Article for use in a fluid diversion system

Abstract

A synthetic resin article is provided for use in a fluid diversion system with one or more distribution lines. The article's frame has a top, at least one side, a bottom and an interior. At least one aperture is formed at the top. An intake port is disposed on at least one side of the frame, for engagement with the system distribution line. A drainage structure is disposed on the bottom of the frame for downward drainage of standing water into the surrounding soil or other environment. When the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the drainage structure but normally when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the outlet aperture. In preferred embodiments, the top includes a plurality of small outlet gratings for additional percolation. In particularly preferred embodiments, the outlet gratings are formed as a plurality of slots for optimized percolation and diffusion.

1 . An article for use in a fluid diversion system having one or more distribution lines, the article comprising:
 (a) a synthetic resin frame having a top, at least one side, a bottom and an interior, portions of the top forming an outlet aperture;   (b) an intake port disposed on at least one side of the frame, for mating engagement with the system distribution line; and   (c) a drainage structure disposed on the bottom of the frame, such that when the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the drainage structure, and wherein when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the outlet aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality outlet slots are formed at the top of the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 2 , wherein the top is substantially rectangular in shape, having two opposing shorter ends and two opposing longer ends, and a lid is formed thereby. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 3 , wherein a hinge is integrally formed on at least one side of the frame, the hinge disposed adjacent and interlockingly engaged with the lid. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 4 , wherein the lid is capable of upward movement in a range of 180 degrees about the hinge axis. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 5 , wherein the intake port is formed in one of the shorter ends, namely a proximal end, and the other opposing shorter end is the distal end. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 6 , wherein the lid opens from distal end for ease of access to the intake port without obstruction from the lid when it is in the open position. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 7 , wherein reinforcement ribs are integrally formed on the lid, disposed to project downward into the interior. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 8 , wherein a port adapter is disposed within the intake port, the intake port presenting a port diameter, the adapter presenting an adapter diameter less than the port diameter, the port adapter having a predetermined diameter for mating engagement with the distribution line. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 3 , wherein the four sides are configured for folding so that all four are reversibly foldable to allow a substantially flat, folded profile. 
     
     
         11 . An article for use in a fluid diversion system having at least one distribution line, the article comprising:
 (a) a synthetic resin frame having a top, a proximal side, a distal side, a bottom, all defining an interior therewithin, portions of the top forming a plurality of slots, the frame including a hinge structure formed to join the proximal side and the top, the bottom including portions forming a plurality of apertures;   (b) a circular intake port disposed on at least the proximal side of the frame, for engagement with the system distribution line, the intake port presenting a port diameter; and   (c) a lid disposed at the top of the frame, the lid capable of upward movement in a range of 180 degrees about the hinge axis to facilitate ease of access to the intake port without obstruction by the lid, when the lid is moved to the open position, such that when the lid is closed and the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the outlet aperture, and wherein when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the slots.   
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein reinforcement ribs are integrally formed on the top, disposed to project downward into the interior. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein a port adapter is disposed within the intake port, the adapter presenting an adapter diameter less than the port diameter, the port diameter having a predetermined magnitude for mating engagement with the distribution line. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein a lid is formed in the top of the frame, the lid capable of upward movement in a range of 180 degrees about the hinge axis to facilitate ease of access to the intake port without obstruction by the lid, when the lid is moved to the open position. 
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein all sides are configured for folding so that all sides are reversibly foldable to allow a substantially flat, folded profile. 
     
     
         16 . An article for use in a fluid diversion system having at least one distribution line, the article comprising:
 (a) a synthetic resin frame having a top, a proximal side, a distal side, a bottom, all defining an interior therewithin, portions of the top forming a plurality of slots, the frame including a hinge structure formed to join the proximal side and the top, the bottom including portions forming a plurality of apertures;   (b) a circular intake port disposed on at least the proximal side of the frame, for engagement with the system distribution line, the intake port presenting a port diameter;   (c) a lid disposed at the top of the frame, the lid capable of upward movement in a range of 180 degrees about the hinge axis to facilitate ease of access to the intake port without obstruction by the lid, when the lid is moved to the open position;   (d) a port adapter disposed within the intake port, the adapter presenting an adapter diameter less than the port diameter, the port adapter having a predetermined diameter for mating engagement with the distribution line; and   (e) reinforcement ribs integrally formed on the lid, disposed to project downward into the interior, such that when the lid is closed and the system delivers fluid through the distribution line, it is received in the interior of the frame and drains slowly out through the outlet aperture, and wherein when the system delivers fluid to the interior at a sufficient rate, the fluid rises to the top of the frame and percolates out of the slots.   
     
     
         17 . The article of  claim 16 , wherein all sides are configured for folding so that all sides are reversibly foldable to allow a substantially flat, folded profile. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of diverting and applying fluid to soil, including surface soil in the vicinity of a building, the method suitable for use in a diversion system operationally engaged with the building, the method comprising:
 (a) providing a frame having a top, at least one side, a bottom and an interior, portions of the top forming an outlet aperture;   (b) positioning the frame in the soil so that the top of the frame is surrounded by the surface soil;   (c) diverting the fluid from the building into the frame at sufficient rate so that the fluid fills the frame and rises to the top thereof; and   (d) applying the fluid to the surface soil by percolating action of the fluid through the aperture, followed by diffusion of the fluid into the surface soil.