CA2014503A1 - Marker device for septic tank access - Google Patents
Marker device for septic tank accessInfo
- Publication number
- CA2014503A1 CA2014503A1 CA 2014503 CA2014503A CA2014503A1 CA 2014503 A1 CA2014503 A1 CA 2014503A1 CA 2014503 CA2014503 CA 2014503 CA 2014503 A CA2014503 A CA 2014503A CA 2014503 A1 CA2014503 A1 CA 2014503A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- marker
- anchoring means
- septic
- anchoring
- marker according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Sewage (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A device for marking the location of access to a septic tank includes a relatively flat marker for placement on the ground above the septic tank access, an anchoring means for anchoring the marker to the surface of the ground, and a metal insert which can be detected by a metal detection device in the event that the marker becomes buried or concealed. The metal insert may be affixed to the top surface of the marker and may be embossed with information or advertising such as the name and telephone number of the septic tank company who installed or services the septic system. The anchoring means may be in the form of a stake affixed to the bottom surface of the marker, providing an easy means for placement and anchoring of the marker to the ground. The device may provide a means on the bottom surface of the marker for recording the dates of service of the septic system or other pertinent information.
A device for marking the location of access to a septic tank includes a relatively flat marker for placement on the ground above the septic tank access, an anchoring means for anchoring the marker to the surface of the ground, and a metal insert which can be detected by a metal detection device in the event that the marker becomes buried or concealed. The metal insert may be affixed to the top surface of the marker and may be embossed with information or advertising such as the name and telephone number of the septic tank company who installed or services the septic system. The anchoring means may be in the form of a stake affixed to the bottom surface of the marker, providing an easy means for placement and anchoring of the marker to the ground. The device may provide a means on the bottom surface of the marker for recording the dates of service of the septic system or other pertinent information.
Description
2 ~ 3 3 3 The present invention relates to a device for marking 4 the location of access to a septic tank. More particularly, the device includes a relatively flat marker 6 for placement on the ground above the septic tank access, 7 and an anchoring means for anchoring the marker to the 8 surface of the ground. The marker is preferably molded of 9 a high-impact resin and may incorporate a metal portion which can be detected by a metal detection device in the 11 event that the marker became buried by snow or earth, 12 concealed by overgrowth of vegetation, or otherwise hidden 13 from view. The metal portion of the marker may be affixed 14 to the top surface of the marker and may be embossed with information or advertising, such as the name and telephone 16 number of the septic tank company who installed or 17 services the septic system. The anchoring means may be in 18 the form of a stake affixed to the bottom surface of the 19 marker, providing an easy means for placement and anchoring of the marker to the ground. The device may 21 provide a means on the bottom surface of the marker for 22 recording the dates of service of the septic system or 23 other pertinent information.
24 Housing units and commercial facilities which are not connected to municipal sewer systems must rely on on-site 26 septic treatment and disposal facilities to get rid of 27 sewage and domestic waste water. The modern septic system , ~
~ 3 i~3~
1 contains three components: the house where the waste 2 water is generated, the septic tank where partial 3 treatment takes place, and the leaching facility which 4 provides for final treatment and disposal. The waste water leaving the house is collected and temporarily 6 stored in the septic tank. The tank is usually comprised 7 of a large concrete container having sufficient capacity 8 to hold about two days worth of sewage. While in the 9 tank, the sewage separates, so that the heavier particles settle to the bottom of the tank to create a sludge layer, 11 while grease and other lightweight materials accumulate in 12 a floating scum layer which is retained in the tank by 13 vertical baffles. Bacterial activity and anaerobic 14 conditions in the tank result in further chemical breakdown of the waste water. This partially treated 16 waste water flows from the septic tank to the leaching 17 system. The leaching system may comprise a pit or chamber 18 in deep soil, or a trench or field in relatively shallow 19 soil. The leaching system discharges the incoming waste water into the soil.
21 A properly installed, operated and maintained on-site 22 septic system can provide many years of trouble-free 23 service. However, the volume of sludge and scum which 24 accumulates in the saptic tank must be pumped out periodically, generally every two to four years for the 26 average single-family home. Too high a volume of sludge 27 and scum accumulating in the septic tank may result in , . . , - ~ .
