Abstract:
The Rainbank is a rain distribution system that provides a cost-effective alternative to the collection and distribution of rainwater for municipalities. The Rainbank includes temporary storage capacity using a disposable flexible bag acting as a container to capture and collect rainwater and alleviate burdens on municipal water treatment works. The bag is protected in a simple, easy-to-manufacture, foldable structure. The structure allows for a distant overflow feature, a locking mechanism, filters, debris protection, and easy access to and removal of the bag. A thick, rigid backboard can also be slid into the bag to alleviate strain on the support structure. The fixed structure also can be closed between use periods to protect the system, help reduce the impact of the system on the environment, and allow the surface area grass below the support structure to regenerate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present patent application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/089,266, filed Aug. 15, 2008, entitled Rainwater Storage and Distribution System, which prior application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a rainwater collection, storage, and distribution system (“the Rainbank”) connected to a residential or commercial structure. The structure has a top surface where rain falls, and the top surface is connected to gutter systems for removal of rainwater. More specifically, the present invention relates to an easy-to-manufacture distribution system with a flexible and disposable bag mounted inside of a rigid shell. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Rainfalls is variable from place to place. Some locations, such as deserts, have infrequent rainfalls. When weather conditions finally bring moisture to these locations, the precipitations are often violent. The dry ground in these locations, such as an area made of sand, is incapable of absorbing and retaining locally needed water. Rain transits thought the dry area and the area returns to drought condition quickly. Further, as a consequence of its recent evaporation, rainwater is often free of debris and pollution and may be useful water for human consumption or auxiliary uses such as for gardening or collection in a pool. 
         [0004]    Rain falls to the ground, where it is eventually absorbed or reaches the water table and can later be collected for use. The typical urban landscape is almost entirely covered with impermeable surfaces, such as cement, asphalt, or compacted earth. In a heavy rainstorm, rainwater that should be absorbed into the water table below ground remains at the surface and flows via gravity into municipal sewer systems or local watersheds, negatively impacting both the environment and water management infrastructure. When falling on impermeable surfaces, water tends to travel fast and may create large and unmanageable flows following a storm, which leaves municipalities vulnerable to both drought and flash flooding. 
         [0005]    Rain collection systems serves as a surge protection mechanism during large storm events. They provide means of retaining (or “banking”) rainwater runoff following a storm, thereby reducing the amount of untreated storm water that enters area lakes and rivers. The increased water retention can also reduce the amount of standing water that accumulates on streets throughout a community when the rainfall exceeds the combined storm sewer capacity, which can help control mosquito populations. Further, water banked in the systems can be used for gardening, filling in pools, or even washing cars, thus reducing the capacity requirements on municipal water systems. 
         [0006]    Environmental impacts of excess rainwater can be mitigated using rain collection systems. In many municipalities, the local watershed and groundwater table are not adequately recharged because the municipality discharges the rainwater along with treated sewage. The rainwater is then conveyed away from the municipality, losing an important input to the local watershed. In surges, the ecosystem can be severely impacted by the dirt, debris, chemicals, and other pollutants that are picked up as storm water flows across the various surfaces where contaminants are commonly found. Therefore, municipalities either spend money to treat rainwater along with effluent and then discharge the treated water remotely from its source or allow contaminated rainwater to negatively impact the quality of the local ecosystem. 
         [0007]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show two related types of rainwater collection systems known in the marketplace.  FIG. 1  is a large, cylindrical, flexible polymer container with vertical openings where metal rods are inserted vertically to give the container support when it is empty of water. The cover is closed using a flexible lid equipped with a zipper. Water travels via gravity down from an existing gutter and downspout directly onto the cover and drains into the container. This system is bulky, is aesthetically undesirable around residential areas, and is subject to weather degradations over periods of years.  