THIS invention relates to a rainwater distribution apparatus arranged to be connected between a rainwater storage tank and a source of municipal water harvester tank assembly, and an associated housing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION One of the major problems associated with water distribution systems arranged to connect a water storage tank with a source of municipal water for purposes of providing pressurized water to an outlet device, such as a cistern, is that there may be a backflow in the water from the outlet device which may ultimately contaminate the water in the storage tank and the source of municipal water.

In addition, the water from either the storage tank and/or source of municipal water may contain debris or particulate matter which may ultimately contaminate or result in blockages of outlet devices.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a water distribution apparatus that will ameliorate at least some of the abovementioned problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a water distribution apparatus comprising: a municipal water conduit for receiving pressurized municipal water from a municipal water source; a storage water conduit for receiving water from a water storage tank; a discharge conduit for releasing one of municipal water, water from the storage tank, and water comprising a mixture of the municipal water and water from the water storage tank; and a purge mechanism fitted to the municipal water conduit, the purge mechanism comprising: a purge conduit extending from the municipal water conduit; and an automatic valve fitted between the purge conduit and municipal water conduit, the automatic valve comprising a first inlet in fluid communication with the municipal water conduit, a second inlet in fluid communication with the purge conduit and a discharge outlet, the automatic valve being operable between a first closed configuration, in which forward moving water in the municipal water conduit enters the valve through the first inlet to urge the automatic valve, against a bias, to a closed configuration which closes the second inlet and outlet, to allow forward moving water in the municipal water conduit to pass to the discharge conduit, and a second closed configuration in which the automatic valve is biased to a second closed configuration in which the first inlet is closed and the second inlet and the outlet are opened to allow backflowing water to be received into the valve through the second inlet and be discharged through the outlet thereof. The municipal water conduit may accordingly comprise a first outlet in communication with the first inlet of the automatic valve and a second outlet from which the purge conduit extends.

The water distribution mechanism may further comprise a backflow prevention system comprising a first non-return valve fitted to the municipal water conduit ahead of the first outlet of the municipal water conduit (i.e. in between the first and second outlets of the municipal water conduit) and a second non-return valve fitted in the municipal water conduit ahead of the second outlet of the municipal conduit.

The backflow prevention system may further comprise a third non return valve fitted along the length of the storage water conduit.

The water distribution apparatus may further comprise a fluid pressure arrangement connected between the municipal water conduit and water storage conduit for creating a pressure difference in the water storage conduit when a motive fluid, preferably in the form of municipal water, passes therethrough.

The fluid pressure arrangement may be in a form of a venturi arrangement comprising a nozzle connected to an end (or third outlet) of the municipal water conduit, a venturi chamber accommodating the nozzle and extending transversely relative to the nozzle, the venturi chamber being connected to an outlet of the water storage conduit, and a narrow/constricted mixing conduit in communication with the nozzle or tip of the nozzle.

In an embodiment, the water storage conduit, municipal water storage and discharge conduit may be in communication with one another through the fluid pressure arrangement. The water distribution apparatus may comprise control valves, typically mechanically operable valves, on each of the municipal conduit, discharge conduit and water storage conduits.

The control valves may be in the form of ball valves with suitable actuators/handles to displace the valves between opened and closed configurations. The water distribution apparatus may comprise a filtration arrangement comprising filter members fitted to at least one of the municipal water conduit, discharge conduit, and storage water conduit.

The water distribution apparatus may further comprise a housing defining the conduits/channels, and further defining openings for accommodating control valves, filters and backflow prevention system. The housing may be in a form of a slab defining channels which are sized and dimensioned to accommodate the conduits, valves, filters, and backflow prevention mechanism.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing defining a first inlet and a municipal water conduit for receiving pressurized municipal water from a municipal water source, the municipal conduit being in fluid communication with the first inlet; the housing further defining a second inlet and a storage water conduit for receiving water from a water storage tank, the storage water conduit being in communication with the second inlet; the housing further defining an outlet and a discharge conduit for releasing one of municipal water, water from the storage tank, and water comprising a mixture of the municipal water and water from the water storage tank, the discharge outlet being in communication with the discharge conduit; and the housing further defining a purge conduit extending from the municipal water conduit.

The housing may further define a fluid pressure arrangement connected between the municipal water conduit and water storage conduit for creating a pressure difference in the water storage conduit when a motive fluid, preferably in the form of municipal water, passes therethrough.

The fluid pressure arrangement may be in a form of a venturi arrangement, wherein the housing defining a nozzle connected to an end of the municipal water conduit, the housing further defining a venturi chamber accommodating the nozzle and extending transversely relative to the nozzle, wherein the venturi chamber being connected to an outlet of the water storage conduit, and the housing further defining a narrow/constricted mixing conduit in communication with the nozzle or tip of the nozzle.

The municipal conduit may comprise a bended section, in particular a U-bended section proximate the outlet thereof.

The housing may comprise a first part and a second part, wherein each part is substantially in a shape of a rectangular slab, wherein each part at least defining a portion of the inlets, outlet and conduits described hereinbefore such that assembly of the first and second parts configures the parts into the housing defining the conduits mentioned hereinbefore.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of printing the housing of the second aspect of the invention, comprising: processing (e.g., 3D scanning) the housing of the second aspect of the invention into forming a digital file of the housing, the digital file of the housing comprising instructions which are arranged to control a 3D printer to print out the housing, in use.

The method may further include the step of storing the digital file on a memory device or on a physical or digital (i.e., storage pool) storage location.

The method may further include downloading the digital file onto the 3D printer, in use to allow the digital file to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the housing.

The method may further include transferring the digital file to the 3D printer, in use to allow the digital file to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the housing.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of printing an article including at least the housing according to the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising: storing a digital file thereof, the digital file comprising instructions which are arranged to control a 3D printer to print out the article, in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein: FIG. 1A shown a perspective view of a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, wherein the rainwater distribution apparatus comprises quick connectors, ball valves and clear twist caps allowing for visual inspection of the components inside a housing of the rainwater distribution apparatus;

FIG. 1B shows a top view of a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with all components including hidden details of internal water flow channels/conduits illustrated;

FIG. 2A shows another perspective view of a portion of a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, particularly a rainwater distribution apparatus with a housing thereof illustratively sectioned/cut to expose the internal water flow channels/conduit and components thereof ;

FIG. 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the rainwater distribution apparatus illustrated in FIG 2A showing the cavities in the housing which accommodates the components thereof;

FIG.3A shows a top sectional view of the housing of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention showing a layout of the water flow channels/conduits;

FIG.3B shows a top sectional view of a portion of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention with a housing thereof sectioned/cut and clear twist caps thereof removed, and further showing the various water feeds with arrows used to describe the various flow paths;

FIG.3C shows a top sectional view of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, particularly an arrangement with the housing thereof sectioned/cut and the clear twist caps thereof removed, with the various water feeds and their associated backflow channels shown with arrows used to describe the various flow paths and the points or zones where backflow is prohibited;

FIG.4A shows a top view of a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.4B shows a crop view of a fluid pressure arrangement (i.e. venturi system) of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with the invention, the venturi system showing a venturi nozzle assembly, a venturi mixing chamber and the high- and low- pressure inlets to the venturi system;

FIG 4.C shows a top view of a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention and Detail B, an expanded view of which is illustrated in FIG. 4D;

FIG.4D shows a detailed view of a purge mechanism (i.e. Reduced Pressure Zone System) in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention showing an automatic valve (i.e. a Dual Pressure Release Valve (DPRV)) fitted between a purge conduit and a water line, as well as part of a backflow prevention system comprising a primary and secondary check valves;

FIGs.5A & 5B show front and perspective views of a ball valve assembly in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6A shows a front view of a strainer arrangement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6B shows a cross section view of the strainer arrangement taken along line B-B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the strainer arrangement distribution apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6D shows an opposite perspective view of the strainer arrangement of FIG. 6C;

FIG.7A shows a front view of a DPRV in accordance with the invention; FIG. 7B shows a sectional view of the DPRV taken along line F-F;

FIG. 7C shows a rear view of the DPRV of Figs. 7A and 7B;

FIG.7D shows a rear view of the DPRV of Figs. 7A and 7B;

FIG.7E shows an exploded perspective view of the DPRV showing the internal components thereof in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.8A shows an isometric view of a check valve of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG.8B shows a front view of the check valve of FIG. 8A;

