RONAN, Nicholas, Michael (24 Mitta Street, Box Hill North, Victoria 3129, AU)
| CLAIMS 1. A water diversion assembly comprising: a hollow T-shaped body having first and second co-axial body portions defining respective first and second openings and a third body portion extending away from the first and second body portions and defining a third opening; a fluid redirection mechanism within the hollow body and arranged to divert substantially all water flowing into the first opening toward and out of the third opening; wherein the fluid redirection mechanism and the hollow body define first and second distinct fluid flow paths within the hollow body, the first fluid flow path being defined inside the fluid redirection mechanism and the second fluid flow path being defined by the second body portion and by spaces between the fluid redirection mechanism and the third body portion; wherein the water diversion assembly is to be positioned in-line intermediate sections of a rainwater drainage conduit to divert water flowing down the drainage conduit along the first fluid flow path to a water store and to allow overflow water from the water store to pass along the second fluid flow path and back into the drainage conduit through the second opening. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid redirection mechanism is disposed inside the hollow body and extends from the first body portion through the third body portion. 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the fluid redirection mechanism comprises a reducing portion that reduces in diameter as it progresses from the first body portion to the third body portion. 4. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising adaptor means for fluidly coupling first and second openings of the hollow body in-line with the sections of the drainage conduit. 5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water store comprises a water tank and the fluid redirection mechanism is arranged to project through the third opening and into the water tank. 6. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the third body portion, the fluid redirection mechanism comprises a conduit having a hollow cross-section of substantially smaller area than a hollow cross-sectional area of the third body portion. 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the second fluid flow path is partly defined around an outside of the conduit. 8. A garden watering system comprising the water diversion assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7 and further comprising a storage tank containing the water store and water distribution means coupled to the storage tank to distribute water from a bottom end of the storage tank to nearby garden areas, wherein the third opening of the hollow body is disposed within a volume of the storage tank. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the water store comprises a storage tank comprises a base for supporting the tank, a first inlet disposed in a sidewall of the tank at an upper end for receiving the third body portion, at least one outlet adjacent the base at a lower end for coupling to the water distribution means and a closeable access opening at the upper end for allowing manual access to the inside of the storage tank. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one outlet comprises 3 to 10 outlets spaced around a circumference of the lower end. 11. The system of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a mesh filter at at least one outlet to obstruct debris from entering the water distribution means. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the mesh filter is shaped to be insertable into the water tank through the at least one outlet. 13. The system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the mesh filter is substantially cylindrical. 14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mesh filter is coupled to an upstream end of a fluid coupling component of the water distribution means. 15. The system of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the water distribution means comprises at least one length of tubing configured to allow water to seep out of the tubing. 16. The system of claim 9 to 15, wherein the water distribution means comprises multiple lengths of tubing spread across the garden to distribute water from the water tank to the garden. 17. The system of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the tubing comprises flow retardation means disposed at intervals along the tubing. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising positioning pegs coupled to the tubing and co-located with the flow retardation means. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the coupling of the positioning pegs is configured to perturb the tubing and thereby provide the flow retardation means. 20. The system of any one of claims 9 to 19, further comprising a flexible filter disposed within the water tank and fitted to filter water flowing into the water tank from the water diversion assembly. 21. The system of any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the water tank comprises removably attachable upper and lower body portions which, when sealingly attached to each other, define a storage volume for the rainwater. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the upper and lower body portions are shaped to nest with each other for compact transport when not attached to each other. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
Described embodiments relate generally to systems, assemblies and devices for diverting and storing rainwater from a rainwater downpipe for distribution to a nearby garden.
BACKGROUND
In some areas, water shortages exist and restrictions on domestic and public water use can be imposed. For climates or geographic regions where rainfall can be inadequate to sustain a garden, local trees or other vegetation, and particularly where the availability of public water for watering gardens is limited or non-existent, alternative water systems may be needed.