FIG. 2  shows a similar system with a conical configuration. These systems are fixed and heavy and require installation, maintenance, and dedicated space. When made of polymer, these systems are vulnerable to punctures and leakage. What is needed is a simple-to-manufacture, low-cost rain collection system that can be installed and repaired easily, a system that may be puncture proof or resistant, that can be enabled or disabled depending on weather conditions, and is aesthetically pleasing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The Rainbank is a rain distribution system that provides a cost-effective alternative to the collection and distribution of rainwater for municipalities. The Rainbank includes temporary storage capacity using a disposable flexible bag acting as a container to capture and collect rainwater and alleviate burdens on municipal water treatment works. The bag is protected in a simple, easy-to-manufacture, foldable structure. The structure allows for a distant overflow feature, a locking mechanism, filters, debris protection, and easy access to and removal of the bag. A thick, rigid backboard can also be slid into the bag to alleviate strain on the support structure. The fixed structure also can be closed between use periods to protect the system, help reduce the impact of the system on the environment, and allow the surface area grass below the support structure to regenerate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The features of the present disclosure are believed to be novel and are set forth with particularity in the appended claim. The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures that employ like reference numerals identify like elements. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a device from the prior art. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is another illustration of a second device from the prior art. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a Rainbank alongside a structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a close-up isometric view of the Rainbank according to another embodiment with a partly open top flap and a debris mesh. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a functional diagram of a downspout or a gutter end of a residential or commercial gutter system as placed within a filter bag within the Rainbank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a functional diagram in side view of the Rainbank of  FIG. 1  with a support panel inserted to support a collection bag according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a board for the support panel with cut lines for a plurality of Rainbanks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of the rigid structure of the Rainbank in an open and operative configuration with an open flap according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8B  is an isometric view of the rigid structure of the Rainbank of  FIG. 8A  in a closed and inoperative configuration with an open flap according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the flexible bag with a pocket for a rigid panel and a partly inserted support panel for insertion into the rigid structure as shown in  FIG. 8A  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is an aerial view of a house with four Rainbanks and the rainwater distribution system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The present invention is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the device without departing from the true spirit of the scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a Rainbank  1  attached to the side of a structure  106 , such as a residential dwelling, and placed below the downspout of a gutter system  20  shown to extend approximately halfway into the Rainbank  1  and the bag  10  within a rigid structure  50 . The Rainbank  1  is part of a Rainbank system  100  and can be installed on a plurality of gutter downspouts of residential and commercial properties as shown in  FIG. 10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , four Rainbanks  1 ′, and  1 ″,  1 ′″, and  1 ″″ as part of the system  100  are connected to four corners of a structure  106  such as a residential dwelling. Water falls on the roof and flows down  130  to the gutter system  110  that ultimately directs  131 ,  132  water to the downspouts and into the Rainbanks  1 . Water is then stored in the Rainbank  1  as part of the Rainbank system  100  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0023]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , generally the system includes a drain  2 , such as a threaded spout, fixed  9  to a bottom portion of each bag  10 . A hose  101 ,  103  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 10  is connected to the system  100  or a Rainbank  1  using a male-to-female interface and then used to distribute the collected water  72  as shown in  FIG. 3  to desired distribution locations. While one type of drain and associated connector is described and shown, the use of any type of connector capable of watertight and rapid connection is contemplated. In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , water is directed around the end corners of the dwelling  106  via additional hoses  102 ,  104  ultimately to a main connector  105  for evacuation or use  135  as shown by arrows  133 , and  134 . 
         [0024]    Even a minor storm event (0.25″ of rain) enables most households (with an average of 1,000 square feet of roof space) to harvest enough rainwater to fill three Rainbanks  1  in a single storm. In one contemplated embodiment, water is free to circulate via a hose system between different Rainbanks  1  connected serially as a system to allow the use of the water stored in all of the Rainbanks  1  from the outlet of any single Rainbank  1 . 
         [0025]    Case Study—Cook County Illinois 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Total Volume of 
               
               
                   
                 Volume of 
                 Rainbanks 
                 Approx. No. of 
                 Water Retained in 
               
               
                   
                 Rainbank 
                 Per 
                 Households in 
                 a Storm Event 
               
               
                   
                 (gallons) 
                 Household 
                 Cook County 
                 (gallons) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 59.06 
                 1 
                 2,000,000 
                 118,120,000 
               
               
                   
                 59.06 
                 2 
                 2,000,000 
                 236,240,000 
               
               
                   
                 59.06 
                 3 
                 2,000,000 
                 354,360,000 
               
               
                   
                 59.06 
                 4 
                 2,000,000 
                 472,480,000 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0026]    The total volume of water retained in a storm event in the above table represents water that will not need treatment and may potentially reduce the need for sewage system expansion on the part of the municipality if the system is installed by municipal residents. 
         [0027]    Not only does the Rainbank create a positive impact on the municipal treatment works and local environment, it also provides an opportunity for a local community service project. Organizations such as the Center for Green Technology (City of Chicago) support local service projects by allowing young adults to serve on “green teams” and earn money while helping the environment and their local community. 
         [0028]    The present disclosure relates to a Rainbank system  100  placed around a structure  106  as shown in  FIG. 10  with a gutter system  101  for the collection of rain water as shown by the arrows  130 ,  131 , and  132 . The gutter system includes at least two gutter downspout  20  (by way of example, four are shown on the structure  106  in  FIG. 10 ) for collecting rainwater. In one configuration as shown, a Rainbank  1  is attached on each corner of the structure and are described with greater detail hereafter. 
         [0029]    To use the Rainbank  1  as shown in  FIG. 3  as part of the Rainbank system  100  shown at  FIG. 10 , some of the bags  10  of the Rainbanks  1 ′ and  11 ″″ must include two drains  2 , a first for the entry of water, and the second for an exit of water. One possible type of connection of the different Rainbanks  1  as part of the Rainbank system  100  is shown, but the use of any configuration and number of connections between the different Rainbanks  1  to allow for the outflow of water from a first Rainbank to a second Rainbank and ultimately to the main connector  105  for evacuation or use  135  is contemplated. Further, while a main connector  105  is shown at a location distant from a Rainbank on  FIG. 10 , the use of any of the drains  2  on any of the Rainbanks as an evacuation outlet is contemplated. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a Rainbank  1  with a bag  10 , which bag is shown apart from the rigid support  50  in  FIG. 9 . The bag  10  is nested in a rigid support  50 . The bag  10  includes a gutter opening  84 , and in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . Returning to  FIG. 4 , the opening  8  in the structure  50  is blocked by a debris mesh  71  made of, for example, wire. In another embodiment, the opening  84  (not shown) is blocked by a debris mesh  71  to prevent the entry into the bag  10  of leaves and other solid debris. The bag  10  also includes an overflow opening  14  where water  72  is able to exit the bag  10  and ultimately the Rainbank  1  if it fills above the overflow opening level  14 . Further, the bag  10  can be made of plastic, plasticized tissue, or any impermeable material that retains water. The bag  10  also includes at least one drain opening  9  with a spout  2 . In one embodiment, the spout  2  is threaded to receive an ordinary garden hose for rapid connection of the Rainbank  1  into a Rainbank system  100 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the opening  8  may be adjacent to the gutter opening  84 . In an alternate embodiment, a support board  30  can be used to rigidify the structure. If placed or slid  83  into a board holder pocket  93 , the soft structure of the bag  10  can be given self-sustaining properties. In another embodiment, the support board  30  is replaced by a stronger external rigid support structure  50  and the bag  10  includes a top surface  13  with support fixtures  12  that can be attached to the external rigid support structure  50 . As shown, the use of both the support fixtures  12  and the board  30  is also contemplated based on the needed structural rigidity needed in the system. 
         [0032]    The rigid support structure  50  of the Rainbank  1  is shown in an operative configuration in  FIG. 8A  and an inoperative configuration in  FIG. 8B . The rigid support structure  50  is a simple, easy-to-manufacture shell that serves to support the bag  10  and offers the bag  10  protection and structural support in addition to any support board  30 . In one embodiment, the rigid structure  50  includes first panels made of three segments  7 A,  7 B, and  7 C with a support portion  7 A for fixation to a structure  106  such as a residential dwelling as shown in  FIG. 10 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8A , the fixation means is a bolt  75 ,  76 ,  79 . While one type of fixation is shown, any method of fixation or support known in the art is contemplated, including but not limited to a sliding clip, a clip, a plate, a screw, a magnet, or a biasing element. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a rigid support structure  50  with a first panel with a top portion  7 B with a gutter opening  8  in the central portion of the top portion  7 B, and where the top portion  7 B is pivotally attached to an upper end of the support portion  7 A, and a flap portion  7 C with a closure means  11 A,  11 B is pivotally attached to the top portion  7 B. The first panel is shown as three adjacent folded boards  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, forming a flap  7 C back over a portion of the second panel. In one embodiment, Velcro (not shown) may be used to close the flap  7 C, and in another embodiment, a system of openings  11 A and a rod  73 , when used in association with a lock  98  to close the structure  50  over the bag  10 , secure access to the bag  10 .  FIG. 3  also illustrates an embodiment where the opening  11 A can be used alongside hooks  11 B to maintain the flap  7 C in an upwards position while a bag  10  is removed or accessed for cleaning. While one type of fixation means is shown, any type of closing mechanism is contemplated, including but not limited to a tab, a lock, a bar, hooks, a weight placed in the end portion of the flap  7 C, or adhesives. 
