IES86283Y1 - Device for collecting rainwater - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A rainwater collection apparatus comprising a base member which is adapted to collect rainwater, the base member having an elongate wall adapted to be located on the roof of a building, a lip member adapted for collecting and retaining rainwater, the lip member being provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall, a panel receiving profile for receiving a panel of sealing material for sealing around the rainwater collection apparatus; and a port through which rainwater collected in the rainwater collection apparatus may be directed to a rainwater collection reservoir.

Description

DEVICE FOR COLLECTING RAINWATER The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting rainwater so that this collected rainwater may be recycled.

Known rainwater collecting devices tend to involve systems for directing rain from a guttering pipework to a reservoir rainwater collection tank. The collection tank is installed in a hole in a househo|der’s garden. This involves bringing a mini—digger onto the site and excavating a hole to receive the collection tank. This operation has clear cost implications for the cost of the entire installation. Furthermore, the size of the tank tends to be of such large capacity that the entire installation process is not feasible for the majority of householders either because of cost or size of the access to or the size of the garden itself at a potential installation site.

United Kingdom Patent Publication No. GB 2459307A discloses a rainwater harvesting system in which guttering pipework installed on the roof of a house and a coliection tank is stored beneath the roof. The disadvantage of the device disclosed in GB 2459307A is that leakage of rainwater through gaps in the tiles and around the device itself is highly likely to occur.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with the known rainwater collection apparatus.

The present invention relates to apparatus for collecting rainwater, the apparatus being adapted to be located on the roof of a building and adapted to collect rainwater and to direct the collected rainwater from the rainwater collection apparatus to a rainwater reservoir tank located in the building. Preferably, the rainwater reservoir tank is located in the upper section of the building; and ideally it is located in an attic of a house.

Advantageously, the rainwater collection apparatus is adapted to direct the rainwater through a conduit to the rainwater reservoir.

Thus, from a first aspect the invention provides a rainwater collection apparatus comprising a base member which is adapted to collect rainwater, the base member having an elongate wall adapted to be located on the roof of a building, a lip member provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall, a _ 886283 S86230 panel receiving profile for receiving a panel of sealing material for sealing around the rainwater collection apparatus; and a port through which rainwater collected in the rainwater collection apparatus may be directed towards a conduit connecting the rainwater collection apparatus to a rainwater collection reservoir.

Preferably, the panel of sealing material is formed of flexible material which can be bent to form a profile which is correspondingly shaped with the panel receiving profile of the rainwater collection apparatus. Preferably, the flexible panel is made of metal, e.g. lead.

However, any pliable material in the form of a panel or plate that is suitable for sealing and weatherproofing may be received by the panel receiving profile.

The base member is adapted to collect rainwater by means of the lip member provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the base member.

Advantageously, the lip member is provided with a curved portion to further facilitate rainwater collection and retention within the base member.

The elongate wall has the lip member arranged substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wail. Preferably, the elongate wall is spaced apart from the curved portion of the lip member by an arm portion of the base member. ' The panel receiving profile preferably comprises a channel which is provided-substantially along the length of the base member.

In one embodiment, the panel receiving profile is provided substantially along the length of the base member, along the same longitudinal side of the base member as the lip member. In this embodiment, the lip member is provided on the top side of the base member and the panel receiving profile is provided on the underneath of the base member.

Preferably, the lip member is provided on the top side of the elongate wall and the panel receiving profile is provided along the longitudinal side of the underneath of the elongate wall such that, in use, the elongate wall is positioned on the roof with a panel of sealing material engaged in the panel receiving profile and the lip member is operable to retain rainwater within the rainwater collection apparatus. When the apparatus is installed on a roof, roof tiles are placed over the panel of sealing material. This assembly provides very good waterproofing for the roof.

In a preferred embodiment, the port of the rainwater collection apparatus is provided with a filter. The filter prevents debris such as leaves, insects or the like, from entering the port.

