U.S. patent application number 13/189790 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for method and apparatus for collecting and distributing household greywater to landscape irrigation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kevin Michael Norton. Invention is credited to Kevin Michael Norton.
Application Number | 20130025686 13/189790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47596224 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130025686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Norton; Kevin Michael |
January 31, 2013 |
Method and Apparatus for Collecting and Distributing Household
Greywater to Landscape Irrigation
Abstract
A method and apparatus for collecting greywater from greywater
sources such as bathtubs and showers before the greywater can enter
the existing plumbing through a drain, without altering the
plumbing, and communicating the greywater to a storage reservoir
for use with irrigation landscaping, the apparatus including a
drain cover and water inlet, and a pump providing a vacuum force
for communicating the greywater through a communication conduit to
the storage reservoir.
Inventors: |
Norton; Kevin Michael;
(Carlsbad, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Norton; Kevin Michael |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47596224 |
Appl. No.: |
13/189790 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/1 ;
137/565.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/22 20130101; Y10T
137/0318 20150401; Y10T 137/85978 20150401; E03B 2001/045 20130101;
F04B 37/14 20130101; E03B 1/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/1 ;
137/565.01 |
International
Class: |
E03B 11/16 20060101
E03B011/16 |
Claims
1. A greywater collection and recycling system comprising, means to
capture said greywater from a greywater source such as a bathtub or
shower before said greywater enters the drainage system; a fluid
storage reservoir; a fluidly sealed conduit communicating between
said means to capture said greywater and said reservoir; a pump; a
power source for powering said pump; and whereby said pump provides
a vacuum force to draw said greywater from said greywater source to
said storage reservoir through said fluidly sealed conduit.
2. A greywater collection and recycling system of claim 1 wherein
said means to capture said greywater comprises; a drain cover; said
cover having a top surface and a bottom surface; a water intake,
said water intake including at least one inlet fluidly
communicating to a distal end, said distal end in a sealed
engagement to said conduit; and said drain cover positionable to
form a seal over a drain of said greywater source to allow said
greywater to communicate to said water intake in a pool formed in
said greywater source to said storage reservoir.
3. The greywater collection and recycling system of claim 2
additionally comprising: said water intake located on said top
surface of said drain cover; and said drain cover positioned to
form said seal over said drain concurrently placing said water
intake in an operative position to receive said greywater from a
pool formed in said greywater source caused by said seal.
4. The greywater collection and recycling system of claim 2
additionally comprising: means for an adjustment of a flow rate
into said water intake; and said adjustment providing a matching of
said greywater communicated to said conduit with a fluid flow
requirement of said pump.
5. The greywater collection and recycling system of claim 3
additionally comprising: means for an adjustment of a flow rate
into said water intake; and said adjustment providing a matching of
said greywater communicated to said conduit with a fluid flow
requirement of said pump.
6. A device of claim 1 further comprising; a water filter engaged
with said conduit between said means to capture and said
reservoir.
7. A device of claim 4 further comprising; a water filter engaged
with said conduit between said water intake and said reservoir.
8. A device of claim 2 where said power source is a solar panel and
battery.
9. A device of claim 5 wherein said power source is a solar panel
and battery.
10. A device of claim 6 wherein said power source is a solar panel
and battery.
11. A device of claim 8 further comprising a foot activated on/off
switch for powering said power source.
12. A device of claim 9 further comprising a foot activated on/off
switch for powering said power source.
13. A device of claim 10 further comprising a foot activated on/off
switch for powering said power source.
14. A device of claim 2 further comprising; means to position said
bottom surface in registered engagement over said drain.
15. A device of claim 11 further comprising; means to position said
bottom surface in registered engagement over said drain.
16. A device of claim 12 further comprising; means to position said
bottom surface in registered engagement over said drain.
17. A device of claim 12 further comprising; said top surface being
concave as to angle toward said inlet.
18. A device of claim 14 further comprising; said top surface being
concave as to angle toward said inlet.
19. A device of claim 15 further comprising; said top surface being
concave as to angle toward said inlet.
20. A device of claim 16 further comprising; said top surface being
concave as to angle toward said inlet.
21. A device of claim 2 further comprising; said drain cover being
a slip resistant floor mat.
22. A device of claim 17 further comprising; said drain cover being
a slip resistant floor mat.
23. A device of claim 3 wherein said power source is a rechargeable
battery pack.
24. A device of claim 18 wherein said power source is a
rechargeable battery pack.
25. A device of claim 21 wherein said power source is a
rechargeable battery pack.
26. A device of claim 2 further comprising; one or a plurality of
apertures communicating from said top surface to said bottom
surface; foot activated means to open and close said apertures; and
whereby said apertures can be opened by a users foot to allow said
greywater to flow to said drain without having to remove said cover
from said drain.
27. A device of claim 14 further comprising; apertures
communicating from said top surface to said bottom surface; foot
activated means to open and close said apertures; and whereby said
apertures can be opened by a users foot to allow said greywater to
flow to said drain without having to remove said cover from said
drain.
28. A device of claim 15 further comprising; apertures
communicating from said top surface to said bottom surface; foot
activated means to open and close said apertures; and whereby said
apertures can be opened by a users foot to allow said greywater to
flow to said drain without having to remove said cover from said
drain.
29. A device of claim 16 further comprising; apertures
communicating from said top surface to said bottom surface; foot
activated means to open and close said apertures; and whereby said
apertures can be opened by a users foot to allow said greywater to
flow to said drain without having to remove said cover from said
drain.
30. A device of claim 22 further comprising; apertures
communicating from said top surface to said bottom surface; foot
activated means to open and close said apertures; and whereby said
apertures can be opened by a users foot to allow said greywater to
flow to said drain without having to remove said cover from said
drain.
31. A method for using a greywater capture and recycle system
comprising the steps of; a) covering a drain to form a seal in a
greywater source such as a shower or bathtub; b) allowing said seal
to prevent a draining of said greywater and thereby form a pool of
said greywater; c) positioning a water intake having a conduit in
sealed communication with a reservoir, in a position in said
greywater source, to receive water from said pool; d) activating a
switch to communicate power to a pump; e) allowing said pump to
form negative pressure within said reservoir and said connected
conduit; and d) allowing said negative pressure to initiate a
communication of said greywater from said greywater source to said
reservoir.
32. The method of claim 32 further comprising the steps of; e)
filtering said greywater; and f) using said greywater for
irrigation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to greywater
collection and distribution systems. More particularly the
disclosure herein relates to an improved system which is employable
without modification of existing household plumbing and can also be
utilized in residences with a concrete slab foundation.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Water conservation in today's world is especially important
with ever increasing population and decreasing sources of fresh
water. Although the benefits of modern plumbing have allowed for
the instantaneous acquisition of fresh water into the household,
and safe distribution of sewage to be properly treated, the common
consumer pays little to no attention to the amounts of water wasted
on a daily basis through toilets, showers, sink, laundry, and
irrigation.
[0005] Greywater which is specific to wastewater generated from
showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry has the benefit of being able
to be legally recycled for landscape irrigation after limited
treatment. Treatment generally involves filtration and removal of
health hazardous micro-organism and chemicals from washing/cleaning
products and the like. However, some greywater may be legally
applied directly to landscapes given limited levels of contaminants
such as from bathroom sinks, washing machines, showers and baths
when a homeowner is actively aware of household products being used
and public safety practices. Greywater differs from water from
toilets which is designated sewage or `blackwater`, which contains
human waste and must be treated at a municipal sewage treatment
plant. Prior art devices have shown many attempts to capture and
recycle greywater for use as irrigation in efforts of overall water
conservation.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,176 to Lorente teaches a water
conservation apparatus for collecting and recycling water run off
from sidewalks, streets, and gardens. The device generally includes
a shovel like handle with a scoop for collecting water. However,
Lorente is bulky and cumbersome and would be undesirable for
in-home use such as in showers or bathtubs.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,426 to DeCoster et. al., 5,217,323 to
Bilson, 5,465,434 to Coe, and 6,132,138 to Haese all teach devices
and methods for greywater capture and recycling to landscape
irrigation systems. However, and to much disadvantage, these as
well as other prior art devices disclose capturing greywater
through direct communication with the existing household plumbing
systems, which requires permanent modification. Furthermore they
employ vast amounts of communication conduits and large storage
reservoirs which are bulky and require further permanent
modification of existing structures.
[0008] In order to properly employ these as other systems it would
require a complete overhaul and alteration of existing plumbing.
This must be performed by a licensed plumber to conform to the many
laws and restrictions, and one must often tear into walls and
floors to access the greywater specific plumbing. As you can
imagine this can be time consuming and extremely costly and is
overall undesirable to the average consumer. In many cases homes
have concrete slab foundations making it cost ineffective to apply
in these homes. As such, concrete slab foundation homes have been
all but abandoned for the practice of reusing greywater from baths
and showers.
[0009] Furthermore, such overhauls tend to capture greywater from
all greywater sources in the house, including but not limited to
sinks, showers, and laundry. As such, many prior art greywater
recycling methods must employ substantial filtration systems for
removal of chemicals and other hazards commonly associated with
harsh cleaning and washing products, as well as debris and the
like. This can further add to the maintenance and upkeep required
to use these systems. Consequently, and unfortunately, the practice
of recycling greywater in residential homes has been minimal.
[0010] As such there is a continuing and unmet need for a greywater
recycling device and method which is low maintenance, cost
effective, and easily installed. The device not require any
modification of existing plumbing and should be customizable to a
wide variety of households including homes with a concrete slab
foundation. The device should provide a user with an `on demand`
means for selectively collecting greywater when desired. The device
should further be compact and portable for convenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The device herein disclosed and described provides a
solution to the shortcomings noted in prior art and achieves the
above noted goals through the provision of a household greywater
capture and recycling system for employment in showers, bathtubs,
and the like. The system generally employs a means to capture water
from showers and bathtubs before reaching the drain and therefore
without altering any existing plumbing.
[0012] As a result of this novel capturing aspect, the system can
be employed by any user anywhere with no overhaul or alterations of
existing plumbing structures to begin the process of water
conservation and greywater recycling in their own home or wherever
a shower or tub is located. This is of great advantage over prior
art in that because it is a do-it-yourself system requiring no
plumbing modifications, it may be employed without building and
regulatory rules and restrictions normally related to plumbing
systems which require restructuring by professional contractors.
Further, the device can be employed in any region of the world or
climate.
[0013] The captured water is communicated through fluidly sealed
conduits to a temporary storage means such as a tank or reservoir
preferably located outside the residence. However, applications in
an apartment setting may be achieved through the provision of
smaller, more compact temporary storage vessel indoors as
desired.
[0014] A pump generally drives the flow of water through the
conduits of the system and is of sufficient power to communicate
water through the variable elevation changes as required. Details
of the routing of the fluid communication conduits will become
apparent in the detailed description below. Once within the storage
vessel, gravity or an alternate pump may provide a means to
communicate the greywater to the desired irrigation distribution.
Such irrigation distribution systems may be, but are not limited
to, subsurface irrigation.
[0015] The device further provides `on demand` water capture when
dictated by the user. Given the absence or presence of hazardous
chemicals used in the bathtub or shower, a user may choose to
capture the water and divert it to the storage vessel of the
present invention or allow it to continue through the conventional
drain to a municipal sewage treatment facility. The flexibility of
the system providing the user with such `on demand` characteristics
is not seen in prior art and provides advantages of selective water
conservation and reuse. However, the system may also employ a
filtration means in case of accidental capture of chemicals or
debris.
[0016] In addition, fresh water is often wasted while waiting for a
shower to warm up. This fresh water may be selectively captured and
communicated to the holding tank of toilet for toilet flushing
purposes.
[0017] With respect to the above description, before explaining at
least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangement of the components in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be
regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide a greywater
recycling system which can be easily installed within any household
without need for modifying or altering existing plumbing.
[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide a greywater
recycling system that can be easily installed within any household
that is constructed with a concrete slab foundation without
reconstruction requirements or modification of existing
plumbing.
[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a grey
water recycling system that can be selectively turned on and off by
a user.
[0022] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
greywater recycling system that is compact and portable and non
permanent.
[0023] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
greywater recycling system that can capture clean water being
generated while waiting for the water to heat up to be safely used
for toilet flushing.
[0024] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a
greywater recycling system that is cost effective, low maintenance,
and customizable to a variety of architectures.
[0025] A further object of the invention to provide a greywater
recycling system that promotes environmental consciousness and
water conservation to consumers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred mode of the
device depicting a conventional shower stall with the communication
line extending through a window located within the bathroom.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram representation of the greywater
collection and recycling method employed by the disclosed
invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional shower pan
detailing the water pickup means disengaged from the shower
drain.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional shower pan
detailing the water pickup means in the as used position covering
the shower drain.
[0030] FIG. 5 is an elevated view of a preferred mode of the water
pickup means.
[0031] FIG. 5a shows an elevated view of mode of the water inlet
employing a slidably engaged planar member as means to vary the
size of the inlet aperture.
[0032] FIG. 5b is a view of the mode of the water inlet of FIG. 5a
showing the planar member in a partially closed position.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the water pickup of FIG.
5 along line AA.
[0034] FIG. 7 is an elevated view of another preferred mode of the
water pickup means.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the water pickup of FIG.
7 along line BB.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of another mode of the drain cover
employing a rotatably engaged secondary planar member that can be
rotated to allow water to flow through apertures formed in the
cover to access the conventional drain, shown in a partially open
mode.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a top view of the water pickup means of FIG. 9 in
the closed mode.
[0038] FIG. 11 is another mode of the drain cover employing
perforations or `cut-along` lines to allow the user to vary the
size of the cover to accommodate varying drains
[0039] FIG. 12 is a top view of yet another mode of the drain cover
wherein the cover is a substantially large floor mat with top
surface angled or concave towards the water intake.
[0040] FIG. 13 is an elevated view of another mode of the water
intake employing a substantial half cylindrical tube with cut out
portions on the longitudinal length as water inlets, there is also
included a coupler to allow for communication with a conduit.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a side view of the water intake of FIG. 13.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the water intake of FIG. 13.
[0043] FIG. 16 is a side view of a partial diagram representation
of another particularly preferred mode of the device where the
communication line is passed through a homes exterior wall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0044] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-16, wherein similar
components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen
in FIG. 1 a perspective view of a particularly preferred mode of
the device 10. A conventional shower stall 12 is depicted including
a shower pan 14 for water collection. It must be noted that the
preferred modes of the device may similarly be employed within a
conventional bathtub (not shown), while the depictions set forth
were shown using a conventional shower for descriptive purposes
only and should not be considered limiting. The general scope of
the invention will become apparent upon further description of the
preferred modes.
[0045] It is of great importance in the present invention to
capture greywater before it reaches the conventional drain and
sewer system plumbing. To capture greywater before reaching the
existing plumbing, the drain 16 (FIG. 3) is covered to allow water
to temporarily pool, since it is common for the floor of the shower
pan 14 or bathtub to angle towards the drain 16. A water pickup and
capturing means 20 is positioned within the shower pan 14 over the
drain that further engages to a communication conduit 24. The water
is then communicated through the conduit 24, such as a hose or
pipe, to a location preferable outside the residence.
[0046] To reduce the need for altering the existing structure of
the residence it is particularly preferred that the communication
conduit 24 be adapted for an extension through a nearby window 70,
which are commonly located near showers and bathtubs in most
domestic bathrooms. However additional means of employment of the
device 10 is described later in FIG. 16, may be used.
[0047] An on/off switch 26 is preferably located at or near the
shower stall 12 to provide the user with an `on demand` means to
activate the system and begin greywater capture while showering or
after bathing in a tub. It must be noted that various modifications
and arrangements may be necessary to extend the communication
conduit 24 from the pickup 20 to an adjacent window given the
architecture of the bathroom at hand. Therefore the depiction set
forth should not be considered limiting in the intended scope of
the device as described.
[0048] A diagram representation of the greywater capture and
recycling system can be seen in FIG. 2. In general, a pump 32
provides a means to communicate the captured water from the pooled
greywater at the pickup 20 to a storage means 38 via the
communication conduit 24. The storage means 38 is preferably a tank
or reservoir located outside the residence. The device 10 may
further optionally include a filtering means 36 for chemicals,
debris, or the like. However, given the `on demand` nature of the
device, a user can selectively capture only greywater that is
substantially free of contaminants and a filter 36 may not be
necessary. As such, without an optional filter, the maintenance of
the device 10 will be greatly reduced and is further desirable over
prior art.
[0049] The pump 32 is preferably self priming in that in can handle
air and water mixtures that may be encountered in a shower setting
without losing prime, or draw. The pump 32 is operatively powered
by a power source 34, such as AC power, battery, battery pack, or
battery/solar panel combination (not shown). It is particularly
preferred that a solar panel is used along with a battery to
eliminate the chance of electric shock commonly encountered through
AC power plugs. Furthermore the use of solar power further instills
within the user the concept of conservation, not only of water but
of energy as well.
[0050] However, in another particularly preferred mode the power
source 34 may be rechargeable battery (not shown) such as those
used in typical power drill or other equipment. This will provide a
compact power source and means of employment such as to allow a
user to simply charge additionally battery packs (not shown) and
replace fully charged packs as needed to power the pump 32.
[0051] As mentioned an on/off switch 26 allows a user to
selectively capture greywater. The switch 26 is electrically
connected to the power source 34 and preferably located at or near
the shower stall 12. The location and arrangement of the switch 26
however, may vary depending on user preference, as well as other
factors. As is shown and described in more detail shortly in FIG.
12, the switch may alternatively be a foot activated depression
switch located at the water pickup 20. Still further, the pump 32
may turn on and off based on resistance and sensing air moving
inside the conduit by employing pressure sensors (not shown). As
greywater is fed by a pool into the conduit, it displaces air to
the reservoir that might be detected by the pressure sensor to turn
on the pump 32. Alternatively, the user may add pressure to the
reservoir via a manually activated pump located at or near the
pickup 20 which is detected by the sensor and turns on the pump
32.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows an elevated perspective view of a shower stall
12 with the water pickup 20 disengaged from the drain 16. As noted
previously, the invention is capable of employment in a bathtub
including a drain while a shower stall is shown merely for
demonstrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. It is
particularly preferred that the water pickup 20 consist of a water
intake 30 and drain cover 21 made of a rubber or soft plastic and
which may be formed unitary in structure. However, in another mode
the intake 30 and cover 21 may be manufactured as separate
components for cooperative engagement as such. Further, it must be
noted that the drain cover 21 can be sized larger or smaller as
needed to accommodate varying sizes of drains and is anticipated in
this disclosure. Additionally, the cover 21 may be formed
substantially larger, similar to a floor mat, wherein the cover 21
communicates substantially over the entire shower pan 14 or bathtub
floor. FIG. 4 shows the pickup 20 in the as used mode operatively
covering the drain 16.
[0053] The pickup means 20 generally includes a drain cover 21 and
intake 30. The intake 30 additionally includes at least one inlet
aperture 22 and a means to removable engaged to the communication
line or may alternatively be permanently engaged to the
communication line 24, as is shown and described in more detail
shortly. The intake 30 may further include a screen or grate as a
pre-filter for debris, hair, and the like.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows an elevated view of a particularly preferred
mode of the pickup means 20 of the device 10. In this mode the
pickup 20 includes a drain cover 21 sized for engagement over a
shower or bathtub drain. However, as mentioned previously, the
cover 21 may be sized substantially larger as to resemble a shower
mat for covering a substantial floor area of the shower or tub.
[0055] It is additionally preferred that the cover 21 be concave or
otherwise angled 27 towards the intake 30. As is shown the intake
30 is elongated to be substantially low profile as a user may be
required to stand in the area around the cover 21 due to the
location of the drain within the shower stall or tub. The intake 30
includes an inlet 22 that communicates to a distal end 25 wherein
the distal end 25 may be coupled to the communication line 24 such
as via circumferential fictional engagement or other engagement
means known in the art. Alternatively, the distal end 25 may be
permanently engaged to the communication line 24.
[0056] A still further preferred mode of the device 10 shown in
FIG. 5a depicts the water inlet 22 of the intake 30 employing means
to adjust the flow rate of greywater into the intake 30 such as by
varying the size of the inlet aperture 22. This allows the user to
match the flow rate drawn in at the inlet 22 with the fluid flow
requirements of the pump 32 as may be needed when the pool of
greywater around the pickup 20 is substantially high or low. As
shown in the figure, the intake 30, employs a slot 33 at or near
the inlet 22 that is intended to receive a slidably engageable
planar member 35.
[0057] Shown further in FIG. 5b in the as used mode, the planar
member 35 is slidably engaged within the slot 33 in a partially
closed mode such that the inlet aperture 22 is substantially
reduced. Still further, the planar member 35 employs a
substantially large foot engageable tab member 37 to allow the user
to slide the planar member 35 to vary the inlet aperture 22 size as
needed. It is intended that the tab member 37 be substantially
large as to allow the user to engaged the tab 37 with their foot in
the event that their eyes are closed such as may be encountered
when washing their face or shampooing their hair. It must be noted
that those skilled in the art will appreciate various other means
to adjust the flow rate of greywater into the intake 30. As such
the depictions and descriptions set forth should not be considered
limiting in the means to adjust the flow rate of greywater into the
intake 30. It must further be noted that those skilled in the are
will appreciate that the provision of a means to adjust the flow
rate of greywater into the intake 30 may be employed on any of the
modes of the device 10 described in this application and should not
be considered limited to the mode shown in FIG. 5.
[0058] As is shown in the cross section of the device of FIG. 5
along line AA, it is depicted in FIG. 6 that the water intake 30
may be formed in unitary to the cover 21 such as injection molding
or other forming means known in the art. However, the cover 21 and
intake 30 may be formed separately and engaged during manufacturing
operations for example. There is further shown an optional water
sensor switch 40 engaged at or near the intake 30. This may be used
separately or in combination with the on/off switch 26 mentioned
previously and may be wired or wirelessly connected to the power
source 34 as needed for powering the power source 34 given the
presence or absence of water.
[0059] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
inlet 22 of the intake 30 be formed or sized to receive a water
volume concurrent with the flow rate dictated by the pump 32 and
fluidly engaged communication line 24. As such it must be noted
that the figure is not shown to scale as it may be required that
the inlet 22 be sized larger or smaller to accommodate the correct
flow rate and volume of water.
[0060] Another particularly preferred mode of the water pickup 20
is shown in an elevated view of FIG. 7. This mode includes a right
angled coupling intake 30 such as a right angled PVC coupler or the
like. In this mode the intake 30 includes at least two inlets 22
separated by standoff portions 29 extending from the sidewall of
the intake 31 to a recess 31 formed in the drain cover 21. The
standoffs 29 may be removable or permanently engaged within the
recess 31 such as biased frictional engagement or adhesives.
Research as shown that having at least two inlets 22 as depicted in
this mode provides the best communication of water into the intake
30, however the device 10 may employ more or less as needed.
[0061] It is again preferred that the cover 21 be concave or
otherwise angled 27 towards the intake 30 as is shown in the cross
sectional view of FIG. 8. Further shown is a registering protrusion
23 employed on the bottom side of the cover 21 providing a means
for registered engagement of the cover 21 over a drain 16.
[0062] The protrusion 23 is preferably shaped to substantially
exactly the size of the drain as to sit or rest in the a lip often
present on a drain when placed operatively over it to provide
secure engagement of the pickup 20 over the drain. In this manner
the cover 21 will not accidentally slip or otherwise disengage from
the drain during use. It must be noted that the provision of a
registering protrusion 23 may be employed in any of the preferred
modes of the pickup 20 of the device 10 and is not limited to the
mode of FIG. 7 only.
[0063] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate various
other means to provide registered engagement of the drain cover 21
over a drain and are anticipated in this disclosure. As such the
present invention should not be considered limited to a protrusion
23 as shown as means to provide registered engagement of the cover
21 over a drain as is within the intended scope of the device 10.
Other means may be locating tabs, slots, ribs, etc.
[0064] Further shown in FIG. 9 is another preferred mode of the
pickup 20 employing means to allow water to bypass the drain cover
21 and enter the conventional drain without having to remove the
cover 21 from the drain. In this mode the cover 21 includes one or
a plurality of apertures 46 communicating therethrough. There is
further shown a substantially circular secondary planar member 48
coaxially aligned and rotatably engaged to the cover 21. The
secondary member 48, shown currently in a partially open mode, can
be rotated about a pin 50 as to be positioned to block or close off
the apertures as shown further in FIG. 10. As such the secondary
member 48 may be formed in any shape as needed to close the
plurality of apertures 46 formed in the cover 21 and should not be
considered limited to four such apertures 46 as depicted in the
figure.
[0065] The secondary member 48 additionally includes a foot
engageable tab 52 for rotating the member 48 as needed. It is
particularly preferred that a user may engaged the tab 52 with
their foot or toe for closing or opening the apertures 46 as
needed. This may be advantageous in that the user does not have to
bend over to remove the cover 21 from the drain when greywater
collection is no longer desired. In this mode the cover 21 and
secondary member 48 may be of a rigid plastic or similarly rubber
to allow for easy rotation of the secondary member 48. Further, it
must be noted that this mode may be employed in combination with
any of the preferred modes of the pickup 20 described in this
application.
[0066] A still further particularly preferred mode of the pickup 20
is shown in FIG. 11 wherein the cover 21 employs a plurality of
substantially circular perforations 52 that allow a user to vary
the size of the cover 21. This provides additional utility in that
not all drains are the same size and will allow the user to reduce
the diameter as needed to conform as such. The perforations 52
however, may alternatively be printed lines merely providing a
visual guide to allow a user to cut the cover 21 to size as
needed.
[0067] Further shown in FIG. 12, the drain cover of the disclosed
pickup means 20 may be operatively sized to cover the entire shower
pan 14, such as to resemble a substantially large slip resistant
shower mat 21'. This may be advantageous when a drain 16 is
centrally located within the shower pan 14 which would normally
require a user to heed caution when stepping around the pickup 20.
In this mode the mat 21' may have a top surface that is angled 54
toward the intake 30. Further, it must be noted that this mode may
be used in combination with any of the preferred modes of the
pickup 20 disclosed, such as but not limited to employing means for
registered engagement (FIG. 7) or means to bypass the cover (FIG.
9).
[0068] In a particularly preferred mode the mat 21' employs a
substantially large foot depression activation switch 26'. The
switch 26' is preferably within a water proof casing or housing and
may be electrically or wirelessly connected to the power source 34.
Further, the switch 26' is preferably large enough to allow the
user to locate the switch 26' with their foot even if their eyes
are closed as may be encountered when shampooing their hair or
washing their face. This provides added utility in the case where
the user may have left the device 10 on before applying chemicals
to their hair, and the foot switch 26' provides a means to safety
and effectively shut off the power source 34 before the chemicals
can be drawn into the intake 30.
[0069] It must be noted that the provision of a foot depression
activation switch 26' can be employed with any of the preferred
modes of the water pickup 20 and is not limited to the mat 21' as
shown in the figure. As such, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the size and location of the switch 26' may be
varied and should not be considered limiting by the figure.
[0070] Still further shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are views of an
additional mode of the water intake 30. This mode includes a
substantially half cylindrical pipe 55 with capped ends 56 and
partially capped bottom portions 57. There is included water inlets
58 extending along a substantial portion of the longitudinal edge
of the pipe 55. The inlets 58 are preferably cut at a height of
1/8th inch from the bottom surface 57 of the pipe 55. There is
further a fluidly engaged coupler 59 providing means to communicate
water from the inlets 58 to operatively engaged fluid conduit 24
(not shown).
[0071] As previously described, the greywater communication conduit
24 can extend from the water pickup 20 to the storage means 38 in a
plurality of ways depending on the individual household. Since it
is common for bathrooms, where there is a shower stall or bathtub,
to include a window, in a particularly preferred mode the
communication means 24 such as a hose, pipe, or conduit extends
from the pickup 20 and through the window 70 to the storage means
38 preferably located near the intended window as described in FIG.
1. A portion of the greywater communication conduit 24 may be
specially adapted to allow the window to substantially close yet
still allow the sufficient fluid flow, if desired so by the user.
The hose, pipe, or conduit 24 may be removably engaged to portions
of the bathroom wall in order to keep them in an orderly fashion by
removable engagement means such as hooks, hook and loop fasteners,
or fasteners of the like.
[0072] If a window is not readily available and/or the bathroom
shares a wall adjacent to the outside of the residence, in another
particularly preferred mode depicted in FIG. 16 the water
communication conduit 24 may be passed through the wall 72 by means
of forming a hole 60 of operative size relative to the
communication conduit 24, such as by drilling. The hole 60 is
preferred to be substantially near the bathtub or floor of the
shower stall and extend directly to the pickup 20. Quick release
couplings 62 may further be employed between the pickup 20 and
communication conduit 24 for easy removability when desired by the
user. Since no existing plumbing is affected, anyone may perform
this aspect and does not require a licensed plumber.
[0073] Aspects of the device 10 depicted and described in FIG. 16
may similarly be employed in the description set for in FIG. 1,
such as the use of quick release couplings 62.
[0074] The device 10 may also be employed to selectively capture
fresh water such as when a user waits for the running water to heat
up. This fresh water can then be communicated to the holding tank
of a toilet (not shown) for safe use for toilet flushing means.
[0075] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of
the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference
to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,
various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing
disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some
features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding
use of other features without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various
substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations
and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *