AU2022201691B2

AU2022201691B2 - Gutter, Tank or Container Lid, Tank or Container and Method

Info

Publication number: AU2022201691B2
Application number: AU2022201691A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Bray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-03-12
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2024-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2042-03-11
Also published as: AU2022201691A1

Abstract

The present invention includes a gutter for collecting and draining a fluid therein from a tank or container/curved surface and includes an elongate channel shaped body having a length and cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion 44 and front wall portion 48 separated by a base floor portion 46 to form a channel collecting space 28 there between. The gutter is formed of a flexible or bendable material enabling the gutter to be shaped in its length to substantially match the outer shape of a support surface 4 or to a surface of a tank, or container to allow attachment thereto. The rear face 32 of the rear wall portion 44 or rear of lower portion of the channel 46, is configured to be able to be attached directly to at least a portion of the shape of the support surface 4. The gutter is also configured to be able to be attached to a wall and/or lid of a tank or container or the lid or wall of the tank or container is integrally formed with the gutter of the present invention therein. A method is also included. 76 Fig9 Fig /0 { 76 Fig/I Fig Fig 13

Description

The present invention includes a gutter for collecting and draining a fluid therein from a tank or

container/curved surface and includes an elongate channel shaped body having a length and cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion 44 and front wall portion 48 separated by

a base floor portion 46 to form a channel collecting space 28 there between. The gutter is formed of a flexible or bendable material enabling the gutter to be shaped in its length to

substantially match the outer shape of a support surface 4 or to a surface of a tank, or

container to allow attachment thereto. The rear face 32 of the rear wall portion 44 or rear of lower portion of the channel 46, is configured to be able to be attached directly to at least a

portion of the shape of the support surface 4. The gutter is also configured to be able to be attached to a wall and/or lid of a tank or container or the lid or wall of the tank or container is

integrally formed with the gutter of the present invention therein. A method is also included.

76 Fig9 Fig /0

{ 76

Fig/I Fig

Fig 13

Gutter, Tank or Container Lid, Tank or Container and Method The present invention relates to a gutter for containers for storing rainwater or a gutter for

attachment to any wall and to a method of installation. The invention is directed particularly but not solely towards a gutter for attachment to a tank or container for

containing a fluid or a tank or container integrally formed with the gutter of the present invention.

Background of Invention

Fluid such as water is a precious commodity especially in these times of rapid climate change

through natural and non-natural means. Apart from the fact of a regular shortage of rainfall, there is an ever increasing cost in providing and using rainwater. This is why many local

authorities now seek to charge for water use ie user pays, rather than relying on previous

fixed charging platforms.

Placing a cost on providing and using rainwater serves to reduce consumption and make users aware of any wastage. Furthermore the on-going cost also serves to stimulate users to

think of ways to reduce their consumption and/or to find other methods to collect and store their own rainwater.

One simple way to reduce water cost, is to collect rainwater that falls on any convenient

outside surface of any suitable object. One problem with collecting rainfall is finding and

locating a container to hold the water which can add to the cost.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited or mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference

constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited

documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia, New Zealand or in any other country.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide gutter and method that ameliorates some of the

disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of Invention In a first aspect, the invention comprises a gutter for collecting and draining a fluid therein

from a tank, container or surface wherein the gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having a length and cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion 44 and front wall portion 48 separated by a base floor portion 46 to form a channel collecting space 28

there between having a fluid collecting channel inner surface 24 thereon, wherein the gutter is formed of a flexible material enabling the gutter body to be shaped in its length to match

or complement the outer shape of the tank or container/curved surface having a support

surface 4 whereby at least a rear face 32 of the rear wall portion 44 is configured with the rest of the gutter body to be able to be attached directly to the shape of the support surface

4 and the shape of the gutter after being shaped remains in that shape when connected to

the support surface 4.

Preferably the elongate channel shaped body is formed of a flexible material enabling it to

be rolled into a closed, compact shaped configuration and be attachable to any shaped support surface 4 such as being formed shaped or bent as a non-curved, curved or angled surface configuration.

Preferablythe cross sectional profile is substantially C shaped, (see figures 31), U shaped (see figs 1-3, 8, V shaped (see fig 34), inverted L shaped (see figs 32, 33) or triangular shaped (see

fig 31), wherein the elongate channel shaped body is formed of an extruded rubber material

and/or a plastics material selected to allow bending or shaping into any suitable shape.

Preferably the elongate channel shaped body is formed of a rubber material wherein it is an extruded rubber compound.

Preferably, the support surface 4 is a curved or angled surface extending in a horizontal or vertical plane, wherein the curved or angled surface is an outer wall or lid surface which is a

substantially oriented in a vertical or horizontal plane which is a vertical or horizontal surface of the tank or container, wherein the rear wall portion of the gutter and support surface are

the same member.

Preferable the material of the gutter is bendable elastically (spring back to original shape) or

non-elastically (remain in bent or curved shape).

Preferably the gutter will be manufactured with a curve in it so it won't spring back into a straight piece though it may need to be secured in place while an adhesive fixing the gutter

to the support surface goes off, wherein there are types of rubber that are bendable and remain in the bent shape whereby, the curve and shape and flexibility can be predetermined

Preferably the gutter is made of separate components joined or connected together wherein the front wall portion 48 having a base portion 46, is joined to the rear wall portion.44.

Alternatively the elongate channel shaped body is formed of a plastics material.

Preferably the elongate channel shaped body is an extruded material of indeterminate

length.

