U.S. patent application number 12/465809 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for constant pressure rainwater harvesting distribution device and system.
Invention is credited to Kyle Emmett Thomas.
Application Number | 20100288375 12/465809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43067545 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100288375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Kyle Emmett |
November 18, 2010 |
Constant Pressure Rainwater Harvesting Distribution Device and
System
Abstract
A rainwater harvesting device and system that stores water for
irrigation and outdoor use that provides constant pressure via
gravity to a sprayer such as might be used for landscape or garden
irrigation, or outdoor washing. The device and system comprise a
water storage vessel that is free to move vertically, and
optionally contained within a rack or other structure if necessary,
and supported by one or more springs, which can be compression or
tension springs or a combination thereof. When the vessel is at or
near capacity, the spring assembly is largely or fully
compressed/extended and supports the vessel at a minimal elevation.
In such a state, the pressure head provided by the static water
level is sufficient to provide a desired pressure at the sprayer.
During periods of lower storage, however, such as following water
draw-off and lower replenishment, the spring assembly responds to
the lower load by extending vertically, thus raising the vessel and
thereby providing an increase in elevation head, maintaining the
same desired pressure at the sprayer, regardless of the volume
contained in the vessel.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Kyle Emmett;
(Syracuse, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James Bauersmith
233 Gay Street
Philadelphia
PA
19128
US
|
Family ID: |
43067545 |
Appl. No.: |
12/465809 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/358 ;
137/376; 137/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 20/106 20180101;
E03B 3/03 20130101; Y10T 137/7039 20150401; E04D 2013/0873
20130101; Y10T 137/86276 20150401; E04D 2013/0806 20130101; E04D
13/08 20130101; Y02A 20/00 20180101; Y02A 20/104 20180101; Y02A
20/108 20180101; Y10T 137/6973 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/358 ;
137/376; 137/581 |
International
Class: |
E03B 3/03 20060101
E03B003/03; E04D 13/04 20060101 E04D013/04 |
Claims
1) A rainwater harvesting device comprising a water storage vessel
having at least one outlet spigot and wherein said water storage
vessel is connected to at least one spring and said water storage
vessel is raised or lowered by said spring dependent upon an amount
of water in said water storage vessel.
2) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 1, wherein said at
least one spring is a compression spring.
3) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 2 further comprising an
overflow port and wherein said water storage vessel is contained
within a rack.
4) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 3 having an irrigation
hose and sprayer connected to said outlet spigot.
5) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 4 further comprising a
water purifier.
6) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 3 wherein said at least
one compression spring is connected to a base.
7) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 6, wherein said water
storage vessel is insulated sufficient to prevent freezing of water
contained in said water storage vessel.
8) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 6, wherein a chemical
suitable for fertilizing plants is added to the water contained in
said water storage vessel.
9) The rainwater harvesting device of claim 1, wherein said at
least one spring is a tension spring connected to the top portion
of said storage vessel.
10) A rain water harvesting system comprising: at least one roof
gutter contacted to receive water from a roof; at least one water
storage vessel connected to said roof gutter; at least one
compression spring connected to said water storage vessel having an
outlet spigot, wherein said outlet spigot is connected to an
irrigation hose and a sprayer suitable for irrigating an area with
substantially constant water pressure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water
conservation and more particularly devices and methods for
irrigating plants and outdoor water use. More particularly it
relates to devices and methods for storing and optimizing spray
irrigation regardless of water levels in the system by maintaining
a constant pressure via gravity to a sprayer connected to a hose
and used for outdoor washing, or irrigation of landscapes or
gardens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many areas of the United States experience frequent
shortages of fresh water. Degradation of water supplies are also
becoming increasingly prevalent and are often difficult and
expensive to remedy. Such degradations are often related to the
proliferation of impervious (paved or constructed) surfaces by both
preventing the natural recharge of groundwater resources while
exacerbating flooding problems, in-stream erosion, storm water
runoff, and increasing frequency of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)
discharges.
[0003] For the watering of plants around a dwelling or other
structure, several systems and/or methods are commonly used. These
include dedicated watering lines (e.g., drip irrigation), area
distribution devices (e.g., sprinklers), moveable hoses, and
watering cans.
[0004] Because sprinklers, drip systems and water cans have
limitations and are designed for specific uses, most gardeners
utilize portable hoses to water plants in the garden. The hose can
be moved from plant to plant to provide an optimal amount of water.
However, many hose systems are connected to the house water supply
and therefore deplete potable water resources. It is well
recognized in the art that there are numerous stresses on fresh
water supplies including greater demand, quality degradation, and
lack of conservation. Because of concerns over conservation of
potable water resources, the use of rain water runoff for uses such
as irrigation, car washing and outdoor use, often referred to as
"rainwater harvesting," has become increasingly popular. Through
rainwater harvesting devices and systems, the demand on other
sources of water is reduced.
[0005] One method of rainwater harvesting is through the use of a
rain barrel storage and irrigation system. The use of rain barrels
and cisterns are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,076
describes a rain barrel used for the collecting and dispensing
rainwater and a rain water cistern. It is understood by those
skilled in the art that a rain barrel is used as the water source.
And it will be understood by those skilled in the art that rain
barrels include large barrels or other containers. Throughout this
application rain barrel, water storage vessel, and cistern may be
used interchangeably. Such rain barrels can be located, for
example, in proximity to a house's gutter downspout to collect rain
water for later use. In other examples, the rain barrel can be
located further from the down spout. For example, there is a flow
control mechanism described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,312 that enables
a rain barrel to be positioned at a distance from the
downspout.
[0006] In addition to the foregoing, the rain barrel may have a
drain valve which those of skill in the art will generally
understand as a spout/spigot that is attached generally to the
lower portion of the rain barrel to allow the collected water to
flow out for use. Optionally, a hose can be connected to the
spout/spigot so that the water can be used for irrigation and other
outdoor household uses to provide a rain water harvesting device.
There are, however, limitations to using a rain barrel for
irrigation. One such limitation is that without replenishment
through rainfall, water level declines and results in lower water
pressure thereby causing a lower and slower flow rate from the
drain valve. In such a circumstance, more time is required to allow
a desired volume of water to be discharged.
[0007] In cases where the water is to be used for spray application
such as for a lawn sprinkler, garden watering tool (e.g. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,782,412), or vehicle or other outdoor washing device (e.g.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,097,410), the water is commonly dispensed through
hoses with pressure provided either by gravity from a stationary
rain barrel or an active pump. For such applications, certain
minimum pressures are necessary. A rain barrel equipped with a
mechanical pump such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,025,879 is capable of providing such a consistent pressure, but
requires an external power source and additional maintenance for
operation.
[0008] When provided by gravity from a conventional stationary rain
barrel, the pressure at the spray head varies with the volume
contained in the vessel, and consistently declines as the water is
drawn off through the sprayer. The pressure in such a system at any
particular time is a function of the total head in the system which
is the sum of the pressure head, elevation head and velocity head
at given point within the system. The relationship is represented
by Bernoulli's Equation, below.
p + V 2 2 g n + z = H = Constant ##EQU00001##
[0009] In a rain barrel resting on or near the ground (z.about.0),
the total head or energy consists exclusively or nearly exclusively
of the pressure head term, . At the spray head, the total head is
equal to that in the barrel but consists predominantly of the
velocity head,
z 2 g n ##EQU00002##
manifested as spray "pressure" from the device.
[0010] Following draw off of a given water volume, a new
equilibrium energy state is achieved across the system, with the
total head less than that in the system originally. In this new
state, the pressure head in the barrel is lower, and the velocity
head realized at the spray head or hose end is reduced.
[0011] Although lower in the second emptier system containing less
water, it can be shown by Bernoulli's Equation that the total head
in the system can be made equal to the previous system containing
more water by increasing the elevation head or z term.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] While the aforementioned prior art rain water harvesting
devices fulfill certain objectives and requirements, a need exists
for a rain water harvesting device that can provide water under a
constant, desired pressure for spray applications, without the use
of a pump or other similar externally-powered mechanical device,
regardless of the volume collected or previously dispensed. The
current invention solves this problem with a device and system
designed to maintain an optimal water pressure regardless of the
water level in the rain barrel. The invention meets the needs
presented above by providing water at constant pressure via gravity
to a sprayer system.
[0013] To this end, an optimal embodiment of the invention
comprises a rain storage vessel, optionally contained in a rack,
and connected to a spring that assists with vertical migration of
the rain storage vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel rests on at
least one compression spring, supported in turn by the ground or a
base that sits at the bottom of the rack. When the vessel is at or
near capacity and the pressure head represented by the static water
level is adequate, the vessel represents a maximum opposing force
on the spring, compressing the spring to a point where the pressure
head and nominal elevation head represented by the top of the fully
compressed spring are equivalent to the desired head at the sprayer
consistent with Bernoulli's Equation. During periods, however, when
the water supply in the rain barrel has been depleted or during
periods when less water has been collected, the lesser opposing
force of gravity acting on the lighter vessel results in the
mechanical force of the spring raising (or in the case of a tension
spring lifting) the vessel and thereby increasing the elevation
head and maintaining pressure to irrigation spray head. In one
example, FIG. 1 illustrates how the velocity head at the sprayer is
maintained by the system when the pressure head represented by the
static water elevation declines.
[0014] Rearranging Bernoulli's Equation above, and keeping velocity
head term
V 2 ( 2 g n ) ##EQU00003##
constant, the equation becomes:
p + z = Constant ##EQU00004##
[0015] Referring generally to FIG. 1, then, it can be shown that in
order to keep the total energy of the system, or the pressure at
the sprayer constant, the elevation head (z) must be increased as
the pressure head () declines along with the decreasing static
water level in the storage vessel to maintain the constant velocity
head (i.e. water velocity or flow at the drain valve).
[0016] In the various figures, exemplary features of the invention
are demonstrated so that the detailed description that follows may
be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art
may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto and in no way
should the following figures and examples limit the scope of the
invention as would be understood and appreciated by those skilled
in the art. Finally it will be understood that the aforementioned
references are incorporated by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a comparison between one embodiment of the
current invention as compared to current water storage systems and
how the systems relate with respect to Bernoulli's Equation.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a conceptual side view of a first embodiment of
the rain barrel in an exemplary system in accordance with the
present invention, wherein the spring is a compression spring.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a conceptual side view of a second embodiment of
the rain barrel in an exemplary system in accordance with the
present invention wherein the spring is a tension spring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of the claimed
invention. The exemplary irrigation system generally comprises of a
water storage vessel (1) optionally contained within a rack (2).
The storage vessel could be a rain barrel, cistern or other water
storage vessel as readily understood by those skilled in the art.
In FIG. 2 the bottom portion of the storage vessel (1) is connected
to a compression spring (3), which rests either on the ground
surface or optionally,and as shown in FIG. 2, on a base (11) within
a rack (2). Of course it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that there can be more than one compression spring (3) with
various degrees of spring force so that the storage vessel is
raised as the water level decreases. One of skill in the art will
understand, based on the current disclosure that the current
invention could use either compression or tension springs, or both,
as well as an irrigation system without the use of a rack (2). For
example, FIG. 3 shows a rainwater harvesting system wherein the
spring (3), is a tension spring anchored, at a height, to a
structure and a storage vessel (1), so that as water levels
decrease the vessel is lifted upward. In such a system a base is
not used.
[0021] Referring back to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, it
shows a rainwater harvesting system wherein, a roof gutter (4)
receives water from a roof and directs it to a downspout (6)
connected to the storage vessel (1) so that rainwater can flow from
the roof through the roof gutter and into the storage vessel. The
downspout may be flexible or collapsible to allow the upward and
downward movement of the storage vessel while maintaining the
hydraulic connection between the vessel and the roof gutter. As
shown in FIG. 2, the storage vessel (1) can also be equipped with
an overflow port (7) and an outlet spigot (8). In FIG. 2 the spigot
(8) is equipped with a shutoff valve and is connected to a flexible
irrigation hose (9) and sprayer (10). Because the elevated vessel
will create a moment of force around its base (11), the system may
require anchoring at the base (11) and bracing at a height.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the use of a pulley and
counterweight system is envisioned that would act in the same
manner as either of the spring configurations discussed above to
raise the vessel during periods of low capacity. In such a pulley
system the invention contemplates the use of a two-vessel and
pulley system whereby the vessel containing more water acts as a
counterweight to lift the vessel containing the lesser volume to
the necessary height. Water would be alternately distributed to and
from the vessels. In an another embodiment, it is envisioned that
the base could have a mechanical hand operated apparatus that could
be used to manually raise the storage vessel and that such
operation could operate independently or be part of a spring
system.
[0023] Other embodiments of the irrigations system are contemplated
to include a backup water supply to the vessel which would act to
fill the vessel during periods when the capacity is no longer
sufficient for its intended use; the backup could be automatically
triggered when capacity falls below a desired threshold volume. It
will also be understood by those of skill in the art, that for
certain uses, fertilizer or other chemicals may be added to the
water supply contained in the water storage vessel for use in
certain applications. In yet another contemplated embodiment, a
water purifier could be hooked up to the irrigation system. In
another envisioned embodiment, insulation or heat supply such as
solar and/or electric to allow use when outdoor ambient
temperatures are below freezing. An overflow port from the vessel
to allow spillover during periods of excess inflow from
precipitation is also envisioned in the context of the current
invention. In another embodiment, the rain barrel in the irrigation
system can be positioned at a distance from the downspout as is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,312. Another envisioned embodiment
of the invention would include a system where the base (11) shown
in FIG. 2 could have a variety of different features, including for
example, adjustable feet or prongs that would allow the base (11)
and/or rack (2) to be installed upright and level on variable
terrain. In another contemplated embodiment utilizing a base (11),
anchors could be installed to allow mounting of the base (11)
and/or rack (2) on a constructed surface such as concrete, asphalt,
or wood.
[0024] Since certain changes (including those listed above) may be
made in the above described embodiments, without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended
that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in
the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples
illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be
construed as limiting the invention.
* * * * *