AU2007211964A1 - A rainwater collection system - Google Patents

Description

COMPLETE PATENT APPLICATION In the name of RONALD WILLIAM BEBENDORF Address for service: Invention Title: R W Bebendorf Elanora Ave.

Pottsville NSW 2489 A RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

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A Rainwater Collection System Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to a system for collecting rainwater from the roofs of buildings in a series of specially designed and placed tanks many of which are located inside the building or form part of the building cladding. Fences and screens are also adapted to hold roof water. In this manner, a large quantity of water can be stored without requiring very large external water tanks.

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Background Art A number of methods for collecting rainwater from the roofs of buildings are known.

One very common method is to collect rainwater in gutters and down pipes located on the eaves of buildings that discharge the water into external above or below ground tanks.

In many countries and regions, there is now a push by local authorities to collect and store rainwater for reuse. A very common collection area for rainwater is the roof of a building (for instance a domestic dwelling or industrial shed etc). An average domestic roof area of 200 square metres can provide 100,000 L of water with an average rainfall of 500 mm per annum. With the average daily domestic water use of 1000 L per day, this can equate to 200 days of water that can be drawn from rainwater and not from the mains water system. Thus, there are great advantages in collecting rainwater from a roof.

However, there are some disadvantages in doing so. For instance, to enable rainwater to be collected and stored during the dry periods, it is generally necessary for the rainwater tank to store at least 3000 L and preferably about 5000 L or more. The weight of water is I tonne per thousand litres and therefore these larger tanks, when full, will weigh 3 to 5 tonnes or even more. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to collect and store a relatively large volume of water but in a manner where the water is not stored in a single heavy tank.

r Typically, above ground tanks are elevated to facilitate a gravity feed water supply to

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o a building, creating a requirement for the installation of additional infrastructure. The t cost of this infrastructure, along with the need for sufficient available space for tank Z installation, may prove prohibitive in many situations. Furthermore, in some 00 5 circumstances, the addition of an above ground water tank may ruin the aesthetics of a building. Large aboveground tanks (that is, tanks which are large enough to store an appreciable amount of water say 3000 L or more) can be quite heavy and require \large support posts and the like.

Below ground, water tanks eliminate the aesthetic and space drawbacks associated 0 o with above ground tanks. However, the cost of installing a below ground tank is generally very high. Additionally, below ground tanks generally require associated equipment such as pumps in order to deliver the collected water to the building.

Running and maintaining this equipment results in significant and ongoing expense.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to devise a rainwater collecting system where at least some of the collected water is elevated sufficiently to allow gravity to provide a pressure head.

Many properties are too small to accommodate a large outside water tank. However, there is generally little advantage in having a very small water tank because of space constraints. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to devise a I rainwater collecting system that would enable a relatively large volume of water to be, collected and stored even on small properties where a large external water tank would I 25 not be suitable.

For some dwellings, and especially dwellings in more rural areas, there is a risk of fire damage due to bushfires or forest fires. One way that the risk can be minimised is to i have a supply of stored water, useful for protecting the house against fire. However, a large external plastic tank is not considered suitable as the tank can melt with a nearby I fire. Large external metal tanks also suffer disadvantages; it may not be possible to access the tank if the bushfire is too close to the house. In addition, any pipe work or

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pump equipment positioned relatively close to the external tank can be damaged or I3 pumping equipment positioned relatively close to the external tank can be damaged or destroyed by the fire. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to

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provide some form of water storage that would be useful in case of a bushfire that did not require access to an external tank for a water supply.

I Sprinklers are often fitted to the exterior of a house to protect the dwelling against an encroaching forest fire. The sprinklers may be fitted to the roof and sometimes to the external walls of the house to provide a protective spray of water. The sprinklers require sufficient pressure to function efficiently. If the sprinklers are connected to tank water, an electric pump is required to provide the pressure, and in the event of a bushfire, it is common for electricity to be cut (due to damage to the power poles) and the situation may arise where the sprinklers cannot function.

The heat insulating properties of water is well known. Thus, it is known that a sufficiently large volume of water can act to cool the area around the volume of water during warmer days, and to warm the area around the volume of water during cooler nights (or cooler days). There would be an advantage if this property of water were Iused to insulate a dwelling as this could significantly reduce the requirement for external electric or gas heating or cooling of the dwelling. There would also be an I 20 advantage if some form of arrangement were provided to enable larger areas of the dwelling to benefit from the insulating properties of water.

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The sound deadening properties of water is also well known. Thus, there would be an 3 advantage if some sort of arrangement could be provided whereby water could be collected and stored in a dwelling or building in such a manner that it can also 3 function to provide better sound insulation against external road noise (for instance) and the like.

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It is understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a rainwater collection system, which may

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I overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

OIn one form, the present invention resides in a system for collecting rainwater from the roof of a building, comprising means for collecting rainwater flowing over a roof.

o Said means located at a point between the eaves and the apex of said roof, and said means being in fluid communication with at least one water storage vessel located within the building.

The term "water storage vessel" means to include a water tank and should not be given an unnecessarily limited interpretation. The water storage vessel may be of any convenient shape and size, (some of which will be described in greater detail below) and may contain any suitable volume of water such as a volume of between 100-6000 litres. The water storage vessels may be rigid, flexible, "bladder" like, or a series of large diameter pipes and may be made of any suitable material including metal, plastic, rubber, laminated materials, and the like.

The means for collecting the rainwater will typically comprise some form of gutter, I drain, channel, and the like. It is also envisaged, that the means may comprise some form of deflecting plate or projection that can divert water from the roof and towards I some form of down pipe or similar outlet.

Preferably, the collecting means comprises a box gutter. The box gutter may be installed an appropriate distance from the apex of the roof in order to trap a quantity I of rain water flowing over the roof and divert it by gravity into one or more water storage vessels located within the building. The positioning of the gutter will depend on factors including the surface area of the roof above the gutter (which will therefore determine the amount of water flowing into the gutter), the size of the collecting tanks I into which the water will flow and be stored, and therefore the size of the dwelling or building and the like. There is an advantage in positioning the gutter relatively high C along the roof (that is more towards the apex), as this will enable the gutter to fill, by gravity, a ceiling tank or roof tank. It is considered that a person skilled in the art would be able to determine a desirable positioning of the gutter in the roof.

0* The gutter may extend substantially across the roof, but may also extend partially across the roof. Again, this will determine the amount of water that can be collected, and it is considered that a person skilled in the art will be able to calculate the length of the gutter to enable the desired volume of water to be collected (taking into account the roof area, local rainwater figures and the like).

It is recognized that a gutter may extend along more than one side of the roof to enable more water to be quickly collected and diverted into the water storage tanks or conainrsinside the dwelling.

It is also recognised, that a plurality of separate gutters may be provided on the roof and these may be interconnected with each other or may be separate from each other.

It is envisaged, that some form of leaf protection will be provided which may comprise a mesh and the like, such devices being quite well known.

The gutter may comprise any suitable shape and configuration, which may be manufactured from a number of materials. A suitable material will comprise sheet metal that is typically, corrosion resistant.

The shape of the gutter can vary and because the gutter will usually be positioned at an angle [see for instance gutter 1 in figure The preferred embodiment), the shape of the gutter should be such that the water can be collected and diverted into the internal water tanks prior to simply overflowing back onto the "downstream t parts of the roof. Therefore, one configuration of the gutter will be a "box" gutter that is substantially rectangular in cross-section with suitably turned water proof flashings.

Preferably, the water flows via a pipe or conduit connecting the box gutter with an inlet on the water storage vessels. The pipe or conduit may be made of any suitable 6 c-I material and will typically be, metal or plastic. The pipe or conduit will typically be circular in cross-section but there may be circumstances where a rectangular crosssection may be desirable. The diameter or cross-section of the pipe or conduit may 00 c-i vary and this will depend on the volume of water diverted from the gutter into the internal water tanks. It is envisaged that the diameter or cross-section will be between 60-200 num. The pipe or conduit may be made of rigid material or substantially rigid material and therefore various bends may be required. These bends or angled fittings are well known in the marketplace. Alternatively, the pipe or conduit may be made of o somewhat flexible and bendable hose material or something similar.

01 If the gutter is quite large and able to accommodate a reasonably large volume of water, it is envisaged that more than one pipe or conduit will be provided to ensure speedy draining of the water from the gutter into the water tanks. Thus, a pipe or conduit may be provided adjacent each end of the gutter or somewhere intermediate the ends of the gutter and the like. If a number of pipes are provided, these may be all connected to a single water tank or may be connected to different water tanks.

It is also envisaged that some form of "manifold" arrangement may be provided where a single drain pipe (that is pipe or conduit) is connected to the gutter and this is connected to a manifold to enable a number of separate sub pipes" to direct the water to various water tanks.

Preferably, the water storage vessels are located within the building so as not to reduce the amount of floor space. Such locations may include, above eaves linings, between and/or under roof rafters and/or roof trusses, between and/or over ceiling joists and/or roof trusses, between wall framing, between floor joists, inside cupboards etc. The water storage vessels may comprise, for instance, tanks, large diameter pipes or inflatable bladders, which may be constructed from any suitable material, such as metal, fiberglass or plastic.

Thus, it is envisaged that the rainwater collection system may comprise a number of water tanks or pipes in the dwelling or building which may be interconnected with each other or have at least some tanks or pipes interconnected with each other, or I- 7

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some form of alternative arrangements. Thus, one form of the invention comprises a system with a number of "decentralised" tanks, which are positioned within the confines of the dwelling or building. Advantages with this arrangement, is that the O0 I water in the tanks can function to insulate the interior of the dwelling or building thereby reducing heating and cooling costs. The water in the tanks can function to provide a good level of sound insulation inside the dwelling or building without requiring expensive sound deadening building materials (such as double glazing in I windows, insulation etc). Another advantage is that water can be tapped from a o particular tank or pipe (for instance using a conventional water tap) without requiring N 10 extensive plumbing to a central water supply.

IIt is envisaged that the system may comprise pipes having larger volumes and pipes having smaller volumes, tanks having larger volumes and tanks having smaller Ivolumes, tanks having varies shapes, shapes enabling the tanks to be positioned in a desirable place such as in the roof space, above the eaves, in a wall, under a floor etc.

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It is preferred that the system comprises at least one "roof" tank which is meant that I the tank is positioned below the roof sheets and may be supported by the rafters or trusses etc. Depending on the weight, a number of such roof tanks, can be provided.

It is preferred that the system comprises at least one "ceiling" tank by which is meant that the tank is positioned on top of the ceiling frame and may be supported by the roof trusses, ceiling beams and the like. A number of such tanks may be provided.

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It is preferred that the system comprises at least one external and one internal wall tank, meaning that the tanks are positioned in wall cavities. Again, any number of such tanks may be provided.

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Depending on the type of construction of the dwelling or building, it is preferred that a floor tank be provided. If the dwelling is elevated above the ground (for instance by stumps), a floor tank can be installed below the floor. The tank may be supported by floor beams, or may be positioned on the ground. Again, a number of such tanks may be provided.

If the dwelling is a double story, or multiple story dwelling, and depending on the type of floor, it may be possible to position another type of floor tank in the space below the floorboards.

The number, size and therefore volume of the tanks and pipes may be varied depending on the calculated amount of water that can be stored, this depending on the roof area and the rainfall statistics.

It is preferred that a number of external wall tanks be installed as these tanks can provide insulation and noise reducing qualities to a building. Similarly, it is preferred that floor tanks be provided for the same reason.

At least some of the tanks are, interconnected such that the tanks can be filled from the roof gutter as described above. It is preferred that the tanks are interconnected to each other although there may be some circumstances where the tanks are not interconnected but ultimately plumbed to the roof gutter. By having the tanks interconnected, there is an advantage that, the gravity flow of water from the roof gutter fills the tanks, from the lowest tank to the highest tank.

Depending on the size and type, of dwelling or building. It is envisaged that the various internal tanks or pipes can hold several thousand litres of water when full and in a manner where the tanks and pipes are virtually invisible and do not restrict the internal area of the building. These tanks will reduce the need for a large external tank. In addition, these internal tanks and pipes can provide a secure supply of water for firefighting. Any plumbing or pumps that may be required can also be positioned within the dwelling and therefore are not as exposed to a nearby bush fire.

It is, envisaged that additional water can be collected on the roof area and is stored in the various internal water tanks and pipes, therefore one form of the invention is directed to further storage means for any surplus water.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when all installed water storage vessels

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9 0 are full, water will overflow the uppermost water storage vessel and flow back into the box gutter. ;Z 00 In a second form, the present invention resides in a system for collecting rainwater from the roof of a building, comprising means for collecting rainwater flowing over a roof. Said means located at the eaves of said roof and wherein said means are in fluid communication with at least one water storage vessel, said water storage vessel I comprising a structural building element.

0 I 10 Preferably, the water collection means comprises an eaves gutter in fluid communication via a pipe or conduit (for instance a down pipe) with a structural building element. The size and shape of the gutter may vary to suit, as may the material from which the gutter is, manufactured. It is envisaged that the gutter will be a square line gutter, a quad gutter or the like.

jPreferably, the structural building element comprises a hollow cladding board (weatherboard), which may be adapted to connect to the external wall of a building.

The cladding board may be, constructed from any suitable material, for instance metal, fiberglass or plastic such as PVC.

Thus, the external cladding of the building can also hold a surprisingly large amount of water due to the length of the cladding boards and the number of the cladding boards without requiring the cladding boards to become extremely large and bulky.

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There are many advantages with filling the external cladding of the building with water including a very good temperature insulating effect caused by the water in the cladding boards and a very good sound deadening effect.

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It is envisaged that most and preferably substantially all of the cladding boards can hold water although there may be circumstances where some of the cladding boards may be the more traditional solid boards. It is also preferred that the water holding cladding board is substantially hollow along its entire length to maximise the water holding capabilities, although there may be some circumstances where part of the 010 ,IN board needs to be solid or some form of reinforcements struts and the like need to be provided to provide strength to the board.

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cI The length of each board may vary, it is, envisaged that the board will have a length of between 1-6 m although it is not envisaged that any particular limitation should be placed on the invention merely by providing these specific sizes. The "depth" or _thickness of each board may also vary and it is, envisaged that the cladding board will N have a thickness of between 10-50 mm, and a width of approximately 100-300 mm.

oIt is usual for the cladding board to be slightly, tapered on the front face to provide N 10 weatherproofing, this being conventional for cladding boards.

It is also envisaged that the structural building element may comprise some form of "brick" or "block" type structure instead of a cladding board, which is also, hollow and which can contain and hold water. There may be circumstances where the external walls of the building contain a combination of hollow cladding boards and masonry.

The structural building elements may, comprise other types of building member such as hollow posts, hollow columns and the like.

As an example, if a dwelling has a perimeter of approximately 60 m and a wall height of about 2.4 m, and if the average depth of a board is about 30 mm, and taking into account some loss due to door and window openings, it is found that the dwelling boards can store about 3000 L of water. The thermal and sound insulating properties of such a quantity of water would be considerable.

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There are various means for filling these boards with water. It is preferred that the filling is via gravity such that no separate pumps and the like are required.

In one form, each cladding board will have openings in the ends to form a water inlet, the cladding boards are in communication with each other such that water will Sprogressively fill the cladding boards from the lowest board to the uppermost board.

The ends of the cladding boards are adapted to communicate with a down pipe carrying water from the gutter. Thus, the down pipe may contain a plurality of openings that are in the shape of the cladding boards, or one continuous elongate opening in which each open end of the cladding boards can be sealed such that the cladding boards can be progressively filled from water flowing through the down pipe It is, envisaged that the ends of the cladding boards will project approximately into the down pipe openings for sealing purposes. Various types of industrial silicones and/or hot melt glues are appropriate sealants.

Because the boards contain water, it is not desirable to nail the boards to the supporting framework due to the possibility of the boards becoming pierced by the nails and subsequently leaking. Therefore, it is preferred to provide some form of attachment arrangement that does not require direct nailing into the boards.

Preferably, for aligning purposes and speed of assembly, the cladding boards are designed so they slot together in use. The upper surface of a cladding board may be provided with a projection that communicates with a recess in the lower surface of an adjacent cladding board. This type of arrangement being: a "tongue and groove".

However, it is also preferred that the boards are connected to the supporting framework using some form of intermediate clip or bracket which is secured to the wall framing. The clip, or bracket, may be manufactured from metal or alternate materials.

The clip or bracket attaches to the wall framing with nails, screws or rivets. The clip or bracket may comprise a first version containing a lower somewhat U-shaped lip which functions to pass into the lower recess of the cladding board. This clip or bracket supports the lower most or first installed cladding board and may be similar in length to the cladding boards for additional support purposes.

A second type clip or bracket may be provided which also has a somewhat Ushaped lower lip but this time the lip being an "inverted" U-shape which is designed to fit around the top "tongue" projection of the board.

The outer face on this fixing clip or bracket has a central indentation that engages with a corresponding indentation in the outer face of the tongue projection at the top

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I of the cladding boards. These clips or brackets attach to each wall stud and provide both lateral and vertical support to the cladding boards.

OIt is envisaged that there may be circumstances where enough water is collected to also completely fill the external cladding boards and another form of the present invention is directed to further improvements to the rainwater collecting system to 0 10 collect any surplus water.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when all installed hollow cladding boards are full, water will overflow the uppermost cladding board and flow back into the eaves gutter.

In a third form, the present invention resides in a system for collecting rainwater from the roof of a building comprising means for collecting rainwater flowing over a roof, said means located at the eaves of said roof and wherein said means are in fluid communication with at least one external water storage vessel (water tank).

In this particular arrangement, it is preferred that the external water tank is not a I traditional round or "slim line" water tank as these suffer from disadvantages described previously including a relatively large "footprint" which may make such tanks unsuitable especially in smaller lots.

I Research has established that surplus water can be stored advantageously in a specially designed fence or wall that has a relatively small, footprint.

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Therefore, surplus water, in one embodiment, may be, channeled to a dividing fence or wall having compartments in which the water can be stored. There are advantages with this arrangement. One advantage previously described is that the fence or wall is I usually a requirement between adjacent lots and therefore making this fence slightly wider to hold water has little impact.

Preferably, the water collection means, comprises a gutter in fluid communication via a pipe or conduit with a fence.

Preferably, the fence is hollow. The fence may comprise a number of elements, such as posts, rails, palings or panels. The fence may be constructed from any suitable material, for instance metal, fiberglass or plastic such as PVC.

0 In a fourth form, the present invention resides in a system for collecting rainwater from the roof of a building in which the systems of the first, second and third forms of the invention are connected in series.

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It is, envisaged that there is circumstances where the roofing material can hold roof water and therefore will be part of the rainwater collection system. For instance, weatherboards that hold roof water may be installed over a pitched or awning roof structure. An advantage with this particular arrangement is that the weatherboards will improve the living environment under the roof structure and provide a water source for hanging baskets, pot plants and the like. Figure 10 of the preferred embodiment illustrates this type of arrangement.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention, will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an end elevation of a domestic dwelling. This end elevation may represent a low set dwelling or the top story of a two story dwelling; Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a two story dwelling; Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged box gutter/roof tank detail; Figure 4 illustrates a bracket that supports the bottom edge of a cladding board when in use; Figure 5 illustrates a bracket that supports the top edge of a cladding board when in use;

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Figure 6 Figure 7 of a building; Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 rails; Figure 17 fence paling; Figure 18 illustrates the profile and stop end for a cladding board; illustrates the down pipe and stop arrangement on the external corner illustrates a door and window stop; illustrates cladding board profiles in a down pipe; illustrates a sectional view of an awning with cladding attached; illustrates a down pipe stop end; Stop may also be rectangular in shape; illustrates a sectional view of the left hand end of an awning roof; illustrates a perspective view of a fence panel or freestanding screen; illustrates a perspective view of a fence post and fence rail; illustrates a plan view of a fence paling; illustrates perspective views of top, intermediate and bottom fence illustrates a perspective view of a fence post, intermediate rail and a illustrates a perspective view of a fence post and top fence rail.

Best Mode.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a box gutter 1 is shown installed on the roof 2 of a building, located between the roof over hang 3 and the roof apex 4. The box gutter is equipped with one or more down pipes 5 which allow water collected in the gutter to be directed under gravity to a, or a number of, water containers. Typically, a box gutter would be around 300mm wide, or approximately the distance between, two roof tile battens. Additionally, overflow splitters, may be installed in a box gutter as a safeguard against flooding. In the particular preferred embodiment, the water containers comprise various types of tanks or large diameter pipes installed in various locations inside a building. External cladding on a building form alternate water containers, this being described in, greater detail below.

The advantage of having the box gutter 1 in the particular position is that water can flow under gravity to fill containers in the building. This would not be possible if the 1> gutters were in the usual position at the eaves of the roof However, the positioning of the box gutter means that the gutter will only collect water on the roof between the apex 4 and the box gutter 1 and not "downstream" from the box gutter. Described in 00 greater detail below is how the system collects the rainwater striking the remainder of the roof In Figure 2, water channeled by the down pipes 5 flows into a series of water storage vessels 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e which are located inside the building. These water o storage vessels may be located in a number of areas within the building, such as I 10 between and/or under roof rafters and/or roof trusses, between and/or over ceiling joists and/or roof trusses, between wall framing, in cupboards and, in buildings of more than one story, "between floor joists". Alternatively, in buildings such as factories, water storage vessels may be located on mezzanine floors. Additionally, when constructing a building, a small water storage vessel may be installed over, a ceiling fr-ame before pitching the roof. The water storage vessels, may be made from, any suitable material, such as sheet metal, fiberglass, PVC or rubber. By locating the water storage vessels in these locations, the available floor space inside the building is not restricted. The water storage vessels are in fluid communication with one another via, pipes 5a, 5b, with water flowing under gravity between the interconnected storage vessels. Taps 7 and 8 may be provided in the lower most water storage vessel to facilitate use of the collected water. These taps may be located either internally or 3 externally to the building. In addition to having a ready supply of fresh water, the existence of water tanks within the structure of a building will aid with, sound proofing, insulation and resistance to fire. It is also possible to attach fire sprinklers to the water storage vessels located in a ceiling for additional fire protection. Water storage vessels installed above ceiling height may be connected to, shower cubicles, cisterns and the like in order to provide, a gravity feed, water supply. If required, an external gas water heater would heat water flowing from a water storage vessel to a shower, bath, laundry and the like. Solar roof panels may also provide this arrangement.