FIG.8C shows a cross sectional view of the check valve of Fig. 8B taken along line E-E;

FIG.8D shows an exploded front isometric view of the check valve;

FIG.8E shows an exploded rear view of the check valve;

FIG.9A shows a perspective view of a venturi nozzle assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG.9B shows a front view of the venturi nozzle assembly;

FIG.9C shows a cross-sectional view of the venturi nozzle assembly taken along line A-A;

FIG.9D shows an exploded isometric view of the venturi nozzle assembly;

FIG. 10A shows a front view of a swing gate valve assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention ;

FIG. 10B shows a sectional view of the swing gate valve assembly taken along line A-A as shown in Figure 10A;

FIG. 10C shows a perspective view of the swing gate assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10D shows an exploded view of the swing gate assembly; and FIG. 11 shows a table containing a list of parts of the components of the rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

It will be appreciated that the phrase “for example,” “such as”, and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the use of the phrase “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

Unless otherwise stated, some features of the subject matter described herein, which are, described in the context of separate embodiments for purposes of clarity, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Similarly, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. For brevity, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e. , meaning “having the potential to”), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”).

The words “include,” “including,” and “includes” and the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and “comprises” mean including and comprising, but not limited to, respectively. As can be seen in Figs. 1A - 4B, there is provided a rainwater distribution apparatus in accordance with the invention designated generally by reference numeral (10). The rainwater distribution apparatus (10) comprises of seven primary flow control components, apart from structural components such as a housing (12) of the rainwater distribution apparatus (10). The seven flow control components comprise of control valves (i.e. ball valves) (14, 16, 18), a filtration arrangement comprising filters in the form of strainers (20, 22), an automatic valve arrangement (i.e. a Dual Pressure Release Valve (DPRV) (24), non-return check valves (26, 28), a venturi nozzle assembly (30) and a non-return swing gate valve (32). Figs. 2A and Fig. 2B show diagrams of the component assemblies and their associated positions in housing (12) of the rainwater distribution apparatus.

The housing (12) is typically waterproof and houses the various components of the apparatus (10). The housing (12) may comprise two parts which sealing mate together to define various conduits and channels which provide flow paths for water travelling through the apparatus (10). The rainwater distribution apparatus (50) comprises the housing (12) which is arranged to house and accommodate the components thereof. The housing (12) defines a municipal water inlet (Ml) connected/connectable to or comprising a quick connector C (see Fig. 2B) that is arranged to mate with a corresponding connector of a source of water, such a municipal water line. For ease of illustration, lead lines to the connectors C may refer to their respective ports. As alluded to above, the housing 12 defines conduits or channels which provide flow paths for the flow of water therethrough. For brevity, “water” in the context of this specification is meant to be understood that water which is obtained from natural sources such as rain and also sources from a municipal water source thus it follows that the word “water” used herein may be understood in its broadest sense unless of course specifically mentioned otherwise.

As illustrated in Fig. 3A, the municipal water inlet (Ml) is in fluid communication with a municipal conduit or channel (MC) defining a municipal flow path that has a U-bend section or in other words a U-shaped bend portion or section (32). The municipal channel (MC) is in fluid communication with the DPRV (24). In particular, the municipal channel (MC) has a first port (34)and a second port (36) located downstream from the first port (34) along the municipal channel (MC).

A purge conduit (38) extends between the second inlet (36) and the DPRV (24), wherein the purge conduit (38) is operatively in fluid communication with an inlet port 40 of the DPRV (24), as will be described below. The rainwater distribution apparatus (10) further comprises a storage water inlet (SI) which is in communication with a storage water channel (SC) defining a storage water flow path. The inlet (SI) may also be connected/connectable to or comprise a similar quick connector C as the municipal inlet Ml. The storage water channel (SC) is in flow communication with and/or intersects with a swing gate valve (32) (as will be described in more detail below). The outlet of the swing gate valve (32) is in communication with a venturi chamber of the venturi nozzle assembly (30) as will be described below.

It will be understood that the water received from the municipal water inlet (Ml) may be at a higher pressure than the water received via the storage water inlet (SI). It will be appreciated that under most circumstances, the water flowing into the apparatus 10 via the storage water channel (SC) may be at a lower pressure than water flowing into the apparatus 10 via the municipal channel or conduit (Ml).

