PRIORITY This application claims the benefit of priority of Chinese Patent Application No. CN201210034689, filed Feb. 25, 2012, entitled “A LIQUID CONTAINER AND COMPONENTS THEREOF,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is directed to a container, and more particularly, to a liquid container and components thereof.
BACKGROUND In a hydrofracturing operation, existing technologies utilize rigid round tanks for storing clean water or recycled fracturing waste fluid. Because the hydrofracturing operation typically requires a substantial amount of water, e.g., thousands of cubic meters, a large number of rigid round tanks may be needed for transporting and storing the water. However, because of the large size of the rigid round tanks, the rigid round tanks are difficult to transport. Moreover, because rigid round tanks are often transported only one at a time, the cost of transportation is high. Therefore, there is a need to provide a liquid container that facilitates transportation and reduces cost.
SUMMARY In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure, and a capsule connected to the foldable support structure and configurable for storing a liquid. The foldable support structure includes a first frame and a second frame having substantially the same shape as the first frame and stacked above the first frame. The foldable support structure also includes a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the first frame and the second frame and connecting the first frame and the second frame. The foldable support structure is moveable between a closed position in which the first and second frames are positioned substantially next to each other, and an open position in which the first and second frames are separated and support the capsule disposed in a space defined therebetween.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure, a capsule, and a net. The foldable support structure is moveable between a closed position and an open position to support the capsule disposed in a space defined therein, and the net is disposed between the capsule and the foldable support structure.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure defining a plurality of divided spaces. The liquid container also includes a plurality of capsules, each capsule being disposed within one of the plurality of divided spaces defined by the foldable support structure, and being configured for storing a liquid.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure. The liquid container also includes a capsule disposed within a space defined by the foldable support structure and configured for storing a liquid. The liquid container further includes at least two frames and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the at least two frames. The foldable supporting mechanism includes at least one linkage having an end slidably disposed within a sliding track on one of the at least two frames.
In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure and a capsule disposed within a space defined by the foldable support structure and configured for storing a liquid. The liquid container also includes at least two frames and a foldable supporting mechanism disposed between the at least two frames. The foldable supporting mechanism includes at least one linkage having a roller disposed within a sliding track on one of the at least two frames.
In a further exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid container. The liquid container includes a foldable support structure including a plurality of receiving containers. The liquid container also includes a plurality of capsules, each capsule being at least partially disposed within one of the plurality of receiving containers, and being configured for storing a liquid.
Features and advantages consistent with the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. Such features and advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a first exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure of the liquid container of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a soft capsule in an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the support structure of FIG. 2 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a second exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure of the liquid container of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the support structure of FIG. 6 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a third exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a support structure of the liquid container of FIG. 8 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the support structure of FIG. 9 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a fourth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container assembly including two liquid containers shown in FIG. 11 connected together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container assembly shown in FIG. 12 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a connector that connects the two liquid containers shown in FIG. 12 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a fifth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 15 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 17 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 16 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container according to a sixth exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 18 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 20 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid container shown in FIG. 19 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container in a folded state according to a seventh exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 in an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 with a support structure in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 with the support structure in an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of a frame and a locking mechanism of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged view of the locking mechanism according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 27 illustrates a net which may be implemented with the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 28 illustrates a soft capsule which may be implemented with the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 29 illustrates an bottom view of the liquid container shown in FIG. 21 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 30 illustrates a liquid container assembly including two liquid containers shown in FIG. 21 connected together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment;
FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the liquid container assembly shown in FIG. 30 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment; and
FIG. 32 illustrates a bottom view of the liquid container assembly shown in FIG. 30 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 100 according to a first exemplary disclosed embodiment. Throughout this discussion of various embodiments, the term “liquid container” may refer to a single liquid container or a liquid container assembly including more than one liquid container. The term “liquid” may refer to liquid, fluid, gas, or mixture of liquid and solid, such as sand, dirt, and/or rock. The liquid container 100 may include a support structure 10. The support structure 10 may be at least partially foldable. That is, at least a portion of the support structure 10 may be expanded to an open state or expanded position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, when in use, and that portion may be folded to a folded state or closed position, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4, when not in use to reduce size. The liquid container 100 may include a soft, flexible capsule 20. The soft capsule 20 may be accommodated or disposed within a space defined by the support structure 10. The soft capsule 20 may be supported by the support structure 10 when disposed therein.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure 10 of the liquid container 100 shown in FIG. 1, according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The support structure 10 may include a main body 11 and at least a first foldable supporting mechanism 12 and a second foldable supporting mechanism 12′. The first and the second foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ may be substantially identical to one another, and may include similar components. The main body 11 may include a plurality of frames, for example, a first frame 111 and a second frame 112. The first frame 111 may be stacked above the second frame 112 with corresponding frame members facing each other. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may be connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ disposed therebetween. Although two frames are shown in FIG. 1, it is understood that the foldable support structure 10 may include any suitable number of frames, e.g., three, four, five, etc.
