U.S. patent application number 13/459405 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for liquid container and components thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Meng HE, Xuanguo LIU, Zheng QIN, Mingshe WANG, Mi ZHANG, Zhenzhen ZHOU. Invention is credited to Meng HE, Xuanguo LIU, Zheng QIN, Mingshe WANG, Mi ZHANG, Zhenzhen ZHOU.
Application Number | 20130206753 13/459405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46338723 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZHANG; Mi ; et al. |
August 15, 2013 |
Liquid Container and Components Thereof
Abstract
A liquid container is provided. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure, and a capsule connected to the foldable
support structure and configurable for storing a liquid. The
foldable support structure includes a first frame and a second
frame having substantially the same shape as the first frame and
stacked above the first frame. The foldable support structure also
includes a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the first
frame and the second frame and connecting the first frame and the
second frame. The foldable support structure is moveable between a
closed position in which the first and second frames are positioned
substantially next to each other, and an open position in which the
first and second frames are separated and support the capsule
disposed in a space defined therebetween.
Inventors: |
ZHANG; Mi; (US) ; HE;
Meng; (US) ; LIU; Xuanguo; (US) ; WANG;
Mingshe; (US) ; ZHOU; Zhenzhen; (US) ;
QIN; Zheng; (US) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZHANG; Mi
HE; Meng
LIU; Xuanguo
WANG; Mingshe
ZHOU; Zhenzhen
QIN; Zheng |
|
|
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46338723 |
Appl. No.: |
13/459405 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/9.2 ;
137/561R; 220/23.83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/8593 20150401;
B65D 88/52 20130101; B65D 88/027 20130101; B65D 90/205
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/9.2 ;
220/23.83; 137/561.R |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/52 20060101
B65D088/52; B65D 88/54 20060101 B65D088/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2012 |
CN |
CN2012100346890 |
Claims
1. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure;
and a capsule connected to the foldable support structure and
configurable for storing a liquid; wherein the foldable support
structure comprises: a first frame; a second frame having
substantially the same shape as the first frame and stacked above
the first frame; and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed
between the first frame and the second frame and connecting the
first frame and the second frame; and wherein the foldable support
structure is moveable between a closed position in which the first
and second frames are positioned substantially next to each other,
and an open position in which the first and second frames are
separated and support the capsule disposed in a space defined
therebetween.
2. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the foldable support
structure comprises at least one sliding sleeve disposed on a frame
member comprising part of at least one of the first frame or the
second frame, the sliding sleeve being slidable along the frame
member as the foldable support structure is moved between the open
and closed positions.
3. The liquid container of claim 2, wherein the foldable support
structure further comprises: at least one locking component
associated with the at least one sliding sleeve and operable to
block or allow movement of the at least one sliding sleeve.
4. The liquid container of claim 2, wherein the foldable supporting
mechanism comprises: a first linkage; and a second linkage cross
connected with the first linkage, wherein at least one of the first
linkage or the second linkage is connected with the at least one
sliding sleeve.
5. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the capsule is made of
a soft or flexible material and is configured to be expandable and
foldable.
6. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises:
an opening portion configured to be secured to a portion of the
foldable support structure; and a pad disposed at a bottom portion
of the capsule.
7. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure; a
capsule; and a net; wherein the foldable support structure is
moveable between a closed position and an open position to support
the capsule disposed in a space defined therein, and the net is
disposed between the capsule and the foldable support
structure.
8. The liquid container of claim 7, the foldable support structure
comprising: at least two frames; and a foldable supporting
mechanism disposed between the at least two frames.
9. The liquid container of claim 8, wherein the foldable supporting
mechanism further comprises: at least one sliding sleeve disposed
on a frame member comprising part of at least one of the at least
two frames, the sliding sleeve being slidable along the frame
member as the foldable support structure is moved between the open
and closed positions.
10. The liquid container of claim 9, wherein the foldable
supporting mechanism further comprises: a first linkage; and a
second linkage cross connected with the first linkage, wherein at
least one of the first linkage or the second linkage is connected
with the at least one sliding sleeve.
11. The liquid container of claim 10, wherein the foldable
supporting mechanism further comprises: a drive unit connected with
at least one of the first linkage, the second linkage, or the at
least one sliding sleeve.
12. The liquid container of claim 7, wherein the foldable support
structure comprises at least two frames, each having a shape
selected from the group consisting of a rectangle, a square, a
pentagon, a hexagon, and a circle.
13. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure
defining a plurality of divided spaces; and a plurality of
capsules, each capsule being disposed within one of the plurality
of divided spaces defined by the foldable support structure, and
being configured for storing a liquid.
14. The liquid container of claim 13, wherein the foldable support
structure comprises a plurality of foldable support structures
connected together by at least one connector.
15. The liquid container of claim 14, wherein the at least one
connector comprises at least one of a connecting bracket and a
screw.
16. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure; a
capsule disposed within a space defined by the foldable support
structure and configured for storing a liquid; at least two frames;
and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the at least
two frames, wherein the foldable supporting mechanism includes at
least one linkage having an end slidably disposed within a sliding
track on one of the at least two frames.
17. The liquid container of claim 16, further comprising: a drive
unit connected with the end of the at least one linkage, wherein
the end of the at least one linkage is configured to be moveable
along the sliding track when driven by the drive unit.
18. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure; a
capsule disposed within a space defined by the foldable support
structure and configured for storing a liquid; at least two frames;
and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the at least
two frames, wherein the foldable supporting mechanism includes at
least one linkage having a roller disposed within a sliding track
on one of the at least two frames.
19. A liquid container, comprising: a foldable support structure
including a plurality of receiving containers; and a plurality of
capsules, each capsule being at least partially disposed within one
of the plurality of receiving containers, and being configured for
storing a liquid.
20. The liquid container of claim 19, wherein the plurality of
receiving containers are rigid containers.
21. The liquid container of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality
of receiving containers has a bottom portion of a cone shape.
22. The liquid container of claim 19, further comprising: a base
support; and a hose provided at the base support and connected with
an inlet of the plurality of soft capsules.
23. The liquid container of claim 19, further comprising: a ring
structure configured to secure a top portion of each of the
plurality of soft capsules to the foldable support structure.
24. The liquid container of claim 23, further comprising: a net
disposed between the plurality of soft capsules and the foldable
support structure, wherein the ring structure is further configured
to secure a top portion of the net to the foldable support
structure.
25. The liquid container of claim 19, wherein the foldable support
structure comprises: at least two frames; and a foldable supporting
mechanism disposed between the at least two frames.
26. The liquid container of claim 25, wherein the foldable support
structure further comprises: a locking mechanism configured to
limit a position of the foldable supporting mechanism relative to
the at least two frames.
27. The liquid container of claim 26, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises: a position locking bar; and a pulling link connected
with the position locking bar and configured to cause rotation of
the position locking bar.
28. The liquid container of claim 27, wherein the foldable support
structure further comprises: at least one of a sliding sleeve or a
sliding track connected with a linkage of the foldable supporting
mechanism, wherein the position locking bar is configured to be
rotated by the pulling link so as to move an end of the position
locking bar between a first position within a moving range of the
linkage to block a movement of the linkage, and a second position
out of the moving range of the linkage to allow a movement of the
linkage.
29. The liquid container of claim 19, wherein the foldable support
structure comprises a first foldable support structure and a second
foldable support structure connected with the first foldable
support structure by one or more connectors.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Chinese
Patent Application No. CN201210034689, filed Feb. 25, 2012,
entitled "A LIQUID CONTAINER AND COMPONENTS THEREOF," the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a container, and more
particularly, to a liquid container and components thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a hydrofracturing operation, existing technologies
utilize rigid round tanks for storing clean water or recycled
fracturing waste fluid. Because the hydrofracturing operation
typically requires a substantial amount of water, e.g., thousands
of cubic meters, a large number of rigid round tanks may be needed
for transporting and storing the water. However, because of the
large size of the rigid round tanks, the rigid round tanks are
difficult to transport. Moreover, because rigid round tanks are
often transported only one at a time, the cost of transportation is
high. Therefore, there is a need to provide a liquid container that
facilitates transportation and reduces cost.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed
to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable
support structure, and a capsule connected to the foldable support
structure and configurable for storing a liquid. The foldable
support structure includes a first frame and a second frame having
substantially the same shape as the first frame and stacked above
the first frame. The foldable support structure also includes a
foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the first frame and
the second frame and connecting the first frame and the second
frame. The foldable support structure is moveable between a closed
position in which the first and second frames are positioned
substantially next to each other, and an open position in which the
first and second frames are separated and support the capsule
disposed in a space defined therebetween.
[0005] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure, a capsule, and a net. The foldable
support structure is moveable between a closed position and an open
position to support the capsule disposed in a space defined
therein, and the net is disposed between the capsule and the
foldable support structure.
[0006] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure defining a plurality of divided spaces.
The liquid container also includes a plurality of capsules, each
capsule being disposed within one of the plurality of divided
spaces defined by the foldable support structure, and being
configured for storing a liquid.
[0007] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure. The liquid container also includes a
capsule disposed within a space defined by the foldable support
structure and configured for storing a liquid. The liquid container
further includes at least two frames and a foldable supporting
mechanism disposed between the at least two frames. The foldable
supporting mechanism includes at least one linkage having an end
slidably disposed within a sliding track on one of the at least two
frames.
[0008] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure and a capsule disposed within a space
defined by the foldable support structure and configured for
storing a liquid. The liquid container also includes at least two
frames and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the at
least two frames. The foldable supporting mechanism includes at
least one linkage having a roller disposed within a sliding track
on one of the at least two frames.
[0009] In a further exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a
foldable support structure including a plurality of receiving
containers. The liquid container also includes a plurality of
capsules, each capsule being at least partially disposed within one
of the plurality of receiving containers, and being configured for
storing a liquid.
[0010] Features and advantages consistent with the disclosure will
be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part
will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practice of the disclosure. Such features and advantages will be
realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a first exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure
of the liquid container of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a soft capsule in
an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the support structure of
FIG. 2 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a second exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure
of the liquid container of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the support structure of
FIG. 6 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a third exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure
of the liquid container of FIG. 8 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the support structure of
FIG. 9 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a fourth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
assembly including two liquid containers shown in FIG. 11 connected
together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
liquid container assembly shown in FIG. 12 according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a connector that
connects the two liquid containers shown in FIG. 12 according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a fifth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
liquid container shown in FIG. 15 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of
the portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 16 according to
an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
according to a sixth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
liquid container shown in FIG. 18 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of
the portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 19 according to
an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
in a folded state according to a seventh exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid
container shown in FIG. 21 in an expanded state according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid
container shown in FIG. 21 with a support structure in a folded
state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid
container shown in FIG. 21 with the support structure in an
expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of a frame and a
locking mechanism of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21
according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged view of the locking
mechanism according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 27 illustrates a net which may be implemented with the
liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 28 illustrates a soft capsule which may be implemented
with the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 29 illustrates an bottom view of the liquid container
shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 30 illustrates a liquid container assembly including
two liquid containers shown in FIG. 21 connected together according
to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the liquid container
assembly shown in FIG. 30 according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment; and
[0044] FIG. 32 illustrates a bottom view of the liquid container
assembly shown in FIG. 30 according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
100 according to a first exemplary disclosed embodiment. Throughout
this discussion of various embodiments, the term "liquid container"
may refer to a single liquid container or a liquid container
assembly including more than one liquid container. The term
"liquid" may refer to liquid, fluid, gas, or mixture of liquid and
solid, such as sand, dirt, and/or rock. The liquid container 100
may include a support structure 10. The support structure 10 may be
at least partially foldable. That is, at least a portion of the
support structure 10 may be expanded to an open state or expanded
position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, when in use, and that portion
may be folded to a folded state or closed position, e.g., as shown
in FIG. 4, when not in use to reduce size. The liquid container 100
may include a soft, flexible capsule 20. The soft capsule 20 may be
accommodated or disposed within a space defined by the support
structure 10. The soft capsule 20 may be supported by the support
structure 10 when disposed therein.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the support
structure 10 of the liquid container 100 shown in FIG. 1, according
to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The support structure 10 may
include a main body 11 and at least a first foldable supporting
mechanism 12 and a second foldable supporting mechanism 12'. The
first and the second foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12' may
be substantially identical to one another, and may include similar
components. The main body 11 may include a plurality of frames, for
example, a first frame 111 and a second frame 112. The first frame
111 may be stacked above the second frame 112 with corresponding
frame members facing each other. The first frame 111 and the second
frame 112 may be connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 12
and 12' disposed therebetween. Although two frames are shown in
FIG. 1, it is understood that the foldable support structure 10 may
include any suitable number of frames, e.g., three, four, five,
etc.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the first frame 111 and the second
frame 112 may have substantially the same shape or may have
different shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first frame
111 and the second frame 112 have a quadrilateral shape, such as, a
rectangular or square shape. It is understood that the first frame
111 and the second frame 112 may have any suitable shape, such as,
a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, any other polygon, a circle, or
an irregular shape. The first frame 111 may include one or more
fixing blocks 1121 located at a top side that is opposite to the
second frame 112, i.e., that does not face the second frame
112.
[0049] The first and the second foldable supporting mechanisms 12
and 12' may be disposed between the first and the second frames 111
and 112, on two opposite sides facing one another (e.g., on the
front and rear sides as shown in FIG. 2). Each of the first and the
second foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12' may connect
corresponding frame members of the first and the second frames 111
and 112. The first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include a
first linkage 121 and a second linkage 122 cross connected with the
first linkage 121 through a pivotal rod provided at substantially a
middle section of the first linkage 121 and the second linkage
122.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the first foldable supporting mechanism
12 may include a first sliding sleeve 123 and a second sliding
sleeve 123'. The first sliding sleeve 123 and the second sliding
sleeve 123' may be slidably disposed on corresponding frame members
of the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. For example, the
first sliding sleeve 123 may be disposed on a first frame member
125 of the first frame 111, and the second sliding sleeve 123' may
be disposed on a corresponding second frame member 126 of the
second frame 112. The first and the second sliding sleeves 123 and
123' may be slidable along the corresponding first and second frame
members 125 and 126 as the foldable support structure 10 is moved
between the open and closed positions. The first linkage 121 may
include an end pivotally connected with the first frame 111, and
another end connected with the second sliding sleeve 123' disposed
on the second frame 112. The second linkage 122 may include one end
pivotally connected with the second frame 112, and another end
connected with the first sliding sleeve 123 disposed on the first
frame 111.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable support structure 10 may
include at least one locking component associated with at least one
of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding sleeve 123'
and operable to block (or limit, prevent) or allow movement of at
least one of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding
sleeve 123' along the first frame member 125 or the second frame
member 126, thereby locking or unlocking the positions of at least
one of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding sleeve
123' relative to the first frame member 125 or the second frame
member 126. For example, the first foldable supporting mechanism 12
may include a first locking component 124. The first locking
component 124 may be disposed on the first sliding sleeve 123, or
may be a standing alone component separated from the first sliding
sleeve 123. The first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include
a second locking component 124', which may be different from or
similar to the first locking component 124. The second locking
component 124' may be disposed on the second sliding sleeve 123',
or may be a standing alone component separated from the second
sliding sleeve 123'.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, when the first locking component 124
and the second locking component 124' are engaged, they may block
(or limit, prevent) the movement of the first sliding sleeves 123
and the second sliding sleeve 123' along the first frame member 125
of the first frame 111 and the second frame member 126 of the
second frame 112, thereby locking or fixing the position of the
first sliding sleeve 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123', and
accordingly, locking or fixing the position of the first foldable
supporting mechanism 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the support structure
10 is in an open, expanded, or unfolded position. When the first
and the second locking components 124 and 124' are disengaged, the
first sliding sleeves 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123' may be
moved (e.g., slid) along the first frame member 125 of the first
frame 111 and the second frame member 126 of the second frame 112,
and as a result, the first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may be
folded or closed. FIG. 4 shows the foldable support structure 10 in
a folded state or closed position, in which the foldable supporting
mechanisms 12 and 12' are folded or closed, and the first and
second frames 111 and 112 are positioned substantially next to each
other.
[0053] In some embodiments, the second foldable supporting
mechanism 12' may include substantially the same structure as the
first foldable supporting mechanism 12, and therefore, may include
similar components as those included in the first foldable
supporting mechanism 12. In some embodiments, it is possible for
the second foldable supporting mechanism 12' to include components
different from those of first foldable supporting mechanism 12.
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the soft capsule 20
in an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment. The soft capsule 20 may be made of any suitable
material that renders the soft capsule 20 flexible, and that
enables the soft capsule 20 to be capable of being expanded and
collapsed or folded. In one embodiment, the soft capsule 20 may be
made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber. For example, the soft
capsule 20 may be made of chlorosulfonated polyethylene or the like
material. The soft capsule 20 may be utilized for storing a
suitable liquid.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the soft capsule 20 in an
expanded state may substantially match the space defined by the
support structure 10. In some embodiment, the shape of a top
opening portion 21 of the soft capsule 20 may match the shape of
first frame 111 and/or the second frame 112. For example, when the
first and the second frames 111 and 112 have a rectangular shape,
the top opening portion 21, in the expanded state, may have a
rectangular shape.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the soft capsule 20 may include a pad or
plate 22 disposed at a bottom portion. The pad 22 may prevent or
reduce wear at the bottom portion of the soft capsule 20. When the
pad 22 is worn, the pad 22 may be conveniently replaced. In one
embodiment, the pad 22 may be an integral single pad that may be
fixed to the bottom portion of the soft capsule 20 by glue, weld,
or any other suitable methods. In another embodiment, the pad 22
may be a separate part detachably attached to the bottom portion of
the soft capsule 20. In some embodiments, the pad 22 may include a
plurality of small pads. When one of the plurality of small pads is
worn, instead of replacing the entire pad 22, the specific worn
small pad may be replaced.
