GB2314368A

GB2314368A - Water storage unit

Info

Publication number: GB2314368A
Application number: GB9613042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Gude
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-06-21
Filing date: 1996-06-21
Publication date: 1997-12-24
Also published as: GB9613042D0

Abstract

A water storage unit acts to trap rain water and/or waste water from a domestic dwelling in a container, which water may then be dispensed under gravity and/or under pressure by means of a pump. The unit is preferably mobile.

Description

MOBILE WATER STORAGE UNIT The invention relates to a mobile water storage unit for use, particularly, but not exclusively, in a garden, furthermore said unit stores water, particularly, but not exclusively, rain water and/or extemal drainage water from a domestic dwelling.

Climatologists currently believe that the world's climate is gradually warming up because of the 'greenhouse effect'. Great climatic changes, such as ice ages, come and go through thousands of years, but severe changes in climate can also occur suddenly or within a few years. Changes in winds can cause rainfall to shift from a region, and concomitantly bring drought (or alternatively more rainfall than expected), this means that areas/regions not previously subject to shortages of rainfall now face the genuine possibility of reduced seasonal and/or annual rainfall. This in turn leads onto areas/regions that had not previously considered National Irrigation Policies and water conservation measures having to consider such issues.

Western Europe is considered to have a temperate climate which is mild and humid, 4-12 months of the year the temperature range is between 10-20 C, the remainder of the year is cooler. There is no dry season and the annual average rainfall is 20-40 inches (500-1OO0nim), however due to climatic changes Western Europe is becoming more 'Mediterranean' (winter rain, dry summers), and is some regions 'Dry Mediterranean' (slight winter rain).

More than 70% of the earth's surface is covered by vast oceans and seas. In addition, 10% of the land, an area the size of South America, is covered by water in the form of ice. However, little new water is ever made on earth.

The rain that falls from the sky has fallen many times before and will fall many times again.

Water enters the air as invisible water vapour from lakes, rivers, seas and oceans through the process of evaporation. The vapour stays in the air for an average period of ten days and then falls as rain or snow. Rising air carries the vapour into the sky. The air cools as it rises and the water vapour turns into tiny water droplets. These droplets are so small that they float in the air as a cloud form, a rain cloud contains millions of water droplets which merge together to form larger drops. When these drops become too large and too heavy to float they fall to ground as rain and the cycle starts all over again. Rain is essentially a precipitation of liquid drops of water.

Raindrops generally have a diameter greater than 0.5 mm (0.02in) and range in size up to 3 mm (0.1 3in) in diameter. The rate of fall increases, up to 7.6 m (25 ft) per second with their size. Larger drops tends to be flattened and broken into smaller drops by rapid fall through the air. Precipitation of smaller drops called drizzle, often severely restricts visibility but usually does not produce significant accumulations of water. Western Europe raindrops are generally in the range of 0.5 mm - 2 mm (0.02 - 0.08 in) diameter ie drizzle to heavy rain conditions and persists for appreciable periods hence there is a potential to trap substantial amounts of water.

Amount of rainfall is expressed as the depth of water that collects on a flat surface and is measured in a rain gauge to the nearest 0.25 mm (0.01 in).

Rainfall is classified as light if not more than 2.5 mm (0.1 in) per hour and heavy if more than 7.5 mm (more than 0.3 in) per hour and moderate if between these limits. Western Europe experiences all classifications of rainfall.

Precipitation plays a major role in determining the climate of an area. Rain is critical as it replenishes ground water and supplies the natural watershed systems and irrigation channels.

Drought is defined as the condition of abnormally dry weather within a geographic region, where some rain might usually be expected. A drought is thus quite different from a dry climate, which designates a region which is normally, or at least seasonally, dry. The term drought is applied to a period in which an unusual scarcity of rain causes a serious hydrological imbalance. Water supply reservoirs empty, wells dry up and/or crop damage ensues. The severity of the drought is gauged by the degree of moisture deficiency, its duration and the size of the area effected. If the drought is brief, it can be written off as a dry spell, or partial drought. A dry spell is usually defined as more than 14 days without appreciable precipitation whereas drought may last for years. Although drought cannot easily be predicted, certain precautions can be taken in drought risk areas these include construction of reservoirs to hold emergency water supplies, water conservation measures, education to avoid overcropping and over grazing and programmes to limit settlement in drought prone areas.

The UK has been experiencing drought conditions for the last 14 months and partial drought and/or dry spells intermittently since 1976, the year which saw the first hosepipe ban and advise to consumers on how to conserve water.

Reservoirs are currently below their last year levels. Many rivers are depleted, and many reservoirs have failed to supply consumers, partially as a result of lack of strategic pipelines. Currently the country is experiencing overstressed water resources. Some water companies are endeavouring to implement projects to overcome this, for example a 3 million project to pump water from a local river up-hill to the Roadford Reservoir in Devon; bringing in water from Northumbria to Yorkshire by tankers; diverting water in local rivers to reservoirs with depleted levels known as the 'river transfer scheme' (however there can be adverse environmental effects to aquatic wildlife and consequently to avians, due to mixing the natural water chemicals and temperatures); and the Kent company that supplies Dover and Folkestone has conducted a feasibility study for a project to drag giant plastic containers of water across the North sea from Norway.

North West Water heads the league table of water wasters, issued in the 1996 government report by Lord Uff. Approximately 1/3 of the water pumped around the area is lost in leakage due to an ancient and badly maintained underground network of pipes. Accordingly a massive project is underway to replace and/or repair said pipes. It takes approximately 10 years to plan and implement a reservoir so that the majority of water company actions are designed to have immediate amelioration of shortages.

Some regional water companies have already implemented hose pipe bans which can be either total or for restricted use, essentially so that no car washing, window washing or watering of gardens can take place. During the winter of 1995/96 there was only 2/3rds of the expected rainfall. It would appear that prolonged hosepipe bans and alternative and additional methods of water conservation are required.

Methods are available to trap rainwater for example in open buckets or butts set under drains. Alternatively diverters may be placed on drainpipes to collect the rainwater from the roof guttering etc. Water may also be conserved in the garden by putting bark chippings down onto soil especially around flower beds and borders thereby trapping moisture underneath.

However the weight of bark chippings can prevent shoots from developing, and may not be aesthetically pleasing to all gardeners. One of the regional water companies has recently advised concreting over grass so as to reduce the consumption of water in the garden. However this is an extreme measure and unlikely to have popular appeal.

Typically a household of two adults and two children uses 160 m3 of water per year. This equivalates to 0.5 m3 water/day or 500 litres/day or, in imperial measures, 110 gallons/day. It is assumed, by water companies, that only 5% of this total does not return to the public sewerage system ie 475 litres/day return to the public sewerage system for recycling and treatment.

The daily utilisation values may be accounted for in that a typical clothes washing machine requires 70-130 litres of water per cycle (a washer-dryer combination machine requires 90 litres/cycle and an additional 30 litres for a dry cycle) and is used once per day. A dishwasher utilises 20-24 litres of water per load and is used once per day. A toilet requires 9-14 litres of water per flush and is used 5 times per day per person totalling 180-280 litres per day. The remainder of the average daily water consumption, is accounted for by bathing, (80-150 litres), and other activities such as cleaning, cooking and potable consumption. Gardening accounts for a considerable proportion (270-810 litres/half hour of hosing or sprinkling) and is very much dependent on size of garden and seasonal requirements.

It should be noted that purification and treatment of water from toilets/sewage is effected at sites remote from source ie homes, and is a technically involved process. Water from baths, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and other domestic sources may be diverted, harnessed and purified simply by carbon filters and such like for non-potable purposes. Recycling water for cleaning and/or watering the garden and/or washing the car does not require the same high standard of purification as for drinking water.

It is an object of the invention to exploit rain and/or household waste water, and to store said water in a container.

It is a further object of the invention to dispense the water from a container under pressure to areas remote from the siting of the water storage unit.

It is a further object of the invention that said apparatus be inexpensive, and easy to use and relatively easy to manoeuvre.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile water storage unit comprising a water storage container adapted to be connected to a water drainage system of a domestic dwelling and further including at least one outlet, connected to a selective pump means whereby when using said at least one outlet water can be dispensed from said container either under pressure or under gravity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said container is provided with a plurality of outlets and ideally associated with said outlets are tap means.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention said container is provided with at least one of said outlets connected to a selective pump means whereby when using said outlet water can be dispensed under pressure.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said container is provided with at least one of said outlets connected to a dispensing means that operates under gravity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said container is connected to an external water drainage system of a domestic dwelling.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention said container further includes a self-regulating dispensing means whereby when the container contains a predetermined amount of water said pump means can be selectively operated and when said container contains a level of water less than said predetermined amount said pump means is inoperable.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said container is provided with at least two wheels, ideally sized and positioned so as to be rearward of said container.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said container is provided with at least two projections at an upper and rearward position of said container, ideally said projections are sized and shaped so as to provide handle means.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said container further includes an external observation gauge such as in the form of a transparent tube/pipe extending substantially the length of said container and said container is provided with inlet ports at the position of attachment of said transparent tube/pipe so as to provide a seal at a bottom and an upper end of said transparent tube/pipe, furthermore said transparent tube/pipe is provided with an integral internal coloured float so as to gauge visually a level of water within said container.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said container is provided with a lid sized and shaped so as to fit flush at and around an upper surface perimeter of said container and ideally said lid is hinged so as to provide an opening portion.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the container further includes an external housing ideally positioned at an upper surface, and also ideally sized and shaped so as to house a manually operable switch for said pump means, ideally said housing is provided with sealing means so as to exclude external moisture and/or splashes and more ideally said housing is provided with an extension flex so as to source electric power at a site remote from said container.