It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with prior watering systems, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.
SUMMARY
Certain embodiments relate to a water diversion assembly comprising: a hollow T-shaped body having first and second co-axial body portions defining respective first and second openings and a third body portion extending away from the first and second body portions and defining a third opening; a fluid redirection mechanism within the hollow body and arranged to divert substantially all water flowing into the first opening toward and out of the third opening; wherein the fluid redirection mechanism and the hollow body define first and second distinct fluid flow paths within the hollow body, the first fluid flow path being defined inside the fluid redirection mechanism and the second fluid flow path being defined by the second body portion and by spaces between the fluid redirection mechanism and the third body portion; wherein the water diversion assembly is to be positioned in-line intermediate sections of a rainwater drainage conduit to divert water flowing down the drainage conduit along the first fluid flow path to a water store and to allow overflow water from the water store to pass along the second fluid flow path and back into the drainage conduit through the second opening.
The fluid redirection mechanism may be disposed inside the hollow body and may extend from the first body portion through the third body portion. The fluid redirection mechanism may comprise a reducing portion that reduces in diameter as it progresses from the first body portion to the third body portion.
The assembly may further comprise adaptor means for fluidly coupling first and second openings of the hollow body in-line with the sections of the drainage conduit. The water store may comprise a water tank and the fluid redirection mechanism may be arranged to project through the third opening and into the water tank.
In the third body portion, the fluid redirection mechanism may comprise a conduit having a hollow cross-section of substantially smaller area than a hollow cross-sectional area of the third body portion or an extension thereof. The second fluid flow path may be partly defined around an outside of the conduit.
Certain embodiments relate to a garden watering system comprising the water diversion assembly described herein and may further comprise a storage tank containing the water store and water distribution means coupled to the storage tank to distribute water from a bottom end of the storage tank to nearby garden areas, wherein the third opening of the hollow body may be disposed within a volume of the storage tank.
The water tank may comprise a base for supporting the tank, a first inlet disposed in a sidewall of the tank at an upper end for receiving the third body portion, at least one outlet adjacent the base at a lower end for coupling to the water distribution means and a closeable access opening at the upper end for allowing manual access to the inside of the tank. The at least one outlet may comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 outlets spaced around a circumference of the lower end.
The system may further comprise a mesh filter at each or at least one outlet to obstruct debris from entering the water distribution means. The mesh filter may be shaped to be insertable into the water tank through the at least one outlet and the mesh filter may be substantially cylindrical. The mesh filter may be coupled to an upstream end of a fluid coupling component of the water distribution means.
The system wherein the water distribution means may comprise at least one length of tubing configured to allow water to seep out of the tubing. The water distribution means may comprise multiple lengths of tubing spread across the garden to distribute water from the water tank to the garden.
Other embodiments relate to a system wherein the tubing may comprise flow retardation means disposed at intervals along the tubing. Positioning pegs may be coupled to the tubing and co-located with the flow retardation means. The coupling of the positioning pegs may be configured to perturb the tubing and thereby provide the flow retardation means.
The system may further comprise a flexible filter disposed within the water tank and fitted to filter water flowing into the water tank from the water diversion assembly. The water tank may comprise removably attachable upper and lower body portions which, when sealingly attached to each other, define a storage volume for the rainwater. The upper and lower body portions may be shaped to nest with each other or like portions for compact transport when not attached to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments are described in further detail below, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a garden watering system according to - A -
some embodiments;
Figure 2 is a further schematic representation of a garden watering system according to some embodiments.