-. ..
-. :
_ 3 _ 1 plugging up of the septic tank, overflow into the leach 2 field, or backing up of sewage into the house. Such 3 consequences could lead to environmental and public health 4 hazards as well as expensive repairs for the homeowner.
Thus, regular upkeep of the septic system is essential.
6 In order to facilitate periodic pumping of the septic 7 tank, access openings are provided in the septic tank. In 8 addition to openings above the inlet and outlet of the 9 tank, a main access to the interior of the tank is usually provided through which the actual sludge pumping takes 11 place. In residential systems, the access comprises an 12 opening with a cover which is buried with the septic tank.
13 When the precise location of the access cover is not 14 known, it becomes necessary to probe the soil to find the boundaries of the septic tank in order to estimate the 16 location of the access. Such digging and probing may be 17 extensive and costly and ruin the landscaping in order to 18 locate the access. In winter months where freezing or 19 snow cover is present, probing the soil presents even greater difficulty.
21 In cases where a new homeowner is not provided with 22 service and maintenance records for the septic system by 23 the previous homeowner, the new home owner does not have 24 the benefit of the information about when the septic system was last serviced, the name of the company who 26 installed or serviced the system, or the precise location 27 of the access to the septic tank.
, : .
' .
- ~ -,, . : , ~
: :
2 ~
1 It is therefore an object of the present invention to 2 provide a septic marker device for marking the location of 3 access to a septic tank.
4 It is a further object of the present invention to provide a septic marker which will remain anchored to the 6 precise location of the access to a septic tank.
7 It is a still further object of the present invention 8 to provide a septic marker which can be located with a 9 metal detector in the event the septic marker becomes buried or covered from view.
11 A still further object of the present invention is to 12 provide a septic marker which is esthetically compatible 13 with the surrounding landscape and does not interfere with 14 the maintenance of the surrounding landscape.
Yet another object of the present invention is to 16 provide a septic marker which has means for recording 17 dates of service of the septic system thereon.
18 Still another object of the present invention is to 19 provide a septic marker which has means for displaying information thereon, such as service information or vendor 21 advertising.
23 The foregoing objects have been realized by a device 24 for marking the location of access to a septic tank including a relatively flat marker for placement on the 26 ground above the septic tank access, and an anchoring 27 means for anchoring the marker to the surface of the 2 ~ . 1,! } ~) ~
1 ground. The marker is preferably molded of a high-impact 2 resin and incorporates a metal portion which can be 3 detected by a metal detection device in the event that the 4 marker becomes buried or concealed. The metal portion of the marker may be affixed to the top surface of the marker 6 and may be embossed with information or advertising, such 7 as the name and telephone number of the septic tank 8 company who installed or services the septic system. The 9 anchoring means may be in the form of a stake affixed to the bottom surface of the marker, providing an easy means 11 for placement and anchoring of the marker to the ground.
12 The device may provide a means on the bottom surface of 13 the marker for recording the dates of service of the 14 septic system or other pertinent information.
17 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a septic marker 18 assembly according to the present invention.
19 FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the marker portion of the septic marker before assembly 21 with the anchoring means.
22 FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the anchoring 23 means of the preferred embodiment.
24 FIG. 4 is a cutaway side elevational view of the septic marker assembly of FIG. 1 along Plane A-A.
. ~
.
2 ~ 3~
1 FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the septic marker assembly 2 in place in the ground above the access opening to a 3 septic tank.
4 FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 3 showing an alternate embodiment of the anchoring 6 means.
7 FIG. 7 is a side elevational view similar to that of 8 FIG. 3 showing a second alternate embodiment of the 9 anchoring means.
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to that of 11 FIG. 3 showing a third alternate embodiment of the 12 anchoring means.
13 FIG. 9 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to 14 that of FIG. 4 showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
16 FIG. 10 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to 17 that of FIG. 4 showing a second alternate embodiment of 18 the present invention.
19 FIG. 11 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 4 showing a third alternate embodiment of the 21 present invention.
24 FIGS. 1 and 4 show a septic marker assembly according to the present invention having a marker portion 1 which 26 is preferably disc-shaped and of shallow height. The 27 bottom surface 10 of the marker portion 1 is affixed to an _7_ 2 ~
1 anchoring means 2 which comprises a protrusion 8 which 2 extends perpendicular to the plane of bottom surface 10.
3 In the preferred embodiment, the top surface 3 of the 4 marker portion 1 has a recess 4 to accommodate a metal insert 5 affixed therein. The metal insert 5 may be 6 embossed with advertising or information, such as the name 7 and telephone number of the septic company who installed 8 or services the system or the name of the vendor selling 9 the marker. A short stem 6 may be provided to protrude through a central hole 7 in the metal insert 5 in order to 11 facilitate easy placement of the metal insert 5 into the 12 recess 4 during assembly. The marker portion 1 is 13 preferably molded of a high-impact resin and the top 14 surface 3 may display lettering 20 which can be integrally molded thereon.
16 FIG. 2 shows the bottom surface 10 of the marker 17 portion 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present 18 invention. A socket portion 7 extends from the center of 1~ the bottom surf2ce 10. The socket portion 7 has internal threads 9 to provide the female part of the assembly for 21 connection the anchoring means 2 of the preferred 22 embodiment. The bottom of the socket portion 7 has an 23 indentation 11 shaped to accommodate the corresponding 24 contours of the anchoring means 2. The peripheral portion 12 of the bottom surface 10 of the marker portion 1 is 26 generally planar and in the preferred embodiment the 27 interior portion 13 of the bottom surface 10 is recessed ., : . :.
-8- 2~i A~5~3 ~
1 from the peripheral portion 12. The interior portion 13 2 of the bottom surface 10 preferably has a recording area 3 14 which provides a means for recording information such 4 as dates of service of the septic system. The recording area 14 may be formed as an integral part of the marker 6 portion 1.
7 FIG. 3 shows the anchoring means 2 of the preferred 8 embodiment. The protrusion 8 of the preferred embodiment 9 is comprised of a stake 15 having a relatively flat head 16. A connector portion 17 has a hole 18 through which 11 the stake 15 is inserted. The connector portion 17 has 12 external threads 19 and forms the male part of the 13 assembly for connection to the socket portion 7 of marker 14 portion 1. When connector portion 17 is threaded into socket portion 7, as shown in Fig. 4, stake 15 extends 16 perpendicular to the plane of bottom surface 10 and can be 17 easily inserted into the ground so that bottom surface 10 18 of the marker portion 1 lies on the surface of the ground 19 and the top surface 3 is visible, as illustrated in FIG.
24 Housing units and commercial facilities which are not connected to municipal sewer systems must rely on on-site 26 septic treatment and disposal facilities to get rid of 27 sewage and domestic waste water. The modern septic system , ~
~ 3 i~3~
1 contains three components: the house where the waste 2 water is generated, the septic tank where partial 3 treatment takes place, and the leaching facility which 4 provides for final treatment and disposal. The waste water leaving the house is collected and temporarily 6 stored in the septic tank. The tank is usually comprised 7 of a large concrete container having sufficient capacity 8 to hold about two days worth of sewage. While in the 9 tank, the sewage separates, so that the heavier particles settle to the bottom of the tank to create a sludge layer, 11 while grease and other lightweight materials accumulate in 12 a floating scum layer which is retained in the tank by 13 vertical baffles. Bacterial activity and anaerobic 14 conditions in the tank result in further chemical breakdown of the waste water. This partially treated 16 waste water flows from the septic tank to the leaching 17 system. The leaching system may comprise a pit or chamber 18 in deep soil, or a trench or field in relatively shallow 19 soil. The leaching system discharges the incoming waste water into the soil.
21 A properly installed, operated and maintained on-site 22 septic system can provide many years of trouble-free 23 service. However, the volume of sludge and scum which 24 accumulates in the saptic tank must be pumped out periodically, generally every two to four years for the 26 average single-family home. Too high a volume of sludge 27 and scum accumulating in the septic tank may result in , . . , - ~ .
-. ..
-. :
_ 3 _ 1 plugging up of the septic tank, overflow into the leach 2 field, or backing up of sewage into the house. Such 3 consequences could lead to environmental and public health 4 hazards as well as expensive repairs for the homeowner.
Thus, regular upkeep of the septic system is essential.
6 In order to facilitate periodic pumping of the septic 7 tank, access openings are provided in the septic tank. In 8 addition to openings above the inlet and outlet of the 9 tank, a main access to the interior of the tank is usually provided through which the actual sludge pumping takes 11 place. In residential systems, the access comprises an 12 opening with a cover which is buried with the septic tank.
13 When the precise location of the access cover is not 14 known, it becomes necessary to probe the soil to find the boundaries of the septic tank in order to estimate the 16 location of the access. Such digging and probing may be 17 extensive and costly and ruin the landscaping in order to 18 locate the access. In winter months where freezing or 19 snow cover is present, probing the soil presents even greater difficulty.
21 In cases where a new homeowner is not provided with 22 service and maintenance records for the septic system by 23 the previous homeowner, the new home owner does not have 24 the benefit of the information about when the septic system was last serviced, the name of the company who 26 installed or serviced the system, or the precise location 27 of the access to the septic tank.
, : .
' .
- ~ -,, . : , ~
: :
2 ~
1 It is therefore an object of the present invention to 2 provide a septic marker device for marking the location of 3 access to a septic tank.
4 It is a further object of the present invention to provide a septic marker which will remain anchored to the 6 precise location of the access to a septic tank.
7 It is a still further object of the present invention 8 to provide a septic marker which can be located with a 9 metal detector in the event the septic marker becomes buried or covered from view.
11 A still further object of the present invention is to 12 provide a septic marker which is esthetically compatible 13 with the surrounding landscape and does not interfere with 14 the maintenance of the surrounding landscape.
Yet another object of the present invention is to 16 provide a septic marker which has means for recording 17 dates of service of the septic system thereon.
18 Still another object of the present invention is to 19 provide a septic marker which has means for displaying information thereon, such as service information or vendor 21 advertising.
23 The foregoing objects have been realized by a device 24 for marking the location of access to a septic tank including a relatively flat marker for placement on the 26 ground above the septic tank access, and an anchoring 27 means for anchoring the marker to the surface of the 2 ~ . 1,! } ~) ~
1 ground. The marker is preferably molded of a high-impact 2 resin and incorporates a metal portion which can be 3 detected by a metal detection device in the event that the 4 marker becomes buried or concealed. The metal portion of the marker may be affixed to the top surface of the marker 6 and may be embossed with information or advertising, such 7 as the name and telephone number of the septic tank 8 company who installed or services the septic system. The 9 anchoring means may be in the form of a stake affixed to the bottom surface of the marker, providing an easy means 11 for placement and anchoring of the marker to the ground.
12 The device may provide a means on the bottom surface of 13 the marker for recording the dates of service of the 14 septic system or other pertinent information.
17 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a septic marker 18 assembly according to the present invention.
19 FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the marker portion of the septic marker before assembly 21 with the anchoring means.
22 FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the anchoring 23 means of the preferred embodiment.
24 FIG. 4 is a cutaway side elevational view of the septic marker assembly of FIG. 1 along Plane A-A.
. ~
.
2 ~ 3~
1 FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the septic marker assembly 2 in place in the ground above the access opening to a 3 septic tank.
4 FIG. 6 is a side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 3 showing an alternate embodiment of the anchoring 6 means.
7 FIG. 7 is a side elevational view similar to that of 8 FIG. 3 showing a second alternate embodiment of the 9 anchoring means.
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to that of 11 FIG. 3 showing a third alternate embodiment of the 12 anchoring means.
13 FIG. 9 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to 14 that of FIG. 4 showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
16 FIG. 10 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to 17 that of FIG. 4 showing a second alternate embodiment of 18 the present invention.
19 FIG. 11 is a cutaway side elevational view similar to that of FIG. 4 showing a third alternate embodiment of the 21 present invention.
24 FIGS. 1 and 4 show a septic marker assembly according to the present invention having a marker portion 1 which 26 is preferably disc-shaped and of shallow height. The 27 bottom surface 10 of the marker portion 1 is affixed to an _7_ 2 ~
1 anchoring means 2 which comprises a protrusion 8 which 2 extends perpendicular to the plane of bottom surface 10.
3 In the preferred embodiment, the top surface 3 of the 4 marker portion 1 has a recess 4 to accommodate a metal insert 5 affixed therein. The metal insert 5 may be 6 embossed with advertising or information, such as the name 7 and telephone number of the septic company who installed 8 or services the system or the name of the vendor selling 9 the marker. A short stem 6 may be provided to protrude through a central hole 7 in the metal insert 5 in order to 11 facilitate easy placement of the metal insert 5 into the 12 recess 4 during assembly. The marker portion 1 is 13 preferably molded of a high-impact resin and the top 14 surface 3 may display lettering 20 which can be integrally molded thereon.
16 FIG. 2 shows the bottom surface 10 of the marker 17 portion 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present 18 invention. A socket portion 7 extends from the center of 1~ the bottom surf2ce 10. The socket portion 7 has internal threads 9 to provide the female part of the assembly for 21 connection the anchoring means 2 of the preferred 22 embodiment. The bottom of the socket portion 7 has an 23 indentation 11 shaped to accommodate the corresponding 24 contours of the anchoring means 2. The peripheral portion 12 of the bottom surface 10 of the marker portion 1 is 26 generally planar and in the preferred embodiment the 27 interior portion 13 of the bottom surface 10 is recessed ., : . :.
-8- 2~i A~5~3 ~
1 from the peripheral portion 12. The interior portion 13 2 of the bottom surface 10 preferably has a recording area 3 14 which provides a means for recording information such 4 as dates of service of the septic system. The recording area 14 may be formed as an integral part of the marker 6 portion 1.
7 FIG. 3 shows the anchoring means 2 of the preferred 8 embodiment. The protrusion 8 of the preferred embodiment 9 is comprised of a stake 15 having a relatively flat head 16. A connector portion 17 has a hole 18 through which 11 the stake 15 is inserted. The connector portion 17 has 12 external threads 19 and forms the male part of the 13 assembly for connection to the socket portion 7 of marker 14 portion 1. When connector portion 17 is threaded into socket portion 7, as shown in Fig. 4, stake 15 extends 16 perpendicular to the plane of bottom surface 10 and can be 17 easily inserted into the ground so that bottom surface 10 18 of the marker portion 1 lies on the surface of the ground 19 and the top surface 3 is visible, as illustrated in FIG.
5. The marker is placed in the ground at the location of 21 the access opening 21 in the septic tank 22. In the event 22 the marker becomes buried, it may be located with the use 23 of a metal detector to detect the presence of the metal 24 insert 5.
FIGS. 6 through 8 show alternate embodiments of the 26 anchoring means 2 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows the 27 connector portion 17 and the protruding means 8 integrally , _ 9 _ 1 formed of unitary construction, preferably molded of a 2 high impact resin. FIG. 6 illustrates the protrusion 8 3 shaped in the form of a stake 15. However, the protrusion 4 8 may be formed in a number of shapes. FIG. 7 illustrates an anchoring means having an alternate shape of the 6 protrusion 8 in the form of a flanged member 22 which 7 tapers to a pointed end 23. In the anchoring means of 8 FIG. 7, the flanged member 22 may be of unitary 9 construction with the connector portion 17, or it may be an assembly of two separate parts as is the anchoring 11 means of FIG. 3.
12 Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of an anchoring means 13 2 wherein the protrusion 8 is in the form of a widely 14 threaded screw portion 24. This embodiment may also be of unitary construction with the connector portion 17 16 integrally formed with the screw portion 24, or it may be 17 an assembly of two separate 18 parts.
19 FIGS. 9 through 11 show alternate embodiments of the present invention wherein the marker portion 1 and the 21 anchoring means 2 are assembled without the use of 22 threaded cooperating members. In these embodiments, the 23 anchoring means 2 may be integrally formed of unitary 24 construction with the marker portion 1, or the two parts may be separately manufactured with cooperating members 26 which may snap together, be affixed with an adhesive, or 27 otherwise be adjoined in a stable manner. FIG. 9 shows a :.: :: :
.~ ~
1 design wherein the protrusion 8 is shaped in the form of a 2 stake 25. FIG. 10 shows a design wherein the protrusion 8 3 is a tapered flanged member 26. FIG. 11 shows a design 4 wherein the protrusion 8 is in the form of a widely threaded screw portion 27. FIGS. 9 through 11 are 6 intended to be representative of a few of the possible 7 types of anchoring means which could be employed as a 8 matter of choice. The embodiments shown would preferably 9 be injection molded of a suitable resin.
In all of the foregoing embodiments, the metal insert 11 5 may be glued into place with a suitable adhesive or it 12 can be cast in the mold during molding of the marker.
13 While in the preferred embodiment the metal insert 5 is 14 centered on the top surface 3 of the marker, other means may be employed to incorporate metal into the marker 16 assembly, either by applying metal in some form to the 17 exterior of the assembly, or by embedding metal inside the 18 assembly. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in 19 FIGS. 1 and 4, the metal insert 5 is made of brass and is embossed with information or advertising. Stainless 21 steel, aluminum, or other appropriate metals may also be 22 employed.
23 An additional embodiment of the anchoring means 24 comprises a cord of nylon or other durable material, wherein one end of the cord is attached to the anchoring 26 means of the marker and the other end is attached to the 27 access cover of the septic tank. When the access cover is .
2 ~
1 in place with the cord attached, the cover is then buried 2 with the cord extending directly upward. When burying is 3 complete, the marker is installed in place on the ground 4 above the access cover with the other end of the cord affixed to the anchoring means. This type of assembly 6 prevents any removal of the marker which is not intended 7 by the homeowner, and assures proper placement of the 8 marker.
9 In the preferred embodiment, the marker portion 1 is dye-cast or injection molded of a resin such as polyester 11 or polyethylene. A green pigment is preferably used in 12 the resin to give the marker a pleasant green color which 13 is compatible with the surrounding landscape when the 14 marker is in place. Stake 15 of the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, is of epoxy-coated aluminum. The 16 marker portion 1 may vary in shape and dimension. In the 17 preferred embodiment, the marker is a 6"-diameter disc 18 with a slightly curved upper surface. The marker of the 19 preferred embodiment is esthetically pleasing, lightweight, and won't interfere with lawn care or 21 landscape maintenance. The marker is easily molded and 22 therefore is relatively inexpensive.
23 Other modifications, variations or embodiments may 24 occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is claimed as 26 follows:
FIGS. 6 through 8 show alternate embodiments of the 26 anchoring means 2 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows the 27 connector portion 17 and the protruding means 8 integrally , _ 9 _ 1 formed of unitary construction, preferably molded of a 2 high impact resin. FIG. 6 illustrates the protrusion 8 3 shaped in the form of a stake 15. However, the protrusion 4 8 may be formed in a number of shapes. FIG. 7 illustrates an anchoring means having an alternate shape of the 6 protrusion 8 in the form of a flanged member 22 which 7 tapers to a pointed end 23. In the anchoring means of 8 FIG. 7, the flanged member 22 may be of unitary 9 construction with the connector portion 17, or it may be an assembly of two separate parts as is the anchoring 11 means of FIG. 3.
12 Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of an anchoring means 13 2 wherein the protrusion 8 is in the form of a widely 14 threaded screw portion 24. This embodiment may also be of unitary construction with the connector portion 17 16 integrally formed with the screw portion 24, or it may be 17 an assembly of two separate 18 parts.
19 FIGS. 9 through 11 show alternate embodiments of the present invention wherein the marker portion 1 and the 21 anchoring means 2 are assembled without the use of 22 threaded cooperating members. In these embodiments, the 23 anchoring means 2 may be integrally formed of unitary 24 construction with the marker portion 1, or the two parts may be separately manufactured with cooperating members 26 which may snap together, be affixed with an adhesive, or 27 otherwise be adjoined in a stable manner. FIG. 9 shows a :.: :: :
.~ ~
1 design wherein the protrusion 8 is shaped in the form of a 2 stake 25. FIG. 10 shows a design wherein the protrusion 8 3 is a tapered flanged member 26. FIG. 11 shows a design 4 wherein the protrusion 8 is in the form of a widely threaded screw portion 27. FIGS. 9 through 11 are 6 intended to be representative of a few of the possible 7 types of anchoring means which could be employed as a 8 matter of choice. The embodiments shown would preferably 9 be injection molded of a suitable resin.
In all of the foregoing embodiments, the metal insert 11 5 may be glued into place with a suitable adhesive or it 12 can be cast in the mold during molding of the marker.
13 While in the preferred embodiment the metal insert 5 is 14 centered on the top surface 3 of the marker, other means may be employed to incorporate metal into the marker 16 assembly, either by applying metal in some form to the 17 exterior of the assembly, or by embedding metal inside the 18 assembly. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in 19 FIGS. 1 and 4, the metal insert 5 is made of brass and is embossed with information or advertising. Stainless 21 steel, aluminum, or other appropriate metals may also be 22 employed.
23 An additional embodiment of the anchoring means 24 comprises a cord of nylon or other durable material, wherein one end of the cord is attached to the anchoring 26 means of the marker and the other end is attached to the 27 access cover of the septic tank. When the access cover is .
2 ~
1 in place with the cord attached, the cover is then buried 2 with the cord extending directly upward. When burying is 3 complete, the marker is installed in place on the ground 4 above the access cover with the other end of the cord affixed to the anchoring means. This type of assembly 6 prevents any removal of the marker which is not intended 7 by the homeowner, and assures proper placement of the 8 marker.
9 In the preferred embodiment, the marker portion 1 is dye-cast or injection molded of a resin such as polyester 11 or polyethylene. A green pigment is preferably used in 12 the resin to give the marker a pleasant green color which 13 is compatible with the surrounding landscape when the 14 marker is in place. Stake 15 of the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, is of epoxy-coated aluminum. The 16 marker portion 1 may vary in shape and dimension. In the 17 preferred embodiment, the marker is a 6"-diameter disc 18 with a slightly curved upper surface. The marker of the 19 preferred embodiment is esthetically pleasing, lightweight, and won't interfere with lawn care or 21 landscape maintenance. The marker is easily molded and 22 therefore is relatively inexpensive.
23 Other modifications, variations or embodiments may 24 occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is claimed as 26 follows:
Claims (19)
1. A marker for a septic system comprising:
a non-metal marker portion to mark the location on the ground above the access to the septic tank, said marker portion comprising relatively flat upper and lower surfaces;
an anchoring means affixed to said lower surface of said marker portion for anchoring said marker portion to the ground; and a metal insert carried by said marker portion.
a non-metal marker portion to mark the location on the ground above the access to the septic tank, said marker portion comprising relatively flat upper and lower surfaces;
an anchoring means affixed to said lower surface of said marker portion for anchoring said marker portion to the ground; and a metal insert carried by said marker portion.
2. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said lower surface of said marker portion comprises a first connector portion, and wherein said anchoring means comprises a second connector portion capable of secure attachment to said first connector portion for facilitating attachment of said anchoring means to said marker portion.
3. The marker according to claim 2, wherein said first connector portion comprises a socket-shaped member having internal threads, and said second connector portion comprises an externally threaded member capable of being accepted by said socket member.
4. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said anchoring means comprises a protruding member extending perpendicularly from said lower surface.
5. The marker according to claim 4, wherein said protruding member is in the shape of a stake.
6. The marker according to claim 4, wherein said protruding member is in the shape of a multiply-flanged member which tapers to a point.
7. The marker according to claim 4, wherein said protruding member is in the form of a widely-threaded screw which tapers to a point.
8. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said metal insert is affixed on said upper surface of said marker portion.
9. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said metal insert is embedded in said marker portion.
10. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said marker portion and said anchoring means are integrally formed of unitary construction.
11. A marker for a septic system comprising:
a non-metal marker portion to mark the location on the ground above the access to a septic tank, said marker portion comprising relatively flat upper and lower surfaces;
an anchoring means affixed to said lower surface of said marker portion for anchoring said marker portion to the ground, said anchoring means comprising a protruding member extending perpendicularly from said lower surface of said marker portion; and a metal insert carried by said marker portion.
a non-metal marker portion to mark the location on the ground above the access to a septic tank, said marker portion comprising relatively flat upper and lower surfaces;
an anchoring means affixed to said lower surface of said marker portion for anchoring said marker portion to the ground, said anchoring means comprising a protruding member extending perpendicularly from said lower surface of said marker portion; and a metal insert carried by said marker portion.
12. The marker according to claim 11, wherein said protruding member is in the shape of a stake.
13. The marker according to claim 11, wherein said protruding member is in the shape of a multiply-flanged member which tapers to a point.
14. The marker according to claim 11, wherein said protruding member is in the form of a widely-threaded screw which tapers to a point.
15. The marker according to either of claims 1 or 11, wherein said marker portion is formed of a synthetic resin.
16. The marker according to claim 1, wherein said anchoring means further comprises a cord, said cord being attached at one end to the anchoring means and at the other end to the access cover of a septic tank.
17. The marker according to claim 11, wherein said marker portion comprises means for recording information on the lower surface thereof.
18. The marker according to claim 11, wherein said metal insert is formed of a member of the group consisting of brass or pewter.
19. The marker according to claim 12, wherein said protruding member is formed of epoxy-coated aluminum.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47331690A | 1990-02-02 | 1990-02-02 | |
| US473,316 | 1990-02-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2014503A1 true CA2014503A1 (en) | 1991-08-02 |
Family
ID=23879064
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2014503 Abandoned CA2014503A1 (en) | 1990-02-02 | 1990-04-12 | Marker device for septic tank access |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2014503A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1993019447A1 (en) * | 1992-03-24 | 1993-09-30 | Ratio Pty. Ltd. | Marker nail |
-
1990
- 1990-04-12 CA CA 2014503 patent/CA2014503A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1993019447A1 (en) * | 1992-03-24 | 1993-09-30 | Ratio Pty. Ltd. | Marker nail |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US12116780B2 (en) | Post sleeve assembly | |
| US4060100A (en) | Closure for cylindrical pipe | |
| US20200256081A1 (en) | Post sleeve assembly | |
| US6709582B2 (en) | Combined filter and skimmer assembly for ponds | |
| CA1282286C (en) | Marker for hydrants and other underground utility fixtures | |
| CA2014503A1 (en) | Marker device for septic tank access | |
| Baker et al. | Impact of agricultural drainage wells on groundwater quality | |
| US20010001329A1 (en) | Decorative accessory unit for a swimming pool | |
| US6274033B1 (en) | Septic tank sludge gauge | |
| US6170193B1 (en) | Self-draining in-ground flower holder | |
| EP1185760A1 (en) | Chip planter technology | |
| Jones et al. | Essential urban detention ponding considerations | |
| White et al. | Reducing groundwater vulnerability in Carbonate Island countries in the Pacific | |
| CA2278271C (en) | Septic tank sludge gauge | |
| Marino et al. | Groundwater levels and pumpage in the Peoria-Pekin area, Illinois, 1890-1966 | |
| US20090250509A1 (en) | Swing Away Mailbox Post | |
| Marella | Estimated discharge of treated wastewater in Florida, 1990 | |
| JPH0745640Y2 (en) | Drainage box lid | |
| JPH0523671Y2 (en) | ||
| Torres-Sierra et al. | Estimated water use in Puerto Rico, 1980-82 | |
| WO2005085774A1 (en) | Pop-up sewer cleanout cap sensor | |
| Richards et al. | Metering secondary water in residential irrigation systems | |
| AU631517B2 (en) | ||
| RICHARDS et al. | in residential irrigation systems | |
| Steiger et al. | Water Wells on St. John, US Virgin Islands |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |