AU602780B2 - Liquid reservoir and method of dispensing a liquid therefrom by means of a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

6O) &1 ~Rd 6O FORM 10 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE, Class Int Class Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: i: 6oo:irneit conteiifl; tLc .33 o '3 9 *o I .3 3 3U Priority: Related Art: Name and Address of Applicant: .3 0 Flexcel international, Inc.

12596 W. Bayaud Street Suite 290 Lakewood Colorado 80228 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Address for Service: 2 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: Liquid Reservoir And Method Of Dispensing A Liquid Therefrom By Means Of A Vehicle The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us REPRINT OF RECEIPT CO- i C'C)-1-S-9/451/3 21 0 7 I I LIQUID RESERVOIR AND METHOD OF DISPENSING A LIQUID TIEREFROM BY MEANS OF A VEHICLE This application is a continuation-in-part of U. S.

Serial No. 445,458 filed November 30, 1982 and entitled FUEL RESERVOIR AND METHOD OF REFUELING A VEHICLE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION S0 1. Field of the Invention Se This invention relates to a method of dispensing a liquid by means of a vehicle and, more specifically, it relates *0 to such a method which involves a uniquely designed, resiliently E compressible reservoir which is adapted to be compressed between 0 the ground and the vehicle traction means so as to express the S,1liquid from the reservoir.

0 f 2. Description of the Prior Art S"Systems for remote delivery of liquids, such a- fuel, water for drinking, bathing, cooking or other purposes, agricultural irrigation liquids and fire extinguishing materials have been known. One common approach has been to employ tanker trucks having a rigid or flexible reservoir of the liquid and an associated power driven pump to dispense the same.

With respect to most needs for refueling vehicles, it has generally been known to position the vehicle adjacent to a stationary, permanently installed fuel reservoir and to employ a power energized (as by electrical motor or internal combustion engine) pump to transfer the fuel from the reservoir to the vehicle's fuel tank.

-1i It has also been known~ to mr ye such storage reservoirs on vehicles in order that the vehicles carrying the fuel may be moved to the vehicles to receive fuel and to employ power ene'rgized pumps to effect the transfer.

in many situations, it is inefficient and, sometimes, dangerous to rely on such known approaches. one such situation occurs in respect of the need to supply water or to refuel military vehicles, such as tanks, for example, in combat zones.

The need to rely on mobile tanker trucks not only substantially increases the amount of time involved, but also In respect of refueling only one or two military vehicles can receive fuel from such a truck at one time. The need to refuel such vehicles sequentially increases the risks of loss of life and equipment.

Afurther problem is the uticertalnty of being able to drive such tanker truck to the combat zone. Also, a grouping of such vehicles creates an easy target for the enemy.

It has also been known to use the fso-called bladder collapsible storage containers to deliver fuel which is to be ransferred by means of a power energized pump. One of the C) advantages of this approach over the tanker trucks is the ability to put the container to other uses and the fact that a single T iehicle can return a large number of empty bladders to a I1 efueling center It has also been known to employ the "fuel cell" which y nieanu of a portable power pump and skilled personnel can be ised to deliver fuel to military vehicles. One of the advantages )f such fuel cells is that they are small enough to be delivered 2.

by helicopter and dropped to the desired location. It also requires a power pump and special packaging.

A further problem with approaches requiring a power pump is that the pump may break down at a critical time.

Yet another problem exists in connection with the need to refuel or provide a supply of water or other liquids at sites of major diasters, such as earthquakes, floods and severe storms, for example. In such circumstances electricity with which to operate pumps may be uhavailable and access roads may be blocked 0 04 or severely damaged.

o In spite of the previously known systems for refueling 0 o0 vehicles at remote locations, such as in a military combat zone, 0 I for example, and other systems for remote delivery of liquids 0 there remains the need for an improved method and associated reservoir.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has solved the above-described problems by providing a method of dispensing liquids in remote locations without requiring dependence on power driven pumps or 0;a4 tanker trucks.

The method of the present invention includes providing a liquid containing, resilient storage reservoir having an outlet opening, poiitioning the reservoir in a path of traction means of vehicle and moving the vehicle so that the traction means compresses the resilient storage reservoir so as to express liquid from the reservoir. The reservoir preferably has a ground engaging surface, and a tapered portion at one end to facilitate 3.

1 engagement by the vehicle traction means. In one embodiment, the exterior of the reservoir body has a generally cylindrical exterior configuration with a tapered portion being of generally conical shape. In another embodiment, the lower surface may be substantially flat, the upper surface may have a portion which is substantially flat and generally parallel to the lower surface and have an adjacent top portion which is substantially flat which extends angularly downwardly. In the case of refueling, s mithe reservoir outlet is connected to the fuel inlet.

9 o (In general, it is preferable to place the outlet means o at the opposite end of an elongated reservoir with respect to the tapered portion which is disposed at or adjacent the opposite end. Tread means may be provided on the upper surface to (,facilitate the frictional engagement of the traction means with the upper surface. Tread means may also be provided on the ground engaging portions.

Externally provided reservoir engaging means may be secured to the exterior of the reservoir to facilitate handling Sof the same.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved efficient means of delivering liquids by means of a vehicle.

4 In one broad form the present invention provides a collapsible liquid storage reservoir adapted to provide a means for delivering a liquid contained therein by means of a vehicle seperate from said reservoir, and comprising an elongated unitary resilient body member composed of a resiliently compressible material, and said reservoir having a body portion and an adjacent tapered portion, whereby vehicle traction means of said vehicle running over said reservoir in a longitudinal axial direction will compress said reservoir progressively to urge said liquid from said S,,reservoir, said reservoir resiliently resisting substantial lateral 10 expansion of said reservoir away from said traction means.

A preferred form the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a form of liquid storage reservoir of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a right side elevational view of the liquid storage 0 reservoir of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a left side elevational view of the liquid storage reservoir of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the liquid storage reservoir of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the liquid storage reservoir of Figure 1.

SFigure 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the liquid storage reservoir of Figure 1 taken through 6-6 of Figure 1.

SAR/1243b -5 Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of the wall of a liquid storage reservoir of this invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a vehicle in the process of refueling using a fuel storage reservoir of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a front elevational vie w of another .t embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is a right side elevational view of the 0 reservoir of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a left side elevational view of the reservoir of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration i 3f a portion of a modified reservoir wall.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary portion of the reservoir all of Figure 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As used herein the term "traction means" refers to a ehicle's ground engaging means which permits it to move along i 0 :he ground and shall expressly include, but not be limited to, wheels, tires, endless tread belts and other such members.

As used herein the term "ground" shall be intended to S' efer broadly to the surface supporting a vehicle be it earth, ravel, paved roads or any other surface on which liquid delivery s to be achieved.

6.

I 6 i;, As used herein "fire extinguishing material" shall refer to a liquid, slurry or foam, with or without flame retarding additives and shall expressly include water.

While for clarity of description specific reference will be made to use of the invention in connection with a preferred use in dispensing of fuels, other uses including but not limited to use in connection with drinking, bathing water, oo* plant irrigation and fire extinguishing material, for example, 0 will be equally advantageous.

S I0 Referring more specifically to the emb*diment shown in SFigures 1 and 3, the reservoir member has an elongated body. The reservoir has a substantially flat ground engaging surface 2, an upper wall portion 4 which is substantially flat and oriented generally parallel with respect to the ground engaging surface 2 and an adjacent upper wall surface 6 which is oriented generally angularly downwardly toward end wall 8. The side walls 18, in the form shown, bulge outwardly and are generally circular in section. At the end opposite end wall 8 is an end wall 10 to hich is secured an outlet 12 within which is the valve operated O by valve control element 14. This may advantageously be manually rotatable to open and close the valve. A pressure relief member 16 which may consist of a plug which is adapted to pop out if Spessure inside the reservoir reaches too high a level is provided. At safe pressures, member 16 resists the flow of fluid therethrough. When filling the reservoir so as to permit any air ontained within the reservior to be exhausted and replaced by fuel, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, or other liquid, for ixample, suitable venting is provided. This may be accomplished 7.

J' i I I .1 readily by a vented connection in the outlet 12 or a separate opening in the reservoir, for example.

In order to facilitate ease of handling, it is desirable to provide external means which may be gripped manually or by suitable lifting equipment, such as a crane, fork lift or hoist. In the embodiment shown a series of strap members 26 are secured circumfrentially about the reservoir exterior and have a series of loop members 24 projecting upwardly therefrom. A .r suitable wire or other member is. secured to the end loops 24 and

C

o 10 adapted to be engaged in lifting the reservoir.

0 4 °o Figures 4 and 5 show, respectively, top plan and bottom plan views of the compressible reservoir of Figures 1 through 7.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, a preferred construction of the reservoir will now be considered. It is t1 o generally desirable to have the reservoir composed of a resiliently compressible material such as neoprene rubber, for S* example. The innrr lining material should be one which is inert with .espect to the liquid to be contained within the reservoir. In the form shown, a rubber bladder 34 is provided as S .O the interior lining. External tread 32 is provided on the upper surfaces in order to maximize traction efficiency between the vehicle traction means and the reservoir. If desired, ceinforcement may be provided within the walls of the reservoir s by use of metal fibers or synthetic fibers, for example.

liso, if desired, a tread 32, may be provided on ground engaging surface 2 in order to improve the frictional resistance to indesired movement of the reservoir along the ground.

I, i 1 1 By way of example, and not limitation, the reservoir of the present invention may advantageously have a diameter of approximately 2.5 feet measured across the sidewalls and a length of about 8 to 10 feet. It preferably will hold about 10 to 200 1gallons of liquid. For sizes under about 25 gallons a generally cylindrical reservoir may be preferred.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a vehicle in I the form of a military tank 36 which is disposed with its *1 traction means 38 in the form of an endless tread member in contacting overlying relationship with the tapered portion defined by the downwardly angularly sloping portion 6 of upper wall and a porti.on of the ground engaging surface 2. A filler *1 tube 42, which may advantageously be about 2 to 3 inches in diameteL, has one end secured to reservoir outlet 12 and the other end secured to fuel inlet 44 of the tank. As the tank advances towrn:3 the left of Figure 8 as indicated by arrow A, it will move onto the upper surface 4, 6 of the reservoir thereby applying a compressive force between the tank tread member 38 and the ground 46 to thereby initiate flow of fuel in tube 42 in S direction indicated by arrowt B. The rate of idvance of the tank is preferably such as to create a desired rate of flow. When transfer of fuel has been completed, the tube 22 is removed fromn the fuel inlet 44, disconnected from outlet means 12 and the outlet 12 may be provided with a closure (not shown) such as a Jt threaded closure to close the outlet 12 and permit the reservoir to be returned to a filling station.

Referring to Figures 9 through 11, there is shown a odified form of reservoir. This embodiment has an elongated body provided with a generally cylindrical exterior shape GO with an adjacent conical portion 62. The conical. portion 62 provides a tapered section to facilitate engagement with traction means.

Straps 70 secure line 72 to the reservoir through a series of loop members. Circular end walls 66, 6B are provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that it may be moved easily by 0 0 rolling it along the ground or off of a vehicle about the reservoir's longitudinal axis. Another feature, which may be 0 000used in other embodiments as well, is inlet valve 64 which may be 4 0 0 connected to a source of compressed air, such as a pressurized container, for example, to assist with discharge of liquid in the 0 aevent the vehicle wias unable to move. Treads, such as 32 may be provided for improved traction.

0 0 0 4 Referring now to Figures ?2 and 13 another feature of 0 0the invention will be considered. In some instances undesired 04small quantities of water may be mixed with fuel either prior to introduction into the reservoir or through condensation within the reservoir. If desired, a filter which permits passage of 0 fuel but not water there through may be provided in the outlet 0~ region. Alternatively or in addition thereto the features of Figures 12 and 13 may be employed. The reservoir wall 90 may be provided with a plurality of inwardly open recesses 92. As water is heavier than fuel, the water will tend to accumulate within the recesses 92 and, therefore, be less likely to be urged out of the reservoir during pumping action. In the form illustrated, the recesses 92 are preferably substantially longitudinally oriented with respect to the reservoir and extend over a major portion of the length of the reservoir. in the embodiments of i I_~:I--UIL*-*TCU~ Figures 1-8 they may be placed in the lower wall 'Portions and in the embodiments of Figures 9-11 about the circumference.

It will be appreciated while the present invention has been illustrated in its preferred forms having either a generally flat lower surface, a generally flat upper surface parallel to the lower surface and an angularly downwardly directed surface to facilitate engagement with the vehicle traction means or a cylindrical surface cooperating with a conical surface, other 0 e configurations for the reservoir will be apparent to those SO skilled in the art.

The present invention has, therefore, provided a simple and efficient method of rapidly dispensing liquid as in refueling military or non-military vehicles in a remote location without requiring the use of tanker trucks, power operated pumps, or skilled personnel. All of this is accomplished by means of use of the present method and its associated resilient reservoir.

It will be appreciated that the reservoir of the present invention may be delivered to the site of liquid transfer by any of various means including truck and other land vehicles, I CO helicopters and other air vehicles, including the possibility of parachuting the same to desired location and may be also transported by boat either on the boat or by towing a group of floating liquid containing reservoirs which have been suitably secured to each other or the boat.

It will be appreciated that when two materials are to be kept apart prior to dispensing they may be provided In separate reservoirs of the invention or in a divided reservoir with a suitable mixing nozzle so as to maintain separation prior ii i ~II~LIIC_.to use. An example of such use would be ingredients employed to create a fire retarding or extinguishing foam.

The reservoir should be compressible under the influence of longitudinal axial movemient of the traction means so as to permit progressive discharge of the liquid while resisting substantial lateral expansion of the reservoir infrn 9 t (the direction from the traction means to the discharge end of the reservoir) of the traction means.

As substantial lateral expansion of the reservoir between the S traction means and outlet i2 is resisted, efficient discharge of the fluid o I S10 Is effected.

0 t SItThe preferred embodiment of the reservoir is such that dropping a filled resevoir from an aircraft will result in the major portion of the of impact shock created upon hitting the ground being absorbed by the reservoir tumbling along the ground as distinguished from flexing of the side walls.

W Hhereas particular emn:odiments of the Invention have been described above for .purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in 44 the art, that numerous variations of the details may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

SAR/12'13b 12 i- A

Claims (11)

1. 2. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 1 iicluding said elongated portion being generally cylindrical and said tapered oO0 portion being generally conical. I 0 °15 3. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 1 including o "said elongated portion having a generally flat ground engaging lower 0o surface, and 0 0 0.40.0 downwardly.
2. 4. The collapsible liquid storage ieservoir of either claim 2 or 3 including at least a portion of said reservoir having tread means to facilitate o o more efficient engagement by traction means of a vehicle. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 1 including said storage reservoir being elongated and having an outlet disposed adjacent one end thereof.
3. 6. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 5 including said angularly downwardly extending portion disposed at or adjacent S';he end opposite of said outlet end.
4. 7. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 4 including reservoir handling means secured to the exterior thereof.
5. 8. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 7 including said reservoir handling means including an elongated member secured, at least in part, In spaced relationship with respect to the exterior surface of said reservoir.
6. 9. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 5 including valve means operatively associated with said outlet. I- -13- HRF/0396r 7 I ii The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 3 including said reservoir having an upper surface portion adjacent to said angularly downwardly extending portion and being substantially parallel to said lower surface.
7. 11. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 4 including said reservoir having a storage capacity of about 10 to 200 gallons.
8. 12. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 5 including Ii outlet tube means secured to said reservoir outlet for directing the flow of said liquid urged out of said reservoir.
9. 13. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 5 including second valve means operatively associated with said reservoir for introduction of~ compressed air therein.
10. 14. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 1 including V a plurality of inwardly open channels formed within the wall of said 015 reservoir. The collapsible liquid storage reservoir of claim 14 including 0 0 said channels being oriented generally longitudinally within said 000 0 reservoir.
11. 0016. A collapsible liquid storage reservoir as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 000 DATED this TWJENTIETH day of JULY 1990 0000 Flexcel International, Inc. 0 000 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON -14.- HRF/0396r