NZ500049A - A tank for collecting water for domestic use characterised by upwardly build triangular, cone or dome shaped catchment area linked by channels to a reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

A rainwater catcher (1) with a body (2) comprising a catchment portion (3) and a reservoir portion (4). The catchment portion also includes channeling means (5). The channeling means (5) is capable of directing flow of the liquid (rain water) from the catchment portion (3) into the reservoir portion (4). Within the channeling means (5) there is an aperture (6) which may include a filtering device (7).

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 500049 Dated: 30 September 1999 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO RECEPTACLES FOR COLLECTING AND STORING WATER I, Richard Ian Mercer, a New Zealand Citizen of 45 Hone Road, Te Kawa, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Intellectual Property Office of NZ RE02SX0000723LOW I XMSSrfSS POT- rC02510000723imf<RiEde-6J V E D IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO RECEPTACLES FOR COLLECTING AND STORING WATER Technical Field This invention relates to improvements in and relating to receptacles for collecting and storing water.

In particular, it is envisaged the receptacle of the present 5 invention will be used for collecting and storing rain water. In particular, the receptacle of the present invention will have application in situations where traditional catchment arrangements (such as roof tops) are either not available or not desirable for directing rain water into a storage receptacle.

Instead, the receptacle is designed to provide a clean, filtered rain water supply for a range of purposes where treated town water, or rain water run off collected from roofs, or other traditional catchment situations is not desirable.

Accordingly, the water may be used for making home made 15 alcoholic beverages such as wines and so forth, may be used for washing (by people who suffer from allergies to treated water) and so forth.

However, the present invention may have other applications outside this field. 2 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 sntellectual Property Office of NZ 2 *1 OCT 2000 received X Background Art A range of prior art systems are available for collecting water, particularly rain water. Typically such systems are associated with a designated catchment that includes a surface from which 5 rain water hitting the surface can be directed into a containment vessel.

Many systems make use of pitched roofs as the appropriate catchment surface. Roofs typically offer a large expansive surface against which rain water falls and may drain therefrom 10 into associated guttering and be directed by the guttering to down pipes and in to a storage receptacle.

Typically such receptacles are large, round or rectangular tanks. In many situations, the tanks are made of concrete, or reinforced plastics materials capable of withstanding the pressures applied 15 to the structure from the water contained therein, or pressures on the exterior of the receptacle where the tanks are placed in the ground.

However, just as the roof area is capable of collecting and redirecting large amounts of rain water into a container, they, 20 and the associated gutters and down pipes can collect debris. Such debris includes leaf litter, bird droppings, dust, paint flakes or residues from the roof, spray/chemical residues carried by wind, and so forth.

Yet other systems may be free standing, but comprise large or James &_Wells ref: 16625/8 KWr* 2 4 OCT 2000 Received open areas with which to collect water. For example, some systems may rely on large dish-shaped structures that collect water and channel the water from the centre of the dish through various tubes into a collecting receptacle.

Yet others may rely on just open tanks where rain water simply collects.

However, as with collection of rainwater via use of roof structures, such catchments typically attract debris, dust and so forth that can potentially contaminate the water.

It would therefore be an advantage to have a rain catching system that: a) was free-standing and could be located in any preferred position to collect rain water; and b) was able to take whatever dimension was required depending on the amount of rain water preferred; and c) was designed to minimise entrapment of leaf litter, dust and bird droppings that could potentially contaminate the water; and d) comprised a system for further reducing the channelling of the debris, dust and so forth into the receptacle operating as a reservoir for the rain water until the rain water was required; and James & Wells ref: 16625/8 intellectual Property Office of NZ 2 4 OCT 2000 RECEIVED e) included wheels or so forth to enable the receptacle to be moved, once full to any preferred location where the water can be used; and f) was made of materials able to be easily kept clean.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by 10 way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid, said receptacle comprising a body, said body including, a catchment portion, and a reservoir 15 portion, said catchment portion also including channelling means to channel the flow of the liquid to at least one aperture associated with the channelling means, said aperture(s) including filtering apparatus capable of filtering the liquid prior to its passage into the reservoir portion, and the receptacle 20 characterised by the catchment portion and the channelling means being configured to hinder collection of debris therein.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid substantially as James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ U OCT 2000 described above wherein the receptacle is free standing, being independent of any other structure for or associated with collecting a liquid.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is 5 provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid substantially as described above wherein the receptacle is configured to collect rain water.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid substantially as 10 described above, wherein the channelling means includes riffle means to minimise any debris collected in the channelling means from hindering the functioning of the filtering apparatus and/or contaminating the collected liquid.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is 15 provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid, substantially as described above wherein the reservoir portion may include at least one tap for facilitating emptying of the liquid from the receptacle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is 20 provided a method of manufacturing a receptacle for collecting a liquid, said method including the steps of: a) preparing a catchment portion to include channelling means and associated aperture(s); and 6 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 intellectual Property Office of NZ 2 * OCT 2000 RECEIVED b) preparing a reservoir portion; and c) joining the catchment portion to the reservoir portion in a substantially fluid tight manner; and d) including filtering apparatus in the aperture(s) associated with the channelling means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a receptacle for collecting a liquid substantially as described above wherein the method optionally includes the step of including either or both riffle means within the channelling means to minimise any debris collected in the channelling means from hindering the functioning of the filtering apparatus, and a tap for emptying the contents of the receptacle when required.

For the purpose of the present application, the liquid is preferably rainwater. However it should be appreciated, the receptacle may be used for collecting any liquid where the liquid is required to strike a catchment area and be directed to a reservoir in order to collect said liquid.

For ease of reference, the receptacle shall now be referred to as a rain catcher. However it should be appreciated the use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention the body is preferably comprised of two separate portions, being the 7 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ to OCT 2000 RECEIVED catchment portion and the reservoir portion that are then joined together and sealed in a water tight manner. However, in other embodiments, the rain catcher may be made substantially as an integral unit or as any variation thereto.

The catchment portion preferably includes a substantially vertical portion that is configured as a pyramid, cone, dome or similar configuration to provide a substantially extended surface area unimpeded by any other structures, and against which rain may strike. The rain then substantially runs down the face(s) of 10 the vertical portion into a channelling means substantially arranged around the whole or part of the perimeter of the vertical portion/catchment portion.

Whilst the vertical portion may be substantially cone-shaped, the applicant has determined that a more flattened structure such as 15 a pyramid or triangular shaped vertical portion, including substantially flatter faces is more efficient in collecting the rain water striking the surfaces of the vertical portion.

As can be appreciated however, the total surface area exposed by the face(s) of the vertical potion will ultimately determine the 20 amount of rain water able to strike the face(s) and thereby be collected.

Accordingly, the vertical portion can take any suitable shape capable of acting as a face against which rain water can strike, and being at an angle sufficient to enable the rain water striking 8 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Actual Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2000 received the face(s) of the vertical portion to trickle down the face(s) into the channelling means.

As a result of the varyingly shaped vertical portion/catchment portion, it can therefore also be appreciated that the channelling means may also take any shape as required to complement the overall configuration of either or both the vertical portion alone and the catchment portion as a whole.

Preferably, the channelling means is substantially angled away from the junction with the vertical portion so as to create a channel around the vertical portion capable of collecting and retaining water trickling down off the faces of the vertical portion.

Whilst in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the channelling means is a substantially concave, flattened U-shape, it can be appreciated the channelling means may take any suitable shape (being V-shaped, square/box-shaped and so forth) as required to provide a suitable channel to direct the liquid from the faces of the vertical portion and along the channelling means.

Within the channelling means there is preferably at least one aperture for directing the flow of the rain water from the channelling means and into the reservoir portion.

To facilitate drainage of the rain water from the channelling means and through the aperture, the aperture may be located in a substantially indented portion of channelling means. 9 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 intellectual Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2000 received In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the indentation may be substantially bulbous to provide a significant sink to direct water from the channelling means through the aperture and into the reservoir portion.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the channelling means preferably graduates down towards the apertures. Where only one aperture is included in the channelling means, the highest point of the channelling means will be towards the rear of the rain catcher, with the lowest point of the channelling means being in the vicinity of the aperture.

