TEMPORARY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to temporary storage systems for the temporary storage of agricultural grain products. The temporary storage systems include an enclosing retaining wall comprised of a plurality of free-standing wall sections. The enclosing retaining wall can include multiple free-standing wall sections arranged in a circular, oval, or substantially rectangular shape. Each free-standing wall section includes one or more corrugated panels coupled with one or more support structures. The support structures can be constructed from a rigid material and include ground supports, which permit the free-standing wall sections to maintain a predetermined angle based on the angle of repose of the agricultural products stored. Each corrugated wall panel includes a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to the grain product, while maintaining the necessary rigidity to retain the loads imposed by the granular material.

Description

BACKGROUND

Granular materials, including agricultural products (e.g., wheat, corn, barley, etc.) can be stored in temporary storage structures. Temporary storage structures provide an economical storage solution for short-term crop storage.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to temporary storage systems for the temporary storage of agricultural grain products. The temporary storage systems include an enclosing retaining wall comprised of a plurality of free-standing wall sections. The enclosing retaining wall can include multiple free-standing wall sections arranged in a circular, oval, or substantially rectangular shape. Each free-standing wall section includes one or more corrugated panels coupled with one or more support structures. The support structures can be constructed from a rigid material and include ground supports, which permit the free-standing wall sections to maintain a predetermined angle based on the angle of repose of the agricultural products stored. Each corrugated panel includes a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to the grain product, while maintaining the necessary rigidity to retain the loads imposed by the granular material. Adjacent free-standing wall sections can be coupled together with sheeting panels. The free-standing wall sections optionally include openings for accommodation of ventilating pipes for directing ventilating air through the agricultural products.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures can indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a free-standing wall section assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating a free-standing wall section assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a free-standing wall section assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating a corrugated panel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a section view illustrating a corrugated panel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating a free-standing wall section including two perforated corrugated panels in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating a storage facility showing multiple wall sections creating a retaining wall in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a grain storage facility comprising a plurality of interconnected wall sections surrounding and retaining a grain mound in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a grain storage facility comprising a plurality of interconnected wall sections surrounding and retaining a grain mound, and further incorporating a removable protective cover, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Temporary storage systems are described for the temporary storage of agricultural grain products. The temporary storage systems include an enclosing retaining wall comprised of a plurality of free-standing wall sections. The enclosing retaining wall can include multiple free-standing wall sections arranged in a circular, oval, or substantially rectangular shape. Each free-standing wall section includes one or more corrugated panels coupled with one or more support structures. The support structures can be constructed from a rigid material and include ground supports, which permit the free-standing wall sections to maintain a predetermined angle based on the angle of repose of the agricultural products stored. Each corrugated panel includes a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to the grain product, while maintaining the necessary rigidity to retain the loads imposed by the granular material. Adjacent free-standing wall sections can be coupled together with sheeting panels. The free-standing wall sections optionally include openings for accommodation of ventilating pipes for directing ventilating air through the agricultural products.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, temporary storage systems 100 configured to provide ventilation to agricultural products are described.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate free-standing wall sections 102 that can be interconnected to form temporary storage systems 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in all of the accompanying figures, a plurality of wall sections 102 is interconnected to form a retaining wall 204 which may be round, oval, elliptical, or approximately rectangular in shape when viewed in plan. The retaining wall 204 can surround and retain a quantity of granular material as will be further explained herein.

Each wall section 102, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes one or more corrugated panels 104 and a support structure 106. The corrugated panel 104 is secured by fasteners 108 to the support structure 106. In some embodiments, the fasteners 108 can comprise threaded fasteners, such as cap screws, screws, bolts, and so forth. It is to be understood that a wide variety of similar fasteners which will be well known to those skilled in the art may likewise be used to accomplish connection of the corrugated panel 104 to the support structure 106, and to facilitate interconnection of the individual elements of the support structure 106, as described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, each wall section 102 incorporates a support structure 106 including one or more bases 110, long braces 112, short braces 114, and back supports 116. The bases 110, long braces 112, short braces 114, and back supports 116 can be interconnected in a triangular configuration by fasteners 108 and supported on the ground or other surface 118. In some embodiments, a portion of base 110, short brace 114, and back support 116 forms a triangular structure, as do the entire base 110, back support 116, and long brace 112, thereby providing the necessary structural support for each wall section 102. The bases 110, long braces 112, short braces 114, and back supports 116 are interconnected with fasteners 108. In some embodiments, each wall section 102 is supported by a plurality of support structures 106 spaced along the back side of the corrugated panel 104, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The number of support structures 106 utilized can vary according to the desired length and height of the wall section 102. It is contemplated that the wall sections 102 could include additional braces. For example, the wall section 102 can include a span brace interconnecting the long braces 112 associated with each panel assembly to provide additional lateral rigidity to each support structure 106 associated with each wall section 102.

The back support 116, base 110, long brace 112, and/or the short brace 114 elements as depicted in FIG. 2 may include pre-drilled or pre-tapped holes designed to engage fasters 108. Long braces 112, short braces 114, bases 110, and back supports 116 can be formed from a durable, rigid metal material including, but not limited to: galvanized steel, aluminum, other iron alloys, and the like. However, the use of a metal material is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, other rigid materials such as plastics (e.g., fiberglass reinforced plastic) may be used as the raw material for the support structures. Long braces 112, short braces 114, bases 110, and back supports 116 can have an L cross section, as illustrated herein, although it is to be appreciated that other configurations can be used.

In embodiments, each wall section 102 comprising one or more corrugated panels 104 and a plurality of back supports 116 is disposed at a predetermined angle ° to the ground based on the angle of repose of the granular material to be stored within. In embodiments, the predetermined angle ° can be approximately 60 degrees, more or less, this angle having been selected to optimize the position of the grain in relation to the corrugated panels 104. However, it is understood other suitable angles may be utilized depending on the angle of repose of the granular material to be stored within the retaining wall.

FIGS. 4 through 6, illustrate the configuration of the corrugated panels 104. The corrugated panels 104 can be formed from a strong, durable metal including, but not limited to: steel, aluminum, and so forth. In embodiments, each corrugated panel 104 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending corrugations 120 that can be vertically aligned to form a trapezoidal wave, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Each corrugation 120 can comprise two longitudinally extending flat side areas 122 connected by a longitudinally extending flat center area 124, forming a trapezoid. However, the use of a trapezoidal configuration is offered by way of example only and is not meant be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, other wave configurations can be utilized (e.g., sinusoidal, etc.). Additionally, different configurations of center areas 124 and/or side areas 122 (e.g., arcuate rather than flat) can be used.

The corrugated panel 104 can include a plurality of perforations 126, forming a perforated surface 128. In embodiments, the perforations 126 can extend longitudinally along alternating corrugations 120. In an example embodiment where the corrugations 120 are trapezoidal in configuration, as illustrated herein, the perforations 126 can extend longitudinally along the corrugate panel 104 in a pattern that corresponds generally to alternating corrugations 120, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The total area occupied by perforations 126 is significant in terms of its relationship with the overall area of the perforated surface 128. In embodiments, the diameter of perforations 126 is selected to be of sufficient size to optimize ventilation, while still maintaining a sufficient total surface area of all the perforations 126 in relation to the perforated surface 128 so as to maintain the necessary rigidity to retain the loads imposed by the granular material stored within. In an example embodiment, each perforation can be approximately 0.1875 inches in diameter and spaced approximately 1.73 inches apart. However, it is to be understood that the configuration and dimensions of the perforations 126 can vary depending on the method of manufacture (e.g., perforating the corrugated panel 104 prior to adding the corrugations 120; perforating the corrugated panel 104 after adding the corrugations 120, etc.). The configuration and dimensions of the perforations 126 can also vary depending on the amount of airflow required for the particular granular material to be stored within (e.g., larger perforations 126 can be used to provide increased air flow; smaller perforations can be used to provide decreased air flow, etc.). The use of a metal panel incorporating both corrugation and perforation provides sufficient strength to support the temporary storage structure 100, and optimizes airflow.

The dimensions of each corrugated panel 104 and number of corrugated panels 104 utilized can vary according to the desired dimensions of the wall structure 102. Each corrugated panel 104 can have a length selected according to the desired length of the wall structure 102 and a height selected according to the desired height of the wall structure. In some embodiments, multiple corrugated panels 104 can be coupled together to form a wall structure 102 of a selected height and/or width. For example, two corrugated panels 104 can be joined to form a wall structure 102 with a vertical height of approximately 6 feet, while one corrugated panel can be utilized to form a wall structure 102 with a vertical height of approximately 3 to 4 feet. When two or more corrugated panels are vertically joined, the corrugated panels can share an overlapping corrugation 130, as illustrated in FIG. 6, to prevent leakage of the granular material.

Each corrugated panel 104 can include a plurality of mounting holes 132 configured to facilitate engagement of the corrugated panel 104 with the back supports 116, as described herein. The mounting holes 132 and/or the perforations 126 can be formed by conventional means, such as punching or drilling.

FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 illustrate the attachment of the corrugated panels 104 to the support structure 106. Each panel 104 is secured to a plurality of back supports 116 so that each panel 104 is substantially perpendicular to each back support 116. Each panel 104 is secured to the back supports 116 utilizing fasters 108 of the type described above. The position of fasteners 108 is selected in relation to the corrugated panel 104 so that the tools utilized for fixation of fasteners 108 may access the head of fasteners 108 as the panels 104 are secured to the back supports 116.

In embodiments, one or more of the wall structures 102 can further include a member (e.g., board, post, pole, etc.) for securing a flexible cover to the retaining wall, as discussed below. The flexible cover can protect the granular material from the elements.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate implementations of the temporary storage system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 7, an open area for construction of temporary storage system 100 can include an oval area having a perimeter. The perimeter is surrounded by a plurality of wall sections 10 interconnected by adjoining panels 202 (e.g., sheeting) to form a retaining wall 204. One or more vent pipes 206 can be positioned on the ground 118. The vent pipes 206 can be capped at their distal ends 208. In implementations, the vent pipes 206 can be flexible, rigid, or semi-flexible perforated pipes. The vent pipes 206 are coupled to and in communication with one or more blowers 210. The configuration of the vent pipes 206 depicted in FIG. 7 is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. In other implementations, other configurations of vent pipes 206 and blowers 210 can be utilized (e.g., a spoke-like configuration for the vent pipes, with each vent pipe coupled to and in communication with its own blower). The vent pipes 206 so configured provide an exhaust system for drawing air from the atmosphere surrounding the grain mound, through the mound and exhausting air from an exhaust on the blower 210.

FIG. 8 illustrates a grain mound surrounded by a temporary storage system in accordance with the present disclosure. The mound 302 of granular material (e.g., grain) is surrounded by a plurality of wall sections 102 that adjoin to form a retaining wall 204. The mound typically has an apex 304 located approximately centrally around a discharge tower 306, which is supported by and communicates with a loading structure 308. In implementations, granular material is routed through the loading structure 308 to the discharge tower 306 where it is discharged into the center of the storage area forming the mound 302.

Once the mound 302 has been formed, a flexible cover 310 can be applied to the surface of the mound 302, thereby protecting the granular material from the elements, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Further, because the most common location for deterioration of the granular material is at the perimeter of the mound 302, the flexible cover 310 can include one or more openings 312 to facilitate air flow from the center of the mound 302 through the perimeter wall and the openings 312 and the cover 310.

In implementations, the temporary storage structure 100 can be disassembled when not in use. The wall sections 102 can be separated from one another and either repositioned or collapsed for storage and reuse. Likewise, the flexible cover 310 can be collapsed and folded for storage and reuse, and ventilating pipes 206 and blowers 210 can be disconnected for storage and later use.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A temporary storage system for agricultural products, comprising:

a plurality of wall sections configured to be removably connected to form a retaining wall; each wall section including: at least one corrugated panel, the corrugated panel comprising a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations, the plurality of perforations and the plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to a granular material stored within the retaining wall; at least one support structure securely attached to the corrugated panel, wherein the at least one support structure further comprises: a base configured to rest upon a surface; a back support connected to the at least one corrugated panel wherein the back support is coupled with the base at a predetermined angle comprising the angle of repose of the granular material.

2. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of corrugations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

3. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of corrugations is vertically aligned to form a trapezoidal wave.

4. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of perforations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

5. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein each wall section comprises a first corrugated panel and a second corrugated panel configured to overlap, the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel being securely attached to a shared at least one support structure.

6. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the retaining wall formed by the plurality of wall sections comprises at least one of a circular shape or an oval shape.

7. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one corrugated panel is formed from steel or aluminum.

8. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is approximately 60 degrees.

9. A temporary storage system for agricultural products, comprising:

a plurality of wall sections configured to be removably connected to form a retaining wall; each wall section including: at least one corrugated panel, the corrugated panel comprising a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations, the plurality of perforations and the plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to a material stored within the retaining wall; and at least one support structure securely attached to the corrugated panel.

10. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of corrugations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

11. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of corrugations is vertically aligned to form a trapezoidal wave.

12. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of perforations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

13. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein each wall section comprises a first corrugated panel and a second corrugated panel configured to overlap, the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel being securely attached to a shared at least one support structure.

14. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one corrugated panel is formed from steel or aluminum.

15. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one support structure is configured to position the at least one corrugated panel at a predetermined angle.

16. A wall section for a temporary storage system for agricultural products, comprising:

at least one corrugated panel, the corrugated panel comprising a plurality of perforations and a plurality of corrugations, the plurality of perforations and the plurality of corrugations configured to provide ventilation to a material stored within the temporary storage system; and

at least one support structure securely attached to the corrugated panel, the at least one support structure configured to position the at least one corrugated panel at a predetermined angle.

17. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of corrugations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

18. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of corrugations is vertically aligned to form a trapezoidal wave.

19. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of perforations is configured to extend longitudinally across the at least one corrugated panel.

20. The temporary storage system as recited in claim 16, wherein the predetermined angle comprises the angle of repose of the material stored within the temporary storage system.