AU2005200441A1 - Water tank partitions - Google Patents

Description

p:N)PER\Jp] Tmk\WatqrT _oiWd -a.do-09/11/04 -1- WATER TANK Field of the Invention This invention relates to a water tank and, more particularly, to a water tank for storing water from rainfall.

Background of the Invention Water tanks are used for storing rainwater, particularly in rural areas where mains water is not readily available or is expensive, in areas in which it is imperative to conserve mains water, in areas where mains water is not fit to be used as drinking water, or simply where it is desired to utilise fallen rainwater.

One type of previously proposed water tank is formed of corrugated iron and is generally cylindrical in shape. This type of water tank serves to store rainwater which can be tapped for later use, however it has the disadvantages of being bulky, difficult to relocate or to disassemble for maintenance, and of being unsightly. Moreover, the corrugated iron can be susceptible to corrosion which can be detrimental to both the quality of the water and to longevity of the tank.

It has also been proposed to manufacture water tanks from synthetic materials such as polyethylene and, while such tanks have the advantage of being less susceptible to corrosion and of being generally lighter than iron tanks, they are still typically too large to facilitate easy relocation of the tank, are conspicuous in their bulkiness and do not blend into their surrounding environment.

The applicant has identified that large areas of roofing which could potentially be used for rain catchment are wasted and that it would be advantageous to have a water storage system wherein rainwater is fed into a water tank located in a previously unutilised space.

P:OPERJPN\TaWamTaksso todp.cdo-09/11/04 -2- Object of the Invention Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a water tank which overcomes or at least alleviates one or more disadvantage(s) of previously proposed water tanks.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a water tank for storing water from rainfall, the water tank being formed of a pair of generally parallel sidewalls which are spaced apart such that water is able to be stored in a cavity between the sidewalls, the water tank having a rainwater inlet for feeding rainwater into the cavity and a rainwater outlet for selectively feeding rainwater out from the cavity, wherein the water tank forms a fence or at least part of a wall of a structure.

Preferably, the water tank forms a fence bounding a property.

Preferably, the water tank is arranged such that rainwater from a roof of a building is able to be fed into the water tank.

Preferably, the sidewalls are substantially vertical.

In one form of the invention, the water tank is modular such that a plurality of modules can be linked together in end-to-end relationship to form a water tank having a greater length than any single one of the modules. Preferably, each module has a cavity between sidewalls of the respective module and, when a plurality of modules are linked together, the cavities of the modules are in fluid communication with each other such that stored rainwater is distributed between the modules. More preferably, the cavity of each module can be selectively shut off from being in fluid communication with one or more neighbouring modules to facilitate separation and/or cleaning of the modules.

P:\OPER\IPN\TankWalt Tank_ aociated ac.doc-09/11/04 -3- The modules may be formed in straight lengths, or in other configurations to suit specific applications. For example, modules may be available in a variety of different configurations including corer modules and T-intersection modules. More than one corer may be incorporated into a single module, with the comers being suitably spaced such that the module is able to fit within or around other objects or to form an enclosure of specific dimensions. Modules may incorporate curved corers and/or edged corers. The various configurations of modules may be provided in a predetermined range and/or may be custom made to suit particular applications.

Preferably, the module sidewalls have a height and a length substantially greater than a thickness of the module sidewalls, and the module sidewalls of any one module are mutually spaced apart by a distance substantially less than the height and length of the module sidewalls. More preferably, the module sidewalls have a height greater than or equal to 1000mm and less than or equal to 2000mm, the module sidewalls have a length greater than or equal to 3000mm and less than or equal to 5000mm, and the module sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance which is greater than or equal to 300mm and less than or equal to 600mm.

In one embodiment, the sidewalls of one module of the water tank are 1000mm high, the sidewalls of another module of the water tank are 2000mm high, and the sidewalls of a module intermediate the other two modules are ramped from 1000mm to 2000mm in height such that an upper surface of the sidewall of the water tank is substantially continuous.

Preferably, the inlet of the water tank is along an upper region of the water tank such that rainwater is able to feed into the water tank between the sidewalls of the water tank. Preferably, the water tank is provided with a lid for selectively covering at least part of the inlet of the water tank. In one embodiment, the lid is provided with an aperture through which rainwater is able to be fed into the tank.

Preferably, the water tank is provided with catchment surfaces which extend outwardly from the sidewalls of the water tank and which, when in a deployed condition, slope downwardly toward the inlet of the water tank such that rainwater falling on the P:\OPERPMTUIk\WatTul aoiated ,do-09/1104 -4catchment surfaces is fed into the inlet of the water tank. In one embodiment, each catchment surface can be pivoted about an edge of the catchment surface adjacent the sidewall into a stowed condition in which the catchment surface is positioned substantially vertically along an outside surface of the sidewall.

In one form of the invention, the sidewalls of the tank are provided with ribs to prevent or at least reduce bowing of the sidewalls under pressure from stored rainwater in the tank. Preferably, the ribs extend substantially vertically along the sidewalls and are at regular spaced intervals along the length of the sidewalls.

Preferably, a base of the water tank has downwardly extending protrusions for preventing unwanted movement of the water tank. In one embodiment, the base of the water tank has a square wave formation for preventing unwanted movement of the water tank with respect to an underlying ground surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water tank module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of an inside surface of a sidewall of the water tank module shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a top portion of a screen of the water tank module of Figures 1 and 2, used to selectively open and close fluid communication of the water tank module with adjacent water tank modules; Figure 4 is an end view of the water tank module shown in Figure 1; P:OPERUPMTNW Ta k-ocaiatd odo-O9/l1104 Figure 5 is an end view of the water tank module shown in Figures 1 and 4, shown without catchment surfaces; Figure 6 is a detailed top view of a connecting system used to sealingly connect adjacent water tank modules; Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a water tank formed of a plurality of water tank modules, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of two water tank modules showing the nature of connection between the modules, and also a perspective view of one of the modules when separated having a screen thereof in a closed condition; Figure 9 is a side view of a sidewall of a water tank module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lid of a water tank module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a top view of a first alternative water tank module; Figure 12 is a top view of a second alternative water tank module; and Figure 13 is a top view of a third alternative water tank module.

Detailed Description A water tank module 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 (not to scale) as having a pair of generally parallel sidewalls 12, 14 which are spaced apart by a distance 16 of 300mm. Each of the module sidewalls 12, 14 has a width 18 of approximately 5000mm and a height 20 of approximately 2000mm. The water tank module 10 has a cavity 22 for storing water from rainfall, the cavity 22 being located between the sidewalls 12, 14. The cavity 22 is provided with a P:)\OPERLJPN\Ta IWatr aTank sc-iatcd ac.doc-09 11/04 -6rainwater inlet 24 in the form of an elongated opening between upper portions of the sidewalls 12, 14 for feeding rainwater into the cavity 22. Rainwater outlets 26 for feeding rainwater out from the cavity 22 are provided in a lower portion of the sidewall 12 and are selectively openable/closable (for example by way of tap fittings) so that flow of rainwater from the water tank module 10 can be regulated. The rainwater outlets 26 are provided in a lower portion of the sidewall 12 so that, when the water tank module 10 is relatively full of rainwater and the outlets 26 are open, rainwater is able to flow through the outlets 26 under pressure provided by the weight of the column of water inside the water tank module By virtue of the narrow geometry of the water tank module 10, it is able to be used in spaces which have previously not been utilised. In particular, the water tank module is able to be installed along a fence line of a property where it serves both as a fence and as a water storage tank for storing rainwater. The water tank module 10 may be arranged so that rainfall landing on the roof of a house or other structure is fed into the water tank module 10 rather than being directed down a storm water drain as is commonly done. In utilising such previously wasted sources of rainwater, water is advantageously conserved.

The applicant has determined that such usage of rainwater would be particularly advantageous in regions experiencing drought.

In a particular form of water tank to be used in residential applications, the water tank is formed of a plurality of water tank modules 10, and extends along side and rear fence lines of a property. Rainwater is fed from one or more roof surfaces (for example from a house roof and/or a garage roof) into the water tank, and where such roof surfaces provide a reliable source of rainwater, it is not necessary to provide additional water catchment surfaces. The rainwater fed from the one or more roof surfaces into the water tank may be fed along conventional apparatus used for directing rainwater from roof surfaces, such conventional apparatus being for example guttering and a downpipe directed into the inlet 24 of the water tank module 10. The rainwater stored in the water tank module 10 may be tapped through the outlets 26 and may be used as drinking water (if so desired the rainwater may be filtered for this purpose), washing water (for example for washing clothes or a car), for watering a garden, or for any other purpose that mains water may otherwise be used.

P: OER\PM~wWaa-Tm- itod-~dw09/1/04 -7- In embodiments where the water tank is formed from a plurality of water tank modules 10 in end-to-end relationship, each water tank module is preferably able to be selectively brought into and out of fluid communication with the other water tank modules 10 which form the water tank such that rainwater stored in the water tank is able to be distributed between the modules 10. For this purpose, each water tank module 10 is provided at either end thereof with a valve in the form of a vertically mounted screen 36 (see Figure 3 and Figure 8) which is vertically slidable to selectively open and close fluid communication between the present water tank module 10a and an adjacent water tank module 10b connected to the end of the present module 10a. Such fluid communication between adjacent modules exists when the modules are connected together, and when the connected ends of the respective modules each have open apertures 38 in end walls thereof such that passage of rainwater between the modules is enabled. Preferably, the screens 36 are able to be actuated from outside the water tank module between an open condition (as shown in the top half of Figure 8) in which apertures 38 in end walls 40 of the modules 10a and 10b are open, and a closed condition in which the screens 36 are slid relative to the end walls 40 such that the apertures 38 are closed. The illustration at the bottom right-hand side of Figure 8 shows module 10a having screen 36 slid downwardly with respect to end wall 40 into a closed condition such that solid sections 39 of screen 36 cover the apertures 38 in the end wall 40. In this way, each water tank module 10 is able to be isolated from the other water tank modules, for example for cleaning and or reconfiguring the water tank.

In particular, for cleaning a water tank module 10, the module is isolated from fluid communication with neighbouring modules by way of the screens 36 provided at each end of the water tank module 10 and, if necessary, rainwater within the module 10 is drained (or pumped) through the outlets 26. Access for cleaning the module 10 may be obtained either through the inlet 24 and/or through the apertures 38. While one water tank module is being cleaned, the remaining modules of the water tank are able to hold stored rainwater in the absence of the missing module by virtue of their screens 36 which can be moved into their closed conditions to close the end(s) of any modules which would otherwise be left open.

I 1 P:\)PERVPN\Tmk\Walr Tnk asoiatd adoc-09111/04 -8- The screen 36 is vertically slidable by way of channels 42 formed along its length on either side of the screen 36 (see Figure which fit around and slide along vertical rails 44 formed on the inside of each of the sidewalls 12, 14, as shown in Figure 2. The inside surface of each of the sidewalls 12, 14 is also provided with a horizontal rail 46 for mounting a grille 28, discussed below.

The entry of leaves and other unwanted debris into the water tank module 10 is prevented by a grille 28 which is mounted over the inlet 24 and is supported by the horizontal rails 46. The grille 28 may be removed from the water tank module 10 for cleaning of the module 10. During sunny weather when rainfall is not expected, the inlet 24 may be closed by a lid 30 which is pivotally mounted along a top edge of the module sidewall 14. The lid 30 is pivotally movable between a closed condition in which the lid lies across the inlet 24 to close the inlet 24 from dust and to reduce evaporation, and an open condition in which the lid is folded out of the way (for example, either in an inclined position to act as an additional catchment surface, or in a vertical position in which the lid lies against an outside surface of the module sidewall 14).

Figure 10 shows an alternative form of lid 30 which is provided with an aperture 47 through which rainwater is able to be fed into the tank. In preferred embodiments, the aperture 47 may be either circular 47a or rectangular 47b. Although Figure 10 shows the lid 30 as having two apertures (47a and 47b) it is to be understood that a single such aperture may be used. The lid shown in Figure 10 is particularly suitable for use with domestic water tanks according to the invention wherein catchment of rainwater is able to be fed by guttering and drainage piping into the water tank through the aperture 47.

One embodiment of water tank formed of a plurality of water tank modules 10 is shown in Figure 7, and is generally indicated by reference numeral 48. This water tank 48 is formed of a left-hand module 50 having a height of 2000mm and a length of 5000mm, a right-hand module 52 having a height of 1000mm and a length of 5000mm, and an intermediate module 54 between the left-hand and right-hand modules which has a ramped height (2000mm at its left-hand end and 1000mm at its right-hand end) such that an upper surface of the water tank 48 is substantially continuous. It is foreseen that such an embodiment of water tank 48 would be suitable as a side fence of a residential block of P:\OPERU PNTmnkWatcrTa k_ Soiat d a.dmc09/1104 -9land, as the right-hand module 52 could serve as a side fence for a front yard, and the taller left-hand module 50 could serve as a side fence for a private rear yard, with the intermediate module 54 serving to connect the two other modules 50, 52.

Figure 6 is a detailed top view of a connecting system 56 used to sealingly connect adjacent water tank modules. In particular, this diagram shows a top view of the end portions of two water tank modules 10a, 10b, prior to connection. Module 10a is provided with a narrowed formation 58 having a lip 60 which slides inside the correspondingly shaped end portion 62 of module 10b. By virtue of the resiliency of the material from which the modules 10a, 10b are made, the narrowed formation 58 with protruding lips is able to slide within a cavity 64 of the end portion 62, until the lips 60 click into place at a rear of the cavity 64, with mating portions 66 of the two modules 10a, 10b in abutting relationship. A sealing strap 68 having four longitudinal protruding strips 70 formed along its inside surface is then bound around the abutting end portions, with the protruding strips 70 being received in matching elongated cavities 72 in the outside surfaces of the end portions. In this way, a sealed connection between the modules 10a, 10b is ensured.

In applications where additional water catchment is desirable, for example where sufficient roof catchment surfaces are not available (such as along a fence line of a rural property) or where consumption of the stored rainwater is high, additional rainwater catchment surfaces 32 may be provided. The water tank modules 10 shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 are illustrated with additional rainwater catchment surfaces 32 in a deployed condition, supported by struts 34 which bear against the module sidewalls 12, 14.

In applications where a higher storage capacity is desirable, for example in rural applications, the distance 16 between the sidewalls 12, 14 may be increased, for example to 600mm. In rural applications, the water tank may be used to provide irrigation to crops or water for stock. In the case of providing irrigation to crops, additional water pressure may be provided by way of pumps, and these pumps may be fed with electricity produced by solar panels mounted to external sides of the sidewalls. In the case of providing water for stock, the outlets 26 may be fed into a trough for administering the water to the stock, and the level of water in the trough may be regulated by way of a float valve.

P:\OPERVPN\Twk\WaaTmklr rwachld c.09/i 1/04 The applicant has foreseen that the water tank may also have particular application to shopping centres, where in addition to serving as a water storage tank and as fencing or part of a wall of a structure, the outside surfaces of the sidewalls may be used to affix advertising material. The applicant has also foreseen that the water tank may also have particular application in parks, where the stored rainwater may be used to irrigate plants, and to public toilets where a roof surface of the public toilets may be used as a rainwater catchment to feed water to the water tank. The water tank may form part of a wall of a structure, for example by being installed around or within a wall of a house, so as to provide the additional advantage of improved insulation of the house.

The applicant has also determined that the water tank may be used in a domestic application wherein an outer surface of the sidewall is decorated with an attractive and/or camouflaged landscape scene.

It is envisaged that, in a preferred embodiment, the water tank may be made from polyethylene however, in alternative forms of the invention, the water tank may also be formed from other materials.

In one form of the invention as shown in Figure 9, a base 74 of the water tank is provided with downwardly extending protrusions 76 by virtue of the base 74 having a square wave form 78. These protrusions 76 engage with an underlying ground surface and thereby assist in preventing unwanted movement of the water tank with respect to the ground surface. The sidewall shown in Figure 9 also has vertical ribs 80 at spaced intervals along its length to strengthen the sidewall to prevent or at least reduce bowing of the sidewall when under pressure from water stored in the water tank. The base 74 of the water tank shown in Figure 9 is also provided with an aperture 82 at either end. Each of these apertures 82 may be used to lift the water tank by insertion of a lifting means in the form of a bar of the like. When moving the water tank, each of the apertures 82 may also be used to insert an axle having inflatable wheels (not shown) such that the water tank is able to be conveniently supported by the axles during relocation.

Figures 11 to 13 show top views of alternative water tank modules. Although the water tank module shown in Figure 1 is in a straight length, it should be understood that P:\OPERPNMTak\Watcr_ Tkauiated c.doc-09/11/04 -11other water tank modules may be formed in different shapes to facilitate different configurations which may be required by users. For example, a user may require a water tank to be formed in a configuration having corners to provide a fenced enclosure or to avoid objects such as plants or existing structures. Figure 11 shows a water tank module 110 having a first straight portion 112, a second straight portion 114, a third straight portion 116 and a fourth straight portion 118. Each pair of adjacent straight portions forms an edged corner 120. More particularly, in considering the straight portions in named order from the first straight portion 112 to the fourth straight portion 118, the first straight portion 112 forms a left-hand right-angle 120a with the second straight portion 114, the second straight portion 114 forms a left-hand right-angle 120b with the third straight portion 116, and the third straight portion 116 forms a right-hand right-angle 120c with the fourth straight portion 118. This configuration merely illustrates an example of a water tank module having corners and other examples of water tank modules may have different configurations of corners (curved or edged).

Figure 12 shows another example of water tank module 210, the module having a first straight portion 212 and a second straight portion 214 with a right-angle 220 formed therebetween such that the module 210 forms an L-shape. This water tank module 210 may be used in combination with other like water tank modules and/or straight water tank modules to form a water tank having a desired configuration. For example, a series of cornered and straight water tank modules could be fitted together to form the same shape as the water tank module 110 shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 shows yet another example of water tank module 310, the module having a first straight portion 312 and a second straight portion 314 arranged such that the second straight portion extends outwardly from a location approximately midway along the length of the first straight portion 312 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first straight portion 312. As such, the water tank module 310 forms a T-intersection shape. The applicant has determined that this form of water tank module 310 is particularly applicable to vineyards, as the T-intersection shaped module 310 may be used to form the ends of water tanks extending between rows of vines.

P:ZOPERIPNTa kWatrTank associatdac.doc-09/11/04 -12- Modules may be manufactured in a predetermined range of configurations which may be purchased "off-the-shelf' or may be custom made to suit particular applications.

The above examples have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

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

DATED this 9th day of November, 2004 APPROACH PTY LIMITED By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE

Claims (19)

1. A water tank for storing water from rainfall, the water tank being formed of a pair of generally parallel side walls which are spaced apart such that water is able to be stored in a cavity between the side walls, the water tank having a rainwater inlet for feeding rainwater into the cavity and a rainwater outlet for selectively feeding rainwater out from the cavity, wherein the water tank forms a fence or at least part of a wall of a structure.

2. A water tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water tank forms a fence bounding a property.

3. A water tank as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the water tank is arranged such that rainwater from a roof of a building is able to be fed into the water tank.

4. A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side walls are substantially vertical.

A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water tank is modular such that a plurality of modules can be linked together in end-to-end relationship to form a water tank having a greater length than any single one of the modules.

6. A water tank as claimed in claim 5, wherein each module has a cavity between side walls of the respective module and, when a plurality of modules are linked together, the cavities of the modules are in fluid communication with each other such that stored rainwater is distributed between the modules.

7. A water tank as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cavity of each module can be selectively shut off from being in fluid communication with one or more neighbouring modules to facilitate separation and/or cleaning of the modules.

8. A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein at least one of the modules is formed in a straight length.

9. A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein at least one of the modules incorporates a bend or corner along its length.

A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the module side walls have a height and a length substantially greater than a thickness of the module side walls, and the module side walls of any one module are mutually spaced apart by a distance substantially less than the height and length of the module side walls.

11. A water tank as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein at least one module has side walls which are ramped in height from a shorter end to a taller end so as to correspond with the heights of neighbouring modules.

12. A water tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet of the water tank is along an upper region of the water tank such that rainwater is able to feed into the water tank between the side walls of the water tank.

13. A water tank as claimed in claim 12, wherein the water tank is provided with a lid for selectively covering at least part of the inlet of the water tank.

14. A water tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water tank is provided with catchment surfaces which extend outwardly from the side walls of the water tank and which, when in a deployed condition, slope downwardly toward the inlet of the water tank such that rainwater falling on the catchment surfaces is fed into the inlet of the water tank.

A water tank as claimed in claim. 14, wherein each catchment surface can be pivoted about an edge of the catchment surface adjacent the side wall into a stowed condition in which the catchment surface is positioned substantially vertically along an outside surface of the side wall.

16. A water tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls of the tank are provided with ribs to prevent or at least reduce bowing of the side walls under pressure from stored rainwater in the tank. r

17. A water tank as claimed in claim 16, wherein the ribs extend substantially vertically along the side walls and are at regular spaced intervals along the length of the side walls.

18. A water tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a base of the water tank has downwardly extending protrusions for preventing unwanted movement of the water tank.

19. A water tank as claimed in claim 18, wherein the base of the water tank has a square wave formation for preventing unwanted movement of the water tank with respect to an underlying ground surface.