Preferably the rear surface 32 which is attachable to the support surface 4 utilizing fastening

means which includes adhesive 60.

Preferably the rear wall portion 44 includes at least an end surface of the base portion 46.

Preferably the rear wall portion 44 of the elongate channel shaped body is shaped as a substantially triangular cross sectional shape having a pointed top edge 50, the base floor portion 46 providing a curved shape and the front wall portion 48 being planar rectangular in cross sectional shape with a bevelled top edge 52, thereby forming a substantiallyVshaped cross sectional having a curved base, channel collecting space 28. See figures 1-8, 30

Alternatively, in cross section the rear wall portion 44 is shaped as a planar upright member 144 and separately, the base floor portion 46 is combined with the front wall portion 48 to

form an inverted L shaped member 146 which are affixed together, whereby channel shaped space 28 is formed on top of the L shaped member to the wall 44, forming an almost

triangular cross section profile. See figures 32, 33.

Preferably the bevelled top edge 52 which is higher than the pointed top edge 50 of the rear

wall portion 44.

Preferably the rear wall portion 44, and front wall portion 48 are substantially vertically oriented forming with base portion 46, a U cross sectional shape or V cross sectional shape.

Preferably, the support surface 4 is any surface that is oriented in any plane of any shape and/or curvature that enables the gutterto be moulded or bent to be and supported thereby,

to collect a fluid therein.

Preferably the support surface 4 is an outer wall surface 86, 102,122, 128 which is a substantially vertical surface and the container is a tank or container.

Alternatively the support surface 4 is a curved and/or angled surface extending in a horizontal

plane wherein the curved or angled surface is an outer wall surface 86, 102, 122, 128 which

is a substantially oriented in a vertical plane.

Alternatively the support surface 4 is an outer wall surface 86, 102, 122, 128 which is a non substantially vertical surface of the tank or container.

Alternatively, the support surface 4 is a curved or angled surface extending in a horizontal

plane, wherein the curved or angled surface is an outer wall surface which is a substantially oriented in a vertical plane which is a vertical or angled surface of the tank or container, wherein the rear wall portion 44 of the gutter and support surface 4 are the same member.

Alternatively the support surface 4 is part of a lid portion 72, 100, 120 ie lid surface 80, 106, 126 of a tank or container to form a cap like member, wherein the lid portion is integrally

formed as a separate member and is located on at least one side of the periphery of the lid portion.

Preferably the lid portion 72 is a curved, angled or sloping lid.

Preferably the lid portion 100 is recessed with respect to a peripheral edge 108 of the lid

portion 100.

Preferablythe lid portion 120 is a substantially flat (can have minor slope) planar oriented lid

portion.

Preferably the support surface 4 is located at a top end of a wall portion 74 of the tank or container wherein the gutter is peripherally recessed.

Preferably the gutter is located at a top end of at least one side wall portion 102, 122 of the tank or container wherein the gutter is peripherally recessed with respect to the outer

surface of the lid portion.

Preferably the gutter has at least one outlet 62 located in the base floor portion 46 wherein

the base floor portion 46 or inner channel surface 24 is sloped towards the outlet 62.

Preferably the gutter is sloped along its length or at least the base floor portion 46 or inner

channel surface 24 is sloped to cause drainage to the at least one outlet 62.

Preferably the tank or container is a round shaped tank or container 6, or is square shaped tank or container 8, 10.

Preferably one length of the gutter is a segment 68 having its ends 14 shaped and configured

to be movably connected to another segment by hinges 70 wherein each hinge 70 is formed

to allow each segment together in combination to move with respect to another segment 68 to work to collect a fluid therein and there through.

In a second aspect the invention comprises a tank or container for containing a fluid eg water

wherein the tank or container includes a body having a lid portion 72, 100, 120, wall portion

74, 102, 122, and base portion 76, 104, 124, forming a container having the body with an outer wall surface 86, 110, 128 and inner surface and sides, for the fluid to be stored therein

and a gutter is circumferentially located at an upper portion of a support surface of the outer surface 86, 110, 128 of the wall portion 74, 102, 122 or peripherally of at least a portion of

lid surface 80, 106, 127 of the tank or container, for collecting and draining a fluid therein the tank or container wherein the gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross

sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion 44 and front wall portion 48 separated by a base floor portion 46 having an inner channel surface 24 wherein

the elongate channel shaped body includes an at least one outlet for draining the collected

fluid into or inside the tank or container, thereby allowing the tank or container to be self filling.

Preferably the support surface 4 is a substantially vertical surface 86, 110, 128 of the tank or container.

Preferably the support surface 4 is a non vertical surface 86, 110, 128 of the tank or container.

Preferably the support surface 4 is part of a lid portion 72, 100, 120, of the tank or container.

Preferably the lid portion 72, 100, 120 includes at least a recessed portion with respect to the

peripheral top edge of the side walls 74, 102.

Preferably the lid portion 72 is a curved lid portion.

Alternatively, the lid portion 100 is a flat planar oriented lid portion.

Alternatively, the lid portion 120 is a substantially flat planar portion lid portion having some slope, being recessed with respect to a peripheral edge.

Preferably the support surface 4 is a non vertical surface 86, 110, 128 of the tank or container,

whereby the support surface 4 is part of a lid portion 72, 100, 120, of the tank or container, wherein the lid portion 72, 100, 120 includes at least one recessed portion with respect to the peripheral top edge of the side walls 74, 102, and the lid portion 72 is formed as a curved

lid portion or is a substantially flat planar angled oriented lid portion.

Preferably, the gutter 2 is located at an in use top or upper end of a side wall 74, 102, 122 of the tank or container wherein the gutter is peripherally located.

Preferably, the gutter 2 is located at a top end of a side wall of the tank wherein the gutter 2 is peripherally recessed with respect to the outer surface 80, 106, of the lid portion.

Preferably the gutter 2 has at least one outlet located in the base wall portion wherein the base floor portion 46 is sloped towards the outlet.

Preferably the gutter 2 is sloped or the base portion 14 is sloped to cause drainage to the outlet 62.

Preferably one length portion of the gutter is a segment 68 having its ends 14 shaped and

configured to be movably connected to another segment by hinges 70 wherein each hinge 70 is formed to allow each segment together in combination to move with respect to another segment 68 to work to collect a fluid therein and there through, to allow abutting connection

to support surface 4.

Preferably at least one stopper is formed as an end wall member is attached to at least one

end of a length of the gutter.

Preferably the tank 8, 10 is a round shaped tank, or square shaped tank or container.

In a third aspect the invention comprises a method of mounting a gutter to a support surface

4 wherein the gutter is for collecting and draining a fluid therein wherein the gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion

44 and front wall portion 48 separated by a base floor portion 46 having a fluid collecting channel inner surface 24 thereon, wherein the rear wall portion 44 is configured to be able

to be moulded or shaped to be attached to or be formed as part of a curved support surface 4 of a tank or container, the gutter being provided in a rolled up configuration wherein steps

of the method include:

1. Unrolling the gutter 2;

2. Marking the position for the gutter on support surface 4 allowing for fall;

3. Measuring length of gutter as proposed for fixing to support surface 4;

4. Cutting the gutter to length around the support surface 4 or around the tank or

container;

5. Applying adhesive to rear wall surface 32 of the gutter and/or to the support surface

4;

6. Fitting the gutter to support surface 4 whereby at least a rear face of the rear wall

portion 32 and rest of the body of the gutter is caused to be configured or moulded or bent and shaped to match or complement at least a substantial part the outer

shape of the support surface 4 to be able to be attached directly to substantially at

least a portion of the outer shape of the support surface 4.

7. Drilling at least one outlet 62 through the base floor portion 46

Preferably, the gutter will be manufactured with a curve in it so it won't spring back into a straight piece though it may need to be secured in place while an adhesive fixing the gutter

to the support surface goes off, wherein there are types of rubber that are bendable and remain in the bent shape whereby, the curve and shape and flexibility can be predetermined.

Preferably after or before applying adhesive to the rear wall surface, adhesive is applied to the wall surface 4.

Preferablythe wall surface 4 is part of a tank 6, 8, 10 for containing the fluid wherein the tank

or container includes a lid portion 72, 100, 120, wall portion 74, 102, 122 and base portion 76, 104, 124 forming a container having a body with an outer wall surface 86, 110, 128 and channel inner surface 24, for water to be stored therein and a gutter is located on the outer

surface of the tank or container, for collecting and draining the fluid therein the tank or

container wherein the outer surface is located on the lid portion 72, 100, 120 or wall portion 74,102,122.

Preferably the gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross sectional profile

comprising a rear wall portion 44 and front wall portion 48 separated by a base floor portion

46 wherein the gutter is located peripherally on at least one side of the lid portion 100 and has an at least one outlet for draining the collected water into the tank.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves

without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be

limiting.

Brief Description The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the

accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gutter as an extrusion for attachment to a container or

surface in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a first end section of the gutter of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a second end section of the gutter of figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the gutter of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the gutter. Figure 6 is a front side view.

Figure 7 is a rear side view. Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the gutter attachable to a vertical surface eg of a tank.

Round Tank

Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of a round tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 10 is a front side view of a round tank formed with a gutter. Figure 11 is a top plan view of a round tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 12 is a rear side view of a round tank formed with a gutter Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of a round tank formed with a gutter.

Square Tank - recessed lid portion Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of a square tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 15 is a top plan view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 16 is a bottom plan view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 17 is a cross section side view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 18 is a right side view of a square tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 19 is a left side view of the square tank. Figure 20 is a front view of the square tank.

Figure 21 is a rear view of the square tank.

Square Tank -Substantially flat top or lid of Container

Figure 22 is an upper perspective view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 23 is a top plan view of a square tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 24 is a bottom plan view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 25 is a cross section side view of a square tank formed with a gutter.

Figure 26 is a right side view of a square tank formed with a gutter. Figure 27is a left side view of the square tank. Figure 28 is a front view of the square tank.

Figure 29 is a rear view of the square tank.

Figure 30 is cross sectional end view of another version of the gutter Figure 31 is cross sectional end view of another version of the gutter Figure 32 is cross sectional end view of another version of the gutter

Figure 33 is cross sectional end view of another version of the gutter Figure 34 is a schematic perspective view of another versions of the gutter in the shape of a

simple triangular block with a curved end wall. Figure 35 is a schematic top view of yet another embodiment of the gutter formed in

articulated segments. Figure 36 is a schematic sketch of gutter as a cap member having a peripheral gutter.

Figure 37 is a schematic cross section of the gutter attached to an outer surface of a side wall of a tank of any shape

Figure 38 is a schematic cross section of the gutter attached to an outer surface of the roof or lid of a tank of any shape

Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a gutter, tank or container with gutter and method. The invention is

in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent

without departing from the scope of the invention.

As shown in figures 1-38 there is shown a gutter 2 for attachment to any suitable support

surface 4, being in the form of a separate member as in figures 1-8 for collecting a fluid eg water, to be directed elsewhere ie for storage or drainage, whereas the remaining figures

show the gutter 2 as being attached to or incorporated/formed into, a wall, support surface 4 or to any suitable surface of a tank or container such as for example the vertical walls or the lid or top surface, of a round tank 6 figures 9-13, square tank 8, with recessed or non

recessed, top surface as seen in figures 14-21 and square tank 10 with recessed or non

recessed substantially flat top surface (though such a so called flat surface will still likely have some slope or not) as in figures 22-29.

The support surface 4 can be of any shape in both or singularly in any plane such as vertical

plane and/or horizontal plane eg curved, angled or straight. Brackets are not needed, essential or required but can optionally be used in combination if desired. The gutter of the

present invention is flexible enough to be shaped to conform to whatever outward shape and to remain In that moulded shape, the support surface 4 provides eg multidirectional,

multi-faceted, curved, polygonal or geometric solid, polyhedral etc

Gutter as seen in figures 1-8 Gutter 2 is formed of a flexible material enabling it to be formed as an extrusion in a rolled

up storage like configuration and adapted to be able to exist in an unwound configuration for use to be attachable to a support surface 4 and is configured as an elongate channel shaped body defining a length 12 between ends 14 including a longitudinal axis 16 coincident with the length 12 of the gutter 2 and a transverse axis 18 defined as being at right angles to the longitudinal axis 16 also defining a width 20. The elongate shaped body has a body thickness 22 of varying dimensions defining a fluid collecting inner channel surface 24, an outer surface 26 and elongate channel collecting space 28.

The elongate channel shaped body has an elongate front face 30, elongate rear face 32,

elongate top face 34 and elongate bottom face 36 which are all oriented parallel with the

length and longitudinal axis 16 of the gutter2. The front and rear faces 30, 32 are separated from one another by the top and bottom faces 34, 36, and are parallel with each other.

In use, the front face 30 and rear face 32 can be oriented in a vertical plane 38 which

defines a horizontal plane 40 being oriented at right angles to the vertical plane 38. The front face and rear face need not be entirely vertical but be of such an orientation to allow matching by moulding, bending or joining and supporting a configuration to complement or

match the orientation of support surface 4 of whatever it is part of.

Gutter 2 includes a shape in cross section commensurate with the transverse axis 18, a shape formed as a substantially U shape comprising rear wall portion 44, a base floor portion 46 and front wall portion 48. Rear wall portion 44 is triangular shaped having a

pointed top end 50 oriented in the vertical plane 38. Base floor portion 46 is shaped as a curved member lying in the transverse axis 18 and front wall portion 48 is shaped as a

rectangular member oriented in the vertical plane 38 having bevelled top edge 52. Rear wall portion 44 has a rear wall height 54 oriented in a vertical plane and front wall has a

front wall height 56, separated by an inner channel width 58. As shown in figures 1-3 the channel width 58 in this example of an irregular U shaped thereby providing a width of

varying dimensions, though the shape be of a regular form if required.

Rear wall portion 44 having rear face 32 is made of a suitable material that enables one to

cause the gutter to be shaped, moulded or bent and oriented in combination with and like the rest of the parts of the gutter, to allow fixing directly to at least a portion of any suitable support surface 4 of any outward shape and orientation (without or without suitable support brackets) utilizing suitable fixing means 60 there between and within, such as for example, adhesive, adhesive tape and/or fasteners which can be removable type fastening means or not. The material type and combination of the gutter, allows unrolling and bending of the gutter whereby after that bending or moulding, the gutter will remain in that shape as required for its use in collecting a fluid.

Gutter 2 also includes at least one outlet 62 formed as a cylindrical shaped aperture

extending from the inner surface 24 to the outer surface 26, to drain collected fluid there from. Outlet 62 is formed as a vertically oriented outlet tube ie vertical with respect to the

channel length or inner surface 24, which can be to simply drop the collected fluid into a container eg tank or the outlet tube 64 of outlet 62 can be fluidly connected to a fluid

draining system.

As shown in the figures in its most simplest form, the cross sectional shape of the gutter can

be C shaped, curved or triangular shaped as seen in figures 31and 32 with the rear wall

portion 44 being just an end wall providing a rear surface 32 for attaching to a surface 4.

However when the rear wall portion 44 is formed of a wall having a thickness then we have the cross sectional shapes as given by figures 1-8, 30, 32, 33, 34 which in particular give V shaped with curved base as in figures 1-8, 30 or substantially triangular shaped cross

section as in fig 32, 33, 34.

Support surface 4 as part of a tank or container Support surface 4 can be for part of a tank or container ie of the side walls or as part of the

lid or top of a tank or container. This can done by retro-fitting to an existing tank or container, or can be formed during the manufacturing process. The lid or top of the tank or

container can be formed integrally with sides or formed separately. When forming with a

lid, this can also be formed as a cap like member to be simply retrofitted on top of an existing lid, top or replace an existing lid or top.

In yet another embodiment as shown in figure 35, the gutter of the present invention can be formed from a series of interconnected articulated segments 68. The segments 68 are

movably interconnected by hinging 70 (in vertical and horizontal planes) which can include living hinges, folded portions etc which enable adjoining sections to be moved to

complement the shape of whatever the surface 4 has and still be sealed enough to collect fluid and direct it without unintentional leaking therefrom. Figure 35 shows the hinge

segments attached to the sides of a round tank or container but equally other shaped tank or containers or support surfaces 4 are possible.

Round tank or container 6 as seen in figures 9-13 Round tank or container 6 includes a body having a lid portion 72, wall portion 74 and base

portion 76 being formed to provide a cylindrically shaped internal storage space therein for fluid. The lid portion 72 can be formed integrally with the wall portion 74 or they can be

formed separately and be connected together with fasteners, or by clipping. Lid portion 72 is formed as circular cup shaped member having an outer curved surface 80 peaking at a central apex 82, downwardly ending in a peripheral lip portion 84.

Wall portion 74 is a planar cylindrically shaped member having an outer wall surface 86, a

top; edge 88 and bottom edge 90. Peripheral lip potion 84 is located at top edge 88 which extends peripherally as gutter 2 comprising a channel and outlet 86 whereby the gutter does not outwardly protrude beyond the top edge 88.

Square Tank or container 8- recessed lid portion as seen in figures 14-21

Square tank or container 8 includes a lid portion 100, wall portion 102 and base portion 104 being formed to provide a block shaped internal storage space therein for fluid. The lid

portion 100 can be formed integrally with the wall portion 102 or they can be formed separately and be connected together with fasteners, or clipping. Lid portion 100 is formed

as a recessed planar shaped member lid outer surface 106 sloped 107 to then gutter 2,

ending in a peripherally in a raised lip portion 108.

Wall portion 102 is a planar shaped member having an outer wall surface 110, a top; edge 112 and bottom edge 114. Peripheral lip potion 108 is located at top edge 112 which

extends peripherally as gutter 2 comprising a channel and outlet 86 whereby the gutter does not outwardly protrude beyond the top edge 112.

Square Tank or container 10 - flat lid portion as seen in figure 22-29

Square tank or container 10 includes a lid portion 120, wall portion 122 and base portion 124 being formed to provide a block shaped internal storage space therein for fluid. The lid

portion 120 can be formed integrally with the wall portion 122 or they can be formed

separately and be connected together with fasteners, or clipping. Lid portion 120 is formed as a planar shaped member having a lid outer surface 126 being sloped to the gutter,

ending in a peripheral edge portion 127. Though the lid portion is said to be "flat" this is generally still known in the industry as still having some slope or angle for drainage.

Wall portion 122 is a planar shaped member having an outer wall surface 128, a top edge 130 and bottom edge 132. Peripheral lip potion 126 is located at top edge 130 which

extends peripherally as gutter 2 comprising a channel and outlet 86 whereby the gutter

does not outwardly protrude beyond the top edge 130.

The gutter of the present invention can be attached (removably or not) to any suitable oriented and shaped support surface 4 such as for example on an outer surface of any

shaped tank or container as shown in the schematic views of figures 37 and 37. The surface 4 can be located anywhere on the wall surface and/or lid or top of the tank or container

and having the outlet 62 directed either into the tank or container and/or in another direction or other container.

One method of installation

The invention also includes a method of mounting the gutter of the present invention to a

support surface 4 wherein the gutter is for collecting therein and draining a fluid therefrom. The gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross sectional profile

46. A rear surface 32 of the rear wall portion 44 is configured to be able to be attached to or be formed part of a curved and/or angled support surface 4 of a support surface in any

orientation, such as on any surface of a tank or container.

The gutter is a flexible or bendable member conveniently provided in a rolled up

configuration wherein steps of the method include:

1. Unrolling the gutter 2;

2. Marking the position for the gutter on support surface 4 allowing for fall;

3. Measuring length of gutter as proposed for fixing to support surface 4;

container;

4;

6. Fitting gutter to support surface 4.

7. Drilling at least one outlet 62 in the base floor portion 46

Further adhesive 60 can be applied to the rear wall surface after step 2 or after step 3 or the adhesive 60 can be applied to the wall surface instead to the rear face 32 of the gutter.

The support surface 4 is part of a wall or part of a wall of a tank or container which can be

suitable for containing, collecting and directing a fluid such as water.

The gutter is circumferentially attachable to any portion eg upper portion, of any support

surface 4 (eg vertical or wall) or peripherally of a vertical or non vertical surface eg a lid or top portion of a tank or container ie can be an outer surface 86, 110, 128 located on a wall

portion 74, 102, 122 or on a wall portion 74, 102, 122 of a tank or container or peripherally on the lid portion 72, 100, 120 or peripherally on the outer surface 72, 106, 127 of the lid

portion 72, 100, 120.

The gutter is designed to be cut to length around the support surface or outer surface any part of the tank or container. Each end is either sealed with a stopper (eg a planar end plate,

an end channel stopper or as another portion of gutter cut and glued in place to act as a stopper end wall) or glued to itself end to end to complete a full circumference gutter ie be

continuous. The outlet 62 would then be circle drilled into the desired inlet position with standard down pipe 64 glued in place.

Parts Schedule Gutter 2

Support surface 4

Round tank or container 6 Square tank or container -recessed top 8

Square tank or container - flat top 10 Length 12

Ends14 Longitudinal axis 16 Transverse axis 18

Width 20

Body thickness 22

Channel inner surface 24 Outer surface 26 Channel space 28

Front face 30 Rear face 32

Top face 34 Bottom face 36

Vertical plane 38 Horizontal plane 40

Rear wall portion 44 Base floor portion 46

Front wall portion 48 Pointed top end 50

Bevelled top edge 52 Rear wall height 54

Front wall height 56 Inner channel width 58

Fixing means 60 Outlet 62

Outlet tube 64

Segments 68

Hinging 70

Round Tank or container Lid portion 72 Wall portion 74

Base portion 76

Outer curved lid surface 80

Peak 82 Peripheral lip portion 84 Outer wall surface 86

Top edge 88 Bottom edge 90

Square tank or container - recessed lid portion

Lid portion 100 Lid outer surface 101

Wall portion 102

Base portion 104 Lid outer surface 106

Peripheral lip portion 108

Outer wall surface 110 Top edge 112

Bottom edge 114

Square tank or container - flat Lid portion 120

Lid outer surface 121 Wall portion 122

Base portion 124

Lid outer surface 126 Peripheral lip portion 127

Outer wall surface 128 Top edge 130

Bottom edge 132

Optional Advantages a) Modest cost

b) Easy installation method

c) Increased quantity of rainfall that can be collected d) Adaptable to fit to any existing container

e) Adaptable to fit onto existing vertical surface eg wall f) Adaptable to be formed as part of a container

g) Gutter can be attached to a curved outer surface

h) Gutter can be attached to any support surface such as a wall or wall of a tank or container

i) Can include mean to drain water from one to the other j) Can include means to drain water from gutter out of at least one outlet k) Gutter can be formed as an extrusion for easy manufacture 1) Gutter can be formed to allow a rolled up configuration for storage

m) Fall can be incorporated into profile of gutter n) Fall can be provided by sloping the gutter when installing o) Gutter can be from a flexible or bendable UV resistant material or material combination p) Gutter can be affixed directly to a support surface without brackets q) Optional end stoppers can be added to an end of a length r) Optional filtering or valves can be added to the outlets s) Optional leaf guards or overflow mechanisms are possible t) End stoppers can be provided u) Shape of bent/moulded gutter is adapted to stay in that shape v) Gutter is fluidly connected to the tank or container -drilled outlets through gutter and into tank or container

Variations Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that

word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. In yet another option, the gutter can be combined with a lid

of a convex shape whereby the material can flexible in different degrees either in the gutter

part or the lid part or they can be of a similar flexibility. The lid part can function either as a complete replacement of an existing tank or container lid or it can be retrofitted to be located

on top of an existing lid but with a gutter incorporated there on. An outlet 62 can be formed

to fluidly interconnect to the inside space of a tank or container.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

The material of the gutter itself or in combination with a tank or container, is selected to

allow straight forward manufacture like for example for rubber, extruded rubber and/or

plastics or metal to be extruding to any suitable length and combination of materials. The material needs to be fit for purpose in that it should also be UV resistant, be able to contain

a fluid, be bendable, be connectable to a support surface 4 of any object (wall, roof, lid, tank or container) or to its parts or components and can comprise different layer(s) or material combination(s) that can still allow the unrolling and later bending into any desired shape and remain in that shape during its use on or abutting and connected to any support surface 4. The material can be flexible or rigid but must be able to bend to whatever shape is required.

The extruded rubber in one option needs to be properly held in its particular shape on a

curved or shaped surface (eg tank) by temporary clamps, to allow for almost instant adhesion, ie to stop it from springing back to its original relaxed shape. In another option the

gutter will be manufactured with a curve in it so it won't spring back into a straight piece. It

may need to be secured in place while the adhesive goes off. There are types of rubber that are bendable and remain in the bent shape whereby, the curve and shape can be

predetermined. The flexibility of that curve can also be predetermined. Other type of material or material combination ie for example plastics or plastic/rubber, as seen in figure

it shows solid or rigid pieces that could be made from plastic, steel , copper etc connected using flexible joints.

The material of the gutter needs to able to be able to be bendable or be able to be bent to

whatevershape is required to allow itto be fitted to abut any shaped support surface 4 which

means that in one option, it can be flexible enough to elastically bend and then be held in place with suitable fixing or in another option the bending can be stable in the new shape without being able to spring back to its original unbent shape. Other materials for the gutter

include a hybrid of rubber strengthened with metal and/or plastics. Material type will be flexible to enable the gutter to be rolled up for easy storage and transport and be water proof

and be non-toxic to the fluid eg water being collected and stored.

The shape of the gutter and the shape of the channel collecting space 28 and channel surface 24 can be varied to be any shape (length extent and cross section) as long as it provides a

collecting surface 24 or space 28 that is able to collect the fluid. For example the cross

sectional shape of guttercan be U shaped, Vshaped, inverted Lshaped ortriangularas shown in the drawings and can be integrally formed as one piece or can be formed of parts

connected together (see figures 32, 33). The inverted L can be angular or be curved in shaped, be curved like fig 31, a curved or angular L shape or as a triangular block like in figure 34, thereby not having a rear wall 44 whereby the rear wall 44 can be the support wall 4.

The gutter of the present invention can be moulded and then attached to any shape of a

support surface in any suitable orientation of any suitably oriented support surface of any object eg wall, tank or container. The moulded shape can be curved and/or angled.

Tank or containers for fluids eg rainwater can be made from a variety of plastics chemicals or

materials such as a light chemically resistant thermoplastic such as plastic resins like for

example polyethylene (PE). Other plastic resins include linear high density (HDLPE), cross linked high density (XLPE) and linear low density (LLDPE) resins. Concrete can be used for

tank or containers with the gutter of the present invention being made of a different material eg flexible material such as rubber, extruded rubber and/or plastics. In yet other options, the

gutter can include brackets to facilitate mounting to a curved surface or the gutter material can be flexible enough to allow it to be moulded on site into shape according to the shape of the surface being attached to. Furthermore changes in flexibility can also be used to further

allow the gutter to be attached to any shaped surface eg living hinged sections or, flexible

linked regions.

In yet other options, an overflow mechanism can also be included such as wall outlet or a sump or baffle. Filter mechanisms can also be included in the outlet 62 or in the channel

space 28 which can comprise mesh or fabric filters. In terms of uniqueness, affixing the gutter of the present invention to a tank or container enables them to be designed to be self-filling

or self-collecting, which enables the tank or containers to be used to supplement existing collection or placed independently and supply their own water. Leaf guards can also be

incorporated. Valve mechanisms can also be included in the outlet 62. The gutter can be provided in sections being end joined.

It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a "kit of Parts", that such

exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the method of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts

and economics of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of

this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

In this example, rear wall channel height 54 has been selected to be less than the height of the front wall height 56 but equally other dimension and shape selections are also possible.

The dimension of the inner channel width 58 forming the channel space 28 can also be varied

to suit material types and volume of fluid required to be collected or transported within the channelspace 28 ofthe gutter 2.

The profile of the gutter 2 can be varied to suit requirements including aesthetics, volume requirements and fixing requirements. U shaped is one cross sectional option but equally

other shapes in any cross section that allows collection of rainwater is possible, eg V shaped, combination of V and U shaped, irregular or regular shapes. Other shapes included C shape or L shaped without the rear wall portion 44 whereby the C, curved or angled member (48,

46) has no separate rear wall portion 44 whereby in one option a longitudinal end edge of

base portion 46 can be said to be the rear wall portion 44 and so can be attached directly to

any support surface or separate rear wall 44. The gutter 2 can be located according to aesthetics and drainage requirements including providing adequate fall to cause any

collected fluid to be directed to an outlet or end of the channel space 28.

For round tank or container 6 the gutter 2 is shown as being not protruding outwardly beyond

the walls orthe top edge 88 but equally in a formed tank or container or retro-fit of the gutter to a round tank or container, the gutter will protrude beyond the outer surface to be fluidly directed into the round tank or container to collect and store fluid.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and

unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will

be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. The terms "including and having" or "having and including", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "up", "lower", "down", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", "side",

"front", "rear" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the

drawing figures. However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various

alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and

described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments

disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. The various embodiments described above include a number of different features, and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they may be combined in combinations other than those specifically described, in order

to achieve the object of the invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the

present invention. All such modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons

skilled in the art fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention.

The various embodiments described above include a number of different features, and it will

be apparent to one skilled in the art that they may be combined in combinations other than those specifically described, in order to achieve the object of the invention, and without

departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention.

The outlet 62 can be formed during manufacture of the gutter or can be drilled after manufacture eg at a factory or on site. The drilling is done through the base floor portion 46

of the gutter and through the adjoining side walls 74, 102, 122 (to be fluidly connected)

and/or lid portion 72, 100,120 of the tank or container.

As shown in figures 30-33 there are several variations in the cross section of the gutter from

that shown in figures 1-8 with each forming a drainage channel 28. Figure 30 shows the rear wall portion 44 having a downward leg member 140 spaced from the edge of the base floor

portion 46 by a downward narrow channel 142. Figure 31shows another gutter with no rear wall portion 44 but with a typical drainage outlet 62 shown. Figures 32, 33 show yet another

version of the gutter having a two part configuration with the rear wall 44 being a simple flat upstand member 144 and the base floor portion 46 and front wall portion 48 are combined

an L shaped member 146. This two part configuration still forms an elongate channel space

28 which is more wedge or triangular shaped and the two part configuration can be formed as two separate parts as shown or be formed as a one part member with the rear wall

portion.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit

of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

Claims

What I claim is:

Claim 1: A gutter for collecting and draining a fluid therein from a tank or container or

surface wherein the gutter includes an open elongate channel shaped body having a length and cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion and front wall portion separated by a base

floor portion to form a channel collecting space there between having a fluid collecting inner

channel surface thereon, wherein the gutter is formed of an extruded flexible rubber or plastics material enabling the gutter when in use to be shaped in its length to match or complement the

outer shape of the tank or container or shaped surface having a support surface whereby a rear face of the rear wall portion is configured to be able to be attached by fixing means directly to

substantially at least a portion of the outer shape of the support surface such that the rear face of the rear wall portion and the portion of the outer shape of the support surface are abuttingly

affixed to one another and the shape of the gutter after being shaped remains in that shape when connected to the support surface, and further wherein, the cross section of rear wall portion of

the elongate channel shaped body is shaped as a substantially triangular cross sectional shape

having a pointed top edge, the base floor portion providing a curved shape and the front wall portion being planar rectangular in cross sectional shape with a bevelled top edge, the base floor

portion is combined with the front wall portion to form a substantially V or substantially inverted L shaped cross sectional member, whereby channel collecting space is formed on top of the V or

L shaped cross sectional member to the wall, forming the substantially triangular cross section shape, wherein the bevelled top edge is higher than the pointed top edge of the rearwall portion.

2. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the cross sectional profile of the gutter is substantially C shaped, U shaped, V shaped, L shaped, inverted angular or curved L shaped or triangular shaped, wherein the elongate channel shaped body is formed of an extruded rubber material

and/or a plastics material selected to allow bending or shaping to match or complement the outer shape of the tank or the container or the surface.

3. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gutter is made of separate components joined or

connected together wherein the front wall portion having a base wall portion, is joined to the rear wall portion.

4. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the gutter is manufactured with a curve in it so it won't spring back into a straight piece.

5. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the fixing means is an adhesive, adhesive tape and/or

fasteners.

6. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the support surface is a curved or angled surface

extending in a horizontal or vertical plane, wherein the curved or angled surface is an outer wall or non vertical surface of the tank or container.

7. The gutter as claimed in claim 1wherein the support surface is part of a lid portion ie lid surface of the tank or container, to form a cap like member, the lid portion is a curved or angled lid and

the lid portion is recessed with respect to a peripheral edge of the lid portion.

8. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the gutter is located at a top end of at least one side

wall portion of the tank or container wherein the gutter is peripherally recessed with respect to

the outer surface of the lid portion.

9. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner channel surface is sloped or the base floor

portion is sloped to cause drainage to at least one outlet and the rear wall portion 44 includes at least an end surface of the base portion 46.

10. The gutter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tank or container is a round shaped tank or container, or square shaped tank or container.

11. The gutter as claimed in claim 1wherein one length portion of the gutter is a segment having its ends shaped and configured to be movably connected to another segment by hinges wherein each hinge is formed to allow each segment together in combination to move with respect to another segment to work to collect a fluid therein and there through, to allow abutting connection to supporting surface.

12: A tank or container for containing a fluid wherein the tank or container includes a body

having a lid portion, wall portion, and base portion, forming a container having the body with an outer wall surface and inner surface and sides, for the fluid to be stored therein and having the

gutter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 where the gutter is circumferentially located at an

upper portion of the outer surface of the wall portion or peripherally of at least a portion of a lid surface of the tank or container, for collecting and draining a fluid therein the tank or container

wherein the gutters elongate shaped body includes an at least one outlet for draining collected fluid into or inside the tank or container, thereby allowing the tank or container to be self-filling

13. The tank or containerfor containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein the support surface is a non vertical surface of the tank or container, whereby the support surface is part of

a lid portion, of the tank or container, wherein the lid portion includes at least one recessed portion with respect to the peripheral top edge of the side walls and the lid portion is formed as

a curved lid portion or is a substantially flat planar angled oriented lid portion.

14. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein, the gutter is located at an in use top or upper end of a side wall of the tank or container wherein the gutter

is peripherally located.

15. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein, the gutter

is located at a top end of a side wall of the tank or container wherein the gutter is peripherally recessed with respect to the outer surface, of the lid portion.

16. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein the gutter or inner channel surface is sloped or the base portion is sloped, to cause drainage to the outlet.

17. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein one length

portion of the gutter is a segment having its ends shaped and configured to be movably connected to another segment by hinges wherein each hinge is formed to allow each segment together in combination to move with respect to another segment to work to collect a fluid therein and there through, to allow abutting connection to supporting surface.

18. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein a stopper

formed as an end wall is attached to at least one end of a length of the gutter.

19. The tank or container for containing a fluid as claimed in at least claim 12 wherein the tank

or container is a round shaped, or square shaped.

Claim 20: A method of mountinga gutterasclaimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 to a support surface wherein the gutter is for collecting and draining a fluid therein wherein the gutter

includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion and front wall portion separated by a base floor portion having a fluid collecting inner

surface, wherein the rear wall portion is configured to be able to be attached to or be formed part of a curved support surface of a wall, tank or container, the gutter being provided in a rolled

up configuration wherein steps of the method include:

i. Unrolling the gutter;

ii. Marking the position for the gutter on support surface allowing for fall;

iii. Measuring length of gutter as proposed for fixing to the support surface;

iv. Cutting the gutterto length around the support surface or around a tank or container;

v. Applying fixing to the rear wall surface of the gutter and/or to the support surface;

vi. Fitting gutter to support surface whereby at least a rear face of the rear wall portion is configured and shaped to match or complete the shape of the support surface to

be able to be attached directly to substantially at least a portion of the outer shape of the support surface.

vii. Drilling at least one outlet through the base floor portion.

21. The method of mounting a gutter to a support surface as claimed in claim 20 wherein the fixing applied in step 5 is an adhesive, adhesive tape and/or fasteners.

22. The method of mounting a gutter to a support surface as claimed in claim 21 wherein after or before applying adhesive to the rear wall surface, adhesive is applied to the wall surface.

23. The method of mounting a gutter to a support surface as claimed in claim 20 wherein the rear wall surface is part of a tank or container for containing water wherein the tank or container includes a lid portion, wall portion and base portion forming a container having a body with an outer wall surface and inner surface, for water to be stored therein and a gutter is located on the outer surface of the tank or container, for collecting and draining a fluid therein the tank or container wherein the outer surface is located on the lid portion or wall portion.

24. The method of mounting a gutter to a support surface as claimed in claim 20wherein the gutter includes an elongate channel shaped body having cross sectional profile comprising a rear wall portion and front wall portion separated by a base floor portion wherein the gutter is located peripherally on at least one side of the lid portion and has an at least one outlet for draining the collected water into the tank or container.

25. The method as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the gutter is manufactured with a curve in it so it won't spring back into a straight piece.

PIPERS Attorneys for the Applicant BRAY, Michael Aaron