WO2013032603A1

WO2013032603A1 - Container for water collection and storage

Info

Publication number: WO2013032603A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/048104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan NAUGLE; E. Brendan CRONIN
Original assignee: Relief International
Priority date: 2011-08-30
Filing date: 2012-07-25
Publication date: 2013-03-07

Abstract

A flexible container for the storage and collection of water is disclosed. The container is configured to have a relatively wider lower portion and a relatively narrower upper portion. The container comprises of an inner liner, an outer structure, an inlet and an outlet. The inner liner is made from a material which is impermeable to liquids, whereas the outer structure is made of a material that can provide support for the liner. The inlet is associated with the liner in the upper portion of the container and advantageously includes a filter element having a mesh size that is sufficiently small to prevent mosquitoes or other undesirable contaminants from entering the container. The outlet sealingly engages the container on the lower portion thereof and comprises an inner and outer connector and a washer. The inner connector of the outlet is configured with ribs which are radially disposed on the flange.

Description

CONTAINER FOR WATER COLLECTION AND STORAGE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container used to collect and store water in locations where public water supplies are not readily available.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The storage and collection of water is a common necessity for life. As such, there are numerous ways in order to satisfy both needs. For example, some common storage means for water are through reservoirs, water towers, and underground wells. Likewise, water can also be collected from a variety of sources, such as bodies of water (rivers, oceans, etc.), springs, and underground sources. There are though problems present with all of these storage means and sources.

Reservoirs are extremely susceptible to weather conditions. Since reservoirs are open to the elements, a drought can quickly dry up a reservoir due to evaporation. Moreover, the damming of a river is frequently needed to form a reservoir. Such damming can be extremely costly due to building and maintenance costs. Even worse, the damming of a river can affect the lives of local residents as it causes disruptions in the local wildlife and may require residents to relocate due to the growth of the reservoir.

Water towers also present issues. For example, for water to be stored in a water tower, a pump must be used to pump water up into the tower. In many regions, this may not be possible as power sources, such as fossil fuels or electricity may not be near by. Additionally, water towers must be located such that the water level in it is higher than where the water empties. For example, a water tower cannot be placed in a valley in order to provide residents of a mountain top with water. Thus, a water tower is location sensitive, as the water level must be higher than where the water gets delivered.

Wells too present many problems. A well is always susceptible to running dry, or for being affected by contaminants in the soil. Also, an open well presents a falling risk to anyone who uses it. More importantly, a well can only be used where there is a water source. If there is no underground water flow or aquifer, one cannot drill into the ground to form a well to collect water from those sources.

Similar, the ways one can collect water also has its own challenges. Collecting water from salt water requires desalination plants, which are costly to build and maintain. Collecting water from rivers, lakes, underground sources, or springs also present the problem of the source running dry or from being contaminated from upstream discharge. Also, collecting water from each of these sources requires residents to be located near one, which may not always be the case.

Although there are problems with the above collection and storage means, it would be hard to rely on another storage and/or collection means solely. As demonstrated above, reliance on a single source or means would be troublesome. Therefore, there exists a demonstrated means to supplement the storage means and/or the collection sources explained above with another one. Especially given how scarce water can be and the ecological impact of its overuse, it would be also be advantageous to collect water from a source entirely different from what is typically used, such as rainwater.

Rainwater has the advantage of being delivered freely directly to the household. It has no cost for delivery only for collection and storage. The quality of rainwater is generally high without chemical or biological contaminants and can be used for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, bathing, clothes washing and landscape irrigation without treatment. Thus, a system and method for storing rainwater or other water sources would serve a long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a flexible container for the storage and collection of rainwater. The container is configured to have a relatively wider lower portion and a relatively narrower upper portion for stability when filled with water. The container comprises of a removable and replaceable inner liner, an outer structure, an inlet and an outlet. The inner liner is made from a material which is impermeable to liquids, wherein the liner is configured to retain water therein. The outer structure is made of a material that can provide support for the liner. The inlet is associated with the liner in the upper portion of the container and allows the container to be filled with water. The inlet advantageously includes a filter element having a mesh size that is sufficiently small to prevent mosquitoes or other undesirable contaminants from entering into the container. The outlet sealingly engages the inner liner on the lower portion thereof. The outlet also comprises an inner and outer connector and a non-rotating washer and at least one flexible seal. As such when the outer connector is placed through the liner and the inner connector is tightened the non-rotating washer prevents the seal placed adjacent to the liner from turning and damaging the liner. The outer connector of the outlet is configured with ribs which are radially disposed on the outlet between the flanges. Thus when the outlet engages the container, the inner connector is placed within the inner liner and the ribs on the outlet connector are used to secure the fitting to the outer structure and to prevent rotation of the outlet fitting in the liner. As such, the ribs prevent the undesired rotation of the outlet during use or when other components are attached to the outlet. When the two connectors are fully engaged, the pressure between the flanges allows the washer to compress the seal against the inner liner and to prevent any leaks.

An alternative embodiment has the inner liner dimensioned such that its volume is greater than the volume of the outer structure. Preferably, the outer structure is made of woven fabric whereas the liner is made of impermeable material. More preferably, the outer structure and the inner liner are made of UV resistant material. The inner liner is black in color to inhibit the growth of algae in the container. A suitable material for the outer structure can be woven polypropylene, whereas a suitable material for the inner liner can be a material with a good combination of flexibility, strength and linear load characteristics, such as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).

An alternative embodiment of the inlet further comprises a coarse grate to filter out undesirable contaminants and to support the fine mesh. For simplicity, the filter can be a simple nylon mesh screen. In one embodiment of the inlet, the inlet is dimensioned and configured to couple to a gutter downspout such that water drained from the gutter can be used to fill the container.

Another embodiment of the invention has the outlet further configured to be attached to plumbing components, such as piping, valves, caps, filters, strainers, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, a different embodiment of the outlet can further comprise a valve for selectively draining the contents of the container and allowing it to be coupled to other similar containers in series.

In one embodiment, the upper portion of the container has a pyramidal shape and the lower portion has a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the outer structure is made from multiple panels of material, which are then unified to form the outer structure. Advantageously, the panels are unified at the seams by various methods known to those in the art, such as plastic welding, gluing, heat sealing, ultra sonic welding, stitching, and any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the inner liner comprises a seamless blown tube that is tied closed at the bottom and secured around the inlet fitting at the top. Alternative embodiments of the liner include seamless blown tube which is sealed across the bottom edge as well a version which is form-fit with respect to the outer structure and includes narrow necks on the top and bottom.

Another embodiment of the container includes support rods that fit into the outer structure and run from the inlet to the base such that the rods provide support for the container when empty. The rods can be made from a variety of materials such as aluminum alloys, graphite, fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, titanium alloys, steel, or copper alloys.

Preferably, the container is configured and dimensioned to hold between 100 to 500 gallons rainwater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood in relation to the attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the filled container.

FIG. 2A is perspective view of the inlet without the filter.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the inlet showing the U-shaped groove.

FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of the assembled outlet.

FIG. 3B is a axial cross section of the assembled outlet.

FIG. 4 is a drawing which shows the various panels that make up the outer structure. FIG. 5 is a top view of the deflated container showing the support rods.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the form fit inner liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown, container 10 is provided with upper portion 11 and lower portion 12. Inlet 13 is located on the upper portion while outlet 14 is located on the lower portion. Although outer structure 17 is only visible, the inner liner 15 shares a similar shape, conforming to the shape of the outer structure. Also shown are seams 19, located where the various panels are sealed to form the unified structure that forms the outer structure . The inner liner is preferably made of a single blown plastic tube and is not attached to the outer structure except at the inlet and outlet. As illustrated, this preferred embodiment has a general tapered shape, which is narrower by inlet 13 and wider by where upper portion 11 meets lower portion 12. This shaped advantageously provides increased stability for container 10 when filled by providing a wider base. In this embodiment, container 10 is sized to hold about 100-500 gallons of water. In FIG. 2A, inlet 13 is shown in greater detail. In this embodiment of inlet 13, the inlet is a single piece that has two portions, a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. Between these portions is a U-shaped groove 23, which is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 2B. Grate 25 can be provided in either the first or second portion. In this embodiment, grate 25 is placed in the first portion. This grate supports a filter, which can be a typical foam, paper or fabric filter. In a preferred embodiment, a simple nylon mesh is provided, in which the mesh size is selected to be large enough to allow water to adequately pass through it but small enough to prevent mosquitoes from passing through. Inlet 13 is secured to the bag by wrapping the material at the opening of the bag into the U-shaped groove and tying or otherwise securing the material in the groove using rope, cord, wire, a zip-tie, a rubber or elastic band, a fabric or leather strip, or other elongated articles that can be secured around the material in the groove. Closing means other than such as a belt buckle, Velcro or the like can be used instead belt or.

FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate in greater depth outlet 14. In the embodiment illustrated, outlet 14 is divided into outer connector 30, inner connector 40, seal 38 and washer 39. Each connector is flanged, as shown by two flanges 33 on outer connector 30 and flange 43 on inner connector 40. While one seal is shown, two can be used, one on each side of the liner for better sealing of the connection to the liner. Both connectors also have axial disposed ribs 32 and 42, although inner connector 40 also has radially disposed ribs 41 on flange 43. Ribs 32 advantageously allow outer connector 30 to be secured to the outer structure and thus prevent the undesired rotation of outlet 14. Axially disposed ribs 32 and 42 provide better grip for a user when assembling the components. As shown in FIG. 3B, the connectors are assembled through threaded portions on each connector. In this embodiment, male threads 35 are on the outer connector and female threads 45 are on the inner connector. Also, although the connectors are generally circular, outer connector 30 includes flat portions 37, which correspond to similar flat portions on washer 39. These flat portions are present to prevent the washer from turning when assembling the outlet. This advantageously prevents any undesired wrinkling or stretching of the liner when the inner and outer connectors are threaded together. Conduit 37 is provided to allow the passage of fluid through the outlet.

When outlet 14 is connected to the liner 15, outer connector 30 is placed through a hole in liner 15 and secured in place with inner connector 40 within liner 15. Liner 15, as well as outer structure 17, are configured to have generally circular holes in lower portion 12. The hole for liner 15 is sized to be smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 35 of outer connector 30 so that it fits tightly. The hole for outer structure 17 is not critical, but should not be so large as to structurally undermine its strength but must be larger than the largest diameter. This allows the outlet to sealingly engage the liner as opposed to the outer structure. With the liner configured as such, male threaded portion 35 of outer connector 30 passes through the hole in liner 15 but is stopped by flange 33. With a portion of liner 15 abutting flange 33, seal 38 is slid on as well as washer 39. Next inner connector 40 is threaded onto outer connector 30. Thus, when the connectors are fully seated, by tightening inner connector 40 against the washer 39 the pressure between flange 33 and the washer 39 allows seal 38 to seal liner 15 to outlet 14, thereby provided an outlet for the container which can be connected to other plumbing fixtures.

FIG. 4 displays a preferred embodiment of the outer structure 17. In this embodiment the outer structure 17 is made from multiple panels. Panel 51 forms the sidewall of lower portion 12. Panel 53 forms the base of the container whereas panel 52 forms the top where the inlet is attached. Lastly, multiple panels 54 are used to form upper portion 11. The number of panels 54 used dictates the shape of upper portion 11 so the shape of panel 52 must be chosen accordingly. The embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the use of four panels 54, resulting in the square shape of panel 52. Preferable, panel 53 is circular to provide a round base for increased stability. This also facilitates preparation of the ground or other location where the container is to be placed. In particular, a round flat area is provided on the ground or on a raised wood or cement platform upon which the container will sit to facilitate emptying water into a container. The inner liner is a tube 5 feet in diameter and sealed at one end like a big garbage bag. It sits inside the outer structure and is connected to the inlet for water entry. As the bag fills, the wider lower portion fills first and before the narrower seamed upper portion. The outlet facilitates removal of water from the bag.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment which includes support rods 61. In this embodiment, rods 61 run from the inlet 13 to the base of the container. To attach the rods to the container, attachment points 63 are used. The attachment points can be a variety of types, such as sleeves, ties, grommets or clips. Regardless of which type is used, attachment points 63 attach rods 61 to outer structure 17. Thus, when container 10 is empty, rods 61 provide support for container 10 and prevent undesired toppling, wrinkling, folding, or stresses to form in container 10 during filling.

To further reduce the stress on the inner liner 15, outer structure 17 is sized to be smaller than liner 15. Preferably, this volumetric size difference is not so large as to reduce the capacity of container 10, but is size to ensure that container 10 can be filled completely while allowing all the forces exerted on inner liner 15 to be transferred to outer structure 17, thereby reducing stresses within inner liner 15.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the inner liner, in which the inner liner is form fit with upper and lower tubes. In an alternate configuration the inner liner is made from a seamless blown tube that is closed at the bottom by gathering the material and tying it in a gooseneck or alternatively the bottom is sealed with a heat seal or other welding method. The upper end of the tube is open but it gathered around the inlet fitting and tied to close it. By reducing the number of seams the strength of the liner is further enhanced allowing the container to be more reliable and sturdy.

The container of the invention is generally used for collecting and storing of water such as rainwater. The water can be collected from the roof or sidewall of a structure by a pipe or trough that directs the water to the bag inlet. Using the container to collect and store water is advantageous since water is free, requires very little if any infrastructure to collect, and there are little or no costs associated with collecting and storing it. Alternatively, it is also possible to have the container attached to an existing water supply to enable a user to store water in times of drought. The rods assist in holding the bag in an upright position before it is filled with water. After filling, the container is somewhat stable because of its design which provides for a larger base and smaller top portion. This design also prevents tipping over of the filled bag or container.

Claims

THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A flexible container for storage of water, the container configured to have a relatively wider lower portion and a relatively narrower upper portion for stability when filled with water, and comprising:

a removable and replaceable inner liner made from a material which is impermeable to liquid, wherein the liner is configured to retain water therein;

an outer structure made of a material that provides support for the liner;

an inlet associated with the liner in the upper portion of the container and which allows the container to be filled with water, the inlet including a filter element having a mesh size that is sufficiently small to prevent mosquitoes from entering into the container; and

an outlet which sealingly engages the liner on the lower portion of the liner, the outlet comprising an inner and outer flanged connector, at least one seal and a washer, with the outer connector configured with ribs which are radially disposed on the outlet between the flanges, such that when the outlet engages the container, the inner connector is present within the inner liner and the two flanges of the outer connector used to retain the liner in position such that when the seal and washer are placed in between the flanges of the connectors, the ribs prevent the undesired rotation of the outlet and when the two connectors are fully engaged, with the pressure between the flanges allowing the washer to press against the seal to seal the outlet to the liner without leaks.

2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the outer structure comprises a woven fabric and sufficient seams to outline the inner liner and to provide attachment points for the support rods.

3. The flexible container of claim 2, wherein the outer structure is made of a UV resistant plastic material such as woven polypropylene.

4. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the inner liner is made of material having sufficient flexibility, strength and linear load characteristics, such as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).

5. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the inner liner is configured and dimensioned to have a volume that is greater than that of the outer structure.

6. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the inlet further comprises a course grate to secure the filter to the inlet and to prevent entry of undesirable contaminants.

7. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a nylon mesh screen.

8. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the outlet includes at least one washer, between the inner connector and the flange on the outer connector, and is further configured to be attached to plumbing components, such as piping, valves, caps, filters, strainers, and any combination thereof.

9. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the outlet further comprises a valve for selectively draining water from the container.

10. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the container has a pyramidal shape and the lower portion has a cylindrical shape.

11. The flexible container of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is dimensioned and configured to couple to a gutter downspout such that water drained from the gutter can be used to fill the container.

12. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the outer structure is made from multiple panels of material, which are then sealed and unified to form outer structure.

13. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the inner liner is made from a seamless tube tied at the bottom and tied at the top to the inlet or sealed at the bottom and tied at the top to the inlet.

14. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the liner is a form fit liner with similar shape to the outer container.

15. The flexible container of claim 14, wherein the panels are unified at the seams by plastic welding, gluing, heat sealing, ultra sonic welding, stitching, and any combination thereof.

16. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises rods that fit into the outer structure and run from the inlet to the base such that the rods provide support for the container when empty.

17. The flexible container of claim 16, wherein the rods are made from aluminum alloys, graphite, fiberglass, plastic, carbon fiber, titanium alloys, steel, or copper alloys.

18. The flexible container of claim 1, which is configured and dimensioned to hold between 100 to 500 gallons of water.