GB2528971A

GB2528971A - Water diversion device

Info

Publication number: GB2528971A
Application number: GB1414061.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven James Swan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-08
Filing date: 2014-08-08
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: GB201414061D0

Abstract

The water diversion device 10, for redirecting rainwater from a downpipe or downspout to a water butt, has a body 12 having one or more arms 14 arranged to grip a pipe 30, and a baffle 18 between the arms and an outlet duct 20. The baffle may be planar, bisecting the body such that it is angled to divert water towards the outlet duct. The arms may be resiliently flexible, and can be C or L shaped to form a socket for a correspondingly shaped downpipe. A hose 26, part of which may be rigid, is connected between the outlet duct and a water butt or barrel 32, and the device may also include a seal which may be provided on the inner face of the body. The method for inserting the device involves using a template 36 when cutting a slit 40 into a downpipe.

Description

WATER DIVERSION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a water diversion device and to a method of fitting a water diversion device to a pipe. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a water diversion device for diverting water from a downpipe to a water butt and to a method of fitting said water diversion device to a downpipe and a water butt.

Background

There is often the need to collect rainwater from a roof in a suitable storage container so that it can be used at a later time. This can be achieved by simply placing the container (also known as a "water butt" or "rain barrel") under the open end of a downpipe that is connected directly or indirectly to the guttering around the roof.

Water will thus flow down the pipe and into the water butt.

There are a number of disadvantages to this simple approach, namely, the fact that the location of the downpipe may not be in a suitable location for a water butt or vice versa. Fitting the water butt underneath the downpipe often requires cutting off the lower portion of the downpipe which can be complicated and time consuming.

It also causes an issue with overflow from the barrel which if located directly below the downpipe may now be blocking the drain.

Several devices are known for collecting water from a water downpipe that intercept the water within the downpipe and divert it to the water butt which can then be placed to one side of the downpipe. These commonly require cutting a hole in the downpipe and inserting a scoop to divert water to a pipe that may be connected to a water butt.

Alternatively, a mid-section of the downpipe may be cut out completely so that a device comprising a tubular body and an outlet can be installed between the two cut ends of the downpipe to join them together.

We have now devised an improved device for collecting rainwater from a water downpipe. The water diversion device of the present invention is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install to a water downpipe.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, as seen from a first aspect there is provided a water diversion device comprising a body, the body comprising one or more arms arranged to embrace a pipe, the water diversion device further comprising a baffle disposed between said one or more arms and an outlet duct, wherein the baffle is arranged to direct water that falls thereon towards the outlet duct.

In use, the device is fitted to a pipe such that the one or more arms embrace the outside of the downpipe and the baffle is inserted inside the pipe through an aperture that is cut into the pipe. Water flowing through the pipe is intercepted by the baffle which directs it to the outlet duct such that water may exit the pipe through the water diversion device.

Preferably, the device comprises two arms. Preferably, the arms extend from the body in substantially the same direction with their ends spaced apart such that they can embrace a pipe. Preferably, the body and arms are formed as a one-piece article.

The baffle is preferably planar and bisects the body in a direction from a top portion of the arms to a bottom portion of the arms. Preferably, the baffle is angled towards the outlet duct when the device is fitted to a downpipe.

In one embodiment, the arms are substantially C-shaped and define a circular socket for receiving a correspondingly shaped downpipe.

In an alternative embodiment, the arms are substantially L-shaped and define a substantially square or rectangular socket for receiving a correspondingly shaped down pipe.

Preferably, the arms are resiliently flexible. In use, it is envisaged that the device will be pushed onto the downpipe in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The will arms flex outwards at first to accommodate the widest part of the downpipe and then will recover their when the device has been positioned on the downpipe such that the arms tightly embrace the pipe. The resilience and flexibility of the arms help to retain the device on the downpipe.

Preferably, the device further comprises a hose in communication with the outlet duct. Preferably, the hose is flexible. Alternatively, part or all of the hose may be rigid.

Preferably, the hose is in communication with the outlet duct of the water diversion device at one end, and in communication with a water butt at the other end. In use, water flowing down the downpipe will be diverted by the water diversion device from the downpipe to the water butt.

Preferably, the device further comprises a seal arranged to prevent water leaking out of the downpipe and/or device. Preferably the seal is provided on an inner face of the body such that a seal is created between the inner face of the device and an exterior of the pipe. Advantageously, the seal ensures that all water that is diverted from the downpipe through the device is directed to the water butt with minimal loss.

Preferably, the device is made of plastic. Alternatively, the device may be made of any other suitable material e.g. metal or fiberglass.

According to the present invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a water diversion assembly comprising a water diversion device as hereinbefore described fitted to a pipe.

In use, water flowing through the pipe is diverted by the water diversion device to an alternative location e.g. for storage.

Preferably, the pipe is a water downpipe. Preferably, the downpipe is connected directly or indirectly to the guttering around a roof Preferably, water is diverted from the water downpipe to a water butt.

According to the present invention, as seen from a third aspect there is provided a method of installing a water diversion device to a water downpipe, the method comprising: providing a water diversion device as hereinbefore described; cutting a aperture in the water downpipe; fitting the water diversion device to the water downpipe such that the baffle is inserted into the slit in the water downpipe and such that the arms of the device embrace an exterior of the downpipe.

Preferably, the aperture that is cut in the water downpipe has a slit shape. Preferably, the slit is cut in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the downpipe.

Advantageously, a slit-shaped aperture can accommodate a baffle with a relatively large cross section. A baffle with a larger cross section will allow a greater proportion of water flowing through the downpipe can be diverted through the water diversion device for collection.

Preferably, the method further comprises attaching a hose to the outlet duct of the water diversion device. Preferably, the hose is arranged to carry water exiting the outlet duct away from the device. Preferably, the hose is in communication with a water butt and is arranged to carry water exiting the outlet away from the device to the water butt.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing a template of the slit to be cut. Preferably, the template is arranged adjacent or onto the downpipe prior to the cutting step. The template provides guidance for the user as to the optimum size and shape of the slit.

The template may be a sticker or flexible sheet that may be adhered or fixed to the pipe. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the template must be made of an appropriate material that can be cut through more readily than the downpipe.

Preferably the template is adhered temporarily to the downpipe and is removed prior to fitting the water diversion device to the downpipe. Alternatively, the template may be left in place when the water diversion device is fitted and may contribute towards providing a more efficient seal between the device and the downpipe.

In an alternative embodiment, the template may be transferred to the downpipe from a template sheet in a manner similar to a transfer tattoo. In this embodiment, a template mark of the slit to be cut is transferred from the template sheet onto the downpipe, for example, by applying pressure and/or water. The used template sheet may then be disposed of. Alternatively, the template may be marked directly onto the pipe by the user.

The water diversion device of the present invention is simple in design and cheap and easy to manufacture. The device can be fitted to an existing water downpipe with minimal disruption to the structural rigidity of the downpipe and does not require additional clamping or fixing. The method of installing the device to a water downpipe is relatively quick compared to existing devices and does not require a high level of skill by the user.

Description of the example embodiments

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 in an illustration of a perspective view of a water diversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a first aspect; Figure 2 is an illustration of a front view of the water diversion device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an illustration of a side view of the water diversion device shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an illustration of the water diversion device shown in Figures 1-3 in use with a water downpipe and water butt; Figures 5 a-d illustrate a method of installing the water diversion device shown in Figures 1-3 to a water downpipe in accordance with the present invention, as seen from a second aspect.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a water diversion device 10. The device 10 comprises a C-shaped body 12 with two resilient arms 14 that extend from the body 12 to create said C-shape. The arms 14 are arranged to embrace a substantially circular pipe. The resilient arms 14 comprise a lip 16 at the end of each arm 14 respectively that extends perpendicular to the arms 14 i.e. in a direction from a top portion to a bottom portion of the arms 14. The arrangement of the body 12 and arms 14 provide a spring clip that holds the device 10 in place when fitted to a pipe.

The device 10 further comprises a baffle 18 and an outlet duct 20. The baffle 18 is substantially circular and planar and sits within the body 12 between the two arms 14. The baffle bisects the body 12 in a direction from the top of the arms to the bottom of the arms 14. The outlet dud 20 is positioned through an aperture in the body 12 that extends from an inner side of the body 22 to an outer side of the body 24. The baffle 18 is angled towards the outlet duct 20 to direct a flow of water falling on the baffle 18 towards the outlet duct 20, and the outlet duct 20 is arranged to provide a passage for water to flow from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24 of the body 12.

A flexible hose 26 is attached to the outlet duct 20 on the outer side 24. The baffle 18, outlet duct 20 and flexible hose 26 are in fluid communication such that water can flow over the baffle 18 towards the outlet duct 20 and out of the downpipe through the device 10.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown the water diversion device 10 shown in Figure 1-3 in use with a downpipe 30 and a water butt 32. The device 10 is fitted to the downpipe 30 with the resilient arms 14 embracing the cylindrical pipe 30 and the flexible hose 26 extending from the device 10 to the water butt 32. The baffle 18 is inserted inside the downpipe 30 and thus is hidden from view in Figure 4.

In use, as water (usually rainwater) runs down the downpipe 30, its normal flow path will be intercepted by the presence of the baffle 18 inside the downpipe 30. Instead of continuing to flow down the downpipe 30, some or all of the water will be directed towards the outlet duct 20 by the baffle 18. The water will then flow out of the device through the flexible hose 26 and into the water butt 32 where it may be stored.

Referring to Figures 5 a-d of the drawings, there is shown a method 100 of installing the water diversion device 10 shown in Figures 1-3 to a water downpipe 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a second aspect.

The first step of the method is shown in Figure 5a. A template 36 of a slit to be cut in a downpipe 30 is provided and adhered to the downpipe 30 in an appropriate location. The template 36 is preferably a sticker that is adhered to the downpipe 30 or may be simply be drawn onto the downpipe 30 by the user (not shown). Alternatively, the template may be transferred to the downpipe from a template sheet in a manner similar to a transfer tattoo. The slit shown on the template 36 in Figure 5a is asymmetric however it will be appreciated that the slit will be appropriately shaped and sized depending on the dimensions of the water diversion device 10.

The second step is shown in Figure 5b. Here, a user 38 is shown cutting a slit 40 in the downpipe 30 using the template 36 for guidance. The slit 40 is cut such that an opening is created that extends from the outside to the inside of the downpipe 30. A saw 42 is shown as the cutting tool however it will be appreciated that any other suitable method of cutting could be used.

In Figure 5c, the water diversion device 10 is shown in the orientation as it would be held by the user (not shown) such that the baffle 18 is aligned with the slit 40 and the arms 14 open towards the pipe 30. The user will then fit the device 10 to the downpipe 30 such that the arms 14 embrace the pipe and the baffle 18 is inserted inside the downpipe 30 through the slit 40.

Figure 5d shows the water diversion device 10 installed on the downpipe 30. The dashed lines illustrate parts of the device hidden from view. The arms 14 embrace the pipe 30 and function as a spring clip to hold the device 10 in place on the downpipe 30. The baffle 18 is inserted inside the downpipe 30 through the slit 40.

The outlet duct 20 extends from the inside of the downpipe 30 to the outside. The flexible hose 26 is connected to the device 10 such that water flowing down the downpipe 30 that is diverted by the baffle 18 to the outlet duct 20 can be carried away from the downpipe 30 to the required location e.g. a water butt.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it is not necessary for the water diversion device to comprise a flexible hose. Alternatively, the device may comprise a rigid pipe or alternatively no hose or pipe at all. It will be appreciated that the dimensions and design of the body, arms, baffle and outlet duct may be tailored and appropriately modified to be suitable for the downpipe on which the device is to be used. It will be appreciated that while a template helps the user to cut a slit of optimum size and shape, it is not necessary and the user may simply cut the slit as appropriate. a

Claims

1. A water diversion device comprising a body) the body comprising one or more arms arranged to embrace a pipe, the water diversion device further comprising a baffle disposed between said one or more arms and an outlet duct, wherein the baffle is arranged to direct water that falls thereon towards the outlet duct.

1 The device of Claim 1 further comprising two arms 3. The device of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the arms extend from the body in substantially the same direction with their ends spaced apart such that they embrace a pipe.

4. The device of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the body and arms are formed as a one-piece article. IC)

CV) 5. The device of any preceding claim wherein the baffle is planar and bisects the body 0 in a direction from a top portion of the arms to a bottom portion of the arms.

CV) 6. The device of any preceding claim wherein the baffle is angled towards the outlet duct.

7. The device of any preceding claim wherein each of the arms is substantially C-shaped to define a circular socket for receiving a correspondingly shaped downpipe.

8. The device of any preceding claim wherein each of the arms is substantially L-shaped to define a substantially square or rectangular socket for receiving a correspondingly shaped downpipe.

9. The device of any preceding claim wherein the arms are resiliently flexible.

10. The device of any preceding claim further comprising a hose in communication with the outlet duct.

11. The device of Claim 10 wherein the hose is flexible.

12. The device of Claim 10 wherein at least part of the hose is rigid.

13. The device of any of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the hose is in communication with the outlet duct of the water diversion device at a first end and in communication with a water butt at a second end.

14. The device of any preceding claim, the device further comprising a seal arranged to prevent water leaking out of the downpipe and/or the device. IC)

15. The device of Claim 14 wherein the seal is provided on an inner face of the body.CO0 16. The device of any preceding claim wherein the device is made from plastic.17. A water diversion assembly comprising a water diversion device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 16.18. A method of installing a water diversion device to a water downpipe, the method comprising: providing a water diversion device as hereinbefore described; cutting a aperture in the water downpipe; fitting the water diversion device to the water downpipe such that the baffle is inserted into the slit in the water downpipe and such that the arms of the device embrace an exterior of the downpipe.19. The method of Claim 18 wherein the aperture has a slit shape.20. The method of Claim 19 wherein the slit is cut in a diversion transverse to the longitudinal axis of the downpipe.21. The method of any of Claims 18 to 20 further comprising attaching a hose to the outlet duct of the water diversion device.22. The method of Claim 21 wherein the hose is arranged to carry water exiting the outlet duct away from the device.23. The method of Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein the hose is in communication with a water butt and is arranged to carry water exiting the outlet away from the device to the water butt.24. The method of any of Claims 18 to 23 further comprising providing a template of the slit to be cut.25. The method of Claim 24 wherein the template is arranged adjacent or onto the downpipe prior to the cutting step.26. The method of Claim 24 or 25 wherein the template is a sticker or flexible sheet that may be adhered or fixed to the pipe.27. The method of Claim 24 or 25 wherein the template is arranged for temporary adhesion to the downpipe and is removed prior to fitting the water diversion device to the downpipe.28. A water diversion assembly as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, Sb, 5c and Sd.29. A water diversion device as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3,4, 5a, Sb, Sc and 5d.