CA2134021C - Rain barrel - Google Patents
Rain barrelInfo
- Publication number
- CA2134021C CA2134021C CA002134021A CA2134021A CA2134021C CA 2134021 C CA2134021 C CA 2134021C CA 002134021 A CA002134021 A CA 002134021A CA 2134021 A CA2134021 A CA 2134021A CA 2134021 C CA2134021 C CA 2134021C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- catch basin
- lid
- port
- rain
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
- E03B3/02—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from rain-water
- E03B3/03—Special vessels for collecting or storing rain-water for use in the household, e.g. water-butts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
- E03B3/02—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from rain-water
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/108—Rainwater harvesting
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Sewage (AREA)
- Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an improved rain barrel type container. The improved rain barrel has a removable recessed catch basin in the lid thereof which coarsely filters water discharged from a downspout. The catch basin, when moved to an access position, provides a large access port to the interior of the barrel through which a watering can or pail can pass for filling by immersion in the retained water. The catch basin also includes a child resistant closure for improved safety.
Description
WH-9142/CA 2 1 3 4 ~ ~ ~
TITLE: RAIN BARREL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to rain barrels, and in particular to certain improvements to rain barrels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rain barrels are again being considered as a valuable source of water, which can be used for watering of a garden or lawn. Many municipalities have now recognized that the demand for water is extremely high during dry summer months. Furthermore, many existing and planned developments have been designed to channel surface water to a collection system (i.e. sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system or a combined system) with only a small portion of this water being absorbed by the soil.
In some urban developments downspouts are directly connected with the sewer system. This causes unnecessary high loading on the sewer system and eliminates the more desirable natural run-off if this water was discharged on a lawn. Many municipalities are now requiring that downspouts discharge the water onto the lawn rather than via a direct connection with the sewer system. In most cases, this significantly reduces or delays the loading placed on the sewer system and is more effective, as typically the ground can use the water.
Rain barrels have certainly been used in the past to conserve water and are now receiving further consideration as a partial solution to provide convenient water storage that can be managed by the user.
To receive significant adoption, rain barrels must be safe, convenient to use and allow the user to more effectively carry out certain outdoor household tasks which require water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rain vessel for retaining rain water, according to the present invention, comprises a container closed at the top thereof by a lid, with the lid including a large port closed by a removable recessed catch basin suspended from the lid. The catch basin includes an outlet arrangement through which water entering the catch basin passes through to enter the container.
According to an aspect of the invention, the outlet arrangement includes a series of ports in the bottom of the catch basin.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the ports are covered by a screening thereacross.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the removable catch basin is generally rectangular and has a hinge along one side thereof for pivotting movement through an angle of about 180 to fully expose the port in the lid and provide convenient access to the rain vessel.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the hinge is a loose hinge and allows at least about 10 of movement perpendicular to the hinge direction. This movement allows shifting of the catch basin during pivotting thereof to avoid the downspout edge which can partially overhang the catch basin.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the rain vessel includes a wash basin that can freely pass through the port and can be supported by the lid.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the wash basin is sized for receipt and support in the catch basin. In this way, the wash basin can be filled with water supported in the catch basin and a user can then clean certain implements, whereafter the water can either be separately discharged or returned to the rain barrel.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the catch basin includes a tether string arrangement attached to one side of the catch basin opposite the hinge to restrict movement of the catch basin. The tether string 2 1 ~
-cooperates with a tether port in said lid, with the tether string having a distal end releasably secured to the vessel. The catch basin, when the tether string is secured to the vessel, is fixed within the lid and the catch basin is only movable about the hinge when the tether string is released from the vessel.
The large port provided in the lid of the container is of an area of about one foot square or larger and is sized to allow a watering can to easily pass therethrough.
In this way, a user can open the rain barrel by pivotting of the catch basin, exposing the port such that the watering can may pass through the port and be filled in the rain barrel by direct immersion in the water contained therein. This provides a very fast alternative for filling of containers, such as a watering can or a pail. Other arrangements have used valves adjacent the base of the container, possibly with a hose attached thereto, whereby the valve can be opened and the container filled. This can be a time-consuming process, particularly when the head of water within the vessel is not that high. Direct immersion reduces these problems.
The large port also allows easy access to the interior of the barrel for periodic cleaning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rain barrel positioned to receive water discharged from a downspout;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship of the lid of the rain vessel and the downspout;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the catch basin provided in the lid of the vessel in an open position to allow access to water in the rain vessel;
WH-9142/CA 213 '1 0 2 ~
Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the catch basin in a closed position and receiving water from the downspout;
Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing a wash basin sized for receipt in the catch basin; and Figure 6 shows the wash basin fully received within the catch basin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The rain vessel, generally shown as 2 in the Figures, is closed to stop the entry of animals or other objects into the container 4. The lid 6 effectively closes the top of the container 4 and includes a large port 7 in the lid. The rain vessel is typically placed beneath a downspout 8 and receives collected water through the downspout discharge opening 10. The water is received within a recessed catch basin 12. The bottom 14 of the catch basin 12 includes a series of catch basin ports 16.
Water from the downspout is directed to the catch basin 12, which does a coarse filtering of the water prior to the water entering the container 4 through the series of catch basin ports 16.
Various arrangements can be used for providing this coarse filtering; for example, as the series of ports 16 can include groupings of very small ports whereby large objects or debris are retained in the catch basin. The preferred method is to provide a series of somewhat larger ports 16 in the bottom of the catch basin and then to use a fibreglass screening provided on the bottom of the catch basin, as generally shown in Figure 3 and the sectional view of Figure 4. It also serves to keep insects out of the barrel.
It can be appreciated that any leaves which enter the catch basin are retained therein and these leaves can easily be removed from the catch basin merely by releasing the catch basin and pivotting about the hinge 40 to the position as shown in Figure 3. Any accumulated leaves or 213dO21 -other debris will be discharged from the catch basin due to the pivotting movement of the catch basin through approximately 180 where it is, to a large extent, clear of the container.
It can be seen in Figure 3 that the hinged movement of the catch basin, which exposes the large port 7 in the lid, is also used to allow access to the water 44 accumulated in the rain vessel 2. The watering can 50 can pass through the port 7 for direct immersion within the water contained in the rain vessel. This provides a very rapid method for filling of the watering can and is not dependent upon the pressure due to the head of water within the rain vessel. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the rain vessel 2 does include a drain valve 24 provided near the base of the vessel. This drain valve may have a short length of garden hose on the end thereof to allow filling of containers. If desired, the rain vessel of the present invention can still operate in this manner, however, because the head of water within the container is not that high, the discharge pressure of the hose is not that great.
The direct immersion described above is therefore more convenient and time-efficient.
As with other rain vessels, the present design does include an overflow tube 22. When sufficient water has accumulated within the rain vessel, any further water passes out the overflow tube 22 and is discharged on the ground. It can be appreciated that the outlet 22 can be connected to piping or a trough for distribution at a position other than directly below the rain vessel.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a simple tethering arrangement for retaining the catch basin 12 in the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2. A tether string 26 is attached to the catch basin 12 on the rim 25 of the catch basin at an edge opposite the hinge 40. The tether string passes through a tether port 32 adjacent an edge of the lid and then across the front of the rain vessel. The tether string can also pass under the lid and still function as 213~0~
WH-ql42/CA
-described. The distal end of the tether string includes a tether ring 28, which cooperates with a retaining member 30 secured to either the container vessel or the lid. The ring merely hooks over the retaining member 30 and is retained thereon. In order to gain access to the interior of the rain barrel, the ring 28 must be removed from the retaining member 30. As can be seen from Figure 3, there is then sufficient string to allow the catch basin to assume the fully open position of Figure 3. This provides a very simple child proof arrangement to improve the safety of the rain barrel. The tether ring 28 is oversized relative to the tether port 32, and therefore, cannot pass therethrough.
Figure 4 also shows how a partial shelf 52 can be provided in the rain barrel. It can either be directly secured to the container wall or could be suspended from the lid in a manner not to restrict access to the container. The purpose of the partial shelf is to support watering cans, pails or the wash basin (which will subsequently be described) at a raised position within the rain barrel to provide convenient access. As can be appreciated, when the catch basin 12 assumes the open position of Figure 3, the user may then use a watering can supported on the partial shelf 52. He would merely grab the watering can and then immerse it within the water 44.
On the other hand, the watering can could merely be supported at the base of the rain vessel, but this requires a somewhat longer reach.
The catch basin in the closed position of Figure 4 also allows the user to realize when the barrel is full.
In this case, a small amount of water will accumulate within the catch basin over and above the catch basin bottom 14. Any further water, however, will still be discharged through the overflow tube 22.
To simplify the manufacture of the catch basin, the fibreglass screening 20 can cover the entire underside of the catch basin 12 and be secured at the sides thereof.
WH--9142/CA 2 1~ 4 0 2 1 Also, it is preferred to keep the ports in the bottom of the catch basin somewhat small to reduce the likelihood of overstressing the screening. Preferably, there are approximately 12 holes with a diameter of about 5/8 inch, suitably spaced across the bottom of the catch basin. The netting filters the water and also prevents insects from entering the rain vessel. The holes are sufficiently small to maintain the structural rigidity of the catch basin bottom and thereby prevent the weight of a child or small mammal from breaking through the catch basin. Also, the catch basin is supported from the lid by the rim portion, which similarly distributes the load to the lid about the port.
The wash basin 60, shown in Figure 5, is nestable within the catch basin 12 and allows a further use of the rain barrel. For example, the user can take the wash basin 60 from the interior of the rain barrel, either in an empty state or in a partially filled state. If it is removed in the empty state, a watering can, for example, could be immersed in the water and filled and then removed from the rain vessel. The wash basin can then be removed from the rain vessel and inserted in the catch basin. The wash basin can then be filled with water from the watering can.
The wash basin then provides a convenient tub for cleaning of garden instruments, cleaning the user's hands or other equipment or for other uses, or can be separately carried to articles to be cleaned, such as a lawn mower or garden equipment. The wash basin, when inserted in the catch basin, allows the top of the rain barrel to serve as a counter with a sink. The water in the wash basin may either be directly discharged or can be returned to the rain barrel, if desired.
The hinge 40 is defined by a series of hinge straps 42 which pass through ports in the lid and ports in the rim of the catch basin. This hinge arrangement allows for some lateral movement of the catch basin once it starts the hinging action. This is particularly convenient, as the 0 '~ ~
catch basin 12 preferably has one edge slightly beneath the downspout 8 and the lateral movement allows the user to pull the catch basin to one side, and thus, clear the lower edge of the downspout. This provides a very simple cost effective arrangement for providing a hinge while also allowing the catch basin to partially underlie the downspout 8.
The hinge straps 40 form a closed loop of an adjustable size. The straps can lock at any of a plurality of locations as required. For example, if a large degree of lateral movement is required, the loop size can be large. In other cases where little lateral movement is required, the loop size can be small. Lateral movement of up to about 30 degrees is practical.
The lateral movement of the hinge can also be used as part of a child resisting closure for the catch basin.
In this case, the hinge straps are set up to maintain the catch basin in a generally centered position within the port. The port 7 is oversized along one edge to allow a lateral shift of the non-secured end of the catch basin of about one inch with the hinge providing a bias to return to the centered position. A key member is provided on the outside of the catch basin which aligns with a key slot in the lid when the one end of the catch basin is appropriately laterally shifted against the hinge bias. In this position, the catch basin can hinge upwardly as shown in Figure 3. In the centered position, the key underlies the lid and the catch basin is basically locked in the closed position. Preferably, the key includes a cam surface which engages the key slot when the catch basin is moved to the closed position which overcomes the hinge bias to allow the key to pass through ~he key slot and lock beneath the lid. The catch basin rim can be oversized to conceal the oversized port and the key slot. Furthermore, the catch basin itself could be made of plastic material which could undergo minor deformation to avoid the hinge providing the bias force.
21 3~021 WH--ql42/CA
`_ From the above, it is clear that other child resistant safety latches can be used.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
TITLE: RAIN BARREL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to rain barrels, and in particular to certain improvements to rain barrels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rain barrels are again being considered as a valuable source of water, which can be used for watering of a garden or lawn. Many municipalities have now recognized that the demand for water is extremely high during dry summer months. Furthermore, many existing and planned developments have been designed to channel surface water to a collection system (i.e. sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system or a combined system) with only a small portion of this water being absorbed by the soil.
In some urban developments downspouts are directly connected with the sewer system. This causes unnecessary high loading on the sewer system and eliminates the more desirable natural run-off if this water was discharged on a lawn. Many municipalities are now requiring that downspouts discharge the water onto the lawn rather than via a direct connection with the sewer system. In most cases, this significantly reduces or delays the loading placed on the sewer system and is more effective, as typically the ground can use the water.
Rain barrels have certainly been used in the past to conserve water and are now receiving further consideration as a partial solution to provide convenient water storage that can be managed by the user.
To receive significant adoption, rain barrels must be safe, convenient to use and allow the user to more effectively carry out certain outdoor household tasks which require water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rain vessel for retaining rain water, according to the present invention, comprises a container closed at the top thereof by a lid, with the lid including a large port closed by a removable recessed catch basin suspended from the lid. The catch basin includes an outlet arrangement through which water entering the catch basin passes through to enter the container.
According to an aspect of the invention, the outlet arrangement includes a series of ports in the bottom of the catch basin.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the ports are covered by a screening thereacross.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the removable catch basin is generally rectangular and has a hinge along one side thereof for pivotting movement through an angle of about 180 to fully expose the port in the lid and provide convenient access to the rain vessel.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the hinge is a loose hinge and allows at least about 10 of movement perpendicular to the hinge direction. This movement allows shifting of the catch basin during pivotting thereof to avoid the downspout edge which can partially overhang the catch basin.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the rain vessel includes a wash basin that can freely pass through the port and can be supported by the lid.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the wash basin is sized for receipt and support in the catch basin. In this way, the wash basin can be filled with water supported in the catch basin and a user can then clean certain implements, whereafter the water can either be separately discharged or returned to the rain barrel.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the catch basin includes a tether string arrangement attached to one side of the catch basin opposite the hinge to restrict movement of the catch basin. The tether string 2 1 ~
-cooperates with a tether port in said lid, with the tether string having a distal end releasably secured to the vessel. The catch basin, when the tether string is secured to the vessel, is fixed within the lid and the catch basin is only movable about the hinge when the tether string is released from the vessel.
The large port provided in the lid of the container is of an area of about one foot square or larger and is sized to allow a watering can to easily pass therethrough.
In this way, a user can open the rain barrel by pivotting of the catch basin, exposing the port such that the watering can may pass through the port and be filled in the rain barrel by direct immersion in the water contained therein. This provides a very fast alternative for filling of containers, such as a watering can or a pail. Other arrangements have used valves adjacent the base of the container, possibly with a hose attached thereto, whereby the valve can be opened and the container filled. This can be a time-consuming process, particularly when the head of water within the vessel is not that high. Direct immersion reduces these problems.
The large port also allows easy access to the interior of the barrel for periodic cleaning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rain barrel positioned to receive water discharged from a downspout;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship of the lid of the rain vessel and the downspout;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the catch basin provided in the lid of the vessel in an open position to allow access to water in the rain vessel;
WH-9142/CA 213 '1 0 2 ~
Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the catch basin in a closed position and receiving water from the downspout;
Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing a wash basin sized for receipt in the catch basin; and Figure 6 shows the wash basin fully received within the catch basin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The rain vessel, generally shown as 2 in the Figures, is closed to stop the entry of animals or other objects into the container 4. The lid 6 effectively closes the top of the container 4 and includes a large port 7 in the lid. The rain vessel is typically placed beneath a downspout 8 and receives collected water through the downspout discharge opening 10. The water is received within a recessed catch basin 12. The bottom 14 of the catch basin 12 includes a series of catch basin ports 16.
Water from the downspout is directed to the catch basin 12, which does a coarse filtering of the water prior to the water entering the container 4 through the series of catch basin ports 16.
Various arrangements can be used for providing this coarse filtering; for example, as the series of ports 16 can include groupings of very small ports whereby large objects or debris are retained in the catch basin. The preferred method is to provide a series of somewhat larger ports 16 in the bottom of the catch basin and then to use a fibreglass screening provided on the bottom of the catch basin, as generally shown in Figure 3 and the sectional view of Figure 4. It also serves to keep insects out of the barrel.
It can be appreciated that any leaves which enter the catch basin are retained therein and these leaves can easily be removed from the catch basin merely by releasing the catch basin and pivotting about the hinge 40 to the position as shown in Figure 3. Any accumulated leaves or 213dO21 -other debris will be discharged from the catch basin due to the pivotting movement of the catch basin through approximately 180 where it is, to a large extent, clear of the container.
