U.S. patent application number 13/282923 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-02 for containment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLYSTAR INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is Aaron D. Marshall. Invention is credited to Aaron D. Marshall.
Application Number | 20130108371 13/282923 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48171336 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130108371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marshall; Aaron D. |
May 2, 2013 |
CONTAINMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular dike or barrier assembly includes straight and curved
members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall
surrounding a primary container. The members are hollow and include
opposed side walls having integrally formed reinforcing ribs. The
side walls extend at an acute angle relative to the base of the
barrier to contain and redirect a surge flow directed toward the
dike or barrier assembly. The interior surfaces of the side walls
are closely spaced at locations spaced from the ribs and tend to
abut for added wall reinforcement upon application of wall
deflecting loads.
Inventors: |
Marshall; Aaron D.;
(Uniontown, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marshall; Aaron D. |
Uniontown |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
POLYSTAR INCORPORATED
Twinsburg
OH
|
Family ID: |
48171336 |
Appl. No.: |
13/282923 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/114 |
International
Class: |
E02B 7/00 20060101
E02B007/00 |
Claims
1. A liquid surge resistant modular barrier comprising; a plurality
of members extending in a longitudinal direction to longitudinal
ends that are connected to form said barrier, each member including
a top portion connected to a central wall portion having first and
second opposed side walls that extend to a base portion having a
base wall for engagement with a support surface, and at least one
of said side walls extending at an acute angle relative to the base
wall toward the liquid to be contained to tend to redirect a liquid
flow toward the member.
2. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said acute angle is from about
60.degree. to about 80.degree. relative to said base wall.
3. The barrier of claim 1, wherein said members include straight
and curved members, and each of said members is a hollow closed
element formed of a continuous layer of plastic.
4. The barrier of claim 3, wherein said members include elongate
reinforcing ribs in said side walls, and said reinforcing ribs
extend in first and second directions that are angularly
offset.
5. The barrier of claim 4, wherein said reinforcing ribs extend in
said first direction in said first side wall and extend in said
second direction in said second side wall.
6. The barrier of claim 5, wherein said first and second side walls
have interior wall surfaces that substantially abut at locations
between said reinforcing ribs and engage upon deflection of said
side walls in said first or second direction to reinforce said side
walls and said member.
7. The barrier of claim 6, wherein said first and second side walls
respectively have first and second major areas, said reinforcing
ribs extend along substantially the entire extend of said first and
second major areas.
8. A liquid surge resistant modular barrier comprising; a plurality
of members extending in a longitudinal direction to longitudinal
ends that are connected to form said barrier, each member including
a top portion connected to a central wall portion having first and
second opposed side walls that extend to a base portion having a
base wall for engagement with a support surface, and each of said
first and second side walls extending in an acute angle relative to
said base wall toward the liquid to be contained, each of said side
walls including reinforcing ribs, said reinforcing ribs extending
in said side walls in rib directions that are angularly offset to
resist buckling or flexure of said member in a vertical or
horizontal direction.
9. The barrier of claim 8, wherein said first and second side walls
have interior wall surfaces that substantially abut at locations
between said reinforcing ribs and engage upon flexure of said side
walls to reinforce said member.
10. The barrier of claim 9, wherein each of said ribs has a
generally uniform cross-section extending in said rib direction,
said opposed side walls respectively have first and second major
areas, and said reinforcing ribs extend in said rib directions
along substantially the entire extend of said major areas.
11. The barrier of claim 10, wherein said base portion has a
substantially triangular cross-sectional shape including an
inclined base wall extending upwardly from said base wall to join
one of said side walls.
12. The barrier of claim 11, wherein said inclined base wall
extends to said one of said side walls at an angle of up to about
60.degree. relative to said base wall.
13. The barrier of claim 12, wherein said reinforcing ribs in said
one of said side walls extend in said inclined base wall.
14. The barrier of claim 13, further including a liquid impermeable
liner having a liner edge disposed over said members, a resilient
clip securing said liner edge to said barrier, wherein said top
portion has a top wall connecting downwardly depending side walls
that respectively extend to a longitudinal top recess, said
resilient clip engaged with said top portion to secure a liner edge
to said barrier, said clip having an elongated U-shape with a flat
bight extending to opposed legs for engagement with said
longitudinal top recesses to trap the liner edge between the clip
and the top portion of said member.
15. The barrier of claim 14, wherein said longitudinal ends include
connector teeth having through openings that vertically align upon
engagement of connector teeth of adjacent members, and a locking
pin having a straight portion and an offset handle-lock, said
locking pin straight portion being received in said aligned
openings of engaged connector teeth and being rotatable to dispose
said handle-lock within an adjacent longitudinal top recess.
16. A liquid surge resistant modular barrier comprising; a
plurality of members extending in a longitudinal direction to
longitudinal ends that are connected to form said barrier with a
closed configuration surrounding liquid to be contained, each
member including a top portion connected to a central wall portion
having first and second opposed side walls that extend to a base
portion having a base wall for engagement with a support surface,
and each of said first and second side walls extending in an acute
angle relative to said base wall toward the liquid to be contained,
each of said side walls including reinforcing ribs, said
reinforcing ribs extending in said side walls in rib directions
that are angularly offset to resist buckling or flexure of said
member in a vertical or horizontal direction.
17. The barrier of claim 16, wherein said base portion has a
substantially triangular cross-sectional shape including an
inclined base wall extending upwardly from said base wall to join
one of said side walls, said inclined base wall extending to said
one of said side walls at an angle of up to about 60.degree.
relative to said base wall.
18. The barrier of claim 17, wherein said first and second side
walls have interior wall surfaces that substantially abut at
locations between said reinforcing ribs and engage upon flexure of
said side walls to reinforce said member.
19. The barrier of claim 18, wherein further including a liquid
impermeable liner having a liner edge disposed over said members, a
resilient clip securing said liner edge to said barrier, wherein
said top portion has a top wall connecting downwardly depending
side walls that respectively extend to a longitudinal top recess,
said resilient clip engaged with said top portion to secure a liner
edge to said barrier, said clip having an elongated U-shape with a
flat bight extending to opposed legs for engagement with said
longitudinal top recesses to trap the liner edge between the clip
and the top portion of said member.
20. The barrier of claim 19, wherein said longitudinal ends include
connector teeth having through openings that vertically align upon
engagement of connector teeth of adjacent members, and a locking
pin having a straight portion and an offset handle-lock, said
locking pin straight portion being received in said aligned
openings of engaged connector teeth and being rotatable to dispose
said handle-lock within an adjacent longitudinal top recess.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to secondary
containment systems typically used in connection with hazardous
materials or other materials to be isolated from the environment.
More particularly, a deployable modular containment system includes
straight and curved members that may be interconnected to form a
closed barrier or a dike wall surrounding a primary container or
otherwise isolating the selected material. The barrier or dike
system may be used to restrict liquid flows of other origins such
as a flood or other disaster resulting in an unregulated or
diverted flow of liquid.
[0002] It is known to use secondary containment systems for
reducing, if not eliminating, accidental spill of materials being
stored or processed. For example, steel drum storage of hazardous
materials may require secondary containment under applicable
environmental regulations. Military fuel storage may be provided in
a primary container surrounded by a secondary containment
system.
[0003] Prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,775, assigned to the assignee of
the present application, discloses a modular containment system
employing interlocking strut and corner members that are staked to
the substratum following assembly. Although portable, the strut and
corner members are formed of glass fiber reinforced plastics
requiring labor intensive and costly construction and results in a
rather heavy and difficult to assemble members. The members are
provided with integrally formed posts and receivers that are
adhesively secured together. Further, the strut and corner members
are generally of trapezoidal cross-section and do not resist surge
flows as may occur with a major leak or rupture of the primary
container. In fact, the outward inclination of the inner barrier
wall tends to facilitate overrun and escape of impacting surge
flows.
