GB2218454A - Metal tank with panel flanges offset to welds - Google Patents

Abstract

A construction for a metal tank with panels forming the tank fastened together in an edge to edge relation by means of flange members 2 along opposed edges 18,20 of the panels. By fastening the flange members together, the opposed edges are maintained in a spaced relationship for welding together. <IMAGE>

Description

METAL TANKS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to metal tanks and particularly those used for storing liquids.

Under present practice, when a tank is to be constructed, metal panels are first prepared which resemble a roodule formcd by making two longitudinal cuts in a cylinder. These curved panels are then transported to a desired location and arranged in a ring-like fashion with the edges of the panels overlapping. The panels are then welded together to form the tank. Such a procedure proves troublesome, however. After being positioned, the panels tend to move from the spaced relation necessary to properly weld them together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a principal aspect, the present invention is a construction for a metal tank. The tank includes adjacent panels arranged in an edge to edge relation. An L-shaped flange member is affixed along opposed edges of adjacent panels. Each L-shaped flange member has a proximal leg affixed to a panel and a transverse leg projecting from the panel. The transverse legs of flange members on adjacent panels are offset in opposite directions from the opposed edges of the panels, but may be abutted together in an opposing relation. Tt)c trans- verse legs are maintained in this relation by fastening means, and the opposed edges of the panels thus maintain a spaced relationship for welding the edges of the panels together.

In another aspect, the fastening means includes means for adjusting the spaced relationship of the opposed edges of the adjacent panels.

In yet another aspect, the panels are substantially identical and may be stacked upon one another prior to being; positioned in an edge to edge relation.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved construction for a tank wherein withe panels used are uniform. Such uniformity makes the panels inexpensive and easy to transport.

Another object is to provide an improved construction for a tank wherein the panels used may be assembled quickly and safely.

It is a further object of the 1iivntion to provide a construction for a tank wherein panels forming the tank may be positioned and held in a spaced relationship, thus allowing the panels to be welded together in a superior fashion.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are discussed or apparent in the colloving detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the drawing wherein: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the panel as they old be stacked for transportation; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of tbe elements on the tank, showing each element apart from the others; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an asselnblcd tank; and FIGURE 4 is partial cross-sectional view showing the detail of how adjacent panels are joined.

D3:SCRIPTION OF grl Plu:rf:I"RED EtflODIMI:N,r Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as a tank 10 for containing products such as liquids. Panels 1 are joined to form a cylinder 12. An upper portion 14 of the cylinder 12 is covered by a top panel 6, and a lower portion 16 is covered by a bottom panel 7. Panels 1, top panel 6, and bottom panel 7 in the preferred embodiment are made of metal.

As shown in FIGURE 4, there is a substantially L-shaped flange member 2 along opposed edges 18, 20 of adjacent panel.

1, and each of the flange members 2 has a proximal leg 22, 24 affixed to a panel 1 and a transverse leg 26, 28 projecting from the panel 1. The transverse legs 26, 28 are in an opposing relation, but offset in opposite directions trom the opposed edges 18, 20. The transverse legs 26, 28 are held in the opposing relation by fastening means 30. Fastening means 30 maintains the opposed edges 18, 20 of the adjacent panels 1 in a spaced relationship for welding the opposed edges 18; 20 together. FIGURE 5 shows a connecting seam 3 between the opposed edges 18, 20.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the transverse legs 26, 28 in opposing relation contain an aperture 4 that is adapted to loosely reccive a bolt 5. A nut 32 is adapted to screw onto bolt 5. The aperture 4, the bolt 5, and the nut 32 thus are included in the fastening means 30. The exact, relative position of opposing transverse legs 26, 28 may be adjusted as nut 32 is gradually tightened onto bolt 5. Aftcr the nut 32 is substantially fully tightened, the opposed edges 18, 20 are held in the spaced relationship for welding.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the preferred embodiment uses panels 1 that are curved and substantially identical. The panels 1 may be stacked upon one another prior,to arranging them in an edge to edge relation. Thus, the-compact config uration shown in FIGURE 1 is useful when transporting the panels 1 between their place of manufacture andwa location at which the tank 10 is to be constructed.

Referring once more to FIGURE 4, the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes flange members 2, each having an inner end 34, 36. The entire flange member 2 is affixed to the :panel 1 by welding the inner end 34, 36 to the panel 1. This results in an attachment seam 38, 40 located substantially between the inncr end 34, 36 and the panel 1.

Finally, the preferred embodiment displayed in FIGURE 3 shows that the flange members 2 are located on an outside sur face 42 of the cylinder 12 formed by the panels 1.

A single preferred embodiment of the prcsent invention has been described herein. It is to be understood, however, that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The true scope and spirit are defined by the following claims, to be interpreted in light of the foregoing specification.

Claims (6)

1. A construction for a metal tank comprising, in com bination: panels having opposed edges; means for connecting adjacent panels in an edge to edge relation, said means for connecting the adjacent panels including a substantially L-shaped flange member along opposed edges of adjacent panels, said flange members each helvincu a proximal leg affixed to a panel aid a transverse ley project:- ing from the panel, said flange members on adjacent panels (a) having said transverse legs in opposing relation and (b) being offset in opposite directions from the opposed edges; and fastening means for attaching said opposed transverse legs and maintaining said opposed edges of adjacent panels in a spaced relationship for welding said opposed edges together.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein said fa.te!'iny means includes means for adjusting said spaced relationshif.

3. The construction of claim 1 wherein said fastening means includes a bolt and said transverse legs in opposing relation contain an aperture that is adapted to loosely receive the bolt.

4. The construction of claim 1 wherein the adjacent panels are substantially identical and may be stacked upon one another.

5. The construction of claim 1 wherein said proximal leg of each of said flange members has an inner end and cacti of said flange members is affixed to the panel by a weld located substantially between said inner end and the panel.

6. The construction of claim 1 wherein the adjacent panels are connected in an edge to edge relation to form a cylinder having an outside surface and each of said flange members is affixed to said outside surface of the cylinder.