DESC:Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a groundwater recharging system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for recharging the groundwater.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Generally, rainwater harvesting systems are commonly used to reduce the usage of the main water supply from a primary storage tank. Typically, the rainwater is harvested in a secondary storage tank built into the structure of the house/residential area. This water serves the purpose that does not require water of such a high quality, such as for irrigation or flushing toilets or washing cars, rinsing driveways and the like. Usually, a storage tank of predefined dimensions is permanently built with concrete structures near the residential area to collect and store rainwater. However, such tanks consume more space and cannot be customised according to structural modifications in the residential area. Once the tank is built, it has to be demolished to reconstruct/ make modifications and may incur a considerable expense.

[0003] Further, rainwater harvesting systems include groundwater recharging provisions. Presently, a trench is made on a ground surface. Concrete rings are installed in this trench. The trench is covered with a cover. The filtered rainwater is supplied to the trench through an inlet. The water is stored in the trench, and the concrete rings help retain the water in the trench. The stored water is slowly passed to the ground due to absorption, thereby recharging the groundwater. But these concrete rings are costly. These are heavy. Therefore, installation of these rings is tedious.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device for recharging the groundwater, which overcomes the problems of the prior art.
Objects of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for recharging the groundwater.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for recharging the groundwater, which can be installed at a relatively low expense.

[0007] Yet, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for recharging the groundwater, which can be custom made according to the availability of space.

[0008] One more object of the present invention is to provide a device for recharging the groundwater, which can be easily installed.

Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided with a device for recharging the groundwater. The device may include one or more modules connected mutually to configure the device. Each module may be having an upper frame, a lower frame and two or more side door panels. The upper frame may be having one or more upper door panels. Each upper door panel may be having one or more first ports. The first ports may be having different sizes and shapes.

[0010] The lower frame may be having one or more lower door panels. Each lower door panel may be having one or more second ports. The second port may be having different sizes and shapes. The upper frame may be having a plurality of upper pillars extending from a lower surface of the upper frame.
[0011] Similarly, the lower frame may be having a plurality of lower pillars extending from an upper surface of the lower frame. The upper pillars and the lower pillars may be connected accordingly to connect the upper frame with the lower frame. The side door panels may be connected to the upper frame and the lower frame to configure the module. Each side door panel may be having one or more third ports. The third port may be having different sizes and shapes. The first ports, the second ports and the third ports make the device porous. The upper door panels, the lower panels and the side door panels have locking members engage mutually.

[0012] The device is covered with a cloth made from geo-fabric material and placed inside a trench having a volume more than the device. Either the first port or the second port and or the third port may be connected to a supply line supplying water there through to receive water therefrom. The supply line may be connected to a filter unit. The filter unit may receive the rainwater and supplies the filtered water to the supply line.

[0013] The received water may be distributed among the modules, and distributed water may be drained out through ports of the lower door panels of the module, which is in surface contact with the ground surface, thereby recharging the groundwater.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the device may include one or more block connectors. The door panels, the modules may be mutually connected by the connector. The connector may restrict relative movements of the door panel, the module with the door panel or the module to which it is connected. The connector may be having a body and two or more locking profiles. The locking profiles engage with respective engaging profiles configured on one upper door panel or lower door panel or side door panel and other for connecting the one upper door panel or lower door panel or side door panel with other and also restricting the relative movements of the connected panels.
[0015] In one more preferred embodiment, each upper door panel, each lower door panel and each side door panel may be having one or more rings arranged (configured) thereon. The ring may provide structural strength thereto and also reduces the surface contact between the door panels with external surfaces, thereby reducing wear and tear of the door panels. Further, each upper door panel, each lower door panel and each side door panel may be having one or more ribs. An inner portion of the rib may be having a reinforcement structure thereon.

[0016] The reinforcement structure may be adapted to provide the structural strength to the door panel when an external force is applied thereon. Furthermore, one of the first ports or the second port or the third port may be adapted to expel water from the device when the device is filled. In an embodiment of the device, one of the first ports or the second port or the third port can be connected to a pump for pumping the water collected in the device to a predefined destination.

[0017] The device can be configured according to the shape of the trench in which the device is installed by configuring geometrics of the module and connecting one or more such modules accordingly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description of some embodiments of the invention and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which;

[0019] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a device for recharging the groundwater in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a module of the device shown in figure 1 without side door panels;

[0021] Figure 2b shows an isometric view of a lower frame of the module shown in figure 2a;

[0022] Figure 2c shows an isometric view of the module shown in figure 2a with the side door panels;

[0023] Figure 3a shows a top view of the side door panel shown in figure 2c;

[0024] Figure 3b shows a side view of the figure 3a;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a groundwater recharge system using the device shown in figure 1;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of one more embodiment of a groundwater recharging system using the device shown in figure 1;

[0027] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a block connector of a device for recharging the groundwater in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6b shows a perspective view of modules of the device shown in figures 2a and 2c with the block connectors shown in figure 6a; and

[0029] Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d show the block connector's top, right, bottom and front views shown in figure 6a.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising, "having, "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0031] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0032] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0033] The present invention provides a device for recharging the groundwater. The device can be installed at a relatively low expense. The device can be custom made according to the availability of space. The device can be easily installed.

[0034] Referring now to figure 1, an isometric view of a device for recharging the groundwater in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. From herein afterwards, the device is referred to as a device (100). The device (100) includes one or more modules (10a, 10b 10c…n) that are connected mutually to configure the device (100). Each module (10a) is having an upper frame (20a) (refer figures 2a, 2b & 2c), a lower frame (30a) (figure 2b) and two or more side door panels (42a and 42b) (refer figures 2c and 3a). The upper frame (20a) has one or more upper door panels (22a, 22b). Each upper door panel (22a or 22b) has one or more first ports (24a, 24b). The first ports (24a, 24b) are having different sizes and shapes. For example, the first port (24a) can be circular, and the first port (24b) can be square.

[0035] Further, the upper frame (20a) is having a plurality of upper pillars (26a, 26b) extending from a lower surface (21a) of the upper frame (20). In the present embodiment, the upper frame (20a) has four upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d). In the present embodiment, the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) are configured in a truncated pyramid shape. In an alternative embodiment, the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) are configured in different shapes. Bases (26ab, 26bb, 26cb, 26db) of the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) are inmate with the lower surface (21a) of the upper frame (20). Upper faces (not shown) of the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) are facing away from the lower surface (21) of the upper frame (20a).

[0036] The lower frame (30a) has one or more lower door panels (32a & 32b). Each lower door panel (32a or 32b) has one or more second ports (34a, 34b). The second ports (34a, 34b) are having different sizes and shapes. Further, the lower frame (30a) is having a plurality of lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) extending from an upper surface (33a) of the lower frame (30a). In the present embodiment, the lower frame (30a) has four lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d). In the present embodiment, the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are configured in a truncated pyramid shape. In an alternative embodiment, the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are configured in different shapes. Bases (36ab, 36bb, 36cb, 36db) of the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are inmate with the upper surface (33a) of the lower frame (30a). Upper faces (36au, 36bu, 36cu, 36du) of the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are facing away from the upper surface (33a) of the lower frame (30a).

[0037] The upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) and the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are connected accordingly to connect the upper frame (20a) with the lower frame (30b). More specifically, the upper faces (36au, 36bu, 36cu, 36du) of the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) are butted with the connecting faces (not shown) of the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d). The lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) and the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) provides the structural strength to the module (10a). The truncated pyramid shape of the lower pillars (36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d) and the upper pillars (26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d) configures module space (12a) inside the modules (10a, 10b, 10c) when the upper frame (20a) with the lower frame (30b) are connected.

[0038] The side door panels (42a & 42b) are connected to the upper frame (20a) and the lower frame (30a) to configure the module (10a). Each side door panel (42a or 42b) has one or more third ports (44a, 44b). The third ports (44a, 44b) are having different sizes and shapes. The first ports (24a, 24b), the second ports (34a, 34b) and the third ports (44a, 44b) make the device (100) porous. The upper door panels (22a, 22b), the lower panels (32a, 32b) and the side door panels (42a, 42b) are having locking members (L1, L2, L3...Ln) to engage mutually. The upper door panels (22a, 22b), the lower panels (32a, 32b) and the side door panels (42a, 42b) are connected in such a way that the connections configure a cube or rectangular cube.

[0039] Referring now to figure 4, a schematic diagram of a groundwater recharge system (1000) using the device (100) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The device (100) is covered with a cloth (50) made from geo-fabric material and placed inside a trench (400), having a volume more than the device (100). The trench (400) is dug in a location (not numbered) from a surface (401). For example, say the length, breadth and height of the device (100) are 5 M, 6 M, 7 M; the trench (400) can be configured with dimensions 5.5 M, 6.5M & 7.5 M. In the present embodiment, the cloth-covered lower door panels (32c1, 32c2) of the lower frame (30c) of the module (10c) is in the surface contact with an inner surface (400c) of the trench (400). The trench (400) with the device (100) therein is covered with a cover (404).

[0040] Either the first port (24a) or the second port (34a) and or the third port (44a) is connected to a supply line (70) supplying water (500) therethrough to receive water (500) therefrom. In the present embodiment, the first port (24a) is connected to the supply line (70). The shape and size of the first port (24a), or the second port (34a) and or the third port (44a) are configured according to a mating end (72) of the supply line (70). If the mating end (72) is circular, the connecting first port (24a), or the second port (34a) and or the third port (44a) is configured in the circular shape. Similarly, the size and shape of the first port (24a), or the second port (34a) and or the third port (44a) is varied according to the mating end (72).

[0041] Further, the supply line (70) is connected to a filter unit (80). The filter unit (80) receives the rainwater (504) and supplies the filtered water to the supply line (70). The received water (500) is distributed among the modules (10a, 10b, 10c), and distributed water (500) is drained (oozed) out through ports (34c1, 34c2) of the lower door panels (32c1, 32c2) of the module (10c), which is in the surface contact with the ground surface, thereby recharging the groundwater (500a). More specifically, the oozed water (500) from the ports (34c1, 34c2) is distributed on the inner surface (400c) of the trench (400). Further, the water (500) gradually reaches the groundwater (500a) due to absorption, thereby recharging the groundwater (500a).

[0042] Similarly, the device (100) can be configured according to a shape of a trench in which the device (100) is installed by configuring geometrics of the module (10a, 10b, 10c) and connecting one or more such modules (10a, 10b, 10c) accordingly. Configuring geometrics of the module (10a. 10b, 10c) here refers to configuring width, length, thickness, shape & number of the upper door panels (22a, 22b), the lower door panels (32a, 32b) and side door panels (42a, 42b). It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to configure the device (100) according to the trench (400) by configuring geometrics of the module (10a, 10b, 10c) and connecting one or more such modules (10a, 10b, 10c) accordingly.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the device (100) includes one or more block connectors (90a, 90b) (refer figures 6a & 6b). The block connectors (90a, 90b) are used to connect two constructional elements of module (10a) or connecting two or more modules (10a, 10b, 10c). For example, the door panels (22a, 32a, 42a, 42b), the modules (10a, 10b, 10c) are mutually connected by the block connector (90a). The block connector (90a) restricts relative movements of the door panel (22a, 32a, 42a, and 42b), modules (10a, 10b, and 10c) with the door panel (22a, 32a, 42a, 42b) or the module (10a, 10b, 10c) to which it is connected. For example, if the block connector (90a) is connecting the module (10a) and the module (10b), the block connector (90a) restricts relative movements of the module (10a) and the module (10b).

[0044] The block connector (90a) (refer figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d) is having a body (93) and locking profiles (92a1, 92a2). The locking profiles (92a1 and 92a2) engage with respective engaging profiles (94a1 and 94a2) configured on one upper door panel (22a or 22b) or the lower door panel (32a, 32b) or the side door panel (42a, 42b) and other for connecting the one upper door panel (22a or 22b) or the lower door panel (32a, 32b) or the side door panel (42a, 42b) with other and also restricting the relative movements of the connected panels.

[0045] For example, the block connector (90a) is having a locking profile (92a1) extending from the body (93). A respective engaging profile (94a1) is configured on respective upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b). Further, one more engaging profile (94a2) is configured on the respective upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b) to which a first element (panel) needs to be connected. The locking profile (92a1) is engaged with the engaging profile (94a1) for connecting the block connector (90a) to the upper door panel (22a or 22b) or a lower door panel (32a, 32b) or a side door panel (42a, 42b).

[0046] Similarly, the locking profile (92a2) is engaged with the engaging profile (94a2) for connecting the block connector (90a) to the other upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b), thereby the block connector (90a) is connecting the one upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b) with the profiles (92a1, 94a2, 92a2, 94a2) are configured accordingly, the movements of the connected upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b) or modules (10a, 10b, 10c) are restricted.

[0047] In one more preferred embodiment, each upper door panel (22a, 22b), each lower door panel (32a, 32b) and each side door panel (42a, 42b) is having one or more rings (R1, R2, R3) (refer figure 3a) arranged (configured) thereon. The ring (R1 or R2 or R3) provides structural strength thereto (to the respective panel on which the ring is arranged). Further, the ring (R1 or R2 or R3) reduces the surface contact between the door panels (22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b) with external surfaces, thereby reducing wear and tear of the door panels (22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b). External surfaces can be any surface of the ground, the trench (400) and the like.

[0048] Further, each upper door panel (22a, 22b), each lower door panel (32a, 32b) and each side door panel (42a, 42b) is having one or more ribs (B1, B2, B3) (Refer to figure 3b). An inner portion (not numbered) of the rib (B1) is having a reinforcement structure (F1) (figure 3b) thereon.

[0049] The reinforcement structure (F1) is adapted to provide the structural strength to the door panels (22a or 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b) when an external force is applied thereon. The external forces can be developed when the device (100) is installed in the trench (400) when the device (100) is operational. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to configure geometrics dimensions (such as length, shape, thickness) of the reinforcement structure (F1) according to the external load and internal load conditions of the device (100).
[0050] Furthermore, one of the first ports (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b) or the third port (44a or 44b) acts as an overflow port. Specifically, the first port (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b) or the third port (44a or 44b) is adapted to expel water from the device (100) when the device (100) is filled. The first port (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b), or the third port (44a or 44b) can be collected to a predefined destination to use the overflow water. The predefined destination can be an external tank (not shown).

[0051] Referring now to figure 5, a schematic diagram of one more embodiment of a groundwater recharging system (1100) using the device (100) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The groundwater recharging system (1100) includes all elements (functional elements) described in the groundwater system (1000) (figure 4). Additionally, in the groundwater recharging system (1100), the first port (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b) or the third port (44a or 44b) of the device (100) is connected to a pump (602) for pumping the water collected in the device (100) to a predefined destination (not shown) to use the water stored in the device (100). The predefined destination can be an external tank (not shown). The stored water in the external tank can be used for washing, gardening, cleaning, and other operations where immaculate water is not mandatory.

[0052] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing the device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a). Further, the device (100) can be installed at a relatively low expense. Furthermore, the device (100) can be custom made according to the availability of the space. Also, the device (100) can be easily installed.

[0053] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain best the principles of the present invention and its practical application and enable others skilled in the art to utilise best the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a), the device (100) includes one or more modules (10a, 10b, 10c) connected mutually to configure the device (100), each module (10a or 10b or 10c) comprising:
an upper frame (20a), the upper frame (20a) is having one or more upper door panels (22a, 22b), each upper door panel (22a or 22b) is having one or more first ports (24a, 24b);
a lower frame (30a), the lower frame (30a) is having one or more lower door panels (32a, 32b), each lower door panel (32a or 32b) is having one or more second ports (34a, 34b);
a plurality of upper pillars (26a, 26b) extending from a lower surface (21a) of the upper frame (20a),
a plurality of lower pillars (36a, 36b) extending from an upper surface (33a) of the lower frame (30a), the upper pillars (26a, 26b) and the lower pillars (36a, 36b) are connected accordingly to connect the upper frame (20a) with the lower frame (30a),
two or more side door panels (42a, 42b) connected to the upper frame (20a) and the lower frame (30a) to configure the module (10a), each side door panel (42a or 42b) is having one or more third ports (44a, 44b), the first ports (24a, 24b), the second ports (34a, 34b) and third ports (44a, 44b) make the device (100) porous,
wherein the device (100) is covered with a cloth (50) made from geo-fabric material and placed inside a trench (400) having volume more than the device (100),
wherein either the first port (24a), the second port (34a) and the third port (44a) is connected to a supply line (70) supplying water (500) therethrough to receive water (500) therefrom, the received water (500) is distributed among the modules (10a, 10b, 10c) and the distributed water (500) is drained out through ports (34c1, 34c2) of the lower door panels (32c1, 32c2) of the module (10c), which is in the surface contact with the ground surface, thereby recharging the groundwater (500a).

2. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first ports (24a, 24b), the second ports (34a, 34b) and third ports (44a, 44b) are having different sizes and shapes.

3. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each upper door panel (22a or 22b), each lower door panel (32a or 32b) and each side door panel (42a or 42b) is having one or more rings (R1, R2, R3) arranged (configured) thereon for providing structural strength thereto and also reducing the surface contact between the door panels (22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b) with external surfaces, thereby reducing wear and tear of the door panels (22a, 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b).

4. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each upper door panel (22a or 22b), each lower door panel (32a or 32b) and each side door panel (42a or 42b) is having one or more ribs (B1, B2, B3), an inner portion (not shown) of the rib (B1) is having a reinforcement structure (F1) thereon, the reinforcement structure (F1) is adapted to provide the structural strength to the door panel (22a or 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b) when an external force is applied thereon.

5. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (100) includes one or more block connectors (90a, 90b); each connector (90a or 90b) is having:
a body (93); and
two or more locking profiles (92a1 and 92a2) extending from the body,
wherein the locking profiles (92a1 and 92a2) engage with respective engaging profiles (94a1 and 94a2) configured on one upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b) and other for connecting the one upper door panel (22a or 22b) or lower door panel (32a, 32b) or side door panel (42a, 42b) with other (22a or 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b) and also restricting the relative movements of the connected panels (22a or 22b, 32a, 32b, 42a, 42b).

6. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply line (70) is connected to a filter unit (80), the filter unit (80) receives the rainwater (504) and supplies the filtered water (500) to the supply line (70).

7. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claims 1, wherein one of the first ports (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b) or the third port (44a or 44b) is connected to a pump (602) for pumping the water (500) collected in the device (100) to a predefined destination,

8. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claims 1, wherein one of the first ports (24a or 24b) or the second port (34a or 34b) or the third port (44a or 44b) is connected is adapted to expel the water (500) from the device (100) when the device (100) is filled.

9. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claims 1, wherein the device (100) is configured according to the shape of the trench (400) in which the device (100) is installed by configuring geometrics of the module (10a, 10b, 10c) and connecting one or more such module (10a, 10b, 10c) accordingly.

10. The device (100) for recharging the groundwater (500a) as claimed in claims 1, wherein the upper door panels (22a or 22b), the lower panels (32a or 32b) and the side door panels (42a or 42b) are having locking members (L1, L2, L3) to engage mutually.