Drain field apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for the installation of a drain field using a bin that receives an aggregate fill material and has an outlet for releasing the fill material into a trench to create a layer of the aggregate. A guide within the bin receives a corrugated drain field pipe and positions the pipe into the center of the fill material. The apparatus is propelled forward on a pair of gauge wheels using a backhoe or motorized means and causes the fill material to be released and the pipe laid therein. A roller on the rear of the bin places a layer of water absorbent geotextile material atop the aggregate as the apparatus moves forward.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for the installation of drain field comprising: 
 a bin having a receptacle for receiving a fill material and an outlet for releasing the fill material into a trench to create a layer of the fill material; and    a pipe installation means used in combination with said bin for receiving a pipe and guiding the pipe such that it is positioned into the trench with the fill material.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  including: 
 a means attached to said bin that supports a fabric or paper such that said fabric or paper may be applied to the fill material.  
 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which said bin includes a front end and a rear end and including: 
 a pair of wheels mounted to said bin to support the front end thereof.  
 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which: 
 said bin includes a means for promoting the passage of the fill material through said outlet for effective distribution into the trench.  
 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which: 
 said pipe installation means includes a guide affixed within said bin having a first end for receiving said pipe and a second end for discharging said pipe into the layer of fill material.  
 
     
     
         6 . A method for installing a drain field that comprises: 
 placing a bin for receiving a fill material and for releasing the fill material into a trench at a point of beginning in said trench;    placing a pipe into the trench;    receiving the pipe into a guide for positioning said pipe and for dispensing said pipe into the fill material;    supplying the bin with a quantity of the fill material;    moving the bin forward in the trench causing the fill material to be released;    dispensing the pipe from the guide within the fill material as the bin moves forward;    
     
     
         7 . A method for installing a drain field as claimed in  claim 6  including: 
 placing a layer of fabric or paper on the fill material as the bin moves forward.