This is preferred to improve direction of the water from the channelling means through the aperture and into the reservoir portion.

As can be appreciated, any number of apertures may be located 15 around the channelling means, depending on the amount of liquid collected within the channelling means that is required to be directed therefrom and to the reservoir portion, to prevent the water overflowing from channelling means.

To improve the quality of the water collected, the aperture is 20 preferably capable of receiving filtering apparatus.

A range of filtering apparata is available in the prior art that may be adapted for use with the rain catcher. Accordingly, in such instances, the aperture(s) are configured to complement the shape and size of the filtering apparatus. However, in other James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 2A OCT 2000 RECEIVED embodiments, specifically designed filtering apparatus may be used with the present invention.

As can be appreciated however the filter means can include a back flow valve to prevent water from being forced back out of 5 the rain catcher through the filter into the channelling means.

The filter means may also include a release valve for releasing air from the reservoir and enabling the filter to effectively "breathe". However, in other embodiments, the back flow valve may be configured to operate in a similar manner without the 10 need for a separate air release valve. Alternatively, air release valves may be used independently of the filter means.

Within the channelling means there is also preferably multiple riffle means. These riffle means are preferably located adjacent the aperture/filter to collect any fine sedimentary particles or 15 debris behind the riffle means and prevent said debris being washed onto the filter thereby affecting the efficiency of the filter to filter and drain away water within the channelling means.

The rain catcher is designed to be substantially free standing and can therefore be located at any suitable location around a 20 property. To minimise the likelihood of leaves and other debris from collecting on or around the rain catcher, it is preferable that the rain catcher be located in the open. Further, a substantially open positioning of the rain catcher will improve the efficiency of the rain catcher to collect rain water unimpeded by interference 11 James Office of NZ 2 ^ OCT 2000 received from the rain striking other structures adjacent to the rain catcher.

In addition, the angle of the substantially vertical portion, the minimal surface area at the top of the vertical portion, and the 5 width of the channelling means are all designed to hinder the ability of a bird to perch on any portion thereof. By minimising the likelihood of a bird perching on the rain catcher, the consequent likelihood of bird droppings or other contamination from the bird being deposited on the rain catcher and 10 subsequently carried down into the channelling means (and potentially in to the water in the reservoir portion) is minimised.

The reservoir portion of the rain catcher is preferably configured to complement and be joined in a substantially fluid tight manner to the catchment portion. Once the catchment portion 15 and reservoir portion are joined together, the rain catcher is an integral unit.

As can be appreciated, the overall dimensions of the rain catcher can vary depending on the quantity of water required to be collected, the space available in which to stand the rain catcher, 20 and so forth.

One preferred embodiment of the rain catcher is a substantially cone-shaped version capable of containing 1000 litres of water. In such a configuration, the dimensions are approximately 1900 cm high + 1080 cm long and 1080 cm wide. 12 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2000 RECEIVED In yet another preferred embodiment, the rain catcher is substantially pyramidal in shape. The capacity of this preferred embodiment is 120 litres and has dimensions of 1100 cm high + 900 cm long + 800 cm wide. However as can be appreciated any 5 size and capacity of rain catcher may be employed.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the rain catcher may also include, or be adapted to receive motive means, such as wheels to enable movement of the rain catcher from its collection site to a site where the collected water is to be used. The 10 arrangement of the wheels and so forth will of course vary depending on the configuration and size of the rain catcher.

When required for use, the water may be emptied from the rain catcher by employing any appropriate means. Such means may include a tap located within the reservoir portion of the rain 15 catcher or alternatively, the filter may be removed from one or more of the apertures within the channelling means, and pumping means may be there fitted, to pump the water out of the rain catcher.

Where a tap is employed, the tap may be configured to receive 20 standard hose systems to enable use of a hose therewith.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the rain catcher is made from fibreglass. Fibreglass is a lightweight material capable of being moulded to produce a rain catcher of the required dimensions and configuration. The use of fibreglass 13 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Inte/teotiral Property Office of NZ to OCT 2000 Eceiven to manufacture the rain catcher has a number of other advantages. For example, a fibreglass rain catcher can be made from a mould within 2-3 hours, a substantially smooth surface can be obtained in both the interior and exterior of the rain 5 catcher and the material is suitable for use with liquids, being neither prone to rusting, or changing shape due to pressure and temperature changes. However, as can be appreciated any suitable material may be employed to build the rain catcher.

Reinforced plastic is also a suitable material. However, some 10 plastics material is able to change shape when under pressure and is also prone to flexing depending on the temperature. Such flexing may cause the filter to pop out of the aperture(s). Therefore appropriate consideration in the design of a rain catcher made from plastic is required.

In yet other embodiments, the rain catcher may be made of metal, such as stainless steel. Whilst a costly alternative, the final use of the rain water may dictate use of a receptacle capable of being sterilised, and so forth, for which stainless steel is ideally suited.

The rain water collected within the rain catcher may be used for any means, such as drinking, washing, or as a water supply for watering plants. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the material from which the rain catcher is made should be capable of withstanding the effects of water, without contaminating the 25 water therein. 14 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ Dcrciv/ri\ Where the rain catcher is made from fibreglass, the external surface is preferably coated with a gel coat. The gel coat is a sealant and protective coating and is designed to maintain a smooth external surface that can enables the water to freely trickle down it, and which is also a surface that can easily be cleaned by wiping off with a cloth or paper towel.

Preferably the internal surface of the rain catcher is coated with a resin based material. In some embodiments the surface may be waxy. In addition, the internal coating is preferably a darker colour, such as grey, to prevent penetration of the sun through the material from which the rain catcher is made thereby minimising the likelihood of algal growth arising as a result of light penetration.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a receptacle for collecting a liquid in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2t Rcrciven Figure 3 is a top plan view of the receptacle of Figure 1 in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the receptacle of Figure 1 in 5 accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a filter for use with one 10 preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the filter of Figure 6 for use with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention With reference to the diagrams by way of example only there is provided a receptacle for collecting a liquid (in the form of a rain catcher) generally indicated by arrow 1.

The rain catcher (1) as shown in Figures 1 through 5, comprises a body (2). The body (2) includes a catchment portion (3) and a 20 reservoir portion (4). The catchment portion (3) also includes channelling means (5).

The channelling means (5) is capable of directing flow of the 16 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 fntef/ectua' Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2000 RFCPIVcn liquid (rain water) from the catchment portion (3) into the reservoir portion (4).

Within the channelling means (5) is at least one aperture (6). The liquid collected within the channelling means (5) is directed 5 through the aperture (6) and into the reservoir portion (4).

The aperture (6) includes filtering apparatus (7) (as shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7) capable of filtering the liquid prior to its passage into the reservoir portion (4). The filtering means may be a prior art filter for which the receptacle is adapted to receive, or 10 may be a custom built filtering means as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The filtering means enables the liquid to flow therethrough via aperture(s) (15) in the body (16) of the filtering means, but the liquid is filtered via a filter medium (17) contained within the body of the filtering means.

The filter (7) used with the rain catcher (1) is designed to simply pop into the aperture (6) and be held in place by a suitable press fit. Although screw threaded or bayonet arrangements, and so forth may be employed. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 5, the filter is an off-the-shelf system. However, any suitable 20 filter may be used or adapted for use, or specifically designed for use with the present invention.

Within the channelling means (5) there is also preferably included riffle means (8) as shown in Figures 1 and 3. In these Figures, the riffle means (8) are typically located adjacent to the 17 24 OCT 2000 received aperture (6). However, in other embodiments, the riffle means (8) may be distributed at any location within the channelling means (5), and the number of riffle means (8) may vary.

The number and positioning of the riffle means (8) are designed 5 to minimise any sediment or debris collected in the channelling means (5) from being directed onto or around the filter apparatus (7) thereby hindering the function of the filtering apparatus.

The riffle means may be moulded, substantially upwardly protruding, extensions within the channelling means, or may be 10 attachable to the channelling means. The riffle means may substantially traverse the channelling means or may alternate from opposite sides of the channelling means in a substantially sequential, but overlapping arrangement as required to trap debris, but not hinder flow of the liquid.

The overall configuration of the riffle means may vary (such as in shape, dimensions, curvature, number and so forth).

To further direct the water collected in the channelling means (5) to the filtering apparatus (7), an indentation (9) as more clearly illustrated in Figure 4, may be included within, on or around the 20 channelling means (5) in the vicinity of the aperture/filter. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indentation (9) may also serve as an overflow facility in the event that the channelling means (5) contains more liquid than can be accommodated through the filtering apparatus (7). 18 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Properly Office of NZ 2-4 OCT 2000 R prFivpn Typically, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the body (2) is manufactured in two separate portions, the catchment portion (3) and the reservoir portion (4). The catchment portion (3) and the reservoir portion (4) are then 5 joined together and sealed (via any suitable sealing method) at (10) to provide a substantially fluid tight seal and produce a rain catcher that is a substantially integral unit.

When the liquid (rain) collected within the rain catcher (1) is required for use as drinking or washing water, or for watering 10 plants and so forth, the water may be emptied from the rain catcher (1) by use of a tap (11) as shown in Figure 5.

The tap (11) is configured to receive or may be adapted to receive standard hose systems to facilitate emptying of the rain catcher (1). Alternately, in some embodiments, the filter (7) may be 15 removed and a pumping system (not shown) may be inserted into the aperture (6) to enable the water within the rain catcher (1) to be pumped out as required.

In some uses, it may be preferable to have two or more rain catchers (1) set up in series. Where particularly well filtered 20 water may be required, rain water from the first (and preferably the rain catcher located outside) rain catcher (1) may be directed via a hose and into a second rain catcher (1) through the filter (7) of that second rain catcher (1). Thereby filtering the water twice (or more depending on the amount of water collected, required 25 and the number of rain catchers (1) arranged in series). 19 <Iamaes,& Wells ref: 16625/8 intellectual Property Office of NZ 2 A OCT 2000 RECEIVED In some embodiments (not shown) the rain catcher (1) may include or be adapted to receive wheels or similar motive devices to facilitate movement of the rain catcher (1) around a property, or to a site for use when the rain catcher (1) is full.

The rain catcher (1) is free standing for location in an open position to minimise leaves or debris from surrounding vegetation collecting on the rain catcher and impeding its preferred function.

As it rains the rain hits the face(s) (12) of the substantially 10 vertical portion (13) of the catchment portion (3) as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5. The rain is then able to trickle down the face(s) (12) and into the channelling means (5) and is directed through the filtering apparatus (7) and into the rain catcher (1). The shape of the vertical portion (13) and the dimensions of the 15 channelling means (5) are designed to minimise the likelihood of a bird perching on, or debris such as leaf litter and so forth being collected on, the rain catcher (1).

For example, the apex (14) and the steep and smooth surface of the faces (12) of the vertical portion (13) make it more difficult for 20 a bird to perch thereon. In addition, the width of the channelling means (5) is such that a bird would be unable to effectively perch on the edge of the channelling means (5). Accordingly, the likelihood of bird droppings being deposited on or around the rain catcher (1) is substantially reduced, as is the contamination of 25 the rain water by same.

James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ i 2 4 OCT 2000 RECEIVED The embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5 are preferably made from fibreglass via a suitably configured mould.

The embodiment of Figure 1 through 4 inclusive is a substantially pyramidal shaped rain catcher (1). Smaller 5 versions of this design as made by the applicant are able to hold 120 litres of water. The dimensions being preferably 1100 cm high + 900 cm long + 800 cm wide.

The embodiment as shown in Figure 5 is designed to collect 1000 litres of rain water. This cone-shaped embodiment has 10 dimensions of 1900 cm high + 1080 cm long + 1080 wide.

However, it can be appreciated that the dimensions, size and shape of the rain catcher (1) may vary. For example, instead of having a vertical portion having the apex of Figures 1 and 5, the vertical portion may be substantially dome-shaped and so forth. 15 However, the likelihood of birds sitting thereon may be increased.

In addition, the efficiency of the rain catcher (1) in collected rain water is improved where the faces (12) of the vertical portion (13) are substantially flat with a substantially greater surface area. 20 However, the surface area of the faces of the vertical portion may be otherwise configured, for example, such as including an undulating or zig-zag configuration in some embodiments.

The finish of the faces (12) of the vertical portion (13) is substantially smooth to prevent debris, dirt and so forth from 21 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 24 OCT 2000 RECEIVED collecting thereon, and to facilitate the ease with which the surface can be cleaned using a cloth or paper towel.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the external surface be coated with a smooth material (such as Gelcoat™). The need for 5 applying a separate coating will be obviated where the rain catcher is made from a material such as stainless steel, or other suitably similar materials where frictional surface tension is minimised.

The internal surface of the rain catcher (1) on the other hand is 10 preferably coated with a suitable resin based material (such a Flowcoat™). Preferably the internal surface has a smooth (that may be waxy) coating and is substantially darker to prevent penetration of the sun through the rain catcher surface and thereby minimise growth of algae and other light dependent 15 organisms.

Steam cleaning of the rain catcher prior to use may affect any waxy coating applied to the internal surface. Therefore, it may be preferable for the material from which the rain catcher is made to have a substantially waxy surface/finish, or to operate as if the 20 surface was waxed.

Whilst fibreglass is the preferred material from which the rain catchers are made, any other suitable material may be used (such as reinforced plastics or stainless steel and so forth) as required. 22 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ to OCT 2000 RECEIVED Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 23 James & Wells ref: 16625/8 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 2 4 OCT

Claims (2)

WHAT I CLAIMS IS: ^ V

1. A free-standing receptacle for independently collecting a liquid, said receptacle comprising a body, said body including, a catchment portion in communication with a reservoir portion, said catchment portion including a substantially vertical portion and channelling means to channel the flow of the liquid from the catchment portion to the reservoir portion via at least one aperture associated with the channelling means, said aperture(s) including filtering apparatus capable of filtering the liquid prior to its passage into the reservoir portion, and the receptacle characterised by either or both the vertical portion of the catchment portion and the channelling means being configured to hinder collection of debris therein.

2. A receptacle for collecting a liquid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the receptacle is independent of any other structure for or associated with collecting a liquid.

3. A receptacle for collecting a liquid as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the receptacle is configured to collect rain water.

4. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the vertical portion of the catchment portion includes at least one surface against which the liquid to be collected in the receptacle may strike.

5. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the vertical portion includes multiple faces to provide substantially extended surface area for catching liquid striking the vertical portion.

24 'nteflectual Property

Office of NZ

2 9 MAR 2001

5

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the substantially vertical portion is configured as any one of a pyramid, cone, dome. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the face(s) of the vertical portion are substantially flattened to improve the efficiency of collecting liquid striking the vertical portion. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 6 wherein liquid striking the face(s) of the vertical portion is directed in to the channelling means.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the face(s) of the vertical portion are substantially angled to enable liquid striking the face(s) of the vertical portion to trickle down the face(s) in to the channelling means.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the channelling means is configured to be substantially angled away from the junction with the vertical portion so as to create a channel towards the base of the vertical portion capable of collecting and retaining liquid trickling down the faces of the vertical portion.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the channelling means is configured to be substantially concave as required to provide a suitable channel to direct the liquid from the faces of the vertical portion and along the channelling means

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the channelling means is arranged around the whole or part of either or both the perimeter of the vertical portion and the catchment portion.

25

Intellectual Property Office of NZ

2 9 MAR 2001

received

13. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the channelling means includes at least one aperture for directing the flow of the liquid from the channelling means in to the reservoir portion.

14. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the channelling means graduates down towards the aperture(s) such that the lowest point of the channelling means is in the vicinity of the aperture.

15. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the aperture is optionally located in a substantially indented portion of channelling means.

16. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the indentation is substantially bulbous to provide a significant sink to direct fluid from the channelling means through the aperture and into the reservoir portion.

17. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the aperture(s) are configured to receive filtering apparatus to filter at least debris from the liquid entering the reservoir portion.

18. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the filtering apparatus includes a back flow valve to prevent water from being forced back out of the receptacle through the filter into the channelling means.

19. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the channelling means optionally includes multiple riffle means.

20. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the riffle means are located substantially adjacent the aperture(s) and/or filtering tfnteffectual Property Office of NZ

2 9 MAR 2001

riciived

apparatus. K /[N /A\ fj% (0'

fj- w kJJ r:-.'

21. A receptacle for collecting a liquid as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the riffle means are configured to trap debris and thereby minimise debris collected in the channelling means from hindering the functioning of the filtering apparatus and/or contaminating the liquid being directed in to the reservoir portion.

22. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the reservoir portion is configured to complement and be interconnectable in a substantially fluid tight manner to the catchment portion as an integral unit.

23. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes at least one tap for emptying the liquid from the reservoir portion as required.

24. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the tap is configured to receive standard hose systems to enable use of a hose therewith.

25. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the receptacle is adapted to receive pumping means via one or more of the apertures within the channelling means for emptying the liquid from the reservoir portion as required.

26. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the external surfaces of at least the catchment portion is coated with a gel coat.

27. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the gel coat maintains a smooth external surface for enabling the liquid to freely trickle down it, and provide for easy cleaning and maintenance.

27 Intellectual Property

Office of NZ

2 9 MAR 2001

sliceiveb

3-Q:

7

29.

30.

31.

32.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the internal surface of at least the catchment portion is coated to be substantially waxy to minimise algal growth or collection of other material thereon. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the internal coating is darkened to prevent penetration of the light to minimise algal growth.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the receptacle is configured to be substantially free standing.

A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the catchment portion is configured to hinder the ability of a bird to perch on any portion thereof, thereby minimising the consequent likelihood of bird droppings or other contamination from the bird being deposited on the receptacle and being carried down in to the channelling means and potentially in to the liquid within the reservoir portion. A receptacle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the receptacle optionally includes or is adapted to receive motive means, including wheels, to enable movement from a collection site to a site where the collected liquid is to be used.

A method of manufacturing a free-standing receptacle for independently collecting a liquid, said receptacle comprising a body, said body including, a catchment portion in communication with a reservoir portion, said catchment portion including a substantially vertical portion and channelling means to channel the flow of the liquid from the catchment portion to the reservoir

28

2 9 MAR 2001

portion via at least one aperture associated with the channelling means, said aperture(s) including filtering apparatus capable of filtering the liquid prior to its passage into the reservoir portion, and said method including the steps of:

a) producing a catchment portion to include channelling means and associated aperture(s); and b) producing a reservoir portion; and c) interconnecting the catchment portion to the reservoir portion in a substantially fluid tight manner; and d) including filtering apparatus in the aperture(s) associated with the channelling means; and said method characterised by the catchment portion being configured to hinder collection of debris therein

34. A method of manufacturing a receptacle for collecting a liquid as claimed in Claim 33 wherein the method optionally includes the step of including either or both riffle means within the channelling means to minimise any debris collected in the channelling means from hindering functioning of the filtering apparatus, and at least one tap for emptying the contents of the receptacle when required.

35. A method of manufacturing a receptacle for collecting a liquid as claimed in Claim 33 wherein the receptacle is dimensioned as determined by either or both the volume of water required and the available space for location of the receptacle.

29

'ntefea'p™WWy

Office of NZ

9 MAR 2001

EfTl! ^ n f<

36. A receptacle substantially as describecf herein witlrrefereriee to the attached drawings and examples contained herein.

37. A method of manufacturing a receptacle for collecting a liquid substantially as described herein with reference to the attached drawings and examples contained herein.

RICHARD IAN MERCER

his Attorneys

END OF CLAIMS / \ j

MA&

JAMES & WELLS

Intellectual Property Office of NZ

2 9 MAR 2001

MiCilVED