Figure 3A is a side view of a storage tank according to some embodiments, showing it as two separated halves;
Figures 3B and 3C illustrate engagement of the two halves of the storage tank to form a single storage volume;
Figure 4 A is a close up view of a water diversion assembly;
Figure 4B is an exploded view of the water diversion assembly of Figure 4A; Figure 5 is a close up view of part of the water diversion assembly of Figures 4 A and 4B;
Figure 6A is an exploded schematic representation of an outlet filtration and fluid coupling assembly;
Figure 6B is a side schematic representation of the outlet filtration and coupling assembly of Figure 6A, as assembled;
Figure 7 is a side schematic representation of a mounting bracket for supporting parts of the water diversion assembly;
Figures 8A and 8B are schematic representations illustrating passage of debris through a reducing inflow conduit of the water diversion assembly; Figures 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate front, perspective and cross-sectional views of the mounting bracket;
Figure 1OA and 1OB illustrate lower and upper adapter components, respectively, for the water diversion assembly,
Figures HA and HB illustrate plan and front views of supports attached to the mounting brackets for supporting the adapters;
Figures 12A and 12B are perspective and end views of a stabilising collar for stabilising a lateral extension of the water diversion assembly relative to a side wall of the storage tank;
Figure 13A illustrates the position of an access sleeve between the T-shaped body and the upper adapter; Figure 13B is a perspective view of the access sleeve;
Figure 14 is a schematic representation of a locating peg and flow retardation arrangement optionally forming part of a water distribution line;
Figure 15 is a representation in plan view of an upper part of the storage tank showing the primary inlet and overflow aperture of the storage tank;
Figure 16 is a schematic representation in plan view of a lower part of the storage tank, showing circumferentially spaced outlets for receiving the filtration and coupling assemblies of Figures 6A and 6B;
Figure 17 is a schematic representation of an alternative water distribution line; and
Figure 18 is a side schematic representation of an alternative outlet filtration and coupling assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Described embodiments relate generally to systems, assemblies and devices for diverting and storing rainwater from a rainwater downpipe for local distribution, for example to a nearby garden.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2 initially, there are shown embodiments of a system 100 for use in diverting, storing and distributing water to gardens, trees or other vegetation in a domestic setting. Embodiments assume the pre-existence (or simultaneous installation) of a rainwater downpipe for channelling rainwater from a roof to a storm water run-off area or conduit. Garden watering system 100 comprises a water diversion assembly 110 to be coupled intermediate upper and lower sections 105, 106 of a water drainage conduit, such as a rainwater downpipe. If necessary, a portion of the drainage conduit can be removed to accommodate insertion of water diversion assembly 110 in line with the upper and lower drainage conduit sections 105, 106.
As is shown and described in further detail below with reference to Figures 4A, 4B and 5, the water diversion assembly 110 channels water flowing down from upper drainage section 105 along a first fluid flow path that diverts the water into a storage tank 120 or 220. The water diversion assembly 110 is generally T-shaped and causes downwardly travelling water to divert laterally through an inflow/overflow aperture 112 or 212 (Figure 4B) formed in the storage tank 120 or 220. If sufficient water is gathered in the tank 120/220 that the water level is higher than the bottom of the inflow/overflow aperture 112/212, the excess water can overflow and run back out the water diversion assembly 110 along a second fluid flow path that is distinct from the first fluid flow path, with the excess water going into the lower drainage section 106.
Storage tank 120/220 has a removably attachable cover or Hd 121/221. The storage tank 120/220 may have a capacity in the order of 100 to 300 litres, for example, and therefore may, when full, have substantial weight. A support block 122 may be provided between a base 124/224 of the storage tank 120/220 and the ground for added support.
A flexible elongate closed-ended filter membrane 130, commonly called a sock filter, may be coupled at its open end around an inlet end of the water diversion assembly 110 to filter incoming water to the storage tank 120/220. A weight 132 may be provided at the closed end of the sock to avoid flotation of the sock and minimise the possibility of the filter membrane obscuring or occluding the tank end of the second fluid flow (overflow) path.
Each storage tank 120/220 has adjacent its base at least one outlet, and preferably more than one outlet (such as 8, as shown in Figure 16) within which is received a filtration and outlet coupling assembly 142 for conveying water to water distribution means 140 that carries water from the tank 120/220 to desired parts of the garden. Two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten outlets may be provided adjacent the base, for example. The water distribution means 140 may be coupled to the filtration and outlet assembly 142 via a tap 146 and section of flexible tubing 144. The filtration and outlet assembly 142 is removable for cleaning of the filter 610 (Figure 6A/6B) without disturbing the position of the perforated tubing 148 of the water distribution means 140. Instead of perforated tubing 148, another form of conduit or water distribution means that allows water to seep therefrom through one or more apertures can be used. As is illustrated in Figure 2, sections of perforated tubing 148 can wet adjacent soil areas 204 as the water travels along the tubing and slowly seeps out along the way.
In some embodiments, sections of the perforated tubing 148 may be separated by locating pegs 150 that also serve to provide inhibition of flow and/or a gradation of pressure drops, along the length of the tubing. As the storage tank 120/220 comprises multiple outlet positions, multiple lengths of tubing can be provided in single or multiple directions as part of water distribution means 140 irrespective of the orientation of the storage tank 120/220 relative to drainage sections 105, 106. Outlets in base 124/224 that are not used are closed off by plugs 162 (Figure 16). One or more of the lines of perforated tubing 148 may comprise branched sections of tubing, some of which is not perforated, while other sections are perforated, as illustrated by the branched tubing arrangement 1748 illustrated in Figure 17.
Referring also to Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, storage tank 220 is illustrated, showing how upper and lower portions 222, 224 can be coupled in the middle to form the full storage tank 220. Storage tank 220 has a removable Hd 221 on top of upper section 222. Upper and lower portions 222, 224 of storage tank 220 have respective upper and lower engagement portions 232, 234 for removably or non-removably coupling to each other, for example in the manner shown in Figures 3B and 3C. The half-barrel shape of the upper and lower portions 222, 224 conveniently allow the two halves to be nested for greater ease of transport prior to assembly.
In some embodiments, upper engagement portion 232 may have a hooked edge profile 242 for engaging with an oppositely directed edge 244 when upper engagement portion 232 is received within sleeved walls of lower engagement portion 234. In addition to the latching effect of hook 242 with edge 244, a rubber or silicone sealing member (not shown) may be provided to facilitate sealing of the upper and lower tank sections 222, 224 with each other. Alternatively or in addition, a sealant, such a silicone sealant, and optionally an adhesive substance, can be applied around the circumferential interface of the upper and lower portions 222, 224.
Turning now to Figures 4 A, 4B and 5, the water diversion assembly 110 is described in further detail. Water diversion assembly 110 comprises an upper adapter sleeve 410, an access sleeve 420, a T-shaped hollow body portion 440 housing a reducing conduit 430, an outer extension conduit 460, an inner extension conduit 470, a stabilising collar 465, a downwardly projecting outlet bend 480 and a lower adapter sleeve 490.
Upper adapter sleeve 410 has an upper end 411 defining an opening into which is received at least part of the upper section 105 of the drainage conduit. Upper adapter sleeve 410 has a lower end 412 to be received within an upper end 421 of access sleeve 420. A lower end 422 of access sleeve 420 is received within a first opening 451 at an upper portion 441 of T-shaped body 440. An outer surface of lower end 422 of access sleeve 420 is inwardly stepped to conveniently accommodate insertion into opening 451 , while an inner surface of upper end 421 of access sleeve 420 is outwardly stepped to accommodate receipt of lower end 412 of upper adapter sleeve 410.
T-shaped body 440 is generally intended to have the top of the T (corresponding to upper and lower portions 441, 442) disposed in a vertical orientation and the stem of the T (corresponding to lateral portion 443) disposed horizontally and having an extension collar defining lateral opening 453 to receive one end of outer extension conduit 460.
Reducing conduit 430 is manually inserted into T-shaped body 440 by first inserting outlet end 432 of reducing conduit 430 through upper opening 451 and directing outlet opening 432 into a lateral portion 443 of T-shaped body 440 until an inlet end 431 of reducing conduit 430 fits tightly against the inner walls of upper portion 441. This tight fit is to substantially prevent or minimise direct fluid flow from the first portion 441 to the coaxial and vertically aligned second portion 442 directly beneath first portion 441. Reducing conduit 430 curves and reduces in diameter by about half (non-linearly) as it progresses toward outlet end 432. This eccentric tapering is thought to assist passage of solid objects and thereby minimise blockages. Thus, when reducing conduit 430 is in place, water is directed toward the storage tank 120/220 via an inner extension conduit 470 coupled to the outlet end of reducing conduit 430. Reducing conduit 430 and inner extension conduit 470 therefore act as a fluid redirection mechanism at least partially defining the first fluid flow path that provides the inflow to the storage tank 120/220.
Because reducing conduit 430 is press-fitted in place in T-shaped body 440, it does not require adhesive and can be manually removed if necessary. A small ledge or projection (not shown) may be provided on an inner surface of the lower wall of reducing conduit 430 to facilitate its manual removal.
In some embodiments, a specially moulded T-shaped body 440 may obviate the need for reducing conduit 430, in which case the first fluid path may be defined by the T-shaped body and optionally the inner extension conduit 470. In such embodiments, the T- shaped body 440 may provide at least part of the fluid redirection mechanism.
Optionally, a downwardly projecting bend 480 can be coupled to an outlet end of inner extension conduit 470 and a flexible filtration membrane 130, for example formed as a sock filter with weight 132 at the bottom, can be attached around a flanged or flared outlet end 482 of the bend 480. The radius or profile of curvature of the bend 480 is such that a rigid object of a thickness and length that will pass through the inlet reducing conduit 430 will also pass through the bend 480.
Outer extension conduit 460 is received in lateral opening 453 of lateral portion 443 of the T-shaped body 440 and extends through aperture 112/212 into the storage tank 120/220. In some embodiments, outer extension conduit 460 may not be needed if lateral portion 443 is sufficiently elongated and the position of water diversion assembly 110 is sufficiently proximate to the position of the tank 120/220.
A stabilising sleeve 465 may be positioned so that its annular collar 468 (Figures 12 A, 12B) fits around an outside of the outer extension conduit 460 or lateral portion 443, as appropriate. The purpose of the stabilising sleeve 465 is to stabilise the joining of the inflow/overflow duct (460/470) with the wall of the storage tank 120/220 around aperture 112/212 to reduce the likelihood of dislodgement of the duct. Stabilising sleeve 465 has a plurality of wings 466 that flare outwardly from the generally annularly shaped collar 468 to be manually bent and positioned against portions of the wall of upper tank section 222. Wings 466 may be affixed to the outer wall of the tank by a fastener, such as a self-tapping screw, adhesive or other suitable fastening means.
Lower adapter sleeve 490 has an upper end 491 with an opening that receives lower end 452 of lower portion 442 of T-shaped body 440. A lower end 492 of lower sleeve 490 is sized to be received within the upper open end of lower drainage conduit 106. Upper adapter sleeve 410 and lower adapter sleeve 490 may be configured to fit with a round, square or rectangular cross-section of drainage conduits 105, 106. That is, multiple differently shaped adapter sleeves 410, 490 may be provided or available for purchase with the system 100. Upper and lower adapter sleeves 410, 490 may be supported in relation to a mounting bracket 710 (as shown in Figure 7).
All of the components of water diversion assembly 110 are hollow and are configured to readily fit together by hand without the need for sealants or adhesives, although these could be used if desired. As is illustrated in Figures 13 A and 13B, access sleeve 420 can be readily removed from water diversion assembly 110 by sliding adapter sleeve 410 upwardly over drainage conduit 105 and then simply lifting access sleeve 420 upward and clear of opening 451 in T-shaped body 440. This allows the interior of T-shaped body 440 and/or reducing conduit 430 to be inspected and any obstructions removed, if necessary.
As illustrated in Figure 5, T-shaped body 440 may have an inner diameter of X along the vertically aligned first and second portions 441 and 442, except for a slight inward step at lower opening 452 to facilitate insertion into upper opening 491 of lower adapter sleeve 490. Lateral portion 443 has a diameter of Y and inner extension conduit 470 has a diameter of Z. The dimensions of X and Y may be approximately the same or may be somewhat different, varying within a range of about 100 mm to about 200 mm, for example. The dimension of Z may be about half of Y, varying between about 50 mm and 100 mm, for example. The specific dimensions of the various components of water diversion assembly 110 may, however, be varied to suit different intended applications. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is believed to be a suitable material for the components of water diversion assembly 110 (except for wings 466 or stabilising collar 465, which should be formed of a plastically deformable material, such as light metal sheeting).
Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, the filtration and outlet coupling assembly 142 is shown and described in further detail. Assembly 142 comprises an approximately cylindrically shaped hollow mesh filter 610 and a hollow outlet component 620 that can be assembled, together with a compressible sealing ring 615, externally of the storage tank 120/220 and then partially inserted through an outlet aperture 602 formed in a lower part of the outer wall of storage tank 120/220 adjacent the base. Mesh filter 610 has an open end 612 that is detachably engageable with an inner part of outlet component 620. Mesh filter 610 has a closed end opposite open end 612.
Outlet component 620 may have lugs 622 receivable in correspondingly sized apertures formed in the wall of the storage tank so that, when the outlet component 620 is pushed against the wall and rotated manually by rotating projecting lugs 628, outlet component 620 locks into place and is retained in position by cooperating retaining structure (not shown) in the wall of the storage tank. When assembled, as shown in Figure 6B, assembly 142 has sealing rings 615 and 625 positioned to seal around aperture 602. Thus positioned, assembly 142 allows water to flow to the inside of mesh filter 610 and through a lumen 630 defined by an inner wall of outlet component 620. Lumen 630 is then coupled to tap 146 via flexible tubing 144. Tap 146 is manually operable to control flow of water to perforated tubing 148.
In alternative embodiments, instead of relying on locking lugs 622 to engage with the storage tank wall and lock assembly 142 into position, a screw threaded coupling of assembly 142 may be provided instead, so that aperture 602 defines suitable female threading to receive suitable male threading on an external face of outlet component 620. A still further embodiment is shown and described below in relation to Figure 18.
Figure 7 illustrates lower adapter sleeve 490 positioned in place on a support bracket 720 mounted on mounting bracket 710. Support bracket 720 has mounting pins 722, as shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 1 IA and 1 IB. A corresponding support bracket 494 affixed to upper end 491 of lower adapter sleeve 490 has apertures for receiving support pins 722, thereby supporting adapter sleeve 490 in position relative to drainage conduit 106.
As shown in Figures 9 A and 9B, mounting bracket 710 also has a series of attachment apertures 712 for receiving attachment means to affix mounting bracket 710 to a wall, such as a wall 202 (adjacent the drainage conduits 105, 106), in line with upper and lower drainage conduit sections 105 and 106. For example, a suitable screw or bolt may be inserted through attachment apertures 712 to affix the bracket 710 to the wall.
Figures 1OA and 1OB illustrate lower and upper adapter sleeves 490 and 410 respectively, with support brackets 494 and 414 to be placed on support pins 722 of support brackets 720. Although adapter sleeves 410 and 490 are shown in Figures 1OB and 1OA as having a circular cross-section for coupling to drainage conduits 105 and 106, this circular cross-section can be provided in different adapter parts to be square, rectangular or elliptical, as needed.
Figures 8 A and 8B illustrate how the tapered shape of reducing conduit 430 is suited to allowing certain small but oblong objects 800 to be able to pass through it, while allowing overflow water to pass around outlet end 432 and down into lower body portion 442. If an object, such as object 800 shown in Figures 8A and 8B, cannot pass through reducing conduit 430, access sleeve 420 can be removed as described previously (and shown in Figure 13A), in order to manually remove any such objects 800 without needing to dismantle or disassemble any other parts of system 100.
Referring now to Figure 14, locating peg 150 is described in further detail. Locating peg 150 also serves a flow inhibition and/or pressure drop graduation function. Locating peg 150 has a body 152 with an enlarged upper end and a tapering lower end 156. The lower end 156 may have a cross-section resembling an "X" to facilitate entry of the peg into the soil. Locating peg 150 may have an actuation portion 154, formed for example as a saddle, on an upper end of the body 152 to which downwardly directed force may be applied to drive the locating peg 150 into the soil. Locating peg 150 also has a conduit portion 158 that progresses upwardly, over and downwardly over the top of the body 153. This means that water travelling along conduit portion 158 (for example in the direction of the arrows) must overcome gravity in order to progress past the peg and to enter the next section of perforated piping 148. The conduit section 158 may be integrally formed with the locating peg 150 or may be part of perforated tubing or tubing that is coupled to perforated tubing. If the conduit section 158 is not integrally formed with locating peg 150, then locating peg 150 may provide a snap-in receiving structure to accommodate the conduit section 158 and affix it to the locating peg 150.
The gravity step / pegs 150 serve three functions: firstly they prevent rainwater running uninterrupted to the lowest end / section of the distribution line, and then seeping out, over-wetting lower areas and neglecting nearer areas when rainfall is light; secondly, they "fix" the distribution lines in the preferred alignment and minimize chance dislodgement; and thirdly, they facilitate easy re-location of the position of the distribution line.
Depending on where water is desired to be distributed within the garden, one or more direct water distribution lines may run from an outlet in the water tank. Alternatively or in addition, a branched tubing arrangement, such as that indicated by reference number 1748 in Figure 17, may be used to more effectively or efficiently reach different sections of the garden. Such a branched tubing structure may have only some sections of perforated tubing, with the remainder of the tubing being non-perforated.
Shown in Figure 18 is an alternative embodiment of a filtration and outlet coupling assembly, employing mesh filter 610 with tap 146, but using separate female screw fittings 1812 and 1816 that screw on to a double ended male screw fitting 1814 that is sealingly received in and occludes aperture 602. Mesh filter 610 and female screw fitting 1812 can thus be removed together from inside the storage tank without disturbing the remainder of the outlet assembly. Female screw fitting 1816 may be coupled to tap 146 via a semi-rigid or flexible conduit 1818.
As is evident from the embodiments described herein, embodiments relate generally to the fields of passive rainwater harvesting, filtering, storage and distribution using gravity as the only source of energy. Various embodiments involve components that may be employed together or in separate circumstances according to user needs, as follows.
1. A diversion and filtering assembly 110/130 communicating with a rainwater duct 105/106 both upwards and downwards and with a storage device 120/220 laterally and having the unique feature of diverting all downflow into the storage device 120/220 and accepting all overflow from the storage device 120/220 within a single two-way housing 110, and having at its innermost end a downward-projecting bend 480 with a flared or otherwise laterally protruding lip to hold an elongated non-rigid fine mesh filter 130 that can easily be removed, everted and cleaned periodically as required;
2. An elongated wall-mountable bracket 710 with positioning lugs 722 to hold the diverter assembly 110 in a generally upright position true with the upwards and downwards alignment of the associated rainwater duct to maintain a reliably neat and regular appearance through the intended life of the system. Intrinsic to this arrangement is the ability of the diverter housing 440 to swivel so as to direct the lateral extension 443 in any desired direction relative to the wall irrespective of the actual or intended cross-sectional characteristics of the upper and lower downpipe sections. 3. A small or large rainwater storage device 120/220 configured with a reinforced inflow / overflow aperture 112/212 in the upper extremity of the side of the receptacle 120/220 to admit easy installation of the diversion assembly 1 10, and having an upper removable inspection / access cover 121/221 above the inflow / overflow aperture 112/212 and having a multiplicity of outlets 160 positioned circumferentially around the bottom for maximum choice of direction of distribution line(s). In some embodiments, the storage tank 220 is comprised of upper and lower curved barrel halves 220,224 joined together, for example by a press-lock joining system or by adhesive and/or sealant.
