Drain product and method for use thereof

Abstract

Drain products/systems and methods for installation are provided for diverting water away from a structure, e.g., a home's foundation. The drain products/systems are designed for use with conventional gutter and downspout systems and are adapted for installation/use at ground level. The disclosed drain products/systems are defined by a base and a side wall that surrounds the base on three sides thereof. The side wall which surrounds the base is typically defined by an inner wall portion, a bridging portion and an outer wall portion. The outer wall portion is advantageously of greater height than the inner wall portion. The difference in height between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion typically defines a downwardly extending U-shaped portion. The disclosed drain products/systems offer superior flexibility to homeowners and/or contractors/builders, permitting efficient and reliable installation and use in countless terrains and environmental circumstances.

1 . A drain product comprising: 
 (a) a base;    (b) a side wall surrounding the base on three sides thereof, the side wall being defined by an inner wall portion, a bridging portion and an outer wall portion,    wherein the outer wall portion is of greater height than the inner wall portion.    
   
   
       2 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the base includes flow one or more flow diverters.  
   
   
       3 . A drain product according to  claim 2 , wherein said one or more flow diverters include at least one ridge.  
   
   
       4 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the base flares outward from an enclosed end to an open end.  
   
   
       5 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the difference in height between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion is approximately 2½ inches.  
   
   
       6 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the difference in height between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion defines a downwardly extending U-shaped portion.  
   
   
       7 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the side wall includes an upwardly extending region at an enclosed end of the base that is of greater height.  
   
   
       8 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the drain product is fabricated from a plastic, fiberglass, composite material or cement.  
   
   
       9 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the drain products includes a feature that facilitates cutting at least one of the base and side wall to a desired length.  
   
   
       10 . A drain product according to  claim 9 , wherein the feature is one or more score lines.  
   
   
       11 . A drain product according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer wall portion includes markings or indicia showing a height relative to the edge thereof.  
   
   
       12 . A method for employing a drain product, comprising: 
 (a) providing a drain product that includes (i) a base and (ii) a side wall surrounding the base on three sides thereof, the side wall being defined by an inner wall portion, a bridging portion and an outer wall portion and wherein the outer wall portion is of greater height than the inner wall portion to define a downwardly extending U-shaped portion;    (b) implanting the drain product such that the downwardly extending U- shaped portion is at least partially below ground level.    
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising modifying the length of the base by removing a portion of the base at a predetermined score line.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising adjusting the slope of the drain product relative to grade.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein implanting said drain product includes applying a downward force on said drain product using an ancillary tool.