Tubular Multipurpose Pressurizable Reusable Collapsible Container and Method of Transporting or Storage

Abstract

A container (10) that stores and/or transports one of liquid, solid and gas materials and method of transporting the liquid, solid and gas materials is desired. The container includes a flexible housing (12) having a first end including a selectively closable passageway extending through the first end thereof and a closed second end. A replaceable bag is selectively received within the flexible housing for receiving the one of liquid, solid and gas material to be stored or transported. A mesh like support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal support bands (16) extending along a length of an outside of the flexible housing and a plurality of transverse support bands (18) each extending around a circumference of the flexible housing (12) and spaced along a length thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present device relates to a method and apparatus for storage and transportation of goods and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for storage and transportation of liquid, solid, or gas materials by sea, land or air.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is necessary to transport liquid, solid and gas materials throughout the country and world. These materials may be transported by any of land, sea or air transport vehicles. Containers produced to transport these materials have taken numerous forms and structures. The different forms and structures are related to the specific method of transport the container will take to get to its destination. While these containers are suitable for a particular purpose and method of transport, they are not suitable for other purposes and methods of transport. For example, containers adapted for being received in the compartment section of a large truck are not aerodynamically shaped for transport by sea. Other containers designed for transport by sea are not able to be received in the compartment section of a large truck or on the back of a flatbed truck.

Conventional containers for transporting liquid, solid and gas materials are generally designed for a single mode of transport and not adaptable for transport by any of land, sea and air. Conventional containers are also not able to retain and hold a desired shape when filled while also being able to be folded and stored when not in use or empty. Additionally, conventional containers must be thoroughly cleaned after use and prior to subsequent uses.

It is thus desirable to provide a container able to be transported by any method. It is further desirable to provide a container having a flexible structure which is rigid enough to maintain a desired shape when filled and be folded for easy storage when not in use. It is further desirable to provide a container including a replaceable bag for receiving the material to be transported and able to be replaced by a new bag after use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A method and apparatus for storage and transportation of a liquid (of any viscosity and density), solid (e.g. grains, seeds, powder etc.) or gas material and any combination thereof.

A container that stores and/or transports one of liquid, solid and gas materials is desired. The container includes a flexible housing having a first end including a selectively closable passageway extending through the first end thereof and a closed second end. A replaceable bag is selectively received within the flexible housing for receiving the one of liquid, solid and gas material to be stored or transported. A mesh like support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal support bands extending along a length of an outside of the flexible housing and a plurality of transverse support bands each extending around a circumference of the flexible housing and spaced along a length thereof.

The flexible housing of the container may be cylindrical in shape and the first and second ends of the flexible housing are spherical in shape. The container may further include an access cover for selectively closing the passageway in the first end. A first ring may be included surrounding the access cover and a second ring may be connected to the second end with each of the plurality of longitudinal support bands being connected to and extending between the first and second rings. A bidirectional valve may extend from the flexible housing through which the one of liquid, solid and gas material is received in and discharged from the replaceable bag. A pressure release valve may release pressure from within the flexible housing and an air release valve may release air from within the flexible housing. An end cap may be secured to the second end of the flexible housing, the end cap including a spring loaded guide wire extending therefrom and through the flexible housing. The guide wire may be selectively received within an eyelet in an end of the replaceable bag for aiding with the insertion of the replaceable bag to the flexible housing. The flexible housing and security bands may be of a rigidity able to resist pressures and maintain the cylindrical structure of the flexible housing during transport. The flexible structure may be folded and stored when empty. The container may be filled with oil recovered from an oil spill or store potable water. The mesh may be connected to a surface of the flexible structure. An air tight and releasable seal may be formed between the bidirectional valve and the replaceable bag and between the pressure release valve and the replaceable bag.

A liquid, solid or gas material in a container may be stored and/or transported by inserting a replaceable bag through a selectively closable passageway and into a flexible cylindrical housing of the container, connecting a hose to a bidirectional valve of the container, providing the one of the liquid, solid or gas material through the bidirectional valve and into the replaceable bag, closing the bidirectional valve, and transporting the container by one of loading it into a conventional container (20′ and 40′ long) for inland and/or maritime and/or air and/or multimodal transportation, attaching the container to a boat or securing the container to an aerial transport device for specific uses such as to provide accessibility to areas with access difficulties.

A pressure release valve connected to the flexible housing may be activated for adjusting a pressure within the flexible housing. One of the liquid, solid or gas material may be discharged through the bidirectional valve. The replaceable bag may be removed from within the flexible structure once the liquid, solid or gas material is discharged from the container and replaced within the flexible structure with a new bag. The container may be folded for storage once the liquid, solid or gas material is discharged from the container. Floaters may be connected to either side of the container prior to transporting the container through water.