[0004] Prior U.S. Pat. No. 7,714,825, assigned to the assignee of
the present application, discloses a modular containment system
employing interlocking strut and corner members that are staked to
the substratum following assembly. The members are provided with
integrally formed female end sockets for receiving male end
members. Again, the strut and corner members are formed of glass
fiber reinforced plastics and they are generally of trapezoidal
cross-section so as to not resist surge flows.
[0005] As to be expected, the prior art barrier systems are heavy
and raise transportation considerations, especially at remote
installation cites and/or tight-fitting tortuous industrial
installations wherein the delivery path may be tortuous. In such
cases, ease of manipulation for manual transportation and
installation is desirable. In all cases, it is desirable that the
containment system may be quickly and easily deployed and
assembled. This is particularly true in the case of military
applications wherein assembly, disassembly and transportation of
the system may be provided at different locations by different
personnel. Accordingly, it is important that the system components
be limited in number and readily assembled to provide a sturdy
construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the invention, a modular containment
system is provided with a limited number of easily assembled
straight and corner or curved members. The members are formed of a
moldable plastic material. Consequently, the fabrication cost of
the members is significantly reduced as compared with prior art
barrier systems.
[0007] As indicated, the members are molded of plastic material,
and preferably, the members are rotationally molded and have a
generally hollow construction. The members may be formed of any
suitably rigid plastic material such as low density polyethylene.
Recycled materials may be used to form the members.
[0008] The members include a top wall extending to opposed side
walls that are joined to a base. The length of the member is
considered to extend in a longitudinal direction that is generally
parallel to the supporting substratum or ground. The members are
closed and include opposed longitudinal end walls. Connector ends
are provided at the longitudinal ends of the members so that they
may be joined end-to-end to form the dike system or barrier.
[0009] The members are constructed to provide at least one inclined
side wall adjacent the contained material. The inclined side wall
slopes toward the contained material or into the path of a likely
flow of material to be contained. For example, the inclined side
wall may extend at an enclosed acute angle relative to the base of
the barrier.
[0010] The inclined angle of the side wall tends to contain and
redirect a liquid flow directed toward or impinged upon the member.
The inclined angle of the side wall may be up to less than about
90.degree. relative to the base of the barrier and otherwise
sufficient to tend to contain and redirect a liquid flow impinging
upon the member. In preferred arrangements, the inclined angle is
greater than from about 30.degree. to less than about 80.degree.,
and more preferably, from about 60.degree. to less than about
80.degree..
[0011] In preferred arrangements, the member is hollow and both
side walls extend at the same inclined angle relative to the base.
The rigidity of the members is increased by forming separate
reinforcing ribs in the side wall. In the illustrated embodiment,
ribs are provided in each of the side walls and extend along major
area portions of the side walls.
[0012] Preferably, the ribs extend in intersecting angular
directions so as to increase rigidity and resist buckling in
corresponding directions. Thus, the ribs may be generally disposed
in a vertical direction in one side wall and a horizontal direction
in the other side wall so as to resist flexure of the member in
both vertical and horizontal directions.
[0013] The ribs have a height equal to about one-half of the
overall wall thickness of the member as defined by the spaced side
walls. Accordingly, the interior surfaces of the opposed side walls
are closely spaced and substantially abut at locations between the
ribs. The close spacing of the interior surfaces of the side walls
results in engagement upon loading and flexure of the member
whereby the side walls tend to reinforce each other.
[0014] An impermeable liner is placed over the joined members to
contain liquid. An edge of the liner is secured to the member by a
clip that resiliently engages the top wall of the member to trap
the liner edge between the clip and the top wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a closed dike assembly having
straight and curved members in accordance with the invention
surrounding a primary container and having parts broken away or
omitted for purposes of illustration;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of connected straight members,
as seen from the proximal side of the dike assembly, with parts
broken away and omitted for convenience of illustration;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 as seen from
the distal side of the dike assembly;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the connector ends of
adjacent members spaced apart for illustration purposes;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an elevational view showing a straight member
connected to a curved member of FIG. 4 as viewed from the proximal
side of the dike;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 6 as seen from
the distal side of the dike assembly;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG.
6;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary isometric view of three connected
members fitted with a spider cable in preparation for further cable
installation;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view showing the dike assembly of
FIG. 1 having its members secured together by a cable web including
spider cable arrays and straight cables;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view showing a resilient clip for
securing the liner to the dike assembly;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary isometric view showing the liner
being secured to a member forming the dike system using the clip of
FIG. 11; and
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line
13--in FIG. 1 showing a closable drain valve and a duct for
draining the liner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] A closed barrier or dike assembly 10 surrounding a primary
container 12 is shown in FIG. 1. The primary container 12 is a
flexible bladder construction that may contain a fuel to be
isolated from the environment in case of container failure or as
required by environmental regulations. The primary container may
comprise a storage tank (not shown) for industrial liquid supplies
such as lubricants, solvents, reactants or any other liquid
requiring secondary containment.
[0029] The dike assembly 10 has a generally rectangular
configuration with rounded corners provided by opposed dike walls
14 formed by interlocked straight members 16 extending between and
interlocked with corner members 18. A cable web 20 is provided for
securing the members 16 and 18 together as further explained
below.
[0030] For purposes of liquid containment, a liquid impermeable
barrier film or liner 22 is disposed between the primary container
12 and the web 20, along the substratum 23 and over the dike walls
14. The liner 22 may be secured in place by connection to the dike
walls as explained in detail below.
[0031] The liner 22 is preferably a flexible flat sheet that may be
conformed to the interior shape of the dike assembly including the
surfaces of the straight and corner members as well as the contour
of the substratum 23. The liner 22 may be formed of a suitable
plastic material such as polyamide, polyester or polyurethane with
or without reinforcement. For clarity of illustration, the liner 22
is transparent and has been broken away so that only the top left
corner of the liner is shown in FIG. 1. Of course, the liner 22 may
be opaque and/or comprise a fabric/plastic laminate.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the straight member 16
extends in a substantially straight longitudinal or horizontal
direction to provide the member with a length equal to about 4
feet. The member 16 has a vertical height equal to about 3 feet.
The length and height dimensions are not critical.
[0033] The member 16 has an inclined L-shape including a top
portion 24, a central wall portion 26, an enlarged base portion 28
for engaging the substratum 23, and longitudinal end portions 30.
The member 16 is formed by rotational molding and each of the
portions 24-30 is formed as a continuous plastic wall of the molded
part. The portions 24-30 are described below.
[0034] The top portion 24 has a general rectangular cross-section
(FIG. 4) including a top wall 24a connected to opposed walls 24b
that extend respectively to a proximal recess 32 and a distal
recess 34 located on opposite sides of the member 16. For
convenience herein, the side of the dike or barrier system adjacent
the contained material is referred to as the proximal side and the
other side of the dike or barrier system is referred to the distal
side.
[0035] The central wall portion 26 is formed by a proximal side
wall 40 and a distal side wall 42. The side wall 40 includes a
plurality of reinforcing ribs 44 extending in a generally vertical
or rib direction along a major area portion of the side wall 40.
The ribs 44 are spaced by recesses 44a so that the side wall 40 has
a corrugated shape as viewed in cross section in FIG. 4. Each of
the ribs 44 has a generally uniform cross-section extending in the
rib direction in the side wall. The specific dimensions and spacing
of the ribs 44 may be varied in order to provide a suitable
reinforcing strength. As illustrated, the ribs 44 and the recesses
44a each have a width of about 4'' and a height or depth of about
1.5''. As shown, the ribs 44 and recesses 44a extend into the base
portion 28 as further discussed below.
[0036] The distal side wall 42 is provided with a plurality of
reinforcing ribs 46 extending in a generally horizontal direction
along a major area portion of the side wall 42 generally
corresponding with the area enclosed by the dashed line 45 (FIG.
2). As used herein, major area portion means more than about 50% of
the total wall area. Herein, the area enclosed by the dashed line
45 is about 76% of the total area of the side wall 42.
[0037] The ribs 46 are spaced by recesses 46a so that the side wall
46 also has a corrugated profile when viewed in cross-section.
Again, the specific dimensions and spacing of the ribs 46 may be
varied in order to provide a suitable reinforcing strength. As
illustrated, the ribs 46 and recesses 46a each have a width of
about 4'', and a height or depth of about 3'' along a major area
portion of the side wall 42 generally corresponding with the area
enclosed by the dashed line 47 (FIG. 3).
[0038] In this instance, the major area portion enclosed by the
dashed line 47 is equal to about 65% of the total area of the wall
extending below the recess 34 to a height generally corresponding
with that of the angular wall joint 50 and between the ends 30.
[0039] As best shown in FIG. 4, adjacent interior surfaces 40b and
42b of the recesses 40a and 42a in the side walls 40, 42 are
closely spaced and substantially abut adjacent the recesses 44a and
46a. These adjacent surfaces 40b and 42b are spaced apart in
accordance with the rotational molding process to allow for resin
flow between the mold portions and the interior surfaces as they
are formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent interior
surfaces of the recesses are spaced apart a distance of about
0.25''.
[0040] The spacing of the surfaces 40b and 42b is sized to provide
reinforcing engagement of the surfaces upon flexure of the walls 40
and 42. In this manner, the walls 40, 42 and member 16 are
reinforced in response to flexure loading as upon surge loading by
fluid impact.
[0041] Each of the side walls 40 and 42 has a wall thick of from
about 0.13'' to about 0.18''. The overall thickness of the central
wall portion 26 as measured by the exterior surface extremities of
the side walls 40 and 42 is about 5.25''.
[0042] The base portion 28 has a generally triangular cross-section
including an inclined base wall 28a, a peripheral base wall 28b and
a lower base support wall 28c arranged to engage the substratum 23.
The base portion 28 joins the lower portion of the distal side wall
42. The inclined base wall 28a joins the side wall 40 along an
integrally formed angular wall joint 50 generally indicated by the
dashed line 52. In the same manner, the side wall 40 and the
inclined base wall 28a are integrally formed as part of the
rotationally molded one-piece straight member 16.
[0043] As illustrated, lower portions of the ribs 44 and recesses
44a extend to form the inclined base wall 28b. In turn, the base
wall 28 extends to and joins the peripheral base wall 28b and the
lower base wall 28c. The lower portions of the ribs and recesses
reinforce the inclined base wall 28a.
[0044] With particular reference to FIG. 4, the proximal side wall
40 forms an enclosed acute angle "A" relative to the bottom base
wall 28c. The inclined angle of the side wall tends to contain and
redirect in a reverse direction liquid flowing against the wall 40
and member 16. The inclined angle "A" is 70.degree. in the
illustrated embodiment, but may range from about 60.degree. to
about 80.degree. as discussed above. If the angle is too small, the
wall 40 and member 16 may be overly stressed and structurally fail
due to loads imposed an impinging liquid flow. On the other hand,
if the angle is too large, the liquid will over flow the wall.
[0045] The inclined base wall 28a forms an enclosed acute base
angle "B" relative to the bottom base wall 28c. The base angle "B"
may be up to about 45.degree. and is 30.degree. in the illustrated
embodiment. The inclined base wall 28a reinforces the connection
between the central wall portion 26 and the base portion 28.
[0046] The stability of the member 16 is further enhanced by
maintaining the projection of top portion and the center of mass of
the central wall portion 26 within a foot-print corresponding with
the base portion 28. This geometry inhibits the tendency of the
member 16 rotate upon impingement of a surge flow. The base wall
28c has thickness of about 22'' as measured between its proximal
and distal extremities.
[0047] The longitudinal end portions 30 include longitudinal end
walls 60 and longitudinally projecting connector teeth 62. The
connector teeth 62 are arranged at different heights at opposite
ends of the member 16 for engagement with corresponding connector
teeth on an adjacent member 16 or 18.
[0048] It should be appreciated that the surge liquid impacting
with and/or resting upon the inclined wall 28a further contributes
to the stability of the member 16. That is, weight of such water
provides a downward force component pressing the base portion 28
against the substratum 23.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, members 16 are disengaged and slightly
spaced to better illustrate the teeth 62 and their staggered
heights on opposite longitudinal ends of the members. The connector
teeth 62 are integrally formed with the end walls 60 and members
16. Each connector tooth 62 has a boxlike shape of generally
rectangular cross-section. Each connector tooth 62 has generally
flat upper and lower walls 62a connected by flat side walls 62b. A
tunnel opening 64 is formed by extension of the walls 62a through
each tooth 62. The tunnel openings 64 are aligned in a vertical
direction for receipt of a locking pin 66 as described more fully
below.
[0050] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a connector shroud wall 66
extends from the distal side wall 42 to cover the teeth 62. In the
illustrated embodiment, the shroud wall 66 integrally extends from
the distal right end of the side wall 42. The shroud wall 66 is
hollow. The shroud wall 66 provides additional support for the
teeth 62 and increased rigidity at the longitudinal ends 30 to
better maintain the alignment of the teeth 62.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking pin 68 is a metallic
tubular member having an L-shape including a straight leg 70 and an
angularly offset handle lock 72. The leg 70 extends through the
tunnel openings 64 in the aligned teeth 62 and secures adjacent
members 16 and/or 18 together. The distal recess 34 has enlarged
ends 34a for receipt of the handle lock 72. More particularly, the
handle lock 72 is rotated into the adjacent distal recess 34a with
a friction fit to fix the pin 68 against vertical movement.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the corner member 18
connected to an adjacent straight member 16 is shown. The corner
member 18 extends in an arcuate or curved longitudinal direction
and is otherwise configured in the same manner as the member 16.
Accordingly, like reference numerals are used for corresponding
elements with the addition of a prime designation.
[0053] The member 18 also has an inclined L-shape including a top
portion 24', a central wall portion 26', an enlarged base portion
28' for engaging the substratum 23, and longitudinal end portions
30'. The member 18 is also formed by rotational molding and each of
the portions 24'-30' is formed as a continuous plastic wall of the
molded part.
[0054] The top portion 24' corresponds with the top portion 24 but
for the curved longitudinal shape. Accordingly, a top wall 24a' is
connected to opposed walls 24b' that extend respectively to a
proximal recess 32' and a distal recess 34' located on opposite
sides of the member 18.
[0055] The central wall portion 26' is formed by a [concave]
proximal side wall 40' and a [convex] distal side wall 42'. The
side wall 40' includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs 44'
extending in a generally vertical direction along a major area
portion of the side wall 40'. The ribs 44' are spaced by recesses
44a' so that the side wall 40' has a corrugated shape as viewed in
cross section in FIG. 8. The specific dimensions and spacing of the
ribs 44' may be varied in order to provide a suitable reinforcing
strength. As illustrated, the ribs 44' have a width of about 8''
and the recesses 44a' each have a width of about 12'' and a height
or depth of about 2.5''.
[0056] The distal side wall 42' is provided with a plurality of
reinforcing ribs 46' extending in a generally horizontal direction
along a major area portion of the side wall 42'. The ribs 46' are
spaced by recesses 46a' so that the side wall 46' also has a
corrugated profile when viewed in cross-section. Again, the
specific dimensions and spacing of the ribs 46' may be varied in
order to provide a suitable reinforcing strength. As illustrated,
the ribs 46' and recesses 46a' each have a width of about 4'', and
a height or depth of about 3''.
[0057] In the member 18, the recesses 46a' are interrupted by a
central located vertically extending rib 74. The rib 74 is
positioned above a tunnel drain opening 76 extending through the
base portion 28' of the member 18. That is, the inclined base wall
28a' and the distal side wall 42' extend through the base portion
28' to form the drain opening 76.
[0058] As best shown in FIG. 8, the adjacent interior surfaces of
the recesses 44a' and 46a' are closely spaced and substantially
abut in the same manner as the described above with respect to the
interior surfaces of the recesses 44a and 46a. Similarly, each of
the side walls 40' and 42' has a wall thickness of about 0.13'' to
about 0.18''. The overall thickness of the central wall portion 26'
as measured by the exterior surface extremities of the side walls
40' and 42' is about 5.25''.
[0059] As described above, the base portion 28' has a generally
triangular cross-section including an inclined base wall 28a', a
peripheral base wall 28b' and a lower base support wall 28c'
arranged to engage the substratum 23. The base portion 28' joins
the lower portion of the distal side wall 42'. The inclined base
wall 28a' joins the side wall 40' along an integrally formed
angular wall joint 50' generally indicated by the dashed line 52'.
Similarly, the side wall 40' and the inclined base wall 28a' are
integrally formed as part of the rotationally molded one-piece
straight member 18.
[0060] As illustrated, lower portions of the ribs 44 and recesses
44a extend to form the inclined base wall 28a'. In turn, the base
wall 28a' extends to and joins the peripheral base wall 28b' and
the lower base wall 28c'. The lower portions of the ribs and
recesses reinforce the inclined base wall 28a'.
[0061] With particular reference to FIG. 8, the proximal side wall
40' forms an enclosed acute angle "A" relative to the bottom base
wall 28c' and the inclined base wall 28a' forms an enclosed acute
base angle "B" relative to the bottom base wall 28c' in the same
manner as described above with respect to the member 16 in order to
obtain similar containment of liquid flow.
[0062] The stability of the member 18 is enhanced in the same
manner as in the case of the straight member 16 by maintaining the
projection of top portion and the center of mass of the central
wall portion 26' within the foot print of the base portion 28'. The
lower base wall 28c' in contact with the substratum 23 is provided
with a gross wall radial dimension of about 22'' as measured from
its proximal to its distal extremities along a radius of the curve
of the member 18.
[0063] The longitudinal end portions 30' include longitudinal end
walls 60' and longitudinally projecting connector teeth 62'. As
described above, the connector teeth 62' are arranged at different
heights at opposite ends of the member 18 for engagement with
corresponding connector teeth on an adjacent member 16 or 18.
[0064] The connector teeth 62' are integrally formed with the end
walls 60' and member 18 as described above with respect to the
member 16. Further, the teeth 62' are shaped and constructed in the
same manner as the teeth 62 and include aligned tunnel openings 64'
for receipt of a locking pin 68.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the assembled barrier or dike
10 may optionally be reinforced by the cable web 20. To that, the
web 20 includes spider webs 80 formed of three spider cables 82
having cable ends joined to closed connector member 84. The
opposite ends of the spider cables are connected to associated
triangular connectors 86 as schematically shown in FIG. 10. The
members 86 are joined to associated members 16 or 18 by passing the
end of the leg 68 through the member 86 to trap it between one of
the teeth 62 and the base portion 28 or 28' of the member.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 10, straight cables 88 may be used to join
the spider webs 80 by attachment to opposed connector members 84.
As also shown, each end of the straight cable 88 may be fitted with
a connector member 86 and connected to opposed locking pins 68.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 11, a resilient clip 90 for mounting an
edge of the liner 22 to the dike wall 14 is shown. The clip 22 has
a channel or U-shape including a central bight 92 connecting
opposed channel legs 94. Each of the channel legs 94 terminates at
a reverse bend 96. The clip 90 is symmetrical about its
longitudinal axis and it may be mounted with either leg adjacent
the proximal wall 40 or the distal wall 42. As described more fully
below, the clip 90 is sized to fit over the top portion 24 or 24'
of the member 16 or 18 with the reverse bends 96 engaged within the
recesses 32 and 34. The clip 90 has a longitudinal length of about
1 foot, but its length is not critical, a sufficient number of
clips may be used to securely mount the liner to the dike walls 14.
To that end, the liner 22 is manually positioned within the dike
space and draped over the top portions 24 and 24' of the members 16
and 18, and secured to the dike walls 14 using a plurality of
spaced clips.
[0068] The clip 90 is formed of glass fiber reinforced resin such
as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and
polyester as well as recycled plastics and/or inert fillers. The
clip 90 has a limited range of elastic deformability or flexibility
for resiliently engaging the top portion 24 or 241. More
particularly, the clip 90 is sized to receive the top portion 24 or
241 in a tight resilient fit with the edge of the liner 22 trapped
between the clip and the top portion. To that end, the bends 96 are
spaced apart in the normal state a distance about equal to the
thickness spacing between the recesses 32 and 34 to allow the
resilient capture of the liner 22 and the frictional fixing of the
same to the top portion 24 or 24'.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 12, the edge of the liner 22 is positioned
over the top portion 24 and mounting of the clip 90 is illustrated.
The clip may be positioned above the liner 22 and the top portion
24 with one of the bends 96 positioned in the proximal recess 32 or
32'. The clip is then pulled rearward and downward over the
opposite side wall 24a or 24a' to position the other bend 96 into
the distal recess 34 or 34'. During this process, the separation of
the bends 96 causes the bight 92 to be flexed inwardly to tightly
bias the liner 22 against the top wall 24a of the top portion
24.
[0070] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the Dike assembly 10 is
provided with a 32'.times.32' generally square shape with rounded
corners and a 4'height. The bladder 12 also has a generally square
shape and a size of 24'.times.24'.times.4'. The filled bladder
holds about 10,000 gallons of liquid. The bladder 12 is centrally
positioned within the dike assembly 10 so as to about a 4' space
between the filled bladder and the adjacent dike wall 14. The dike
assembly 10 and bladder 12 were positioned on substantially
horizontal and level substratum 23 or ground area.
[0071] For purposes of evaluating the surge flow resistance of the
dike assembly 10, the bladder 12 was filled with about 10,000
gallons of water. The bladder 12 was formed of a plastic material
reinforced with a woven fabric. Puncture of a top edge of the
bladder with a sharp knife resulted in an immediate tear or rupture
of the fabric forming the bladder about 10 to 20 inches long, and a
surge flow of the water through the tear and against the adjacent
proximal side of the dike assembly occurred with the latter being
substantially emptied in less than a minute.
[0072] The initial surge flow of water impinged on the dike wall
and the flow was substantially redirected and contained within the
dike assembly. A limited amount of water, estimated to be a few
hundred gallons, flowed over the dike wall, and the remaining water
was contained. It is estimated that full containment would be
achieved with the addition of one additional straight member 16 to
each dike wall for this size bladder. In contrast, prior art dike
assemblies having vertical or outwardly sloped walls are estimated
to result in thousands of gallons of liquid flow over wall in
response to such a surge flow.
[0073] It should be evident that this disclosure is by way of
example and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying
or eliminating details without departing from the fair scope of the
teaching contained in this disclosure. The invention is therefore
not limited to particular details of this disclosure except to the
extent that the following claims are necessarily so limited.
* * * * *