Referring to FIG. 2, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may have substantially the same shape or may have different shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 have a quadrilateral shape, such as, a rectangular or square shape. It is understood that the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may have any suitable shape, such as, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, any other polygon, a circle, or an irregular shape. The first frame 111 may include one or more fixing blocks 1121 located at a top side that is opposite to the second frame 112, i.e., that does not face the second frame 112.
The first and the second foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ may be disposed between the first and the second frames 111 and 112, on two opposite sides facing one another (e.g., on the front and rear sides as shown in FIG. 2). Each of the first and the second foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ may connect corresponding frame members of the first and the second frames 111 and 112. The first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include a first linkage 121 and a second linkage 122 cross connected with the first linkage 121 through a pivotal rod provided at substantially a middle section of the first linkage 121 and the second linkage 122.
Referring to FIG. 2, the first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include a first sliding sleeve 123 and a second sliding sleeve 123′. The first sliding sleeve 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123′ may be slidably disposed on corresponding frame members of the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. For example, the first sliding sleeve 123 may be disposed on a first frame member 125 of the first frame 111, and the second sliding sleeve 123′ may be disposed on a corresponding second frame member 126 of the second frame 112. The first and the second sliding sleeves 123 and 123′ may be slidable along the corresponding first and second frame members 125 and 126 as the foldable support structure 10 is moved between the open and closed positions. The first linkage 121 may include an end pivotally connected with the first frame 111, and another end connected with the second sliding sleeve 123′ disposed on the second frame 112. The second linkage 122 may include one end pivotally connected with the second frame 112, and another end connected with the first sliding sleeve 123 disposed on the first frame 111.
Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable support structure 10 may include at least one locking component associated with at least one of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding sleeve 123′ and operable to block (or limit, prevent) or allow movement of at least one of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding sleeve 123′ along the first frame member 125 or the second frame member 126, thereby locking or unlocking the positions of at least one of the first sliding sleeve 123 or the second sliding sleeve 123′ relative to the first frame member 125 or the second frame member 126. For example, the first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include a first locking component 124. The first locking component 124 may be disposed on the first sliding sleeve 123, or may be a standing alone component separated from the first sliding sleeve 123. The first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may include a second locking component 124′, which may be different from or similar to the first locking component 124. The second locking component 124′ may be disposed on the second sliding sleeve 123′, or may be a standing alone component separated from the second sliding sleeve 123′.
Referring to FIG. 2, when the first locking component 124 and the second locking component 124′ are engaged, they may block (or limit, prevent) the movement of the first sliding sleeves 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123′ along the first frame member 125 of the first frame 111 and the second frame member 126 of the second frame 112, thereby locking or fixing the position of the first sliding sleeve 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123′, and accordingly, locking or fixing the position of the first foldable supporting mechanism 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the support structure 10 is in an open, expanded, or unfolded position. When the first and the second locking components 124 and 124′ are disengaged, the first sliding sleeves 123 and the second sliding sleeve 123′ may be moved (e.g., slid) along the first frame member 125 of the first frame 111 and the second frame member 126 of the second frame 112, and as a result, the first foldable supporting mechanism 12 may be folded or closed. FIG. 4 shows the foldable support structure 10 in a folded state or closed position, in which the foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ are folded or closed, and the first and second frames 111 and 112 are positioned substantially next to each other.
In some embodiments, the second foldable supporting mechanism 12′ may include substantially the same structure as the first foldable supporting mechanism 12, and therefore, may include similar components as those included in the first foldable supporting mechanism 12. In some embodiments, it is possible for the second foldable supporting mechanism 12′ to include components different from those of first foldable supporting mechanism 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the soft capsule 20 in an expanded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The soft capsule 20 may be made of any suitable material that renders the soft capsule 20 flexible, and that enables the soft capsule 20 to be capable of being expanded and collapsed or folded. In one embodiment, the soft capsule 20 may be made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber. For example, the soft capsule 20 may be made of chlorosulfonated polyethylene or the like material. The soft capsule 20 may be utilized for storing a suitable liquid.
As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the soft capsule 20 in an expanded state may substantially match the space defined by the support structure 10. In some embodiment, the shape of a top opening portion 21 of the soft capsule 20 may match the shape of first frame 111 and/or the second frame 112. For example, when the first and the second frames 111 and 112 have a rectangular shape, the top opening portion 21, in the expanded state, may have a rectangular shape.
As shown in FIG. 3, the soft capsule 20 may include a pad or plate 22 disposed at a bottom portion. The pad 22 may prevent or reduce wear at the bottom portion of the soft capsule 20. When the pad 22 is worn, the pad 22 may be conveniently replaced. In one embodiment, the pad 22 may be an integral single pad that may be fixed to the bottom portion of the soft capsule 20 by glue, weld, or any other suitable methods. In another embodiment, the pad 22 may be a separate part detachably attached to the bottom portion of the soft capsule 20. In some embodiments, the pad 22 may include a plurality of small pads. When one of the plurality of small pads is worn, instead of replacing the entire pad 22, the specific worn small pad may be replaced.
The soft capsule 20 may be disposed within the space defined by the support structure 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The top opening portion 21 shown in FIG. 3 may be secured to a portion of the support structure 10. For example, a circumferential portion of the top opening portion 21 may be secured to the one or more fixing blocks 1121 (shown in FIG. 2) provided on a top frame, e.g., the first frame 111, of the support structure 10, by a suitable means, such as, for example, clamp, glue, or screw and nut, to prevent break away from the support structure 10 when the soft capsule 20 is filled with liquid.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the support structure 10 of FIG. 2 in a folded state or closed position according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. When the liquid container 100 is used for storing liquid, the soft capsule 20 is disposed within the space defined by the support structure 10. When the liquid container 100 is not used for storing liquid, the soft capsule 20 may be taken out of the support structure 10. The soft capsule 20 may be collapsed or folded, because of its softness and flexibility. The first and the second locking components 124 and 124′ may be disassembled or disengaged from the support structure 10, thereby allowing the first and the second sliding sleeves 123 and 123′ to be moved along the corresponding first frame member 125 and second frame member 126, respectively. Thus, the foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′ may be folded, causing the support structure 10 to be folded, as shown in FIG. 4. The folded support structure 10 reduces its overall size and therefore the space it occupies, thereby facilitating storage and transportation. Accordingly, the cost associated with the storage and transportation of the liquid container 100 is reduced.
Still referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, when the liquid container 100 is not in use for storing liquid, the soft capsule 20 need not be taken out of the support structure 10 when the support structure 10 is folded. In such embodiments, the first and the second locking components 124 and 124′ may be disassembled or disengaged from the support structure 10, thereby enabling the first and the second sliding sleeves 123 and 123′ to be moved along corresponding first frame member 125 and the second frame member 126, respectively. The support structure 10 may then be placed in a folded state, so that the liquid container 100, including the soft capsule 20 and the support structure 10, is placed in the folded state or closed position. The folded liquid container 100 reduces the space it occupies, and facilitates storage and transportation, thereby reducing the cost associated with storage and transportation.
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the liquid container 100 includes two foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and 12′. It is understood that in other embodiments, the liquid container 100 may include any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms, such as, for example, one, three, four, etc.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 200 according to a second exemplary disclosed embodiment. The second liquid container 200 may include a support structure 220, a soft, flexible capsule 24 disposed within a space defined by the support structure 220, and a net 23 disposed between the soft capsule 24 and the support structure 220. The soft capsule 24 may be similar to the soft capsule 20. The support structure 220 may include components similar to those included the support structure 10, and may be at least partially foldable.
The net 23 shown in FIG. 5 may be soft, flexible, or may be rigid. In one embodiment, the net 23 is flexible, and is made of a suitable flexible material, such as nylon. The net 23 may be disposed between the soft capsule 24 and the support structure 220, and may help maintain (e.g., by restraining) the soft capsule 24 within the space defined by the support structure 220, thereby preventing the soft capsule 24 from squeezing out of the space from open gaps between any pair of two adjacent frames 221 when the soft capsule 24 is filled with liquid.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure 220 included in the liquid container 200 of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The support structure 220 may include a plurality of frames 221, e.g., four frames 221, stacked one above another, as shown in FIG. 6. The support structure 220 may include a plurality of foldable supporting mechanisms 223, e.g., six foldable supporting mechanisms 223, as shown in FIG. 6. It is understood that the support structure 220 may include three, four, five, or any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms 223.
In some embodiments, the shape and structure of the frames 221 may be substantially the same as those of the first frame 111 and the second frame 112 of the liquid container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, the frames 221 may have shapes and structures different from those of the first and the second frames 111 and 112. For example, the shape of the frames 221 may be quadrilateral, such as, rectangular or square. It is understood that in other embodiments, the frames 221 may have a shape of a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, any other polygon, a circle, or an irregular shape. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the four frames 221 are stacked one above another, with corresponding frame members facing each other, and are connected by the six foldable supporting mechanisms 223 disposed between pairs of two adjacent frames 221.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 connects corresponding frame members of each pair of two adjacent frames 221. Two foldable supporting mechanisms 223 are disposed between each pair of two adjacent frames 221. Each foldable supporting mechanism 223 includes a first linkage 2231, a second linkage 2232, and a sliding sleeve 2233. The structures and positions of the first linkage 2231, the second linkage 2232, and the sliding sleeve 2233 with respect to the frames 221 may be similar to those of the first linkage 121, the second linkage 122, and the second sliding sleeve 123′ with respect to the first and the second frames 111 and 112, as shown in FIG. 2. The positional relationship of the first linkage 2231, the second linkage 2232, and the sliding sleeve 2233, with respect to the four frames 221, may be similar to that of the first linkage 121, the second linkage 122, and the second sliding sleeve 123′ with respect to the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first linkage 2231 and the second linkage 2232 may each be connected to a sliding sleeve 2233 disposed on a corresponding frame 221.
As shown in FIG. 6, the support structure 220 may include a drive unit 2234 disposed on one of the plurality of frames 221, e.g., the lowest one of the frames 221. It is understood that the drive unit 2234 may be disposed on any one of the plurality of frames 221. The drive unit 2234 may be connected with one of the six foldable supporting mechanisms 223, e.g., the foldable supporting mechanism 223 connecting the lowest pair of two adjacent frames 221. The drive unit 2234 may be connected with at least one of a linkage of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 or a sliding sleeve disposed on at least one of the frames 221. For example, the drive unit 2234 may be connected with the first linkage 2231, the second linkage 2232, or the sliding sleeve 2233. It is understood that the support structure 220 may include more than one drive unit 2234 disposed on more than one frame 221, each drive unit 2234 connected with one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 2234 may be configured to push and pull the first linkage 2231 or the sliding sleeve 2233, thereby causing the sliding sleeve 2233 to move (e.g., slide) along a frame member of the lowest frame 221, and accordingly, causing the support structure 220 to expand or fold. The drive unit 2234 may include an end fixed to the frame member of the lowest frame 221, and another end connected with the corresponding sliding sleeve 2233 or the first linkage 2231 located on the frame side of the lowest frame 221. When the drive unit 2234 pushes the sliding sleeve 2233 away from the drive unit 2234, the movement of the sliding sleeve 2233 causes the support structure 220 to expand up in the vertical direction. When the drive unit 2234 pulls the sliding sleeve 2233 toward the drive unit 2234, the movement of the sliding sleeve 2233 causes the support structure 220 to fold down in the vertical direction.
The drive unit 2234 shown in FIG. 6 may include a hydraulic drive unit, a pneumatic drive unit, an electric motor drive unit, a piezoelectric drive unit, a chain drive unit, or any suitable drive unit. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 2234 may include or may be connected with a power unit that supplies power to the drive unit 2234. The power unit may include a battery, solar panel, an electricity generator, etc.
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the support structure 220 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. When the support structure 220 is folded, the liquid container 200 is also in a folded state, making storage and transportation of the liquid container 200 relatively easier.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the support structure 220 includes four frames 221. It is understood that the support structure 220 may include two, three, or any suitable number of frames 221. The number of the frames 221 may be determined by operational needs. The number of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 also may vary depending on operational needs. For example, in some embodiments, the number of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 may vary in proportion to the number of frames 221.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 300 according to a third exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid container 300 may include a support structure 31 and a soft capsule 32 disposed within a space defined by the support structure 31 for storing liquid. The liquid container 300 may include other components similar to those included in the liquid containers 100 and 200. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure 31 in an expanded state, and FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the support structure 31 in a folded state, according to exemplary disclosed embodiments. The support structure 31 may be at least partially foldable and may include components similar to those included in the support structures 10 or 220.
Referring to FIG. 9, the support structure 31 may include three frames 311 and six foldable supporting mechanisms 312. It is understood that the support structure 31 may include any suitable number of frames 311 and foldable supporting mechanisms 312. One difference between the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is that the shape of the frames 311 is hexagon. The frames 311 are stacked together and connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 312, with corresponding frame members facing each other.
As shown in FIG. 9, each of the foldable supporting mechanisms 312 connects a pair of two adjacent frames 311. Three foldable supporting mechanisms 312 are provided in this embodiment to connect a pair of two adjacent frames 311. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the three foldable supporting mechanisms 312 are distributed on every other pair of frame members. It is understood that more or lesser number of foldable supporting mechanisms 312 may be provided to connect each pair of two adjacent frames 311.
The structural and positional relationship of each of the foldable supporting mechanisms 312 with respect to the frames 311 may be similar to those discussed above with respect to the foldable supporting mechanisms 223 and the frames 221 of the liquid container 200 shown in FIGS. 5-7. For example, the support structure 31 may include a plurality of sliding sleeves 313. The support structure 31 may also include a plurality of drive units 314 located on the lowest frame 311, each drive unit 314 being associated with one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 223. The drive units 313 may drive the sliding sleeves 313 to move along corresponding frame members of the frames 311, thereby causing the support structure 31 to expand or fold. FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the support structure 31 of FIG. 9 in a folded state according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. When the support structure 31 is folded, the size of the support structure 31 is reduced, thereby making storage and transportation easier.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the support structure 31 includes three frames 311. It is understood that the number of frames may vary depending on operational needs. Any suitable number of frames may be included in the support structure 31. Although FIG. 9 shows that the support structure 31 includes six foldable supporting mechanisms 312, it is understood that the support structure 31 may include any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms 312. In addition, although three sliding sleeves 313 and three drive units 314 are shown in FIG. 9, it is understood that the number of the sliding sleeves 313 and the drive units 314 may vary with the number of the foldable supporting mechanisms 312. The support structure 31 may include more or less number of sliding sleeves 313 and drive units 314.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 400 according to a fourth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid container 400 may include at least one support structure 41 and at least one soft capsule 42 disposed within a space defined by the at least one support structure 41 for storing liquid. In one embodiment, the liquid container 400 may include an assembly of separate liquid containers, e.g., three as shown in FIG. 11. The three separate liquid containers may be connected together, each of which may be structurally similar to the liquid container 200, and each of which may define a space for accommodating a soft capsule 42. In another embodiment, the liquid container 400 may include a single support structure 41 having a plurality of (e.g., three, as shown in FIG. 11) divided spaces, each space accommodating a soft capsule 42. The single support structure 41 may be at least partially foldable and may include components similar to those included in the support structure 10, the support structure 220, or the support structure 31.
The liquid container 400 may include a plurality of frames 221, e.g., five, as shown in FIG. 11, stacked one above another in a vertical direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the liquid container 400 may include a single support structure 41 including five frames 221 stacked in the vertical direction and having a space defined by the single support structure 41 divided into three subspaces, each subspace accommodating a soft capsule 42. In other embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include the single support structure 41 including any suitable number of frames 221 in the vertical direction. The liquid container 400 may include a space defined by the single support structure 41 divided into any suitable number of, e.g., four, five, six, etc., subspaces, each accommodating a soft capsule 42.
In some embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include three liquid containers 200 connected in series in a horizontal direction, each having a support structure 41 with five frames 221 stacked in the vertical direction and a soft capsule 42 disposed within the space defined by the support structure 41. The number of the liquid containers 200 and/or the number of the soft capsules 42 may vary according to operational needs, and may be any suitable number, e.g., four, five, six, etc. The number of frames 221 may vary according to operational needs, which may be any suitable number, e.g., six, seven, eight, etc.
In some embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include an assembly of the liquid containers 100 or the liquid containers 300 arranged in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to FIG. 11. In other embodiments, the liquid container 400 may include an assembly of a combination of the liquid containers 100, 200, and 300.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container assembly 600 including two liquid containers 400 shown in FIG. 11 connected together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The two liquid containers 400 may be arranged side by side and connected by one or more connectors 61. FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container assembly 600, showing in detail the connection of the two liquid containers 400 by the one or more connectors 61 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the one or more connectors 61 according to a disclosed embodiment. The one or more connectors 61 may include any suitable connector, such as a bracket, a clamp, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the one or more connectors 61 may include a bracket having a U-shape, with each vertical side of the bracket having at least one hole 611 for receiving at least one screw 62.
The one or more connectors 61 may be placed across two adjacent frame members of the two liquid containers 400 arranged side by side, as shown in FIG. 13. The at least one screw 62 may secure the one or more connectors 61 to the two adjacent frame sides of the two liquid containers 400, thereby holding the two liquid containers 400 together to form the liquid container assembly 600. It is understood that other suitable connection means may also be implemented to connect the two liquid containers 400. In some embodiments, the liquid container assembly 600 may include any other suitable number of liquid containers 400, e.g., three, four, five, etc., connected together by suitable connection means, such as, the one or more connectors 61 and the at least one screw 62. In some embodiments, the liquid containers 400 may be replaced by at least one of the liquid containers 100, 200, or 300 to form the liquid container assembly 600. In other embodiments, the liquid container assembly 600 may include a combination of the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 connected together by suitable connection means.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 500 according to a fifth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid container 500 may include components similar to those included in the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or the liquid container assembly 600. The liquid container 500 may include a support structure 51 and a soft capsule 52 disposed within a space defined by the support structure 51 for storing liquid. The support structure 51 may include a plurality of, e.g., six as shown in FIG. 15, frames 511. The support structure 51 may include a plurality of, e.g., twenty, foldable supporting mechanisms 512, each connecting a pair of two adjacent frames 511. It is understood that the support structure 51 may be at least partially foldable and may include components similar to those included in the support structures 10, 220, 31, or 41.
As shown in FIG. 15, the six frames 511 are stacked one above another in a vertical direction with corresponding frame members facing each other. The six frames 511 are separated and connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 512. Four foldable supporting mechanisms 512 are disposed between each pair of two adjacent frames 511. The structure and components of the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may be similar to the foldable supporting mechanisms 12 and/or 223 discussed above. In one embodiment, the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may include sliding sleeves that may be similar to the sliding sleeves 123, 123′, and/or 2233 discussed above.
FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container 500 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid container 500 shown in FIG. 16 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a linkage 513 included in one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 (such as the one located on the lowest frame 511) may be connected to a corresponding frame member through a sliding track 514 rather than a sliding sleeve. The sliding track 514 may be disposed on one of the plurality of frames 511, e.g., on a frame member of the lowest frame 511. An end of the linkage 513 may be slidably disposed within or on the sliding track 514 in such a manner that the end of the linkage 513 may slide along the sliding track 514. The end of the linkage 513 may also be connected to a drive unit 515. It is understood that the number of the sliding tracks 514 may vary according to operational needs, and the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may include any suitable number, e.g., one, two, three, four, etc., of sliding tracks 514. The foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may include a combination of sliding tracks and sliding sleeves. For example, the foldable supporting mechanisms 512 may include one sliding track 514 disposed at the lowest frame 511, and a plurality of sliding sleeves disposed on other suitable frames. The number of drive unit 515 may also vary in accordance with the number of sliding tracks and/or sliding sleeves.
The drive unit 515 shown in FIG. 16 may drive the linkage 513 to slide along the sliding track 514 relative to the corresponding frame 511, so as to cause the liquid container 500 to expand or fold. When the liquid container 500 is in a folded state, storage and transportation of the liquid container 500 is facilitated and the cost associated with the storage and transportation is reduced.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 700 according to a sixth exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid container 700 may include components similar to those included in the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and/or the liquid container assembly 600. The liquid container 700 may include a support structure 71 and a soft capsule 72 disposed within a space defined by the support structure 71 for storing liquid. The support structure 71 may include a plurality of, e.g., nine, frames 711. It is understood that the support structure 71 may include any suitable number of frames 711, e.g., more or less than nine. The support structure 71 may include a plurality of, e.g., thirty two, foldable supporting mechanisms 712. It is understood that the support structure 71 may include any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms 712, e.g., more or less than thirty two. The support structure 71 may be at least partially foldable and may include components similar to those included in the support structures 10, 220, 31, 41, or 51.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the nine frames 711 are stacked one above another, with corresponding frame members facing each other. The nine frames 711 are separated and connected by the foldable supporting mechanisms 712. Each of the foldable supporting mechanisms 712 connects corresponding frame members of a pair of two adjacent frames 711. Each pair of two adjacent frames 711 are connected by four foldable supporting mechanisms 712. It is understood that each pair of two adjacent frames 711 may be connected by any suitable number of foldable supporting mechanisms 712, e.g., more or less than four.
The foldable supporting mechanisms 712 shown in FIG. 18 may include one or more sliding sleeves that may be similar to the sliding sleeves 123, 123′, and/or 2233 discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, the foldable supporting mechanisms 712 may include one or more sliding tracks that may be similar to the sliding track 514 discussed above. In some embodiments, the foldable supporting mechanisms 712 may include a combination of sliding sleeves and sliding tracks.
FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid container 700 shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 illustrates a regional broken-out sectional view of the portion of the liquid container 700 shown in FIG. 19 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, at least one of the foldable supporting mechanisms 712 may include a first linkage 713, a second linkage 714. Connection between the first and the second linkages 713 and 714 and the corresponding frame 711 may utilize a sliding track 717 rather than sliding sleeves. The sliding track 717 may be disposed on a frame member of a corresponding frame 711. At least one of the first linkage 713 and the second linkage 714 may include an end connected with a roller 716 disposed within the sliding track 717, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The first linkage 713 may include another end connected to the drive unit 715. The drive unit 715 may drive the first linkage 713 to slide, through the roller 716, within the sliding track 714 relative to the corresponding frame 711, when the liquid container 700 is expanded or folded. When the liquid container 700 is folded, the storage and transportation of the liquid container 700 is facilitated and the cost associated with the storage and transportation is reduced.
Now refer to FIGS. 21-32. FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid container 800 in a folded state according to a seventh exemplary disclosed embodiment. FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container 800 in an expanded state. The liquid container 800 may include components similar to those included in the liquid containers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, the liquid container assembly 600, and/or the liquid container 700. As shown in FIG. 21, the liquid container 800 may include a support structure 810 and a base support 880. The base support 880 may be provided at a bottom portion of a plurality of frames 8111. The base support 880 may include at least one receiving bucket 890 with a cylindrical shape disposed in the vertical direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the base support 880 includes four receiving buckets 890. It is understood that the base support 880 may include any suitable number of receiving buckets 890, e.g., one, two, three, etc. Each of the receiving buckets 890 may be a rigid container for storing a net 823 (an exemplary embodiment of the net 823 is shown in FIG. 27) and a soft capsule 824 (an exemplary embodiment of the soft capsule 824 is shown in FIG. 28). The total number of nets 823 or soft capsules 824 may be the same as the total number of the receiving buckets 890. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the liquid container 800 includes four nets 823 and four soft capsules 824.
The soft capsule 824 shown in FIG. 28 may be at least partially stored within the receiving bucket 890. The soft capsule 824 may include an opening at a top portion (similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3). Circumferential portions of the top portion of the soft capsule 824 may be secured to a top portion of the receiving bucket 890 through any suitable mechanism, e.g., clamp, screw, elastic band, etc. The soft capsule 824 may include a ring structure 850 (shown in FIG. 22), which may secure the circumferential portions of the top portion of the soft capsule 824 to a top portion of the support structure 810, such as, for example, a top frame 8111, by press-fitting, clamping, or any other suitable means. The ring structure 850 may also secure circumferential portions of a top portion of the net 823 to a top portion of the support structure 810, such as, for example, a top frame 8111. The ring structure 850 may have a shape that matches the shape of the opening of the soft capsule 824 or the opening of the receiving bucket 890.
The base support 880 shown in FIG. 21 may include at least one hose 870 disposed at a bottom portion of the base support 880. The hose 870 may be connected with the soft capsule 824 disposed within the receiving bucket 890. The soft capsule 824 may include at least one inlet for allowing a flow of liquid into the soft capsule 824. The hose 870 may be connected with the at least one inlet. The hose 870 may include a fluid height measuring device configured to measure a height of liquid contained in the soft capsule 824. In order to facilitate deposition of solid matters, such as sand, dirt, rocks, at the bottom portion of the soft capsule 824, the bottom of the receiving bucket 890 may have an upside down cone shape, such as a shape similar to that of a funnel.
The net 823 shown in FIG. 27 may include a shape substantially matching that of an inner wall of the support structure 810. For example, in one embodiment, the shape of the net 823 and that of the inner wall of the support structure 810 may both be cylindrical. The net 823 may include, at an outer surface, one or more flexible strips 860 (shown in FIG. 22). The flexible strips 860 may help the net 823 to stay within the space defined by the support structure 810. When the net 823 is being folded in the vertical direction, e.g., when the liquid container 800 is being folded, the flexible strip 860 may help the folded net 823 stay within the space defined by the support structure 810, thereby preventing a portion of the net 823 being caught between the gap of a pair of two adjacent frames 8111 when the pair of two adjacent frames 8111 are brought closer to each other. The soft capsule 824 may be disposed within the net 823, which may restrain the radial expansion of the soft capsule 824 when the soft capsule 824 is filled with liquid. Accordingly, the forces exerted by the expanded soft capsule 824 on the support structure 810 may be reduced, which may in turn reduce the deformation of the support structure 810, thereby prolonging the life of the support structure 810 and enhancing the safety and reliability of the liquid container 800.
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container 800 with the support structure 810 in a folded state, and FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the liquid container 800 with the support structure 810 in an expanded state. The support structure 810 may include a foldable supporting mechanism 812. The support structure 810 may be at least partially foldable and may include components similar to those included in the support structures 10, 220, 31, 41, 51, or 71. The foldable supporting mechanism 812 may include components similar to those included in the foldable supporting mechanisms 12, 12′, 223, 312, 512, and/or 712.
The liquid container 800 may include a locking mechanism 821, as shown in FIG. 23. The locking mechanism 821 may be configured to lock/unlock the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 relative to the frames 8111. When the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 is locked by the locking mechanism 821, the support structure 810 may be maintained in an expanded state. The locking mechanism 821 may include a position locking bar 8211 and a pulling link 8212.
FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of the frame 8111 and the locking mechanism 821 of the liquid container 800. The position locking bar 8211 may be connected with at least one of the frames 8111 through a fixing shaft or rod 8411. The foldable supporting mechanism 812 may include a linkage 8311. When the foldable supporting mechanism 812 is in an expanded state, a user may adjust the position of the position locking bar 8211 such that a moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is positioned at a first position within a moving path or range of an end of the linkage 8311 along the at least one frames 8111. When the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is positioned at the first position, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may block or limit the movement of the linkage 8311, thereby locking the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 in a desired expanded, open state. When the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is positioned at a second position out of the moving range or path of the end of the linkage 8311, the movement of the linkage 8311 is unblocked or allowed.
Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 16, the linkage 8311 may be connected to the at least one of the frames 8111 through a sliding sleeve that may be similar to the sliding sleeve 123, or through a sliding track that may be similar to the sliding track 514, or a combination of both a sliding sleeve and a sliding track. When the linkage 8311 is connected with the at least one of the frames 8111 through a sliding sleeve that may be similar to the sliding sleeve 123, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may be rotated to be at a locking position within the moving range of the sliding sleeve. The moveable end may block or limit the movement of the sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311. Accordingly, the position locking bar 8211 may lock the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 relative to the at least one of the frames 8111, and the liquid container 800 may be maintained in an expanded state.
When the foldable supporting mechanism 812 is to be folded, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may be rotated to an unlocking position away from or out of the moving range or moving path of the sliding sleeve, such that the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 does not interfere with the movement of the sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311. Accordingly, the sliding sleeve and the linkage 8311 may be moved along the at least one of the frames 8111, thereby unlocking the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812, and enabling the support structure 810 to be folded.
In some embodiments, the foldable supporting mechanism 812 may be connected with the at least one of the frames 8111 through a sliding track 8514 that may be similar to the sliding track 514, as shown in FIG. 25. In such embodiments, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may be rotated such that the moveable end is within the moving range of a sliding part (e.g., a roller that may be similar to the roller 716 shown in FIG. 19) of the linkage 8311 within the sliding track 8514. In order to maintain the foldable supporting mechanism 812 in an expanded state, after the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is rotated to be the locking position within the moving range of the sliding part of the linkage 8311, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is positioned to contact the sliding part of the linkage 8311, as shown in FIG. 26, thereby blocking the movement of the linkage 8311.
As shown in FIG. 25, the pulling link 8212 that is connected to the position locking bar 8211 may be used to help cause rotation of the position locking bar 8211 to realize position locking and unlocking of the foldable supporting mechanism 812. For example, after the liquid container 800 has been expanded to a working open state, the pulling link 8212 may be pulled or pushed to cause the position locking bar 8211 to rotate until the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is moved to the locking position within the moving range of the moving part of the linkage 8311. The moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 may then be positioned to block the movement of the linkage 8311 along the at least one of the frames 8111, thereby locking the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812 relative to the at least one of the frames 8111. When the liquid container 800 needs to be folded, e.g., for storage or transportation, the pulling link 8212 may be pulled or pushed to cause the position locking bar 8211 to rotate such that the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 is moved to the unlocking position away from or out of the moving path or moving range of the moving part of the linkage 8311. Accordingly, the moveable end of the position locking bar 8211 does not interfere with the movement of the linkage 8311, thereby unlocking the position of the foldable supporting mechanism 812. The foldable supporting mechanism 812 then may be folded for storage or transportation.
The liquid container 800 shown in FIG. 22 may include at least one first connector 861 for connecting various parts of the support structure 810. For example, the liquid container 800 may be an assembly of a plurality of (e.g., four) liquid containers connected side by side by the at least one first connector 861, which may include any suitable connectors for connecting parts of the support structure 810, such as, for example, screws, brackets, clamps, bolts, nuts, chains, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one first connector 861 may include components similar to the one or more connectors 61 and/or the at least one screw 62 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 12-14.
FIG. 27 illustrates the net 823 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The net 823 may be similar to the net 23 discussed above in connection with FIG. 5. FIG. 28 illustrates the soft capsule 824 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The soft capsule 824 may be similar to the soft capsule 20 discussed above in connection with FIG. 3.
FIG. 29 illustrates a bottom view of the liquid container 800 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The hose 870 may be provided at a bottom portion of the base support 880. FIG. 30 illustrates a liquid container assembly 900 including two liquid containers 800 connected together according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment. The liquid containers 800 may be connected by the at least one first connector 861 and at least one second connector 862. The at least one first connector 861 may be configured for connecting top portions of the liquid containers 800, and the at least one second connector 862 may be configured for connecting bottom portions of the liquid containers 800. The at least one second connector 862 may include any suitable connectors, such as, for example, screws, brackets, clamps, bolts, nuts, chains, etc.
FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the liquid container assembly 900 according to an exemplary disclosed embodiment, and FIG. 32 illustrates an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the liquid container assembly 900 showing an exemplary embodiment of the at least one second connector 862. The at least one second connector 862 may include plates and screws, or any other suitable securing means, for securely connecting the support structures 810 of the two liquid containers 800.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The disclosed liquid container may be implemented in a wide range of applications. For example, in some embodiments, the disclosed liquid container may be configured for storing liquid in a drilling operation. In some embodiments, the disclosed liquid container may be configured for storing water or other fluid for agriculture irrigation, human consumption, or fire fighting purposes. In some embodiments, the disclosed liquid container may be used for storing liquid/fluid other than water, such as oil, gas, alcohol, industrial waste, or industrial chemicals. Materials for making the disclosed soft capsule may be selected to have sufficient resistance to potential erosion caused by the liquid contained in the soft capsule. When the foldable liquid container is in use, it can be expanded to store fluid. When the foldable liquid container is not in use, it can be folded to reduce the overall size. Folded liquid container facilitates storage and transportation, and significantly reduces the cost associated with the storage, transportation, and maintenance.
Although, for purposes of this disclosure, certain disclosed features are shown in some figures but not in others, it is contemplated that, to the extent possible, the various features disclosed herein may be implemented by each of the disclosed, exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, differing features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as being mutually exclusive to different embodiments unless explicitly specified herein or such mutual exclusivity is readily understood, by one of ordinary skill in the art, to be inherent in view of the nature of the given features.
While the presently disclosed device have been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step, or steps to the objective, spirit, and scope of the present invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.
