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  Crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm systemThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070175112. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field [0002] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a crawlspace encapsulation system and, more particularly, to a crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm system. [0003] 2. Brief Description of Related Developments [0004] Basements or crawlspaces may allow moisture and water vapor, for example, from dirt or concrete floors, to enter the building structure located above the space causing multiple problems, such as insect infestation or structural problems. A solution exists to provide a lining over the inside of the crawl space where the lining provides a vapor barrier between the dirt floor or vapor source and the structure to isolate the structure from the high humidity environment. One such system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,666 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A problem arises when there is a leak, for example from plumbing, in the building where water or other liquid runs into the liner and is trapped. Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a drainage and alarm system for lined crawlspaces whereby the user may be become aware of the leak and whereby the runoff from the leak may be effectively managed. SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0005] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a drain and alarm system adapted for use with a crawlspace liner encapsulated crawlspace having a floor is provided. The drain and alarm system comprises a drainage base arranged to be disposed, at least partially, within a hole of the floor and a drainage cover coupled to the drainage base. The drainage cover has an airtight floor drain and a water activated alarm. The water activated alarm alerts a user of a water leak. The crawlspace liner is sealed to the drainage base or the drainage cover. The crawlspace liner has a drainage cutout allowing liquid to flow from a building side of the crawlspace liner to a floor side of the crawlspace liner through the airtight floor drain. [0006] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a floor drain system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor is provided. The system comprises a drainage base arranged to be disposed, at least partially, within a hole of the floor and an airtight floor drain coupled to the drainage base. Liquid may flow in a first direction through the airtight floor drain to the hole in the floor. Air is prevented from flowing through the airtight floor drain in a second direction, opposite the first direction. [0007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a floor drain system for an at least partially subterranean room having a floor is provided. The system comprises a drainage base having one or more drainage holes, the drainage base arranged to be disposed within a hole of the floor and a drainage cover coupled to the drainage base, the drainage cover having an airtight floor drain. The drainage cover is provided at an elevation equal to or lower than an elevation of the floor. Liquid may flow in a first direction through the airtight floor drain to the hole in the floor. Air is prevented from flowing through the airtight floor drain in a second direction, opposite the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a building shown partially in cross-section; [0010] FIG. 2 is a section view of the building shown in FIG. 1; [0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a drain and alarm system incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [0012] FIG. 4 is a section view of the drain and alarm system shown in FIG. 3; and [0013] FIG. 5 is a partial section view of the drain and alarm system shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) [0014] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, side elevation view of a building shown partially in cross-section incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Although the embodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. [0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a building 10 such as a house is illustrated supported upon peripheral foundation walls 11 such as concrete block walls on a peripheral footing 12 buried in the ground beneath the frost line. Also, an access opening 16, shown in FIG. 2, may be provided in the foundation 11, above ground level. Alternately, a hatch door may be provided in the roof or ceiling to permit access into the crawlspace when necessary. Any air vents present in the crawlspace walls 11 or foundation may be sealed or covered with a crawlspace liner or otherwise as air circulation may not be desired after the crawlspace is sealed. Floor 17 of the crawlspace may be poured concrete, or may be a dirt floor. In alternate embodiments the crawlspace floor may be provided with an inner peripheral water drainage trench 18 or tile filled with aggregate and may contain a perforated water drainage conduit. The trench may open to a sump pit which, depending upon the slope of the terrain, may contain a sump pump (not shown) and a discharge pipe 20 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1 and representing the sump pump connected thereto) which extends up and over the foundation and drains to an external location whenever the water level of the sump pit rises to the activation level of the sump pump. The sump pump may be a conventional lever-activated sump pump. In the exemplary embodiment, a pit or void 19 may be formed in the crawlspace floor 17. The pit 19, which may be excavated through the existing floor may not have a pump or reservoir or pipe 20. Pit 19 may have a drain and alarm system 30 adapted for use with for example a crawlspace liner 21 encapsulating the crawlspace and sealing floor 17 or other seal barrier sealing the floor. [0016] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the liner 21 extends over and seals the crawlspace floor, and may also have portions 21a extending over and sealing other portions of the crawlspace boundaries, such as the foundation walls. In alternate embodiments, the liner may have any desired shape. In still other embodiments, any suitable vapor barrier such as a sealed concrete floor may be used to encapsulate the chamber. In this embodiment continuous sealed crawlspace liner 21 is provided, such as of plastic film, which may be a monofilm, for example, a 16 mil thick durable heavy duty, fiber-reinforced multi-ply plastic film or rubber sheeting. The crawlspace liner 21 may be for example an integral continuous durable water barrier film or laminate or may be formed of wide strips of such film or laminate, such as six feet in width, which are overlapped and sealed along the edges thereof with the waterproof caulk or adhesive or adhesive tape to provide a continuous sealed barrier liner 21 of the required dimensions. The crawlspace liner 21 may be installed over the dirt floor 17 and over the sump pit 19, if present, and may be extended vertically-upwardly to the tops of the crawlspace walls. The liner 21 may be sealed against the inner surface of the foundation walls 11 peripherally surrounding and enclosing the crawlspace. The liner 21 may be sufficiently durable to resist tearing and piercing under the weight of the installers. The upper surface of the liner may be white in color to brighten the crawlspace. The vertical peripheral crawlspace liner extensions 21a are extended and supported against the inner surfaces of the foundation walls 11 and sealed thereto at an elevation which is above the exterior ground level, for example, to the tops of the foundation walls. The continuous marginal liner extensions 21a are sealed or bonded to each other and to the entire peripheral inner wall of the foundation 11 adjacent the top thereof, for example, by use of an adhesive tape or a continuous bead 21b of suitable adhesive or caulk composition such as a polyurethane composition. Nylon fasteners may be used to support the liner 21 vertically over the foundation 11 during installation and prior to caulking. The crawlspace liner 21 and its extended marginal border areas 21a prevent the entry of water vapor from the soil or ground into the crawlspace environment and prevent external ground water or flood water entry into the crawlspace and on top of the crawlspace liner 21, over the dirt floor 17, where it can become trapped and stagnant and can generate mold and fungus and water vapor which can deteriorate and rot structural wood support members of the building 10. Any exterior ground water which might penetrate the foundation 11, such as through a cement block wall, is trapped beneath the liner extensions 21a and flows down into the dirt floor of the crawl space and into the drain tile channel 18, if present. This keeps the head space 15 of the crawlspace, or the crawlspace environment, dry. Thus, the installed crawlspace liner may totally encapsulate the crawlspace environment and completely isolates the building envelope and upper living spaces from the earth there below and from the dampness, insects and radon contained therein, to provide a healthier home environment. [0017] If a leak, for example a plumbing leak, arises from the building then liquid, such as water, may flow into the crawlspace on top of the liner material 21. Without drain and alarm system 30, there generally is no way for water entering from a leak on building side 36 to be expelled and high humidity will result with the attendant problems such as mold growth or water fill up of the crawlspace or otherwise. In that case the homeowner may not be averted to the problem until damage has been done. However, with the drain and alarm system 30, the water or other liquid inside the crawlspace may be diverted from the building side 36 to the floor side 38 of the barrier 21 and an alarm would notify the homeowner that there is a problem, such as a plumbing leak for example. Additionally, drain 34 prevents humid air from entering the building side 36 of the encapsulation or seal barrier 21 where water can still be drained in the event of a leak on the building side 36 of liner 21. As will be described in greater detail below, drain and alarm system 30 has a drainage base arranged to be disposed, at least partially, within pit or hole 19 of the floor 17. A drainage cover may be coupled to the drainage base with the drainage cover having an airtight floor drain 34 and a water activated alarm 32. The water activated alarm 32 alerts a user to the presence of for example water or other liquid at the drain 34 as will be described. The crawlspace liner 21 may be sealed to the drainage base or the drainage cover. In the exemplary embodiment, the crawlspace liner 21 may have a drainage cutout 210 or opening formed therein allowing liquid to flow from a building side 36 of the crawlspace liner 21 to a floor side 38 of the crawlspace liner 21 through the airtight floor drain 34. In alternate embodiments, where a different type of encapsulation barrier is used (e.g. sealed concrete floor) the drainage opening is formed through the encapsulation barrier. The crawlspace liner 21 may be sealed to the air tight drain 34 base, for example, by pinching the crawlspace liner 21 between the drainage cover and the drainage base. In alternate embodiments, any other suitable sealing devices and methods may be used to seal the liner or barrier to the drain. In the exemplary embodiment, as noted before the drain may include optionally a sump pump adapted to pump the liquid (via tube 20) from the drainage base to an exterior of the crawlspace. However, in exemplary embodiments where the drain is placed in a dry pit or void, as may occur for example in a retrofit installation, the drain may not be provided with a sump pump. The drainage base, in the exemplary embodiment, may also have drainage holes allowing the liquid to drain into the soil. The water activated alarm 32 may be connected via suitable interface 40 to a home security system 42 or service 44. The home security system 42 may alert a service 44 over communication interface 100, for example phone line 100 or otherwise, such that service 44 may alert the homeowner, or plumber or otherwise take action to resolve the leak. The communication interface 40 may be a wireless interface, wired interface or any other suitable communication method. Here, the water activated alarm 32 alerts a user of a water leak from the building side 36 of the crawlspace liner 21. As will be described further below, the airtight floor drain may comprise a float and a mating stationary valve seat, wherein the float seats against the valve seat forming a substantially airtight seal when there is no flow of water from the building side 36 of the crawlspace. In alternate embodiments, any suitable airtight drain may be used. [0018] The drain system may incorporate the drain pit, aggregate-filled drain tile and/or sump pit or pump where excessive amounts of water may be drawn up to the dirt floor 17 of crawlspace and/or may penetrate the cement block foundation 11, above or below ground