[0057] The soft capsule 20 may be disposed within the space defined
by the support structure 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The top opening
portion 21 shown in FIG. 3 may be secured to a portion of the
support structure 10. For example, a circumferential portion of the
top opening portion 21 may be secured to the one or more fixing
blocks 1121 (shown in FIG. 2) provided on a top frame, e.g., the
first frame 111, of the support structure 10, by a suitable means,
such as, for example, clamp, glue, or screw and nut, to prevent
break away from the support structure 10 when the soft capsule 20
is filled with liquid.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the support structure 10
of FIG. 2 in a folded state or closed position according to an
exemplary disclosed embodiment. When the liquid container 100 is
used for storing liquid, the soft capsule 20 is disposed within the
space defined by the support structure 10. When the liquid
container 100 is not used for storing liquid, the soft capsule 20
may be taken out of the support structure 10. The soft capsule 20
may be collapsed or folded, because of its softness and
flexibility. The first and the second locking components 124 and
124' may be disassembled or disengaged from the support structure
10, thereby allowing the first and the second sliding sleeves 123
and 123' to be moved along the corresponding first frame member 125
and second frame member 126, respectively. Thus, the foldable
supporting mechanisms 12 and 12' may be folded, causing the support
structure 10 to be folded, as shown in FIG. 4. The folded support
structure 10 reduces its overall size and therefore the space it
occupies, thereby facilitating storage and transportation.
Accordingly, the cost associated with the storage and
transportation of the liquid container 100 is reduced.
[0059] Still referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, when the
liquid container 100 is not in use for storing liquid, the soft
capsule 20 need not be taken out of the support structure 10 when
the support structure 10 is folded. In such embodiments, the first
and the second locking components 124 and 124' may be disassembled
or disengaged from the support structure 10, thereby enabling the
first and the second sliding sleeves 123 and 123' to be moved along
corresponding first frame member 125 and the second frame member
126, respectively. The support structure 10 may then be placed in a
folded state, so that the liquid container 100, including the soft
capsule 20 and the support structure 10, is placed in the folded
state or closed position. The folded liquid container 100 reduces
the space it occupies, and facilitates storage and transportation,
thereby reducing the cost associated with storage and
transportation.
[0060] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the liquid container
100 includes two foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12'. It is
understood that in other embodiments, the liquid container 100 may
include any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms, such
as, for example, one, three, four, etc.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
200 according to a second exemplary disclosed embodiment. The
second liquid container 200 may include a support structure 220, a
soft, flexible capsule 24 disposed within a space defined by the
support structure 220, and a net 23 disposed between the soft
capsule 24 and the support structure 220. The soft capsule 24 may
be similar to the soft capsule 20. The support structure 220 may
include components similar to those included the support structure
10, and may be at least partially foldable.
[0062] The net 23 shown in FIG. 5 may be soft, flexible, or may be
rigid. In one embodiment, the net 23 is flexible, and is made of a
suitable flexible material, such as nylon. The net 23 may be
disposed between the soft capsule 24 and the support structure 220,
and may help maintain (e.g., by restraining) the soft capsule 24
within the space defined by the support structure 220, thereby
preventing the soft capsule 24 from squeezing out of the space from
open gaps between any pair of two adjacent frames 221 when the soft
capsule 24 is filled with liquid.
[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the support
structure 220 included in the liquid container 200 of FIG. 5
according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The support
structure 220 may include a plurality of frames 221, e.g., four
frames 221, stacked one above another, as shown in FIG. 6. The
support structure 220 may include a plurality of foldable
supporting mechanisms 223, e.g., six foldable supporting mechanisms
223, as shown in FIG. 6. It is understood that the support
structure 220 may include three, four, five, or any suitable number
of foldable supporting mechanisms 223.
[0064] In some embodiments, the shape and structure of the frames
221 may be substantially the same as those of the first frame 111
and the second frame 112 of the liquid container 100 shown in FIGS.
1-4. In some embodiments, the frames 221 may have shapes and
structures different from those of the first and the second frames
111 and 112. For example, the shape of the frames 221 may be
quadrilateral, such as, rectangular or square. It is understood
that in other embodiments, the frames 221 may have a shape of a
triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, any other polygon, a circle, or an
irregular shape. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the four
frames 221 are stacked one above another, with corresponding frame
members facing each other, and are connected by the six foldable
supporting mechanisms 223 disposed between pairs of two adjacent
frames 221.
[0065] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the foldable
supporting mechanisms 223 connects corresponding frame members of
each pair of two adjacent frames 221. Two foldable supporting
mechanisms 223 are disposed between each pair of two adjacent
frames 221. Each foldable supporting mechanism 223 includes a first
linkage 2231, a second linkage 2232, and a sliding sleeve 2233. The
structures and positions of the first linkage 2231, the second
linkage 2232, and the sliding sleeve 2233 with respect to the
frames 221 may be similar to those of the first linkage 121, the
second linkage 122, and the second sliding sleeve 123' with respect
to the first and the second frames 111 and 112, as shown in FIG. 2.
The positional relationship of the first linkage 2231, the second
linkage 2232, and the sliding sleeve 2233, with respect to the four
frames 221, may be similar to that of the first linkage 121, the
second linkage 122, and the second sliding sleeve 123' with respect
to the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. Similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first linkage 2231 and the
second linkage 2232 may each be connected to a sliding sleeve 2233
disposed on a corresponding frame 221.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the support structure 220 may include a
drive unit 2234 disposed on one of the plurality of frames 221,
e.g., the lowest one of the frames 221. It is understood that the
drive unit 2234 may be disposed on any one of the plurality of
frames 221. The drive unit 2234 may be connected with one of the
six foldable supporting mechanisms 223, e.g., the foldable
supporting mechanism 223 connecting the lowest pair of two adjacent
frames 221. The drive unit 2234 may be connected with at least one
of a linkage of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 or a sliding
sleeve disposed on at least one of the frames 221. For example, the
drive unit 2234 may be connected with the first linkage 2231, the
second linkage 2232, or the sliding sleeve 2233. It is understood
that the support structure 220 may include more than one drive unit
2234 disposed on more than one frame 221, each drive unit 2234
connected with one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223.
[0067] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 2234 may
be configured to push and pull the first linkage 2231 or the
sliding sleeve 2233, thereby causing the sliding sleeve 2233 to
move (e.g., slide) along a frame member of the lowest frame 221,
and accordingly, causing the support structure 220 to expand or
fold. The drive unit 2234 may include an end fixed to the frame
member of the lowest frame 221, and another end connected with the
corresponding sliding sleeve 2233 or the first linkage 2231 located
on the frame side of the lowest frame 221. When the drive unit 2234
pushes the sliding sleeve 2233 away from the drive unit 2234, the
movement of the sliding sleeve 2233 causes the support structure
220 to expand up in the vertical direction. When the drive unit
2234 pulls the sliding sleeve 2233 toward the drive unit 2234, the
movement of the sliding sleeve 2233 causes the support structure
220 to fold down in the vertical direction.
[0068] The drive unit 2234 shown in FIG. 6 may include a hydraulic
drive unit, a pneumatic drive unit, an electric motor drive unit, a
piezoelectric drive unit, a chain drive unit, or any suitable drive
unit. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 2234 may include
or may be connected with a power unit that supplies power to the
drive unit 2234. The power unit may include a battery, solar panel,
an electricity generator, etc.
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the support structure 220
in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.
When the support structure 220 is folded, the liquid container 200
is also in a folded state, making storage and transportation of the
liquid container 200 relatively easier.
[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the support structure 220
includes four frames 221. It is understood that the support
structure 220 may include two, three, or any suitable number of
frames 221. The number of the frames 221 may be determined by
operational needs. The number of the foldable supporting mechanisms
223 also may vary depending on operational needs. For example, in
some embodiments, the number of the foldable supporting mechanisms
223 may vary in proportion to the number of frames 221.
[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
300 according to a third exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid
container 300 may include a support structure 31 and a soft capsule
32 disposed within a space defined by the support structure 31 for
storing liquid. The liquid container 300 may include other
components similar to those included in the liquid containers 100
and 200. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the support
structure 31 in an expanded state, and FIG. 10 illustrates a side
view of the support structure 31 in a folded state, according to
exemplary disclosed embodiments. The support structure 31 may be at
least partially foldable and may include components similar to
those included in the support structures 10 or 220.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 9, the support structure 31 may include
three frames 311 and six foldable supporting mechanisms 312. It is
understood that the support structure 31 may include any suitable
number of frames 311 and foldable supporting mechanisms 312. One
difference between the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS.
1-7 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the shape of the
frames 311 is hexagon. The frames 311 are stacked together and
connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 312, with
corresponding frame members facing each other.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, each of the foldable supporting
mechanisms 312 connects a pair of two adjacent frames 311. Three
foldable supporting mechanisms 312 are provided in this embodiment
to connect a pair of two adjacent frames 311. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9, the three foldable supporting mechanisms 312 are
distributed on every other pair of frame members. It is understood
that more or lesser number of foldable supporting mechanisms 312
may be provided to connect each pair of two adjacent frames
311.
[0074] The structural and positional relationship of each of the
foldable supporting mechanisms 312 with respect to the frames 311
may be similar to those discussed above with respect to the
foldable supporting mechanisms 223 and the frames 221 of the liquid
container 200 shown in FIGS. 5-7. For example, the support
structure 31 may include a plurality of sliding sleeves 313. The
support structure 31 may also include a plurality of drive units
314 located on the lowest frame 311, each drive unit 314 being
associated with one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223. The
drive units 313 may drive the sliding sleeves 313 to move along
corresponding frame members of the frames 311, thereby causing the
support structure 31 to expand or fold. FIG. 10 illustrates a side
view of the support structure 31 of FIG. 9 in a folded state
according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. When the support
structure 31 is folded, the size of the support structure 31 is
reduced, thereby making storage and transportation easier.
[0075] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the support structure 31
includes three frames 311. It is understood that the number of
frames may vary depending on operational needs. Any suitable number
of frames may be included in the support structure 31. Although
FIG. 9 shows that the support structure 31 includes six foldable
supporting mechanisms 312, it is understood that the support
structure 31 may include any suitable number of foldable supporting
mechanisms 312. In addition, although three sliding sleeves 313 and
three drive units 314 are shown in FIG. 9, it is understood that
the number of the sliding sleeves 313 and the drive units 314 may
vary with the number of the foldable supporting mechanisms 312. The
support structure 31 may include more or less number of sliding
sleeves 313 and drive units 314.
[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
400 according to a fourth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The
liquid container 400 may include at least one support structure 41
and at least one soft capsule 42 disposed within a space defined by
the at least one support structure 41 for storing liquid. In one
embodiment, the liquid container 400 may include an assembly of
separate liquid containers, e.g., three as shown in FIG. 11. The
three separate liquid containers may be connected together, each of
which may be structurally similar to the liquid container 200, and
each of which may define a space for accommodating a soft capsule
42. In another embodiment, the liquid container 400 may include a
single support structure 41 having a plurality of (e.g., three, as
shown in FIG. 11) divided spaces, each space accommodating a soft
capsule 42. The single support structure 41 may be at least
partially foldable and may include components similar to those
included in the support structure 10, the support structure 220, or
the support structure 31.
[0077] The liquid container 400 may include a plurality of frames
221, e.g., five, as shown in FIG. 11, stacked one above another in
a vertical direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the
liquid container 400 may include a single support structure 41
including five frames 221 stacked in the vertical direction and
having a space defined by the single support structure 41 divided
into three subspaces, each subspace accommodating a soft capsule
42. In other embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include the
single support structure 41 including any suitable number of frames
221 in the vertical direction. The liquid container 400 may include
a space defined by the single support structure 41 divided into any
suitable number of, e.g., four, five, six, etc., subspaces, each
accommodating a soft capsule 42.
[0078] In some embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include
three liquid containers 200 connected in series in a horizontal
direction, each having a support structure 41 with five frames 221
stacked in the vertical direction and a soft capsule 42 disposed
within the space defined by the support structure 41. The number of
the liquid containers 200 and/or the number of the soft capsules 42
may vary according to operational needs, and may be any suitable
number, e.g., four, five, six, etc. The number of frames 221 may
vary according to operational needs, which may be any suitable
number, e.g., six, seven, eight, etc.
[0079] In some embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include an
assembly of the liquid containers 100 or the liquid containers 300
arranged in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect
to FIG. 11. In other embodiments, the liquid container 400 may
include an assembly of a combination of the liquid containers 100,
200, and 300.
[0080] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
assembly 600 including two liquid containers 400 shown in FIG. 11
connected together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.
The two liquid containers 400 may be arranged side by side and
connected by one or more connectors 61. FIG. 13 illustrates an
enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container assembly 600,
showing in detail the connection of the two liquid containers 400
by the one or more connectors 61 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an
example of the one or more connectors 61 according to a disclosed
embodiment. The one or more connectors 61 may include any suitable
connector, such as a bracket, a clamp, etc. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the one or more connectors 61 may
include a bracket having a U-shape, with each vertical side of the
bracket having at least one hole 611 for receiving at least one
screw 62.
[0081] The one or more connectors 61 may be placed across two
adjacent frame members of the two liquid containers 400 arranged
side by side, as shown in FIG. 13. The at least one screw 62 may
secure the one or more connectors 61 to the two adjacent frame
sides of the two liquid containers 400, thereby holding the two
liquid containers 400 together to form the liquid container
assembly 600. It is understood that other suitable connection means
may also be implemented to connect the two liquid containers 400.
In some embodiments, the liquid container assembly 600 may include
any other suitable number of liquid containers 400, e.g., three,
four, five, etc., connected together by suitable connection means,
such as, the one or more connectors 61 and the at least one screw
62. In some embodiments, the liquid containers 400 may be replaced
by at least one of the liquid containers 100, 200, or 300 to form
the liquid container assembly 600. In other embodiments, the liquid
container assembly 600 may include a combination of the liquid
containers 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 connected together by suitable
connection means.
[0082] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
500 according to a fifth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid
container 500 may include components similar to those included in
the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or the liquid
container assembly 600. The liquid container 500 may include a
support structure 51 and a soft capsule 52 disposed within a space
defined by the support structure 51 for storing liquid. The support
structure 51 may include a plurality of, e.g., six as shown in FIG.
15, frames 511. The support structure 51 may include a plurality
of, e.g., twenty, foldable supporting mechanisms 512, each
connecting a pair of two adjacent frames 511. It is understood that
the support structure 51 may be at least partially foldable and may
include components similar to those included in the support
structures 10, 220, 31, or 41.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 15, the six frames 511 are stacked one
above another in a vertical direction with corresponding frame
members facing each other. The six frames 511 are separated and
connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 512. Four foldable
supporting mechanisms 512 are disposed between each pair of two
adjacent frames 511. The structure and components of the foldable
supporting mechanisms 512 may be similar to the foldable supporting
mechanisms 12 and/or 223 discussed above. In one embodiment, the
foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may include sliding sleeves that
may be similar to the sliding sleeves 123, 123', and/or 2233
discussed above.
[0084] FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
liquid container 500 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 illustrates a
regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid
container 500 shown in FIG. 16 according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a linkage
513 included in one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 (such
as the one located on the lowest frame 511) may be connected to a
corresponding frame member through a sliding track 514 rather than
a sliding sleeve. The sliding track 514 may be disposed on one of
the plurality of frames 511, e.g., on a frame member of the lowest
frame 511. An end of the linkage 513 may be slidably disposed
within or on the sliding track 514 in such a manner that the end of
the linkage 513 may slide along the sliding track 514. The end of
the linkage 513 may also be connected to a drive unit 515. It is
understood that the number of the sliding tracks 514 may vary
according to operational needs, and the foldable supporting
mechanisms 512 may include any suitable number, e.g., one, two,
three, four, etc., of sliding tracks 514. The foldable supporting
mechanisms 512 may include a combination of sliding tracks and
sliding sleeves. For example, the foldable supporting mechanisms
512 may include one sliding track 514 disposed at the lowest frame
511, and a plurality of sliding sleeves disposed on other suitable
frames. The number of drive unit 515 may also vary in accordance
with the number of sliding tracks and/or sliding sleeves.
[0085] The drive unit 515 shown in FIG. 16 may drive the linkage
513 to slide along the sliding track 514 relative to the
corresponding frame 511, so as to cause the liquid container 500 to
expand or fold. When the liquid container 500 is in a folded state,
storage and transportation of the liquid container 500 is
facilitated and the cost associated with the storage and
transportation is reduced.
[0086] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container
700 according to a sixth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid
container 700 may include components similar to those included in
the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and/or the liquid
container assembly 600. The liquid container 700 may include a
support structure 71 and a soft capsule 72 disposed within a space
defined by the support structure 71 for storing liquid. The support
structure 71 may include a plurality of, e.g., nine, frames 711. It
is understood that the support structure 71 may include any
suitable number of frames 711, e.g., more or less than nine. The
support structure 71 may include a plurality of, e.g., thirty two,
foldable supporting mechanisms 712. It is understood that the
support structure 71 may include any suitable number of foldable
supporting mechanisms 712, e.g., more or less than thirty two. The
support structure 71 may be at least partially foldable and may
include components similar to those included in the support
structures 10, 220, 31, 41, or 51.
[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the nine frames 711 are
stacked one above another, with corresponding frame members facing
each other. The nine frames 711 are separated and connected by the
foldable supporting mechanisms 712. Each of the foldable supporting
mechanisms 712 connects corresponding frame members of a pair of
two adjacent frames 711. Each pair of two adjacent frames 711 are
connected by four foldable supporting mechanisms 712. It is
understood that each pair of two adjacent frames 711 may be
connected by any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms
712, e.g., more or less than four.
[0088] The foldable supporting mechanisms 712 shown in FIG. 18 may
include one or more sliding sleeves that may be similar to the
sliding sleeves 123, 123', and/or 2233 discussed above.
Additionally or alternatively, the foldable supporting mechanisms
712 may include one or more sliding tracks that may be similar to
the sliding track 514 discussed above. In some embodiments, the
foldable supporting mechanisms 712 may include a combination of
sliding sleeves and sliding tracks.
[0089] FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the
liquid container 700 shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 illustrates a
regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid
container 700 shown in FIG. 19 according to an exemplary disclosed
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, at least one of the foldable
supporting mechanisms 712 may include a first linkage 713, a second
linkage 714. Connection between the first and the second linkages
713 and 714 and the corresponding frame 711 may utilize a sliding
track 717 rather than sliding sleeves. The sliding track 717 may be
disposed on a frame member of a corresponding frame 711. At least
one of the first linkage 713 and the second linkage 714 may include
an end connected with a roller 716 disposed within the sliding
track 717, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The first linkage 713 may
include another end connected to the drive unit 715. The drive unit
715 may drive the first linkage 713 to slide, through the roller
716, within the sliding track 714 relative to the corresponding
frame 711, when the liquid container 700 is expanded or folded.
When the liquid container 700 is folded, the storage and
transportation of the liquid container 700 is facilitated and the
cost associated with the storage and transportation is reduced.
[0090] Now refer to FIGS. 21-32. FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective
view of a liquid container 800 in a folded state according to a
seventh exemplary disclosed embodiment. FIG. 22 illustrates a
perspective view of the liquid container 800 in an expanded state.
The liquid container 800 may include components similar to those
included in the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, the
liquid container assembly 600, and/or the liquid container 700. As
shown in FIG. 21, the liquid container 800 may include a support
structure 810 and a base support 880. The base support 880 may be
provided at a bottom portion of a plurality of frames 8111. The
base support 880 may include at least one receiving bucket 890 with
a cylindrical shape disposed in the vertical direction. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the base support 880 includes four
receiving buckets 890. It is understood that the base support 880
may include any suitable number of receiving buckets 890, e.g.,
one, two, three, etc. Each of the receiving buckets 890 may be a
rigid container for storing a net 823 (an exemplary embodiment of
the net 823 is shown in FIG. 27) and a soft capsule 824 (an
exemplary embodiment of the soft capsule 824 is shown in FIG. 28).
The total number of nets 823 or soft capsules 824 may be the same
as the total number of the receiving buckets 890. For example, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the liquid container 800 includes
four nets 823 and four soft capsules 824.
[0091] The soft capsule 824 shown in FIG. 28 may be at least
partially stored within the receiving bucket 890. The soft capsule
824 may include an opening at a top portion (similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3). Circumferential portions of the top
portion of the soft capsule 824 may be secured to a top portion of
the receiving bucket 890 through any suitable mechanism, e.g.,
clamp, screw, elastic band, etc. The soft capsule 824 may include a
ring structure 850 (shown in FIG. 22), which may secure the
circumferential portions of the top portion of the soft capsule 824
to a top portion of the support structure 810, such as, for
example, a top frame 8111, by press-fitting, clamping, or any other
suitable means. The ring structure 850 may also secure
circumferential portions of a top portion of the net 823 to a top
portion of the support structure 810, such as, for example, a top
frame 8111. The ring structure 850 may have a shape that matches
the shape of the opening of the soft capsule 824 or the opening of
the receiving bucket 890.
[0092] The base support 880 shown in FIG. 21 may include at least
one hose 870 disposed at a bottom portion of the base support 880.
The hose 870 may be connected with the soft capsule 824 disposed
within the receiving bucket 890. The soft capsule 824 may include
at least one inlet for allowing a flow of liquid into the soft
capsule 824. The hose 870 may be connected with the at least one
inlet. The hose 870 may include a fluid height measuring device
configured to measure a height of liquid contained in the soft
capsule 824. In order to facilitate deposition of solid matters,
such as sand, dirt, rocks, at the bottom portion of the soft
capsule 824, the bottom of the receiving bucket 890 may have an
upside down cone shape, such as a shape similar to that of a
funnel.
[0093] The net 823 shown in FIG. 27 may include a shape
substantially matching that of an inner wall of the support
structure 810. For example, in one embodiment, the shape of the net
823 and that of the inner wall of the support structure 810 may
both be cylindrical. The net 823 may include, at an outer surface,
one or more flexible strips 860 (shown in FIG. 22). The flexible
strips 860 may help the net 823 to stay within the space defined by
the support structure 810. When the net 823 is being folded in the
vertical direction, e.g., when the liquid container 800 is being
folded, the flexible strip 860 may help the folded net 823 stay
within the space defined by the support structure 810, thereby
preventing a portion of the net 823 being caught between the gap of
a pair of two adjacent frames 8111 when the pair of two adjacent
frames 8111 are brought closer to each other. The soft capsule 824
may be disposed within the net 823, which may restrain the radial
expansion of the soft capsule 824 when the soft capsule 824 is
filled with liquid. Accordingly, the forces exerted by the expanded
soft capsule 824 on the support structure 810 may be reduced, which
may in turn reduce the deformation of the support structure 810,
thereby prolonging the life of the support structure 810 and
enhancing the safety and reliability of the liquid container
800.
[0094] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid
container 800 with the support structure 810 in a folded state, and
FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container 800
with the support structure 810 in an expanded state. The support
structure 810 may include a foldable supporting mechanism 812. The
support structure 810 may be at least partially foldable and may
include components similar to those included in the support
structures 10, 220, 31, 41, 51, or 71. The foldable supporting
mechanism 812 may include components similar to those included in
the foldable supporting mechanisms 12, 12', 223, 312, 512, and/or
712.
[0095] The liquid container 800 may include a locking mechanism
821, as shown in FIG. 23. The locking mechanism 821 may be
configured to lock/unlock the position of the foldable supporting
mechanism 812 relative to the frames 8111. When the position of the
foldable supporting mechanism 812 is locked by the locking
mechanism 821, the support structure 810 may be maintained in an
expanded state. The locking mechanism 821 may include a position
locking bar 8211 and a pulling link 8212.
[0096] FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of the frame 8111 and
the locking mechanism 821 of the liquid container 800. The position
locking bar 8211 may be connected with at least one of the frames
8111 through a fixing shaft or rod 8411. The foldable supporting
mechanism 812 may include a linkage 8311. When the foldable
supporting mechanism 812 is in an expanded state, a user may adjust
the position of the position locking bar 8211 such that a moveable
end of the position locking bar 8211 is positioned at a first
position within a moving path or range of an end of the linkage
8311 along the at least one frames 8111. When the moveable end of
the position locking bar 8211 is positioned at the first position,
the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may block or
limit the movement of the linkage 8311, thereby locking the
position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 in a desired
expanded, open state. When the moveable end of the position locking
bar 8211 is positioned at a second position out of the moving range
or path of the end of the linkage 8311, the movement of the linkage
8311 is unblocked or allowed.
[0097] Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 16, the
linkage 8311 may be connected to the at least one of the frames
8111 through a sliding sleeve that may be similar to the sliding
sleeve 123, or through a sliding track that may be similar to the
sliding track 514, or a combination of both a sliding sleeve and a
sliding track. When the linkage 8311 is connected with the at least
one of the frames 8111 through a sliding sleeve that may be similar
to the sliding sleeve 123, the moveable end of the position locking
bar 8211 may be rotated to be at a locking position within the
moving range of the sliding sleeve. The moveable end may block or
limit the movement of the sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311.
Accordingly, the position locking bar 8211 may lock the position of
the foldable supporting mechanism 812 relative to the at least one
of the frames 8111, and the liquid container 800 may be maintained
in an expanded state.
[0098] When the foldable supporting mechanism 812 is to be folded,
the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may be rotated to
an unlocking position away from or out of the moving range or
moving path of the sliding sleeve, such that the moveable end of
the position locking bar 8211 does not interfere with the movement
of the sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311. Accordingly, the
sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311 may be moved along the at least
one of the frames 8111, thereby unlocking the position of the
foldable supporting mechanism 812, and enabling the support
structure 810 to be folded.
[0099] In some embodiments, the foldable supporting mechanism 812
may be connected with the at least one of the frames 8111 through a
sliding track 8514 that may be similar to the sliding track 514, as
shown in FIG. 25. In such embodiments, the moveable end of the
position locking bar 8211 may be rotated such that the moveable end
is within the moving range of a sliding part (e.g., a roller that
may be similar to the roller 716 shown in FIG. 19) of the linkage
8311 within the sliding track 8514. In order to maintain the
foldable supporting mechanism 812 in an expanded state, after the
moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is rotated to be the
locking position within the moving range of the sliding part of the
linkage 8311, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is
positioned to contact the sliding part of the linkage 8311, as
shown in FIG. 26, thereby blocking the movement of the linkage
8311.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 25, the pulling link 8212 that is connected
to the position locking bar 8211 may be used to help cause rotation
of the position locking bar 8211 to realize position locking and
unlocking of the foldable supporting mechanism 812. For example,
after the liquid container 800 has been expanded to a working open
state, the pulling link 8212 may be pulled or pushed to cause the
position locking bar 8211 to rotate until the moveable end of the
position locking bar 8211 is moved to the locking position within
the moving range of the moving part of the linkage 8311. The
moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may then be
positioned to block the movement of the linkage 8311 along the at
least one of the frames 8111, thereby locking the position of the
foldable supporting mechanism 812 relative to the at least one of
the frames 8111. When the liquid container 800 needs to be folded,
e.g., for storage or transportation, the pulling link 8212 may be
pulled or pushed to cause the position locking bar 8211 to rotate
such that the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is
moved to the unlocking position away from or out of the moving path
or moving range of the moving part of the linkage 8311.
Accordingly, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 does
not interfere with the movement of the linkage 8311, thereby
unlocking the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812.
The foldable supporting mechanism 812 then may be folded for
storage or transportation.
[0101] The liquid container 800 shown in FIG. 22 may include at
least one first connector 861 for connecting various parts of the
support structure 810. For example, the liquid container 800 may be
an assembly of a plurality of (e.g., four) liquid containers
connected side by side by the at least one first connector 861,
which may include any suitable connectors for connecting parts of
the support structure 810, such as, for example, screws, brackets,
clamps, bolts, nuts, chains, etc. For example, in some embodiments,
the at least one first connector 861 may include components similar
to the one or more connectors 61 and/or the at least one screw 62
discussed above in connection with FIGS. 12-14.
[0102] FIG. 27 illustrates the net 823 according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment. The net 823 may be similar to the net 23
discussed above in connection with FIG. 5. FIG. 28 illustrates the
soft capsule 824 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.
The soft capsule 824 may be similar to the soft capsule 20
discussed above in connection with FIG. 3.
[0103] FIG. 29 illustrates a bottom view of the liquid container
800 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The hose 870
may be provided at a bottom portion of the base support 880. FIG.
30 illustrates a liquid container assembly 900 including two liquid
containers 800 connected together according to an exemplary
disclosed embodiment. The liquid containers 800 may be connected by
the at least one first connector 861 and at least one second
connector 862. The at least one first connector 861 may be
configured for connecting top portions of the liquid containers
800, and the at least one second connector 862 may be configured
for connecting bottom portions of the liquid containers 800. The at
least one second connector 862 may include any suitable connectors,
such as, for example, screws, brackets, clamps, bolts, nuts,
chains, etc.
[0104] FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the liquid container
assembly 900 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment, and
FIG. 32 illustrates an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the
liquid container assembly 900 showing an exemplary embodiment of
the at least one second connector 862. The at least one second
connector 862 may include plates and screws, or any other suitable
securing means, for securely connecting the support structures 810
of the two liquid containers 800.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0105] The disclosed liquid container may be implemented in a wide
range of applications. For example, in some embodiments, the
disclosed liquid container may be configured for storing liquid in
a drilling operation. In some embodiments, the disclosed liquid
container may be configured for storing water or other fluid for
agriculture irrigation, human consumption, or fire fighting
purposes. In some embodiments, the disclosed liquid container may
be used for storing liquid/fluid other than water, such as oil,
gas, alcohol, industrial waste, or industrial chemicals. Materials
for making the disclosed soft capsule may be selected to have
sufficient resistance to potential erosion caused by the liquid
contained in the soft capsule. When the foldable liquid container
is in use, it can be expanded to store fluid. When the foldable
liquid container is not in use, it can be folded to reduce the
overall size. Folded liquid container facilitates storage and
transportation, and significantly reduces the cost associated with
the storage, transportation, and maintenance.
[0106] Although, for purposes of this disclosure, certain disclosed
features are shown in some figures but not in others, it is
contemplated that, to the extent possible, the various features
disclosed herein may be implemented by each of the disclosed,
exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, differing features disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as being mutually exclusive to
different embodiments unless explicitly specified herein or such
mutual exclusivity is readily understood, by one of ordinary skill
in the art, to be inherent in view of the nature of the given
features.
[0107] While the presently disclosed device have been described
with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the
scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of
matter, process, process step, or steps to the objective, spirit,
and scope of the present invention. Other embodiments of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary only.
* * * * *