Abstract:
A system of multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a portable platform and preferred embodiments which allow for improved access to the contents of each fuel tank, ability to transport multiple fuel types in a single system on a vehicle without towing apparatus, and the ability to maneuver the system via a forklift.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system of multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a portable platform for portable fueling, storage, and dispensing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the present art area of portable fuel storage and dispensing system offerings, models, and options, the same types and styles have remained largely unchanged leaving demand for an intermediate size solution that offers versatility while complying with federal regulations unfulfilled. Presently, if a consumer for personal use, business for commercial use, or government and military buyer for their uses needs a portable fueling storage and dispensing system, their options are limited to small five gallon style jugs and cans, auxiliary tanks permanently installed into the bed of pickup trucks, multi-tank skid systems with limited ease of use and functionality, or multi-hundred gallon to 1,000 gallon capacity single tank trailers predominantly found and used in the agriculture industry. The lack of portable fueling solutions available in between the small container sizes up to the larger 1,000 gallon sizes represents a significant gap in the present prior art. 
         [0003]    If one needs to transport fuel in a storage tank or tank trailer for use in commerce, operators transporting Class  3  Flammable Fuels such as gasoline or diesel, are required by United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to have a commercial driver&#39;s license and hazmat rating endorsement if the single tank being used has a capacity that exceeds 119 gallons. These larger tanks are classified as bulk containers or cargo tanks, depending on their size and exact use. Typically, the truck, trailer, or other motor vehicle being used to transport these larger tanks also has to meet the requirements of certain federal safety standards and additional regulations. DOT 406 and similar variations of the 406 indication are the most commonly known cargo tank regulations and specification requirements in the petroleum equipment and fuel transport industry regarding the types of tanks used to transport flammable liquids such as gasoline. 
         [0004]    In most states, gasoline and similar types of fuels are not to be transported for use in commerce in containers larger than five-gallon capacity sizes, or other similar small capacity sizes. Whereas, if a fuel tank container or fuel tank motor vehicle is purchased from a manufacturer with DOT authorization, operators are exempt from needing a DOT 406 tank or cargo tank vehicle when transporting fuel tanks on a platform with single tank capacities under 450 liters/119 gallons. 
         [0005]    An example of the prior art in the market can be found at:
   http://www.qualityfueltrailers.com/transfer-m-series-modular-fuel-tank-skids   
 
         [0007]    This prior art example has many features, specifications, and characteristics that make it obviously and significantly different than the present invention when examined by operators and other individuals familiar with fuel transport equipment and hazardous material requirements. The prior art does not include a rear enclosure to house the fueling equipment and protect the fueling equipment from any outside elements. The fueling equipment available in the prior art is limited to a basic pump and hose whereas the present invention&#39;s preferred embodiment offers many electronic accessories to ease fueling and fuel transaction record keeping processes. The prior art features a difficult to operate method of connecting the pump suction line to the top of each tank whereas the present invention features easy to access tank selection coupling and adapters within the rear enclosure. The present invention also features additional security measures including but not limited to: metal guards on tank gauges, lockable fill caps, and lockable rear enclosure. 
         [0008]    Common in the prior art are the use of a forklift maneuverable pallet, the use of a fuel pump, the common style of a fuel dispensing hose reel, hose, and nozzle, as well as the grounding cable reel which prevents static spark discharge between the skid and vehicle or equipment being fueled. Also common in the prior art is the use of a filtration system which can remove particulates, debris, water, and other unwanted elements in the fuel, tank, or other areas before fuel is discharged into the vehicle or equipment being fueled. Different types of filters are commonly available and known to remove different elements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The tanks and containers detailed in the present invention are built to the specifications outlined by a DOT Special Permit. By doing so, the present invention is compliant for use in commerce with Class 3 Flammable Liquids, specifically gasoline, aviation gasoline, methanol, ethanol, jet turbine fuels, and other flammable liquids with a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, even though they are not typically classified as Class 3 Flammable Liquids on their own, the Special Permit also permits the legal transportation of diesel, kerosene, and fuel oils that are considered combustible liquids by the DOT when being transported on roads and highways due to their flash point being above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0010]    To gain additional volume capacity, multiple tanks are adhered to the platform yet kept completely independent of each other. Keeping the tanks entirely independent from each other maintains compliance with the DOT Special Permit by preventing fuel from one tank coming into contact with fuel from another tank during transportation. If the tanks were connected by any means or manifolded together, such as by fuel lines, hoses, valves, fittings, or other flow channels, the tanks would be considered one single container and therefore non-compliant for use in commerce when transporting Class 3 Flammable Liquids on roads and highways. This fact makes the tank selector mechanisms integral to the present invention. The tank selector mechanisms allow for any tank on the platform to have fuel dispensed from it, but from only one tank at a time with single tank selector mechanisms. With multi-tank selector mechanisms, more than one tank can be connected together to act and function as a single larger tank, but then quickly separated prior to transportation. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of dry break, no-spill, quick connect couplers and adapters to allow a user to have rapid and easy switching between tanks for dispensing fuel. 
