Modular blocks for rainwater recovery system

Abstract

A modular block, useful for constructing liquid-storage tanks for water-recovery systems, is described. The blocks can support large vertical loadings, may be fabricated from synthetic materials, and can be assembled into a tank-like structure. Because of their small size, light weight and easy portability, custom-sized water-recovery tanks may be readily assembled and installed at competitive costs. The water-recovery tanks may be used to reclaim runoff rainwater from water-impervious surfaces.

1 . A liquid-storage tank comprising:
 at least one block, the block having:
 a substantially rectangular lower element perforated with at least one hole; 
 a substantially rectangular upper element perforated with at least one hole, the lower element and the upper element substantially parallel to each other; and 
 at least one vertical support member connecting the upper element and the lower element, the support having at least one perforation; 
   a covering material enclosing the at least one block to form a liquid-storage volume;   at least one liquid inlet into the storage volume; and   at least one liquid outlet from the storage volume.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the at least one block can support a vertical loading of at least about two pounds per square inch and wherein the occupancy ratio of the at least one block is less than about 0.10 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the at least one block can support a vertical loading of at least about four pounds per square inch and wherein the occupancy ratio of the at least one block is less than about 0.10 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , the at least one block further including:
 at least one integrated female-type fastening mechanism located on each of at least two sides of each block; and   at least one integrated male-type fastening mechanism located on each of at least two sides of each block; wherein   the female-type and male-type fastening mechanisms enable registered assembly of plural, substantially similar, rectangular-shaped blocks.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the vertical support of the at least one block comprises at least one wall-like structure having plural perforations, the wall like structure being located and attached substantially along a diagonal of the upper and lower elements; and further includes
 at least one reinforcing brace comprising a planar member, oriented substantially parallel to the upper and lower elements and attached to one or more vertical support members.   
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further including:
 synthetic cord threaded through at least one perforation in at least one vertical support of each block located at the periphery of an assembled multiple block structure, the synthetic cord providing structural reinforcement of the assembled block structure.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the at least one block is fabricated from a synthetic material using a process selected from the following group: extrusion, injection molding, rotational molding, or casting.   
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the material used to form the at least one block is selected from the following group: nylon, vinyl, polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polystyrene.   
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 the upper element and the lower element are substantially flat.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein
 at least a portion of the upper element and at least a portion of the lower element incorporate a shape selected from the following group: convex and concave.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further including:
 at least one dry well connected to the liquid-storage tank.   
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pump connected to the liquid-storage tank; and   at least one roof-water collection system connected to the liquid-storage.   
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  further comprising at least one filter disposed between the at least one roof-water collection system and liquid-storage tank connected thereto. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  further comprising at least one roof washer disposed between the at least one roof-water collection system and liquid-storage tank connected thereto, the at least one roof washer includes a flow diverter that diverts a first flush of water away from the liquid-storage tank connected thereto and permits water in excess of said first flush of water to flow to the liquid-storage tank connected thereto. 
   
   
       15 . A modular block adapted for constructing a liquid-storage tank comprising:
 a substantially rectangular lower element perforated with plural holes;   a substantially rectangular upper element perforated with holes, the lower element and the upper element substantially parallel to each other;   at least one vertical support member connecting the upper element and the lower element, the support having plural perforations;   at least one receptacle for receiving an interlocking fastener; wherein   the block is adapted to support a vertical loading of greater than about two pounds per square inch, has an occupancy ratio of less than about 0.10, has a substantially smooth outer surface, is adapted to be registered and assembled with plural similar blocks, and is adapted to permit movement of liquid to and from all regions within an assembly of plural similar blocks.   
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the vertical support member is substantially cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the vertical support of the at least one block comprises at least one wall-like structure having plural perforations, the wall like structure being located and attached substantially along a diagonal of the upper and lower elements; and further includes
 at least one reinforcing brace comprising a planar member, oriented substantially parallel to the upper and lower elements and attached to one or more vertical support members.   
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein
 the material used to form the at least one block is selected from the following group: nylon, vinyl, polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polystyrene.   
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein
 the upper element and the lower element are substantially flat.   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the at least one receptacle is located on the outer surface of upper element or the lower element, and is adapted for recessing of the interlocking fastener into the upper or lower element. 
   
   
       21 . A method for storing non-potable liquid comprising:
 forming a tank structure by registering and assembling plural similar modular blocks, each block having:
 a substantially rectangular lower element perforated with plural holes; 
 a substantially rectangular upper element perforated with holes, the lower element and the upper element substantially parallel to each other; and 
 at least one vertical support member connecting the upper element and the lower element, the support having plural perforations; 
 covering the tank structure with a substantially water impermeable material; and 
 providing at least one port for conveying liquid into or out of the tank. 
   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising:
 burying the tank structure underground.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising:
 connecting a pump to the at least one port.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising:
 providing structural reinforcement of the assembled block structure by threading at least one synthetic cord through at least one perforation in at least one vertical support of each block located at the periphery of an assembled multiple block structure and binding the assembled blocks.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising:
 collecting non-potable water in the formed tank.