ASKEW, Dean (3 Red Cottages, Chesham RoadWigginton,Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6EH, GB)
| Claims 1 . A receptacle for holding water within a roof space, the receptacle comprising a base and side walls which extend from the base, at least one of the side walls being arranged at an angle to the base, wherein said angle substantially corresponds with a slope of a roof that forms the roof space. 2. A receptacle according to claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a cover for closing the receptacle. 3. A receptacle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising first and second formations for engaging with complimentary formations disposed on a further receptacle. 4. A receptacle according to claim 3, wherein the first formation is disposed on an upper side of the cover and the second formation is formed on an underside of the base. 5. A receptacle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first formation comprises a protrusion and the second formation comprises a groove. 6. A receptacle according to any preceding claim further comprises a valve arrangement for controlling a flow of water into the receptacle. 7. A receptacle according to any preceding claim, further comprising first and second sub-receptacles formed therein. 8. A receptacle according to claim 7, wherein the first and second sub-receptacles are arranged in fluid communication. 9. A receptacle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each sub-receptacle comprises a valve arrangement for controlling a flow of water into the respective sub-receptacle. 10. A receptacle according to claim 9, wherein the valve arrangement is disposed on a section of a side wall of the receptacle. 1 1 . A receptacle according to claim 10, wherein the section is removably secured to the side wall. 12. A receptacle according to any of claims 7 to 1 1 , wherein the first sub-receptacle is arranged to deliver water to the second sub-receptacle. 13. A receptacle according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first sub-receptacle is arranged or further arranged to deliver water to a heating system. 14. A receptacle according to any of claims 7 to 13, wherein the second sub- receptacle is arranged to deliver water to water outlets, such as taps and toilets. 15. A water distribution system, the system comprising at least two receptacles according to any of claims 1 to 14 arranged such that the at least one side wall of one receptacle is arranged to extend in substantially the same plane as the at least one side wall of the other receptacle. 16. A water distribution system according to claim 15, wherein the at least two receptacles are stackable 17. A water distribution system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least two stackable receptacles are arranged in fluid communication. 18. A heating system for heating water, the system comprising a receptacle according to any of claims 1 to 14 disposed within a roof space and at least one heat transfer device mounted upon a roof of the roof space, and which is arranged in fluid communication with the receptacle, wherein the water can pass from the receptacle to the heat transfer device under gravity. 19. A heating system according to claim 18, wherein the heat transfer device is arranged to heat the water from the receptacle and the water heated by the transfer device can pass under convection from the heat transfer device to the receptacle. 20. A heating system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the heat transfer device comprises a solar panel comprising a ducting arrangement for receiving water from the receptacle. 21 . A valve arrangement for limiting the flow of liquid into a receptacle, the arrangement comprising: an inlet through which water can pass into the receptacle; first and second sealing members arranged in sealing communication with the inlet; the first and second members being arranged for relative movement between a first operative configuration in which liquid is prevented from passing through the inlet and a second operative configuration in which liquid can pass through the inlet; - wherein the operative configuration is dependent on the volume of liquid within the receptacle. 22. A valve arrangement according to claim 21 , wherein the inlet comprises a flow duct. 23. A valve arrangement according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the valve arrangement is disposed upon a section of a side wall that is removably coupled to the side wall. 24. A valve arrangement according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first and second sealing members comprise at least one aperture which are arranged to align in the first operation configuration and are substantially mis-aligned in the second operative configuration. 25. A valve arrangement according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the first and second sealing members comprise a first and second disc that are arranged to rotate with respect to each other. 26. A valve arrangement according to claim 25, wherein the second disc is coupled to an arm that is arranged to pivot about the first disc in accordance with a level of water within the receptacle to cause said second disc to rotate. |
The present invention relates to a receptacle and particularly, but not exclusively to a receptacle for storing water within a roof space. The present invention further relates to a valve arrangement for controlling the volume of water within a receptacle.
Water tanks are conventionally placed within an attic or roof space of a building, so that water can be supplied to water outlets of the building, under gravity. The water tanks are generally rectangular in cross-section and are typically mounted to joists that form the ceiling of the rooms below, and as such are positioned at the base of the roof space.
When the tanks are cited near the eaves of a roof space they create pockets of roof space between the tank and eave, which are difficult to access. Moreover, it can be difficult to manipulate components of the tank, for servicing or repair due to the confined conditions created by the sloping roof. As a result, the water tanks are typically cited toward the middle of the roof space and thus occupy a significant area of useful roof space, which could otherwise be used for storage, for example. Moreover, since the water tanks are mounted to the base of a roof space they can only supply water under gravity to outlets disposed at a vertical position that is below the roof space.
The water supply into water tanks is typically controlled by a ball-cock valve arrangement, whereby the ball-cock is arranged to rise and fall with the volume of water within the tank to operate a valve which controls the flow of water into the tank. The valve arrangement is typically mounted directly to the water tank and as such, it is common for the coupling to become corroded. This is a problem when it becomes necessary to replace the ball-cock and valve arrangement. I have now devised a receptacle and valve arrangement which alleviates the above- mention problems.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receptacle for holding water within a roof space, the receptacle comprising a base and side walls which extend from the base, at least one of the side walls being arranged at an angle to the base,
wherein said angle substantially corresponds with a slope of a roof that forms the roof space.
The sloping side wall of the receptacle permits the receptacle to be positioned near the apex of a roof space or within an eave of the roof space, thereby maximising the space provided within the roof space. Moreover, since the shape of the receptacle allows it to be positioned near the roof apex, the water held therein can pass under gravity to heating systems and various outlets within a roof space of a house, for example, without the need for a pump.
Preferably, the receptacle comprises a cover for closing the receptacle. The receptacle preferably further comprises first and second formations for engaging with complimentary formations disposed on a further receptacle. Preferably, the first formation is disposed on an upper side of the cover and the second formation is formed on an underside of the base. The first formation preferably comprises a protrusion and the second formation preferably comprises a groove. The receptacles can be stacked one on top of each other, and the grooves and protrusions help stabilize the stack by minimising any slipping of one receptacle with respect to another. The receptacle preferably further comprises a valve arrangement for controlling a flow of water into the receptacle.
The receptacle preferably further comprises first and second sub-receptacles formed therein. The first and second sub-receptacles are preferably arranged in fluid communication. Preferably, each sub-receptacle comprises a valve arrangement for controlling a flow of water into the respective sub-receptacle. Preferably, the valve arrangement is disposed on a section of a side wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the section is removably secured to the side wall. The first receptacle is preferably arranged to deliver water to the second sub- receptacle. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the first sub-receptacle is preferably arranged to deliver water to a heating system. Preferably, the second sub-receptacle is arranged to deliver water to water outlets, such as taps and toilets.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a water distribution system, the system comprising at least two receptacles of the first aspect arranged such that the at least one side wall of one receptacle is arranged to extend in substantially the same plane as the at least one side wall of the other receptacle.
Preferably, the at least two receptacles are stackable, and are preferably arranged in fluid communication.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a heating system for heating water, the system comprising a receptacle according to the first aspect of the present invention disposed within a roof space and at least one heat transfer device mounted upon a roof of the roof space, and which is arranged in fluid communication with the receptacle, wherein the water can pass from the receptacle to the heat transfer device under gravity.
The ability to position the receptacle of the first aspect within an apex of a roof space enables water disposed therein to pass under gravity to water systems positioned at a vertical height that is within the roof space. The heating system thus enables hot water to be supplied within a building from a heat transfer device mounted upon a roof, without the requirement for an electrical pump to pump the water to the heat transfer device.
Preferably, the heat transfer device is arranged to heat the water from the receptacle and the water heated by the transfer device can pass under convection from the heat transfer device to the receptacle.
Preferably, the heat transfer device comprises a solar panel comprising a ducting arrangement for receiving water from the receptacle. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve arrangement for limiting the flow of liquid into a receptacle, the arrangement comprising:
an inlet through which water can pass into the receptacle;
- first and second sealing members arranged in sealing communication with the inlet;
the first and second members being arranged for relative movement between a first operative configuration in which liquid is prevented from passing through the inlet and a second operative configuration in which liquid can pass through the inlet;
wherein the operative configuration is dependent on the volume of liquid within the receptacle.
The inlet preferably comprises a flow duct.
Preferably, the valve arrangement is disposed upon a section of a side wall that is removably coupled to the side wall.
Preferably, the first and second sealing members comprise at least one aperture which are arranged to align in the first operation configuration and are substantially misaligned in the second operative configuration.
The first and second sealing members preferably comprise a first and second disc that are arranged to rotate with respect to each other.
The second disc is preferably coupled to an arm that is arranged to pivot about the first disc in accordance with the level of water within the receptacle to cause said second disc to rotate. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional view through the receptacle of figure 2, taken along line A-A;
Figure 4a is a sectional view through the receptacle of figure 2, taken along line B-B;
Figure 4b is a sectional view through the receptacle of figure 2, taken along line C-C; Figure 4c is a sectional view through the receptacle of figure 2, taken along line D-D;
Figure 5 perspective view of a water distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a heating system incorporating the distribution system of figure 5, mounted within a roof space; and,
Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a heating system of figure 7. Figure 8 is an exploded view of a valve arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated a receptacle, for example a water tank 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, for holding water within an attic or roof space 1 1 of a building (not shown). The tank 10 comprises a base 12 that is substantially rectangular in plan and side walls 13a-d which extend from the base from a peripheral position thereof. Three of the side walls 13a-c extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the base 12, while one of the side walls 13d extends away from the base 12 at an acute angle thereto and terminates at a position substantially above the base 12. It is to be appreciated however, that two or more side walls 13 may extend from the base 12 at an acute angle thereto. In this manner, the tank 10 comprises a sloping side face. The side walls 13 terminate at an open periphery 14 of the tank and are turned outwardly at the open periphery to form a lip 15. The lip 15 provides a seat for a cover 16 that is arranged to extend over the tank 10 to substantially close the tank 10. The tank 10 further comprises an inlet 17 disposed in a side wall 13a thereof, near the open periphery 14 of the tank 10, which is arranged to receive water from a mains water supply 18. First and second outlets 19a, 19b are also provided near the base 12 of the tank 10, through which water can pass to a heating system and water outlets (not shown), for example, of a building (not shown). The tank 10 further comprises an overflow outlet 19c disposed in a side wall 13c thereof near the open periphery 14 of the tank, but below the level of the inlet 17, for channelling excess water from the tank 10.
Referring to figures 2 to 4 of the drawings, there is illustrated a tank 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it further comprises a dividing wall 21 disposed therein, which divides the tank into a first and second sub-tank 20a, 20b. The dividing wall 21 extends from the base 12 across the width of the tank 20 and terminates at an upper edge 22 that is below the open periphery 14 of the tank 20. The dividing wall 21 comprises an aperture 23 formed therein near the upper edge 22 which permits water to pass from the first sub-tank 20a to the second sub-tank 20b. The first sub-tank 20a comprises an inlet 17 disposed in a side wall 13a thereof, near the open periphery 14 of the tank 20 which is arranged to receive water from a mains water supply 18. First and second outlets 19a-b are also provided in a side wall 13a of the first sub-tank 20a, near the base 12 thereof, through which water can pass out from the first sub-tank 20a to water outlets (not shown), such as toilets (not shown) and taps (not shown) within a building (not shown), for example. The second sub-tank 20b comprises an outlet 19d disposed near the base 12 of the tank 20, through which water can pass, for example to a heating system of a building (not shown), and an overflow outlet 19e disposed in a side wall 13c thereof. The overflow outlet 19e of the second sub-tank 20b is disposed at a vertical height that is below the upper edge 22 of the dividing wall 21 such that water is prevented from building to a level whereby it can overflow the dividing wall 21 into the first sub-tank 20a.
The tanks of the first and second embodiment 10, 20 further comprise a plurality of depressions 24 formed on the underside of the respective base 12 and a plurality of ridges 25 formed on the upper side of the respective cover 16. The ridges 25 and depressions 24 are of a complementary shape, extend across the width of the tanks 10, 20 and are arranged to engage with each other when two (or more) tanks are stacked upon each other as illustrated in figure 5, to minimise any slippage of one tank with respect to another.
Figure 5 illustrates a water distribution system 25 for distributing water to outlets (not shown) and heating systems 26 of a building (not shown). The distribution system 25 illustrated in figure 5 comprises two tanks 10a-b of the first embodiment stacked one above the other, however, it is to be appreciated that the system 25 may comprise more than two tanks, and may comprise tanks of the second embodiment or a combination of tanks of the first and second embodiment. The sloping side wall 13d of each tank 10 are arranged to extend in the same plane so that the stacked arrangement substantially conforms to the sloping contour of the roof space 1 1 , as illustrated in figure 6. The distribution system 25 comprises a header tank 10a, which is arranged to receive water from a mains water supply 18 and feed water into the lower tank 10b via a duct 27 (as illustrated in figure 6). The header tank 10a is arranged to maintain a level of water within the lower tank 10b, which is used to supply water to heating systems 26 and water outlets (not shown) of a building (not shown), for example.
Referring to the figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is illustrated a heating system 26 which incorporates the water distribution system 25 illustrated in figure 5. The distribution system 25 is mounted near the apex 27 of the roof space 1 1 and comprises a duct 28a that is arranged to convey water from an upper region of the lower tank 10b of the system 26 to a solar panel 29. The solar panel 29 is disposed on the outside of the roof 30, at a vertical position that is below the lower tank 10b, so that water can pass from the lower tank 10b to the panel 29 under gravity.
The solar panel 29 comprises a convoluted channel 31 formed therein. As the water passes through the convoluted channel 31 it becomes heated by the side of the panel 29 that is exposed to the sun. Heated water then passes from the panel 29 back to the lower tank 10b of the distribution system 25, near the base 12 thereof, under convention, via duct 28b. In this manner, the water in the lower tank 10b becomes heated for subsequent distribution to a heat insulated tank 32 via duct 33 and/or outlets (not shown) within the building (not shown). As water leaves the lower tank 10b, further cold water enters the lower tank 10b from the header tank 10a via the duct 27, to maintain the level of water within the lower tank. Any steam, for example generated within the lower tank 10b is vented to the roof space via vents 34a, 34b The supply of water into the tank 10 of the first embodiment and the sub-tanks 20a, 20b of the second embodiment is controlled via a valve arrangement 35, as illustrated in figure 8 of the drawings. The arrangement comprises a flow duct 36 that comprises a first external threaded section 37a disposed at a first longitudinal end and a second external threaded section 37b disposed at a second longitudinal end. The first threaded section 37a extends along the duct 36 toward the second section 37b, but terminates at a position intermediate opposite ends thereof, at a position defined by a shoulder 38 which extends around the outer periphery of the duct 36. The flow duct 36 is fitted to the respective tank 10 or sub-tank 20a, 20b by passing the first threaded section 37a, from within the tank/sub-tank, through an aperture 39 formed within a wall 13, 21 thereof until the shoulder 39 abuts the inside of the respective tank/sub-tank. A sealing washer 40 and nut 41 are then passed over the first threaded section 37a to secure the flow duct 36 to the respective wall 13, 21 .
The second longitudinal end of the duct 36 is arranged to receive a first and second disc 42a, 42b, each of which comprise a pair of apertures 43a 43b, respectively formed therein, which are disposed at corresponding positions on each disc 42. The first disc 42a further comprises a shaft 44 rigidly coupled thereto, substantially at central region thereof, which extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first disc 42a. When the first disc 42a is fitted within the flow duct 36, the shaft 44 is arranged to extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the duct 36, out of the second longitudinal end of the duct 36.
The second disc 42b further comprises an aperture 45 formed substantially at the centre thereof that is arranged to receive the shaft 44 of the first disc 42a, so that the first and second discs 42a, 42b are arranged to rotate in substantially parallel planes, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the duct 36. The second disc 42b further comprises a notch 46 formed at a peripheral position thereof that is arranged to receive a projection (not shown) formed on an inside wall of the duct 36. The first and second discs 42a, 42b are dimensioned to provide a sealing fit along their circumference with the inside of the duct 36 and are further arranged to rotate in sealing engagement with each other, such that when the pair of apertures 43a of the first disc 42a and the pair of apertures 43b of the second disc 42b are misaligned, no water can pass along the duct 36.
