WO2009052550A1 - Appareil de réservoir de liquide - Google Patents

Appareil de réservoir de liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009052550A1
WO2009052550A1 PCT/AU2008/001509 AU2008001509W WO2009052550A1 WO 2009052550 A1 WO2009052550 A1 WO 2009052550A1 AU 2008001509 W AU2008001509 W AU 2008001509W WO 2009052550 A1 WO2009052550 A1 WO 2009052550A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
components
liquid
component
alignment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2008/001509
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stephen Collis
Original Assignee
Modtank Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2007905848A external-priority patent/AU2007905848A0/en
Application filed by Modtank Pty Ltd filed Critical Modtank Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2008316296A priority Critical patent/AU2008316296A1/en
Publication of WO2009052550A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009052550A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
    • E03B3/02—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from rain-water
    • E03B3/03—Special vessels for collecting or storing rain-water for use in the household, e.g. water-butts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0235—Containers stackable in a staggered configuration
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/108—Rainwater harvesting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to liquid tanks, and relates particularly but not exclusively to tanks used to store water.
  • liquid tanks need to be installed.
  • water tanks often need to be installed in gardens.
  • a known approach has been to provide large cylindrical water tanks, however, such tanks have disadvantages: they are slow and expensive to manufacture, and relatively large in size which creates difficulty during transport and installation on site. Furthermore, such large cylindrical tanks are fixed in size. Hence, if the manufacturer wishes to offer a range of sizes, it is necessary to produce a range of differently-sized tanks, which adds to the cost of inventory in holding such a large range of tanks.
  • a reservoir- tank apparatus adapted to hold liquid, comprising: a plurality of reservoir-components each capable of holding an amount of liquid and each provided with component-connection-means adapted to enable the reservoir- components to interconnect one to at least another; and flow-aperture-means which allows liquid to flow therethrough between adjacent reservoir-components when the reservoir-components are so connected using the component-connection-means; wherein the reservoir-components are adapted to combine, in use, to form a reservoir-tank capable of holding a body of liquid made up of the combination of the amounts of liquid in each of the interconnected reservoir-components.
  • the component-connection-means includes alignment-means that, in use, enables each of the reservoir-component to interconnect with one or more adjacent reservoir-components in a predetermined alignment that is either linear, orthogonal or some other predetermined, non-random arrangement.
  • the alignment-means enables each of the reservoir-component to interconnect with one or more adjacent reservoir-components from a selection of a range of predetermined alignments which include two or more of linear, perpendicular, orthogonal or other predetermined, non-random arrangements.
  • the alignment-means is adapted to enable each of the reservoir- components to engage with at least another of the reservoir-components such that a reference axis of one reservoir-component is either parallel or perpendicular to the same reference axis of the other reservoir-components to which it is engaged.
  • the alignment-means may comprise: one or more male-projection-means adapted, in use; to enter into corresponding female-reception-means on an adjacent one of the reservoir-components when the adjoining reservoir-components are in said predetermined alignment; and/or one or more of such female-reception-means adapted, in use, to receive therein the corresponding male-projection-means on an adjacent one of the reservoir- components.
  • the male-projection-means may comprise convex mounds, and the complementary female-reception-means comprise concave depressions that are adapted to receive therein the convex mounds.
  • the male-proj ection-means may be arranged in one or more rows.
  • the alignment-means may be adapted, in use, to prevent rotational motion with respect to each other of complementary surfaces of adjacent reservoir-components that touch each other.
  • the alignment-means may include complementary corrugated surface configurations located on surfaces of the reservoir-components that, in use, are arranged so as to act as lateral side surfaces thereof.
  • the alignment-means may be adapted, in use, prevent lateral movement of the connected reservoir-components with respect to one another.
  • Each of the reservoir-components may be adapted, in use, to be stackable generally one on top of at least part or the whole of another of the reservoir-components, and wherein at least part of the alignment-means is located on surfaces of each of the reservoir components that, in use when stacked on top of another, are arranged so as to act as upper and lower surfaces thereof.
  • the alignment-means may include a linear locking device that, in use, is able to pass through the flow-aperture-means along the linear path to provide structural rigidity to the reservoir-components that are interconnected on top of each other.
  • Each of the reservoir-components may be adapted, in use, to be attachable generally one on top of at least part or the whole of another of the reservoir-components.
  • the flow-aperture-means of each of the reservoir-components may be located therein such that, when the reservoir components, in use, are stacked on top of another, the flow-aperture-means are arranged in alignment along a linear path.
  • Each of the reservoir-components may be adapted, in use, to be attachable generally side by side with at least part or the whole of another of the reservoir- components.
  • the component-connection-means may enable each of the reservoir-components to connect to two, or three, or more adjacent reservoir-components.
  • Each of the reservoir-components may be adapted to be attachable and/or stackable to one or more adjacent reservoir-components such that surfaces of adjoining reservoir-components interface with each other without any gap or substantial gap therebetween to the extent that the reservoir-tank that is created by the interconnection of the reservoir-components is an integral unit.
  • Each of the reservoir-components may have one or more generally planar surfaces such that, when interconnected with other of the reservoir-components, the reservoir-tank that is created by said interconnection is able to have one or more planar surfaces that are formed from a combination of the individual planar surfaces of several of the interconnected reservoir-components.
  • component-connection-means may include said flow-aperture- means.
  • the flow-aperture-means may include one or more apertures through which liquid can flow.
  • the reservoir-components may be of identical shape such that the reservoir-tank apparatus is modular in nature so that, in use, the reservoir-tank includes a plurality of interconnected, identical reservoir-components to effectively form a single reservoir-tank.
  • the identical shape may be rectangular prism in shape, or the identical shape may be triangular prism in shape.
  • the component-connection-means may enable the reservoir-components to be positioned relative to one another similar to the manner in which rectangular house-bricks are positioned relative to one another.
  • One or more surfaces of the reservoir-components may be provided with panel- strengthening-means.
  • the panel-strengthening-means may include a connector that connects one panel to an opposing panel in order to resist any tendency for the panels to move away from each other when the reservoir component is filled with liquid.
  • a method of providing a reservoir-tank comprising the steps of: interconnecting a plurality of reservoir-components, each capable of holding an amount of liquid, and each having component-connection-means that are used to interconnect the reservoir-components to one another to form a reservoir-tank capable of holding a holding a body of liquid made up of the combination of the amounts of liquid in each of the interconnected reservoir-components; and connecting flow-aperture-means on each reservoir-components to the flow- aperture-means on adjacent reservoir-components to enable liquid to flow therethrough between adjacent reservoir-components.
  • a reservoir- component comprising: component-connection-means adapted to enable the reservoir-component to interconnect one to at least another identical reservoir-component; and flow-aperture-means which allows liquid to flow therethrough; wherein the reservoir-component is adapted to combine, in use, to form a reservoir-tank apparatus capable of holding a body of liquid made up of the combination of the amounts of liquid in each of the interconnected reservoir-components, wherein liquid flows through the flow-aperture-means of adjacent reservoir- components when the reservoir-components are so connected using the component- connection-means, and wherein the component-connection-means includes alignment-means that, in use, enables each of the reservoir-component to interconnect with one or more adjacent reservoir-components in a predetermined alignment that is either linear, orthogonal or some other predetermined, non-random arrangement.
  • Figure IA shows a first embodiment of a reservoir-tank apparatus constructed by an interconnection of a plurality of reservoir components in an upright column;
  • Figure IB shows a second embodiment of a reservoir-tank apparatus constructed by an interconnection of a plurality of reservoir components in an L-shape
  • Figure 1C shows a third embodiment of a reservoir-tank apparatus constructed by an interconnection of a plurality of reservoir components
  • Figure ID shows a fourth embodiment of a reservoir-tank apparatus constructed by an interconnection of a three reservoir components in an L-shape
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional, side view of two reservoir parts, with the upper reservoir part shown in the process of being lowered onto the upper surface of another identical reservoir part (the arrow indicates the direction of movement);
  • Figure 3 shows a cut-away, perspective view, with a portion of one reservoir part being show in cut-away cross-sectional view, to illustrate how the lower surface of one reservoir part engages with the upper surface of an identical reservoir part;
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the undersurface or lower surface of a reservoir part used in Figures IA to ID.
  • the reservoir part 200A is shown flipped over or reversed, in comparison to the view of the same item in Figures IA to ID);
  • Figure 5 A shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of two reservoir parts stacked one on top of another, indicating that the flow channels are in linear alignment along a common linear path;
  • Figure 5B illustrates a locking rod that is used to pass through the linear path in Figure 5A of a series of flow channels that are aligned along a linear path;
  • Figures 6A to 6H show a series of drawings of a further embodiment in which some of the planar surfaces of the individual parts are provided with strengthening indentations, with Figures 6F and 6H showing partial sectional views.
  • some reference numerals will have suffixes that are intended to indicate a specific item.
  • the numeral 200 refers generally to reservoir parts
  • 200A refers to a particular reservoir part in Figure IA.
  • the numerals 200 and 200A are used, in various contexts, depending on whether the reference is to the parts in general, or to a specific example of such a part in a drawing.
  • like components are labeled with like reference numerals merely for the sake of ease of understanding the different embodiments and modifications.
  • Figures IA, IB, 1C and ID each illustrate an embodiment of a reservoir-tank apparatus, each in the form of a liquid tank 10OA, 10OB, lOOC, 10OD.
  • the liquid tank IOOA is adapted to hold liquid.
  • the liquid tank IOOA is made up of a plurality of reservoir-components in the form of reservoir parts 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, 200G and 200H.
  • each of the reservoir parts 200A-H is capable of holding an amount of liquid. Therefore, in order to create a larger liquid tank IOOA, each of the reservoir parts 200 A-H is interconnected together in such a manner to form an interconnected hollow network that is the sum total of the capacities of each of the individual reservoir parts 200A-H.
  • the reservoir parts 200A-H are designed to combine to form an interconnected, multi-component, hollow network that together form the overall liquid tank IOOA.
  • the liquid tank IOOA can hold a body of liquid that is made up of the combination of the amounts of liquid in each of the reservoir parts 200 A-H. Liquid is able to flow between the interconnected reservoir parts, such that the overall liquid tank IOOA is effectively a single reservoir that is made up of a plurality of interconnected reservoir parts 200A-H.
  • the reservoir parts 200 are attachable and/or stackable to one or more adjacent parts 200 such that adjacent surfaces interface with each other without any gap or substantial gap in between.
  • the resulting liquid tank 100 has the appearance of an integral unit.
  • the embodiments of the liquid tanks are provided with layers of interconnected reservoir parts 200.
  • the embodiment in Figure IA has four layers.
  • the embodiment in Figure IB has four layers too.
  • the embodiment in Figure 1C has three layers.
  • the embodiment in Figure ID has two layers.
  • the user can construct the liquid tank to have as many layers as are required. This enables very tall liquid tanks to be constructed. In such instances, some form of external bracing may be required.
  • each of the reservoir parts 200 is adapted, in use, to be stackable generally one on top of at least part, or on top of the whole of another of the reservoir parts.
  • Figure 2 shows one reservoir part 200A being stacked on top of the whole of another reservoir part 200B.
  • FIG. IA-D show one reservoir part 200A stacked on top of merely a part of another reservoir part 200B.
  • the reservoir parts 200 are attachable generally one on top of at least part or the whole of another of the reservoir parts 200.
  • An advantage of a liquid tank 10OA, 10OB, lOOC, which is made up of interconnected reservoir parts 200, is that the user can have freedom to arrange the reservoir parts 200 in a wide variety of arrangements, to create liquid tanks 100 that vary in size, shape, configuration and liquid capacity.
  • Figures IB and 1C show how the same reservoir parts 200A-F (from part of the earlier example) can be re-arranged and included in other exemplary embodiments.
  • the first embodiment in Figure IA shows a liquid tank IOOA made up of the reservoir parts that are arranged in the shape of a single column.
  • the second embodiment in Figure IB shows a liquid tank IOOB made up of the reservoir parts that are arranged in an L-shape.
  • An advantage of an L-shaped tank is that it can be positioned at a corner location, with parts of the tank on either side of the corner.
  • the only available space for a water tank may be a cramped space around a corner of a house.
  • the ability to create an L-shaped tank will enable an embodiment of a water tank to be constructed around both sides of the corner of the house.
  • a water tank of fixed dimensions, or even those embodiments that can only be connected side by side, but in only one dimension would not be able to achieve a water tank that fits around both sides of a corner of a building.
  • the third embodiment in Figure 1C shows a liquid tank IOOC made up of the reservoir parts that are arranged in a panel-like arrangement.
  • the fourth embodiment in Figure ID shows a reservoir-tank apparatus constructed by an interconnection of a three reservoir components in an L-shape.
  • the reservoir parts 200 are rectangular prisms, and are box- like in shape, however, in other embodiments, such parts 200 can be shaped as triangular prisms, or other suitable shape.
  • the reservoir components have one or more generally planar surfaces, namely the generally flat surfaces of the rectangular prism shape.
  • the resulting liquid tank 100 has one or more planar surfaces that are formed from a combination of the individual planar surfaces of the individual parts 200.
  • the liquid tank IOOA in Figure IA has generally four upright, planar side walls.
  • the tank IOOB in Figure IB could be ⁇ said to have six upright, generally planar side wall surfaces. (The term "generally planar" covers those planar surfaces that have slight surface corrugations).
  • each of the parts 200A-H is provided with component-connection-means that is adapted to enable each of the reservoir parts 200A-H to interconnect one to at least another. Potentially, the user can make use of as many, or as few reservoir parts as needed to provide the amount of liquid storage capacity required by the user.
  • connection of the reservoir parts may, or may not, include the notion of locking the components together. Some embodiments may include means for locking the reservoir parts 200 together. In other variations, the reservoir parts can be held or bound together by an external means, such as an external strap.
  • the component- connection-means can be in the form of nuts and bolts that connect the reservoir parts together, or some mechanical fastener that interconnects the parts 200 together.
  • the role of the component-connection-means, for connecting the reservoir parts includes the role of connecting the parts 200 in appropriate alignment with the other parts 200.
  • the component-connection-means includes alignment-means which ensures that, in use, each of the reservoir parts 200A-H can interconnect with one or more adjacent reservoir parts 200, in a predetermined alignment.
  • This predetermined alignment may be either linear, orthogonal or some other predetermined, non-random arrangement.
  • the alignment means can include a range of features that contribute to the overall ability of the reservoir parts to be connected in appropriate alignment that is selected by the user. Below are various examples of alignment-means that are useable with embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows two interconnected reservoir parts 200A, 200B, one positioned above the other during the process of assembly, with the aim that the lower surface 210L of the first component 200A will engage the upper surface 210L of the second component 200B.
  • At least part of the alignment-means in the embodiment, is located on surfaces of each of the reservoir parts 200 that, in use when stacked on top of another, are arranged so as to act as upper 21 OU and lower 21 OL surfaces thereof.
  • each reservoir part 200A, 200B in the exemplary embodiment, is in a form that includes one or more male-projection-means in the form of male-projections 220M.
  • the reservoir parts 200A, 200B are each provided with two male-projections 220M, however, in other variations, there many be just one such male-projection, or even three or more such male-projection on each reservoir part.
  • each reservoir part 200 can be provided with one such projection, or even three or more such projections. Also, in other modifications, each reservoir part 200 may be provided with two or more rows of projections.
  • each reservoir part 200A, 200B in the embodiment, is in a form that also includes one or more female-reception-means in the form of female- depressions 220F.
  • the reservoir parts 200A, 200B are each provided with two female-depressions 220F, however, in other variations, there many be just one such female-depression, or even three or more such female-depressions 220F on each reservoir part.
  • each reservoir part 200 can be provided with one such depression, or even three or more such depressions. Also, in other modifications, each reservoir part 200 may be provided with two or more rows of depressions 220F.
  • the male projections 220M of one reservoir part 200A enters and engages with the corresponding female- depressions 220F on the adjacent reservoir part 200B, or, in other words, the female- depressions 220F receives therein the male projections 220M.
  • the resulting structure unfilled with liquid, may have a degree of play or looseness.
  • the added weight of the liquid adds a larger degree of stability and coherence to the entire water tank 100.
  • the overall integral unit of the tank has a good degree of stability.
  • each reservoir part is provided with flow-aperture-means through which liquid can flow back and forth between adjacent reservoir parts.
  • the flow-aperture-means perform this role when the reservoir parts are connected using the component-connection-means.
  • some or all of the component-connection-means includes the flow-aperture-means.
  • the male-projections 220M which perform the function of interconnecting the reservoir parts — also includes flow-aperture-means in the form of one or more apertures 214 through which the liquid can flow.
  • each male-projections 220M has a flow-aperture-means in the form of an axial flow channel 214 that passes through the central, longitudinal axis of the male-projection 220M.
  • liquid is able to flow between the interconnected parts 200 through these flow channels 214.
  • FIG. 3 shows how the flow channel 214, that is in the male-projection 220M, is able to function as a flow channel for liquid to flow between the lower reservoir part 200B and the upper reservoir part 200A.
  • the liquid tanks 100 in use, are filled with liquid, with the liquid entering the tank either through one of the uppermost flow channels 214.
  • other variations can provide a dedicated inlet mechanism.
  • liquid can enter through the flow channel 214. Initially, the liquid eventually finds its way to the lowermost reservoir parts 200G, 200H. As these lowermost parts fill with liquid, the liquid level rises, and subsequently flows into the reservoir parts 200E, 200F on the next-highest layer, and so forth until the entire liquid tank IOOA is filled with liquid.
  • the liquid, inside the tank 100 may effectively become a single body of liquid.
  • the interconnected reservoir parts may be regarded as a single liquid tank that is constructed from a plurality of reservoir parts.
  • FIGS 2 and 5A show that, in the embodiments, the flow channels 214 in each reservoir part 200 are located such that, when the reservoir parts are stacked on top of one another, the flow channels 214 are arranged in alignment along a linear path (indicated by • dotted line C-C).
  • this linear alignment of the flow channels can be used to advantage as part of the alignment-means of the liquid tank.
  • the alignment-means includes a linear locking device in the form of a locking rod 260 shown in Figure 5B.
  • the locking rod 260 passes through a series of the flow channels 214 along the linear path to provide structural rigidity to the reservoir parts 200 that are interconnected on top of each other.
  • the locking rod at its leading point 261 which is inserted first into the apertures, is provided with a bifurcated, expandable arrow-shaped head 261.
  • the two arms of the bifurcated head are compressed together to allow it to fit through the narrow opening of the channel 214, which then expand after the head 261 enters the internal chamber of the reservoir part 200.
  • a purpose of the expandable bifurcated head 261 is to hinder removal of the rod. Hence, use of such a rod 260 with a bifurcated tip would be in circumstances where the user has no future intention of disassembling the liquid tank 100.
  • the user can use a similar rod that does not have a bifurcated tip.
  • the opening of the channel 214 is circular, whereas the cross- section of the rod 260 is non-circular. Hence, the rod does not totally block the opening of the channel, thus allowing liquid to flow through the channel, even when the rod is positioned in the channel opening.
  • some or all of the reservoir parts 200 may be of identical shape such that the reservoir-tank apparatus is modular in nature. A user can therefore purchase a plurality of identical reservoir parts 200 which can be constructed into a liquid tank 100 of a wide variety of shapes and configurations.
  • the reservoir parts can be detachable from each other, which means that the user can construct, and re-construct the parts, so as to change the shape of the overall liquid tank 100.
  • the modular nature of water tanks, that are created according to embodiments of the invention, have the benefit of being able to be created in a range of shapes and sizes. .
  • Figures IA-D show linear tanks, column tanks, and L- shaped tanks.
  • Other possibilities include Z-shaped or C-shaped tanks.
  • the wide range of possibilities is a result of the modular nature of the tanks.
  • Figure 3 shows a step-shaped tank that can be positioned on a step-shaped surface.
  • FIG. 1A may include non-identical reservoir parts.
  • all the reservoir parts have male- projections 220M on their upper surfaces 210U, and all the parts 200 have female- depressions 220F on their lower surfaces 210L.
  • the particular reservoir part 200 may only have either such alignment means on their upper surfaces 210U, or only on their lower surfaces 210L.
  • Such modified parts 200 can be used for the upper layer of reservoir parts.
  • a possible modification could be that, rather than using the identical parts 200A, 200B in the uppermost layer of reservoir parts, these could be replaced with reservoir parts where the upper male-projections 220M would be omitted, in order to achieve a smooth upper surface 210U without any projections, merely for the sake of a more pleasing appearance.
  • the user can create the liquid tank 100 using a large number of identical reservoir parts 200A-H for the intermediate layers of the tank, except for the uppermost layer, and possibly the lowermost layer, where the user can rely on a modified reservoir part that presents a smoother outer surface.
  • the illustrated embodiments have male-projections 220M and female-depressions 220F, while other variations have either male-projections 220M or female-depressions 220F, i.e. "and/or”.
  • the male-projection-means comprise convex mounds 21 IM
  • the complementary female-reception-means comprise concave dimples 21 IF(A) that receive therein the convex mounds.
  • the mounds are rounded, however, in other embodiments these can be shaped differently, such as cylindrical or square, or any shape that can be used to achieve the same function.
  • the apparatus may be provided with half-reservoir parts that are half the size of the other parts 200A-H.
  • These half-sized parts can be used at ends of arrangements to provide an upright edge, rather than having a staggered edge.
  • a half-sized part can be positioned over the uncovered half of the reservoir part 200F.
  • a full-sized reservoir part can then be placed over that half-sized part.
  • the reservoir part 200B is the other side of the tank, above the reservoir part 200B.
  • Figures 6A to 6H show a series of drawings of a further embodiment in which the male-projections 220M and female-depressions 220F are omitted, without detriment to the overall structural stability of this further embodiment.
  • the alignment-means in the embodiments, is designed to allow the user to choose to interconnect the reservoir parts 200 from a range of possible alignments. It is possible to connect each of the reservoir parts according to a selection of a range of predetermined alignments which include two or more of linear, perpendicular, orthogonal or other predetermined, non-random arrangements. In the embodiments of Figures IA-D, the user can select between parallel or perpendicular arrangements between interconnected reservoir parts.
  • the alignment-means is in a form that is adapted to enable each of the reservoir-components to engage with at least another of the reservoir-components, such that a reference axis or plane of one reservoir-component is either parallel or perpendicular to the same reference axis or plane of the other reservoir- components to which it is engaged.
  • a suitable reference axis of the reservoir part 200D is its longitudinal central axis A-A.
  • the alignment means includes the capacity to interconnect all of the reservoir parts 200 A-F such that all of their longitudinal central axes A-A are aligned in parallel.
  • the same system of alignment means includes the capacity to interconnect the reservoir part 200A such that its longitudinal central axis Al-Al is aligned so as to be perpendicular to the same reference axis A2-A2 of its adjacent reservoir part 200B .
  • the configuration in Figure 3 in a sense, it may also be regarded as an embodiment of a water tank that can be used to abut a step surface.
  • FIG. 3 An example of an alternative engagement-mechanism is seen in Figure 3 in the context of Figures 2 and 4.
  • the upper surface 21 OU of the reservoir part 200B has two upper male-projections 220M.
  • each of these upper male-projections 220M has, located on either of its sides, a pair of mounds 21 IM, 21 IM. These mounds 21 IM, 21 IM are intended to engage with a corresponding pair of dimples 21 IF.
  • the undersurface or lower surface 210L of the identical reservoir part 200A rather than having just one pair of dimples 21 IF(A), actually has two pairs of dimples, 21 IF(A), 21 IF(A), 21 IF(B), 21 IF(B) i.e. four dimples.
  • the upper reservoir part 200A is in transverse or perpendicular alignment relative to the lower reservoir part 200B.
  • This transverse alignment occurs when the mounds 211 M, 211M of the lower part 200B engage with one of the pair of dimples 21 IF(B), 21 IF(B).
  • these dimples 21 IF(B) 5 21 IF(B) are located along an axis B-B that is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis Al-Al of reservoir part 200A.
  • the alignment means can include mechanisms that allow the choice of other angular alignments, such as thirty, forty- five, or sixty degrees, or even other angles of alignment.
  • the alignment-means is also adapted, in use, to prevent rotational motion between surfaces of adjacent reservoir- components that touch each other.
  • the alignment-means is in a form that includes complementary surface configurations 250 located on surfaces of the reservoir-components that, in use, are arranged to act as lateral side surfaces.
  • corrugated side surfaces 250 in use, also prevent lateral-sliding movement, i.e. side to side movement, of the connected reservoir-components with respect to one another.
  • the corrugations 250 on the side faces also prevent relative rotational movement when side surfaces of adjacent reservoir parts 200 are engaged face to face.
  • the reservoir parts 200A cannot move laterally, from side to side, relative to its adjacent reservoir part 200B, because of the engagement of the corrugated lateral sides of the respective reservoir parts 200B.
  • the corrugated lateral sides 250 do not, in and of themselves, prevent relative vertical movement.
  • the corrugations have axes that run from top to bottom of each reservoir part 200, however, in other variations, the corrugations can run from side to side, which would be horizontal when in use.
  • a variety of configurations can be used to hinder or prevent relative movement between adjacent, interconnected reservoir parts.
  • the side or lateral faces of the reservoir parts 200 can be provided with a locking mechanism that locks the faces together, and prevents detachment. In such embodiments, a separate unlocking action would be required to detach the reservoir parts from each other.
  • the reservoir parts 200 are removably interconnected to each other, meaning that, after assembly, the entire liquid tank 100 can be disassembled perhaps for storage or transport. Also, an existing liquid tank 100 can be expanded or reduced in size, either by addition or removal of reservoir parts 200. Thus, the user can alter the overall liquid capacity of the liquid tank.
  • the embodiments include removal-resistance-means to provide a degree of resistance to disconnection. This ensures that such disconnection occurs because of the user's intention, rather than unintentionally.
  • the reservoir parts 200 are provided with removal-resistance-means.
  • the removal- resistance-means are in the form of resilient O-rings 213 (the O-rings are shown in Figure ID) that fit in circumferential grooves 212 that surround the outer rim of the male- projections 220M.
  • the outer rim of the 0-rings protrude slightly out from the lateral surface of the male-projections 220M.
  • the resilient O-rings are slightly compressed.
  • This compression of the O-rings has an effect of providing a greater degree of sealing between the interface of the outer surface of the male-projections 220M and that of the inner surface of the female-depressions 220F.
  • the compression of the resilient O-rings 213 also provides a degree of resistance to removal.
  • the apparatus is preferably provided with cover members that can be used to cover and seal any open apertures.
  • the attachment mechanism of the reservoir parts 200 enables them to be positioned relative to one another, similar to the manner in which rectangular house- bricks are positioned relative to one another.
  • the reservoir parts 200 can be stacked on top of each other, or positioned or attached generally side by side, with at least part or the whole of another of the reservoir part.
  • the top reservoir part 200A is positioned alongside the whole of its adjacent reservoir part 200B.
  • top corner reservoir part 200F would be positioned only partially, not wholly, alongside its adjacent reservoir parts 200A, 200C, 200D.
  • the system of connection enables each of the reservoir parts 200 to connect to two, or three, or more adjacent reservoir parts 200.
  • the liquid that is stored in the liquid tank can be water, or other types of liquid that need to be stored.
  • the male projections 220M may either be on the upper surface 210U or the lower surface 210L of the reservoir part.
  • the embodiments may be made of polyproylene or other suitable material, particularly polymer materials that can be blow moulded.
  • the parts 200 may also be made of metal or ceramic.
  • Some of the apertures in the reservoir parts can be adapted to receive an inlet or an outlet device.
  • the apertures can be threaded, so that the inlet or outlet devices can be screwed on.
  • An outlet device can be attached to an aperture, closer to the bottom of the liquid tank 100, to allow drainage and emptying of the tank.
  • the inlet or outlet devices can include a hose that is used for filling the tank.
  • the inlet or outlet devices can include a pump to facilitate filling or emptying of the tank 100.
  • Surfaces of the reservoir parts may be provided with external lugs, eyelets or rings, through which a cord, rope or metal strap, for example, can be inserted to tie the reservoir parts together to provide a greater degree of security in holding the reservoir parts together.
  • the uppermost layer of parts 200 may be provided with a breather device, such as a breather tube, that enables air to enter the interior of the tank.
  • a breather device such as a breather tube
  • This breather tube enables air to enter or exit the tank, as the tank is either filled or emptied of liquid.
  • the breather device is preferably located above the level at which liquid would enter via the liquid inlet.
  • the male/female connection devices are consistently located on surfaces which, in use, are on upper and lower surfaces.
  • such male/female connection devices are provided on surfaces that, in use, are located as lateral or side surfaces.
  • the apparatus may be provided with various seals and sealants sufficient to reduce or avoid leakage of liquid.
  • each reservoir part 200 may have an individual drainage outlet to enable each part 200 to be individually drained. This is also useful for periodically removing any sediment that collects in each reservoir part. Strengthening Indentations
  • each reservoir part 200 when each reservoir part 200 is filled with liquid, there may be a tendency for the liquid to exert pressure on the lateral side walls to force theses surfaces outwards, in other words, forcing the panels away from the centre of the reservoir part. This tendency is accentuated as the liquid tank 100 is filled with greater amounts of liquid.
  • one or more of the surfaces of the individual reservoir parts may be provided with panel-strengthening- means to resist this tendency for the lateral side panels, of each reservoir part 200, to bulge outwardly under pressure.
  • the panel-strengthening-means can be in the form of an internal strengthening beam that acts only on one side panel, inside the reservoir part 200.
  • the strengthening beam can extend across the internal side panel of the reservoir part 200 to resist bulging.
  • one or more of the planar surfaces of the individual reservoir parts are provided with panel-strengthening-means which, in the embodiment, are in the form of strengthening connectors 201.
  • the connector 201 connects one side panel to the opposite panel, thus holding the opposing panels together.
  • the connector 201 serves to connect the two side panels 202A, 202B together.
  • the connector 201 holds the two side panels 202A, 202B together, and resists any tendency for the panels to bulge outwardly and away from each other.
  • Figure 6H shows a halved, sectional view of the interior of two reservoir parts of the further embodiment of Figures 6A to 6H.
  • each reservoir part is provided with an individual drainage outlet 203.
  • the drainage outlet is provided on a corner 204 of the reservoir part that is chamfered.
  • Embodiments of the invention can be used as water storage tanks, for instance, installed in gardens.
  • liquid tanks that perform a role as barrier walls on roadsides, for example.
  • Embodiments of the invention may be stacked on trucks where the modular nature of the reservoir parts 200 means that a liquid tank of appropriate size can be constructed to fit the storage area of the truck.
  • liquid storage tank that is portable, and is readily assembled in a modular form such that it can create a tank which can be varied in size and shape.
  • each individual part 200 can be blow moulded, which is a cheaper and/or faster manufacturing process compared to the rotational moulding process required for producing large cylindrical tanks. For example, it may take around 3 hours to produce a large cylindrical tank by rotational moulding, whereas it could take around 3 minutes to blow mould the smaller reservoir part 200.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil de réservoir de liquide apte à contenir un liquide, comprenant : une pluralité de composants de réservoir chacun capable de contenir une quantité de liquide, chacun comportant des moyens de connexion de composant aptes à permettre aux composants de réservoir de s'interconnecter un à au moins un autre ; et des moyens d'ouverture d'écoulement qui permettent au liquide de s'écouler à travers ceux-ci entre des composants de réservoir adjacents lorsque les composants de réservoir sont ainsi connectés à l'aide d'un moyen de connexion de composant ; les composants de réservoir étant aptes à se combiner, en utilisation, pour former un réservoir capable de contenir une masse de liquide constituée de la combinaison des quantités de liquide dans chacun des composants de réservoir interconnectés.
PCT/AU2008/001509 2007-10-24 2008-10-13 Appareil de réservoir de liquide WO2009052550A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008316296A AU2008316296A1 (en) 2007-10-24 2008-10-13 Liquid tank apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007905848A AU2007905848A0 (en) 2007-10-24 Liquid Tank Apparatus
AU2007905848 2007-10-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009052550A1 true WO2009052550A1 (fr) 2009-04-30

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PCT/AU2008/001509 WO2009052550A1 (fr) 2007-10-24 2008-10-13 Appareil de réservoir de liquide

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Country Link
AU (1) AU2008316296A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009052550A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010145700A1 (fr) * 2009-06-17 2010-12-23 Bottle-Plus Récipient multifonctionnel
FR2980494A1 (fr) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-29 Vincent Fort Dispositif de paroi murale de captation et de stockage des eaux de pluie et de ruissellement.
ES2430764A1 (es) * 2012-05-17 2013-11-21 Ángel María MARTÍN GARCÍA Contenedor, sistema y procedimiento para almacenar, transportar y alimentar calderas de biomasa
GB2572142A (en) * 2018-03-18 2019-09-25 Ecodacity Ltd A glass container and method of manufacturing a glass container
WO2020215119A1 (fr) * 2019-04-23 2020-10-29 Vick Wayne Andrew Système de construction modulaire de réservoir de fluide
FR3121946A1 (fr) * 2021-04-14 2022-10-21 Olivier GIACOMETTI Ensemble modulaire de collecte d’eau pluviale pour former un système de collecte d’eau pluviale en façade

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993011310A1 (fr) * 1991-12-05 1993-06-10 John Arnold Warren Systeme d'enceinte pour le stockage d'eau
AU2004208647A1 (en) * 2003-09-03 2005-03-17 Suzi Tooke Water storage tank
AU2005100317A4 (en) * 2005-04-14 2005-05-19 Andrew Salouros Modular water storage container system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993011310A1 (fr) * 1991-12-05 1993-06-10 John Arnold Warren Systeme d'enceinte pour le stockage d'eau
AU2004208647A1 (en) * 2003-09-03 2005-03-17 Suzi Tooke Water storage tank
AU2005100317A4 (en) * 2005-04-14 2005-05-19 Andrew Salouros Modular water storage container system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010145700A1 (fr) * 2009-06-17 2010-12-23 Bottle-Plus Récipient multifonctionnel
FR2980494A1 (fr) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-29 Vincent Fort Dispositif de paroi murale de captation et de stockage des eaux de pluie et de ruissellement.
WO2013045803A1 (fr) 2011-09-26 2013-04-04 Fort Vincent Dispositif de paroi murale de captation et de stockage des eaux de pluie et de ruissellement.
ES2430764A1 (es) * 2012-05-17 2013-11-21 Ángel María MARTÍN GARCÍA Contenedor, sistema y procedimiento para almacenar, transportar y alimentar calderas de biomasa
GB2572142A (en) * 2018-03-18 2019-09-25 Ecodacity Ltd A glass container and method of manufacturing a glass container
WO2020215119A1 (fr) * 2019-04-23 2020-10-29 Vick Wayne Andrew Système de construction modulaire de réservoir de fluide
FR3121946A1 (fr) * 2021-04-14 2022-10-21 Olivier GIACOMETTI Ensemble modulaire de collecte d’eau pluviale pour former un système de collecte d’eau pluviale en façade

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