AU2007221977A1 - Water management apparatus - Google Patents

Description

TradingHUBonline.com Pty. Ltd.

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "WATER MANAGEMENT APPARATUS" This invention is described in the following statement:- 12/10/07.1116098 cap,l C The present invention relates, in general terms, to a method and apparatus for use in the conservation of water. More particularly, but not exclusively, the

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invention relates to an apparatus for the receiving and temporarily housing, for purposes of transport, storage and subsequent re-use, of water, and especially of what is these days referred to as "grey" water.

Nowadays, whether by reason of what is referred to as global warming and/or the so-called El Niflo effect, in Australia in particular and, for that matter, elsewhere throughout the world, there has been a significant reduction in rainfall and hence in the amount of water available for consumption. As the quantity of water S 10 held in reservoirs, dams and the like decreases, through continuing and expanding use and non-replenishment or inadequate replenishment (via rainfall), more and more emphasis is being placed on/directed to possible ways and means of reducing the overall consumption/utilisation of water and/or improving the extent of re-use or recycling thereof.

The demands of our society for water, both for industrial and domestic use, is ever on the increase. If our society is to maintain its existing standard of living, let alone improve thereon, then if current, normal or general practices continue such can be expected to mean further increases in the consumption of water, both in a domestic sense and in industry. Whilst no doubt steps can be taken to in some ways restrict or limit water consumption, in the overall scheme of things such can be expected to meet with significant consumer resistance and, in all real respects, to have only a marginal effect in terms of improvement of availability of water. In actual fact, there exist two possible approaches to the problems now facing our society in terms of water and the continuing availability or reduced availability thereof for use. The first of these would be to attempt to reduce or minimise the amount of water actually consumed, a procedure which is already encountering significant resistance, at least within some sections of our society. The second alternative, or perhaps more correctly an alternative to be employed in conjunction with the first, would be to attempt to increase the degree or extent of recycling or reuse of water once expended.

Insofar as recycling or re-use of water is concerned, present efforts have generally been concentrated on the concept of recycling of sewage and other similar 12/10/07,116098 cap,2 -3effluent. Such has been found, however, to suffer from a significant drawback in O terms of psychological problems associated with the use of recycled sewage, even if

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0 only intended for use in gardens/agriculture and the like rather than for human consumption.

A more socially acceptable alternative would be to provide methods and means for the recycling of used water, especially water other than sewage. Such could be, for example, so-called "grey" water from any domestic situation, which N, "grey" water in accordance with current practices basically disappears down the drain/sink during showers and baths, washing and/or rinsing of food, dishes and other items in the kitchen sink, as well as water exiting from a washing machine, dishwasher or the like. These days there is an ever-increasing emphasis on the use of soaps, detergents and the like which are in fact biodegradable. It stands to reason, therefore, that any such "grey" water, if it can be readily collected and is able to be stored for use and transported to a suitable locale, could be utilised for purposes such as watering of plants, gardens and lawns, etc. Such in itself would, in turn, result in a significant reduction in the volume of water utilised by any given establishment (perhaps nowhere more so than in the domestic situation).

Whilst this concept of collection and re-use of "grey" water has been considered previously, the actual implementation thereof has suffered from a number of problems and disadvantages. By way of example only, one prior art proposal involved the collection of "grey" water in any given receptacle, as for example a bucket or the like, for subsequent delivery to a site for re-use. In practice, however, the utilisation of buckets, watering cans or the like, apart from giving rise to the possibility of unwanted spillage within the locale, for example, even more importantly can increase the difficulty of collecting and subsequent dispensing of such "grey" water, especially by people who are aged, physically incapacitated etc.

The present invention seeks to overcome those problems and disadvantages by providing a method and means which allows for ready collection of "grey" water, as well as ready transport thereof from a point (or points) of collection to a site (or sites) for re-use. More particularly the invention provides a method and means for the clean (spillage-free), efficient collection of "grey" water and for storage of a substantial volume thereof for subsequent re-use. The apparatus lends itself to use 12/0/07,116098 cap,3 even by persons who may be suffering from some degree of physical injury or

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It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which will in fact encourage the re-use or re-cycling of "grey" water, by facilitating the collection, storage and transport thereof to a locale best suited for such re-use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, in kit form, an apparatus which will allow for re-use of collected "grey" water in a variety of ways, including an array of accessories to allow for adaptation to suit differing use requirements.

