WATER HARVESTING DEVICE

Abstract

A water harvesting device comprising a plurality of longitudinal walls, at least one wall adjacent to a wall of an existing structure; the plurality of walls defining at least one water storage area with a height such that water pressure is enhanced; and the water storage area operatively engaging at least one water source.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/106,356, filed Oct. 17, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to water harvesting devices commonly referred to as rain barrels. More particularly, the present invention relates to such devices for use in residential, multi-residential and commercial applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It can be appreciated that water harvesting devices or rain barrels have been around for years. The purpose of these devices is quite simple: capturing and storing water for subsequent use. Commonly these devices have collected rainwater from water sources as an eaves and downspout system and provide the ability to disperse the water when needed.

With the growing concern regarding water consumption and in an effort to reuse more natural resources one environmentally friendly solution has been to implement more of these devices. An increase in popularity of use of these devices demands the need for improved solutions to their inherent drawbacks.

One major concern surrounding these devices is that in order to store the amount of rain fallen a higher volume capacity tank is required. Many current models on the market do not provide adequate water storage area. An average residential building can collect over 500 litres of water with just two millimetres of rain.

There are prior art water harvesting devices that contain a high volume capacity but these have been designed significantly larger in size than what may be desired by a property owner.

Another option presented in the prior art has been the burying of these devices underground. This option requires significant effort at the time of installation and may make maintenance more challenging or, in some cases, impossible. There is a need for a high volume capacity solution that provides a device that is not only less obstructive and but also visually appealing.

Another issue surrounding many of the prior art devices is that the withdrawal of water is quite labour intensive, relying on the user to manually draw water using watering cans or slow distribution means. There is a need for a higher pressure water harvesting device that would better aid in the extraction of water for its various uses. As one main use for the water from the water harvesting devices is the irrigation of lawns or gardens, it would be useful to have a water harvesting device that better facilitates irrigation needs.

Some disadvantages of current water harvesting devices is that they have a limited volume capacity, and are obtrusive and unattractive.

Therefore, there is provided a novel water harvesting device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a water harvesting device comprising; a plurality of longitudinal walls, at least one wall adjacent to a wall of an existing structure, the plurality of walls defining a water storage area with a height such that water pressure is enhanced, and the water storage area is operatively engaged to at least one water source such as a downspout of an eavesdrop or the like.

In one embodiment, the water harvesting device provides improved functionality for water extraction or enhanced irrigation. Furthermore, the disclosure is directed at a device which has an increase in volume capacity while minimizing the breadth of the device. Another feature of one embodiment is to mitigate instability as a result of increasing storage volume of a water harvesting device. The design of the water harvesting device allows for it to be efficiently and effectively shipped and stored without wasted storage space.

In one aspect of the present invention, the water harvesting device contains a large water storage area to increase its volume capacity while remaining unobtrusive and visually appealing as it occupies less space adjacent to a building than a traditional rain barrel. The device may provide for an enhanced ability for water extraction and irrigation for the user with the enhanced water pressure.

The present invention generally comprises a water storage area that is higher in stature than a typical rain barrel. The storage volume may be increased while the breadth of the storage area is minimized to be less obtrusive than the traditional barrel. The reduced breadth of the device also allows it to be used in areas where building may be close together and a traditional rain barrel would not allow enough clearance between the buildings.

Another aspect of the present invention is the longitudinal height of the unit that allows for increased water elevation, which may further benefit the water removal and irrigation ability of the device as there may be an increase in pressure at the bottom portions of the water storage area.

With a mere increase in height a traditional water harvesting device may have challenges. The present invention has contemplated this situation and appropriate solutions have been designed as described below. One such feature of the present invention is the inclusion of biasing means allowing for the increased stability of the water storage area by biasing the load of the water harvesting device towards the building to take advantage of the solid building the device resides against. Another such feature is the discrete integration of aesthetic features that add to the strength of the device in needed areas.

A further aspect of the present invention enables the user to collect a significant amount of rainwater from the roof top collection without the need to install a bulky, traditionally shaped unit. The present invention also provides for an improved water extraction and irrigation capability.

Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to ship and store the units efficiently. With the sleek and compact design the units are better able to stack saving on wasted space during shipping and storing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein;

FIG. 1a illustrates an installed water harvesting device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1b illustrates a side view of an installed water harvesting device;

FIG. 2a illustrates a corner unit of an installed water harvesting device according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 2b illustrates a top perspective view according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an improved irrigation installation;

FIG. 4a illustrates the nesting ability of multiple units according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 4b illustrates an isometric view of the stacked units according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which the preferred embodiment is shown in the various configurations to describe the invention. It will be understood that while the invention is described with respect to the preferred embodiment the device may be configured differently while achieving the essence of the invention.

FIG. 1a illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an installed position. The water harvesting device 10, defined by a plurality of longitudinal walls, is shown adjacent to a wall 15 of a single level building, an existing structure. The water harvesting device may be located adjacent to any wall that contains a water source such as a downspout 17. The wall 15 is shown with downspout 17 feeding rain water into the device 10 through the water entry opening 25.

The water harvesting device is shown in FIG. 1a as proportionately tall with respect to the height of the wall 15 and the roof line 30. Ideally to improve the benefit of the present invention the height of the water harvesting device should be heightened more toward the height of the wall. In a single story dwelling for example the height may be close to the height of the wall of the existing structure with for an appropriate reduction in height to allow for the water source, which may include the eavesdrop and/or downspout, to enter the water entry opening. The water harvesting device may be shorter although the water pressure will be reduced as the height of the device is decreased.

The plurality of longitudinal walls may be designed to allow for a tall and slender shape of the water harvesting device. This shape may enable a large volume storage capacity while also minimizing the breadth of area or footprint the storage volume consumes away from wall 15. This is particularly useful for newer homes as they are typically built closer together and the slender base better facilitates more room and a better passage way between the homes. Preferably the units may be as slender as approximately 16 to 18 inches but this measurement may be reduced to as little as 12 inches and could be increased substantially although that would increase the obtrusiveness of the water harvesting device 10. In the preferred embodiment, such tall and slender construction enables discrete volume capacity beyond the 50-70 gallon capacity typically known in the art.

A plurality of water harvesting devices may easily be ganged together along the wall if needed to multiply storage capacity, all slender, all tight to wall and having limited obtrusiveness away from wall. Methods for attaching these units alongside one another are known in the art. Thus the present invention allows for storage volume capacity tight to the wall with the less obtrusiveness or less distance or less footprint away from the wall. Access to the water may be provided through a spout, or distribution head as further described below. Other access means that may be known in the art are contemplated.

FIG. 1b illustrates a side view of water harvesting device 10 respective of wall 15 and ground surface 33. Device 10 is shown resting on ground 33 at fulcrum area 35. Fulcrum area 35 is a part of the water harvesting device further away from the wall. Device 10 has a bottom 38 that may be non-flat and may have a space between the ground and the device 10 as it approaches the wall.

The weight by gravity acting through the center of gravity respective of the fulcrum area 35 and bottom 38 is such that it provides a biasing means or apparatus for the water harvesting device 10. The biasing means may bias the device towards the wall 15 in the direction shown as ‘F’. This biasing means can provide stability for the water harvesting device 10 as the higher amount of weight by rain water within the water storage area of the device 10 causes more bias toward the building. The more bias in the device the higher the stability will be. Though the non-flat bottom 38 is preferred to naturally provide extra stability, the present invention may alternatively have a flat bottom but rely on fastening means for fastening the device to the wall 15.

Providing space between the bottom 38 and the ground 33 at the wall 15 may be functional in providing biasing of the water harvesting device to the wall 15. FIG. 1b further illustrates the vertex of an angle in the same location as the fulcrum 35 and an angle between the bottom 38 and the ground 33 below it. If the ground is level, the angle should be at an angle of at least 1 degree to achieve a space at the wall between the bottom 38 and the ground. Depending on the condition of the ground surface however, compensation for any surface inconsistencies as well as typical grading from a residence, an angle of at least 5 degrees may be more practical. While high grades in hill or mountain regions may require higher angles and an upper angle limit of 30 degrees may be suitable.

A balance between application needs, volume capacity and ensuring biasing of the device is arguably the best approach. It should be further noted that while attempting to better describe an ideal angular range of the bottom and the broad nature of various applications, steep versus gradual slopes for example, one skilled in the art will understand that ground flattening preparation is always an option. Accordingly, while bottom angles may be best between 5 and 30 degrees respective of the ground, angles of less than 5 degrees and more than 30 degrees still falls within the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the bottom 38 should not be limited to a flat, angled bottom. As long as there is a fulcrum area 35 contacting the ground on one side of the center of gravity and the wall 15 is on the other side and there is a space at the wall, the water harvesting device 10 may bias toward the wall 15. Other bottom details and other biasing means are contemplated and are within the scope of the invention. For higher grade ground, means for securing the fulcrum to the ground such as a ground spike or the like may be necessary.

The slenderness of the device may reduce overall wind resistance per gallon when compared with the traditional water harvesting devices lessening the need for wall fastening. This slenderness, in combination with the biasing means for increased stability against the wall may negate the need for fastening requirements. Fastening the device to the wall may still be recommended for proper installation to avoid any dislodging of the water harvesting device during high winds. In the preferred embodiment, the device may be connected by means of a bracket 43, however other fastening means are contemplated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1b, as height ‘h’ of the water harvesting device nears ‘h2 ’ of the wall, water pressure increases at the lower portion of the device 10 with the highest pressure being located at bottom 38. This principle may enhance the ability for extraction of water from device 10 which may benefit a user with improved irrigation capacities of device 10.

FIG. 2a shows the water harvesting device as a corner unit, an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Corner unit 50 may function similarly to device 10 but may have additional benefits as described below.

As downspouts may be located close to the corners of an already existing structure, the corner unit 50 may be operatively engaged to a plurality of water sources. For example, there could be a downspout 17 on either wall 15 at the corner 55 of the building. The corner shape provides further volume capacity as it may contain multiple water storage areas, for example, one for each wall 15. The multiple water storage area construction provides a stronger shape for handling higher water weight from increased storage capability.

FIG. 2b illustrates the corner unit 50 with the force ‘F’ in multiple directions. The corner unit 50 may rest on and contacts the ground 33 at the fulcrum area. The fulcrum area of the corner unit 50 is defined as a portion or all of the area in close proximity to the area referenced by A-A-A. The fulcrum area is optimally constructed to best balance the unit against both walls 15 and corner 55. Support in multiple directions will add stability to the unit and lessen or eliminate the number of brackets that may be required to secure the corner unit 50 to either wall 15.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an installed corner unit of the water harvesting device 50. The corner unit 50 with a height ‘h’ is nearing height ‘h2 ’, the height of the roof line 30. As ‘h’ nears ‘h2’ the higher the pressure that may be created by the rain water stored in the tank. The higher pressure facilitates water extraction from the lower portions of the device and may assist any irrigation needs for areas surrounding the device.

Irrigation capabilities are further illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows distribution head 60 located at a lower portion of corner unit 50. Whether manually operated or automatically operated, the distribution head 60 may be connected to one or more irrigation line 65 or other irrigation devices. As the distribution head 60 is placed in an open flowing position, the water may be dispersed through the irrigation lines 65 and into the desired area for watering.

With the increased water pressure the water harvesting device in the present invention will allow for natural irrigation without the need for a pump, although a pump could be installed if desired. The distribution head 60 can be constructed to be opened manually by the user or to be automated.

Automated flow control in distribution head 60 may be provided by installing devices such as a programmable computer, sensors, mechanical timing devices and the like. Although irrigation is enhanced with the higher height water harvesting device and the distribution head 60, it should be clear to one skilled in the art that the distribution head 60 may still function with a regular height barrel, though with less pressure. The irrigation line 65 may feed various output methods, as one skilled in the art would know and as an example, sprinkle irrigation, drip irrigation, a reservoir or multiple holes within the line for distribution of the water.

Another aspect of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 3 is the shape allows the device to be better concealed with the existing structure by matching the general appearance of the building. The plurality of longitudinal walls may appear as fascia-sided walls. A pattern that better matches the side of a wall would benefit to further blend the device 50 with the wall 15.

The optional fascia-sided walls may serve a dual purpose. First, they may improve the appearance of the water harvesting unit and second they may provide a significant and discrete increase in structure from a non-fascia-sided model. The fascia-sided water harvesting device may provide for added strength for supporting the water load. As an example, siding may be overlapped and each overlap while emulating the appearance of siding and can also create strengthening ribs 80 as better illustrated in FIG. 3. The strengthening ribs 80 may be placed along the full walls of the water harvesting device, the lower strengthening ribs may be increased for greater strength toward the bottom of the device to accommodate the increased load at the bottom of the device.

Similarly, if the walls were to appear as brick (not shown), the brick and brick spacing channels combined may also offer a significantly strong wall design yet remain aesthetically pleasing. Other strengthening features such as process pinch-offs or double wall areas may be more easily hidden or discretely integrated. The ability to combine structure into the walls allows for the ability to reduce wall thickness or use lower strength materials, both cost-saving techniques. As an example, the water harvesting function may be constructed using bio-based materials which although may be more environmentally friendly may be lower strength than other traditional materials. The present invention contemplates other materials being used to fabricate the water harvesting device including plastics, steel or other appropriate metals known to people in the art, or wood or any combination or hybrid thereof.

FIG. 4a illustrates a further advantage created by the shape of the water harvesting device. The water harvesting devices' longitudinal walls are able to nest together for improved shipping and storage efficiencies over traditionally shaped rain barrels. More units of device 10 are able to be stored in a smaller area as the bottoms 38 are placed at opposing ends for each adjacent unit. The nesting allows for a reduction of wasted space when transporting or storing the water harvesting devices. The device further allows for structurally nesting of the units, in the case of the fascia-sided unit when the units are stacked as in FIG. 4a each unit inter-nests with an adjacent unit to reduce or eliminate movement during shipment or storage.

FIG. 4b illustrates a three-dimensional isometric view of multiple units of the water harvesting device 10. This representation illustrates how the devices can fit in a smaller volume and provide for improved shipping and storage efficiency over traditional rounded models.

With respect to the above description, it may be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water harvesting device comprising:

a plurality of longitudinal walls, at least one wall adjacent to a wall of an existing structure;

the plurality of walls defining at least one water storage area with a height such that water pressure is enhanced; and

the water storage area operatively engaging at least one water source.

2. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a biasing means located at the bottom of the device.

3. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the biasing means allows for the water harvesting device to bias towards the wall of the existing structure.

4. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a distribution head operatively connected to the water storage area.

5. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the distribution head is connected to irrigation lines.

6. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of walls allow for a plurality of devices to nest with one another.

7. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of walls incorporates enhanced aesthetics.

8. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the enhanced aesthetics is strength enhancing.

9. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of longitudinal walls are fascia-sided walls.

10. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the fascia-sided walls are siding covered walls.

11. A water harvesting device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the fascia-sided walls are brick covered walls.