U.S. patent application number 17/695483 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-30 for water storage lid.
The applicant listed for this patent is Asset Guard Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard DAVIS, Richard THURSTON.
Application Number | 20220204256 17/695483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220204256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THURSTON; Richard ; et
al. |
June 30, 2022 |
WATER STORAGE LID
Abstract
Tank lids include a first coated substrate including a first
part having a first thickness, a first elastomer coating the first
part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first
coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second
part having a second thickness, and a second elastomer coating the
second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and
second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the
first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to
seep away from the top of the tank lid.
Inventors: |
THURSTON; Richard; (Argyle,
TX) ; DAVIS; Richard; (Roanoke, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Asset Guard Products Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/695483 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16289696 |
Mar 1, 2019 |
11273976 |
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17695483 |
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62637801 |
Mar 2, 2018 |
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International
Class: |
B65D 88/34 20060101
B65D088/34 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a tank comprising a lower wall and four
side walls extending vertically from the lower wall and defining an
interior space; a lid disposed within the interior space, the lid
comprising: a first coated substrate, comprising: a first substrate
having a first thickness; a first elastomer coating disposed on the
first substrate; and a first planar portion; a second coated
substrate in direct contact with the first coated substrate and
positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second
coated substrate comprising: a second substrate having a second
thickness; a second elastomer coating disposed on the second
substrate; and a second planar portion; wherein the first and
second planar portions are coplanar when the second substrate is
positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate and perpendicular
to each of the respective first and second thicknesses of the first
and second substrates; and a seam formed between the first and
second coated substrates.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first coated
substrate and the second coated substrate independently has a width
of about 1 m to about 2 m and a length of about 3 mto about 10
m.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first thickness and the
second thickness are independently about 0.5 inch to about 12
inches.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first coated
substrate and the second coated substrate comprises a foam
material.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the foam material of each of the
first coated substrate and the second coated substrate
independently has a density of about 1 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 5
lb/ft.sup.3.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the density is about 1.5
lb/ft.sup.3 to about 2.5 lb/ft.sup.3.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the foam material of each of the
first coated substrate and the second coated substrate is
independently selected from the group consisting of polystyrene,
polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide,
silicone, and combination(s) thereof.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a strap connected to
the first coated substrate at a first end of the strap and
connected to the second coated substrate at a second end of the
strap.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the strap is disposed
substantially perpendicular relative to the seam.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the strap is disposed
substantially diagonally offset relative to the seam.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the strap is fixably disposed
between: the first elastomeric coating and the first substrate, and
the second elastomeric coating and the second substrate.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid has a width of about 1 m
to about 30 m and a length of about 1 m to about 30 m.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid contacts at least two of
the four side walls within the interior space of the tank.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the lid contacts the four side
walls within the interior space of the tank.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coated substrate is
encapsulated by the first elastomer and the second coated substrate
is encapsulated by the second elastomer.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first coated
substrate and the second coated substrate is shaped to interlock
with each other to form the seam.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the first coated substrate has a
first edge and the second coated substrate has a second edge,
wherein the second edge interfits within the first edge to form the
seam.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first substrate and
the second substrate comprises a polystyrene.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the first elastomer and
the second elastomer comprises a polyurea.
20. The floating lid of claim 1, wherein each of the first
elastomer coating and the second elastomer coating independently
has a thickness of at least about 50 mils.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/289,696, filed Mar. 1, 2019, which claims
benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/637,801,
filed on Mar. 2, 2018. Each of the above-referenced patent
applications is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a floating water storage
lid. In particular, the present disclosure provides an encapsulated
foam material that can float on a surface of water stored in an
open container, thereby serving as a cover or lid for the water in
the container.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Water is oftentimes stored in several types of open-top
containers, or water containments, used on or near well sites and
the like. These water containments can be subjected to temperature
extremes, such as freezing or excessive heat that can freeze or
evaporate, respectively, the water contained therein. Temporary
coverings have been used in an attempt to prevent freezing or
evaporation of the water. Existing coverings, however, lack the
insulative properties needed to prevent freezing or evaporation
and/or are oftentimes difficult to install in the field.
[0004] A need exists for a way to protect water contained in an
open-top containment during inclement weather conditions. There is
also a need for a water containment cover that can be quickly and
easily installed on a well site location and with a minimum number
of personnel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the
various exemplary embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system having a tank lid,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tank lid of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tank lid of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of another tank lid, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of the tank lid of FIG. 1
showing attachment straps.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of another tank lid,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of a portion of yet another tank lid,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a top view of the tank lid of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a
system is generally referred to by the reference numeral 100 and
includes a water tank 101 that extends over the ground surface. The
water tank 101 is shown, via a cutaway section, containing a volume
of water 103 having an upper surface, or water surface 112. The
water tank 101 can have a bottom (not shown) and a plurality of
sides (four are shown, 114, 116, 118, 120) extending upward or
vertically from the bottom to form an interior space for containing
the volume of water. As shown in FIG. 1, a tank lid 102 having a
plurality of segments 106, 108, 110 can cover at least a portion of
the water surface 112. The segments 106, 108, 110 can be contained
within the sides 114, 116, 118, 120 of the water tank 101.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tank lid 102 of FIG. 1. The tank
lid 102 can be a single piece, or segment, or can include two or
more segments. As shown in FIG. 2, the tank lid 102 contains a
first segment 106, a second segment 108, and a third segment 110.
The segments 106, 108, 110 can have any suitable dimensions. As
shown in FIG. 2, the segments 106, 108, 110 can each have a length
y and a width (x.sub.1, x.sub.2, or x.sub.3). The length y and
width x.sub.1, x.sub.2, or x.sub.3 can vary to any suitable
measurements depending on the equipment unit or units to be
supported. In one or more exemplary embodiments, x.sub.1, x.sub.2,
and x.sub.3 can be independently from about 10 cm to about 10 m,
such as from about 25 cm to about 5 m, such as from about 50 cm to
about 3 m, such as from about 1 m to about 2 m and y can be from
about 50 cm to about 50 m, such as from about 1 m to about 25 m,
such as from about 2 m to about 15 m, such as from about 3 mto
about 10 m.
[0016] The segments 106, 108, 110 can be or include any suitable
substrate. As used herein, the term "suitable substrate" is used
synonymously with "substrate" and is meant to include without
limitation, concrete, metal, polymeric solids, polymeric foams,
such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyurethane, wood,
paper fiber, fiberglass, fiber board, and gravel or any other
substrate appropriate for the adhesion of an elastomeric coating,
such as a polyurea elastomer coating. In one or more embodiments, a
substrate includes one or more foam materials such as EPS,
polyisocyanurate foams, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam,
polyimide foam, silicone foam, or microcellular foam or any
suitable combinations thereof. The foam material can have any
suitable density. For example, the foam material can have a density
of about 0.5 pounds per square foot (lb/ft.sup.3) to about about 8
lb/ft.sup.3 or more, such as from about 1 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 5
lb/ft.sup.3, such as from about 1.5 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 3
lb/ft.sup.3, such as from about 2 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 2.5
lb/ft.sup.3. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the foam
material has a density from about 1.5 lb/ft.sup.3 to about 2.5
lb/ft.sup.3. The foam material can be substantially non-degradable
or substantially degradable. In one or more exemplary embodiments,
the foam material is biodegradable.
[0017] The substrate can have any suitable thickness. In one or
more exemplary embodiments, the substrate can have a thickness of
from about 0.5 inch to about 12 inches or more, such as from about
1 inch to about 8 inches, such as from about 2 inches to about 6
inches, such as from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, for example
about 4 inches. For example, a piece of equipment weighing
approximately 50,000 pounds can be supported by EPS having a foam
density of 2 pounds per cubic foot of foam weight, ranging from
about 3 to about 12 inches in thickness.
[0018] The segments 106, 108, 110 can also include an elastomeric
outer coating or layer. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the
segments 106, 108, 110 are each encapsulated with the elastomeric
layer. The elastomeric layer can be or include any polymeric
material that can both create a fluid impermeable barrier layer and
adhere directly to and/or at least partially penetrate the foam
material of the segments 106, 108, 110. In one or more embodiments,
the polymeric material can be or include polyurea. The elastomeric
coating can have any suitable thickness. In one or more exemplary
embodiments, the elastomeric coating of the liner 104 can have a
thickness about 5 mil, about 10 mil, about 15 mil, 20 mil, about 30
mil, about 40 mil to about 50 mil or more.
[0019] The tank lid 102 and its segments 106, 108, 110 can provide
an insulative barrier that can prevent or substantially eliminate
evaporation and/or freezing of the water covered by the tank lid
102. In one or more exemplary embodiment, the tank lid 102 can have
an R-Value, measured in accordance with ASTM C518, of from about
2.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu to about 10.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu, such
as from about 2.5.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu to about 8.degree.
Fft.sup.2h/Btu, such as from about 3.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu to
about 6.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu, such as from about 3.5.degree.
Fft.sup.2h/Btu to about 5.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu, for example about
4.5.degree. Fft.sup.2h/Btu.
[0020] The segments 106, 108, 110 can also have any suitable
thickness. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the segments 106,
108, 110 can have a thickness of from about 0.5 inch to about 12
inches, such as from about 1 inch to about 8 inches, such as from
about 2 inches to about 6 inches, such as from about 3 inches to
about 5 inches, for example 4 inches.
[0021] The segments 106, 108, 110 can form one or more seams 122
(four are shown) when positioned adjacent one another to form the
tank lid 102. These seams can allow for moisture, such as
rainwater, to pass between and through the segments and into the
water contained below the tank lid 102, thereby preventing
rainwater from pooling or collecting on the upper surface of the
tank lid 102.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the tank lid 102 showing
seams 122. The seams 122 depicted in FIG. 3 are straight and allow
for any moisture from rainwater, for example, to pass through so as
to prevent pooling of water on top of the tank lid 102. FIG. 4
illustrates a side view of a tank lid 402 having interlocking seams
404. The interlocking seams 404 shown in FIG. 4 allow for moisture
to seep away from the top of the tank lid 402, but also allow for
another embodiment in which to piece or hold together the
segments.
[0023] In one or more exemplary embodiments, a strap with any
suitable clasping means, such as a cam buckle, can be used to
secure the segments 106, 108, 110 together. FIG. 5 is a top view of
a portion of the tank lid 102 showing straps 502. Two straps 502
are shown though any suitable number of straps may be used to
secure the segments 106, 108. Each strap 502 can include an anchor
portion 504 (two are shown for each strap 502) and a clasp portion
506. The anchor portion 504 can be attached or otherwise connected
to segments 106, 108 by any suitable means, such as coating the
strap 502 and substrate together with the elastomeric coating such
that the anchor portion 504 of the strap 502 is fixably disposed or
sandwiched between the elastomeric coating and the substrate. The
straps 502 can attached to the segments in any suitable
arrangement. For example, the straps 502 can be arranged
perpendicular to the seam 122 (as shown in FIG. 5) or the straps
502 can be arranged at any position diagonally offset relative to
the seam 122.
[0024] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the segments 106, 108,
110 can contain protrusions and corresponding recesses to form
interlocking seams connecting adjacent segments together. FIG. 6 is
a top view of a portion of a tank lid 602 showing an interlocking
seam 604 having protrusions and corresponding recesses.
[0025] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the segments can be
attached or otherwise connected to each other at their respective
corners such that the straps are arranged at a position that is
diagonally offset relative to the seam. FIG. 7 is a top view of a
portion of a tank lid 702 having segments 704, 706, 708, 710 that
are attached or otherwise connected to each other via straps 712
(two are shown, forming an X-shaped pattern). Each strap 712 can
include an anchor portion 714 (two are shown for each strap 712)
and a clasp portion 716. The anchor portion 714 can be attached or
otherwise connected to segments 704, 706, 708, 710 by any suitable
means, such as coating the strap 712 and substrate together with
the elastomeric coating such that he anchor portion 714 of the
strap 712 is fixably disposed or sandwiched between the elastomeric
coating and the substrate. The straps 712 can attached to the
segments in any suitable arrangement. For example, the straps 712
can be arranged at any position diagonally offset relative to the
seam 722. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the straps 712 are
disposed at a position that is from about 30 degrees to about 60
degrees, about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, or about 45 degrees
from perpendicular to the seam 722. FIG. 8 illustrates a top view
of the complete tank lid 700.
[0026] An exemplary method for constructing the tank lid can
include spraying an elastomeric coating onto the substrates to form
the segments disclosed herein. The anchor portions 504, 714 of the
straps 502, 712 can be positioned on the substrate followed by
applying the elastomeric coating such that the anchor portions 504,
714 of the straps 502, 712 are fixably disposed or sandwiched
between the elastomeric coating and the substrate, thereby forming
the segments 106, 108, 110, 704, 706, 708 710. The segments can
then be positioned adjacent to one another and connected to each
other via the straps 502, 712 to form the tank lid.
[0027] Though particular shapes of tank lids, its segments and
other component parts are disclosed herein, the tank lid can
include any suitable configuration, size, and shape. For example,
the tank lid can have a triangular, square, rectangular, circular,
oval, hexagonal, or octagonal footprint and can be from about 1
foot to about 50 feet or more in its largest dimension, such as
from about 2 feet to about 20 feet, such as from about 3 feet to
about 12 feet, such as from about 4 feet to about 8 feet, for
example about 6 feet. In several exemplary embodiments, the tank
lid has a square or rectangular footprint, and ranges from about 1
m to about 30 m in length, and from about 1 m to about 30 m in
width.
[0028] In several exemplary embodiments, the tank lids disclosed
herein can cover any suitable portion of the water surface 112 of
the volume of water 103 in the water tank 101. In one or more
exemplary embodiments, the tank lid 102 can cover at least about
10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at
least about 40%, or at least about 50% water surface 112. In one or
more exemplary embodiments, the tank lid 102 can cover less than
100%, less than 99%, less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 85%,
less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 65%, less than 50%, less
than 40%, or less than 35% of the water surface 112. In one or more
exemplary embodiments, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, or about
45% to about 55%, about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, about 90%, about
95%, or about 99% or more of the water surface 112 can be covered
by the tank lid 102. For example, the tank lid 102 can have a
footprint having a total surface area from about 90% to about 99%,
from about 92% to about 98%, or from about 93% to about 97% of the
total surface area of the surface area of the water surface
112.
[0029] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the tank lids
disclosed herein can have a footprint that is smaller than a
footprint of an interior space of a tank. In one or more exemplary
embodiments, the tank lid 102 can have a footprint having a total
surface area less than 100%, less than 99%, less than 95%, less
than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than
65%, less than 50%, less than 40%, or less than 35% of the total
surface area of the footprint of the interior space of tank 101. In
one or more exemplary embodiments, the tank lid 102 can have a
footprint having a total surface area from about 90% to about 99%,
from about 92% to about 98%, or from about 93% to about 97% of the
total surface area of the footprint of the interior space of tank
101.
[0030] In one more exemplary embodiments, the tank lid 102 can be
in simultaneous contact with 3 or fewer of the plurality of sides
114, 116, 118, 120. For example, the tank lid 102 can be in
simultaneous contact with sides 114 and 116, 116 and 118, 118 and
120, or 120 and 114. In one more exemplary embodiments, the tank
lid 102 is in simultaneous contact with no more than two of the
plurality of sides 114, 116, 118, 120. In one more exemplary
embodiments, the tank lid 102 can only simultaneously contact sides
114 and 116, 116 and 118, 118 and 120, or 120 and 114.
[0031] Any spatial references such as, for example, "upper,"
"lower," "above," "below," "between," "bottom," "vertical,"
"horizontal," "angular," "upward," "downward," "side-to-side,"
"left-to-right," "left," "right," "right-to-left," "top-to-bottom,"
"bottom-to-top," "top," "bottom," "bottom-up," "top-down," etc.,
are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the
specific orientation or location of the structure described
above.
[0032] In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps,
processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct
acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes,
and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in
different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several
exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may
be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. In
several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps
in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances,
some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a
corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of
the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined
in whole or in part with any one or more of the other
above-described embodiments and/or variations.
[0033] Although several exemplary embodiments have been described
in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and
are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or
substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes
and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope
of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the
claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and
not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent
structures.
* * * * *