AU2005227412B2

AU2005227412B2 - A water storage receptacle

Info

Publication number: AU2005227412B2
Application number: AU2005227412A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dennis White
Original assignee: White D E; White H M
Current assignee: White H M
Priority date: 2004-10-29
Filing date: 2005-10-28
Publication date: 2009-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-28
Also published as: AU2005227412A1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: A WATER STORAGE RECEPTACLE Applicant: D.E. & H.M. WHITE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 JM W:\SASKIA\PatentsMlRN758121.doc 2 A WATER STORAGE RECEPTACLE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the storage of water for household, 5 agricultural or industrial use. Background to the Invention The storage of rainwater collected from catchment surfaces provided by the rooves of buildings in water storage tanks has been practiced in rural and 10 remote areas where mains water is not available for many years. People living in urban areas are increasingly being encouraged to reduce pressure on storage dams and public water supply infrastructure by collecting and storing rainwater for their own household and garden use. In both cases, the collection of rainwater typically involves conducting the flow of rainwater from a catchment 15 surface such as the roof of a building such as a house, garage or shed, and into a rainwater storage tank using gutters or other suitable channelling means. Conventional water storage tanks are formed from rigid materials such as corrugated galvanised iron, concrete, fibreglass or polyethylene. Such water storage tanks are available in a range of shapes and sizes, but are most 20 commonly recognised as large cylindrical tanks which are located next to or in close proximity to the house, garage or shed that is providing the catchment surface. It is widely regarded that such conventional water storage tanks take up a significant amount of space and are visually obtrusive. Since water storage tanks are generally constructed from as few pieces 25 of the construction material as possible to avoid leakage through any joins in the tank's surface, most tanks are constructed off site and need to be transported to the position where they are to be installed. Due to their large, unwieldily size and shape, the transport of water storage tanks can be both difficult and expensive. 30 An alternative to use of above ground water storage tanks is to locate the water storage tanks underground. However, location of water storage tanks underground involves large scale excavations making the cost of installation prohibitive. Maintenance of underground water storage tanks can also be problematic due to the lack of accessibility and underground tanks are W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptade(As Filed 280ct05)doc 3 susceptible to damage by tree roots. Moreover, underground water storage tanks may carry risk of water contamination by groundwater or floodwaters. The discussion of the background to the invention included herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that 5 any of the material referred to were published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the claims. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water 10 storage receptacle for positioning between two supporting panels aligned to form a cavity there between, the storage receptacle including: (a) a flexible bladder defining a collapsible volume; (b) an inlet to allow for intake of water into the bladder; (c) an outlet to allow for removal of water from the bladder; and 15 (d) mounting means for attaching the bladder to a support member; wherein the collapsible volume of expands to fill the cavity between the supporting panels as the bladder is filled with water; and wherein at least one of the two supporting panels is provided by some other structure. 20 The bladder may be formed from any suitable material which is flexible and waterproof. Suitable materials may include plastics, canvas, rubber, polyvinylchloride and the like. The flexible bladder may be formed from one or more flexible sheets which can be joined together with a suitable watertight seal. The supporting panels may consist of any suitable material which is capable of 25 withstanding the horizontal forces which will be exerted on the supporting panels when the flexible bladder positioned there between has been filled to capacity with water. One example of such a suitable material would be corrugated iron sheeting although other metal, fibreglass or plastic sheeting, or timber panels may also be suitable. 30 In one particular embodiment of the present invention, a first supporting panel consists of at least a section of an exterior wall of a building and a second supporting panel consists of at least a section of an interior wall of a building. The flexible bladder is used to store water within a wall cavity formed between the first supporting panel and the second supporting panel. W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\758121 (21.05.09).doc 4 In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the supporting panels are arranged to form a screen or fence. The flexible bladder is mounted between the supporting panels to form an inconspicuous water storage receptacle. 5 It is to be understood that for the embodiments described, the water to be stored in the water storage receptacle is obtained via known water harvesting means involving directing the flow of rainwater from a catchment surface such as the roof of a building such as a house, garage or shed, and into the rainwater storage receptacle via the inlet using gutters or other suitable 10 channelling means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume of water stored in the flexible bladder is regulated by an overflow. The flexible bladder may further include an opening above the maximum water level as regulated by the overflow. Preferably, the flexible bladder further includes a closure in the form 15 of a flap which folds over the opening. Preferably, the flexible bladder is configured to be substantially self supporting when filled to capacity. Most preferably, the flexible bladder includes a bottom wall, two end walls and two side walls to fill a substantially rectangular space. 