In a further preferred embodiment said pump means is provided intemal of said container and ideally is provided with a detachable integral internal filter.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a water storage unit which is adapted to receive waste water from a domestic dwelling and/or rain water and which further includes at least one outlet operably connected to a pump means whereby water can be dispensed from said unit under pressure and also further includes a self-regulating water dispensing control means whereby when said unit contains at least a first predetermined amount of water said control means allows selective use of said pump means and at or below a second predetermined level of water said control means deactivates said pump means.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein: Figure 1 represents a diagrammatic illustration of a front perspective view of a mobile water storage unit.

Figure 2 represents a diagrammatic illustration of a rear perspective view of a mobile water storage unit.

Figure 3 represents an enlarged diagrammatic illustration, having regard to Figures 1 and 2, of a plan view of a mobile water storage unit.

Figure 4 represents a diagrammatic illustration of a part inner view of a mobile water storage unit showing an integral pump means and a self regulating water dispensing control means.

Figure 4A represents a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of Figure 4.

Figure 5 represents a diagrammatic illustration of a mobile water storage unit in use connected via diverters to domestic drainpipes and further illustrating a hose attachment and overflow pipe attachment.

Referring to the Figures and firstly to Figure 1, there is shown, an illustration of a front perspective view of a mobile water storage unit (1) with a lid (2) in a closed position. Integrally associated with said container (1) are a plurality of outlets (3, 4, 5, 6 and 8), sized and shaped so as to accommodate a variety of inlet and outlet pipes/tubes/hoses and the like. Furthermore associated with said container (1) is a transparent external tube or pipe (11) and associated therewith an internal float (12) which gauges the internal water level in said container (1). Externally protruding from container (1) via outlet (8) is a protrusion/nozzle (8a) and integrally associated therewith a tap means (8b), at a distal end of protrusion/nozzle (8a), there is provided an aperture/outlet (9). Illustrated in Figure 1 are a pair of wheels (7a) and (7b), said wheels are positioned rearwardly of container (1) and being of a suitable size and structural integrity so as to be functionally capable of moving said container (1) when full of water.

Referring now to Figure 2 which is a diagrammatic representation of a rear perspective view of a mobile water storage unit. There are provided wheels (7a) and (7b) positioned so as to be rearward of protrusion/nozzle (8a).

Associated with container (1) at an upper position are handles (13a) and (13b) shaped and sized so as to facilitate manual handling of said container.

Figure 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic illustration with regard to Figures 1 and 2, of a plan view of a mobile water storage unit and illustrates wheels (7a and 7b) in a rearward position and handles (13a and 13b) in a rearward position.

A lid (2) is chordedly sectioned so as to provide a rear portion (15) and a front portion (14). Said front portion and rear portion are integral and joined along a line (17). Hinges are provided thereon (16a) and (16b) so that lid (2) may be opened in a partial fashion. Rear portion (15) is fixed to said container (2). Associated with the front portion of the lid (14) is a handle (13c) shaped and sized so as to facilitate opening of said front portion.

Internal of the main body of container (1) is provided a rear/internal portion of housing (18), within which a pump means is housed.

Referring now to Figure 4 which represents a diagrammatic illustration of a part inner view of a mobile water storage unit with an integral pump means shown generally in the area of (26A) and a self regulating water dispensing control means shown generally in the area of (26). In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) said water dispensing control means is directly associated with a pump means and/or housing (18) of said pump means. In Figure 4 there is shown a water container (1) with a plurality of outlets (3, 4, 5, 6 and 8). Outlet (5) represents a dispensing means such as a tap that dispenses water under gravity. Outlet (4) represents an overflow pipe/tube.

Outlets (3) and (6) provide apertures for insertion of diverters from domestic drain pipes (33a and 33b) but it will be appreciated that water may be diverted from drainpipes without the aid of diverters. Integral with aperture (8) is an internal/rear housing (18) housed within the container (1).

Associated with said housing (18) is a pump means (26A), a rearwardly positioned detachable filter (19) and a protrusion/nozzle (8a) with a tap means (8b), at a distal end of said protrusion/nozzle 8a is an outlet (9) which is sized and shaped to accommodate a detachable hosepipe. Water level (22) is marked externally by a float (12) provided in transparent tube (11).

Attached to container (1) is a switch box (10) which provides cover from moisture for a switch (20) and manual switch button (21). It will be appreciated that said switch box (10) is provided with sealing means.

Furthermore extending from said switch box are electrically conducting wires/flexes (37a and 37b), one of which (37a) extends to an electricity source, the other flex (37b) conducts electricity to a pump means.

Associated with the switch (20) is a plastic swivel arm (25) provided with joint(s) (25a). At a remote end of arm (25) there is further attached a chain (24) which in turn is attached to a ballcock (23). Ballcock (23) floats upon water level (22) and moves vertically depending on said water level. When water level (22) is in a position (22a) said ballcock (23) is fully extended on chain (24) and acts to extend the swivel arm (25) so as to effect a cut-off response from switch (20) thereby terminating the power supply to the pump means. This is a safety feature and acts to prevent a motor of the pump means from operating when container (1) is empty, or almost empty of water.

Conversely when water level (22) is relatively high, ballcock (23) floats upwardly thus releasing the tension exerted on chain (24) and so removing the downward force exerted on swivel arm (25). This, in turn, reverses the cut-off effect so restoring the power supply to the pump means. In alternative embodiments of the invention it will be appreciated that said dispensing control means may be directly associated with a pump means and/or housing of said pump means.

Figure 4A represents a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative embodiment of Figure 4, there is shown a housing (18) of a pump means (in the area 26a) with a forward/external protrusion (18a) of container (1). Associated with said pump means (26a), is an integral detachable filter (19). Provided on a front surface (18b) of the forward/external protrusion (18a) of said housing (18), is an aperture (8).

Referring now to Figure 5 which represents a diagrammatic illustration of a mobile water storage unit in use and so connected via diverters (30a and 30b) to domestic drainpipes and further illustrating hose (27) and over-flow pipe (28) attachments. There is shown container (1) and extending from outlet (4) there is provided an overflow pipe (28) which depends downwardly so terminating adjacent, or in an external drain (29), or alternatively, deposits into a bucket or collecting device (not shown in the illustration) thereby saving overflow water. Associated with outlet (9) of protrusion/nozzle (8a), is a detachable hosepipe (27) of sufficient length to access areas remote from container (1). Outlets (3 and 6) are connected to diverters (30a and 30b) which extend from downpipes (33a and 33b respectively) via connecters (31a and 31b respectively). In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, outlets (3 and 6) are connected directly to downpipes (33a and 33b) respectively.

Pipes (33a, 33b) extend downwardly beyond the junction where connectors (31a and 31b) are located (32a and 32b) to deposit into external drains (not shown in the illustration). Diverters (30a and 30b) are positioned so as to extend downwardly towards container 1 and so to benefit from gravity when diverting water from pipes (33a, 33b). Associated with the upper/roof end of drain (33a) is provided a funnel (34), which collects water from guttering pipes (35 and 36). Associated with switch box cover (10) is provided an electrical conducting wire/flex (37a) connected to an electric source (38).

It will be appreciated that all outlets are provided with integral tap means such as that depicted in 8b, so as to prevent leakage when the water storage unit is moved and/or connected for use and/or disconnected thereafter.

Once the mobile water storage unit is connected to domestic drain pipes and, optionally, covered with a lid, water is collected therein from drain, rain and domestic waste. A detachable hosepipe is attached to outlet (9) positioned at a distal end of protrusion/nozzle (8a) and the pump means switched on.

The pump, having been, activated by the switch ensures that any water in the container may be sprayed, or pumped under pressure to places remote from said container ie garden, car etc.

Thus the invention provides a water storage unit that, advantageously, facilitates the recycling of water for use in, around or about a building and ideally a domestic dwelling.

Claims

1 A water storage unit comprising a water storage container adapted to be connected to a water drainage system of a domestic dwelling and further including at least one outlet, connected to a selected pump means whereby when using said at least one outlet, water can be dispensed from said container either under pressure or under gravity.

2 A water storage unit according to Claim 1 wherein said container is provided with a plurality of outlets.

3 A water storage unit according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein said outlet(s) is/are associated with tap means.

4 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with at least one of said outlets connected to a selected pump means whereby when using said outlet, water can be dispensed under pressure.

5 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with at least one of said outlets connected to a dispensing means that operates under gravity.

6 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is connected to an external water drainage system of a domestic dwelling.

7 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes a self-regulating dispensing means whereby when said container contains a pre-determined amount of water said pump means can be selectively operated and when said container contains a level of water less than said pre-determined amount said pump means is inoperable.

8 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with at least two wheels.

9 A water storage unit according to Claim 8 wherein said wheels are suitably sized and positioned so as to be rearward of said container.

10 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with at least two projections at an upper and rearward position of said container.

11 A water storage unit according to Claim 10 wherein said projections are sized and shaped so as to provide handle means.

12 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes an external observation gauge in the form of a transparent tube/pipe extending substantially the length of said container and adapted so as to be in fluid connection with the inside of said container.

13 A water storage unit according to Claim 12 wherein said transparent tube/pipe is provided with an internal float so as to gauge visually a level of water within said container.

14 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with a lid, sized and shaped so as to fit flush at and around an upper surface perimeter of said container.

15 A lid according to Claim 14 wherein said lid is hinged so as to provide an opening portion.

16 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes an external housing suitably positioned and suitably sized and shaped so as to house a manually operable switch for said pump means.

17 A housing according to Claim 16 wherein said housing is provided with sealing means so as to exclude external moisture and/or splashes.

18 A housing according to Claims 16 or 17 wherein said housing is provided with an extension flex so as to source electric power at a site remote from said container.

19 A water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said pump means is provided internal of said container.

20. A mobile water storage unit which is adapted to receive water from a domestic dwelling and/or rain water and which further includes at least one outlet operably connected to a pump means whereby water can be dispensed from said unit under pressure and also further includes a self regulating water dispensing control means whereby when said unit contains at least a first pre-determined amount of water, said control means allows selective use of said pump means and at or below a second pre-determined level of water, said control means deactivates said pump means.

20 A pump means according to any preceding Claim wherein said pump means is provided with a detachable filter.

21 A water storage unit which is adapted to receive waste water from a domestic dwelling and/or rain water and which further includes at least one outlet operably connected to a pump means whereby water can be dispensed from said unit under pressure and also further includes a self-regulating water dispensing control means whereby when said unit contains at least a first pre-determined amount of water, said control means allows selective use of said pump means and at or below a second pre-determined level of water, said control means deactivates said pump means.

22 A water storage unit according to Claim 21 wherein said unit is adapted so as to be mobile.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A mobile water storage unit comprising a water storage container adapted to be connected to a water drainage system of a domestic dwelling and further including at least one outlet, connected to a selective pump means whereby when using said at least one outlet, water can be dispensed from said container either under pressure or under gravity.

2. A mobile water storage unit according to Claim 1 wherein said contain is provided with a plurality of outlets.

3. A mobile storage unit according to Claims or 2 wherein said outlet(s) is/are associated with tap means.

4. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said contained is provided with a least one of said outlets connected to a dispensing means that operates under gravity.

5. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is connected to an external water drainage system of a domestic dwelling.

6. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes a self-regulating dispensing means whereby when the said container contains a pre-determined amount of water said pump means can be selectively operated and when said container contains a level of water less than said pre-determined amount said pump means is inoperable.

7. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said contained is provided with at least two wheels.

8. A mobile storage unit according to Claim 8 wherein said wheels are suitabley sized and positioned so as to be rearward of the said container.

9. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container is provided with a least two projections at an upper and rearward position of said container.

10. A mobile water storage unit according to Claim 10 wherein said projectsino are sized and shaped so as to provide handle means.

11. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes an external observation gauge in the form of a transparent tube/pipe extending substantially the length of said container and adapted so as to be in fluid connection with the inside of the said container.

12. A mobile water storage unit according to Claim 12 wherein said transparent tube/pipe is provided with an internal float so as to gauge visually a level of water within the said container.

13. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim whrein said container is provided with a lid, sized and shaped so as to fit flush at and around an upper surface perimeter of said container.

14. A lid according to Claim 14 wherein said lid is hinged so as to provide an opening portion.

15. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said container further includes an external housing suitably positioned and suitably sized and shaped so as to house a manually operable switch for said pump means.

16. A housing according to Claim 16 wherein said housing is provided with sealing means so as to exclude external moisture and/or splashes.

17. A housing according to Claims 16 or 17 wherein said housing is provided with an extension flex so as to source electric power at a site remote from said container.

18. A mobile water storage unit according to any preceding Claim wherein said pump means is provided internal of said container.

19. A pump means according to any preceding Claim wherein said pump means is provided with a detachable filter.