US20080025795A1

US20080025795A1 - Methods, apparatus and system for drain tiles

Info

Publication number: US20080025795A1
Application number: US11/494,883
Authority: US
Inventors: Cliff Purnell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2006-07-28
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

An improved drain tile system and methods of installation that allow superior water removal with minimal time and labor and with reduced damage to planted vegetation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods, apparatus and system for drain tile that remove water away from a buried exterior wall and foundation of an existing building with reduced damage to planted vegetation.
Basement walls of many buildings are formed from hollow blocks laid atop a poured concrete footer. The hollow blocks provide passageways extending in planes substantially parallel to the planes of the inner and outer surfaces of the basement walls. A problem with this type of basement wall construction is that when water seeps through a crack in the outer surface of the wall and into these hollow passageways it often travels long distances within the wall before emerging into the basement through a crack formed in the inner wall surface. A problem found with many existing dwelling structures is that the footer drainage tile system provided around the perimeter of the concrete footer may become clogged. Unless the problem of the clogged drain tile is corrected, ground water will tend to accumulate within the vicinity of the clogged drain tile and may rise to a level above the basement floor, causing the wall to be saturated with resulting seepage into the basement.
Clogged drain tiles can often be routed out. Broken drain tiles need to be replaced. While many methods have been developed for replacing drain tiles, these methods typically result in the landscaping around the building being destroyed. Trenching is typically performed with the trench extending along the entire periphery of the building—most if not all of the planted vegetation is lost. A problem with the described accepted system is that it is quite expensive to carry out. Moreover, in many instances, the excavation which must be done alongside the entire perimeter of the basement wall requires the removal, replacement and/or destruction of bushes, trees and other landscape improvements. While shortcuts to this approach of complete perimeter excavation have been proposed, in most instances these shortcuts have been found to be deficient.
To alleviate these problems, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently provides methods which allow for a planned distribution of relatively small boring holes to be used that will allow a replacement piece of the drain tile system to be installed or for an entire new system to be installed, either to replace or to be in addition to an existing malfunctioning system.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

The invention comprises many unique aspects, including methods for installing drain tiles of the present invention is the like spacing between adjacent boreholes. This pre-planned uniform separation of boreholes alongside an exterior wall can be accomplished with minimum disruption to the planted vegetation. Depending on the size and type of building, whether it is a commercial building of substantial dimension or a residence of lesser dimension, estimates of the water removal requirements can be calculated in advance and drain tile system sizing can be determined. Where larger removal capacities are required, larger diameter drain tiles can be used with appropriate larger sized boreholes with spacing calculated to meet the needs for water removal at the same time giving due consideration to reducing damage to the existing landscape. The uniformity of borehole size for a particular project will reduce time and associated costs for replacing drain tile systems. The methods and systems taught by this invention are truly flexible for in the field use.
Another embodiment of the methods taught by the present invention will further enhance a contractor's ability to install drain tile while minimizing damage to the existing landscape. In many instances the existing landscape is situated close to an exterior wall of the building above a preferred location for a horizontal run of the drain tile. Allowing the boreholes to be excavated at an acute angle will in many instances advantageously allow the horizontal run of the drain tile to be installed in the preferred location and the top of the borehole to be situated adjacent to the existing landscape without necessitating removal and/or damage.
Moreover, the apparatus and methods taught by the present invention allow for horizontal tunnels to connect adjacent boreholes near the bottom so that a horizontal run can be completed without disturbing the top surface of the ground above the connecting tunnel thus reducing damage to the existing landscape.
Additionally, one of the drain tile systems taught by the present invention provides an upper horizontal chamber to connect adjacent boreholes at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the ground so that an upper horizontal run can be completed to reduce permafrost impairment to the exterior walls of a building during winter conditions. Again, opening the horizontal chamber can be accomplished without disturbing the top surface of the ground above the connecting chamber, further reducing damage to the existing landscape.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building comprises excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground. The term excavating encompasses going into the ground and removing the ground and other debris in the borehole. The Each of the plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building. Each of the plurality of vertical boreholes defines a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface. Adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes are connected with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole, with the horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface.
The method further includes inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile into each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes, inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole, with each the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end. Each opening of the straight section is operatively associated with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run. The horizontal drainage run is a pipe or channel through which water flows. At least one vertical drain tile is inserted into each borehole and each aperture of the T-shaped drain tile is operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole. Lastly, the method requires that each of horizontal tunnel and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes be substantially filled with fill.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building is taught comprising an excavator and a ram. The excavator is for excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground in which each of the plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building and with each of the plurality of vertical boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface. The ram has a ram head for connecting adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole and with the horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface. The ram head can be aligned for generally horizontal movement radially outwardly away from the vertical centerline of the borehole with the ram head is suitably sized and shaped, and having a sufficient stroke to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal tunnel between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes.
With this apparatus, at least one first horizontal drain tile of suitable length can be inserted into the horizontal tunnel, a T-shaped drain tile with each of the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end can be inserted into each borehole, and at least one vertical drain tile can be inserted into each borehole, with each aperture of one of the T-shaped drain tile being operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole and each opening of the straight section can be operatively associated with one of the first horizontal drain tiles to form a horizontal drainage run, and each of horizontal tunnels and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes can be substantially filled with fill. Related systems are also taught.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the one embodiment of the drain tile system showing parallel boreholes in relationship to a building;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 1A-1A of FIG. 1, showing in particular the uniform spacing between adjacent boreholes, the predetermined distance from the surface of an exterior wall to the boreholes and a disposal connection;

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of adjacent boreholes set in the ground with a horizontal tunnel connecting adjacent boreholes;

FIG. 3 is a cut away perspective view of the boreholes in the ground with at least one horizontal drain tile disposed in the horizontal tunnel which is connected to a T-shaped drain tile with a least one vertical drain tile connected to an uprightly extending opening of the T-shaped tile and a cap on the top vertical drain tile to keep elements from entering the drain tile;

FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of a preferred relationship between the diameter of the boreholes and the distance between the generalized cylindrical surface of each adjacent borehole;

FIG. 4B is a perspective illustration of another preferred embodiment of a preferred relationship between the diameter of the boreholes and the distance between the generalized cylindrical surface of each adjacent borehole;

FIG. 5A is a perspective illustration of another preferred embodiment of a preferred relationship between the diameter of the boreholes and the distance between the generalized cylindrical surface of each adjacent borehole, particularly the enlarged diameter borehole is typically used for larger commercial buildings;

FIG. 5B is a perspective illustration of another preferred embodiment of a preferred relationship between the diameter of the boreholes and the distance between the generalized cylindrical surface of each adjacent borehole;

FIG. 6 is a cut away side elevation view of two adjacent boreholes with one borehole having a ram with the ram head inserted therein that discharging a sufficient quantity of compressed air or other fluid to blow out a horizontal tunnel between adjacent boreholes;

FIG. 7 is a cut away side elevation view of two adjacent boreholes with one borehole having a ram with the ram head inserted therein with a ram head comprising a physically telescoping ran head that protrudes into the ground between adjacent boreholes to clear a horizontal tunnel between the adjacent boreholes, with the telescoping ram head having means for returning the ram head to an un-expanded position;

FIG. 8 is a cut away side elevation view of two adjacent boreholes with one borehole having a ram with the ram head inserted therein with a ram head having a piston for displacing ground between the boreholes to create a horizontal tunnel;

FIG. 9 is a cut away side elevation illustrated view of another preferred embodiment of the drainage system showing a lower horizontal run interconnected with an upper horizontal run connecting adjacent boreholes;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9 showing an additional sheeting to keep water away from the foundation wall;

FIG. 11 is an apparatus for installing drain tiles inc accordance with the methods and systems of this invention comprising a screw type excavator, a ram, and a means for removing debris from the borehole and for placing drain tile and refilling the borehole; and

FIG. 12 is a cut away side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention with a sloped borehole that allows planted vegetation existing proximate an exterior wall to remain undamaged while a drainage system is installed with the lower horizontal run of the drain tile system proximate the wall and the top of the borehole being at a spaced distance from the wall thereby leaving the planted vegetation in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.
According to one embodiment, a method for installing drain tiles 1 that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground 11 adjacent to the exterior walls 2 of a building 12 comprises excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes 3 of like spacing 18 in the ground. The term excavating encompasses drilling into the ground and removing the ground and other debris in the borehole. The like spacing limitation means that the boreholes 3 be distributed evenly alongside an exterior wall 2. It is envisioned that the boreholes will have a minimum diameter of about twelve inches, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and a maximum diameter of approximately thirty-six inches as shown in FIG. 5A, and that the distance between the cylindrical surface of one borehole to an adjacent borehole will be about twelve (FIGS. 4A and 5B) to about thirty-six inches (FIGS. 4B and 5A). In some instances, borehole diameters along one exterior wall 2 of the building 12 may differ from the borehole diameters along another exterior wall.
Each of the plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building, as best shown in FIG. 1A. In some instances, the predetermined distance from one of the exterior walls of the building may differ from the predetermined distance from another of the exterior walls of the building. Each of the plurality of vertical boreholes defines a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface 4 and a bottom surface 5. Adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes are connected with a horizontal tunnel 6 through the generally cylindrical surface 4 of each the adjacent vertical borehole, with the horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface 5.
The method further includes inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile 7 into each of the horizontal tunnel 6 between adjacent vertical boreholes 3, inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile 8 into each borehole 3, with each the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end. Each opening of the straight section is operatively associated with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile 7 to form a horizontal drainage run. The horizontal drainage run is a pipe or channel through which water flows. At least one vertical drain tile 9 is inserted into each borehole and each aperture of the T-shaped drain tile is operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole. A cap 10 or plug can be inserted into the top of the at least one vertical drain tile to keep fill and earth from entering the vertical run. Lastly, the method requires that each of horizontal tunnel and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes be substantially filled with fill, as best shown in FIG. 9.
Preferably, the method for installing drain tiles further comprises the step of connecting the drainage run to a disposal connection 16 to form a water removal system, as shown in FIG. 1A. Moreover, in the method for installing drain tiles, the like spacing 18 may comprise excavating the boreholes with uniform separation alongside an exterior wall. Additionally, the cylindrical surface 4 of one borehole 3 may be excavated at a distance in the range of about twelve to about thirty-six inches to the cylindrical surface 4 of an adjacent borehole 3. In a preferred embodiment of the method for installing drain tiles, the cylindrical surface of each borehole is excavated with a diameter in the range of about twelve inches to about thirty-six inches.
In a preferred embodiment of the method for installing drain tiles, the cylindrical surface of one borehole is excavated at a distance of about twelve inches to the cylindrical surface of an adjacent borehole and each boreholes is excavated with a diameter of about twelve inches. Alternately, the cylindrical surface of one borehole may be excavated at a distance of about twelve inches to the cylindrical surface of an adjacent borehole and each boreholes is excavated with a diameter of about twenty-four inches. Also, the distance between the cylindrical surface of one borehole to an adjacent borehole may be about thirty-six inches and the boreholes may have a diameter of about thirty-six inches.
Preferably, the fill 14 comprises permeable materials, including at least one of gravel, sand and stones.
Connecting each adjacent vertical borehole 3 with a horizontal tunnel 6 may comprise excavating the horizontal tunnel. Preferably, connecting adjacent vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel comprises:

- a. inserting a ram 20 with a ram head 22 into one of the adjacent vertical boreholes 3 with the ram head 22 proximate to the bottom surface 5,
- b. aligning the ram head 22 for generally horizontal movement radially outward away from the vertical centerline of the borehole 3,
  - i. said ram head 22 having is suitably sized and shaped:
    - (1) to pass through the generally cylindrical surface 4 of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes 3, and
    - (2) to displace sufficient ground 11 to create the horizontal tunnel 6 between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes;
- c. moving the ram head 22 to displace sufficient ground 11 to create the horizontal tunnel 6;
- d. retracting the ram head from the horizontal tunnel and removing the ram from the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes;
- e. removing debris 24 from the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes resulting from the opening of each horizontal tunnel 6; and
- f. repeating the previous five steps for each of the adjacent vertical boreholes.

The ram head 22 referred to in this application is defined as the effect of the ram for moving a portion of the ground from a specific location and may include a physical head, such as a piston head for use with a pneumatic or hydraulic system, a telescoping element, or a pressure head consisting of expanding compressed fluid, such as air. See for example FIGS. 6-8. Air compression systems and air blaster systems are know and can easily be employed in or with an apparatus used with these methods. Moreover, commercially available systems using hydraulic fluid as the force medium can be employed. Obviously, mechanical systems including mechanical-hydraulic and mechanical-compressed air systems can to utilized to achieve the objective of opening horizontal tunnels and/or chambers without disturbing the ground surface above the horizontal connection between adjacent boreholes.
Additionally, in the method for installing drain tiles 1, inserting a ram 20 with a ram head 22 into one of the adjacent vertical boreholes 3 with the ram head 22 proximate to the bottom surface 5 may include extending an elongated member 26 of the ram 20 from an upper rim 3 a of the vertical borehole 3 with the ram head 22 proximate the bottom surface 5 of the vertical borehole 3. Obviously, a mechanical arm or a hydraulic arm could also be employed. Moreover, the motive force could be supplied through fluid expansion resulting from a controlled explosion. In a preferred method for installing drain tiles, moving the ram head to displace ground for the horizontal tunnel comprises transmitting a motive force through an elongated member of the ram, the motive force being one of a hydraulic linkage for actuating the ram head, and controlled discharge of compressed air for effectuating the ram head. See FIGS. 6-8. Equivalent means may also include mechanical linkages for actuating the mechanical arm, and hydraulic linkages for actuating the hydraulic arm. Moreover, actuation of a controlled explosion for creating a fluid expansion to move the ram head could also be employed.
Another method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building, that is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, comprises:

- a. excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground,
  - i. each of the plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building,
  - ii. each of the plurality of vertical boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface;
- b. connecting adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole,
  - i. said horizontal tunnel is disposed proximate the bottom surface;
- c. inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile into each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes;
- d. inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,
  - i. each the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end;
- e. operatively associating each opening of the straight section with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run;
- f. inserting at least one vertical drain tile into each borehole;
- g. operatively associating each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole;
- h. connecting adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal chamber 28 through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole,
  - i. said horizontal chamber is disposed at a spaced distance from an upper rim 3 a of the vertical borehole 3;
- i. inserting at least one second horizontal drain tile 30 into the horizontal chamber 28;
- j. inserting one of a second T-shaped drain tile 32 into each borehole,
  - i. each the second T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end;
- k. operatively associating each opening of the straight section with one of the at least one second horizontal drain tile to form an upper horizontal drainage run;
- l. operatively associating each aperture disposed at the bottom end of one of the second T-shaped drain tile with the vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole;
- m. substantially filling each of horizontal tunnels with fill;
- n. substantially filling each of horizontal chamber with fill; and
- o. substantially filling each of the plurality of vertical boreholes with fill.

The method for installing drain tiles, may further comprise connecting the upper horizontal drainage run to the disposal connection 16 to form an augmented water removal system.
According to another preferred method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building that is shown in FIG. 12, the steps include:

- a. excavating a plurality of boreholes of like spacing in the ground,
  - i. each of said plurality of boreholes having a top opening 34 that is parallel to and at a first predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls 2 of the building,
  - ii. each of said plurality of boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface 5,
  - iii. said bottom surface being at a second predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building, and said second predetermined distance being less by a predetermined amount than the first predetermined distance;
- b. connecting adjacent boreholes of said plurality of boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent borehole,
  - i. said horizontal tunnel being disposed at a spaced length from the bottom surface;
- c. inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile into each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent boreholes;
- d. inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,
  - i. each said T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture near the top end;
- e. operatively associating each opening of the straight section with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run;
- f. inserting at least one upwardly sloping drain tile into each borehole;
- g. operatively associating each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles with one of the at least one upwardly sloping drain tile disposed in the same borehole;
- h. substantially filling each of horizontal tunnels with fill; and
- i. substantially filling each of the plurality of boreholes with fill.
  Using this method will obviously require a longer boring to reach the same depth. Depending on the angular measurement from vertical, a greater angle will require a longer boring. Additionally, the borehole may be further lengthened to accommodate side wall debris that may fall into the borehole as a result of its sloped orientation.

An apparatus for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building is also taught and is shown in FIG. 12 comprising an excavator 36 and a ram 20. The excavator 36 is for excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes 3 of like spacing in the ground 11 in which each of the plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building and with each of the plurality of vertical boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface. The ram 20 has a ram head 22 for connecting adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole and with the horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface. The ram head can be aligned for generally horizontal movement radially outwardly away from the vertical centerline of the borehole with the ram head is suitably sized and shaped, and having a sufficient stroke to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal tunnel between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes. Clearly, while the apparatus disclosed will reduce labor costs and reduce installation times, many of the activities achievable with such apparatus could be accomplished by human labor with standard tools.
With this apparatus, at least one first horizontal drain tile of suitable length can be inserted into the horizontal tunnel, a T-shaped drain tile with each of the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end can be inserted into each borehole, and at least one vertical drain tile can be inserted into each borehole, with each aperture of one of the T-shaped drain tile being operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole and each opening of the straight section can be operatively associated with one of the first horizontal drain tiles to form a horizontal drainage run, and each of horizontal tunnels and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes can be substantially filled with fill.
The apparatus may further comprise means for determining spacing 38 between each of the adjacent vertical boreholes and between each of the plurality of vertical boreholes and the exterior walls of the building. The means for determining spacing 38 may employ one of a monitor of apparatus movement, measurement indicia integral to the apparatus, and regulated jaw openings of the crane bucket 40. Moreover, the ram 20 with a ram head 22 may comprise an elongated member 26 of sufficient length to allow an upper end to extend from an upper rim 34 of the vertical borehole and a lower end to position the ram head 22 proximate the bottom surface 5 of the vertical borehole 3 with the elongated member having a passageway 26 a for transmitting a motive force to move the ram head to displace ground for the horizontal tunnel. Additionally, the elongated member 26 may be positioned to allow the ram head 22 to open a horizontal chamber 28 from one borehole 3 to an adjacent borehole 3 at a spaced distance from an upper surface of the ground.
In one embodiment of the apparatus, the ram head 22 comprises at least one expandable section, as shown in FIG. 7, which slidably expands from a first position to a second position to displace ground upon the application of the motive force and the ram may have means for bringing back 42 the at least one expandable section to the first position. Additionally, the bottom end of the elongated member of the ram may have a 90° bend and the ram head 22 may have a cylindrical cross-section with a primary inner diameter and a first distal end with a first inwardly directed flange having a first inner diameter. At least one of the at least one expandable section may have an end proximate the elongated member, an inner diameter and an outer diameter along its length, and a distal end. The outer diameter is less by a predetermined amount than the first inner diameter. The end proximate the elongated member has an outwardly directed flange with a first outer diameter that is less by a predetermined amount than the primary inner diameter, and the distal end has an inwardly directed flange with a second inner diameter. Another of the at least one expandable section comprises a head section with a trailing end proximate the elongated member, the head section has a second outer diameter along its length, and a head end, the trailing end has an outwardly directed flange with a third outer diameter that is less by a predetermined amount than the inner diameter of the at least one expandable section. The second outer diameter is less by a predetermined amount than the second outer diameter of the head section, and the head end is closed to allow it to react to the motive force by expanding telescopically along with the at least one of the at least one expandable section.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for lifting 44, as shown in FIG. 11, which can be employed to insert at least one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile 7 into the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes 3, the T-shaped drain tile 8 into each borehole with each the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end operatively associated with one of the first horizontal drain tiles, a vertical drain tile 9 into each borehole for operative association with each aperture of one of the T-shaped drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and fill 14 into each of horizontal tunnels and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes.
Additionally, the ram 20 may further connect adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal chamber 28 through the generally cylindrical surface 4 of each the adjacent vertical borehole 3, with the horizontal chamber being disposed at a spaced distance from an upper surface of the ground, in which the ram head may be aligned for generally horizontal movement radially outwardly away from the vertical centerline of the borehole, with the ram head being suitably sized and shaped and having a sufficient stroke to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes, and to displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal chamber between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes. So that at least one second horizontal drain tile 30 can be inserted into the horizontal chamber 28, one of a T-shaped drain tile 32 can be inserted into each borehole with the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end, and each opening of the straight section can be operatively associated with one of the at least one second horizontal drain tile to form an upper horizontal drainage run, and each aperture at the bottom end of one of the T-shaped drain tile can be operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and each of the horizontal chambers and a top portion of each of the plurality of vertical boreholes can be substantially filled with fill.
According to one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a drain tile system for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building is disclosed including in a plurality of excavated vertical boreholes of like spacing, defining a space in the ground bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface, that are also parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building, in which adjacent boreholes of the plurality of vertical boreholes are connected with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical borehole disposed proximate the bottom surface, at least one first horizontal drain tile disposed in each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes and one of a T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end is disposed in each borehole, each opening of the straight section is operatively associated with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run, the horizontal drainage run is operatively associated to at least one vertical drain tile disposed in each borehole in that each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles is connected with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and the horizontal drainage run is further connected to a disposal connection; and in a horizontal chamber disposed at a spaced distance from an upper rim of the vertical borehole through the generally cylindrical surface of each the adjacent vertical boreholes to further connect the adjacent vertical boreholes at least one second horizontal drain tile is disposed, each at least one second horizontal drain tile is operatively associated with an opening at each end of one of a second T-shaped drain tile disposed in each borehole to form an upper horizontal drainage run, each the second T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end, each aperture disposed at the bottom end of one of the second T-shaped drain tile is operatively associated with the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole.
The drain tile system may further comprise a sheet of flexible material attached at an elevation above the upper horizontal drainage run to at least one of the exterior walls of the building with said sheet extending away from the building and having a bottom edge that wraps under the upper horizontal drainage run to further protect the building from accumulated water. The flexible sheet is preferably made of a plastic material and a preferred manner of attaching the sheet to the exterior wall is using coal tar.
Preferably, the drain tile system for removing accumulated water comprises connecting the upper horizontal drainage run to the disposal connection.
While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building comprising:

a. excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground,

i. each of said plurality of vertical boreholes being parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building,

ii. each of said plurality of vertical boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface;

b. connecting adjacent boreholes of said plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical borehole,

i. said horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface;

c. inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile into each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes;

d. inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,

i. each said T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end;

e. operatively associating each opening of the straight section with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run;

f. inserting at least one vertical drain tile into each borehole;

g. operatively associating each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole;

h. substantially filling each of horizontal tunnels with fill; and

i. substantially filling each of the plurality of vertical boreholes with fill.

2. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, further comprising the step of connecting the drainage run to a disposal connection to form a water removal system.

3. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the like spacing comprises excavating the boreholes with uniform separation alongside an exterior wall.

4. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 3, in which the cylindrical surface of one borehole is excavated at a distance in the range of about twelve to about thirty-six inches to the cylindrical surface of an adjacent borehole.

5. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the cylindrical surface of each borehole is excavated with a diameter in the range of about twelve inches to about thirty-six inches.

6. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the cylindrical surface of one borehole is excavated at a distance of about twelve inches to the cylindrical surface of an adjacent borehole and each boreholes is excavated with a diameter of about twelve inches.

7. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the cylindrical surface of one borehole is excavated at a distance of about twelve inches to the cylindrical surface of an adjacent borehole and each boreholes is excavated with a diameter of about twenty-four inches.

8. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the distance between the cylindrical surface of one borehole to an adjacent borehole is about thirty-six inches and the boreholes have a diameter of about thirty-six inches.

9. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which the fill comprises permeable materials, including at least one of gravel, sand and stones.

10. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which connecting each adjacent vertical borehole with a horizontal tunnel comprises excavating the horizontal tunnel.

11. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 1, in which connecting adjacent vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel comprises:

a. inserting a ram with a ram head into one of the adjacent vertical boreholes with the ram head proximate to the bottom surface,

b. aligning the ram head for generally horizontal movement radially outward away from the vertical centerline of the borehole,

i. said ram head having being suitably sized and shaped:

(1) to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes, and

(2) to displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal tunnel between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes;

c. moving the ram head to displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal tunnel;

d. retracting the ram head from the horizontal tunnel and removing the ram from the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes;

e. removing debris from the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes resulting from the opening of each horizontal tunnel; and

f. repeating the previous five steps for each of the adjacent vertical boreholes.

12. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 11, in which inserting a ram with a ram head into one of the adjacent vertical boreholes with the ram head proximate to the bottom surface includes extending an elongated member of the ram from an upper rim of the vertical borehole with the ram head proximate the bottom surface of the vertical borehole.

13. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 12, in which moving the ram head to displace ground for the horizontal tunnel comprises transmitting a motive force through an elongated member of the ram, said motive force being one of a hydraulic linkage for actuating the ram head, and controlled discharge of compressed air for effectuating the ram head.

14. A method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building comprising:

a. excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground,

i. said horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface;

d. inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,

f. inserting at least one vertical drain tile into each borehole;

h. connecting adjacent boreholes of said plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal chamber through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical borehole,

i. said horizontal chamber being disposed at a spaced distance from an upper rim of the vertical borehole;

i. inserting at least one second horizontal drain tile into the horizontal chamber;

j. inserting one of a second T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,

i. each said second T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end;

k. operatively associating each opening of the straight section with one of the at least one second horizontal drain tile to form an upper horizontal drainage run;

l. operatively associating each aperture disposed at the bottom end of one of the second T-shaped drain tile with the vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole;

m. substantially filling each of horizontal tunnels with fill;

n. substantially filling each of horizontal chamber with fill; and

o. substantially filling each of the plurality of vertical boreholes with fill.

15. The method for installing drain tiles of claim 14, further comprising connecting the upper horizontal drainage run to the disposal connection to form an augmented water removal system.

16. A method for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building comprising:

a. excavating a plurality of boreholes of like spacing in the ground,

i. each of said plurality of boreholes having a top opening that is parallel to and at a first predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building,

ii. each of said plurality of boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface,

iii. said bottom surface being at a second predetermined distance from the at least one of the exterior walls of the building, and said second predetermined distance being less by a predetermined amount than the first predetermined distance;

b. connecting adjacent boreholes of said plurality of boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent borehole,

i. said horizontal tunnel being disposed at a spaced length from the bottom surface;

c. inserting at least one first horizontal drain tile into each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent boreholes;

d. inserting one of a T-shaped drain tile into each borehole,

i. each said T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture near the top end;

f. inserting at least one upwardly sloping drain tile into each borehole;

g. operatively associating each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles with one of the at least one upwardly sloping drain tile disposed in the same borehole;

h. substantially filling each of horizontal tunnels with fill; and

i. substantially filling each of the plurality of boreholes with fill.

17. An apparatus, for installing drain tiles that are used for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building, comprising:

a. an excavator for excavating a plurality of vertical boreholes of like spacing in the ground, in which each of said plurality of vertical boreholes is parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building, with each of said plurality of vertical boreholes defining a space bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface; and

b. a ram with a ram head for connecting adjacent boreholes of said plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical borehole, with the horizontal tunnel being disposed proximate the bottom surface, in which the ram head can be aligned for generally horizontal movement radially outwardly away from the vertical centerline of the borehole, with said ram head being suitably sized and shaped, and having a sufficient stroke to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal tunnel between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes, whereby, at least one first horizontal drain tile of suitable length can be inserted into

the horizontal tunnel, a T-shaped drain tile can be inserted into each borehole, with each said T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end, and at least one vertical drain tile can be inserted into each borehole, and each aperture of one of the T-shaped drain tile can be operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole and each opening of the straight section can be operatively associated with one of the first horizontal drain tiles to form a horizontal drainage run, and each of horizontal tunnels and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes can be substantially filled with fill.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising means for determining spacing between each of the adjacent vertical boreholes and between each of said plurality of vertical boreholes and the exterior walls of the building.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, in which the ram with a ram head comprises an elongated member of sufficient length to allow an upper end to extend from an upper rim of the vertical borehole and a lower end to position the ram head proximate the bottom surface of the vertical borehole, said elongated member having a passageway for transmitting a motive force to move the ram head to displace ground for the horizontal tunnel.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, in which the elongated member can be positioned to allow the ram head to open a horizontal chamber from one borehole to an adjacent borehole at a spaced distance from an upper surface of the ground.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, in which the ram head comprises at least one expandable section which slidably expands from a first position to a second position to displace ground upon the application of the motive force and the ram has means for bringing back the at least one expandable section to the first position.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, in which:

a. the bottom end of the elongated member of the ram has a 90° bend and the ram head has a cylindrical cross-section with a primary inner diameter and a first distal end with a first inwardly directed flange having a first inner diameter,