It can be seen in Figure 3 that the hinged movement of the catch basin, which exposes the large port 7 in the lid, is also used to allow access to the water 44 accumulated in the rain vessel 2. The watering can 50 can pass through the port 7 for direct immersion within the water contained in the rain vessel. This provides a very rapid method for filling of the watering can and is not dependent upon the pressure due to the head of water within the rain vessel. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the rain vessel 2 does include a drain valve 24 provided near the base of the vessel. This drain valve may have a short length of garden hose on the end thereof to allow filling of containers. If desired, the rain vessel of the present invention can still operate in this manner, however, because the head of water within the container is not that high, the discharge pressure of the hose is not that great.
The direct immersion described above is therefore more convenient and time-efficient.
As with other rain vessels, the present design does include an overflow tube 22. When sufficient water has accumulated within the rain vessel, any further water passes out the overflow tube 22 and is discharged on the ground. It can be appreciated that the outlet 22 can be connected to piping or a trough for distribution at a position other than directly below the rain vessel.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a simple tethering arrangement for retaining the catch basin 12 in the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2. A tether string 26 is attached to the catch basin 12 on the rim 25 of the catch basin at an edge opposite the hinge 40. The tether string passes through a tether port 32 adjacent an edge of the lid and then across the front of the rain vessel. The tether string can also pass under the lid and still function as 213~0~
WH-ql42/CA
-described. The distal end of the tether string includes a tether ring 28, which cooperates with a retaining member 30 secured to either the container vessel or the lid. The ring merely hooks over the retaining member 30 and is retained thereon. In order to gain access to the interior of the rain barrel, the ring 28 must be removed from the retaining member 30. As can be seen from Figure 3, there is then sufficient string to allow the catch basin to assume the fully open position of Figure 3. This provides a very simple child proof arrangement to improve the safety of the rain barrel. The tether ring 28 is oversized relative to the tether port 32, and therefore, cannot pass therethrough.
Figure 4 also shows how a partial shelf 52 can be provided in the rain barrel. It can either be directly secured to the container wall or could be suspended from the lid in a manner not to restrict access to the container. The purpose of the partial shelf is to support watering cans, pails or the wash basin (which will subsequently be described) at a raised position within the rain barrel to provide convenient access. As can be appreciated, when the catch basin 12 assumes the open position of Figure 3, the user may then use a watering can supported on the partial shelf 52. He would merely grab the watering can and then immerse it within the water 44.
On the other hand, the watering can could merely be supported at the base of the rain vessel, but this requires a somewhat longer reach.
The catch basin in the closed position of Figure 4 also allows the user to realize when the barrel is full.
In this case, a small amount of water will accumulate within the catch basin over and above the catch basin bottom 14. Any further water, however, will still be discharged through the overflow tube 22.
To simplify the manufacture of the catch basin, the fibreglass screening 20 can cover the entire underside of the catch basin 12 and be secured at the sides thereof.
WH--9142/CA 2 1~ 4 0 2 1 Also, it is preferred to keep the ports in the bottom of the catch basin somewhat small to reduce the likelihood of overstressing the screening. Preferably, there are approximately 12 holes with a diameter of about 5/8 inch, suitably spaced across the bottom of the catch basin. The netting filters the water and also prevents insects from entering the rain vessel. The holes are sufficiently small to maintain the structural rigidity of the catch basin bottom and thereby prevent the weight of a child or small mammal from breaking through the catch basin. Also, the catch basin is supported from the lid by the rim portion, which similarly distributes the load to the lid about the port.
The wash basin 60, shown in Figure 5, is nestable within the catch basin 12 and allows a further use of the rain barrel. For example, the user can take the wash basin 60 from the interior of the rain barrel, either in an empty state or in a partially filled state. If it is removed in the empty state, a watering can, for example, could be immersed in the water and filled and then removed from the rain vessel. The wash basin can then be removed from the rain vessel and inserted in the catch basin. The wash basin can then be filled with water from the watering can.
The wash basin then provides a convenient tub for cleaning of garden instruments, cleaning the user's hands or other equipment or for other uses, or can be separately carried to articles to be cleaned, such as a lawn mower or garden equipment. The wash basin, when inserted in the catch basin, allows the top of the rain barrel to serve as a counter with a sink. The water in the wash basin may either be directly discharged or can be returned to the rain barrel, if desired.
The hinge 40 is defined by a series of hinge straps 42 which pass through ports in the lid and ports in the rim of the catch basin. This hinge arrangement allows for some lateral movement of the catch basin once it starts the hinging action. This is particularly convenient, as the 0 '~ ~
catch basin 12 preferably has one edge slightly beneath the downspout 8 and the lateral movement allows the user to pull the catch basin to one side, and thus, clear the lower edge of the downspout. This provides a very simple cost effective arrangement for providing a hinge while also allowing the catch basin to partially underlie the downspout 8.
The hinge straps 40 form a closed loop of an adjustable size. The straps can lock at any of a plurality of locations as required. For example, if a large degree of lateral movement is required, the loop size can be large. In other cases where little lateral movement is required, the loop size can be small. Lateral movement of up to about 30 degrees is practical.
The lateral movement of the hinge can also be used as part of a child resisting closure for the catch basin.
In this case, the hinge straps are set up to maintain the catch basin in a generally centered position within the port. The port 7 is oversized along one edge to allow a lateral shift of the non-secured end of the catch basin of about one inch with the hinge providing a bias to return to the centered position. A key member is provided on the outside of the catch basin which aligns with a key slot in the lid when the one end of the catch basin is appropriately laterally shifted against the hinge bias. In this position, the catch basin can hinge upwardly as shown in Figure 3. In the centered position, the key underlies the lid and the catch basin is basically locked in the closed position. Preferably, the key includes a cam surface which engages the key slot when the catch basin is moved to the closed position which overcomes the hinge bias to allow the key to pass through ~he key slot and lock beneath the lid. The catch basin rim can be oversized to conceal the oversized port and the key slot. Furthermore, the catch basin itself could be made of plastic material which could undergo minor deformation to avoid the hinge providing the bias force.
21 3~021 WH--ql42/CA
`_ From the above, it is clear that other child resistant safety latches can be used.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. A rain vessel for retaining rain water comprising a container closed at the top thereof by a lid, said lid including a large port closed by a removable recessed catch basin suspended from said lid, said catch basin including an outlet arrangement through which water entering said catch basin passes therethrough into said container.
2. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outlet arrangement includes a series of ports in the bottom of said catch basin.
3. A vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of said ports include screening thereacross.
4. A vessel as claimed in claim 3 wherein each port is of a size less than about two inches in diameter.
5. A vessel as claimed in claim 4 wherein each port is of size less than about 1 inch in diameter and the cumulative area of said ports is greater than the discharge area of an eavestrough downspout.
6. A vessel as claimed in claim 2 wherein said removable catch basin is generally rectangular and has a hinge along one side thereof for pivotting movement through an angle of about 180 degrees.
7. A vessel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said hinge is a loose hinge and allows at least about 10 degrees of movement perpendicular to the hinge direction.
8. A vessel as claimed in claim 7 including a wash basin that can freely pass through said port and be supported by said lid.
9. A vessel as claimed in claim 8 wherein said wash basin is sized for receipt and support in said catch basin.
10. A vessel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said wash basin is nestable within said catch basin.
11. A vessel as claimed in claim 9 wherein said catch basin includes a tether string attached thereto to restrict movement of an end of said catch basin opposite said hinge, said tether string cooperating with a tether port in said lid, said tether string having a distal end releasably secured to said vessel whereby said catch basin is only movable about said hinge with said tether string released from said vessel.
12. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said port is sized to snuggly engage said catch basin when said catch basin is fully received therein.
13. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said port is of an area about one foot square.
14. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container cooperates with said lid to releasably lock therewith.
15. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rain vessel includes a support arrangement for supporting containers at a raised position within said rain vessel.
16. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said catch basin includes a child resistant closure arrangement with said lid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002134021A CA2134021C (en) | 1994-10-21 | 1994-10-21 | Rain barrel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002134021A CA2134021C (en) | 1994-10-21 | 1994-10-21 | Rain barrel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2134021A1 CA2134021A1 (en) | 1996-04-22 |
| CA2134021C true CA2134021C (en) | 1999-01-19 |
Family
ID=4154502
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002134021A Expired - Fee Related CA2134021C (en) | 1994-10-21 | 1994-10-21 | Rain barrel |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2134021C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2501313B (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2014-11-05 | Stephen Bannocks | Water storage tank |
-
1994
- 1994-10-21 CA CA002134021A patent/CA2134021C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2134021A1 (en) | 1996-04-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |