Outdoor Underfloor Rainwater Collection Apparatus

Abstract

An outdoor flooring support system and underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 having a support platform 12, preferably being a galvanized steel frame, having an outdoor-flooring support portion 14 for supporting outdoor flooring 24 in a raised condition, and providing a rainwater drainage area 16. A rainwater guide element 18 is provided in the drainage area 16, supported by the support platform. A rainwater conduit 20 is in liquid communication with an outlet 22 of the rainwater guide element 18 to transport collected rainwater away from the support platform 12. The system sits above ground and does not require excavation, whilst providing rainwater collection apparatus hidden beneath outdoor decking, tiles, patio, balcony etc. A method of installation is also claimed. The guide element may be a flexible membrane sheet, which is pierced by a tubular connection element 56 at its center, tensioning the sheet and connecting it to an inlet of the conduit, creating a sloping surface below flooring so rainwater can flow by gravity between flooring elements, down the tensioned membrane and into the drainage conduit 20.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a rainwater collection apparatus, and more specifically, but not necessarily exclusively, to an outdoor installed rainwater collection apparatus designed to support outdoor flooring aboveground or in a raised condition. The invention further relates to a method of integrating rainwater collection with outdoor flooring without requiring excavation. Rainwater collection is an area of growing importance due to increasing water prices and a demand for sustainable water management. Harvesting rainwater provides an alternative water source to municipal water, which is of particular significance in areas where access to clean water may be limited or in areas prone to drought. Collected rainwater can be used instead of treated water for irrigation or for domestic purposes such as flushing toilets and washing clothes. Further, harvested rainwater is free of chemicals such as chlorine, which makes rainwater particularly well suited for watering plants or gardens. Capturing rainwater has additional benefits such as preventing surface runoff, mitigating the risk of flooding in urban areas as well as reducing soil erosion and preventing pollutants being carried into local water bodies. Existing systems for rainwater collection typically include water butts or above ground storage tanks. These systems typically collect rainwater runoff from rooftops, requiring additional infrastructure such as gutters to allow rainwater to be captured and restricting the locations where the water butts or storage tanks can be installed. Collecting rainwater from rooftops also provides only a limited area for rainwater capture, and installing a water butt or storage tank may be infeasible depending on the geometry of the roof. Alternative systems of rainwater collection include underground cisterns or underground water tanks. While such systems have some benefits in terms of saving space, they require significant excavation which is both expensive and labour intensive. Due to being installed below ground, maintenance of underground cisterns or tanks can also prove to be very challenging. Furthermore, underground installations are typically permanent installations, being extremely impractical to remove once installed. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus for aboveground installation, said apparatus comprising: a support platform having an outdoor-flooring support portion for supporting outdoor flooring in a raised condition and a rainwater drainage area, the support platform being configured for aboveground installation; a rainwater guide element in the rainwater drainage area and supported by the outdoor-flooring support portion; and a rainwater conduit in liquid communication with an outlet of the rainwater guide element to transport collected rainwater away from the support platform. Such an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus can be easily installed aboveground, meaning that costly and time-consuming excavation is not required and that the resultant structure can be more easily moved or removed. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus can capture rainwater over a large rainwater drainage area without needing a roof or gutter system to capture rainwater runoff, and can easily be sized to meet requirements. As the system has a conduit to transport collected rainwater away, it can be installed where there is no space for large water tanks, and water can be transported to a more convenient location for storage or use. Outdoor flooring can be laid over the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus to allow for raised outdoor structures such as a patio or decking. This means that the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus can be hidden from view, providing improved aesthetics compared to traditional rainwater collection systems. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus can thus be installed in place of a traditional patio or deck, providing the benefits of rainwater collection with no loss in functionality, and allowing for the deck or patio to drain in the event of heavy rainfall. Advantageously, the rainwater guide member may have a fall directed to the outlet. This beneficially channels rainwater towards the outlet via gravity. Such a system can allow rainwater to be captured from a large rainwater drainage area and effectively directed into the outlet. Optionally, the rainwater guide member may have a funnel shape and the outlet may be provided at the base of the rainwater guide member. Such a geometry of the rainwater guide member effectively funnels water into the outlet. Optionally, the rainwater guide member may cover or substantially cover the rainwater drainage area. It is preferential that the rainwater guide member covers the entire rainwater drainage area, such that all of the rainwater falling within the rainwater drainage area is channelled into the fluid conduit. Advantageously, the rainwater guide element may have a self-adhesive surface for securing the rainwater guide element to the support platform. A self-adhesive surface provides a quick and convenient means to attach the rainwater guide element to the support platform when installing the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus and ensures a watertight seal between the rainwater guide element and support platform, preventing leaks. Preferably, the rainwater guide element includes a rainwater guide membrane. A rainwater guide membrane has the benefits of being flexible and easy to install. A rainwater guide membrane can also be easily sized to fit any shape or size of support platform. Further, a rainwater guide membrane can easily be perforated or pierced during installation to create the outlet of the rainwater guide element. Advantageously, the rainwater guide membrane is liquid impermeable and / or diffusion open to allow water vapour to pass therethrough. The rainwater guide membrane being liquid impermeable prevents unwanted water leakage through the membrane, allowing the rainwater guide element to direct all or substantially all of the captured rainwater to the outlet. The rainwater guide membrane being diffusion open allows water vapour to pass through the membrane, preventing rainwater from being trapped within the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus and thus preventing water damage caused by accumulation of rainwater in the event of a leak. Optionally, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus may further comprise a connection element which connects the outlet of the rainwater guide element with an inlet of the rainwater conduit. In one preferable embodiment, the rainwater guide membrane may be connected to the rainwater conduit via the connection element under tension. The use of a connection element can ensure that the connection between the outlet of the rainwater guide element and inlet of the rainwater conduit is secure and watertight, preventing possible leaks. In embodiments where the rainwater guide element includes a rainwater guide membrane, a connecting element can be utilised to provide tension to the rainwater guide membrane, allowing the membrane to effectively funnel water towards the water outlet. Optionally, the connection element may include a connection body portion which extends through the outlet of the rainwater guide element into the rainwater conduit and a rainwater-guide-element locating portion which extends outwardly from the connection body portion and abuts the rainwater guide element. Advantageously, the connection element may further include a connection head portion which extends away from the connection body portion for abutting a lower surface of the outdoor flooring. A connection head portion provided on the connection element for abutting the lower surface of the outdoor flooring provides two benefits. Firstly, the weight of the outdoor flooring helps to secure the connection element in place, ensuring a secure connection between the outlet of the rainwater guide element and the inlet of the rainwater conduit. Secondly, the connection head portion itself provides further support for the outdoor flooring. Optionally, the connection element may further include a connection neck portion which extends between the connection head portion and the connection body portion, the connection neck portion having one or more connection-neck-portion apertures in fluid communication with the connection body portion. This allows the physical connection of the connection head portion and the connection body portion while still allowing rainwater to pass through to the connection body and into the rainwater conduit. In one preferable embodiment, the connection body portion may be tubular or substantially tubular and may have an outer diameter equal or substantially equal to an inner diameter of the inlet of the rainwater conduit to provide an interference fit. This provides a secure and watertight connection without necessitating the use of sealant or adhesive, and / or without the connection head portion. Advantageously, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus may further comprise one or more outdoor-flooring spacer elements on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform for spacing the outdoor flooring from the outdoor-flooring support portion, to define a support-to-flooring drainage gap. Outdoor-flooring spacer elements provide a convenient means for enforcing a drainage gap between the support platform and the outdoor flooring, allowing rainwater to drain into the rainwater drainage area even if non-porous flooring is utilised. Preferably, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus may further comprise one or more outdoor-flooring alignment elements on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform for the outdoor flooring to abut thereto at either side, for spacing and aligning adjacent outdoor flooring, to define a flooring-to-flooring drainage gap between adjacent outdoor flooring. Flooring alignment elements may beneficially enforce a gap between adjacent outdoor flooring, providing greater drainage of rainwater from the outdoor flooring. This is particularly beneficial if non-porous flooring such as tiles are laid over the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus. Optionally, the support platform may include a support frame, the outdoor-flooring support portion being provided on an upper surface of the support frame and the rainwater drainage area being at or adjacent to the outdoor-flooring support portion. A support frame is a convenient structure for the support platform due to being strong enough to support outdoor flooring while also being relatively lightweight. Preferably, the support platform may include a rainwater-conduit support portion for receiving and supporting the rainwater conduit. A rainwater-conduit support portion can both support and align the rainwater conduit, preventing the rainwater conduit from dislodging. Optionally, the rainwater-conduit support portion may be a rainwater-conduit support beam which extends through the support frame. A rainwater-conduit support beam provides effective support for the rainwater conduit, and in addition can further reinforce the support frame. Advantageously, the support platform may include one or more rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors for connecting the rainwater-conduit support beam to the support frame. Optionally, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection may be provided in the form of a kit of parts. Optionally, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus may be provided in combination with said outdoor flooring, said outdoor flooring being supported by the outdoor-flooring support portion to overlie the rainwater guide element. Outdoor flooring such as but not limited to tiles or planks can be provided with the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus, being supported by outdoor-flooring support portion. This beneficially allows for the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus to be used as a support structure for a patio or decking. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of integrating rainwater collection with outdoor flooring without requiring excavation, the method comprising the steps of: a] locating a support platform on an area of ground; b] providing the support platform with one or more rainwater conduits for liquid transport away from the support platform before or after locating the support platform on the area of ground; c] locating a rainwater guide element in a rainwater drainage area of the support platform, so as to be in liquid communication with the or each rainwater conduit; and d] locating outdoor flooring on the support platform to overlie the rainwater guide element. Such a method allows for the integration of rainwater collection with outdoor flooring in a quick and easy to install manner. Required components can be produced off site, transported and then quickly assembled. Optionally, in step c] of locating the rainwater guide element in the rainwater drainage area of the support platform may include providing or exposing an adhesive and adhering the rainwater guide element on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform. Adhering the rainwater guide element to the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform via an adhesive is both quick and simple and provides a convenient means for attaining a watertight seal. Preferably, the rainwater guide element covers or substantially covers the rainwater drainage area of the support platform allows for all of the rainwater falling within the rainwater drainage area to be channelled into the fluid conduit. Advantageously, the method of integrating rainwater collection may further comprise in step c] of using a connection element to connect the rainwater guide element and an inlet of the or each rainwater conduit to provide the liquid communication therebetween. Optionally, the rainwater guide element may be a rainwater guide membrane, wherein connecting the rainwater guide element and the or each rainwater conduit may include using the connection element to perforate or pierce the rainwater guide element to create an outlet which is in liquid communication with the inlet of the or each rainwater conduit. Preferably, connecting the rainwater guide element and the or each rainwater conduit using the connection element may tension the rainwater guide element, thereby creating a fall directed to the outlet. Optionally, the method of integrating rainwater collection may further comprise a step e] prior step d] of providing one or more outdoor-flooring spacer elements on the support platform to define a support-to-flooring drainage gap between the outdoor flooring and the support platform, and / or providing one or more flooring alignment elements on the support platform for the outdoor flooring to abut thereto at either side to define a flooring-to-flooring drainage gap between adjacent outdoor flooring. Advantageously, the method of integrating rainwater collection may comprise in step b] of providing the support platform with one or more rainwater-conduit support portions to receive and support the or each rainwater conduit. Preferably, the support platform may include a support frame and the or each rainwater-conduit support portion may be a rainwater-conduit support beam which extends through the support frame, the rainwater-conduit support beam being fixed to the support frame by one or more rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus for aboveground installation, said apparatus comprising a support platform having an outdoor-flooring support portion and a rainwater drainage area; a rainwater guide element in the rainwater drainage area; and a rainwater conduit in liquid communication with an outlet of the rainwater guide element. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention and for use with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 1 b shows a cross section along the line A-A of Figure 1a, with rainwater-conduit support beams removed for clarity; Figure 1c shows a cross section along the line B-B of Figure 1a; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus of Figure 1a; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a plurality of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus of Figure 1a, with some outdoor flooring removed for clarity; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus of Figure 1a; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1a, showing the connection of the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector with a rainwater-conduit support beam and with a support frame in more detail, the support frame being shown in phantom; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a connection element of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus of Figure 1a; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an outdoor-flooring spacer element and outdoor-flooring alignment elements of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus of Figure 1a; and Figure 8 shows a top view of a further embodiment of a support platform for a further embodiment of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus in accordance with the first and third aspects of the invention and for use with the second aspect of the invention. Referring firstly to Figures 1a to 2, there is indicated an embodiment of an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus for aboveground installation, referenced globally at 10. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 comprises a support platform 12 having a plurality of outdoor-flooring support portions 14 and a plurality of rainwater drainage areas 16, a rainwater guide element 18 in or at each rainwater drainage area 16, and a plurality of rainwater conduits 20 in liquid communication with rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 of the rainwater guide elements 18, preferably for transporting collected rainwater away from the support platform 12. In this preferred embodiment, the outdoor-flooring support portion 14 is preferably designed for supporting outdoor flooring 24 in a raised condition and the support platform 12 is preferably configured or adapted and dimensioned or sized for aboveground installation. The rainwater guide element 18 is preferably supported by the outdoor-flooring support portion 14. The support platform 12 in this embodiment here includes a support frame 26. The support frame comprises a plurality of support beams or members 28. The depicted embodiment comprises seven such support beams 28, although it is appreciated that a greater or fewer number of support beams may be utilised depending on requirements, such as size and / or shape requirements. In the depicted embodiment, the support frame comprises four perimeter support beams 28a forming a rectangular perimeter frame, two horizontal support beams 28b that are preferably equidistantly spaced apart which extend between and are attached to two of the opposing perimeter support beams 28a, and a transverse support beam 28c which extends between and is attached to the other two of the opposing perimeter support beams 28a and transverses or substantially transverses the horizontal support beams 28b. Preferably, the support frame 26 has a rectilinear profile, and most preferably the support frame 26 has a rectangular or square profile. The arrangement of the support beams 28 is such that the support platform 12 provides six outdoor-flooring support portions 14, as well as six rainwater drainage areas 16, that are uniform or substantially uniform in size and shape, to support outdoor flooring 24 formed of six uniform or substantially uniform outdoor flooring units 24a or outdoor flooring pieces or tiles, as illustrated in Figure 1a. This arrangement also enables ease of construction and provides uniform support to outdoor flooring 24, regardless of whether the outdoor flooring 24 is formed of one or multiple units. The depicted embodiment provides three rows of two outdoor-flooring support portions, but the arrangement of this may vary depending on requirements. The support frame may have more or fewer horizontal support beams and / or transverse support beam to provide a greater or fewer number of, and / or smaller or bigger, outdoor-flooring support portions and rainwater drainage areas. Therefore, depending on the outdoor flooring requirement, the arrangement and the footprint of the support frame can be adapted accordingly. It is also possible to provide a support frame without any horizontal or transverse support beam and thus only one outdoor-flooring support portion and one rainwater drainage area may be provided. The support frame 26 has an upper surface which the outdoor-flooring support portions 14 are provided thereon. The rainwater drainage areas 16 are provided at or adjacent to the outdoor-flooring support portions 14 respectively. In the depicted embodiment, each rainwater drainage area 16 is delimited by its respective outdoor-flooring support portion 14. As illustrated in the depicted embodiment, the support beams 28 are preferably c-section beams, which provides good structural integrity, and most preferably are formed from cold-formed galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is a preferred option due to its high strength and resistance to rust, but other materials such as wood, hard plastics or other metals such as aluminium may be used. It is preferred that the support beams 28 are connected by screws, but other means of connection are possible, such as welding. The support beam 28 may also have alternative cross section profiles, such as planar or u-shaped. The support platform 12 further comprises a plurality of rainwater-conduit support portions for receiving and supporting the rainwater conduits 20, as will be later described in more detail. The rainwater-conduit support portions are two rainwaterconduit support beams 30 in the presently depicted embodiment, such that there is effectively a segment of the rainwater-conduit support portion corresponding to each outdoor-flooring support portion 14 and each rainwater drainage area 16. It will be appreciated that as with the support beams 28 it will be appreciated that the number of rainwater-conduit support beams 30 may be greater or fewer depending on the circumstances. The rainwater-conduit support beams 30 are positioned below the upper surface of the support frame 26, and are configured to be positioned beneath the outdoor flooring 24. The rainwater-conduit support beams 30 are positioned to provide further support in the event that the outdoor flooring 24 should break by intercepting damaged outdoor flooring 24, preventing further damage. This is particularly relevant where the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 is installed far above ground level, for example on a balcony or raised terrace, and the risk of a user falling through the support platform 12 needs to be eliminated or minimised. Preferably, the rainwater conduit support beams 30 are positioned equidistant from the adjacent perimeter support beam 28a and the transverse support beam 28c. Best seen in Figure 5, the support frame 26 is preferably provided with a plurality of openings 32, with the rainwater-conduit support beams 30 and the rainwater conduits 20 extending therethrough. The rainwater-conduit support beams 30 are similarly formed to the support beams 28, being c-section beams and preferably being formed from cold-formed galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is a preferred option due to its high strength and resistance to rust, but other materials such as wood, hard plastics or other metals such as aluminium may be used. As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, each rainwater-conduit support beam 30 is connected to the support frame 26 via a rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector 34, and preferably connected via one rainwater-conduit support-beam connector 34 at either end of the rainwater-conduit support beam 30. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector 34 allows for the rainwater-conduit support beam 30 to be mounted at a 90-degree angle relative to the support beams 28, with the mouth of the c-section facing the upper surface of the support frame 26. This allows convenient placement of the rainwater conduit 20 on the rainwater-conduit support beam 30 and allows an inlet of the rainwater conduit 20 to extend through the mouth of the c-section towards the rainwater-guide-element outlet 22 of the rainwater guide element 18. Each rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector 34 is complimentarily dimensioned to the rainwater perimeter support beams 28a of the support frame 26, preferably having a height the same or substantially the same as a distance between two opposing arms of the c-section of the perimeter support beams 28a so as to abut the two arms. In the presently depicted embodiment the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 are received within or substantially within the perimeter support beams 28a in the mouth of the c-sections. It will be appreciated that the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors may be received only partially within the mouth of the c-sections of the perimeter support beams. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 each include a substantially planar support-frame-abutment surface 36 configured to abut an inner surface of the perimeter support beams 28a of the support frame 26. Each of the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 further include a plurality of coplanar rainwater-conduit- support-beam-abutment flanges 38, parallel to the support-frame-abutment surface 36. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam-abutment flanges 38 and support-frame-abutment surface 36 are interconnected by two parallel rainwater-conduit-support-beam-abutment surfaces 40 which are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the support-frame-abutment surface 36 and configured to abut two arms of the c-section of the rainwater-conduit support beam 30. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 are preferably attached to the perimeter support beams 28a of the support frame 26 via punched stud fixings (omitted from drawings), although other methods of connection are viable. Connection via interference or frictional fit may also be possible. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 are preferably attached to the rainwater-conduit support beams 30 via self-tapping screws (omitted from drawings), although other methods of connection are viable. Connection via interference or frictional fit may also be possible. It will be appreciated that the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector may be attached to the horizontal support beam as well as or instead of the perimeter support beams. Each of the rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors 34 includes a connector opening 42 on the support-frame-abutment surface 36, corresponding to and colinear with the openings 32 of the support frame 26, allowing the rainwater-conduit-support beam 28 and the rainwater conduit 20 to extend therethrough. The connector openings 42 are dimensioned to receive the rainwater-conduit support beams 30 in a 90-degree rotated condition relative to the transverse support beam 28c, i.e. with the mouth of the c-section facing the upper surface of the support frame 26. The rainwater-conduit-support-beam abutment flanges 38 further define connector slots 44 for receiving the rainwater-conduit support beams 30, with the connector slots 44 and connector opening 42 of each rainwater-conduit-support-beam connector 34 defining a rainwaterconduit support beam receiver. It is appreciated that the rainwater-conduit support beams may be excluded, particularly in cases where the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus is installed close to ground level. In this instance, the rainwater-conduit support portion may be in the form of an opening in the support frame for the rainwater conduit to be supported thereon and to extend therethrough. Collected rainwater is transported away from the support platform 12 of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 via the plurality of rainwater conduits 20, which are provided beneath the upper surface of the support frame 26. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 2, two such rainwater conduits 20 are provided, although the number of rainwater conduits 20 may be greater or fewer, depending on for example the dimensions of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10. In the preferred embodiment shown, the rainwater conduits 20 are formed from pipes 46 connected by pipe tees 48. The pipes 46 and pipe tees 48 are preferably formed from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), due to being durable, strong, lightweight and affordable, as well as being robust to temperature changes and water erosion. Evidently, alternatives to PVC such as polypropylene piping or copper piping may be utilised. The rainwater conduits 20 are in liquid communication with the rainwater guide element 18. In the preferred embodiment shown, the rainwater conduits 20 are provided with inlets 50 through which rainwater is channelled. The inlets 50 are provided in the pipe tees 48, and the number and positioning of the inlets 50 and pipe tees 48 correspond to the number and positioning of the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 of the rainwater guide elements 18. Thus, a rainwater conduit may have greater or fewer than three pipe tees and inlets to correspond to the number of rainwater guide element. It can be envisioned that the inlets may instead be defined by apertures or openings formed directly in one of the pipes, without the pipe tees. Each of the rainwater drainage areas 16 has a corresponding inlet 50. While it is preferable that the number of inlets 50 corresponds to the number of rainwater drainage areas 16, there may be more than one inlet per rainwater drainage area. Preferably, each inlet 50 may be positioned beneath the centre or substantially the centre of a respective rainwater drainage area 16. Each rainwater conduit 20 further comprises a conduit outlet 52, preferably at one of its end, for connecting to a rainwater collection and storage facility such as a storage tank or water butt, or for connecting to a rainwater utilisation system such as for irrigation, domestic or commercial use, which is preferably remote or away from the support platform. In the simplest case, rainwater may be utilised directly from the conduit outlet 52 to irrigate a garden or lawn adjacent to the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10. A conduit inlet 53 is preferably provided at the other end of each rainwater conduit 20 so as to connect to an adjacent rainwater conduit 20 of an adjacent outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 if a plurality of outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 are required to be installed. For example, as shown in Figure 3, four outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 are provided and they are either abutted to each other or attached to each other by fastening or attachment means. A watertight connection, such as sealant or adhesive, may be provided between adjacent rainwater conduits to prevent leaks when rainwater passes from one apparatus to the next. The conduit outlets may be connected to a water filter to remove leaves, moss or other debris from the captured rainwater. It is preferred that the rainwater conduits are pipes, but alternative structures for the rainwater conduits 20 are possible, such as but not limited to u-shaped conduits, rainwater channels or flexible tubing. Incident rainwater is directed to rainwater conduits 20 by the rainwater guide elements 18, which are each provided with the rainwater-guide-element outlet 22 in liquid communication with the rainwater conduits 20. The rainwater guide elements 18 are provided in or at their respective rainwater drainage areas 16, and preferably the entirety or substantially the entirety of each of the rainwater drainage areas 16 is covered by the respective rainwater guide element 18. The rainwater guide elements 18 are supported by their respective outdoor-flooring support portions 14, and are preferably attached to the outdoor-flooring support portions 14 in a watertight manner. For ease of installation, it is preferred that the rainwater guide elements 18 are provided with a self-adhesive surface for securing the rainwater guide element 18 to the outdoor-flooring support portions, as per the depicted embodiment. Alternatively, separate adhesive may be applied to either the rainwater guide elements and / or the outdoor-flooring support portions to facilitate securing the rainwater guide elements 18 to the support platform 12. Other methods of attaching the rainwater guide elements to the support platform will be readily apparent, for example clamping means such as clips. Each of the rainwater guide elements 18 has a fall directed towards its respective rainwater-guide-element outlet 22, to effectively channel rainwater towards the rainwater-guide-element outlet 22. The rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 are preferably positioned above the inlets 50 of the rainwater conduits 20. It is also preferable that the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 are positioned in the centres of the respective rainwater drainage areas 16, and that the rainwater guide elements 18 have a funnel shape with the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 provided at the respective bases of the rainwater guide elements 18. An angle of the fall of the rainwater guide elements 18 to a plane of the rainwater drainage areas 16 is preferably between 1 and 90 degrees, and most preferably between 1 and 45 degrees. In the depicted embodiment, the fall of each of the rainwater guide elements 18 is substantially linear, but it will be appreciated that the fall may instead be non-linear, such as curved or wavy. It is preferred that the rainwater-guide-element outlets are provided at the respective bases, and that the fall monotonically decreases towards the rainwater-guide-element outlet. In this preferred embodiment, the rainwater guide elements 18 are each formed from a rainwater guide membrane 54. The rainwater guide membrane 54 is provided as a single piece which overlies or covers or substantially overlies or covers the entire upper surface of the support frame 26 to define the rainwater guide elements 18 in each of the rainwater drainage areas 16. Alternatively, a separate rainwater guide membrane may be provided for each of the respective rainwater drainage areas, with each rainwater guide membrane being substantially sized to cover the respective drainage area, and each rainwater guide element being formed from a different rainwater guide membrane. Preferably, the rainwater guide membrane 54 may include a nonwoven fabric in sheet form. Preferably, the rainwater guide membrane 54 comprises one or more polymers, copolymers, and / or polyolefins. Most preferably, the rainwater guide membrane 54 comprises polypropylene. The rainwater guide membrane 54 may comprise one or more layers of different materials. Preferably, the rainwater guide membrane 54 may include an adhesive acrylic polymer layer and a release liner or backing layer comprising polypropylene. One such suitable rainwater guide membrane may be Siga Wetguard (RTM) 200SA. Although this self-adhesive membrane is designed for wood elements, testing has shown that it functions well as the rainwater guide membrane due to its liquid impermeable, diffusion open, and self-adhesive properties, as well as being robust and customisable to a variety of dimensions. The rainwater guide membrane 54 is preferably liquid impermeable to allow water to be directed towards the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 and into the rainwater conduits 20 without leaking through the rainwater guide membrane 54. Although not strictly necessary, it is particularly beneficial that the rainwater guide membrane 54 is diffusion open, or in other words permeable to water vapour. The rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 of the rainwater guide membrane 54 are connected to the inlets 50 of rainwater conduits 20 via a plurality of connection elements 56 or plugs, the structure of which can best be seen with reference to Figure 6. The connection elements 56 connect the rainwater guide membrane 54 to the rainwater conduits 20 under tension, forming the fall for each rainwater guide element 18 directed towards the respective rainwater-guide-element outlets 22. Each connection element 56 include a connection body portion 58, which extend through the rainwater-guide-element outlet 22 of a respective rainwater guide element 18 and into a rainwater conduit 20. The connection body portion 58 is preferably substantially tubular, to allow rainwater to pass therethrough. Most preferably, an outer diameter of the connection body portion 58 equal or substantially equal to an inner diameter of the inlet 50 of the rainwater conduits 20. This allows for an interference or frictional fit between the connection elements 56 and the inlets 50 of the rainwater conduits 20, which is beneficially watertight to prevent loss of captured rainwater due to leaking. An interference fit has the additional benefit of allowing the connection elements 56 to be more easily removed from the inlets than alternatives such as adhesive or sealant, which may be useful to allow for easier maintenance of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 in the case of blockages, for example. However, it is appreciated that the connection elements 56 and the inlets 50 may be connected via other means either in addition to or instead of an interference fit. For example, a sealant such as silicone may be used to connect the inlets 50 and connection elements 56 to improve the strength and watertightness of the connection. In this instance, the connection body portion of the connection element need not be tubular as long as apertures are provided for rainwater to pass therethrough. Each connection element 56 further comprises a rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60, which extends radially outwardly from the connection body portion 58 to abut the respective rainwater guide element 18. The rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60 preferably has a tapered edge 62 as depicted to allow water to easily flow thereover. The rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60 preferably has a circular or substantially circular profile. Other profile shapes are feasible, such as a polygonal profile. The rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60 may be substantially flat or planar, as depicted in the present embodiment. Alternatively, the rainwater-guide-element locating portion may be or may substantially be funnel shaped, and may be sloped complimentary to the fall of the rainwater-guide-element. Each connection element 56 further includes a connection head portion 64 which extends away from the connection body portion 58. The connection head portion 64 has a substantially flat connection-head-portion upper surface 65, which is configured to abut a lower surface of the outdoor flooring 24, such that the weight of the outdoor flooring 24 presses the respective connection body portion 58 of the connection element 56 into the respective inlet 50 of the rainwater conduit 20. In some embodiments, the weight of the outdoor flooring on each connection element is the only or predominant means by which the connection elements are secured in place and connected to the respective inlets. The connection-head-portion upper surfaces 65 are configured to provide support for outdoor flooring 24. Preferably, the connection head portions 64 are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, and most preferably have a larger radius relative to their height to provide a large upper surface for supporting outdoor flooring 24. The connection head portion may be non-cylindrical, and may for example be cuboidal. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the connection head portion 64 and connection body portion 58 are interconnected by a connection neck portion 66. The connection neck portion has a plurality of connection-neck-portion apertures 68 to allow for the passage of rainwater therethrough. Four such connection-neck-portion apertures 68 are present in the embodiment depicted, although any number of connection-neck-portion apertures 68 may be provided. In alternative embodiments, the connection neck portion may be porous or formed as a mesh to allow rainwater to pass therethrough, and preferably to filter the rainwater. The connection-neck-portion apertures 68 may be sized to filter detritus such as leaves, stones or moss from passing therethrough. Alternatively, the connection elements 56 may comprise water filters received in the connection-neck-portion apertures 68. As depicted in the present embodiment, the connection neck portion 66 is here formed as four substantially planar connection-neck-portion sections 66a distributed circumferentially about the tubular connection body portion 58, with the connection-neck-portion apertures 68 being delineated by the connection-neck-portion sections 66a, the rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60, and the connection head portion 64. Evidently, the connection neck portion may comprise a different number of connection-neck-portion sections, and the connection-neck-portion sections may be differently distributed without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that the connection neck portion may be replaced by a longer connection head portion if preferred. In this instance, the connection head portion may be provided with apertures or is porous to allow rainwater to pass therethrough. The connection elements 56 are preferably formed from a strong and lightweight material robust to weather damage and damp conditions, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Other material choices may be considered, such as but not limited to stainless steel or PVC. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 preferably includes a plurality of outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70, which are best described with reference to Figures 2 and 7. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 are provided on the outdoor-flooring support portion 14 of the support platform 12, for spacing the outdoor flooring 24 from the outdoor-flooring support portion 14. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 may simply be laid onto the outdoor-flooring support portion, or alternatively some or all may be attached to the support platform 12 via for example adhesive or a bolted connection. For example, only the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 on the perimeter support beams 28a may be attached to the support frame. In the preferred embodiment shown, the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 are provided at the points of intersection of the support beams 28 and are arranged in a grid-like configuration, to engage with corners of each outdoor flooring piece, unit or tile 24a. However, the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 may be provided on any part of the outdoor-flooring support portion 14 of the support platform 12 without limitation. Whilst the preferred embodiment is provided with twelve outdoor-flooring spacer elements for six outdoor flooring tiles, more or fewer outdoor-flooring spacer elements may be envisaged. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 are substantially flat or planar, having a disc or pad shape to support flat outdoor flooring 24. It is preferred that each outdoor flooring unit 24a is supported by at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three and most preferably at least four outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70. For rectangular or square outdoor flooring units 24a it is preferred that they are supported at each of their four corners. Preferably, each of the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 is provided with spacerelement apertures 72. The spacer-element apertures 72 facilitate the connection of outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 with a sealant or adhesive, and allow for the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 to be more easily positioned on the support frame 26 by using the view through the spacer-element apertures 72 for reference. It will be appreciated that such apertures may be omitted from the outdoor-flooring spacer elements. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 provide spacing between the support platform 12 and the outdoor flooring 24, defining a support-to-flooring drainage gap 74, best seen in Figures 1a and 1c, through which rainwater can pass. Evidently, a height of the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 defines the height of the support-to-flooring drainage gap 74. Therefore, in the depicted embodiment, the outdoor-flooring support portion 14 of the support platform supports the outdoor flooring 24 via the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70. Still referring to Figure 7, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 preferably additionally comprises a plurality of outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76. As shown, it is preferred that each outdoor-flooring spacer element 70 is integrally formed as one piece with one or more outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76, or connected to one or more outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76. The outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are here formed as planar or substantially planar ridges, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 and to the upper surface of the support frame 26. The outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are configured to abut outdoor flooring 24 and to thereby align adjacent outdoor flooring units 24a, and to space adjacent outdoor flooring units 24a or outdoor flooring pieces to define a flooring-to-flooring drainage gap 78, best seen in Figures 1b and 1c, between adjacent outdoor flooring units 24a. The flooring-to-flooring drainage gap 78 are preferably sized to filter rainwater entering the system, preventing detritus such as leaves, moss or stones from passing through. Preferably, the flooring-to-flooring drainage gap 78 is no wider or is less than 5mm. Most preferably, the flooring-to-flooring drainage gap 78 is about 2mm. The flooring-to-flooring drainage gap 78 provides a shadow gap or shadow joint between adjacent outdoor flooring units 24a, improving aesthetics. Preferably, four outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are provided for each outdoor-flooring spacer element 70. Each outdoor-flooring alignment element 76 is configured to abut outdoor flooring units 24a at either side, although evidently the outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 on the perimeter support beams 28a abut outdoor flooring 24 on only one side. A flow path is thus defined through the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10, with rainwater in sequence passing through the flooring-to-flooring drainage gaps 78 and then through the support-to-flooring drainage gaps 74 to the rainwater guide elements 18, passing over the rainwater guide elements 18 to the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 of said rainwater guide element 18, passing through the rainwater-guide-element outlet 22 to the inlets 50 of the rainwater conduit 20 and then passing through the rainwater conduits 20 to the rainwater-conduit outlets 52 and away from the support platform 12. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 and / or outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are preferably made from an elastomeric material, and most preferably made from rubber. Alternatively, the outdoor-flooring spacer elements and / or outdoor-flooring alignment elements may be made from rigid materials such as hard plastic or metal. The outdoor-flooring spacer elements and outdoor-flooring alignment elements may be made of the same material or different materials. While it is preferred that the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 and outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are provided as a single unit as in the embodiment discussed and may further preferably be integrally formed, it is appreciated that the outdoor-flooring spacer elements and outdoor-flooring alignment elements may instead be provided as separate elements, and that one or both may be excluded. Additionally, while in the preferred embodiment the outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 and outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 are provided separately to the support frame 26, one or both of the outdoor-flooring spacer elements and outdoor-flooring alignment elements may alternatively be integrally provided with the support frame. It will be appreciated that the outdoor-flooring spacer elements and / or outdoor-flooring alignment elements may be dispensed with if the outdoor flooring is porous, has a mesh or grate structure, or has through apertures or slots, and thus no drainage gap is required for rainwater to flow through to reach the rainwater guide elements. In this instance, there may be direct physical contact between the outdoor-flooring support portion and the outdoor flooring, or a portion of the rainwater guide element provided be positioned between the outdoor-flooring support portion and the outdoor flooring. The outdoor flooring 24 is intersticed and / or porous to allow rainwater to pass therethrough. In the preferred embodiment shown, the outdoor flooring 24 is provided as tiles. Preferably, the tiles may be 800mm x 800mm. More preferably, the tiles may be 600mm x 600mm. Alternatively, the outdoor flooring 24 may be provided as for example natural stone, brick, wooden planks, mesh grating panels. It is appreciated that this is a non-exhaustive list. Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a second embodiment of a support platform 12 for a second embodiment of an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10. The second embodiment of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 is the same as the first embodiment, apart from slight differences in the support platform 12 and therefore the same reference numerals are used. The support platform 12 in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it lacks rainwater-conduit support beams for housing the rainwater conduits 20. Instead, the rainwater conduits 20 are supported on the rainwater-conduit support portion, which are openings 32 of the support beams 28 of the support platform 12. The second embodiment provides a simplified apparatus 10, which is more cost effective to manufacture and install. It is particularly suited to scenarios where the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 is installed close to ground level, where there is little or no risk of a user falling through the support platform 12 from a height due to breakage of the outdoor flooring 24. While some components, such as the support platform, of the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10 are preferably assembled elsewhere and then delivered to a desired location, the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus is able to be assembled in situ, and beneficially does not require any excavation. This may involve, for example, a first step of locating or placing the support platform 12 on an area of ground. Prior to or after this step, the rainwater conduits 20 for liquid transport away from the support platform 12 are installed, preferably through the rainwater-conduit support portions openings 32 in the support platform 12. The rainwater-conduit support portions may be provided in the form of the openings in the support beams to receive and support the rainwater conduits as illustrated in the second embodiment seen in Figure 8, or in the form of the rainwater-conduit support beam as illustrated in the first embodiment seen in Figure 2. Provision of the rainwaterconduit support portions in the support platform and fixture thereto may take place before or after placing the support platform on site. The rainwater guide elements 18 are then located in the respective rainwater drainage areas 16, so as to be in liquid communication with the respective rainwater conduits 20. The outdoor flooring 24 is then positioned on the support platform 12 to overlie the rainwater guide elements 18. In the most preferred embodiment, the rainwater guide elements 18 are formed from a rainwater guide membrane 54 as described above. In this case, the rainwater guide membrane 54 is first adhered to the support platform 12, preferably by way of a self-adhesive surface of the rainwater guide membrane 54, and then pierced in the centre or substantially the centre by the plurality of connection elements 56 to create the plurality of rainwater-guide-element outlets 22. In the preferred embodiment where the rainwater guide membrane has a self-adhesive layer, a backing layer covering the self-adhesive is first removed to expose the self-adhesive layer before attaching the rainwater guide membrane to the support platform. The connection elements 56 may then be connected to inlets 50 provided in the rainwater conduits 20 to establish liquid communication between the inlets 50 of the rainwater conduits 20 and the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22. As described above in more detail, the connection elements 56 preferably include a rainwater-guide-element locating portion 60 which abuts the rainwater guide membrane 54. The connection elements 56 tension the rainwater guide membrane 54, thereby creating the fall directed to the rainwater-guide-element outlets 22 of each of the rainwater guide elements 18. Outdoor-flooring spacer elements 70 and outdoor-flooring alignment elements 76 as described above may optionally then be positioned on the support platform 12, before finally overlaying intersticed or porous outdoor flooring 24 as earlier described. Preferably, the outdoor flooring 24 abuts the connection head portions 64 of the connection elements 56, which helps to maintain the fall of the rainwater guide elements 18. As illustrated in Figure 3, it is possible to install multiple outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus 10, and adjacent apparatus may simply abut each other or may be secured together by fastening means. The outlets of the end rainwater conduits 20 are then connected to a rainwater collection and storage facility or rainwater utilisation system remote from the support platform 12. As and when the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus is no longer required, the apparatus can be disconnected, the outdoor flooring removed, and the various parts of the apparatus can be dissembled and removed from the site. It is possible to provide the outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as a kit of parts to be installed on a site with pre-existing outdoor flooring already present, as the shape and size of the support platform can be adapted accordingly, as previously discussed. Alternatively, outdoor flooring can additionally be provided as part of the apparatus kit. It is therefore possible to provide an outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus which is both modular and transportable. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus is freestanding and capable of being installed on site aboveground, meaning that costly and time-consuming excavation is not required and that the resultant structure can be more easily moved or removed. As the system has a conduit to transport collected rainwater away, it can be installed where there is no space for large water tanks, and water can be transported to a more convenient location for storage or use. The outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus can be installed in place of a traditional patio or deck by overlaying outdoor flooring, providing the benefits of rainwater collection with no loss in functionality, and allowing for the deck or patio to drain in the event of heavy rainfall. While discussion of the support platform has largely been limited to the most preferred embodiment wherein the support platform includes a support frame formed from support beams, it is appreciated that other structures are equally possible. For example, it may be that the support platform is formed from for example cinder blocks or bricks and mortar, or even that the support platform is defined by non-interconnected posts which rainwater guide element and outdoor flooring may be laid over. Various structures of support platform which can support outdoor flooring in a raised condition and allow rainwater drainage may be considered. Similarly, while the description has largely been devoted to the preferred embodiments wherein the rainwater guide element includes a rainwater guide membrane, the rainwater guide element may have various other structures. Particularly, the rainwater guide element may be formed from a rigid material, preferably a rigid plastic. In this case, the rainwater guide element may be substantially funnel shaped. Where the rainwater guide element is rigid, it is foreseeable that the connection elements may be integrally formed with the rainwater guide element, or alternatively may be excluded entirely, as the rainwater guide element can here have a fall directed towards the outlet without requiring tensioning. The connection element may also have a configuration or shape different to that illustrated in the preferred depicted embodiment. For example, it may take the form of a clip, fastener or retainer that retains the rainwater-guide-element outlet to the inlet of the rainwater conduits. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus for aboveground installation, said apparatus comprising:a support platform having an outdoor-flooring support portion for supporting outdoor flooring in a raised condition and a rainwater drainage area, the support platform being configured for aboveground installation;a rainwater guide element in the rainwater drainage area and supported by the outdoor-flooring support portion; anda rainwater conduit in liquid communication with an outlet of the rainwater guide element to transport collected rainwater away from the support platform.

2. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rainwater guide element has a fall directed to the outlet.

3. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rainwater guide element has a self-adhesive surface for securing the rainwater guide element to the support platform.

4. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rainwater guide element includes a rainwater guide membrane.

5. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rainwater guide membrane is liquid impermeable and / or diffusion open to allow water vapour to pass therethrough.

6. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a connection element which connects the outlet of the rainwater guide element with an inlet of the rainwater conduit.

7. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the rainwater guide membrane is connected to the rainwater conduit via the connection element under tension.

8. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the connection element includes a connection body portionwhich extends through the outlet of the rainwater guide element into the rainwater conduit and a rainwater-guide-element locating portion which extends outwardly from the connection body portion and abuts rainwater guide element.

9. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connection element further includes a connection head portion which extends away from the connection body portion for abutting a lower surface of the outdoor flooring.

10. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the connection body portion is tubular or substantially tubular and has an outer diameter equal or substantially equal to an inner diameter of the inlet of the rainwater conduit to provide an interference fit.

11. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprises one or more outdoor-flooring spacer elements on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform for spacing the outdoor flooring from the outdoor-flooring support portion, to define a support-to-flooring drainage gap.

12. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more outdoor-flooring alignment elements on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform for the outdoor flooring to abut thereto at either side, for spacing and aligning adjacent outdoor flooring, to define a flooring-to-flooring drainage gap between adjacent outdoor flooring.

13. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support platform includes a support frame, the outdoor-flooring support portion being provided on an upper surface of the support frame and the rainwater drainage area being at or adjacent to the outdoor-flooring support portion.

14. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support platform includes a rainwater-conduit support portion for receiving and supporting the rainwater conduit.

15. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the rainwater-conduit support portion is a rainwater-conduit support beam which extends through the support frame.

16. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the support platform includes one or more rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors for connecting the rainwater-conduit support beam to the support frame.

17. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in the form of a kit of parts.

18. Outdoor underfloor rainwater collection apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with said outdoor flooring, said outdoor flooring being supported by the outdoor-flooring support portion to overlie the rainwater guide element.

19. A method of integrating rainwater collection with outdoor flooring without requiring excavation, the method comprising the steps of: a] locating a support platform on an area of ground;b] providing the support platform with one or more rainwater conduits for liquid transport away from the support platform before or after locating the support platform on the area of ground;c] locating a rainwater guide element in a rainwater drainage area of the support platform, so as to be in liquid communication with the or each rainwater conduit; andd] locating outdoor flooring on the support platform to overlie the rainwater guide element.

20. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in claim 19, wherein in step c] of locating the rainwater guide element in the rainwater drainage area of the support platform includes providing or exposing an adhesive and adhering the rainwater guide element on the outdoor-flooring support portion of the support platform.

21. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, further comprises in step c] of using a connection element to connect the rainwater guide element and an inlet of the or each rainwater conduit to provide the liquid communication therebetween.

22. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in claim 21, wherein the rainwater guide element is a rainwater guide membrane, wherein connecting the rainwater guide element and the or each rainwater conduit includes using the connection element to pierce the rainwater guide element to create an outlet which is in liquid communication with the inlet of the or each rainwater conduit.

23. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in claim 22, wherein connecting the rainwater guide element and the or each rainwater conduit using the connection element tensions the rainwater guide element, thereby creating a fall directed to the outlet.

24. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprises a step e] prior step d] of providing one or more outdoor-flooring spacer elements on the support platform to define a support-to-flooring drainage gap between the outdoor flooring and the support platform, and / or providing one or more flooring alignment elements on the support platform for the outdoor flooring to abut thereto at either side to define a flooring-to-flooring drainage gap between adjacent outdoor flooring.

25. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, further comprises in step b] of providing the support platform with one or more rainwater-conduit support portions to receive and support the or each rainwater conduit.

26. A method of integrating rainwater collection as claimed in claim 25, wherein the support platform includes a support frame and the or each rainwater-conduit support portion is a rainwater-conduit support beam which extends through the support frame, the rainwater-conduit support beam being fixed to the support frame by one or more rainwater-conduit-support-beam connectors.

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