Abstract:
Provided herein is a modular rainwater collection system that may be easily transported through narrow openings (such as gates) and assembled with a minimum of tools. The rainwater collection system includes interlocking side panels that slide over one another to form the sides of the collection system. A liner installed within the collection system stores collected water. The modular assembly of the collection system allows for variations in height and shape to accommodate a homeowner&#39;s needs. Planter boxes or other storage containers may be hung on the exterior of the collection system for added functionality. A process for assembling the collection system is also provided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure is directed to the field of rainwater collection systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Historically, water usage in the United States was primarily agricultural with a small percentage of water usage being for consumption by humans and animals and a small percentage being for cleaning dishes, clothes, and homes. To satisfy their need for non-potable water for agricultural purposes, farmers and other homeowners in rural settings collected rainwater in wooden water barrels for later use. These water barrels, while efficient for their purpose, were limited in size. Further, because the barrels were pre-assembled, they were difficult to ship and transport efficiently. 
         [0003]    To accumulate a greater quantity of water and to hide the tank from view, some homeowners invest in underground rainwater collection tanks. Rainwater is collected from the rooftop and is transported through pipes to the underground collection tank from which it is later distributed to irrigation systems or to a hose for localized use. Such underground systems are expensive to purchase, to ship, and to install, requiring excavation of the homeowner&#39;s yard and usually requiring the hiring of a professional plumber or other installer. For many people, these types of systems are cost-prohibitive or inappropriate. 
         [0004]    In modern society, homeowners use water in their bathrooms, in appliances (such as washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals), and in their yards for watering their lawns and plants, for washing cars, and for refilling swimming pools. The demand for water is increasingly steadily with population growth and the depletion of natural aquifers in many areas. In some regions, water rationing has occurred. In response, many individuals in urban, suburban, and rural areas have become interested in this environmental issue and have realized the economies of water conservation. 
         [0005]    To meet the demand for a rainwater collection container, manufacturers offer pre-fabricated vessels made of metal or a durable plastic, such as high density polyethylene, in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 50 gallons to 1,000 gallons or more. Because they are already assembled, these vessels are expensive to ship, are hard to maneuver and install, and are limited to a particular size and shape (that is, cannot be easily expanded or contracted as needed). What is needed in the art is a modular rainwater containment system that is easily assembled and that is readily adaptable to different dimensions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A modular water collection system is provided herein. The modular water collection system includes a base and a number of sides surrounding the base and projecting upward from the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base to form a cavity for receipt and storage of water. Each side is made of a plurality of side panels that are interlocked by a slide seam. Each side panel includes a longitudinally extending central portion, an inverted J-shaped member projecting from a first edge of the central portion, and a modified, inverted J-shaped member projecting from a second edge opposite the first edge of the central portion, which defines a ledge for interlocking the inverted J-shaped member of an adjacent side panel. A liner for receiving and storing water is positioned within the cavity defined by the sides. 
         [0007]    A method of constructing a modular water collection system is also provided. The method includes: providing a base; providing a plurality of interlocking side panels, each side panel comprising a longitudinally extending central portion, an inverted J-shaped member projecting from a first edge of the central portion, and a modified, inverted J-shaped member projecting from a second edge opposite the first edge of the central portion, the modified, inverted J-shaped member defining a ledge for interlocking; forming a plurality of sides by interlocking a number of the side panels by sliding the inverted J-shaped member of each panel into contact with the ledge of the modified, inverted J-shaped member of an adjacent side panel, thereby forming a slide seam; positioning the sides in an upright orientation, substantially perpendicular to the base and securing corner braces to the adjacent sides to form a cavity; and installing a liner within the cavity for receipt and storage of rainwater. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    A full and detailed disclosure is set forth in the accompanying specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular rainwater collection system, as described herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one of the side panels used in the construction of the modular rainwater collection system of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from an end of the side panel; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a slide seam created by the interlocking engagement of two of the respective panels of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the modular rainwater collection system of  FIG. 1 , as seen from above; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the interior of the modular rainwater collection system of  FIG. 1 , within which interior a liner is being installed; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the modular rainwater collection system of  FIG. 1 , further including a number of planter containers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Reference is now made to the drawings for illustration of various components of the present modular rainwater collection system. While the particular illustrations provided herein are directed to a water collection system having a rectangular shape and a certain height, various elements and embodiments are equally applicable to creating water collection systems of other shapes and sizes. Moreover, while the side panels of the water collection system are described as being made of galvanized metal, the panels may be made of other durable materials instead. In addition, although a single water collection system is illustrated, multiple collection systems may be used in a single location, if so desired. 
         [0016]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a modular water collection system  10  is provided in the shape of a right rectangular prism having opposing sides oriented in parallel to one another and adjacent sides oriented perpendicularly to one another. The system  10  includes a bottom (not shown), sides  12 , and a top cover  30 . The sides  12  of the system  10  are joined by corner braces  24 , which may be bolted or otherwise secured to the side panels  20 . A liner  50  is fitted within the water collection system  10 , as will be discussed below with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0017]    Each side  12  is made of a number of interlocking side panels  20  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 ) that interlock by way of a slide seam  25  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 3 ). Depending on the needs of the purchaser, any number of side panels  20  may be used to create a collection system  10  of a desired height. Each of the side panels  20  is provided with the same interlocking mechanism or profile, thereby leading to greater manufacturing efficiencies. In the case of a right rectangular prism shape, as shown, all of the side panels  20  have the same dimensions. If other shapes are desired for the collection system, the side panels  20  on different sides may have different lengths, as are necessary to create the desired shape. For example, the collection system  10  may be created in an L-shape or a U-shape. 
         [0018]    The profile of the side panels  20  is shown mostly clearly in  FIG. 2 . The side panel  20  has a generally flat central portion  120 . Generally, the central portion  120  has a length approximating the desired dimension of the collection system  10 . As referenced above, if the collection system  10  is intended to have a longer dimension, the side panels  20  may be arranged in abutting, as well as stacked, relationship to one another to achieve the necessary dimensions, for instance, with an intermediate joining brace (not shown). Alternately, the side panels  20  may be made of a longer length to create the desired dimensions. 
         [0019]    Projecting upward from one edge of the central portion  120  is a J-shaped member  122  that extends along the length of the side panel  20 . The J-shaped member  122  has a first surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central portion  120  of the side panel  20 ; a second surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface and is substantially parallel to the central portion  120  and that extends over the central portion  120 ; and a third surface that is substantially perpendicular to the second surface and is substantially parallel to the first surface and that extends downwardly toward the central portion  120 ; such that the member  122  has the shape of an inverted letter “J”. The member  122  is formed as an integral structure for strength. 
         [0020]    Extending along the length of the side panel  20  and projecting from the opposite edge of the central portion  120  is a modified J-shaped member  124  that is provided with a hooking ledge  125 . The modified member  124  has a first surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central portion  120  of the side panel  20 ; a second surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface and is substantially parallel to the central portion  120  and that extends away from the central portion  120 ; and a third surface that is substantially perpendicular to the second surface and is substantially parallel to the first surface and that extends downwardly; such that the member  124  has the general shape of an inverted letter “J”. However, a hooking ledge  125  is provided at the end of the third surface of the member  124  opposite the location where the third surface connects to the second surface. The hooking ledge  125  and the third surface form an acute angle. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the J-shaped member  122  of a first side panel  20  interlocks and is mated to the modified J-shaped member  124  of a second, adjacent side panel  20  to construct the collection system  10 . As may be seen from reference to  FIG. 3 , the J-shaped member  122  is slightly smaller than the modified J-shaped member  124 , thus permitting the nesting of the member  122  within the profile of the member  124 . The ledge  125  hooks over the downwardly projecting third surface of the member  122  to form an interlocking mechanism between the adjacent side panels  20 . The interlocking mechanism may be described as a “slide seam”  25 , in which the adjacent panels  20  are joined by sliding one panel over the other to form a durable connection. 
         [0022]    The top  30  of the collection system  10  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The top  30  includes an opening  38  for receipt of rainwater, the opening  38  being located between the top surface covers  32 . The top surface covers  32  may be provided with inverted J-shaped ridges  132  that project upward from the covers  32  to form an overflow passage. The ridges  132  may be oriented such that the open portions of the ridges  132  face one another, as shown, and the vertically oriented first surfaces of the J-shaped ridges  132  are positioned outboard of the opening  38  in the top  30  of the collection system  10 . A supplemental cover panel  36  spans the area between the J-shaped ridges  132  and is bolted, or otherwise connected, to the J-shaped ridges  132 . The opening  38  receives rainwater within the collection system  10 , for instance, by being positioned at the end of a gutter system (not shown). The opening  38  may be covered, if desired, for instance, when the collection system  10  is full, by a lid  37  that is secured with a cotter pin or other easily removable fastening element. 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates the interior of the collection system  10 . Around the interior perimeter of the uppermost side panels of the collection system  10 , a liner holder  51  is secured. A liner  50 , which is made of a durable watertight material, such as vinyl, is provided with an edge that functions as a gasket  52 . The gasket  52  engages the trough within the liner holder  51  to form a secure juncture between the liner  50  and the collection system  10 . The liner  50  is provided with a valve and hose attachment (not shown) at the bottom, which extend through one of the side panels  20  for removing water from the collection system  10 . The liners  50  may be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate collection systems  10  of differing sizes. 
         [0024]    The slide seams  25  of the collection system  10  provide a number of surfaces to which vessels may be removably attached. For example,  FIG. 6  shows the attachment of a number of planter boxes to the sides  12  of the collection system  10 . The planter boxes  60  may be used to beautify the collection system  10  and the surrounding yard in which the collection system  10  is located. It has been found that, if the planter boxes are provided with drainage holes and are vertically aligned with one another, the water applied to a plant in an upper planter box will drain through to a plant in a lower planter box. Alternately, other types of vessels (such as storage containers) may be used in addition to, or instead of, the planter boxes  60  that are illustrated. The storage containers may be used for gardening tools or supplies, sporting equipment, pool supplies, and the like. The collection system  10  may also function as a privacy screen or a wall for back yards. 
         [0025]    Assembly of the water collection system may be accomplished quickly. The consumer orients the base in the desired location. For each side ( 12 ), a number of side panels ( 20 ) are joined together by sliding adjacent panels over one another to form an interlocked slide seam ( 25 ) between them. When each side is assembled, the sides ( 12 ) are oriented in an upright position, substantially perpendicular to the base, and are joined together by the corner braces ( 24 ). The corner braces ( 24 ) are bolted to the side panels ( 20 ) to secure the component parts together and to form a cavity for receipt and storage of water. The liner holder ( 51 ) is then installed around the interior perimeter of the uppermost side panels ( 20 ), and the liner ( 50 ) is installed, such that the plumbing connections are oriented toward the bottom of the system. The top panels ( 32 ) are then bolted into position over the cavity to define an opening through which water is captured by the system ( 10 ). 
         [0026]    Because the system  10  is assembled on-site, rather than being pre-fabricated as a unit, many advantages are realized. First, shipping costs are reduced, since the component parts may be nested together for compact shipment. In addition, the component parts (for example, the side panels  20 ) may be easily transported through passageways of any size, thereby permitting the installation of the collection system  10  in back yards or other areas that are accessible only through a narrow gate opening, for instance. The assembly of the component parts is quickly accomplished with a minimum of tools, resulting in a sleek, modern appearance. 
         [0027]    Further, if future needs dictate, the water collection system  10  may be modified by the simple addition of more side panels  20  to create a vessel with a greater volume. Alternately, the water collection system  10  may be expanded to different dimensions (shape and/or height) by the use of interlocking side panels  20  appropriately sized for the desired configuration. By way of example and not of limitation, the water collection system may be configured in an L-shape or a U-shape, in which some side panels  20  are longer than others. Another option uses a joining element (similar to corner joints  24 ) to connect adjacent side panels  20  along a single side. Yet another option for expansion of the water collection system is to use two units (e.g.,  10 ) in a side-by-side arrangement, such that when the first unit is full, water flows directly into the neighboring second unit by way of the overflow area at the top of the unit. 
         [0028]    The preceding discussion merely illustrates the principles of the present modular rainwater collection system. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art may be able to devise various arrangements, which, although not specifically shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples are conditional language recited herein are principally intended for educational purposes and to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. 
         [0029]    Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. 
         [0030]    This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire description of the invention. The foregoing description provides a teaching of the subject matter of the appended claims, including the best mode known at the time of filing, but is in no way intended to preclude foreseeable variations contemplated by those of skill in the art.