Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02675555 2015-11-26
IMPROVED WATER HARVESTING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for capturing and
storing water
such as the devices used in harvesting rainwater commonly referred to also as
rain barrels.
More particularly, the present invention relates to such a device for use
above ground, aside the
exterior wall of small buildings predominantly used in conjunction with common
rainwater
collection systems such as those found on residential dwellings and small
commercial
structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It can be appreciated that water harvesting devices have been
around for years.
The purpose of these devices is quite simple, that is to capture water and
store it for later use.
One common example as such is the commonly known rain barrel. The water
harvesting device
in this case captures water that is collected from water collection systems
like an eaves and
downspout system affixed onto a building structure. Once the water is captured
it is stored
within and kept for later use such as drier days when rainwater is not
available. While these
devices have not changed much in past years, public use and concerns
surrounding safety,
improved performance and convenience has risen in recent decades due to their
increased yet
recent popularity for water conservation demand. Current devices in the
present art are not
adequately meeting the rising needs of the public.
[0004] One major concern of these devices is to provide adequate
means for collecting
water most efficiently while also ensuring that foreign matter or debris is
not collected with it or
that may cause an obstruction to water flow. In the example of rainwater
harvesting from a
building collection systems, debris such as twigs, leaves from trees and
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
other matter often accompany rain water exiting from conventional eaves and
downspouts
and without adequate management of these items water inlet areas can fill and
clog with
debris resulting in ineffective water collection or even backing up of the
water toward the
building structure. There are prior art devices for rainwater collection,
filters and the like for
installation within the eaves and downspouts but failing to install these or
properly
maintaining them raises the needs to have these safeguards directly integrated
with the
water harvesting device. Furthermore, many prior art devices that capture such
debris
requires frequent and regular maintenance is required to keep the inlet are
clean resulting in
time consuming maintenance for the user. These debris items, twigs for example
are often
shaped such that they can also enter the water inlet and potentially cause
damage to internal
components of a water harvesting device. In the example of a rainwater
harvesting device,
filtering devices or mosquito safety screens installed at the Inlet are
susceptible to damage
from entering debris. Once a tear or hole is pierced in the safety netting
mosquitoes are free
to enter the device and lay their eggs, potentially leading to the undesired
breeding of the
West Nile Virus.
100051 Another concern with these devices is that adequate means water
and debris
management all year around is not provided. During each season, water and
debris should
be managed so each may be directed in a proper manner so as to: avoid
collection of water
into the tank potentially freezing and causing damage to the device; and avoid
dogging of
flow and potential backing up of water-flow due to debris build-up. Current
rainwater
harvesting devices do not facilitate management of this debris as such.
100061 Furthermore, concerns regarding: easy installation; simple,
worry-free
maintenance; and simple and intuitive mechanisms for flow diversion are all
desired
elements of a water harvesting device which are not addressed with the prior
art. Adequate
means for the above should be provided by integrating the same directly within
or onto the
water device to also avoid the complex piping needs of remotely installed
diverters or filters.
Should a device provide this, installation would be simplified and cost of
commissioning such
a device would reduce.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a water
harvesting device that
provides improved collection, diversion means, reduced user maintenance,
simplified
installation or provides a safer operating device.
- 2 -
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the above it is an object of the present invention
to obviate or
mitigate at least one disadvantage in the prior art, the present invention
provides a debris
diversion enabled water harvesting device.
[0009] Thus in the invention, the improved water harvesting device provides
the
ability to: efficiently collect water while diverting away unwanted debris; do
so in all seasons
of the year; simplify the installation and maintenance of the device or
safeguard the property
dwellers and building from harms associated with water collection and storage.
[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
water storage
receptacle with improved water collection at the area of water entry.
Capability for diversion
of debris is provided at the water entry area for keeping the entry area clear
for subsequent
water flow.
[0011] During colder months when water collection is not desired the
device provides
the means necessary to divert both water and debris from the water entry area
so water
collection can be prevented. A user activated water by-pass is put in place on
the device to
accomplish this.
[0012] Once the flow is away from the water entry area, further means
is provided in
the present invention to continue the diversion of water, debris or both off
of the water
harvesting device further adding to the its diversion capability. A
significantly larger flow area
with much less obstruction or flow restriction is provided. A larger, free
flow results in less
clogging even with situations such as those with the larger, broader type
debris such as
leaves fallen from the tree finding their way into the downspout flow. Such
means as will be
described in more detail below simplifies and significantly reduces the
maintenance
necessary for continued operation of the device. Direct integration of
diversion means onto
or within the water harvesting device avoids from having to install auxiliary
diversion devices,
auxiliary devices typically increase maintenance and complexity of
installation.
[0013] Means are also provided in the present invention to increase
protection of
filtering or screening devices from damage-causing debris travelling out of
the downspout
exit. Physical guards are strategically placed to reduce or prevent contact of
debris to the
screen, to baffle its speed of entry or divert it away to an area that does
not cause harm.
Such safeguards increase the life of the screen and its ability to protect the
property owners,
- 3 -
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
device users and surrounding public particularly with the use in rainwater
harvesting devices
and protection against the spread of West Nile Virus.
[00141 A significantly larger area for water entry on the device is
also disclosed in the
present invention. A device with a lengthy water entry area coincidental to
the building wall
avoids the need for exact placement of the device therefore reducing
installation time and
complexity. Diversion and protection means such as those that will be
described in more
detail below may also be incorporated across a large entry area.
[00151 There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the various
features on the
invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better
understood, and in order
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are
additional
features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.
[0016] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of
the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description
or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments
and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and
should not be
regarding as limiting.
[0017] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an
improved water
harvesting device that will overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the
prior art devices.
100181 An object of the invention to provide a device that diverts
debris away from an
area of water entry to maintain capacity for water collection and reduce user
maintenance.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide enhanced
protection and reduce
susceptibility of damage to filtering or screening device such as mosquito
entry-prevention
screens used in rainwater harvesting devices.
100201 Another object of the present invention to provide a simple
water bypass for
colder, non-collecting months so maintenance can be further reduced and
installation can be
further simplified.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide enhanced movement
of diverted
flow to better facilitate removal of flow off of the device, in the various
operating positions for
further elimination of clogs and reduction in maintenance.
- 4 -
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
100221 Yet another object of the invention is to provide a much
simpler, quicker, less
placement accuracy dependant method of installation for the water harvesting
device.
100231 To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may
be embodied in the form of illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention
being called
to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that
changes may be made in
the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present
invention will
become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered
in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein;
Figure 1 illustrates perspective first embodiment of the present invention in
a first position;
Figure 2 illustrates a partial section first side view of a first embodiment
of the present
invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective first embodiment of the present invention
in a second
position;
Figure 4 illustrates a partial section second side view of a first embodiment
of the present
invention; and
Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- 5 -
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 'THE INVENTION
[00241 Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which a preferred
embodiment is
shown in the various configurations to describe the invention. It will be
understood that while
the invention is described with respect to a preferred embodiment the device
may be
configured differently while achieving the essence of the invention.
[00251 Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment, a rain water
harvesting device 10
in an installed position. The rainwater harvesting device 10 is shown adjacent
to a wal115 of
a residential building. The wall 15 is shown with a downspout 17 attached to
it and
represents one typical configuration prepared for use with a rainwater harvest
device.
Rainwater that is collected from building structures are collected using eaves
(not shown),
the water then enters into the downspout 17. The downspout 17 is positioned
above the
rainwater harvest device 10 such that the water exiting the downspout 17
spills onto the
rainwater harvest device 10. For basic operation the rainwater harvesting
device 10
comprises a tank portion 20 and a water entry area 25, the rainwater that
exits the
downspout 17 travels through the water entry area 25 and into the tank portion
20 for later
use. Rainwater harvesting devices predominantly come in one or two piece tank
systems,
the preferred embodiment is shown as a two piece system a tank portion 20 and
a lid portion
16. The present invention may apply to tank systems constructed of one piece,
two piece or
multiple pieces. Other items common to the rainwater harvesting devices as
known to one
skilled in the art includes a screen (not shown) for preventing entry of
mosquitoes and other
unwanted items, draining devices; faucet 32 and drain 37 as well as an
overflow device, the
overflow channel 31 shown attached to an overflow device.. Figure 1
illustrates the water
harvesting device ready for collection of rainwater. The preferred embodiment
of the present
invention also includes a first diversion apparatus 30, a water by-pass 34,
abutments 18 and
a second diversion apparatus 48 all of which will be better described in the
specification
below.
