GB2499794A

GB2499794A - Linking of portable water containers for a caravan

Info

Publication number: GB2499794A
Application number: GB1203416.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Duncan Major
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-27
Filing date: 2012-02-27
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: GB201203416D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a system for the provision of linked caravan water tanks 7, wherein the tanks are linked by a flexible hose (1 figure 2) and valves. The tanks may be cylindrical and rolled into position for filling from a tap and into position for attachment of a pipe and pump. The tanks may have two screw caps (5 & 6 figure 2), wherein the hose may be connected to one of the respective caps of each tank, such that the hose may pass through the caps and into the tanks . The remaining cap 6 of each tank is used to fill the tanks, and may include a diaphragm vent valve to allow air into the tank as water is withdrawn.

Description

A SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system, more particularly a system for provision of water.

Background

Increasing numbers of users are spending time in mobile or temporary accommodation.

This may be either for reasons of leisure activities, for example camping, caravanettes, caravanning, chalets, trailers or mobile homes; or it may be for purposes of rising costs of permanent accommodation.

Of particular importance for all those who pass time in a form of temporary accommodation is their amenities.

For example water can be particularly problematic unless plumbing is installed, wherein the user will need to fetch water repeatedly in amounts they are capable of moving from a stop tap, to be pumped into their accommodation.

Given physical limits, often users tend to transport such water in butts or tanks that may be rolled across ground. Each tank will separately need transporting and attaching to the pump that brings water into the accommodation.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following:

European patent application EP 1 967 658 (LILLY et al) discloses a water supply system comprising a main supply tank; one or more water receiving vessels; and a pipe network comprising a plurality of links, the pipe network providing fluid communication between the main supply tank and the one or more water receiving vessels characterized in that the water supply system further comprises a water level tank connected intermediate the main supply tank and the one or more water receiving vessels and in fluid communication therewith, the water level tank being positioned such that the water level in the water level tank controls the water level in the one or more water receiving vessels.

Granted European patent EP 1 126 089 (TAKURA et al) discloses a high level water supplying and distributing system comprising: a plurality of water supplying tanks arranged in series along a height direction; water supplying pipes connected to each of the water supplying tanks; a connecting pipe passage connecting the water supplying tanks to each other; a water supplying pump arranged in the connecting pipe passage; and a check valve arranged in the connecting pipe passage.

In contrast the present invention provides means of using multiple tanks, thereby easing transport issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a system for provision of plural linked liquid caravan water tanks, wherein said tanks are linked with provided flexible linking hose, said hose connected in use through valves to the tanks.

In use therefore the tanks allow a user to attach a pump to a first tank, wherein said pump includes a supply pipe, said pipe being fed into the first tank through an inlet. Said inlet and pipe are standard issue.

Typically the tanks are of a sort whereby they may be rolled into position for filling from a tap, and into position for attachment of the pipe and pump.

In this way according to a second aspect of the present invention said tanks have two bungs or closures. Wherein the tank includes a cylindrical form, having a continuous

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face and two ends a first cap is provided on an end, close to the face, and a second filler is located on the face.

In use the filler is opened when facing uppermost and the tap is opened to fill the tank. This filler is subsequently opened to be replaced by a stopper containing and maintaining the pipe for the pump.

The second cap on the end is close to the ground when the filler is uppermost and is consequently used to connect a tap for drawing water manually, under gravity, such as after elevation onto a stand.

According to the third aspect of the present invention the hose connects in use to the cap wherein the cap includes a pass through mechanism for the hose. Said mechanism ideally provides a means for the hose to enter the tank, and consequently allow water to transfer into the hose.

In some embodiments of the system however the pass-through does not allow water to pass in both directions.

In yet further embodiments of the pass-through the pass-through is a replacement part or whole of the cap wherein the hose may be placed into the pass-through to allow the hose to pass through the cap. According in such embodiments the pass-through may enable use of standard pipe fittings such as standard clip together connectors, said connectors clipping into the pass-through and therefore cap, allowing water to pass through the pass-through, cap or replacement part of the cap; in at least one direction.

In some embodiments the pass-through or replacement cap may include means by which a user can halt flow of water in order to prevent loss of water when linking the tanks.

For example there may be provided on the pass-through or replacement a valve through which water may pass only after fulfilment of a step. In this example the user may be required to fit or clip the hose into place, and subsequently click, turn squeeze, depress or otherwise manipulate the hose connector in order to complete connection.

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In other embodiments the connector, pass-through or replacement cap may include a stop tap or other displaceable closing part, which may be automatically or manually displaced when in use, or automatically or manually put into place before connection.

Once the user has ensured in such a way that water will not be lost s/he may connect the hose to the second tank in an equivalent manner.

In some embodiments of the system, plural tanks are linked by use of plural lengths of hose and intermediate connectors, whereas simpler embodiments include a single length of hose with two connectors.

Once the hose is able to link the tanks, the user is enabled to begin pumping from the first tank as required.

In order to prevent a vacuum building up in the second tank, and thereby in order to allow water to evacuate the second tank it may be necessary to ensure that air is able to replace pumped water.

In standard embodiments of similar water provision tanks and pumps, the filler includes a diaphragm valve, wherein air may bleed into the tank as water is evacuated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided apparatus by which air may enter the second tank, without undesirable exit of water.

This apparatus in some embodiments consists of a one-way bleed valve on the cap, replacement cap, connector or pass-through. This valve may allow bubbles of air to be pulled into the tank as water is pumped out.

In further embodiments the cap, replacement cap, connector or pass-through include a length of pipe that extends in use to the uppermost face of the tank in use, floating in the water.

In yet further embodiments a replacement filler is available for the tank, containing a diaphragm valve to allow entrance of air to the second tank. For example therefore

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as fluid or water is drawn out of the second tank through the hose, which hose does not permit returning air to replace volume evacuated by the water, the filler may allow inflow of air to replace the water.

In still further embodiments the hose may allow replacement of air in the second tank in some fashion, such by inclusion of a secondary passage for air.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the system in use;

And

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of parts required for actioning of the system.

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Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment is used in a system of two linked tanks. The parts pictured include the following:

Hose (Figure 2, 1)

Hose to cap insert in moulded polymer (Figure 2, 2)

Hose to cap insert nut in moulded polymer (Figure 2, 3)

Standard female hose connector (Figure 2, 4) connecting through male to male connector (not shown)

80mm screw cap (5)

Fillers (Figure 1, 6)

Tanks (Figure 1, 7)

Some embodiments use predominantly standard parts with advantages of replaceable components, easily adopted and recognisable parts, straightforward part sourcing, and quality leak-proof parts. Preferably moulded polymer is used with rubber o rings to create seals.

In preferred embodiments however a newly designed cap for the tanks is envisaged to be the most cost-effective and realistic path wherein it includes a cap, brass flange, 22mm tap connector and standard female hose connector in an all-plastic part. A hose clip may also be required to create a leak-free seal.

Reducing components may in addition or the alternative provide a lower-cost for components wherein a metal boat through hull connector may provide a male hose barb on which to fit the hose. Metal components or parts may provide a longer product lifespan and a hose clip would also create a tight seal.

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The pictured and preferred embodiment therefore provides a simple system for increasing the amount of available water to caravan users, without frequent trips to standpipes, or swapping tanks or containers over. Using the system caps and connectors creates a free flow between tanks or containers, wherein the pump to the caravan sits in just one tank.

Consideration in all preferred embodiments must be paid towards the hygienic requirements of the hose and other components, ensuring the water drawn from the pipe reaches the user without contamination and accordingly it is preferable that all parts are sealed in use

As an option for lower-cost manufacture of parts, the cap on the containers may have a flange and 22mm tap adapter moulded in. Alternatively, a part such as a bilge pump fitting, with tapered hose connector, may provide a more suitable option. A metal band can be adjusted to create a watertight seal.

In use of the system therefore a user would screw off filler, replace caps if not already in place, fill containers or roll tanks with water via the fillers, connect hoses to the caps and hook the filler up to the caravan/campervan pump system.

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Claims

1. A system for provision of plural linked liquid caravan water tanks, wherein said tanks are linked with provided flexible linking hose, said hose connected in use through valves to the tanks

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the tanks have two closures as the tank is a cylindrical form, having a continuous face and two ends with a first cap is provided on an end, close to the face, and a second filler is located on the face/

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein hose connects in use to the cap wherein the cap includes a pass through mechanism for the hose.

4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein apparatus is provided in the system by which air may enter the second tank, without undesirable exit of water.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein said apparatus is included in the cap.

6. A system according to claim 4 wherein said apparatus is included in the filler.

7. A cap according to claims 1 to 5.

8. A filler according to claim 6.

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