In one embodiment, the rainwater collection apparatus also comprises a side wall for retaining rainwater. Of course, the side wall may be integrally formed with the base member. However, in a preferred embodiment, the side wall may be provided in the form of an end cap member for engaging with the base member. Preferably, the end cap member comprises a channel on the end cap member capable of receiving a first end of the base member; and optionally also comprises a second channel in the end cap member capable of receiving a second end of the base member.

The end cap member may comprise an elongate wall, a lip member and optionally an arm portion spaced between the elongate wall and the lip member. The lip member is arranged substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, the end cap member is adapted to be engaged with either of the two sides (i.e. left hand side or right hand side) of the elongate base member. The end cap member is ideally adapted to be engaged with either side of the elongate base wall by being provided with a first channel for engaging with the base member and a second channel for engaging with the base member.

The elongate wall, arm portion and lip member of the end cap member are provided with a first channel which is capable of receiving the correspondingly dimensioned elongate base wall, arm portion and lip member, respectively, of the base member. The elongate wall, arm portion and lip member of the end cap member are also provided with a second channel which is capable of receiving the correspondingly dimensioned elongate base wall, arm portion and lip member, respectively, of the base member. In use, the end cap member may be engaged with either side of the base member since the elongate wall, arm portion and lip member, respectively, of the end cap comprise a first channel and a second channel, either or both of which can be used to engage with the elongate base wall, arm portion and lip member, respectively, of the base member. This is extremely convenient as it means that there is no need for two different end caps (i.e. a left end cap and a right hand side end cap). The engagement between the end cap and the elongate base member can be made by slotting the base member into the first andlor second channel of the end cap member.

The end cap member may be attached to either end of the base member by fitting, e.g. slotting, the base member into the end cap member. In a most preferred embodiment, the The adaptation comprises providing a first channel on the end cap member capable of end cap member is adapted to engage with either end of the base member. receiving a first end of the base member; and the end cap also comprises and a second channel capable of engaging the one of the base member.

In a further alternative embodiment, the base member and end cap member are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the base member and two end cap members may be integrally formed, with one end cap member provided at either end of the base member.

If the base member of the rainwater collecting apparatus has an arm portion, the end cap member has a corresponding arm portion which forms the receiving channel together with the elongate wall and lip member of the end cap member.

A panel receiving profile is preferably provided on the end cap member. This panel receiving profile is provided on the opposite side of the elongate wall from the lip member and is preferably substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the lip member.

Thus, if the lip member is on the front of the rainwater apparatus, the panel receiving profile is on the back such that, in use, the elongate wall of the end cap member is positioned on the roof with a panel of sealing material engaged in the panel receiving profile, preferably with roof tiles placed over the panel of sealing material.

In the most preferred embodiment, two panel receiving profiles are provided along the elongate wall of the end cap member. As in the embodiment mentioned above, these two panel receiving profiles are on the opposite side of the elongate wall to the lip member such that, in use, the elongate wall of the end cap member is positioned on the roof with a panel of sealing material engaged in the most suitable panel receiving profile. This dual format enables the panel of sealing material to be engaged with the end cap member no matter which end of the base member the end cap member receives, ie. is attached to.

The two panel receiving profites preferably form two back-to-back channels on the elongate wall of the end cap member.

In a preferred embodiment, the end cap member is provided with a rainwater retaining member. The rainwater retaining member serves to close the end of the rainwater apparatus, avoiding the spillage of rainwater therefrom. Preferably, the rainwater retaining member of the end cap member is in the form of a wall which extends between the elongate wall and lip member of the end cap member.

The rainwater retaining member is preferably perpendicular to the elongate wall.

However, this is not essential and other orientations which facilitate the retention of rainwater are also possible.

Particularly preferably, the rainwater retaining member is in the centre of the end cap member, i.e. extends from the vertical axis of the elongate wall. However, the rainwater retaining member may also be at one end of the end cap member or anywhere else along the elongate wall.

Especially preferably, the end cap member is provided with two panel receiving profiles and a rainwater retaining member, the panel receiving profiles forming back-to-back channels on the back of the elongate wall of the end cap member and the rainwater retaining member extending from the vertical axis of the front of the elongate wall to the lip member.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a rainwater collection system comprising a rainwater collection apparatus as defined herein, a rainwater coilection reservoir and connection means for fluid communication between the rainwater collection apparatus and the rainwater collection reservoir. The connection means is preferably a conduit, e.g. a conduit made of polymeric material.

The rainwater apparatus according to the invention is preferably installed as follows: a) A new water storage tank, preferably a conventional rain storage tank, e.g. which holds approx 240 litres, is installed in the attic of a house on the floor of attic. Plastic rain storage tanks are available in any plumbing suppliers. b) A row of tiles/slates is removed from the roof approximately 1 foot (approximately .48 cm) above where the rain harvesting tank has been installed. Preferably, the base member is about 10 foot (about 304.80 cm) in length, leaving tiles/slates remaining on the roof either side of the unit. c) The end cap members are attached, preferably glued (e.g. with PVC glue), to the base member, and preferably siliconed front and back. d) A drain with a plastic conduit is attached into the port of the rainwater collection apparatus. This conduit allows harvested rain to drain into the attic storage tank. e) The tiles/slates above the row that was removed are pushed up. The rainwater collection apparatus is fixed, e.g. screwed, to the roof battens. f) A panel is inserted into the panel receiving profile of the rainwater collection apparatus.

Preferably, panels have already been curved/bent over so that they slide into the panel receivingprofiles on the end cap members and the base member. The pane|(s) is then folded back over so that it sits over roof tiles/slates. g) Preferably, rubber or foam is placed near top of apparatus and the tiles/slates are slid back over the apparatus. The rubber /foam helps to stop wind blowing rain up the tiles. h) The rainwater collection apparatus is now fixed. The panels that were folded in step 6 at the sides on end cap members are weathered/worked onto the tiles/slates below and to the both sides of the apparatus. i) Optionally, silicone can be run along the pane|(s). j) The attic rainwater harvesting tank is connected to appliances and taps so that the collected rainwater can be used, e.g. in dishwashers, washing machines, toilets etc.

Other methods of installation of the rainwater collecting apparatus may also be used, for example, the rainwater collection apparatus may additionally be provided with an The extension shoulder can be slipped under the roof tiles rather than requiring removal of roof extension shoulder on the base member which is offset from the elongate wall. tiles/slates and offsets the rainwater collecting apparatus from the roof. In this installation method, only one tilelslate will need to be removed in order to insert the plastic conduit.

The present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, one embodiment ‘of the rainwater collection apparatus of the present invention. in the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the rainwater collection apparatus of the present invention shown, in use, on the roof of a building. In the embodiment shown, the building is a house; Fig. 2 is an isometric view of an end cap member; Fig. 3 is a side view of the end cap member; Fig. 4 is a front view of the end cap member; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the end cap; Fig. 6 is an isometric view of the base member; Fig. 7 is a side view of the base member; Fig. 8 his a front view of the base member; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the base member; Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the base member and two end cap members spaced apart from the base member but engageable therewith; Fig. 11 is an isometric view of the two end cap members engaged with the base member; Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the assembled rainwater collection apparatus with the two end cap members engaged with the base member; and with metal panels also engaged in the end cap members and the base member; Fig. 13 is a sectional view along the line A-A in Fig. 12 of a panel engaged in the panel receiving profile of an end cap member; Fig. 14 is a side view of the base member with a panel engaged in the panel receiving profile of the base member.

Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view of the rainwater collection apparatus showing the lead panel in the panel receiving profile of the base member and also showing the rainwater retaining member of the end cap member; and Fig. 16 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a rainwater collection apparatus.

Description Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a rainwater collection apparatus, indicated generally by reference numeral 100, in use on the roof R of a house. Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the rainwater collection apparatus 100. The rainwater collection apparatus 100 comprises a base member 10 which is adapted to collect rainwater and two end cap members 20, each of which is engageable with a side of the base member 10. The base member 10 has an elongate wall 11 for locating on the roof of a building, and a lip member 12 provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall 11. The base member 10 also comprises a panel receiving profile 16 for receiving a panel P of sealing material which may be, for example, a flexible metal panel such as a lead panel P. The base member 10 also comprises a port 19 through which rainwater that has collected in the rainwater collection apparatus 100 may be directed towards a conduit (not shown) that connects the rainwater collection apparatus 100 to a rainwater collection reservoir (not shown). In use, the rainwater collection reservoir comprises a tank for collecting the rainwater and would be located in the attic of the building/dweliing house.

The end cap member 20 of the rainwater collection apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 and 11 can be seen in more detail in Figures 2 to 5. Referring in particular to Figures 2 to 5, each end cap member 20 comprises an elongate wall 21, a lip member 22 and an arm portion 23. The lip member 22 is arranged substantially along the length of one side of the elongate wall 21. The end cap member 20 also comprises a rainwater retaining side wall 24. One side of the rainwater retaining side wall 24 is fixed to the elongate wall 21 and another side of side wall 24 is fixed to the arm portion 23 and curved part 25 of the lip member 22. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the rainwater retaining side wall 24 is formed as a substantially right-angled triangular shape with one relatively longer side of the triangular shape abutting the elongate wall 21 and one relatively shorter side of the triangular shape abutting the arm portion 23 and the lip member 22.

In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the end cap member 20 is adapted to be engaged with either of the two sides (i.e. left hand side or right hand side) of the base member 10. The end cap member 20 is adapted to be engaged with either side of the elongate wall 11 by being provided with a first channel for engaging with the base member 10 and a second channel for engaging with the base member 10. Referring in particular to Figures 2 and 3, the elongate wall 21, arm portion 23 and lip member 22 of the end cap member 20 are provided with a first channel 27 which is capable of receiving the correspondingly dimensioned elongate wall 11, arm portion 13 and lip member 12, respectively, of the base member 10. The elongate wall 21, arm portion 23 and lip member 22 of the end cap member 20 are also provided with a second channel 27’ which is capable of receiving the correspondingly dimensioned elongate base wall 11, arm portion 13 and lip member 12, respectively, of the base member 10. Thus, in use, as shown in Figure 11, the end cap member 20 may be engaged with either side of the base member 10 since the elongate wall 21, arm portion 23 and lip member 22, respectively, of the end cap 20 comprise a first channel 27 and a second channel 27’, either or both of which can be used to engage with the elongate wall 11, arm portion 13 and lip member 12, respectively, of the base member 10. This is extremely convenient as it means that there is no need for two different end caps (i.e. a left end cap and a right hand side end cap). The engagement between the end cap 20 and the base member 10 can be made by slotting the base member 10 into the channel 27 of the end cap member 20.

Two panel receiving profiles 26, 26', each of which is adapted for receiving a panel of sealing material P are provided along the length of the elongate wall 21 of the end cap member 20 on the opposite side of the elongate wall 21 from the rainwater retaining member 24 and the arm portion 23.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 10, the base member 10 of the rainwater collection apparatus 100 will be described in more detail. The elongate wall 11 is provided with the lip member 12 substantially along the longitudinal side of the elongate wall 11. The lip member 12 is provided with a curved portion 15 to facilitate rainwater collection and retention within the base member 10. The elongate wall 11 is spaced apart from the curved portion 15 of the lip member 12 by an arm portion 13 of the base member 10.

The panel receiving profile 16 of the base member is visible in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 10.

This panel receiving profile 16 comprises a channel which is provided substantially along the length of the base member 10, along the same iongitudinal side of the base member as the lip member 12 but opposed from the lip member 12, wherein the lip member 12 is provided on the upper side of the base member 10 and the panel receiving profile 16 is provided on the underside of the base member 10.

Referring to Figure 12, the rainwater collection apparatus 100 is shown with panels P received and engaged in the panel receiving profile 16 of the base member 10 and in the panel receiving profiles 26 of the end cap members 20.

Referring to Figure 13, a sectional view along line A—A of the rainwater collection apparatus 100 of Figure 12 is shown with panel P received and engaged in the panel receiving profile 26 of an end cap member 20.

As shown in Figure 1, in use, the rainwater collection apparatus 100 is located on the roof R of a house. ..In use, a lead panel P is engaged in the panel receiving profile 16 of the base member 10 as shown in Figures 14 and 15. In the embodiment shown the panel P engagement involves an edge of the panel P being placed into a panel receiving profile and subsequently curved/bent over the panel receiving profiles such that the panel P lies flat against the part of the panel receiving profile closest to the roof and in line with the rainwater collection apparatus 100.

The manner in which the rainwater collection apparatus 100 is installed on a roof will now be described with reference to the drawings: a) A water storage tank, preferably a conventional rain storage tank, e.g. which holds approx 240 litres, is installed in the attic of a house on the floor of attic; b) A row of tiles/slates is removed from the roof R approximately 1 foot (approximately .48 cm) above where the rain harvesting tank has been installed. Preferably, the base member 10 is about 10 foot (about 304.80 cm) in length, leaving tiles/slates remaining on the roof R either side of the rainwater collection apparatus 100; c) The end cap members 20 are attached by engaging the base member 10 with the first channel 27 or the second channel 27’ as appropriate; for further security, the end cap members 20 are preferably glued (e.g. with PVC glue), to the base member 10, and preferably silicone is applied to the front and back of the base member 10; d) A drain with a plastic conduit is attached into the port 19 of the rainwater‘ collection apparatus 100; e) The tiles/slates above the row that was removed are pushed up; the rainwater collection apparatus 100 is fixed, e.g. screwed, to the roof battens; f) A panel P is inserted into the panel receiving profile 16, 26 of the rainwater collection apparatus. Preferably, panels P have already been curved/bent over so that they slide into the panel receiving profiles 16 on the end cap members 20 and the panel receiving profiles 26 on the base member 10. The panel(s) P is/are then folded back over so that it sits over roof tiles/slates; g) Preferably, rubber or foam is placed near top of apparatus 100 and the tiles/slates are slid back over the apparatus 100. The rubber /foam helps to stop wind blowing rain up the tiles; O h) The panels P that were folded in step t) at the sides on end cap members 20 are lweatheredlworked onto the tiles/slates below and to the both sides of the apparatus 100; i) Optionally, silicone can be run along the panel(s) P; j) The attic rainwater harvesting tank is connected to appliances and taps so that the collected rainwater can be used, e.g. in dishwashers, washing machines, toilets etc.

Referring to Figure 16, there is shown an alternative rainwater collection apparatus 300.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 300 comprises the same features as the apparatus 100 as described above; like features being indicated by like reference numerals; however, the apparatus 300 also comprises an extension shoulder 38 which is offset from the elongate wall. The extension shoulder 38 can be inserted under a row of roof tiles and therefore does not require removal of roof tiles/slates when installing the apparatus 300 on the roof.

The base member of rainwater apparatus 300 has an elongate wall 31 for locating on the roof of a building, and a lip member 32 provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall 31. The end cap members comprise a rainwater retaining side wall 34. One edge of the rainwater retaining side wall 34 is fixed to the elongate wall 31 and another edge of side wall 34 is fixed to the lip member 32. The base member also comprises a port 39 (not shown) through which rainwater that has collected in the rainwater collection apparatus 300 may be directed towards a conduit (not shown) that connects the rainwater collection apparatus 300 to a rainwater collection reservoir (not shown). The panel receiving profiles of the base member are not shown in this figure.

The manner in which the rainwater collection apparatus 300 is installed on a roof will now be described with reference to Figure 16: a) A water storage tank, preferably a conventional rain storage tank, e.g. which holds approx 240 litres, is installed in the attic of a house on the floor of attic; b) Extension shoulder 38 of rainwater apparatus 300 is inserted under a row of roof tiles; c) Preferably silicone is applied to the front and back of the base member; d) A drain with a plastic conduit is attached into the port 39 of the rainwater collection apparatus 300; a tile is removed from the roof to allow the plastic conduit to be connected to the water storage tank; e) A panel P is inserted into the panel receiving profile (not shown) of the rainwater collection apparatus. Preferably, panels have already been curved/bent over so that they slide into the panel receiving profiles on the end cap members and the panel receiving profiles on the base member. The panel(s) is/are then folded back over so that it sits over roof tiles/slates. f) The panels P that were folded in step e) at the sides on end cap members are weathered/worked onto the tiles/slates below and to the both sides of the apparatus 300. g) Optionally, silicone can be run along the paneI(s) P. h) The attic rainwater harvesting tank is connected to appliances and taps so that the collected rainwater can be used, e.g. in dishwashers, washing machines, toilets etc.

It will of course be understood that aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A rainwater collection apparatus comprising: a base member which is adapted to collect rainwater, the base member having an elongate well adapted to be located on the roof of a building, a lip member adapted for collecting and retaining rainwater, the lip member being provided substantially along the length of one longitudinal side of the elongate wall, a panel receiving profile for receiving a panel of sealing material for sealing around the rainwater collection apparatus; and a port through which rainwater collected in the rainwater collection apparatus may be directed to a rainwater collection reservoir, preferably wherein the lip member is provided with a curved portion to further facilitate rainwater collection and retention within the base member; and/or optionally wherein the base member further comprises an arm portion and the elongate wall is spaced apart from the curved portion of the lip member by the arm portion; and/or optionally wherein the panel receiving profile comprises a channel which is provided substantially along the length of the base member, preferably wherein the channel is provided substantially along the length of the base member along the same longitudinal side of the base member as the lip member, opposed from the lip member, wherein the lip member is provided on the upper side of the base member and the panel receiving profile is provided on the underside of the base member; and/or optionally wherein the rainwater collection apparatus comprises a filter in the port for preventing debris from passing through the port; and/or optionally wherein the rainwater collection apparatus further comprises a side wall for retaining rainwater in the rainwater collection apparatus, preferably wherein the side wall is provided by an end cap member, preferably wherein the end cap member comprises an elongate wall, a lip member and optionally an arm member spaced between the elongate wall and the lip member, preferably wherein the end cap member is engageable with or integrally formed with the base member.

2. A rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the rainwater collection apparatus further comprises a side wall for retaining rainwater in the rainwater 15 collection apparatus, preferably wherein the side wall is provided by an end cap member, preferably wherein the end cap member comprises an elongate wall, a lip member; and optionally an arm member spaced between the elongate wall and the lip member, preferably wherein the end cap member is engageable with the base member; and wherein the end cap member is adapted to be engaged with either of the two sides (i.e. left hand side or right hand side) of the elongate base member by being provided with a first channel for engaging with one side of the base member and a second channel for engaging with the other side of the base member and optionally further comprising a rainwater retention member which extends between the elongate wall and lip member of the end cap member; and/or optionally wherein the base member further comprises an extension shoulder configured for insertion under at least one tile or slate.

3. A rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the rainwater collection apparatus further comprises a side wall for retaining rainwater in the rainwater collection apparatus, preferably wherein the side wall is provided by an end cap member; and wherein a panel receiving profile is provided along the length of the elongate wall of the end cap member on the opposite side of the elongate wall from the lip member, preferably further comprising a rainwater retention member which extends between the elongate wall and lip member of the end cap member; and/or optionally wherein the base member further comprises an extension shoulder configured for insertion under at least one tile or slate.

4. A rainwater collection system comprising the rainwater collection apparatus of any one of the preceding Claims, a rainwater collection reservoir and connection means for fluid communication between the rainwater collection apparatus and the rainwater collection reservoir.

5. A rainwater collection apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.