         [0011]    The fuel is dispensed from the fuel tanks through the fueling system which is hidden from plain-view within the rear enclosure. Not only does the enclosure hide the most expensive components to the system, but it also protects them from external weather elements or damage. Each tank has independent bottom sump port openings that provide the fitting and connection point for the fuel lines and hoses to channel the fuel from each tank to the rear enclosure. The quick connect adapters are affixed onto the fuel lines and hoses that enter the rear enclosure to create the selector adapter points for each tank. The quick connect coupler on the fuel pump intake hose line is what pairs with and connects to an adapter on any of the tank fuel lines to create a dry break, non-spill connection point. 
         [0012]    Besides the tanks and enclosure, a preferred embodiment of the present invention features an electric powered fuel dispensing and metering system. The system suctions fuel from the tanks, filters it, measures it, and dispenses it into vehicles or equipment up to 100 feet away. 
         [0013]    The present invention is a portable multiple non-manifolded fuel tank skid for use in commerce or private use with each tank having a capacity of under 119 gallons that has a primary purpose of transporting and discharging flammable and combustible liquids. Examples of commonly transported flammable and combustible liquids include but are not limited to gasoline, motor gasoline, MoGas, diesel, kerosene, aviation gasoline (AvGas or AV gasoline), 100 low lead (100LL), jet turbine fuel (Jet A or JP8), ethanol, ethyl alcohol, or methanol. 
         [0014]    The present invention allows for different types and different grades of fuel to be transported and discharged from a single portable platform. Various discharge methods and configurations are possible while remaining cross-contamination free from different fuel types. Possible solutions are using a single pump to draw fuel from one tank at a time when all tanks have the same fuel type in them, or using multiple pumps concurrently from separate tanks with the same fuel type or fuel grade, or using multiple pumps concurrently with different fuel types drawn from different tanks. 
         [0015]    The transportation of Class 3 Flammable Liquids in commerce makes them a federally regulated hazardous material under most circumstances and conditions. As a result, single container tanks that exceed certain size and type classifications can lead to increased costs, requirements, training, and other factors for both the operators and companies involved in the transportation process. For example, DOT 406 specification tank costs for single containers over 119 gallons in capacity used to transport gasoline are significantly more expensive to manufacture and produce due to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers material and welding requirements. The present invention utilizes multiple smaller tank containers that are each under 119 gallons or 450 liters in capacity to still achieve the total capacity needed on a single trailer or vehicle platform. The present invention can significantly reduce total costs. The present invention is able to achieve this significant cost savings by following manufacturing requirements and design specifications that are different than those of standard DOT 406 cargo tanks and cargo tank vehicles while still meeting DOT safety requirements outlined within the Special Permit. The present invention allows for the ability to transport multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks on a portable platform as a single system which allows the user to fill each tank with a different liquid or to fill each tank with the same liquid, while allowing the user to maintain the independence of each tank, which allows the invention to maintain compliance with federal regulations and safety concerns. 
         [0016]    The present invention is a portable platform system that can be mounted in the bed of a pickup or flatbed truck and in a preferred embodiment, via a forklift. It is then secured to the tow vehicle via mounting brackets and hardware. The preferred embodiment of the present invention functions when one or all of the tanks contain fuel and power is switched on for the electronic components to operate. The electronic components primarily consist of the pump, meter, valves, register, metering equipment, and transaction reporting mechanisms. A preferred embodiment has electronic controls and components, but alternatively, the pump and meter can be mechanically controlled which is known in the art. Fuel is to be drawn from, or discharged into, the tank hose lines that become attached to the pump when the tank selector coupling on the pump intake hose line is quick connected to any of the tank selector dry break adapters of a corresponding tank. Before placing the nozzle into the external vehicle for fueling, the grounding cable is attached to a metal contact point on the external vehicle. Once the flow through the opening of the nozzle is engaged, fuel is suctioned from the tank via the pump. After leaving the pump, fuel is pushed to the filter where it is cleaned of particulate debris, water, or other contaminates before flowing into the air eliminator for the separation of any air that may be present in the fuel lines. Air separated by the air eliminator is exhausted to an overflow tank to capture any liquid droplets in a container that escape through the air vapor exhaust. All the fuel that passes through the air eliminator enters the metering chamber of the flow meter. This is where the precise volume of fuel being dispensed is calculated. After the fuel exits the meter, it moves into the hose that may be coiled around a hose reel and then through the nozzle and into a vehicle or equipment. The fuel volume data is read via the meter register. Meter and transaction data is locally stored on the fueling station&#39;s transaction and monitoring computer system that can be archived at a later time or uploaded and transmitted in real time through cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, radio, or other wired or wireless data communication method. After fuel is depleted from first tank, the tank selector coupling on the pump intake fuel line can be moved to a second tank for further fueling or placed back onto the tank selector holder. If placed in the tank selector holder, the operator would then typically retract the fuel dispensing hose and nozzle, releases the grounding clamp, turns off the power to the electronic components, and become ready to relocate the portable fueling system. 
         [0017]    The present invention features multiple non-manifolded tanks on a single portable platform to allow for additional volume capacity while maintaining compliance with the Department of Transportation&#39;s regulatory guidelines. Each non-manifolded tank has three integral accessories adhered to the top. The first is the fill cap. Its function is to provide access to a tank for filling with fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the fill cap includes a key and lock mechanism to prevent unwanted personnel from accessing tank contents. The fill cap also provides venting for the tank to ‘breathe’ as tank pressure can vary with external and internal temperature changes. The second tank accessory is the fuel level gauge. The fuel level gauge&#39;s function is to display the amount of fuel in each tank. The fuel level gauge incorporates a metal guard to protect it from any damage. The third accessory is the pressure vent and rollover valve. This item serves two functions: it is a secondary vent that allows air to pass in or out of the tank as external temperature and pressures change and it has an internal mechanism that closes itself to prevent a leak point in event of a rollover of the transport vehicle. 
         [0018]    The tank selection valves, adapters, and couplers allow for the tanks to maintain independence from one another while also allowing fuel from any tank to be suctioned and dispensed via a single pump. With the tanks being suctioned and dispensed from a single pump, cost savings are achieved as multiple pumps, meters, and hose reels become prohibitive to the market. Besides cost savings, the present invention&#39;s single dispensing system also allows for a more compact and smaller footprint. 
         [0019]    In a preferred embodiment, the filter cleans the fuel of particulates that may have come from the tank or the original fuel source. A filter that not only removes particulates, but detects water—which can be detrimental to fuel—is also available and known in the art. In one embodiment, the present invention&#39;s custody transfer meter provides means to accurately measure fuel volume. This type of meter is required by state agencies to operate a system where fuel is sold from one entity to another. The air eliminator removes air from the fuel to provide the most accurate fuel measurement possible. 
         [0020]    The preferred embodiment includes the meter register with touch screen display or keypad and monitor display along with an Electronic Transaction Reporting Computer System. The meter display reads and translates meter data in usable information for the operator. The Electronic Transaction Reporting Computer System then takes that data and uploads to a remote computer with internet access so the data can be further interpreted and stored for operator record keeping. 
         [0021]    The fuel hose on hose reel and nozzle are the means in which the fuel is dispensed into a customer or third party&#39;s vehicle. The fuel hose reel keeps a long hose needed for additional range in a confined and neat space. The nozzle controls the flow of fuel throughout the system&#39;s entirety. Opening the nozzle distributes the fuel into the third party vehicle. Closing the nozzle disengages flow. Multiple features and potential configurations of the fuel hose are known in the art. 
