U.S. patent application number 12/138954 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for flooded frame truck mounted tank.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEMO TANK/BAKER EQUIPMENT COMPANY. Invention is credited to Glenn Miller McCallister.
Application Number | 20090223975 12/138954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052550 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCallister; Glenn Miller |
September 10, 2009 |
Flooded Frame Truck Mounted Tank
Abstract
A liquid-holding tank for mounting on the frame of a vehicle is
disclosed. The tank comprises an elongate tank body and a tank
frame coupled to the elongate tank body and extending downwardly
therefrom. The tank frame and the elongate tank body form a
reservoir, and the tank frame is adapted to rest directly on the
vehicle frame.
Inventors: |
McCallister; Glenn Miller;
(Jackson, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP;IP Section
2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 700
Dallas
TX
75219
US
|
Assignee: |
SEMO TANK/BAKER EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
Perryville
MO
|
Family ID: |
41052550 |
Appl. No.: |
12/138954 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61033559 |
Mar 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/563 ;
220/315; 220/4.12; 220/745 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/2215 20130101;
B60P 3/2235 20130101; B60P 3/221 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/563 ;
220/745; 220/315; 220/4.12 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/12 20060101
B65D088/12; B65D 90/34 20060101 B65D090/34 |
Claims
1. A liquid-holding tank for mounting on the frame of a vehicle,
the tank comprising: an elongate tank body having curved side walls
coupled to and disposed above a generally rectangular frame, the
elongate tank body defining an interior chamber; the frame having
generally vertical side walls extending from a generally planar
tank floor, the generally vertical side walls coupled to the curved
side walls, the frame adapted to directly support the tank on the
vehicle frame, the frame further adapted to be in fluid
communication with the chamber and receive the liquid, thereby
lowering a vertical center of gravity of the tank; front and rear
vessel heads coupled to the curved side walls and frame; a lid
coupled to the curved side walls and the vessel heads; at least one
longitudinal baffle coupled longitudinally inside the chamber; and
at least one transverse baffle coupled transversely inside the
chamber.
2. The liquid-holding tank of claim 1, further comprising a venting
system for continuously venting the tank, the venting system
comprising: a generally vertical vent pipe having upper and lower
ends, the upper end penetrating through the lid and the lower end
extending into the frame; and a generally horizontal vent trough
coupled to the lower end of the vertical vent pipe, the vent trough
being formed in the frame of the tank and extending toward a
drain.
3. The liquid-holding tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one
transverse baffle divides the chamber into lateral sections, the at
least one transverse baffle having lower passages which permit
moderated longitudinal movement of the liquid in the chamber.
4. The liquid-holding tank of claim 3, wherein the at least one
transverse baffle comprises a peripheral flange extending at least
partially around the at least one transverse baffle, wherein the
peripheral flange is coupled to an interior surface of the frame to
provide structural support to the frame.
5. The liquid-holding tank of claim 3, wherein the at least one
transverse baffle comprises: a transverse baffle ring having an
outer edge having a profile; a metal strap formed to match a lower
portion of the outer edge profile, the metal strap being coupled to
the outer edge along the lower portion, thereby forming a flanged
ring coupled to an interior surface of the frame to provide
structural support to the frame; and a transverse baffle plate
coupled to the transverse baffle ring;
6. The liquid-holding tank of claim 3, wherein the at least one
transverse baffle comprises at least one service access port and a
corresponding cover for access between the lateral sections of the
chamber.
7. The liquid-holding tank of claim 6, wherein the cover is cut
from the at least one transverse baffle along a generally circular
profile having at least two radially projecting tabs, wherein the
radially projecting tabs are adapted to attach the cover to the
service access port forming at least two voids left from removal of
the tabs.
8. The liquid-holding tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one
longitudinal baffle divides the chamber into longitudinal sections
having moderated communication of the liquid therebetween, the at
least one longitudinal baffle comprising segmented panels, the
segmented panels being coupled between adjacent transverse
baffles.
9. The liquid-holding tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one
longitudinal baffle comprises a first plurality of panels coupled
between adjacent transverse baffles, a second plurality of panels
coupled between a rear transverse baffle and the rear vessel head,
a first single panel coupled between the front vessel head and a
vertical vent pipe, and a second single panel coupled between the
vertical vent pipe and a front transverse baffle.
10. The liquid-holding tank of claim 9, wherein each of the
transverse baffles comprise one or more vertical brackets with
horizontally slotted holes adapted to receive fasteners securing
the first and second plurality of panels and the second single
panel to the vertical brackets.
11. The liquid-holding tank of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a
removable tank cover removably coupled to the curved side walls,
the removable tank cover adapted to provide overhead access to the
chamber.
12. A liquid-holding tank for mounting on the frame of a vehicle
comprising: an elongate tank body having curved side walls coupled
to front and rear heads, the tank body generally defining an upper
liquid containment area; a closed-bottom tank frame coupled to the
curved side walls and further coupled to and extending between the
front and rear heads, the tank frame extending downwards, and
generally defining a lower liquid containment area which is fully
open to the upper containment area, the upper and lower containment
areas forming a total containment area, the lower containment area
operable to lower a vertical center of gravity of the total
containment area, the tank frame comprising an integral structural
support, the tank frame directly contacting the vehicle frame; a
baffle system arranged to compartmentalize the total containment
area, the baffle system comprising a plurality of longitudinal and
transverse baffles; and a top coupled to the elongate body.
13. The liquid-holding tank of claim 12, wherein the top has
longitudinal edges, the top comprising at least two upwardly
projecting vertical ribs coupled to and generally extending along
the longitudinal edges of the top.
14. The liquid-holding tank of claim 13, wherein the top further
comprises at least one end panel coupled between the vertical
ribs.
15. The liquid-holding tank of claim 13, wherein the top and
vertical ribs are configured to form a storage area.
16. The liquid-holding tank of claim 13, wherein the top further
comprises an access port and a vertical vent hole, both located
between the vertical ribs, the vertical ribs providing roll-over
protection for the access port and the vertical vent hole.
17. The liquid-holding tank of claim 13, wherein the vertical ribs
each comprise a conduit space.
18. The liquid-holding tank of claim 17, further comprising at
least one vessel head channel coupled to the front head, the vessel
head channel being in open communication with at least one of the
conduit spaces, and the vessel head channel adapted to structurally
support the front head.
19. A liquid-holding tank for mounting on the frame of a vehicle,
the tank comprising: an elongate tank body; and a tank frame
coupled to the elongate tank body and extending downwardly
therefrom, the tank frame and the elongate tank body forming a
reservoir, the tank frame adapted to rest directly on the vehicle
frame.
20. The liquid-holding tank of claim 19, further comprising a
plurality of gusset braces coupled externally to both the tank
frame and the tank body to provide support for the tank body.
21. The liquid-holding tank of claim 19, wherein the tank frame
comprises at least one internal transverse structural support.
22. The liquid-holding tank of claim 19, wherein the tank frame is
adapted to simultaneously support the tank body and hold the
liquid.
23. The liquid-holding tank of claim 19, wherein the tank frame is
adapted to be bottom-supported directly by the vehicle frame
without any intervening support structure between the vehicle frame
and the tank frame.
24. The liquid-holding tank of claim 19, wherein the tank frame
bears directly on the vehicle frame, and wherein sliding and
separation between the tank frame and the vehicle frame are
substantially prevented by at least one pair of side-attached
mounts, each side-attached mount coupled across corresponding outer
surfaces of the tank frame and the vehicle frame.
