COLLAPSIBLE FUEL CONTAINER

Abstract

A collapsible fuel container includes a container body and an inner bladder. The container body defines an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container. The inner bladder is disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded. The container body is made of a material that is resistant to punctures from high velocity projectiles and is configured to be collapsed and condensed. The container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to the high velocity projectiles in up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder. The collapsible fuel container can include a body restraint harness assembly and a tiedown harness assembly. The collapsible fuel container can include one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a collapsible fuel container.

BACKGROUND

Collapsible fuel bladders are used in multiple domains including on land, over water, and in air, and are often used for military applications of resupplying forces with large quantities of fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a schematic, transparent, perspective view of a collapsible fuel container, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a schematic, transparent, front view of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a schematic, transparent, rear view of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1F is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, taken at detail 1F in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1G is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, taken at detail 1G in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1H is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, taken at detail 1H in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body restraint harness assembly of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tiedown harness assembly of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 1A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an inner bladder of a collapsible fuel container, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a schematic bottom view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, taken along section line 4D-4D in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, taken along section line 4E-4E in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4F is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, taken along section line 4F-4F in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4G is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, taken along section line 4G-4G in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4H is an enlarged schematic side view of a fill assembly isolated from the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4I is an enlarged schematic side view of a vent assembly isolated from the inner bladder of FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of a container body of the collapsible fuel container of FIG. 4A, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a schematic plan view of the container body of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a schematic bottom view of the container body of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5D is a schematic side view of the container body of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5E is a schematic rear view of the container body of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5F is a schematic front view of the container body of FIG. 5A, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the container body of FIG. 4A isolated from the collapsible fuel container and mounted on a platform, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the collapsible fuel container of FIGS. 4A and 5A mounted on, and coupled to, the platform of FIG. 6, according to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a collapsible fuel container is disclosed. The collapsible fuel container includes a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container. The container body is made of a material that is resistant to punctures from high velocity projectiles and is configured to be collapsed and condensed. The collapsible fuel container includes an inner bladder defining a hollow interior. The inner bladder is disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded. The container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to the high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

In another embodiment, a collapsible fuel container is disclosed. The collapsible fuel container includes a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container includes and inner bladder defining a hollow interior. The inner bladder is disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded. A body restraint harness assembly is secured to an exterior portion of the inner bladder and substantially prevents at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container. A tiedown harness assembly is disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and is configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

In yet another embodiment, a collapsible fuel container is disclosed. The collapsible fuel container includes a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container also includes an inner bladder defining a hollow interior and having a width. The inner bladder is disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded. One or more baffles are disposed within the inner bladder and extend from a bottom side to a top side of an interior of the inner bladder. The one or more baffles have a baffle width that is less than the width of the hollow interior of the inner bladder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, both the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth,” etc., may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached,” “connected,” and the like, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “lateral” and “laterally” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the collapsible fuel container. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations that extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the collapsible fuel container. In addition, as used herein, the terms “vertical” and “vertically” refer to directions and orientations that extend in a general vertical direction according to the orientation shown in FIG. 1A.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or the machines for constructing the components and/or the systems or manufacturing the components and/or the systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a one, two, four, ten, fifteen, or twenty percent margin in either individual values, range(s) of values and/or endpoints defining range(s) of values.

Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined, and interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

Collapsible fuel bladders are used in multiple domains including on land, over water, and in air, and are often used for military applications of resupplying forces with large quantities of fuel. Such fuel bladders are often transported empty to the destination of intended use and filled through large pumps and hoses and commonly serve as a bulk fuel storage option. Once filled, such bladders are often limited in their means of mobility and must be emptied prior to moving to a new location. For example, such fuel bladders are not designed to move while full of fuel. A need exists, however, for a collapsible fuel bladder that can be transported while full of fuel via multi-modal transportation assets (e.g., by land, by water, or by air) and provide bulk fuel resupply to any type of equipment.

Many applications, such as military applications, require fuel in remote locations, such as locations away from normal infrastructure. Such remote locations are difficult to provide means for supplying fuel to vehicles at the remote locations. Typically, a polyurethane or urethane-coated nylon fuel bladder in various sizes is used to store fuel therein at the remote locations. Such fuel bladders, however, are static structures (e.g., resting on the ground) and are not designed to be moved when full of fuel. For example, the fuel needs to be removed from the fuel bladder and the fuel bladder is collapsed and moved to the various locations as needed, where the fuel bladder is then filled with fuel again. Such fuel bladders are not designed to withstand high velocity projectiles (e.g., bullets), and are not designed to withstand at least one of high vibrations or high g-forces (e.g., g-forces greater than 10 Gs) associated with moving the fuel bladder on a vehicle. For example, if such fuel bladders are transported, the vibrations or the g-forces may cause the fuel bladder to deform, thereby adding pressure to certain portions of the fuel bladder. If the vibrations and/or the g-forces are substantially high, the vibrations and/or the g-forces may cause the fuel bladder to tear or otherwise rupture. A need exists, however, for an agile fuel bladder that can be employed on the ground, as well as on vehicles, such as, for example, trucks, ships, aircraft, or the like, such that the fuel bladder is movable and configured to be transported full of fuel.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a collapsible fuel container that can be inflated upon being filled with fuel and deflated upon the fuel being emptied from the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container can be transported while filled with fuel and can withstand vibrations, high g-forces, low velocity projectiles, high velocity projectiles (e.g., bullets), or combinations thereof. For example, the collapsible fuel container includes an inner bladder (e.g., a fuel bladder) that is filled with fuel and an outer container body. The inner bladder is disposed within the outer container body, and the outer container body provides a protective shell for the inner bladder. The outer container body is made of a material that is resistant to high velocity projectiles (e.g., bullets). The collapsible fuel container is an agile fuel management (AFM) collapsible bladder that is configured to be easily transported (e.g., on a vehicle such as an aircraft or a truck) and collapsible for storing fuel, such as military-grade fuel (e.g., JP-8, F-24, JA, JA1, diesel gas oil, automotive diesel, automotive fuel, aviation gasoline, diesel fuel oil, JP-5, TS1 fuels, or arctic fuel grades) and capable of being pre-positioned or resupplied with fuel with speed, agility, and safety. The collapsible fuel container preferably has a minimum fuel container capacity of three thousand (3,000) U.S. gallons.

The collapsible fuel container is made of suitable fabrics and equipped with stabilizing baffles to reduce fluid surge, an external tiedown harness assembly, a drain assembly for allowing the fuel to drain or be removed from the collapsible fuel container, a fill assembly for allowing the collapsible fuel container to be filled with fuel, and a vent assembly for venting the collapsible fuel container while being filled or drained. The collapsible fuel container demonstrates permeability, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, fitting strength, slosh and vibration resistance that allows the collapsible fuel container to be transported via fixed wing and/or rotary wing aircraft. The collapsible fuel container can be airlifted up to at least forty thousand feet (40,000 ft.) without the fuel seeping from the connections of the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container is unaffected by airlift altitudes, can survive and withstand positive and negative g-forces during, for example, take-off, in-flight pressures, and drop landings (e.g., during combat). The collapsible fuel container provides protection from catastrophic loss of contents when subjected to small arms fire and fragmentation. The collapsible fuel container can also be transported via a platform, such a type V aerial delivery platform.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a schematic, transparent, perspective view of a collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A to 1C show the collapsible fuel container 100 in a fully expanded state. The collapsible fuel container 100 also includes a fully collapsed state. The collapsible fuel container 100 is filled with fuel such that the collapsible fuel container 100 expands from the fully collapsed state to the fully expanded state as the fuel fills the collapsible fuel container 100. The collapsible fuel container 100 can be partially filled with fuel such that the collapsible fuel container 100 includes an expanded state between the fully collapsed state and the fully expanded state. The collapsible fuel container 100 is depicted as transparent in FIG. 1A for illustration purposes. The collapsible fuel container 100 can be opaque.

The collapsible fuel container 100 is defined by a lateral direction L_A, a radial direction R, and a vertical direction V. When in the expanded state or the fully expanded state, the collapsible fuel container 100 includes a first lateral side 101, a second lateral side 103 opposite the first lateral side 101 along the lateral direction L_A, a first radial side 105, a second radial side 107 opposite the first radial side 105 along the radial direction R, a bottom side 109, and a top side 111 opposite the bottom side 109 along the vertical direction V. The first lateral side 101, the second lateral side 103, the first radial side 105, the second radial side 107, the bottom side 109, and the top side 111 are defined in the orientations shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The first lateral side 101 is also referred to as an aft side, and the second lateral side 103 is also referred to as a forward side. The collapsible fuel container 100 extends along the lateral direction L_A from the first lateral side 101 to the second lateral side 103, extends along the radial direction R from the first radial side 105 to the second radial side 107, and extends along the vertical direction V from the bottom side 109 to the top side 111.

The collapsible fuel container 100 includes a container body 102 and an inner bladder 104 disposed within the container body 102. The container body 102 defines an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container 100. The inner bladder 104 defines a hollow interior of the collapsible fuel container 100. The container body 102 and the inner bladder 104 are generally rectangular. In this way, the collapsible fuel container 100 is generally rectangular. The container body 102 is made of a material that is flexible such that the container body 102 can be expanded when the collapsible fuel container 100 is full of fuel, and that can withstand low velocity projectile impacts and high velocity projectile (e.g., bullet) impacts, as detailed further below. In this way, the container body 102 provides a protective jacket about the inner bladder 104 for protecting the inner bladder 104. The inner bladder 104 is a flexible fuel bladder that is inserted within the container body 102 and is configured to receive and contain fuel therein. For example, the inner bladder 104 is made of a material that is flexible such that the inner bladder 104 can be expanded when filled with fuel and can be collapsed when the fuel is emptied from the inner bladder 104, and is fuel resistant such that the inner bladder 104 can hold and contain fuel therein, as detailed further below. The inner bladder 104 includes one or more baffles 106 inside the inner bladder 104. The one or more baffles 106 help to reduce fluid surge within the collapsible fuel container 100. In FIG. 1A, the one or more baffles 106 include three baffles 106 spaced laterally within the inner bladder 104 along the lateral direction L_A. The collapsible fuel container 100 also includes a body restraint harness assembly 108 and a tiedown harness assembly 110. The body restraint harness assembly 108 restrains the inner bladder 104 to reduce or to prevent at least one of vibrations or high g-forces on the collapsible fuel container 100, as detailed further below. The tiedown harness assembly 110 is utilized to safely secure the collapsible fuel container 100 to a platform and/or to a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft, a ship, a truck, or the like), as detailed further below. For example, the collapsible fuel container 100 is configured to be coupled to a type V aerial delivery platform or can be coupled directly to a floor or other component of a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a ship, an aircraft, or the like).

The collapsible fuel container 100 includes a zipper assembly 112 on the container body 102 such that the container body 102 is configured to be opened for inserting the inner bladder 104 into the container body 102 and is configured to be closed. In this way, the inner bladder 104 is inserted into the container body 102 through the zipper assembly 112 and can be removed from the container body 102 through the zipper assembly 112. The zipper assembly 112 is a high strength, and liquid-tight, zipper assembly with a plurality of straps 113 on each side of the zipper assembly 112 for reinforcing the zipper assembly 112. The collapsible fuel container 100 includes one or more air relief valves 114 for relieving an air pressure between the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104. For example, the inner bladder 104 can move with respect to the container body 102 within the container body 102 and air can build in a space between the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104. The one or more air relief valves 114 allow the air to be vented from the spaced between the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104. The one or more air relief valves 114 are automatic air relief valves that release the air pressure at 0.5 psi. The one or more air relief valves 114 include three air relief valves 114, but can include any number of air relief valves 114, as desired, for venting air from between the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104.

The inner bladder 104 includes one or more body restraint harness slots 116 such that the body restraint harness assembly 108 is extended through the one or more body restraint harness slots 116, as detailed further below. The one or more body restraint harness slots 116 include four body restraint harness slots 116 spaced along the lateral direction L_A and the radial direction R on the top side 111 of the inner bladder 104, includes four body restraint harness slots 116 spaced along the lateral direction L_A on the first radial side 105 of the inner bladder 104, and includes four body restraint harness slots 116 spaced along the lateral direction L_A on the second radial side 107 of the inner bladder 104. The one or more body restraint harness slots 116, however, can include any number of body restraint harness slots 116, as desired, for receiving the body restraint harness assembly 108. The one or more body restraint harness slots 116 allow the body restraint harness assembly 108 to be inserted therethrough to provide rigid support for the collapsible fuel container 100 while also preventing the body restraint harness assembly 108 from moving or from sliding about the inner bladder 104.

The container body 102 includes one or more tiedown harness slots 118 such that the tiedown harness assembly 110 is extended through the one or more tiedown harness slots 118, as detailed further below. The one or more tiedown harness slots 118 include six tiedown harness slots 118 spaced along the lateral direction L_A on the top side 111 of the container body 102. The one or more tiedown harness slots 118, however, can include any number of tiedown harness slots 118, as desired, for receiving the tiedown harness assembly 110. The one or more tiedown harness slots 118 allow the tiedown harness assembly 110 to be inserted therethrough to provide secure the collapsible fuel container 100 to a platform or to a vehicle, while also preventing the tiedown harness assembly 110 from moving or from sliding about the container body 102.

The collapsible fuel container 100 also includes a drain assembly 120, a fill assembly 130, and a vent assembly 140. The drain assembly 120 allows the fuel to drain, or otherwise to be removed, from the collapsible fuel container 100. The fill assembly 130 allows the collapsible fuel container 100 to be filled with fuel. The vent assembly 140 allows the collapsible fuel container 100 to be vented to relieve pressure while the collapsible fuel container 100 is being filled with fuel and/or while the fuel is being drained from the collapsible fuel container 100. The drain assembly 120, the fill assembly 130, and the vent assembly 140 are detailed further below.

The container body 102 and the inner bladder 104 are sized such that the collapsible fuel container 100 has a volume of at least 3,000 U.S. gallons (11.35 m³). The volume of the collapsible fuel container 100, however, can include any volume between fifty U.S. gallons to five thousand U.S. gallons (50 U.S. gallons to 5,000 U.S. gallons). The collapsible fuel container 100 includes a width W defined along the radial direction R, a length L defined along the lateral direction L_A, and a height H defined along the vertical direction V. The width W, the length L, and the height H are measured when the collapsible fuel container 100 is in the fully expanded state. The width W is between seventy inches and one hundred seventy inches (70 in. to 170 in.). The length L is between one hundred eight inches and three hundred inches (108 in. to 300 in.). The height H is between fifteen inches and sixty inches (15 in. and 60 in.).

The container body 102 is made of a material that is permeable, resistant to abrasion, resistant to impacts (e.g., punctures), and can be collapsed or condensed. The material of the container body 102, for example, can be a synthetic fiber having a high strength and durability, such as, for example, a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material (e.g., Kevlar®) having a warp direction and a fill direction of threaded fibers of the material. The container body 102 has a weight between eighty pounds and one thousand pounds (80 lbs. to 1,000 lbs.). Further, the container body 102 has a tensile strength of at least one thousand one hundred pounds (1,100 lbs.) in the warp direction and in the fill direction, and is preferably between one thousand one hundred pounds and one thousand four hundred eighty-five pounds (1,100 lbs. to 1,485 lbs.) for one strip of material of the container body 102. The container body 102 has a tear resistance of at least two hundred twenty pounds (220 lbs.) in the warp direction and in the fill direction, and is preferably between two hundred twenty pounds and two hundred eighty-five pounds (220 lbs. to 285 lbs.). The container body 102 includes a low velocity projectile (e.g., screwdriver) puncture resistance of at least two hundred twenty pounds (220 lbs.), and is preferably between two hundred twenty pounds and four hundred pounds (220 lbs. to 400 lbs.). The container body 102 includes a high velocity projectile (e.g., ball) puncture resistance of at least one thousand eight hundred pounds (1,800 lbs.). In a preferred embodiment, the high velocity projectile puncture resistance is greater than one thousand eight hundred pounds (1,800 lbs.). In this way, the collapsible fuel container 100 can withstand high velocity projectiles (e.g., up to 600 ft/s), for example, from bullets, or the like.

The container body 102 includes one or more strips of material that can be coupled together via adhesion to form the structure of the container body 102. The adhesion process can include, for example, radio frequency (RF) welding, thermal welding, or the like. RF welding is a process of fusing materials together by applying radio frequency energy to an area to be joined (e.g., to an overlapping area of two sheets of the material). RF welding provides higher strength and improved mechanical properties of the container body 102 as compared to other types of coupling processes for coupling or joining sheets of the material together. The container body 102 includes an adhesion strength of at least twenty pounds per inch (20 lbs./in.), and is preferably between twenty pounds per inch and twenty-five pounds per inch (20 lbs./in. to 25 lbs./in.). In some embodiments, the container body 102 includes a coating of, for example, thermoplastic urethane (TPU) with dielectric and thermal sealing properties.

The inner bladder 104 is made of a material that is configured to be collapsed or condensed. In some examples, the inner bladder 104 is also made of a material that is suitable for contact with conventional military-grade fuels, resistant to abrasion, and/or resistant to impacts (e.g., punctures). The material of the inner bladder 104, for example, can be a synthetic polymer or other thermoplastic, such as a polyamide material (e.g., nylon), having a warp direction and a fill direction of threaded fibers of material. The inner bladder 104 has a weight between fifty pounds to six hundred pounds (50 lbs. to 600 lbs.).

The inner bladder 104 has a tensile strength of at least seven hundred pounds (700 lbs.) in the warp direction and in the fill direction, and is preferably between seven hundred pounds and nine hundred pounds (700 lbs. to 900 lbs.) for one strip of material of the inner bladder 104. The inner bladder 104 has a tear resistance of at least fifty pounds (50 lbs.) in the warp direction and in the fill direction, and is preferably between fifty pounds and one hundred pounds (50 lbs. to 100 lbs.). The inner bladder 104 has a tensile elongation of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in the warp direction and in the fill direction, and is preferably between twenty five percent and fifty percent (25% to 50%) for one strip of material of the inner bladder 104. The inner bladder 104 includes a low velocity projectile (e.g., screwdriver) puncture resistance of at least two hundred twenty-five pounds (225 lbs.), and is preferably between two hundred twenty-five pounds and three hundred twenty-five pounds (225 lbs. to 325 lbs.).

Together, the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104 provide for two layers that have an improved puncture resistance to both low velocity projectiles and high velocity projectiles as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure. In particular, a high velocity projectile may penetrate the container body 102 and/or the inner bladder 104 at a particular location of the collapsible fuel container 100 without causing catastrophic failure (e.g., holes having a diameter greater than 12 inches) of the collapsible fuel container 100. In this way, the inner bladder 104 disposed within the container body 102 helps to reduce the velocity of the high velocity projectile upon impact, thereby localizing any damage from the high velocity projectiles and minimizing a size of any holes in the collapsible fuel container 100 caused by the high velocity projectiles. For example, the container body 102 reduces the velocity of the high velocity projectile and then the inner bladder 104 further reduces the velocity of the high velocity projectile such that the container body 102 and the inner bladder 104 prevent the high velocity projectile from penetrating an opposite side. Table 1 below shows test results of various high velocity projectiles impacting the collapsible fuel container 100.

The inner bladder 104 includes a hydrostatic resistance of at least six hundred pounds per square inch (600 psi). In some embodiments, the hydrostatic resistance is greater than six hundred pounds per square inch (600 psi). The inner bladder 104 includes one or more strips of material that can be coupled together via adhesion to form the structure of the inner bladder 104. The adhesion process can include, for example, radio frequency (RF) welding, thermal welding, or the like, for providing higher strength and improved mechanical properties of the inner bladder 104 as compared to other types of coupling processes for coupling or joining sheets of the material together. The inner bladder 104 includes an adhesion strength of at least fifty pounds per inch (50 lbs./in.), and is preferably between fifty pounds per inch and fifty-five pounds per inch (50 lbs./in. to 55 lbs./in.). The inner bladder 104 includes a low temperature resistance of at least negative fifty degrees Fahrenheit, and is preferably between negative fifty degrees Fahrenheit and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (−50° F. to 32° F.). The inner bladder 104 includes a continuous high temperature resistance of at least one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit (160° F.), and an intermittent high temperature resistance of at least one hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit (180° F.). The continuous high temperature resistance means that the inner bladder 104 can sustain continuous exposure to such a temperature without becoming damaged or failing. Intermittent high temperature resistance means that the inner bladder 104 can sustain exposure to spikes in the temperature up to the intermittent high temperature without becoming damaged or failing.

FIG. 1D is a schematic, transparent, front view of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1D shows the first lateral side 101 of the collapsible fuel container 100. FIG. 1E is a schematic, transparent, rear view of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. The collapsible fuel container 100 is depicted as transparent in FIGS. 1D and 1E for illustration purposes. FIG. 1E shows the second lateral side 103 of the collapsible fuel container 100. As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the one or more baffles 106 are disposed inside of the inner bladder 104 and extend the width W (FIG. 1A) and the height H (FIG. 1A) of the collapsible fuel container 100. In particular, the one or more baffles 106 extend an entire width W and an entire height H of the interior of the inner bladder 104. The one or more baffles 106 are spaced laterally along the length L of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more baffles 106 help to reduce fluid surge within the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the one or more baffles 106 dissipate the energy of the sloshing motion by segmenting the flow field of the fuel in the inner bladder 104 into a number of sub-flow fields to reduce or to prevent sloshing and to increase the strength and the durability of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more baffles 106 include one or more baffle apertures 115 disposed therethrough such that at least some of the fuel within the collapsible fuel container 100 can flow through the one or more baffle apertures 115, while the one or more baffles 106 reduce the amount of sloshing of the fuel within the collapsible fuel container 100 as compared to fuel containers without the benefit of the present disclosure. The one or more baffles 106 are substantially planar such that the one or more baffles 106 are generally flat baffles.

FIG. 1F is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container 100, taken at detail 1F-1F in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1F shows the drain assembly 120 includes a drain camlock fitting 121 having a hollow interior 122. The drain camlock fitting 121 is a cam and groove coupling for connecting a hose (not shown), or the like, to the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the drain camlock fitting 121 is an adapter that allows a hose to be connected to the collapsible fuel container 100 for draining or otherwise removing the fuel from the collapsible fuel container 100.

The drain camlock fitting 121 includes a valve 123 disposed within the hollow interior 122. For example, the drain camlock fitting 121 can be a Maxi-Dry® camlock including the valve 123 for preventing fuel from leaking through the drain camlock fitting 121 when the drain camlock fitting 121 is coupled to the collapsible fuel container 100. The valve 123 is actuated to be opened and to be closed by a valve actuator 124. The valve actuator 124 is a hand actuator that is configured to be actuated manually by a user. In some embodiments, the valve actuator 124 can be controlled by, for example, a controller, such that the valve 123 can be opened and closed automatically or by a push of a button. In this way, the valve 123 can be opened to allow the fuel to flow through the hollow interior 122, and can be closed to prevent the fuel from flowing through the hollow interior 122. The drain camlock fitting 121 includes a first end 125 including a locking mechanism and a second end 126 opposite the first end 125. The first end 125 is configured to be coupled to a drain coupler 127 of the collapsible fuel container 100. The drain coupler 127 is located on the first lateral side 101 of the collapsible fuel container 100 near the bottom side 109 of the collapsible fuel container 100 such that all of the fuel in the collapsible fuel container 100 can be drained from the collapsible fuel container 100.

The drain coupler 127 includes a drain coupler flange 127a coupled on the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the drain coupler flange 127a is coupled on an outside of the container body 102 and an inside of the container body 102. The container body 102 includes a higher structural strength due to the material properties detailed above as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this way, the container body 102 provides additional durability for the drain coupler flange 127a such that the container body 102 is less susceptible to wear and tears at an area about the drain coupler flange 127a due to use of the drain coupler 127 as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure.

In operation, the first end 125 of the drain camlock fitting 121 is coupled to the drain coupler 127 and is locked to secure the drain camlock fitting 121 to the collapsible fuel container 100. The hose is then coupled to the second end 126. The valve actuator 124 is actuated to open the valve 123 and the fuel is drained from the collapsible fuel container 100, through the drain coupler 127, through the hollow interior 122 of the drain camlock fitting 121, and then through the hose. In some embodiments, a pump can be coupled in fluid communication with the drain camlock fitting 121 to pump the fuel from the collapsible fuel container 100. In some embodiments, the fuel is drained from the collapsible fuel container 100 through the drain camlock fitting 121 by gravity.

The drain coupler flange 127a is made of anodized aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, but can be made of any material, as desired. The drain camlock fitting 121 is made of anodized aluminum, but can be made of any material, as desired. The drain assembly 120 includes one or more seals, such as one or more gasket, that are fuel resistant.

FIG. 1G is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container 100, taken at detail 1G-1G in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1G shows the fill assembly 130 includes a fill camlock fitting 131 having a hollow interior 132. The fill camlock fitting 131 is a cam and groove coupling for connecting a fill hose 138, or the like, to the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the fill camlock fitting 131 is an adapter that allows the hose 138 to be connected to the collapsible fuel container 100 for filling the collapsible fuel container 100 with fuel.

The fill camlock fitting 131 includes a valve 133 disposed within the hollow interior 132. For example, the fill camlock fitting 131 can be a Maxi-Dry® camlock including the valve 133 for preventing fuel from leaking through the fill camlock fitting 131 when the fill camlock fitting 131 is coupled to the collapsible fuel container 100. The valve 133 is actuated to be opened and to be closed by a valve actuator 134. The valve actuator 134 is a hand actuator that is configured to be actuated manually by a user. In some embodiments, the valve actuator 134 can be controlled by, for example, a controller, such that the valve 133 can be opened and closed automatically or by a push of a button. In this way, the valve 133 can be opened to allow the fuel to flow through the hollow interior 132, and can be closed to prevent the fuel from flowing through the hollow interior 132. The fill camlock fitting 131 includes a first end 135 including a locking mechanism and a second end 136 opposite the first end. The first end 135 is configured to be coupled to a fill coupler 137 of the collapsible fuel container 100. The fill coupler 137 is located on the top side 111 of the collapsible fuel container 100 such that collapsible fuel container 100 can be filled with fuel to the fully expanded state. The second end 136 is configured to be coupled to the fill hose 138, or the like, for filling the collapsible fuel container 100 with fuel.

The fill coupler 137 includes a fill coupler flange 137a coupled on the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the fill coupler flange 137a is coupled on an outside of the container body 102 and an inside of the container body 102. The container body 102 includes a higher structural strength due to the properties detailed above as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this way, the container body 102 provides additional durability for the fill coupler flange 137a such that the container body 102 is less susceptible to wear and tears at an area about the fill coupler flange 137a due to use of the fill coupler 137 as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure.

In operation, the first end 135 of the fill camlock fitting 131 is coupled to the fill coupler 137 and is locked to secure the fill camlock fitting 131 to the collapsible fuel container 100. The fill hose 138 is then coupled to the second end 136. The valve actuator 134 is actuated to open the valve 133 and the fuel fills the collapsible fuel container 100, through the fill hose 138, through the hollow interior 132 of the fill camlock fitting 131, through the fill coupler 137, and into the inner bladder 104 of the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, a pump is configured to pump the fuel through the fill hose 138, through the hollow interior 132, through the fill coupler 137, and into the inner bladder 104.

The fill coupler flange 137a is made of anodized aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, but can be made of any material, as desired. The fill camlock fitting 131 is made of anodized aluminum, but can be made of any material, as desired. The fill assembly 130 includes one or more seals, such as one or more gasket, that are fuel resistant.

FIG. 1H is a schematic side view of a portion of the collapsible fuel container 100, taken at detail 1H-1H in FIG. 1C, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1H shows the vent assembly 140 includes a vent camlock fitting 141 having a hollow interior 142. The vent camlock fitting 141 is a cam and groove coupling for connecting a vent tube 148, or the like, to the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the vent camlock fitting 141 is an adapter that allows the vent tube 148 to be connected to the collapsible fuel container 100 for venting the collapsible fuel container 100.

The vent camlock fitting 141 includes a valve 143 disposed within the hollow interior 142 for preventing vapors and gases from leaking through the vent camlock fitting 141 when the vent camlock fitting 141 is coupled to the collapsible fuel container 100. The valve 143 is actuated to be opened and to be closed by a valve actuator 144. The valve actuator 144 is a hand actuator that is configured to be actuated manually by a user. In some embodiments, the valve actuator 144 can be controlled by, for example, a controller, such that the valve 143 can be opened and closed automatically or by a push of a button. In this way, the valve 143 can be opened to allow the vapors and gases to flow through the hollow interior 142, and can be closed to prevent the vapors and gases from flowing through the hollow interior 142. The vent camlock fitting 141 includes a first end 145 and a second end 146 opposite the first end 145. The first end 145 is configured to be coupled to a vent coupler 147 of the collapsible fuel container 100. The vent coupler 147 is located on the top side 111 of the collapsible fuel container 100 such that the vapors and gases can be vented from the collapsible fuel container 100. The second end 146 is configured to be coupled to the vent tube 148, or the like, for venting the collapsible fuel container 100. The vent assembly 140 also includes a vent cap 149 for capping the vent coupler 147 when the vent assembly 140 is not in use (e.g., the vent tube 148 and/or the vent camlock fitting 141 are removed from the collapsible fuel container 100).

The vent coupler 147 includes a vent coupler flange 147a coupled on the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the vent coupler flange 147a is coupled on an outside of the container body 102 and an inside of the container body 102. The container body 102 includes a higher structural strength due to the material properties detailed above as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this way, the container body 102 provides additional durability for the vent coupler flange 147a such that the container body 102 is less susceptible to wear and tears at an area about the vent coupler flange 147a due to use of the vent coupler 147 as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure.

In operation, the first end 145 of the vent camlock fitting 141 is coupled to the vent coupler 147 to secure the vent camlock fitting 141 to the collapsible fuel container 100. The vent tube 148 is then coupled to the second end 146. The valve actuator 144 is actuated to open the valve 143 and the vapors and gases are vented from the inner bladder 104 through the vent coupler 147, through the vent camlock fitting 141, and through the vent tube 148, and to the atmosphere or to a collection device for collecting the vapors and gases.

The vent coupler flange 147a is made of anodized aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, but can be made of any material, as desired. The vent camlock fitting 141 is made of anodized aluminum, but can be made of any material, as desired. The vent assembly 140 includes one or more seals, such as one or more gasket, that are fuel resistant.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body restraint harness assembly 108 of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows the body restraint harness assembly 108 isolated from the collapsible fuel container 100. The body restraint harness assembly 108 includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 and one or more radial restraint harnesses 154. The body restraint harness assembly 108 is secured to an exterior (surface) portion of the inner bladder 104 of the collapsible fuel container 100. The body restraint harness assembly 108 helps to prevent or to reduce g-forces through the collapsible fuel container 100. For example, the body restraint harness assembly 108 helps keep the structural integrity of the inner bladder 104 and prevents the collapsible fuel container 100 from becoming misshapen and/or otherwise deforming while the collapsible fuel container 100 is moved (e.g., in transport). For example, while the collapsible fuel container 100 is moved, the fuel within the collapsible fuel container 100 may move, thereby causing the collapsible fuel container 100 to deform and adding pressure to one or more sides of the collapsible fuel container 100. Such a configuration of the body restraint harness assembly 108 allows the collapsible fuel container 100 to be semi-rigid and collapsible, while maintaining a shape of the collapsible fuel container 100. Such a configuration of the body restraint harness assembly 108 also helps to prevent such a deformation of the collapsible fuel container 100, thereby preventing the added pressure on the inner bladder 104, and, thus, preventing the collapsible fuel container 100 from potentially bursting or otherwise ripping open.

The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 extend laterally along the lateral direction L_A of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more restraint harness slots 116 include the restraint harness slots 116 on the first lateral side 101, on the top side 111, and on the second lateral side 103, and also include one or more restraint harness slots 116 on the bottom side 109 of the inner bladder 104. The one or more restraint harness slots 116 on the bottom side 109 include two restraint harness slots 116 that extend in the lateral direction L_A and are spaced radially from each other. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 extend through the one or more restraint harness slots 116 on the bottom side 109, on the first lateral side 101, on the top side 111, and on the second lateral side 103 of the inner bladder 104. In this way, the one or more restraint harness slots 116 secure the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 on the inner bladder 104.

The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 include a length such that the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 wrap laterally about the inner bladder 104 to secure the container body 102. In this way, the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 add strength laterally about the collapsible fuel container 100 to reduce or to prevent vibration or high g-forces. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 are three inches (3 in.) wide harnesses and have a working load limit of at least thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lb.). The working load limit is a maximum load that the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 is designed to lift under conditions specified by the manufacturer. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 are made of, for example, polyester, or the like.

The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 each include a lateral restraint clip assembly 152 such that the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 are configured to be coupled and secured to themselves. In FIG. 2, the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 include two lateral restraint harnesses 150 including a first lateral restraint harness 150a and a second lateral restraint harness 150b spaced radially from the first lateral restraint harness 150a. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 can include any number of lateral restraint harnesses 150 for adding strength laterally about the collapsible fuel container 100 to reduce or to prevent vibration or high g-forces. The first lateral restraint harness 150a is positioned radially between the first radial side 105 and the fill assembly 130 and the vent assembly 140. The second lateral restraint harness 150b is positioned radially between the second radial side 107 and the fill assembly 130 and the vent assembly 140. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150 are positioned substantially parallel with the lateral direction L_A.

The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 extend radially along the radial direction R of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more restraint harness slots 116 include the restraint harness slots 116 on the first radial side 105 and on the second radial side 107, and the one or more restraint harness slots 116 on the bottom side 109 of the inner bladder 104 also include four restraint harness slots 116 that extend radially along the radial direction R and are spaced laterally along the lateral direction L_A of the inner bladder 104. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 extend through the one or more restraint harness slots 116 on the bottom side 109, on the first radial side 105, and on the second radial side 107 of the inner bladder 104. In this way, the one or more restraint harness slots 116 secure the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 on the inner bladder 104.

The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 include a length such that the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 wrap radially about the container body 102 to secure the container body 102. In this way, the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 add strength radially about the collapsible fuel container 100 to reduce or to prevent vibration or high g-forces. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 are three inches (3 in.) wide harnesses and have a working load limit of at least thirty thousand pounds (30,000 lb.). The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 are made of, for example, polyester, or the like.

The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 each include a radial restraint clip assembly 156 such that the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 are configured to be coupled and secured to themselves. In FIG. 2, the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 include four radial restraint harnesses 154 including a first radial restraint harness 154a, a second radial restraint harness 154b, a third radial restraint harness 154c, and a fourth radial restraint harness 154d. The first radial restraint harness 154a, the second radial restraint harness 154b, the third radial restraint harness 154c, and the fourth radial restraint harness 154d are each spaced laterally along the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 can include any number of radial restraint harnesses 154 for adding strength radially about the collapsible fuel container 100 to reduce or to prevent vibration or high g-forces. The first radial restraint harness 154a and the second radial restraint harness 154b are positioned laterally between the fill assembly 130 and the vent assembly 140. The third radial restraint harness 154c and the fourth radial restraint harness 154d are positioned laterally between the vent assembly 140 and the second lateral side 103. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 are positioned substantially parallel with the radial direction R. In this way, the one or more radial restraint harnesses 154 are square with the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 150. Such a configuration helps to evenly distribute the loads when the collapsible fuel container 100 moves with fuel within the inner bladder 104 and is subject to high g-forces. Thus, such a configuration helps to prevent the inner bladder 104 from rupturing under high g-forces and high loads.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tiedown harness assembly 110 of the collapsible fuel container 100, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows the tiedown harness assembly 110 isolated from the collapsible fuel container 100. The tiedown harness assembly 110 includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 and one or more radial restraint harnesses 154. The tiedown harness assembly 110 is secured to an exterior portion of the container body 102 of the collapsible fuel container 100, for example, through the one or more tiedown harness slots 118. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 extend laterally along the lateral direction L_A of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 each include a lateral tiedown clip 161 that are configured to clip to a platform or the like to secure the container body 102 to the platform or the like. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 also include a D ring and ratchet assembly 162 such that a length of the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 is adjustable. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 are two inches (2 in.) wide and have a working load limit of at least ten thousand pounds (10,000 lb.). The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 can include any length and width, as desired. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 are made of, for example, polyester, or the like. In FIG. 3, the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 include four lateral tiedown harnesses 160 including a first lateral tiedown harness 160a, a second lateral tiedown harness 160b, a third lateral tiedown harness 160c, and a fourth lateral tiedown harness 160d. The first lateral tiedown harness 160a and the second lateral tiedown harness 160b are located on a first lateral side of the collapsible fuel container 100 and are spaced radially from each other along the collapsible fuel container 100. The third lateral tiedown harness 160c and the fourth lateral tiedown harness 160d are located on a second lateral side of the collapsible fuel container 100 opposite the first lateral side and are spaced radially from each other along the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 160 can include any number of lateral tiedown harnesses 160 for securing the collapsible fuel container 100 to a platform or the like.

The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 extend radially along the radial direction R of the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 each include a radial tiedown clip 165 that are configured to clip to a platform or the like to secure the container body 102 to the platform or the like. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 also include a D ring and ratchet assembly 166 such that a length of the one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 is adjustable. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 are two inches (2 in.) wide and twenty-four inches (24 in.) long and have a working load limit of at least ten thousand pounds (10,000 lb.). The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 can include any length and width, as desired. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 are made of, for example, polyester, or the like. In FIG. 3, the one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 include six radial tiedown harnesses 164 including a first radial tiedown harness 164a, a second radial tiedown harness 164b, a third radial tiedown harness 164c, a fourth radial tiedown harness 164d, a fifth radial tiedown harness 164e, and a sixth radial tiedown harness 164f. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 are spaced laterally from each other along the collapsible fuel container 100. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 164 can include any number of radial tiedown harnesses 164 for securing the collapsible fuel container 100 to a platform or the like.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an inner bladder 204 of a collapsible fuel container 200, according to another embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view of the inner bladder 204, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4C is a schematic bottom view of the inner bladder 204, according to the present disclosure. The collapsible fuel container 200 is substantially similar to the collapsible fuel container 100 of FIGS. 1A to 3. The same or similar reference numerals will be used for components of the collapsible fuel container 200 that are the same as or similar to the components of the collapsible fuel container 100 discussed above, unless stated otherwise. The description of these components above also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here.

The collapsible fuel container 200 includes a first lateral side 201 (e.g., aft side), a second lateral side 203 (e.g., forward side), a first radial side 205, a second radial side 207, a bottom side 209, and a top side 211. The collapsible fuel container 200 includes a container body 202 (FIGS. 5A to 5F), the inner bladder 204 disposed within the container body 202, and one or more baffles 206 (shown in FIGS. 4D to 4G) within the inner bladder 204. The one or more baffles 206 are different than the baffles 106 of FIGS. 1A to 1F as detailed further below with respect to FIGS. 4D to 4G. The collapsible fuel container 200 also includes a fill assembly 230 and a vent assembly 240, as detailed further below with respect to FIGS. 4H and 4I, respectively.

The container body 202 and the inner bladder 204 are sized such that the collapsible fuel container 200 has a volume of at least 3,000 U.S. gallons (11.35 m³). The volume of the collapsible fuel container 200, however, can include any volume between fifty U.S. gallons to five thousand U.S. gallons (50 U.S. gallons to 5,000 U.S. gallons). The collapsible fuel container 200 includes a width W defined along the radial direction R, a length L defined along the lateral direction L_A, and a height H defined along the vertical direction V. The width W, the length L, and the height H are measured when the collapsible fuel container 200 is in the fully expanded state. The width W is between seventy inches and one hundred seventy inches (70 in. to 170 in.). The length L is between one hundred eight inches and three hundred inches (108 in. to 300 in.). The height H is between fifteen inches and sixty inches (15 in. and 60 in.).

The inner bladder 204 includes one or more transport handles 220 on an outer surface of the inner bladder 204. The one or more transport handles 220 are configured to be inserted through respective slots in the container body 202, as detailed further below. The one or more transport handles 220 are handles that can be used by one or more operators to lift and to transport the collapsible fuel container 200. For example, the operators can include soldiers that lift the collapsible fuel container 200 by the one or more transport handles 220 and transport the collapsible fuel container 200 to a desired location (e.g., from a drop zone to a base or the like). The collapsible fuel container 200 includes twelve transport handles 220 disposed on the outer surface of the inner bladder 204. In particular, the collapsible fuel container 200 includes six transport handles 220 on the first radial side 205 and six transport handles 220 on the second radial side 207. For example, the first radial side 205 and the second radial side 207 can each include a first set of transport handles 220a, a second set of transport handles 220b, and a third set of transport handles 220c. Each set of transport handles 220 can include two transport handles 220. In this way, six operators (e.g., three operators on each lateral side) can grab the collapsible fuel container 200 by the transport handles 220 to lift the collapsible fuel container 200 and transport the collapsible fuel container 200 to the desired location. While the collapsible fuel container 200 includes twelve transport handles 220, the collapsible fuel container 200 can include any number of transport handles 220, as necessary, to allow operators to lift and to transport the collapsible fuel container 200.

The collapsible fuel container 200 also includes one or more triangle pick up points, also referred to as one or more lift connectors 224, on the outer surface of the inner bladder 204. The one or more lift connectors 224 are configured to be attached to a harness or other device such that the collapsible fuel container 200 can be lifted by the one or more lift connectors 224. In particular, the one or more lift connectors 224 are hooks at which a harness or other device can be coupled to the lift connectors 224. For example, the collapsible fuel container 200 can be attached to transport vehicle (e.g., a truck, an aircraft, a helicopter, or the like) by the harness or the other device attached the one or more lift connectors 224. The collapsible fuel container 200 includes one or more first lift connectors 224a and one or more second lift connectors 224b. The one or more first lift connectors 224a are located on first lateral side 201 of the inner bladder 204, and the one or more second lift connectors 224b are located on the second lateral side 203 of the inner bladder 204. The one or more first lift connectors 224a include one first lift connector 224a. The one or more second lift connectors 224b include two second lift connectors 224b. The one or more lift connectors 224 can include any number of lift connectors 224 positioned on the outer surface of the inner bladder 204, as necessary, for allowing the collapsible fuel container 200 to be coupled to a harness or other device for being lifted by a machine or a vehicle.

The inner bladder 204 includes one or more harness support strips 216 such that the body restraint harness assembly 208 is supported and attached on the inner bladder 204 by the one or more harness support strips 216. For example, the body restraint harness assembly 208 can be sewn to the inner bladder 204 at the one or more harness support strips 216. In some embodiments, the one or more harness support strips 216 can include slots such that the body restraint harness assembly 208 is inserted, and extends, through the one or more harness support strips 216.

The body restraint harness assembly 208 includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 and one or more radial restraint harnesses 254. The body restraint harness assembly 208 is secured to an exterior portion of the inner bladder 204 of the collapsible fuel container 200. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 extend laterally about the first lateral side 201, the top side 211, the second lateral side 203, and the bottom side 209 of the inner bladder 204 in the lateral direction L_A. In this way, the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 wrap laterally about the inner bladder 204 to secure the inner bladder 204. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 each include a lateral restraint clip 252 such that the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 are configured to be coupled and secured to themselves. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 include a first lateral restraint harness 250a and a second lateral restraint harness 250b spaced radially from the first lateral restraint harness 250a. The first lateral restraint harness 250a and the second lateral restraint harness 250b are spaced closer together radially than the first lateral restraint harness 150a and the second lateral restraint harness 150b of FIGS. 1A to 1C and 2. The first lateral restraint harness 250a is positioned radially between the first radial side 205 and the fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240. The second lateral restraint harness 250b is positioned radially between the second radial side 207 and the fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240. The one or more lateral restraint harnesses 250 are positioned substantially parallel with the lateral direction L_A.

The one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 extend radially about the first radial side 205, the top side 211, the second radial side 207, and the bottom side 209 of the inner bladder 204 in the radial direction R. In this way, the one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 wrap radially about the inner bladder 204 to secure the inner bladder 204. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 each include a radial restraint clip 256 such that one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 are configured to be coupled and secured to themselves. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 include a first radial restraint harness 254a, a second radial restraint harness 254b spaced laterally from the first radial restraint harness 254a, a third radial restraint harness 254c spaced laterally from the second radial restraint harness 254b, and a fourth radial restraint harness 254d spaced laterally from the third radial restraint harness 254c. The first radial restraint harness 254a and the second radial restraint harness 254b are positioned laterally between the fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240. The third radial restraint harness 254c and the fourth radial restraint harness 254d are positioned laterally between the vent assembly 240 and the second lateral side 203. The one or more radial restraint harnesses 254 are positioned substantially parallel with the radial direction R.

FIG. 4D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder 204, taken along section line 4D-4D in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder 204, taken along section line 4E-4E in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4F is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder 204, taken along section line 4F-4F in FIG. 4A, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4G is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inner bladder 204, taken along section line 4G-4G, according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 4D to 4G, the one or more baffles 206 include five baffles 206 spaced laterally within the inner bladder 204 along the lateral direction L_A. In particular, the one or more baffles 206 include a first baffles 206a, a second baffle 206b, a third baffle 206c, a fourth baffle 206d, and a fifth baffle 206e. The first baffle 206a and the second baffle 206b are positioned laterally between fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240. The second baffle 206b is spaced laterally between the first baffle 206a and the vent assembly 240. The third baffle 206c, the fourth baffle 206d, and the fifth baffle 206e are positioned laterally between the vent assembly 240 and the second lateral side 203. In particular, the fourth baffle 206d is spaced laterally between the third baffle 206c and the fifth baffle 206e. In this way, the first baffle 206a and the second baffle 206b are positioned laterally closer to the first lateral side 201, and the third baffle 206c, the fourth baffle 206d, and the fifth baffle 206e are positioned laterally closer to the second lateral side 203.

Each of the one or more baffles 206 extend from the bottom side 209 to the top side 211 of the interior of the inner bladder 204. Each of the one or more baffles 206 are coupled to the inner bladder 204 by, for example, welding (e.g., radio frequency welding) or the like, at the bottom side 209 and at the top side 211 of the one or more baffles 206. In this way, the one or more baffles 206 extend an entire height H of the interior of the inner bladder 204. For example, the one or more baffles 206 include a baffle height B_H that is substantially equal to the height H of the interior of the inner bladder 204. As shown in FIGS. 4E to 4G, the one or more baffles 206 include a baffle width B_W in the radial direction R that is less than the width W of the interior of the inner bladder 204. For example, the baffle width B_W is in a range of seventy inches to one hundred seventy inches (70 in. to 170 in.) and is less than the width W of the inner bladder 204. In this way, the one or more baffles 206 define one or more gaps G between the one or more baffles 206 and the first radial side 205 and the second radial side 207 of the interior of the inner bladder 204. For example, the gap G are sized such that the baffle width B_W is 20% to 30% less than the width W of the inner bladder 204. In this way, the inner bladder 204 may deform in the radial direction R without contacting the one or more baffles 206, thereby preventing or reducing high stresses about the one or more baffles 206 and preventing the inner bladder 204 from rupturing when the inner bladder 204 deforms in the radial direction R. The one or more baffles 206 also include one or more baffle apertures 215 disposed therethrough such that at least some of the fuel within the collapsible fuel container 200 can flow through the one or more baffle apertures 215, while the one or more baffles 206 reduce the amount of sloshing of the fuel within the collapsible fuel container 200 as compared to fuel containers without the benefit of the present disclosure.

The one or more baffles 206 are non-planar baffles and include a generally wavy shape. In particular, the one or more baffles 206 include one or more wavy sections 270 disposed along the baffle height B_H of the one or more baffles 206. The one or more wavy sections 270 generate more surface area of the baffles 206 as compared to flat baffles against which the fuel can impact such that the one or more baffles 206 help to further reduce fluid surge and sloshing of the fuel as compared to flat, planar baffles. For example, the increased surface area helps to decrease an amplitude in waves of the fuel, thereby reducing fluid surge. The one or more wavy section 270 extend the entire baffle width B_W of the one or more baffles 206.

The one or more wavy sections 270 include one or more first wavy sections 270a that bend in a first direction and one or more second wavy sections 270b that bend in a second direction opposite the first direction. In particular, the one or more first wavy sections 270a bend towards the first lateral side 201, and the one or more second wavy sections 270b bend towards the second lateral side 203. In this way, the one or more first wavy sections 270a are generally U-shaped in the first direction, and the one or more second wavy sections 270b are generally U-shaped in the second direction. The one or more first wavy sections 270a and the one or more second wavy sections 270b together define the generally wavy shape of the one or more baffles 206. The one or more first wavy sections 270a include two first wavy sections 270a and the one or more second wavy sections 270b include one second wavy section 270b. The one or more baffles 206 can include any number of first wavy sections 270a and second wavy sections 270b, as necessary, for reducing fluid surge and sloshing within the inner bladder 204.

The inner bladder 204 can also include one or more abrasion patches 275. The one or more abrasion patches 275 provide additional support in particular locations within the inner bladder 204 to help reduce abrasion of the inner bladder 204. In particular, the one or more abrasion patches include an abrasion patch 275 to prevent abrasion of the inner bladder 204 as the inner bladder 204 contacts the container body 202. The abrasion patches 275 are positioned at areas in which there is high contact between the inner bladder 204 and the container body 202 when the inner bladder 204 is inserted or removed from the container body 202.

FIG. 4H is an enlarged schematic side view of the fill assembly 230 isolated from the inner bladder 204, according to the present disclosure. The fill assembly 230 is different than the fill assembly 130. The fill assembly 230 includes a fill coupler 237 and a fill hose 238 coupled to the fill coupler 237 for filling the inner bladder 204 of the collapsible fuel container 200 with fuel. The fill coupler 237 includes a fill coupler flange 237a coupled on the inner bladder 204 of the collapsible fuel container 200. A pump can be used to pump the fuel through the fill assembly 230 and into the inner bladder 204. The fill assembly 230, however, does not include a fill camlock fitting in order to reduce a number of parts and simplify the fill assembly 230 as compared to the fill assembly 130.

FIG. 4I is an enlarged schematic side view of the vent assembly 240 isolated from the inner bladder 204, according to the present disclosure. The vent assembly 240 is different than the vent assembly 140. The vent assembly 240 includes a vent coupler 247 and a vent tube 248 coupled to the vent coupler 247. The vent coupler 247 includes a vent coupler flange 247a coupled on the inner bladder 204 of the collapsible fuel container 200.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the container body 202 of the collapsible fuel container 200, according to another embodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic plan view of the container body 202, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5C is a schematic bottom view of the container body 202, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5D is a schematic side view of the container body 202, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5E is a schematic rear view of the container body 202, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5F is a schematic front view of the container body 202, according to the present disclosure. The container body 202 defines an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container 200. The inner bladder 204 is inserted into the container body 202, and the container body 202 provides a protective jacket about the inner bladder 204. The container body 202 can be buckled or otherwise removably attached to the inner bladder 204 such that the container body 202 and the inner bladder 204 together form the collapsible fuel container 200.

The container body 202 includes a fill assembly aperture 280, a vent assembly aperture 282, and one or more lift handle apertures 284. When the inner bladder 204 is inserted into the container body 202, the fill assembly 230 is inserted through the fill assembly aperture 280, the vent assembly 240 is inserted through the vent assembly aperture 282, and the one or more transport handles 220 are inserted through the one or more lift handle apertures 284. In this way, the fill assembly 230, the vent assembly 240, and the one or more transport handles 220 extend out of the container body 202 to be accessed by an operator.

The container body 202 includes a tiedown harness assembly 210 and one or more tiedown harness strips 218 to secure and to support the tiedown harness assembly 210 on the container body 202. The tiedown harness assembly 210 includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 and one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 extend laterally along the lateral direction L_A of the collapsible fuel container 200. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E, the lateral tiedown harnesses 260 extend laterally at a non-zero angle with respect to the lateral direction L_A. For example, the lateral tiedown harnesses 260 extend at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees or at an angle less than zero degrees and greater than negative ninety degrees with respect to the lateral direction L_A. For example, the lateral tiedown harnesses 260 include one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 that extend laterally at an angle greater than zero with respect to the lateral direction L_A, and one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 that extend laterally at an angle less than zero with respect to the lateral direction L_A. In this way, the tiedown harness assembly 210 secures the collapsible fuel container 200 while also avoiding interfering with the fill assembly 230 and/or the vent assembly 240. Further, such a configuration helps to keep tiedown ratchets 262, 266 away from the fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240 to not interfere with the operation of the fill assembly 230 and the vent assembly 240. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 extend from the bottom side 209 of the container body 202 to the top side of the 211 of the container body 202. Each of the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 include a connector portion 290 that connects each lateral tiedown harness 260 from the top side 211 to the bottom side 209. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 include a lateral tiedown clip 261 and a D ring and ratchet assembly 262. The lateral tiedown clip 261 of each of the lateral tiedown harnesses 260 is configured to clip to a platform or the like to secure the collapsible fuel container 200 to the platform or the like.

The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 include sixteen lateral tiedown harnesses 260 including a first lateral tiedown harness 260a, a second lateral tiedown harness 260b, a third lateral tiedown harness 260c, and a fourth lateral tiedown harness 260d, a fifth lateral tiedown harness 260e, a sixth lateral tiedown harness 260f, a seventh lateral tiedown harness 260g, an eighth lateral tiedown harness 260h, a ninth lateral tiedown harness 260i, a tenth lateral tiedown harness 260j, an eleventh lateral tiedown harness 260k, a twelfth lateral tiedown harness 260l, a thirteenth lateral tiedown harness 260m, a fourteenth lateral tiedown harness 260n, a fifteenth lateral tiedown harness 2600, and a sixteenth lateral tiedown harness 260p. The first lateral tiedown harness 260a, the second lateral tiedown harness 260b, the third lateral tiedown harness 260c, and the fourth lateral tiedown harness 260d extend from the bottom side 209, about the first lateral side 201, and about the top side 211.

The fifth lateral tiedown harness 260e, the sixth lateral tiedown harness 260f, the seventh lateral tiedown harness 260g, the eighth lateral tiedown harness 260h, the ninth lateral tiedown harness 260i, the tenth lateral tiedown harness 260j, the eleventh lateral tiedown harness 260k, the twelfth lateral tiedown harness 260l, the thirteenth lateral tiedown harness 260m, the fourteenth lateral tiedown harness 260n, the fifteenth lateral tiedown harness 2600, and the sixteenth lateral tiedown harness 260p extend from the bottom side 209, about the second lateral side 203, and about the top side 211. The fifth lateral tiedown harness 260e, the sixth lateral tiedown harness 260f, the seventh lateral tiedown harness 260g, the eighth lateral tiedown harness 260h, the ninth lateral tiedown harness 260i, the tenth lateral tiedown harness 260j extend laterally across the top side 211 at an angle less than zero with respect to the lateral direction L_A. The eleventh lateral tiedown harness 260k, the twelfth lateral tiedown harness 260l, the thirteenth lateral tiedown harness 260m, the fourteenth lateral tiedown harness 260n, the fifteenth lateral tiedown harness 2600, and the sixteenth lateral tiedown harness 260p extend laterally across the top side 211 at an angle greater than zero with respect to the lateral direction L_A. The one or more lateral tiedown harnesses 260 overlap each other.

The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 extend radially along the radial direction R of the collapsible fuel container 200. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 each include a radial tiedown clip 265 that are configured to clip to a platform or the like to secure the container body 202 to the platform or the like. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 also include a D ring and ratchet assembly 266 such that a length of the one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 is adjustable. In FIGS. 5A to 5F, the one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 include eight radial tiedown harnesses 264 including a first radial tiedown harness 264a, a second radial tiedown harness 264b, a third radial tiedown harness 264c, a fourth radial tiedown harness 264d, a fifth radial tiedown harness 264e, a sixth radial tiedown harness 264f, a seventh radial tiedown harness 264g, and an eighth radial tiedown harness 264h. The one or more radial tiedown harnesses 264 are spaced laterally from each other along the collapsible fuel container 200. The first radial tiedown harness 264a, the second radial tiedown harness 264b, the third radial tiedown harness 264c, and the fourth radial tiedown harness 264d are positioned laterally between the vent assembly 240 and the first lateral side 201. The fifth radial tiedown harness 264e, the sixth radial tiedown harness 264f, the seventh radial tiedown harness 264g, and the eighth radial tiedown harness 264h are positioned laterally between the vent assembly 240 and the second lateral side 203.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the container body 202 isolated from the collapsible fuel container 200 and mounted on a platform 300, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the collapsible fuel container 200 mounted on, and coupled to, the platform 300, according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 6, the tiedown harness assembly 210 is removed. FIG. 7 shows the entire assembly of the collapsible fuel container 200 including the inner bladder 204 disposed within the container body 202 and the tiedown harness assembly 210 mounting the collapsible fuel container 200 to the platform 300. The platform 300 is a type V aerial delivery platform that is configured to be loaded onto, and deployed from, an aircraft. The type V aerial delivery platform is an aluminum platform used for airdropping loads ranging from 2,500 pounds to 42,000 pounds from an aircraft and includes a 463L-standard dual rail restraint system. The platform 300, however, can include any type of airdrop platform or vehicle platform for transporting the collapsible fuel container 200. The platform includes one or more clip hooks 302 that are configured to receive a respective lateral tiedown clip 261 or a respective radial tiedown clip 265. As shown in FIG. 7, the collapsible fuel container 200 is secured to the platform 300 by the tiedown harness assembly 210. In particular, each of the lateral tiedown clips 261 and the radial tiedown clips 265 are coupled to a respective one of the clip hooks 302 to secure the collapsible fuel container 200 to the platform 300.

Together, the container body 202 and the inner bladder 204 provide for two layers that have an improved puncture resistance to both low velocity projectiles and high velocity projectiles as compared to fuel bladders without the benefit of the present disclosure. In particular, a high velocity projectile may penetrate the container body 202 and/or the inner bladder 204 at a particular location of the collapsible fuel container 200 without causing catastrophic failure (e.g., a hole having a diameter larger than twelve inches) of the entire collapsible fuel container 200. In this way, the inner bladder 204 disposed within the container body 202 helps to reduce the velocity of the high velocity projectile upon impact, thereby localizing any damage from the high velocity projectiles. For example, the container body 202 reduces the velocity of the high velocity projectile and then the inner bladder 204 further reduces the velocity of the high velocity projectile such that the container body 202 and the inner bladder 204 prevent the high velocity projectile from penetrating an opposite side. Table 1 shows test results of various high velocity projectiles impacting the collapsible fuel container 200. The projectile is the type of projectile, velocity is the velocity (feet per second) of the projectile upon impact on the collapsible fuel container 200, incidence angle is the angle at which the projectile impacts with respect to the surface of the collapsible fuel container 200, and container body damage and inner bladder damage is a diameter (inches) of a hole in the container body 202 and the inner bladder 204, respectively, caused by the projectile. The shrapnel is made of aluminum with a mass of four grams (4g).

	TABLE 1
			Container	Inner
	Veloc-	Inci-	Body	Bladder
	ity	dence	Damage	Damage
Projectile	(ft/s)	Angle	(in)	(in)	Results
Shrapnel, 4 g	600	90°	0.70	0.50	Rebound
7.62	mm bullet	400	90°	0.50	0.00	Rebound
7.62	mm bullet	400	45°	1.00	0.24	Rebound
5.6	mm bullet	350	90°	0.00	0.00	Rebound
5.6	mm bullet	450	90°	0.50	0.00	Rebound
9	mm bullet	350	90°	0.50	0.00	Rebound
9	mm bullet	400	90°	0.50	0.50	Rebound

Thus, the collapsible fuel container 200 is resistant to high velocity projectiles up to 600 feet per second (ft/s). As shown in Table 1, the container body 202 can slow down the projectile and the inner bladder 204 can remain undamaged or can become damaged while preventing the projectile from penetrating the inner bladder 204. In this way, the collapsible fuel container 200 can rebound high velocity projectiles, such as shrapnel, up to 600 feet per second, and can rebound high velocity projectiles, such as bullets, up to 500 feet per second, such that the high velocity projectile does not penetrate the inner bladder 204. Preferably, the collapsible fuel container 200 is resistant to punctures from high velocity projectiles having a velocity in a range of 300 ft/s to 600 ft/s, and more preferably in a range of 300 ft/s to 500 ft/s. Thus, the combination of the material properties of the container body 202 and the inner bladder 204, as well the inner bladder 204 and the container body 202 together, provide for a collapsible fuel container 200 that demonstrates improved resistance to high velocity projectiles without catastrophic failure, as compared to collapsible fuel containers without the benefit of the present disclosure. Further, the high velocity projectile resistance provided by the inner bladder 204 and the container body 202 together allows for less material to be used for the container body 202, thereby reducing an overall weight of the collapsible fuel container 200 while maintaining resistance to high velocity projectiles, as compared to collapsible fuel containers without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this way, the collapsible fuel container 200 can be transported on an aircraft without exceeding maximum weight requirements for the aircraft.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for a collapsible fuel container 100, 200 that can be deflated (e.g., collapsed) and expanded to be filled with fuel. The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 is made of suitable fabrics and equipped with stabilizing baffles 106, 206 to reduce fluid surge, a tiedown harness assembly 110, 210, a fill assembly 130, 230, and a vent assembly 140, 240. The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 demonstrates permeability, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, fitting strength, slosh and vibration resistance that allows the collapsible fuel container 100, 200 to be transported via fixed wing and/or rotary wing aircraft, or other types of vehicles (e.g., trucks, ships, or the like). The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 can be airlifted up to at least forty thousand feet (40,000 ft.) without the fuel seeping from the connections of the collapsible fuel container 100, 200. The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 is unaffected by airlift altitudes, can survive and withstand positive and negative g-forces during, for example, take-off, in-flight pressures, and drop landings (e.g., during combat). The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 provides protection from catastrophic loss of contents when subjected to small arms fire and fragmentation. The collapsible fuel container 100, 200 can also be transported via a platform, such a type V aerial delivery platform (e.g., having a length of 240 inches and a width of 108 inches).

Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

A collapsible fuel container comprising a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container; an inner bladder defining a hollow interior, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with fuel, wherein the container body and the inner bladder are configured to be expanded to an expanded state as the collapsible fuel container is filled with the fuel and collapsed to a collapsed state as the fuel is drained from the collapsible fuel container; and a body restraint harness assembly, the body restraint harness assembly being secured to an exterior portion of the container body and substantially preventing vibrations and/or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of the preceding clause, wherein the container body and the inner bladder are generally rectangular.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a zipper assembly on the container body such that the container body is configured to be opened and closed such that the inner bladder is configured to be inserted into and removed from the container body.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more air relief valves for releasing an air pressure between the inner bladder and the container body.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, the one or more baffles being configured to prevent fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more baffles include one or more apertures disposed therethrough.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the collapsible fuel container has a volume of at least 3,000 U.S. gallons.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the collapsible fuel container has a volume between 50 U.S. Gallons and 5,000 U.S. Gallons

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the collapsible fuel container includes a width between 70 inches and 170 inches.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the collapsible fuel container includes a length between 108 inches and 300 inches.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the collapsible fuel container includes a height between 15 inches and 60 inches.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein a material of the container body is a synthetic fiber material configured to be flexible and resistant to high velocity projectile impacts.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the material of the container body includes a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body has a weight between 80 lbs. and 1,000 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body has a tensile strength of at least 1,100 lbs. for one strip of material of the container body.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body has a tear resistance of at least 220 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body has a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes one or more strips of material joined together by radio frequency (RF) adhesion.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder is made of a synthetic polymer material.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a weight between 50 lbs. and 600 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a tensile strength of at least 700 lbs. for one strip of material of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a tear resistance of at least 50 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a tensile elongation of at least 25% for one strip of material of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a low velocity projectile puncture resistance of at least 225 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a high velocity projectile resistance of at least 1,800 lbs.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a hydrostatic resistance of at least 600 psi.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder includes an adhesion strength of at least 50 lbs./in.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein inner bladder includes one or more strips of material joined together by radio frequency (RF) adhesion.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder includes a low temperature resistance of at least −50° F.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder includes a high temperature resistance of at least 160° F.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes one or more restraint harness slots, and the body restraint harness assembly is disposed through the one or more restraint harness slots.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses and one or more radial restraint harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes a working load limit of at least 30,000 pounds.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a tiedown harness assembly, the tiedown harness assembly being secured to the exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes a working load limit of at least 10,000 pounds.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses each include a lateral tiedown clip that is configured to clip to the platform.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more radial tiedown harnesses each include a radial tiedown clip that is configured to clip to the platform.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes one or more tiedown harness slots, and the tiedown harness assembly is disposed through the one or more tiedown harness slots.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a drain assembly configured to drain the fuel from the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the drain assembly includes a drain coupler disposed through the container body and the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the drain assembly includes a drain camlock fitting configured to be coupled to the drain coupler and a hose for draining the fuel from the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the drain camlock fitting includes a valve disposed within the drain camlock fitting, the valve configured to be opened such that fuel flows through the drain camlock fitting, and the valve configured to be closed to prevent the fuel from flowing through the drain camlock fitting.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the fill assembly includes a fill coupler disposed through the container body and the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the fill assembly includes a fill camlock fitting configured to be coupled to the fill coupler and a fill hose for providing the fuel into the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the fill camlock fitting includes a valve disposed within the fill camlock fitting, the valve configured to be opened such that fuel flows through the fill camlock fitting, and the valve configured to be closed to prevent the fuel from flowing through the fill camlock fitting.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a vent assembly configured to vent vapors and gases from the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the vent assembly includes a vent coupler disposed through the container body and the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the vent assembly includes a vent camlock fitting configured to be coupled to the vent coupler and a vent tube to vent the vapors and the gases from the collapsible fuel container. The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the vent camlock fitting includes a valve disposed within the vent camlock fitting, the valve configured to be opened such that vapors and/or gases flow through the vent camlock fitting, and the valve configured to be closed to prevent the vapors and/or the gases from flowing through the vent camlock fitting.

A method of using the collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, the method comprising: filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel such that the fuel fills in the inner bladder; transporting the collapsible fuel container; and preventing, with the body restraint harness assembly, vibrations and/or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container while the collapsible fuel container is transported.

The method of the preceding clause, further comprising providing a zipper assembly on the container body, the zipper assembly being configured to be opened and closed, the method further comprising inserting the inner bladder into the container body through the zipper assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising removing the inner bladder from the container body through the zipper assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising providing one or more air relief valves, and venting air through the one or more air relief valves.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising providing one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, and preventing fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder with the one or more baffles.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising providing a material of the container body, the material being flexible and resistant to high velocity projectile impacts.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the material includes a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising providing a material of the inner bladder, the material of the inner bladder being a synthetic polymer material that is fuel resistant.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the material includes nylon.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the material of the inner bladder is flexible and resistant to high velocity projectile impacts.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising providing a tiedown harness assembly secured to the exterior portion of the container body, and securing the collapsible fuel container to a platform with the tiedown harness assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising securing the collapsible fuel container to the platform with at least one of one or more radial tiedown clips or one or more lateral tiedown clips.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising draining the fuel from the collapsible fuel container through a drain assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein draining the fuel from the collapsible fuel container includes coupling a drain camlock fitting to the collapsible fuel container and coupling a hose to the drain camlock fitting.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the drain camlock fitting includes a valve, and the method further comprises actuating the valve to open the drain camlock fitting and draining the fuel from the collapsible fuel container through the drain camlock fitting.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel through a fill assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel includes coupling a fill camlock fitting to the collapsible fuel container and coupling a fill hose to the fill camlock fitting.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the fill camlock fitting includes a valve, and the method further comprises actuating the valve to open the fill camlock fitting and filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel from the fill hose through the fill camlock fitting.

The method of any preceding clause, further comprising venting vapors and/or gases from the collapsible fuel container with a vent assembly.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein venting the vapors and/or the gases from the collapsible fuel container includes coupling a vent camlock fitting to the collapsible fuel container and coupling a vent tube to the vent camlock fitting.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the vent camlock fitting includes a valve, and the method further comprises actuating the valve to open the vent camlock fitting and venting the vapors and/or the gases from the collapsible fuel container through the vent camlock fitting and through the vent tube.

A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container, wherein the container body is made of a material that is resistant to punctures from high velocity projectiles and is configured to be collapsed and condensed; and an inner bladder defining a hollow interior, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded, wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to the high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of the preceding clause, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a body restraint harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the inner bladder, the body restraint harness assembly being configured to substantially prevent at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a tiedown harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, the one or more baffles being configured to prevent fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a width and the one or more baffles have a baffle width that is less than the width of the inner bladder such that the one or more baffles define a gap between the one or more baffles and the inner bladder along the width.

A method of using the collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, the method comprising: filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel such that the fuel fills the inner bladder; transporting the collapsible fuel container; and resisting high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s the inner bladder puncturing.

A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container; an inner bladder defining a hollow interior, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded; a body restraint harness assembly, the body restraint harness assembly being secured to an exterior portion of the inner bladder and substantially preventing at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container; and a tiedown harness assembly, the tiedown harness assembly being disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

The collapsible fuel container of the preceding clause, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lateral restraint harnesses include two or more lateral restraint harnesses spaced radially along the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more radial restraint harnesses include two or more radial restraint harnesses spaced laterally along the inner bladder such that the two or more radial restraint harnesses are substantially square with the two or more lateral restraint harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at an angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, the one or more baffles being configured to prevent fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder has a width and the one or more baffles have a baffle width that is less than the width of the inner bladder such that the one or more baffles define a gap between the one or more baffles and the inner bladder along the width.

A method of using the collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, the method comprising: filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel such that the fuel fills the inner bladder; transporting the collapsible fuel container; and preventing, with the body restraint harness assembly, vibrations or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container while the collapsible fuel container is transported.

A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container; an inner bladder defining a hollow interior and having a width, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded; and one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder and extending from a bottom side to a top side of an interior of the inner bladder, wherein the one or more baffles having a baffle width that is less than the width of the hollow interior of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of the preceding clause, wherein the one or more baffles include a generally wavy shape defined by one or more wavy sections that extend along the baffle width.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more wavy sections include one or more first wavy sections that bend in a first direction and one or more second wavy sections that bend in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a body restraint harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the inner bladder, the body restraint harness assembly being configured to substantially prevent at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a tiedown harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

The collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at an angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.

A method of using the collapsible fuel container of any preceding clause, the method comprising: filling the collapsible fuel container with the fuel such that the fuel fills the inner bladder; transporting the collapsible fuel container; and preventing, with the one or more baffles, fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container, wherein the container body is made of a material that is resistant to punctures from high velocity projectiles and is configured to be collapsed and condensed; andan inner bladder defining a hollow interior, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded,wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to the high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

2. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

3. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

4. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

5. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, further comprising a body restraint harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the inner bladder, the body restraint harness assembly being configured to substantially prevent at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the inner bladder.

6. The collapsible fuel container of claim 5, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

7. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, further comprising a tiedown harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

8. The collapsible fuel container of claim 7, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

9. The collapsible fuel container of claim 8, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

10. The collapsible fuel container of claim 9, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.

11. The collapsible fuel container of claim 1, further comprising one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, the one or more baffles being configured to prevent fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

12. The collapsible fuel container of claim 11, wherein the inner bladder has a width and the one or more baffles have a baffle width that is less than the width of the inner bladder such that the one or more baffles define a gap between the one or more baffles and the inner bladder along the width.

13. A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container;an inner bladder defining a hollow interior, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded;a body restraint harness assembly, the body restraint harness assembly being secured to an exterior portion of the inner bladder and substantially preventing at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the collapsible fuel container; anda tiedown harness assembly, the tiedown harness assembly being disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

14. The collapsible fuel container of claim 13, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

15. The collapsible fuel container of claim 14, wherein the one or more lateral restraint harnesses include two or more lateral restraint harnesses spaced radially along the inner bladder.

16. The collapsible fuel container of claim 15, wherein the one or more radial restraint harnesses include two or more radial restraint harnesses spaced laterally along the inner bladder such that the two or more radial restraint harnesses are substantially square with the two or more lateral restraint harnesses.

17. The collapsible fuel container of claim 13, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

18. The collapsible fuel container of claim 17, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

19. The collapsible fuel container of claim 18, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at an angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.

20. The collapsible fuel container of claim 13, wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

21. The collapsible fuel container of claim 20, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

22. The collapsible fuel container of claim 20, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

23. The collapsible fuel container of claim 20, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

24. The collapsible fuel container of claim 13, further comprising one or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder, the one or more baffles being configured to prevent fluid surge of the fuel within the inner bladder.

25. The collapsible fuel container of claim 24, wherein the inner bladder has a width and the one or more baffles have a baffle width that is less than the width of the inner bladder such that the one or more baffles define a gap between the one or more baffles and the inner bladder along the width.

26. A collapsible fuel container comprising: a container body defining an exterior body of the collapsible fuel container;an inner bladder defining a hollow interior and having a width, the inner bladder being disposed within the container body and configured to be filled with a fuel and expanded; andone or more baffles disposed within the inner bladder and extending from a bottom side to a top side of an interior of the inner bladder, wherein the one or more baffles having a baffle width that is less than the width of the hollow interior of the inner bladder.

27. The collapsible fuel container of claim 26, wherein the one or more baffles include a generally wavy shape defined by one or more wavy sections that extend along the baffle width.

28. The collapsible fuel container of claim 27, wherein the one or more wavy sections include one or more first wavy sections that bend in a first direction and one or more second wavy sections that bend in a second direction opposite the first direction.

29. The collapsible fuel container of claim 26, wherein the container body and the inner bladder together are resistant to high velocity projectiles up to 600 ft/s without puncturing the inner bladder.

30. The collapsible fuel container of claim 29, wherein the container body is made of a poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide material.

31. The collapsible fuel container of claim 29, wherein the container body includes a coating of thermoplastic urethane.

32. The collapsible fuel container of claim 29, wherein the inner bladder is made of nylon.

33. The collapsible fuel container of claim 26, further comprising a body restraint harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the inner bladder, the body restraint harness assembly being configured to substantially prevent at least one of vibrations or g-forces through the inner bladder.

34. The collapsible fuel container of claim 33, wherein the body restraint harness assembly includes one or more lateral restraint harnesses that extend along a length of the inner bladder and one or more radial restraint harnesses that extend along a width of the inner bladder.

35. The collapsible fuel container of claim 26, further comprising a tiedown harness assembly disposed about an exterior portion of the container body and being configured to secure the collapsible fuel container to a platform.

36. The collapsible fuel container of claim 35, wherein the tiedown harness assembly includes one or more lateral tiedown harnesses and one or more radial tiedown harnesses.

37. The collapsible fuel container of claim 36, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a lateral direction of the inner bladder.

38. The collapsible fuel container of claim 37, further comprising a fill assembly configured to direct the fuel into the inner bladder and a vent assembly configured to vent vapors from the inner bladder, wherein the one or more lateral tiedown harnesses extend at an angle away from the fill assembly and the vent assembly.