NZ528632A

NZ528632A - Tank filter

Info

Publication number: NZ528632A
Application number: NZ52863203A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Neil Gillard
Original assignee: Neil Gillard
Priority date: 2003-10-03
Filing date: 2003-10-03
Publication date: 2005-02-25

Abstract

A water filtration system, typically a rain water filtration system for ensuring the water is suitable for drinking, the system having a water collection means for collecting and diverting water to a storage vessel such as a tank , a self cleaning water filtration device is placed downstream of the water collection means and positioned adjacent to or within the water inlet of the storage tank so that water entering the tank passes through the water filtration where filtered material is collected within the filtering means. A purifier/ sterilizer dispensing means is adapted to dispense into the tank, predetermined amounts of purifiers/sterilizers so as to treat the water. A strainer/filter means is positioned between an outlet of the tank and the supply conduit for supplying water for drinking and domestic use. T he strainer is adapted to strain the water leaving the storage vessel so as to remove any remaining foreign material. Water diverting means is connected to the supply conduit for diverting the water into a drinking water supply and a domestic supply. An in-line filter means is connected to the drinking water supply which leads to a water tap at the end for the controlled supply of drinking water.

Description

Patents Form # 5 528632 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL # : 528632 DATED: 3/10/2003 AFTER PROVISIONAL # : 530877 DATED: 30/01/2004 TITLE: WATER FILTRATION DEVICE I, NEIL GILLARD Address: 48 Burrell Road, Surfdale, Waiheke Island, New Zealand Nationality: A New Zealand citizen do 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: 00S419NZ_Cap_20041001 _1510_TR.doc 1 FEE CODE 1050 M illEC-nUALT-lOP^ifrv'nTi 1 - OCT 2Z; P C EIVE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM AND DEVICE Field of Invention This invention relates to a water filtration system and device, typically a rain water filtration system and device to be used in conjunction with a storage vessel, typically a rain water tank.

Background of Invention The collection of rain water as a source of drinking water and for other purposes is well known. Rain water has been typically collected and stored in storage vessels, such as corrugated iron, concrete, plastic or fibreglass tanks.

The water quality and maintenance of the storage capacity within the storage vessel can be achieved in a number of ways. The first of which is to regularly drain and clean the inside of the storage vessel removing debris, silt, leaves and other organic matter however this can be labour intensive and time consuming. The second is to screen and filter the rain water before or as it enters the storage vessels. A benefit of filtering the water before or as it enters the storage vessel is that it usually provides a longer period before maintenance and cleaning the storage vessel. However, the mere cleaning of a rain water tank or filtration of water therein does not guarantee that the water is of sufficient water quality for drinking.

It is known to provide a method whereby a bag or sock made usually from felt or polyester filtering material is placed within a water tank adjacent the outlet of a water intake to enable water entering the tank to be filtered. However, such methods have their limitations and disadvantages. A major disadvantage with these is that the filter material used typically a felt bag or felt sock or the like becomes clogged and thus inhibit the flow of water therethrough. The clogging of the filter can result in the filter failing or becoming so heavy that the weight of the water laden material is so great it causes damage to the tank or even worse collapsing of the tank.

It is known to place water filters at or adjacent the drinking tap, however these can fail if the water entering and passing through these water filters has not been processed F:\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 1<\ properly beforehand and/or may not prevent all water bore micro-organisms, viruses, diseases from being passed to the user.

In order to prevent clogging of the filter for screening and filtering rain water entering a storage vessel with the currently used known filters is to have them cleaned regularly. This can be time consuming and in some instances difficult to do without having to drain the water tank first. Filters made from polyester felts once clogged are virtually impossible to clean by reasonable means such as washing three times in a washing machine to attempt to remove fine particles from the filter. Also the currently used filters materials are predisposed to allow fungal growth and are not rot or mildew resistant.

