AU2003213499B1 - Rainwater collection apparatus - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Garry Baker Actual Inventor(s): Carry Baker Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: RAINWATER COLLECTION APPARATUS Our Ref: 698925 POF Code: 464308/464308 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 6006q 2 RAINWATER COLLECTION ARRANGEMENT The present invention relates to a rainwater collection arrangement which collects and stores rainwater for later usage.

Water consumption in cities and towns continues to increase with increases in population. Increased consumption places pressure on existing water catchment reserves, which typically comprise above ground reservoirs, or below ground water tables. Given that the capacity of existing above ground reservoirs is fixed, as water consumption increases, there is a need for the construction of new reservoirs to maintain supply. However, the construction of suitable reservoirs is exceedingly costly and damaging to the environment.

In respect of below ground water tables, as consumption increases, typically the water table level will fall and that introduces salinity problems for the surrounding environment. In particular, excessive increases in soil salinity can render that soil incapable of supporting plant life, such as bushland or crops.

Much of the rainwater which falls in residential areas is not captured for later use, but generally is wasted as run-off into stormwater drains or the like, to eventually run into rivers or the ocean. Moreover, such run-off in older, principally inner-city locations, runs into open laneway drains and road guttering. In many cases, the poor sealing of these drains and gutters permits water to seep below ground, causing rising damp in houses in the immediate area. Also, often pit drains into which rainwater drains, become blocked by debris washed from laneways and roads and flooding occurs. Still further, when excessive rain occurs, great quantities of stormwater are expelled into rivers, sometimes causing flooding, pollution, river bank erosion and damage to flora and fauna. The present invention has been devised on the basis that the capture of rainwater prior to run-off, will make that rainwater available for later use, so eliminating some of the pressure on the mains water supply and reducing the requirement for new reservoirs, or for increased withdrawal from below ground water tables. The present invention further may reduce the adverse effects of stormwater run-off discussed above.

X:\KathyAndrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangementidoc 3 A rainwater collection arrangement according to the invention is operable for collecting rainwater that falls on the roof of a building and that would otherwise flow away through the downpipe of the guttering of the building. The arrangement includes a water diverter that is connectable to a gutter or a downpipe of the building guttering and which includes an inlet into which water can flow. The diverter includes first and second outlets, which in use are positioned below the inlet, the first outlet being in communication with a water storage tank and the second outlet being in communication with the mains stormwater drain. The diverter is operable to direct water which enters through the diverter inlet to the first outlet. The diverter further includes a filter for filtering debris from water that flows into the diverter, the filter being permeable to water and being disposed so that water permeates through the filter for diversion to the first outlet and the filter being inclined sufficiently so that debris travels along the surface of the filter to a debris outlet for egress from the diverter. The first and second outlets are arranged so that when the storage tank is filled, water can backflow through the first outlet and into the second outlet for discharge into the mains stormwater drain.

A rainwater collection arrangement according to the invention advantageously provides for storage of rainwater for later reuse, such as for garden irrigation or vehicle washing, or for equipment or appliances that employ water eg toilet flushing, laundry washing, and additionally is operable to maintain the water which enters the storage tank, substantially free of debris. The debris which is filtered from the rainwater is the sort of common debris which usually finds its way into gutters and downpipes, such as leaves, small twigs or branches, and bark. The filter is not for example intended to be of a kind that would remove very small contaminants, such as dust and dirt which may be carried by the water, nor is it intended that the filter provide a purifying effect against microbial contaminants, although the invention could include such a filtering means if desired. Alternatively, suitable filtering means can be installed elsewhere in the system, if the collected rainwater is intended for drinking, cooking, showering and the like. Otherwise, if the rainwater is to be used for garden watering purposes for example, such additional filtering is likely not to be required.

