RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,317 filed Feb. 28, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When it rains on unimproved natural land, the rain and stormwater runoff is either absorbed into the soil or moves along the surface of the land, moving downward towards creeks and rivers. However, as areas become more densely populated, this natural dispersion of rain and stormwater is altered by the man-made improvements, for example, parking lots, roads, and buildings. This leaves less open ground surface to absorb the rain and adds to the stormwater runoff.

In many cities, stormwater sewers are constructed to handle the large amount of stormwater runoff that comes off of the buildings, parking lots, and roads. The stormwater sewers route the water to creeks and drainage ditches, which form the tributaries to larger rivers. However, many cities do not have a stormwater sewer system; therefore, there is no pathway for disposing of the stormwater runoff coming from the buildings, parking lots, roadways, etc.

Common ways of treating storm water involve installing a curb-cut on a side of a street and allowing the storm water to flow out into a rain garden. However, debris can build up and cause the storm water to by-pass the curb cut before the rain garden is full of storm water. In addition, accumulated sediment in the rain garden can smother the existing plants and is unsightly. For example, turf strips along the curb-cut are often ineffective and require exhaustive raking and annual replacement. Rock inlets also lose their effectiveness rapidly without frequent labor intensive cleaning. Alternative structures, for example, chambers filled with porous media and underdrains, can be cost prohibitive and may fail resulting in flooding the rain garden with debris, which requires extensive clean-up.

What is desired is a device that can remove debris and sediment from storm water and allow the treated storm water to enter a storm water receiving feature, for example, a rain garden.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber for storm water receiving features such as rain gardens. The storm water pretreatment chamber installs easily, simplifies routine maintenance, maximizes functional capacity, and extends the life of the storm water receiving features. The storm water pretreatment chamber is easy to construct, functional, and affordable. The storm water pretreatment chamber eliminates premature rain garden bypass of the untreated storm water due to sediment and debris accumulation. The storm water pretreatment chamber captures both large debris and fine particles. Additionally, the storm water pretreatment chamber contains an overflow feature that ensures treatment of the storm water in spite of neglected maintenance. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes a filter that can be easily removed and swept or rinsed clean with a garden hose. Further, sediment, leaves, and grass clippings, which are trapped inside the storm water pretreatment chamber, are easily removed with, for example, a shovel. The storm water pretreatment chamber is also easily and quickly installed into new or existing storm water receiving features.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

one or more filter sidewalls;

one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls each independently connected to the one or more filter sidewalls;

wherein the one or more filter sidewalls and the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the one or more filter sidewalls are each in communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into one or more storm water receiving features;

one or more optional chamber grates each having a first surface and a second surface, wherein each second surface of the one or more optional chamber grates is on or connected with the one or more filter sidewalls or the one or more filter sidewalls and the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls,

wherein the one or more optional chamber grates are in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the one or more optional chamber grates; and

one or more catch rails each independently connected to the one or more filter sidewalls or the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the one or more catch rails are configured to provide one or more openings directed away from the one or more storm water receiving features,

wherein the one or more catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the one or more catch rails are positioned above a level of one or more storm water conveyances;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the one or more storm water conveyances,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the one or more filter sidewalls, the one or more catch rails, and the one or more optional chamber grates that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the one or more storm water receiving features when the one or more filter sidewalls is clogged.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes a base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the one or more storm water receiving features, wherein the second surface contacts the one or more filter sidewalls and the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the base includes a water-impermeable base. In one embodiment, the water-impermeable base includes concrete, stone, asphalt, brick, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, metal, wood, wood and plastic composite, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the water-impermeable base includes concrete.

In one embodiment, the base includes a water-permeable base. In one embodiment, the water-permeable base includes coarse sand, crushed stone, crushed glass, shredded bark, landscape fabric, compost, one or more living plants, permeable asphalt, permeable concrete, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets, one or more metal sheets, one or more cement fiberboards, one or more fiberglass sheets, one or more pressure-treated wood planks, one or more plastic sheets, one or more concrete sheets, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets.

In one embodiment, the one or more filter sidewalls include one or more filters. In one embodiment, the one or more filters each independently including one or more metal screens, one or more plastic screens, one or more fiberglass screens, one or more non-woven screens, one or more coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more synthetic sponge screens, one or more treated natural fiber screens, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the one or more filters each independently include one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame. In one embodiment, the one or more filters each independently include openings that are smaller than the openings in the one or more optional chamber grates.

In one embodiment, the one or more filters each independently include one or more removable filters. In one embodiment, the one or more filters each independently include one or more non-removable filters. In one embodiment, the one or more removable filters are disposable. In one embodiment, the one or more removable filters are reusable. In one embodiment, the one or more removable filters are removed to allow for removal of one or more debris, one or more sediments, or one or more debris and one or more sediments in the debris and sediment trap.

In one embodiment, the one or more filter sidewalls include a concrete form.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes one or more piers each supporting the one or more filter sidewalls, the one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls, the one or more optional chamber grates, the one or more catch rails, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more piers include one or more cement materials, one or more concrete materials, one or more stone materials, one or more brick materials, one or more wood-plastic composite materials, one or more metals, one or more cement fiberboard materials, one or more fiberglass materials, one or more pressure-treated wood materials, one or more plastic materials, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more piers include one or more wood and plastic composite materials.

In one embodiment, the debris and sediment trap collects materials that are smaller than the openings of the one or more optional chamber grates and larger than the openings in the one or more filter sidewalls. In one embodiment, the one or more optional chamber grates are removable. In one embodiment, the one or more optional chamber grates are non-removable.

In one embodiment, the one or more optional chamber grates include one or more cement materials, one or more concrete materials, one or more stone materials, one or more brick materials, one or more wood-plastic composite materials, one or more metals, one or more cement fiberboard materials, one or more fiberglass materials, one or more pressure-treated wood materials, one or more plastic materials, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the one or more optional chamber grates include one or more metals. In one embodiment, the one or more metals include aluminum, steel, iron, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more metals include galvanized steel, galvanized iron, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the one or more optional chamber grates cover the debris and sediment trap or the debris and sediment trap and a space between the one or more filter sidewalls and the one or more catch rails adjacent to the one or more storm water receiving features.

In one embodiment, the one or more catch rails include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets, one or more metal sheets, one or more cement fiberboards, one or more fiberglass sheets, one or more pressure-treated wood planks, one or more plastic sheets, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more catch rails each independently include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber includes a chamber grate, one filter sidewall, three optional water-impermeable sidewalls, and three catch rails, wherein the three catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite to one storm water receiving feature.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber includes a chamber grate, two filter sidewalls, two optional water-impermeable sidewalls, and two catch rails, wherein the two catch rails are configured to provide two openings perpendicular to two storm water receiving features.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber includes a chamber grate, one filter sidewall, one water-impermeable sidewall, and two catch rails, wherein the two catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite to one storm water receiving feature.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber includes a chamber grate, one circular filter sidewall, and one catch rail, wherein the one catch rail is configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite to one storm water receiving feature.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

a filter sidewall;

three water-impermeable sidewalls each independently connected to the filter sidewall;

wherein the filter sidewall and three water-impermeable sidewalls form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the filter sidewall is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into a storm water receiving feature;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the filter sidewall or the filter sidewall and the three water-impermeable sidewalls,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate; and

three catch rails each independently connected to the filter sidewall or the three water-impermeable sidewalls to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the three catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite from the storm water receiving feature,

wherein the three catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the three catch rails are positioned above the level of a storm water conveyance;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the storm water conveyance,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the filter sidewall, the three catch rails, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the storm water receiving feature when the filter sidewall is clogged.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes a base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the storm water receiving feature, wherein the second surface contacts the filter sidewall and the three water-impermeable sidewalls. In one embodiment, the base includes a concrete slab. In one embodiment, the three water-impermeable sidewalls include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets. In one embodiment, the filter sidewall includes one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame.

In one embodiment, the filter sidewall includes openings that are smaller than the openings in the chamber grate. In one embodiment, the filter sidewall includes one or more removable filters. In one embodiment, the one or more removable filters are removed to allow for removal of one or more debris, one or more sediments, or one or more debris and one or more sediments in the debris and sediment trap.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes four piers each supporting the three water-impermeable sidewalls, the filter sidewall, the chamber grate, the three catch rails, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the four piers include one or more wood and plastic composite materials. In one embodiment, the debris and sediment trap collects materials that are smaller than the openings of the chamber grate and larger than the openings in the filter sidewall.

In one embodiment, the chamber grate is removable. In one embodiment, the chamber grate includes galvanized steel, galvanized iron, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the chamber grate covers the debris and sediment trap or the debris and sediment trap and a space between the filter sidewall and the three catch rails adjacent to the one or more storm water receiving features. In one embodiment, the three catch rails each independently include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

a filter sidewall, wherein the filter sidewall include one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame;

three water-impermeable sidewalls connected to the filter sidewall, wherein the three water-impermeable sidewalls each independently include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets;

wherein the filter sidewall and three water-impermeable sidewalls form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the filter sidewall is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into a storm water receiving feature;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the filter sidewall or the filter sidewall and the three water-impermeable sidewalls,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate;

three catch rails each independently connected to the filter sidewall or the three water-impermeable sidewalls to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the three catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite from the storm water receiving feature,

wherein the three catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the three catch rails are positioned above the level of a storm water conveyance;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the storm water conveyance; and

four piers supporting the three water-impermeable sidewalls, the filter sidewall, the chamber grate, and the three catch rails, or a combination thereof,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the filter sidewall, the three catch rails, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the storm water receiving feature when the filter sidewall is clogged.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes a base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the storm water receiving feature, wherein the second surface contacts the filter sidewall and the three water-impermeable sidewalls.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

two filter sidewalls, wherein the two filter sidewalls each independently include one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame;

two water-impermeable sidewalls connected to the filter sidewall, wherein the two water-impermeable sidewalls each independently include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets;

wherein the two filter sidewalls and two water-impermeable sidewalls form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the two filter sidewalls are in independent communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into one or two storm water receiving features;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the two filter sidewalls and the two water-impermeable sidewalls,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate;

two catch rails connected to the two filter sidewalls and the two water-impermeable sidewalls to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the two catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber perpendicular to the one or more storm water receiving features,

wherein the two catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the two catch rails are positioned above the level of two opposite storm water conveyances;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the two opposite storm water conveyances; and

four piers supporting the two water-impermeable sidewalls, the two filter sidewalls, a chamber grate, two catch rails, or a combination thereof,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the two filter sidewalls, the two catch rails, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the one or more storm water receiving features when the one or more filter sidewalls are clogged,

provided that when two storm water receiving features are present, they are located on opposite sides of the storm water pretreatment chamber.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the one or two storm water receiving features, wherein the second surface contacts the two filter sidewalls and the two water-impermeable sidewalls.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

a filter sidewall, wherein the filter sidewall includes one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame;

two water-impermeable sidewalls connected to the filter sidewall, wherein the two water-impermeable sidewalls each independently include one or more wood-plastic composite sheets;

wherein the filter sidewall and two water-impermeable sidewalls form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the filter sidewall is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into a storm water receiving feature;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the filter sidewall and the two water-impermeable sidewalls,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate;

two catch rails connected to the filter sidewall and the two water-impermeable sidewalls to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the two catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber between greater than about zero degrees and less than about ninety degrees to the one or more storm water receiving features,

wherein the two catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the two catch rails are positioned above the level of the storm water conveyance;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the opposite storm water conveyance; and

three piers supporting the two water-impermeable sidewalls, the filter sidewall, a chamber grate, and two catch rails, or a combination thereof,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the filter sidewall, one of the two catch rails, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the storm water receiving feature when the filter sidewall is clogged.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes: base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the storm water receiving feature, wherein the second surface contacts the filter sidewall and the two water-impermeable sidewalls.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

two filter sidewalls, wherein the two filter sidewalls each independently include one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame;

a water-impermeable sidewall connected to the each of the two filter sidewalls, wherein the water-impermeable sidewall includes one or more wood-plastic composite sheets;

wherein the two filter sidewalls and the water-impermeable sidewall form a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the two filter sidewall are in independent communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into two storm water receiving features;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the two filter sidewalls and the water-impermeable sidewall,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate;

two catch rails connected to the two filter sidewalls and the water-impermeable sidewall to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the two catch rails are configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber between greater than about zero degrees and less than about ninety degrees to both of the two storm water receiving features,

wherein the two catch rails each independently catch the one or more floating debris,

wherein the two catch rails are positioned above the level of the storm water conveyance;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the storm water conveyance; and

three piers supporting the water-impermeable sidewall, the two filter sidewalls, the chamber grate, two catch rails, or a combination thereof,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the two filter sidewalls, one or both of the two catch rails, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into one or both of the storm water receiving features when one or both filter sidewalls are clogged.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the two storm water receiving features, wherein the second surface contacts the two filter sidewalls and the one water-impermeable sidewall.

The present invention provides a storm water pretreatment chamber. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes:

a circular or oblong filter sidewall, wherein the circular or oblong filter sidewall include one or more plastic coated woven fiberglass screens, one or more rubber coated woven fiberglass screens, or one or more plastic and rubber coated woven fiberglass screens in an anodized aluminum frame and one or more wood-plastic composite sheets;

wherein the circular or oblong filter sidewall forms a debris and sediment trap,

wherein the circular or oblong sidewall is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to release treated storm water from the debris and sediment trap into a storm water receiving feature;

a chamber grate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface of the chamber grate is on or connected with the circular or oblong filter sidewall,

wherein the chamber grate is in communication with the atmosphere and in position to receive untreated storm water and to collect one or more floating debris that does not pass through the chamber grate;

a catch rail connected to the circular or oblong filter sidewall to form an open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber,

wherein the catch rail is configured to provide an opening into the storm water pretreatment chamber opposite the storm water receiving feature,

wherein the catch rail traps the one or more floating debris,

wherein the catch rail is positioned above the level of the storm water conveyance;

wherein the open top in the storm water pretreatment chamber is positioned below the level of the storm water conveyance; and

three or four piers supporting the circular or oblong filter sidewall, the chamber grate, the catch rail, or a combination thereof,

wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber has an opening between the filter sidewall, the catch rail, and the chamber grate that enables storm water to flow out of the debris and sediment trap and into the storm water receiving feature when the filter sidewall is clogged.

In one embodiment, the storm water pretreatment chamber further includes a base having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the ground adjacent the storm water receiving feature, wherein the second surface contacts the circular or oblong filter sidewall.

The present invention provides a method of treating storm water. The method includes:

passing storm water through a storm water pretreatment chamber, wherein the storm water pretreatment chamber includes: