GB2493453A

GB2493453A - Rainwater Harvesting Apparatus comprising a water butt and seat arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2493453A
Application number: GB1213766.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Damone Armstrong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-02
Filing date: 2012-08-02
Publication date: 2013-02-06
Also published as: GB201213766D0; GB201113266D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a rainwater harvesting apparatus 1 comprising a rainwater storage element 2, the rainwater storage element having a rainwater receiving chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The rainwater storage element has a hollow chamber extending between two walls of the chamber. The storage element may be in the form of a chair. A later embodiment relates to a rainwater harvesting apparatus comprising a base and a rainwater storage element each comprising a part of an attachment arrangement for attaching the base and the rainwater storage element together. The attachment arrangement comprises a post and a post housing, so shaped and dimensioned as to fit snugly one within the other. In use the base positions the bottom of the rainwater storage clement above the surface supporting the underside of the base.

Description

Improved Rainwater Harvesting Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to rainwater harvesting apparatus, and in particular to rainwater harvesting of the type that is situated above ground and feel directly by guttering of a building.

Background of the Invention

Rainwater has been harvested since ancient tunes. However, in recent years more attention has been ven to this subject as individuals and governments seek to take measures to save water. Whilst rainwater can be harvested from many different sources, the area that has received the most attention is the harvesting of rainwater that falls on roofs of buildings.

Ta certain countries it is now mandatory that some new buildings are provided with rainwater harvesting equipment.

Rainwater harvesting equipment for harvesting rainwater that falls on the roofs of buildings has developed along two lines. The least costly equipment comprises a water butt that is located at the foot of a down pipe. Such water butts may be provided with a filter at the inlet and an outlet tap at the base of the butt. Some water butts are provided with a pump to allow harvested rainwater to be lifted to a greater head or to provide pressurised water for other equipment, such a garden sprinklers.

The other line of development has been in belo\v ground rainwater storage. Below ground rainwater storage provides the advantage that the storage equipment is not visible, and water bntts can be unsighdy objects. Also, below ground rainwater storage tends to provide greater capacity and can collect water from all the down pipes of a building, via the building's surface water drainage system, whereas a \vater hut typically collects rainwater from a single down pipe. The eisadvantage of helc\v ground rainwater storage is oile of cost and removal of the stored water. The excavations rec1uiyed for below ground storage can be very cosdy, and the equipment must he sufficiently robust to withstand backlilling and passing vehicles.

it would therefore be desirable to provide an improved rainwater harvesting apparatus.

Summary of the Itiventioti

A rainwater harvesting apparatus comprising a rainwater storage. element, the rainwater storage element comprisuig a rainwater receiving chamber having an inlet and all outlet, the rainwater storage element comprising a hollow member extending between two walls of the chamber.

The storage element is preferably in the form of a c]1alr or a bench or another piece of furniture.

Advantageously, the hollow member extends from a bottom wall of the storage element to an upper wall thereof.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least two rainwater storage elements stacked one On top of the other and supported by an elongate element passing through the aligned hollow members of the stacked elements. Fluid connections may be provided between at least two of the stacked elements.

Adjacent stacked elements co-operate to form and enclosed void.

According to the invention there is provided furniture apparatus comprising a chamber having a hollow member extending between two walls of the chamber, the apparatus having walls defining a base and a back and a concave region which walls comprise walls of the chamber, the furniture adapted to rest on either its base or its back and to be moved therehetween.

Advantageously, the concave region provides a seat base and a seat hack, and wherein when the apparatus is lying on its hack the seat back and at least a portion of the seat base form part of another chamber.

The apparatus may include more than one hollow member extending between two walls of the chamber. A hollow member may extend between the base and the seat base and the back and the seat hack. The hollow member may be any suitable shape, such as cylindrical or frusto-conical.

According to the invention there is provided a rainwater harvesting apparatus comprising a base and a rainwater storage element, the rainwater storage element comprising a rainwater receiving chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the base and the rainwater storage element each comprising a part of an attachment arrangement for attaching the base and the rainwater storage element togethcr, the attachment arrangement comprising a post and a post housing, the post arid post housing being so shaped arid dimensioned as to fit snugly one within the other, wherein in use, the base positions the bottom of the rainwater storage element above the surface supporting the underside of the base.

Preferably, each of die post arid post housi rig are frusto-conical in shape. r..ach of the post and die post housing may comprise first and second parts, at least one of the first and second parts of the post and the housing comprising a frusto-conical. The lower part of the post may include a plurality of spaced apart elements. Each element may form part of a frusto-conical shape.

in one enibodirnent, an opening extends through the post.

Preferahly, the post is associated with the hasc and the post housing xvithi the rainwater storage element.

Advantageously, the rainwater storage elenient comprises an item of furniture, such as a chair or a bench for example. \X7here the item of furniture includes a surface liable to be impinged upon by rainwater, the said surface may be provided with a drain. Advantageously, the drain directs rainwater falling on the said surface to the post housing. The drain nay direct water through the post, and preferably through the base.

The base may include walled operii rigs extending from the upper surface of the base to the lower surface thereof. Preferably an opening is situated in a corner of the base and preferably at each corner of the base.

in one embodiment of die invention there is provided a walled opening extending through the chamber of the rainwater storage element.

The outlet is preferably at the bottom of the chamber.

The base may comprise a chamber for receiving ballast, such as water, sand or another tiowable material, and preferably includes an opening for introducing and removing snch ballast. Preferably, the underside of the base includes a recess, which is preferably semi-circular in cross-section and more preferably is hemisp]1erical.

Preferably, the rainwater storage element and/or the base are moulded of plastics material, for example by blow moulding or rotor monlding. Advantageously, the storage element and/or the base include shapes such as ribs moulclcd therein to enhance thc strcngth and integrity of the structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Tn tie dravving, which illustrate preferred cmbodhnents of thc invention, and are by way of

example:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a rainwater harvesting apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2a ifiustrates plan and side views of the base of the rainwater harvesting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 2h illustrates a bottom plan and cross-sectional side view of the base of the rainwater harvesting apparatus illustrated iii Figure 1; Figure 3a is front view of a rainwater storage element of the harvesting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3b is a rear view of the rainwater storage element illnstrated in Figure 3a; ]Figiire 3c is a cross-sectional elevation on the line x-x of Figure 3b; ]Figiire 3d is a bottom plan view of the rainwater storage element illustrated in Figure It; Figure 3e is a top plan view of the rainwater storage element illustrated in Figure 3a; Figure 3f is a side view of the rainwater storage element illustrated in Figure 3a; IFigilte 3g is a cross-sectional side view of the rainwater storage element illustrated in Figure 3a in Use; Figure 4a is a rear view of another embodiment of a rainwater harvesting apparatus accorellng to the invention; Figure 4h is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4a; Figure 4c is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4a; Figure 4d is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4a Figure 4e is a cutaway side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4a in use; Figure 5a is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention in use; Figure 5h is a side view of a rainwater storage element of the embodiment illusftated in Figure 5a; Figure Sc is a front view of the rainwater storage element of the embodiment illustrated in Figure Sa; Figure 5d is a rear view of the rainwater storage element of the embodiment illustrated in Figure Sa; Figure Se is a bottom plan new of the rainwater storage element of the emhodiment illustrated in Figure Sa Figure Sg illustrates another embodiment of rainwater harvesting apparatus according to the Invention in use; Figure Sh illustrates components of the apparatus illustrated in Figure Sg joined together; Figure Si illustrates components of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 5g during assembly; Figure 5j illustrates another part of the assembly procedure of the apparatus illustrated in Figure Figure 5k illustrates components of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 5g; Figure 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in a first state; Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 in a second state.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a rainwater harvesting apparatus I comprising a rainwater storage element 2 and a base 3. The base 3 includes a post 4 that extends upward from the base and on which a correspondingly shaped openingS of the rainwater storage element 2 locates.

Ta the illustrated example, the rainwater storage element 2 provides two functions, those being to store rainwater and to provide a chair. The chair 6 includes a seat 7, a hack 8, sides 9 and a canopy 10.

The opening 5 is situated in the seat 7 and thereby puiwides for self draining of the seat 7.

Referring also to Figures 3a to 3g, in the illustrated example, the rainwater storage element 2 includes a number of moulded shapes that enhance the strength of the elenuent. The opening 5 which has a generally conical shape provides considerable strength in addition to providing an opening of the draining of water from the seat 7 and a structure for receiving the post 4 of the base 3.

An opening 11 extends between the chair backS and the hack 12 of the rainwater storage element 2. Further, the back 12 includes a number of ribs 13 and the underside of the element 2 includes two ribs 14. These ribs increase the rigidity of the structure. The ribs 14 also provide a pathway for water gathering on the seat 7 to disperse through.

The rainwater storage element 2 also includes a recess 15 in which is mounted an opening 16. As can be seen from Figure 3g, when connected to a down pipe, a conduit 17 attaches to the opening 16 to allow rain water 18 collected on a roof 19 to enter the rainwater storage element 2 via the guttering 20.

Referring to Figure 3C an opening 21 gives access to a tap of a pump located in the base of the rainwater storage element 2.

Figure3c illustrates the shape of the opening 5. The opening 5 is generally conical in shape. In the fflusated example, the opening 5 comprises upper and lower parts Sa, Sb, each have a conical shape.

J-Iowever, the diameter of the lower part Sb is greater than that of the upper part Sb. This provides for a secure attacinnent of the opening 5 to the post 4, but also provides for a stronger post 4.

Referring specifically to Figure 2a, the post 4 comprises upper and lower parts 4a, 4b. ihe upper part 4a presents a substantially continuous smooth surface. The lower part 4h provides a plurality of elements 4c each presenting a part of a conical surface, adjacent elements 4c being separated by spaces 4d.

As can he seen from Figure 2h, the post 4 includes a cyllndrical opening 4e extending therethrough and into the semi-spherical chamber 4h. The base 3 also includes cylindrical openings 4f extending therethrough at each corner thereof. Between these oper1ing 4f there are located indents 4g.

The base 3 may he filled with hahhast, such as water or sand via the opening 4i.

Referring now to Figures 4a to 4e, die rainwater liarvestuig apparatus comprises a rainwater storage element 20 in the form of a chair, the chair having a seat 21 comprising a base 2la, including a drainage opening 21b, sides 21c and a hack 21 d. As can be best appreciated from Figure 4e, an internal chamber 22 receives rainwater from a pipe 26 connected to an inlet 25' at the back of the clement 20, debouching into the chamber 22 via an open end 25" of the inlet 25' that is situated within the chamber 22.

The storage element 20 includes a pipe like structure 23 that is formed integrally with the body of the element 20 and extends substantially horizontally through die chamber 22. The storage element 20 includes a further pipe like structure 24 which extends from the seat base 21a to die base of the chamber 22. The pipe like structure 24 is aligned with the opening 21h in the base 21a of the sear 21. This provides a drain for rainwater landing on the seat and serves to add great strength to the storage element 20. The storage element 20 includes a drain 2$, which aliows for thc chamber 22 to he emptied of water.

The inlet 25' is mounted in a recess 27 in the hack of the storage element 20.

The rainwater storage element illustrated in Figures 4a to 4e may be rest directly on the ground as shown in Figure 4e, or be mounted on a base as is the case with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Referring now to Figures Sa to 5k, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention in which two water storage elements may be attached together to provide greater rainwater storage capacity.

Again, the rainwater storage elements 30 are each in the shape of a chair, and can be used as such. Also, the rainwater storage element having its base facing the ground may be used in conjunction with a base 31, in a similar manner as described with reference to other cnibodimeuts of the invention. However, by inserting an elongate element, such as a pipe 32, through openings 33 extending through due rainwater storage element 30, two rainwater storage elements 30 may be stacked together. Each of the rainwater storage elements $0 is provided at the top of the seat hack thereof with a bore 35 for receiving a coupling comprising a pipe 36 and a sealing collar 37 which engages with the bore. .35 and the pipe 36. A further bore 34 is provided at the front of the scat of the rainwater storage element 31. This is also provided with a collar 37. As is best shown it-i Figure 5i, the pipes 36 engage with collars 37 niounted in bores 34 to provide for fluid communication between the two storage elements 31.

The openIng 33 has a similar shape as the openIng in the water storage element of Figure 1 to receive a similar post, should it he desired to mount the element 30 on a base similar to t]1e base 3 of Figure 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5a to Sf, the underside of the rainwater storage element is provided with bores 38. A collar 37 is inserted into each of these bores and a pipe 36 connected thereto. The base 31 is provided with corresponding bores 39, again having collars 37 inserted therein, the pipes 36 being inserted through the bores 39 and being sealed by the collars 37.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment 40 of the invention which when standing on its base 41 serves as a chair. A concave part 41 provides a seat base 43 and a seat back 43. A post 44 extends from the base 41 to the seat base 43. The post 44 is frusto-conieal in shape in the illustrated example. The embodiment includes a hack 42 and a fluid tight chamber 45 having an outlet 46.

in Figure 6 the embodiment 40 is shown lying on its back 42. In this configuration the concave part 41 can be put to uses other than sitting. For example, it may he used as a children's play pit, such as a sand pit or a padclllng pool. \Vhere the embodiment 40 is to be used as a paddllng pool, a plug may be provided in the concavc part 41 so that water contained therein nay be transferred to the chamber 45.

Alternatively it may he used for storage.

The rainwater harvesting apparatus of the invention provides a number of advantages. First, the apparatus includes two parts, a base and a rainwater storage element. This provides for the easy emptying of the rainwater storage element. Wherc the hasc of die rainwater storage element sits on die at ground level, it is not possible to empty the rainwater storage element of water fully, which is disadvantageous in terms of keeping the rainwater storage element clean and hygienic. Sources of dllsease can build up in stored water.

The combination of a post and an opening in provides for a secure connection of the rainwater storage element to t]1e base, and strengthens both the base and the rainwater storage element. Wihere the rainwater storage element is a chair, the opening provides for self drainage of the seat though the post.

By introducing shapes into the body of both the base and the rainwater storage element the strength of these parts is enhanced without using additional materials.

Finally, the rainwater harvesting apparatus 0f the invention allows such apparatus to he formed as an aesthetically pleasing object, which in some embodiments has a second functional use, i.e. as ati item of furniture.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims A rainwater harvesting apparatus comprising a rainwater storage element, the rainwater storage element comprising a rainwater receiving chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the rainwater storage element comprising a hollow member extending hetweeti two walls of the chaniher.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the storage element is in the form of a chair.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow meniher extends from a bottom wall of the storage element to an upper wall thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 3, comprising at least two rainwater storage elements stacked one on top of the other and supported by an elongate element passitig through the aligned hollow members of the stacked elemetits.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 4, further comprising fluid connections between at least two of the stacked elements.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein adjacent stacked clemetits co-operate to form and enclosed void.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A rainwater harvesting apparatus accorditig to Claim 6, wherein the storage elements each include a hack, and when stacked the hacks co-operate to form the enclosed void.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A raitiwater harvesting apparatus ccariprising a base and a rainwater storage element, the rainwater storage element comprising a rainwater receiving chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the base and the raitnvater storage element each comprising a part of an attachnient arrangenient for attaching the base and the rainwater storage element together, the attachirtent arrangement comprising a post and a post housing, the post mmd post housing being so shaped and dimensioned as to fit snugly one within the other, wherein in use, the base positions the bottom of the rainwater storage elenient above the surface supporting the nnderside of the base.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the post and/or the post housing are frusto-conical in shape.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the post and/or the post housing comprise first and second parts, at least one of the first and second parts of the post and the housing comprising a frust -u)nical.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 10, w]ielein the iower part 0f the post includes a plurality of spaced apart elements.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein each element torms part of a frusto-conical shape.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein an opening extends through the post.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the post is associated with the hase and the post housing with die rainwater storage element.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rainwater storage element comprises an item of furniture.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the item of furniture includes a surface liable to he impinged upon by rainwater, and the said surface is pro\dded with a drain.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. Arainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein the drain directs rainwater falling on the said surface to the post housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the drain directs water through the post, and preferably through the base.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, the base including walled openings extending from the upper surface 0f the base to the lower surface thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 19, wherein an opening is situated in a corner of the base.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a \valied opening extending through the chamber of the rainwater storage element.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. Arainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet is located at the bottom of the chamber.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a chamber for receiving ballast.</claim-text> <claim-text>24 A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to any preceding cHin, whererin the underside of the base inciudes a recess.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 24, w]1erein the recess is semi-circular in cross-section in cross section.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A rainwater harvesting apparatus according to Claim 24 or 25, wherein the recess is 11 ci i spherical.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A rainwater harvesting apparatus snhstanually as shown in, or as descriheel with reference to the drawings.</claim-text>