Abstract:
A rainwater catchment system uses a basket-like strainer removably received within an opening formed in a lid of a conventional container, such as a 55-gallon plastic drum. The strainer includes an upper flange or rim, a side wall, and a bottom with a reinforcing web and a mesh. When the container is placed so that a downspout from a roof is directed toward the strainer, the water that flows out of the downspout flows into the strainer, through the mesh, and into the container where it is collected for future use. The removability of the strainer facilitates cleaning of the mesh. The reinforcing web, preferably with radially directed spokes, which may be curved to define a fan blade shape, helps to support the mesh so to better accommodate high volume water flow while also filtering out unwanted debris. This catchment system can be easy made out of a conventional container, such as a 55-gallon plastic drum, or a 35-gallon garbage can, by forming the hole within the conventional lid. Alternatively, a replacement lid, essentially an adapter, can be supplied in combination with the strainer to fit on the top of a conventional container, thereby to further facilitate home use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/229,808 filed Jul. 30, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a rain barrel used in a rainwater catchment system, and more particularly, to a structure that cooperates with a rain barrel to facilitate the simple and cost-effective harvesting of rainwater. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Rainwater harvesting, in one way or another, has been done for centuries. This practice has recently become more common practice due to concern for environment and the desire to conserve resources. For instance, a rainwater harvesting system, in combination with a home&#39;s gutter and downspout system, can enable a homeowner to divert rainwater into a series of rain barrels and either store more water than the typical rain barrel, or, irrigate different parts of the garden simultaneously. 
         [0004]    Significant amounts of water can be collected from rooftops. For example, 1000 square feet of catchment area can collect in total, approximately 600 gallons of rainwater for every inch of rainfall. Based on this formula, a home with a 36′×46′ footprint has at least 2,000 square feet catchment area and typically, this rooftop can capture 1200 gallons of rainwater per every 1″ of rain. In a climate that yields 25″ annual rainfall per year, that is potentially 30,000 gallons of free water. 
         [0005]    In addition to saving money on water bills, rainwater harvesting relieves the strain on municipal sewer systems, which can be overwhelmed during heavy thunderstorms, thus causing stream pollution. Rainwater collected or harvested is not potable and is intended only for irrigating the garden and landscaping around the home. Nonetheless, rainwater harvesting also relieves the demand on potable water supplies, eliminating the energy and expense of treating and pumping potable water, for irrigation purposes. 
         [0006]    Despite these objective benefits and costs savings, many homeowners do not harvest rainwater at all, due to inconvenience or impracticalities, or perhaps simply because they do not know where to begin. Thus, there is a significant need to make it easier for homeowners to conveniently and inexpensively collect and use rainwater from their rooftops. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention fulfills this need via a strainer, or basket, that is removably held within an opening in a lid of a container, wherein the container may be a conventional plastic drum. 
         [0008]    According to one aspect of the invention, the strainer is sized and shaped to accommodate an internal edge that defines the opening in the lid. The strainer includes a reinforced mesh located below the opening. The reinforced mesh allows rainwater to pass therethrough, when the container is located such that the opening is in the flow path of a water downspout. The mesh also filters debris from the rainwater as it passes. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of this invention, the rain barrel used with the strainer of this invention can be made of a variety of ready-made or custom designed containers, such as galvanized steel, painted steel, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic. In addition to various materials, with this invention a homeowner can implement rainwater harvesting with a variety of containers of various size and shape, including 30-gallon metal trashcans, 55-gallon drums, fiberglass containers, aluminum, stainless steel containers and even some types of plastic containers. This disclosure focuses on ready-made containers, such as a 55-gallon plastic drum or a 30-gallon metal trashcan, because such containers are ubiquitous items produced in mass quantities. As such, these items have the greatest potential for achieving a relatively low-cost and convenient rainwater catchment system, and certainly at a lower cost than the typical rain barrels currently on the market. 
         [0010]    According to a preferred embodiment, the strainer is essentially a basket comprised of a body made in one piece by injection molding using a single cavity mold, the body having a top flange, a peripheral side wall and a bottom. The strainer is preferably circular in shape, and the bottom includes reinforcement material, which may be radially directed spokes of plastic webbing, possibly even curved spokes. This reinforcement material at the bottom of the strainer provides extra structure to hold the mesh filter in place. The mesh filter could be a disk of pre-cut mesh that is heat-sealed to either the upper or the lower surface of the reinforcing structure. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the mesh is laid in the mold, and the body is formed around the mesh. The unique design of the strainer, including its wide flange at the top, its reinforced web design at the bottom, and the way it fits into the lid, prevents debris and insects from entering the collection vessel. This is an advantageous feature, as most rain barrels on the market today do not provide protection from debris and insects entering the containment vessel. This size, shape and structure of strainer also makes it easy to remove and clean. 
         [0011]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, a rain barrel for rainwater harvesting can be adapted from a conventional or a “classic” rolled metal 30-gallon trashcan. Moreover, this method can be applied similarly to other conventional containers. For instance, using a 30-gallon metal trashcan, a large hole can be cut out of the lid, to accommodate the strainer. Then, two holes can be cut into the “barrel” wall, to accommodate the plumbing assemblies. And thirdly, in the case of the trashcan, the inside bottom edge and the handles should be water sealed, for instance with a bead of silicon to make the can watertight. Generally, containers without seams would not need this step. Though the stampings and details of the various 30-gallon metal trashcans on the market vary slightly, any type of trashcan should work. 
         [0012]    One simpler way to practice the invention, which is applicable to any style container, is to replace the original lid with a modified lid having a pre-cut opening, with the strainer sized and shaped to fit into the opening. This approach is best suited for containers of conventional size and shape, which have conventionally sized upper ends. This approach is also better suited to those who are not do-it-yourselfers, who would not be inclined to cut a hole in a garbage can lid, or the lid of another type of container. 
         [0013]    The invention contemplates the connection of plumbing assemblies to the rain barrel, so as to function universally with all standard hose couplings and related fittings. With two assemblies per barrel, the operator is able to establish the specific flow options to suit his or her irrigation needs. Both plumbing assemblies are equipped with on/off valves, to provide additional utility when controlling water flow. Most rain barrels on the market do not offer two fully functional plumbing assemblies. 
         [0014]    These features will be more readily understood in the context of the following Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a strainer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the strainer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the strainer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the strainer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is an axial cross-section view of the strainer of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the strainer shown in  FIG. 1 , but received within a lid of a container. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the strainer, lid, and container shown in  FIG. 4 , but located alongside a house, relative to a downspout. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a strainer, lid, and container according to another aspect of the invention, wherein the strainer is offset from the center axis of the container. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a top view which schematically shows the lid of  FIG. 6 , with the opening offset. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 5 , of the strainer, lid, and container shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top view, similar to  FIG. 7 , but also showing the strainer held by the lid in the offset position. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12  are analogous to  FIGS. 6 ,  8 , and  9 , respectively, with a conventional 55-gallon metal drum serving as the container. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  are analogous to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 , respectively, with a conventional garbage can serving as the container, and the strainer located in the center thereof. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 17 and 19  show additional aspects of the present rainwater catchment system, in modular form, and particularly the capability to connect additional rain barrels to enhance versatility in rainwater storage and use. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a plumbing assembly usable with the invention. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 20 and 21  are similar to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , respectively, but show a second preferred embodiment of the basket-like strainer of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a basket-like strainer  12 , which is one part of a rainwater catchment system ( 10 ) (not shown) of the present invention. The strainer  12  includes an upper flange  20 , which is preferably circular in shape. If desired, a product logo can be incorporated into the flange  20 , for instance by embossing. The strainer  12  includes a bottom end  21  which preferably includes reinforcement support structure  22  and a mesh  24 , and side wall  26  which is preferably tapered. 
         [0032]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the sidewall  26  which interconnects upper flange  20  with the reinforcing structure  22  and the mesh  24 . The reinforcement structure  22  preferably includes radially directed spokes  23 , or ribs, which may be curved in shape, as best shown in  FIG. 1 . This curved shape provides an aesthetically appealing look to the strainer  12 , while also providing structural support for the mesh  24 , to prevent rupture of the mesh  24 . Preferably, the mesh  24  is a nylon 400 micron mesh that is placed in a single cavity mold used to make the body of the strainer  12 , so that it becomes part of the bottom  21  of the strainer  12 . Although this particular mesh size is suitable, it is to be understood that other mesh sizes would also work. While the strainer  12  can be formed in any number of ways, out of various materials, applicant believes that the best way to make the strainer  12  would be to use a polystyrene or a polypropylene with UV stabilization, and to injection mold the upper flange  20 , the side wall  26 , and the bottom  21  in a single cavity mold step, with the mesh  24  placed therein prior to injection, to create one integral piece. This results in the mesh  24  being encased within the reinforcing structure  22 , on the top and the bottom of the mesh  24 . Preferably, during the cooling of the strainer  12 , the mesh  24  is pulled tight, to assure that it remains flat and in the desired plane. 
         [0033]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dimensions may vary. Nonetheless, applicant believes that an internal width of about 8½ inches is preferable, with the basket depth, i.e. the axial dimension of side wall  26 , being about 3-4 inches. With this dimension, the “raindrop” shapes of the sections of mesh  24  are about 4 inches long and about 2 inches wide, at their widest point. But it should be recognized that other sizes and shapes would also work. Applicant believes that a company located in Eagle, Wis., named Plastic Molded Concepts, Inc., would be a suitable source for making the strainer  12  of this type. 
         [0034]    The unique design of the strainer  12  of this invention keeps mosquitoes out of the collected rainwater. Many rain current barrels do not have mosquito protection. As a result, with such existing rain barrels, a homeowner would need to add chemicals to kill mosquito eggs. This is not necessary with the present design. 
         [0035]    Also, the depth of strainer  12  allows water to pool therein while it is being strained. This ensures that the maximum amount of water is captured. Many current rain barrels do not provide a collection chamber. As a result, with the current rain barrels during a heavy downpour, much of the water runs off before it can be captured. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4 and 5  better show the use of the basket-like strainer  12  and a plumbing assembly  28  as part of the rainwater catchment system  10 . More particularly,  FIG. 4  shows the strainer  12  residing within a top end  30  of a container  32 , with the top end typically defined by a lid  30 . The container  32  also has an upper edge  34 . In this view, the strainer  12  is located centrally, and is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container  32 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows this container  32 , or rain barrel, placed directly against the exterior wall of a house and underneath a downspout  36 . When it rains, water flows off the roof, into the gutter and through the downspout  36 . Instead of the water pouring from the downspout  36  into the sewer, the water flows into the strainer  12  held by the upper end  30  and collects in the barrel  32 . As rainwater pours into the basket  12 , the mesh  24  diffuses the water, thus eliminating splash back. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  also shows the opening  27  formed in the lid  30  at the upper end of the container  32 , which defines the location of the strainer  12 . Preferably, the opening  27  is circular in shape, and conforms to the shape of the flange  20 , so that the flange  20  overlaps the opening  27  around the entire circumference. The taper of side wall  26  helps to center the strainer  12  within the opening  27 , when the strainer  12  and the opening  27  are circular in shape. 
         [0039]    The strainer  12  screens out debris such as dead leaves, twigs, and aggregate from deteriorating asphalt shingles. Because the basket  12  is so easy to remove, it is easy to clean. Most rain barrels currently on the market (typically at relatively high prices) do not provide an easy way to screen debris, much less provide a cleanable filter. 
         [0040]    The strained rainwater collects in the barrel  32  until it fills up to the overflow plumbing assembly  28 , near the rim  34 . Powered by gravity, the water will flow through the overflow assembly into a hose  35 , provided the corresponding valve is open. Depending on where the hose  35  leads, the water will flow to the lowest point. The rainwater may flow to another barrel, if provided, or into a hose which goes to the garden. 
         [0041]    The size of the strainer  12  is big enough so that when it is removed from the lid  30 , it affords access to the barrel interior so that the interior can be scrubbed out with a long-handled brush. Thus, the size and the shape of the strainer  12  and the opening  27  facilitate cleaning of the container  32 . Most plastic rain barrels currently on the market have a fixed lid that cannot be removed easily, especially when there is water in the container, as the lid helps to provide some stability for the otherwise floppy plastic barrel. These current structures make cleaning the interior very difficult, and often necessitate the use of harsh chemicals to get rid of algae and mold. The present invention mitigates these problems. 
         [0042]    The location of the strainer  12  related to the container  32  is also designed to make it easier for the homeowner to use. That is, the location of the strainer  12  may be centered or off-center within a particular lid  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9 , and also in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 . Although the strainer  12  location may vary depending on the container  32 , the distance from the wall  30  of the house remains the same, because this wall-to-house distance is based on the typical length of a downspout  36  elbow. By using an offset location for the strainer  12 , the present invention can minimize the need for awkward extensions of the downspout  36 . 
         [0043]    The invention also contemplates the use of an adapter at the top end  30  of a conventional open-ended drum, to eliminate the need to cut a hole cut in the conventional lid. More particularly, with this adapter lid  30 /strainer  12  approach, the user can substitute an adapter lid  30  for the original lid of the drum, wherein the adapter lid  30  is already sized and shaped to accommodate the conventional drum  32  and the strainer  12 . With this approach, the adapter lid  30  and the strainer  12  could be sold as a package, and the user would not need to cut a hole in the conventional lid. The adapter lid  30  would preferably be sized and shaped to lock into place with the drum&#39;s  32  existing locking ring (not shown). 
         [0044]    The benefits of this modular rainwater harvesting system  10  are numerous. In addition to the flexibility and modularity of the design, these components work together to deliver functionality at a relatively low cost. As a result, the rainwater collection system  10  of the present invention is a much more economical solution than other rainwater harvesting systems currently on the market. 
         [0045]    For instance, ready-made containers such as 55-gallon plastic drums are ubiquitous items produced in mass quantities. As such, they have a lower unit cost than a plastic drum manufactured specifically for use as a rain barrel. By using an existing conventional plastic drum, this invention keeps the overall cost of the system  10  relatively low. Such conventional plastic drums, with a few modifications, serve well as the container  32  of the system  10 . Also, a conventional 55-gallon plastic drum can be easily fitted with the plumbing assemblies  28 , and a hole  27  cut into the lid  30  or top end  30  thereof, to accommodate the strainer  12 . 
         [0046]    Another benefit of using ready-made containers is directly to the environment. Because of the abundance of used 55-gallon plastic drums, this invention will helps prevent conventional drums from becoming a waste product. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  show that these same principles apply to a conventional, 35-gallon metal garbage can  44 . This FIG. shows the strainer  12  located in the center of the container  44 , with a hole  27  cut in the lid  46  thereof. Notably, the bottom of the can  44  should be sealed, preferably with a bead of silicon, and the same is true for the two holes that receive the plumbing assemblies  28 . 
         [0048]    Another favorable aspect of the present invention is that it is adapted to facilitate and to simplify the harvesting of rainwater, particularly via the use of a conventional materials. Aside from the strainer  12  described above, the present invention contemplates the use of a conventional container and conventional plumbing assemblies or fixtures. For instance,  FIG. 18  shows the preferred plumbing assembly  28  for use in connection with the present invention. 
         [0049]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view, to show the relative positions of the components with respect to the wall of the container  32 . More particularly, with respect to plumbing assembly  28 , fixtures  28 D and  28 F connect to each other on opposite sides of container  32 , so as to sandwich the container  32  therebetween, with O-rings  28 E residing therein. The fitting shown on the right side in  FIG. 3 , namely component  28 F, resides in the interior of the container  32 . Meanwhile, an external fitting  28 C connects to fitting  28 D, and resides outside the container  32 . The fitting  28 C threadably receives a hose (not shown) which is held thereon by a clamping collar  28 B and cap  28 A. 
         [0050]    The plumbing assemblies  28  are equipped with a valve that allows the user to stop and start the water flow, which is especially useful when changing configurations. The assemblies operatively connect to standard garden hose couplings. 
         [0051]    Preferably, the system  10  of this invention uses two plumbing assemblies per barrel, both with on/off valves. By providing two fully enabled plumbing assemblies  28  the user has more flexibility and modularity. Either assembly  28 , or both, can function as an overflow valve, which can enable the user to control the speed of drainage. Most rain barrels only provide one plumbing assembly. 
         [0052]    This system  10  is modular and offers a range of possible configurations for collecting and distributing rainwater, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19 . Whether just one barrel or two, with two fully functional plumbing assemblies per barrel, the present invention allows the user a lot of flexibility. 
         [0053]    The key to multiple barrel set-up is that the lead barrel must be the highest off the ground, so that gravity will allow the water to flow from the lead collection barrel to the subsequent barrels. These aspects of the invention are best shown by  FIGS. 17 and 19 . 
         [0054]    The invention contemplates further variations on the structure of the basket-like strainer, as indicated by  FIGS. 20 and 21 . More particularly,  FIGS. 20 and 21  show a similarly constructed strainer  112 , which includes a top flange  120  and a bottom  121 . The bottom  121  comprises reinforcement structure  122 , particularly radially oriented spokes  123  which provides support for the mesh  124 . As with the other embodiment, the mesh  124  is preferably entirely of one piece, and aligned with the reinforcing structure  122  located at the bottom  121  of the strainer  12 ,  112 . 
         [0055]    This rainwater harvesting system  10  of the present invention is designed to be one of the lowest cost solutions to enter the market. By keeping the cost extremely low, yet delivering a high degree functionality, this system  10  encourages more people to get involved in rainwater harvesting. This useful conservation activity will become more widespread if people can make a relatively minor investment and learn first-hand how much water they can recycle. 
         [0056]    While this application describes several preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the described embodiments are merely exemplary in nature, and that the subject matter is not limited to that which is expressly shown or described. Accordingly, applicant wishes to be bound by the claims, not the particular details described as shown in the context of these preferred embodiments.