IP Library Granted Patent US 11,149,427
Granted Patent B2
US 11,149,427 · App. 16/537,585 · Granted Oct 19, 2021

Tessellation square module and underground storage system

Inventors: Zachariha J. Kent (San Antonio, TX); John Scott (Fallbrook, CA)
Assignee: Bio Clean Environmental Services, Inc.
E03F1/005B65G5/00E03B11/14E03F1/002F17C3/005E02B11/005E03B3/03E21D13/00F17C2203/0612
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,149,427
App. No.
16/537,585
Granted
Oct 19, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

Individual square shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant square tilling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal square shaped modules drain into square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

Claims (80)

1. An assembly system for storing water underground, wherein the assembly system is comprised of a plurality of individual adjoining four-sided modules forming a four-sided tessellation configuration,

wherein each four-sided module is comprised of a four-sided top, a combination of walls and/or legs extending downward from said four-sided top depending on their position within the assembly,

wherein modules along the perimeter of the assembly contain one wall to define the perimeter of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,

wherein modules at the perimeter corner of the assembly contain two walls, adjacent to one another, to define the perimeter corner of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,

wherein, said walls are defined by extending vertically downward from said four-sided, along its edges so that said top and walls intercept one another at their ends,

wherein said modules along the perimeter have one or two legs extending vertically from the four-sided, and positioned inward from the edges of the four-sided, and are positioned on sides of the four-sided top not having walls,

wherein modules not along the perimeter of the assembly only having three legs extending vertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward from the edges of the four-sided top,

wherein said legs on modules not along the perimeter of the assembly having an orientation with two shorter legs running parallel to one another spaced apart having a length less than half the length of the four-sided top and one longer leg running perpendicular to the two shorter legs, and having a length more than half the length of the four-sided top,

wherein the resulting assembly of internal and perimeter modules is defined by only having perimeter walls, and multiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with one another within modules or between adjacent modules, spaced out away from all adjacent legs by at least one foot but not more than ten feet, and resulting in a system with no defined channels,

wherein said modules of four-sided assembly are arranged as a four-side tiling in which four, four-sided modules meet at each vertex such that all walls of all modules are of the same width and are assembled such that walls of adjacent modules are lined up symmetrically with walls of all other modules, resulting in only 90 degree angles at each vertex of all adjoined four-sided modules so four modules at a point make a full 360 degrees,

wherein at least one said module has an access hole in its top for access into said assembly system after installation underground.

2. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , wherein the modules are stacked together to create a taller overall module,

wherein one module, known as the top module, has a four-sided top with downward extending legs and/or walls, and second module, known as the bottom module having a four-sided bottom with upward extending legs and/or walls,

wherein modules being stacked have identical combinations of legs and/or walls, and the top module is stacked directly over the bottom module and secured in place utilizing joints placed at the bottom edge of the side legs and/or walls of the four-sided top module and the top edge of the side walls of the four-sided bottom module, respectively.

3. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 2 , where the four-sided top module, four-sided bottom module, four-sided top slab, and side panel are all comprised of concrete reinforced with rebar.

4. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 2 , wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

5. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 2 , wherein the joint is a trapped groove, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

6. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , containing one or more inflow and/or outflow pipes in module tops or walls.

7. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , containing drainage holes in the bottom of said module to allow water to exit the system and percolate into underlying gravel layer or soils.

8. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , in which up to 35% of internal four-sided shaped modules with legs are removed without reducing the overall assembly strength and resultant internal void areas are covered by a four-sided shaped top slab larger than the resultant void area of the removed module(s), said four-sided top slab having a notch down on its bottom side that is smaller than the void area to lock it in place within the assembly.

9. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , in which vertically extending side panels are added to the external perimeter of the assembly as opposed to having perimeter modules with built in walls and legs, said assembly only containing internal modules.

10. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover and includes access risers to extend the access frame and cover to finish surface from the top access hole located underground.

11. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , made water tight using an impervious liner, sealant or other means to prevent leakage.

12. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , wherein only bottom modules along with top slabs are stacked and assembled to form a storage system.

13. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 1 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover.

14. An assembly system for storing water underground, wherein the assembly system is comprised of a plurality of individual adjoining four-sided modules, forming a four-sided tessellation configuration,

wherein each four-sided module is comprised of a four-sided top, a combination of walls and/or legs extending downward from said four-sided top depending on their position within the assembly,

wherein modules along the perimeter of the assembly contain one or more walls to define the perimeter of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,

wherein, said walls are defined by extending vertically downward from said four-sided top, along its edges so that said top and walls intercept one another at their ends,

wherein said modules along the perimeter have one or two legs extending vertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward from the edges of the four-sided top, and are positioned on sides of the four-sided top not having walls,

wherein modules not along the perimeter of the assembly only having three legs extending vertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward from the edges of the four-sided top,

wherein the resulting assembly of internal and perimeter modules is defined by only having perimeter walls, and multiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with one another within modules or between adjacent modules, spaced out away from all adjacent legs by at least one foot but not more than ten feet, and resulting in a system with no defined channels,

wherein said modules of four-sided shaped assembly are arranged as a four-sided tiling in which four modules meet at each vertex such that all walls of all modules are of the same width and are assembled such that walls of adjacent modules are lined up symmetrically with walls of all other modules, resulting in only 90 degree angles at each vertex of all adjoined four-sided modules so four modules at a point make a full 360 degrees, wherein at least one said module has an access hole in its top for access into said assembly system after installation underground.

15. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , wherein the modules are stacked together to create a taller overall module,

wherein one module, known as the top module, has a four-sided top with downward extending legs and/or walls, and second module, known as the bottom module having a four-sided bottom with upward extending legs and/or walls,

wherein modules being stacked have identical combinations of legs and/or walls, and the top module is stacked directly over the bottom module and secured in place utilizing joints placed at the bottom edge of the side legs and/or walls of the four-sided top module and the top edge of the side walls of the four-sided bottom module, respectively.

16. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 15 , where the four-sided top module, four-sided bottom module, four-sided top slab, and side panel are all comprised of concrete reinforced with rebar.

17. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 15 , wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

18. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 15 , wherein the joint is a trapped groove, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

19. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , containing one or more inflow and/or outflow pipes in module tops or walls.

20. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , containing drainage holes in the bottom of said module to allow water to exit the system and percolate into underlying gravel layer or soils.

21. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , in which up to 35% of internal four-sided modules with legs are removed without reducing the overall assembly strength and resultant internal void areas are covered by a four-sided shaped top slab larger than the resultant void area of the removed module(s), said four-sided shaped top slab having a notch down on its bottom side that is smaller than the void area to lock it in place within the assembly.

22. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , in which vertically extending side panels are added to the external perimeter of the assembly as opposed to having perimeter modules with built in legs, said assembly only containing internal modules.

23. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover and includes access risers to extend the access frame and cover to finish surface from the top access hole located underground.

24. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , made water tight using an impervious liner, sealant or other means to prevent leakage.

25. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , wherein only bottom modules along with top slabs are stacked and assembled to form a storage system.

26. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 14 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover.

27. An assembly system for storing water underground, wherein the assembly system is comprised of a plurality of individual adjoining rectangular modules forming a rectangular tessellation configuration,

wherein each rectangular module is comprised of a rectangular top, a combination of walls and/or legs extending downward from said rectangular top depending on their position within the assembly,

wherein modules along the perimeter of the assembly contain one wall to define the perimeter of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,

wherein modules at the perimeter corner of the assembly contain two walls, adjacent to one another, to define the perimeter corner of the assembly to create an overall enclosed storage system,

wherein said walls are defined by extending vertically downward from said rectangular top, along its edges so that said top and walls intercept one another at their ends,

wherein said modules along the perimeter have one or two legs extending vertically from the rectangular, and positioned inward from the edges of the rectangular, and are positioned on sides of the rectangular top not having walls,

wherein modules not along the perimeter of the assembly only having two or more legs extending vertically from the rectangular top, and positioned inward from the edges of the rectangular top,

wherein said legs on modules not along the perimeter of the assembly having an orientation with two shorter legs running parallel to one another spaced apart having a length less than half the length of the rectangular top and two longer legs running perpendicular to the two shorter legs, and having a length less than half the length of the rectangular top,

wherein the resulting assembly of internal and perimeter modules is defined by only having perimeter walls, and multiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with one another within modules or between adjacent modules, spaced out away from all adjacent legs by at least one foot but not more than twenty feet, and resulting in a system with no defined channels,

wherein said modules of rectangular assembly are arranged as a rectangular tiling in which four, rectangular modules meet at each vertex and are assembled such that walls of adjacent modules are lined up symmetrically with walls of all other modules, resulting in only 90 degree angles at each vertex of all adjoined rectangular modules so four modules at a point make a full 360 degrees,

wherein at least one said module has an access hole in its top for access into said assembly system after installation underground.

28. A rectangular tessellation assembly system of claim 27 , in which vertically extending side panels are added to the external perimeter of the assembly.

29. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 27 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover.

30. An assembly system for storing water underground, wherein the assembly system is comprised of a plurality of individual adjoining four-sided modules, forming a four-sided tessellation configuration,

wherein each four-sided module is comprised of a four-sided top, legs extending downward from said four-sided top,

wherein modules of the assembly only having three legs extending vertically from the four-sided top, and positioned inward from the edges of the four-sided top,

wherein four-sided tessellation assembly includes vertically extending side panels that are added to the external perimeter of the assembly,

wherein the resulting assembly of modules and side panels is defined by only having perimeter walls, and multiple internal legs, said legs not in contact with one another within modules or between adjacent modules, spaced out away from all adjacent legs by at least one foot but not more than ten feet, and resulting in a system with no defined channels,

wherein said modules of four-sided shaped assembly are arranged as a four-sided tiling in which four modules meet at each vertex such that all walls of all modules are of the same width and are assembled such that walls of adjacent modules are lined up symmetrically with walls of all other modules, resulting in only 90 degree angles at each vertex of all adjoined four-sided modules so four modules at a point make a full 360 degrees,

wherein at least one said module has an access hole in its top for access into said assembly system after installation underground.

31. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , wherein the modules are stacked together to create a taller overall module,

wherein one module, known as the top module, has a four-sided top with downward extending legs and/or walls, and second module, known as the bottom module having a four-sided bottom with upward extending legs and/or walls,

wherein modules being stacked have identical combinations of legs and/or walls, and the top module is stacked directly over the bottom module and secured in place utilizing joints placed at the bottom edge of the side legs and/or walls of the four-sided top module and the top edge of the side walls of the four-sided bottom module, respectively.

32. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 31 , where the four-sided top module, four-sided bottom module, four-sided top slab, and side panel are all comprised of concrete reinforced with rebar.

33. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 31 , wherein only bottom modules along with top slabs are stacked and assembled to form a storage system.

34. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 31 , wherein the joint is a shiplap joint, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

35. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 31 , wherein the joint is a trapped groove, with one module having a female joint and the other module having a male joint.

36. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , containing one or more inflow and/or outflow pipes in module tops or walls.

37. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , containing drainage holes in the bottom of said module to allow water to exit the system and percolate into underlying gravel layer or soils.

38. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , in which up to 35% of internal four-sided modules with legs are removed without reducing the overall assembly strength and resultant internal void areas are covered by a four-sided shaped top slab larger than the resultant void area of the removed module(s), said four-sided shaped top slab having a notch down on its bottom side that is smaller than the void area to lock it in place within the assembly.

39. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover and includes access risers to extend the access frame and cover to finish surface from the top access hole located underground.

40. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , made water tight using an impervious liner, sealant or other means to prevent leakage.

41. A four-sided tessellation assembly system of claim 30 , where the top access hole is covered with an access frame and cover.

Assignments (12)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 10, 2025
From: BEST BLOCK, LLC; CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC; CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS, LLC; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, LLC; FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC; KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC; PAVESTONE, LLC; THE QUIKRETE COMPANIES, LLC; UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC; USP HOLDINGS, LLC
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 070170/0919 →
MERGER Recorded Jan 28, 2025
From: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, LLC
To: CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 070031/0163 →
ARTICLES OF CONVERSION Recorded Sep 4, 2024
From: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
To: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, LLC
Reel/Frame 068836/0331 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 24, 2024
From: KENT, ZACHARIHA J.; SCOTT, JOHN
To: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
Reel/Frame 068064/0058 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Mar 23, 2022
From: UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC; GRIFFIN PIPE PRODUCTS CO., LLC; CUSTOM FAB, INC.; BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC.; FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.; FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC; BEST BLOCK, LLC; PAVESTONE, LLC; CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC; KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 059479/0437 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Mar 23, 2022
From: UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC; GRIFFIN PIPE PRODUCTS CO., LLC; CUSTOM FAB, INC.; BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC.; FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.; FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC; BEST BLOCK, LLC; PAVESTONE, LLC; CONTECH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS LLC; KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 059479/0336 →
RELEASE OF ABL SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RECORDED AT REEL 053228/FRAME 0967 Recorded Mar 21, 2022
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC; BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.; UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC; FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC; MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 059718/0621 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 21, 2022
From: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC; UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC; GRIFFIN PIPE PRODUCTS CO., LLC; CUSTOM FAB, INC.; BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC; MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC.; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 060199/0286 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 18, 2022
From: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 059313/0570 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE APP 62905899 WHICH WAS ENTERED IN ERROR AND IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THOSE PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 053228 FRAME 0967. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY INTEREST.. Recorded Jul 17, 2020
From: FORTERRA, INC. (A DELAWARE CORPORATION); FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC (A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY); BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. (A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION); FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC. (AN IOWA CORPORATION); MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC. (A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION); UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC (AN ALABAMA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY); FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC (A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY)
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (A NATIONAL BANKING INSTITUTION)
Reel/Frame 053246/0963 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 16, 2020
From: FORTERRA, INC. (A DELAWARE CORPORATION); FORTERRA PIPE & PRECAST, LLC (A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY); BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. (A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION); FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC. (AN IOWA CORPORATION); MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC. (A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION); UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC (AN ALABAMA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY); FORTERRA PRECAST CONCEPTS, LLC (A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY)
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (A NATIONAL BANKING INSTITUTION)
Reel/Frame 053228/0967 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT (NOTES) Recorded Jul 16, 2020
From: BIO CLEAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; FORTERRA CONCRETE PRODUCTS, INC.; GRIFFIN PIPE PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC; MODULAR WETLAND SYSTEMS, INC.; UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC
To: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 053229/0924 →