20 In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible bladder is configured to store approximately 220 litres per square metre of supporting panel. Preferably, the flexible bladder has a maximum height of 1.2 metres. At least two flexible bladders may be positioned adjacent to one another 25 and interconnected to allow the flow of water from a first flexible bladder to a second adjacent flexible bladder. Adjacent flexible bladders may be located one beside the other, one above the other, or both depending on the configuration of the existing supporting panel structure and the volume of water to be stored. 30 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a water storage receptacle including a flexible bladder defining a collapsible volume, the method including the following steps: (a) mounting the bladder on one or more horizontal wall support members supporting at least a first section of wall panelling; WASASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280ctO5).doc 5 (b) erecting at least a second section of wall panelling in alignment with the first section of wall panelling to form a wall cavity containing the bladder; and (c) connecting channelling means to divert water from a catchment 5 surface in the bladder through an inlet; wherein the collapsible volume of expands to fill the cavity between the supporting panels as the bladder is filled with water. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of regulating the temperature in a building, the method 10 including the following steps: (a) spacing a plurality of flexible bladders defining a collapsible volume around the walls of the building by mounting the bladders oin horizontal wall support members supporting the external wall panelling; (b) erecting internal wall panelling in alignment with the external wall 15 panelling to form a wall cavity containing the bladder; (c) providing interconnecting means between the plurality of bladders to enable water to flow from one bladder to one or more adjacent bladders; (d) providing pumping means to circulate water through the plurality of interconnected bladders and through a heat exchanging means. 20 An advantage of the present invention is that the water storage receptacle is adapted to make use of the conventional structural aspects of buildings and similar structures. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a low cost water storage receptacle which is relatively simple to install in existing buildings 25 and similar structures. Yet another advantage is that the water storage receptacle of the present invention provides an unobtrusive water storage facility which does not take up significant amounts of space. 30 Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the attached drawings illustrating example forms of the invention. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280ctO5).doc 6 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a flexible bladder mounted on a support member in a building according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a side on view of an installed water storage receptacle 5 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a plurality of flexible bladders mounted on support members according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a flexible bladder mounted on a 10 support member for a fence according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description The water storage receptacle of the present invention is configured to be 15 installed in existing buildings and sheds which provide a suitable supporting wall panel. The water storage receptacle is particularly adapted to be installed in a shed or similar building constructed from metal sheeting such as corrugated iron sheeting. Referring firstly to Figure 1, a water storage receptacle 10 including a 20 flexible bladder 12 defining a collapsible volume is mounted on a support member 14. The support member 14 comprises a horizontal structural member such as a girt or purlin which also serves to support the external wall panelling 16 of the building. In the illustrated embodiment, external wall panelling consists of corrugated iron sheeting. Corrugated iron sheeting is particularly 25 suitable for supporting the flexible bladder 12 when the flexible bladder is filled to capacity with water due to its inherent flexibility and strength. However, it is to be understood that any other material having similar properties and which is capable of withstanding the horizontal forces imparted by the flexible bladder 12 when full of water may be substituted for the corrugated iron sheeting. 30 A second supporting panel (not shown) must be erected to ensure that the flexible bladder 12 is supported on both sides. The second supporting panel preferably also comprises corrugated iron sheeting or similar for the reasons provided above. In the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that the second supporting panel forms an interior cladding for the building. W\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280cd05).doc 7 Therefore, in addition to providing the required support for the flexible bladder 12, the interior cladding also serves to improve the interior appearance of the shed or building. The supporting panels are aligned to form a wall cavity there between which accommodates the water storage receptacle 10. 5 Mounting means 18 are provided for attaching the flexible bladder 12 to a support member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting means 18 are provided in the form of hooks which hook over the support member 14. Preferably, the mounting means 18 include a resilient biased means such as a spring or elasticised material of some sort to enable the mounting means 18 to 10 compensate when water is added to or removed from the flexible bladder 12. In one embodiment, the mounting means 18 consists of a spring mounted hook like structure, whilst in another embodiment, the mounting means 18 may include elasticised strapping such as a bungy cord. Referring now to Figure 2, the water storage receptacle includes an inlet 15 20 to allow for intake of water into the flexible bladder 12 and an outlet 22 to allow for removal of water from the flexible bladder 12. The inlet 20 and the outlet 22 may be formed from tube sections which can be sealingly attached to the flexible bladder 12. The inlet 20 may include a filter through which the water is passed before entering the flexible bladder 12 to prevent any debris from 20 entering the water storage receptacle 10. The outlet 22 is associated with a suitable valve mechanism to allow water to be removed from the flexible bladder when required. As the flexible bladder 12 is filled with water via the inlet 20, the collapsible volume expands to fill the cavity between the supporting panels 16 25 and 24. The water to be stored in the water storage receptacle 10 may be provided via known water harvesting means involving directing the flow of rainwater from a catchment surface such as the roof of a building such as a house, garage or shed, and into the rainwater storage receptacle via the inlet using gutters or other suitable channelling means. Alternatively, if required, the 30 water storage receptacle could also be filled from other existing water storage facilities. For instance, it may be necessary to supplement rainwater harvested from catchment surfaces if it is desirable to have the flexible bladders filled to capacity for fire fighting purposes or the like. W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280c05).doc 8 The water storage receptacle 10 may further include an overflow (not shown). The overflow regulates the level of water stored within the flexible bladder 12 to ensure that it is not overfilled. The flexible bladder 12 may be entirely sealed or alternatively, could include an opening 26 above the 5 maximum water level as regulated by the overflow. The flexible bladder 12 is configured to be substantially self supporting when filled to capacity. The flexible bladder 12 includes a bottom wall 28, two end walls 30 and 32 (see Figure 1) and two side walls 34 and 36 to fit a substantially rectangular space. 10 If desirable, a closure can be provided for the opening in the form of a flap which folds over the opening 26. Alternatively, a closure could be provided by sealing the upper edges of the two side walls 34 and 36. It is envisaged that sealing of the flexible bladder 12 would be highly desirable, and may in fact be required by regulation in the event that the water stored within the bladder 12 is 15 to be used for human consumption. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible bladder 12 is configured to store approximately 220 litres per square metre of supporting panel. Therefore, it is envisaged that a flexible bladder which is 5 metres long and has a height H of 1 metre, is adapted to store approximately 20 1100 litres of water. Preferably, the flexible bladder 12 has a maximum height H of 1.2 metres. Referring now to Figure 3, a plurality of flexible bladders 12 may be positioned adjacent to one another. Adjacent flexible bladders may be located one beside the other, one above the other, or both depending on the 25 configuration of the existing supporting panel structure and the volume of water to be stored. Adjacent flexible bladders may be interconnected to allow the flow of water from a first flexible bladder to a second adjacent flexible bladder. It is to be understood that the bladder can be supplied in a range of lengths to fit various spaces along a wall. For example, the lower bladder 30 shown in Figure 3 is longer than the upper bladder to enable a single bladder to extend along the entire wall section as shown in Figure 3. It is envisaged that the bladder could be supplied in rolls of various lengths, for example 1 metre, 5 metre, 10 metre and 20 metre rolls etc. to fit a variety of wall configurations. W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280ct05).doc 9 This avoids the need to interconnect adjacent bladders to permit the flow of water from one bladder to another. Moreover, due to the flexibility of the bladder, it is to be understood that the bladder is able to accommodate various obstructions, such as fDr example 5 the vertical support beam shown in Figure 3. As the bladder fills with water, the collapsible volume simply conforms to the available space. Referring now to Figure 4, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the supporting panels 38 and 40 are arranged to form a screen or fence 42. The flexible bladder 12 is mounted between the supporting 10 panels 38 and 40 to form an inconspicuous water storage receptacle. The water storage receptacle of the present invention is relatively simple to install in existing buildings or structures which consist of some support framework and wall panelling or cladding. The flexible bladder 12 is mounted on the one or more horizontal wall support structures using the mounting means 15 18. The support members 14 also support one or more sections of wall panelling 16. Once the flexible bladder 12 has been securely mounted, a second section of wall panelling is erected in alignment with the first section of wall panelling 16 to form a wall cavity. The wall cavity accommodates the flexible bladder 12. Suitable channelling means such as a series of gutters is 20 connected to the water storage receptacle to divert water from a catchment surface into the flexible bladder 12 through an inlet 20. As the flexible bladder 12 is filed with water, the collapsible volume expands to fill the wall cavity. A secondary function of the water storage receptacle of the present invention, apart from providing a means for inconspicuously storing water, is to 25 utilise the heat exchange properties of the water stored in the flexible bladders to enable regulation of the temperature within the building in which it is installed. In accordance with the present invention, the building can have a plurality of water storage receptacles placed within its wall cavities taking into account the position of doors and windows. The water storage receptacle acts 30 as an efficient insulation against extremes of heat or cold as well as supplying water for gardens, consumption or fire fighting. The flexible bladders can be interconnected by suitable tubing or pipes and a pump can be provided to pump water between flexible bladders. If desired, water can be pumped from the flexible bladders through a heat W:SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280ct05).doc 10 exchanger to either warm or cool the stored water as required in accordance with the extraneous conditions. It is to be understood that various additions, alterations and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing 5 from the ambit of the invention. W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280c05).doc

Claims

1. A water storage receptacle for positioning between two supporting panels aligned to form a cavity there between, the storage receptacle including: 5 (a) a flexible bladder defining a collapsible volume; (b) an inlet to allow for intake of water into the bladder; (c) an outlet to allow for removal of water from the bladder; and (d) mounting means for attaching the bladder to a support member; wherein the collapsible volume of expands to fill the cavity between the 10 supporting panels as the bladder is filled with water; and wherein at least one of the two, supporting panels is provided by some other structure.

2. A water storage receptacle according to claim 1, wherein a first supporting 15 panel consists of at least a section of an exterior wall of a building and a second supporting panel consists of at least a section of an interior wall of a building.

3. A water storage receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the supporting panels are arranged to form a screen or fence. ?0

4. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the volume of water stored in the bladder is regulated by an overflow.

5. A water storage receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the bladder includes 25 an opening above the maximum water level as regulated by the overflow.

6. A water storage receptacle according to claim 6, wherein the bladder further includes a closure in the form of a flap which folds over the opening. 30

7. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bladder is configured to be substantially self supporting when filled to capacity. W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\758121 (21.05.09).doc 12

8. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bladder includes a bottom wall, two end walls and two side walls to fit a substantially rectangular space. 5

9. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bladder is configured to store approximately 220 litres per square metre of supporting panel.

10. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 10 wherein the bladder has a maximum height of 1.2 metres.

11. A water storage receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least two bladders are positioned adjacent to one another and are interconnected to allow the flow of water from a first bladder to a second 15 adjacent bladder.

12. A method of installing a water storage receptacle including a flexible bladder defining a collapsible volume, the method including the following steps: (a) mounting the bladder on one or more horizontal wall support 20 members supporting at least a first section of wall panelling; (b) erecting at least a second section of wall panelling in alignment with the first section of wall panelling to form a wall cavity containing the bladder; and (c) connecting channelling means to divert water from a catchment 25 surface in the bladder through an inlet; wherein the collapsible volume of expands to fill the cavity between the supporting panels as the bladder is filled with water.

13. A method of regulating the temperature in a building, Ithe method 30 including the following steps: (a) spacing a plurality of flexible bladders defining a collapsible volume around the walls of the building by mounting the bladders on horizontal wall support members supporting the external wall panelling; W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacte(As Filed 280ct05).doc 13 (b) erecting internal wall panelling in alignment with the external wall panelling to form a wall cavity containing the bladder; (c) providing interconnecting means between the plurality of bladders to enable water to flow from one bladder to one or more adjacent bladders; 5 (d) providing pumping means to circulate water through the plurality of interconnected bladders and through a heat exchanging means.

14. A water storage receptacle for positioning between two supporting panels aligned to form a cavity there between substantially as herein before 10 described with reference to any one of the drawings.

15. A method of installing a water storage receptacle including a flexible bladder defining a collapsible volume substantially as herein before described. 15

16. A method of regulating the temperature in a building as herein before described. Dated: 28 October 2005 20 Phillips Ormonde & Fitzpatrick Patent Attorneys for: D.E. & H.M. WHITE W:\SASKIA\Patent Spec\Water Storage Receptacle(As Filed 280ct05).doc