Synthetic materials for water drainage systems

Abstract

Synthetic rocks are used as a substitute for natural gravel to fill in a water drainage trench. The synthetic rocks may be used around perforated drain tiles in a basement water drainage system, or they may be used without such tile. The synthetic rocks may be of a size and shape that mimics the natural rock they replace, but they are preferably significantly lighter in weight. The synthetic rocks may alternatively be tubular or cubic shaped, for example, and may include one or more lumens or other passageways to facilitate the flow of water through and/or around the rocks. The synthetic rocks may be provided in mesh bags to facilitate placement in a water drainage trench.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A method of facilitating a directed flow of water, said method comprising providing a channel effective for directing a flow of water and at least partially filling said channel with a plurality of synthetic mini-tubes having a diameter of between 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches and a length of between 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches, wherein said mini-tubes are arranged so as to permit a flow of water through said channel. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said channel directs a flow of water below the lowest floor of a building. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said channel directs a flow of water in or below a crawl space of a building. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said channel directs a flow of water for a distance of at least ten feet. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said flow of water is an occasional flow of water. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said synthetic rocks are contained in at least one mesh bag. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said mini-tubes have a specific gravity that is less than 3.0. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said synthetic rocks have a specific gravity that is less than 2.0. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said synthetic rocks have a specific gravity that is less than 1.0.