AU785181B2 - Rainwater tank cleaning system - Google Patents

Description

Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: WARREN AGNEW Address for Service: Invention Title: WALSH ASSOCIATES PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATIORNEYS P.O. Box 4306 PENRITH PLAZA 2750 NEW SOUTH WALES

AUSTRALIA

Rainwater Tank Cleaning System The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to the applicant: 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 03/16 RAINWATER TANK CLEANING SYSTEM BACKGIROUND OF THE INVENTION: In man water, tank th level be down tf Wind b etc can A prob] materia the stor surroun sedimet can sigr There a such as leaf div deposit as seed accumu r households dependent on the collection of rainwater as a source of drinking the collection area is normally the house roof and the rainwater is stored in a t can be constructed of iron, polyethylene, or concrete and which is located on a low and in close proximity to the house roof so that the water flows by gravity e spouting and to the storage tank.

own seeds, leaves, sticks, pollen, sand, road dust, bird droppings and dead insects iccumulate on the roof, ,m associated with rainwater stored in a tank is a build-up of sediment and plant which has been carried off the roof along the spouting by the rainwater, and into age tank. As ,a result of the decaying plant material, nutrients are released bite the ling water. It is these nutnents that support colonies of bacteria and protozoa. The t decaying, places an oxygen demand on the tank water. The process of decay ificantly lower the available oxygen in the water.

re devices to minimise the plant material which is carried off the roof. Devices screens that fit into the gutters to prevent the accumulation of leaves and filters or erters on the spouting outlet and/or the entrance to the tank, also minimise the Df leaves in the tank. These devices do not however prevent smaller particles such s, pollen, road dust, sand and broken parts of leaves and sticks etc from lating in the rainwater tank.

1 0 .i 00.0 0 *oo o o *ooo*o* COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 14/S9/28~ 12:~ +~1-2-5522894WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PG 4l PAGE 04116 It is kno that sw normal thetant )wn to vacuum ot tanks to remove the build up of sediment, in the same manner mining pools can be vacuumed out The equipment to do so is expensive and it is for a householdeT to engage an independent contractor to occasionally clean out The coit of cleaning out a. rainwater tank can be several hundred doijars.

As stor the wat use the The pui visibleI Sometii more ol Lge tanks are located below the roof, it is necessary to use a pump to either pump r to a header tank to thus provide pressure to the household water system, or to pumnp itself to provide pressure to the household water system.

nps, draw in and break down, the water sodden plant material to minute but still ,articles that contaminate the household water supply.

nes these particles can be clearly seen when a glass of water is poured and are ivious when water is run into a bath.

ion the impurities flow into the hot water cylinder where they cause a build up of within the cylinder itself.

entor has come up with a novel and inexpensive System for removing the build up ient from rainwater tanks.

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O ,iCT OF.T19FIEJMN COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 14/8/286 1:67 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOC~IATES PG 51 PAGE 05/16 It is tlhe which i which object of the present invention to provide an improved rainwater cleaning system v'ilJ obviate or minimise the known problems in a simple yet effective manner or rill at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATFMENT OF INVEN In its brjoadest form the piesent invention comprises: a rainw a pipe connect at least ofthe h anti-sip Preferal the hol Accord cross so area of tter cleaning system comprising; -neans having a closed end located on the floor of a tank and having an open end able to an outflow from the tank; one hole located near the closed end of the pipe means, wherein the sur-face area Mte preferably at least equals the surface area of the outflow.- and ion means.

)ly the pipe means has a number of holes. The combined cross sectional area of zs preferably equals the cross sectionial area of the pipe overflow.

ng to one embodiment, the combined surface area of the hole or holes equals the ctional area of the pipe outflow. In another embodiment, the combined surface he hole or holes is. greater than the cross secional area of the pipe outflow, Pirefera~ly the outflow pipe has at least one anti-siphon means tbereiaL COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 06/16 Preferably the anti-siphon means is a valve.

Preferal prevent )ly the outflow pipe has at least one air hole which permits the ingress of air and s the siphoning of water from the rainwater tank- Preferaly the pipe means comprises a single pipe located on the floor of the tank.

Prefcrally the pipe means comprises a number of pipes located on the floor of the tank.

In anotller broad form the present invention comprises: a kit foi a) tank an having least eq b) c) d) e) f) In anott means connect one hoh prefcrat use as a rainwater cleaning system, the kit comprising; i pre-drilled pipe or pipes pipe having a closed end for location on the floor of a I having an open end connectable to an outflow from the tank, the closed end it least one hole near the end; wherein, the surface area of the hole preferably at jals the surface area of the outflow m end cap or caps for the pre-drilled pipe or pipes, i pipe to rise up the inside of the tank, mti-siphon means; wo right-angled bends, .?VC solvent glue, er aspect the rainvater cleaning system (TANK-VACTm) comprises a pipe laving a closed end located on the floor of the tank and having an open end ible to an outflow from the tank; located near the closed end of the pipe is at least preferably a number of holes; the combined surface area of the hole or holes ly greater than the cross sectional area of the pipe outflow, the outflow pipe 4 COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2e66 12:07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 07/16 Prefera arnd pre 5ly bas at least one air hole on its upper surface which permits the ingress of air vents the siphoning of water from the rainwater tank.

B3RIEF OESCRITION OF TEE DRAWINGS: The in-.

preferrt Fig. 5 inventi ention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to a d embodiment and to the attached drawings in which-.

Fig. I is a section view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the pipe as shown in Pig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the overflow pipe shown in fig. L.

Fig. 4 shows a flcxible pipe as a second embodiment of the present invention.

;hows a pipe means having multiple pipes as a third embodiment of the present in.

;are exploded perspective views of alternative outflow structures. Figure 9 is a tive top view of another alternative outflow layout.

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*5*S 5*55 0 Figs 6-1 peispec figure 10 is an underneath view of the layout of figure 9.

Figure I 1 is an exploded 'view of the layout of figure 9.

COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: ime 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 08/16 DETAJ AED DESCRIP [-0tiQUTE DRAWINGS: Shown tank I b the roo the wat The pif holes I usually to a sec connet In Fig.

prevent inlet va below".

to inter emptlec small 0 25 mesh 1 mesh cA The dis greater n Fig. 1 is the TANK-VACTh Siphonic system installed in a plastic rainwater tying an inlet 2 and a pipe means including an outlet 3. A rainwater pipe 4 from discharges water into the inlet 2. When the water from the inlet 2 enters the tank :r level is raised above outlet 3 causing the tank to overflow.

means also includes at least one polyethylene pipe 5 having six identically sized and I0A cut in the sides of the pipe 5. The free end II of the pipe 5 is sealed with a cap 12. The other end 13 is attached to an elbow 14 which is itself attached rnd pipe 15. The pipe 15 is connected to a second elbow means 16 which is itself -d to the outlet pipe 3.

is shown an exploded view of the small holes 18 formed in outlet pipe 3 at 17, to a siphoning effect from the invention. As shown in figure 1 the small holes 18 or ve 26, to allow air inside, are positioned in the outflow pipe at a suitable position he top such that the head is not reduced too much but lower enough from the top upt the normal gravitational discharge flow, so that the tank is not completely Other positions on the outflow ae also possible These holes 18 can be very any suitable dimensions and configuration but can be covered if necessary by a which protects them from insects or any pests from entering the system Further, n also be added tos the pipes where necessary to restrict access by unwanted pests tharge cross sectional area of the outlet or outflow pipe 3 can be the same or s the total cross sectional area of the holes 10 and I0A cut into the pipe 0.

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Worci4 Example 1 COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by 1P Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 14/9/0061207 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSMIATES PG 91 PAGE 09/16 A 150 sealed tank. T maxui caused in the 1 tank co the tanl result v~ itre tank was used for trials. A 4 0mm. diameter PVC water pipe had one end oci six holes drilled into it. This pipe was placed on the base of the plastic water ie surfac~e area of the six holes equalled the surface area of the discharge outlet for rn outflow. Various types of sediment were placed in the tank and the tank was o overflow. When the tank overflowed the sediment was drawn into the six holes ipe and exited from the tank via the outlet The amount of sediment exiting the ild be clearly measured from observing changes in the colour of the water exiting Regardless of whether leaves, dirt or sand particles were used as sediment, the as an almost instant removal of the sediment whenever the tank overflowed.

Workink Example 2: In a sir tank. T' 40mm]I tank. V tlfWoug When v flowinE the bas( tank I rnateria 30 action v tank is ilar manner to Example I the invention was trialled on a 4,000 gallon rainwater e only difference was that an 80 rmm PVC water pipe was used rather than the VC pipe Again six holes were drilled in the pipe and sediment was added to the hen the tank was caused to overflow, the sediment was drawn out of the tank the holes in the pipe.

ater flows from the bouse roof and enters the ilet 2 of the tank; rather than directly through the outflow 3, the TAN~a-VACm system causes the water at of the tank to enter the holes 10 and 10a located in the pipes at the base of the .7be water entering the holes 10 and I0a in the pipe 5 draws in the sediment, plant dirt and other particulate solids on the base of the storage tank and by siphon ashes them out through the overflow 3. In this way the fresh water entering the ot immediately removed by the overflow and the tank is automatically cleaned.

7 COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12: The TA whee As see number number problen the low if large flexible pipe an( Whilst pipe it pipe at preferal surface system whenev For eas used as whereb, 30 in figur, having 07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 10/16 N K-VAC

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M overflow system provides for cleaning of the rainwater tank er the water storage system begins to overflow.

in Fig. 2 the section of pipe means 5 that lies on the base of the tank has a of holes 10 and J0a drilled into the side of the pipe The size of the holes and the of holes 10 and lOa can be varied to take account of particular contaminant Ls. The holes can be sited anywhere on the pipe. Preferably they are better sited on ir portion facing the floor of the tank to minimise being blocked.

leaves have been drawn into the water storage system then the holes in the pipe can be made. of sufficient diameter to allow the leaves to be drawn into the I discharged from the overflow.

he cleaning action will work regardless of the size and number of holes in the is preferably that the total surface area of the holes drilled into the ANKVACT m east equal the cross sectional area of the water tank pipe overflow More ly, the total cross sectional area of the holes is greater than the cross sectional irea of the water tank overflow. The suction is maintained through the siphon This invention allows the older less oxygenated water in the tank to be expelled fresh water enters the tank of use, a standad pipe 80mm diameter) which is readily available can be the pipe diameter in the pipe means The 80mm diameter pipe can be selected 1.Omm diameter holes can be placed at regular spacing of say 270mm As shown ,s 9 11 there is one preferred layout of pipes whereby there is a central pipe )Tanch pipes 21 extending therefrom. Each branch pipe has an end cap 22. Pipes 4 .4 4 4**o 0* .4 0 4@*4 COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 14/69/666 1267 +61 -2-9522894WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PG 11 PAGE 11/16 and substari the out horizon joined I througi: or plact a horiz( of figuir Variow To pre% conitrol] outside It is er compri! 21 have holes 23. In terms of flow from the central pipe 20 and branch pipes are tially horizontal an~d a vertical pipe 24 leads from central pipe 20 and onwards to flow pipe. Joining members such as elbows 25 Join the vertical pipes with tal pipes The joining members can be any desired angle to 20 enable fluidly )ipes The make up of the layout of the pipes can be selected to enable assembly a standard manhole at the top of the tank. All the pipes have tbe holes 23 located d on eithier side of the centre line of the pipe when placed in the tank bottom or m intal orientation nt e holes 23 can point downwards as shown the underneath view r 10. Figure I11 shows the pipe assembly of figure 9 in an unassembled position combinations and variations of the bole shape and layout is envisaged.

ent excess water siphoning from the storage tank the tank-vaclm system is ed by forming of at least one air hole in the top of the overflow pipe and on the of the tank.

visaged that the invention would be sold as a kit with Instructions. The kit ins the following.

k pre-drilled pipe for the base of the tank, kn end cap for the pre-drilled pipe-.

k. pipe to rise up the inside of the tank;, flwo right-angled bends; Ivc solvent glue; k. square of fine mesh -this is optional.

which are not readily accessible, it may be necessary to make a new overflow to position the pipe within the tank by means of mechanical tongs.

In tarks 30 outlet o COMS ID No: 5BMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 14/8/286 1:87 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PG 21 PAGE 12/16 Whilst quite c which i In placo Many single f pipes fi the diai necessa This wi be easit tank bo pipes al In figur work in outlet 3 24. An( increas4 remove 25 located least on with th( membet .he invention hasi been described with particular reference to a rigid pipe, it is ear that the inveintion will also work with flexible piping as shown in Fig~ 4, ,il allow foi movement of the pipe around the base of the tankof a single pipe, multiple pipes 20, 30 and 40 can be *used as shown in Fig. S.

ifferent pipe configurations for the pipe means are envisaged- For example a ipe 5 leading to at least one vertical pipe section 15 or pipe 5 can be a series of ining out from a single pipe or a circular shape or there can be pipe the length of ieter of the tank with at least one pipe radiating or at right angles thereto. It is y to cover the tank bottom so that substantially all contaminants can be removed.

I depend on what level is required. If the diameter length of pipe is used, this can to install and insert into the tank as it is less likely to bend when lowering to the torn. With different pipe configurations, different positions for the inlet and outlet Salso possible.

s 6-8 there are further embodiments of the invention wherein the outflow pipei1de the tank or outside of the tank, can be in another form or configuration. The can have a vertical portion 22 joined by another elbow 23 to a horizontal portion her elbow 25 can be used to join to the outlet 3, This structure can be used to fluid flow throughi the pipe means which can serve to create surges to loosen and iny block firom le~ives etc. The outlet can include an anti-siphon means 26 .uch that any possible siphoning can not occur. The anti-siphon means can be at correctly positionied aperture or a valve. This outlet structure can be comnbi ed outlet structure ol'figure 1. The anti-siphon member for example can be a valve such as a HU fERrm valve or at least one aperture.

I V COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PAGE 13/16 Figures lengths square, there is shows a or pipe 51 with Throug that wo integers To thos and wi themsel claims.

intende 6, 7 and 8 show enmnples of various pipe configurations. Also integral pipe and various joining methods are also possible If the tank is a different shape (e.g.

rectangular etc) then other pipe configurations are also envisaged. In figure 6 a feeder portion 50 and 51 with pipes 52-55 being connected thereto. Figure 7 radial pipe configuration having a central node connector 60 with several spokes 52-57 while the oxample in figure 8 shows a diameter branch type length 50 and branches 52-59. Many variations are possible tout the description of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of such as "compr ising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, or steps.

e skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction iely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest yes without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not Ito be in any sene limiting.

ii 9 9 99 9 9 9 @9 9 9 9 999 9 99 9 9 9 .9 99 9 9 9999 9 99 9. 9 9999 9 9 9999 9 COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: lime 11:56 Date 2006-09-14

Claims (9)

1. a pipe connec at least of the h ant-sip]

2. number area of

3. number surface A rainwater cleaning system comprising; neans having a closed end located on the floor of a tank and having an open end able to an outflow from the tank; one hole located near the closed end of the pipe means, wherein the surface area )le preferably at least equals the surface area of the outflow; and ion means. A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in Claim I wherein, the pipe means has a of holes, the combined surface area of the holes preferably equals the surface he overflow. A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in Claim I wherein the pipe means has a of holes, the combined surface area of the holes is preferably greater than the rea of the overflow. A rainwater clearing system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 -3 wherein the ,d surface area of the hole or holes equals the surface area of the outflow. A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in any one of Claims 1-4 wherein the d surface area of the hole or holes is greater than the surface area of the outflow. 12 0e a.

4. combin

5. combirn a. a a a a. a a COMS ID No: SBMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time 11:56 Date 2006-09-14 14/09/2006 12:07 14/8/206 1:87 +61-2-95522894 WALSH AND ASSOCIATES PG 51 PAGE 15/16

6. whereir valve.

7. is a vah

8. at least from thi

9. wherein means c Mi a) A tank ani 25 having least eqt b) 2 c) d) 30 e) t f) I A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims the anti siphon meants is in an outflow pipe and comprises at least one hole or A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the anti-siphon means el A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the outflow pipe has Dne air bole which permits the ingress of air and prevents the siphoning of water rainwater tank A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims the pipe means cxomprises a single pipe located orn the floor of the tank. A rainwater cleaning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 -8 wherein the pipe omprises a numnber of pipes located on the floor of the tank. A kit for use as a rainwater cleaning system, the kit comprising; pre-drilled pipe or pipes pipe having a closed end for location on the floor of a I having an open end connectable to an outflow from the tank, the closed end It least one hole near the end; wherein, the surface area of the hole preferably at als the surfacee arva of the outflow n end cap or caps for the pre-dril led pipe or pipes, pipe to rise up the inside of the tank, nbi-siphon means; A'o right-angled bends, 'VC solvent glue, 13 COMS ID No: 5BMI-04754819 Received by IP Australia: Time (H m) 11:56 Date 2006409-14