Object of Invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide a water filtration system for the filtration and purification of water to ensure it is suitable for drinking, that seeks to ameliorate the disadvantages or limitations of the prior art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a water filtration device for the filtration of water, typically rain water, into containment vessels, typically a water tank, that seeks to ameliorate the disadvantages or limitations of the prior art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Statement of Invention In a first aspect the invention resides in a water filtration system, typically a rain water filtration system, for ensuring the water is suitable for drinking, said water filtration system includes: a) water collection means for collecting and diverting water, typically rain water, to a storage vessel, typically a water tank, b) a self cleaning water filtration device positioned downstream of the water collection means and positioned adjacent to or within the water inlet of storage vessel so that water entering the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device where filtered material is collected within filtering means, F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004. doc 2 c) purifier/steriliser dispensing means adapted to dispense into the storage vessel predetermined amounts of purifiers/sterilisers so as to treat the water, d) a strainer/filter means positioned between an outlet of the water storage vessel and a supply conduit for supplying water for drinking and domestic use, wherein the strainer/filter means is adapted to strain the water leaving the storage vessel so as to remove any remaining foreign material, e) water diverting means connected to the supply conduit for diverting water into a drinking water supply conduit and a domestic use supply conduit, f) an in-line filter means connected to the drinking water supply conduit, and g) a drinking water tap connected to the drinking water supply conduit downstream of the in-line filter means for the controlled supply of drinking water.

Preferably, the water filtration system includes a cleaning means positioned within the storage vessel wherein the cleaning means is adapted to clean and remove sediment and the like from the bottom of the storage vessel, preferably prior to the dispensing of purifiers/sterilisers by the purifier/steriliser dispensing means.

Preferably, the water filtration system includes a pumping means in communication with the conduit and positioned downstream of the strainer/filter means and upstream of the water diverting means, wherein the pumping means is adapted to supply water for domestic use at a predetermined pressure.

Preferably, the self cleaning water filtration device includes a filter support and a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support wherein the filtering means is adapted to have self cleaning properties whereby the collected filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged.

In a second aspect the invention resides in a water filtration system, typically a rain water filtration system, for ensuring the water is suitable for drinking, said water filtration system includes: a) water collection means for collecting and diverting water, typically rain water, to a storage vessel, typically a water tank; F:\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 3 b) a self cleaning water filtration device including a filter support and a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support wherein the water filtration device is positioned downstream of the water collection means and positioned within the water inlet of storage vessel so that water entering the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device where filtered material is collected within the filtering means and further wherein the filtering means is adapted to have a self-cleaning property whereby the collected filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged, c) a cleaning means positioned within the storage vessel wherein the cleaning means is adapted to clean and remove sediment and the like from the bottom of the ^ storage vessel, d) purifier/steriliser dispensing means adapted to dispense into the storage vessel predetermined amounts of purifiers/sterilisers, e) a strainer/filter means positioned between an outlet of the water storage vessel and a supply conduit for supplying water for drinking and domestic use wherein the strainer/filter means is adapted to strain the water leaving the storage vessel so as to remove any remaining foreign material, f) optionally, a pumping means in communication with the supply conduit and positioned downstream of the strainer/filter means wherein the pumping means is adapted to supply water for domestic use at a predetermined pressure, g) water diverting means connected to the supply conduit and positioned downstream of the pump, wherein the water diverting means diverts the water into a drinking water supply conduit and a domestic use supply conduits, h) an in-line filter means connected to the drinking water supply conduit, and i) a drinking water tap connected to the drinking water supply conduit downstream of the in-line filter means for the controlled supply of drinking water.

Preferably, the water collection means includes a roof, guttering and downpipe for collecting rain water and wherein the outlet of the downpipe is connected to the inlet of the storage vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device is positioned at the outlet of the downpipe and adjacent to or within an inlet of the storage vessel such that water entering the inlet of F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 4 the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device to screen and remove debri, such as leafs etc, before entering the interior of the storage vessel.

Preferably, the filtering means is a filter bag wherein the opening of the bag is releasably attached to the filter support so that the bag is adapted to suspend from the filter support.

Preferably, the filter bag is made from a geotextile material adapted to have self cleaning properties so as to allow filtered material to accumulate at the bottom of the bag and prevent the sides of the bag becoming clogged.

Preferably, the filter bag is a non woven geotextile material.

Preferably, the filter bag is a non woven polypropylene geotextile material.

Preferably, the filter bag prevents fungal growth and is rot and mildew resistant.

Preferably, the filter bag is made from polypropylene material having self cleaning properties.

Preferably, the polypropylene material is needle punched.

Preferably, the filter bag is releasably attached to the filter support by fixing means, typically screws, clip mechanisms or any other suitable fixing means.

Preferably, the filter bag has a high life expectancy, preferably greater than 20 years.

Preferably, the filter bag allows water to pass through even if the bag is not cleaned thoroughly.

Preferably, the filter bag is virtually indestructible.

Preferably, the water filtration device is attached to a roof of the storage vessel and is adapted to suspend therefrom within the storage vessel.

F:\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc Preferably, the water filtration device is adapted to be positioned above the water line within the storage vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device is positioned above the maximum water line within the storage vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device has a screen filter attached to the filter support and positioned to suspend therefrom within the filter bag wherein non-filtered water is adapted to pass through the screen filter to screen and strain out larger sized material form entering the filter bag.

Preferably, the filtered material consists of debris, silt, dust particles, pollens, leaves, organic matter and the like.

Preferably, the larger sized material screened by the screen filter consists of leaves, twigs, larger debris, larger organic matter or the like.

Preferably, the filtered material collected by the filter bag consists of finer particles, dust, pollen or like material.

Preferably, the screen filter is made from plastic material or stainless steel or any other suitable material.

Preferably, the filtering means has aperture sizes between 1 to 100 microns, preferably 20 to 50 microns.

Preferably, the cleaning means is a vacuum that is, optionally automatically, adapted to move along the bottom of the storage vessel to remove sediment therefrom.

Preferably, the purifier/steriliser dispensing means dispenses purifiers/sterilisers in a powdered or liquid form and optionally at a slow release rate in order to effect the optimal dispersion of the purifier/steriliser into the water over a set period of time.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 6 Preferably, the purifiers/sterilisers include peroxide based or chlorine based or sulphate based agents or other similar known water treating agents.

Preferably, the purifiers/sterilisers are adapted to treat/kill/destroy bacteria.

Preferably, the strainer/filter means is a mesh screen filter.

Preferably, the water diverting means includes a T-shaped pipe junction connected to the supply conduit.

Preferably, the in-line filter means is adapted to destroy ecoli, gardia, or any other similar water borne micro-organisms or viruses or diseases and remove unwanted chemicals such as those used as the purifiers/sterilisers.

Preferably, the in-line filter means is a low flow carbon filter.

Preferably, the in-line filter means can be replaced with a ultra-violet steriliser.

Preferably, the in-line filter means is a combined low flow carbon filter and ultraviolet steriliser.

In a third aspect the invention resides in a water filtration device for the filtration of water into a containment vessel such as a rain water tank including: a) a closure means adapted to be releasably attached to an opening in the containment vessel and adapted to accommodate a water intake pipe, b) a filter support adapted to be releasably attached to the closure means, and c) a filtering means made from a non felt or non polyester material releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support, wherein, in use, non-filtered water entering via the intake pipe flows into the water filter device and filtered water passes through the filtering means and filtered material collected within the filtering means and further wherein the filtering means is adapted to have self cleaning properties whereby the filtered material within the filtering means is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 7 filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means from becoming clogged.

In a fourth aspect the invention resides in a water filtration device for the filtration of water into a containment vessel such as a rain water tank including: a) a filter support, b) a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support, wherein, in use, the water filtration device is positioned over the outlet of a water intake pipe so that non filtered water passes through the filtering means and filtered material collected within the filtering means and further wherein the filtering means is adapted to have self cleaning properties whereby the filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged.

Preferably, the filter bag is a non woven geotextile material.

Preferably, the filter bag is a non woven polypropylene geotextile material.

Preferably, the polypropylene material is needle punched.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 8 Preferably, the filter bag is releasably attached to the filter support by fixing means, typically screws, clip mechanisms or any other suitable fixing means.

Preferably, the closure means is a lid.

Preferably, the lid and filter support have cooperating fastening means adapted to allow the filter support to be releasably attached to the lid so that the filter support can be removed from the lid for maintenance and cleaning of the filter bag.

Preferably, the cooperating fastening means are corresponding threads or clipping mechanisms or any other similar cooperating fastening means.

Preferably, the filter bag is virtually indestructible.

Preferably, the lid and/or the filter support are circular.

Preferably, the lid has a handle on its outer surface to allow easy removal of the water filtration device from the containment vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device is attached to the roof of the containment vessel and is adapted to suspend therefrom within the containment vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device is adapted to be positioned above the water line within the containment vessel.

Preferably, the water filtration device is positioned above the maximum water line within the containment vessel.

F:\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 9 Preferably, the lid has an aperture in which the intake pipe is adapted to be inserted to allow non-filtered water to enter into the water filtration device.

Any other aspect hereinafter described.

Brief Description of the Drawing A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a water filtration system in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a water filtration in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc Figure 3 is an exploded side view of a water filtration device in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Description of the Drawing In figure 1, there is shown a schematic diagrammatic view of the invention. Figure 1 and remaining figures are purely a preferred embodiment of the invention and are for exemplification purposes only as it is envisaged modifications not herein described can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 will now be described. The water filtration system includes a water collector 20, preferably a roof of a house or shed having guttering and a down pipe for collecting rain water. The downpipe of the water collector 20 is connected to a storage vessel 22, typically a rain water tank. A water filtration device 24 (described in more detail further on with reference to figure 3) is positioned at the outlet of the downpipe and within the inlet of the water tank 22. A cleaning device 26, typically a vacuum cleaner, is adapted to remove sediment and debris from the floor of the water tank 22.

Instructions where roof line 20' is not sufficiently much higher than the height of the tank 22, an inline water filtration device 24' can be used as shown in dotted lines in figure 1.

Typically the vacuum cleaner 26 is capable of cleaning 300 to 500mm of sediment and debris from the floor of the water tank 22. It is envisaged that the vacuum cleaner is self propelled in the same way as swimming pool cleaners.

A water tester tests the quality of water and if required i.e. when water quality falls below predetermined levels communicates (via known communication devices and methods) with a dispenser that upon said communication dispenses the required amount of purifiers/sterilisers to the water in the tank so as to bring the water quality up to preferred and acceptable levels. The water tester can either test the quality of water continuously or at set intervals.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 11 Also, in another embodiment the water quality is not tested. The dispenser is adapted to dispense purifiers/sterilisers into the water within the water tank at predetermined intervals i.e. every 24hrs, once a week, etc.

The purifiers/sterilisers are typically chlorine based, peroxide based, sulphate based agents or combinations thereof or any other suitable known water treating agent.

Water exiting the water storage vessel 22 is first passed through a strainer/filter 32, typically a mesh screen filter in order to screen any residual debris not picked up by filter 24 and the vacuum 26.

A pump 36 downstream of the strainer/filter 32 is positioned in communication with supply conduit 34 so that the desired water pressure and water flow is maintained for domestic requirements. At point 38 on the conduit downstream from the pump 36 the water is diverted into two paths, one a drinking water path and the other a domestic use path. The domestic use path includes such domestic usage as washing, showers, laundry and the like.

Along the drinking water path just prior to the drinking water tap or taps 44 an in-line low flow filter 42 is connected to the conduit 34 such that water entering the in-line low flow filter 42 kills/destroys any remaining harmful micro-organisms, disease carrying bacteria, ecoli, virus and the like. Also, the in-line low flow filter 42 removes chemicals from the water such as those dispensed by dispenser 28. The inline low flow filter is typically either a carbon type filter or an replaceable with a ultra violet steriliser or combination of both.

The water leaving the drinking tap 44 using the water filtration system of figure 1 is generally healthier for the user.

Turning now to figure 2 where there is shown a flow representative of and detailing a preferred method of using the water filtration system in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 12 Collected rain water (100) is passed through the water filtration device (110) as the rain water stored in the water storage vessel 120). The water filtration device (110) is self cleaning and is adapted to screen and filter large and small sized material such as debri, silt, dust, pollens, leaves, organic matter etc. sediment can be removed (122) from the bottom of the tank by a cleaning device. Purifying/sterilising agent (130) is then added to the water to kill and control bacteria in the water. Optionally, the rain water can be tested (124) and if the quality (134) is no good purifying/sterilising agent 130) is added to the water or if the quality (134) of the water is satisfactory no purifying/sterilising agent is added.

Water exiting the water storage vessel is first strained/filtered (140) before being diverted 150 for general domestic use (172) or for drinking purposes (170). If required the water in between the strained/filtered step (140) and being diverted (150) can pass through a pump (142) in order to maintain the water pressure and water flow at desired level. The drinking water after being diverted is passed through an in-line flow filter (160) prior to being drunk (170) so as to remove any micro-organisms, ecoli, viruses, diseases and unwanted chemicals such as residual purifying/sterilising agents.

Turning now to Figure 3, where there is a preferred embodiment of the filtration device used in the water filtration system.

The water filtration device 24 as shown in figure 3 consists of a lid 2 adapted and dimensioned to fit snugly within a corresponding opening within a water tank, preferably within an opening in the roof of a water tank.

The lid 2 has an opening 11 therein into which a water intake pipe 10 is adapted to fit there into. The lid 2 is attached to a filter support 3 by way of fastening means such as threads 7 which cooperate with corresponding threads 8 on the filter support 3. Attached to the filter support 3 so as to suspend therefrom is a screen filter 4 and filter bag 5.

The screen filter 4 and filter bag 5 are preferably attached to the filter support 3 by way of holding screws 6, however any other fixing means such as clipping or F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 13 clamping mechanisms can be used. The screen filter 4 is arranged and dimensioned to snugly fit within the upper region of the filter bag 5.

The water filtration device 24 is shown as having a circular configuration, however, any other suitable shaped configuration is also envisaged.

To assemble the water filtration device 24, the screen filter 4 and filter bag 5 are attached to the filter support 3 by way of holding screws 6 and then the filter support 3 is screwed onto the lid 2. The assembled water filtration device 24 is then, by way of handle 9 on the lid 2, lifted and placed on and into an opening in the roof of a water tank so that screen filter 4 and filter bag 5 are suspended within the water tank. Then the intake pipe 10 is inserted into opening 11 in the lid 2. The water filtration device 24 when in place is adapted to suspend downwards from the roof of the water tank a distance such that water filtration device is always positioned above that water level within the water tank. In another embodiment not shown the water filtration device may be suspended from the upper regions of the internal side wall of the water tank.

In use, as rain water enters the water filtration device 24 via intake pipe 10, the larger material such as leaves, twigs and larger organic material is screened and strained out by the screen filter 4 so that only smaller material enters the filter bag 4. The filter bag 5 is preferably made from non-woven needle punched polypropylene geotextile material so that as the smaller material enters the filter bag 5 it is washed down from the sides of the filter bag 5 to accumulate at the bottom of the filter bag 5. This self cleaning action results in the sides of the filter bag 5 remaining clog free so that filtered water continues to enter the water tank. The filter bag 5 does not attract fungal growth and is rot and mildew resistant.

From time to time, depending upon the amount of rain fall and/or amount of pollen, the water filtration device 24 can be cleaned and maintained by removing the water filtration device 1 from the water tank and disassembling the water filtration device 24 so that screen filter 4 can be emptied of its contents and the filter bag 5 emptied of its contents and turned inside out and washed simply with a garden hose.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 14 The geotextile material preferred for the filtering fabric has proved to be self cleaning in most situations, except in cases of extreme pollen concentrations, however in this situation the pollen releases easily and freely in washing the fabric.

Advantages □ Collected rain water healthier to drink □ In tank filter has self cleaning properties □ Filters less likely to become clogged □ Still performs even if not cleaned thoroughly □ Able to be cleaned and maintained easily and readily.

□ All purifying/sterilising chemicals and other chemicals removed prior to drinking water tap.

□ Able to trap pollen and the like substances without clogging the filter.

□ Filtered material accumulates at bottom of filter.

□ Requires minimal and less cleaning □ Not labour intensive to install and maintain □ Lowers maintenance costs.

□ Allows for greater working pressure and water flow Variations Throughout the description of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth and claimed in the following claims.

F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc WHAT I CLAIM IS:

Claims

Claim 1: A water filtration system, typically a rain water filtration system, for ensuring the water is suitable for drinking, said water filtration system includes: a) water collection means for collecting and diverting water, typically rain water, to a storage vessel, typically a water tank, b) a self cleaning water filtration device positioned downstream of the water collection means and positioned adjacent to or within the water inlet of storage vessel so that water entering the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device where filtered material is collected within filtering means, c) purifier/steriliser dispensing means adapted to dispense into the storage vessel predetermined amounts of purifiers/sterilisers so as to treat the water, d) a strainer/filter means positioned between an outlet of the water storage vessel and a supply conduit for supplying water for drinking and domestic use, wherein the strainer/filter means is adapted to strain the water leaving the storage vessel so as to remove any remaining foreign material, e) water diverting means connected to the supply conduit for diverting water into a drinking water supply conduit and a domestic use supply conduit, - P j <aa ^ , f) an in-line filter means connected to the drinking water supply conduit, and g) a drinking water tap connected to the drinking water supply conduit downstream of the in-line filter means for the controlled supply of drinking water.
Claim 2: The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a cleaning means positioned within the storage vessel wherein the cleaning means is adapted to clean and remove sediment and the like from the bottom of the storage vessel, preferably prior to the dispensing of purifiers/sterilisers by the purifier/steriliser dispensing means.
Claim 3: The system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the system includes a pumping means in communication with the conduit and positioned downstream of the strainer/filter means and upstream of the water diverting means, wherein the pumping means is adapted to supply water for domestic use at a predetermined pressure. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 16
Claim 4: The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the self cleaning water filtration device includes a filter support and a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support wherein the filtering means is adapted to have self cleaning properties whereby the collected filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged.
Claim 5: A water filtration system, typically a rain water filtration system, for ensuring the water is suitable for drinking, said water filtration system includes: a) water collection means for collecting and diverting water, typically rain water, to a storage vessel, typically a water tank; b) a self cleaning water filtration device including a filter support and a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support wherein the water filtration device is positioned downstream of the water collection means and positioned within the water inlet of storage vessel so that water entering the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device where filtered material is collected within the filtering means and farther wherein the filtering means is adapted to have a self-cleaning property whereby the collected filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged, c) a cleaning means positioned within the storage vessel wherein the cleaning means is adapted to clean and remove sediment and the like from the bottom of the storage vessel, d) purifier/steriliser dispensing means adapted to dispense into the storage vessel predetermined amounts of purifiers/sterilisers, e) a strainer/filter means positioned between an outlet of the water storage vessel and a supply conduit for supplying water for drinking and domestic use wherein the strainer/filter means is adapted to strain the water leaving the storage vessel so as to remove any remaining foreign material, f) optionally, a pumping means in communication with the supply conduit and positioned downstream of the strainer/filter means wherein the pumping means is adapted to supply water for domestic use at a predetermined pressure, F:\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 17 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N2. 29 OCT 2004 RECEIVED g) water diverting means connected to the supply conduit and positioned downstream of the pump, wherein the water diverting means diverts the water into a drinking water supply conduit and a domestic use supply conduits, h) an in-line filter means connected to the drinking water supply conduit, and i) a drinking water tap connected to the drinking water supply conduit downstream of the in-line filter means for the controlled supply of drinking water.
Claim 6: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water collection means includes a roof, guttering and downpipe for collecting rain water and wherein the outlet of the downpipe is connected to the inlet of the storage vessel.
Claim 7: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water filtration device is positioned at the outlet of the downpipe and adjacent to or within an inlet of the storage vessel such that water entering the inlet of the storage vessel passes through the water filtration device to screen and remove debri, such as leafs etc, before entering the interior of the storage vessel.
Claim 8: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filtering means is a filter bag wherein the opening of the bag is releasably attached to the filter support so that the bag is adapted to suspend from the filter support.
Claim 9: The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter bag is made from a geotextile material adapted to have self cleaning properties so as to allow filtered material to accumulate at the bottom of the bag and prevent the sides of the bag becoming clogged.
Claim 10: The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the filter bag is a non woven geotextile material.
Claim 11: The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the filter bag is a non woven polypropylene geotextile material.
Claim 12: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the filter bag prevents fungal growth and is rot and mildew resistant. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 18
Claim 13: The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter bag is made from polypropylene material having self cleaning properties.
Claim 14: The system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the polypropylene material is needle punched.
Claim 15: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the filter bag is releasably attached to the filter support by fixing means, typically screws, clip mechanisms or any other suitable fixing means.
Claim 16: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the filter bag has a high life expectancy, preferably greater than 20 years.
Claim 17: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the filter bag allows water to pass through even if the bag is not cleaned thoroughly.
Claim 18: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the filter bag is virtually indestructible.
Claim 19: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the water filtration device is attached to a roof of the storage vessel and is adapted to suspend therefrom within the storage vessel.
Claim 20: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the water filtration device is adapted to be positioned above the water line within the storage vessel.
Claim 21: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the water filtration device is positioned above the maximum water line within the storage vessel.
Claim 22: The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein the water filtration device has a screen filter attached to the filter support and positioned to F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 19 suspend therefrom within the filter bag wherein non-filtered water is adapted to pass through the screen filter to screen and strain out larger sized material form entering the filter bag.
Claim 23: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the filtered material consists of debris, silt, dust particles, pollens, leaves, organic matter and the like.
Claim 24: The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the larger sized material screened by the screen filter consists of leaves, twigs, larger debris, larger organic matter or the like.
Claim 25: The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filtered material collected by the filter bag consists of finer particles, dust, pollen or like material.
Claim 26: The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the screen filter is made from plastic material or stainless steel or any other suitable material.
Claim 27: The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the filtering means has aperture sizes between 1 to 100 microns, preferably 20 to 50 microns.
Claim 28: The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cleaning means is a vacuum that is, optionally automatically, adapted to move along the bottom of the storage vessel to remove sediment therefrom.
Claim 29: The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the purifier/steriliser dispensing means dispenses purifiers/sterilisers in a powdered or liquid form and optionally at a slow release rate in order to effect the optimal dispersion of the purifier/steriliser into the water over a set period of time.
Claim 30: The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the purifiers/sterilisers include peroxide based or chlorine based or sulphate based agents or other similar known water treating agents. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 20
Claim 31: The system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the purifiers/sterilisers are adapted to treat/kill/destroy bacteria.
Claim 32: The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the strainer/filter means is a mesh screen filter.
Claim 33: The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the water diverting means includes a T-shaped pipe junction connected to the supply conduit.
Claim 34: The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the in-line filter means is adapted to destroy ecoli, gardia, or any other similar water borne micro-organisms or viruses or diseases and remove unwanted chemicals such as those used as the purifiers/sterilisers.
Claim 35: The system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the in-line filter means is a low flow carbon filter.
Claim 36: The system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the in-line filter means can be replaced with a ultra-violet steriliser.
Claim 37: The system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the in-line filter means is a combined low flow carbon filter and ultra-violet steriliser.
Claim 38: A water filtration device for the filtration of water into a containment vessel such as a rain water tank including: a) a closure means adapted to be releasably attached to an opening in the containment vessel and adapted to accommodate a water intake pipe, b) a filter support adapted to be releasably attached to the closure means, and c) a filtering means made from a non felt or non polyester material releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support, wherein, in use, non-filtered water entering via the intake pipe flows into the water filter device and filtered water passes through the filtering means and filtered material collected within the filtering means and further wherein the filtering means is adapted F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 21 to have self cleaning properties whereby the filtered material within the filtering means is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means from becoming clogged.
Claim 39: A water filtration device for the filtration of water into a containment vessel such as a rain water tank including: a) a filter support, b) a filtering means releasably attached to and suspended from the filter support, wherein, in use, the water filtration device is positioned over the outlet of a water intake pipe so that non filtered water passes through the filtering means and filtered material collected within the filtering means and further wherein the filtering means is adapted to have self cleaning properties whereby the filtered material is adapted to wash down off the sides and accumulate in the bottom of the filtering means so as to prevent the sides of the filtering means becoming clogged.
Claim 40: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 39, wherein the filtering means is a filter bag wherein the opening of the bag is releasably attached to the filter support so that the bag is adapted to suspend from the filter support.
Claim 41: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the filter bag is made from a geotextile material adapted to have self cleaning properties so as to allow filtered material to accumulate at the bottom of the bag and prevent the sides of the bag becoming clogged.
Claim 42: The device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the filter bag is a non woven geotextile material.
Claim 43: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the filter bag is a non woven polypropylene geotextile material.
Claim 44: The device as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the filter bag prevents fungal growth and is rot and mildew resistant. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 22
Claim 45: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the filter bag is made from polypropylene material having self cleaning properties.
Claim 46: The device as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 45, wherein the polypropylene material is needle punched.
Claim 47: The device as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein the filter bag is releasably attached to the filter support by fixing means, typically screws, clip mechanisms or any other suitable fixing means.
Claim 48: The device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the closure means is a lid.
Claim 49: The device as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 47, wherein the filter bag has high life expectancy, preferably greater than 20 years.
Claim 50: The device as claimed in claim 48, wherein the lid and filter support have cooperating fastening means adapted to allow the filter support to be releasably attached to the lid so that the filter support can be removed from the lid for maintenance and cleaning of the filter bag.
Claim 51: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the filter bag allows water to pass through even if the bag is not cleaned thoroughly.
Claim 52: The device as claimed in claim 50, wherein the cooperating fastening means are corresponding threads or clipping mechanisms or any other similar cooperating fastening means.
Claim 53: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the filter bag is virtually indestructible.
Claim 54: The device as claimed in claim 48, wherein the lid and/or the filter support are circular. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 23
Claim 55: The device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the lid has a handle on its outer surface to allow easy removal of the water filtration device from the containment vessel.
Claim 56: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 55, wherein the water filtration device is attached to the roof of the containment vessel and is adapted to suspend therefrom within the containment vessel.
Claim 57: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 55, wherein the water filtration device is adapted to be positioned above the water line within the containment vessel.
Claim 58: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 55, wherein the water filtration device is positioned above the maximum water line within the containment vessel.
Claim 59: The device as claimed in claim 48, wherein the lid has an aperture in which the intake pipe is adapted to be inserted to allow non-filtered water to enter into the water filtration device.
Claim 60: The device as claimed in claim 40, wherein the water filtration device has a screen filter attached to the filter support and positioned to suspend therefrom within the filter bag wherein non-filtered water is adapted to pass through the screen filter to screen and strain out larger sized material form entering the filter bag.
Claim 61: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 60, wherein the filtered material consists of debris, silt, dust particles, pollens, leaves, organic matter and the like.
Claim 62: The device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the larger sized material screened by the screen filter consists of leaves, twigs, larger debris, larger organic matter or the like. F :\sadamson\s419CS.201004.doc 24
Claim 63: The device as claimed in claim 62, wherein the filtered material collected by the filter bag consists of finer particles, dust, pollen or like material.
Claim 64: The device as claimed in claim 63, wherein the screen filter is made from plastic material or stainless steel or any other suitable material.
Claim 65: The device as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 64, wherein the filtering means has aperture sizes between 1 to 100 microns, preferably 20 to 50 microns.
Claim 66: A water filtration system as herein before described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
Claim 67: A water filtration device as herein before described with reference to figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Claim 68: A method of ensuring suitable drinking water as herein before described using the system as claimed in claims 1 to 43 with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Claim 69: A method of ensuring suitable drinking water as herein before described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. PIPERS Attorneys for the Applicant