b. at least one of the at least one expandable section has an end proximate the elongated member, an inner diameter and an outer diameter along its length, and a distal end,

i. the outer diameter is less by a predetermined amount than the first inner diameter,

ii. said end proximate the elongated member having an outwardly directed flange with a first outer diameter that is less by a predetermined amount than the primary inner diameter, and

iii. the distal end having an inwardly directed flange with a second inner diameter;

c. another of the at least one expandable section comprises a head section with a trailing end proximate the elongated member, the head section has a second outer diameter along its length, and a head end,

i. said trailing end has an outwardly directed flange with a third outer diameter that is less by a predetermined amount than the inner diameter of the at least one expandable section,

ii. the second outer diameter is less by a predetermined amount than the second outer diameter of the head section, and

iii. the head end is closed to allow it to react to the motive force by expanding telescopically along with the at least one of the at least one expandable section.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means for lifting which can be employed to insert at least one of:

a. the at least one first horizontal drain tile into the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes,

b. the T-shaped drain tile into each borehole with each said T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end operatively associated with one of the first horizontal drain tiles,

c. a vertical drain tile into each borehole for operative association with each aperture of one of the T-shaped drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and

d. fill into each of horizontal tunnels and each of the plurality of vertical boreholes.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, in which the ram further connects adjacent boreholes of said plurality of vertical boreholes with a horizontal chamber through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical borehole, with the horizontal chamber being disposed at a spaced distance from an upper surface of the ground, in which the ram head can be aligned for generally horizontal movement radially outwardly away from the vertical centerline of the borehole, with said ram head being suitably sized and shaped, and having a sufficient stroke to pass through the generally cylindrical surface of the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes, and to displace sufficient ground to create the horizontal chamber between the one of the adjacent vertical boreholes and the other of the adjacent vertical boreholes,

whereby, at least one second horizontal drain tile can be inserted into the horizontal chamber, one of a T-shaped drain tile can be inserted into each borehole with the T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end, and each opening of the straight section can be operatively associated with one of the at least one second horizontal drain tile to form an upper horizontal drainage run, and each aperture at the bottom end of one of the T-shaped drain tile can be operatively associated with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and each of the horizontal chambers and a top portion of each of the plurality of vertical boreholes can be substantially filled with fill.

25. A drain tile system for removing accumulated water in the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of a building comprising:

a. in a plurality of excavated vertical boreholes of like spacing, defining a space in the ground bounded by a generally cylindrical surface and a bottom surface, that are also parallel to and at a predetermined distance from at least one of the exterior walls of the building, in which adjacent boreholes of said plurality of vertical boreholes are connected with a horizontal tunnel through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical borehole disposed proximate the bottom surface, at least one first horizontal drain tile disposed in each of the horizontal tunnel between adjacent vertical boreholes and one of a T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with an opening at each end and a transverse section with an aperture at a top end is disposed in each borehole, each opening of the straight section is operatively associated with one of the at least one first horizontal drain tile to form a horizontal drainage run, said horizontal drainage run is operatively associated to at least one vertical drain tile disposed in each borehole in that each aperture of the T-shaped drain tiles is connected with one of the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole, and said horizontal drainage run is further connected to a disposal connection; and

b. in a horizontal chamber disposed at a spaced distance from an upper rim of the vertical borehole through the generally cylindrical surface of each said adjacent vertical boreholes to further connect said adjacent vertical boreholes at least one second horizontal drain tile is disposed, each at least one second horizontal drain tile is operatively associated with an opening at each end of one of a second T-shaped drain tile disposed in each borehole to form an upper horizontal drainage run, each said second T-shaped drain tile having a straight section with and a transverse section with an aperture at a bottom end, each aperture disposed at the bottom end of one of the second T-shaped drain tile is operatively associated with the at least one vertical drain tile disposed in the same borehole.

26. The drain tile system for removing accumulated water of claim 25, further comprising a sheet of flexible material attached at an elevation above the upper horizontal drainage run to at least one of the exterior walls of the building with said sheet extending away from the building and having a bottom edge that wraps under the upper horizontal drainage run to further protect the building from accumulated water.

27. The drain tile system for removing accumulated water of claim 25, further comprising connecting the upper horizontal drainage run to the disposal connection.