provided on vertical
portion 334.
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[0057] Referring now to Fig. 6B, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 340 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wa12 flashing 340 has angled
portion 342 and vertical portion 344 extending from
angled portion 342. Dimpled spacers 346 and 348 are
provided.
[00581 Referring now to Fig. 6C, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 350 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 350 has angled
portion 352 and vertical portion 354 extending both above
and below angled portion 352. Spacers 356 and drainage
features 357 are provided on vertical portion 354. Angled
portion 352 and vertical portion 354 may be unitary in
construction or separable or movable relative to each
other at interface 358.
[00591 Referring now to Fig. 6D, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a wall flashing 360 in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment. Wall flashing 360 has angled
portion 362 and vertical portion 364 extending both above
and below angled portion 362. Spacers 366 are provided on
vertical portion 364. Angled portion 352 and vertical
portion 354 are coupled with horizontal interface section
368.
[0060) Referring now to Fig. 7A, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 380 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 380 has
rectangular section 382 having chamfered sections 384,
386. Drainage holes 388, 390 are provided in chamfered
sections 384, 386.
[0061] Referring now to Fig. 7B, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 400 in
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accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 400 has
rectangular section 402 having drainage holes 404, 406.
[0062] Referring now to Fig. 7C, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 410 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 410 has
a round section 412 having drainage slots 414.
[0063] Referring now to Fig. 7D, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 420 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 420 has
rectangular section 422 having curved sides 424 and 426
and drainage holes 428, 430.
[0064] Referring now to Fig. 7E, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 440 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 440 has
triangular section 442 having drainage holes 444, 446.
[0065] Referring now to Fig. 7F, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 450 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 450 has
D shaped section 452 having drainage holes 454.
[0066] Referring now to Fig. 8A, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 460 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 460 has
rectangular section 462 having chamfered section 464.
Drainage holes 466 are provided.
[0067] Referring now to Fig. 8B, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 470 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 470 has
rectangular section 472 having an angled surface 474.
Drainage holes 476, 478 are provided.
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[0068] Referring now to Fig. 8C, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 480 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 480 has
perpendicular sections 482, 484 and radius section 486.
Drainage holes 488 are provided.
[0069] Referring now to Fig. 8D, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 490 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 490 has
an inverted U section 492 and drainage channels 494.
[0070] Referring now to Fig. 8E, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 500 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 500 has
an inverted U section 502, drainage channels 504, 506 and
spacers 508. In alternate embodiments, the U section
could be, for example rotated 90 degrees.
[0071] Referring now to Fig. 8F, there is shown a partial
isometric view of a subfloor drain channel 510 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Channel 510 has
horizontal section 512 and parallel vertical sections
514, 516, 518. Drainage channels 520, 522 and 524 are
also provided.
[0072] Referring now to Figs. 9-9A there is respectively shown
an elevation view of a drain system 650 in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment and a schematic
perspective view of the drain system 650. In Fig. 9,
drain system 650 is shown in an installed position on
footing 18 of a foundation system. Drain system 650 is
substantially similar to drain systems 350, 360 described
before and shown in Figs. 6C-6D. Similar features are
similarly numbered. Drain system 650 may have over
flashing portion 654 and drain channel portion 652. The
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wall flashing portion 654 and drain channel portion 652
may be connected, for example integrally formed together
as a one piece member of unitary construction. In
alternate embodiments the wall flashing portion and drain
channel portion may be separate element connected at
installation of the drain system. As with the other
embodiments, drain system may be made of plastic (e.g.
PVC) or other suitable material. As seen best in Fig.
9A, the drain channel has an open channel configuration.
The open channel may have upright portions 652, 654L
spanned by wall 658. The opening 651 in the open channel
drain section is located to face the footing 18 when the
drain system is installed (see Fig. 9). The wall
flashing portion 654, extends upwards from the drain
channel section, as shown, and has a height so that the
flashing projects a desired height above the upper
surface of floor 16. The back of the wall flashing 654
may have spacers or offsets similar to any of those shown
and described in the other embodiments that contact wall
20 and offset the drain system from the wall. The bottom
of the wall flashing 654L has cutouts or serrations 657
located along the lower edge (i.e. the edge seated
against the footing) for improved drain flow between void
32A and channel. The shape of the cutouts 657 shown in
Fig. 9A is merely exemplary, and the cutouts may have any
suitable shape.
[0073] Referring now to Figs. 10-10A there is respectively shown
an elevation view of a drain system 660 in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment and a partial
perspective view of the drain system. The drain system
660 is shown installed on a foundation system in Fig. 10.
Drain system 660 is generally similar to drain system 650
described before and shown in Figs. 9-9A, except as
CA 02557023 2006-08-24
otherwise described below. Similar features are suitably
numbered. In this embodiment drain system 660 may have a
wall flashing portion 604 and drain channel portion 665,
that may be integrally formed in a one piece member of
unitary construction. In alternate embodiments, wall
flashing section and drain channel may be separate pieces
connected when installed. The drain channel is an open
section as shown in Fig. 10A. The channel may have a
generally rounded shape transitioning from a generally
upright section 662 to a generally horizontal section
668. A seating flange 662L projects outward from the
drain channel and forms a seating surface for seating the
drain system 660 onto footing 18 (see Fig. 10) . As seen
in Fig. 10, when installed the drain channel opening 661
faces wall 20 and footing 18. The wall flashing projects
sufficiently from section 668 so that the flashing
extends above the floor 16 when the drain system is
installed. The wall flashing section may have spacers or
stand offs on the back to offset the flashing from the
wall when the drain system is installed.
[00741 Figs. 11-11A show an elevation view and cross-sectional
view of another drain system 660' in accordance with
still another embodiment. Drain system 660' is
substantially similar to drain system 660 shown in Figs.
10-10A, and similar features are similarly numbered. As
seen in Fig. 11A, in this embodiment the seating flange
662L' extends inwards, or towards the wall 18 (see also
Fig. 11). When installed, the drain system 660 is seated
with flange 662L' against the footing. Figs. 12-12A
shown an elevation view and cross-sectional view of a
drain system 670 in accordance with yet another exemplary
embodiment. The drain system 670 in this embodiment is
substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 6C and
CA 02557023 2006-08-24
21
described before, and similar features are similarly
numbered. In this embodiment, the wall flashing portion
674 is integrally formed with drain channel portion 675,
of the drain system 670, so that wall flashing and drain
channel are an integral one-piece member of unitary
construction. The drain channel in this embodiment has a
generally two leg, or floor-less, triangular shape as
seen in Fig. 12A. The free edges of the channel legs
672, 674L provide the seating surface for seating the
drain system 670 onto the footing 18. Hence, the open
bottom of the drain system faces the footing. The back
leg 674L, which is shown as substantially upright but may
be inclined as desired towards or away from the wall, may
have openings 677 of any suitable shape, in its seating
edge, to allow drainage flow from the wall 18 into the
drain channel.
[0075] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the
art without departing from the invention. For example,
the height and / or width combinations and alternatives
may be combined or used generally to establish variable
horizontal and / or vertical drainage paths or voids. As
a further example, geometric features of the flashing and
/ or drain may be mixed or combined. Accordingly, the
present invention is intended to embrace this and all
such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
[0076] What is claimed is:
