[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus being collapsible, light weight and easily transportable for use in rainwater capturing and storing combined optionally as well as optionally storing water from a source other than rainwater. The embodiment being integral and free standing in its function of combined catching rainwater and storing water.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] 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 the 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.

[0003] It is known to catch rainwater from a catchment area such as a roof of a structure and channel said rain water to a holding tank. It is known to fit a catchment surface to a rigid or collapsible structure having the sole purpose of catching rainwater and channel said water to a container beneath or adjacent to said surface. It is known to use an integrated, free standing, catchment and storing rigid embodiment, to capture and store rainwater.

[0004] For example, NZ500049A describes a free standing rainwater catchment and storing device comprising a rigid impermeable raised roof to collect water striking said roof whereby the water runs down the outer face of the roof to a surrounding channel from where the water is channelled via an aperture to a rigidly constructed integral holding tank beneath.

[0005] WO2005090695A1 describes a free standing rainwater catchment structure comprising a retractable catchment receptacle mounted on a hollow vertical post wherein the retractable catchment can be retracted when not in use.

[0006] WO02072965A1 describes a free standing rainwater catchment structure comprising a retractable flexible catchment sheet forming a trough and supported by an elongated structure. [0007] AU 2007101122 describes a flexible vinyl canvas supported by a PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) framework to function as a water storage container with an open top which can be covered by a mesh or a floating dust cover.

[0008] However, the abovementioned arrangements address various aspects of effective rainwater collection but not all in one embodiment. The embodiment described by NZ500049A has a substantially raised roof surface allowing rain being blown by wind and thus approaching the catchment roof section from an angle to hit the roof and thus be channelled to a surrounding channel. Having an exposed channel makes it susceptible to being clogged by leaf litter and other debris. It is further constructed from rigid materials to form a rigid hollow structure making it bulky and difficult to transport, especially into remote areas or areas where such a rainwater catching device might be of great benefit but which are not easily accessible by road or other transport means required to transport a bulky prefabricated hollow fluid storage device. Both WO2005090695A1 and WO02072965A1 describe a retractable rainwater catchment arrangement which prevents the catcher from collecting debris when not in use but which needs to be deployed before any rainwater can be collected. This feature is undesirable in applications where a means to deploy it or a person to deploy it might not be available such as in remote areas. Both also do not incorporate integral storage and require proper footing to be erected making them difficult to erect in remote areas or in the case where rapid deployment is required. AU 2007101122 describes an easily transportable and fairly easy erectable embodiment. The cover described though lends itself to the collection of debris in that it is substantially in a flat orientation over the container. In contrast, the invention described herein offers a light weight, collapsible, easy transportable, integrated rainwater catchment and water storage solution with a debris cover not susceptible to debris build-up.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0009] In one broad form an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for use in combined rainwater catchment and water storage the apparatus including: a frame; a storage vessel defining a storage cavity including: a storage vessel base; at least one storage vessel side wall; a storage vessel top; a storage vessel outlet provided in a side wall proximate the storage vessel base; and, a storage vessel inlet provided in the storage vessel top; a collector including at least one collector side wall attached to the frame and extending upwardly and outwardly from the storage vessel top to a collector opening defining a water collecting perimeter in fluid communication with the storage vessel inlet; and, a fluid permeable cover extending over the collector opening.

[0010] In one embodiment the frame includes: a frame base; frame side members extending upwardly from the frame base; lateral connecting members extending between upper ends of the frame side members; and, frame top members attached to upper ends of the side members.

[0011] In one embodiment the frame side members are mechanically attached to the corners of the frame base, and wherein the frame base outline is substantially two dimensional and forms at least one of: a triangle; rectangular; a square; and, a multi sided polygon.

[0012] In one embodiment the frame base is formed from rigid frame base members connected to form a closed path, the frame base members being connected where each frame base member joins to the next via a base attachment mechanism.

[0013] In one embodiment the base attachment mechanism includes at least one of: a clamping or bracket mechanism or arrangement; a base corner connector; and, a third connection point to which a frame side member is attached angled upwardly.

[0014] In one embodiment the frame includes a top attachment mechanism attached to the upper end of each frame side member, the frame top members being attached extending upwardly and inwardly to form a cover support structure.

[0015] In one embodiment top attachment mechanism includes at least one of: a clamping mechanism or bracket arrangement; and, a top corner connector.

[0016] In one embodiment the frame top members at least one of: form a cover support structure; are made from rigid or semi-rigid members; are connected via an apex corner connector; are connected mechanically to the upper end of the frame side members via top corner members, the frame top members being angled inwardly towards a single point at a higher elevation; and, attach to one another in a single point to form a pyramidal configuration. [0017] In one embodiment the collector is positioned beneath the cover and is shaped such that it directs to the storage vessel inlet.

[0018] In one embodiment the storage vessel at least one of: is a bladder; is suspended from the frame by the collector; has a frustroconical shape; and, is shaped to approximate the natural volume presented by the frame between the frame base and an attachment point part way along each of the frame side members, and wherein the storage vessel top slopes upwardly and inwardly from the attachment point.

[0019] In one embodiment the apparatus further includes a removably mounted filter for filter water flowing from the collector to the storage vessel.

[0020] In one embodiment the storage vessel is at least one of: made from a flexible fluid impermeable canvas; made from a PVC material; and, made from laminar storage vessel panels, each storage vessel panel being attached to an adjacent storage vessel panel to form a water tight container and having two opposing partial pyramid portions where the partial pyramid portion representing the storage vessel top is upward facing and being open while the partial pyramid forming the side walls is downward facing with a floor panel approximating a frame base geometry being connected thereto.

[0021] In one embodiment the top of the storage vessel is at least one of: sized to connect to a collector floor; and, forms the collector floor.

[0022] In one embodiment the water collector is at least one of: positioned under the cover such that water penetrating the cover will be collected by the collector while debris is prevented from penetrating the cover and collecting in the collector; is removably mounted to an outer perimeter of the collector; and, is made from at least one of: a flexible fluid impermeable canvas; a PVC material; one or more laminar panels; and, laminar panels joined such as to be collectively inwardly facing representing an inverse partial pyramid with a collector floor adjoined to each panel.

[0023] In one embodiment the storage vessel includes at least one overflow outlet positioned in at least one of the storage vessel top and a storage vessel side proximate the storage vessel top. [0024] In one embodiment the overflow outlet is fitted with a fixed or removeably mounted screen or a suitable self-closing overflow cover preventing insects from entering the storage vessel via the overflow outlet.

[0025] In one embodiment the outlet is fitted with a fitting such that a fluidic connector can be attached thereto, in turn allowing for the connection of a pipe, valve, filter or other fluidic component.

[0026] In one embodiment the collector includes at least one of: a collector floor having a collector outlet that drains from the collector into the storage vessel inlet; and, a removably mounted filter arrangement including at least one of: a finely woven mesh; a cloth-like material; and, a physical filter.

[0027] In one embodiment the storage vessel and the collector are attached to one another so that the storage vessel top forms a collector floor.

[0028] In one embodiment the storage vessel and collector include attachment points on each point where two or more panels meet, to function as a point of attachment to the frame.

[0029] In one embodiment the collector includes a collector floor having at least one attachment point in a centre of a collector floor and wherein in use a rope or cable is attached to the attachment point and an apex of the frame such that the attachment point is at a higher elevation than the at least one collector vessel side wall to cause water in the collector to flow away from a centre to towards the at least one side wall.

[0030] In one embodiment the collector includes an attachment point near each of a number of corners of the collector side walls, each of the attachment points being connected to a frame such that a floor centre is at a higher elevation than the at least one collector vessel side wall to cause water in the collector to flow away from a centre towards the at least one side wall.

[0031] In one embodiment the cover at least one of: is a perforated cover; is positioned over, or suspended above the opening; and, has a substantially pyramidal shape. [0032] In one embodiment the cover is at least one: made from a substantially perforated flexible material; a woven cloth having apertures through which water seeps; is supported by a cover structure to form inclined faces such that any debris slides off whilst allowing water to penetrate through the cover; draped over or suspended from a cover structure; removably mounted to an outer perimeter of the collector; and, secured using ropes attached to the cover via a buckle.

[0033] In one embodiment seams of panels are at least one of: joined to form a watertight seal; joined by welding a weldable canvas material is used; and, joined by stitching and sealing using a sealant can be incorporated either between the panels at the area of the seam or being applied afterwards from the side which will be exposed to the water being contained or captured.

[0034] In one embodiment anchor ropes are attached to at least one of the frame and the cover to anchor the structure to the ground.

[0035] In one broad form an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for use in combined rainwater catchment and water storage the apparatus including: a frame including: a frame base; frame side members extending upwardly and outwardly from the frame base; and, frame top members attached to upper ends of the side members; a storage vessel defining a storage cavity, the storage vessel being at least partially supported by the frame and including: a storage vessel base; at least one storage vessel side wall coupled to the frame side members; a storage vessel top; a storage vessel outlet provided in a side wall proximate the storage vessel base; and, a storage vessel inlet provided in the storage vessel top; a collector supported by the frame, the collector including at least one collector side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the storage vessel top to a collector opening, the at least one collector side wall being attached to the frame to define a water collecting perimeter in fluid communication with the storage vessel inlet; and, a fluid permeable cover extending over the collector opening.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective optional features, can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0038] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of an example of an apparatus for combined rainwater catchment and water storage;

[0039] Figure IB is a schematic front view of an example of an apparatus for combined rainwater catchment and water storage;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a second example of apparatus for combined rainwater catchment and water storage;

[0041] Figure 3 A is a schematic perspective view of the frame of Figure 2;

[0042] Figure 3B is a schematic perspective view of a base corner member of the frame of

Figure 3 A;

[0043] Figure 3C is a schematic perspective view of a top corner member of the frame of Figure 3 A;

[0044] Figure 3D is a schematic perspective view of an apex member of the frame of Figure 3A;

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the collector and storage vessel of Figure 2;

[0046] Figure 5 A is a schematic plan view of the cover of Figure 2;

[0047] Figure 5B is a schematic side view of the cover of Figure 5 A;

[0048] Figure 5C is a schematic perspective view of the cover of Figure 5 A;

[0049] Figure 6 A is a schematic side view of an example of a joining seam; and,

[0050] Figure 6B is a schematic side view of an example of an edge joining seam.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0051] An example of an apparatus for use in combined rainwater catchment and water storage will now be described with reference to Figures 1 A and IB.

[0052] The apparatus includes a frame having a frame base, frame side members 103 extending upwardly and outwardly from the frame base and frame top members 105 attached to upper ends of the side members. [0053] A storage vessel is provided defining a storage cavity, the storage vessel being at least partially supported by the frame and including a storage vessel base, at least one storage vessel side wall 111, 112 coupled to the frame side members 103, a storage vessel top 109, a storage vessel outlet 114 provided in a side wall proximate the storage vessel base and a storage vessel inlet 110 provided in the storage vessel top 109.

[0054] A collector is supported by the frame, the collector including at least one collector side wall 108 extending upwardly and outwardly from the storage vessel top 109 to a collector opening, the at least one collector side wall being attached to the frame to define a water collecting perimeter in fluid communication with the storage vessel inlet.

[0055] A fluid permeable cover 107 extending over the collector opening, allowing water, and in particular rainfall, to pass through the cover, whilst other debris, such as leaf litter is deflected. The water is collected by the collector, before passing through the storage vessel inlet into the storage vessel for storage.

[0056] Accordingly, the above described arrangement allows water to be collected and stored, whilst allowing leaf litter and other debris to be prevented from entering the collector and/or storage vessel.

[0057] By forming the frame from a number of frame members, this enables the frame to be made of lightweight materials, whilst allowing this to be readily assembled in-situ. This also allows the frame to provide the necessary structural support so that the storage vessel and collector can be made of lightweight and flexible materials, such as water impermeable fabric panels, or the like. As a result the apparatus can be easily transported to a desired location and easily assembled to enable water to be collected and stored.

[0058] A number of further features will now be described.

[0059] The frame side members are typically mechanically attached to the corners of the frame base, and wherein the frame base outline is substantially two dimensional and forms at least one of a triangle, a square or a multi sided polygon. The mechanical attachment allows the frame side members to be easily erected, for example by hinging these from the base, or mechanically attaching them to the base using a clamp or other attachment mechanism. [0060] The frame top members can form a cover support structure and can be made from rigid or semi-rigid members each connected mechanically to the end of the frame side members at opposite ends of the base, the frame top members being angled inwardly towards a single point at a higher elevation. This can be used to support the cover with sloped sides to enhance run-off of debris, whilst providing additional structural strength.

[0061] The cover is a perforated cover positioned over, or suspended from the cover support structure so as to substantially take on the form of a pyramid, although other suitable covers could be used.

[0062] The collector can be positioned beneath the perforated cover being inwardly shaped and such that it attaches to each outward corner of the frame and having a floor with at least one aperture through which water can drain into the storage vessel.

[0063] The storage vessel is typically bladder shaped to approximate the natural volume presented by the frame between the frame base and an attachment point part way along each of the frame side members, and wherein the storage vessel top slopes upwardly and inwardly from the attachment point. This allows the bladder to maximise the available storage volume.

[0064] The apparatus can further include a removably mounted filter for filter water flowing from the collector to the storage vessel. This could be removably mounted in the storage vessel inlet and/or a collector outlet.

[0065] The frame base can be formed from rigid frame base members connected to form a closed path, the frame base members being connected where each frame base member joins to the next via a base attachment mechanism, such as a clamping or bracket mechanism or arrangement. The base attachment mechanism can have a third connection point to which a frame side member is attached angled upwardly and outwardly.

[0066] The frame can include a top attachment mechanism, such as a clamping mechanism or bracket arrangement, attached to the upper end of each frame side member, the frame top members being attached extending upwardly and inwardly to form a cover support structure. In one specific configuration, the top frame members attach to one another in a single point to form a pyramidal configuration, although other configurations could be used. [0067] The cover can be made from a substantially perforated flexible material such as a woven cloth having apertures through which water easily seeps when hit, with the cover being draped over or suspended by the cover structure to form inclined faces such that any debris slides off whilst allowing water to easily penetrate through the cover.

[0068] The water collector can be then be positioned under the cover such that water penetrating the cover will be collected by the collector while debris larger than the cover apertures are prevented from penetrating the cover and collecting in the collector. The cover is removably mounted to an outer perimeter of the collector, either continuously along the length of the perimeter, or at specific attachment points.

[0069] The water collector can be made from a flexible fluid impermeable canvas, such as a PVC canvas, or similar and in one example is made of a number of laminar panels joined such as to be collectively inwardly facing representing an inverse partial pyramid with a collector floor adjoined to each panel. The collector floor can include a collector outlet that drains from the collector into the storage vessel inlet, which may in turn include a removably mounted filter arrangement, such as a finely woven mesh, a cloth-like material or a physical filter.

[0070] Similarly, the storage vessel is typically made from a flexible fluid impermeable canvas, such as a PVC canvas or similar and in one example from laminar storage vessel panels, each storage vessel panel being attached to an adjacent storage vessel panel to form a water tight container and having two opposing partial pyramid portions where the partial pyramid portion representing the storage vessel top is upward facing and being open while the partial pyramid forming the side walls is downward facing with a floor panel approximating a frame base geometry being connected thereto.

[0071] The top of the storage vessel is sized to connect to a collector floor, and in one example the connector floor and storage vessel top are a common element.

[0072] The seams of the panels are joined to form a watertight seal, for example by welding a weldable canvas material or by stitching and sealing panels using a sealant, which can be incorporated either between the panels at the area of the seam or applied afterwards from the side which will be exposed to the water being contained or captured. [0073] The storage vessel can include at least one overflow outlet positioned in at least one of the storage vessel top and a storage vessel side proximate the storage vessel top. The overflow outlet can be fitted with a fixed or removably mounted screen or a suitable self- closing overflow cover preventing insects from entering the storage vessel via the overflow.

[0074] The storage vessel outlet can be fitted with a fitting such that a fluidic connector can be attached thereto, in turn allowing for the connection of a pipe, valve, filter or other fluidic component.

[0075] The storage vessel and collector can include attachment points on each point where two or more panels meet, to function as a point of attachment to the frame. The collector floor can have at least one attachment point in a centre of a collector floor so that a rope or cable can be attached to the attachment point and an apex of the frame such that the attachment point is at a higher elevation than the at least one collector vessel side wall to cause water in the collector to flow away from a centre towards the at least one side wall.

[0076] Additionally, and/or alternatively, the collector can include an attachment point near each of a number of corners of the collector side walls, each of the attachment points being connected to a frame such that a floor centre is at a higher elevation than the at least one collector vessel side wall to cause water in the collector to flow away from a centre towards the at least one side wall.

[0077] Each frame side member 103 can be supported by a supporting leg member 120 extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, with each supporting leg member coupled to the frame side member via an attachment point 119. A rope, cable or rigid member 122 can be attached between each of the leg members 120 and the frame side member 103 to ensure a predetermined angle between the leg member and the frame side member. In this regard, each supporting leg member 120 is coupled to the frame side members so that the legs terminate at ground level should the base be resting on the ground.

[0078] Protective cladding can be attached to the outer perimeter of the structure with an at least one panel having an aperture through which a fluidic connector can protrude or be attached to which in turn could be fluidically connected to the storage vessel outlet or a fluidic component connected to the storage vessel outlet. [0079] Anchor ropes can be attached to the frame to anchor the structure to the ground. [0080] A number of further features will now be described.

[0081] Frame base members 101 are connected via a clamping mechanism or bracket arrangement 102 to form a multi sided closed path which in this case forms a square.

[0082] Frame side members 103 are connected via mechanism 102 to the base so that the frame side members 103 are substantially vertical and angled outwardly.

[0083] Frame top members 105 are connected to frame side members 103 via a clamping mechanism or bracket arrangement 104 and angled inwardly to meet in a point and attached to one another via mechanism 106 on the axis passing perpendicularly through the centre of the plane defined by the base as formed by interconnected members 101.

[0084] A perforated cover 107 is fitted over the frame top members 105 such that it extends to the edges of the collector comprising panels 108 which are adjacently attached via a seam and where each panel 108 is attached via a seam to a floor panel 109 to form the collector.

[0085] The collector comprising panels 108 and floor panel 109 is attached to panels 111 via a seam which are in turn attached adjacently to one another and each being attached via a seam to panels 112 which are in turn adjacently attached to one another via a seam and each panel 112 is attached to a floor panel (not shown) to form a liquid tight container bladder arrangement.

[0086] The collector floor panel 109 has an aperture 110 through which water collected can flow into the containment area comprising panels 112, 111 and the floor panel (not shown) attached to panels 112.

[0087] The aperture 110 can optionally be fitted with a removeably mounted screen, mesh or filter arrangement (not shown).

[0088] At least one of panels 111 is fitted with an overflow aperture 113 which can optionally be fitted with a screen or self-closing aperture cover (not shown) that will allow water to over flow from the liquid containment cavity when full. [0089] At least one of panels 112 has an aperture 114 situated towards the bottom of the liquid containment area for purpose of extracting water from the liquid containment area. Typically the aperture 1 14 is fitted with a fluidic connector (not shown) to allow fluidic connection of the liquid containment area to another fluidic management component (not shown) such as a valve or pipe.

[0090] The fluidic containment embodiment walls and ceiling comprising panels 109, 111 and 112 are suspended via anchor ropes 115 which are attached at points 116 and to the mechanism 106.

[0091] The panel 109 is raised in the centre via a rope attached to panel 109 at point 118 and the mechanism 106.

[0092] Each of the external corners formed where two panels 108 meet and are attached is attached to the mechanism 104.

[0093] Each of the external corners formed where two adjacent panels 111 and two adjacent panels 112 meet in a single point is attached to an attachment point 119 provided on each frame side member 103.

[0094] Each of the external corners formed where two adjacent panels 112 meet in a single point with the floor panel (not shown) is attached to an attachment point provided on arrangement 102.

[0095] Stabilising legs 120 are attached to each frame side member 103 via an attachment point 121 and constraint in its extension via members 122 being attached to each leg 120 and the arrangement 102.

[0096] Accordingly, the above described arrangement allows the apparatus to be manufactured as to form a kit comprising loose members making up the frame, clamping mechanisms or brackets to connect the frame members to form a frame and a combined rainwater catchment and water containment bladder which can be collapsed and packaged or stored in a compact form. This reduces storage space and allows for easy shipment especially to remote and hard to access areas where it can be easily and quickly deployed without the need for any on-site construction or earth works or specialised skills. [0097] Outer cladding can be attached to the framework once assembled on-site to add long term protection to the water containment bladder and collector from external mechanical damage and element damage such as sun light.

[0098] Having the cover detachably mounted to the collector edges and the collector floor raised in the centre and the water drain apertures positioned towards the edges of the collector floor allows for easy access to the removably mounted filters through which water passes from the collector into the containment area.

[0099] In areas of potential high winds the frame can be additionally anchored to the ground via anchor ropes.

[0100] Where anchor ropes are utilised the stabilising legs could be omitted, especially on smaller scaled units.

[0101] A further example of apparatus for use in combined rain water catchment and water storage will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0102] In this example, the apparatus includes a frame 210, a storage vessel 220, a collector 230 and a cover 240. The storage vessel 220 includes a storage vessel base 221, at least one storage vessel side wall 222 and a storage vessel top 223, which define a storage cavity for storing water. A storage vessel outlet 224 is provided in a side wall proximate to the storage vessel base 221 to allow water to be extracted, whilst a storage vessel inlet (not shown) is provided in the storage vessel top 223. The collector 230 includes at least one collector side wall 231 that is attached to the frame 210 and extends upwardly and outwardly from the storage vessel top to a collector opening, which defines a water collector perimeter in fluid communication with the storage vessel inlet, so that water is funnelled by the water collector into the storage vessel via the storage vessel inlet(s). A fluid permeable cover 240 is provided extending over the collector opening to prevent ingress of debris and other non- liquid material.

[0103] Accordingly, as in the previous example this provides a convenient and cheap arrangement for collecting and storing rain water.

[0104] A number of further features will now be described. [0105] In particular, an example of the frame will now be described with reference to Figures 3 A to 3D.

[0106] In this example, the frame 210 includes a frame base constructed from a number of frame base members 311, frame side members 312 extending upwardly from the frame base, lateral connecting members 313 extending between upper ends of the frame side members, and frame top members 314 attached to upper ends of the side members. Each of the frame base, side, lateral connecting and top members 311, 312, 313, 314 are typically made of metal or plastic tubular extrusions or pipes, which have high strength and low weight characteristics, although any suitable members could be used.

[0107] In this example, the frame base, side members and lateral connecting members 311, 312, 313 form a generally cuboid configuration that accommodates the storage vessel 220 and collector 230, whilst the frame top members 314 have pyramidal configuration for supporting the cover 240. Although the base is generally square in this example, it will be appreciated that other shapes such as triangular, rectangular or any multisided polygon could be used.

[0108] The frame base members 311 are connected via base corner connectors 315 to form a closed path, with the frame side members 312 being connected to and extending upwardly from the base corner connectors 315. An example base corner connector 315 is shown in Figure 3B. In particular, the base corner connector includes three connector sockets 315.1, 315.2, 315.3 orientated orthogonally along X, Y and Z axes, each being adapted to receive a respective frame base or frame side member 311, 312. The frame base or frame side member 311, 312 are typically retained in the respective sockets using a clip, friction, interference fit or other appropriate arrangement as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0109] The base corner connector 315 further includes a securing plate 315.4 including an eye 315.5 allowing a securing device such as a tent peg or similar to be inserted therethrough and into the ground, thereby securing the base corner connector 315 in a desired position.

[0110] A top end of the frame side members 312, the lateral connecting members 313 and top members 314 are interconnected via top corner connectors 316. As shown in Figure 3C, each top corner connector includes connecting sockets 316.1, 316.2, 316.3 extending in orthogonal directions along X, Y and Z axes respectively, to receive the frame side and lateral connecting members 312, 313 as required. The top corner connector 316 further includes an angled top socket 316.4 adapted to receive a frame top member 314. The frame top members 315 are further interconnected via an apex corner connector 317, an example of which is shown in Figure 3D. The apex corner connector 317, includes four sockets 317.1, 317.2, 317.3. 317.4 extending in angled downward directions, each being adapted to receive a respective frame top member 314. Again, the members are retained in the respective sockets using a clip, friction, interference fit or other suitable mechanism.

[0111] An example of the storage vessel and water collector is shown in more detail in Figure 4.

[0112] In this example, the storage vessel has a generally circular base 221 and a frustoconically shaped side wall 222 extending upwardly and inwardly to a circular top 223 thereby defining a bladder for storing water. The base, side wall and top are typically made of laminar plastic sheeting, a fluid impermeable canvas, PVC material, or the like.

[0113] The circular base 221 includes a number of circumferentially spaced tabs 421.1 around an outer edge of the base, with each tab 421.1 including an eyelet, allowing a fastener, such as a tent peg or similar, to be inserted therethrough and used to secure the storage vessel 220 to the ground. Alternatively, this can be used to connect the storage vessel directly to the frame utilising suitable tensioning cables or similar.

[0114] The storage vessel top 223 includes a number of inlets 423.1 circumferentially spaced around an outer edge of the top allowing water to flow ther ether ethrough. The storage vessel top 223 further includes an eyelet 423.2 which is used to suspend the storage vessel top from an apex of the frame, and in particular the apex connector 317, thereby elevating the centre of the storage vessel top relative to the edge, so that water flows towards the edge and hence into the inlets 423.1. The inlets 423.1 may optionally include filters to filter water as it enters the storage vessel.

[0115] A number of overflow outlets 422.1 extends circumferentially around a top end of the storage vessel wall 222 allowing excess water to flow out of the bladder thereby preventing damage to the storage vessel in an overflow scenario. [0116] In this example, the collector 230 is formed from four panels 431, which define a substantially square water collecting perimeter which extends downwardly and inwardly to meet the collector top 223. An outer edge of the collector includes spaced apart eyelets 431.1, which can be used to secure the collector to the frame. In this configuration, the collector 230 seals with the storage vessel 220, either along an upper edge of the side wall 222, or with the top wall 223, to prevent leakage of water. The collector 230 also operates to support the storage vessel 220 so that the storage vessel 220 does not necessarily need to be connected directly to the frame.

[0117] An example of the cover is shown in more detail in Figures 5A to 5C.

[0118] In this example, the cover includes a cover body 541 having a generally pyramidal shape and fabricated from a permeable material, such as a woven fabric, mesh or the like. The cover includes corner strengthening members 542 which have a generally triangular configuration and can be the form of high strength fabric, plastic, or other permeable or non- permeable material. The corner members 542 are adapted to act to provide additional strengthening to allow attachment of securing members, such as anchor ropes or straps 543.1, which are typically attached by a buckle 543.2 to allow a tension to be adjusted, thereby securing the cover in position. The corner members 542 also act to provide protection against rubbing between the cover the frame 210, and particularly the top corner connectors 516. An apex strengthening portion 544 can be provided at a peak of the cover 541, which again can include fabric or plastic and is used to avoid damage through rubbing on the apex connector 517.

[0119] In order to provide water tight seals, a number of different sealing arrangements are used, as shown in Figures 6 A and 6B.

[0120] Where two panels are joined together, such as along adjacent edges between the water collector panels 431.1 adjacent panels 601, 602 are folded back on themselves and interleaved with parallel stitches 603 being provided, each passing through both panels twice 601, 602, to ensure a strong and watertight join. Where an edge seam is provided, the panel 601 is folded back on itself, as shown in Figure 6B, with a tape 604 being overlaid on the folded panel, and stitched using two parallel lines of stitching 605, so that the tape is firmaly attached to the panel to thereby provide additional strength. [0121] It will be appreciated that features of the two embodiments can be used in conjunction or interchangeably and that reference to the use of features in one embodiment is not intended to preclude use in the other embodiment.

[0122] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0123] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.