The valve arrangement 35 further comprises a dispensing cap 47 that is passed upon the second threaded section 37b to prevent the discs 42a, 42b from passing out from the duct 36. The dispensing cap 47 comprises a plurality of dispensing apertures 48 formed in an end face 49 thereof through which water can pass, with one aperture 48 being formed substantially at the centre thereof, and which becomes aligned with the shaft 44 when the cap 47 is screwed onto the second threaded section 37b. An end cap 50 is then fitted over the dispensing cap 47 but arranged in spaced relation to the end face 49 of the dispensing cap 47, so that water can pass out from the dispensing apertures 48 into the end cap 50. The end cap 50 comprise an outlet 51 disposed in a circumferential side wall thereof through which water can pass out from the valve arrangement 35 into the respective tank/sub-tank 10, 20a, 20b.
The end cap 50 comprises an aperture 52 formed substantially at the centre thereof which is arranged to align with the aperture formed substantially at the centre of the dispensing cap 47 and the shaft 44. A distal end of the shaft 44 comprises an internal thread (not shown) formed therein that is arranged to receive a bolt 53, for example. The bolt 53 is arranged to pass through the aperture 52 in the end cap 50, the aperture formed at the centre of the dispensing cap 47 and engage within the shaft 44.
The rotation of the first disc 42a is controlled by a float 54 that is coupled to a distal end of an arm 55. The proximal end of the arm 55 is coupled to the first disc 42a via the shaft 44, using the bolt 53, which is also arranged to extend through an aperture 56 formed in the proximal end of the arm 55. Accordingly, as the float 54 rises and falls with a level of water within the respective tank 10, 20a, 20b, the arm 55 will pivot about an axis comprising the shaft 44, causing the shaft 44 and thus the first disc 42a to rotate; the second disc 42b is prevented from rotating by virtue of the notch 46 that is formed at the circumferential position thereof, which engages with the projection (not shown) on the inside of the duct 36. As the first disc 42a rotates with respect to the second disc 42b, the pair of apertures 43a formed in the first disc 42a become aligned/misaligned as desired, with the pair of apertures 43b formed in the second disc 42b, to control the flow of water through the duct 36. For example, when the level of water within the tank 10, 20a, 20b is low, the rotational configuration of arm 55 causes the apertures 43a, 43b within the first and second disc 42a, 42b to align to allow water to pass through the discs 42a, 42b into the dispensing cap 47. The water subsequently passes through the dispensing apertures 48 into the end cap 50 and finally into the respective tank 10, 20a, 20b via the outlet 51 on the end cap 50. As the water level rises within the tank 10, 20a, 20b, the arm 55 will begin to rotate as the float 54 rises, thereby causing the first disc 42a to slowly rotate with respect to the second disc 42b, thereby causing the apertures 43 formed within the respective discs to gradually become misaligned to restrict the flow of water into the respective tank/sub-tank. Once the apertures 43a, 43b become completely misaligned, the valve becomes closed and water is prevented from entering the respective tank 10, 20a, 20b. The duct 36 of the valve arrangement is secured within the aperture 39 that is formed within a section 57 of a wall 13, 21 of the respective tank/sub-tank. The section of wall 57 is removably coupled to the respective wall 13, 21 , so that upon disconnecting the water supply 18 to the duct 36, the complete valve arrangement 35 can be removed from the tank 10, 20a, 20b simply by removing the section 57 of wall 13, 21 . This enables the valve arrangement 35 to be replaced easily or removed to an alternative location for servicing or repair.
The section 57 of wall 13, 21 comprises a seal (not shown) that extends around the periphery thereof, and is arranged to pass in sliding engagement with a slot (not shown) formed in the respective wall 13, 21 . Accordingly, the section 57 of wall and thus the valve arrangement 35 is removably coupled to the respective wall 13, 21 of the tank/sub-tank by sliding the section 57 into and out of the respective slot (not shown).
From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the receptacle and valve arrangement of the present invention provide a simple yet improved water storage and distribution arrangement for buildings.