Modular Storage Tank

Abstract

A modular storage tank ( 100 ) for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank ( 100 ) comprising: a frame ( 12 ) defining a chamber ( 14 ), said frame ( 12 ) having a base portion ( 16 ) and a top portion ( 18 ), and a plurality of vertical members ( 104 ) extending between the base and the top portions ( 16, 18 ); said top portion ( 18 ) and said base portion ( 16 ), in use, each having edge members ( 22 ) extending longitudinally along a length of said tank ( 100 ), and a plurality of cross members ( 24 ) extending transversely between opposing edge members ( 22 ); at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber ( 14 ); and a plurality of side panels ( 28 ) to be located between opposing vertical members ( 104 ) and to substantially enclose said chamber ( 14 ).

1 . A modular storage tank for collecting and storing water, one module of said tank comprising:
 a frame defining a chamber, said frame having a base portion and a top portion, and a plurality of vertical members extending between the base and the top portions;   said top portion and said base portion, in use, each having edge members extending longitudinally along a length of said tank, and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between opposing edge members;   at least one flexible material to be located within the chamber; and   a plurality of side panels to be located between opposing vertical members and to substantially enclose said chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the vertical members and the cross members are adapted to be connected without the use of conventional fasteners. 
     
     
         3 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein said base portion further includes a plurality of supports to be fixed to adjacent edge and vertical members; 
     
     
         4 . The tank according to  claim 1 , further including two or more modules connected together to form a single chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the top portion includes a cover panel. 
     
     
         6 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the tank includes an inlet through which water can pass into said chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The tank according to  claim 6 , wherein the inlet is located in the cover panel or one said side panel. 
     
     
         8 . The tank according to  claim 1 , further including at least one outlet through which water can exit said chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The tank according to  claim 8 , wherein the at least one outlet is located on one said side panel. 
     
     
         10 . The tank according to  claim 1 , further including at least one overflow outlet. 
     
     
         11 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the side panels are interchangeable. 
     
     
         12 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover panels are interchangeable. 
     
     
         13 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein each vertical frame member includes a channel into which a side panel can be retained. 
     
     
         14 . The tank according to  claim 13 , wherein the side panels are slidable within said channels. 
     
     
         15 . The tank according to  claim 1 , further including cladding fastened to the frame. 
     
     
         16 . The tank according to  claim 15 , wherein the cladding is fastened to the frame using clips or brackets. 
     
     
         17 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein each vertical member in use interlocks with an adjacent edge and cross member. 
     
     
         18 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the top portion further includes means to attach the flexible material to the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The tank according to  claim 18 , wherein the means to attach the flexible material to the frame includes a clip having an open mouth adapted to receive the flexible material. 
     
     
         20 . The tank according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material is a bladder or a first liner.