         [0034]    One advantage of the currently disclosed rigid structure  50  is the capacity to use weak materials that might normally bend under the weight of the bag  10  once filled with water as part of the structure  50  absent the support board  30 . For example, the first panel may be constructed of a material capable of folding or having built-in edges. While the term “rigid structure” is used within the scope of this disclosure, the term is used to contrast with the flexible nature of the bag  10  and does not imply that the materials forming this structure are the only rigid elements or are incapable of bending. One advantage of the Rainbank  1  is the capacity to use simple materials to manufacture large quantities of the Rainbank  1  on a large scale for city-wide implementation. 
         [0035]    In yet another embodiment, a filter, such as a filter bag  21  as shown in  FIG. 5 , can be attached to the end  22  of the downspout  20 . The filter bag  21  must be removed and cleaned periodically. The rigid structure  50  is further made of a second panel  5 ,  6  pivotally attached to a lower end of the support portion  7 A, the second panel includes a ground panel  5  and a face panel  6  where the face panel  6  may be attached via a closure means of the flap portion  7 C.  FIG. 8A  shows how hinges  78 ,  74  may be used to pivotally attach the second panel  7 A,  7 B,  7 C to the first panel or how the face panel  6  is attached to the ground panel  5 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , a first end of the ground panel next to the hinge  78  is pivotally attached via hinges  78  to the lower end of the support portion  7 A, and the face panel  6  is pivotally attached to the ground panel  5  via hinges  74 . 
         [0036]    The structure  50  can then be folded as shown in  FIG. 8B  in an inoperative configuration. In a subsequent step, the portions  7 B and  7 A, for example, can be folded back onto the ground plate  5  as shown by the arrow. While one configuration of attachment of the different elements of the structure  50  and the associated folded configuration using hinges and fold lines is shown, the use of any foldable structure using a configuration of segments and portions to create a shell around a removable flexible bag  10  is contemplated and disclosed. The structure  50  may then be removed from the wall  106  or placed in a storage configuration. The use of sliding panels and lock elements as part of the structure to form the rigid shell is also disclosed. 
         [0037]    The face panel  6  may also includes a drain opening  95  aligned with the overflow opening  14  for the evacuation of rainwater overflow. In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the bag  10  includes a drain outlet  17  connected to the overflow opening  17  with an exit  4 , wherein the drain outlet  17  is either attached or left to rest against the face panel  6  and at least a portion of the ground panel  5 . The distant drain outlet  17  is offset from the bag  10  using a surface on the ground panel  5  is used to distribute water away from the base of the Rainbank  1 . Other configurations are contemplated, such as the release of water  4  directly at the overflow opening using a spout (not shown). 
         [0038]    A support  30  is used to rigidify the rain storage unit  1  adjacent to the back support  7 A for attachment to a structure such as a house having a roof and a gutter with a downspout.  FIG. 7  shows one possible embodiment where a large, 8′ by 4′ plank of ¾ inch plywood  31  is cut into four equal parts as shown by the dashed lines  32  to create four individual supports  30 , each to be inserted into one of the Rainbanks  1  situated around a dwelling  106 . Advantages of this industrial solution include the simplicity of storage of flat components and the associated reduced storage and supply cost. 
         [0039]    In yet another contemplated embodiment, instead of placing a support  30  next to the dwelling, the unit  1  and the upper portion of the back portion  7 A can be bolted to the side of the structure. In still another embodiment, the unit  1  includes a self-standing structure that can be rested against the structure. 
         [0040]    Within the concept is the use of standard board sizes available at any lumber yard. Four support boards can be cut from a standard 8′×4′ CDX plywood board. The Rainbank  1  is made of a flexible, weather-resistant material that allows it to maintain a low profile when empty. The Rainbank  1  is compact and easy to store and ship to individual property owners or storage facilities where residents can take delivery. The Rainbank  1  is also lightweight and easy to uninstall for long-term storage during colder months. The Rainbank  1  is fitted with a standard ¾″ garden hose thread on each side, enabling the owner to connect several Rainbanks in series, providing access to the “banked” rainwater as needed. The Rainbank can be provided with a filter that attaches to the downspout to collect debris and separate other contaminants, such as oil, from the rainwater as shown in  FIG. 3 . The Rainbank  1  can also be fitted with a mesh screen to prevent the propagation of mosquito larva. (Some municipalities may also require additional mosquito treatments.) 
         [0041]    While the use of only a prefilter is shown in  FIG. 5 , the use of a prefilter, a post-filter, or a fabric filter capable of removing from the water nanoparticles, oils, or any other debris is contemplated. In yet another embodiment, a permeable bottom can be used to slowly leak water into the ground, eventually infiltrating the water table. Finally, the use of removable and recyclable bags in lieu of bags requiring cleaning and maintenance is contemplated. 
         [0042]    The current best mode of operation of the Rainbank  1  is shown at  FIG. 9  where the Rainbank  1  does not have a rigid structure  50  but is simply a bag  10  installed against a structure  106  where only a support board  30  inserted into a bag holder pocket  93 . The Rainbank  1 , includes a bag  10  with an opening  84  for a downspout  20  and a flap  7 A,  7 B with a closure means  11  A, an overflow opening  14 , a drain opening  9  with a spout  2 , a fixation system  12  for fixation to a structure such as  106 , and a board holder  93  for holding a support board  30 , and wherein the board holder  93  is a pocket attached to the bag  10 . In another embodiment, the opening  84  includes a debris mesh  71 . 
         [0043]    It is understood that the preceding description is merely a detailed description of some examples and embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden.