U.S. patent application number 10/424974 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for portable liquid storage tank.
Invention is credited to Nash, John.
Application Number | 20040217118 10/424974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33309633 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040217118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nash, John |
November 4, 2004 |
Portable liquid storage tank
Abstract
Provided herein are storage tanks for storing water and other
liquids. A storage tank according to the invention is relatively
inexpensive in comparison to conventional storage tanks, and can be
disassembled or packaged to occupy a relatively small volume for
purposes of transportation and storage. A storage tank according to
the invention may have a capacity in the range of between 200 to
10,000 liters, while only occupying a volume of less than 1 cubic
meter when disassembled.
Inventors: |
Nash, John; (Santa Fe,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher J. Whewell
Western Patent Group
6020 Tonkowa Trail
Georgetown
TX
78628
US
|
Family ID: |
33309633 |
Appl. No.: |
10/424974 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/08 20130101;
B65D 90/046 20130101; B65D 90/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/14; B65D
035/14; B65D 090/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1) A storage tank suitable for the storage of liquids, including
water, which comprises: a) a shell portion comprising a plurality
of substantially flat panel elements, said panel elements each
including a perimeter, wherein each of said flat panel elements are
arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a closed-loop
construction, and wherein each of said flat panel elements are each
connected to two adjacent flat panels, wherein the closed-loop
construction of said shell portion has an open top portion with an
upper circumferential edge that defines a plane, an open bottom
portion, and an interior volume, and wherein said plurality of flat
panel elements collectively define a wall having an interior face
and an exterior face; b) a polymeric membrane disposed within said
interior volume of said shell portion such that said membrane forms
a waterproof seal between said interior volume and the spaces
exterior to said wall and beneath said bottom portion, and such
that said open top portion remains open sufficiently to enable a
liquid to be admitted into said interior volume from above said
open top portion; and c) a means for securing said membrane within
said interior volume.
2) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein said means for
securing said membrane within said interior volume secures the
membrane by affixing the membrane to said circumferential edge by
conventional fastening means.
3) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising: d) a
plurality of linear supports disposed over said open top portion,
said linear supports each having a first end portion and a second
end portion, wherein said first end portion and said second end
portion of each of said supports coincide with said circumferential
edge.
4) A storage tank according to claim 3, further comprising: e) a
central support post having a first end portion and a second end
portion which is disposed within said interior volume and extending
in a direction perpendicular to said flat bottom portion such that
said first end portion coincides with said flat bottom portion,
said central support being of sufficient length that said second
end portion coincides with the plane of said circumferential edge,
and wherein said linear supports pass over said second end portion
of said central support post.
5) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising: d) a
central support post having a first end portion and a second end
portion which is disposed within said interior volume and extending
in a direction perpendicular to said flat bottom portion such that
said first end portion coincides with said flat bottom portion,
said central support post being of sufficient length that said
second end portion coincides with the plane of said circumferential
edge, and e) a plurality of linear supports each having a first end
portion and a second end portion, wherein said first end portion of
said linear supports is connected to said central support post and
wherein said second end portion of said linear supports are
connected to said panel elements at said circumferential edge.
6) A storage tank according to claim 4 wherein said linear supports
are connected to said second end of central support post.
7) A storage tank according to claim 6 wherein said means for
securing said membrane within said interior volume by affixing said
membrane to said circumferential edge comprises a circular retainer
hoop disposed within said interior volume at said circumferential
edge and in contact with said membrane so as to mechanically bias
said membrane against said interior face of said wall.
8) A storage tank according to claim 7 wherein said linear supports
are connected to said retainer hoop.
9) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising a barrier
disposed between said membrane and said inner wall.
10) A storage tank according to claim 8 further comprising a
barrier disposed between said membrane and said inner wall.
11) A storage tank according to claim 1 further comprising a screen
disposed over said open top portion.
12) A storage tank according to claim 8 further comprising a screen
disposed over said open top portion.
13) A storage tank according to claim 11 wherein said screen is
held in place by means of a u-shaped channel disposed upon said
circumferential edge with said screen disposed between said
u-shaped channel and said circumferential edge.
14) A storage tank according to claim 13 herein said u-shaped
channel is secured to said circumferential edge by means of a
conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of:
screws, rivets, and clips.
15) A storage tank according to claim 12 wherein said screen is
held in place by means of a u-shaped channel disposed upon said
circumferential edge with said screen disposed between said
u-shaped channel and said circumferential edge.
16) A storage tank according to claim 15 wherein said u-shaped
channel is secured to said circumferential edge by means of a
conventional fastening means selected from the group consisting of:
screws, rivets and clips.
17) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein each of said panel
elements include a plurality of holes disposed about its
perimeter.
18) A storage tank according to claim 8 wherein each of said panel
elements include a plurality of holes disposed about its
perimeter.
19) A storage tank according to claim 17 wherein adjacent panel
elements are connected to one another by a conventional fastening
means selected from the group consisting of: rivets, bolts, clips,
and screws.
20) A storage tank according to claim 18 wherein adjacent panel
elements are connected to one another by a conventional fastening
means selected from the group consisting of: rivets, bolts, clips,
and screws.
21) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
said panels includes an access hole disposed through it having a
valve disposed therethrough which permits selective fluid
communication between the contents of said interior volume and the
space exterior to said wall.
22) A storage tank according to claim 21 wherein said panel
including an access hole includes a second hole disposed through it
which permits fluid communication between the contents of said
interior volume and the space exterior to said wall.
23) A storage tank according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is
made from a material selected from the group consisting of: PVC,
CPVC, polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers, polyethylene, EPDM
and waterproof materials.
24) A process for storing a storage tank according to claim 1
having a liquid volume capacity in the range of 200 liters to about
10,000 liters which comprises: a) providing a storage tank
according to claim 1; b) disassembling said tank to provide a
plurality of flat panels, means for connecting said flat panels to
one another, a polymeric membrane, and means for securing said
membrane within said interior volume; c) stacking said flat panels
atop one another to provide a stack of flat panels; d) minimizing
the volume occupied by said polymeric membrane by manipulating it
in a fashion selected from the group consisting of: folding or
rolling it up; and e) placing said stack of flat panels, said
membrane, said means for connecting said flat panels to one
another, and said means for securing said membrane within said
interior volume all into a container having a volume less than 1.0
cubic meter, so as to form a packaged storage tank.
25) A process according to claim 24 wherein said container is a
box.
26) The packaged storage tank of claim 25.
27) A process for storing a storage tank according to claim 1
having a liquid volume capacity in the range of 200 liters to about
10,000 liters which comprises: a) providing a storage tank
according to claim 1; b) removing the fastening means along a
single seam of said plurality of flat panel elements so as to
provide a planar construction which comprises a plurality of panel
elements which are connected to one another in an adjacent
configuration by means of conventional fasteners; c) rolling up
said planar construction to form a rolled shell panel; d)
minimizing the volume occupied by said polymeric membrane by
manipulating it in a fashion selected from the group consisting of:
folding or rolling it up; and e) placing said rolled shell panel,
said membrane, said means for connecting said panels to one
another, and said means for securing said membrane within said
interior volume all into a container having a volume less than 1.0
cubic meters, so as to form a packaged storage tank.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to liquid storage. More
particularly, it relates to storage tanks which by virtue of their
construction are easy to transport and store in small spaces.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The storage of liquids, and particularly water, has been a
concern of societies since the earliest of times. Various persons
throughout the ages have devised means for storing water, and such
means are generally well-known to include such storage means as
reservoirs, bladders, steel tanks, man-made lakes, etc.
[0003] For geographical locations where natural land formations do
not lend themselves well to the construction of dams or other
semi-natural means for storing water, alternate storage means must
be provided. In such cases, it is most common for a water tank to
be fabricated on site, or transported to the location of use by
conventional cartage means such as truck, tractor-trailer,
steamship, or railcar.
[0004] The necessity of having to transport a storage tank to the
site of its intended use has multiple negative effects. First of
all, a completed storage tank is by its nature a bulky
construction, and the capacity of the tank when empty represents
dead space. Thus, the outer walls of a complete tank being
transported are relatively large in dimension, which consumes a
large volume on a railcar, tractor-trailer, or other vehicle in
which it is conveyed. Additionally, after manufacture, it is rare
for a storage tank to be delivered directly to its point of
intended use. More often than not, tanks which are transported are
shipped to distributors, and must be subsequently transported once
again from the distributor to the point of use, often involving the
use of heavy equipment in cases of storage tanks of any substantial
size, and large storage areas.
[0005] Another disadvantage of transporting ready-assembled storage
tanks is that they are not easily repairable, for cases when damage
occurs to the exterior wall of the tank causing its compromise. In
such cases, specialized repair means, such as welding, or
fiberglass or plastic repair are required.
[0006] Thus, if a means for storing liquids were provided which
occupied a small volume in its un-assembled form were available,
such would be welcomed by those needing such storage means. If such
a means were lightweight so as to be readily transported by a
single individual without the need for heavy equipment, such would
be welcomed by those needing such storage means. If a means for
repair of such a storage means did not require welding or other
specialized skills for repairing a compromised outer wall, such
would be further welcomed. If a means for storing liquids met the
aforesaid criteria, it would be especially welcomed by persons
living in remote areas who have a need to store water, such would
be further welcomed by both the public and by retailers who could
sell with little warehouse space needed to stock the item. The
present invention provides such storage means, and the advantages
and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to one
of ordinary skill in this art after reading and understanding the
present specification and its appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a storage tank suitable for
the storage of liquids, including water, which comprises a shell
portion comprising a plurality of substantially flat panel elements
in the form of a polygon, which become round when joined and filled
with water. The panel elements each include a perimeter, and each
of the flat panel elements are arranged adjacent to one another so
as to form a closed-loop construction. In such a closed-loop
construction, each of the flat panel elements are each connected to
two adjacent flat panels. The resulting closed-loop construction of
the shell portion has an open top portion with an upper
circumferential edge that defines a plane, an open bottom portion,
and an interior volume. The plurality of flat panel elements
collectively define a wall having an interior face and an exterior
face. There is a polymeric membrane disposed within the interior
volume of the shell portion such that the membrane forms a
waterproof seal between the interior volume and the spaces exterior
to the wall and beneath the bottom portion. The open top portion
remains open sufficiently to enable a liquid to be admitted into
the interior volume from above the open top portion, such as by
natural rainfall from above or from roof downspouts directed into
the tank. There is also provided a means for securing the membrane
within the interior volume by affixing the membrane to the
circumferential edge.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided in a
storage tank according to the invention a central support post
having a first end portion and a second end portion, which central
support post is disposed within the interior volume centrally on
the floor of the tank which is defined by the ground within the
shell. The central support post extends in a direction
perpendicular to the flat bottom portion (the ground upon which the
tank as a whole rests) such that the first end portion coincides
with the flat bottom portion. The central support is of sufficient
length that its second end portion coincides with the plane of the
circumferential edge, that is, the upper edge of the tank as a
whole which is defined the top edge of the wall, which wall is
defined by the flat panel portions.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment there is also a plurality of
linear supports disposed over the open top portion in an
orientation perpendicular to the central support. The linear
supports each have a first end portion and a second end portion,
wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of each of
the supports coincide with the circumferential edge. The supports
preferably pass over the second end portion of the central support
post. Preferably, the linear supports are connected to the second
end of central support post.
[0010] According to another preferred form of the invention, the
means for securing the membrane within the interior volume by
affixing the membrane to the circumferential edge comprises a
circular retainer hoop disposed within the interior volume at the
circumferential edge and in contact with the membrane so as to
mechanically bias the membrane against the interior face of the
wall and retain a substantially-circular shape of the outer shell
of the tank as viewed from above when empty or only partially full.
The retainer hoop, in turn, is held in position by being attached
to the linear supports, using any conventional fastening means
known to those skilled in the fastener arts, including without
limitation those mentioned elsewhere in this specification, and
preferably with wood screws or machine screws. Thus, there are many
ways of accomplishing this, with the advantage being that it
retains the shape of the round cylinder when the tank is not full,
for otherwise the top could collapse inward if not full, or the
wind could blow the tank over if the circular shape is not
maintained by the retainer hoop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A is a frontal view of a flat panel element of a
storage tank according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 1B is is a frontal view of a flat panel element of a
storage tank according to the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a frontal view showing a plurality of panel
elements connected according to the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of panel
elements connected according to the invention with one another to
form a closed-loop construction;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tank according to one
form of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper edge portion
of a tank according to one form of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upper edge portion
of a tank according to one form of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side cross-section view of a bulkhead fitting
disposed through a panel element and the membrane element according
to a preferred form of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of a tank according to a
preferred form of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an overhead view of a tank according to a
preferred form of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a tank according to an
alternate form of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1A there is
shown a panel element 4 useful in constructing a liquid storage
tank according to one preferred form of the invention, wherein the
panel element 4 is a substantially-rectangularly shaped piece of
sheet metal having a plurality of holes 2 disposed about two of its
opposite sides. FIG. 1B shows a panel element 4 useful in
constructing a liquid storage tank according to one preferred form
of the invention, wherein the panel element 4 is a
substantially-rectangularly shaped piece of sheet metal having a
plurality of holes 2 disposed about two of its opposite sides, and
having an overflow hole 6 which serves as a provision for an
overflow outlet and a valve access hole 8. The panel elements are
preferably comprised of sheet metal of any gauge in the range of
from about 10 gauge to about 45 gauge.
[0023] Sheets of other rigid materials are functionally equivalent,
such as sheets of polypropylene, plywood, KEVLAR.RTM. polymer,
composite materials such as graphite or reinforced fiberglass, or
other reinforced resin materials known in the art, including
particle boards and wire mesh or wire cage. Any thickness in the
range of from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or thicker, is
suitable.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a construction which comprises a plurality of
panel elements 4 which are connected to one another in an adjacent
configuration by means of conventional fasteners 10, which
conventional fasteners may comprise strips of nylon, leather, nuts
and bolts, welds, hinges, metal bands, clips, or, according to a
preferred form of the invention, rivets. When rivets are employed
it is desirable in one form of the invention to align the holes
from adjacent sheets with one another prior to inserting and
fastening a rivet simultaneously through an aligned hole in each of
adjacent panels, so as to form a seam along the adjacent panels
with one another. In one embodiment the means for fastening the
panels to one another permits movement of adjacent panels with
respect to one another in such a way that enables the finished
construct of a plurality of panel elements 4 to be folded in such
fashion that the individual panels lie atop one another in a final
folded or rolled configuration.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a shell 69 comprising a plurality of panel
elements joined to one another as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the
plurality of panel elements 4 are affixed to one another to form a
closed structure which is generally cylindrical in shape. Such a
closed structure may be comprised of any number of individual panel
elements, provided that the finished structure is a closed
cylinder. However, it is possible, by using conventional fasteners
to achieve a structure which, when viewed from above does not
resemble a circle, as does the construct of FIG. 3, but rather
another geometrical form such as a square, pentagon, hexagon,
octagon, nonagon, decagon, etc. up to figures having as many sides
and shapes as the constructor of a tank according to the invention
desires to employ. The shell could also conform to existing areas
without being geometric.
[0026] The plurality of panel elements 4 as shown in FIG. 3
functions, when stood on its end as shown in FIG. 3, as the outer
shell for a liquid storage tank according to the invention. In
order to provide a functional storage tank, a membrane such as a
sheet of a polymeric material is inserted into the open top portion
of the shell 69 and pushed downwards into the shell, so as to
provide the outer shell with an inner liner or membrane which is
capable of containing a liquid, such as water. The outer shell 69
provides the necessary structural support to maintain the whole
construction in a vertical disposition, while the membrane serves
to contain the liquid substance.
[0027] A typical arrangement of the aforesaid is shown in side
cross sectional view in FIG. 4, wherein is shown the tank wall 24,
which is a convenient way to refer to one of the panels 4 of the
shell 69 in a finished tank according to the invention, as such
panels 4 collectively comprise the wall of the tank. In this FIG.
4, 22 represents a barrier material, which may be selected from the
group consisting of: cardboard, newspaper, plastic, carpet,
padding, weed mat, or any material having the ability to protect
the waterproof membrane from punctures and preferably has a
thickness between 5 mils and 0.500 inches. The barrier 22 is
preferably placed into position within the bottom of the shell 69
in order to protect the membrane 28 from damage owing to sharp
edges on the panel elements 4, rocks on the ground, the
conventional fasteners 10, etc. Thus, in FIG. 4 the barrier 22 is
shown disposed in contact with the inner portion of the tank wall
24 and the ground upon which the tank rests. Disposed atop the
barrier layer 22 is the membrane 28, whose function is to contain
the liquid being stored so that none of it leaks out into the
surroundings. The membrane 28 preferably comprises a sheet of
polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer with ethylene, but may also
be selected from other materials in the group consisting of: PVC,
CPVC, polypropylene homopolymers or copolymers, polyethylene, EPDM,
or any material sufficient to contain a liquid without leaking.
[0028] FIG. 4 also shows a central support post 26 which is used in
a preferred form of the invention to add support to other
structural elements in a combination according to one form of the
invention, as is made apparent from what follows. Atop the liquid
level 30 in FIG. 4 in one form of the invention is an added layer
20 which floats atop the liquid being stored, so as to minimize
evaporative losses of the liquid being stored and is especially
beneficial in those cases when water is being stored. There is also
a retainer hoop element 32 whose function is to secure the membrane
in place, and maintain the upper portion of the tank in a circular
form, as shall now be described below.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a side cross-section view of the top portion of
a storage tank according to the invention. In this figure are shown
the relation between the outer tank wall 24, barrier 22, membrane
28, and retainer hoop 32. The retainer hoop element is constructed
of a polyethylene, plastic, fiberglass tubing or rod, or any
lightweight material of sufficient strength to maintain the
construct in the shape of a substantially cylindrical tank, and is
disposed about the upper circumference of a storage tank according
to a preferred form of the invention. Its purpose is to maintain
the shape of the tank when empty or not completely full and hold
the upper extremities of the membrane 28 in position so that none
of the liquid being stored leaks out. This is accomplished by
placing the membrane into the shell (which has already been
provided with the barrier 22), and placing the retainer hoop within
the membrane 28 so that the ends of the membrane overlap the
retainer hoop and are thus secured to the inner wall of the shell
69 against the barrier 22 by means of an interference fit. The
retainer hoop his preferably held into position by means of
fastener means 34 which are preferably screws, but other
conventional fasteners such as rivets, clamps, staples, welds, etc.
are sufficient. The fastener means 34 is also disposed through a
linear support 18 (which is clearly shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).
Central support post 26 is also shown here to be affixed at the
apex of the two linear supports 18 (FIG. 8) at 36 by means of a
conventional fastener, such as those already mentioned herein and
other fasteners known in the art.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of one of the edge portions
depicted in FIG. 5, showing the relationship between the retainer
hoop 32, the barrier 22, membrane 28, and outer tank wall 24.
However, this figure illustrates an embodiment of the invention
which employs a screen 12 atop the tank in order to keep birds,
insects, leaves, and other debris from entering into the tank. The
screen 12 is placed over the top of the tank with the edges of the
screen overlapping the outer wall of the tank all along its
periphery. That is, the diameter of the screen is greater than the
diameter or cross dimension of the tank. Next, a u-shaped channel
16 is placed upside down about the upper edge of the tank wall 24
with the screen disposed within the inner portion of the "u" of the
u-shaped channel. The u-shaped channel preferably spans the entire
circumference of the upper edge of the tank wall 24. The u-shaped
channel is held in position by means of a plurality of clips 14
which provide a clamping force on the u-shaped channel sufficient
to secure the screen 12 in position via an interference fit between
the clips 14 and the u-shaped channel, which clips are disposed
about the circumference of the upper edge of the tank. Preferably,
at least 4 of such clips are used spaced at 90 degrees along the
upper edge of the tank as viewed from above. More preferably, 8 of
such clips are used spaced at 45 degrees apart. Any number of clips
may be used provided they secure the screen in place in this
embodiment. Other means known to those skilled in the art may also
be employed to fastent the U-shaped channel to the upper edge of
the tank.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an access hole 6 or 8 (FIG. 2)
disposed in the tank wall 24, which hole is fitted with a bulkhead
fitting 44 that is secured using a bulkhead nut 40 in accordance
with the invention. There are flanges 38 which help distribute the
weight of a valve attached to bulkhead to a greater area of side of
tank, and a gasket means 42 for making a liquid-tight seal between
the contents of the tank and the surroundings. The membrane 28 is
also shown herein. The bulkhead fitting may be used for any purpose
desired by the user, such as a valve or other connective fitting
for plumbing purposes.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of a tank according to a
preferred form of the invention, in which linear supports 18 are
affixed to the upper edge of the tank using fastening means 34 as
previously shown in cross-section in FIG. 5. In one preferred
embodiment, the linear supports rest on the top edge of the tank
prior to the connection of the fastening means to the retainer hoop
to hold it in place. The connection of the intersection point of
the linear supports 18 at 36 to the central support post 26 (FIGS.
4 and 5) is made by conventional means, such as a nail driven
through the intersection of linear supports 18, or other
conventional fastening means such as including without limitation,
clamps, angle brackets, or a threaded stud inserted into the end of
the central support post 26. The respective positions of the tank
wall 24 and retainer hoop are shown as well.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of a tank according to a
preferred form of the invention, in which linear supports 18 are
affixed to the upper edge of the tank using fastening means 34 as
previously shown in cross-section in FIG. 5. In this embodiment,
there is shown also screen 12, clips 14 disposed along the
periphery of the upper edge of the tank in interference fit with
the u-channel 16 so as to cause a clamping of the u-channel against
the screen to affix it to the upper edge of the tank.
[0034] In FIG. 10 is shown an alternate embodiment of the invention
in which a plurality of linear supports 18 are connected to and
radially disposed about the central support post 26. In this
embodiment, the linear supports 18 are attached to the central
support post at its top portion at one of their ends, and are
attached to the top of the panel elements 4 using conventional
fastening means, as described herein.
[0035] In addition to the bottom hole 6 useful for draining the
contents of the tank, a second hole disposed near the top of the
tank with fluid connection between the outer wall portion of the
tank and the contents inside the membrane represents another
embodiment of the invention. Such a provision provides for the
transfer of water that would normally overflow the tank so that it
could be directed through a conduit such as a hose for purposes of
providing water to foliage, such as trees.
[0036] With regards to the retainer hoop element 32, it preferably
has an outer diameter which is identical to the inner diameter of
the tank at the top edge, which provides for securing the shape of
the upper tank edge and secures the membrane in place.
[0037] According to a preferred form of the invention, the linear
supports 18 exist in a telescoping configuration, which allows for
their collapse in order to render them smaller for transportation
purposes. According to another preferred form of the invention, one
of the support members is hollow and its interior space is
sufficient that the other support member may be housed within the
first support member for storage. In an alternate form of the
invention, it can be elongated sufficiently to cover the tank and
expand as the tank volume expands. For example if the tank is
expanded by modularly increasing the capacity of the tank by adding
more panels and a larger waterproof membrane. It is preferred that
the end portions of the support members include an end which is
bent at about 90 degrees so as to angle over the edge of the tank
and provide additional support on the exterior wall of the
tank.
[0038] According to the present invention, a tank of liquid volume
capacity in the range of between 200 liters to about 10,000 liters
may be packaged in a volume as small as 1 cubic meter. This is by
no means limiting of the capability of the present invention either
in terms of total tank volume possible, nor storage volume of a
disassembled tank according to the invention. Indeed, a tank
according to the invention may be constructed to store millions of
gallons of water or other liquids. This is due to the panel
elements 4 being capable of being stacked atop one another in a box
or connected in a series, except for 2 ends, and rolled, and the
membrane being capable of being folded or rolled up. The remaining
hardware, including valves, bulkhead fittings, fasteners, etc. can
be contained in a small space as well, inside the hollow area of
the rolled panel elements. According to one preferred form of the
invention, all of the panel elements are connected to one another,
with the exception of the final two, to provide a construct as
depicted in FIG. 2, which may be rolled up and stored.
[0039] Although the panel elements 4 have been described herein as
being substantially rectangular, the present invention contemplates
the use of panel elements having shapes other than rectangular, and
such are within the scope of the invention, including without
limitation square, round, pentagonal, triangular, or any geometric
polygon shape, subject to the proviso that the panel elements are
joinable as the rectangular ones described herein are, to form a
shell 69 as described herein into which may be disposed a membrane
as described elsewhere herein, and which shell 69 is able of
providing sufficient structural support to contain the weight of
liquid disposed within such membrane.
[0040] In addition to the embodiments described hereinabove, a
storage tank according to the present invention lends itself well
to concepts of modularity in construction. The present invention
contemplates telescoping linear supports, the addition of any
number of panel elements desired by the user, and the attendant
utilization of larger membranes which enable one to expand the
capacity of a liquid storage tank without the need for purchasing a
whole new tank; thus it is seen that the liquid volume capacity of
a tank according to the invention is readily expandable by addition
of further panel elements and a swapping of the membrane for a
larger one, which additional panel(s) and larger membrane are also
conveniently stored and shipped in relatively small containers.
[0041] Consideration must be given to the fact that although this
invention has been described and disclosed in relation to certain
preferred embodiments, obvious equivalent modifications and
alterations thereof will become apparent to one of ordinary skill
in this art upon reading and understanding this specification and
the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, the presently disclosed
invention is intended to cover all such modifications and
alterations, and is limited only by the scope of the claims which
follow.
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