Large-capacity modular holding container and related methods

A holding container includes a plurality of pre-formed, releasably interlocking, load-bearing panels configured to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing wall extending around the perimeter of at least one storage area capable of containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof. At least one among the width and length of each panel is less than 102 inches in a non-load-bearing state.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to large-capacity holding containers and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Large-capacity holding containers (e.g. above-ground storage tanks (AST), below ground tanks, etc.) are useful in a myriad of industries and applications. For example, temporary, or semi-permanent, large-capacity holding containers are used at various different work sites, such as at oilfield or hydrocarbon well exploration and production sites (e.g. hydraulic fracturing job sites), construction, pipeline, mining, chemical production, disaster response sites and other locations for storing liquid, solids or a combination thereof.

Currently known large-capacity holding container solutions are believed to have one or more of the following and/or other disadvantages: are costly and time-consuming to manufacture, transport, assemble and/or disassemble; require the use of permitted-load transportation to the installation site; involve the use of special components that cannot be procured or fabricated locally (near installation sites); require the use of heavy (e.g. large, curved, steel) wall components which are cumbersome and difficult to handle; do not use wall components that can be used for other purposes; are not scalable; have a fixed, inflexible installation footprint, size and overall shape; do not use modular or interchangeable components for easy variation in holding container sizing, shaping and footprint on site or at subsequent redeployments; if buried at least partially underground, are not able to resist microbial or biological degredaton or degredation due to the alkalinity of the earth.

It should be understood that the above-described examples, disadvantages, features and capabilities are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of this disclosure or the appended claims. Thus, none of the appended claims should be limited by the above discussion or construed to address, include or exclude each or any of the above-cited examples, disadvantages, features and capabilities merely because of the mention thereof herein.

Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems, articles and methods useful for storing fluids, solids or a combination thereof having one or more of the attributes or capabilities described or shown in, or as may be apparent from, the other portions of this patent application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves a holding container having an at least partially curved, load-bearing wall extending around the perimeter of at least one storage area capable of containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof. A plurality of pre-formed, releasably interlocking, load-bearing panels is configured to form the at least partially curved, load-bearing wall. Each panel is originally formed flat. At least one among the width and length of each panel is less than 102″ in a non-load-bearing state.

If desired, the panels may be at least partially hollow and/or each panel may be elastic and able to flex into a curved shape during use of the holding container. In at least some instances, the panels may be configured to form a continuous wall, wherein the shape of the continuous wall includes at least three distinct, least partially linear sides and a corner between each side. At least one of the corners may be curvilinear. If desired, the panels may be modular and reusable to form at least partially curved, load-bearing, holding container walls and holding containers having different sizes and containment capacities. In some embodiments, at least one horizontally-extending connector configured to be coupled between and/or around adjacent panels may be included. Each horizontally-extending connector may be rigid or flexible and configured to assist in allowing the panels to form the curved portion(s) of the wall. The horizontally-extending connectors may be configured to assist in retaining the panels in interlocking engagement and supporting the load applied to the panels by contents of the storage area(s) during use of the holding container.

In at least some instances, the wall may be buried at least partially underground and the material composition of the panels may render them resistant to microbial and biological degredaton and degredation due to the alkalinity of the earth. If desired, the panels may be constructed of one or more composites including at least one among plastic, plastic derivatives, wood and wood derivatives. Each panel may include a main body having a thickness and and at least one lip extending outwardly therefrom. The lip(s) may having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the main body. A lip of each panel may be configured to overlap and be releasably secured to another panel to interlock the panels together. When the panels are interlocked, each panel may overlap each adjacent panel across at least 5% of the smaller of its width and length.

If desired, the panels may be configured to be coupled together in a manner that allows each panel to move side-to-side and up-and-down independently or in unison with one or more other panels in response to variations in the substrate below the panels and/or loads applied to the panels by contents of the storage area(s) without damaging or disengaging the panels or degrading the panels' strength characteristics or the holding container's ability to contain the contents of the storage area(s). At least one liquid-impermeable surface (e.g. one or more liners, geotextiles, coatings and/or spongy materials) may be disposed at least partially around the storage area inside the wall and configured to prevent the contents of the storage area(s) from escaping out of the holding container. When the panels are interlocked to form the wall, at least one joint may be formed between adjacent interlocked panels and, in at least some instances, the liquid-impermeable surface(s) may extend only along at least some of the joints on the inside of the wall. If desired, the size of the holding container may be varied during installation thereof at the container installation site in increments of one or more panels.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a holding container capable of containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof in at least one storage area. A wall formed of a plurality of upright panels extends around the perimeter of the storage area(s) to contain at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination therein. A plurality of connectors is associated with the panels and at least one water impermeable surface is disposed at least partially around the storage are. At least 10% of any combination of the panels, connectors and water impermeable surface(s) is constructed of non-metallic material.

Some embodiments involve methods of forming a holding container capable of containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof within at least one storage area. These methods include releasably interconnecting at least some of a plurality of upright, pre-formed, load-bearing panels to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing first wall around the perimeter of the storage area(s) to contain at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination in the storage area(s). Each panel is originally formed flat and at least one among the width and the length of each panel is less than 102″ in a non-load-bearing state.

If desired, other among the plurality of panels may be positioned and releasably interconnected in an upright orientation around the perimeter of the first wall to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing second wall around the first wall and a nested pair of holding containers. In at least some instances, the panels may be at least partially buried underground and capable of resisting microbial and biological degredaton and degredation due to the alkalinity of the earth. If desired, any one or more of the plurality of panels may be melted, ground, crushed or cut apart to form recyclable panel material useful to form one or more new panels and/or other components having the same properties, characteristics and capabilities as the plurality of panels.

Each panel may include a main body and at least one lip extending outwardly therefrom and having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the main body. A first lip of each panel may overlap another panel so that each panel overlaps each adjacent panel across at least 5% of the smaller of its width and length. The fist lip of each panel may be releasably interlocked with the adjacent panel. If desired, the panels may be interlocked together in a manner that allows the panels to move side-to-side and up-and-down in response to variations in the substrate below the panels and/or loads applied to the panels by contents of the storage area(s) without damaging or disengaging the panels or degrading the panels' strength characteristics or the first wall's ability to contain the contents of the storage area(s). At least some of the panels may flex into a curved shape during use of the holding container.

In at least some instances, the size and/or shape of the first wall may be determined at least partially by the number of panels interconnected to form the first wall. In such instances, the size and/or shape of the first wall may be varied during formation of the first wall by increasing or decreasing the quantity of panels used to form the first wall. If desired, the wall may be disassembled, at least some of the disassembled panels positioned in an upright, side-by-side orientation and releasably interconnecting to form another at least partially curved, load-bearing wall around the perimeter of one or more storage area(s) to serve as another holding container capable of containing a different volume of at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof as compared to the storage area(s) contained within the first wall, the newly formed wall having a different size and/or shape as compared to the first wall.

If the panels are re-usable as ground covers, the method(s) may include disassembling the first wall and laying one or more of the panels used to form the first wall horizontally on the ground to form a support surface capable of supporting the weight of personnel, equipment and vehicles, including bulldozers, bucket-loaders, water and fuel tanker trucks and semi-trailer trucks, thereupon and moving thereacross. If desired, the support surface may be disassembled and at least some of the disassembled panels positioned in an upright, side-by-side orientation and releasably interconnected to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing wall around the perimeter of one or more storage area(s) to serve as another holding container to contain at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof.

Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance large-capacity holding container technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and/or referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the description herein and appended drawings, being of example embodiments, are not intended to limit the claims of this patent or any patent or patent application claiming priority hereto. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. Many changes may be made to the particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from such spirit and scope.

In showing and describing preferred embodiments in the appended figures, common or similar elements are referenced with like or identical reference numerals or are apparent from the figures and/or the description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

As used herein and throughout various portions (and headings) of this patent (including the claims), the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof are not intended to mean every possible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any particular claim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such reference should not be considered as necessary for, or part of, every embodiment hereof or of any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference.

Certain terms are used herein and in the appended claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. Further, this document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Also, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used herein and in the appended claims in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Further, reference herein and in the appended claims to components, feature, actions, aspects, etc. in a singular tense does not limit the present disclosure or appended claims to only one such component feature, action, aspect, etc., but should be interpreted to mean one or more, except and only to the extent as may be expressly limited otherwise herein or in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom

As used herein and in the appended claims, the following terms have the following meanings, except and only to the extent as may be expressly specified differently in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom:

The term “and/or” as used herein provides for three distinct possibilities: one, the other or both. All three possibilities do not need to be available—only any one of the three. For example, if a component is described as “having a collar and/or a sleeve”, some embodiments may include a collar, some embodiments may include a sleeve and some embodiments may include both. Since the use of “and/or” herein does not require all three possibilities, a claim limitation herein that recites “having a collar and/or a sleeve” would be literally infringed by a device including only one or more collars, one or more sleeves or both one or more sleeves and one or more collars.

The terms “coupled”, “connected” and the like, and variations thereof, as used herein mean either an indirect or direct connection or engagement, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required otherwise herein or in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

The terms “edge” and variations thereof mean one or more surfaces extending along a linear path (a straight or nearly straight line), or along a path having curves or turns.

The terms “elongated” and variations thereof as used herein mean, include and refer to an item having an overall length that is greater than its average width.

The terms “generally”, “substantially” and variations thereof as used herein mean and include (i) completely, or 100%, of the referenced parameter, variable, value, event etc. and (ii) a range of values less than 100% based upon the typical, normal or expected degree of variation or error for the referenced parameter, variable, value, event, etc. in the context of the particular embodiment or use thereof, such as, for example, 90-100%, 95-100% or 98-100%.

The terms “geometrically-aligned” and variations thereof in reference to multiple sheets of a ground cover or panel mean that that the outer side edges extending along each respective side of one item are at least substantially parallel to the outer side edges of the respective corresponding sides of the other item(s).

The terms “ground” and variations thereof mean the substrate, such as the earth's surface or other location (e.g. an underground location), any material(s), liquid (including waterways and bodies of water), other surface(s), structure(s), area(s), component(s) or a combination thereof, upon which a holding container is installed or erected.

The term “ground cover” is the name for and refers to a section of material that is useful to at least partially cover an area (on the ground or other surface), constructed of any desired material and capable of supporting a desired load.

The terms “large-capacity” and variations thereof means capable of holding or containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquid, solids or a combination thereof.

The terms “load” and variations thereof mean, refer to and include any one or more among the pressure, forces, load, effective stress and weight bearing upon an item or component, such as, for example, the pressure, forces, load, effective stress, weight (or a combination thereof) of the contents of the storage area(s) bearing or acting upon one or more panels and/or support system of a holding container.

The terms “modular” and variations thereof as used herein, particularly in relation to the holding containers, means employing one or more construction elements (e.g. panels, braces, connectors, brackets) that are reusable and allow flexibility as to configuration and overall shape, or footprint, and scalability of the resulting structure or assemblage at any particular installation site and/or through repetitive use of the construction elements. The use of the term “modular” and variations thereof in relation to individual components (e.g. panels, braces, connectors, brackets) means offering one or more of those benefits.

The terms “overlapping” and variations thereof mean that one of the referenced items rests upon and covers at least part of the other referenced item(s).

The terms “panel” is the name for and refers to a section of material constructed of any desired material and capable of supporting a desired or expected load placed upon either, or both, of the opposing faces thereof without undesirable deformation, cracking, breaking, or otherwise failing.

The terms “planar” and “flat”, when used in reference to a panel, mean that the entirety of the panel generally extends in one or multiple parallel planes and the panel (or main body thereof) is substantially flat when originally constructed.

Any component identified as a “plate” herein includes, but is not limited to, a plate as that term is commonly understood (e.g. a thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine), and may have non-planar surfaces or construction, may not be thin per se, may have any other form suitable for use in the particular configuration in which it is used (e.g. may be a curved or curvilinear-shaped member), may be comprised of multiple parts or a combination thereof.

The terms “receptacle” and variations thereof means a hole, cut-out, cavity, notch, orifice or passageway formed in a panel (or ground cover) or any other desired mechanism(s) (e.g. ring, clip, bracket, mating portion) coupled to, embedded in or extending from the panel (or ground cover) and useful for connecting it with one or more other components.

The terms “rigidly coupled” and variations thereof as used herein mean connected together in a manner that is intended not to allow any, or more than an insubstantial or minimal amount of, relative movement therebetween during typical or expected operations. In other words, if components A and B are rigidly coupled together, they are not movable relative to one another (more than a minimal or insubstantial amount) during typical or expected use scenarios.

The terms “stepped-configuration” and variations in the context of a panel or ground cover mean that the item has at least one portion (e.g. upper lip) that extends at least partially on a different plane than at least one other portion (e.g. lower lip), and the planes are at least substantially parallel.

The terms “upright”, “vertical”, “vertically-oriented” and variations thereof as used herein mean and include oriented perfectly or substantially vertically, angularly relative to a vertical axis or non-horizontally.

It should be noted that any of the above terms may be further explained, defined, expanded or limited below or in other sections of this patent. Further, the above list of terms is not all inclusive and other terms may be defined or explained below or in other sections of this patent.

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a large-capacity holding container10in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary holding container10includes at least one wall12constructed at least partially of multiple interconnected panels14arranged generally side-by-side in an upright orientation on the ground (or other substrate)20. The illustrated wall12surrounds at least one storage area13useful for containing any desired contents, such as liquid17(e.g. water, dirty water, hydraulic fracturing flow-back/produced water,FIG. 13A), solids, such as natural products (e.g. grains), sand or silica-based material (e.g. hydraulic fracturing proppant), naturally mined materials, garbage, debris, contaminated waste, any other material or a combination thereof. The present disclosure and appended claims are in no way limited by the nature of the contents of the storage area(s)13, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

In the preferred embodiment, the wall12is load-bearing, at least partially curved, extends around the perimeter of storage area(s)13(e.g. is continuous) and capable of containing, holding or surrounding at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof. While the illustrated wall12has an overall circular shape or configuration, the wall12may instead be formed with multiple distinct sides and corners formed between each pair of sides. If desired, at least one of the sides of the configuration of the wall12may be at least partially linear and at least one of the corners may be curvilinear. InFIG. 33, for example, the shape of the wall12in generally rectangular, with four (e.g. at least partially linear) sides60and a curvilinear corner64formed between each pair of adjacent sides60. In other embodiments, the shape of the wall12may include three, five, six, seven or more sides formed in any desired configuration.

Referring again toFIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, the panels14are pre-formed, load-bearing, flat (when originally formed), releasably interconnectable, reusable and may be elastic, or able to flex into a curved shape during assembly and/or use of the holding container10. In at least some embodiments, the originally flat panels14may be used to form curves in the wall12(e.g. by at least partially bending and/or positioning). In some embodiments, the panels14may be at least partially hollow (e.g.FIG. 8A) and/or at least one among the width25and length (or height)24(e.g.FIG. 9) of each panel14may be under 102″ in a non-load-bearing state. If desired, the panels12may be constructed of one or more composites including at least one among plastic, plastic derivatives, wood and wood derivatives. In various embodiments, the panels12may be formed with a material composition rendering them resistant to microbial and biological degredaton and degredation due to the alkalinity of the earth and thus may be used to form a durable, effective and reliable partially or fully underground holding container10(e.g. when the wall12is buried at least partially below the earth's surface (e.g.FIG. 34)).

Referring again toFIG. 1, in various embodiments, when the panels14are interlocked to form the wall12, at least one joint130may be formed between adjacent interlocked panels14. If desired, adjacent panels14may overlap each other (e.g. where they are interconnected), providing enhanced strength and/or leak-prevention components (e.g. at the joints130), any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. For example, each panel12may include a main body15(e.g.FIG. 9) and at least one lip40extending outwardly therefrom. In such instances, the lip(s)40may having a thickness that is less than the thickness of the main body15. If desired, a lip40of each panel14may be configured to overlap and be releasably secured to another panel14to interlock the panels14together. For example, each panel14may overlap each adjacent panel14across at least 5% of the smaller of its width and length. In some embodiments, the panels14may overlap more or less than 5%, such as up to 10%, 15%, 20% or more.

Referring still toFIG. 1, if desired, the panels14may be configured to be coupled together in a manner that allows each panel14to move side-to-side and up-and-down independently or in unison with one or more other panels14in response to variations in the substrate20below the panels14and/or loads applied to the panels14by contents of the storage area(s)13without damaging or disengaging the panels14or degrading the panels'14strength characteristics or the holding container's10ability to contain the contents of the storage area(s)13, or for any other purpose. If desired, the modularity of various components of the holding container10may allow the overall size and/or shape of the holding container10to be varied during installation thereof (e.g. at the container installation site48) or from installation to installation in increments of one or more panels14(e.g. five, six, eight, ten, etc.).

In many embodiments, at least one liquid-impermeable surface148(e.g. one or more coatings149(e.g. painted, sprayed or otherwise,FIGS. 35-36), liners150(FIGS. 21 & 36), geotextiles, spongy materials, etc.) may be disposed at least partially around the storage area13inside the wall12and configured to prevent the contents of the storage area(s)13from escaping out of the holding container10. For example, a leak-free containment may be provided. In some embodiments, multiple liquid-impermeable surface(s)148may be used in tandem. In other instances, the liquid-impermeable surfaces148may extend only along certain parts of the holding container10, such as over the joints130(e.g.FIG. 35) and/or on the inner side12a, outer side12bor other portion of the wall12(e.g. along one or more edges44of the panels14,FIG. 7).

Still referring to the embodimentFIG. 1, the illustrated wall12includes an inner side12afacing the storage area(s)13, an outer side12bfacing away from the storage area(s)13, an inside perimeter18and an outer perimeter19, a height21, at least one lower edge23aand at least one upper edge23b. If desired, a support system22(e.g.FIGS. 13A, 24A) may abut and/or extend around at least part of the outer side12b(or outer perimeter19) of the wall12, such as to reinforce the wall12, assist in supporting the load of the contents of the storage area13bearing upon the panels14, maintain or support the desired upright orientation of the panels14during use of the holding container10, allow the panels14to flex or bend (e.g. into a desired curvilinear shape), for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. However, some embodiments may not include a support system22.

Referring now toFIGS. 1, 2 & 9, in the preferred embodiment, at least a first outer side edge44aof each panel14rests at least partially upon the ground20and at least one opposing second outer side edge44bis spaced upwardly from the ground20. At least a third outer side edge44cand at least a fourth opposing outer side edges44dof each exemplary panel14are positioned proximate to the third outer side edge(s)44cor fourth outer side edge(s)44dof at least one other panel14to form the wall12and enclose the storage area(s)13(e.g.FIGS. 13A, 24A). In the preferred embodiment, the panels14are flat, or planar, (e.g. when originally formed, as mentioned above) and the outer side edges44are linear. However, in other embodiments, some or all of the panels14may be non-planar (e.g. have curvature, projections, protrusions, etc.) and/or one or more outer side edges44of the panels14may have curvature. As will be described below, in various embodiments, during use of the holding container10, the planar panels14may be expected to or will bend, flex or deform within acceptable limits due to the load placed upon the panels14, tensioning of the support system22(if included) use and reuse over time or other factor(s), and thus the panels14and/or their outer side edges44may develop some curvature (e.g. warping). However, in other embodiments, the panels14may not flex or deform. Thus, the nature and shape of the panels14and the outer side edges44thereof is not limiting upon the present disclosure and appended claims, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom. While the illustrated holding container10is shown situated on the ground20at the earth's surface, the holding container10may instead be sunken or recessed relative to the ground (e.g. in one or more trenches, channels, recesses, depressions, holes, etc.) or at least partially or fully buried (e.g.FIG. 34).

Now referring toFIGS. 2 & 9, the panels14may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and operation. Some examples of panels14are mats, sheets, ground covers, ground supports, support surfaces, and the like. The exemplary illustrated panels14are constructed of low-cost, high performance, composite, high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material, but could be constructed of any form or combination of materials, such as plastic, rubber, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic, other natural, synthetic or composite material, recycled rubber or other recycled material, and could include steel (such as for reinforcement), wood, steel-framed wood, aluminum or other material. The illustrated panels14each have a front face27, rear face29, length (or height)24and width25.

In the preferred embodiment, the panel14is in the form of a ground cover26originally designed to be used to at least partially cover an area on the ground20and withstand a desired or expected load thereupon. Thus, in at least some instances, the same panels14may be used interchangeably between forming walls12for large-capacity holding container10and as ground covers. For example, the holding container10may be disassembled and one or more of the panels14placed on the ground20(e.g. forming a support surface16,FIG. 4) to serve as one or more roads, staging areas, storage areas, work sites, foundations, platforms, environmental protection surfaces, support platforms, etc. and support a desired load (e.g. multiple personnel, equipment and vehicles thereupon or moving thereacross. The support surface(s)16could thereafter be disassembled and the panels14used to from one or more other holding containers10, and so on. In other embodiments, the panels14could have other alternative uses (e.g. construction material).

Referring toFIGS. 2, 4 & 9, in some embodiments, the ground covers26(used as panels14) may be capable of supporting the weight of vehicles, equipment, other structures, multiple personnel or a combination thereof thereupon and moving thereacross over a variety of types of underling terrain and conditions (e.g. standing water, swamps, sand, clay, marsh, wetlands, bog, uneven underling ground or surfaces) to provide a foundation or platform for work sites, roadways and the like, to protect the environment (e.g. the subsurface below the ground covers26) from damage and/or contamination due to the activities performed thereupon, for other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) may be heavy-duty, durable, all-weather and capable of supporting and withstanding substantial weight and forces placed thereupon in harsh outdoor environments, such as below freezing (e.g. −30° F. or less) to tropical/desert temperatures (115° F. or more) and harsh conditions, such as snow, ice, mud and rain. For example, the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) may be configured to support heavy equipment, wheeled and/or tracked vehicles and trailers, (e.g. bulldozers, bucket-loaders, water or fuel tanker trucks, semi-trailer trucks, etc.), equipment typically used at remote oilfield or hydrocarbon production, storage, and/or transportation sites (e.g. all the types of vehicles and equipment used for hydraulic fracturing), pipeline locations, construction, military, transportation, disaster response, utilities or entertainment sites and the like. In many instances, the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) can support vehicles rated as H-20, HS-20, H-25 and HS-25 by the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO). In various embodiments, the panel14(e.g. ground cover26) may weight approximately 1,010 lbs. (or more or less), be designed to withstand up to, or in some cases more than, 600 psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, reduce point-to-point ground pressure on the subsurface20below it that may be caused by wheeled and/or tracked vehicles on or moving across it, or a combination thereof. A panel14(e.g. ground cover26) having any of the features or capabilities mentioned in this paragraph is sometimes referred to as a “heavy-load-supporting” panel14(ground cover26, or support surface16).

Referring still toFIGS. 2, 4 & 9, in some embodiments, the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) may be sufficiently buoyant to be used as a floating or partially floating foundation or platform, work site, roadway, support surface and the like for supporting equipment, vehicles and/or multiple personnel thereupon. For example, the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) may be sufficiently buoyant to float over or across a waterway (e.g. creek, river) or body of water (e.g. pond, lake) or be used in other water scenarios (e.g. standing water, swamp) to serve as a floating or at least partially floating heavy-load-supporting ground cover26or as part of a heavy-load-supporting support surface16. Various scenarios may require multiple stacked ground covers26and/or multiple side-by-side ground covers26. For example, each ground cover26(e.g. perimeter-welded DURA-BASE®) may have a buoyancy reserve of approximately 800 lbs. in water having a density of approximately 62.43 lbs/cu.ft. with a ground cover displacing volume of 1800 cu.ft. and be used to create a heavy-load-supporting support surface16. Such support surface16, for example, having multiple (e.g. 3, 4 or more) stacked layers of multiple (e.g. 2, 3 or more) side-by-side interconnected ground covers26may be formed to create a bridge at least partially across a body of water or waterway to support the passage there-over of vehicles having 10,000 lbs. per axle loading. Depending upon the circumstances, the ends of the support surface16may need to be anchored to the earth or other stable structure, such as to prevent shifting or migration of the ground covers26and/or for any other purpose.

