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Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for storing a fluid, and in particulaTj an apparatus suitable for use as a portable dam.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] US2003/0156903 describes frame members for use as a portable dam. Each frame structure is comprised of a support beam, a base beam and at least one brace beam connected together in pivoting relationship so that the beams may be folded down together for quick assembly and disassembly. The collapsed beams are configured to lie parallel to each other in a folded arrangement to permit efficiency in stacking multiple units together for storage and transportation. The erected frame structures are connected to each other and held in a spaced relationship through the use of couplers that are adapted to slide over the ends of the beams forming the frame structures. The individual frame structures may be erected in place in the water, or a section comprising several connected frame structures may be pre-fabricated and lifted and placed as a unit in the water. A stiffener member is affixed to adjacent frame structures to hold them together in rigid relationship. A foot assembly for providing stability and distribution of the downward pressure caused by the dammed water may be provided with each frame structure.

[0004] However, construction of the arrangement is complex and time consuming making it unsuitable for many applications. Summary of the Present Invention

[0005] In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide apparatus for storing a fluid, the apparatus including:

a) at least three side walls, each side wall including a side wall frame for supporting a side wall lining member, the side wall frame being movable between a collapsed position for transport and an operative position for supporting side wall lining members; and,

b) at least three corners, each corner including a corner frame for supporting a corner lining member, wherein in use, the corner and side walls frames are interconnected so that the lining members cooperate define a fluid-retaining perimeter, thereby allowing the fluid to be retained therein.

[0006] Typically each side wall frame includes:

a) a base;

b) a lining member support pivotally mounted to the base; and,

c) a brace for supporting the lining member support in the operative position.

[0007] Typically a first edge of the base is pivotally mounted proximate a first edge of the lining member support, and wherein at least one of:

a) the brace is pivotally mounted proximate a second edge of the lining member support and removably mounted proximate a second edge of the base; and, b) the brace is pivotally mounted proximate a second edge of the base and removably mounted proximate a second edge of the lining member support.

[0008] Typically the base includes a number of base beams supported in a spaced apart arrangement by a number of interconnecting beams, each base beam including:

a) a first base mounting proximate a first end for coupling to the lining member support; and,

b) a second base mounting proximate a second end opposing the first end for coupling to the brace. [0009] Typically each base mounting includes a pair of spaced apart base mounting plates projecting from the base beam, the plates including an aperture for supporting a connector shaft.

[0010] Typically the lining member support includes a number of support beams supported in a spaced apart arrangement by a number of interconnecting beams, each support beam including:

a) a first support mounting proximate a first end for coupling to the base; and, b) a second support mounting proximate a second end opposing the first end for coupling to the brace.

[0011] Typically each support mounting includes a pair of spaced apart support mounting plates projecting from the support beam, the plates including an aperture for supporting a connector shaft.

[0012] Typically the brace includes a number of spaced apart legs interconnected by supporting bars, each leg including:

a) a first leg mounting proximate a first end for coupling to the base; and, b) a second leg mounting proximate a second end opposing the first end for coupling to the brace.

[0013] Typically each leg mounting includes an aperture for receiving a connector shaft.

[0014] Typically the side wall lining member includes a substantially planar plate.

[0015] Typically first and second ends of the side wall frame are coupled to the corner frames via respective corner connecting members.

[0016] Typically "the corner connecting member includes a pair f spaced apart plates supporting spaced apart parallel shafts, the shafts being insertable into corner connectors provided on the side wall frame and corner frame.

[0017] Typically each corner:

a) a base;

b) a lining member support; and, c) legs supporting the lining member support.

[0018] Typically the apparatus includes:

a) at least four side walls, and,

b) at least four corners.

[0019] Typically the apparatus includes at least one ground lining member.

[0020] Typically the ground lining member includes a fluid permeable layer and a fluid impermeable layer.

[0021] Typically the fluid impermeable layer forms part of the side wall lining members. [0022] Typically the fluid permeable layer interconnects opposing side walls.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an apparatus for storing a fluid;

[0025] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a side wall in an operative position;

[0026] Figure 2B is a schematic end view of the side wall of Figure 2 A;

[0027] Figure 2C is a schematic end view of a side wall in a collapsed position;

[0028] Figure 2D is a schematic side view of the side wall of Figure 2C;

[0029] Figure 2E is a schematic perspective view of the side wall of Figure 2C;

[0030] Figure 2F is a schematic perspective view of a side wall base;

[0031] Figure 2G is a schematic perspective view of a lining member support;

[0032] Figure 2H is a schematic perspective view of a brace;

[0033] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective rear view of a corner;

[0034] Figure 3B is a schematic perspective front view of the corner of Figure 3 A; and,

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a corner connecting member. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0036] An example of apparatus for storing fluid will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037J Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus in a constructed configuration. As shown in this example, the apparatus includes four side walls 100, each of which includes a side wall frame 111 for supporting a side wall lining member 112. The side wall frame is movable between a collapsed position for transport and an operative position for supporting the side wall lining members as shown in Figure 1. The apparatus also includes corners 120, each corner 120 including a corner frame 121 for supporting a corner lining member 122.

[0038] In use, the corner and side wall frames 121, 111 are interconnected so that the lining members 112, 122 cooperate- to define a fluid retaining perimeter, thereby allowing a fluid to be retained in a region shown generally at 130.

[0039] Although four walls and corners are shown in this example, it will be appreciated that this is for the purpose of illustration only and that alternative configurations can be provided. In one example, the apparatus could include three or more corners and corresponding side walls. Additional side wall frames 111 can be added to change both the shape of the apparatus and the volume of fluid retained. For instance, the apparatus could have more than one side wall frame 111 extending selected between pairs of corners.

[0040] The nature of the lining members 112, 122 may vary depending on the preferred implementation. In one example, the lining members are formed from a fluid-impermeable fabric material, which can provide a lightweight but effective lining. Alternatively however the lining members can be formed from solid materials such as metal, plastic, or the like.

[0041] In the above-described example, the side walls have a generally straight elongate configuration, with the lining member being a substantially laminar body, allowing the frames to be easily folded for transport, whilst retaining the lining member 112 in position. Furthermore, the side wall and corner frames 111, 121 can be easily interconnected. This allows the fluid storage apparatus to be easily transported to a required location and then constructed in situ, as will be described in more detail below.

[0042] It will therefore be appreciated that the above-described arrangement allows an easily transportable and constructible fluid storage system to be provided. This is particularly beneficial for use in remote environments, as well as in certain industries, such as the oil/gas and mining industry, where it can be necessary to provide a temporary fluid storage. For example, in the mining industry, it is typical to need to be able to store mine tailings created as part of the mining process. In many areas, mine tailings are traditionally stored in pits in the ground but this can lead to leaching of the tailings into the surrounding soil causing contamination. Accordingly, the above described apparatus can be used to provide a portable fluid storage system which can easily be provided in a required location and then deconstructed and removed following use.

[0043] Further features of the arrangement will now be described.

[0044] In particular, an example of a side wall will now be described in more detail in Figures 2A to 2H.

[0045] As shown, the side wall frame 111 generally includes a base 210, a lining member support 220 pivotally mounted to the base 210, and a brace 230, coupled to the base 210 and lining member support 220, to thereby support the lining member support 220 in the operative position.

[0046] In the current example, a first edge of the base 210 is pivotally mounted proximate a first edge of the lining member support 220, with the brace 230 being either pivotally mounted proximate a second edge of the lining member support 220 and removably mounted proximate a second edge of the base 210, or vice versa. Thus in use, the brace 230 can be decoupled from either of the base 210 or the lining member support 220, allowing the side wall to be folded into a collapsed position shown in Figures 2C to 2E.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2F, the base includes a number of base beams 211 supported in a parallel spaced apart arrangement by a number of interconnecting beams 212. The beams can be any suitable form and in one example are steel RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) beams. The beams are arranged to provide a generally rectangular base 210 with a perimeter of the base defined by the interconnecting beams 212 and end base beams 211.1, 211.1.

[0048] In this example, each base beam 211 includes a first base mounting 213 provided proximate a first end of the base beam, for coupling to the lining member support 220, and a second base mounting 214 provided proximate a second opposing end of the base beam 211, for coupling to the brace 230. Although first and second mountings 213, 214 are shown on each base beam 211, this is not essential, and alternatively first and second mountings 213, 214 may be provided on selected ones of the base beams 211, depending on the required strength of the frame 111.

[0049] The base mountings 213, 214 can be of any appropriate form. However, in this example, the base mountings 213, 214 typically include a pair of spaced apart mounting plates 213.1, 214.1, projecting substantially perpendicularly from the base beam 211. Each mounting plate 213.1, 214.1 includes a respective aperture 213.2, 214.2 for receiving a connector shaft, such as a support axle, bolt or the like, thereby allowing the base mountings 213, 214 to be coupled to equivalent mountings on the lining member support 220 and the brace 230. The first base mounting 213 also includes a connecting tube 213.3 extending between the mounting plates 213.1, and aligned with the apertures 213.2, to provide additional strength.

[0050] An example of the lining member support is shown in more detail in Figure 2G. In this example, the lining member support 220 includes a number of support beams 221 provided in a spaced apart parallel arrangement supported by a number of interconnecting beams 222. Again, the beams can be any suitable form of beam and in on example are steel RHS beams.

[0051] In this example, the connecting beams are spaced apart between the support beams 221 to provide a grid having a rectangular perimeter. This arrangement ensures that.the sufficient support is provided to the lining member across the entire surface area, thereby ensuring the weight of any fluid is evenly distributed across the lining member support 220, thereby reducing the risk of damage to or failure of the lining support 112. In this example, the longest edges of the lining member support 220 are defined by interconnecting beams 222.1 that extend along the entire length of the lining member support for additional strength.

[0052] Each support beam 221 includes a first support mounting 223 provided proximate a first end of the support beam 221, for coupling to the base 210, and in particular to the first base mountings 213. A second support mounting 224 is also provided proximate a second end of each support beam 221, for coupling to the brace 230. Although first and second support mountings 223, 224 are shown on each support beam 221, this is not essential, and alternatively first and second support mountings 223, 224 may be provided on selected ones of the support beams 221 , depending on the required strength of the frame 111.

[0053] Again, any suitable mounting may be used, but typically the support mountings 223, 224 includes respective mounting plates 223.1, 224.1 extending perpendicularly from the support beam 221 and including an aperture 223.2, 224.2 for receiving a shaft of a connector.

[0054] Thus, for example, the first support mountings 223 and first base mountings 213 can be positioned so that the apertures 223.2, 213.2 align, allowing a connecting shaft to be inserted therethrough, thereby allowing the lining member support 220 and the base 210 to be pivotally connected. The shaft may be any appropriate shaft and can include, for example, a bolt arrangement or the like.

[0055] An example brace is shown in Figure 2H. In this example, the brace includes a number of spaced apart legs 231, interconnected by supporting bars 232. In this example, the legs 231 are typically steel RHS beams, although solid bodies may be used for additional strength as required. The supporting bars 232 typically do not require such great strength, as the legs 231 bear the majority of the load, and accordingly may be formed of hollow bars, or the like.

[0056] The legs 231 include first and second leg mountings 233, 234 mounted proximate to opposing ends of the legs. Although first and second leg mountings 233, 234 are shown on each leg 231, this is not essential, and alternatively first and second leg mountings 233, 234 may be provided on selected ones of the legs 231 , depending on the required strength of the frame 111. [0057] In this example, the leg mountings 233, 234 include an aperture extending through the end of the leg, allowing a bolt or other connector shaft to be placed therethrough. Thus it will be appreciated that the leg mountings 233 can be aligned with the second support mountings 224, so that the apertures 233.1, 224.2 align allowing a shaft of a connector to be inserted therethrough. Similarly the second leg mountings 234 include an aperture 234.1 which in use aligns with the aperture 214.2 of the second base mountings 214 thereby allowing a connector shaft to be inserted therethrough. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in use the connector shaft used to connect the second leg mounting 234 to the second base mounting 214 can be removable allowing the brace 230 to be de-coupled from the base 210, which in turn allows the apparatus to be moved iii collapsed and operative positions.

[0058] It will be appreciated from Figures 2C to 2E, providing the base and support mountings 213, 214, 223, 224 as mounting plates projecting from the respective base and support beams assists with folding of the frame 111 into the collapsed position, and in particular allows the brace 230 to be accommodated between the base 210 and lining member support 220.

[0059] It is also apparent from the above-described drawings that the legs 221, the support beams 211 and the base beams 201 are substantially aligned so that each base beam 211 connects to both a respective support beam 221 and leg 231. This is arranged so that forces are placed primarily on the base and support beams 211, 221 and the legs 231. The interconnecting beams or supporting bars do not require such a degree of load-bearing capacity and can therefore be formed from lightweight or reduced strength materials. This allows the strength of the arrangement to be maximised whilst minimising the weight required to support the lining member when the fluid supply apparatus is being used.

[0060] A further feature of the side walls shown in Figure 2A is the inclusion of a ground lining member 240, which typically includes fluid impermeable characteristics to provide a fluid impenetrable surface on the ground of the constructed apparatus.

[0061] The ground lining member can include one or more layers, as required. In one example, the ground lining member 240 can include a lower layer 241 of high strength fabric, which may be fluid permeable, and an upper layer of fluid impermeable fabric, which may for example be formed from an extension of the side lining members. In this example, the lower layer 241 can provide protection from ground imperfections and sharp rocks or twigs to the fluid impermeable fabric in the upper layer, to thereby help to prevent damage to the fluid impermeable fabric which might otherwise compromise the fluid impenetrable surface. Such an arrangement has the further benefit that the weight of fluid on the ground lining member 240 helps retain the side walls 110 in position. If ground conditions dictate, at least the permeable fabric of the lower layer 241 can be extended completely across the structure and attached to the corresponding side wall 110 on opposing sides of the apparatus, using a suitable connection mechanism. In this instance, the permeable fabric can act to prevent relative movement of the opposing side walls, thereby increasing the strength of the constructed arrangement.

[0062] As a further option, the ground lining member 240 can include multiple fluid impermeable layers, allowing these to be used to provide leak detection, through detection of _¾ fluid between the fluid impermeable layers, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

[0063] An example of the corners will now be described with reference to Figures 3 A to 3C. In this example, the corner frame includes a base 310, a lining member support 320 and bracing legs 330. The base 310 in this example has a generally triangular configuration as does the lining member support 320 so that the frame 121 is appropriately shaped to interconnect adjacent side wall frames 111. The corners can also be the inverse of the above example such that the corner section creates an 'L' shape in the fluid retaining structure of the constructed apparatus. In these examples, the frame is made of RHS steel beams, although any suitable material may be used.

[0064] As shown i these examples, each of the side wall 111 and corners 112 include respective corner connectors 250, 350, with each connector including plates 251, 351 extending from the frame, the plates being interconnected via a tube 252, 352 aligned with apertures 253, 353 provided in the plates 251, 351. In use, a corner connecting member shown in Figure 4 is used to couple the side wall frames 111 and corner frames 121. [0065] In particular, the corner connecting member 400 includes two plates 401, 402 provided in a spaced apart parallel arrangement and interconnected via two parallel shafts 403, 404. The shafts 403, 404 include a lynch pin 405, 406 extending through apertures in the end, allowing the plate 402 to be removed. In this instance, the shafts 403, 404 can be inserted into the apertures 251, 351 of the corner connectors 250, 350 provided on the side wall and corner frames 111, 121. The plate 402 can then be replaced and the lynch pins inserted, thereby securely connecting the side wall and comer frames 111, 112. This allows the side wall and corner frames 111, 112 to be connected rapidly and securely.

[0066] Thus, in the above described arrangement, each side wall 110 is secured to each corner 120 at three separate locations, via the connectors 250 on the lining member support 220 and the brace 230, as shown. It will be appreciated however that any suitable number of connectors could be used.

[0067] An example of the process for configuring the fluid supply apparatus for use will now be described.

[0068] In particular, the fluid supply apparatus is typically transported to a desired location on a truck or other similar transport device, with the side walls 110 in the folded configuration shown in Figures 2C to 2E. The corners are typically transported in a constructed state substantially as shown in Figures 3A to 3C.

[0069] It will be appreciated from this that the side walls in their folded state are typically sized so as to be easily accommodated on a flat bed truck or other similar transport device. This allows the side walls to be stacked one on top of another with the corners then provided thereon.

[0070] When the truck arrives at the relevant location, the components can then be removed and positioned on flat piece of ground, with the corners 120 and side walls 110 laid out to define a square perimeter. The side walls 110 then raised into the operative position before the side wall frames and corner frames 111, 121 are interconnected using the connecting members 400, as described above. [0071] Following this, the ground lining members 240 can be rolled out or unfolded from each side wall 110 so that the ground lining fabric members overlap (or connect to the opposite side wall 110) as shown in Figure 1. In one example where the ground lining members 240 include a lower permeable layer and an upper impermeable layer, the permeable layer is rolled out and connected to the side walls 110 and the impermeable layer is then rolled out or unfolded until all four walls and corner sections are covered. In any event, once the ground lining members 240 are deployed, the fluid storage apparatus is ready for filling.

[0072] As fluid is supplied into the region surrounded by the lining members 112, 122, the weight of the fluid will push down on the ground lining members 240 thereby helping to secure the side walls in position. As the fluid level rises, additional force will operate against the lining members 112, 122, urging the side walls and corners in an outward and downward direction. This further helps retain the fluid storage apparatus in position and helps reduce leakage under the corner walls.

[0073] Accordingly, the above described arrangement provides a fluid storage apparatus, for storing fluids such water or the like, and which can be easily transported and used in a wide range of situations.

[0074] It will be appreciated that a range of different sizes and shapes of apparatus can be provided, and the above described arrangement is for the purpose of example only. In one particular example, the lining member support 220 can have dimensions of 2m x 7m, or 3.5m x 7m, allowing multiple side walls to be easily loaded on a flat-bed truck, although alternative sizes could be used. It will also be appreciated that multiple side walls can be connected in an end-to-end arrangement in the event that the fluid storage apparatus is to have a greater size.

[0075] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0076] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.