level, and enter the crawlspace and accumulate beneath the barrier layer. Further, the incorporation of the drain pit 19 allows water leaking from the building side 36 to be effectively drained either into the soil or via a sump pump. The encapsulation liner may provide remediation even in systems in which the floor of the crawlspace is formed of poured concrete, wherein water vapor can penetrate up into the crawlspace at the wall/floor interface or through cracks in the floor, from the dirt soil there beneath. Dangerous radon gas from beneath the plastic liner where it can accumulate by migration up from the sub-soil may also be discharged in a controlled manner outside the crawlspace and building. For example one end of a radon-discharge conduit may be extended through the plastic liner 21 and sealed thereto, the other or discharge end being extended up and over the foundation to the exterior atmosphere for the safe release of the radon gas. The discharge end of the conduit may alternately be associated with a continuously-operating fan which draws the gas from beneath the plastic liner and out into the atmosphere. Alternatively, the radon discharge conduit can be positioned between the foundation and the plastic liner from beneath the liner up over the foundation and out to the discharge end and the exterior atmosphere. [0019] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an isometric view of drain and alarm system 30, incorporated into the chamber encapsulation system, having features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Referring also to FIG. 4, there is shown a section view of the drain and alarm system 30 shown in FIG. 3. Referring also to FIG. 5, there is shown a partial section view of the drain and alarm system 30 shown in FIG. 3. As noted before, in the event of an internal leak, for example, a plumbing leak arises from the building, then liquid, such as water, may flow into the crawlspace on top of the liner material 21. Without drain and alarm system 30, there is no way for water from a leak or otherwise entering from building side 36 to be expelled and high humidity will result with the attendant problems previously described. In the exemplary embodiment, the water would be diverted via drain 34 from the building side 36 to the floor side 38 of the barrier 21, the alarm 30 would notify the homeowner that there is a problem. Additionally, drain 34 prevents humid air from entering the building side 36 of the barrier 21. [0020] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drain and alarm system has a drainage base 44 that may have one or more holes 46, 48. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an exemplary drainage base 44. In alternate embodiments, the base 44 may have any other suitable shape. The base 44 generally has a lower portion 44L with wall(s) shaped to define a void. The wall(s) of the lower portion, in the exemplary embodiment shown, form a generally continuous wall, though in alternate embodiments the wall(s) may be sectioned or spaced to define gaps or spaces (e.g. vertical gaps) in the base. In this embodiment, the base may be a one piece molding (i.e. of unitary construction) made of any suitable material such as plastic, etc. In alternate embodiments, the base may include sections (e.g. vertically stackable sections or horizontally mateable sections) that may be assembled to form the base. The lower portion of the base may be provided with sufficient height to define the desired void when placed in pit 19 and surrounded by aggregate 62. In alternate embodiments, the lower portion of base 44 may be provided with a variable length, such as by having an accordion pleat or telescoping sections. As seen in FIG. 4, the lower base portion 44L may have an end lip 44E (defining hole 48) shaped (e.g. substantially "S" shape) to provide increased strength. The wall(s) of the lower portion 44L have holes 46 formed therein. The number, size and location of the holes 46 shown in FIGS. 3-4 is merely exemplary, and in alternate embodiments, the lower base portion wall(s) may have any suitable number, size and location of drain holes. As may be realized, in the case of a dry sump installation, drain holes 46 and in draining the fluid inside the drain base (from drain 34) to the surrounding aggregate and eventual resorbtion in soil. In the case of installation in a wet sump, holes 46 may serve to allow underground liquid to flow into the base drain and to the sump pump (that may be located inside) for pumping. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 44 may have a membrane or a flange 88 generally surrounding the top of the base. The flange 88 may be of any desired width and shape, for example 1'' to 3'' in width, and substantially flat as shown, and may provide an interface between drain base 44 and surrounding floor 17 and/or barrier 21 as will be described below. As seen best in FIG. 5, a transition section may connect the flange 88 (which may be substantially horizontal) to the walls of the lower portion 44L of the base (which may be substantially vertical). In this embodiment, the transition has a substantially straight pitched section at a desired incline angle 92 (e.g. about 20.degree.), though in alternate embodiments, the transition may have any suitable shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the pitched section of the transition may form a seating/contact surface for sealing barrier 21 to the drain as will be described below. A large hole 48 (see FIG. 4) may be provided at the bottom of drainage base 44 to effect efficient drainage into the soil. The drainage base 44 may be arranged to be disposed, at least partially, within pit 19 of the floor 17. In alternate embodiments, drainage base may be placed on a low point of floor 17 or otherwise placed within, below or on floor 17 where the base can effect drainage from the building side of liner 21. The bottom of the base may be seated against the bottom of the pit, or may be suspended a distance from the bottom of pit 19 (such as when flange 33 suspends the base from floor 17). Continue reading... Full patent description for Crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Wall system Next Patent Application: Method and apparatus for deflecting liquid from a foundation wall Industry Class: Static structures (e.g., buildings) ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Crawlspace encapsulation with drain and alarm system patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.08504 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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