Abstract:
A water storage system is provided that stores a quantity of fresh, potable water for residential or commercial use when municipal water or ground water is not available. The system comprises several embodiments, including a pressurized system and a non-pressurized system that stores water from a main water line in one or more storage tanks for subsequent use. A solar-powered pump is utilized to pump water from the storage tank or tanks when no electrical power is available, allowing water to be distributed into a dwelling or building to run facilities and to allow for undisturbed operation in the event of a catastrophe or emergency event. Water is continually or operably circulated through the tanks in order to maintain a fresh supply under normal conditions, while the tanks can be isolated from the main water supply in an emergency event.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to water storage and systems for storing potable water for in-home use in the event of an emergency event. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system that stores fresh water from a water source in a local storage tank, the tank (or tanks) being disposed either outdoors, indoors, or within condensed living quarters and whereby the water is available in the event that a main water supply ceases for a period of time. 
     Fresh water is an essential resource and a precious commodity for maintaining a livable environment. In both the developing and the developed worlds, access to fresh water is necessary to maintain living standards and allow an area to be populated. In the developed world, most have become accustomed to ready access to fresh, potable water that is supplied directly into their homes to meet their daily needs. However, certain emergency situations and catastrophes can make fresh water sources unavailable for periods of time, which can lead to shortages and panic amongst the population. 
     Fresh water is used in most homes in order to operate various systems and to provide potable water for food preparation and sustenance. During emergency events, however, access to this abundance of fresh water can be interfered with, potentially causing a shortage of usable water in a given area. Common emergency situations include storm events that can disable water distribution systems, droughts that can dwindle water supplies, contamination of water supplies from environmental disasters, and more recently security threats to water infrastructure. 
     These types of emergency events can affect developed and developing countries equally. Therefore, the ability to collect and store fresh water when available from a main water supply and maintain the same for a period of time is an oft-overlooked security need that can provide lifesaving access in times of crisis and disorder. Readily available fresh water provides for sustenance and for operation of facilities; however most do not readily appreciate the risk of events that can interfere with running water supplies. 
     The present invention contemplates a system that address this need, wherein one or more fresh water storage tanks are provided either in the home or stored outdoors and connected to a main water supply. The system draws water and stores the same from the main water supply and can pump the water into the home in times of power loss using a solar water pump. The system continually or periodically replenishes the tanks with water from the main water supply, maintaining a fresh quantity thereof if access to the main water supply ceases or becomes unavailable. The storage of water provides access to a store of fresh water when necessary, wherein several embodiments of the present invention are contemplated to address different configurations that would accommodate various residential and commercial water systems. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to water distribution and storage systems. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to different systems that allow a tank to be replenished and used when desired; however none are specifically adapted for use when the main water supply is inoperable and when electrical power is not available. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
     Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,382 to Cirillo discloses an emergency water tank device that stores water within a building or dwelling in the event the main water supply is shut off. The tank comprises one of a fiberglass construction, wherein the tank is placed between the main water supply and the rest of the dwelling water distribution system. A check valve is disposed upstream and downstream from the system, along with an air relieving valve in the end wall of the tank. Further provided is a means to fluorinate the water in the tank prior to use. While the Cirillo device is one that stores water within a dwelling, its construction does not contemplate a pressurized system or one that can operate a shower or any appliances as would be possible if the main water supply were still active. The present invention allows users within the dwelling to draw water through the plumbing system and does not contemplate drawing water from the tank manually. 
     Similar to the Cirillo system, U.S. Pat. No. 3,095,893 to Martin discloses a system for storing water tanks and filling/refilling the same in a multi-level building, such as an apartment or commercial building. An emergency water tank is placed on each floor and is in line with the water supply lines, whereby under normal conditions the tanks are continually replenished. A check valve can freeze the incoming water and an air valve can be opened in each tank such that water can be withdrawn from the individual tanks via a spigot. Similar to Cirillo, the Martin system requires manual dispensing of the water from the tanks. The present invention contemplates a system that operates a dwelling&#39;s water supply as it would operate under normal conditions, whereby direct retrieval of water is not required. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,789 to Benscoter discloses an emergency water reservoir that is coupled to an existing hot water heater plumbing supply and used to store water from the hot water tank for use when municipal supply is not available. Taps are provided for withdrawing water directly from the water reservoir for drinking and other uses. The Benscoter, rather than tying directly into the main water supply entering the house, draws water into a temporary reservoir from the hot water heater tank. While disclosing a temporary water storage system for emergencies, the construction and the system of the Benscoter diverges from that of the present invention. 
     Finally, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0037114 to Sudhalkar discloses a system for storing emergency water supplies using a storage tank and a plurality of valves that allow the system to fill the tank or to bypass the tank. The system draws water from the main water pipe and provides an alternate route for water to fill an emergency storage tank and then bypass the same. This configuration shares some elements with the present invention; however, the Sudhalkar device fails to disclose pressurized and non-pressurized system embodiments and the exact arrangement of the present system. Several embodiments of the water storage system are contemplated by the present invention, wherein water is stored in a pressurized or unpressurized state. All embodiments contemplated a water pump device that draws power from a solar photovoltaic cell and battery storage such that the system can function when the main water pipe is not providing water and no electricity is available from the grid. 
     The present invention comprises a system that stores a quantity of fresh water that can be supplied via pressure from the main water supply or via a water pump. A store of water is maintained within one or more storage tanks and made available to a commercial or residential water system. The system contemplates isolating the water tanks from the main water supply, yet allowing the main water supply to replenish the tanks under normal operating conditions to prevent stagnation. Overall, it is submitted that the present invention diverges in concept and in design from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing fresh water storage systems. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of fresh water storage systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new storage system that can be utilized in residential or commercial environments and in times of emergency, wherein no external electrical power is required and the fresh water is continually replenished under normal operating conditions. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved fresh water storage system that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a fresh water storage system that receives fresh water from a main water supply and diverges water into one or more storage tanks, whereby the tanks are stored either indoors or outdoors and have varying capacity depending upon the needs of the building/dwelling. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that can replenish fresh water supplies within the storage tanks using the free flow of pressurized water from the main water supply, or via a water pump that pumps water through the tanks to remain fresh. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that contemplates a water pump that draws energy from an electrical storage medium and one that charges itself via solar energy. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that contemplates a water pump that draws energy from a generator, whereby grid power is not required to draw fresh water from the one or more storage tanks. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that either continually or operably replenishes the fresh water within the tanks to prevent stagnation, whereby water pressure from the main water supply is used or the system water pump is utilized. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that can be deployed in either a commercial or residential environment, including condensed living environments with multiple residences in one building. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that employs fresh water tanks of appropriate size for the space (commercial or residential), whereby the tanks can be stored outdoors, below ground, within the building, and even within individualized dwellings in larger buildings. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that provides fresh, potable water for users in the event of a disaster, shortage, emergency event, or contamination event of a main water supply. 
     A final object of the present invention is to provide a fresh water storage system that can be tailored for a specific application, whereby proper isolation of the fresh water tanks is provided and a means to draw the fresh water from the tanks in the absence of grid electrical power is made available. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the present invention in which fresh water from the storage tank is operably pumped therefrom in order to replenish supplies. 
         FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the present invention in which fresh water from the storage tank is either operably pumped therefrom or water pressure from the main water supply line is used to replenish supplies. 
         FIG. 3  shows an embodiment that can be buried outside and an external pump can be used to draw water from the tank. 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment with multiple storage tanks in series and individualized drains therefrom. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fresh water storage system of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for storing fresh, potable water for subsequent use in the event water supplies from a main water line cease. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a diagram of on embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the system draws fresh water from a main water supply  10  and diverts it into a fresh water storage tank  40 . The fresh water storage tank  40  is disposed either indoors or outdoors, and is capable of being isolated from the main water supply  10  in the event of an emergency. From the main water supply  10 , a water distribution pipe  11  is connected and used to draw water from the main water supply  10  and direct it into the storage tank  40 . The storage tank  40  comprises a large vessel that can support a large quantity of fresh, potable water for longer periods of time without spoilage and leakage. The exact size, shape and design of the tank will take on different forms depending on the given application of the system. 
     Along the distribution pipe  11  is a first shutoff valve a pressure sensitive valve  31 . The first shutoff valve  30  is used to prevent water from entering the distribution pipe  11  from the main water supply  10 . The pressure sensitive valve  31  is a pressure sensor valve or a float valve that closes when the tank  40  is filled and pressure builds in the tank  40 , thereby preventing excess water from entering the tank  40 . Along the main water supply  10  and prior to the distribution pipe  11  is a check valve  33 , while an isolation valve  32  is placed downstream from the check valve  33 . The isolation valve  32  is placed upstream of the water supply tank return pipe  12 , wherein the isolation valve  32  and the shutoff valve  30  are used to isolate the fresh water within the tank  40  once filled, and further prevents water from the main water supply from entering the home. 
     To fill the tank  40 , the shutoff valve  30  is opened and water from the main water supply  10  enters the distribution pipe  11  towards the tank  40 . Downstream of the tank  40  and along a low point thereof is the return pipe  12 , which allows water to exit the tank  40  for circulation of the tank, replenishment, or for use of the water therefrom. A second isolation valve  32  is disposed on the return pipe  12 , along with a water pump  50 . The isolation valve  32  can be closed to allow water to fill the tank  40  from the main water supply  10  and distribution pipe  11 . Once the tank is filled, the pressure sensitive valve  31  closes and water no longer flows thereinto. 
     To flush the tank  40 , to replenish reserves with fresh water, or to draw water from the tank for direct consumption, the isolation valve  32  of the return pipe  12  is opened and the pump  50  is activated, thereby evacuating the water from within the tank  40  via the return pipe and the main water supply line  10 . This operation is conducted manually and the pump  50  is required to draw water from the tank  40 . Therefore this system is considered an “unpressurized” embodiment of the system. To refill the tank, the isolation valve  32  of the return pipe  12  is closed and the shutoff valve  30  of the distribution pipe  11  is opened, thereby allowing water to freely enter the tank  40 . 
     Therefore, to replenish water, the tank  40  is first emptied and then refilled using the main water supply line  10 . In the event of an emergency, the tank  40  can be isolated by closing the shutoff valve  30  of the distribution pipe  11  and the isolation valve  32  upstream of the return pipe  12  on the main line  10 . The pump  50  is then able to evacuate water from the tank and into the home through the main water line  10 . The water in the main line  10  can be cleared prior to this procedure by closing the isolation valve  32  of the return pipe and evacuating any water in the main line  10  upstream of both isolation valves  32  just downstream of the junction of the return pipe  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown another embodiment of the fresh water storage system of the present invention, wherein a second, pressurized return pipe  13  is provided between the storage tank  40  and the main water supply line  10 . In this configuration, the same system as shown in  FIG. 1  is presented, however an additional return pipe  13  is provided from the tank  40  to the main line  10  such that the tank can be recirculated and replenished without running the water pump  50 . Specifically, a shutoff valve  30  and a pressure sensitive valve  31  are provided along the distribution pipe  11  extending between the main line  10  and the tank  40 , and the same first return pipe  12  and pump setup are provided downstream from the tank. Water from the tank  40  can be pumped via the water pump  50  and the first return pipe  12 , whereby one or more outlet pipes  14  may also be provided from the tank to secure one or more pumps thereto. 
     In addition to pumping water from the tank  40 , the embodiment of  FIG. 2  allows the pressurized water from the main water supply line  10  to evacuate the tank  40  and replenish the water therein. This is accomplished by closing the isolation valve  32  along the first return pipe  12  and opening the isolation valve  32  along the second return pipe  13 . When the shutoff valve  30  of the distribution pipe  11  is opened, water enters the tank  40  from the main  10  and is pressurized, whereby the water then is evacuated through the second return pipe  13  and back into the main line  10 . The user can therefore flush the tank, replenish the supply of water, refill or otherwise flow water through the tank  10  without the water pump  50  in this manner. However, in the event of an emergency, the shutoff valve  30  and the isolation valve of the second return pipe  13  can be closed, and the water pump  50  can be used to draw water from the tank  40  for use in the home or building. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown yet another embodiment of the system, where the same configuration as  FIG. 2  is provided, however the water storage tank  40  is buried below ground and a supplementary water pump  51  is provided. This auxiliary pump  51  allows a user to draw water from the tank  40  directly, in a similar manner as a water well while outdoors. This pump can be used when the tank  40  is isolated and direct access to the water supply is desired. Upstream of the tank  40  is the distribution pipe  11  connecting the tank  40  to the main water supply  10 . Exiting the pump is one or more return pipes  13 ,  12  that may directly connect to the tank  40  or be connected to a singular return pipe  16  and separate into individual branches. The two contemplated returns include the pressurized return pipe  13  with an isolation valve  32 , and the first return pipe  12  that includes at least one isolation valve  32  and a water pump  50 . Both return pipes  12 ,  13  connect to the main water supply line  10  downstream of the tank  40  and downstream of the main isolation valves  32  and check valve  33 . The shutoff valve  30  may be placed along the distribution pipe  11  or along the main water line  10 , or alternatively both may have their own individual shutoff valve. 
     The isolation valves and the shutoff valves may comprise similar constructions, wherein each comprises a hand-turnable or electronically controlled valve that opens and closes to cease water transport therethrough to a given sector of the system. Isolation valves work in the same was as shutoff valves, wherein the goal is to allow water to either bypass the water storage tank  40  and flow into the home through the main water line  10 , divert water into the tank and bypass a portion of the main water line  10 , or finally to shut off the water supply from the main water line  10  altogether. This final option is used when the municipal or well water is contaminated or otherwise unusable, and supplies stored in the tank  40  are preferable. Once the main line  10  is stopped and prevented from entering either the home or the tank, the tank water can be safely withdrawn using a water pump. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a final configuration is shown, wherein more than one water storage tank  40  is deployed and connected via an intermediate tank-connecting pipe  42 . In this configuration, each is filled from the same distribution pipe  11 , wherein the system can be setup to be replenished using the pressure from the main water supply line  10  or the system can rely on individual pumps  50  attached to each tank  40 . The tanks are aligned in series and fill to a given level, whereafter the tanks can be isolated by the valves  30 ,  33 . Water from each tank  40  can be withdrawn from individual drains  41 , each having their own valve  35  to withdraw water. Additionally, a return pipe  12  can be secured to each tank  40 , along with a water pump  50  to withdraw water from each tank. 
     The configuration of  FIG. 4  is suitable for a multi-tank setup, wherein several tanks allow each tank to be isolated. This is suitable for condensed living dwelling s (i.e. apartment buildings, etc.), for commercial environments, and for dwellings wherein the user wishes to have multiple tanks  40 . The system operates the same as previously disclosed, however each tank stores water and is individually drained. Each tank may have a return pipe  12  connecting back to the main  10 , or alternatively the water can be withdrawn directly from the tanks via their local drains  41 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the system requires several isolation  32 , shutoff  30  and pressure sensitive valves  33  in order to properly isolate the tanks  40 . The exact configuration and positioning of the valves may take on several forms. However, the tanks can be replenished using one of two methods: (1) using pressure from the main water supply line (see  FIG. 2 ), and (2) using a water pump or natural draining to first empty the tank after first isolating the tank from the main water supply. The tank can then be refilled when the isolation is removed in option (2). Option (1) allows continuous replenishment of the fresh water in the tank, while option (2) requires the tank to first be drained completely before being refilled. 
     Furthermore, it is contemplated that the water pump of the present invention may take on several forms, wherein each form falls within the scope of being powered without grid electricity. The two primary embodiments contemplate a solar powered assembly and an assembly powered by a combustion generator. The first embodiment contemplates an electric pump driven by electrical power stored within batteries (schematically shown at  1002  in  FIG. 1 ), wherein the batteries  1002  are charged via photovoltaic cells (schematically shown at  1004  in  FIG. 1 ). The second embodiment contemplates an electric pump that is powered by a generator. In both embodiments, the pump is driven without electrical power from the grid, which is essential in a power outage situation. 
     Clean water is an essential resource, and most people rely on water that is pumped through systems from remote sources. During power outages, natural disasters, and miscellaneous catastrophes, water sources may become contaminated or unavailable. Some people may keep water in a storage tank, but this water sits stagnant and loses its freshness. Such storage tanks have to be regularly drained, cleaned, and refilled, even if the water has not been used. The present invention describes an emergency water supply system that stores and dispenses clean water for emergency use that can operate independently of municipal or well water, and one that can deliver water without electrical power from the grid. 
     Overall it is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.