阅读说明：本技术 用于浅层应用的流体地下管理用模块和组件 (Module and assembly for underground fluid management for shallow applications ) 是由 杰米·霍肯 林恩·博瑞斯 亚伦·罗威尔 凯尔·麦克里迪 詹森·霍克 道格·卡恩克罗斯 汤 于 2019-12-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种模块化组件,用于管理地面下方的流体的流动。该组件可以设有多个模块,每个模块都具有甲板部分和从甲板部分向下延伸的相向侧壁。相向侧壁可以在它们从甲板部分向下延伸时彼此远离且向外倾斜。模块进一步包括肩部,用于支撑连结板,并支撑和分离在运输或储存期间堆叠的模块。侧壁可以限定内部流体通路,其具有从顶部到底部的扩口构造。相邻模块的侧壁和连结板可以限定与侧向流体通道处于流体连通的外部流体通路。还提供了一种制造用于在模块化组件中使用的预制混凝土模块的方法。(A modular assembly is provided for managing the flow of fluids below the surface. The assembly may be provided with a plurality of modules, each module having a deck portion and opposing side walls extending downwardly from the deck portion. The facing side walls may be inclined away from each other and outwardly as they extend downwardly from the deck portion. The modules further include shoulders for supporting the webs and supporting and separating the stacked modules during transport or storage. The sidewall may define an internal fluid passage having a flared configuration from top to bottom. The side walls and webs of adjacent modules may define external fluid passageways in fluid communication with the lateral fluid channels. A method of manufacturing a precast concrete module for use in a modular assembly is also provided.)

1. A modular assembly for managing the flow of fluids below a surface, the assembly comprising:

a first precast concrete module including a first deck portion having a first top deck surface, opposed spaced side walls integrally formed with and extending downwardly from opposed longitudinal sides of the first deck portion to respective bottom edges, and at least one open end, the opposed spaced side walls sloping away and outwardly from each other as they extend downwardly from the first deck portion to respective bottom edges;

at least one shoulder extending outwardly from at least one of the oppositely-spaced first side walls; and

a web supported by the at least one shoulder and comprising a roof surface flush with the first roof deck surface;

wherein:

the first deck portion and the facing spaced side walls defining an internal fluid passageway relative to the first module, the internal fluid passageway having a top portion adjacent an underside of the first deck portion and a bottom portion adjacent respective bottom edges of the facing side walls, the internal fluid passageway having a flared configuration that widens as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion; and is

The internal fluid passageway defines a longitudinal flow path.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one seat extending inwardly from the facing spaced sidewalls.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the oppositely-spaced side walls each include at least one lateral opening therethrough defining a lateral fluid channel in fluid communication with the internal fluid passageway, the lateral fluid channel defining a lateral flow path through the assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one lateral opening is positioned near a respective bottom edge of the opposing sidewalls.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one lateral opening is elevated from a respective bottom edge of the opposing sidewalls.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second precast concrete module including a second deck section having a second top deck surface and a first side wall integrally formed with and extending downwardly from a first longitudinal side of the second deck section to a bottom edge;

at least one shoulder extending outwardly from a first sidewall of the second module;

wherein:

the first side wall of the second precast concrete module being laterally adjacent a first one of the oppositely spaced side walls of the first precast concrete module;

the first side walls and webs of the first and second modules define an external passageway between the first module and the second module;

the outer fluid passageway defines a second longitudinal flow path;

the external passageway is in fluid communication with the lateral fluid channel and the internal fluid passageway; and is

The web is supported by the second module and the top deck surface is flush with the first and second top deck surfaces.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the external fluid passage has a top portion adjacent an underside of the web and a bottom portion adjacent respective bottom edges of the first side walls of the first and second modules, the external fluid passage having a tapered configuration that narrows as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion.

8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a leg integrally formed with and extending downwardly from the web.

9. A modular assembly for managing the flow of fluids below a surface, the assembly comprising:

a plurality of precast concrete modules, each comprising: a deck portion comprising a top deck surface; opposed spaced side walls integrally formed with and extending downwardly from the opposed longitudinal side edges of the deck portion to respective bottom edges; at least one open end; and at least one shoulder extending outwardly from the facing spaced side walls, the facing spaced side walls sloping away from each other and outwardly as they extend downwardly from the first deck portion to the respective bottom edge;

a plurality of webs each supported by the at least one shoulder and comprising a top plate surface;

an inlet port; and

an outlet port;

wherein:

each module including an internal fluid passage defining a longitudinal flow path, the internal fluid passage being defined by an underside of the deck portion and an interior surface of the facing spaced side walls, the internal fluid passage having a top portion adjacent the underside of the deck portion and a bottom portion adjacent respective bottom edges of the facing side walls, the internal fluid passage having a flared configuration that widens as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion;

at least some of the modules include lateral fluid passageways defining lateral flow paths defined by lateral openings extending through facing side walls of at least some of the modules, the lateral fluid passageways being in fluid communication with the internal fluid passageways;

a first predetermined number of modules of the plurality of modules are arranged side-by-side to form at least one row in a lateral direction; and is

A second predetermined number of the modules of the plurality of modules are arranged end-to-end to form at least one column in the longitudinal direction.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the outlet port is smaller than the inlet port.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the inlet port is positioned in a deck portion of at least one of the plurality of modules.

12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the outlet port is positioned in a floor defined by the assembly.

13. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

an outer perimeter comprising a plurality of perimeter precast concrete modules and a perimeter wall;

wherein:

each peripheral module includes a solid outer sidewall and an outer open end; and is

The perimeter wall at least partially closes the outer open end of each perimeter module.

14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of precast concrete modules are comprised of a hollow core material and prestressed concrete.

15. A method for manufacturing precast concrete modules for use in a modular assembly that manages water flow below ground level, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a bulkhead along a central longitudinal axis defined by a lower portion of a mold;

rotating at least two opposing arms comprising at least two distal ends to a first position;

supporting a cap on the at least two distal ends;

engaging the at least two opposing arms against;

introducing concrete into a void defined by the partition wall and the mold;

allowing the concrete to harden;

rotating the at least two opposing arms to a second position; and

separating the molded module from the mold.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein:

the partition wall comprises at least two side portions; and is

The at least two side portions define at least one partition wall cutout section defining at least one seat void to form at least one seat of the module.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least two facing arms define at least one arm cutout section defining at least one shoulder void to form at least one shoulder of the module.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one arm cutout section is aligned with at least one bulkhead cutout section defined by at least two side portions of the bulkhead.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least two opposing arms are hingedly secured to the lower portion.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the at least two opposing arms against the cover comprises engaging the at least two opposing arms against the cover with a fastening device and securing the at least two opposing arms with a plurality of latches.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of rotating the at least two opposing arms to a second position further comprises the steps of disengaging the fastening device and releasing the at least two opposing arms from the plurality of latches.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to underground management of fluids, such as storm water runoff, and more particularly provides a precast concrete module and an assembly of precast concrete modules for underground retention and retention of fluids in shallow applications.

Background

Commercial development projects in the united states and many other developed countries of the world need to focus on rainwater management. With increasing concerns about water quality and public health, the importance of proper rain control is increasing. Commercial exploitation and urbanization typically increases the number of water-impermeable surfaces, such as, for example, roofs, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways in a given location, resulting in greater volume and rate of runoff and higher concentrations of contaminants in runoff.

The united states environmental protection agency requires that every commercial construction project employ certain best management practices ("BMPs") to control rain and protect water resources. One such practice includes a subterranean retention/retention infiltration and storage chamber system that collects, stores, treats, and releases rainwater.

Water retention and retention systems typically contain storm water runoff at a given site by diverting or storing water, thereby preventing water from pooling on the ground and eliminating or reducing downstream flooding. Groundwater retention or retention systems are commonly used when surface areas on a construction site are not available to accommodate other types of systems such as open reservoirs, basins or ponds. Compared to reservoirs, basins or ponds, underground systems do not utilize valuable surface area. They also present less public hazard than other systems, such as avoiding having open standing water that is conducive to mosquito reproduction. Underground systems also avoid aesthetic problems typically associated with other systems, such as algae and weed growth. It would therefore be beneficial to have an underground system that effectively manages water.

One disadvantage of conventional underground systems is that they must accommodate existing or planned underground facilities, such as utilities and other buried pipelines. At the same time, groundwater retention or retention systems must effectively transfer water from the surface to another location. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a modular subsurface assembly that has great design flexibility and versatility in the form of planned areas that it can present.

Another disadvantage of conventional underground systems, particularly systems intended for use with large scale development, is that large rain chambers may be required to be able to adequately handle the volume of rain water that needs to be held or left in a particular location. This often results in the need for large underground systems having a relatively high height and weight. Such systems typically require considerable depth below grade, which may not be available and/or may require a significant amount of labor to dig. Such large-scale systems also require considerable material and labor to manufacture, transport, and install. Conventional systems also fail to provide relatively unrestricted water flow through the entire system. It would be preferable to instead provide a system that is capable of allowing relatively unrestricted flow through its interior in multiple directions.

Depending on the location and application, subterranean systems must generally be able to withstand traffic and soil loads applied from above without being susceptible to cracking, collapse, or other structural failure. In fact, it would be advantageous to provide an underground system that accommodates almost any foreseeable load applied to the ground in addition to the weight of the soil surrounding a given system. Such a desired system would also preferably be constructed in a manner that is relatively efficient in terms of cost, fluid storage volume and weight of materials used, as well as ease with which the components of the system can be transported, handled and installed.

Modular underground systems are taught in U.S. patent No.6,991,402 to StormTrap, llc; 7,160,058 and 7,344,335 ("Burkhart patents"); and U.S. patent nos. d617,867; 8,770,890, respectively; 9,428,880, respectively; 9,464,400 and 9,951,508 ("May patents"), each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to methods of construction, production and use of modules, preferably made of precast concrete, and installed in generally longitudinally and transversely aligned configurations to form a system that provides an underground flow path to manage the flow of retention and/or retention water and other fluids. Embodiments disclosed herein are particularly suited for large scale shallow applications by providing a low profile configuration with a compact height that requires a shallow installation depth while also adequately accommodating a volume of rain water comparable to conventional systems with larger, taller, and heavier components. The modular design allows for a large amount of internal water flow while minimizing the excavation required during field installation and minimizing the plan area or footprint occupied by each module.

Various forms of underground water retention and/or retention structures have been proposed or made. Such structures are typically made of concrete and attempt to provide large spans, which require very thick components. These structures are therefore very bulky, leading to inefficient use of materials, more difficult transport and handling, and thus higher costs. Other ground water transport structures, such as pipes, boxes and bridges, are made of various materials and are proposed or built for special purposes. However, such other underground structures are designed for other applications or do not provide the necessary features and desired advantages described above for the modular system disclosed herein.

Disclosure of Invention

A modular assembly for managing the flow of fluids below the surface is disclosed herein. The assembly may generally include a first precast concrete module, at least one shoulder, and a web. The first module may comprise a first precast concrete module including a first deck section further including a first top deck surface, opposed spaced apart sidewalls, and at least one open end. The facing side walls may be integrally formed with and extend downwardly from facing longitudinal sides of the first deck section. The facing spaced side walls may be further inclined outwardly and away from each other as they extend downwardly from the first deck portion to the respective bottom edges. At least one shoulder may extend outwardly from the opposing spaced sidewalls. The web may be supported by the at least one shoulder and may include a top deck surface that is flush with the first top deck surface. In one embodiment, the first deck portion and the facing spaced apart sidewalls may define an internal fluid passageway relative to the first module, and the internal fluid passageway may define a longitudinal flow path. The internal fluid passage may have a top portion adjacent the underside of the first deck portion and a bottom portion adjacent the respective bottom edges of the facing side walls. The internal fluid passage may have a flared configuration that widens as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion. Further, the oppositely spaced sidewalls may each include at least one lateral opening therethrough, which may define a lateral fluid channel, which may define a lateral flow path in fluid communication with the internal fluid passageway.

In other exemplary embodiments, the assembly may further include at least one seat extending inwardly from the opposing spaced sidewalls. The at least one lateral opening may be located adjacent a respective bottom edge of the facing side walls. The assembly may include a leg integrally formed with and extending downwardly from the web.

In yet another embodiment, the assembly may further comprise a second precast concrete module. The second module may include a second deck portion having a second top deck surface and a first sidewall integrally formed with and extending downwardly from a first longitudinal side of the second deck portion to a bottom edge. The first side wall of the second module may be laterally adjacent a first one of the facing spaced side walls of the first module. The first sidewalls and webs of the first and second modules may define an external passageway between the first module and the second module, which may define a second longitudinal flow path. The outer passage may be in fluid communication with the lateral fluid passage and the inner fluid passage. The web may be supported by the second module with the top deck surface flush with the first and second top deck surfaces. The external fluid passage may define an external height and a top portion adjacent to the underside of the web and a bottom portion adjacent to respective bottom edges of the first side walls of the first and second modules. The external fluid passage may have a tapered configuration that narrows as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion.

Further, an assembly for managing water flow below the ground is disclosed herein. The assembly may generally include a plurality of precast concrete modules, a plurality of webs, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The plurality of precast concrete modules may each include a deck portion including a top deck surface, opposed spaced apart side walls integrally formed with opposed longitudinal side edges of the deck portion and extending downwardly from the side edges to respective bottom edges, at least one open end and at least one shoulder extending outwardly from at least two of the spaced apart side walls. The facing spaced side walls may slope away from each other and outwardly as they extend downwardly from the first deck portion to the respective bottom edge. The plurality of webs may each be supported by the at least one shoulder and may include a top plate surface. Each module may define an internal fluid passageway that may define a longitudinal flow path. The interior fluid passage may be defined by an underside of the deck portion and an interior surface of the opposing spaced sidewalls. The internal fluid passage may have a top portion adjacent the underside of the deck portion and a bottom portion adjacent the respective bottom edges of the facing side walls. The internal fluid passage may have a flared configuration that widens as it extends from the top portion to the bottom portion. At least some of the plurality of modules may include a lateral fluid passage in fluid communication with the internal fluid passage, which may define a lateral flow path. The lateral fluid passageways may be defined by lateral openings extending through facing sidewalls of some of the plurality of modules. A first predetermined number of the plurality of modules may be arranged side by side to form at least one row in a lateral direction. A second predetermined number of the plurality of modules may be arranged end-to-end to form at least one column in the longitudinal direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the outlet port may be smaller than the inlet port. The inlet port may be located in a deck portion of at least one of the plurality of modules. The outlet port may be located in a floor defined by the assembly. The assembly may also include an outer perimeter including a plurality of perimeter precast concrete modules and a perimeter wall. Each peripheral module may include a solid outer sidewall and an outer open end. The perimeter wall may at least partially close the outer open end of each perimeter module.

Further, a method for manufacturing a precast concrete module for use in a modular assembly that manages water flow below ground is disclosed herein. The method may comprise the steps of: positioning a partition wall along a central longitudinal axis defined by a lower portion of a mold, rotating at least two opposing arms comprising at least two distal ends to a first position, supporting a cover on the at least two distal ends, engaging the at least two opposing arms against the cover with a fastening device, introducing concrete into a void defined by the partition wall and the mold, allowing the concrete to harden, disengaging the fastening device and rotating the at least two opposing arms to a second position, and separating the molded module from the mold. In one embodiment, the bulkhead may include at least two side portions, and the at least two side portions may define at least one bulkhead cutout section that defines at least one seat void to form at least one seat of the module. In another embodiment, at least two facing arms may define at least one arm cutout section defining at least one shoulder void to form at least one shoulder of the module. The at least one arm cutout section may be aligned with at least one bulkhead cutout section defined by at least two side portions of the bulkhead. At least two opposing arms may be hingedly secured to the lower portion. In addition, the step of engaging the at least two opposing arms against the cover with the fastening device may further comprise the step of securing the at least two opposing arms with a plurality of latches. Additionally, the step of disengaging the securing device and rotating the at least two opposing arms to the second position may further comprise the step of releasing the at least two opposing arms from the plurality of latches.

Drawings

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away front elevational view of the fluid retention/retention module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away front elevational view of the fluid retention/retention module of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the webs not shown;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away front elevational view of the fluid retention/retention assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another fluid retention/retention assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away front elevational view of the fluid retention/retention assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a fluid retention/retention assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cut-away front elevational view of a fluid retention/retention module in a stack according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cut-away front elevational view of one of the fluid retention/retention modules of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cut-away front elevational view of a fluid retention/retention module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of an exemplary mechanical mold for making a fluid retention/retention module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cut-away front elevational view of the mechanical die of FIG. 19 in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cut-away front elevational view of the mechanical die of FIGS. 19 and 20 in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cut-away front elevational view of the machine tool of FIGS. 19-21 in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of a partition wall of the mechanical die of FIGS. 19-22;

FIG. 24 is a cut-away partial front elevational view of the machine tool of FIGS. 19-23;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the lid of the mechanical die of FIGS. 19-24;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the cap of the mechanical mold of FIGS. 19-25;

FIG. 27 is a cut-away front elevational view of a cover of the machine tool of FIGS. 19-26;

FIG. 28 is a cut-away top plan view of the machine tool of FIG. 28 with the module in a first position;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the mechanical die of FIG. 29 in a second position without the die block; and is

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the mechanical die of FIGS. 28 and 29 in a second position without the die block; and is

Fig. 31 is a schematic view of a method of manufacturing a fluid retention/retention module according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the elements being shown in order to clearly illustrate the features of the invention. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Fig. 1-18 schematically illustrate representative modules and assemblies for subsurface management of fluids according to exemplary embodiments. Embodiments disclosed herein may include a fluid retention/retention module and an assembly or system made up of multiple modules for use in the collection of subsurface fluids, such as storm water runoff. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1-18, a plurality of modules may be arranged end-to-end and side-by-side to form an assembly of modules that provide a plurality of flow paths, including bi-directional flow paths, in fluid communication with each other. In another embodiment, a plurality of modules or a plurality of modular assemblies may be arranged vertically in a series of stacked layers of modules or assemblies. Modules and assemblies in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can provide a low profile configuration with a compact height for installation underground to capture large amounts of rain. Further, as shown, the disclosed modules provide great versatility in the construction of modular assemblies. The modules may be assembled in any custom orientation to fit the planned area or footprint required for a particular application and its boundaries. The modular assembly may be configured to accommodate or avoid existing underground obstructions such as utilities, pipes, tanks, wells, and any other contemplated configuration. Rainwater collected by the assembly may be allowed to flow through the internal flow path to be retained for controlled release by infiltration or drainage through the outlet port. Rainwater can also be temporarily held in place until it can be manually removed and drained to an offsite area, such as a storm sewer, pond, or wetland.

According to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the module may be configured to be preferably positioned at any desired depth in the ground, but may be particularly well suited for applications requiring or requiring shallow installation depths. The modular design may allow for a large amount of internal water flow while minimizing the excavation required during field installation and minimizing the plan area or footprint occupied by each module. The topmost portion of the modular assembly may be positioned to form a ground or traffic surface such as, for example, a parking lot, an airport runway, or an airport apron. Alternatively, the module may be positioned within the ground, beneath one or more layers of soil. In either case, the module is sufficient to withstand soil, vehicle, and/or object loads. From the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exemplary modules are suitable for a variety of applications, and may be located, by way of example and not limitation, below lawn, park roads, parking lots, roads, airports, railways, or building floor areas. Thus, these modules provide sufficient design versatility and adaptability for almost any application while still allowing water flow management, and more specifically water retention or retention.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, each retention/retention module may be made of concrete and may preferably consist of a single unitary piece of high strength precast concrete. According to the inventive method disclosed herein, each module can be manufactured at a facility off-site and transported to the installation site as a fully formed unit. The modules may also be formed by embedded stiffeners, which may be steel stiffeners, prefabricated steel mesh or other similar stiffeners. Instead of steel reinforcement or mesh, other forms of reinforcement may be used, such as pre-or post-tensioned steel strands or metal or plastic fibers or tapes. Alternatively, the modules may comprise a hollow core material which is pre-fabricated prestressed concrete with reinforced prestressed strands. Hollow core materials have many continuous voids along their length and are known in the industry for their increased strength. When the module is located at or below a traffic surface, such as, for example, a parking lot, street, highway, other road or airport traffic surface, the modular structure will conform to the standards of the american association of state transportation and highway officials ("AASTHO"). Preferably, the structure will be sufficient to withstand the HS20 load, which is a load standard well known in the industry, although other load standards may be used.

Turning to fig. 1-3, a fluid retention/retention module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown to generally include a first sidewall 110 and a top deck portion 130 opposite a second sidewall 120. The first sidewall 110, the second sidewall 120, and the top deck portion 130 may be coupled together and be an integrally formed unit. The module 100 may include a first open end 102 and a second open end 104. Each module 100 may define a length ML between a first open end 102 and a second open end (not shown). As best shown in fig. 1, the sidewalls 110, 120 may be substantially straight along their length as they extend between the first and second open ends 102, 120 of the module. As best shown in fig. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment, the facing side walls 110, 120 may be pitched or disposed at an angle relative to the deck portion 130 such that the side walls 110, 120 slope away and outward from each other as they extend downward from the facing longitudinal sides of the deck portion 130. The first sidewall 110 may include an interior surface 112, an exterior surface 114, a bottom edge 116, and in some embodiments a shoulder 118. The second sidewall 120 may include an interior surface 122, an exterior surface 124, a bottom edge 126, and in some embodiments, a shoulder 128. As shown in fig. 1-3, the shoulders 118, 128 may be coupled with the exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of the module 100 and extend outwardly therefrom. The deck portion 130 may include an underside 132 and a top surface 134.

As shown in fig. 2, each module may further define a height H, an inner dimension ID (i.e., the space between the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the facing sidewalls 110, 120), and an outer dimension OD (i.e., the distance between the exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the facing sidewalls 110, 120). The inner dimension ID and the outer dimension OD may vary with respect to the height H such that a certain inner dimension ID ' and outer dimension OD ' correspond to a certain height H ' and another inner dimension ID "and outer dimension OD" correspond to another height H ", as shown in fig. 2. The inner dimension ID and the outer dimension OD of the module 100 will generally increase proportionally according to the relative position along each sidewall 110, 120 (i.e., generally a lower position along the sidewalls 110, 120 may result in a larger inner and outer dimension of the module 100 because the angled sidewalls 110, 120 extend further away from each other at various locations relative to a certain height H, H', H ").

The interior surfaces 112, 122 of the facing sidewalls 110, 120 and the underside 132 of the deck portion 130 may define an interior fluid passageway or channel 140 that extends below the deck portion 130 to the bottom of the module 100 (to the bottom ends or bottom edges of the sidewalls 110, 120), which may allow unrestricted fluid flow therethrough. The internal passageway 140 may extend between the opposing open ends 102, 104 of the module 100, forming a longitudinal opening at each open end 102, 104. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, the sloped sidewalls 110, 120 may provide the internal passageway 140 with a flared configuration along its height H from top to bottom, with the internal passageway 140 widening toward the bottom such that the internal dimension ID at the bottom portion adjacent the respective bottom edge of the facing sidewall is greater than the internal dimension ID at the top portion (the portion below the underside 132 of the deck portion 130). The underside 132 of the deck portion 130 may define a top of the interior passage 140. As shown in fig. 2, the underside 132 may be convex and have a shape shown in cross-section by hatched lines or a dome shape characterized by curved or chamfered sections along the sides that extend upward to a flat and/or raised central section.

As best shown in fig. 3, the facing interior surfaces 112, 122 and the corresponding exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the sidewalls 110, 120 may be substantially parallel. As further shown in fig. 3, the sidewalls 110, 120 may further define a thickness T. In one embodiment, the thickness T of the sidewalls 110, 120 may be on the order of between four inches and six inches. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness T may be on the order of about four inches. The deck portion 130 may define a deck width DW. In one embodiment, the deck width DW may be on the order of between two and five feet. In a preferred embodiment, the deck width DW may be on the order of approximately three feet and seven inches. The top surface 134 of the deck portion 130 may be substantially horizontal and flat. In one embodiment, the thickness of the deck portion 130 may be uniform. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the thickness of the deck portion 130 may vary across its width by having a greater thickness along the sides, with the thickness decreasing toward the center portion.

As best shown in fig. 3, the first sidewall 110 can define a first sidewall angle Θ 1 and the second sidewall 120 can define a second sidewall angle Θ 2. In one embodiment, the first sidewall angle Θ 1 can be on the order of between fifteen and eighty-five degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the first sidewall angle Θ 1 can be on the order of about sixty-six degrees. In another embodiment, the second sidewall angle Θ 2 can be on the order of between fifteen and eighty-five degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the second sidewall angle Θ 2 can be on the order of about sixty-six degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first sidewall angle Θ 1 and the second sidewall angle Θ 2 can be equal or substantially the same. However, it should be understood that the first and second sidewall angles Θ 1, Θ 2 can vary and may not be equal or about the same.

The shoulders 118, 128 may define a shoulder height SH and a shoulder width SW. In one embodiment, the shoulder height SH may be on the order of between two inches and one foot four inches. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder height SH may be on the order of about nine inches. In another embodiment, the shoulder width SW may be on the order of between one inch and one foot. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder width SW may be on the order of about four inches.

As described herein, retention/retention module 100 may have varying dimensions and may be provided in a variety of different sizes, according to representative embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such exemplary dimensions disclosed herein do not encompass all possible embodiments of the invention, and that alternative shapes and dimensions may be contemplated within the scope of the invention without limitation. In one embodiment, the length ML of each module 100 may be in the range of ten feet to twenty-five feet or more, and preferably may be on the order of about twenty to twenty-three feet long. In one embodiment, the height H may be on the order of between two and six feet. In a preferred embodiment, the height H may be on the order of about four feet. In another embodiment, the height H' may be on the order of between one and four feet six inches. In a preferred embodiment, the height H' may be on the order of about three feet. In yet another embodiment, the height H "may be on the order of between one and three feet. In a preferred embodiment, the height H "may be on the order of about two feet. In one embodiment, the inner dimension ID may be on the order of between five and nine feet. In a preferred embodiment, the inner dimension ID may be on the order of about six feet and nine inches. In another embodiment, the inner dimension ID' may be on the order of between five feet three inches and seven feet six inches. In a preferred embodiment, the inner dimension ID' may be on the order of about five feet and ten inches. In yet another embodiment, the inner depth ID "may be on the order of between four and nine inches and six and three inches. In a preferred embodiment, the inner dimension ID "may be on the order of about five feet. In one embodiment, the outer dimension OD may be on the order of between five and nine feet six inches. In a preferred embodiment, the outer dimension OD may be on the order of about seven feet and six inches. In another embodiment, the outer dimension OD' may be on the order of between five and eight feet. In a preferred embodiment, the outer dimension OD' may be on the order of about six feet and seven inches. In yet another embodiment, the outer dimension OD "may be on the order of between four feet, six inches and seven feet. In a preferred embodiment, the outer dimension OD "may be on the order of about five feet and eight inches.

As further shown in fig. 1 and 2, the module 100 may further include a panel or web 150. Each web 150 may define a generally linear shape including a top surface 152, an underside or bottom surface 154, opposing side edges 156, and opposing end edges 158. As best shown in fig. 2, in one embodiment, the upwardly facing surfaces formed on and defined by the shoulders 118, 128 of the module 100 may create a shelf for supporting the bottom surface 154 of the web 150. Each web 150 may further define an inner width IW, an outer width OW, a sheet thickness ST, and a sheet length SL. In one embodiment, the inner width IW may be on the order of between three feet and three inches and six feet and nine inches. In a preferred embodiment, inner width IW may be on the order of approximately four feet and five inches. In one embodiment, the outer width OW may be on the order of between three and seven feet. In a preferred embodiment, the outer width OW may be on the order of about four feet and ten inches. Web 150 may have a uniform thickness ST between top and bottom surfaces 152, 154. The web 150 may have a thickness ST of between four and eight inches, and according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the preferred thickness may be on the order of six inches. The length SL of the web 150 may be on the order of half the length ML of the retention/retention module 100. This means that when the webs 150 are used in conjunction with modules 100 (including covering the space defined between laterally adjacent modules 100), each pair of modules 100 may require the use of about two webs 150 that are positioned adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. However, it should be understood that web 150 may have a longer or shorter length SL without limitation.

The modules may be arranged in rows and columns that may be described as various permutations. As shown in fig. 4-15, in one assembly 400, the modules 100 may also be arranged side-by-side to form a row in the lateral direction. The respective sidewalls 120, 110 of adjacent modules 100 may be positioned side-by-side and parallel to each other. More specifically, the bottom edges 126, 116 of each sidewall 120, 110 may be substantially parallel to each other. As best shown in fig. 5, the modules 100 may be arranged such that a space is defined between the exterior surfaces 124, 114 of the side walls 120, 110 of laterally adjacent modules 100 (including at or near the bottom edges 126, 116 thereof), as best shown in fig. 5. Alternatively, the module 100 may be arranged such that the bottom edges 126, 116 of adjacent sidewalls 120, 110 and the exterior surfaces 124, 114 adjacent thereto are flush with one another so that there is no space (or minimal space) between them.

As best shown in fig. 5, adjacent sidewalls 120, 110 of laterally adjacent modules 100 may be angled away from each other as they extend upwardly from their respective bottom edges 126, 116. Thus, placing the modules 100 side-by-side to form a row may result in a space or void between adjacent modules 100 between their respective deck portions 130 (even when the bottom edges 126, 116 of the sidewalls 120, 110 of adjacent modules 100 are placed flush with one another). As shown in fig. 5, the space between laterally adjacent modules 100 may generally be flared from bottom to top along its height (or tapered when viewed from top to bottom) to define a generally triangular outer passage 500 (i.e., the space between the outer surfaces 124, 114 of the sidewalls 120, 110 of adjacent modules 100), which may allow unrestricted fluid flow therethrough. The external passage 500 may be generally parallel to the internal passage 140 of the module 100 and extend between the opposing open ends 102, 104 of the module 100. As schematically shown in fig. 5, an external passageway 500 according to an exemplary embodiment may narrow as it extends from a top portion to a bottom portion.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4-10, webs 150 may be placed between laterally adjacent modules 100. As shown in fig. 5, a bottom surface or underside 154 of the web 150 may define a top of the external passageway 500. The side edges 156 of the webs 150 may be positioned against the exterior surfaces 124, 114 of the respective angled sidewalls 120, 110 of adjacent modules 100. The side edges 156 may be chamfered at an angle (which corresponds to the angle of the side walls 120, 110) such that the side edges 156 of the web 150 may be positioned flush with the angled side walls 120, 110. In one embodiment, the slope of the side edges 156 of the web 150 may be formed when the outer width OW of the web 150 is greater than the inner width IW of the web 150. The web 150 may be supported between laterally adjacent modules 100 in a manner such that the top surface 152 of the web 150 is flush with the top surface 134 of the deck portion 130 of the modules 100, thereby forming a generally horizontal platform. As shown in fig. 5, the outer width OW of the web 150 along the top surface 152 may correspond to the distance between the side edges of the deck portions 150 of adjacent modules 100.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, the web 150 may have vertical support legs 600 integrally formed with and extending downwardly from a bottom surface 154 of the web 150. Each leg 600 may generally define a thickness LT and a height LH. The legs 600 may be spaced inwardly from the side edges 156. As best shown in fig. 7, the vertical support leg 600 may be generally centered along the overall width of the web 150, which may cause the web 150 to have a generally T-shape in cross-section. According to certain embodiments, when a web 150 is placed between adjacent modules 100, the legs 600 may rest against the lower portions of the angled sidewalls 110, 120 to provide additional support for the web 150. In one embodiment, leg height LH may generally correspond to height H of modules 100 such that each leg 600 may extend downward to rest on a surface (not shown) between laterally adjacent modules 100 or a common ground (not shown), while also allowing top surface 152 of web 150 to be flush with top surface 134 of deck portion 130 of an adjacent module 100 to form a generally horizontal platform. In another embodiment, the leg thickness LT may be on the order of between three and six inches, and according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the thickness LT may preferably be on the order of four inches.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 8-10, sidewalls 110, 120 of retention/retention module 100 may define a lateral opening 800. In one embodiment, the lateral opening 800 may be located near the bottom edges 116, 126 of the sidewalls 110, 120, as shown in fig. 8. In another embodiment, the lateral opening 800 may be located at a point elevated from the bottom edges 116, 126, as shown in fig. 9 and 10. However, it should be understood that the lateral opening 800 may be located at any point on the sidewalls 110, 120, including any combination discussed herein. Although fig. 8-10 illustrate lateral opening 800 as being generally circular (or semi-circular) and having an effective diameter that is substantially smaller than the effective diameter of the longitudinal opening at open ends 102, 104 of retention/retention module 100, it should be understood that lateral opening 800 may have alternative shapes and sizes without limitation, and may also have substantially the same size as such a longitudinal opening.

In one embodiment, where the lateral opening 800 is located near the bottom edge 116, 126 of the sidewall 110, 120, the common passageway may form a lateral fluid channel, allowing substantially unobstructed fluid flow laterally through the assembly 400, wherein at least one of the internal passageway 140 and/or the external passageway 500 are in fluid communication with each other, including via the lateral opening 800. Such lateral fluid flow may create advantageous bi-directional fluid flow through the assembly 400 in addition to longitudinal flow of fluid through the inner passageway 140 and/or the outer passageway 500. When the lateral opening 800 is located at a point elevated above the bottom edges 116, 126, fluid within the internal passageway 140 and/or the external passageway 500 may generally be restricted from flowing laterally such that fluid must rise at least to the bottom edge of the lateral opening 800 in order to flow in a lateral direction through the assembly 400. In embodiments where the common passageway forms a lateral fluid channel, fluid flowing within the interior passageway 140 of a module 100 may be allowed to pass through the lateral opening 800 into the exterior passageway 500 between adjacent modules 100 only when the fluid reaches a certain volume or flow rate. In other embodiments where two laterally adjacent modules 100 include sidewalls 120, 110 having lateral openings 800, fluid flowing within the interior passageway 140 of one module 100 may be allowed to pass through the lateral openings 800 of that module 100, into the exterior passageway 500, and through the lateral openings 800 of the other module 100 and into the interior passageway 140. In another embodiment, the respective lateral openings 800 of adjacent modules 100 may be vertically offset or layered with respect to each other. When such corresponding lateral openings 800 are layered, the assembly 400 may only allow bi-directional flow when the passageways 140, 500 have reached a certain predetermined volume or flow rate. Such restriction of bi-directional flow may facilitate control of flow and storage through and within the assembly 400 to meet certain retention, and discharge standards.

In one embodiment, as best shown in fig. 8 and 9, the location of the first lateral opening 800 defined in the first sidewall 110 of the module 100 may be generally aligned with the location of the second lateral opening 800 defined in the second sidewall 120 of the module 100 to effectively define a common passageway through the internal passageway 140. In another embodiment, the lateral openings 800 defined in the sidewalls 110, 120 of the individual modules 100 may be offset from one another along the length ML of the module 100. In yet another embodiment, the location of the lateral openings 800 of the respective modules 100 may be generally aligned with the location of the lateral openings 800 of other modules 100 that also include the assembly 400 to effectively define a common passageway through the assembly 400 that may also pass through the external passageway 500.

In embodiments where the lateral openings 800 of laterally adjacent modules 100 are generally aligned to define a common passageway of the assembly 400, the lateral openings 800 may form a continuous lateral fluid channel between the modules 100. In another embodiment, where the lateral openings 800 of laterally adjacent modules 100 are generally offset from one another along the length ML of the modules 100, fluid flow between the internal passageways 140 of laterally adjacent modules 100 may be directed along the length of the external passageways 500 between the lateral openings 800.

In another embodiment, at least one of the shared pathways of the individual modules 100 and the collective assembly 400 may be used to house various underground facilities that may need to traverse the project site. Such underground utilities may include, but are not limited to, public works, buried conduits, pipelines, and any other contemplated configuration.

In another assembly 1100, as shown in fig. 11, the modules 100 may comprise an array of modules 100 arranged side-by-side to form rows in the lateral direction and simultaneously end-to-end to form columns in the longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, each column may include a series of modules 100 arranged end-to-end such that a longitudinal end of a first module 100 in a column is substantially flush with a longitudinal end of an adjacent second module 100 in the same column. To connect the modules 100 of the assembly 1100 in the longitudinal direction, the joint formed between adjacent surfaces of the modules 100 may be sealed with a sealant or tape, including but not limited to asphalt tape, wrap, filter fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The rows may be disposed in a lateral or transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction. For example, a series of modules 100 may be placed in an end-to-end configuration within the assembly 1100 to form a first column 1110. The first column 1110 may be disposed generally along the longitudinal direction of the assembly 1100. A second column 1120 of modules 100 may be placed adjacent to the first column 1110 to form an array of columns and rows of modules 100. Similarly, it should be understood that additional columns may be formed by modules 100 and placed adjacent to other columns that make up assembly 1100. In one embodiment, the modules 100 may be placed in an offset or staggered orientation while also defining flow paths, such as the inner passageway 140 and the outer passageway 500. For example, the module 100 may be placed in an orientation similar to that typically used for bricking. The length or width of the assembly 1100 of the module 100 may generally be unlimited, and the module 100 may be positioned to form an assembly 1100 having an irregular or asymmetrical shape.

As further shown in fig. 11, in one embodiment, the assembly 1100 may include an inflow port/inlet port 1130 and/or an outflow port/outlet port (not shown). The inlet port 1130 may allow fluid to enter the assembly 1100 from an area outside of the assembly 1100, such as, for example, water accumulating at ground level or from other water storage areas located at ground level or other levels. The outlet port may be used to direct water out of the assembly 1100, and preferably to one or more of the following off-site locations: a water channel, a water treatment plant, another municipal treatment facility, or other location capable of receiving water. In other embodiments, the outlet port may be located in the side walls 110, 120 of the module 100 that includes the assembly 1100. However, it should be understood that the outlet port may be disposed in other locations, including, for example, a floor (not shown) of the assembly 1100. Multiple outlet ports may be placed at different locations and at different heights on the sidewalls 110, 120 of the modules 100 that make up the assembly 1100 to release water therefrom. In one embodiment, the outlet port of the assembly 1100 may preferably be sized generally smaller than the inlet port 1130 of the assembly to generally restrict the flow of rain water exiting the assembly 1100. In another embodiment, water may exit the assembly 1100 through the floor of the assembly 1100 constructed of perforated material or by other means (such as through a plurality of openings in the floor) through a process of infiltration or absorption.

As shown in fig. 11, the inlet port 1130 may be located in the sidewalls 110, 120 of the modules 100 that make up the assembly 1100. However, it should be understood that the inlet port 1130 may be located in the deck portion 130 of one or more modules 100 making up the assembly 1100. The inlet ports 1130 in the side walls 110, 120 of the module 100 may be placed at custom locations and heights as required by the preferred site requirements to receive rain water from a remote location at the site via a pipe (not shown) or the like. It should be understood that multiple inlet ports 1130 or different types of inlet ports may be provided on the assembly 1100. For example, if a preferred location is known, the location of the inlet port 1130 may be pre-formed during the formation or manufacture of the module 100. If the preferred location is not known, the location of the inlet port 1130 may be established during installation using suitable tools.

Fig. 12-15 illustrate exemplary fluid management assemblies 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 comprised of a plurality of retention/retention modules 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, fig. 12-15 illustrate exemplary assemblies 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 of the module 100 having a height H. In one embodiment, the height H of the module 100 may be approximately four feet. In another embodiment, the height H of the module 100 may be approximately three feet. In yet another embodiment, the height H of the module 100 may be approximately two feet. However, it should be understood that the H of the module 100 of the assemblies 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 may have any height suitable for the purpose of the present invention. It should be understood that the number or arrangement of retention/retention modules 100 in the assembly may be unlimited.

As best shown in fig. 13-15, the assembly 1300, 1400, 1500 may also include an outer periphery 1310, 1410, 1510 of the module 100 and an inner arrangement 1320, 1420, 1520 of the module 100. The internal arrangements 1320, 1420, 1520 of the module 100 may be located within the outer perimeters 1310, 1410, 1510. In one embodiment, the outer perimeters 1310, 1410, 1510 may include modules 100 that may have closed longitudinal ends at each outer open end (not shown) and/or at solid outer sidewalls (not shown) that are not laterally open. In another embodiment, the longitudinal opening at each outer open end of the module 100 may be at least partially closed by having a separate perimeter wall (not shown) by at least partially covering the longitudinal opening along the outer perimeter of the assemblies 1300, 1400, 1500. This closed and impermeable arrangement of the modules 100 making up the outer perimeters 1310, 1410, 1510 may restrict fluids other than fluids exiting through the provided outlet ports (not shown), if provided, from exiting the assemblies 1310, 1410, 1510 through the modules 100. In another embodiment, the inner arrangement 1320, 1420, 1520 of the assembly 1300, 1400, 1500 may be at least partially enclosed by the outer periphery 1310, 1410, 1510. Further, the outer peripheries 1310, 1410, 1510 may comprise a partial closure such that not all modules 100 of the assemblies 1300, 1400, 1500 have closed longitudinal ends at opposing longitudinal ends and/or solid outer sidewalls without lateral openings.

As further shown in fig. 13-15, the components 1300, 1400, 1500 can define effective lengths EL, EL ', and EL "and effective widths EW, EW', EW". In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, the effective length EL of the assembly 1300 may be between one hundred ninety inches and two hundred seventy-five feet. The effective width EW of assembly 1300 can be on the order of between thirty-five and fifty feet. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the effective length EL' of the assembly 1400 may be on the order of between one hundred zero five feet and one hundred thirty five feet. The effective width EW' of the assembly 1400 may be on the order of between ninety-five feet and one hundred forty feet. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the effective length EL "of the assembly 1500 may be on the order of between one hundred ninety feet and two hundred seventy five feet. The effective width EW' of the assembly 1500 can be on the order of between one hundred feet and one hundred forty feet. While fig. 13-15 show exemplary assemblies according to embodiments set forth herein, it should be understood that any configuration of modules is within the scope of the present invention, and that the overall dimensions (including effective length and effective width) of any such assembly may vary accordingly.

As best shown in fig. 15, in one embodiment, the assembly 1500 may include a series of arrays of modules 100 arranged side-by-side to form rows in the lateral direction and end-to-end to form columns in the longitudinal direction. Each array in the series of arrays may include a different number of rows and columns defined by the module 100. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the assembly 1500 generally includes a first array 1530 of modules 100 and a second array 1540 of modules 100. The first array 1530 may include modules 100 arranged in nine rows and four columns. The first array 1530 of modules 100 may be arranged and coupled together in a suitable manner, as disclosed herein. As shown in fig. 15, the first array 1530 may define an effective length EL "and an effective inner length EIL". Second array 1540 may include modules 100 arranged in two rows and nine columns. As disclosed herein, the second array 1540 of the modules 100 may be arranged and coupled together in a suitable manner. As disclosed herein, the second array 1540 of the modules 100 may be arranged and coupled together in a suitable manner. As shown in fig. 15, the second array 144 can define an effective width EW "and an effective inner width EIW'. In one embodiment, the effective inner length EIL "may be on the order of between one hundred twenty five feet and two hundred forty five feet. In a preferred embodiment, the effective inner length EIL "may be on the order of approximately one hundred eighty-four feet. In another embodiment, the effective inner width EIW' may be on the order of between sixty feet and ninety feet. In a preferred embodiment, the effective inner width EIW' may be on the order of about seventy-six feet. However, it should be understood that the assembly of the present invention may include any number of arrays, any arrangement of arrays, and any arrangement of rows and columns of arrays including modules 100 as necessary to achieve the objectives of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 16-18, the module 100 may also include at least one seat 1600. Each seat 1600 may include an inner edge 1602. The seat 1600 may be coupled with the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of the module 100 and extend inwardly from the opposing sidewalls 110, 120 and into the interior passage 140. As shown in fig. 16-18, the interior edge 1602 of the seat 1600 may extend downward from the connection point on the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120 and terminate at the downward facing surface formed and defined by the seat 1600. In one embodiment, the downwardly facing surface formed and defined by the seat 1600 may establish a ledge 1604. In another embodiment, the ledge 1604 of one module 100 may correspond in shape, size, and relative position to the upwardly facing surface defined by and formed on the shoulder 118, 128 of a second module 100.

As best shown in fig. 16, the shoulders 118, 128 of the second module 100 may receive and mate with the ledge 1604 of the first module 100 and generally support the ledge. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 16-18, the seat 1600 can define a profile thickness SET relative to the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120. The profile thickness SET may enable the seat 1600 to extend downwardly away from the interior surfaces 112, 122 such that the ledge 1604 of the seat 1600 of a first module 100 may bear on the shoulder 118, 128 of another module 100. When the seat 1600 of a first module 100 may bear on the shoulder 118, 128 of another module 100, the ledge 1604 of the first module may interface flush with the shelf created by the shoulder 118, 128. In one embodiment, the seat 1600 may taper or vary over the length of the seat 1600 relative to the profile thickness SET of the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120 as it extends down the interior surfaces 112, 122. In another embodiment, the profile thickness SET of the seat 1600 may generally correspond to the flared configuration of the exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of another module 100.

In one embodiment, the space 1610 may be provided and defined by the underside 132 of the deck portion 130 of the first module 100 and the top surface 134 of the deck portion 130 of the second module 100 when the ledge 1604 of the first module 100 is received and supported by the shoulders 118, 128 of the second module 100. In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, the space 1610 may be further defined by at least a portion of: the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of the first module 100; seat 1600 of first module 100; and/or the exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of the second module 100. The space 1610 may define a height HS. In one embodiment, the height HS may be on the order of between one and two feet. In a preferred embodiment, the height HS may be on the order of about one foot six inches. In one embodiment, a distance may be defined between the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the side walls 110, 120 of the first module 100 and the exterior surfaces 114, 124 of the side walls 110, 120 of the second module 100, and the distance shown may be on the order of between six inches and one foot six inches.

As shown in fig. 16, in embodiments where the ledge 1604 of the first module 100 corresponds in shape, size, and relative position to the shoulders 118, 128 of the second module 100, two modules 100 may be stacked with the first module 100 above the second module 100. By stacking the first module 100 on top of the second module 100 such that the seat 1600 of the first module 100 interfaces with the ledge 1604 and the shoulders 118 and 128 of the second module, this may facilitate the transportation and storage of multiple modules 100 to limit transportation and storage related damage. For example, it is understood that the supporting configuration of the plurality of modules 100, and the resulting space 1610, may be advantageous to prevent damage to the modules 100 caused by friction and interaction between the plurality of modules 100 during stacking of the plurality of modules or by shock during transportation of the plurality of modules to a particular location and storage. Such spaces 1610 may further prevent modules 100 from being jammed or wedged together when stacked in a supporting arrangement, which may facilitate unstacking of modules 100. Although fig. 16 shows two modules 100 stacked together (with one module on top of the other), those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional modules 100 may be stacked above an upper first module 100 and/or below a lower second module 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17, at least one of the seats 1600 may extend downwardly along the interior surface 112, 122 of the side wall 110, 120 from a point of connection below the point of connection or interface between the interior surface 112, 122 and the underside 132 of the deck portion 130. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 18, at least one of the seats 1600 may extend downwardly along the interior surface 112, 122 of the side wall 110, 120 from a point of connection or interface between the interior surface 112, 122 and the underside 132 of the deck portion 130. In one embodiment, the inner edge 1602 of the seat 1600 may be tapered such that the inner edge 1602 may be set at an angle relative to a vertical axis defined by the module 100. In another embodiment, the inner edge 1602 may be generally vertical and not tapered, and is parallel to a vertical axis defined by the module 100. As best shown in fig. 16, each seat 1600 extends down the interior surface 112, 122 from a connection point on the interior surface 112, 122 by a seat length SEL that ranges from six inches to eighteen inches or more, which in one embodiment and in a preferred embodiment may be on the order of ten inches to twelve inches.

According to embodiments presented herein, the seat 1600 may extend longitudinally continuously along all or most of the length ML (e.g., twenty to twenty-five feet) of the module 100. In another embodiment, the seat 1600 may extend longitudinally intermittently along all or most of the length ML of the module 100, such that each facing sidewall 110, 120 of the module 100 may comprise a series of sections (not shown) of the seat 1600. According to some embodiments, the series of segments of the seat 1600 may have corresponding or non-corresponding positions on the facing side walls 110, 120. For example, in one embodiment, the series of sections of the seat 1600 may be horizontally aligned along the interior surfaces 112, 122 of the sidewalls 110, 120 along the length ML of the module 100. In another embodiment, the series of sections of the seat 1600 of one module 100 may generally correspond to the location of the shoulders 118, 128 of the same module 100. In other embodiments, the series of sections of the seat 1600 of one module 100 may generally correspond to the location of the corresponding shoulders 118, 128 of the sidewalls 110, 120 of the other module 100. The series of sections of the seat 1600 of the module 100 may define a length, which may be in a range of one foot to six feet long, and adjacent sections of the seat 1600 may be spaced apart from one another by a distance in a range of six inches to three feet or more.

Figures 19-30 illustrate a mechanical mold or sheath 1900 for making fluid retention/retention module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to the exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 19-30, the mold 1900 may be used to repeatedly manufacture a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, mold 1900 may include a lower portion 1910, first opposing arms 1920, second opposing arms 1930, a cover 1940, and a partition 1950. The lower portion 1910 may also include a generally horizontal base platform 1912 defined by first and second longitudinal sides 1914, 1916. In one embodiment, the first facing arm 1920 may further include a proximal end 1922 and a distal end 1924. In another embodiment, the second facing arm 1930 may further include a proximal end 1932 and a distal end 1934. The opposing arms 1920, 1930 may be hingedly secured to connection points along the longitudinal sides 1914, 1916. In one embodiment, proximal ends 1922, 1932 of the facing arms 1920, 1930 may be hingedly secured to the connection point along the longitudinal sides 1914, 1916, and distal ends 1924, 1934 may define free ends of the facing arms 1920, 1930. The arms 1920, 1930 may be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the base platform 1912 between a first or closed position (as best shown in fig. 19 and 20) and a second or open position (as best shown in fig. 21 and 22). In the first position, arms 1920, 1930 extend above bulkhead 1950 and define a void or space 1990 with the bulkhead, as best shown in fig. 20. Similarly, when arms 1920, 1930 are in the first position and cover 1940 is operatively coupled thereto, cover 1940 may span the space or distance defined by distal ends 1924, 1934 of arms 1920, 1930 and extend over and define a void or space 1992 with a bulkhead 1950, as shown in fig. 20.

In another embodiment, the mold 1900 may further include a first end plate 1960, a second end plate 1970, and a fastening device 1980. As best shown in fig. 19, the end plates 1960, 1970 may include a plurality of latches 1962, 1972. A plurality of latches 1962, 1972 may be provided to operatively couple the end plates 1960, 1970 to the mold 1900. In one embodiment, a plurality of latches 1962, 1972 may engage arms 1920, 1930 of mold 1900 to secure them in a first position. In one embodiment, a plurality of latches 1962, 1972 may be used in conjunction with the securing device 1980 to secure the arms 1920, 1930 in the first position.

A fastening device 1980 may be provided and used to engage the opposing arms 1920, 1930 against an outer edge of the cover 1940 to secure the opposing arms 1920, 1930 in a first position. The fastening device 1980 may be a turnbuckle or similar fastening device suitable for the purposes of the present invention, whether now known or later developed. As shown in fig. 21, in one embodiment, the arms 1920, 1930 can be rotated or pivoted to the second position by using at least one pry bar 2100.

As best shown in fig. 20, the bulkhead 1950 may be positioned or located along a central axis defined by the lower portion 1910 of the mold 1900. As further shown in fig. 20, the facing arms 1920, 1930 may define cutout sections 2000, 2010. According to embodiments presented herein, cutout sections 2000, 2010 may define voids of a size and shape corresponding to a desired contour size and shape of a shoulder (not shown) of a module (not shown) being machined. Accordingly, cutout sections 2000, 2010 may be provided and configured to form shoulders of the module. In another embodiment, the arms 1920, 1930 may also include windows 2020 along their length for accommodating demolding during processing of the module.

As best shown in fig. 23, the partition 1950 may include a bottom portion 2300, a first facing side portion 2310, a second facing side portion 2320, and a top cap portion 2330. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the side portions 2310, 2320 may define cutout sections 2312, 2322. According to embodiments presented herein, cutout sections 2312, 2322 may define voids of a size and shape corresponding to the desired profile size and shape of seats (not shown) and ledges (not shown) of a module (not shown) being machined. Accordingly, cutout sections 2312, 2322 may be provided and configured to form seats and ledges of the modules. In another embodiment, the facing side portions 2310, 2320 may be operatively coupled with the top cap portion 2330 and extend downwardly and outwardly therefrom, which may define a general flared configuration of the partition 1950. The facing side portions 2310, 2320 may also be operatively coupled with the bottom portion 2300. In one embodiment, the bulkhead 1950 may be operatively coupled with the mold 1900 and positioned along a central longitudinal axis defined by a lower portion (not shown) of the mold 1900.

As shown in fig. 19-24, the mold 1900 and its components can be configured to define voids of a size and shape corresponding to the desired contour size and shape of the module being processed. In one embodiment, partition 1950 and its components may have a size and shape corresponding to lower portion 1910, opposing arms 1920, 1930, and cover 1940 of mold 1900. In another embodiment, as best shown in fig. 24, the cutout sections 2000, 2010 of the facing arms 1920, 1930 may be aligned with the cutout sections 2312, 2322 of the facing portions 2312, 2322 of the partition wall 1950.

As shown in fig. 25-27, the cover 1940 can be configured to correspond to a desired size and shape of a deck portion (not shown) of a module (not shown) being processed. As best shown in fig. 25, the cover 1940 can define a cover length LIL and a cover width LIW. In one embodiment, the lid length LIL may be on the order of between ten feet and twenty-five feet. In a preferred embodiment, the lid length LIL may be on the order of about 20 feet. In another embodiment, the lid width LIW may be on the order of between fifty inches and eighty inches. In a preferred embodiment, the cover width LIW may be on the order of about sixty-five inches. As best shown in fig. 26, the cover 1940 may further define a cover height LIH. In one embodiment, the lid height LIH may be on the order of between ten inches and twenty-two inches. In a preferred embodiment, the lid height LIH may be on the order of about 16.25 inches. As best shown in fig. 27, the cover 1940 may also include at least one gusset 2700. In one embodiment, each gusset 2700 may be coupled to a cover 1940. In another embodiment, the gusset 2700 may be a 0.25 inch gusset that is on the order of about six inches tall.

As shown in fig. 28 and 29, the arms 1920, 1930 may be configured to extend along the entire length LM of the mold 1900, such that the arms 1920, 1930 may have a length corresponding to the length of the lower portion 1910. As shown in fig. 29, the first and second end plates 1960, 1970 of the mold 1900 may be configured to extend along the width WM of the mold 1900 such that the end plates 1960, 1970 may have a width corresponding to the width of the lower portion 1910.

As shown in fig. 30, end plates 1960, 1970 may be secured to connection points along lateral sides of the lower portion 1910 of the mold 1900. Each end plate 1960, 1970 can define a height EPH. In one embodiment, the end plate height EPH may be on the order of between ten inches and seventy inches. In a preferred embodiment, the end plate height EPH may be on the order of approximately fifty-five inches.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may also provide a method or process for manufacturing a module 100 using a mold 1900 of the type described herein. Fig. 31 is a diagram depicting an example method 3100 for fabricating module 100 using mold 1900. As shown in frame 3110, partition 1950 may be disposed and positioned along a central longitudinal axis defined by lower portion 1910 of mold 1900. Frame 3120 shows how opposing arms 1920, 1930 of mold 1900 can be rotated or pivoted to a first position after placement of partition 1950 in mold 1900. Such rotation of the facing arms 1920, 1930 can be achieved by rotating the distal ends 1924, 1934 of the respective arms 1920, 1930 toward one another until the arms 1920, 1930 extend over and define a void or space 1990 with the facing portions 2310, 2320 of the partition wall 1950. In one embodiment, the arms 1920, 1930 may be substantially parallel to the opposing portions 2310, 2320 when the arms 1920, 1930 are in the first position. As shown in frame 3130, cover 1940 can be positioned and seated or placed across the top of mold 1900 as arms 1920, 1930 are rotated to the first position such that the cover is contacted and supported by distal ends 1924, 1934 of arms 1920, 1930. In this arrangement, the cover 1940 may span the space or distance defined by the distal ends 1924, 1934 of the arms 1920, 1930 when the arms 1920, 1930 are in the first position. The cover 1940 may extend over and define a void or space 1992 with the top cover portion 2330 of the partition 1950. Frame 3140 shows how, during manufacture of module 100 using mold 1900, a fastening device 1980 is provided and used to engage the opposing arms 1920, 1930 against the outer edge of cover 1940 to secure the opposing arms 1920, 1930 in a first position. In one embodiment, a plurality of latches 1962, 1972 may be provided and used in conjunction with the fastening device 1980 to secure the arms 1920, 1930 in the first position. Frame 3150 shows how concrete is introduced into the void or space defined by the mold 1900 and bulkhead 1950. As shown in frame 3160, the concrete may then be allowed to set and harden. Frame 3170 shows how the fastening device 1980 is loosened and unfastened after the concrete has hardened. By loosening and unfastening the fastening means 1980, the cover 1940 can be removed and the opposing arms 1920, 1930 can be rotated or pivoted downwardly from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the plurality of latches 1962, 1972 may be released from the arms 1920, 1930 such that they may rotate or pivot to the second position. Frame 3180 illustrates how the molded module 100 is lifted or separated from the mold 1900 and bulkhead 1950.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Moreover, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be deleted, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described embodiments.