Modular Storage Tank

Abstract

A modular storage tank (100) for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank (100) comprising: a frame (12) defining a chamber (14), said frame (12) having a base portion (16) and a top portion (18), and a plurality of vertical members (104) extending between the base and the top portions (16, 18); said top portion (18) and said base portion (16), in use, each having edge members (22) extending longitudinally along a length of said tank (100), and a plurality of cross members (24) extending transversely between opposing edge members (22); at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber (14); and a plurality of side panels (28) to be located between opposing vertical members (104) and to substantially enclose said chamber (14).

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a storage tank, and in particular, to a liquid or rain water modular storage tank.

BACKGROUND

Water tanks are used to collect and store run off rain water from the roof of a building or structure. Whilst water tanks have been used in rural and industrial areas for some time, they are becoming increasingly more popular in urban areas. With a growing population combined with a heightened environmental awareness more and more people are using rainwater tanks to service their homes and businesses.

A typical water storage tank needs to be large enough to support the requirements of a user and strong enough to withstand the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a full tank. As such the tanks are generally bulky and take up excessive space. Whilst underground tanks are available, it is more desirable to position a tank above ground for on-going access. Besides avoiding excavation costs, cracks and leaks can be detected sooner and the tank is more accessible for cleaning and maintenance.

However, a disadvantage of above ground water tanks is the space required for installation. A typical water tank requires a large space, and in urban areas, yard space can be limited. Additionally, traditional water tanks are one-piece and round or oval shaped for optimum strength. Consequently, transporting a water tank can be costly and generally inconvenient. If a tank is to be located in a confined space, it may also be necessary to lift the tank over fences, houses or through neighbouring properties. In some cases confined space access may prevent the installation of a traditional tank.

Another disadvantage associated with known water storage tanks is that they typically require conventional fasteners such as nuts and bolts to secure the various components during assembly. Accordingly, there may be significant time and costs associated with assembling such water storage tanks, particularly if the correct tools are not readily available, or if the fasteners in the tank kit are misplaced.

There is a need for a modular water tank that can be transported in pieces through limited access areas and assembled together at the desired location. However, a modular tank must confidently withstand the hydrostatic pressure created when the tank is full. Additionally, the amount of fasteners required should be limited in order to minimize the cost and complexity of assembly. In a preferred form, there should be no nuts and bolts or other traditional fastener types. There is also a need for a modular water tank having components that have relatively smaller profiles and/or less overall components so as to minimize the amount of materials required to fabricate these components, thus reducing the overall manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process. Such a structure may also at least allow for persons of smaller build the ability to assemble and install the tanks on their own.

It is therefore desirable to provide a modular tank that is cost effective, easy to assemble and can withstand the hydrostatic pressure when the tank is full of water.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a modular storage tank for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank comprising:

a frame defining a chamber, said frame having a base portion and a top portion, and a plurality of vertical members extending between the base and the top portions;

said top portion and said base portion, in use, each having edge members extending longitudinally along a length of said tank, and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between opposing edge members;

at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber; and

a plurality of side panels to be located between opposing vertical members and to substantially enclose said chamber.

Preferably, the vertical members and the cross members are adapted to be connected without the use of conventional fasteners.

Preferably, said base portion further including a plurality of supports to be fixed to adjacent edge and vertical members;

Preferably, said tank includes two or more modules connected together to form a single chamber.

Preferably, the top portion includes a cover panel.

Preferably, the tank includes an inlet through which water can pass into said chamber.

Preferably, the inlet is located in the cover panel or one said side panel.

Preferably, the tank includes at least one outlet through which water can exit said chamber.

Preferably, at least one outlet is located on one said side panel.

Preferably, the tank includes at least one overflow outlet.

Preferably, the side panels are interchangeable.

Preferably, the cover panels are interchangeable.

Preferably, each vertical frame member includes a channel into which a side panel can be retained.

Preferably, the side panels are slidable within said channels.

Preferably, the tank includes cladding fastened to the frame.

Preferably, the cladding is fastened to the frame using clips or brackets.

Preferably, each vertical member in use interlocks with an adjacent edge and cross member.

Preferably, the side panels are corrugated iron sheeting.

Preferably, the top portion further includes means to attach the flexible material to the frame.

Preferably, the flexible material is a bladder or a first liner.

Preferably, the means to attach the flexible material to the frame includes a clip having an open mouth adapted to receive the flexible material.

Preferably, no nuts or bolts are utilized to fasten the tank together.

Preferably, locking plates or tongue and groove or raised pins and slots or similar are used to fasten the tank together.

Preferably, the tank further includes a second liner to be located between the flexible material and the frame to protect the flexible material from sharp edges.

Preferably, the second liner includes geotextile material.

Preferably, the supports include a flange adapted to protect the flexible material from sharp edges.

Preferably, two or more of the modules are assembled in a rectangular configuration.

Preferably, two or more of the modules are assembled in an ‘L’ shape configuration.

Preferably, four or more said modules are assembled in a ‘U’ shape configuration.

There is disclosed herein a modular storage tank for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank comprising:

a frame defining a chamber, said frame having a base portion and a top portion, and a plurality of vertical members extending between the base and the top portions, said top portion and said base portion, in use, each having edge members extending longitudinally along a length of said tank, and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between opposing edge members;

said base portion further including a plurality of supports to be fixed to adjacent edge and vertical members;

at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber to store collected water;

a plurality of side panels to be located between opposing vertical members and to substantially enclose said chamber;

wherein each vertical frame member includes a channel into which a side panel can be retained; and

at least one tab on each end to be fixed to an adjacent edge member, and the tabs being offset from said channels to permit the panels to slide within said channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular storage tank;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1 with side and top panels removed;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1 showing the insertion of a side panel;

FIG. 4 is an exploded partial perspective view of a corner of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a centre of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a centre of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a corner of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of a corner of the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view illustrating the modular storage tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular storage tank;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a member of the modular storage tank of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12a is an enlarged partial perspective view of the modular storage tank of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12b is an enlarged perspective view of a locking plate of the modular storage tank of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the components of the modular storage tank of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular storage tank; and

FIG. 15 is a top view of the modular storage tank of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 9 depict a modular storage tank 10 for collecting and storing rain water, liquids or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a tank 10 including four modules 11 connected together to form a single chamber 14. However, the tank 10 can include any number of modules 11 forming different configurations, such as a rectangle, square, ‘L’ shape, ‘U’ shape or the like. The tank 10 includes a plurality of side panels 28 to be located between opposing vertical members 20. The side panels 28 can be any suitable material such as sheet steel, flat panel corrugations, corrugated iron sheeting or the like. Corrugated iron is particularly suitable due to its inherent strength.

As best seen in FIG. 2, each module 11 includes a frame 12 defining a chamber 14. The frame 12 includes a base portion 16, a top portion 18, and a plurality of vertical members 20 extending between the base and the top portions 16, 18. In use, the top portion 18 and the base portion 16 include edge members 22 extending longitudinally along a length XX of said tank 10, and a plurality of cross members 24 extending transversely between opposing edge members 22. One edge member 22 can extend across two or more modules 11.

As best shown in FIG. 8, each vertical member 20 is configured to interlock into an adjacent edge member 22 and cross member 24. The interlocking portion 21 includes a length or tab 25 extending into the generally U-shaped members 22, 24 and a width 23 of equal distance for added strength. The tab 25 locks between adjacent supports 27. Fasteners 29 and tabs 31 can also be added for strength.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base portion 16 includes a plurality of corner supports 25 and centre supports 26. The corner and centre supports 25, 26 are fixed to adjacent edge, vertical and cross members 20, 22, 24. The corner and centre supports 25, 26 are configured to protect the flexible material (not shown) from sharp edges and to add structural strength.

Each tank 10 includes an inlet 32 through which water can flow into the chamber 14, and one or more outlets (not shown) from which water can exit the chamber 14. Preferably, one of the outlets is an overflow outlet.

The top portion 18 includes a cover panel 30 secured to the edge members 22 and cross members 24 using fasteners 40 or the like. The cover panel 30 may include the inlet 32. The cover panels 30 are interchangeable to allow selective positioning of the inlet 32. The inlet 32 can also be located on one or more of the side panels 28. There could also be more than one inlet 32.

The outlets may be located on one or more of the side panels 28. The side panels 28 are interchangeable to allow selective positioning of the outlets. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that, in use, the inlet 32 must be positioned above the outlet(s).

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each vertical member 20 includes a channel 34 in which a side panel 28 can be retained. The side panel 28 can be inserted within the respective channels 34 of opposing vertical members 20 and slid into place. The channels 34 secure the panel 28 in place so no fasteners are required. The tabs 31 to secure the vertical member to the edge member 22 and cross member 24 are offset from the channel 34 to assist with sliding of the side panel 28.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the tank 10 further includes at least one flexible material (not shown) to be located within the chamber 14. The tank 10 also includes a liner (not shown) to be located between the material and the frame 12 to protect the material from sharp edges. The edge member 22 includes a flange 42 which faces inward of the frame 12. The flexible material is attached to the top portion 18 by folding a portion of the material over the flange 42 and securing the material using a clamping mechanism (not shown). The liner may be secured between the frame 12 and the material in the same manner. The liner may also be secured at the base portion 16 in the same manner. The liner may be geotextile material which is flexible and robust. However, other common materials can be utilized. The flexible material could be in the form of a bladder or an open bag or the like.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the tank 10 may further include cladding 44. The cladding 44 may be fastened to the frame 12 using fastening means such as clips or brackets (not shown). The cladding 44 should substantially cover the frame 12 and provide a good visual appearance.

FIGS. 10, 11, 12 a, 12b and 13 show a first embodiment of a modular storage tank 100 which is of the same general form as the modular tank 10 described above. However, it will be appreciated that the modular tank 100 does not require traditional fastener such as nuts and bolts to assemble the various components.

FIG. 10 shows the frame of the modular storage tank 100 including vertical and horizontal members 104. Similar to the arrangement of the modular storage tank 10 described above, the side panels 28 are disposed between adjacent or opposing members 104. Each member is formed of sheet metal or the like. It will be appreciated that this embodiment provides a “boltless” tank, whereby the members 104 are connected together without the use (or at least with minimal use) of traditional fasteners such as nuts and bolts. Each member 104 (e.g. cross braces, uprights, etc.) are simplified and designed to suit a plate-style connection.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12a, each member 104 includes one or more shoulder-button-head rivets 102 and keyhole style cut-outs 103 for connecting with the other components of the modular storage tank 100. The modular storage tank 100 includes a locking plate 105 as best shown in FIG. 12b. The locking plate 105 is a form of connection for the various components of the modular storage tank 100. The locking plate 105 is fitted with shoulder-button-head rivets 102 and keyhole style cut-outs 103 for connecting with the other components of the tank 100. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12b, the locking plate 105 includes two shoulder-button-head rivets 102. The rivers 102 may either be separately or integrally formed with the body of the locking plate 105.

The members 104 of the tank 100 are designed to be joined, or “clipped” together by inserting the rivets 102 into the corresponding keyhole cut-outs 103, and then sliding the rivets 102 into the narrow section of the keyhole cut-outs 103. Once the two parts are connected in this manner, they are prevented from being separated easily as the head of the rivet 102 is wider than the narrow section of the keyhole cut-out 103. It is envisaged that one or more additional locking plates 105 with rivets 102 may be used to connect some components to provide added security for the connections and prevent accidental disconnection. It will be understood that the assembly of the components of the tank 100 and the use of panels 28 sliding in the channels is generally similar to the assembly of the tank 10 as described above. In a preferred form, the locking plates 105 are disposed in the interior space of the frame, such that the locking plates 105 are not visible (or at least to a minimal extent) from the exterior of the frame. It will also be appreciated that the width and length dimensions of the various components of the tank 100 may be modified to be any suitable size for the intended application. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, all members are interlocked with boltless connections and secured against accidental disengagement using one or more of the locking plates 105, e.g. by connecting two central member and corner member pairs. It will be appreciated that this embodiment of the storage tank 100 does not require the supports 26 of the tank 10 described above (e.g. as shown in FIG. 2), due to the inherent strength of the connection mechanisms of the tank 100. This may at least reduce the overall costs and number of components required to assemble the tank 100.

As best understood with reference to the exploded view of the tank 100 of FIG. 13, the assembly includes the following steps. Firstly, the base of the tank 100, which consists of bottom horizontal members and cross-members, is assembled. Likewise, the top of the tank 100, which consists of top horizontal members and cross-members, is assembled. The centre upright members and the corner uprights are then assembled with the base. The side panels (e.g. corrugated sheets) are then installed between the upright members. The top of the tank 100 is then connected to the uprights. Finally, all components of the tank 100 are secured with the locking plates 105 to complete the assembly.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a second embodiment of a modular storage tank 200 having a similar construction to the first embodiment of the modular storage tank 100 described above, with like reference numerals being used to indicate like features. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the tank 200 does not require tabs or traditional fasteners such as nuts and bolts to secure the members together. At each of the corners of the tank 200, the ends of the members 104 are adapted to abut against one another at a 45 degree angle, as best shown in FIG. 15. In this way, the members 104 are flush with one another, and the locking plate 105 may be used to connect the members 104. Accordingly, this arrangement allows the various components of the tank 200 to be securely connected with one another, without the need for additional fasteners or tabs, such as the nuts and bolts 29, 40 or tabs 31 as shown in FIG. 8 for the tank 10 described above. As fewer parts are required, the time and costs associated with manufacturing and assembly of the tank 200 may be decreased.

In this embodiment, the frame of the tank 200 is substantially smaller than the frame of the tanks 10 and 100 described above. The number of components required to assemble the tank is reduced. The various components of the tank 200 have a smaller profile and thus less material (i.e. steel) is required to create the components, which may at least lower the overall manufacturing costs and provide a more visually appealing form of storage tank for the consumer. In this embodiment, the tank 200 may also include additional support members 120 arranged to extend between opposing members 104. Each support member 120 may be arranged to extend between opposing members 104 at any suitable location, e.g., at the center of the frame as shown in FIG. 14. In a preferred form, each of the support members 120 is oriented diagonally. It will be appreciated that the addition of the support members 120 may at least improve the rigidity and stability of the tank 200 in certain applications, by adding to the strength of the frame. Unlike the tank 10, this may at least allow the tank 200 to meet wind and earthquake ratings, or withstand other extreme weather conditions, thereby improving the overall safety of the tank 200. As with the tank 100 described above, it will be appreciated that the width and length dimensions of the various components of the tank 200 may be modified to be any suitable size for the intended application. It will also be appreciated that, like the storage tank 100 described above, this embodiment of the storage tank 200 does not require the supports 26 of the tank 10 described above (e.g. as shown in FIG. 2), due to the inherent strength of the connection mechanisms of the tank 200. This may at least reduce the overall time, costs and number of components required to assemble the tank 200.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A modular storage tank for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank comprising: a frame defining a chamber, said frame having a base portion and a top portion, and a plurality of vertical members extending between the base and the top portions;said top portion and said base portion, in use, each having edge members extending longitudinally along a length of said tank, and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between opposing edge members;at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber; anda plurality of side panels to be located between opposing vertical members and to substantially enclose said chamber.

2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the vertical members and the cross members are adapted to be connected without the use of conventional fasteners.

3. The tank according to claim 1, wherein said base portion further includes a plurality of supports to be fixed to adjacent edge and vertical members;

4. The tank according to claim 1, further including two or more modules connected together to form a single chamber.

5. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the top portion includes a cover panel.

6. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the tank includes an inlet through which water can pass into said chamber.

7. The tank according to claim 6, wherein the inlet is located in the cover panel or one said side panel.

8. The tank according to claim 1, further including at least one outlet through which water can exit said chamber.

9. The tank according to claim 8, wherein the at least one outlet is located on one said side panel.

10. The tank according to claim 1, further including at least one overflow outlet.

11. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the side panels are interchangeable.

12. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the cover panels are interchangeable.

13. The tank according to claim 1, wherein each vertical frame member includes a channel into which a side panel can be retained.

14. The tank according to claim 13, wherein the side panels are slidable within said channels.

15. The tank according to claim 1, further including cladding fastened to the frame.

16. The tank according to claim 15, wherein the cladding is fastened to the frame using clips or brackets.

17. The tank according to claim 1, wherein each vertical member in use interlocks with an adjacent edge and cross member.

18. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the top portion further includes means to attach the flexible material to the frame.

19. The tank according to claim 18, wherein the means to attach the flexible material to the frame includes a clip having an open mouth adapted to receive the flexible material.

20. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the flexible material is a bladder or a first liner.