Subterranean fluid cavity and methods and systems comprising same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to, in part, modules that allow for the exchange of a fluid such as a liquid or gas to and/or from a medium or surface and systems and methods comprising same. In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for directing the flow of a fluid passing through a medium, the apparatus comprising a top having a plurality of perforations and a base that is positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the top, thereby defining a cavity for passage of fluid therein. The top comprises a plurality of integrated supports extending from the bottom surface of the top, the integrated supports maintaining the height of the cavity and being sufficient in number, size, and physical properties as to permit the top to support the weight of the medium and activity above the medium. A sealing strip can be installed within the cavities of the modules to contain or direct fluid within the system.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for forming a subterranean fluid cavity under a medium comprising: 
 a top comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of perforations, and a plurality of integrated supports extending from said bottom surface, said integrated supports being sufficient in number, size, and physical properties to permit said top to support said medium and activity above said medium; and    a base positioned substantially parallel to said top and below said integrated supports, thereby defining a cavity for passage of fluid therein.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said integrated supports further comprise a medium cavity, said medium cavity having an opening at said top surface.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said medium cavity further comprises an opening on said bottom surface.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said integrated supports further comprise a drainage port.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said integrated supports are configured equidistant from one another on said top.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said top further comprises a plurality of retaining ribs on said top surface.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said retaining ribs are located near the perimeter of said top and between adjacent integrated supports.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said top further comprises a plurality of structural ribs on said bottom surface.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said medium comprises a plant growth medium.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 ,wherein said medium comprises an artificial turf.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said top further comprises an edge with top-to-top interlocks.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said base further comprises an edge with base-to-base interlocks.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal strip disposed between said top and said base.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the length and width dimensions of said top are approximately equal to the length and width dimensions of said base.  
     
     
         15 . An integrated system comprising a medium and a plurality of modules located below said medium, said modules comprising: 
 a top comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of perforations, and a plurality of integrated supports extending from said bottom surface, said integrated supports being sufficient in number, size, and physical properties to permit said top to support said medium and activity above said medium; and    a base positioned substantially parallel to said top and below said integrated supports, thereby defining a cavity for passage of fluid therein.    
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said medium is a growing medium comprising sand and soil.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein a perching substrate is disposed within said integrated supports.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the length and width dimensions of said tops are approximately equal to the length and width dimension of said bases.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said tops are oriented in a staggered position relative to said bottom such that each said top overlies at least two of said bases.  
     
     
         20 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 placing a plurality of bases adjacent to one another on a surface;    placing a plurality of tops above said bases, said tops comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of perforations, and a plurality of integrated supports extending from said bottom surface, said integrated supports being sufficient in number, size, and physical properties to permit said top to support a medium and activity above said medium; and    placing said medium on said plurality of tops.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said medium is a growing medium comprising sand and soil.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein a perching substrate is disposed within said integrated supports.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising the step of placing sealing strips between said tops and said bases.