AU2016100508B4

AU2016100508B4 - Liquid storage tank

Info

Publication number: AU2016100508B4
Application number: AU2016100508A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alistair Le Plastrier; Daryl Willsher
Original assignee: Taylex Group Holding Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Taylex Group Holding Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-03
Filing date: 2016-05-03
Publication date: 2018-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-03
Also published as: AU2016100508A4

Abstract

A liquid storage tank is provided comprising: a receptacle for storing a liquid; a secondary structure adjacent to the receptacle; and an access point to the receptacle, wherein the access point is at least partly shielded by the secondary structure.

Description

The present invention relates to liquid storage tanks, such as rainwater, grey water and waste water storage tanks.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Rainwater tanks have long been used to store rainwater, and commonly provide a source of water as an alternative to mains (or council) water. Such rainwater tanks vary in size, and may be large, and used to supply water to an entire household, or small, and be used to supply water for gardening, a toilet or the like.

[0003] A problem with traditional rainwater tanks is that they are unsightly and take up space. This is particularly a problem in city areas, where blocks of land are generally small.

[0004] More recently rainwater tanks have been provided that are less intrusive, particularly on a small block of land. As an illustrative example, certain rainwater tanks exist that also function as a retaining wall. In many such cases, the rainwater tank actually appears to be a retaining wall, and the fact that it stores rainwater is not directly apparent.

[0005] A problem with such rainwater tanks of the prior art is that the inside of the tank is not easily accessible. In particular, once installed, such tanks may have only 50mm inlets and outlets, to enable the tanks to be coupled to each other, and to receive rainwater. As such, any maintenance must be performed through the inlet(s) or the outlet(s), which may be difficult due to the small size.

[0006] Furthermore, it is generally not desirable to place large openings, e.g. manholes, on these rainwater tanks, as such large openings are generally unsightly, and difficult to disguise particular on concrete tanks that also function as a retaining wall. In particular, the desire to provide accessibility to the tank, and the desire to provide an aesthetically pleasing tank are typically in direct conflict with each other.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved liquid storage tank.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

2016100508 03 May 2016

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0009] The present invention is directed to liquid storage tanks, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a liquid storage tank comprising:

a receptacle for storing a liquid; a secondary structure adjacent to the receptacle; and an access point to the receptacle, wherein the access point is at least partly shielded by the secondary structure.

[0011] Preferably, the secondary structure is a raised garden bed. Preferably, the access point is configured to be covered by soil and/or plants in the raised garden bed.

[0012] Preferably, the access point is a manhole.

[0013] Preferably, the receptacle is defined by a base and a lid. The lid may include the access point. The lid may include the manhole incorporated therein.

[0014] Preferably, the base comprises substantially vertical sidewalls.

[0015] Preferably, the sidewalls are configured to extend upwardly past the lid and define outer walls of the secondary structure.

[0016] Preferably, the sidewalls include an internal lip, for supporting the lid.

[0017] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a liquid storage tank including: a receptacle for storing a liquid, a lid, for covering the receptacle, wherein the receptacle defined at least in part by substantially vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls including an internal lip for supporting the lid.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid storage tanks further includes a secondary structure adjacent to the receptacle. Suitably, the secondary structure is a raised garden bed.

[0019] Preferably, the liquid storage tank includes an access point to the receptacle. The Access point may be at least partly shielded by the secondary structure.

2016100508 03 May 2016 [0020] Preferably, the access point is configured to be covered by soil and/or plants in the raised garden bed. Preferably, the access point is a manhole. The lid may include the manhole incorporated therein.

[0021] Preferably, the receptacle comprises substantially vertical sidewalls. Preferably, the sidewalls are configured to extend upwardly past the lid and define outer walls of the secondary structure.

[0022] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0023] 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 prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0024] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional exploded view of a water tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the water tank of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates top view of the water tank of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an end cross-sectional exploded view of the water tank of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0029] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled structure including first, second and third water tanks, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

2016100508 03 May 2016

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0031] Figure 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional exploded view of a water tank 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water tank 100 may function as a retaining wall, with a garden bed thereon. Internal access is also provided to the water tank, which is shielded by the garden bed to provide an aesthetically pleasing structure.

[0032] The water tank 100 includes a receptacle portion 105, which is configured to store water, and a lid portion 110, for covering the receptacle portion 105.

[0033] The receptacle portion 105 comprises a substantially flat base 115, and substantially vertical sidewalls 120 that extend upwardly from edges of the base 115. The sidewalls 120 are substantially flat and thus the base 115 and the sidewalls 120 form an open-top, cuboid-like container in which the water sits.

[0034] The sidewalls 120 include a substantially horizontal step 125, for supporting the lid, as shown in Figure 2. The sidewalls extend above the step 125, to form a secondary structure above the receptacle in the form of a garden bed 130. In particular, the lid 110 and upper ends of the sidewalls 120 define an open-top receptacle for receiving dirt and/or plants to form the garden bed 130.

[0035] A sealant may be applied to the receptacle portion 105 and the lid 110 such that a water tight barrier is provided between the garden bed 130 and the water storage area of the tank 100. This is particularly advantageous if the water tank is used as a potable water supply, or even to prevent the flow of disease or pollution from one garden bed 130 to another.

[0036] The lid 110 includes a first and/or a second access point/s in the form of manholes 135, which are removable to provide access to the receptacle 105. In case access is required, for example for repairs or maintenance, the dirt, gravel and/or plants from the garden bed 130 are temporarily removed and the manhole/s 135 are able to be opened.

[0037] The lid 110 is designed with tapered edges to allow for precise fitment and to facilitate adequate sealing around the joining sections to the receptacle 105. The lid 110 may be permanently sealed to the receptacle such that no cross contamination between the garden bed and stored water can occur.

[0038] As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the sidewalls 120 are slightly tapered. In particular, the walls taper from a thickness of about 70mm at an upper edge of the sidewalls 120,

2016100508 03 May 2016 to about 100mm at a lower edge of the sidewalls. This provides strength in the sidewalls 120, without over utilising material.

[0039] The taper is provided by an inner surface 120a of the sidewalls 120, whereas an outer surface 120b of the sidewalls is vertical. This advantageously enables a tapering of the sidewalls 120, while enabling the sidewalls of adjacent tanks 100 to abut.

[0040] Similarly, an upper surface 110a of the lid 110 is slightly tapered to force water in the garden bed 130 to flow towards a rear portion, where a drain hole (not illustrated) is located. This prevents water from being captured in the garden bed 130 and waterlogging plants after rainfall.

[0041] The tank 100 includes connection joint portions, on lower edges of sidewalls 120, enabling adjacent tanks 110 to be connected and sealed. In particular, alternative locations for connecting joints can be provided depending on configuration to define adjacent apertures, through which a pipe may extend to couple the tanks 100.

[0042] Preferably, the connection joint portions are spaced symmetrically along the side walls and spaced equal distance from the comers. As such, the tanks 100 may be joined such that a series of tanks are joined at their respective ends (e.g. to form a long retaining wall), or such that an end of one tank 100 abuts a side of another tank 100 (e.g. to form an L-shaped comer) in either direction.

[0043] The tank 100 may vary in size, but is typically from about 2-3m long, about lm wide, and about 1-1.5m high. The tank is typically less then 3000L in capacity.

[0044] The reservoir portion 105 and lid 110 are advantageously cast of concrete, but may comprise other materials, including fibrous cement based materials, plastics, metal, or a combination thereof.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled structure 500 including first, second and third water tanks 500a, 500b, 500c, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first, second and third water tanks 500a, 500b, 500c are similar to the water tank 100, and are illustrated without lids.

[0046] The first water tank 500a and the second water tank 500b are connected such that a side of a first water tank 500a abuts an end of the second water tank 500b to form an F-shape. In such case, a knock-out on the side of the first water tank 500b and a knock-out on the end of the

2016100508 03 May 2016 second water tank are removed such that aligning apertures are created to enable the flow of water between the first and second water tanks 500a, 500b.

[0047] The second water tank 500b and the third water tank 500c are connected such that ends of the tanks 500b, 500c abut to form an elongate structure. In such case, the connecting joint portions on the ends of the water tanks 500b, 500c are removed such that aligning apertures are created to enable the flow of water between the tanks 500b, 500c.

[0048] According to certain embodiments, the water tanks 500a, 500b, 500c may be different heights to provide stepped garden beds. For example, the first water tank 500a may be higher than the second water tank 500b, which in turn may be higher than the third water tank 500c.

[0049] As the water tanks 100, 500a-500c are modular, they can be coupled in a wide range of configurations, to suit virtually any shape land, or to form any shaped garden.

[0050] Advantageously, the tanks 100, 500a-500c provides hidden water storage, which is easy to clean. In particular, the access points can be disguised by the garden (or other structure) when installed, making the water tank completely hidden.

[0051] While the tanks have been described with reference to a garden bed, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the garden bed may be replaced by any other suitable structure. For example, the garden bed may be replaced by a fish pond, a water feature, a sand pit, a compost section, a chair or table, or any other suitable structure.

[0052] Similarly, while the tanks have been described with reference to storage of rainwater/potable water, in other cases the stored water may be used for irrigation, or other purposes. In such case, it may not be necessary to provide a strict separation of the water tank and the other structure (e.g. the garden bed).

[0053] Similarly, the tank may be used for storing grey water, wastewater and the like.

[0054] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0055] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the

2016100508 03 May 2016 appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0056] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

2016100508 20 Dec 2017

Claims

1. A liquid storage tank comprising:

a receptacle for storing a liquid, the receptacle defined by a base, sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, and a lid;

a secondary structure adjacent to the receptacle, the secondary structure having a base defined by the lid of the receptacle, wherein the sidewalls of the base extend upwardly past the lid and define sidewalls of the secondary structure; and an access point to the receptacle in the form of a manhole, wherein the access point is at least partly shielded by the secondary structure.

2. The liquid storage tank of claim 1, wherein the secondary structure is a raised garden bed.

3. The liquid storage tank of claim 1, wherein the manhole is defined in the lid of the receptacle.

4. The liquid storage tank of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls include an internal lip, for supporting the lid.

5. A liquid storage tank including:

a receptacle for storing a liquid, a lid, for covering the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is defined at least in part by substantially vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls including an internal lip for supporting the lid, and wherein the substantially vertical sidewalls extend upwardly past the lid and define sidewalls of secondary structure in the form of an opentop receptacle, and wherein the lid provides a barrier between the open-top receptacle and the receptacle for storing the liquid and includes an access point to the receptacle in the form of a manhole, the access point at least partly shielded by the secondary structure.

2016100508 03 May 2016

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2016100508 03 May 2016

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