The rainwater distribution apparatus (10) further comprises a discharge outlet (DO) which is in communication with a discharge outlet channel/conduit (OC) defining a discharge flow path which is in flow communication with and/or intersects with the venturi assembly (30).

Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, each ball valve (14,16,18) comprises a ball valve body (42) through which the water flow passes when the ball valve (14, 16,18) is displaced to an open position. The ball valve (14, 16, 18) comprises two concentric and co-axially arranged O-rings (44, 46) which assist with sealing the body (42) within a ball valve housing (48). The ball valve housing (48) has a cuboidal shape, which is specific to the rainwater distribution apparatus (10), and assists with sealing the ball valve (14, 16, 18) in a suitable cavity defined by the housing (12) of the rainwater distribution apparatus (10). The ball valve (14, 16, 18) comprises a dial or handle (3) which is used to change the position of the ball valve (27) between the opened and closed positions on actuation thereof between operative open and closed positions, for example, by turning the handle (3) either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The rainwater distribution apparatus (10) comprises strainers (20, 22) which are respectively fitted in and accommodated within the municipal water channel (MC) and the storage water channel (SC) of the rainwater distribution apparatus housing (12). It will be appreciated that the municipal water channel, storage water channel and the discharge channel of the rainwater distribution apparatus housing (12) all are in flow communication with the strainers (20, 22). In particular, the strainers (20, 22) intersects the municipal water flow path and the storage water flow path defined by the aforementioned channels.

Referring to Fig. 6, each strainer (20, 22) comprises a body (52) having a first side (54) and second side (56), an upper wall (58) and a base (60). The first side (54) defines a first opening (62) and a second opening (64). The first opening (62) is fitted with a strainer (66) that is in the form of a metal mesh. The second opening (64) is fitted with a seal in the form of an O- ring (68). The strainer arrangement (20, 22) comprises an elongate cylindrical handle (that projects from the upper wall (58).

Referring to Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C, the automatic control valve (i.e. DPRV (24)) comprises a piston (70), a cylindrical valve body (72) housing the piston (70), two sealing members (for example, two O-rings) (74, 76) each located at end of the DPRV (24), two washers (78), an urging element/biasing element (i.e. spring) (80), a first inlet (i.e. high pressure DPRV inlet) (84) that is in communication with the first port 34 of the municipal water channel (MC), a second inlet (low pressure DPRV inlet) (86) that is in communication with the purge conduit (38), and a backflow or discharge water outlet (82), as will be described in more detail below. The piston (70) is fitted with the two flat O-shaped washers (78) on either of its faces and a spring (80) surrounding the piston (70). The piston- washer-spring assembly is arranged to slide back and forth (i.e. reciprocate) in a cylindrical cavity defined by the valve body (72) between two closed positions, namely a first closed position wherein the second inlet (86) and discharge outlet (82) are closed, and a second closed position wherein the first inlet (84) is closed and the second inlet (86) and discharge outlet (82) are open. The reciprocating movement of the piston (70) is dependent on the application of pressure on the piston (70) via the municipal water flowing through the high-pressure inlet (84). The washers (78) seal against an internal face of the valve body (72) when pressure is applied to the piston- washer-spring assembly.

The rainwater distribution apparatus (10) further comprises a lid or cap (88) fitted to the housing (12) and threadably fitted over part of the length of the DPRV (24). The lid or cap 88 typically prevents egress of insects and debris into the DPRV (24).

In use, when municipal water flows through the municipal water channel (MC) in a forward or downstream (D1) direction as shown in Fig. 3B, the piston body (70) is urged by the municipal water in the direction of the second inlet (86) to seal off the second inlet (i.e. fault indication inlet hole) (86) and the discharge or backflow outlet (82). The spring (80) is arranged to be urged and compressed when forward pressurized water, received through a municipal water inlet (Ml), moves in a forward direction (D1) in the municipal water channel (MC), and releases, thereby displacing/urging/biasing the piston to the rest, closed position, when the water pressure is removed during a backflow cycle.

