Water collection and dispersion system and functional landscape architecture

Abstract

A water collection and dispersion system includes one or a series of units including structures that can be assembled for holding a leak proof liner. The liner collects water, such as, rainwater from a downspout or grey water from a building. The units can be constructed to resemble outdoor furniture such as patio walls, seating, tables, and the like. The units can also be constructed to function as framework for structures such as garden sheds, garages, pergolas, and the like.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 152,379 filed Feb. 13, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicableSEQUENTIAL LISTING[0003]Not applicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention is directed to water collection and dispersion systems and, more particularly, to such systems that comprise modular components that can be custom assembled to satisfy specific functional and aesthetic indoor / outdoor living needs.[0006]2. Background of the Invention[0007]An important element in any water collection and dispersion system is the container used to store the collected water for later use. Presently available water storage containers leave much to be desired. Among the more commonly cited shortcomings of such units are that their large size wastes useful liv...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In one example, the present invention is directed to a water collection and dispersion system that includes at least one water storage container having a housing and a flexible, leak proof liner. The housing further includes a cap, a base, and a body. The body includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall that are connected to form such body. The flexible, leak proof liner forms to the inside of the housing to prevent water loss through the housing and includes two or more fittings that provide connections to a supply / outlet and an overflow, for example. In one embodiment, the fittings are hollow, cylindrical fittings with threaded surfaces that are rigidly attached to the liner. However, such fittings can also be easily detached in other embodiments. One of the fittings can be positioned near the top of the liner so that it extends from the interior of the liner to the exterior of the housing through an opening in the body. Another fitting can be positioned near the bottom of the liner so that is extends from the interior of the liner to the exterior of the housing through a second opening in the body. Attachments with surfaces that complement the threaded surface of the fittings can be connected to the fittings to control the flow of water in and out of the liner.

[0012]The present invention provides a new water collection and dispersion system that embodies many of the advantages of the prior water collection and dispersion systems mentioned hereinabove, avoids many of the disadvantages associated therewith, and further embodies various other novel features that result in a new water collection and dispersion system that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art water collection and dispersion systems, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0013]The present invention also provides a new water collection and dispersion system that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. Further, the water collection and dispersion system disclosed herein is adapted to be of a durable and reliable construction that is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such water collection and dispersion system economically available to the buying public.

Problems solved by technology

Presently available water storage containers leave much to be desired.

Among the more commonly cited shortcomings of such units are that their large size wastes useful living space and that they disrupt the aesthetic harmony of their immediate surroundings.

The water storage container in many conventional water collection and dispersion systems is of considerable size.

Consequently, the units are not well suited for situations where useful outdoor space is limited.

For example, a complaint amongst homeowners is that the size of conventional water storage containers reduces the amount of yard and patio space available for recreation.

However, because such units commonly protrude from surfaces on or in which they have been installed, they still tend to disrupt the aesthetic harmony of the environment.

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