For additional support to the water storage vessels, waterproof ply, may be installed over the top of support trimmers 2a and 2b. Such waterproof ply is preferably of

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16 12mm thickness. In addition to this, it is preferable that safe trays, be installed under I all water storage vessels as a precaution against leaks. Preferably, the safe trays are provided with drainpipes (minimum diameter 25mm) that drain to the exterior of the building, thus preventing any leaking water from damaging ceilings, walls or floors of I 5 the building. The drainpipes leading from the safe trays would require frog flaps on the ends thereof.

It may prove necessary to install, sound proofing around the water storage vessels. If o this is the case then any wall and ceiling linings adjoining the water storage vessels 1 10 will require noise-reducing qualities.

IReferring in, greater detail to the arrangement illustrated in figure 2, water flowing into gutter 1, and flows through down pipe 5 and initially into a roof tank 6a.

IHowever, the lower end of the roof tank contains another pipe 5a which has three openings, one opening extending into the lower end of the roof tank, another opening extending into ceiling tank 6b, and the third opening extending downwardly into a side wall tank 6c.

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It is, envisaged that more than one roof tank 6a, will be provided, and these can be joined together. Each roof tank may have a volume of about 0.25 cubic metres. Each ceiling tank may have a volume of about 0.5 cubic metres.

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It is, also envisaged that more than one ceiling tank, 6b, will be provided, and these can also, be joined together (typically via a connecting pipe). Typically, a pair of ceiling tanks will be, installed.

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It is, envisaged that more than one external wall tank 6c will be provided, and each external wall tank may have a volume of about 0.9 cubic metres. Typically, two or more external wall tanks will be, provided.

The bottom of each external wall tank 6c contains an outlet which is connected to another pipe 5b which again has three openings, being an upper opening which connects to side wall tank 6c, a side generally horizontal opening which connects to a 0 floor tank 6d, and a lower opening which connects to a lower side wall tank 6e. The floor tank 6d may be similar to the ceiling tank 6b.

00 The arrangement of piping and openings is such that water flowing through the box gutter 1 initially fills the lowest tank 6e and then progressively fills the other tanks 6d, 6c, 6b, and finally the roof tank 6a. The entire filling process is via gravity. Large ON diameter pipes, installed above eaves linings, over ceilings and in, a [vertical position] in full height cupboards, fill in a similar manner to the tanks.

010 Once all water storage vessels, including large pipes within the building are full, water will back up in down pipe 5 and/or an alternate down pipe and the box gutter 1 will partially fill and overflow. Residue will flow down the roof into gutter 9 located adjacent to the eaves of the building. In communication with gutter 9 is, a first inner down pipe 10, and a second outer down pipe 12. It is important to appreciate that the inlet of the second down pipe 12 is raised slightly higher than the inlet of the first down pipe 10 which means that water flowing into gutter 9 will initially flow through the first down pipe 10. The reason for this will be described in, greater detail below.

Turning now to Figure 3, the down pipe 10 features a number of openings 11. These openings are located to communicate with corresponding openings in a series of hollow cladding boards attached to the wall framing.

Thus, a feature of the embodiment of the present invention is that the wall cladding of the building can hold water. To do so, the wall cladding comprises hollow elongate members and an example of such a member, is shown in Figure 6. One end at least of each cladding board is open and communicates with down pipe 10. Thus, any water flowing through down pipe 10 will fill the wall cladding boards from the lowest board to the uppermost board.

When all the cladding boards, are filled, water will back up in down pipe 10 and flow back into gutter 9. When this occurs, water will build up in gutter 9 and flow into the second down pipe 12, which comprises an inlet projecting above the base of the gutter. Water that enters this down pipe may flow to a number of other water 0 collection devices, such as cladding on an awning root, a fence or a freestanding Oil) screen. Alternatively, water entering this down pipe may discharge to a storm water 1< drain.

0* It is imperative, that the hollow cladding boards is well secured. However, it is not practical to connect the boards directly to the wall framing because the boards will not be watertight if nailed directly to the wall fr-aming. Figure 4 shows, a bracket or clip 13 that will secure the cladding boards in place. The bracket or clip 13 is substantially rectangular in plane and consists of a panel that sits flat against the wall framing. The panel has holes 14 to accommodate nails, screws or rivets. These fixings connect the bracket or clip 13 to the wall framing. The bracket or clip 13 also comprises a lip The lip 15 consists of an upnight member, which stands out from the panel and runs perpendicular to the panel for the length of the panel. The upright member is, connected to the panel by a connecting member, which extends from the bottom edge of the panel to the bottom edge of the upright member. The connecting member may also run the length of the panel. The bracket or clip 13 of Figure 4 is of particular use for connecting the bottommost or first cladding board to a building. When the bracket or clip 13 is, attached to the wall framing, a cladding board may then, be installed.

The lip 15 of the bracket or clip 13 engages with a recess (shown in Figure 6 as 22) in the cladding board.

Figure 5 shows, a bracket or clip 16 which connects two cladding boards at the T&G join. The bracket or clip 16 is substantially rectangular is plane and consists of a panel that sits flat against the wall framing. The panel has holes 17 to accommodate nails, screws and rivets. These fixings connect the bracket or clip 16 to the wall framing.

The bracket or clip 16 also comprises a lip 18. The lip 18 has a channel-shaped profile in the form of an inverted U. The lip 18 runs perpendicular to the panel for the length of the panel, but is of reduced height. The lip 18 is, joined to the panel by a connecting member, which extends from the bottom edge of the panel to the bottom edge of lip 18. Lip 18 has a central indentation along the face that interacts with an indentation in the outer face of tongue 23 in Figure 6. The connecting member may also run the length of the panel. In use, the bracket or clip 16 is connected to wall framing and engages with an upper, and a, lower cladding board at the T&G join. The upper cladding board has a recess on its bottom surface (shown as 22 in Figure 6), The lower cladding board has a tongue projection with a central indentation on the Ni 01) face of its upper surface that engages, with the indentation on the front lip 18 on clip 16. In this way, two adjoining cladding boards may be, held rigidly in place, both 00 5 laterally and vertically against the wall framing.

Ni The cladding board 19 illustrated in Figure 6, also shows a stop end 20, "Figure 6a",

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with an inner flange 21, a tongue 23 and a grove 22. The stop end is fixed into the end of a cladding board by any suitable method (for instance, by gluing). The stop r- 10 ends are, installed where the cladding boards butt against, a window, or door- frame.

o Figure 6b illustrates a weatherboard joiner that installs in a similar manner to the said stop ends 20. The cladding board 19 also comprises a recess 22 in the bottom surface and a tongue-like projection 23 on the uppermost surface. In use, the recess 22 is designed to communicate either directly with a projection 23 on a cladding board installed directly below and with the lip of a bracket or clip (see Figures 4 and attached to the wall framing. The cladding board 19 may further comprise internal, full- length ribs, which reinforce the cladding board 19 and prevent it from deforming.

These cladding boards have the advantage of being faster and easier to install that traditional cladding. Additionally, unlike conventional cladding, these boards do not require painting. The cladding boards on a typical one-story building would have a capacity of around 3000 litres. Additional benefits with the cladding boards are, excellent insulating and noise reducing qualities.

7 illustrates the arrangement of down pipes on the external corner of a bildng.A conventional outer down pipe 12 is lald over an internal down pipe and starrangement 10. The down pipe and stop arrangement 10 is in fluid communication with a number of cladding boards 19. The down pipe and stop arrangement 10 is substantially L-shaped in order that the down pipe may be in fluid communication with cladding boards 19 on both walls of the building that form the external corner. In use, the down pipe and stop arrangement 10 is located between the I wall framing and the conventional outer down pipe 12 and is attached to a corner stud of the building. The down pipe and stop arrangement 10 may be formed of any I suitable material, such as metal or PVC.

o Figure 8 illustrates a door and window stop arrangement. The window or door trim 28 may be, used where an intemruption to a cladding board is required, such as where the ;Z cladding boards meet a window or door- frame.

00 5 The end, of a cladding board 19 is, concealed and made weatherproof by connecting Ni with a turned down flange on the window or door trim 28. The end of the cladding board is, sealed off by a stop 20. Cladding boards may be, partially cut around a window or doorframe. The cut ends of the cladding boards 19 will need to be, sealed off with a section of stop 20. The window or door trim and the stop arrangement may h- 10 be made of any suitable material, such as metal or PVC.

In Figure 9, an inner down pipe 10 is shown. The inner down pipe 10 installs against the external corner of a building. The inner down pipe 10 has cladding board profiles cut into the edges, [preferably by laser cutting], which are designed to communicate with the open ends of cladding boards 19. Water in the inner down pipe 10 flows to the bottommost cladding board, as each cladding board 19 fills, the water level in the inner down pipe 10 rises and fills the cladding board immediately above.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this form of the invention, water flows off an upper roof and into a gutter 3 1. The gutter is equipped with a down pipe drop 3 2 in fluid communication with an inclined down pipe 10 that is laid over an inclined awning roof 34. The awning roof 34 is fitted with cladding boards 19 which are, connected together through adjoining tongue-like projections and recesses as described in Figure 6. The cladding boards 19 lie flush against the I 25 upper surface of the awning roof frame 3 4. The inclined down pipe 10 runs the length of the awning roof 34. The inclined down pipe 10 is equipped with holes that communicate with openings in the ends of the cladding boards 19, in much the same way as illustrated in Figure 9. Water entering inclined down pipe 10 flows under gravity to the bottommost cladding board. As each successive cladding board 19 fills, water backs up in the inclined down pipe 10 until it overflows through gaps 3 6 in the uppermost cladding board. Water may then flow across the upper surface of the cladding boards 19 into another gutter 37 located at the external end of the inclined awning roof 3 4. The inclined down pipe 10 may also, be provided with a water outlet at its lower end.

o The second gutter 37 is in fluid communication, via a down pipe drop 38, with an o inner down pipe 10 and cladding boards 19 attached to the wall framing 39, as ;Z described in Figure 9.

00 The inclined down pipe 10 is, fitted at its lower extremity with a down pipe stop end This down pipe stop end 40 is, illustrated in Figure IlI. The down pipe stop end

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is substantially L-shaped and acts to seal the end of the inclined down pipe 10. The down pipe stop end 40 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or PVC.

to o Figure 12 shows a sectional view of a portion of the awning roof 34 illustrated in Figure 10. The down pipe drop 32, channels water into the inclined down pipe The inclined down pipe 10 is in fluid communication with the cladding boards 19 installed on the inclined awning roof In another embodiment of the invention, Figure 13 shows a hollow fence panel or freestanding screen arrangement that may also be used as a water storage vessel.