Some examples of ground covers26which may be used as panels14in various embodiments of the present disclosure, and their uses and capabilities, are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,551 to Seaux, entitled “System for Construction of Roadways and Support Surfaces” and issued on Aug. 5, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,452 issued on May 13, 2008 to Rogers and entitled “Mat Assembly for Heavy Equipment Transit and Support”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,257 to Seaux et al., entitled “Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces” and issued on Jan. 28, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,800 to Rogers, entitled “Interlocking Mat” and issued on Dec. 4, 2007, all the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. If desired, the panels14may be used in connection with any of the subject matter described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,132,996 issued on Sep. 15, 2015 to Robertson and entitled “Crane-Mounted Grab Head”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,039,325 issued on May 26, 2015 to McDowell and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Load Supporting Surfaces”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,745,124 issued on Aug. 29, 2017 to McDowell and entitled “Liquid Containment System”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,430,943 issued on Aug. 30, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Providing Illuminated Signals from a Support Surface”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,337,586 issued on May 10, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus & Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Support Surface”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,368,918 issued on Jun. 14, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Support Surface”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,735,510 issued on Aug. 15, 2017 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Electrically Grounding at Least one Mat in a Load-Supporting Surface”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,985,390 issued on May 29, 2018 and entitled “Apparatus for Electrically Grounding at Least one Mat”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,972,942 issued on May 15, 2018 to Bordelon et. al and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Insulating a Support Mat Having an Electrically-Conductive Cover”, U.S. Pat. No. 9,297,124 issued on Mar. 29, 2016 to Robertson and entitled “Methods of Moving at Least One Mat With a Crane-Mounted Grab Head”, U.S. Pat. No. 10,024,075 issued on Jul. 17, 2018 to McDowell et al. and entitled “Apparatus & Methods for Supporting One or More Upright Items from a Support Surface” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/141,650 filed on Sep. 25, 2018 and entitled “System, Apparatus & Methods for Manipulating a Ground Cover Attachment Pin”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/484,857 filed on Apr. 11, 2017 and entitled “Apparatus, System and Methods for Providing Accessories on a Support Surface”, as well as all related patents issuing from each of the applications mentioned above, all the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Still referring toFIGS. 2 & 9, in the preferred embodiment, the panels14may be constructed of one or more materials (e.g. under 50% steel) and formed with dimensions and an internal structure and that allow the panels14to possess sufficient strength (e.g. used in conjunction with other components of the holding container10to support the load of the contents of the storage area(s)13acting on the wall12formed by the panels14and/or sufficient flexibility to allow the panels14to expand, stretch, contract, flex, bend, deform, shift and/or move during installation and/or use of the holding container10to at least partially conform to a desired shape or an uneven substrate20, react or adjust to load from the contents (e.g. liquid) of the storage area(s)13or a combination thereof without undesirable deformation, cracking, breaking or disconnection or otherwise failing. Any of these capabilities may enhance the durability, flexibility and adaptability of the holding container10to the installation site location, performance (e.g. strength and longevity) and effectiveness of the holding container10or a combination thereof.

The panel14of various embodiments is a unitary (e.g. a single component), impermeable, perimeter-welded, composite, high-density polyethylene thermoplastic DURA-BASE® ground cover26sold by the Assignee of this patent application and possessing the characteristics described in this patent and the other patents referenced above. However, the panels14may have one or more of the features and capabilities described in this patent and the other patents referenced above without being DURA-BASE® ground covers. Moreover, the holding container10and methods of the present disclosure as will be shown, described and claimed herein may utilize panels14that are not ground covers26, or which do not having the all or any of the capabilities, specifications or features, or as provided herein or in the above-referenced patents. For example, the panel14(e.g. ground cover26) may not be heavy-duty, durable, all-weather, capable of supporting the weight of personnel, vehicles, equipment and/or other structures thereupon, constructed of composite, high-density polyethylene thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof, and may be designed to be used in indoor locations. Thus, the type of panel14is not limiting upon the present disclosure and appended claims, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Still referring toFIGS. 2 & 7-9, in the preferred embodiment, the exemplary panel14(e.g. DURA-BASE® ground cover26) has an overall length (or height) of approximately 14′ and a width of approximately 8′, with a main body15having a thickness of approximately 4″ and peripheral lips40each extending outwardly therefrom approximately 12″ and having a thickness of about 2″. It is noteworthy that when two of the preferable panels14are interconnected to form the wall12, the effective width of each panel14is approximately 7′ and the effective surface area of the main body15of the panel14spans up to about 13′.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-8B, if desired, the panels14may be solid or at least partially hollow. For example, the internal structure of the panel14may include voids, cells, interstices or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the main body15and lips40of the (e.g. DURA-BASE®) panels14are formed of upper and lower outer skins50(e.g.FIG. 8A) and internal walls52extending therebetween in a desired (e.g. honeycomb) structure54. For example, the respective outer skins50may have a thickness of approximately 0.40″ and the internal walls52may have a thickness of approximately 0.40″. However, the panels14may have any or all of the above features and dimensions, but not be DURA-BASE® ground covers. Further, the panels14(e.g. ground cover26) may have different dimensions, the main body15and/or peripheral lips40may be formed with any other desired internal structure or be solid (see e.g. the solid peripheral lips40shown inFIG. 8B). Thus, the dimensions, internal structure and construction of the panels14are not limiting upon the present disclosure and appended claims, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring again toFIG. 2, each illustrated panel14(e.g. ground cover26) of the preferred embodiment has four sides28,30,37and38and a respective outer side edge44extending along each side. For example, the panel14may be rectangular and have an opposing pair of short sides28,30with respective associated outer side edges44a,44b, and an opposing pair of long sides37,38with respective associated outer side edges44c,44d. In other embodiments, the panel14may have any other desired shape (e.g. square, triangular, octagonal, etc.) with more or less than four sides (e.g. two, three, five, six, seven, etc.) and/or multiple outer side edges44(e.g. two, three, four, etc.) on each side. The exemplary panel14s(e.g. ground cover26) are also reversible. In other words, the top (e.g. face27) and bottom (e.g. face29) of the illustrated panel14are mirror images of one another. However, in other embodiments, the panels14may not be reversible.

Referring back toFIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, since the outer side edge44aof the short side28of each panel14rests at least partially upon the ground20, the panels14are stood upright lengthwise. In other embodiments, the outer side edge44bof the other short side30of each panel14could rest at least partially on the ground20to similarly stand the panels14upright lengthwise. In yet other embodiments, either side edge44c,44dof the respective long sides37,38of the panels14could rest at least partially upon the ground20to stand the panels14upright widthwise. In still other embodiments, any combination of such configurations of panel orientation may be used in forming a holding container10(e.g. a holding container10with a combination of short and long-side outer side edges44a-dresting on the ground20).

Referring back toFIG. 2, in this embodiment, each flat panel14(e.g. ground cover26) has a “stepped-configuration” and is constructed of two partially overlapping, interconnected, sheets102(upper and lower sheets106,108) that form the peripheral lips40. For example, the illustrated sheets106,108form an “upper” lip46along each of the first short side28and first long side37and a “lower” lip54along each of the second short side30and second long side38. In addition to the outer side edges44a-d, a respective inner side edge45is also formed along each side28,30,37,38of the exemplary panel14. In other embodiments, the panel14may not include multiple sheets, have a stepped-configuration or a combination thereof.

In this embodiment, the exemplary sheets106,108are each rectangular, have substantially identical dimensions and are geometrically-aligned so that the respective outer and inner side edges44,45formed along each side28,30,37,38are at least substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, any quantity of sheets102(e.g. 3, 4, 5 or more) may be used to form the panel14(e.g. ground cover26) and/or the sheets102may have differing shapes (e.g. a first sheet102being rectangular and a second sheet102being square), sizes and/or dimensions (e.g. the second sheet being smaller than the first sheet). The exemplary sheets106,108may be perfectly overlapping relative to one another (e.g.FIGS. 3A-C) or not geometrically-aligned, may form only one, two, three or more than four peripheral lips40or other non-overlapping portions, or a combination thereof. If desired, the panel14may be formed of two or more sheets102having the same shape (e.g. rectangular, square, hexagonal) but different sizes. Thus, the sheets102, when included, may have any desired shape and configuration, and the multiple sheets102used to form a single panel14may differ in shape, size, dimensions, configuration and any other characteristics.

In some embodiments, the panel14may be formed of one sheet or other component, or a combination of more than two components (e.g. sheets102) and/or may have any desired overall shape (square, triangular, hexagonal, other geometric arrangement, etc.). Further, in various embodiments, different shaped panels14may be used to form the same holding container10. In various embodiments, the wall12of the holding container10may be formed partially with panels14and partially with one or more other components (e.g. natural barrier, pre-existing structure, concrete wall, steel door, etc.). Further, the holding container10and methods of the present disclosure as will be shown, described and claimed herein are not limited to use with stepped-configuration panels14, ground panels14having upper and lower lips46,54or other features as described above, and may be constructed with panels14not having a stepped-configuration and/or upper and lower lips46,54, as well as panels having less or more than four lips (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.), except as otherwise as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Still referring toFIG. 2, in this embodiment, the sheets102forming the panel14(e.g. ground cover26) are interconnected by a process known as hot-plate welding to form a unitary panel14with a congruous structure. In other embodiments, the sheets102(or other components of the panel14) may be interconnected by other forms of welding, molding, bolts or other mechanical connectors or other methods, etc. Thus, present disclosure is not limited by the material construction and method of interconnecting the sheets102, except and only to the extent as may be explicitly required in a particular claim hereof or in a patent application or patent claiming priority hereto and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring back toFIGS. 1, 2 & 9, each exemplary panel14includes one or more receptacles32that can be used for connecting the panel14with one or more adjacent panels14(and/or other component(s)) and configured to sustain forces and load applied thereto to hold the panels14together during normal or expected use of the holding container10. The receptacles32may have any desired form, configuration, construction and location and may be used for interconnecting adjacent panels14in any desired manner. For example, the illustrated receptacle32is a connection hole32aextending through the panel14(e.g.FIG. 5). In other embodiments, the receptacle32may include one or more cut-outs, cavities, notches, orifices or passageways formed in the panel14, or one or more rings, clips, brackets or any other desired mechanisms coupled to or extending from the panel14and useful to connect it with one or more other panels14(or other components).

The illustrated panels14(e.g. ground covers26), for example, include a plurality of receptacles32(e.g. connection holes32a) spaced apart at different positions along the height24and width25of the panel14, at least some of which can be used to interconnect each panel14with at least one other panel14. For example, at least some of the exemplary receptacles32of each panel14can be aligned over or under a receptacle32of an adjacent panel14to connect them together, such as with the use of vertical joining members, such as panel connectors200(e.g.FIG. 12). In the context of the illustrated ground covers26being used as panels14, the exemplary connection holes32aare originally designed to seat removable ground cover attachment pins34for connecting the ground covers26together, such as shown inFIGS. 4 & 6. InFIG. 4, three ground covers26are shown interconnected to form a support surface16in the context of their intended use.

Referring toFIGS. 2 & 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the receptacles32are formed in the overlapping upper and lower lips46,54of the panels14to interconnect them together. Each exemplary panel14(e.g. ground cover26) includes, for example, a total of sixteen receptacles32, eight receptacles32formed in each set of upper and lower lips46,54. However, any other desired number of receptacles32(e.g. 1, 2-16 or more than 16) may be provided at any desired location in each panel14. Likewise, different panels14may have a different quantities and types of receptacle32.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 & 6, the exemplary receptacles32have a non-circular, or asymmetrical, cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, receptacles32(e.g. connection holes32a) have an oblong cross-sectional shape, are originally designed to accept an oblong-shaped ground cover attachment pin34to prevent the pin34from rotating therein, have a width, or minimum internal diameter,35aand a length, or maximum internal diameter,35b. Further, an oblong-shaped recess, or indentation,33is formed in each face27,29of each exemplary panel14(e.g. ground cover26) around each connection holes32aand originally designed to at last partially seat an enlarged, oblong-shaped head36of the exemplary ground cover attachment pin34. Each illustrated indentation33includes a rim31that has a curved outer surface and thus a circular arc, or radius. In connection with the original use of the exemplary ground covers26, as shown inFIG. 6, the illustrated attachment pin head36at least partially seats within the indentation33and abuts the rim31of the uppermost panel14. In this example, the ground cover attachment pin34fits snug in the connection hole32a. However, the receptacles32may have a different cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular, rectangular, hexagonal, square, octagonal, C-shaped, U-shaped, etc.) structure, location, configuration and form suitable for use in constructing a holding container10in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure is thus not limited by the nature of the receptacles32, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited in a particular claim and only for that claim and its dependent claims.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A-3C, in some embodiments, receptacles32may also or instead be formed in or associated with additional components to facilitate or support interconnection of the panels14. In the illustrated example, panel connection pads180are useful to facilitate/support interconnect of adjacent panels14. For example, the panel connection pads180may be particularly useful with panels14lacking protruding lips40or other portions, such as non-stepped-configuration ground covers26.

When included, the panel connection pads180may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, the panel connection pads180are mating plates184. The mating plates184may be constructed of the same material as the panels14(e.g. composite, high-density polyethylene, thermoplastic material, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic, recycled rubber, steel, wood, etc.) or any other suitable material. In this example, the mating plates184are steel, have dimensions (e.g. length, width, thickness) smaller than the panels14and include receptacles32in the form of connection holes32a(e.g. as described above).

As shown inFIG. 3C, in this particular embodiment, the exemplary mating plates184are configured to be placed atop adjacent panels14and releasably interconnected therewith with panel connectors200. In this example, the mating plates184may be positioned horizontally or vertically. If desired, the panel connection pads180may include protruding alignment tabs, or fins,188, such as to extend between adjacent panels14and assist in aligning the panel connection pads180relative to the panels14(e.g.FIG. 3B).

As shown inFIGS. 7 & 8B, in some embodiments, the upper and/or lower surfaces27,29of the panel14(e.g. ground cover26) may include raised traction promoting elements, such as the treads42, formed in or extending from the panel14. While the treads42are often included in ground covers26for the purpose of assisting in promoting good traction with vehicles and/or equipment moving over the ground cover26, the treads42may be useful in some embodiments of the exemplary holding container10to promote, encourage or enhance the desired abutting contact (e.g. enable gripping contact) between the panels14of the wall12and one or more other components of the holding container10(e.g. the support system22, liquid-impermeable surfaces148, etc.) and/or for any other desired purpose(s).

When included, the treads42may have any desired form, configuration, arrangement and operation. For example, in the preferred embodiment, at least some of the treads42are formed in the front and rear faces27,29of the panel14over the internal walls52of the honeycomb structure54of the panel14. In some stepped-configuration embodiments, the treads42may not be included on the underside of each peripheral lip40(the portion of each exemplary sheet106,108of the panel14that extends beyond the other respective sheet106,108). In other words, in the illustrated panel14, the upper surface27of the panel14that forms the lower lip54(which is the portion of sheet108that extends beyond sheet106) is absent the treads42. Thus, the receptacles32on the exemplary upper lips46are surrounded by treads42, while the receptacles32on the illustrated lower lips54are not surrounded by treads42. Of course, when the same panel14is turned over, the former lower lip54(absent treads42) becomes an upper lip46having treads42. Some exemplary raised traction promoting elements that may be used on the panels14(e.g. ground covers26) in some embodiments are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,257. However, the treads42may have any other form, configuration, pattern and location and may not be included.

Referring now toFIGS. 10-12, when included, the panel connectors200may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. The exemplary panel connectors200are selectively releasable and adjustable. In this embodiment, each panel connector200is engageable with at least two adjacent panels14proximate to at least one receptacle32of each panel14and configured to firmly couple the adjacent panels14together when the panels14are arranged upright and side-by-side. For example, a multitude of the panel connectors200are used in the formation of the holding container10.

In some embodiments, the panel connector200is a pin204that extends through a pair of overlapping receptacles32of adjacent panels14and is releasably secured to the panels14and adjustable. In the preferred embodiment, the pin204is a bolt206securable to the adjacent panels14with at least one releasable lock210, such as a nut212engageable with threads at the second end206bof the bolt206. For example, the bolts206may be carriage bolts having a diameter, or width,214of approximately 0.75″-1.0″ and a length216of approximately 8″. The exemplary pin206is adjustable by tightening or loosening the nut112. However, the pin206may take any other desired form, such as a cotter pin, expandable pin, clip, clamp, etc. Likewise, the lock110may take any other desired form, such as a clip, pin, etc. In some embodiments, a lock110may not be included or the pin204may be self-locking or include a locking mechanism. In various embodiments, the panel connectors200may not be adjustable. Moreover, the panel connectors200may have any other suitable form, configuration and operation. For example, the panel connectors200may be integral or rigidly coupled to the panels14or other component(s).

Referring still toFIGS. 10-12, if desired, the exemplary panel connector200may be configured to allow relative up-and-down and/or side-to-side movement of the panels14relative to the panel connector200engaged therewith. This may be useful to allow the illustrated panels14to shift, float or move up-and-down and side-to-side during installation and/or use of the holding container10without disengaging from the panel connectors200or causing damage to the panel connector200, adjacent panels14or other components of the holding container10. The up-and-down and/or side-to-side movement of one or more panels14in the holding container10is sometimes referred to herein as the “floating” of the panel14. In various embodiments, the floating of the panels14may be useful, for example, to allow the panels14to expand, stretch, contract, flex, bend, shift and/or move during installation and/or use of the holding container10so the panels14can at least partially conform to the shape of one or more components of the support system22, adjust position on uneven substrate20, react or adjust to load placed upon them by the contents (e.g. liquid) in the storage area(s)13, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

Still referring toFIGS. 10-12, if desired, the panel connectors200may be configured to allow the panels14engaged therewith to float as desired in any suitable manner and with any suitable components. For example, referring toFIG. 12, when the panel connectors200extend through the receptacles32(e.g. connection holes32a) of adjacent panels14, the body portion202of the panel connector200disposed within the receptacles32may have a width, or outer diameter,214that is smaller than the minimum width35a(e.g.FIG. 5) of each associated receptacle32. In the preferred embodiment, each panel connector200is a pin204with a body portion202having an outer diameter214that is smaller than the length35band width35aof the connection holes32aof the associated interconnect panels14, allowing the panels14to float. For example, when a connecting hole32ahas a width35aof approximately 1.50″ or more and a length35bof approximately 3.75″ or more, a panel connector200having a body portion202with an outer diameter214of approximately 0.75″-1.0″ may allow the corresponding panels14to float sideways up to approximately 0.50″ and up-and-down up to approximately 2.75″ (and angularly) relative to the panel connector200. However, any other dimensions may be used. In the preferred embodiment, this ability of all the panels14of the exemplary wall12to float relative to its connectors200may, cumulatively, be substantial and provide significant flexibility, installation site/geographic adaptability, enhanced performance (e.g. strength and longevity) and/or effectiveness of the holding container10or a combination thereof. For example, if the exemplary holding container10includes fifty panels14(e.g. ground covers26) formed in circle having an approximate 250′ circumference, the cumulative floating (expansion, stretching, contraction, flexing, bending, shifting and/or moving) of the totality of the panels14in the wall12may be up to 3′ without weakening the panels14, disengaging the panels14from the panel connectors200or damaging any components of the holding container10. In some instances, the floating of the panels14may be further enhanced when the panels14are constructed with a material composition and internal structure (such as described above) that allow them to bend and flex within acceptable limits. However, in other embodiments, the panels14may float in a different manner or not float.

Still referring to the embodiment ofFIGS. 10-12, if desired, at least one intermediate plate220may be configured to be sandwiched between each respective panel connector200and the front face27of the associated panel14that forms the outer side12bof the wall12and/or the rear face29of the associated panel14that forms the inner side12aof the wall12. Each exemplary plate220may surround the panel connector200relative to the panels14and have a smallest width, or outer diameter,224that is greater than the length35band width35aof the associated connection hole32ain the panels14. The plates220may be included, for example, to provide sliding surfaces226along which the illustrated panels14move up-and-down and/or side-to-side relative to the associated panel connector200without the panels14and panel connectors200becoming disengaged or damaged. However, any other configuration of parts may be used to allow the relative movement between each panel connector200and its associated panels14, if this feature is included.

The intermediate plates220, when included, may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and operation. For example, the sliding surface(s)226of each plate220may be sized and configured to abut the respective associated panel14in a manner that spreads or dissipates pressure, load, stresses, forces or a combination thereof placed upon the panel connector200during installation and/or use of the holding container10. In embodiments in which significant load is expected or placed upon the panel connectors200during use of the holding container10, the size and strength of the panel connectors200and the use, size and strength of the intermediate plates220may be important in maintaining the integrity of the holding container10.

Still referring toFIGS. 10-12, in the preferred embodiment, some of the intermediate plates220are washers230. The illustrated washers230are round, have an outer diameter of approximately 6″ and a thickness of approximately 1.25″. For example, when the panel connector is a pin204having a head208at a first end thereof, a first washer230(or other form of intermediate plate220) may be sandwiched between the head208of the pin204and the inner side12aof the wall12and a second washer230(or other form of intermediate plate220) may be sandwiched between the releasable lock210(or second end of the pin204) and the outer side12bof the wall12. However, any other dimensions, forms and locations of intermediate plates220may be used.

Still referring toFIGS. 10-12, if desired, the washers230(or other form of intermediate plate220) may be configured to rigidly engage the panel connector200and/or allow the panel connector200to self-tighten, such to ensure the panel connector200and intermediate plate220stay together when the corresponding panels14move up-and-down and side-to-side, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. For example, the washer230(or other form of intermediate plate220) may have a mating portion232for releasably mating with the panel connector200. In this embodiment, the mating portion232is a square orifice234through which the body of the202panel connector200extends and into which a mating portion209(e.g. square base211) of the panel connector200seats. The exemplary mating portion206of the panel connector200is thus seatable in the mating portion232of the washer230and prevents relative rotation between the pin204and washer230. However, the washers230and other forms of intermediate plates220may rigidly engage the panel connector200and/or allow the panel connector200to self-tighten in any other suitable manner or not at all.

Referring briefly toFIG. 25, another form of intermediate plate220useful is some embodiments of the holding container10, which may possess any or all of the features of the plates220described above (e.g. includes sliding surfaces226, allows floating of the panels14, etc.), is an attachment bracket240. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment brackets240are particularly configured to be held by at least one panel connector200against or proximate to the outer side12aof the wall12, surround the panel connector200and at least partially support one or more exemplary horizontally-extending connectors, or braces,260, as will be described further below. However, the attachment brackets240may have any other disposition and purpose(s), may be integral or rigidly coupled to the panel(s)14or other components or may not be included.

Referring back toFIG. 1, when included, any desired number of panel connectors200may be used in the assembly of the holding container10, such as based upon the expected load placed upon the panels14during use of the holding container10, the location and type of attachment brackets240used to support the horizontal braces260, any other considerations or a combination thereof. When numerous pairs of receptacles32of the respective adjacent panels14in the exemplary wall12align with each other, for example, at least one panel connector200may be employed in at least one of the aligned pairs of receptacles32to secure the panels14together. In the preferred embodiment, each pair of adjacent panels14includes a total of five pairs of aligned receptacles32. Thus, one or more exemplary panel connectors200may be used at the intersection or junction of each pair of adjacent panels14at up to five locations. In many cases, only one panel connector200will be used at each location. In the illustrated embodiment, three panel connectors200are shown engaged between each pair of panels14during the installation process and one or two additional panel connectors200(and intermediate plates220) may be added later. In some embodiments, five panel connectors200may not be necessary at each junction of panels14and a smaller quantity (e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4) of panel connectors200may be used. For example, when the load placed upon the wall12of the exemplary holding container10by contents of the storage area(s)13is expected to generally decrease going up the wall12, it may be possible to use fewer panel connectors200along the upper part of the height21of the wall12.

In some embodiments, each pair of adjacent panels14may include a smaller larger quantity of aligned receptacles32and any desired number of panel connectors200(e.g. 1-4, 6, 7, 8 or more) may be used at any desired locations along the wall12. In various embodiments, panel connectors200may be used at different locations at different panel14junctions along the wall12. In still further embodiments, more than one panel connector200may be used at the same location (e.g. pair of aligned receptacles32) on the wall12.

Referring now toFIGS. 13A-C, in the preferred embodiment, at least part of the exemplary support system22abuts at least part of the outer side12bof the wall12around at least part of the outer perimeter19of the wall to reinforce the wall12and assist in supporting the load of the contents of the storage area13bearing upon the panels14, maintaining the desired upright orientation of the panels14, allowing the panels14to form flex), for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. For example, the support system22may be configured to generally support some (e.g. approximately 10-45%) or a substantial amount (e.g. approximately 45%-70% or more) of the load of the contents of the storage area13bearing upon the panels14.

When included, the support system22may have any suitable form, configuration, components and operation. For example, the exemplary support system22includes at least one horizontally-extending connector, or brace,260configured to be coupled between and/or around two or more adjacent panels14. The horizontal braces260of various embodiments may be rigid or flexible, configured to interlock adjacent panels14and/or assist in retaining the panels14in interlocking engagement, flex into abutting contact with the corresponding panels14, support load applied to the panels14by contents of the storage area(s)13during use of the holding container10, assist in allowing the panels14to form the curved portion(s) of the wall10, for any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, in the preferred embodiment, the horizontally-extending connectors260are external to the panels14(e.g. not integral) and configured to extend at least partially around the outer perimeter19of the wall12and reinforce the wall12. For example, each horizontal brace260may extend around the entire outer perimeter19of the wall12. Since the illustrated wall12is formed in a generally cylindrical, or ring-like, shape (e.g. circle, oval, oblong-shape, elliptical shape, etc.), each exemplary horizontal brace260has, or forms, a generally cylindrical, or ring-like shape. However, the wall12and horizontal brace(s)260may each have any other overall shape (e.g. square, triangular, rectangular, etc.) and/or may have differing shapes. Further, in some embodiments, the horizontally-extending connectors260may be integral with or rigidly coupled to the panels14or other components. For example, various embodiments may include some integral and some external horizontal braces260.

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, when included, the horizontal brace(s)260may extend around the wall12across the entirety of the height21of the wall12(e.g. from the lower edge23ato the upper edge23b) or only along one or more portions of the height21of the wall12. The effective use of horizontal braces260along only one or more portions of the height21of the wall12may be possible due to the material construction, internal structure, dimensions, strength and/or flexibility of the panels14such as described above, rendering the panels14capable of supporting the load of the contents of the storage area(s)13along parts of the wall12not directly supported by the support system22. For example, the illustrated holding container10includes multiple distinct horizontal braces260configured to be spaced apart from one another at different elevations on the wall12and forming gaps266therebetween. Thus, the exemplary panels14are configured to sufficiently support the load of the contents of the storage area(s)13in the gaps266between the horizontal braces260. Multiple spaced-apart horizontal braces260may be desirable, for example, to minimize the size and weight of the components of the holding container10, for ease of manufacture, handling, storage, transportability and assembly of the holding container10, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. If desired, as shown inFIG. 27, the support system22may also or instead include one or more vertical braces278to assist in reinforcing the wall12, provide a good fit between the panels14and the horizontal brace(s)260, other desired purpose or a combination thereof.

The horizontal brace(s)260, when included, may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and operation. In various embodiments, one or more of the horizontal braces260may include at least one tie rod, strap, cord, cable, rebar, belt, bar, wire or the like constructed of any one or more desired (rigid or flexible) materials (e.g. steel, composite material, graphite, etc.). In the preferred embodiments, each horizontal brace260is a band262configured to extend around the wall12. The band262may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and operation. For example, the band262may be elongated, constructed of steel and formed with a minimal thickness to allow the band262to bend, or develop curvature, as desired to conform to the overall shape (e.g. cylindrical or ring-like shape) of the wall12during assembly and/or use of the holding container10, to minimize the size and weight of the components of the support system22, for ease of manufacture, handling, storage, transportability and assembly of the support system22, but still be thick enough to provide the desired load support, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. In the illustrated holding container10, each band262has a thickness of approximately 0.5″. However, the band262may possess any other thickness (e.g. ⅛″, 3/16″, ¼″, ⅝″ or more or less). Further, when multiple bands262are used at different elevations on the wall12, the different bands262may have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the lowermost band270may be greater than the thickness of the other bands262and/or the uppermost band274may have a smaller thickness (e.g. from approximately ¼″-approximately ⅜″) than the other bands262, such as when the amount of load placed upon the wall12by the contents of the storage area(s)13is expected to generally decrease going up the wall12. In use of the preferred embodiment, it has been shown that the load generally increases going down the wall12, with the greatest load bearing upon the wall12at the bottom of the wall12(closest to the lower edge23a) and the smallest load on the wall12at the upper end of the wall12(closest to the upper edge23b).

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, when horizontal braces260are used, the type, quantity, size, configuration and spacing of multiple spaced-apart horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262) may be determined based upon any suitable criteria, such as to sufficiently support the expected load of the contents of the storage area(s)13acting on the wall12while minimizing the size and weight of the components of the support system22, for ease of manufacture, handling, storage, transportability and assembly of the support system22, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. Thus, any number and form of horizontal braces260may be used. In this particular embodiment, seven distinct elongated horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262) are shown positioned at different heights on the wall12. However, any suitable number of bands262(and/or other types of horizontal braces260) may be used (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 etc.). For example, when the exemplary wall12is formed with panels14stood upright widthwise, fewer bands262(and/or other horizontal braces260) will likely be necessary (e.g. the uppermost band274placed adjacent or proximate to the upper edge23bof the wall12may be unnecessary). Further, in other embodiments, different types of horizontal braces260may be used at different heights along the wall12and/or in any desired combination (e.g. a wire brace supporting a band262), or a single horizontal brace260may be used along all or part of the height21of the wall12.

When multiple horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262) are used, the horizontal braces260may be formed with differing widths. For example, since the amount of load placed upon the wall12and support system22of the exemplary holding container10by the contents of the storage area(s)13is expected to generally decrease going up the wall12: (i) the width276(e.g. approximately 4″-9″) of the uppermost exemplary band274(e.g.FIGS. 27 & 30) on the wall12(e.g. placed adjacent or closest to the upper edge23bof the wall12) may be smaller than the width each of the other bands262(e.g.FIG. 15); (ii) the width of all the bands262, other than the lowermost band270(placed adjacent or closest to the lower edge23aof the wall12), may be less than the width272(e.g. approximately 16″-21″) of the lowermost band270(e.g.FIGS. 14 & 29); (iii) the width of each intermediate band262(between the uppermost and lowermost bands274,270) may be equal to or smaller than the width of each of the bands262below it; or a combination thereof. However, the bands262may have any other desired width, or may all possess the same width.

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, if desired, the bands262may be formed of separate, releasably interconnectable band sections280, such as to minimize the size and weight of the components of the support system22, for ease of manufacture, handling, storage, transportability and assembly of the support system22, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the exemplary band sections280of each respective band262are elongated and configured to be positioned adjacent to one another side-by-side around the outer perimeter19of the wall12and interconnected to form the respective band280.

The band sections280, when included, may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and operation. For example, the band sections280may be flat, such as for ease of manufacturing, handling, storage, transportation and assembly and capable of bending to conform to the shape of the holding container10. However, in other embodiments, all or some of the band sections280may be formed with curvature, protrusions, projections or other features. Any desired number of band sections280, each having any desired length, may be used to form each band262. In the preferred embodiment of a holding container10having an overall cylindrical or ring-shaped wall12with a circumference of approximately 250′ constructed of fifty exemplary panels14, each band262includes nine band sections280each having a length294of approximately 34′, and one short band section285(e.g.FIG. 13A) having a smaller length (e.g. 33′ 6″) to enable tensioning of the band262around the wall12and/or any other purpose(s). In other embodiments, all the band sections280of each band262may have the same length294, different band sections280of the same band262may have the different lengths or any combination thereof.

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, in this example, the length294(e.g. approximately 33′-34′) of each band section280is sized to span across approximately five interconnected panels14of the wall12. Thus, the holding container10could be sized in any desired number of interconnected panels14in increments of five panels. For example, the wall12of the holding container10with the exemplary band sections280could be constructed of twenty, twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five, forty, forty-five, fifty, fifty-five, etc. panels14, providing great flexibility in selecting or varying the size and capacity of the holding container10(e.g. approximately 20,000 barrels, 40,000 barrels, 60,000 barrels, 80,000 barrels, etc.) and may be customized at the installation site and between different sites. In other embodiments, the length294of some or all of the band sections280could be less than approximately 34′ to fit a smaller number of interconnected panels14(e.g. one, two, three, four), providing even greater flexibility in selecting, changing or customizing the size, shape, footprint and capacity of the holding container10at the installation site or between uses at different sites or for any other purpose(s). In other embodiments, the band sections280could be more than 34′ long for any desired purpose. Further, any other desired number of band sections280, each having any desired length, may be used to form each band262.

Referring now toFIGS. 14 & 15, when included, the band sections280of each distinct band may be interconnectable in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, each band section280includes at least one connection interface286positioned proximate to each side edge282,284thereof. In the preferred embodiment, each connection interface286includes at least one aperture288formed in the respective band section280proximate to one of the side edges282,284thereof. However, the connection interfaces286may have any other desired form and components, such as one or more protrusions, mateable members, clips, pins, etc. In assembling any of the exemplary bands262, at least one connection interface286at the right side edge284of each band section280is configured to be positioned proximate to and releasably coupled with at least one connection interface286at the left side edge282of an adjacent band section280to form the band262(e.g.FIG. 13B). It should be noted that in embodiments of horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262) not using multiple sections (e.g. band sections280), the connection interfaces286at the ends of the same horizontal brace260(e.g. band262) may be interconnected to form the horizontal brace260. Further, the description herein of the connection interfaces286and related components is equally applicable to other types and configurations of horizontal braces260.

In the preferred embodiment, depending upon the length294of the band sections280for a particular band262, the circumference of the wall12and the desired tension (if any) to be placed upon the band262, a gap may exist between one or more of the adjacent band sections280of each band262during (and potentially after) assembly of the holding container10. For example, a gap of approximately 6″ may be formed between the short band section285and the adjacent band section280of each band262to complete assembly of the band262around the wall12. If desired, the respective connection interfaces286of at least some of the adjacent band sections280of a band262may be configured to be selectively moveable relative to one another to draw the adjacent band sections280toward and away from one another to respectively tighten and loosen the band262around the wall12.

Referring again toFIGS. 13A-C, the respective connection interfaces286of adjacent band sections280may be releasably coupled together and/or moveable relative to one another in any suitable manner. For example, a band coupler290may be configured to selectively, releasably engage at least one adjacent pair of connection interfaces286of respective adjacent band sections280of a particular band262. In some instances, the band coupler290may be selectively adjusted to draw the adjacent band sections280toward and away from one another. In this embodiment, each band coupler290is a pin292extendable through an adjacent pair of apertures288of adjacent band sections280of a particular band262(see also e.g.FIGS. 24B-C). The illustrated pin292is selectively tightenable to secure the band sections280together. If a gap exists between adjacent band sections280, the exemplary pin292can be selectively tightenable to draw the band sections280toward one another to tighten their interconnection and the band262around the wall12. For example, the pin292may be a bolt293selectively tightenable and secured in place with at least one nut. If desired, one or more washers may be used at either or both ends of the bolt293(or other form of pin292). In some embodiments, the bolt293may have a diameter of approximately 1″ and a length ranging from approximately 3″-8″. A longer bolt293(or other form of pin292) may be necessary or desirable when there is a gap between adjacent band sections280. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the bolt293used to connect the short band section285to an adjacent band section280may be approximately 8″, while the bolts293used to interconnect the other adjacent band sections280may be approximately 3″-4″. However, the pin292(or other forms of band couplers290) may include any other components, such as one or more clip, cotter pin, clamp, etc. and operation or may not be included.

When included, tensioning of the horizontal brace(s)260around the wall12may be desirable, for example, to form a tight fit of the horizontal brace260to the panels14and/or force the panels14and horizontal braces260at least partially in abutting contact with one another around the outer perimeter19of the wall12, allowing or encouraging load acting on the wall12from the contents (e.g. liquid) of the storage area13to pass to the horizontal braces260and minimizing the potential for weak points or areas forming on the panels14(e.g. if the panels14do not abut the horizontal braces260), other purpose or a combination thereof. Thus, in some embodiments, a snug fit of the horizontal brace(s)260and panels14is preferred to allow the horizontal brace(s)260to bear as much of the load as possible and avoid creating weak areas on the panels14. In the present embodiment, it may be desirable to pre-load the horizontal braces260with tension around the wall12before the contents (e.g. liquid) are placed into the holding container10so the panels14will be likely to expand, flex or move outwardly into the desired contact with the horizontal braces260when the holding container10is (at least partially) filled. However, in other embodiments the horizontal braces260may not be tensioned around the wall12.

Still referring toFIGS. 13A-C, any suitable technique and components may be used to tension the horizontal brace(s)260. In the preferred embodiment, the tightening of one or more band couplers290, particularly when connecting the last band section280(e.g. the short band section285) to complete the band262, will tension the horizontal brace(s)260. Due to the material construction, internal structure, strength and flexibility of the exemplary panels14and their ability to float, the band couplers290may be tightened sufficiently to ultimately create or encourage a snug fit with the panels14. For other examples, one or more Belleville washer, ratchet mechanism or the like may be connected between at least two of the interconnected band sections280(or other forms of horizontal braces260) to assist in tightening and tensioning the horizontal brace260.

Referring back toFIGS. 14 & 15, if desired, any one or more of the exemplary band sections280may include multiple connection interfaces286proximate to one or both side edges282,284thereof, and multiple band couplers292(e.g.FIG. 24C) may be used to couple adjacent band sections280together. For example, at elevations, or portions, along the height21on the wall12expecting greater load, it may be desirable to include more connection interfaces286and/or band couplers292than at other locations. In the preferred embodiment, more connection interfaces286and/or more band couplers292are desirable for connecting each horizontal brace(s)260closest to the lower edge23aof the wall12(e.g. lowermost band270) when greater stress and forces from the contents of the storage area13bearing upon the panels14is expected at the bottom of the wall12. Each illustrated band section280of the lowermost band270includes four connection interfaces286(e.g.FIG. 14) shown coupled together with four band couplers292(e.g.FIG. 13B). The band sections280of the other illustrated bands262(e.g.FIG. 15) each include three connection interfaces286shown coupled together with three band couplers292(e.g.FIG. 13B). However, any suitable number of connection interfaces286and band couplers292may be used (e.g. 1, 2, 5, 6 or more). For example, the band section280shown inFIG. 23Bincludes thirteen connection interfaces286proximate to each side edge282,284thereof, while the band section280shown inFIG. 28includes twenty-two connection interfaces286proximate to each side edge282,284thereof. In some instances, the number of band couplers292to be used in each horizontal brace260of a particular holding container10may be determined based upon the particular use scenario.

Referring still toFIGS. 14 & 15, when included, the exemplary connection interfaces286may be provided proximate to either or each side edge282,284of each band section280in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, the connection interface(s)286are formed in one or more outwardly projecting flanges296disposed at, or proximate to, each side edge282,284thereof. As shown inFIG. 24C, for example, the adjacent flanges296of adjacent band sections280are configured to be drawn into abutting contact with one another to tighten the exemplary band262around the outer perimeter19of the wall12. The flanges296may have any suitable form, configuration, dimensions and operation. For example, the flanges296may be configured to support the stresses placed upon the band couplers292. In the preferred embodiment, substantial stress may be placed upon the band couplers292and thus onto the flanges296due to substantially tensioning the bands262around the wall12during assembly of the holding container10to create a snug fit or place at least some of the panels14in compression, load of the contents of the storage area13bearing upon the panels14during use of the holding container10, other variables or a combination thereof. To withstand the expect stresses, the exemplary flanges296may be formed of steel, have a thickness of approximately ⅝″ and supported by multiple diagonal braces, or gussets,298. The gussets298may have any suitable form, configuration and location. In this embodiment, multiple spaced-apart gussets298extend from an outer surface297of the band section280to each flange296, such as to support the flange296and/or prevent it from failing or undesirably bending or deforming. Any desired or suitable number of gussets298may be included. For example, each exemplary flange296ofFIG. 14includes five gussets298, each exemplary flange296ofFIG. 15includes four gussets298and each exemplary flange296ofFIG. 28includes ten gussets298.

Now referring toFIGS. 24A-C, the horizontal brace(s)260, when included, may be supported, or held, at the desired position relative to the wall12and around the outer perimeter16thereof in any suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of attachment brackets240is used to releasably hold the horizontal brace(s)260in position. The attachment brackets240may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and operation. Each exemplary attachment bracket240is configured to be releasably coupled to and extend from the wall12at a desired location along the height21of the wall12and at least partially support at least one horizontal brace260at a desired elevation. For example, each illustrated horizontal brace260may be supported by numerous attachment brackets240spaced apart around the outer perimeter19of the wall12. The quantity and size of the attachment brackets240may be determined based upon the size of the holding container10, weight of the horizontal brace260(e.g. band sections280), the load expected to be placed on the wall12by contents of the storage area(s)13, any other variable(s) or a combination thereof. Thus, any desired number of attachment brackets240(or other components) may be used to support each horizontal brace260. For example, an attachment bracket240may be provided for each horizontal brace260at every second pair of interconnected panels14around the outer perimeter19of the wall12. In that instance, an exemplary holding container10having fifty panels14would utilize a total of twenty-five attachment brackets240for each horizontal brace260. In some embodiments, the attachment brackets240may be integral, or rigidly coupled, to the panels14, horizontal braces260or other components, or not included.

Referring toFIGS. 25 & 26, when included, each exemplary attachment bracket240may be configured to extend from the outer side12bof the wall12to at least partially support at least one horizontal brace260. In this embodiment, each attachment bracket240is configured to be coupled to at least one panel14at the desired elevation by at least one of the panel connectors200. For example, the attachment brackets240ofFIGS. 16A, 17A and 18Aare vertically-oriented and each include one or more panel connection orifices242for receiving a panel connector200to releasably couple the attachment bracket240to a pair of adjacent, interconnected panels14. The exemplary attachment bracket240ofFIG. 22Ais also vertically-oriented and includes panel connection orifices242at different elevations (see e.g.FIG. 25) for receiving three vertically spaced-apart panel connectors200extendable through vertically aligned receptacles32of a pair of adjacent interconnected panels14. InFIG. 31A, the attachment bracket240is also vertically-oriented and includes four vertically spaced-apart panel connection orifices242at four different heights. In other embodiments, the attachment brackets240may be horizontally-oriented (e.g. having one or multiple generally horizontally spaced-apart panel connector orifices242) and coupled to one or multiple sets of adjacent, interconnect panels14(e.g. similarly as in the manner described above). Thus, each attachment bracket240may include any desired number of panel connection orifices242(e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) at any desired elevations. Further, in some embodiments, the horizontal braces260may be coupled to or associated with the wall12in a different manner and/or without the use of attachment brackets240.

Referring again toFIGS. 25 & 26, in the present embodiment, each attachment bracket240is shown sandwiched between the releasable lock210and the outer side12aof the wall12. As mentioned above, the exemplary attachment bracket240may also serve as an intermediate plate220by surrounding the panel connector200and providing a sliding surface226for the corresponding interconnected pair of panels14to float. For example, in this embodiment, each attachment bracket240has a width of approximately 6″ and a height of at least 6″.

The exemplary attachment bracket240may at least partially support, or hold, at least one horizontal brace260in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, each attachment bracket240includes at least one retainer246configured to releasably engage, or hold, a horizontal brace260and retain it in position at a desired height of the wall12. The retainer246may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. The exemplary retainer246is an L-shaped hook248upon which a horizontal brace260(e.g. band262or band section280) may be hung. The illustrated hook248includes a base250extending outwardly from the attachment bracket240and a lip252projecting generally upwardly from the base250. If desired, one or more diagonal braces, or gussets,254may extend between the hook248(e.g. base250) and the attachment bracket240, such as to assist in supporting the weight of the horizontal brace260, preventing the hook248from undesirably bending, warping or breaking, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. However, the retainer246may take any other form or include any other component (e.g. clip, rod, connector, pin, etc.), and the hook248, when included, may have any other suitable configuration. In some embodiments, retainers246may not be included.

Referring still toFIGS. 25 & 26, the exemplary retainer246may have any desired construction and dimensions. In this embodiment, each hook248is a section of 4″×4″ angle iron, so the base250is 4″ wide and the lip252is 4″ tall. In some embodiments, one or more of the retainers246may be configured to assist in positioning the associated horizontal brace(s)260in abutting contact with, or proximate to, the outer surface12bof the wall12to encourage the panels14to be snug against the horizontal brace(s)260, allow the horizontal brace(s)260to support much the load of the contents of the storage area(s)13acting on the wall12, for any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. For example, the width of the base250of the hook248may be equal to or slightly larger than the thickness (e.g. ½″) of the horizontal brace260(e.g. band262or band section280).

Referring now toFIGS. 16A-18B, in various embodiments, all or some of the attachment brackets240may include multiple retainers246to support the same and/or multiple horizontal braces260. InFIGS. 16A & 17A, for example, each attachment bracket240includes two vertically spaced-apart retainers246to releasably engage a different horizontal brace260, respectively. In this embodiment, the retainers246and panel connection orifices242are positioned to support one or more distinct bands262on the wall12. The illustrated attachment bracket240ofFIG. 16A-Bis configured to releasably engage the lowermost band270and the next highest band262. The exemplary attachment bracket240ofFIG. 17A-Bis configured to releasably engage two intermediate position bands262on the wall12, and the attachment bracket240ofFIG. 18A-Bis configured to releasably engage the uppermost band274on the wall12(e.g.FIG. 13C). InFIGS. 22A-B,24A,26,27and31A-B, each illustrated attachment bracket240includes two vertically spaced-apart retainers246to releasably engage a different solid section308of an exemplary tall band300(described below). In other embodiments, the attachment bracket240may include more than one horizontally spaced-apart, or adjacent, retainer246to support the same horizontal brace260. In yet other embodiments, the attachment bracket240may include any combination of horizontally aligned, or spaced-apart, retainers246and vertically aligned, or spaced-apart, retainers246to support one or more horizontal braces260.

Now referring toFIGS. 23A-24C, in some embodiments, the horizontal brace260may include a form of band262referenced herein as a tall band300configured to extend along a wide portion of the height21of the wall12and have one or more of the features described above and shown in the appended drawings with respect to the horizontal brace260, band262and related components. For example, the tall band300may include multiple band sections280having the same features as the exemplary band sections280and interconnected with the exemplary attachment brackets340as previously described, except as may be specified differently below. Thus, the above description of the horizontal brace(s)260, band(s)262and all related components is incorporated herein by reference with respect to the exemplary tall band300.

The use of one or more tall bands300may be desirable, for example, to replace multiple of the individual bands362and thus reduce the number of components in the support system22, expedite and simplify manufacture, handling, storage and transportability of the support system22and assembly of the holding container10, for other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. The tall band300may have any desired dimensions, components, configuration and operation. The tall band300may be used, for example, to extend along at least one-third, one-half, five-eights, three-quarters, seven-eighths, or any other desired height section, or the entire height21, of the wall12. In some embodiments, only one tall band300may be used or needed along at least part of the height21of the wall12, while in other embodiments, one or more additional horizontal braces260(e.g. band262and/or another tall band300) may be included. The tall bands300may be used with one or more other separate bands362(or other braces360), such as to avoid a component width that would exceed the size limits of non-permitted transportation, limit the size and weight of the tall bands300for handling, storage and transportation, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. InFIG. 24A, for example, the support system22includes a tall band300that extends up from the lower edge23aof the wall12and a separate uppermost band274proximate to the upper edge23bof the wall12. For another example, inFIG. 27, the support system22includes a tall band300spaced upwardly from a distinct lowermost band270and downwardly from a distinct uppermost band274.

Referring back toFIGS. 23A-24C, the exemplary tall band300may have any desired length and width. Regarding length, each exemplary tall band300includes nine band sections280each having a length294of approximately 34′, and one short band section285(e.g.FIG. 14A) having a smaller length (e.g. 33′ 6″) to enable tensioning of the band300around the wall12. In other embodiments, all the band sections280for each tall band300may have the same length294and/or different band sections280of the same tall band300may have different lengths. As to width, each band section280of the exemplary tall bands300of the preferred embodiment has a width312of under 102″. However, any other dimensions may be used.

If desired, the exemplary tall band300may be formed with one or more cut-outs304, such as to reduce the size and weight of the tall band300and/or other desired purpose(s). In various embodiments, the use and effectiveness of tall bands300with cut-outs304may be possible due to the material construction, internal structure, dimension, strength and/or flexibility of the panels14such as described above, rendering the panels14capable of supporting the load of the contents in the storage area(s)13on the wall12at the cut-outs304in each tall band300. In the exemplary embodiments, the tall band300includes a series of solid sections308extending between the cut-outs304. When included, the cut-outs304and solid sections308may have any desired shape, location and configuration. For example, the illustrated tall band300includes multiple elongated cut-outs305extending lengthwise at least partially across the length294of each tall band section280, spaced apart from one another along the width312of the tall band300and separated by multiple elongated solid sections309. In the illustrated embodiments, the elongated solid sections309function similarly as the individual bands262as previously described.

Still referring to referring toFIGS. 23A-24C, two or more elongated cut-outs305may be formed adjacent to one another side-by-side across at least part of the length294of each exemplary tall band section280and separated by intermediate solid sections313. In this embodiment, each tall band section280is shown having three side-by-side elongated cut-outs305on each row of elongated cut-outs305. Each pair of illustrated side-by-side elongated cut-out305is separated by an intermediate solid section313. The exemplary intermediate solid sections313essentially connect the elongated solid sections109above and below each row of elongated cut-outs305, such as to provide a desired amount of stiffness and support to the tall band300, prevent undesirable bending, warping, cracking or breaking of the tall band300, other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

The tall band300may include any desired quantity of cut-outs305and solid sections308. In this embodiment, each tall band section280is shown having three rows of elongated cut-outs305with three side-by-side elongated cut-outs305on each row. A total of four exemplary elongated solid sections309and twelve (12 ea.) intermediate solid sections313are formed around and between the elongated cut-outs305. For other examples, inFIGS. 27 & 28, each tall band section280is shown having four rows of elongated cut-outs305with three side-by-side elongated cut-outs305on each row. A total of five exemplary elongated solid sections309are formed around and between the elongated cut-outs305and sixteen intermediate solid sections313are formed around and between elongated cut-outs305. Other embodiments may include one, two, five, six or more rows of elongated cut-outs305, two, three, six or more elongated solid sections309, fewer than twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or more than sixteen intermediate solid sections313, any other number of cut-outs304and/or solid sections308of any shape and configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, all or some of the cut-outs304and or solid sections308of a tall band300may have a circular, triangular, hexagonal, oval or random shape and/or a random arrangement on the tall band300. Thus, the tall bands300of the present disclosure and appended claims are not limited to use with only elongated cut-outs305, elongated solid sections309and intermediate solid sections313of any certain quantity and arrangement, except and only to the extent as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Referring still toFIGS. 23A-24C, when included, the solid sections308may have any suitable dimensions. If desired, the respective widths of the elongated solid sections309of a tall band300may be varied similarly as the widths of the different horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262) used in a holding container10having multiple horizontal braces260, such as described above. For example, when the amount of load placed upon the wall12of the exemplary holding container10by the contents of the storage area(s)13is expected to generally decrease going up the wall12: (i) the width of the uppermost exemplary elongated solid section309aof a tall band300may be smaller than the width of each of the other solid sections308of the tall band300; (ii) the width of all the solid sections308other than the lowermost solid sections309bmay be less than the width of the lowermost solid sections309bof the tall band300, (iii) the width of each intermediate solid section308(between the uppermost and lowermost solid sections309a,309b) may be equal to or smaller than the width of each solid section308below it, or a combination thereof. If the tall band300is used with one or more other separate bands262(or other forms of horizontal braces260), the width of one or more solid sections308of the tall band300may vary as compared to the width of each of the other band(s)262(or other forms of horizontal braces260).

In the preferred embodiment, the width of the lowermost exemplary elongated solid section309bis larger than the width of the other elongated solid sections309of the tall band300, and the width of the uppermost elongated solid section309ais smaller than the other elongated solid sections309of the tall band300. The exemplary tall band300is shown positioned on the wall12with the lower most section309bproximate to the lower edge23aof the wall12and a separate uppermost band274positioned proximate to the upper edge23bof the wall. Further, in this embodiment, the widths of the respective elongated solid sections309are graduated as follows: the uppermost elongated solid section309ahas a width (e.g. approximately 6″) that is smaller than all the other elongated solid sections309, the lowermost elongated solid section309bhas a width (e.g. approximately 14″) that is greater than all the other elongated solid sections309, the second lowest elongated solid section309chas a width (e.g. approximately 12″) that is greater than all other elongated solid sections309except the lowermost elongated solid section309b, and the third lowest elongated solid section309dhas a width (e.g. approximately 10″) between that of the second lowest elongated solid section309cand the uppermost elongated solid section309a.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 27-28, the tall band300is shown used with an exemplary separate lowermost band270having a width (e.g. approximately 19″-21″) that is greater that the width of each solid section309of the tall band300and which is spaced downwardly from the tall band300a desired distance (e.g. approximately 5″). The illustrated holding container10may also include an exemplary separate uppermost band274having a width that is smaller than the width of each solid section309of the tall band300. The embodiment ofFIGS. 28-30likewise includes a tall band300used with an exemplary separate lowermost band270having a width272(e.g. approximately 19″-21″) that is greater that the width of each elongated solid section309of the tall band300, and an exemplary separate uppermost band274having a width276(e.g. approximately 4″) that is smaller than the width of each elongated solid section309of the tall band300. Further, in this embodiment, the widths of the elongated solid sections309of the tall band300are graduated in an effort to provide sufficient support on the wall12based upon the expected load placed thereupon during use of the holding container10as follows: the uppermost elongated solid section309ahas a width (e.g. approximately 9″) that is smaller than all the other elongated solid sections309; the lowermost elongated solid section309bhas a width (e.g. approximately 16″) that is greater than all the other elongated solid sections309; the second lowest elongated solid section309chas a width (e.g. approximately 14″) that is greater than all other elongated solid sections309except the lowermost elongated solid section309b; and the third and fourth lowermost elongated solid sections309d,309eeach have a width (e.g. approximately 10″) intermediate to the second lowermost elongated solid section309cand the uppermost elongated solid section309a. However, each of the solid sections308of each tall band300may have any other desired width, or may all possess the same width.

Referring back toFIGS. 23A-24A, when included, the cut-outs304may likewise have any desired dimensions. For example, the cut-outs304may be as large as possible to minimize the weight and size of the tall bands300while the tall band300still can provide the necessary load-bearing capacity and support to the wall12and/or other desired purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, the uppermost elongated cut-outs305aeach have a width (e.g. approximately 12″) that is greater than the other elongated cut-outs305on the tall band300; the lowermost elongated cut-outs305beach have a width (e.g. approximately 9″) that is less than the other elongated cut-outs305on the tall band300; and the intermediate elongated cut-outs305ceach have a width (e.g. approximately 10″) that is between the width of the other elongated cut-outs305on the tall band300. In the embodiment ofFIG. 28, the elongated cut-outs305on the two upper rows of cut-outs each have a width (e.g. approximately 12″) that is greater than width (e.g. approximately 6″) of the elongated cut-outs305on the two lower rows of cut-outs305. However, each of the cut-outs304of each tall band300may have any other desired width, or may all possess the same width.

If desired, one or more of the exemplary tall bands300may include one or more hoisting attachments318useful for gripping the tall band300during manufacture, transport, installation and/or disassembly of the holding container10. The hoisting attachments318may have any suitable form, configuration, location and operation. In this example, each hoisting attachment318includes a tab319extending from the upper edge303of the illustrated tall band section280and at least one attachment aperture320formed in the tab319. The exemplary aperture320is configured to receive a gripping instrument, such as a tooth, hook, pin, clip or other mechanism extending from, or connected to, a lifting device (e.g. crane, wheel loader, other heavy equipment, winch, etc.) and the tab319is strong enough to allow the tall band section280to be lifted at one or more attachment apertures320and moved as desired.

Referring still toFIGS. 23A-24A, any desired number of hoisting attachments318may be included. In this embodiment, the tall band section280includes three spaced-apart hoisting attachments318. However, more or less than three (e.g. 1, 2, 4 or more) hoisting attachments318may be provided at any location on the tall band300or tall band section280. For example, one or more hoisting attachments318(e.g. six or more or less) may be spaced-apart on each tall band section280proximate to the upper edge303thereof. For another example, one or more hoisting attachments318(e.g. two or more) may be provided proximate to the upper and lower edges and each side edge of the tall band section280. It should be noted that the other forms of horizontal braces260(e.g. bands262, band sections280) may, if desired, include hoisting attachments318similarly as described above and shown in the appended drawings with respect to the tall band300.

Referring toFIG. 27, in some embodiments, the support system22may include one or more vertical braces278to assist in reinforcing the wall12, provide a good fit between the panels14and the horizontal brace(s)260(e.g. tall band sections280), other desired purpose or a combination thereof. The vertical braces278may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this example, each vertical braces278is a section of 2″×4″ wood beam configured to be coupled to at least one of the panels14of each pair of adjacent interconnected panels14(e.g. along at least part of the outer side edge44of one of the panels14) and sandwiched between the wall12and one or more horizontal braces260(e.g. tall band300). In other embodiments, the vertical braces278may be used as load-bearing components or for another other purpose, and/or may be used instead of the horizontal braces260or not at all.

Referring back toFIG. 13A, the various components of the exemplary holding container10may be constructed of any suitable material or combination thereof, such as plastic. rubber, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic, other synthetic or composite material, recycled rubber or other recycled material, and could include steel (such as for reinforcement), wood, steel-framed wood, aluminum, concrete, cementitious material, earth metals, other naturally occurring substances or other material. For example, at least approximately 10% (or more or less, such as at least 20%, 50%, 75%, etc.) of any combination of the panels14, connectors (e.g. panel connectors200, horizontally-extending connectors260, vertical braces278, etc.) and liquid-impermeable surface(s)148may be constructed of non-metallic material. If desired, all of components of the exemplary holding container10may be durable and weatherproof for sustained use and reuse. For example, some or all of the metallic parts of the holding container10may be constructed, or coated, with corrosion-resistant material (e.g. zinc), as is and becomes further known.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 & 13A, some embodiments of methods of forming a large-capacity holding container10will now be described. These methods include releasably interconnecting at least some of a plurality of upright, pre-formed, load-bearing panels14to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing first wall12around the perimeter of one or more storage area(s)13to contain the contents of the storage area(s)13. If desired, the space or storage area(s)13enclosed by the wall12may be at least partially sealed with the use of at least one liquid-impermeable surface148(e.g. as described and shown elsewhere herein) or in any other suitable manner. If desired, a roof or other cover may be placed across the top of the wall12, such as to seal off the storage area(s)13from precipitation, wind, dust, dirt, etc., or for any other purpose(s). In some embodiments, the large-capacity holding container10may take the form of a silo.

Referring still toFIGS. 1 & 13A, each panel14is originally formed flat and at last one among the width and the length of each panel14is under 102″ (or more or less, e.g. under 96″) in a non-load-bearing state. At least some of the panels14may flex into a curved shape during use of the holding container10. Preferably, the panels14may be recycled (e.g. melted, ground, crushed, cut apart, etc.) to form recyclable panel material useful to form one or more new panels14(e.g. having the same properties, characteristics and capabilities as the plurality of panels14). In some instances, the panels14may be recycled (e.g. melted, ground, crushed, cut apart, etc.) to form recyclable panel material useful to form one or more other types of desired components (e.g. having the same properties, characteristics and capabilities as the plurality of panels14).

Still referring toFIGS. 1 & 13A, in many embodiments, the size and/or shape of the first wall12may be determined at least partially by the number of panels14interconnected to form the wall12. In such instances, the size and/or shape of the wall12may be varied during formation of the wall12by varying the number of panels14used at the installation site or at different sites. In some embodiments, the first wall12may be disassembled and at least some of the disassembled panels14erected as one or more other walls12(e.g. at the same and/or other installation site(s)), such as in the same manner as shown and described elsewhere herein to serve as one or more other holding containers10. The newly formed wall(s)12/holding container(s)10may have a different size and/or shape and be capable of containing a different volume (at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof) as compared to the volume of the first wall12/holding container10. Thus, in many instances, the same panels14may be reused time and again to form any desired quantity, size and configuration of holding containers10.

Referring now toFIG. 34, in at least some instances, the panels14may be at least partially buried underground and have a material construction (e.g. at least partially plastic) capable of resisting microbial and biological degredaton and degredation due to the alkalinity of the earth. In some at least partially underground installations, the use of various other components described and shown herein (e.g. horizontal braces260, panel stands140) may not be necessary or desirable, or the quantity, form and configuration thereof may be modified.

Referring toFIG. 36, if desired, other among the plurality of panels14may be positioned and releasably interconnected in an upright orientation around the outer perimeter19of the first (inner) wall12cto form an at least partially curved, load-bearing second (outer) wall12daround the first wall12cto form a “nested” pair of holding containers10a,10b. Nested large-scale holding containers10may be desirable, for example, for use with sensitive, hazardous or dangerous storage area contents, providing enhanced security, isolation or quarantine, providing a second layer of protection (e.g. storm protection, leakage protection, protection of the contents of the storage area13from contamination, etc.), any other purpose(s) or a combination thereof. Both walls12c,12dand holding containers10a,10bmay have the same features and capabilities as described above and shown in the appended drawings for the wall12and container10, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Each container10a,10bmay have the same or different overall shape. The walls12c,12dmay be spaced-apart or abutting, as desired. In some instances, more than two nested walls12(e.g. three, four or more) may be used, and/or one or more of the large-scale holding containers10of the present disclosure may be used in a nested configuration with other types of holding containers (e.g. storage tanks).

Referring toFIGS. 1, 2 & 4, if the panels14are re-usable for another purpose the first wall10may be disassembled and one or more of the panels14used for such other purpose. In the preferred embodiment, the disassembled panels14may be used as ground covers26, such as described above. For example, at least some of the panels14may be laid at least partially horizontally on the ground as ground covers26to form a support surface16capable of supporting a desired weight (e.g. personnel, equipment and vehicles (e.g. bulldozers, bucket-loaders, water and fuel tanker trucks, semi-trailer trucks, etc.)) thereupon and moving thereacross.

Referring back toFIG. 1, some embodiments of assembling and installing a large-capacity holding container10will now be described. The methods may include preparation of the installation site48. For example, the ground may be at least partially leveled and gravel, or other suitable material, placed on the ground where the exemplary panels14will rest to help the panels14stand up, provide a level surface and/or cushion for the panels14, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof. If desired, one or more trenches, channels, recesses or depressions may be formed within which the panels14will be placed or erected. Any suitable lifting device (e.g. wheel loader, crane, winch, other heavy equipment, etc.) may be used to lift and position each panel14(e.g. upright and side-by-side) as desired. In some instances, the panels14may be moved with any of the components and/or techniques described and shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,132,996, 7,370,452 and 9,297,124.

One or more of the exemplary erected panels14may be (e.g. temporarily) held upright in any desirable manner. In this embodiment, a panel stand140may be propped against the front face27and/or the rear face29of one or more of the panel(s)14to temporarily hold them upright. The panel stand140, when included, may have any suitable form, configuration, components and operation. The illustrated panel stand140includes an angularly-oriented elongated body144and a biasing plate146at each end thereof. One of the exemplary biasing plates146is configured to rest upon the ground20and the other to be biased up against the front or rear face27,29of one or more panels14to hold the panel(s)14upright. If desired, a panel stand140may be employed on both sides of the panel(s)14being held upright thereby. In the illustrated embodiment, panel stands140are used on both sides of the third, seventh, fourteenth and eighteen erected panels14. For another example, a panel stand140may be used on each face27,29of the first few panels14erected and any number of additional panels14spaced therefrom (e.g. at every sixth panel14). For yet another example, approximately a dozen panel stands140(one panel stand140on each face27,29of six different panels14) may be used during assembly of the holding container10. Further, in the present embodiment, at some point in the assembly of the exemplary holding container10(e.g. when the wall12has enough bend to stand upright), the panels14may stand upright as desired without the need for panel stands140and the panel stands140may be removed or left in place (e.g. inFIG. 13A, the panel stands140may be removed). However, any number and arrangement of panel stands140and/or other components useful to assist in holding the panels14upright may be used. Furthermore, in other embodiments or particular installation sites, the use of panel stands140or other components to (e.g. at least temporarily) hold the panels14upright may not be necessary or desirable (e.g. at some at least partially buried holding container10installations).

Still referring toFIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, as each exemplary panel14is added to the wall12, it is coupled to the panel14on one (either) end of the wall12, such as with one or more of the panel connectors200. In this embodiment, when the panel connectors200are bolts206, the head208of the bolt206may be positioned on the inner side12aof the wall12(e.g.FIG. 25) and at least one exemplary washer230sandwiched between the bolt head208and rear face29of the corresponding inside-facing panel14. On the outer side12bof the illustrated wall12, either one or more washers230, or an attachment bracket240, may preferably be sandwiched between the panel connector200and/or an associated component (e.g. releasable lock210) and the outer side12bof the wall12(e.g.FIG. 25), or otherwise retained in the desired position. For example, an attachment bracket240may be coupled to the wall12at the desired elevation on the wall12for each horizontal brace260(e.g. as described above) at every other intersection of adjacent panels14, and, if desired, one or more washers230may be used with all the other panel connectors200on the outer side12bof the wall12. However, additional intermediate plates220may be used. For example, one or more washers230may be used along with the attachment bracket(s)240on the outer side12bof the wall12. Further, in some embodiments, the bolt head208may be on the outer side12bof the wall12, or another type of pin204or panel connector200may be used to couple adjacent panels14together and/or support the horizontal braces260. Thus, the present disclosure and appended claims are not limited to the above-described details of coupling of adjacent panels14and support of horizontal braces260, except as otherwise as may be expressly recited and explicitly required in a particular claim hereof and only for such claim(s) and any claim(s) depending therefrom.

Still referring to the embodiment ofFIG. 1, any desired number of exemplary panel connectors200may be used. For example, one panel connector200(e.g. with at least one intermediate plate220(e.g. washers230) on each side of the wall12) may be used to engage each adjacent pair of panels14at multiple (e.g. three or more or less) elevations to at least initially couple them together during installation of the wall12. Ultimately, all the desired panel connectors200and intermediate plates220(e.g. washers230and attachment brackets240) may be coupled to the panels14at this time or later. In many embodiments, panel connectors200are used at five (or more or less) different elevations on the wall12to couple each pair of adjacent panels14together. Further, a different number of panel connectors200may be used with different pairs of adjacent panels14on the same wall12. Additionally, multiple panel connectors200(e.g. 2, 3, etc.) may be used at the same location (e.g. extending through the same receptacles32) on the wall12.

Now referring toFIGS. 20-21, if desired, the space(s) enclosed by the wall12may be at least partially sealed, such as to form a sealed storage area13, with at least one liquid-impermeable surface148or in any other suitable manner. In some instances, at least one liquid-impermeable surface148may be pre-formed as part of the panels14, or integral therewith. Any suitable arrangement of one or more the liquid-impermeable surfaces148may be used. In this embodiment, the liquid-impermeable surface148includes one or more tank liners150. For example, the liner(s)150may be extended across at least part of the area enclosed by the wall12, extended up along the inner side12aof the wall12and folded over the upper edge23bthereof to form the sealed storage area13and contain the contents thereof. If desired, before the tank liner(s)150are placed around the storage area13(or one or more portions thereof), at least one protective layer156may first be provided, such as to assist in protecting the tank liner(s)150from being damaged (e.g. tearing), snagged or undesirably deformed by the substrate (e.g. underlying rocks, debris or terrain) or otherwise due to contact with the substrate20and/or other desired purposes. For example, the protective layer(s)156may be laid at least partially across the area enclosed by the wall12, extended and up along the inner side12aof the wall12and folded over the upper edge23bthereof. In some embodiments, only one or the other, or neither, of the tank liner150and protective layer(s)156may be used.

The tank liner(s)150and protective layer(s)156, when included, may have any suitable form, construction, configuration and operation. For example, the tank liner150may be a custom designed or commercially-available, liquid impermeable, geotextile or holding container liner (e.g. 40 mil. thick polyethylene) for the desired storage capacity of the holding container10(e.g. 20,000 barrel liner, 40,000 barrel liner, 60,000 barrel liner, etc.). The protective layer156may, for example, be a custom designed or commercially-available liner constructed of felt, non-woven or other geotextile or other materials. In the preferred embodiment, one or more dimensions of the tank liner150and/or protective layer156may be slightly larger than the size of the holding container10, such as to accommodate uneven substrate, provide slack in the liner150and/or protective layer156, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

Referring still toFIGS. 20-21, the tank liner(s)150and protective layer(s)156, when included, may be laid in any suitable manner. For example, ladders may be placed on the outside and inside of the wall12to allow personnel to enter the storage area(s)13. Once personnel are inside the area enclosed by the wall12, the exemplary protective layer156may be manually extended across the area enclosed by the wall12, extended up along the inner side12aof the wall12and folded over the upper edge23bthereof to form the sealed storage area13. In this embodiment, ropes or other objects may be attached to the edge of the protective layer156and thrown over the wall12to allow personnel on the outside of the wall12to pull the protective layer156up and over the upper edge23bof the wall12as desired. If multiple overlapping protective layers156are used, the above process may be repeated for each layer156. During this process, the exemplary panel stands140on the inside of the wall12may be removed and, if desired, replaced over the protective layer156. Weights, such as sandbags160, may be placed on the ground20atop the illustrated protective layer156along at least part of the lower edge23bof the wall12to help prevent the contents (e.g. liquid) that will be placed in the storage area13from being undesirably pushed under the wall12, such as by the weight, pressure or load of the contents, assist in directing the load of the contents upwardly against the wall12, for any other desired purpose(s) or a combination thereof.

In this embodiment, the same process may be then performed for the tank liner(s)150. For example, the exemplary tank liner150may be manually spread out across the area and the protective layer(s)156inside the wall12, extended up along the inner side12aof the wall12and folded over the upper edge23bthereof to form the sealed storage area13. In this embodiment, ropes164, or other objects, may be attached to the edge of the tank liner150(e.g. at loops152) and thrown over the wall12to allow personnel on the outside of the wall12to pull the liner150up and over the upper edge23bof the wall12as desired. If multiple overlapping tank liners150are used, the above process may be repeated for each liner150. During this process, the exemplary panel stands140on the inside of the wall12may be removed and, if desired, replaced over the liner150. Weights, such as sandbags160, may also be placed atop the illustrated tank liner150along at least part of the lower edge23bof the wall12. In this embodiment, weights, such as sandbags160, are preferably placed around the entire inside perimeter18of the wall12, whether over the protective layer156or tank liner150.

Referring now toFIG. 24A-B, the tank liner150and/or protective layer156, when included, may be releasably secured to the wall12in any suitable manner. For example, one or more releasable clips168may be engaged over the tank liner(s)150at the upper edge23bof the wall12to secure the liner(s)150(and protective layer(s)156) to the wall12. However, in other embodiments, the tank liners150and/or protective layers156may be secured to the wall12or other component in any other suitable manner or not secured to the wall12.

When included, the releasable clips168may have any desired form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, each releasable clip168is a C-clamp170having a threaded gripper172that is selectively tightenable down to the wall12over the liner(s)150and protective layer(s)156as desired. For another example, the releasable clip168ofFIGS. 32A-Bis a friction clip174configured to be pressed or hammered down (onto the upper edge23bof the wall12over the liner150and protective layer156). The exemplary friction clip174may have any suitable form, construction, configuration and operation. For example, the length174aof the friction clip174may be approximately 2′-3′, or more or less. For another example, the mouth176of the friction clip174may have a width177that is smaller than the width175aof the base175of the friction clip174and the thickness of the upper edge23bof the wall12(e.g.FIG. 1), so that the friction clip174will expand and contract into gripping engagement with the wall12, but allow the tank liner150and protective layer156to be able to flex, shift or move without tearing or breaking, or other desired purpose. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the upper edge23bof the exemplary wall12is approximately 2″, the width175aof the base175of the exemplary friction clip174may be approximately 2″-3″ and the width177of the mouth176of the friction clip174may be approximately 1.0″-1.5″. For another example, the friction clip174may have a height178(e.g. approximately 6″-8″) that is sufficient to ensure the friction clip174securely engages the wall12. If desired, the edges179of the mouth176of the exemplary friction clip174may be flared outwardly to prevent the tank liner150(and/or other component(s)) from catching or snagging on the friction clip174. When included, the friction clip174may have any desired thickness and material construction. In this embodiment, the friction clip174is constructed of ⅛″-¼″ thick steel so the clip174has the desired gripping strength and flexibility. In other embodiment, the releasable clips168may be integral to the panels14and/or liquid-impermeable surfaces148(and/or protective layers156). In yet other embodiments, releasable clips168may not be necessary or desirable.

Referring back toFIGS. 13A-18B, the exemplary horizontal braces260are preferably placed on the corresponding attachment brackets240around the outer perimeter19of the wall12and assembled, such as described above. If desired, as shown inFIG. 27, for example, one or more vertical braces278may be coupled to the wall12and sandwiched between the wall12and one or more horizontal braces260(e.g. tall band300) to assist in providing a good fit of the panels14and the horizontal brace(s)260or other desired purpose.

The holding container10may be filled with the desired contents in any suitable manner. For example, when the contents of the holding container10include liquid17, the holding container10may be filled with the liquid using one or more fill tubes190in fluid communication with the storage area(s)13. The fill tube(s)190may have any suitable form, configuration and arrangement. In this example, two fill tubes190are provided, each including a hose192(or series of interconnected hoses) coupled to a (e.g. plastic) U-shaped tube194hung over the upper edge23bof the wall12. In this example, the inner diameter of the hoses192and U-shaped tube194are approximately 8″-12″ and each U-shaped tube194is held in position at the upper edge23bof the wall12with a horizontal member196(e.g. section of 2″×4″ wood) coupled thereto. If desired, the fill tube(s)190may also be used to remove liquid from the storage area13, or at least one fill tube190can be dedicated to each process (fill and drain). In some embodiments, the exemplary container installation process may not require substantial time (e.g. approximately 10-14 hours to install a wall12with fifty panels14).

The exemplary holding container10may, if desired, be emptied and disassembled by reversing the above installation sequence, reloaded on trucks for storage or transport to another location for construction of another holding container10of the same or a different size and/or configuration or the panels14used for a different purpose (e.g. as ground covers26). Thus, the holding container10is easy to install, disassemble, transport, store and reuse.

The exemplary large-capacity holding container10of the present disclosure may have any one or more of the features described or shown in this patent including, without limitation, one or more of the following exemplary features. The holding container10may be modular, heavy duty, durable, weather-resistant, portable, reusable, temporary, semi-permanent and/or permanent, configurable in any desired shape and size, easy to install and disassemble, transport and store, constructed of panels and other components (e.g. horizontally-extending connectors, vertical joining members) having a material construction (e.g. less than 50% metallic), size, shape, weight and structure that provides advantages (e.g. are smaller, lighter, less expensive to manufacture and/or easier to handle) as compared to other large-capacity holding containers (e.g. steel-walled tanks) having similar load-bearing and storage capacities, uses panels that are recyclable and/or useful for other purposes (e.g. ground covers). In many embodiments, all the components of the exemplary large-capacity holding container10may fit and be transportable on a minimum number of transporters (e.g. standard flatbed or enclosed box trailers each having a maximum load capacity of up to approximately 48,000 lbs. and load dimensions of up to approximately 8.5′×approximately 48′), avoiding the cost, effort, time-delay and restrictions caused by permitted-load transportation and/or the necessary use of special transport vehicles (as required for other large-capacity storage solutions). For example, in some embodiments, if the exemplary large-capacity holding container10includes fifty panels14for forming an approximate 250′ circumference approximate circle with an approximate 110′ diameter to provide a storage capacity of approximately 22,000 barrels (924,000 gallons, e.g. when the holding container10is filled up to approximately 12′ high on the wall12), all necessary components may fit on two non-permitted, standard flatbed or enclosed box trailers, which is substantially fewer than other commercially available large-capacity holding container solutions. For another example, an exemplary holding container10formed with ninety of the exemplary panels14and having a storage capacity up to approximately 66,000 barrels (2,772,000 gallons) may be transportable to the installation side as a non-permitted load (e.g. via 3-4 standard flatbed or enclosed box trailers). In various embodiments, many or all of the components of the holding container10other than the panels14may be procured or fabricated locally, requiring only the panels14to be transported (e.g. on one or two standard flatbed or enclosed box trailers) to the installation site.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of this disclosure. However, the present invention does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present invention includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and/or claims.

The methods described above or claimed herein and any other methods which may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performed in any desired or suitable order and are not necessarily limited to any sequence described herein or as may be listed in the appended claims. Further, the methods of the present disclosure do not necessarily require use of the particular embodiments shown and described herein, but are equally applicable with any other suitable structure, form and configuration of components.

While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus and methods of the present disclosure, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s) hereof, within the scope of any appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit, teachings and scope of this disclosure and any appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure and any appended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.