AU2021107203A4

AU2021107203A4 - Stand Pipe Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2021107203A4
Application number: AU2021107203A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gavin Warnock; Mark Warnock
Original assignee: Warbrook Entpr Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Warbrook Enterprises Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25
Also published as: AU2024100000A4

Abstract

The present invention provides a stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid, such as water, to a mobile tank, such as a tank on a truck. The standpipe apparatus provides a stand pipe movable between a discharge condition and a stored condition. The stand pipe comprises an inlet pipe adapted to be connected to a water supply and an outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is movable between the discharge condition wherein an outlet of the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for selective discharge of water through the outlet, and the stored condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported. 1/5 13 27 23 21 2Figre Figure 1

Description

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Figure 1

Stand Pipe Apparatus

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a stand pipe apparatus. In particular the present invention relates to a stand pipe apparatus for filling a truck/container/storage with a fluid such as water, wherein the stand pipe is collapsible.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is typical at a construction site to provide a water truck to cart water around the site, as well as to assist in dust suppression. These trucks comprise a large water tank which have an opening at the top of the tank for filling.

[0003] When establishing a site a filling station is set up for filling the water truck. The filling station provides a standpipe which has an inlet pipe in communication with a water supply, and an elevated outlet pipe extending across the path/road such that a tank can readily drive under the outlet pipe and align the tank's opening with an outlet of the outlet pipe before water passes through the stand pipe and into the tank.

[0004] When installing a stand pipe the structure must be sufficiently supported to support the weight of the delivery pipe which is in a cantilevered orientation over the path/road. For sites which have permanent installations a base of the standpipe can be provided by a concrete foundation, or the standpipe may comprise a skid base which can be fixed to a concrete pad.

[0005] However, some sites are temporary and require site infrastructure, such as standpipes, to be dissembled and moved to another site, or to another position within the site. In these installations the standpipes comprise a skid base which may utilise a weighted system to provide stability to the standpipe. Due to the height of the standpipe it is not possible to safely move the standpipe without first disassembling the stand pipe. In order to disassemble the stand pipe in a safe manner, operators which are trained in working at elevated heights need to disassemble the standpipe. To do so safely this will also require the use of suitable machinery, such as a cherry picker or scissor lift, or suitable scaffolding needs to be erected. The standpipe can then be disassembled by a team of two or more operators.

[0006] Once disassembled the stand pipe can be loaded onto a truck and transported to its next location. When at the next location the reverse process takes place to install the standpipe in the new location.

[0007] The process of installing/disassembling a standpipe on site requires suitably qualified operators, suitable equipment for working at heights and requires at least two operators. Each of these factors adds to the cost and required time to move a standpipe from one location to another.

[0008] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of this invention to provide a standpipe apparatus which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0010] Throughout the specification the term 'pipe' is used to describe a conduit, a hose, a tube, a duct or any other similar device which may be used to assist in conveying fluid. Furthermore the term 'pipe' can denote a single unitary pipe, or a pipe made from a plurality of smaller pipes in an adjacent arrangement or in an end to end arrangement.

[0011] The present invention provides a stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid, such as water, to a mobile tank, such as a tank on a truck, the standpipe apparatus providing a stand pipe movable between a discharge condition and a stored condition, the stand pipe comprises:

an inlet pipe adapted to be connected to a fluid supply;

an outlet pipe movable between the discharge condition wherein an outlet of the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for selective discharge of fluid through the outlet, and the stored condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported.

[0012] Preferably the stand pipe apparatus further comprises a base for providing stability to the stand pipe. The base may be configured to receive the forks of a forklift for ease of transportation.

[0013] A portion of the outlet pipe providing the outlet may extend outwardly of the base when in the discharge condition.

[0014] The portion of the outlet pipe may extend outwardly of the base at an elevated height suitable to allow a truck to drive under when in the discharge condition.

[0015] When the standpipe is in the discharge condition the portion of the outlet pipe may be in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0016] The outlet pipe may extend over the base when in the stored condition.

[0017] The inlet pipe may provide an inlet at a first end which may be attached to a fluid supply upon installation of the stand pipe apparatus. The inlet pipe may be fixed to the base. A portion of the inlet pipe may be in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0018] The stand pipe may also comprise an intermediate pipe which extends between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. When the standpipe is in the discharge condition the intermediate pipe may be in a substantially vertical orientation. When the standpipe is in the stored condition the intermediate pipe may be in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0019] A first end of the intermediate pipe may be connected to a second end of the inlet pipe using a first flexible joint. This flexible joint allows fluid to pass through the joint but also allows the inlet pipe and intermediate pipe to articulate with respect to each other as the stand pipe moves between the discharge condition and the stored condition.

[0020] A second end of the intermediate pipe may be connected to a first end of the outlet pipe using a second flexible joint. This flexible joint allows fluid to pass through the joint but also allows the outlet pipe and intermediate pipe to articulate with respect to each other as the stand pipe moves between the discharge condition and the stored condition. The first end of the outlet pipe may be distal to the outlet.

[0021] The base may provide a support which receives and supports an end section of the outlet pipe adjacent the outlet when the stand pipe is in the stored condition. When in the stored condition the stand pipe apparatus is sufficiently compact that it can be readily transported.

[0022] Preferably the stand pipe apparatus comprises a mechanism to move the standpipe between the discharge condition and the stored condition. The mechanism may be mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatically operated. The mechanism may be manually operated or remotely operate. The mechanism may be driven manually by an operator or by an alternate power source.

[0023] The mechanism may comprise a cable extending between a set of pulleys. The mechanism may comprise a winch. The winch may be manually operated to move the stand pipe between the discharge condition and the stored condition. The cable may retract on and extract from the winch with rotation of the winch as the stand pipe moves between conditions.

[0024] The stand pipe apparatus may comprise a locking means to lock the stand pipe in position when the stand pipe is in either the discharge condition or the stored condition. The locking means may comprise a set of pins.

[0025] The stand pipe apparatus may comprise a mobile means allowing towing of the stand pipe apparatus when in the stored condition. The mobile means may provide a set of wheels which are caused to engage with the ground as or after the stand pipe apparatus moves to the stored condition.

[0026] In contrast to the prior art, the stand pipe of the present invention can move from an operable configuration, the discharge condition, to a configuration ready for transport, the storage condition, without the need of skill operators, an operator trained in working at heights, as well as any specialised equipment, in order to install or remove the standpipe. A single operator working at ground level is able to operate the mechanism to move the standpipe between its conditions. This represents significant time and cost savings.

[0027] The present invention further provides a stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid to a tank, the standpipe apparatus comprises:

a stand pipe;

an inlet adapted to be connected to a fluid supply;

an outlet movable between a discharge condition wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet for selective discharge of fluid from the outlet, and a collapsed condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported.

[0028] The present invention provides a stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid, such as water, to a mobile tank, such as a tank on a truck, the standpipe apparatus comprises:

a stand pipe;

a base for providing stability to the stand pipe; an inlet pipe adapted to be connected to a fluid supply; an outlet pipe movable between a discharge condition wherein an outlet of the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for selective discharge of fluid from the outlet, and a collapsed condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a stand pipe apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in a discharge condition;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the stand pipe apparatus of figure 1 in a stored condition;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of figure 2;

Figure 5 is a side view of figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side view of figure 2;

Figure 7 is a front end view of figure 2;

Figure 8 is a rear end view of figure 2;

[0030] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Referring to the figures, the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a stand pipe apparatus 11. The stand pipe apparatus 11 of the present embodiment can be readily installed by an unskilled operator. Similarly, when it comes time to relocate the stand pipe apparatus 11, a single unskilled operator can have the stand pipe apparatus 11 ready for transportation without the need of special skills/training or equipment.

[0032] The stand pipe apparatus of the present invention may be used to supply any fluid from one height to another, such as supplying water to a container of a water truck. While the present specification provides an embodiment specific to providing water to a water truck the specification is not limited in scope to such an application. A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the present invention can be applied to numerous applications including providing a fluid such as water, to water carts/storage equipment/plant/machinery.

[0033] Once installed and connected to a water supply, the stand pipe apparatus 11 selectively delivers water to a tank (not shown) on a truck (not shown) positioned under an outlet 13 of the stand pipe apparatus 11.

[0034] The stand pipe apparatus 11 comprises a stand pipe 15 supported by a base 17. In the present embodiment the base 17 is in the form of a skid base frame 19. The frame 19 has a set of openings 21 for receiving the forks of a forklift (not shown). This is advantageous when moving the stand pipe apparatus 11.

[0035] The stand pipe 15 is movable between a discharge condition, as shown in figures 1, and a stored condition, as shown in figure 2. The stand pipe 15 comprises an inlet pipe 23 which provides an inlet 25 at a first end. The inlet 25 is connected to a water supply (not shown) during installation of the stand pipe apparatus 11. The inlet pipe 23 is secured to the base 17 and remains fixed relative thereto. In the present embodiment the larger portion of the inlet pipe 23 is in a substantially horizontal orientation. In other embodiments the inlet pipe 23 can take a variety of shapes and orientations.

[0036] The stand pipe 15 also comprises an outlet pipe 27. While the outlet pipe 27 moves as the stand pipe apparatus 11 moves between the discharge condition or the stored condition, the orientation of the larger portion of the outlet pipe 27 remains substantially the same - horizontal. In other embodiments the outlet pipe 27 can take a variety of shapes and orientations.

[0037] When the stand pipe 15 is in the discharge condition the outlet pipe 27 extends outwardly from the foot print of the base 17 at an elevated height in a substantially horizontal position, as best shown in figure 5. With this configuration a truck can drive under the outlet pipe 27 unhindered.

[0038] When the stand pipe 15 is in the stored condition the outlet pipe 27 falls within the foot print of the base 17 and is at a sufficiently low height to enable transportation, as best shown in figure 6.

[0039] The stand pipe 15 also comprises an intermediate pipe 29, which extends from adjacent a second end 26 of the inlet pipe 23 to adjacent a first end 28 of the outlet pipe 27. When the stand pipe 15 is in the discharge condition the intermediate pipe 29 is in a substantially vertical orientation. When the stand pipe 15 is in the stored condition the intermediate pipe 29 is in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0040] A first end 31 of the intermediate pipe 29 is connected to the second end 26 of the inlet pipe 23 using a first flexible joint 35 (see figure 3). A second end 33 of the intermediate pipe 29 is connected to the first end 28 of the outlet pipe 27 using a second flexible joint 36 (see figure 3). The flexible joints allow fluid to pass through the stand pipe 15 while allowing the inlet pipe 23 and outlet pipe 27 to articulate relative to the intermediate pipe 29 as the stand pipe 15 moves between the discharge condition and the stored condition. In one form the flexible joint is provided by a flexible tube clamped relative to ends of the respective pipe.

[0041] The first end 28 of the outlet pipe 27 is distal to the outlet 13.

[0042] When the stand pipe 15 is in the discharge condition water from the water supply selectively enters the stand pipe 15 through the inlet 25. The water then flows through the inlet pipe 23, the intermediate pipe 29, the outlet pipe 27 before being discharged from the stand pipe 15 through the outlet 13 of the outlet pipe 27.

[0043] The stand pipe apparatus 11 also comprises a mechanism to move the stand pipe 15 between the discharge condition and the stored condition. In this embodiment the mechanism is a mechanical mechanism requiring manual operation. The mechanism comprises a cable 37 extending along a set of pulleys 38 and a winch 39. The winch 39 is manually rotated to wind on and off the cable. This causes movement of the stand pipe 15 whereby the stand pipe 15 is caused to move between the discharge condition and the stored condition.

[0044] In other arrangements the mechanism is mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatically powered. A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the mechanism of the present invention can be powered by alternative means to a manually operated winch. Such variations are considered to fall within the scope of this invention.

[0045] The base 17 provides a support 45 which receives and supports an end section 47 of the outlet pipe 27 when the stand pipe 15 is in the stored condition, as best shown in figure 4.

[0046] The stand pipe apparatus 11 also comprises a plurality of braces 49 for supporting the stand pipe 15 and improving the robustness of the stand pipe apparatus 11.

[0047] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0048] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well known technologies are not described in detail.

[0049] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0051] Reference to positional descriptions and spatially relative terms), such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0052] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0053] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "engaged", "connected" or "coupled" to another element/layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element/layer or intervening elements/layers may be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements/layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between", "adjacent"). As used herein the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0055] Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims

1. A stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid, such as water, to a mobile tank, such as a tank on a truck, the standpipe apparatus providing a stand pipe movable between a discharge condition and a stored condition, the stand pipe comprises:

an inlet pipe adapted to be connected to a water supply;

an outlet pipe movable between the discharge condition wherein an outlet of the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for selective discharge of water through the outlet, and the stored condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported.

2. The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 1 further comprises a base for providing stability to the stand pipe. .

3. The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a portion of the outlet pipe providing the outlet extends outwardly of the base when in the discharge condition.

4. The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the portion of the outlet pipe extends outwardly of the base at an elevated height suitable to allow a truck to drive under when in the discharge condition.

5. The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the standpipe is in the discharge condition the portion of the outlet pipe is in a substantially horizontal orientation.

6. The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the outlet pipe extends over the base when in the stored condition.

7. The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the inlet pipe provides an inlet at a first end which is adapted to be attached to a water supply upon installation of the stand pipe apparatus.

8. The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a portion of the inlet pipe is in a substantially horizontal orientation.

9. The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising an intermediate pipe which extends between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

10.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the intermediate pipe is in a substantially vertical orientation when the standpipe is in the discharge condition.

11.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the intermediate pipe is in a substantially horizontal orientation when the standpipe is in the stored condition.

12.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 9, 10 or 11 wherein a first end of the intermediate pipe is connected to a second end of the inlet pipe using a first flexible joint.

13.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 9, 10, 11 or 12 wherein a second end of the intermediate pipe is connected to a first end of the outlet pipe using a second flexible joint, the first end of the outlet pipe is distal to the outlet.

14.The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein the base provides a support which receives and supports an end section of the outlet pipe adjacent the outlet when the stand pipe is in the stored condition.

15.The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 comprises a mechanism to move the standpipe between the discharge condition and the stored condition.

16.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the mechanism comprises a cable extending between a set of pulleys.

17.The stand pipe apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the mechanism comprises a winch, wherein the winch is operated to move the stand pipe between the discharge condition and the stored condition, wherein the cable may retract on and extract from the winch as the stand pipe moves between conditions.

18.The stand pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17 comprises a locking means to lock the stand pipe in position when the stand pipe is in either the discharge condition or the stored condition.

19.A stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid to a tank, the standpipe apparatus comprises:

a stand pipe;

an inlet adapted to be connected to a fluid supply;

20.A stand pipe apparatus adapted to deliver fluid, such as water, to a mobile tank, such as a tank on a truck, the standpipe apparatus comprises:

a stand pipe;

a base for providing stability to the stand pipe;

an inlet pipe adapted to be connected to a water supply;

an outlet pipe movable between a discharge condition wherein an outlet of the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe for selective discharge of water from the outlet, and a collapsed condition wherein the standpipe apparatus can be readily transported.