GB509397A - Improvements in and relating to containers for the transportation of liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

509,397. Tanks. SPARSHATT, J. H. Dec. 11, 1937, No. 34399. [Class 69 (i)] A container for transporting liquid, which may be used for example on an open lorry to carry water for fire fighting, comprises a collapsable tank of flexible material having a rectangular base and trapezoidal side walls which overhang it, together with a collapsable enclosure for it which is self-supporting when erected and has sides corresponding substantially in shape with those of the tank, the structure being formed by a framework carrying flexible elastic members which support the sides of the tank. The tank (not shown) may be of duck, sail-cloth, or other closely-woven fabric or canvas, which may be oil-dressed or rubber proofed wholly or at the lower part only. The flexible supporting members of the enclosing structure may consist of wire mesh,' as shown in Fig. 2. In this construction, the base and sides of the structure consist respectively of rectangular and trapezoidal frames 3, 4 of solid or tubular bars carrying the wire mesh, with or without strengthening bars 5. 'The sides are connected by hinges 6 to the base frame, and when erected are connected to form a rigid structure by pins and eyes (not shown) secured to them. For packing, the two long sides are folded inwardly to be one above the other over the base, and the short sides or ends are folded beneath the base, the hinges 6 having sufficient play to allow this. The fabric tank is provided with hooks at the top edge which engage over the top edges of the sides to support it. The tank may be open at the top or be provided with a cover having an aperture with a valve or closure. Flaps may be provided on the supporting structure to minimise splashing of the liquid over the sides of the tank. A union for a hose may be provided on the tank or, as shown, carried by a plate 13 secured to an end frame and having a tapered portion. 14 with an end flange 15 which is forced through an aperture in a rubber or like sealing ring 16 secured to the tank. The union may be provided with a flap valve 17 closed by a screw 18. Supports 10, 11 for a fire escape may be carried by the end frames. Fig. 8 shows a modified form of enclosing structure comprising U- form end members 19 hinged to a base 20 and spaced by detachable bars 22. Flexible wire cables 25, 26 respectively span and connect the members 19, and are tightened by turn-buckles, or the members 26 only may be employed, the end members 25 being replaced by wire mesh or other suitable frames. In both forms the base of the enclosing structure may be sufficiently rigid to prevent downward bulging of the tank from lifting the structure; for example, it may be formed of cross-bars 21, Fig. 8. Specification 493,545 is referred to.