U.S. patent application number 12/810995 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for rainwater collection and redistribution system.
Invention is credited to Jim Harrington.
Application Number | 20110005602 12/810995 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40678921 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110005602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrington; Jim |
January 13, 2011 |
Rainwater Collection and Redistribution System
Abstract
A system and method for collecting and redistributing rainwater
by catching rainwater using a conventional roofing and guttering
system, piping the rainwater into a collection vessel for storing
the rainwater, pumping the rainwater from the collection vessel
through a hose; and redistributing the rainwater from the
collection vessel via the hose. The system can comprise a rainwater
filter that provides one or more filtration stages to rainwater
collected. The rainwater filter has a filter reservoir that
includes one or more outlets to communicate filtered water to the
collection vessel and one or more overflow ports. The filter may
also include a shutoff valve to regulate flow of water into the
collection vessel, and a filter reservoir drain to avoid stagnation
of water in the filter reservoir.
Inventors: |
Harrington; Jim;
(Alpharetta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
SUITE 3100, PROMENADE II, 1230 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3592
US
|
Family ID: |
40678921 |
Appl. No.: |
12/810995 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 13, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/79714 |
371 Date: |
June 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60991230 |
Nov 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
61097607 |
Sep 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/1 ;
137/357 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 20/108 20180101;
Y10T 137/6969 20150401; E04D 2013/086 20130101; Y10T 137/0318
20150401; E03B 2001/047 20130101; E03B 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/1 ;
137/357 |
International
Class: |
E03B 3/00 20060101
E03B003/00 |
Claims
1. A system for collecting and redistributing rainwater comprising:
a) a conventional roofing and guttering system; b) a collection
vessel for storing the rainwater, wherein the collection vessel is
a flexible bladder; and c) piping for directing the rainwater from
the conventional roofing and guttering system into the collection
vessel.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pump for
pumping the rainwater from the collection vessel for
redistribution.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a filter
for filtering debris from the rainwater.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rainwater is
redistributed to a landscaping area.
5. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the filter comprises:
a) a filter reservoir having an inlet for receiving rainwater; b)
an outlet for communicating filtered rainwater from the filter
reservoir to a collection vessel for storing the rainwater; c) a
filtration medium interposed between the inlet and the outlet; and
d) an overflow port for communicating excess water from the filter
reservoir to a groundwater drainage system.
6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the filter comprises:
a) a filter reservoir having a first stage filter at an inlet
thereof; b) an outlet having a second stage filter therein, the
outlet communicating filtered rainwater from the filter reservoir
to a collection vessel; c) an overflow port having a second stage
filter therein, the overflow port communicating excess water from
the rainwater collecting system to a groundwater drainage system;
and d) a filter reservoir drain, for communicating residual water
from the filter reservoir to the groundwater drainage system.
7. A system for collecting and redistributing rainwater comprising:
a) a conventional roofing and guttering system for collecting
rainwater; b) a multi-stage filter in communication with the
guttering system for filtering debris from the rainwater; c) a
collection vessel for storing the filtered rainwater, wherein the
collection vessel is a flexible bladder; and d) piping for
directing the rainwater from the multi-stage filter into a
collection vessel.
8. A method for collecting and redistributing rainwater comprising
the steps of: a) catching rainwater using a conventional roofing
and guttering system; b) piping the rainwater into a collection
vessel for storing the rainwater, wherein the collection vessel is
a flexible bladder; and c) redistributing the rainwater from the
collection vessel.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of
filtering debris from the rainwater prior to piping the rainwater
into the collection vessel for storing the rainwater.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step
of pumping the rainwater from the collection vessel to a means for
redistributing the rainwater prior to redistributing the rainwater
from the collection vessel.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a filter
reservoir for filtering debris from the rainwater, wherein the
filter reservoir comprises a first stage filter for filtering
debris from the rainwater prior to the rainwater entering the
filter reservoir, and passing the rainwater through the first stage
filter prior to the rainwater entering the filter reservoir.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the filter reservoir
further comprises a second stage filter for filtering debris from
the rainwater prior to the rainwater entering the collection
vessel, and passing the rainwater through the second stage filter
prior to the rainwater entering the collection vessel.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a third
stage filter interposed in an outlet of the filter reservoir to a
rainwater collection vessel, and passing the rainwater through the
third stage filter prior to the rainwater entering the collection
vessel.
Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is based on and claims the benefit
of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/991,230 having a
filing date of 30 Nov. 2007 and U.S. provisional patent application
No. 61/097,607 having a filing date of 17 Sep. 2008, both of which
are incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention generally relates to systems for
collecting and redistributing rainwater and to systems for
collecting rainwater from conventional roofing and guttering
systems into a water collection storage vessel for later
redistribution such as for landscaping uses. The present invention
further relates to a water filter used in connection with the
rainwater collection and redistribution systems.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] As the extreme drought in the southeastern United States in
2007 has reinforced to residents of the United States, water is a
very precious commodity. Throughout the US drought, and indeed in
many other places worldwide, water has been and is scarce. As a
result, water from public water sources may not be available for
use in landscaping or other situations unrelated to public health.
Rainwater collection can be a solution to an inability to use
public water for landscaping situations. Much rainwater falling on
the roof of a house travels to the guttering system and is directed
to the street or storm drains. If this water could be collected and
stored effectively so as to enable redistribution, it could be used
instead of water from public water sources for landscaping uses at
any desired time including during times of restricted water
usage.
[0006] Various systems and devices for collecting rainwater exist.
U.S. Pat. No. D542,885 is a design for a rainwater barrel. U.S.
Pat. No. 7,048,849 is a first flush rainwater diverter and
collection system for use with rainwater storage tanks primarily in
domestic situations. U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,879 is a rainwater
collection apparatus that stores rainwater until required, and
includes at least one outlet for exporting rainwater. U.S. Pat. No.
6,966,333 is a rainwater collection device for collecting rainwater
from a gutter for later usage and includes a storage housing. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,941,702 is a rainwater collection and dispensing system
for economically conserving water usage by using collected
rainwater.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,635 is a rainwater collection apparatus
having a tank with a catchment cone above it. U.S. Pat. No.
6,818,127 is a rain collection system for collecting and storing
rainwater and includes a collection assembly designed for being
positioned on a support surface to collect water from the support
surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,723 is a rainwater collection and
storage system to collect and store roof water, the system having
water collection slots extending through roof sheets and spaced
from the edge of the roof, collection means below the roof sheets
to collect the water from at least some of the slots, and at least
one tank wall to store the collected water. U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,304
is a collection box and method for distributing run-off water
utilizing upright sides with an open top for positioning at ground
level with an entrance connection for receiving an underground
pipe.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,179 is a rainwater collection and
distribution apparatus that includes a tank with a water entry
portion, a water exit portion, and a water containment portion
located between the water entry portion and the water exit portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,538 is a device having a branch collar suitable
for fitting onto a down pipe and having an orifice coinciding with
an orifice in the side of the down pipe so as to collect rainwater
from the down pipe. U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,400 is a rain-collection
pad for ponds having a pan-shaped pad with a horizontal bottom and
four vertical, contiguous side walls, with the pad being adapted to
float on the exposed surface of a pond.
[0009] Notwithstanding the prior art, there is a need for a system
and method for collecting and filtering rainwater from a roof,
prior to storing the rainwater in a containment vessel for
redistributing the rainwater at a later date. There also is a need
for a system and method for avoiding public health hazards
associated with the collection of rainwater. The present invention
is directed to such needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly, the present invention is a system for collecting,
redistributing, and filtering rainwater collected from the roof of
a structure. An illustrative system for collecting and
redistributing rainwater comprises a conventional roofing and
guttering system, a collection vessel for storing the rainwater,
piping for directing the rainwater from the roofing and guttering
system into the collection or containment vessel, and a means for
redistributing the collected rainwater. The system also comprises a
water filter for filtering debris from the rainwater prior to the
rainwater entering the containment vessel. Leaves, sticks, and
other debris are often found on a roof and are swept into the
guttering system during a rainstorm. Such debris can potentially
clog the piping of the rainwater collection system and can enter
the collection vessel, thus reducing the available volume for
rainwater and potentially clogging the functional aspects of the
collection vessel, if not removed. The system also can comprise one
or more pumps for pumping the rainwater from the collection vessel
through the means for redistributing the rainwater.
[0011] The invention also is a method for collecting and
redistributing rainwater. More specifically, an illustrative method
for collecting and redistributing rainwater comprises the steps of
catching rainwater using a conventional roofing and guttering
system, piping the rainwater into a collection vessel for storing
the rainwater, and redistributing the rainwater from the collection
vessel using a means for redistributing the rainwater, such as a
hose. The method can further comprise the steps of filtering debris
form the rainwater prior to the rainwater entering the collection
vessel and pumping the rainwater from the collection vessel through
the hose.
[0012] The system and method utilizes a conventional roof and
guttering system to catch rainwater and direct the rainwater into a
storage or collection vessel. Rainwater falls onto the conventional
roof and flows into the guttering system where it is directed to
downspouts or down pipes. The downspouts direct the rainwater to a
collection vessel, which can be a flexible polyvinylchloride, or
other suitable polymer or other material, structure, for storing
the rainwater for later use. The collection vessel has an outlet
that preferably is connected to a pump for pumping the rainwater
out of the collection vessel for use. A hose or other means for
redistributing the rainwater can be connected to the pump for
redistributing the rainwater in, for example, a garden or to other
landscape features. Thus, rainwater can be collected and stored for
later use, saving on the cost of purchasing water from a public
source, and conserving water.
[0013] Preferably, the collection vessel is located under the home,
such as in a crawl space under the home if the home does not have a
basement and is not built on a slab. Alternatively, the collection
vessel can be located proximal to the home, especially if the home
has a basement or is built on a slab. By locating the collection
vessel proximal to the home, and therefore proximal to the
guttering system, the need for additional piping to direct the
rainwater from the downspouts to the collection vessel is
reduced.
[0014] A water filter according to the present invention preferably
is disposed beneath a downspout of a conventional guttering system
of a structure. The water filter comprises a filtration reservoir
having a sidewall and a bottom for containing rainwater, with at
least one inlet for allowing rainwater to enter the filtration
reservoir and at least one outlet communicating with the input
piping of the rainwater collection system for carrying filtered
rainwater to a collection vessel. An overflow port is operatively
connected to overflow piping for allowing excess rainwater to be
dispensed on the ground or into a rainwater drainage system. The
inlet of the filtration reservoir is fitted with a removable
primary grate having a plurality of openings for removing bulk
contaminants, such as leaves, twigs, and the like that may be
carried with the rainwater through downspouts. The outlet and the
overflow port also may be fitted with a secondary grate, also
having a plurality of openings to further filter debris and smaller
contaminants carried by the rainwater. For water routed to the
collection vessel, it is particularly desirable to provide a third
stage of filtration via a removable filtration media such that
rainwater passes through the filtration media before routing to the
input piping via the outlet. The end of the downspout emptying into
the water filter also may be fitted with a filter to act as a
preliminary filter of the rainwater prior to the rainwater entering
the filtration reservoir.
[0015] The water filter also can include an overflow drain between
the filter inlet and the collection vessel to prevent a water back
up in the guttering system, which could lead to water infiltrating
the home, water ponding under the home, water damage to the home,
and erosion of landscaping proximal to the home. Additionally, the
water filter also can include a water shut-off valve to prevent
water from entering the collection vessel. Accordingly, the water
filter of the present invention may selectively route the water
from the filtration reservoir to the collection vessel for
collection and later use, or to the overflow drain for normal
disposal on the ground, or to a rainwater drainage system
associated with the property.
[0016] An illustrative method for filtering rainwater comprises the
steps of catching rainwater using a conventional roofing and
guttering system, directing the rainwater via the guttering system
to the water filter, filtering the debris from the rainwater prior
to the rainwater entering the collection vessel, and piping the
rainwater into a collection vessel for storing the rainwater. The
method can further comprise the steps of bypassing the collection
vessel for disposal of rainwater through a groundwater drainage
system associated with the property. The method for filtering
rainwater can comprise up to several stages of filtration for
rainwater routed to the collection system, including up to several
stages of direct filtration for rainwater diverted to the overflow
system.