X:\Kalhy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc The diverter of the invention can be constructed for connection directly to a point in the guttering of a building, or it can be arranged for insertion into a suitable downpipe of the guttering. The diverter may for example come as a downpipe unit, which is connectable directly to the building guttering at one end, and to a stormwater drain at the other. Alternatively, for retrofitting to an existing guttering system, the diverter could be arranged for connection in an existing downpipe. Still alternatively, the diverter could be connected to the guttering adjacent an existing downpipe, so that upon filling of the storage tank, water would backflow out the inlet of the diverter, and into the downpipe, which would form the second outlet, for discharge into the mains stormwater drain.

In the preferred form of the invention, the first and second outlets of the diverter are substantially adjacent and below the inlet of the diverter. In this arrangement, when water backflow occurs upon filling of the water storage tank, additional water that enters the diverter takes substantially the same path through the diverter, but is discharged through the second outlet adjacent the first outlet to the mains stormwater drain. This arrangement provides for a compact diverter construction, and additionally allows easy fitting of the second outlet to an existing downpipe.

The inlet of the diverter preferably is aligned with the second outlet, so that each of the inlet and the second outlet can be connected in-line to an existing downpipe, and the diverter is arranged to divert water from a direct path between the inlet and second outlet, so that it flows along a collection path from the inlet to the first outlet. If the first and second outlets are generally adjacent, then the diverter can achieve water diversion by an inclined surface that causes the water to flow into the path of the first outlet rather than the second outlet.

The inclined surface may be a planar or curved surface, and that surface may form one wall of a conduit through which rainwater flows through the diverter.

Thus, all rainwater which flows into the diverter is directed along the collection path to the first outlet, and only when the water storage tank is filled and a backflow occurs, will water flow through the second outlet. In normal circumstances, there will be no resistance to flow through the second outlet, so X:Kathy\Andrew\TrishRainwater Collection Arrangement.doc that there will be no disruption to the flow of water away from the building, regardless of whether the flow proceeds through the first or the second outlets.

In a preferred arrangement, the diverter includes a reservoir section, adjacent the first and second outlets, into which water can pool for discharge through the second outlet, when the water storage tank is filled and water backflow occurs.

The filter of the diverter can take any suitable form, but preferably is a fine mesh filter which extends across the flowpath of rainwater which enters the diverter, between a position adjacent the diverter inlet and a spaced position towards or adjacent the first outlet. Preferably the filter extends to a debris outlet, such that debris which is filtered from rainwater travels over the filter for egress through the debris outlet. The filter preferably is generally planar, and it preferably is corrugated with the corrugations extending generally transverse to the direction of water flow down the filter. In this form of filter, the water encounters resistance to flow down the filter as compared to a flat filter, and there is therefore a greater propensity for water to permeate through the filter than to flow down the length of the filter without permeation.

The filter is inclined, so that debris which comes in contact with the filter and which is of such a size that will not permeate through the filter, remains on the outer side of the filter and under gravity, shifts over the filter in a direction towards the debris outlet. Water flow over the filter will assist debris movement, by maintaining the filter surface slippery, while any debris which remains on the outer surface of the filter when water flow over the filter terminates, can remain there without affecting subsequent diverter operation when water flow through the diverter recommences.

The debris outlet can comprise an opening in the diverter through which the debris passes, while collection means for collecting debris may be connected to the debris outlet, or may be positioned to catch or receive debris that egresses through the debris outlet.

The use of a filter to filter debris from rainwater that enters the diverter and the arrangement of the diverter to remove that debris through a debris outlet, XA\Kathy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collecton Arrangement.doc 6 advantageously results in collected rainwater of superior cleanliness, and removes the requirement for constant cleaning of the diverter to remove filtered debris. Instead, debris is automatically discharged from the diverter and this occurs whether water is egressing through either the first or second outlet. That is, all water which enters the diverter is filtered, so that water collected in the storage tank is free from such debris, while water that enters the downpipe upon filling of the storage tank also is free of debris. Accordingly, the invention is envisaged to substantially reduce the occurrence of blocked drains which occurs by accumulation of leaves, and other plant and foreign matter that is captured by and enters the guttering system of a building.

In one preferred form of the invention, the diverter includes a cover which is connected to a body in any suitable manner, but preferably by a pivoting connection. Preferably the cover does not close against the body at a lower portion thereof, but rather is spaced from and therefore creates a gap with the body, in order to form the debris outlet. The cover can also include anchoring points for anchoring the filter thereto. In this arrangement, the cover can be removed, such as for cleaning or replacement of the filter and for access to within the diverter.

The diverter may be arranged to alter the path of water that flows through it, so that the water flow can be directed from the diverter inlet to the second outlet, rather than to the first outlet. This might be required for example, if the water storage tank is to be removed or replaced, and diversion of water through the first outlet is not desirable. In an alternative arrangement to achieve the same result, the first outlet may be closable, by any suitable means such as a suitable valve or even a household sink plug, so that water which is directed to the first outlet is not able to egress through that outlet, and therefore egresses through the second outlet instead.

The diverter may include one or more deflectors, which encourage permeation of water through the filter, but which do not prevent the passage of debris from continuing to the debris outlet. The deflectors may extend from surfaces of the diverter along which water might adhere during flow, but which would lead that X:\Kathy\AndrewTrish\Rainwater Collection Arrangemenltdoc water to the debris outlet. The deflectors therefore will deflect the water from such surfaces to ensure that that water engages against the surface of the filter for permeation therethrough. It should be noted that a small amount of water is likely to reach the debris outlet regardless of any deflectors that are provided, but that is acceptable, to ensure the travel of debris to that outlet. What is not desirable is that substantial quantities of water travel to and out of the debris outlet, without collection into the water storage tank or discharge into the mains stormwater drain.

The water storage tank can take any suitable form and can be fed from the first outlet of the diverter by any suitable means. Typically, there would be a pipe connection which connects between the first outlet and a tank, although a flexible hose connection equally could be provided. Preferably the tank connection is at an upper level of the tank, so that the water feeds into the tank under little or no back pressure. Preferably the tank is closed and has a breather valve of any suitable kind, so that as the tank fills with water, the air that the water displaces can be expelled through the valve. Preferably, the tank is airtight to prevent water leaking.

In one arrangement, a hose forms a tank breather, with the outlet of the hose positioned above the diverter, or at least above the inlet openings of the first and second outlets of the diverter, because when backflow of water occurs, water will also flow up the hose and will flow out of the hose outlet, if the outlet is below the inlets of the first and second outlets.

In an alternative arrangement, a breather valve facilitates exhaust of air as the tank fills, but closes upon the tank being filled to a level at which water would begin to flow out of the breather valve. A suitable valve includes a floating valve member, such as a floating ball, that seals against a valve seat when the tank water level rises sufficiently. At all other times, the floating member is spaced from the seat, so allowing ingress and exhaust of air through the valve.

Any number of tanks may be provided, preferably connected in series, for filling from the one diverter. Advantageously, this allows water storage to be increased as demand for collected rain water increases. Accordingly, as the W:\KathyAndrew\Trsh\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc 8 occupants of a residence or a building become used to using the collected rainwater, the demand for that rainwater may increase and may be satisfied by the addition of one or more storage tanks.

The storage tanks also can have any suitable shape or configuration suitable for the particular building to which the collection arrangement of the invention is installed. The invention contemplates the use of storage tanks that are formed as seating or working benches, or the like, or they can be configured so as to fit conveniently in positions that are not otherwise utilised about or within the building. For example, the tanks may be fitted below a balcony, or along the side of a residence, between the residence and boundary fence.

Advantageously, the tank need not be circular like traditional water collection tanks, but can take any suitable shape as suits the particular application and environment in which the tank is installed.

The invention further contemplates employing the storage tanks with irrigation hoses, so that automatic feeding of garden beds takes place when required.

Suitable valves may be applied to the pipework or hoses of the watering system, so that irrigation can be controlled as far as the timing and amount of water release that takes place.

The attached drawings show an example embodiment of the invention of the foregoing kind. The particularity of those drawings and the associated description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a general layout drawing showing one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows the diverter of Figure 1 in more detail.

Figure 3 is a further general layout drawing showing a further embodiment of the invention.

X:\Kathy\AndrewXTrish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc 9 Figure 3a is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the diverter shown circled in Figure 3.

Figure 1 shows a general layout of a rainwater collection arrangement according to the invention. In Figure 1, a portion of the side wall 10 and roof 11 of a building is shown, while a standard gutter fitting 12 is shown adjacent a lower end of the roof 11. Extending from the gutter 12, is a downpipe 13 which ordinarily would extend to a drainage trap or the like, so that water running from the roof 11 into the gutter 12 would flow through the downpipe 13 for discharge into the mains stormwater drain.

Figure 1 shows a diverter 20, according to one embodiment of the invention, which has been fitted to the downpipe 13, and which is operable to divert water, that would otherwise flow through the downpipe 13 for discharge out the bottom end 14 thereof, to a conduit 21 that connects the diverter 20 to a water storage tank (not shown).

The diverter 20 is shown in detail in Figure 2, and reference will now be made to that figure. The diverter 20 as shown in Figure 2 is shown disconnected from the downpipe 13 at either end thereof but in practice, it will be appreciated that suitable connecting arrangements, such as threaded sleeve connectors, would be applied to connect the downpipe and the diverter at each end thereof.

The diverter 20 includes an inlet 22 for receiving water that flows through the downpipe 13. The diverter 20 further includes a first outlet 23 and a second outlet 24, the latter of which is aligned with each of the upper and lower downpipe portions 13 shown in this figure, and with the inlet 22. The diverter further includes a body 25 and a cover 26 and the cover 26 is pivotably mounted to the body 25 about a pivot 27. The cover 26 is pivotable relative to the body 25 in order to provide for cleaning of the diverter 20, and to clear any blockages that may occur through debris accumulation. However, the diverter is preferably arranged so that debris does not accumulate within the diverter but exits through the debris outlet 36.

X:\Kathy\Andrew\Tdsh\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc The diverter 20 includes a guiding surface 28 which extends from adjacent the inlet 22 to a position adjacent the first outlet 23 and which is inclined as shown to a position aligned with an inboard edge 30 of the outlet 23. The guiding surface 28 guides water which is received within the diverter 20 through the inlet 22, to a position in which it flows into the first outlet 23. It should be appreciated that the inclination of the guiding surface 28 can be of any suitable angle, sufficient to guide water from the inlet 22 into the outlet 23. In the Figure 2 illustration, the lowermost point of the guiding surface 28 is adjacent the inboard edge 30 of the outlet 23, but it could alternatively extend so that the angle of inclination is reduced, but such that it guides water into a more centred position relative to the outlet 23.

A corrugated filter 31 is shown extending from adjacent the inlet 22 to a position adjacent the outboard edge 32 of the outlet 23. Additionally, the diverter further includes a deflector 33, which extends inwardly from an outer surface 34 of the cover 26. The deflector 33 extends downwardly in a direction towards the outlets 23 and 24, and the arrangement is such that any water which flows into the diverter 20 through the inlet 22 and which tends to flow along the surface 34, engages the deflector 33 which promotes permeation of water through the filter 31 by displacing the water from the surface 34 onto the filter 31.

Figure 2 illustrates the inclusion of debris in the water which flows into the diverter 20 through the inlet 22, with the debris taking the form of a plurality of leaves 35. As shown, the debris does not pass through the filter 31, but rather follows along the filter downwardly toward and out of the debris outlet 36. It should be noted that the guiding surface 28 and the outer surface 34 diverge away from each other in the downward direction, while the filter 31 converges towards the surface 34 in the downward direction. The volume between the filter 31 and the outer surface 34 therefore diminishes in the downward direction. This arrangement is deliberate, because the volume of water permeating through the filter diminishes along the length of the filter in the downward direction. Accordingly, less volume is required between the filter 31 and the outer surface 34 toward the lower end of the diverter 20, than the upper end. Moreover, by increasing the distance between the guiding surface 28 and the filter 31 in the downward direction, restriction to permeation of water through X:\Kathy\AndrewTrsh\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc the filter 31 is minimised because the capacity to receive water into that region continues to grow in the downward direction. By this arrangement, the volume of water which reaches the debris outlet 36 is also minimised.

Figure 3 is a more complete illustration of an embodiment of the invention which shows the arrangement of Figure 1, but with connections showing feed to a water storage tank 40. This figure shows the extension of the downpipe 13 to a mains storm water drain 41. The diverter 20 shown in Figure 3 can be assumed to be the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The water tank 40 is shown about half filled in Figure 3. As shown, the conduit 21 fills the tank 40 from a position adjacent the top cover 43 of the tank 40. The tank 40 could alternatively be filled through the bottom thereof, or at any suitable position between the top and bottom.

The tank 40 includes a breather arrangement 44 which allows expulsion of air from within the tank 40 as the tank fills. The actual end opening of the breather 43 must be above the level 45 for reasons which will become apparent in later discussion. The tank 40 further includes a tap 46 for tapping water from within the tank When the tank 40 becomes filled with water, regardless of whether the conduit 21 feeds the tank 40 adjacent the top thereof as in Figure 3, or alternatively adjacent the bottom thereof, eventually upon filling of the tank 40, water will flow back through the conduit 21 to the outlet 23 of the diverter 20. When this occurs, water will flow upwardly through the outlet 23, and into the outlet 24, first pooling in the pool 47 (see Figure 3a) above the respective outlets 23 and 24. The water flow is shown in Figure 3a in which is schematically shown water flowing upwardly through the outlet 23 and downwardly through the outlet 24.

Figure 3a shows that portion of the diverter 20 which is circled in Figure 3.

When backflow of that kind occurs, it will be clear that water which cannot flow into the tank 40, flows into the downpipe 13 for discharge through normal means into the stormwater drain 41.

X:\Kathy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc 0 1 12 It will also be apparent as to why the opening of the breather 44 is required to be at the level 45, because as water backflows through the conduit 21, it also rises in the breather 44 and if the opening of the breather 44 was below the level 45, water would egress through the breather 44 rather than flow into the pool 47 and out through the outlet 24. Alternatively, as discussed earlier, the breather 44 may terminate below the level 45 if it incorporates a closure valve, such as a floating ball valve.

It will be apparent that the tap 46 may be used to connect in series, a further tank 40, so as to increase the storage capacity of water collected by the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3. Alternatively, the tap may be used for one form of connection, say to a garden hose, while a further tap outlet 48 may be provided for connecting adjacent tanks. Indeed, it is possible to stack tanks vertically, or align them horizontally, as is appropriate for the available space.

The tank 40 can be constructed out of any suitable material, but is preferably of sheet metal or of a moulded plastic material, each of which is resistant to deterioration through outdoor exposure.

The present invention provides an advantageous manner of collecting rain water, principally for gardening purposes, but also for other purposes, such as for washing vehicles or other domestic purposes. The invention is flexible, inasmuch as the tank capacity can be selected according to the available space, as can the tank position.

The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the above description.

X:\Kathy\AndrewATrish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc

Claims (32)

1. A rainwater collection arrangement for collecting rainwater that falls on the roof of a building, said collection arrangement including a water diverter that is connectable to a gutter or a downpipe of the building guttering and which includes an inlet into which water can flow, the diverter including first and second outlets, which in use are positioned below the inlet, the first outlet being in communication with a water storage tank and the second outlet being in communication with a mains stormwater drain, the diverter being operable to direct water which enters through the diverter inlet to the first outlet, the diverter further including a filter for filtering debris from water that flows into the diverter, the filter being permeable to water and being disposed so that water permeates through the filter for diversion to the first outlet and the filter being inclined sufficiently so that debris travels along the surface of the filter to a debris outlet for egress from the diverter, the first and second outlets being arranged so that when the storage tank is filled, water can backflow through the first outlet and into the second outlet for discharge.

2. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 1, said diverter being connectable directly to the building guttering.

3. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 1, said diverter being connectable to an existing downpipe extending from the building guttering.

4. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and second outlets are substantially adjacent. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said diverter inlet is in use, aligned vertically with said second outlet.

6. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 5, said vertical alignment facilitating connection of said diverter inlet and said second outlet to respective upper and lower sections of an existing downpipe. X:\KathyAndrew\Trlsh\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc

7. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said first and second outlets being substantially adjacent and said diverter inlet being aligned vertically with said second outlet, said diverter including an inclined surface for directing water from said inlet to said first outlet.

8. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, said first and second outlets being substantially adjacent and said diverter including a reservoir section adjacent the inlets of said first and second outlets, said reservoir section providing a section for water to pool for discharge through said second outlet when said water storage tank is filled and water backflow occurs.

9. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said filter being a fine mesh filter. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said filter extends across the flowpath of rainwater which enters said diverter between a position adjacent said diverter inlet and a position spaced therefrom, towards or adjacent said first outlet.

11. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to said filter being generally planar and corrugated with the corrugations extending generally transverse to the direction of water flow over the filter.

12. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said debris outlet being formed as an opening in said diverter through which debris is directed by said filter.

13. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said diverter including a body and a cover connected to said body, said body enclosing or defining said diverter inlet and said first and second outlets and including said filter, said cover being displaceable or removable for accessing within said body of said diverter. X:\Kathy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc

14. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 13, said cover being pivotably connected to said body.

15. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said first outlet being closable to terminate flow of rainwater through said first outlet.

16. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 15, said diverter including at least one deflector for deflecting rainwater to said filter.

17. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, said water storage tank and said first outlet being connected by a flexible hose for feed of rainwater to said tank.

18. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 17, said connection to said tank being made at a position at or toward the top of said tank.

19. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 17, said connection to said tank being made at a position at or toward the bottom of said tank.

20. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 19, said water tank being a closed tank and being fitted with a breather valve for expelling air from said tank as said tank fills with rainwater.

21. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 20, said arrangement including a plurality of tanks for feed from said diverter.

22. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 21, said plurality of tanks being connected in series for flow of rainwater between said tanks. W:\Kathy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc

23. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 22, said rainwater tank being fitted with irrigation hoses to distribute water from said tank.

24. A diverter of the kind defined in any of claims 1 to 16. A rainwater collection arrangement including a closed tank for storing rainwater, said tank being connected to a gutter or downpipe of a building guttering through a diverter according to any one of claims 1 to 16 which diverts water to said tank, and said connection being operable to permit backflow of rainwater from within said tank to said diverter for discharge of water into the downpipe when the level of water in said tank reaches a predetermined limit, said tank including a breather which facilitates exhaust of air from within said tank as the water level in said tank rises.

26. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 25, said connection including a hose which extends between said tank and said diverter.

27. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 26, said hose being connected to said tank at an upper level thereof.

28. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 26, said hose being connected to said tank toward the base thereof.

29. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 25 to 28, said tank being closed in an air-tight manner. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 25 to 29, said breather comprising a conduit that extends from said tank to a position above the level of backflow from said diverter to said downpipe.

31. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 30, said conduit extending from said tank adjacent the uppermost section of said tank. W:\Kathy\Andrew\Trish\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc 17

32. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 25 to 29, said breather comprising a valve which includes a closure member that closes the valve upon the level of water in said tank reaching said predetermined limit and preventing flow of water through said valve.

33. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 32, said closure member being a floatable member which is movable between a valve open position, in which said valve is open at least for exhaustion of air from said tank, and a valve closed condition in which said valve is closed against flow of water therethrough, said valve being positioned such that when the level of water in said tank reaches.said predetermined limit, water enters said valve and causes said floatable member to float into said valve closed condition.

34. A rainwater collection arrangement according to claim 33, said floatable member being a floatable ball which seats against a valve seat in said valve closed condition. A rainwater collection arrangement according to any one of claims 25 to 34, wherein said diverter is a diverter according to claim 24.

36. A rainwater collection arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

37. A diverter substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. DATED: 19 February 2004 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: MR GARRY BAKER W:\Kathy\Andrew\Trsh\Rainwater Collection Arrangement.doc