[00261 Figure 2 is a cut away view, taken along line A-A of Figure 1
which illustrates
the water entry area 25 and its operation in collection position, ready for
the collection of
rainwater. Rainwater 40 and the debris 45 that typically accompanies it, exits
the downspout
- 6 -
CA 02675555 2015-11-26
17 into the water entry area 25. The water entry area 25 comprises first
diversion
apparatus 30 for diverting the debris away from the water entry area 25. The
first
diversion apparatus 30 in the preferred embodiment is constructed with a
strategically placed louvered surface including uppermost components 27,
openings 28 and lower baffles 29. The uppermost components 27 coming in first
contact with debris 25 and having an angled slope as indicated by Greek symbol
Theta, guide the debris 45 aside in the direction as indicated by arrow 1
however,
the uppermost surface also has sufficient openings 28 to accept the
rainwater 40 through the water entry area 25 and into the tank portion 20. The
debris 45 having been guided aside and away from the water entry area 25, is
no
longer in a position that hinders collection of the rain water thereby
improving the
collection efficiency and reducing clogging of the rainwater harvesting device
10.
The debris 45 will then, over time be washed away during rainfalls down the
gradual slope of lid 16 indicated by the Greek symbol of Alpha. As well the
first
diversion apparatus 30 also protects the first screen 33 from debris 45. In
the
preferred embodiment, as the debris 45 falls out of downspout 17, the
uppermost
components 27 provide protection for the first screen 33. For additional
protection,
lower baffles 29 are also provided. The lower baffles 29, illustrated on an
angle,
also facilitate directed entry of rainwater 40. The horizontal positioning of
the
uppermost components 27 respective lower baffles 29 provides sufficient
covering
or protection so that the first screen 33 is protected from vertically
positioned falling
items such as twigs. The protection means of the first diversion
apparatus 30 therefore prevents premature tearing or damage and extending the
life of the rainwater harvesting device. This provides added protection of the
device
to prevent spreading of the West Nile Virus caused by the reproduction of
mosquito larvae of infected mosquitoes. In the case of the preferred
embodiment,
the louvered construction is only one example of how first diversion
apparatus 30 may be configured to collect rainwater 40, divert debris 45 and
protect the first screen 33 from continuous contact from the same. Factors
such as:
what degree of protection is require to adequately protect the screen; what
water
collection efficiency is desired among many other factors play a role in
determining
the final construction and it should be understood by one who is skilled in
the art
that other configurations are made possible within the present invention.
7
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
[00271 Figure 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment in the position
for water by-pass.
In this position, rainwater 40 is diverted away from entering the tank as by-
pass 34 is
installed to cover the water entry area 25 (not shown). Water by-pass position
is used when
the user does not want to collect water into the tank portion 20 and for the
preferred
embodiment is predominantly used during colder months of the year when the
water inside is
susceptible to freezing. Any water left in the tank expands in colder
temperatures and may
cause irreparable damage to the tank portion 20 if the water becomes frozen so
in order to
prevent this situation by-pass 34 is placed into by-pass position avoid
additional water from
entering the tank portion 20. Any water remaining in the tank is drained
through drain 37 and
the tank portion 20 remains empty during this period, therefore eliminating
potential damage
to the tank portion 20. This method is particularly useful for rainwater
harvesting devices
because it avoids the user from having to remove the rainwater harvesting
device 10 from
the wall during colder climates. Furthermore, the user no longer needs to
install temporary
downspouts in lieu of the removed tank to direct the water away from the
building and its
foundation. Once the warmer climate returns, the drain 37 is closed to retain
water, the by-
pass 34 is removed and the rainwater harvesting device 10 returns to the
collection position
and is in operation for collecting again. Figure 3 also illustrates the flow
of water and debris
with the present invention. Rainwater 40 and debris 45 exiting out from the
downspout 17
flows across the by-pass 34, across the lid 16 into the area of the second
diversion
apparatus 48. The abutments 18 assist in containing and directing the flow in
the preferred
direction toward the second diversion apparatus 48. As one skilled in the art
knows, there
may be various alternative designs for abutments 18 that would serve similar
purposes as
those described and would remain in the scope of the present invention. As can
also be
seen in figure 3, the construction within the second diversion apparatus 48 is
not of louvered
construction but rather a series of strategically spaced vertical walls 58
adjoined at the
perimeter of lid 16 and between abutments 18. This method is adequate to
divert debris,
protect screen devices, capture water and can also be utilized in the area of
the first
diversion apparatus 30 if so desired. This demonstrates the multiple means in
which
diversion is made possible within the scope of the invention as will be better
described in the
specification below.
- 8 -
CA 02675555 2010-03-01
[0028] Figure 4 is a cut away view, taken along line B-B of Figure 3
which illustrates
the operation of the device once the rainwater 40, debris 45 or both work its
way across the
lid 16 and into the area of the second diversion apparatus 48. As previously
mentioned, the
second diversion apparatus 48 is alternatively constructed with a series of
vertical walls 58.
The space between the vertical walls 58 permits the rainwater 40 to fall
downward through
the water entry area 49 and into the overflow channel 31 as indicated by arrow
2 and the top
of the vertical wall 58 enables diversion of the debris 45 off the device. The
vertical wall 58 is
not shown with a downward slope but for improved diversion performance in this
location it
could simply be provided with one. This diversion again provides the ability
for the debris 45
to be diverted away from an area that may cause the clogging water flow.
During the full
travel of the debris from the time it engages the rainwater harvesting device
10 to the time it
departs, there exists no fully enclosed portion to cause a full restriction
during convergence.
This is unlike a pipe configuration such as in the prior art whereas a pipe
has a fully enclosed
diametrical portion causing enclosed restriction during convergence, meaning
there is no
place for the debris to escape and clogging is likely. As can also be seen in
figure 4, the
overflowing water 53 from tank portion 20 also enters into overflow channel 31
as indicated
by arrow 3, therefore since the vertical walls 58 of second diversion
apparatus 48 reduces
debris 45 from entering the overflow channel 31, clogging of the device and
potential backing
up of water is reduced. The second diversion apparatus 48 also protects a
second screen
63 from damage, again enabling an extended life of the same. The screens 33
(not shown)
and 63 can now provide a device fully sealed from mosquito entry and the
diversion
apparatuses 30 (not shown) and 48 protecting them from damage keeping the
device
secure.
[0029] Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
As understood
by the previous description, the diverted flow is being facilitated by the
water harvesting unit
itself and components thereon as opposed to pipes and constricting orifices
therein that the
device may be connected to. Accordingly, the water harvesting device can also
to facilitate a
significantly higher diversion flow potential merely by altering its size and
shape essentially
minimizing potential for clogging of flow. This is demonstrated in the
alternative embodiment
illustrated in Figure 5. Here, the water harvesting device 70 is rectangularly
shaped, the
length of the device at the rear edge 72 equals that of the front edge 74;
Theta and Alpha
-9-.
CA 02675555 2015-11-26
angles are increased in slope for downward diversion; and the abutments 76 are
parallel on the sides perpendicular to rear edge 72, front edge 74. This
facilitates and
significantly increases diversion volume and capability. The obstructions are
minimal
being only the apertures 78 in the lid 77 which are configured for maximum
water
capture and minimized obstruction within the water entry area 80 and the
second
diversion apparatus 82. During the full travel of the debris from the time it
engages the
water harvesting device 70 to the time it departs, there exists no fully
enclosed portion
to cause a full restriction or any convergence. This is unlike a pipe
configuration such as
in the prior art whereas a pipe has a fully enclosed diametrical portion
causing enclosed
restriction during convergence, meaning there is no place for the debris to
escape and
clogging is likely. Furthermore, diversion apparatus 84 and second diversion
apparatus
82 still protect the filtering or screening device (not shown). For by-pass
position by-
pass 86 is rotated in position to cover the lid 77 with hinge 88. The bypass
position is
more clearly illustrated in Figure 5b.
[0030] With respect to the above description then, it is realized that the
optimum
dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include
variations in size,
materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use,
are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the
specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
- 10 -
