Apparatus and method for transporting water with liner

Abstract

An apparatus and method for lining ditches is provided. The apparatus and method for lining ditches, according to the present invention, includes a plurality of substantially corrugated liner sections, preferably made of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene. Each liner section is designed to be assembled by detachably engaging ends of ditch liner sections. A sealant that does not bond with the material from which the liner sections are made may also be included. An inlet/outlet channel is included. The inlet/outlet channel is removably connectable with at least one end of a liner section by snapping together the two components. A liner section in the form of a splitter section also is provided. A splitter section permits rerouting the flow of water in a variety of directions through a ditch lined with the apparatus of the present invention. Also, a diverter section is included for diverting water from one flow direction through the ditch to a point or area of application of water. In addition, an adaptor also is included. An adaptor may be used to interconnect incompatible liner sections.

1 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box comprising: 
 a liner section having an entrance end, an exit end, and opposing fins therebetween;    a locking channel segment monolithically formed substantially adjacent the exit end;    opposing handle assemblies formed monolithically adjacent the entrance end and the exit end; and    means for anchoring the inlet/outlet box.    
   
   
       2 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the liner section is substantially semi-circular.  
   
   
       3 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the exit end is substantially semi-circular.  
   
   
       4 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the entrance end is substantially rectangular.  
   
   
       5 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the opposing handle assemblies include one or more holes for slidable engagement with a rod.  
   
   
       6 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an inlet/outlet box as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring means includes a floor monolithically extending between the opposing fins adjacent the exit end, and a recessed chamber monolithically extending between the opposing fins adjacent the entrance end.  
   
   
       7 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a splitter section comprising: 
 a liner section having a leading end, a following end, and a substantially corrugated first chute therebetween, 
 wherein the substantially corrugated first chute is formed with a passage;  
   a first locking channel segment monolithically formed adjacent the following end of the liner section;    a second locking channel segment monolithically formed adjacent the leading end of the liner section; and    a drain monolithically mounted adjacent the substantially semi-circular passage.    
   
   
       8 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a splitter section as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the liner section is substantially semi-circular.  
   
   
       9 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a splitter section as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the chute is formed with opposing edges.  
   
   
       10 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a splitter section as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the substantially semi-circular passage is formed through at least one of the opposing edges.  
   
   
       11 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a splitter section as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the drain is formed to include a locking channel segment for detachable connecting the drain to another locking channel segment.  
   
   
       12 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a diversion section comprising: 
 a liner section formed with a trailing end, an advance end, and a substantially corrugated second chute;    an opening through the substantially corrugated second chute; and    a hollow cylinder member mounted over the opening, 
 wherein the hollow cylinder member extends in a direction opposite the longitudinal axis through the center of the substantially corrugated second chute.  
   
   
   
       13 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a diversion section as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the opening and hollow cylinder member are formed monolithically in the substantially corrugated second chute.  
   
   
       14 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a diversion section as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising one or more handles adjacent the trailing end and advance end of the substantially corrugated second chute.  
   
   
       15 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a diversion section as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a first locking channel segment monolithically formed adjacent the trailing end of the liner section.  
   
   
       16 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, a diversion section as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a second locking channel segment monolithically formed adjacent the advance end of the liner section.  
   
   
       17 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an adaptor, comprising: 
 a liner section having a forward end and a back end; and    at least three locking channel segments monolithically formed in the liner section between the forward end and the back end of the liner section.    
   
   
       18 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an adaptor as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least three locking channel segments include at least two compatible locking channel segments monolithically formed adjacent the forward end and the back end of the liner section, and an incompatible locking channel segment therebetween.  
   
   
       19 . In a system for transporting water through a ditch, an adaptor as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising one or more handles monolithically mounted on the at least two similar locking channel segments.