As the collapsible container is able to incorporate a replaceable internal bag for receiving the material to be stored or transported, a large reduction in waste is accomplished as the collapsible container is able to be reused numerous times. Conventional collapsible containers with no replaceable internal bag for storing and transporting materials are not reusable and must be disposed of after a single use. This creates a large amount of unnecessary waste which also helps to contribute to global warming. The ability to reuse the collapsible container according to invention principles by replacing the internal bag drastically reduces the amount of waste caused by conventional containers and also helps minimize the effects of this waste on global warming. The ability to reuse the collapsible container by replacing the bag after use is also aids in furthering international efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the device may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 2 is a view of an end of the collapsible container;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 6 is a view of the opposing end of the collapsible container;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the pressure release valve and air release valve of the collapsible container;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the end cap of the collapsible container;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the bidirectional valve of the collapsible container;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the access cover and bidirectional valve of the collapsible container;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the collapsible container within a conventional container;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the collapsible container within a conventional container;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the collapsible container within a conventional container;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the collapsible container being hauled by a boat;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are a side and back view of the collapsible container atop a flat bed of a truck;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the collapsible container being used as a fully inert device;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the collapsible container being used as part of a temporary (or semi-temporary) closed circuit for fluids handling;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the collapsible container being used as a separator device;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the collapsible container being transported by air to access difficult to reach areas or drop material within the container on a designated area from above;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the collapsible container being used to store materials;

FIGS. 22A-22F illustrate a flow chart describing the method of filling and transporting the collapsible container; and

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate placement for the bidirectional valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes the device. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the device to that particular embodiment. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the collapsible container 10 according to invention principals. The container 10 is shown in a filled state having a material contained therein. The material may include at least one of a liquid, solid, gas or any combination thereof. The liquid being stored or transported can be of any viscosity or density. Solid materials stored or transported by the collapsible container 10 may include any of grains, powder, seeds or the like the container 10 is formed from an outer flexible structure 12 with a plurality of security bands 14 extending around the outer flexible structure 12. The flexible structure 12 may be formed of any flexible material able to collapse and be folded for storage when unfilled while having sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape and strength to withstand forces associated with transport by water, land or in the air, e.g. high density canvas, when filled. The tension and elasticity for the security bands and support bands depends on the relationship between (i) volume; (ii) product density; (iii) pressure; (iv) security factor; and (v) specific use of the collapsible container. Each collapsible container may be individually produced to specifications and parameters as defined by a user based on their individual requirements for use.

The plurality of security bands 14 includes longitudinal security bands 16 and transverse security bands 18. The longitudinal security bands 16 are spaced from one another and extend along a length of the flexible structure 12. The transverse security bands 18 each extend around a circumference of and are spaced from one another transversely along a length of the flexible structure 12. The longitudinal security bands 16 and transverse security bands 18 form a reinforcing mesh structure surrounding and supporting the flexible structure 12. The mesh structure provides support against pressure applied by the material within the container 10 and aids in maintaining the cylindrical shape of the flexible structure 12. The number of longitudinal security bands 16 and transverse security bands 18 may vary according to the capacity and work pressure requirements of the container 10. The work pressure of the container is the pressure required to make the collapsible container expand to its cylindrical shape (for a maximum capacity) depending on the density of the product and design parameters. The security bands 14 may be formed of polyester or any material of sufficient strength to support and maintain the cylindrical shape of the flexible structure 12 as well as withstand the forces associated with transport. The plurality of security bands 14 may be secured to or integrally formed with the flexible structure 12.

When filled, the container 10 forms a cylindrical shape with rounded ends 22, 26. The cylindrical shape of the collapsible container 10 allows for a balanced work pressure throughout the container 10. A first ring 20 is positioned at a first end 22 of the flexible structure 12. A second ring 24 (as seen in FIG. 3) is positioned at a second end 26 of the flexible structure 12 opposite the first end 22. Each of the longitudinal security bands 16 is connected to and extends between the first and second rings 20 and 24. Within the flexible structure 12 is a replaceable bag (see Reference Numeral 36 in FIG. 7) for receiving the material to be stored or transported through a passage (see Reference Numeral 38 in FIG. 7) extending through the flexible structure 12 and covered by an access cover 32. The replaceable bag 36 may be formed from polyethylene or any other material suitable for retaining the material being transported or stored therein. The access cover 32 may be positioned on the first end 22 for covering the passageway 38 into the flexible structure 12. The passageway 38 provides a recess through which the replaceable bag 36 for retaining a material may be placed within the flexible structure 12. The bag 36 may also be removed and replaced with a new bag through the passageway 38 after use. The passageway 38 and access cover 32 are shown in the figure on the first end 22. However, the passageway and access cover may be positioned at any location around the flexible structure 12.

A pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30 may be positioned on the flexible structure 12. The pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30 are shown in the figure as adjacent the first end 22. However, these valves may be positioned at any position around the flexible structure as long as the valves are aligned with corresponding recesses in the replaceable bag 36. The pressure release valve 28 is provided to reduce pressure within the flexible structure 12 and the air release valve 30 is provided to remove air from within the flexible structure 12. A charge/discharge or bidirectional valve 34 may be positioned on the flexible structure 12. The bidirectional valve 34 is shown in the figure extending from the access cover 32. In this arrangement, the access cover 32 includes a recess extending therethrough connecting the input port of the bidirectional valve 34 with a passageway in the first end of the flexible structure 12. However, this valve may be positioned at any location around the flexible structure 12. If the bidirectional valve 34 is positioned elsewhere than on the access cover 32, the access cover 32 will not have a recess extending therethrough. A hose (not shown) may be connected to the bidirectional valve 34 for use in filling the replaceable bag 36 within the flexible structure 12 with a material to be transported or stored. The material may also be removed from within the replaceable bag 36 through the bidirectional valve 34 and hose connected thereto. In order to replace the replaceable bag 36, the access cover 32 and bidirectional valve 34 are removed to provide access to the bag 36 through the passageway 38 in the flexible structure 12. The container 10 may be of any desired size based on the use, volume necessary and pressure requirements.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the container 10. The access cover 32 covering the passageway 38 through which the replaceable bag 36 is inserted and removed from the flexible structure 12 is shown. Surrounding the access cover 32 is the first fixing ring 20 to which the longitudinal security bands 16 are secured. This figure shows the longitudinal security bands 16 being connected to the first fixing ring 20. The bidirectional valve 34 extends from the access cover 32 and is provided for connection of a hose when filling the replaceable bag within the flexible structure 12 or discharging any material within the replaceable bag. Also shown in this figure are the pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the container 10. From this view, the access cover 32 is shown through which the bag may be inserted into and removed from the flexible structure 12. Also shown in this figure are the pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30. An end cap 40 is shown on the second end 26 of the container 10 opposite the first end 22. The end cap 40 may aid in inserting the replaceable bag into the flexible structure 12 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter with respect to FIG. 9. Also shown is the bidirectional valve 34 extending from the access cover 32. When a hose is connected to the bidirectional valve 34, material may be input to the replaceable bag or removed therefrom. FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the container 10.

A side view of the container is shown in FIG. 5. Within this figure, the pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30 are shown on a top side of the flexible structure 12. An enlarged view of the pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and will be discussed hereinafter with reference to these figures. The end cap 40 is shown on the second end 26 of the flexible structure 12. An enlarged view of the end cap 40 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 and will be discussed hereinafter with reference to these figures. The access cover 32 and bidirectional valve 34 are shown on the first end 20 of the flexible structure 12. An enlarged view of the access cover 32 and the bidirectional valve 34 is shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11 and will be discussed hereinafter with reference to these figures. The second fixing ring 24 is shown on the second end 26 of the flexible structure 12 for connecting with the longitudinal security bands 16. Positioned within the second fixing ring 24 is the end cap 40. The end cap 40 aids with insertion of the replaceable bag 36 into the flexible structure 12 and retaining the positioning of the replaceable bag 38 within the flexible structure 12. A view of the second end 26 of the container 10 is shown in FIG. 6. This view shows the second fixing ring 24 for securing a second end of the longitudinal security bands 16 thereto and in position surrounding the flexible structure 12.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the container according to invention principles. This figure provides a detailed depiction of the pressure release valve 28 and the air release valve 30. The pressure release valve 28 and the air release valve 30 will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 8. A detailed depiction of the end cap 40 is also shown herein. The end cap 40 will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 9. Also shown is a detailed depiction of the bidirectional valve 34, access cover 32 and passageway 38. The passageway 38 is positioned on a side of the access cover 32 opposite the bidirectional valve 34 and provides access to the replaceable bag 36 through the bidirectional valve 34 and access cover 32. The passageway 38 also allows for removal and replacement of the replaceable bag 36 when the access cover 32 and bidirectional valve 34 are removed. The bidirectional valve 34, access cover 32 and passageway 38 will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 10. The replaceable bag 36 may be positioned within and removed from the flexible structure 12 through the passageway 38 when the access cover 32 and bidirectional valve 34 are removed thereby providing access to the passageway 38. A first recess 42 in the replaceable bag 36 is positioned and sealed around an end of the bidirectional valve 34. Material to be stored or transported is inserted into the replaceable bag 36 via the bidirectional valve 34 through the first recess 42. The first recess 42 also provides a passageway for material to be removed from the replaceable bag 36. A second recess 44 may be positioned and sealed around an end of the pressure release valve 28. Pressure within the replaceable bag 36 may be released through the second recess 44 when the pressure release valve 28 is activated. An eyelet 46 may be positioned in an end of the replaceable bag 36 for releasably connecting to a guide wire 48 within and extending from the end cap 40. The guide wire 48 may be spring loaded and engaged with the eyelet 46 for pulling the replaceable bag 36 through the flexible structure 12 when inserted therein.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the pressure release valve 28 and the air release valve 30. The pressure release valve 28 is sealed to the flexible structure 12 by a sealing mechanism 50 and includes a lip 52 extending inside the flexible structure 12. When the replaceable bag 36 is inserted into the flexible structure 12, the second recess 44 in the replaceable bag 36 receives the lip 52 and forms a breakable seal therebetween to prevent leakage of air and/or the material filling the replaceable bag 36. The seal may be broken when the replaceable bag 36 is removed from within the flexible structure 12. The pressure release valve 28 further includes a piston/stopper 54. The stopper 54 is positioned within a housing 56 extending from the flexible structure 12. A spring 58 is positioned between an inner top surface 60 of the housing 56 and the stopper 54. When the inner pressure rises from an established level, the pressure release valve releases fluid. The pressure release valve 30 is designed to avoid any container failure because of excessive pressure within the flexible structure 12. This mechanism includes the stopper 54 that maintains the escape sealed. The spring 58 maintains this stopper 54 in position to avoid fluid from escaping. When the inner pressure exceeds the spring pressure, the stopper 54 cedes and is pushed towards the inner top surface 60 of the housing 56 compressing the spring 58 and allowing the fluid to escape. Once the internal pressure decreases, the spring 58 uncoils and returns the stopper 54 to its original at rest position. The range of pressure that determines the point when the fluid is released can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pressure the spring 58 applies to the stopper 54 by using a screw that may extend through the center thereof. The pressure release valve may be placed in the twisted mouth that is in the upper front zone of the container. The pressure release valve shown in the figures is for purposes of example only. In practice, any valve able to perform the stated objective and allow for the release of pressure to avoid any container failure may be used.

For other types of operation of the container such as those discussed in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the pressure release valve 28 may be removed to use the recess 44 for alternative access. For the use as shown in FIG. 18, the release valve may be replaced by a hose that will transport material or vapor within the container for discharge to an external tank (closed circuit). For the case of extraction of water from the lower part of the container as shown in FIG. 19, the pressure release valve may be removed and a tube 116 may be placed inside and extending to the interior base of the tank sucking up the water in to the container. From there the container may be connected to a hose for discharging the water. To discharge any remaining liquid, making reference to the minimum volume contained in the tank that it could be difficult to discharge as the valve of discharge is in the upper edge of the tank, a hose may be placed through the discharge mouth and reach the inner floor of the container, this allows the total discharge of the container through the central discharge mouth to which the pressure release valve was connected.

The air release valve 30 is secured to the flexible structure 12 around a recess 62 therein. The air release valve 30 includes a cover 64 selectively closing a passageway 66. When the cover 64 is opened, air in a channel 68 between the replaceable bag 36 and an inside of the flexible structure 12 is able to pass through the passageway 66 and out of the container 10. Air occupies the space between the replaceable bag and the flexible structure whenever there is no other product providing pressure to the container components. This air is allowed to escape through the passageway 66 when the cover 64 of the air release valve 30 is opened. The air release valve shown in the figures is for purposes of example only. In practice, any valve able to perform the stated objective and allow for the release of air to avoid any container failure may be used.

A cross-sectional view of the end cap 40 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The end cap 40 is positioned on the second end 26 of the flexible structure 12. The end cap 40 includes a cover 72. Between the cover 72 and the flexible structure 12 is a spring loaded guide wire 70. The spring loaded guide wire 70 extends through a recess 74 in the flexible structure 12 for releasably being received within the eyelet 46 in the replaceable bag 36. When a bag 36 is inserted into the flexible structure 12, the spring loaded guide wire 70 is extended through the inside of the flexible structure 12 and the passageway 38 in the first side 22 of the flexible structure 12. The spring loaded guide wire 70 is releasably inserted into the eyelet 46 of the newly inserted replaceable bag 36 and released. The spring loaded guide wire 70 recoils pulling the replaceable bag 36 into the flexible structure 12 and in position to receive a material to be stored and/or transported. The first and second ‘recesses 42 and 44 may then receive the bidirectional valve 34 and pressure release valve 28 therein respectively.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bidirectional valve 34. The bidirectional valve 34 is shown extending from the access cover 32 and includes a housing 76 secured to the access cover 32. The replaceable bag 36 may be sealed to the bidirectional valve 34 around the first recess 42. The bidirectional valve 34 is sealed to the flexible structure 12 by a sealing mechanism 78 and includes a lip 80 extending inside the flexible structure 12. The first recess 42 in the replaceable bag 36 receives the lip 80 and forms a seal therewith. The seal may be broken when the replaceable bag 36 is removed from within the flexible structure 12. On a side of the housing 72 opposite the sealing mechanism 74 is a valve 82. The figure illustrates use of a glove valve. However, any valve able to provide a similar functionality to the glove valve and open or close the bidirectional valve to allow the charging and discharging of the replaceable bag. The glove valve 82 has an input port 84 for connection to a hose (not shown). The glove valve 82 is movable between an open position and a closed position. Material to be stored or transported may be input to the replaceable bag 36 through the glove valve 82 when the glove valve 82 is in the open position. Material within the replaceable bag 36 may also be discharged from the bag through the glove valve 82 when the glove valve 82 is in the open position. When the glove valve 82 is in the closed position, material may not be input to or discharged from the replaceable bag 36.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the access cover 32 positioned on the first end 22 of the container 10. The access cover 32 is releasably positioned over the passageway 38 in the flexible structure 12. The access cover 32 is positioned within the fixing ring 20 and is secured to the flexible structure 12. In FIG. 11, a fixing flange 86 is secured to the flexible structure 12 and the access cover 32 is releasably secured to the fixing flange 86 by bolts 88. A rubber seal 90 is secured between the fixing flange 86 and the access cover 32 to provide an airtight and watertight seal. The manner depicted in the drawing is only one way in which the access cover 32 is releasably secured to the flexible structure 12. In practice, the access cover 32 may be releasably secured to the flexible structure 12 in any manner that would create an airtight and watertight seal therebetween. One skilled in the art would be aware of many different ways in which such a connection can be accomplished. When the access cover 32 is released from its position secured to the flexible structure 12, access to the passageway 38 is permitted for removing a used replaceable bag 36 and replacing the used replaceable bag 36 with a new replacement bag. A recess 91 may extend through the access cover 32. The recess is aligned with the passageway 38 extending through the flexible structure 12 and with the bidirectional valve 34 for filling the replaceable bag 36 with a material or discharging the material from the removable bag 36.

FIGS. 12-14 show a filled container 10 positioned within a conventional rectangular container 92 for transport. These figures shows how the container 10 can be stored for transportation in the conventional rectangular container 92, generally either 20’ or 40′ long, and how it is fixed within the conventional rectangular container 92 for safe multimodal transportation. The filled container 10 is able to be placed directly within the rectangular container 92 for storage or transport. As the support bands 14 maintain the cylindrical shape of the container 10, the container 10 does not apply pressure to the interior walls 94 of the conventional rectangular container and the internal walls of the conventional rectangular container 92 do not define the shape of the container 10 when positioned therein. Fixation bands 96 are inserted between the interior walls 94 of the conventional rectangular container 92 to hold the container 10 in position and prevent rolling or sliding within the rectangular container 92. These fixation bands 96 work together with chains attached to the rectangular container 92 so as to resist adverse conditions during any type of transportation (land, maritime and/or air). This application makes the container 10 a very versatile transportation device for a wide range of materials. The material used to produce the collapsible container is able to substantially insulate the contents within the collapsible container and thus, neither the collapsible container nor the material contained therein are affected by the external temperatures the container may be exposed to when being transported within the conventional rectangular container, thus improving its usage in extreme weather conditions. Insulation of the contents is also aided by the space remaining between the collapsible container and the internal walls of conventional container in which the collapsible container is placed. FIG. 12 provides a top perspective view of the container within a conventional rectangular container. FIG. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view of the container within a conventional rectangular container and FIG. 14 shows a top view of the container within a conventional rectangular container.

FIG. 15 illustrates use of the container 10 during water transportation with flotation devices. The container 10 is designed for easy and safe storage for a wide variety of materials usually transported by a boat 98 or providing storage as a temporary floating tank. Alternatively, the container 10 may be used as an oil recovery tank for collecting oil spilled into the water or for transporting potable water. As can be seen in this figure, when placed in water, floaters 100 are attached to either side of the container 10. The floaters 100 are able to float on the water and prevent the container 10 from sinking by keeping the container 10 above the water line. Further support bands 102 are connected to and extend from either the first ring or the second ring 40. The support bands 102 extend along the length of the container 10 and connect to a third ring 104. The third ring 104 is connected to the boat 100 used to haul the container 10 through the water.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a side and back view of the transportation of the container 10 on a flatbed 106 of a truck 108. The container 10 is designed to be adapted in several ways for truck transportation. For a safe transport, the container 10 has fixation bands 110 secured around its body to be properly fitted into the truck 108. When being transported in this manner, the container 10 is positioned atop the flat bed 106 and the fixation bands 110 are extended around a top side of the container 10 and secured on either side of the flatbed 106. As the container 10 is made of the flexible structure 12 with the mesh of longitudinal support bands 16 and transverse support bands 18 therearound, the container 10 is able to maintain its shape and sit atop the flatbed 106 without the fixation bands 110 deforming the shape of the container 10. The mesh 14 of longitudinal support bands 16 and transverse support bands 18 is also capable of resisting water movements inside the container 10, providing a high level of safety to the content during transportation and in case of truck hard breaking or steering or even in an accident.

FIG. 17 shows how to use the container 10 as a fully inert container. An inert gas such as Nitrogen enters the container through the bidirectional valve 34. When the heavier Nitrogen is input to the container 10, oxygen within the container 10 is expulsed through the air release valve 30. After all the oxygen is expulsed and the container 10 is filled with the desired inert gas, the container 10 becomes a fully inert device that can be used to store or transport special cargoes (such as some kinds of wine) that need inert atmospheres for the benefit of the transported material.

FIG. 18 illustrates use of the container as part of a temporary (or semi-temporary) closed circuit for fluids handling by means of which gas over the surface of a liquid can be directed to a shore tank. In this instance, it is desired to remove a gas stored within the container 10 after storage or transport and place the gas into a storage tank 112. In order to remove the gas from the container 10, a liquid such as water is input to the container through the bidirectional valve 34. As water is added to the container 10, the gas within the container is forced towards the top of the container 10 and is expelled to an output tube 114 connected to the air release valve 30. The output tube 114 is connected to the storage tank 112 for storage of the gas and the operation is completed when no gases remain in the container 10. This circuit can be used in several industrial processes and/or operative actions such as but not limited to loading cargoes avoiding gas dispersion to the atmosphere.

FIG. 19 illustrates use of the container 10 as a separator device, e.g. for splitting oil from water. Water, which has more density than oil, will lie in the bottom of the container when added to oil already within the container 10. A tube 116 is extended through the air removal/vent valve 30 and extends to the bottom of the container 10. A discharge hose is connected to the air removal/vent valve 30 to catch any material discharged through the air removal/vent valve 30. Once the container 10 is pressurized by pumping oil into the container through the charging valve 34, water is forced out through the tube 116 inserted into the air removal/vent valve 30. Once the presence of oil is detected in the discharge hose connected at the vent valve 30, the separation process is complete and the container 10 will be fully loaded with oil and with no water remaining therein.

FIG. 20 shows use of the container 10 for transporting material by air under special conditions, such as to either deliver material to destinations that are difficult to reach by other means or to discharge material within the container from altitudes above a desired location. In the instance shown in FIG. 20, the container 10 is used to transport water for use in fighting a fire. The container 10 provides an innovative method to rapidly supply water to teams of firemen in difficult access areas by using airborne transportation. The contents within the container 10 can be dropped from determined altitudes (depending on the number of rows in the net) in certain places to provide an alternative source of water to support the firemen's operations by opening the bidirectional valve. Support bands 118 are secured around the container 10 and the support bands 118 are then connected to a helicopter 120 or other aerial transportation device. The container 10 is able to be supported by the support bands 118 and maintains its shape during transport due to the rigidity of the flexible structure 12 and the mesh of longitudinal support bands 16 and transverse support bands 18. As the container 10 is able to maintain its shape, it is also able to resist forces applied by the support bands 118 and any air pressures when being lifted and flown in the air and will not deform. Thus, when the container 10 is weighed down by a heavy load placed therein, the operation of the aerial transportation device will not be affected by shifts in weight caused by deformation of the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 21, the container 10 can be used as a temporary storage facility. As is shown in the figure, the container 10 can be adopted for an important variety of on-shore (temporary or semi-permanent) storage facilities, mainly to handle, store or dispose of fluids/liquids, solids and gas materials. The figure shows four containers 10 positioned along side one another. A bidirectional hose 120 is connected to the bidirectional valve 34 of each for filling the containers for storage of a material and discharging material from within the container for use.

FIGS. 22A-22F provide a flow chart describing use of the container 10 according to invention principles. A replaceable bag is obtained and the access cover is opened to uncover a passageway into the flexible structure as stated in step 100. If a bag is already positioned within the flexible structure, the bag is removed through the passageway as described in step 102. When removing the bag, it is pulled through the passageway breaking the seal between the bag and pressure release valve and the seal between the bag and the bidirectional valve as discussed in step 104. If there is no bag within the flexible structure, the guide wire is pulled to extend through the passageway as stated in step 106.

The guide wire is engaged with the eyelet in the bag and the guide wire is allowed to recoil pulling the new bag through the passageway and into the flexible structure as described in step 108. The first recess is aligned with the bidirectional valve and forms a seal therewith as discussed in step 110. The second recess is aligned with the pressure release valve and forms a seal therewith as stated in step 112. The access cover is then closed to cover the passageway and seal the bag within the flexible structure as described in step 114. A hose is connected to the bidirectional valve and the bidirectional valve is opened to allow the flow of a material to be stored and/or transported to flow into the replaceable bag as discussed in step 116. Once the replaceable bag is filled, the bidirectional valve is closed and the hose is removed from its connection thereto as stated in step 118. The pressure within the container is regulated by activation of the pressure release valve as described in step 120. Air may be removed from within the container by opening the cover on the air release valve. The container is now ready for storage or transport. It is then determined whether the container is to be used for storage or transport as discussed in step 122.

If the container is to be used for storage, the container is positioned in the storage facility where it remains until emptied as stated in step 124. If the container is to be transported, it is determined whether transport of the container will be via land, sea or air as described in step 126.

If transport is by land, it is determined if the transport is via container truck or flatbed truck as discussed in step 128. If transport is in a rectangular container (20′or 40′ long), the collapsible container is placed within the rectangular container as stated in step 130. Supports are then positioned between the walls of the rectangular container and the container to hold the container in place and prevent the container from rolling and shifting position within the rectangular container sa described in step 132. Additional fixation bands may be connected between a front wall of the rectangular container and the first end of the container and between a back wall of the rectangular container and the second end of the container as discussed in step 134. The fixation bands prevent the container from sliding forward or backward within the rectangular container. The container is ready for land, air and/or maritime transport within the rectangular container. Once the container reaches its destination, the fixation bands are disconnected and the supports are removed as described in step 136. The container is then removed from within the rectangular container.

If transport is on a flat bed truck, the container is placed on the flat bed of the truck as discussed in step 140 and support bands connected to the flat bed are extended around a top side of the container and secured to the opposite side of the flat bed as stated in step 142. The support bands hold the container in position. The container is ready for transport. Once the container reaches its destination, the support bands are disconnected and the container is removed from atop the flat bed as stated in step 144.

If transport is by sea, floaters are connected to either side of the container as described in step 146 and support bands are extended lengthwise around an end of the container as discussed in step 148. The support bands are connected to a ring extending from a boat on the other side of the container. The container is pulled through the water behind the boat until it reaches its destination as stated in step 150. The support bands are disconnected from the ring and the container is removed from the water.

If transport is by air to access difficult areas or to reach a destination where is it desired to drop the contents of the container from an altitude above a location, support bands are wrapped around the container along its length or connected to a top side of the container as described in step 152. The support bands are then connected to a helicopter or other flying vehicle for transport as discussed in step 154. Upon reaching the destination, the support bands are removed and the container as stated in step 156. If the container is to be used for a purpose such as dropping water on a fire, once the container is located above the target area, the bidirectional valve may be opened and the contents of the container may be discharged by using a pump as described in step 158.

Once the container has reached its destination, the contents of the container may be discharged by connecting a hose to the bidirectional valve and the bidirectional valve is opened as described in step 160. The hose will act as a conduit for the material within the container to deliver the material to the intended destination as discussed in step 162.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate placement for the bidirectional valve 34. This Figure shows an enlarged cross sectional view of the container according to invention principles. This figure shows a detailed depiction of the pressure release valve 28 and the air release valve 30. A detailed depiction of the end cap 40 is also shown herein. Also shown is a detailed depiction of the bidirectional valve 34. The bidirectional valve 34 is shown positioned on the first end of the container 10 at a position on a side of the access cover 32 opposite the pressure release valve 28 and air release valve 30. In this embodiment, the replaceable bag 36 will be removed and inserted into the flexible structure through the passageway covered by the access cover 32. However, the replaceable bag will be filled and discharged separately through the bidirectional valve 34. The first recess 42 in the replaceable bag 36 is positioned and sealed around an end of the bidirectional valve 34. Material to be stored or transported is inserted into the replaceable bag 36 via the bidirectional valve 34 through the first recess 42. The first recess 42 also provides a passageway for material to be removed from the replaceable bag 36. The second recess 44 may be positioned and sealed around an end of the pressure release valve 28. Pressure within the replaceable bag 36 may be released through the second recess 44 when the pressure release valve 28 is activated. The eyelet 46 may be positioned in an end of the replaceable bag 36 for releasably connecting to the guide wire 48 within the end cap 40. The guide wire 48 may be spring loaded and engaged with the eyelet 46 for pulling the replaceable bag 36 through the flexible structure 12 when inserted therein. In this embodiment, there is no recess extending through the access cover and the access cover and bidirectional valve are separate elements located at different positions on the flexible structure. This figure only shows one alternate placement of the bidirectional valve. However, the bidirectional valve may be positioned at any location around the flexible structure.

Additionally, any or all of the pressure release valve, air release valve and bidirectional valve may be removed and the recesses they cover may be releasably sealed prior to transport. Removing the valves prior to transport will prevent the valves from being damaged during transport. When the container is transported through rough terrain or conditions such as bad weather, there may be undue stress and pressures placed on the valves which extend from the body of the container and are subject to potential damage.

While certain novel features of this device have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the device and method for using the device.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic aspects of this device and method for using the device.

Claims

1. A container for storing and/or transporting one of liquid, solid and gas materials, said container comprising:

a flexible housing having a first end including a selectively closable passageway extending through the first end thereof and a closed second end;

a replaceable bag selectively received within the flexible housing for receiving the one of liquid, solid and gas material to be stored or transported; and

a mesh like support structure including a plurality of longitudinal support bands extending along a length of an outside of the flexible housing and a plurality of transverse support bands each extending around a circumference of the flexible housing and spaced along a length thereof

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing is cylindrical in shape and the first and second ends of the flexible housing are spherical in shape.

3. The container of claim 1, further comprising an access cover for selectively closing said passageway in said first end.

4. The container of claim 3, further comprising a first ring connected to said first end and a second ring connected to said second end, each of said plurality of longitudinal support bands being connected to and extending between said first and second rings.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the first ring is positioned to surround the access cover.

6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a bidirectional valve extending from said flexible housing through which the one of liquid, solid and gas materials are received in and discharged from said replaceable bag.

7. The container of claim 1, further comprising a pressure release valve for releasing pressure from within the flexible housing and an air release valve for releasing air from within the flexible housing.

8. The container of claim 1, further comprising an end cap secured to said second end of the flexible housing, the end cap including a spring loaded guide wire extending therefrom and through the flexible housing, said guide wire being selectively received within an eyelet in an end of the replaceable bag for aiding in the insertion of the replaceable bag to the flexible housing.

9. The container of claim 2, wherein the flexible housing and security bands are of a rigidity able to resist pressures and maintain the cylindrical structure of the flexible housing during transport

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the flexible structure is able to be folded and stored when empty.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the container is filled with one of oil recovered from an oil spill, potable water, nitrogen, oxygen, grains and seeds.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the mesh is connected to a surface of the flexible structure.

13. The container of claim 6, further comprising an access cover for selectively closing said passageway in said first end and the bidirectional valve extends from the access cover.

14. The container of claim 6, wherein an air tight and releasable seal is formed between the bidirectional valve and the replaceable bag.

15. The container of claim 7, wherein an air tight and releasable seal is formed between the pressure release valve and the replaceable bag.

16. A method of transporting or storage one of a liquid, solid or gas material in a container comprising the activities of:

inserting a replaceable bag through a selectively closable passageway and into a flexible cylindrical housing of the container;

connecting a hose to a bidirectional valve of the container;

providing the one of the liquid, solid or gas material through the bidirectional valve and into the replaceable bag to fill the container; and

closing the charge discharge valve.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the activity of transporting the container by one of positioning the container within a conventional regular container, loading the container into a truck, attaching the container to a boat or securing the container to an aerial transport device.

18. the method of claim 16, wherein the container includes a mesh of longitudinal and transverse bands extending therearound, the mesh of longitudinal and transverse bands causing the container to have a tubular shape when filled.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the activity of activating a pressure release valve connected to the flexible housing for adjusting a pressure within the flexible housing.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the activity of discharging the one of the liquid, solid or gas material through the bidirectional valve.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the activity of removing the replaceable bag from within the flexible structure once the liquid, solid or gas material is discharged from the container and replacing the replaceable bag within the flexible structure with a new bag.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the activity of folding the container for storage once the liquid, solid or gas material is discharged from the container.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising the activity of connecting floaters to either side of the container prior to transporting the container through water.