25. The liquid-holding tank of claim 24, wherein the side-attached
mounts comprise rigid mounts for rearward attachment and
spring-dampened mounts for forward attachment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/033,559 filed Mar. 4, 2008 the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicle mounted tanks that carry liquids face design
challenges not applicable to stationary tanks. The design
challenges relate primarily to the mass and nature of liquid when
put into motion. The vehicle carrying the tank may be hard to
handle and may be prone to roll-overs due to the momentum of the
liquid.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a liquid-holding tank for
mounting on the frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The tank comprises
an elongate tank body having curved side walls coupled to and
disposed above a generally rectangular frame. The elongate tank
body defines an interior chamber. The frame has generally vertical
side walls extending from a generally planar tank floor. The
generally vertical side walls are coupled to the curved side walls.
The frame is adapted to directly support the tank on the vehicle
frame, and the frame is further adapted to be in fluid
communication with the chamber and receive the liquid, thereby
lowering a vertical center of gravity of the tank. Front and rear
vessel heads are coupled to the curved side walls and frame, and a
lid is coupled to the curved side walls and the vessel heads. At
least one longitudinal baffle is coupled longitudinally inside the
chamber, and at least one transverse baffle is coupled transversely
inside the chamber.
[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, a liquid-holding tank is
disclosed comprising an elongate tank body having curved side walls
coupled to front and rear heads. The tank body generally defines an
upper liquid containment area and a closed-bottom tank frame is
coupled to the curved side walls. The tank frame is further coupled
to and extends between the front and rear heads. The tank frame
extends downwards, and generally defines a lower liquid containment
area which is fully open to the upper containment area. The upper
and lower containment areas form a total containment area. The
lower containment area is operable to lower a vertical center of
gravity of the total containment area. The tank frame comprises an
integral structural support and the tank frame directly contacts
the vehicle frame. A baffle system is arranged to compartmentalize
the total containment area and the baffle system comprises a
plurality of longitudinal and transverse baffles. A top is coupled
to the elongate body.
[0005] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a liquid-holding tank
comprises an elongate tank body. A tank frame is coupled to the
elongate tank body and extends downwardly therefrom. The tank frame
and the elongate tank body form a reservoir and the tank frame is
adapted to rest directly on the vehicle frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from
the following detailed description when read with the accompanying
figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard
practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale.
In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily
increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of the flooded-frame tank
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the flooded-frame tank mounted on a
truck chassis according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the
flooded-frame tank taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
flooded-frame tank taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cut-away isometric view of a lower rear region
of the flooded-frame tank according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the flooded-frame tank according to
an exemplary embodiment with a portions of the tank partially cut
away.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of the flooded-frame tank
according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] This disclosure describes a novel tank design for
transporting a liquid. The novel tank design has a lower vertical
center of gravity as compared to conventional tank designs. In
particular, a typical horizontal tank designed for transporting a
liquid cannot rest directly on a truck frame, but must have framing
and legs to support the tank and to attach the tank to the vehicle.
In such designs, the tank's vertical center of gravity is elevated
and thus impacts the vehicle's handling and safety. Thus, the novel
tank design, according to one embodiment includes a structurally
sound tank frame that holds liquid and is open to the tank body,
thereby flooding the tank frame and lowering the vertical center of
gravity.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a flooded-frame tank 100 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment in a rear isometric view. Tank
100 is generally constructed with an integral flooded frame 102 to
which side walls 104 are coupled. A tank lid 106 connects side
walls 104 together and functions to cover the top of tank 100,
thereby forming an elongated body. Front and rear vessel heads 108
and 110 are coupled to flooded frame 102, side walls 104, and lid
106 to make tank 100 leak tight. These components of tank 100 may
be welded or bolted, or otherwise fastened together in a suitable
manner.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of a flooded-frame tank
100, according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown mounted on a
truck chassis frame 112. In this novel embodiment, flooded frame
102 rests directly on chassis frame 112. Flooded frame 102 may be
bottom-supported directly by chassis frame 112 without any
intervening support structure between chassis frame 112 and flooded
frame 102. Since flooded frame 102 functions as a lower section of
tank 100 and as a support structure of tank 100, conventional tank
legs and structural support are no longer required. The removal of
traditionally required tank legs and structural support is possible
through usage of novel and non-obvious structural designs and
construction methods which are disclosed herein. Thus, flooded
frame 102 allows the center of gravity to be lowered. In some
embodiments, the reduction or lowering of the center of gravity may
be as much as five inches, or more.
[0017] Flooded frame 102 may be secured to chassis frame 112, for
example, by a combination of side-attached mounts 114 and 116.
Side-attached mounts 114 and 116 include spring-dampened mounts 114
and rigid mounts 116. Each mount 114 and 116, spans a distance from
an outer vertical surface of flooded frame 102 to an outer vertical
surface of chassis frame 112. Mounts 114 and 116 couple across
corresponding outer vertical surfaces of flooded frame 102 and
chassis frame 112 to substantially prevent sliding and separation
between flooded frame 102 and chassis frame 112. Mounts 114 and 116
are preferably bolted to chassis frame 112 and welded to flooded
frame 102, although either may be welded or bolted, or otherwise
fastened in a suitable manner.
[0018] Rigid mount 116 is preferably used as the rearmost
side-attached mount, and is paired with a corresponding rigid mount
116 which is similarly side-attached to an outer vertical surface
of the opposite chassis frame rail (not shown). One or more pairs
of spring-dampened mounts 114 are coupled at intervals along
chassis frame 112. The quantity and exact positioning of mounts 114
and 116 may be determined based on the size of the tank, by usage
requirements, and on other factors.
[0019] In other embodiments, straps may be used with or without
mounts 114 and 116 to secure flooded frame 102 to chassis frame
112, by side-attachment to corresponding outer vertical surfaces.
In yet other embodiments, flooded frame 102 and chassis frame 112
may be secured to one another according to any suitable fastening
method, with or without side-attached mounts or straps.
[0020] A sill block 115, which is preferably a thin sheet of
rubber, may be installed on chassis frame 112 before tank 100 is
positioned to further isolate tank 100 from road vibrations, dampen
tank movements, and minimize wear of flooded frame 102. Sill block
115 may be about one inch thick, though the thickness may be
adjusted to achieve more or less vibration dampening. Other
dampening devices are contemplated, such as, but not limited to,
rubber or cork gaskets, wood shims, nylon pads, and the like.
[0021] Front vessel head 108 is preferably flat and rear vessel
head 110 is preferably dished. In other embodiments either vessel
head may be flat or dished. In addition, each vessel head is
preferably flanged around its perimeter. The vessel head flange
(not shown) fits inside an end of the elongated body to form an
overlap which may be secured by welding, for example. In other
embodiments, such as for a sanitary tank, the vessel heads may be
secured by butt-welding, for example, to the elongated body.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view of flooded-frame
tank 100 taken along section line 3-3 in FIG. 2. In cross-section,
tank 100 may be described as having a modified square, or oval,
configuration with radiused corners 105. Flooded frame 102
comprises a generally planar flooded-frame floor 118, which is
shown in cross-section, with upwardly extending frame side walls
120. Frame side wall flanges 122 may project transversely from
frame side walls 120 and extend along the longitudinal length of
flooded frame 102 to provide for attachment to tank side walls
104.
[0023] The attachment of flooded frame 102 to side walls 104 may be
further strengthened by pairs of boxed gussets 123, which may be
included between flooded frame 102 and side walls 104 at the front
and rear ends of tank 100, for example. Gussets 123 may be
constructed by attaching a pad 125 to flooded frame 102 and tank
side walls 104, followed by attachment of gusset 123. Gussets 123
are attached in pairs at front and rear ends of tank 100. Gussets
123 may also be attached to intermediate side wall locations which
may or may not correspond with side wall locations supported by
internal structures. Gussets 123 may also function as anti-roll
stabilizers for tank 100.
[0024] Tank side walls 104 are continuously curved in this
embodiment to distribute lateral forces exerted by fluid contained
therein. This distribution of forces may prevent "oil canning" of
side walls 104. In other embodiments the side walls may be
substantially straight, or flat; or, the side walls may comprise a
profile with curved and straight sections.
[0025] Tank lid 106 may attach to side walls 104 with bolts 124. In
one embodiment tank lid 106 may be formed from a single piece of
material, such as sheet metal, for example, and may include
generally parallel upwardly projecting, generally vertical upper
channels 126. In another embodiment tank lid 106 may comprise
multiple pieces of material. In one embodiment upper channels 126
project upwardly about twelve inches, though other distances are
contemplated. Upper channels 126 run longitudinally along both
longitudinal sides of tank lid 106, and may be alternatively termed
gussets or ribs. In one embodiment, upper channels 126 may form
side walls for mounting external lighting and may establish a
conduit space 127 for running wiring. In some embodiments upper
channels 126 may be full-length, segmented gussets.
[0026] An end panel 130, may be coupled between upper channels 126
(as shown in FIG. 6), and conduit space 127 may be covered by a
rear cap 129 (shown in FIG. 1). Upper channels 126 may also provide
a degree of roll-over protection for various features such as a
vent pipe 162 and a service access port 176 (both shown in FIG. 6).
In addition, upper channels 126 may comprise sacrificial crumple
zones which may absorb some of the force of a roll-over impact,
thereby protecting other structural components.
[0027] Tank lid 106 may further comprise a flat portion 128, which
functions primarily as a sealing cover for the top of tank 100. In
some embodiments flat portion 128 functions also as a storage
platform and may be coupled to, or maybe integral with, upper
channels 126. In other embodiments, tank lid 106 may only comprise
flat portion 128 without upper channels 126. Tank lid 106 may be
entirely bolted onto tank 100 such that it may be entirely removed
during construction, customization, maintenance and/or inspection.
Tank lid removal allows tasks such as those listed to be
accomplished under reduced or eliminated confined space
requirements, potentially improving safety and reducing costs. In
other embodiments tank lid 106 may be welded, or other wise
permanently attached.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tank shown in FIG. 3
taken along section line 4-4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an
interior space 132 of tank 100 may be variously divided by a baffle
system 134 into smaller compartments, thereby reducing forceful
liquid movements inside tank 100. Baffle system 134 comprises two
main components, transverse and longitudinal baffles. An exemplary
transverse baffle 136 is shown in FIG. 4, extending generally
laterally across the cross-section of interior space 132.
Transverse baffle 136 may be comprised of upper and lower ring
sections 140 and 142, shown in FIG. 3, which are made integral by
being welded together. Upper and lower ring sections 140 and 142
are then connected to an internal periphery of tank 100. Upper ring
section 140 may comprise an upper flange 143, as shown in FIG. 4,
for coupling to tank lid 106. Upper and lower ring sections 140 and
142 may be welded to the interior walls of tank 100 and bolted to
tank lid 106, thus allowing transverse baffle plate 144 to be
centrally bolted, or otherwise coupled, to the upper and lower ring
sections 140 and 142. In some embodiments the transverse baffle
plate 144 and upper and lower ring sections 140 and 142 overlap
each other approximately 4 to 6 inches to allow for bolt-hole edge
margins. In other embodiments, an integral ring section may be
formed from more than two partial ring sections, or a monolithic
baffle ring may be used.
[0029] At least some of the integral, structural tank support
derives from the welding of an integral baffle ring to the interior
walls of tank 100, including structural support for weight placed
on tank lid 106. In other embodiments a significant amount of
strength is derived from the integral baffle ring. During
manufacturing, an internal ring may be comprised of four "quadrant"
ring sections to reduce material waste, for example.
[0030] Transverse baffle 136 may comprise variations, perforations,
holes or voids as shown in FIG. 3, including upper vent holes 146
for balancing pressure between divided compartments, transverse
baffle service access ports 148 (see further function and
description below), and fluid passages 150 for balancing fluid
levels between divided compartments. As further shown in FIG. 4,
three transverse baffles 136 are used to divide interior space 132
into lateral compartments. Other embodiments may include no
transverse baffle, such as in a very small tank, for example, while
still other embodiments may include one, two or more than three
transverse baffles.
[0031] Turning now to a description of longitudinal baffles, as
shown in FIG. 4, at least one longitudinal baffle 138 divides
interior space 132 into left and right compartments, or
longitudinal segments. Longitudinal baffle 138 comprises rigid
longitudinal plates 156, 157 and 160 connected principally to
transverse baffles 136 via various brackets 158. Forward and rear
longitudinal plates 156 and 157 are bolted to the front and rear
vessel heads 108 and 110, respectively. A vertical vent pipe 162
may also provide support for attachment of brackets 158 which
support longitudinal plates 156 and 160. Brackets 158 may contain
elongated slots 164, such that a longitudinal plate bolt hole may
adjustably align over an elongated slot 164 permitting a bolt to be
inserted transversely to couple the parts. Elongated slots 164
allow for easier fit-up during manufacturing and/or maintenance.
Longitudinal plates 160 may be sized to increase ease of material
handling during installation and repair as each longitudinal
division between transverse baffles 136 may be comprised of
multiple longitudinal plates 160. Longitudinal plates 160 may
further be sized to increase material yield during manufacturing.
For example, longitudinal plates 160 may be manufactured in
quadrants to reduce scrap during manufacturing. In other
embodiments, the longitudinal plates 160 may be monolithic, and may
be welded or held in position by other suitable fastening
means.
[0032] In addition to having the assembly and material usage
advantages described above, the novel assembly of baffle system 134
may provide a benefit against corrosion, especially microbial
induced corrosion. Material properties in areas near a weld, which
are typically larger than the weld itself, may be negatively
affected by the welding process. For example, a heat affected zone
created by welding stainless steel may significantly reduce
corrosion resistance, especially along the edges of the weld. Thus,
by using mechanical fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, for
example, baffle system 134 may be more resistant to corrosion at
attachment interfaces. In some embodiments, a laminating protection
may be applied to the tank interior surfaces and components.
[0033] FIG. 5, is a cut-away isometric view of an exemplary lower
rear region of tank 100. Since structural tank support is integral
to tank 100, no external supports are required for attachment of
flooded frame 102 to chassis frame 112 (shown in FIG. 2). At least
some of the integral, structural tank support derives from the
coupling of a strap 152 to a lower edge of transverse baffle 136.
Strap 152 may be formed to match a lower edge profile of transverse
baffle 136. Strap 152 may then be welded to the lower edge of
transverse baffle 136, thereby create a lower baffle flange 154.
Lower baffle flange 154 may be T-shaped in cross-section, and may
be welded to flooded frame 102. Strap 152 and transverse baffle 136
may be welded together, as mentioned, or a lower baffle flange 154
may be created by another process such as machining a flanged ring
from a solid block, casting, and the like. Strap 152 and transverse
baffle 136 may be similarly combined with or without additional
components to provide other structurally significant
cross-sections, such as an L-shape, a J-shape, and the like. In
embodiments where transverse baffle 136 comprises a transverse
baffle plate 144 and a lower ring section 142, a lower baffle
flange 154 may be constructed by welding a strap 152 to a lower
edge of lower ring section 142. Strap 152 may also function as a
doubler, or backup pad, to distribute the force of the lower edge
of transverse baffle 136, or the force of the lower edge of ring
section 142.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 4, a full-through venting system 166
is provided to reduce or eliminate vacuum that may be created by
draining liquid. FIG. 4 shows vertical vent pipe 162 located near
front vessel head 108. Vent pipe 162 extends upwards through a
penetration in tank lid 106 and downwards to a flange 168 near
flooded-frame floor 118. The extension distance of vent pipe 162
above tank lid 106 is preferably about three inches. The extension
distance may also be more or less than three inches. If the
extension distance is more than three inches, it should still be
less than the vertical projection of upper channels 126. A
longitudinally oriented, closed vent trough 170 is coupled to
flange 168. Vent trough 170 generally extends between flange 168
and flooded-frame floor 118, and may extend rearward along
flooded-frame floor 118 past the last vehicle axle. Vent trough 170
is sealed to flange 168 of vent pipe 162 and closed all the way
around. Vent trough 170 is open to the atmosphere underneath tank
100 via a hole 171 in flooded-frame floor 118. FIG. 5 shows hole
171 through a cut away in vent trough 170. Hole 171 preferably has
a diameter of about six to about eight inches, although other
shapes and dimensions are contemplated.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of tank 100 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment with portions of the tank
partially cut away. Towards the front end of tank 100 a service
access port 176 is included which is open to interior space 132.
Service access port 176 is covered by a removable grating 177 which
may have about one inch spacing. An overflow basin 173 surrounds
both service access port 176 and grating 177. Overflow basin 173
may be covered by a basin lid 175 which may be hinged and latched.
Basin 173 may be comprised of an entirely separate enclosure or may
be comprised of components such as upper channel 126, end panel 130
and a lateral divider 184. Lateral divider 184 may be coupled
between upper channels 126 similar to end panel 130. In addition,
basin 173 may be about 24 inches wide and about 30 inches long.
Turning briefly to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment is shown with
basin 173 comprised of upper channel 126, end panel 130, a lateral
basin wall 186, and a longitudinal basin wall 188. In other
embodiments basin lid 175 is not required. In another embodiment,
grating 177 comprises a vented basket that drops a few inches into
tank 100.
[0036] During draining, as fluid volume rapidly decreases inside
tank 100, air from outside tank 100 is sucked into venting system
166 to fill the fluid-evacuated volume, thereby allowing fluid to
drain without creating a potentially damaging vacuum inside tank
100 that may restrict fluid draining and adversely impact the
structure of tank 100. Venting air enters through hole 171, travels
through vent trough 170 and vent pipe 162, and enters the tank
through grating 177, such that tank 100 is constantly vented. In
other embodiments, vent pipe 162 and service access port 176 may be
together located at alternate positions such as near the middle or
towards the rear of tank 100. The positioning of vent pipe 162 and
service access port 176 near the front of the tank may function to
reduce liquid spillage due to closer placement to a mid-point of
the vehicle wheel base. Flexibility of positioning vent pipe 162
and service access port 176 may be enhanced by locating and
extending vent trough 170 along the bottom of tank 100. However, in
other embodiments, a vent trough may be located above the bottom of
tank 100 or positioned left or right of a longitudinal midline.
[0037] During filling of tank 100, an overfill condition may arise
when fluid rises above grating 177 and fills basin 173. Excess
fluid is able to exit basin 173 by entering vent pipe 162,
traveling along vent trough 170, and exiting through hole 171.
Fluid may be prevented from shooting upwards by basin lid 175.
During abrupt stops, fluid may slosh forward and partially fill
basin 173. If the fluid rises above vent pipe 162, then the fluid
is directed to safely exit through hole 171 behind the last wheels.
Removable grating 177 may also provide quick access for liquid
filling and removal.
[0038] As described above, and as shown in FIG. 5, liquid may
drain, or dump, from flooded frame 102 to transverse drain trough
172, which opens on either side of tank 100. The liquid may also
drain through a dump valve flange 174 which opens to the rear of
tank 100. In some embodiments, tank 100 may have a drain comprised
of a single dump valve opening, which may be either side- or
rear-exiting. Venting air may also enter through the dump valves
172 and 174 during draining. In another embodiment rearmost gusset
123 has a reduced width because a part of its function is
accomplished with transverse drain trough 172.
[0039] Service access, in addition to that mentioned briefly above
with respect to removable tank lid 106, is now described referring
to FIG. 6. Basin lid 175 is lifted and grating 177 removed to
access service access port 176, which provides access to at least
one compartment inside tank 100. From this first compartment,
service access to other compartments is obtained through transverse
baffle service access ports 148 (shown in FIG. 3) formed in
transverse baffle plates 144, and in another embodiment, by one or
more hinged longitudinal baffle service access panels (not
shown).
[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, transverse baffle service access port
148 may be provided by cutting or punching a circular,
scalloped-shaped opening, which may be a shape such as a circle
ringed by an array of radially extending rectangles or tabs. The
punched or cut-out scalloped-shaped coupon may then be rotated and
coupled over service access port 148 as an access cover 178. Voids
180 left in the transverse baffle plate 144 by the removal of
radially extending rectangles or tabs may be sized to permit fluid
controlled flow between lateral compartments. Voids 180 may also be
sized to enable a service person to pass a hand or arm though to
aid in the removal or fastening of mechanical fasteners holding
access cover 178 in place. Pairs of transverse baffle service
access ports 148 may be provided in each transverse baffle 136. In
other embodiments, transverse baffle service access ports 148 may
have different shapes such as oblong and square, among others, and
access cover 178 may have one or more radially projecting tabs.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, a front isometric view of flooded-frame
tank 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Tank lid
106 is shown in a storage configuration with upper channels 126
spaced approximately four feet apart to form side walls for a
storage area 182. Storage area 182 may be further defined by
lateral divider 184 and a longitudinal divider 185. In addition,
when not functioning as part of basin 173, dividers 184 and 185 may
be adjustable to make storage area 182 user-configurable. Storage
area 182 may include a cargo tie down system (not shown). As
configured in FIG. 7, storage area 182 may be used to store
implements and supplies. For example, a fire hose (not shown) may
be stored in a vertical or horizontal accordion pattern on tank lid
106 between either upper channel 126 and longitudinal divider
185.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, head channels 202 are secured at an
angle to front vessel head 108. In cross-section, each channel 202
may be a hat-channel, though other cross-section are contemplated.
An upper end of channel 202 overlaps a front cap 198 which covers
conduit space 127 by coupling to the front end of upper channel
126. Front cap 198 has a lower opening, created from formation of a
tab 204. Tab 204 covers the channel opening at the upper end of
channel 202, thereby establishing a protected path between conduit
space 127 and channel 202. A lower end of channel 202 is open. In
other embodiments, the front vessel head may be dished and may
comprise channels 202 that have been contoured to approximate the
dished curve of the head.
[0043] Channels 202 may function to strengthen front vessel head
108, especially against oil-canning. In addition, channels 202 may
function to protect, conceal, and guide wires between the conduit
space 127 and the underside of the tank by allowing wires to travel
through conduit space 127, out through the lower opening in front
cap 198, into channel 202, and down to the bottom of the tank.
Electrical wiring in conduit space 127 may be accessed by removing
front or rear caps 129 and 198, or by removing an outer wall of
upper channel 126. In other embodiments, channels 202 may support
control panels, accessories, or auxiliary systems.
[0044] Optional outriggers 190 may extend laterally from flooded
frame 102 and provide further equipment attachment points, such as
for tool boxes and the like. Outriggers 190 may be constructed by
attaching a pad 192 to flooded frame 102, followed by attachment of
an outrigger beam 194 and an angled support bracket 196 to pad
192.
[0045] Other additional embodiments and alternatives are
contemplated for various features of tank 100. According to one
embodiment, an internal width of tank 100 is about 77 inches with
an internal height of about 59 inches. Other dimensions for
internal and external sizing are contemplated to meet payload
requirements or access restrictions. Tank 100 can be constructed of
various materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum,
plastics, fiberglass and composites.
[0046] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been
described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand
that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, all such changes, substitutions and
alterations are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the
claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent
structures.
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