Water collector

Abstract

A water drainage system incorporating a kerb and gutter structure for channeling water. The kerb and gutter has a wall and a floor, and the wall has a depression formed in it. The depression has a surface with one or more openings allowing water channeled by the kerb and gutter to pass through the openings and into a space behind the wall. The depression causes water flowing in the flow direction to change from an approximately laminar flow to a turbulent flow. The turbulent flock may clear debris locking water flow.

Description

[0001] WATER COLLECTOR

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] . The present invention relates generally to the collection of water flowing through a channel. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to the collection of storm water flowing through a kerb and gutter arrangement.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] , Kerb and gutters are concrete and / or asphalt structures used to collect surface runoff water from paved streets, parking lots, or other impervious surfaces. The gutter wall is formed by the kerb wall, with the gutter floor being continuous with the runoff surface. In some cases the gutter floor is a dedicated structure that abuts the runoff surface.

[0006]

[0003] , The collected water drains via an opening in the kerb and gutter structure, and typically then conveyed to a storm drain system or appropriate treatment and / or infiltration system. The drain opening may be meshed or grated (for larger openings) or completely open 9for smaller openings).

[0007]

[0004] , While a drain opening may be formed in the kerb floor, that arrangement requires downward excavation to provide a chamber beneath the opening for the collection of water passing therethrough. That arrangement also presents the problem of objects such as leaves and small items of litter falling downwardly and into the chamber, even where a grate is fitted. Such objects can accumulate over time leading to blockage of the opening.

[0008]

[0005] , In some kerb and gutter structures the drainage opening is formed in the gutter floor and the kerb wall. While this arrangement typically improves drainage capacity, the problems mentioned above remain.

[0006] , In light of the problems associated with a drainage opening formed in the gutter floor, it may be preferred for the drainage opening to be formed in the kerb wall only. In this arrangement, collected water is conveyed in a generally lateral direction thereby avoiding the need for vertical excavation. Moreover, objects are not able to drop vertically into the drainage opening thereby lessening blockages. A shortcoming of this arrangement however is that small objects swept along with the water still tend to block the drainage opening and especially where the opening is grated. Such blockage causes water to flow past the opening, thereby placing greater drainage burden on downstream sections of the kerb and gutter structure.

[0009]

[0007] , It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement in prior art kerb and gutter structures. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art kerb and gutter structure.

[0010]

[0008] , The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

[0009] , In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a water drainage system comprising a kerb and gutter structure configured to channel water along a flow direction, the kerb and gutter having a wall and a floor, wherein the wall has a depression formed therein, the depression having a surface comprising one or more openings allowing water channeled by the kerb and gutter to pass therethrough and into a space behind the wall.

[0013]

[0010] , In order to facilitate the installation of the above in a consistent and economical way in a variety of kerb profiles the invention may comprise a central flow chamber connecting the turbulent capture zone in front of the kerb inlet to an infiltration zone via a vortex generating vertical section. The flow can then be directed horizontally through 360 degrees by rotating an elbow at the end of the vertical section.

[0014] [Oi l], In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression is elongate and is generally aligned with the flow direction.

[0015]

[0012] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression has a relatively deep central region and relatively shallow lateral regions flanking the central region.

[0016]

[0013] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression has a depth, or a maximum depth, or a depth that is mostly, equal to or greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% 99% or 100% of its width.

[0017]

[0014] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression surface is a generally curved surface.

[0018]

[0015] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression has an axis of symmetry running top to bottom.

[0019]

[0016] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression allows water flowing in the flow direction to divert laterally from the flow direction.

[0020]

[0017] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the depression causes water flowing in the flow direction to change from an approximately laminar flow to a turbulent flow.

[0021]

[0018] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the turbulent flow causes an increase in the velocity of water flow.

[0019] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more openings are elongate and are aligned generally to the flow direction. Optionally, there are two or more elongate openings are uniformly spaced apart.

[0022]

[0020] . In one embodiment of the first aspect, the water drainage system comprises multiple openings disposed along a line aligned generally to the flow direction.

[0023]

[0021] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the floor runs downwardly toward a base of the depression.

[0024]

[0022] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the floor is shaped so as to form a bowl-like structure about a base of the depression.

[0025]

[0023] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the space is provided by a chamber or a conduit in fluid communication with the one or more openings.

[0026]

[0024] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the chamber or the conduit is integral with, or is in sealing connection with, a rear side of the depression.

[0027]

[0025] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the chamber is in sealing connection with a conduit configured to drain water therefrom.

[0028]

[0026] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the conduit is substantially vertical or is nonhorizontal.

[0029]

[0027] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the chamber and / or the conduit in sealing connection therewith is shaped or oriented such that water exiting the chamber into the conduit forms a vortex.

[0030]

[0028] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the surface of the depression is provided completely or at least mostly by a metal plate.

[0029] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the wall and floor are provided as a discrete unit that connects to the wall and floor of a greater kerb and gutter structure.

[0031]

[0030] , In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for connecting to and draining water from a kerb and gutter structure configured to channel water along a flow direction, the kerb and gutter having a wall and a floor, the apparatus comprising: a face structure configured to provide a depression, the face structure having one more openings allowing passage of water therethrough, and a chamber or a conduit configured to receive water passing through the one or more openings.

[0032]

[0031] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure is elongate and is generally aligned with the flow direction.

[0033]

[0032] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure has a relatively deep central region and relatively shallow lateral regions flanking the central region.

[0034]

[0033] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure has adepth, or a maximum depth, or a depth that is mostly, equal to or greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% 99% or 100% its width.

[0035]

[0034] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure has a generally curved surface.

[0036]

[0035] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure has an axis of symmetry running top to bottom.

[0036] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure allows water flowing in the flow direction to divert laterally from the flow direction.

[0037]

[0037] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the depression formed by the face structure causes water flowing in the flow direction to change from an approximately laminar flow to a turbulent flow.

[0038]

[0038] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the turbulent flow causes an increase in the velocity of water flow.

[0039]

[0039] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the one or more openings are elongate and are aligned generally to the flow direction.

[0040]

[0040] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus comprises two or more elongate openings which are uniformly spaced apart.

[0041]

[0041] . In one embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus comprises multiple openings disposed along a line aligned generally to the flow direction.

[0042]

[0042] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus comprises a floor that runs downwardly toward a base of the depression formed by the face structure.

[0043]

[0043] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the floor is shaped so as to form a bowllike structure about a base of the depression formed by the face structure.

[0044]

[0044] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the chamber or the conduit is in fluid communication with the one or more openings.

[0045] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the chamber or the conduit is integral with, or is in sealing connection with, a rear side of the depression formed by the face structure.

[0045]

[0046] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the chamber is in sealing connection with a conduit configured to drain water therefrom.

[0046]

[0047] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the conduit is substantially vertical or is non-horizontal.

[0047]

[0048] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the chamber and / or the conduit in sealing connection therewith is shaped or oriented such that water exiting the chamber into the conduit forms a vortex.

[0048]

[0049] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the face structure is completely or at least mostly by a metal plate.

[0049]

[0050] , In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of constructing a kerb and gutter, the method comprising the steps of incorporating or fitting the apparatus of any embodiment of the second aspect into or to a kerb and gutter structure such that water channeled by the kerb and gutter structure is caused or allowed to contact the face structure and pass through the one or more openings of the apparatus.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051]

[0051] , FIG. 1 illustrates in a front perspective view of an apparatus of the present invention for application to a kerb and gutter structure receiving water runoff from an adjacent surface such as a road or a carpark.

[0052]

[0052] , FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in rear perspective view.

[0053]

[0053] , FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in plan view.

[0054] , FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in front view.

[0054]

[0055] , FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from the plane marked D-D in FIG 4.

[0055]

[0056] , FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from the plane marked C-C in FIG 4.

[0056]

[0057] , FIG. 7 illustrates in magnified view the portion of FIG 6 comprising the fastener to reveal detail in the fastening of the faceplate to the chamber, a fastening of the apparatus as a whole to a kerb and gutter structure.

[0057]

[0058] , FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C together illustrate an installation of the present apparatus in an upright kerb, respectively in front view, plan view and sectional lateral view.

[0058]

[0059] , FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C together illustrate an installation of the present apparatus in a roll-back kerb, respectively in front view, plan view and sectional lateral view.

[0059]

[0060] , Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[0060]

[0061] , The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[0062]

[0062] , After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[0063]

[0063] , Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0064]

[0064] , Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

[0065]

[0065] , Positional terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “lateral” and the like are used in terms of the kerb and gutter structure oriented operably with the floor being generally horizontal and the wall rising therefrom.

[0066]

[0066] , The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventor’s discovery that blockage of a drainage opening in the wall of a kerb and gutter structure may be lessened where a depression is formed in the wall portion about where a drainage opening is disposed. The depression disrupts the generally laminar flow of water flowing down the kerb and gutter structure, leading to turbulent flow about the draining opening. The turbulent flow in turn functions to dislodge any debris such as leaves, paper, twigs, plastic wrappers and the like which would otherwise (i.e. in laminar flow) block a grated or meshed drainage opening, or a relatively small or narrow drainage opening.

[0067] , In some embodiments, the wall of the depression is smooth so as to allow water to flow past without any appreciable decrease in velocity. In this way, circular eddy-like currents may form about the depression, thereby assisting in dislodging any debris that may block passage of water through the openings in the depression wall. Materials providing sufficient smoothness include metals (including polished corrosion resistant metals, such as stainless steel) and rigid plastics such as high density polyethylene. Combinations of polymers such as ABS (being a combination of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene) may be preferred due to abrasion, scuffing and scratch resistance thereby ensuring smoothness is maintained over the service life.

[0067]

[0068] , In the present invention, the depression may be formed by a depression in the wall of the kerb and gutter structure, or by a faceplate shaped to provide a depression being mounted on the wall. In any event, openings are provided within the bounds of the depression to allow the passage of water to some means for conveying the water away from the kerb and gutter structure and toward a waste water treatment facility, or simply into the surrounding environment.

[0068]

[0069] , However formed, the one or more openings allowing for the passage of water preferably have the capacity to drain at the highest expected flow rate of the kerb and gutter structure.

[0069]

[0070] , In some embodiments, a single opening is provided. As would be expected, a single opening will typically be of relatively large dimension, and in which case a mesh or a closely spaced grating may be provided to exclude debris from entering. A mesh or grating may also be used where greater than one opening is provided.

[0070]

[0071] , An opening may be a relatively small, and in which case multiple openings will typically be provided so as to cope with the expected flow rate of water through the kerb and gutter structure. Smaller openings will typically function to exclude debris from entering and according no grate or mesh is required.

[0072] , It is emphasised that the present invention may be implemented by any one of at least several non-limiting arrangements. In a first arrangement, the material (such as concrete) forming the wall of the kerb and gutter structure is itself shaped to provide a depression. One or more openings are made in the material and within the bounds of the depression to allow for passage of water. In a second arrangement the material of the kerb and gutter wall remains planar, with the depression being provide by an insert, such as a curved faceplate. The faceplate comprises one or more openings allowing the passage of water. In a third arrangement the depression is provided by both the material of the wall and an insert having one or more openings to allow the passage of water.

[0071]

[0073] , Turbulent flow about the drainage opening is improved where the floor of the kerb and gutter structure runs downwardly toward the base of the depression. Water tends to pool about the depression thereby interfering with the normal laminar flow of water upstream of the depression. The pooling water may function to increase the turbulence caused by the depression in the floor of the kerb and gutter structure. In one embodiment, the floor forms a bowl-like structure about the depression to encourage pooling of water.

[0072]

[0074] , In some embodiments, the wall with depression and floor is provided as a discrete unit configured to insert into a conventional kerb and gutter structure. For example, a conventional length of kerb and gutter may be formed by routine means and a space left (or a space removed) to accept the discrete unit comprising the wall with depression and floor. A compound such as a mortar may be used to connect the discrete unit to the flanking kerb and gutter, and also to ensure that the wall and floor structures are continuous and not liable to leak water at any junction.

[0073]

[0075] , In other embodiments, a length of curve and gutter is formed conventionally, although with the floor modified so as to pool water about a depression in the wall. The wall about the modified floor is not formed at first instance to allow for insertion of a wall having a depression. Alternatively, the wall is formed and a portion removed to allow for insertion of a wall portion having a depression.

[0076] , Reference is now made to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, showing an apparatus (10) of the present invention configured to be fitted to a kerb and gutter structure. The apparatus (10) comprises a faceplate (15) configured for application to a wall of the kerb and gutter structure (not drawn). The faceplate (15) is fabricated from stainless steel and formed into a shallow curve (curving out of the page, as drawn in FIG. 1 ; and curving into the page, as drawn in FIG. 2). When fitted to the wall of a kerb and gutter structure the faceplate (15) forms a depression which, as discussed supra causes turbulent flow of water.

[0074]

[0077] , The faceplate (15) has elongate slots (20a, 20b) formed therein which allow passage of water channelled by the kerb and gutter structure. Each of the slots (20a, 20b) is long so as to maximize the volume of water passing per unit time, but also narrow so as to exclude most debris.

[0075]

[0078] , A chamber (25) is sealingly connected to the rear of the faceplate (15). The chamber (25) functions to collect water passing through the slots (20a, 20b), and therefore has a width dimension slightly greater than the widest slot.

[0076]

[0079] , The chamber (25) is drained by the vertical conduit (30), which in turn drains into the bend (35), leading water to the outlet (40). The floor of chamber (25) is shaped so as to funnel water toward the vertical conduit (30). A water vortex may be created as water drains from the chamber, the vortex clearing any debris that passes through the slots (20a, 20b) that could potentially form a blockage in the chamber (25) or vertical conduit (30).

[0077]

[0080] , The edge of rear face of the faceplate (15) sits against the kerb and gutter structure (particularly the wall) to ensure no or only minor egress of water. A gasket or a sealant may be used to facilitate a seal if required. Otherwise, the faceplate (15) may be simply retained firmly against the kerb and gutter structure, which arrangement may be sufficient to prevent or inhibit water egress.

[0078]

[0081] , The faceplate (15) has an aperture (not visible) for accepting a fastener (45). The fastener (45) is configured to secure the faceplate (15) to the chamber (25) and optionally a structure (not drawn), such as a wall of the kerb and gutter structure. For example, the fastener may be a screw part of a masonry fastening system with a complimentary receiving sleeve being inserted into an aperture formed in the kerb and gutter structure.

[0079]

[0082] , Details of the fastening arrangement are shown in FIG. 7, showing the fastener (45) having a hex head inserting through the faceplate (15) and into a masonry plug (50). The masonry plug (50) has a circumferential flange (50a) at its open end which seats into a recess formed in the chamber (25). A portion of the plug (50) sits within an aperture of the kerb and gutter structure material (55), with intrusion of the fastener (50) causing the plug (50) external surface to bear against and frictionally engage with the material (55).

[0080]

[0083] , Reference is made to FIG. 8 A, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C illustrating the present invention as applied to a “roll-back” kerb and gutter structure (55). This type of structure may be of the “SM2” type. It will be noted that the faceplate (15) and associated hardware are disposed at a slight angle to take account of the curved and angled wall (55a) of the kerb and gutter structure (55). The outlet (40) has a conduit (42) connected thereto so as to carry water out of the kerb and gutter structure (55). The floor (55b) of the kerb and gutter structure (55) runs downwardly toward the faceplate (15) so as to cause pooling of water thereabout.

[0081]

[0084] , In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C the wall (55a) of the kerb and gutter structure (55) is more upright that that of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A. This type of structure may be of the “B2” type. The outlet (40) ports directly out of the kerb and gutter structure (55). The floor (55b) of the kerb and gutter structure (55) runs downwardly toward the faceplate (15) so as to cause pooling of water thereabout.

[0082]

[0085] , Water collected by the present invention may be directed to a proximal plantation or a parkland. Alternatively, the water may drain into a storm water system and be conveyed to a remote waterway or waste water treatment plant.

[0083]

[0086] , Where the collected water is to be used proximally, a problem arises in that runoff water collected by a kerb and gutter structure is typically contaminated with materials such as engine oil, tyre particles, brake dust, metal particles, antifreeze, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and the like. Some type of local processing of the collected water is required. Such contaminants may have an adverse effect on the surrounding plants, or may leach into the groundwater leading to broader environmental concerns.

[0087] , Exemplary methods of locally processing water collected by the present invention involve conveying the water by way of a conduit to a buried chamber. The chamber may comprise a particulate material allowing the water to percolate therethrough, the particulate material acting to adsorb or at least retain contaminants within the chamber. At least partially purified water can dissipate from the chamber, and moreover plant roots of plants can grow toward the chamber along a moisture gradient.

[0084]

[0088] , Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0085]

[0089] , Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A water drainage system comprising a kerb and gutter structure configured to channel water along a flow direction, the kerb and gutter having a wall and a floor, wherein the wall has a depression formed therein, the depression having a surface comprising one or more openings allowing water channeled by the kerb and gutter to pass therethrough and into a space behind the wall.

2. The water drainage system of claim 1, wherein the depression is elongate and is generally aligned with the flow direction.

3. The water drainage system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the depression has a relatively deep central region and relatively shallow lateral regions flanking the central region.

4. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the depression surface is a generally curved surface.

5. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the depression allows water flowing in the flow direction to divert laterally from the flow direction.

6. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the depression causes water flowing in the flow direction to change from an approximately laminar flow to a turbulent flow.

7. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the turbulent flow causes an increase in the velocity of water flow.

8. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more openings are elongate and are aligned generally to the flow direction.

9. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising two or more elongate openings which are uniformly spaced apart.

10. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the floor runs downwardly toward a base of the depression.

11. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the floor is shaped so as to form a bowl-like structure about a base of the depression.

12. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the surface of the depression is provided completely or at least mostly by a metal plate.

13. The water drainage system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wall and floor are provided as a discrete unit that connects to the wall and floor of a greater kerb and gutter structure.

14. Apparatus for connecting to and draining water from a kerb and gutter structure configured to channel water along a flow direction, the kerb and gutter having a wall and a floor, the apparatus comprising: a face structure configured to provide a depression, the face structure having one more openings allowing passage of water therethrough, and a chamber or a conduit configured to receive water passing through the one or more openings.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the depression formed by the face structure is elongate and is generally aligned with the flow direction.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the depression formed by the face structure has a relatively deep central region and relatively shallow lateral regions flanking the central region.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the depression formed by the face structure has a generally curved surface.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the depression formed by the face structure allows water flowing in the flow direction to divert laterally from the flow direction.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the depression formed by the face structure causes water flowing in the flow direction to change from an approximately laminar flow to a turbulent flow.

20. A method of constructing a kerb and gutter, the method comprising the steps of incorporating or fitting the apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 19 into or to a kerb and gutter structure such that water channeled by the kerb and gutter structure is caused or allowed to contact the face structure and pass through the one or more openings of the apparatus.

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