Collapsible Water Tank

Abstract

A liquid storage device includes a rigid upper top, a rigid lower base and compliant collapsible/expandable bladder in which the bladder fits intermediate the top and base and is movable between a collapsed form with the top and the base nesting so as to form a transportable package for the device and an expanded form with the top and base drawn apart so as to provide a reservoir and storage for liquid in which the top, base and bladder are held in juxtaposition by an open frame interposed between the top and base with the bladder being confined by the frame and base and in which the open frame includes a lower ring adapted for fitting within an open channel formed in the base, an upper ring adapted for mounting the top of the bladder and a plurality of vertical struts interposed between the lower and upper rings.

1 . A liquid storage device comprising:
 a rigid upper top,   a rigid lower base having an open channel formed therein,   a compliant collapsible/expandable bladder wherein said bladder is adapted for fitting intermediate said top and base and is movable between a collapsed form with said top and said base adapted for nesting so as to form a transportable package for said device and an expanded form with said top and base being drawn apart so as to provide a reservoir and storage for liquid,   an open frame interposed between said top and said base for holding said top, said base and said bladder in juxtaposition with said bladder being confined by said frame and said base and wherein said open frame includes a lower ring adapted for fitting within said open channel formed in said base, an upper ring adapted for mounting a top of said bladder and a plurality of vertical struts interposed between said lower and upper rings.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the top includes an open channel adapted for fitting to said upper ring. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said top and said base includes an extended circumferential lip adapted to cooperate with said base and said top, respectively, so as to form a substantially sealed transport container for said device in a collapsed condition. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bladder includes one of:
 a reinforced wall and   a double thickness wall   
       at least near the base. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said top includes a transverse indent to provide rigidity to said top and wherein said indent is configured to hold said struts captive during storage and transport. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bladder includes an upper hem adapted to receive said upper ring. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bladder includes a lower outlet valve and said top includes an inlet for said liquid. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device in a collapsed condition is adapted to be stackable with other said devices in a collapsed condition, wherein an upper surface of said top of one said collapsed device is configured to nest with an undersurface of said base of another said collapsed device. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 1 , adapted for storing water. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled)