Self Erecting Storage Unit

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for storing materials on a well site are disclosed. A self erecting storage system includes a trailer and storage bin. A first latching mechanism is coupled to the trailer. A movable arm with a second latching mechanism is also coupled to the trailer. The storage bin has a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be coupled to the first latching mechanism and the second pin may be coupled to the second latching mechanism.

1 . A self erecting storage system comprising:
 a trailer;   a first latching mechanism coupled to the trailer;   a movable arm coupled to the trailer;   a second latching mechanism coupled to the movable arm;   a storage bin having a first pin and a second pin,
 wherein the first pin is couplable to the first latching mechanism, and 
 wherein the second pin is couplable to the second latching mechanism. 
   
     
     
         2 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , wherein the first latching mechanism and the second latching mechanism comprise a receiving latch. 
     
     
         3 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 2 , wherein the receiving latch is rotatable. 
     
     
         4 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 3 , wherein the receiving latch comprises a cylinder. 
     
     
         5 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 4 , wherein the first pin comprises a groove. 
     
     
         6 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 5 , wherein the cylinder is placed in the groove when in the extended position. 
     
     
         7 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , wherein the first pin is a latching pin. 
     
     
         8 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , wherein the latching mechanism is remotely operated. 
     
     
         9 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , wherein the storage bin is a silo. 
     
     
         10 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , further comprising a load sensor coupled to the storage bin. 
     
     
         11 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , further comprising an extendable base coupled to the storage bin. 
     
     
         12 . The self erecting storage system of  claim 1 , wherein the movable arm is coupled to a hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         13 . A method of raising a self erecting storage system comprising:
 placing a first storage bin on a trailer;   coupling a first end of the trailer to a first location on the first storage bin;   coupling a movable arm to a second location on the first storage bin,
 wherein the movable arm is coupled to a second end of the trailer; extending the movable arm, 
 wherein the first storage bin is raised as the movable arm extends; 
   decoupling the first location on the first storage bin from the first end of the trailer; and   decoupling the second location on the first storage bin from the movable arm.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first end of the trailer is coupled to the first location on the first storage bin by a latching mechanism; 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein decoupling the first location on the first storage bin from the first end of the trailer is performed remotely. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the latching mechanism is self aligning. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the latching mechanism comprises a receiving latch and a latching pin. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 coupling the movable arm to a hydraulic cylinder;   wherein the hydraulic cylinder extends the movable arm.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising coupling the storage bin to a load sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 placing a second storage bin on a trailer;   coupling a first end of the trailer to a first location on the second storage bin;   coupling a movable arm to a second location on the second storage bin,
 wherein the movable arm is coupled to a second end of the trailer; extending the movable arm, 
 wherein the second storage bin is raised as the movable arm extends; 
   decoupling the first location on the second storage bin from the first end of the trailer; and   decoupling the second location on the second storage bin from the movable arm.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the first storage bin and the second storage bin have different capacities. 
     
     
         22 . A method of lowering a self erecting storage system comprising:
 coupling a first latching mechanism to a trailer;   coupling an extendable arm to the trailer;   coupling a second latching mechanism to the extendable arm;   connecting the first latching mechanism to a first pin on a storage bin;   extending the extendable arm;   connecting the second latching mechanism to a second pin on the storage bin;   retracting the extendable arm.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the storage bin is a silo. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the latching mechanism comprises a receiving latch and a latching pin.