SIn accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the storage of a liquid, as for example "grey" water, said apparatus including: a receptacle or tank for receiving and retaining for re-use a quantity of said liquid; and a carriage means adapted to receive and releasably retain said tank and to allow for ready transport thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for receiving and storage of a liquid, as for example "grey" water, said apparatus including: a tank or the like receptacle for receiving and retaining for reuse a volume of liquid; a wheeled cart or trolley adapted to receive, and releasably retain, said tank or the like receptacle; and a shaped handle or steering means adapted, in use, to be releasably attachable to said wheeled cart or trolley and to be associated with said tank or the like receptacle, whereby to assert in retaining said tank or the like receptacle in a predetermined position relative to said wheeled cart or trolley.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred construction of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1. shows respective front and rear perspective views of an overall apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a carrier means or cart and handle combination in accordance with the invention; 12110/07,1t 16098 cap,4 r- FIG. 3 shows respective front and rear perspective views of a liquid O receptacle or tank of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 4a is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a substantially upright configuration, with the liquid receptacle or tank being filled with liquid from an external source; FIG. 4b is a view, similar to FIG. 4a, but with the overall apparatus in a substantially horizontal configuration for purposes of filling; N. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the liquid receptacle or tank of FIG. 3, when removed from the carrier/cart but located in a dispensing station, but with additional C 10 liquid dispensing attachments shown; FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a dispensing station as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a number of possible sources of liquid for location in the apparatus of FIG. 1; and FIG. 8 shows the apparatus in accordance with the invention in a variety of contents of use for dispensing of stored liquid.

With reference firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes two principal components, namely a liquid receiving and dispensing means or tank, generally designated 10, and one (or more) further means for receiving and releasably retaining said tank 10. In one especially preferred embodiment the receiving means, generally designated 20, will have associated therewith means which allow for ready movement of the tank 10/receiving means 20 combination to a locale for re-use of liquid stored in the tank 10. In an alternative embodiment, however, and in a manner to be described later in more detail with regard to FIGS. 5 and 6, the receiving means, in this aspect generally designated 40, is to be more or less permanently located at a site for use of stored water. In the embodiment wherein the receiving means 20 is movable, a handle means generally designated 30 will be provided, to facilitate handling and movement. Each of these principal components will now be described in more detail.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 the receiving means 20, in the form of a cart/trolley or the like, is preferably in the form of a shaped receptacle constructed 12/10/07,1t 16098 of any suitable material, more particularly a plastics material. It should be understood, however, that the actual material and method of construction is not of the essence of the invention and that, in alternative embodiments, the carrier means or cart 20 may be constructed from a metal or the like material. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, and as shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the carrier means or cart 20 will include ground-engaging means associated therewith. In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated the carrier means or cart 20 will include opposed N wheels 21 adapted, in use, to be located for rotation on an axle (not shown) or the like adapted to extend transversely of the overall cart 20 or, in an alternative embodiment, on stub axles (also not shown) adapted to be associated with opposed sides of such cart In an especially preferred embodiment, not shown, the axle may be housed within a hollow plastic tube which is adapted, in use, to extend across the entire width of the cart 20, with the free ends of such tube to be releasably housed within complementary apertures formed in the opposed side walls of the cart 20. Such a plastic tube or the like will function to afford increased resistance to unwanted and undesirable collapse of the cart 20 itself.

In a further alternative embodiment, not shown, the carrier means or cart will sit on four wheels (two opposed pairs of wheels), with one pair of such wheels being adapted to be rotatable to assist with steering and the other pair of opposed wheels being adapted to operate only in a fixed forward/reverse mode of operation.

Preferably the wheels 21 will have inflatable tyres 22 (of any known type) associated therewith, to facilitate movement of the overall apparatus, especially when filled with water or the like liquid. In an especially preferred embodiment such tyred wheels will each be approximately from 100 mm to 150 mm in diameter, this to allow the overall apparatus to be moved, as and when desired, across any non-smooth terrain, as for example a lawn.

With particular reference to FIG. 2 the carrier means or cart 20 in accordance with the present invention will include a shaped recess 23 formed in the top surface thereof, such being adapted to receive, and releasably retain therein, the liquid storage means or tank 10. That recess 23 will be of a complementary shape 12/10/07,1t 16098 cap,6 and configuration to the cross-sectional shape of the lowermost portion or end of the o tank

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The carrier means or cart 20 will also have associated therewith means allowing for releasable connection thereto of a handle means or the equivalent steering apparatus 30, such having associated therewith at least one fixing means 31 in the form of a shaped collar adapted in use to be located around the liquid receptacle means or tank 10, whereby to retain said receptacle means or tank 10 in a desired location relative to both said handle means 30 and to the carrier means or cart N 10 With further reference to FIG. 2, the handle means 30 is of a tubular construction, adapted to be releasably connectable to the carrier means or cart Preferably the cart 20 will include spaced-apart hollow tubular elements 24 and extending substantially normally to the uppermost surface thereof as shown, each element 24 and 25 including at least one aperture 26 at or in the vicinity of the upper free end thereof.

The cart 20 further includes, in the upper front edge thereof, a shaped groove 27 which adapted, in use, to co-operate with and releasably receive, a tap means/faucet or the like 11 of the tank 10 (to be described later). In contrast with the cart 20 with the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the receptacle 40 need not include wheels or the like ground-engaging means, nor means allowing for attachment of a handle means 30 thereto. The intention is to have one or more of said receptacles strategically located around a garden, for receiving as and when desired a tank 10 for dispensing of content thereof.

Again with particular reference to FIG. 2 the handle means 30, in the form of a shaped, integral tubular member, includes at each free end thereof means to allow for releasable connection with the cart 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated either or both of the opposed arms 32,33 of the handle 30 will include, disposed internally of the or each arm 32, 33 and at a location spaced from the free end thereof, a spring means or the like 34 having one end thereof protruding through an aperture 35 formed in the or each arm 32, 33. The arrangement is such that, with the free ends of the arms 32, 33 of the handle means 30 located within hollow tubular elements 24 and 25 of cart 20, the or each spring means 34 will be operable to be 12/110/07,It 16098 cap, 7 C retracted within the handle means 30 and then protrude through the aperture 26 of O each of tubular elements 24, 25, thereby releasably retaining the handle means 30 in

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N position relative to the cart Turning now to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of the tank means 10 in accordance with the invention will be in the form of a shaped container, again preferably of a suitable plastics material, having located at or in the vicinity of the uppermost end thereof a shaped aperture 12 which adapted, in use, to allow for carriage of the overall tank 10 by hand as and if desired. The tank means 10 includes San aperture or inlet means 13 having a closure means, as for example a removable S 10 plug or the like 14, associated therewith. The tank 10 further includes, at or in the vicinity of the lowermost end thereof, a further aperture which is adapted to receive, and preferably releasably retain, a liquid dispensing means of any suitable type, as for example a tap, faucet or the like 11.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the procedure of depositing collected liquid in the tank 10, via the inlet means 13. Such a task can be carried out with the apparatus in either the substantially vertical position (FIG. 4a), or more preferably in the horizontal position (FIG. 4b). Clearly there will be a lesser likelihood of unwanted spillage if depositing of water, as for example from a jug, bottle, bucket or the like, is carried out with the apparatus substantially horizontal.

With reference now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 in particular, there is shown therein a receptacle 40, of a size, shape and configuration substantially identical to cart adapted in use to be sited at a location to allow for dispensing of liquid from the tank As with the cart 20, the receptacle 40 will include a shaped recess 41 in the uppermost surface thereof, intended to receive and releasably retain the tank 10, and a groove 42 for housing a tap, faucet or any other suitable dispensing means. Such a receptacle 40, also termed a work station, may be suitably sited in a garden, for example, to allow liquid stored within a tank 10 to be dispensed as required, for purposes of watering plants, shrubs, trees etc.

With reference again to FIG. 8, the apparatus has the facility for ready connection to any known watering means, as for example to a drip-type irrigation or watering system, a hand-held nozzle or the like, etc.

12/10/07,1t16098 cap,8 The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention has been found to alleviate, if not overcome, the principal problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art. The major advantages associated with the apparatus in accordance with the present invention are set out hereinafter.

Firstly, and by reason of the use of preferably tyred ground-engaging means 21, the overall apparatus will have the capability of traversing stairs, thereby being suitable for use even in multi-storey premises, as well as on rough ground, as for N, example of the type which could be expected to be encountered in a lawn or garden.

The tank or receptacle 10 making up a principal part of the overall apparatus has the 10 capability of storing a substantial volume of water for subsequent re-use, in fact a greater volume than could be collected using a bucket, watering can or the like. At the same time, however, the overall unit lends itself to easy movement, thereby being manageable for use by people of all ages even persons suffering from a degree of physical injury or incapacity. Insofar as the tank 10 itself is concerned, it is intended to have such available in a number of different models or sizes, preferably being scaled-down or scaled-up versions of one another. In one embodiment, for example, a tank having a capacity of the order of 100 litres of water will be involved. In a further embodiment, a tank with a capacity of the order of 50 litres of water may be employed. Tanks of such size and weight should be readily usable, even by people with diminished physical capabilities.

The size of the overall apparatus is not substantial. By reason thereof, and furthermore by reason of the fact that the various components are readily demountable one from the other, then offer for sale, purchase and subsequent transport thereof to a desired locale of use becomes simple. The physical dimensions of the overall apparatus are such as to allow for use/movement in any domestic situation.

The inlet opening 13 in the tank 10 is sufficiently large to allow for collected water to be disposed therein, as for example from a tray, hose, bucket, watering can, or even a tap (see for example FIG. All water, once in the tank itself, can be safely contained therein without fear of loss or spillage whilst the overall apparatus is being moved from the location of collection to a possible location for use.

12/10/07.116098 cap, 9 The apparatus, whether with the tank 10 located in a cart 20 or in a work O station 40, is such that liquid stored within the tank 10 is disposed at a sufficient N height above ground level to provide a gravity discharge "head" sufficient to allow water to be readily dispensed therefrom, on to for example lawns, garden plants and the like.

The apparatus is of a contemporary design, with a significant aesthetic content. In the result it lends itself to being capable of being stored internally of a domestic structure or the like without looking out of place. Furthermore, the Sapparatus is designed and constructed of materials which are substantially weather- 10 resistant, to allow it to be located outside and be substantially weather proof against to the ravages of weather if necessary.

Preferably the apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be marketed as a kit or set, including the overall apparatus itself made up of cart or trolley 20, tank 10, handle means 30 and one or more work stations 40. In addition a number of accessories may be provided, these including: a filter or the like; (ii) a pump to assist in emptying the tank, and a source of power therefor, as for example a 12 volt battery or the equivalent; (iii) a hose, a length of hose; (iv) a shower head or rose; a hand lance or nozzle means; (vi) a trigger-operated water gun or the equivalent; (vii) a length of soaker hose or the like; and/or (viii) a solar power pack for the pump referred to earlier.

A filter or the like means may prove a useful accessory in removal of unwanted particulate material from collected "grey" water prior to re-use thereof. A pump, battery or otherwise operated, may prove useful in terms of being able to extract collected water from the apparatus, under pressure if desired, for re-use.

In the result, the apparatus will be available as a multi-purpose unit capable of storing water for a range of possible uses, such as for example watering of lawns and/or gardens, washing of cars, boats, garden furniture, paved areas, etc.

1210107.1 16098 cap, lO -11- C1 In a further alternative, the apparatus could be used for storage of water at, 0 for example, a camp site or work site, for connection to a high pressure cleaning unit.

Finally, it is to be understood that the foregoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the overall apparatus and method in accordance with the invention and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the ensuing claims.

12/10/07,111609B cap, Il

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for the storage of a liquid, as for example "grey" water, said apparatus including: a receptacle or tank for receiving and retaining for re-use a quantity of said liquid; and a carriage means adapted to receive and releasably retain said receptacle or tank.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carriage means includes ground-engaging means associated therewith..

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said ground-engaging means includes at least one pair of opposed wheels, rotatably co-operable with an axle associated with said carriage means, to allow for movement of the said apparatus.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, including a single pair of wheels disposed at the opposite free ends of an axle associated with said carriage means and extending transversely thereof.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 including a single pair of wheels, disposed on opposed sides of said carriage means, on opposed stub axles extending therefrom and associated therewith.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, including two opposed pairs of wheels, disposed forwardly and rearwardly respectively of said carriage means.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tank is releasably mounted to said carriage means.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said carriage means, of a substantially hollow construction, includes a recess in a top surface thereof, said recess being of a size and shape substantially complementary to the cross-section of said receptacle or tank, and adapted to receive and releasable retain said receptacle or tank.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including handle means adapted to be removably associated with said carriage means and/or said receptacle or tank. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said handle means is of tubular construction, with opposed free ends thereof being adapted to be 12/10/07,116098 cap,12 -13- releasably located within spaced-apart complementary tubular protrusions associated Swith and extending from the top surface of said carriage means.

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11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said handle means has associated therewith at least one collar means adapted, in use, to be disposed around said receptacle or tank whereby to assist in retention of said receptacle or tank relative to said carriage and said handle means.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, Swherein said tank or receptacle includes at least one aperture, preferably at or in the Svicinity of the top portion thereof, which allows for deposition/location of said liquid within said tank or receptacle, the arrangement further including a removable cap/plug or the like closure means for the or each said aperture.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, including at least one further aperture, preferable at or in the vicinity of the base or lower portion thereof, for receiving and releasability retaining a means for dispensing said liquid from sensor tank or receptable.

14. An apparatus for receiving and storage of a liquid, as for example "grey" water, said apparatus including: a tank or the like receptacle for receiving and retaining for re-use a volume of liquid; a wheeled cart or trolley adapted to receive, and releasably retain, said tank or the like receptacle; and a shaped handle or steering means adapted, in use, to be releasably attachable to said wheeled cart or trolley and to be associated with said tank or the like receptacle, whereby to assert in retaining said tank or the like receptacle in a predetermined position relative to said wheeled cart or trolley.

15. An apparatus for the storage of a liquid, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 12110/07,t1116098 cap, 13