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment, the tanks and fueling system inside the rear enclosure are affixed to the top of a forklift maneuverable skid platform. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is forklift maneuverable to allow for the ability to rapidly mount, remove, and replace a given system with another unit, perhaps replacing an empty system with a full one, or one with different fuel types to be rotated onto the same transport vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates all of the disclosed components into a single portable platform. The preferred embodiment of the forklift maneuverable version of the present invention allows it to be easily transferred between transport vehicles and secured to each transport vehicle via a means of mounting brackets. There are multiple means for securing the portable platform to a vehicle know to the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the present invention in the bed of a transport vehicle; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a top down view which depicts an embodiment of the present invention with four tanks in a parallel orientation; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top down view which depicts another embodiment of the present invention with three tanks in a linear orientation; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a top down view which depicts another embodiment of the present invention with six tanks in a parallel orientation; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a top down view which depicts an embodiment of the present invention with four tanks in a linear orientation; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a rear view showing an embodiment of the present invention with a dual door access configuration; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the internal components of the rear enclosure for a three tank linear orientation; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the air eliminator component; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a rear view showing an embodiment of the present invention with electronic and semi-automated controls. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state. The embodiment of the present invention has multiple non-manifolded fuel tanks  3 ,  4 , and  5 . Each tank  3 ,  4 , and  5  has an independent fuel level gauge  2 , pressure vent and rollover valve—not visible from the perspective of  FIG. 1 —and a lockable fill cap  1 . In a preferred embodiment the rear enclosure  6  includes enclosure swing doors  7  connected to the rear enclosure with hinges  8  and inclusive of handles with door locks  9 . The fuel station base platform  10  includes forklift pockets  11  and is the foundation for the tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5  and rear enclosure  6 . In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is placed in and secured to a transport vehicle  12  for mobility. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a top down view which depicts an embodiment of the present invention with four non-manifolded tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  in a parallel orientation also described as two by two, a potential configuration of the tanks. Each tank  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  has a fuel level gauge  2 , a pressure vent and rollover valve  14 , and lockable fill cap  1 . In a preferred embodiment the lockable fill cap  1  of the non-manifolded fuel tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  would be placed towards the outer most edge of the tank and towards any shared edges with other fuel tanks to allow for ease of access while filling the tanks. It is understood that while the present depiction shows four non-manifolded fuel tanks, the present invention allows for the expansion or contraction of the portable platform size to incorporate additional or fewer non-manifolded fuel tanks as desired. The rear enclosure  6  encompasses and allows access to components not visible in  FIG. 2  from the rear of the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a top down view which depicts another embodiment of the present invention with three non-manifolded tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5  in a linear orientation and another potential configuration of the tanks. Each tank  3 ,  4 ,  5  has a fuel level gauge  2 , pressure vent and roll over valve  14 , and lockable fill cap  1 . In a preferred embodiment the lockable fill cap  1  of the non-manifolded fuel tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5  would be placed towards the outer most edge of the tank to allow for ease of access while filling the tanks. It is understood that while the present depiction shows three non-manifolded fuel tanks, the present invention allows for the expansion or contraction of the skid size to incorporate additional or fewer non-manifolded fuel tanks as desired. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a top down view which depicts another embodiment of the present invention with six non-manifolded tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16  in a parallel orientation also described as two by three, another potential configuration of the tanks. Each tank  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16  has a fuel level gauge  2 , pressure vent and roll over valve  14 , and lockable fill cap  1 . In a preferred embodiment the lockable fill cap  1  of the non-manifolded fuel tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16  would be placed towards the outer most edge of the tank to allow for ease of access while filling the tanks. It is understood that while the present depiction shows six non-manifolded fuel tanks, the present invention allows for the expansion or contraction of the skid size to incorporate additional or fewer non-manifolded fuel tanks as desired. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a top down view which depicts another embodiment of the present invention with four non-manifolded tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  in a linear orientation and another potential configuration of the tanks. Each tank  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  has a fuel level gauge  2 , pressure vent and roll over valve  14 , and lockable fill cap  1 . In a preferred embodiment the lockable fill cap  1  of the non-manifolded fuel tanks  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  13  would be placed towards the outer most edge of the tank to allow for ease of access while filling the tanks. It is understood that while the present depiction shows four non-manifolded fuel tanks, the present invention allows for the expansion or contraction of the skid size to incorporate additional or fewer non-manifolded fuel tanks as desired. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a rear view showing an embodiment of the present invention with a dual enclosure swing door  17  access configuration to the rear enclosure  6 . Each door includes handles and door locks  18 . From this perspective of the present invention, the non-manifolded tanks are not visible, but the lockable fill cap  1 , pressure vent and roll over valve  14 , and fuel level gauge  2  connected to the top of each tank are visible. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the components inside the rear enclosure  6  start with the tank selector coupling  36  connecting to the tank selector adapter  37 . The tank selector shutoff valve  38  is opened to allow fuel up the fuel hose  39  to the fuel pump  27 . The fuel pump  27  sits atop a mounting bracket  28  and is powered by the battery box enclosure  21 . Electricity to the fuel pump  27  is controlled by a power switch  29 . The fuel pump  27  then pushes fuel through fuel hose  30  to the filter  31  and into another fuel hose  32  to meter  33 . Meter data and information is input and read through a meter register  34 . After the meter  33 , the flow continues through fuel hose  40  to hose reel  26  and out through a nozzle  22 . The hose reel  26  may consist of a hose reel guide  25  and hose ball stop  24  to direct and control fuel hose  23 . A grounding reel  35  connects to fuel recipient and maintains static ground between the two parties. The present invention is held together by the portable platform  19  and in a preferred embodiment may be loaded into the transport vehicle  41  by forklift through forklift pockets  20 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the internal components of the rear enclosure for a three tank linear orientation. The power switch  29  controls system electricity supplied from the battery in the battery box enclosure  21 . Electricity travels to the meter  33  and meter register  34  via the electrical line cable  43 . The grounding cable reel  35  maintains electrical balance with the fuel recipient vehicle when connected during fueling. A preferred embodiment of the tank selector shutoff valve  38  includes a shutoff handle  42 . The tank selector adapter  37  is mounted above its corresponding tank selector shutoff valve  38 . The tank selector coupling  36  is held inside of the mounting bracket holder  61  as this figure shows the system while in storage/transport mode. While fuel is being discharged from the pump, fuel is cleaned of particulates or contaminants in the filter  31  and travels to the meter  33  via a fuel hose  32 . The air eliminator that is attached to the meter intake directs air from the fuel through the air eliminator transfer line  45  to the air eliminator exhaust catch tank  44  where the air is dispelled. Fuel from the meter  33  then travels out the fuel hose  40  to the hose reel  26 . The dispensing fuel hose  23  is directed outward by the hose reel guide  25  and the hose ball stop  24 . The forklift pockets  20  of the fuel station base platform  19  can be seen at the bottom of the figure. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the air eliminator component. The air eliminator exhaust catch tank  44  is connected to the meter  33  via the air eliminator transfer line  45 . Fuel enters the meter  33  from the fuel hose  32  and fuel volume data is read on the meter register  34 . The fuel hose  40  connects the meter  33  to the hose reel by means of a quick connect hose detachment  46 . In front of the hose reel is the tank selector coupling  36  attached to the tank selector coupling bracket holder mount  48 . The tank selector coupling is also connected to a swivel fitting  47  and fuel hose  39 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a rear view showing another embodiment of the present invention with electronic and semi-automated controls. In this preferred embodiment, there is a digital electronic register computer  59  with a keypad  58  and touch screen display  60 , though non-touch screen displays are also known in the art, that has an Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular data, USB, Bluetooth, Serial, or other wired or wireless data connection port adapter or signal antenna  49 , light-emitting diode (LED) push button interface  50 , and electronic transaction reporting computer system with global positioning system capabilities, tank level sensor reading, pump controller ability, meter reading, differential pressure sensing, display output, printing, wired and wireless network and internet connection abilities to connect itself or other devices to itself or the internet, and security monitoring  51 . In this preferred embodiment, there is an electronic control housing  54  that includes an emergency power disconnect switch  53 , an on/off pump and purge controller switch  52 , and a series of indicator lights  55  which can provide information on such functionality as valve position, pump status, and fueling controller state. Notice that in this preferred embodiment the location of the fuel hose  23  the fuel hose reel  26 , are different than in earlier described embodiments. It is understood that there are many variations on exactly how the disclosed and described components could be assembled or located in the present invention. In the present preferred embodiment, the purge system valve actuator  56  is an electronically activated version instead of mechanically activated, which allows fuel to be pushed or drawn through the fuel hose lines and back to the tanks prior to transportation or at any time needed for operations and maintenance. 
         [0041]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.