MXPA00002952A - Reinforcing flange for underground sump - Google Patents

Abstract

A container such as a sump (28) having a bottom (32), at least one wall (33) extending upwardly from the bottom, and a flange (36) connected to the at least one wall and projecting therefrom. The flange preferably has apertures (37) extending partially into the interior portion of the flange from its exterior surface. The flange provides structural rigidity to the container and prevents irregularities from being formed in the walls during manufacture. Preferably, the container is a sump having four lower walls, four upper walls integrally connected to the lower walls by the flange, and four entrance walls integrally connected to the upper walls and defining a mouth for receiving fluids. The flange preferably has an upper surface having upper apertures and a lower surface having lower apertures that are axially aligned with the upper apertures. Pins may be utilized during manufacture of the sump by rotational molding to form apertures within the flange and aid in preventing irregularities from being formed.

Description

REINFORCEMENT REINFORCEMENT FOR A UNDERGROUND COLLECTOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to containers, such as distributor manifolds and the like, and is particularly directed to a container having a flange connected to the walls of the container, to provide strength and rigidity to the container, and to avoid deformation of the container. the walls when the container is molded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typically, containers such as manifolds, are placed under fluid conduit systems, to contain fluids, which may leak out of the systems, for example, gasoline service stations, usually include a network for the underground fuel, from collectors, fuel conduits and entrance fittings. Such connectors usually comprise a plastic or metal cover which is buried in a filler and / or cement, so that the manifold mouth is open to air at the level of the surface. The connectors are used to capture gasoline, which can leak from the fuel lines, and the jets located above the collector. The containment of such leakage prevents gasoline from contaminating soil and groundwater. To prevent leakage of fluid out of the collector, input fittings are used in locations where the tubes enter the collector. These attachments also prevent the flow of groundwater into the collector. In order to maintain an airtight seal between the collector wall and the inlet fitting, the wall must be sufficiently flat and free of irregularities. After the collector captures the leaked fuel, an apparatus for removing the liquid can be inserted into the collector to remove the fuel. In addition to serving to capture the leaked fuel, the collectors also serve to provide access to fuel pipes and associated couplings of the fuel system. After the installation of the collector, the individuals can enter the collector to maintain fuels and the input devices. Thus, the collector must be sufficiently rigid to maintain the integrity of the form despite the filling surrounding the collector, and the weight of the individuals that may enter it.

Although many advances have been made in the field of underground collectors, there are still a number of problems. Among the problems experienced with such containers, is their tendency to deform under the weight of the filling and / or maintenance personnel. Such deformations can result in the rupture of the collector, thereby creating the risk that the fuel will be emitted into the surrounding medium. In addition, the deformations of the collector can endanger the integrity of the seals of the input attachments, creating again the risk of contamination of the environment. Another problem experienced by the manufacturers of such collectors, is the difficulty in manufacturing a collector with walls sufficiently flat, to maintain a hermetic seal between the input attachment and the collector. Rotational molding processes are commonly used to manufacture manifolds. A rotational molding process involves inserting plastic powder into a rotating mold. During rotation, the plastic powder is heated and takes the shape of the mold. When it is allowed to cool, the plastic hardens creating the collector defined by the mold. Although it has been found that this process is highly efficient and cheap, it is not without disadvantages. Unfortunately, the process often results in unwanted variations in the thickness and shape of the collector walls, and the formation of irregularities in collector surfaces. It is believed that these problems occur during the cooling of the plastic. Because of these disadvantages, it is often difficult to maintain a sealing relationship between an inlet fitting and the wall of a manifold formed by this process. Consequently, in spite of the significant work done in the industry and the current problems with the deformation and leakage of the collectors, until now a relatively cheap collector has not been provided, which can withstand high compression forces and provide a hermetic seal of the input attachments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in order to overcome the above and other problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a container, such as a manifold, which is sufficiently rigid to withstand deformation when exposed to compressive forces. It is another object of this invention to produce a manifold, having walls that are substantially free of irregularities, so that the seals between the walls and the inlet fittings placed therein can be maintained. A further object of the present invention is to provide an efficient and cost effective method to produce a collector that is resistant to deformation and has walls that are sufficiently free of irregularities. Another object of the present invention is to use a rotational molding process to produce a collector having the qualities described above. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the problems described above. To place the above and other objects and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described above. Still other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, from the following description, where a preferred embodiment of this invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration, of one of the best modes contemplated to carry out the invention. As will be appreciated, the invention is capable of other, different, obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate various aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a fuel distribution system using a spout manifold; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a manifold according to an embodiment of this invention; Figure 3 is a top view of the manifold shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold shown in Figure 3, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold shown in Figure 3, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flange of the manifold shown in Figure 3, taken along line 6-6; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flange of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of an underground fuel distribution system, utilizing a preferred jet manifold 28 of the present invention. In the system, the fuel of an underground fuel tank 26 is supplied to the fuel distributors 20 through the fuel pipe 24, with the demand of the distributors. The underground fuel tank 26 may be filled through the access space 31. A manifold 28 is placed below each fuel distributor 20. The upper portions of the manifolds 28 extend upwardly through the cement islands 22. The lower portions of the manifolds 28 are surrounded by filler 27. The manifolds 28 provide chambers to access the attachments of the pipe 29 and the pipe 24, which are located below the surface of the pavement 30. They can be accessed by the collectors 28 through doors (not shown) in the fuel distributors 20, or removing the distributors of the islands 22. In addition to providing access to the underground components, the manifolds 28 are designed to contain any fuel that may have leaked or spilled from the distributors 20. The leaked fuel contained by the manifold 28, may be removed by inserting a fuel removal apparatus through the distributor access door 20, and towards the collector. The manifolds 28 must be stiff enough to withstand the impact of the fill 27 when initially loaded around the manifold, as well as the continuous pressure exerted by the filling when the fuel distribution system is in operation. In addition, the manifolds 28 can be sufficiently rigid to withstand the pressure exerted when maintenance personnel enter the manifold, to service the distribution system. The inlet attachments (not shown) are used to seal the connections between the connectors 28 and the openings where the fuel conduits 24 enter and exit the connector. These input devices prevent the flow of any fuel that may be contained in the collector from entering the surrounding soil. In addition, the devices prevent the groundwater from entering the collector 28. Thus, the walls of the collectors 28 should be sufficiently flat and free of irregularities, so that the input devices provide a tight seal around the conduit 24. The Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred dispenser manifold 28. As shown in the figure, manifold 28 preferably includes a bottom 32 and four lower walls 33 that extend upwardly perpendicular to the bottom. A flange (or belt portion) 36 connects these lower walls 33 with four upper walls 34 and 35, which extend upward with respect to the lower walls. The flange 36 may have cavities or openings (known in the art as kissoffs) 37, which extends partially within the inner portion of the flange from the outer surface of the flange. Preferably, and as shown in Figure 2, the flange extends radially outwardly with respect to the lower walls 33 and the upper walls 34 and 35. The flange 36 provides structural rigidity to the collector 28, making it more impact resistant of forces directed towards him by the landfill 27 and / or maintenance people. As also described in the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, the manifold 28 may have inlet walls 38, which extend upwardly with respect to the upper walls 34 and are connected to the upper walls by a projection 42. inlet 38 defines a mouth (or opening) 40 which can be placed below the fuel distributor 20 (as shown in Figure 1), to collect the fluid, which may have leaked or spilled from the distributor. The lower walls 33, upper walls 34 and 35, and the entry walls 38 define an enclosure having a first end and a second end. The first end defines the mouth 40 and the second end is closed by the bottom 32. Figure 3 shows a top view of the preferred embodiment described in Figure 2. As best shown in this figure, the bottom 32 includes preferably a deflection surface including panels 43. It is also preferred that the bottom 32 has a distribution channel 45. The liquid that strikes the deflection surface is diverted to the distribution channel 45, and disperses along the channel around it. from the periphery of the bottom of the manifold 32, as described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 728,255, the full specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. From Figure 3, it is also evident that, preferably, the openings 37 in the flange 36 are circular in shape, and are located intermittently along the length of the flange. However, it should be understood that the openings 37 can be of other shapes than circular, without departing from the scope of the invention. As also shown in the Figure, flange 36 preferably extends around the total periphery of manifold 28, and is attached in a rectangular configuration. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold 28, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the outer surface of the rim 36 preferably includes an upper surface 44, a lower surface 46, and a side surface 48, integrally connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The upper surface 44 is integrally connected to the upper walls 34 and 35. The lower surface 46 is integrally connected to the lower walls 33. As also seen in these figures, preferably, the upper surface 44 and the lower surface 46 are substantially horizontal, while the lateral surface 48 is substantially vertical. However, it should be understood that the outer surface of the flange 36 may take other configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. As best seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the entrance walls 38 of the embodiment are integrally connected to the upper walls 34 and 35 by the projection 42, and are parallel with respect to the lower walls 33. As it is seen in Figure 4, the two upper walls 35 are preferably integrally connected with two of the lower walls 33 by the flange 36. In addition, these two upper walls 35 are preferably parallel with respect to the lower walls 33. As it is seen in Figure 5, the two upper walls 34 are preferably connected integrally to the two lower walls 33, by the flange 36, and are preferably oblique with respect to the lower walls 33. However, it should be understood that, although the walls 33, 34 and 35, and the flange 33 are described as being attached in a rectangular configuration, the collector 28 can take any other configuration without departing from the the scope of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the representative embodiment of Figure 3, taken along line 6-6, showing a preferred configuration for flange 36. As shown in Figure 6, it is preferred that the upper openings 37 extend partially towards the inner portion of the flange 36 from the upper surface 44. Similarly, the lower openings 52 preferably extend towards the inner portion of the flange 36 from the lower surface 46. Each lower opening 52 corresponds with an upper opening 37 and is substantially axially aligned therewith. Each upper opening 37 and lower opening 52, together with the solid portions of the flange 36 between the two openings, define a column, which helps to provide strength and rigidity to the collector 28 when it is subjected to the various forces that may act on it. As indicated above and as shown in Figure 6, the flange 36 is preferably integrally connected to the upper walls 34, as well as the lower walls 33. It is preferred that the collector 28 comprises a medium density polyethylene plastic material. linear, having a coloring agent, an ultraviolet stabilizer and an unsightly agent added to it. It is also preferred that the collector be formed by a rotational process or molding. During such a process, the plastic powder is inserted into a mold of the shape of the manifold 28. The mold is then rotated until melting or melting occurs, and the fluidized plastic is dispersed over the entire inner surface of the mold. When it cools, the plastic hardens to form the collector 28, which is removed from the mold. Preferably, the mold comprises two halves. As shown in Figure 6, a rotational molding process can sometimes result in small openings 54, which form inside the flange 36 (or in other areas of the manifold), near the locations where the bolts are inserted. . This opening 54 is caused when the plastic does not completely fill the areas on the outer side of the bolts. However, as shown in Figure 7, the manifold 28 can be substantially free of such openings without departing from the scope of the invention. To form the flange 36, the mold is configured with a portion extending from the bottom walls of the mold at the desired location, so that the plastic will be dispersed within this portion during the forming process. To form the openings 37 and 52, prior to the insertion of the plastic powder, pins can be inserted into the mold along this portion of the mold, which corresponds to the flange 36. Preferably, these bolts comprise a metal or metal material. hard plastic. During the rotational molding process, the use of a mold having a flange 36, as well as the use of bolts to form the openings 37 and 52, help maintain the structural integrity of the manifold 28, thereby creating flatter surfaces with less irregularities. It is believed that the bolts and flange 36 help anchor the fluidized plastic as it cools, thus preventing warpage of the collector walls. As indicated above, bending and irregularities in the lower walls 33 of the manifold 28 are particularly undesirable, because these walls are required to be substantially planar, so that the inlet fittings placed therein can operate properly. The flange 36 and the openings 37 and 52 also improve the structural rigidity of the manifold 28, when it is under tension of the weight of the filling 27 and / or the maintenance personnel, which can enter the pump to service the pipeline and the attachments inside it. Thus, the collector 28 according to this invention achieves a marked improvement over conventional collectors, providing flatter surfaces and greater rigidity. Although the invention has been described with respect to a manifold having a reinforcing rim, it should be understood that the rim of the present invention can be used over other containers than the manifolds, such as fuel tanks and underground storage containers, without departing of the scope of the invention. It should be further understood that although the flange has been described as having openings, the flange may provide structural rigidity of this invention with or without openings. The above description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described. Modifications or obvious variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The modality was chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles of the invention, and its practical application, to thereby allow someone with experience in the art to better utilize the invention and the various modalities, and with various modifications that they are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto. It is stated in relation to this date, the best method known by the Applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property. 1. A reinforced collector for receiving and storing fluids, characterized in that it comprises: a bottom; at least one wall extending upwards with respect to the bottom, at least one wall and the bottom form an at least partially closed space; and a flange connected to the exterior or interior of at least one wall and projecting therefrom; the flange has an outer surface, an inner portion, and at least one cavity that extends at least partially toward the inner portion of the flange from the outer surface.
2. 2. The reinforced manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one wall comprises 4 lower walls joined in a rectangular configuration.
3. 3. The reinforced manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange is integrally connected to at least one wall. .
4. The reinforced manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one upper wall that extends upwards with respect to at least one wall, the flange connects at least one wall to at least one upper wall.
5. The reinforced manifold according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one upper wall comprises four upper walls joined in a quadrangular configuration, and where at least one wall comprises four lower walls joined in a quadrangular configuration, each upper wall is connected integrally to a lower wall by means of the flange.
6. The reinforced manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one cavity comprises a plurality of cavities that extend at least partially towards the inner portion of the rim from the outer surface, the cavities are located intermittently throughout of the length of the flange.
7. 7. The reinforced manifold according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer surface of the flange comprises an upper surface connected to at least one upper wall, a lower surface connected to at least one wall, and a lateral surface that connects to the upper surface in the bottom surface.
8. The reinforced manifold according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one cavity comprises a plurality of cavities extending partially towards the inner portion of the ridge from the upper surface, the cavities are spaced apart intermittently along the length of the cavity. flange length.
9. The reinforced manifold according to claim 8, characterized in that each cavity has a corresponding cavity, axially aligned therewith, the corresponding cavity extends partially towards the inner portion of the rim of the lower surface.
10. 10. An underground collector reinforced to resist deformation, characterized in that it comprises: an enclosure having a first end and a second end; a bottom that closes the first end of the enclosure; and a belt portion that at least partially encloses the enclosure, the portion of the belt has an inner portion, an outer surface, and at least one opening extending from the outer surface toward the inner portion, the portion of the belt is operative for provide structural rigidity to the enclosure.
11. The reinforced underground collector according to claim 10, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a plurality of lower walls joined in a polygonal configuration.
12. The reinforced underground collector according to claim 11, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a plurality of upper walls extending upwardly relative to the lower walls, the belt portion integrally connecting the lower walls with the upper walls. .
13. 13. The reinforced underground collector according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one opening comprises a plurality of openings extending at least partially towards the inner portion of the belt portion from the outer surface, the openings are positioned intermittently along the length of the length portion. .
14. 14. The reinforced underground collector according to claim 13, characterized in that each opening has a corresponding opening aligned axially therewith, the corresponding opening extending partially towards the inner portion of the inner portion from the outer surface
15. 15. The underground collector reinforced according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer surface comprises a substantially horizontal upper surface integrally connected to the upper walls, a substantially horizontal bottom surface integrally connected to the lower walls, and a substantially vertical side surface integrally connecting the surface upper and lower surface, at least one opening extends partially towards the inner portion of the upper surface, each opening having a corresponding axially aligned opening, extending partially towards the portion i nterior from the bottom surface.
16. 16. The reinforced manifold for containing fluids, characterized in that it comprises: a bottom; a plurality of bottom walls joined in a polygonal configuration and extending upward with respect to the bottom; a plurality of upper walls joined in a polygonal configuration and extending upwards with respect to the lower walls; and a joined flange a polygonal configuration and having an outer surface and an inner portion, the flange is connected to and extend from the upper walls and bottom walls.
17. The reinforced manifold according to claim 16, characterized in that the rear surface of the flange comprises an upper surface connected to the upper walls, the lower surface connected to the upper walls, a lower surface connected to the lower walls and a lateral surface that connects to the upper surface and the lower surface.
18. The reinforced manifold according to claim 17, characterized in that the flange further comprises a plurality of upper apertures located intermittently along the length of the flange, each upper aperture extending partially towards the inner portion of the flange. from the upper surface.
19. The reinforced manifold according to claim 17, characterized in that the flange further comprises a plurality of lower apertures located intermittently along the length of the flange, each lower aperture extending partially towards the inner portion of the flange. from the bottom surface, in axial alignment with a top opening.
20. 20. The reinforced manifold according to claim 19, characterized in that each upper opening, its corresponding lower opening and the material between them, defines a column, the column is operative to resist deformation of the lower walls and the central walls.
21. 21. The reinforced manifold according to claim 20, characterized in that the flange extends radially outward with respect to the lower walls and the upper walls, and is integrally connected thereto.
22. 22. The reinforced manifold according to claim 21, characterized in that the manifold further comprises a plurality of inlet walls connected to the upper walls and extending upwards therefrom, the plurality of inlet walls being substantially parallel to the plurality of lower walls and define an opening for receiving fluids.
23. 23. The reinforced manifold according to claim 22, characterized in that the inner portion of the rim defines an opening, which extends continuously along the length of the rim.
24. 24. The reinforced manifold according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one of the upper walls extends obliquely from the lower walls.