Water may be channeled to, the fence panel or screen by a conventional down pipe leading from an eaves gutter on a structure such as, a house, awning or shed. The fence panel or screen comprises two or more vertical fence posts 66 that connect the fence panel or screen to the ground at their lower extremity and extend to the ful height of the fence panel or screen. The number, location and size of the fence posts 66 may be determined by, a number of factors, such a's length and height of fence (i.e.

a higher fence may be required for privacy/security while a shorter fence may be used I 25 for divisional or decorative purposes). The vertical fence posts 66 are, connected to one or more horizontal railings 67, railings 67 connect to apertures in the fence posts 66. The number of railings 67 is determined by factors such as, strength, security or stability. For instance, if the vertical fence posts 66 are located some distance apart, extra railings 67 may be required to provide the fence with the necessary stability. The fence may also include vertical palings 68 which extend from the uppermost to the lowermost railing 67 while passing through any intermediate railings. The tops of the vertical fence posts 66 are, sealed using post caps 69. The vertical posts 66 and the horizontal railings 67 are, provided with means 70 and 71 for securely joining the N posts and rails together. Water channeled to the fence or screen, may be discharged t into the fence or screen either through a fence post cap 69 or through a horizontal railing 67. It is, envisaged that a typical fence panel or screen, measuring

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0 approximately 2m x 2.4m, will accommodate around 170 litres of water.

Figure 14 illustrates a section of what may be either a vertical post 66 or a horizontal Orailing 67. These posts and railings are hollow sections that will accommodate water.

The posts 66 and railings 67 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or PVC. While the section shown in Figure 14 is rectangular, the posts 66 and railings 0 N, 10 67 may be made to any shape.

Figure 15 illustrates a sectional view of the fence palings 68. The palings 68 are hollow sections that will, accommodate water. The palings 68 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or PVC. While the section shown in Figure 15 is rectangular, the palings 68 may be made to any shape.

In Figure 16, the connecting means for the railings 67 is, shown. An upper railing has a widthwise slot 70 cut into the lower surface at its ends to engage with a corresponding lip on post 66. In addition, the lower surface of the upper railing 67 has one or more elongated slots 72 provided along the length of the railing.

Intermediate railings have at both ends, a widthwise notch 71 cut away from the upper I part of the railing and a widthwise slot 70 cut into the lower surface for connection with a fence post 66. In addition, intermediate railings 67 may comprise one or more I elongated lengthwise slots 72 provided along the length of the railing (on both upper and lower surfaces) to accommodate palings 68 passing through the railing. When the palings 68 is installed [elongated slots 72 similar to upper and intermediate railings] into the lower railing 67 of the fence, it is preferable that holes be provided in the bottom of the palings 68 within the confines of bottom rail 67] in order to allow water to reticulate around the fence panel or screen. The bottom surface of the lower railing has a surface similar to the top surface on the upper railing i.e. there are no elongated slots 72.

In Figure 17, an intermediate railing 67 is, shown attached to a fence post 66. A paling 68 is, shown passing through the elongated slots 72 in the railing. The notch 71 and width wise slot 70 in the rail engages with a corresponding aperture in the fence post 66. All connections and joints in the fence posts, railings and palings are

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I chemically sealed, heat-treated or sealed by various other methods to ensure the joins are watertight.

ONIn Figure 18, an upper railing is shown attached to a fence post 66 via a slot 70. The upper railing may comprise one or more elongated lengthwise slots 72 cut along its o length on the bottom surface in order to accommodate the top of a paling 68. Paling

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10 68 projects approximately half way into the railing 67, in order to allow water to reticulate around the fence panel or screen.

Figure 19 illustrates fence post 66. Apertures 73 accommodate rail ends 70 that occur on the upper railings and rail ends 70/71 that occur on the intermediate and lower railings.

Throughout the specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood, to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

I Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

I Any embodiment of the invention means to be illustrative only, and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. There for it should be appreciated that various other changes I and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (39)

1. A system for collecting and storing roof water comprising: A box gutter; 00 Drops and diverters connected to said box gutter; A series of internal tanks and large pipes for the storage of water; ,O A series of pipes and manifolds for connecting said tanks and large pipes; Hot and cold water lines and taps connected to said tanks and large pipes; c Structural ply for supporting the under side of sloping and horizontal tanks; o Metal brackets and straps for holding said tanks and large pipes; Safe trays installed under said tanks; Thermal and noise reducing insulation to enclose said tanks and large pipes; The system of claim 1 further comprising; An eaves gutter; A down pipe engaged to said eaves gutter; A weatherboard engaged to said down pipe; Window and door trims engaged to said weatherboards; A continuous concealed metal bracket for supporting the lowest weatherboard; Concealed metal brackets for supporting the top edges of the weatherboards; Stop ends and joiners for the weatherboards and down pipes; The system of claim 1 further comprising: A fence panel; I 25 A post; A post cap; I A rail engaged to said post; A paling engaged to said rail; I 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said box gutter is installed in a roof surface.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said drops and diverters are installed in the bottom of the said box gutter.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said tanks and large pipes are installed in naturally I occurring cavities inside a building. I P26 O O o 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said tanks, large pipes, safe trays, associated Z manifolds and plumbing equipment can be manufactured from metal or PVC. 00 5 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said eaves gutter is attached to a building in a horizontal position.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said down pipe is attached in a vertical position relative to the said eaves gutter.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said weatherboard is connected to the said down 10 pipe in a horizontal position relative to the said down pipe. O o 9. The system of claim I wherein said window and door trims may be attached to a building in a vertical and/or horizontal position. The system of claim 1 wherein said continuous concealed metal bracket is attached to the bottom plate of the wall framing in a horizontal position.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said concealed metal bracket restrains, both laterally and vertically, the top edge of the said weatherboard to wall framing.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said stop ends and joiners install in the ends of said weatherboards and down pipes.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said eaves gutter, down pipe, weatherboard, stop ends and brackets can be manufactured from metal or PVC.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said post is vertically disposed relative to a surface. I 15. The system of claim 1 wherein said post cap has a socket for the attachment of a down pipe.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein said rail is at an approximate right angle to said post.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said paling is approximately parallel to said post.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein said paling extends through the bottom edge of the top rail, through the top and bottom edges of the centre rail and through the top edge of the bottom rail.