[0017] The invention also can comprise convenience and safety
features. In addition to the filter or filters and the overflow
drain between the roof and the collection vessel, it further is
convenient and safer to include a drain proximal to the collection
vessel to remove overflow or leaking water from proximal to the
collection vessel, which often is under the home, to a place away
from the home where such water cannot do any damage to the home.
Additionally, the inclusion of common shut off valves and the like
can make the entire system more convenient and safe.
[0018] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components
throughout the several views, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of a structure comprising an
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a structure comprising an
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a rainwater collection system and
the preferred elements of an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the collection
vessel feature of the invention showing the use of three vessels in
series.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
rainwater filter of the invention positioned in a rainwater
collection and distribution system.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of an embodiment of
the rainwater filter of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the rainwater filter
depicted in FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a downspout filter component
of the rainwater filter of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring now to the figures, a rainwater collection and
distribution system incorporating preferred embodiments of the
invention is shown. FIG. 1 is a side view of a building structure
comprising an embodiment of the invention illustrating one manner
of attaching the invention to the structure. FIG. 2 is a rear view
of a structure comprising an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is
a schematic of a rainwater collection system and the preferred
elements illustrating the connectivity of the water filter of the
present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the
collection vessel feature of the invention showing the use of three
vessels in series for greater rainwater storage. FIG. 5 is a
perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the rainwater filter
of the present invention and a rainwater collection vessel. FIG. 6
is a detailed perspective view of a rainwater filter of the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the rainwater filter
depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a
downspout filter component of the rainwater filter of the invention
to allow pre-filtering of the rainwater entering the filtration
reservoir.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a structure 10 outfitted with a
rainwater collection and distribution system illustrating one
manner of attaching the water filter 18 of invention to the
structure 10 and system. As can be seen, this illustrative
embodiment of a rainwater collection and redistribution system
comprises a conventional roof 12, a conventional guttering system
having gutters 14 and downspouts 16 fitted to the structure, a
filter 18 according to the present invention for removing debris
from the rainwater R, a collection vessel 20, such as a flexible
vessel 20 for storing the rainwater R, input piping 22 for
directing the rainwater R from the filter 18 to the collection
vessel 20, output piping 24 for redistributing the rainwater R from
the collection vessel 20, and an optional pump 26 for pumping the
rainwater R from the collection vessel 20 through the output piping
24 and to the redistribution means.
[0029] For ease of illustration, the building structure 10 shown is
a conventional house 90 on a raised foundation so as to have a
crawl space 92 under the house 90. In this embodiment, the
collection vessel 20 and pump 26 are located under the house 90 in
the crawl space 92. However, such placement is not required, such
as if the house 90 does not have a crawl space 92, and collection
vessel 20 and optional pump 26 can be located in any convenient
place near the house. One favorite alternate location is under a
deck or decking attached to or proximal to the house. While the
filter 18 is shown on the side of the house 90, filter 18 also can
be located in the crawl space 92 and/or closer to or further away
from the collection vessel 20. However, since the guttering and
downspout system and the filter 18 often are not watertight, it is
preferable to locate the filter 18 outside and not in the crawl
space 92 to avoid unnecessary water leakage into the crawl space
92.
[0030] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, output
piping 24 fluidly connects collection vessel 20 and/or pump 26 to a
spigot 28 attached to the side of the house 90, or other convenient
location associated with the property. Spigot 28 provides a
convenient attachment point for a hose 30 for redistributing the
rainwater R, such as by spraying the rainwater R on a landscaping
feature L. Alternatively, hose 30 can be connected directly to
output piping 24 or pump 26.
[0031] FIG. 2 is another view of the structure 10 illustrating how
downspouts 16 can be redirected from a conventional vertical
position to converge at filter 18. Thus, one or more downspouts 16
can be structured or restructured to converge at filter 18, or to
connect to cooperative piping to arrive at filter 18.
Alternatively, independent downspouts 16 can lead to independent
filters 18, which then could independently direct rainwater R into
one or more collection vessels 20.
[0032] FIG. 2 also illustrates a rainwater drainage system that may
be associated with the property, in which overflow piping 34,
connected to the filter 18 routes excess rainwater R to a culvert
or drain pipe 32. An overflow circuit is beneficial in the event
filter 18 becomes backed up or clogged, collection vessel 20 is
full, or should there be a torrential downpour that exceeds the
system's capacity, or for other reasons.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, during a rainstorm, rainwater R
falls on roof 12 and flows into gutters 14, which in turn direct
the rainwater R to downspouts 16. Rainwater R travels down
downspouts 16 through the filter 18 to remove leaves, sticks, and
other debris. Rainwater R then travels through input piping 22 into
collection vessel 20 for storage. Once in collection vessel 20,
rainwater R can be stored for any length of time, or used
immediately.
[0034] Collection vessel 20 can be any storage container of any
size. Preferably, collection vessel 20 is a flexible
polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable polymer (or other
watertight and flexible material) structure that can inflate as
rainwater R enters and deflate as rainwater R leaves. Using a
flexible material for a collection vessel 20 has both practical and
convenient aspects. Practically, a flexible material can place a
certain amount of pressure on the rainwater R in the collection
vessel 20, assisting in the removal of the rainwater from the
collection vessel 20 by the pump 26. Additionally, a flexible
material is less likely to crack if impacted. Further, a flexible
material can be more stable on uneven ground. Conveniently, a
flexible material can be easier to move and store, should one
desire or need to do either to the system. Other practical and
convenient advantages are known to those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic of the preferred elements of a
rainwater collection system illustrating the connectivity of the
various features of the system in larger detail. In addition to the
elements disclosed above and illustrated in FIG. 3, a primary
overflow valve 36 and drain 38 can be operatively connected to the
collection vessel 20 to remove excess or leaking water from
proximal to the collection vessel 20 and the crawl space 92 if the
vessel 20 is located there. Such overflow valves 36 and drains 38
are known in the art. Shut-off valve 40 is located between
collection vessel 20 and output piping 24 to selectively prevent
rainwater R from exiting, or allow rainwater R to leave collection
vessel 20. Output piping 24 fluidly connects collection vessel 20
to pump 26, which is fluidly connected to various redistribution
means, such as but not limited to hose 30, sprinklers, drip
watering lines, water features such as ponds, fountains and
waterfalls, and other preferably non-potable requirements.
[0036] After rainwater R has been collected in collection vessel
20, it can be stored for later use or used immediately. Shut-off 40
valve can be opened and pump 26 can pump rainwater R to the
selected redistribution means. After the desired quantity of
rainwater R has been pumped, or when collection vessel 20 becomes
empty, pump 26 can be turned off, shut-off valve 40 can be closed,
and collection vessel 20 is ready to receive additional rainwater
R. Alternatively, shut-off valve 40 can remain open and collection
vessel 20 connected to a drip watering line for continuous drip
watering as long as there is rainwater in collection vessel 20.
This is especially useful without a pump 26 or with a low pressure
continuously running pump 26.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the collection
vessel 20 feature of the invention showing the use of three
collection vessels 20 in series for greater rainwater storage.
Thus, it can be seen that one or more collection vessels 20 can be
connected in series or parallel to increase the quantity of
rainwater stored. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the plurality
of collection vessels 20 are arranged in a downhill series such
that rainwater R can flow from the first collection vessel 20A,
which preferably is the collection vessel 20 closest to the input
piping 22, through intermediate collection vessels 20B, and
ultimately to the last collection vessel 20C, which preferably is
the collection vessel 20 closest to the output piping 24.
[0038] FIGS. 5 through 7 depict an embodiment of a water filter 18
according to the present invention, disposed beneath a downspout 16
of a conventional guttering system. Water filter 18 comprises a
filtration reservoir 50 having at least one sidewall, with at least
one inlet 51 and at least one outlet 52 communicating with the
input piping 22 of the rainwater collection system for carrying
filtered rainwater R to collection vessel 20. An overflow port 54
is operatively connected to overflow piping 34 for communicating
partially filtered rainwater to be dispensed on the ground
according to the grading and groundwater drainage system of the
property, which may include a rainwater drainage system 32.
[0039] The inlet 51 of the filtration reservoir 50 is fitted with a
removable primary grate 53 having a plurality of openings 56 for
removing bulk contaminants, such as leaves, twigs, and the like
that may be carried with the rainwater R through downspouts 16.
Outlet 52 and overflow port 54 may also be fitted with a secondary
grate 55, also having a plurality of openings 56 to further filter
debris and smaller contaminants carried by the rainwater R. For
water routed to the collection vessel 20, it is particularly
desirable to provide a third stage of filtration via a removable
filtration media 57 such that rainwater R, passes through the
filtration media 57 before routing to input piping 22 via outlet
52. Preferably, filtration media 57 should be of a low restriction
type to permit high water flow rates to avoid backing up the
reservoir 50 during rainy intervals. This will permit filtration of
the rainwater R and filling of collection vessel 20 without
unnecessarily redirecting water through overflow port 54. In the
illustrative embodiment shown, filtration media 57 is depicted in
the bottom 58 portion of the filter reservoir 50 and covering
outlet 52 upstream of the rainwater R flow. If outlet 52 were
disposed through a side wall of filter reservoir 50, filtration
media 57 could be arranged vertically, or alternatively have
sufficient height or thickness to cover outlet 52 upstream of the
rainwater R passing into outlet 52.
[0040] To clean or replace the filtration media 57 of the
illustrated embodiment, grate 53 is removed from inlet 51. In
reference to FIG. 5, it should be noted that downspout 16 should be
positioned so that its bottom end is located above grate 53 by a
sufficient distance, leaving a gap, so as to permit lifting and
removal of grate 53 from inlet 51. Debris collected within
reservoir 50 that is not entrapped in filter media 57 should then
be removed from the reservoir 50 in order to avoid it being
deposited on the reservoir bottom as filter media 57 is removed.
Filter media 57 may then be removed and cleaned or replaced with a
new filter media 57. Filter media 57 can be made of any suitable
material, including for illustrative purposes meshes and screens,
open cell foams, woven and non-woven mats, and the like.
[0041] As will be appreciated from the drawings, placement of the
overflow port 54 at an elevated position relative to outlet 52 will
facilitate the routing of rainwater R through outlet 52 and into
collection vessel 20. Placement of either outlet 52 or overflow
port 54 at an elevated position relative to the bottom 58 of
filtration reservoir 50, will permit additional filtration of
rainwater R, by allowing finer debris and contaminants, such as
roofing shingle cinders and the like, to settle from the rainwater
flow R and be deposited in the bottom 58 of filtration reservoir
50. However, in the illustrative embodiment depicted, these
particles will be filtered by filtration media 57 before the
rainwater R enters input piping 22 and containment vessel 20.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, filter 18
includes a collection shut-off valve 59 interposed between outlet
52 and input piping 22. When filling of the collection vessel 20 is
desired, collection shut-off valve 59 is selectively moved to the
open position, permitting filtered rainwater to flow through
collection valve 59 and inlet piping 22. When the collection vessel
20 is full, or it is otherwise desirable to route the rainwater
through the overflow piping 34, shut-off valve 59 may be moved to
the closed position. Collection shut-off valve 59 is also
advantageous when cleaning the filter reservoir 50 and/or
filtration media 57 so as to prevent previously filtered debris,
which may become dislodged from filter media 57 when it is removed
for cleaning or replacement, from entering the input piping 22 and
collection vessel 20.
[0043] According to the illustrated embodiment of the invention
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that in the
condition where collection vessel 20 is full or where shutoff valve
59 is in a closed position, rainwater R may collect in the filter
reservoir 50 below the level of overflow port 54, or outlet 52 if
located in a sidewall of reservoir 50. If this water is allowed to
remain in the filter reservoir 50, it may stagnate and/or provide a
breeding ground for mosquitoes. Accordingly, a reservoir drain 60
is preferably provided to prevent the accumulation of water in the
reservoir 50 and may carry the accumulated water from reservoir 50
into overflow piping 34. A reservoir drain outlet 61 should be
positioned at a point above the drain inlet connection 62 to the
overflow piping 34 so that reservoir 50 may be drained by gravity,
without the need for an auxiliary pump.
[0044] FIG. 8 depicts an optional downspout filter 70 attached to
the lower end of downspout 16 for pre-filtering rainwater R prior
to rainwater R passing through primary grate 53 into filtration
reservoir 50. Downspout filter 70 preferably is constructed from a
flexible mesh or screen, open cell foam, woven or non-woven
material, or the like, that will allow a relatively free flow of
rainwater R through it. It is preferable that downspout filter 70
not overly impede the flow of rainwater R out of downspout 16 so as
not to back up rainwater R in downspout 16. It has been found that
a flexible mesh screen, such as a mesh sock or bag, is suitable for
many installations of the invention. Downspout filter 70 can be
attached to downspout 16 in any conventional manner, such as the
screws 72 shown on FIG. 8.
[0045] As downspout filter 70 traps debris in the rainwater R,
downspout filter may have to be cleaned or changed often, depending
on the location of the structure 10. For example, if the structure
10 is located out in the open with no trees nearby, there may be
very little debris on the roof 12 to be washed into the downspout
16 and it may not be necessary to clean or change downspout filter
70 often. However, if the structure 10 is located in a wooded area,
there may be much debris on the roof 12, such as twigs and leaves,
to be washed into the downspout 16 and it may be necessary to clean
or change downspout filter 70 often. Alternatively, for structures
10 located in high debris locations, it may be preferably to equip
gutters 14 with guards to reduce or prevent debris from washing
into gutters 14. In any event, downspout filter 70 is optional and
can be included as the circumstances merit.
[0046] Thus, an illustrative embodiment of the filter of the
invention is a filter for a rainwater collecting and redistributing
system comprising a filter reservoir having an inlet for receiving
rainwater; an outlet for communicating filtered rainwater from the
filter reservoir to a collection vessel for storing the rainwater;
a filtration medium interposed between the inlet and the outlet;
and an overflow port for communicating excess water from the filter
reservoir to a groundwater drainage system. Another illustrative
embodiment of the filter of the invention is a system for
collecting and redistribution comprising a filter reservoir having
a first stage filter at an inlet thereof; an outlet optionally but
preferably having a second stage filter therein, the outlet
communicating filtered rainwater from the filter reservoir to a
collection vessel; an overflow port optionally having a second
stage filter therein, the overflow port communicating excess water
from the rainwater collecting system to a groundwater drainage
system; and a filter reservoir drain, for communicating residual
water from the filter reservoir to the groundwater drainage system.
Yet another illustrative embodiment of the invention is a system
for filtering and collecting rainwater comprising a conventional
roofing and guttering system for collecting rain water; a
multi-stage filter in communication with the guttering system for
filtering debris from the rainwater; a collection vessel for
storing the filtered rainwater; and piping for directing the
rainwater from the multi-stage filter into a collection vessel.
[0047] The invention further includes a method for collecting and
redistributing rainwater R, preferably using the system disclosed
herein. An illustrative method for collecting and redistributing
rainwater R comprises the steps of catching rainwater R using a
conventional roof 12 and gutter 14 system, piping the rainwater R
into a collection vessel 20 for storing the rainwater R, and
redistributing the rainwater R from the collection vessel 20. The
method further can comprise the step of pumping the rainwater from
the collection vessel 20 through a hose 30 or other redistribution
means.
[0048] An illustrative embodiment of a method for using the
invention is a method comprising the steps of receiving rainwater
from a conventional roofing and guttering system through an inlet
to a filter reservoir having a first stage filter; communicating
the rainwater through a second stage filtration media contained in
the filter reservoir; and communicating the rainwater through an
optional third stage filter interposed in an outlet of the filter
reservoir to a rainwater collection vessel.
[0049] Typical piping components, such as valves and connectors,
are used in the system. Likewise, the piping used in the system is
connected together in conventional manners. Additional features,
such as system shut-off valves, diverters, and the like also are
contemplated. A system shut-off valve (not shown) can be located
after the overflow piping 34 on the outside of the house 90 to
prevent rainwater R from continuing to the collection vessel 20 in
the event of, for example, leaks or ruptures in the input piping 22
or collection vessel 20, or other components of the system,
especially underneath the house 90 or in the crawl space 92. This
would cause the rainwater R to divert to the overflow piping 34 and
drain pipe 32 and away from the house 90. Other diverters (not
shown) also can be included to divert the rainwater R in various
directions and to various components as desired or necessary.
[0050] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the
spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth,
but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *