AU2005232269B2 - A Portable Water Tower - Google Patents

Description

0 A PORTABLE WATER TOWER.

Field of the Invention.

Z This invention is directed to a portable water tower, and particularly to a water tower o which has a special design which enables it to be placed on the back of a truck, moved to a particular site, and erected in a quick manner and often without needing anybody to climb above ground level.

en Background Art.

There are many instances, where it is necessary or advantageous to provide a temporary water tank. There are also many instances where it is advantageous to elevate the water tank above the ground so as to provide a pressure head and to provide clearance for gravity loading into a water truck. These devices are typically called water towers.

Fixed water towers are very well-known and can be virtually any size from the extremely large fixed concrete water towers to supply town water at a particular pressure, to much smaller household water tanks which are positioned on top of poles.

One advantage of these fixed towers is that they are extremely strong, can survive extreme weather conditions (gales etc) and are long-lasting. However, these tanks are fixed in place and are not portable.

It is known to temporarily erect a fixed water tower where required. These towers are not portable and not relocatable and are basically built and erected on site, and then torn down afterwards. Clearly, this type of method is wasteful.

Another problem which arises with portable water towers is site location. To explain, it is usually relatively straightforward to transport a small water tower on the back of a truck, but only to where the road ends. If the water tower is to be erected away from the road, it usually needs to be disassembled, lifted by a tractor vehicle or similar to the particular site and reassembled. Clearly, this has many disadvantages.

It is considered that a typical portable water tower will contain a volume of between 10,000 L or possibly even less up to 30,000 L or possibly even more.

One place where the portable water tower would find great convenience is on a civil Z construction site road works/subdivisions/earth dams/mining and the like) where o the water requirement for soil compaction always exists and where continuous dust suppression may be paramount.

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A water source for many such sites is often relatively low pressure authority mains en water, or slow capacity pumps which draw water from a damn, creek, bore and the like.

This water is pumped into water trucks that deliver the water to the required place, or spray the water over the ground to suppress dust. This water trucks can hold about 13 tonnes (13,000 L) of water. It is found that it can take quite a long time to completely fill such a truck using the low-pressure mains/low capacity pumps etc, and a fill time of 20 minutes or even more is expected. This creates a distinct problem with being able to supply water volume to required places.

For this reason, there would be an advantage if a water tower could be provided. The water tower could very quickly fill the water truck (typically one minute!), and while the water truck is then transferring the water to the required place, the water tower can be replenished using authority mains pressure/slow capacity pumps and the like.

Although the above describes a particular use for a water tower, it should be appreciated that there would be many other situations where a temporary water tower which can be relatively easily transported, erected, pulled down and removed, would be extremely advantageous.

Another problem with many existing designs is that during the erection process, it may be necessary for a person to climb onto the water tower to assist in the assembly etc. This presents hazardous situations. Thus, there would be an advantage if a water tower design could be provided that could be erected without requiring anybody to climb up the tower or climb above ground level etc.

Another problem with some temporary water towers is stability. While it may be relatively straightforward to erect the water tower onto vertical support legs, the water tower S can quite easily tip over especially if empty and subjected to a high wind loading.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference 5 does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general S knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention.

S It is an object of the invention to provide a portable and transportable water tower that may 0 overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form the invention resides in a portable water tower assembly comprising a water tank, a framework supporting the water tank above the ground, and at least one stabilising member that is movable between a retracted position where the size of the water tower assembly is reduced (to enable the assembly to fit on a truck etc) and an extended position where the stabilising member stabilises the assembly.

Thus, the assembly can have a smaller "footprint" during transportation by retracting the 0 stabilising members, but on site, the stabilising members can be extended to provide a good solid stabilising footprint to prevent the tank from tipping especially under high wind load conditions.

In another form, the invention resides in a portable water tower assembly comprising a water container, a framework positioned underneath the water container to elevate the water container above the ground, and at least one skid rail (or equivalent means) which enables the assembly to be dragged along the ground to a desired position.

Thus, the assembly can be transported by a truck to a particular position, placed on the ground, and then dragged into the desired position before being lifted into the upright position.

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and positioning of the water tower assembly.

In another form, the invention resides in a portable water tower assembly comprising a water container, a framework positioned underneath the water container to elevate the I p r water container above the ground, and at least one lifting means, the lifting means t enabling the tower to be lifted from an initial horizontal position lying on the

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ground) to an upright position, and typically by a crane, the lifting means comprising an elongate member extending from ground level (when the water tower assembly is upright) to an upper portion of the water tower assembly, the crane (or other lifting device) lifting the water tower assembly via the elongate member.

The advantage of this form of the invention is that the tower assembly can be lifted to the vertical position using a crane which attaches to the lifting means. Once the tower has been lifted to the upright position, the crane coupling (typically a ring) can slide down the lifting means to the ground level and a person can then simply uncouple the ring from the lifting means. Thus, it is not necessary for the person to be on top of the tower to decouple the cranes lifting ring from the tower.

It is preferred that the water tower assembly contains the lifting means and/or the stabilising member and/or the at least one skid rail.

The water tower assembly is portable in the sense that is able to be placed on the back of a truck. It is preferred that the water tower can be collapsed to a point where it functions as a "standard unit" which means that an escort or pilot vehicle is not required. The width of a "standard unit" may vary between countries or even between states.

The assembly has a water container. The water container may comprise a water tank which may be substantially dimensionally stable. The water tank may be made from steel, plastic, fibreglass, possibly even reinforced concrete, composite materials and

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o the like and it is not expected that any particular limitation should be placed on the invention by the material from which the water tank is manufactured. The water tank 0 Z may have any suitable shape and, in most instances, will be rectangular although there o are some instances, where the water tank can be cylindrical when viewed in plan etc.

The water tank will typically have a lid or top. The lid/top can be either fixed, or hinged, may contain one or more smaller openings and the like. It is also envisaged cthat the water tank may be open and may be covered by a screen etc.

t¢C It is envisaged that the water tank will be able to hold a volume of about 20,000 L and 0 typically between 10,000 L up to 30,000 L. However, smaller water towers may find suitability (for instance school camps etc).

The water container may also comprise a bladder or collapsible member. Such containers are known. The bladder may be made from strong rubber, reinforced rubber, rubber composite materials and the like. The water container may also be formed from relatively rigid panel members which are joined by flexible members or hinges such that the water container can collapse for transportation).

If desired, the water tower assembly may comprise some form of cage or housing 2 0 around the water tank or water container. For instance, if the water container is a flexible bladder etc, a cage or housing can be positioned around the bladder. It is also envisaged that the water tank may contain a relatively rigid but relatively thin walled construction which can then be further supported by the cage or housing.

If a cage or housing is provided, this may be formed from panel members that can be collapsed or folded etc for transportation.

The water tower assembly also contains a framework that functions to elevate the water container when the assembly is in the upright position. The framework can be made of any suitable material such as steel tubing, plastic tubing, box section, metal or plastic plates, composite materials, etc that are connected together, angle sections and the like. It is envisaged that the framework will contain at least one and typically about four post members. This post members may be single post members or a

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o number of post members that can be attached together to make the post members longer or shorter. It is also envisaged that the post members may be telescopic. The 0 Z length of the post members will determine the height of the water tank above the o ground. It is considered that a height of between 2-7 m will be sufficient for most purposes, although there may be occasions where the post members may be longer or shorter.

cfl It is envisaged that the post members will be supported by interconnecting strut ith members. Such an arrangement is quite conventional.

The framework will typically comprise a base assembly, and a platform assembly, the platform assembly adapted to support the water tank, or be part of the water tank/container. The base assembly and the platform assembly may comprise an array of substantially horizontal elongate members which can be attached to each other by any suitable means.

If desired, the base assembly may contain a floor. If desired, a cage, or wall panels may be provided around the post members to provide an enclosure.

Is preferred that the water tower assembly contains at least one stabilising member.

The stabilising member can move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the "footprint" or outer size of the water tower assembly is smaller and therefore more suited for transportation, but the water tower may be somewhat unstable if erected, and in the extended position, the footprint of the water tower is significantly larger to provide stability.

It is preferred that the assembly contains more than one stabilising member. Thus, it is preferred that the assembly comprises at least two and preferably between 2-6 stabilising members, and most preferably four stabilising members.

Each stabilising member may be made from strong material such as steel sections, composite materials etc.

w O7 o In one form, the stabilising member may slide between a retracted position and the extended position. For instance, the stabilising member may comprise an elongate 0 Z post which can slide in a substantially horizontal manner between a retracted position o where the stabilising member is substantially within the confines of the posts that hold the water tank, and an extended position where the stabilising member has been pulled out of the confines of the posts. The stabilising member may be provided with a c adjustable foot and the like to provide good ground contact. In this form of the en invention, the stabilising member may have a length of between 1-6 m and preferably ibetween 1-4 m.

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In another form, the stabilising member may comprise an elongate member as described immediately above, but which can swing about a vertical pivot between the retracted position and the extended position.

In another form, the stabilising member may comprise an elongate member as described above but which can swing about the horizontal pivot between a retracted (possibly vertical) position and the extended (possibly substantially horizontal or somewhat inclined ground contacting) position.

In another form, the stabilising member may be as described above, except that the member comprises a plate like member that can slide/swing into position.

In a more preferred form, the stabilising member comprises a swing out leg member (outrigger) that can be attached to a post at two spaced apart positions to provide good stability. The leg member may be formed from any suitable strong material such as box section, plate and the like. It is preferred that the leg member forms a triangle with the respective post member and therefore the leg member may comprise a first extending horizontal portion, and a second extending but inclined portion that extends from the end of the first portion and to an upper part of the post. An example of such a stabilising member is illustrated in figure 2 of the accompanying illustrations.

Of course, the invention may also comprise different types of stabilising members on the same water tower assembly.

The water tower assembly may also include at least one skid rail or equivalent means.

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Z Thus, the water tower assembly may contain two or more (typically parallel but o spaced apart) rails which are typically made from metal. These rails function as skid rails and therefore the positioning of the rails will be such that the water tower can be dragged along the skid rails to a desired position.

Cfl It is considered advantageous to have the water tower in the horizontal position when 'tt on the ground and therefore it is considered that the skid rails will be positioned on 0 the water tower and typically from the lower end to a higher end. In a simple version of the invention, one (but particularly two) of the posts that support the water container may be specially profiled to also function as skid rails. However, separate skid rails can also be fitted if desired.

The skid rail may be replaced with an equivalent such as wheels, skid plates, rollers and the like, however it is found that skid rails are strong and robust and long-lasting and are therefore preferred.

It is also envisaged that the water tower assembly may contain detachable skid rails.

The water tower assembly may also contain a lifting means of a particular design to enable the water tower to be lifted from the horizontal to the vertical position by a crane but in such a manner that it is not necessary for a person to climb onto the water tower. To explain, to lift the water tower, it will be necessary to hitch the crane tackle to an upper most part of the tower to facilitate the lifting action. However, when lifted, the person will need to climb on top of the water tower (when upright) to remove the tackle. The tackle will typically comprise a ring.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a lifting means is provided which basically enables the tackle to be slid down the water tower to a ground level such that a person can removed the tackle was standing on the ground. The lifting means comprises an elongate member that extends from adjacent the bottom of the water tower assembly (when the assembly is upright) to an upper part of the assembly. The elongate O member may comprise a chain such as a linked metal chain, a cable, a wire, a pole, and the like such that the tackle can slide down the elongate member under the 0 Z influence of gravity. The elongate member will typically be positioned between the Oskid rails.

The term "ground level" is meant to include the level where a person can access the N crane tackle while standing on the ground or at a position where a fall injury is en unlikely.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:.

Figure 1. Illustrates a water tower assembly (without the water container) in the "collapsed" position where it can be more easily transported.

Figure 2. Illustrates the same water tower assembly but now in the extended stabilised position.

Figure 3. Illustrates a variation showing the framework and also particularly illustrating the skid rails.

Best Mode.

Referring to the illustrations, there is described the broad features of the present invention which are a portable water tower assembly which comprises a water container (not illustrated), a framework 11 positioned underneath the water container to elevate the water container above the ground, at least one (in the embodiment four) stabilising members 12 which can move between a retracted position (see figure 1) and an extended position (see figure at least one (in the embodiment two) skid rails 13, and a lifting means 14 which in the particular embodiment comprises a chain.

The framework 11 comprises four vertical post members, comprising two "conventional" post members 15, and two post members 13 which also comprise the skid rails.

I0 o The vertical post members 15, 13 contain a base platform 17 which can be assembled as illustrated in figure 3, and a "tank supporting" platform 18 which is also illustrated Z in figure 3. This arrangement also provides tortional stability to the post members. In o the particular embodiment, the smaller front post members 15 have a length of about 4 m and are made of 75 x 75 x 4 mm RHS. The larger rear post members (which also ON function as skids 13), have a length of slightly under 7.5 mn and are made of 200

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Ni UB3O. In the particular embodiment, a further pair of smaller skids 20 forms part of Ni Cfl the base platform 17.

Thus, the water tower assembly can be placed on its side (that is, the sides where skids 13 are on the ground) and the tower assembly can be dragged to a desired position.

Even when upright, the tower can be dragged by smaller skids 20 although it is considered that this should be done orily for small distances.

In the particular embodiment, a housing in the form of a surround cage 21 is provided to support the water tank (which may be a collapsible bladder). Cage 21 can be made of panels that can be hinged together or removed if desired. Of course the tank may comprise a steel tank in which case the cage 21 is not required.

The water tower assembly is stabilised by the four stabilising members 12. Each stabilising member comprises a lower horizontal portion 22 and an extending but inclined portion 23 to form two sides of a triangle with the respective post 15 (or 13) completing the triangle. The lower portion 22 is hinged to a lower part of the respective post, and the upper part of inclined portion 23 is also hinged to an upper part of the same respective post, and preferably not that far below the top platformn.

The hinges may comprise steel pins.

The stabilising members can swing between the retracted position illustrated in figure I to the extended position illustrated in figure 2. Adjustable feet 24 can be provided on each stabilising member to compensate for undulations in the ground.

The water tower assembly contains a chain 14 which forms part of the lifting means.

Chain 14 is stretched between the lower platform 17 and the upper most part of skid o rails 13, and in the particular embodiment, the chain is attached to a cross strut 24 which is best illustrated in figure 3.

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z o In use, the water tower assembly will initially be in the collapsed transport position illustrated in figure 1 where it can be laid on its side such that the skid rails 13 are on O the trailer body of the truck. The assembly can then be transported to site. The truck N will typically be a tilt tray truck and the assembly can then be slid off the back of the tray in a conventional manner, and laid on the ground with the skid rails 13 contacting the ground. A crane/tractor etc can then drag the assembly to the desired area. The crane can then attach a lifting ring to the bottom of chain 14, and a person can simply attach the lifting ring without leaving the ground. The crane boom is then raised which will cause the lifting ring to ride to the top of chain 14 until it is trapped towards the top end of the struts. Further lifting will cause the tower to be lifted to the upright position illustrated in figure 1. The stabilising legs can then be swung out and the adjustable feet adjusted (figure Lowering of the crane boom will then cause the lifting ring to slide down chain 14 back to the lowermost position where the person can uncouple the ring from the chain again without needing to climb the water tower.

If desired, the water tank can be fitted with plumbing such as inlet and outlet. And pipes or hoses can be fitted to the outlets to effectively fill and empty the water tank and this can be quite conventional in design.

The base of the unit may have a floor constructed and may be enclosed with security mesh and fitted with a lockable access door. This can provide a storage capacity, a toilet facility and the like.

A number of units can be linked together to provide an almost unlimited capacity of water storage.

The water tower assembly can deliver water at a fast rate to fill water trucks, it may contain an automatic shut off when filled from a fire hydrant, it may contain an overflow outlets when filled with a pump; a motor is not needed; pneumatic or o hydraulic equipment may not be required; the assembly is transportable on flat top trays or tilt tray trucks; it is suitable for small construction site; does not require any 0 Z additional registration for road use, can decrease turnaround time for water trucks, can o be moved on site without the need of a prime mover and has various other advantages.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires

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I otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", en will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but t¢ not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

01 o Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. A portable water tower assembly comprising a water tank, a framework supporting the water tank above the ground, and at least one stabilising member that is movable between a retracted position where the size of the water tower assembly is reduced (to N enable the assembly to fit on a truck etc) and an extended position where the N stabilising member stabilises the assembly. N

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising four stabilising members. .0

3. The assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, or each stabilising member is hinged between the retracted position and the extended position.

4. The assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, or each stabilising member is attached to a vertical post that forms part of the framework, the stabilising member together with the post forming a triangle.

The assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of vertical posts and a stabilising member is hingedly attached to 0 each vertical post.

6. The assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including at least one skid rail.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of vertical posts, and at least one post comprises the skid rail.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, including a base platform, the base platform comprising a further skid rail.

9. The assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a lifting means to assist in lifting the water tower assembly from the horizontal position to the upright 14 position.

The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lifting means comprises an elongate member extending from substantially one end of the water tower assembly to substantially the other end of the water tower assembly.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the elongate member comprises a chain. .0

12. A portable water tower assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 9 July 2007