AU2007237249B1

AU2007237249B1 - Roof water collection and delivery system

Info

Publication number: AU2007237249B1
Application number: AU2007237249A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dan Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-16
Filing date: 2007-11-23
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-23
Also published as: AU2007240166A1; WO2009049357A1

Description

7. Nov. 2007 18:21 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 2183 P, 4/27 SoP/00/009 o Regulation 3.10

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: ROOF WATER COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 072044 COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7. ov. 2007 18:21 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 2183 P. 5/27 2 S ROOF WATER COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM The present invention relates to apparatus and method 0 Z for collection of rainwater falling on the roof of a Ci 5 building, and more particularly for an arrangement of making such water available through gravity feed.

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BACKGROUND

Many arrangements are known for collecting rainwater C' 10 from roof tops. Generally such arrangements make use of the existing guttering and downpipes of a building to direct water flowing into the gutters and into the downpipes to water tanks installed at some level below that of the gutters.

A disadvantage of these systems is that for the collected water to be made available at outlets inside the building, pumps and the ancillary electrical and plumbing installations are required. Pumps are expensive to acquire and install and not infrequently require maintenance or repair.

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate the above disadvantages, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 23. Jan. 2008 14:55 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P 6 00 3 0 Ct -s BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION C Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a roof water collection and storage system for a building; said building having a sloping e roof; said system including a roof water collector and at least one water storage tank; said roof water collector 04 mounted on an upper surface of said sloping roof so as to duct water falling on said roof to said at least one water storage tank; said at least one water storage tank mounted on said upper surface; and wherein said roof water collector is mounted at an intermediate location on said upper surface of said sloping roof between said at least one water storage tank and an uppermost portion of said sloping roof.

Preferably, said roof water collector includes an elongate collector manifold and a flexible collector sheet extending from said collector manifold; water flowing down said sloping roof surface flowing onto said flexible sheet to enter said elongate collector manifold; said elongate collector manifold connected .to said at least one water tank by a water conducting conduit.

COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:55 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 7 00 4 0 SPreferably, said water collector includes a fabricated trough adapted for location in a valley between two adjoining sloping roof surfaces; said fabricated trough provided with a water outlet at a lower end of said trough for connection to said at least one water tank by C a water conducting conduit.

SPreferably, water collected in said water storage tank is made available to water outlets in said building through gravity feed to said outlets.

Preferably, said water storage tank is sized so as to be manipulated by a single system installer.

Preferably, said water storage tank is provided with inlet and outlet fittings; said outlet fittings adapted for interconnection of two or more said water storage tanks so as to provide a desired water storage capacity.

Preferably, said flexible collector sheet is adapted to conform to contours of a roof surface; an upper edge of said flexible collector sheet arranged on said roof surface so as to intercept rainwater flowing down said roof surface; a lower edge of said flexible collector sheet affixed to an underside of said elongate collector manifold.

COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:56 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 8 00 0 SPreferably, said upper edge of said flexible sheet is 1 interposed between overlapping edges of a first upward ec C row of roof tiles and a second next lower row of roof tiles.

ci S Preferably, said upper edge of said flexible collector c C< sheet is affixed to a roof surface with a suitable Sadhesive.

(N

Preferably, said collector manifold comprises an elonga-te tubular member closed at each outer end; said elongate member provided along a lowermost edge with a series of apertures; said apertures adapted to receive for entry into said elongate member of water flowing down said flexible collector sheet.

Preferably, said collector manifold is formed into a roll-formed channel; said channel including a bottom portion and one side portion rising from a lower edge of said bottom portion; said channel further including an upper surface and a partially Preferably, said collector manifold is connected to said water storage tank by at least one water conducting conduit; one at least one water conducting conduit COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:56 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 9 00 0 .6 Sconnecting an end of said collector manifold to an inlet 1 fitting of said water storage tank.

ci Preferably, said roof water collector is located on said Sroof such that said collector manifold is at a level at least equal to the level of the uppermost portion of said C' water storage tank.

0 C- In a further broad form of the invention, there is (C provided a roof water collection and distribution system; said system including at least one water storage tank mounted to a sloping roof surface and a roof water collector connected to said water storage tank; said roof water collector including an elongate water collecting manifold and a water collector sheet; said water collector sheet extending upward from said manifold along said sloping roof; and wherein water flowing down said sloping roof surface, is intercepted to flow onto said C water collector sheet; water intercepted by said sheet flowing into said water collector manifold.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a roof water collection and distribution system; said system including a water storage tank mounted to a sloping roof surface and a roof water collector; said roof water collector including a collector trough formed COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:56 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. OO 00 7 0 0 so as to locate in a valley channel between adjoining c- sloping roof surfaces; said trough having an end portion C at a lower end of said trough; said lower end portion provided with a fitting for connection of a water conducting conduit; said conduit connecting said en collector trough to said water storage tank- In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of providing rainwater to at least one water C outlet in a building; said method including the following steps: mounting a water storage tank on a sloping roof of said building, mounting a roof water collector on said sloping roof between said water storage tank and an uppermost portion of said roof, c6nnecting said roof water collector to said water storage tank, and wherein said water storage tank is provided with an outlet for connection of a water delivery pipe; said water delivery pipe connected to said at least one water outlet within said building.

COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:56 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 11 00 o 8 0 ci Ci e BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be 0 o described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is perspective view of a tiled roof showing an embodiment of the present invention installed, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a roof water collector according to a preferred embodiment of the invention as viewed from the collection and water entry side, Figure 2A is a.sectioned view of a further example.of a roof water collector, i Figure 3 is a cross section of a roof space showing a further preferred embodiment of the invention, COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 Nov. 2007 18:22 WA[[INGTON-DUMM[R N.28 .1,2 -9- Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment 0of a roof water collector mounted in a roof valley.

z DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment With reference to Figure 1, a roof water collection and en delivery system 10 is located on the sloping roof 12 of a building 14. In this instance, the system 10 includes two o identical water storage tanks 16 connected together by connector 18 so as to effectively form one storage facility. A feature of the arrangement is that the water storage facility is mounted so that the base of the tank or tanks are above the level of the roof guttering 23 at the edge of the sloping roof 12. System 10 further includes a roof water collector 17.

Preferably, water storage tanks 16 are of a size which is readily manipulated by one installing person. The modular arrangement of interconnecting two or more tanks allows for a convenient manner of providing a desired total storage volume in accordance with roof catchment areas and rainfall patterns for example. Storage tanks 16 may be fixed to the roof by fasteners (not shown), for example through flanges provided along edges of the base of the tanks or with suitable brackets.

COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7. ov. 2007 18:22 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No, 2183 P. 13/27 10 Preferably also, the water storage tanks 16 are located 0- towards the lower edge 22 of the roof 12, so that not only O is the catchment area above the roof water collector z maximised, but the tanks may be located approximately over ci the load bearing outer wall 24.

The roof water collector 17 is installed at an ci intermediate position on the roof between the water storage ci tank or tanks 16, and the uppermost portion of the roof O (not visible in Figure With reference also to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the roof water collector 17 includes a collector manifold 26 and a flexible collector sheet 28 extending from underneath collector manifold 26. The roof water collector 17 is located "upstream" of the storage tanks 16, at a point where the uppermost point of the storage tanks is at least just below the level the collector manifold 26.

Collector manifold 26 is provided with perforations or slots 30 arranged along the length of the manifold, and which allow water intercepted by the flexible collector sheet 28 to enter the collector manifold. Collector manifold 26 is also fixed to the roof by suitable brackets (not shown). It will be understood that although the collector manifold has been illustrated as a tubular element, any at least partially enclosed channel, blocked off at both ends and able to receive water from the roof COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7, Nov. 200 13:22 WALLIN3TON-DUMMFR o213 P147 218 P. 14 2 o water collector, and conduct that water to an outlet, May (N form a water collecting manifold. Likewise the water entry o into the manifold need not be a series of slots as illustrated in Figure 2 but may be of any other suitable configuration. Thus for example the collector manifold may ON have a prof ile as shown in the inset of Figure 2A. In this; arrangement the collector manifold is roll-formed to Ci include a bottom portion 31 and dne side portion 32 rising o from the lower edge of the bottom portion 31. A top portion 33 extends over the bottom portion and a front portion 34 extends downwards towards the bottom, leaving a gap to form a continuous opening 36 along its lower edge at the junction with the lower edge of the flexible collector sheet 28.

Flexible collector sheet 28 is the same length as collector manifold 26 and is adapted to conform along its upper edge 38 with the contours of the roof to which the system is installed. Collector sheet 28 acts to intercept rainwater flowing down the sloping roof 12. In the example shown in Figure 1, the upper edge 38 may be inserted between the overlapping edges of the row of upward tiles ~'upstream" of the collector sheet 28 and the next lower row of tiles 41.

The flexibility of the collector sheet 25 allows it to conform also to other roof profiles such as corrugated iron COMS ID No: ARcs-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7.K-cv. 2007 18:23 WALLINGTON-DUMM[R No. 2183 P. 15/'27 12 o and other metal profile roofing materials. in the case of ci continuous metal sheeted roof surfaces, the upper edge 38 o of the sheet 28 is worked into the troughs and fixed in place with a suitable adhesive.

Although in the illustration of Figure 1, the roof water collector is shown as being in one piece, it will be understood that roof water collectors may also be provided in relatively short lengths and linked together in similar 0 manner to the storage tanks 16.

At least one end of the collector manifold 26 (or a line of interconnected manifolds) is connected by a water conducting conduit 42 to an inlet 44 of at least one of the water storage tanks 16.

Where needed, a leaf deflecting mesh 27 may extend from proximate the upper edge 38 of collector sheet 28 to the top of the collector manifold 26.

Second Preferred Embodiment In this second preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, one or more roof water storage tanks 16 as described above, may be supported below the roof line between adjoining roof trusses 50 of a sloping roof 12.

A roof water collector 17 as previously described is situated on the roof surface either immediately above or at COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time (I-Pm) 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7. N v. 2007 18:23 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 2183 P. 16/27 13 S" some suitable location so that the collector manifold 26 is C' at least above the highest point of the storage tank 16. A O water conducting conduit 42 conducts water collected by the z roof top collector 17 through the roof to enter the storage ci tank 16.

As before both roof water collector 17 and water storage Cc) tank 16 may be ones of a number of interlinked collectors ci and storage tanks.

Third Preferred Embodiment In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 4, a roof water collector 54 may be located in the valley 56 of a roof 12; that is, within the channel provided at the junction of two sloping roof surfaces 12A and 12B.

In this embodiment, one or more water storage tanks 16 as previously described, may be installed in the vicinity of the roof valley 56 as shown in Figure 4.

Typically, especially on a tiled roof, the valley channel 58 lies at a level somewhat below the tile surfaces. The water collector 54 in this embodiment is a fabricated trough forming a base and end portions so as to fit in the valley channel 58. Water flowing off the adjoining roof surfaces enters the water collector 54. Preferably, water COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07 7. Nov. 2007 18:23 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 2183 P. 17/27 14 o" collector 54 is provided with a mesh cover 60 to prevent (C leaves and other detritus from entering the water collector 0 54. The lowermost end portion 62 of the water collector z Cc trough is provided with an outlet to which a water conduction conduit 42 connects the water collector 54 with ON the nearest of the water storage tanks 16.

Cc) In each of the above described embodiments, an outlet S" fitting 45 of the water storage tank 16 (or of one of the interconnected storage tanks) is connected to a water distribution pipe 47 leading to one or more water outlets within the building as best seen in Figure 3. Stored water may be used for a variety of uses; for example flushing toilets, or with suitable filtering provide a source of clean drinking water.

In at least one form of the invention, the water storage tank 16 may be provided with a water level sensing system (not shown) and connected to mains water supply so that when collected roof water falls to some predetermined minimum level, a replacement volume of mains water may be automatically added to the tank.

COMS ID No: ARCS-167791 Received by IP Australia: Time 19:27 Date 2007-11-07

Claims

23. Jan. 2008 14:56 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 12 00 0 CLAIMS 0 S1. A roof water collection and storage system for a CC) building; said building having a sloping roof; said system including a roof water collector and at least ON 5 one water storage tank; said roof water collector .mounted on an upper surface of said sloping roof so Ci as to duct water falling on said roof to said at o least one water storage tank; said at least one water storage tank mounted on said upper surface; 10 and wherein said roof water collector is mounted at an intermediate location on said upper surface of said sloping roof between said at least one water storage tank and an uppermost portion of said sloping roof. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said roof water collector includes an elongate collector manifold and a flexible collector sheet extending from said collector manifold; water flowing down said sloping roof surface flowing onto said flexible sheet to enter said elongate collector manifold; said elongate collector manifold connected to said at least one water tank by a water conducting conduit. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said water collector includes a fabricated trough adapted for location in COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:57 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 13 16 00 o a valley between two adjoining sloping roof surfaces; said fabricated trough provided with a c-s water outlet at a lower end of said trough for (C connection to said at least one water tank by a water conducting conduit. ci 4. The system of any one of claims i to 3 wherein water (CN collected in said water storage tank is made Savailable to water outlets in said building through ci gravity feed to said outlets. 5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said water storage tank is sized so as to be manipulated by a single system installer. 6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said water storage tank is provided with inlet and outlet fittings; said outlet fittings adapted for interconnection of two or more said water storage tanks so as to provide a desired water storage capacity. 7. The system of any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein said flexible collector sheet is adapted to conform to contours of a roof surface; an upper edge of said flexible collector sheet arranged on said roof surface so as to intercept rainwater flowing down said roof surface; a lower edge of said flexible COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23, Jan. 2008 14:57 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No. 3122 P. 14 17 00 o collector sheet affixed to an underside of said c elongate collector manifold. en 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said upper edge of said flexible sheet is interposed between ON 5 overlapping edges of a first upward row of roof C tiles and a second next lower row of roof tiles. ci 9. The system of claim 7 wherein said upper edge of C said flexible collector sheet is affixed to a roof surface with a suitable adhesive. 10. The system of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein said collector manifold comprises an elongate tubular member closed at each outer end; said elongate member provided along a lowermost edge with a series of apertures; said apertures adapted to receive for entry into said elongate member of water flowing down said flexible collector sheet. C 11. The system of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein said collector manifold is formed into a roll-formed channel; said channel including a bottom portion and one side portion rising from a lower edge of said bottom portion; said channel further including an upper surface and a partially COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jan. 2008 14:57 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No, 3122 P. 18 00 o0 O 12. The system of any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein said collector manifold is connected to said water c-s storage tank by at least one water conducting Ci conduit; one at least one water conducting conduit connecting an end of said collector manifold to an c1 inlet fitting of said water storage tank. C 13. The system of any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein said Sroof water collector is located on said roof such ci that said collector manifold is at a level at least C. 10 equal to the level of the uppermost portion of said water storage tank. 14. A roof water collection and distribution system; said system including at least one water storage tank mounted to a sloping roof surface and a roof water collector connected to said water storage tank; said roof water collector including an elongate water collecting manifold and a water collector sheet; said water collector sheet extending upward from said manifold along said sloping roof; and wherein water flowing down said sloping roof surface, is intercepted to flow onto said water collector sheet; water intercepted by said sheet flowing into said water collector manifold. COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23, Jan. 2008 14:57 WALLINGTON-DUMMER No, 3122 P. 16 19 00 A roof water collection and distribution system; said system including a water storage tank mounted 1 to a sloping roof surface and a roof water C' collector; said roof water collector including a collector trough formed so as to locate in a valley Ci channel between adjoining sloping roof surfaces; c n said trough having an end portion at a lower end of ci Ssaid trough; said lower end portion provided with a C1 fitting for connection of a water conducting Cr 10 conduit; said conduit chhnneting said collector trough to said water storage tank. 16. A method of providing rainwater to at least one water outlet in a building; said method including the following steps; mounting a water storage tank on a sloping roof of said building, mounting a roof water collector on said sloping roof between said water storage tank and an uppermost portion of said roof, connecting said roof water collector to said water storage tank, and wherein said water storage tank is provided with an outlet for connection of a water delivery pipe; said COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23 23. Jn. 2008 14:57 WALLINGTON-DUMMER ,No. 3122 P. 17 00 c water delivery pipe connected to said at least one water outlet within said building. COMS ID No: ARCS-176422 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:01 Date 2008-01-23