AU2008202044A1

AU2008202044A1 - System and method for support between tanks

Info

Publication number: AU2008202044A1
Application number: AU2008202044A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Darren Haidley; Bob Matheson
Original assignee: Tom Stoddart Pty Ltd
Current assignee: TANKWORKS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-11
Filing date: 2008-05-08
Publication date: 2008-11-27

Description

00 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORT BETWEEN TANKS 00oo Field of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in a system for providing support between tanks.

00 Background of the Invention 00 Conventional rectangular shaped water tanks usually require a system of tie bars through the middle section of the tank to stop the walls bellowing out. Connecting the tie bars or cross members to the tank wall requires drilling a hole through the wall of the tank. Sealing these holes requires considerable technical ability.

Given that conventional tank material is often a metal corrugated sheet formed to suit the walls and many water tanks include a polymer coating to the inside face of the sheet has only increased the sealing difficulty. Silicones and the like do not readily adhere to this surface. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an improved system for providing support with a connector less prone to corrosion while providing satisfactory sealing.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Summary The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a device adapted to allow the connection of a light weight strap between tank walls. In another preferred aspect, the present invention lessens the galvanic corrosion issues that often arise from incompatibility of some metals. In a further preferred aspect, the present invention lessens the need for silicon to be used as the primary seal and hence a huge labour savings results. In yet another preferred aspect, the present invention reduces the flexibility in the tank thereby producing a more stable tank.

00 Brief Description of the Figures 00 Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a tank connector and support system engaged to adjacent tanks in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

00 Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tank connector and support system 0of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional side view of the connector and support braces of Fig. 2 engaged to a portion of a tank.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the connector of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of the connector of Fig. 4 with representative dimensions.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the connector of Fig. 4 with representative radius details.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of the connector of Fig. 4 with representative connection details.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the connector of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8A is an enlarged view taken along section A of Fig. 8.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed 00 herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as C exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the 00 claims which follow.

Figs. 1 to 8A show a preferred embodiment of a tank connector and support system 10. As shown in Fig. 1, system 10 includes a connector 100 having one end for connection to a horizontal brace 102 and a diagonal brace 104, and a 00 second end for connection to a tank wall, which is compressed between a series 0of washers 108, 110, 112 and a fastener 114. The preferred elements of the support system and their interrelationship are described below.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 7, connector 100 has a body 116 with a wall end 118, a support end 120 and a mid-longitudinal axis MLA through the wall end and support end. Wall end 118 includes an end surface 122 and a recess 124 preferably having a threaded bore 126 and a counter sink 128. Bore 126 and counter sink 128 are preferably coaxial with the mid-longitudinal axis of body 116.

Bore 126 preferably extends to a depth of approximately 18 mm. As shown in Fig. 8A, counter sink 128 preferably has a depth of approximately 0.8 mm, a first diameter of approximately 10 mm and a second diameter of approximately 12 mm. It will be appreciated that these dimensions are representative only and may be varied as appropriate. Preferably, countersink 128 is dimensioned to receive the stepped configuration of washer 112 as shown in Fig. 3 and described in greater detail below.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 6, end surface 122 is concave in the vertical plane to conform to the surface of the tank, which in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, is corrugated. End surface 122 preferably has a radius of curvature of approximately 23 mm. It will be appreciated that the radius of curvature may be varied as appropriate to better conform to the surface configuration of the tank wall against which the connector is to be placed.

00 As shown in Figs. 4, 6 and 8, connector 100 preferably includes a support Smember portion 130 proximate support end 120. Support portion 130 preferably 00 has an inner contact surface 131 and an outer contact surface 133, each O substantially oriented in the vertical plane. Support portion 130 preferably has a length that extends almost half the length of body 116. More preferably, support portion 130 has a length of approximately 30 mm along the mid-longitudinal axis and a thickness of approximately 10 mm perpendicular to the mid-longitudinal 00 axis between contact surfaces 131 and 133. As shown in Fig. 8, support portion 130 has a reduced thickness in the horizontal plane compared to the rest of body 116. Support portion 130 preferably extends to a tapered transition 132, which itself extends to the maximum thickness of body 116 towards wall end 118.

As shown in Fig. 4, support portion 130 preferably extends to the maximum thickness of body 116 in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, support portion 130 preferably is offset relative to the mid-longitudinal axis, approximately 16.60 mm from inner contact surface 131 and 5.40 mm from outer contact surface 133 as shown in Fig. 8. It will be appreciated that the dimensions are representative and may be varied as appropriate.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, support portion 130 preferably includes a recess 134 having a central longitudinal axis CLA perpendicular to the mid-longitudinal axis of body 116. Recess 134 is preferably located approximately 15 mm from support end 120 and 16 mm from the upper and lower surfaces of support portion 130.

Recess 134 preferably has a diameter of approximately 7 mm. It will be appreciated that the dimensions are representative and may be varied as appropriate.

As shown in Fig. 5, body 116 preferably has a maximum length along the midlongitudinal axis of approximately 66.5 mm and a minimum length of approximately 60 mm. Preferably, body 116 has a maximum thickness or diameter of 32 mm, and a minimum thickness of 10 mm. It will be appreciated that the dimensions are representative and may be varied as appropriate.

00 Z Support end 130 is preferably configured to connect with one or more support 00 members or braces, which themselves are preferably connected to another 0 connector to proviide support between adjacent tanks. Referring to Fig. 2, horizontal support brace 102 includes a first end 136 having a recess 138, and a second end 140 having a recess 142. The recesses are preferably configured to be coaxially positioned with recess 134 of support portion 130 in connector 100.

00 As shown in Fig. 3, brace 102 is preferably attached to inner surface 131 of 0support portion '130 when assembled. Preferably, support brace 102 is rectangular with symmetrical ends. It will be appreciated that brace 102 may take on other shapes and dimensions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Still referring to Fig. 2, diagonal support brace 104 preferably includes a first end 144 having a recess 146 and a second end 148 having a recess 150. Preferably, recesses 146 and 150 are configured to be coaxially positioned with recess 134 of support portion 130 in connector 100. Diagonal brace 104 preferably has a length greater than the length of the horizontal braces as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, diagonal brace 104 is preferably attached to outer surface 133 of support portion 130 when assembled.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, connector 100 is preferably attachable to tank wall 106 via a series of washers 108, 110 and 112, and fastener 114. Washer 108 is preferably a flat washer. Washer 110 is preferably a 1.2 mm seating washer that is shaped to conform to the interior surface of the tank. Washer 112 is preferably a washer shaped to conform to the exterior surface of the tank. Preferably, washer 112 is formed from a soft rubber like material such as, but not limited to an Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EDPM) having a larger diameter portion 152 and a smaller diameter portion 154 in a stepped configuration as shown in Fig. 2. For ease of illustration, smaller diameter portion 154 is shown facing away from connector 100 in Fig. 2. Preferably, smaller diameter portion 154 is configured to fit into countersink 128 of wall end 118 of connector 100. More 00 preferably, smaller diameter portion 154 is sized with countersink 128 to create a C friction fit between washer 112 and the connector. The stepped configuration of 00oo washer 112 advantageously enhances the sealing of the connection. It will be O appreciated that other configurations may be utilised for imparting a seal to the connection as appropriate.

Referring to Fig. 3, fastener 114 is preferably a hex bolt having a threaded shaft 00 sufficient to pass through the thickness of washers 108, 110 and 112, tank wall S106, and into recess 124 of connector 100.

The components of the system may be made from a metal or plastic material.

Preferably, the components of the system are made from a non-metallic material such as acetal. In one preferred embodiment, the connector is made from a nonmetallic material such as acetal while the braces are made from a metallic material. Other preferred materials include aluminium alloys and/or chemically inert materials recognized as being generally corrosion-resistant.

Having described the preferred components of the system, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Adjacent tanks are positioned as appropriate relative to one another. An opening is created in tank wall 106 of sufficient size and shape to permit the passage of a securing means such as bolt 114 therethrough. The opening is preferably created by drilling.

Connector 100 and stepped washer 112 are preferably positioned on the exterior of tank wall 106 to one side of the opening. Seating washer 110 is positioned against the interior of tank wall 106. Washer 108 is positioned adjacent seating washer 110. Hex bolt 114 is then inserted through the washers and the tank wall opening and threaded into recess 124 in connector 100 to clamp or compress tank wall 106 between washers 110 and 112.

Once connector 100 is attached to the tank, one or more braces are fastened to the connector. As shown in Fig. 3, horizontal brace 102 is attached to inner contact surface 131 of support portion 130 while diagonal brace 104 is attached 00

O

to outer contact surface 133 of support portion 130. Each brace is in turn fastened to a connector attached to an adjacent tank in a manner such as 00oo described above. The attaching and fastening is repeated as necessary depending upon the number of connectors and braces needed between adjacent tanks.

It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a 0 different order, varied, or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the (0 present invention. For example, the brace(s) may be fastened to the connector prior to the connector being attached to the tank. A securing means may be used a rivet) that may be externally inserted through the tank wall.

The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the shape of the wall end of the connector, stepped washer and seating washer may be flat or otherwise curved to conform to the tank wall against which they are to be placed against. For example, any one or all of these components may be bi-concave for placement against a corrugated surface that is also curved in the horizontal plane. The components may be configured for use with tanks of different types of material, for example, metal tanks such as stainless steel or plastic tanks. The present invention may be configured for use with different types of tanks such as water tanks rainwater tanks).

Selected surfaces of the components of the system may be coated for enhanced sealing. For example, washers 110 and 112 may be coated with an adhesive material.

The connector may be integrally formed with one or more braces. Fasteners other than the hex bolt described above may be used. For example, a rivet may be used. Other clamping means are envisioned within the scope of the present invention. One or more washers may be omitted, or additional washers included as appropriate. For example, a fastener may be used with an appropriately 00 configured head that provides for sealing against the interior wall of the tank. The C fastener may be inserted from outside of the tank (for example, a rivet).

00 0 The connector may be configured for connection with a strap circumferentially 1 surrounding a tank. For example, the support portion may include a slot for a 1 tank strap to pass therethrough.

00 The number and orientation of the braces may be varied as appropriate. For example, the braces may include all diagonal braces for a hex pattern, or all horizontal braces, or a combination thereof.

The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of enhanced sealing and support that is often lacking in systems in the prior art.

It will of course be realised that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would Ibe apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims

2. A connector for connecting a support member to a tank, the connector including: a body having a first end configured for placement against a wall of the tank, a second end opposite said first end, said second end being configured for engagement with the support member, a mid-longitudinal axis through said first and second ends; and a means for connecting said body to the wall of the tank, said connecting means being adapted to clamp said body to the wall of the tank.
3. The connector of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said connecting means is adapted to connect to said body from within the tank.
4. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means includes a bolt. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said connecting means includes a rivet.
6. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means includes a washer adapted to be placed against an interior wall of the tank.
7. The connector of claim 6, wherein said washer has a non-planar surface.
8. The connector of either claim 6 or 7, wherein said washer is adapted to be placed against a corrugated surface.
9. The connector of claim 2, wherein said connecting means is non-metallic. 00 The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body is made from a non-mretallic material. o00 11. The connector of claim 10, wherein said body is made from acetal. O 12. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting means made from acetal.
13. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second end includes a recess adapted to receive a fastener for fastening the support 00 member to the connector.
014. The connector of claim 13, wherein said recess has a central longitudinal axis that is generally perpendicular to the mid-longitudinal axis of said body. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first end includes a surface for contacting the wall of the tank, the contact surface having a generally non-planar surface from side to side.
16. The connector of claim 15, wherein said contact surface is adapted to be placed against a corrugated surface.
17. The connector of either claim 15 or 16, wherein said contact surface is bi- concave.
18. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first end includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of said connecting means.
19. The connector of claim 18, wherein said recess is threaded. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body includes a solid cross section along at least a portion of the mid-longitudinal axis of said body.
21. A connection system for connecting a first tank to a second tank, the system including: a brace having a first end and a second end; a connector having a first end adapted to be connected to said brace and a second end adapted for placement against a tank; and a means for attaching said connector to a wall of one of the tanks, at least one of said connector and said attaching means being made of a non-metallic material. 00
22. A method for supporting the walls of two adjacent spaced-apart tanks, the method including: 00 creating an opening through the wall of a side surface of one of the tanks; O placing a connector against a portion of an exterior surface of the tank to overlie the opening from the exterior of the tank; and attaching the connector to the tank wall with an attachment member Sadapted to pass through the opening in the tank wall, the attachment member 00 being substantially anti-corrosive.
23. The method of claim 22, further including the steps of attaching a second connector to a second tank and attaching a brace to each connector.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of attaching the brace includes positioning the brace generally horizontally with respect to the ground. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of attaching the brace includes positioning the brace diagonally with respect to the ground.
26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the step of attaching the connector includes passing a portion of the attachment member through the opening from within the tank and into a portion of the connector.
27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the step of placing includes placing the connector against a portion of the tank wall that is corrugated.
28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the connector and the attachment member each include a non-planar contact surface for contacting the wall of the tank, further including the step of aligning non-planar contact surfaces of the connector and attachment member to clamp a portion of the tank wall therebetween.
29. A connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the drawings. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the drawings.
31. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the drawings.