19. The system of claim 1 wherein large holes at the bottom of the said palings i.e. within the confines of the bottom rail, permit a free flow of water within the fence panel. t0o 20. The system of claim 1 wherein said palings are entered approximately 20mm only into the top rail to permit a free flow of water within the fence panel. 00 5 21. The system of claim 1 wherein all joins are chemically or heat-sealed when the fence components are vinyl.

22. A method of installing the system comprising: \Installing a box gutter; Connecting drops and diverters to said box gutter; S 10 Installing structural ply over framing to support the internal tanks; O o Installing safe trays above said structural ply; Installing tanks and large pipes in selected positions; Installing metal brackets and straps to support said tanks and pipes; Connecting joiners and manifolds to said tanks and large pipes; Installing hot and cold water lines and taps to said tanks and large pipes; Enclosing the said tanks and pipes with insulation.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising a box gutter of unity construction with built in waterproof flashings.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein two or more said drops and diverters are installed in said box gutter. The method of claim 22 wherein said box gutter is installed above and at a right angle to the roof rafters. I 26. The method of claim 25 wherein said box gutter has a depth equivelent to the height of a roof batten on the top side and a height equivelent to a roof batten and roof I 25 cladding on the lower side.

27. The method of claim 22 wherein an over flow pipe is installed in said safe trays. I 28. The method of claim 22 wherein said structural ply is installed over safe tray positions.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein safe trays are installed above said structural ply.

30. The method of claim 22 wherein said large pipes are installed over a ceiling frame I or above the eaves linings in a horizontal position.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said large pipes are connected and/or sealed by sockets, elbows and end caps to form a number of and/or a continuous container. t4o 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said large pipes are supported above wall framing and by metal straps suspended from roof rafters. 00 5 33. The method of claim 22 wherein said large pipes are installed in full height cupboards in a vertical position.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein said large pipes may project into the roof void to Iincrease holding capacity. The method of claim 33 wherein said large pipes are connected at floor level by elbows and T fittings and sealed at the top by end caps. O o 36. The method of claim 33 wherein said manifolds are connected to said large pipes.

37. The method of claim 22 wherein said hot and cold water lines and taps are connected to said tanks and large pipes.

38. The method of claim 22 wherein said tanks and large pipes are enclosed with insulation.

39. An additional method of installing the system comprising: Installing an eaves gutter; Installing a down pipe/stop; Installing a weatherboard; Installing window and door trims; Installing a continuous concealed metal bracket; Installing a concealed metal bracket; I Installing stop ends and joiners to weatherboards and down pipes; The method of claim 39 further comprising installing drops in the said eaves I 25 gutter in predetermined locations.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein said down pipe/stop further comprises cut outs in a face and edge equivelent in size to vertically stacked T&G weatherboard profiles

42. The method of claim 39 wherein said weatherboard is hollow, wedge shaped with a tongue along the top edge and a groove along the bottom edge.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein said weatherboard further comprises a hollow shell with one or more coplanar strengthening ribs and an indentation along the front face of the tongue.

44. The method of claim 39 wherein said window and door trims have one or more coplanar strengthening ribs and a recess to house the weatherboard ends. The method of claim 39 wherein said continuous concealed metal bracket has a u- shaped channel along the bottom edge and a back vertical fixing panel'

46. The method of claim 39 wherein said concealed metal bracket has both a connecting u shaped and an inverted u-shaped channel along the bottom edge and a back vertical fixing panel.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein said inverted u shaped panel has a front lip with an indentation that engages with the said indentation in the said weatherboard tongue

48. The method of claim 39 wherein said stop ends 20, have the same profiles as the weatherboards and down pipes.

49. The method of claim 39 wherein said stop ends 40, have an inner dimension equivelent to the internal dimensions of the said down pipes. The method of claim 39 wherein said stop ends have a fixed panel at one end equivelent in size to the outer dimensions of the weatherboards and down pipes.

51. The method of claim 39 wherein said joiners are hollow and equivelent in size to the inner dimensions of the said weatherboards, said joiners have a central raised lip equivelent in size to the outer dimensions of the said weatherboard ends.

52. The method of claims 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 may be used conjointly to form a water proof roof cover over ground or alternate floor, pitched, or awning roofs similar to Fig

53. The method of claim 39 wherein said down pipe/stop 10 has a conventional over laid down pipe 12 for the provision of a water supply to said down pipe/stop 10 on awning roof 34.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein said down pipe/stop 10 would have a slope similar to awning roof 34.

55. The method of claim 41 wherein weatherboard profile cut outs are in one edge only, of the down pipe stops

56. The method of claim 48 wherein said stop ends 40 are installed in the lowest end of down pipe/stop 10, as shown on awning 34 in Fig

57. The method of claim 54 wherein a tap may be installed at the lowest point in down pipe/stop DATED this 24 th day of August 2007 Ronald William Bebendorf