In use, as shown in Fig. 3C, the spring (80) decompresses when water in the municipal water channel (MC) flows in backflow, pushing the piston (70) back to close the first inlet (84) thereof and revealing the second inlet (86) to allow backflowing water to be discharged through the backflow discharge outlet (82) and out via the purge outlet (PO) of the housing 12. The two O-rings (74, 76) are placed in matching grooves on an exterior of the valve body (72) to seal the automatic valve in the housing (12) and prevent incorrect leaking from the backflow discharge outlet (82). A securing element in the form of a pin (not shown) is used to secure the automatic valve (24) to a cavity in the housing (12) accommodating the automatic valve (24) to prevent the automatic valve (24) from sliding out of the cavity, during use.

The rainwater distribution apparatus 10 comprises a backflow prevention mechanism or arrangement comprising check valve assemblies (14, 16) which are fitted in the municipal water channel.

Referring to Fig. 8, each check valve assembly 14, 16, 18 comprises a check valve housing (90) having an upper wall (92) and a base (94), convex side walls (96, 98), a front wall (100) and a rear wall (102) . The check valve housing (90) defines a first opening (104) and a second opening (106) through which is fitted a check valve (114, 116, 118). The second opening (106) is fitted with a seal in the form of an O-ring (120). Each check valve housing (90) fits into a dedicated rubber sleeve (122) with a cavity matching the check valve outer diameter. The internal face of the sleeve (122) cavity uses a “built in O-ring” protrusion (not shown). Each check valve (114, 116, 118) seals against this O-ring protrusion when the check valve assembly (4, 16, 18) is compressed and placed into the respective cavity defined along the municipal water channel (MC).

Referring to Figures. 10A and Fig. 10B, the backflow prevention mechanism further comprises a non-return swing gate valve assembly (32) which includes a disc (130) that has a connector pin (130.1) for allowing the disc (130) to swing/pivot between open and closed positions, a wafer/seat (132), two O-rings (134, 136), and a swing gate valve assembly housing (138) defining a cavity for accommodating the disc (130) and the wafer (132). The housing (138) comprises an upper wall (140) and a base (142), opened sides (144, 146), a front wall (148) and a rear wall (150). The housing (138) defines a first opening (152) on the front wall (148) and a second opening (154) on the rear wall (150). The disc (130), which includes the built-in pin (130.1), rests in the cavity relative to the rear wall (150) and the wafer (148) is accommodated in the cavity relative to the opening (152) defined in the front wall (148). The disc pin (130.1) is secured by grub screws (not shown), fastened to the swing gate valve assembly housing (138). The O-rings (134, 136) are each placed in matching grooves defined by externally by the housing (138). When the swing gate valve (32) is in the shut/closed/rest position, the disc (130) seals against the wafer (132) to prevent fluid from flowing from the second opening (154) to the first opening (152), and when in the opened configuration the disc (130) is displaced towards the second opening (154) to allow fluid to flow from the first opening (152) through the cavity and to the second opening (154). The housing (138) is fitted with a sleeve (156) that is of the similar configuration as the sleeve (122) described above. The housing (138) allows the complete sealing of the swing gate valve assembly (32) in a cavity dedicated therefor in the housing (12). Referring to Figures. 9A to Fig. 9D, the rain water distribution apparatus 10 comprises a fluid pressure arrangement (30) (i.e. venturi nozzle assembly) comprising a nozzle body (160) comprising an outer ring (162) defining an opening of the nozzle body (160) and a shaft (164) of a constricting diameter that gradually constricts from the opening defined by the ring (162) to an outlet (166) thereof. The shaft (164) may thus have conical shape. The nozzle body (160) is fitted to an end (i.e. third outlet) of the municipal water channel (MC). The venturi nozzle assembly (30) further comprises an open-ended rod (170) (typically a brass rod) and a plurality of washers (first nozzle body washer (172), second nozzle body washer (174), third nozzle body washer (176), and a fourth nozzle body washer (178)). The nozzle body (160) comprises a high-pressure inlet (which corresponds with a third outlet of the municipal water channel) and comprises the outlet (166) defined by a tip of the nozzle body (160). The brass rod (170) is snugly fitted into the tip of the nozzle body (160) to enhance the quality of a laminar stream of water emerging therefrom. The first nozzle body washer (172) is placed on a groove in the face of the nozzle body (160) to seal the nozzle body (160) in a cavity dedicated therefor in the housing (12). The first nozzle body washer (172) is arranged to prevent the high-pressure municipal water from circumventing the nozzle body (160) and interfering with the laminar stream. A low-pressure mixing chamber defined by a housing (180) of the pressure arrangement (30) accommodates the nozzle body (160) and is arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (160). The mixing chamber extends from an end of the water storage conduit/channel

(SC) which accommodates the swing gate valve assembly (32). A high- pressure mixing chamber (33) defined by a narrow conduit extends transversely to the low-pressure mixing chamber (31). The brass rod (170) is arranged to discharge the high pressurized water into the high-pressure chamber spaced therefrom and is arranged to create a low pressure zone around the end thereof as it discharges the high-pressure water into the high- pressure chamber. As a result of the created low pressure zone, the low pressure zone instantaneously creates a suctioning force/pressure in the storage water conduit to cause water stored in a storage tank (not shown) connected to the water storage conduit via the inlet (SI) to be sucked into the water storage channel and travel into the low pressure chamber (33) where it can be released into, and mixed with municipal water, in the high pressure chamber and be consequently discharged through the discharge outlet (O).

The housing (180) of the pressure arrangement (30) comprises a front wall (182) that faces the high-pressure outlet of the municipal line (MC) and a rear wall (184) that faces the high-pressure chamber, and side walls (29D, 29E). Each of the front and rear walls (182, 184) and side walls (186, 188) define openings that accommodate O-rings. The housing (180) further comprises an upper wall (not shown) that is fitted between the walls (182 to 188) from which extends a sleeve (190). The sleeve (190) is of the same configuration as the sleeves described above. The purpose of the venturi nozzle assembly (30) is to direct the high- pressure flow of municipal water through an orifice defined by an outlet of the venturi nozzle assembly (30) as describe above and will be described further below. The high-pressure municipal water flow passes through the venturi nozzle body (160) having a narrowing diameter, where the flow path diameter is reduced in stages from an inlet diameter thereof of 13.6mm to the venturi nozzle outlet having a diameter of 1.8mm. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, constricting the diameter of the nozzle body (160) causes the velocity of the flowing water to be increased (for example, by a factor of roughly 57) such that a high-speed stream is released from the nozzle tip and through the brass rod (170) which ensures that the high velocity flowing water is laminar. Upon exiting the nozzle tip, the high speed, laminar stream creates a low-pressure zone/vacuum around the nozzle tip which subsequently suctions water from a low-pressure source (i.e. the water storage tank (not shown)), through the water storage conduit.

It will therefore be appreciated that one of the primary functions of the rainwater distribution apparatus (10) is to utilize the high-pressure municipal water feed (at an average of 3 bar) to suction water from a water storage tank (not shown) which is kept at atmospheric pressure, using a venturi nozzle assembly (30). The mixture of municipal water and water from the storage tank (not shown) can then be used in an outlet device, for example it can be used towards filling a toilet cistern. The flow paths of the municipal and harvested water feeds, as well as the mixed flow outlet feed are indicated in Fig. 3B, as mentioned before. This forward flow path exists only when there is pressure in the municipal line that is connected to the municipal inlet (Ml).

The high-pressure municipal water flow acts as a motive fluid arranged to cause the sucking/pulling of storage water from the storage tank (not shown). Both fluids (i.e. water from the storage tank and municipal water) enter the mixing chamber (Figure 3A), substantially at an equal pressure, forming the mixed water flow which is then released through the discharge outlet (O). A number of critical factors such as the pressure of the motive fluid, the nozzle outlet diameter and the position of the nozzle outlet in relation to the high-pressure mixing chamber(Figure 3A), dictate the ratio of municipal water to harvested water entering the toilet cistern.

As mentioned above and detailed below, the venturi nozzle assembly (30) functions as functions as follows:

1. Municipal water enters the nozzle body (160) at the high- pressure inlet (29).

2. The brass rod (170) inserted into a tip of the nozzle body (160) and spaced from the high-pressure chamber (31) reduces manufacturing inaccuracies and is therefore able to accurately constrict the flow to the required speed whilst maintaining its laminar state.

3. The fluid is released into the high-pressure mixing chamber (31)) as a high velocity laminar flow, creating the low-pressure zone around the tip of the nozzle which thus causes water in a storage tank (not shown) to be suctioned into the low pressure mixing chamber (33) and then released into the high pressure mixing chamber (31).

The secondary function of the rainwater distribution apparatus (10) is based on backflow protection by means of the backflow prevention mechanism as mentioned above. The backflow prevention system includes the first check valve (26) fitted downstream from the port in between the first and second outlet ports (34) and (36) of the municipal water channel (MC), and a second check valve (28) fitted downstream (in the direction of D1)of the second outlet port (36) but situated before the U-bend section of the municipal water channel. The check valves (26, 28) are arranged to permit the flow of water in one direction only - from a given source of water (for example: a municipal water source) to an end user or outlet device (such as a cistern). The backflow prevention mechanism also comprises the swing gate valve assembly (32) fitted to the storage water channel, as described above. The swing gate valve assembly (32) prevents the backflow of mixed water into the rainwater storage tanks (not shown) and the check valves (26, 28) are arranged to prevent backflowing water from being discharged through the municipal water inlet (Ml). The backflow of water may be understood to mean water flowing upstream or opposite to the direction of arrow D1 in the municipal channel (MC).

Typically, when there is no pressure in the municipal water channel (e.g., in the event that the municipality turns the water of for maintenance), the backflow prevention mechanism of the present invention is arranged to prevent water flow from the check valves (26, 28) to the municipal inlet (Ml) and from the swing gate valve assembly (32) to the storage tank inlet (SI), ensuring zero contamination of the municipal water and storage water, respectively.

Typically, the check valves (26, 28) are normally configured in a closed configuration and require a minimum “cracking pressure” of 0.1 bar to open and allow water to flow therethrough. However, when the high-pressure municipal channel is depressurized, the backflow prevention system comprising the check valves (26, 28) begins to function to prevent the backflow of mixed water from contaminating the municipal water source.

To explain the backflow condition in more detail, it will be noted that in the backflow condition, mixed water flows backwards from the mixing chamber until it reaches the second check valve (28). If the minimum cracking pressure threshold of the check valve (28) is not met, the check valve (28) will remain closed and second check valve will perform its primary function of ensuring that the backflowing mixed water is prevented from proceeding any further. However, in the event that second check valve (28) is dysfunctional, the first check valve (26) that is fitted between the first and second outlets (34) and (36) of the municipal channel will serve the secondary function of ensuring that the backflowing water is prevented from reaching the municipal water inlet (Ml). Therefore, when the second check valve (28) is dysfunctional and allows mixed water to pass through it, a portion of this backflowing water is fed into the second inlet (36) that is in communication with the purge conduit (38), where the water will be charged through the second inlet (86) of the automatic valve (24). The depressurization of the municipal channel would mean that the water in the municipal line would be depressurized and the piston (70) would be urged to the rest, closed configuration in which the first outlet (34) of the municipal channel would be closed and the discharge outlet (82) would be open to allow the backflowing water to be discharge therethrough and out of the apparatus 10 via the discharge channel (DO). The discharge channel (DO) may be transparent to indicate to a user that there is backflowing water in the rainwater distribution apparatus (10). This flow of backflowing water through the discharge channel (DO) alerts the user that there may be a fault in second check valve (28). The first check valve (26) ensures that the backflowing water does not reach the municipal water inlet (Ml), however the backflowing water through the discharge outlet (DO) may also prompt the user to double check the integrity of the first check valve (28). It will be appreciated that the housing described above could be manufactured by using 3D printing techniques.

It will also be appreciated that a digital file of the housing (1) could be used for 3D printing the housing on a 3D printer. Typically, the housing (1) as described above could be processed, typically by 3D scanning. Upon 3D scanning the housing, the CAD file obtained from the 3D scanning could be converted into a digital file of the housing (1 ), wherein the digital file comprises suitable machine-readable instructions which are arranged to control the operation of the 3D printer into printing out the housing. The digital file could be stored in a storage pool, such as the cloud, or on a machine-readable device. In addition, the digital file can be downloadable and electronically transferrable. The digital file could also be uploaded onto the 3D printer by suitable means to provide the 3D printer with access to the digital file, and which digital file is further arranged to cause a processor of the 3D printer to operate according to the machine readable instructed associated therewith.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment and/or example thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to these embodiments.