4. Outlet assembly(ies) 142 comprising a generally tubular filter 610 removably attached to a holder 620 which can be inserted into any of the storage device's outlets and locked in place by a simple turning action, and having attachable at the outer end a short length of flexible tubing 144 to communicate normally with a distribution assembly but permit easy removal and inspection / replacement of the filter 610 without disturbing the distribution assembly 140 from its established position.
5. Distribution assemblies 140 comprising various lengths of tubing of various diameters but generally in the range of 10 to 50 mm in diameter, generally with a tap 146 (i.e. manually actuable flow control valve) at the receiving end and a removable plug at the extremity. 6. Gravity / flow dissipation fittings 150 which serve to interrupt the natural flow of water along the distribution lines and also act as pegs to position the lines relative to the surface areas intended to receive the captured rainwater.
Features of the described systems include, for example:
• No moving parts or electrical connections. • Simply facilitates compliance with municipal requirements that rain tank overflows be connected to an approved stormwater outlet by using the existing or planned outlet of a downpipe as the overflow path.
• Applicable for use with old or new houses, and easily adjustable in terms of distance and direction from downpipe locations. • Very tidy arrangement of visible components - no extra pipes for overflows, etc.
• Minimal chance of blockage as a result of smooth, laminar flow design throughout - designed so that any object normally capable of entering the upper end of a downpipe (from the gutter) will easily pass through into the sock filter 130.
• The water diversion assembly 110 and storage tank 120/220 are easily accessed for blockage removal if an unexpected blockage occurs.
• Minimal need for sealants / glues. • No need for tending / adjustment of any controls in normal weather / rain.
• Mosquito concerns eliminated: insects can only enter / exit : o Down inlet pipe to inside sock filter and back out the same way (unlikely) or o Up stormwater downpipe and overflow outlet to barrel interior and back out the same way (also unlikely).
• Overflow is fully filtered by filter 130 prior to release to stormwater drain - hence environmentally friendly.
• The system 100 is easily installed at existing homes by cutting a section out of existing downpipe, with no need for any other disturbance to the downpipe or its alignment.
• Storage tank 120/220 is generally small (say 50 to 300 L) and spends most of its time empty and thus does not need heavy duty foundation.
• Diverter assembly 110 swivels in any direction relative to the wall alignment, allowing any position of barrel relative to downspout - left, right, close or remote.
• Even distribution of water pressure along distribution lines 148 - which should remain on / above the soil / mulch surface to maximise water outflow through perforations.
• Both inflow and outlet filters 130, 610 are easily accessed for cleaning / replacement without disturbing the other components.
• As rainfall intensity increases, water level rises in the storage tank 120/220, increasing the gravitational head pressure and thus the rate of outflow from the distribution lines, maximising the rainwater harvested and stored in the soil for subsequent vegetation / soil ecology needs.
The preferred location of distribution tubing is to areas where woody rooted trees and shrubs grow, because their root systems greatly enhance the rapid infiltration of water, and aid its dissipation deep into the soil profile. Maintaining a good soil moisture content greatly reduces the shrinkage of soils and cracking of house walls and foundations.
Embodiments have been described herein by way of example and with reference to illustrative arrangements, methods and infrastructure. These embodiments are not intended to be limiting. Rather, it is contemplated that some embodiments may be subject to variation or modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.