Couplers and method of use

Abstract

For use with foundation drainage systems, improved drainage mat couplers that contain at least one barrier preventing two ends of received drainage mat from touching are described. A flow enhancing gap is produced between the ends of drainage mat. Included are improved between-couplers, improved communicating-couplers, and a method of using communicating-couplers as away-couplers facilitated by use of a dam.

1 . A flow enhancing drainage mat coupling (used with a fluid drainage system using drainage mats that are essentially flush with a foundation that is cast by placing concrete between an outside-form-wall and an inside-form-wall) that couples two ends of drainage mat, comprising: 
 a pair of receiving sleeves that each receive one of the two ends of drainage mat; and    at least one barrier within said sleeves that prevents the two ends of drainage mat from touching, whereby a gap between the two ends is effected.    
   
   
       2 . A coupling of  claim 1  wherein said barrier consists of at least one shelf.  
   
   
       3 . A coupling of  claim 1  wherein said barrier consists of at least one boss.  
   
   
       4 . A coupling of  claim 1  wherein each of said sleeves receives a drainage mat's end snugly.  
   
   
       5 . A coupling of  claim 1  further comprising a communicating-port that communicates with said gap for importing or exporting fluid.  
   
   
       6 . A coupling of  claim 1  wherein said sleeves have an included angle of essentially 90 degrees.  
   
   
       7 . A flow enhancing drainage mat coupling (used with a foundation fluid drainage system using drainage mats that are essentially flush with a foundation that is cast by placing concrete between an outside-form-wall and an inside-form-wall) including a three-port communicating-coupling that has an orifice (with sides) and two drainage-mat-receiving sleeves that couple two ends of drainage mat, wherein the improvement comprises: 
 A barrier within the communicating-coupling that prevents the two ends of drainage mat touching, whereby a gap between the two ends is effected.    
   
   
       8 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein said barrier consists of at least one shelf.  
   
   
       9 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein said barrier consists of at least one boss.  
   
   
       10 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein said barrier consists of at least one boss on each of the sides of the communicating-coupling's orifice.  
   
   
       11 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein said gap communicates with the orifice.  
   
   
       12 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein the improvement further includes placing said barrier near the orifice.  
   
   
       13 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein the improvement further includes a thin dam placed between the communicating-coupling and form-wall.  
   
   
       14 . A coupling of  claim 13  wherein said dam extends to essentially the top of form-wall.  
   
   
       15 . A coupling of  claim 7  wherein the improvement further includes at least one small retention-tab extending upward from the top of the communicating-coupling.  
   
   
       16 . A method of communicating fluid outside of a foundation with drainage mats that are essentially flush with 
 a foundation that is cast by placing concrete within a volume between an outside-form-wall and an inside-form-wall using    a communicating-coupling that has an orifice and two sleeves that are receiving drainage mats, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a gap in a form-wall able to accommodate the communicating-coupling's orifice;  
 placing the orifice within said gap communicating away from the volume between outside-form-wall and inside-form-wall;  
 procuring a thin dam that is larger than the extent of space between the top of the communicating-coupling and the height of form-wall;  
 mounting said dam between the communicating-coupling and form-wall so as to prevent concrete flowing over the top of the coupling;  
 placing concrete between the outside-form-wall and the inside-form-wall;  
 allowing said concrete reasonably to cure, whereby the foundation results;  
 removing the outside-form-wall and the inside-form-wall, whereby the orifice is exposed; and  
 facilitating the communication of fluid with the exposed orifice.