Abstract:
An aboveground fueling facility for storing and dispensing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a double-wall storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store the combustible fluid in a fire resistant tank and box. The double-wall storage tank may have a first head and a second head that act as ends of the box. The box may have paneling that is fire resistant and can withstand varying weather conditions. The double-wall storage tank may be fluidly connected to a pumping system. The aboveground fueling facility may include a collapsible canopy, among other features.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an aboveground fueling or service facility or station that can be conveniently and efficiently deployed in a desired location. More specifically, the invention relates to an above ground fueling or service station comprising fuel tank-box system for containing flammable and combustible material. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information. 
         [0004]    Nearly all modern airports have facilities of some type for refueling. The most prevalent type of aircraft refueling facilities include a below-ground storage tank or an above ground pumping module or fueling location, or both, which is operated by an attendant much in the manner of commercial stations for automobiles. 
         [0005]    Above-ground fueling stations have become increasingly popular and commercially available. For example, a known above-ground refueling station may include a pair of tanks which are manifolded together and are mounted on a hard surface by a skid. A remotely positioned, electrically powered dispensing unit is provided to dispense the fuel from the above-ground refueling station and an attendant is on duty to monitor the refueling transaction and to prevent leaks or spills. Other examples of innovation in the above-ground fueling stations art are evidenced by the inventor&#39;s disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,988,020; 5,033,637; 5,305,926; 5,562,162; 6,182,710; 6,216,790; 7,296,601, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
         [0006]    While the prior art has provided examples of aboveground fuel tanks, and specifically aboveground fuel tanks fluidly connected to fueling locations, there is always room for improvement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Although aboveground fuel tanks, specifically aboveground fuel tanks connected to fueling locations are known, the inventor has realized deficiencies with such devices and has developed improvements thereon. For example, as the world becomes more industrialized and demand for above-ground fueling stations increases, the inventor has realized a growing need to produce above-ground fueling stations in a time and cost efficient manner without sacrificing the quality (e.g., safety, structural and aesthetic quality) of the developed station. Applicant has realized these and other deficiencies of the prior art devices and has combined the below objectives in a novel manner to provide a device, method and system that provides solutions to the deficiencies of the prior art. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an improved aboveground system for storing combustible fluid, such as gasoline, comprises a storage tank that is constructed and arranged to store combustible fluid, a box structure substantially surrounding the storage tank, a fueling station with a pump or pumps fluidly connected to the storage tank, and a canopy extending from the box structure over at least the pumps, where the canopy is at least partially supported by a ceiling of the box structure. The double-wall storage tank may be formed by inserting a first tank of a first diameter inside a can of a second diameter. The can may comprise a first head attached to a first end of connected rings. The area of the first head has an area greater than an area of a cross-section of the connected rings. Once the first tank has been inserted into, and connected to the can, a second head is placed onto the can creating a double-wall storage tank. Angles may span at least the length of the double-wall storage tank and connect to corresponding edges of the opposed heads. Panels may be used to connect the angles and form a box surrounding the tanks. As a result, the heads of the second tank then serve a dual purpose of acting as heads of a second tank surrounding the first tank and as ends of the box at least partially enclosing the tanks (i.e., the double-wall storage tank). 
         [0009]    An object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility that has improved manufacturing qualities, including reduced production times and production costs over existing refueling facilities. 
         [0010]    An object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility which is effective at preventing unwanted fuel leakage; is readily deployable at a desired location; and, which does not require an attendant to effect a refueling transaction. 
         [0011]    An object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility that is insulated to reduce loss of fuel due to vaporization. 
         [0012]    A further object of the invention is to provide an above-ground fueling facility which is insulated against fire or extreme temperature conditions. 
         [0013]    A further object of the invention is to provide a portable aircraft refueling facility which provides clean fuel for pumping. 
         [0014]    A further object of the invention is to provide a portable refueling facility in which fuel is loaded and unloaded with a minimal amount of spillage. 
         [0015]    A further object of the invention is to provide a portable refueling facility which is capable of preventing vapor loss to atmosphere, especially when the facility is filled to capacity. 
         [0016]    A further object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility which provides a warning to a fill operator during refilling when fuel in the storage tank of the facility approaches the capacity of the storage tank. 
         [0017]    A further object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility which provides easy and convenient access to a fueling station, yet allows the fueling station to be protected at times of non-use 
         [0018]    The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description and claims that follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further aspects of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a box station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the feature of the box station of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6   a  is a front end elevation view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6   b  is a rear end elevation view of the feature of the box station of  FIG. 6   a    
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a back end elevation view of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a front end elevation view of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a front end elevation view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a feature of the box station in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-section taken across line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a partial cross-section taken across line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0035]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, aspects and features described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-14 , a fueling facility  100  may have a fuel storage area S and a fueling station area F, as best seen in  FIG. 1 . Fuel storage area S may have fuel storage  102  that comprises a double-wall storage tank  15  within a box  150 , where box  150  comprises fire-resistant side panels  52 . A means for providing double-wall storage tank  15  within a box comprises a first fuel storage tank  12  within, and connected to, a second fuel storage tank  13  and surrounded by at least two panels  52  (e.g., at least two panels  52  selected from the group of top side panel  52   a  (optional), vertical side panel  52   b,  bottom side panel  52   c  (optional)), where heads  31 ,  39  of second fuel tank  13  form ends of box  150 . Fueling station area F may have fuel dispensing area  104  that comprises an enclosed fuel station  60  with at least one pump  64 , fire-resistant side panels  52  and at least one vertical side  51  having a roll up door  76  for securing fuel station  60  when it is not in use, as well as for other purposes. 
         [0037]    The references to top T and bottom B, which are depicted for example in  FIG. 1 , are meant to be relative areas as shown and described in relation to other features of fueling facility  100 . A vertical direction V-V may be the direction to and from bottom B with respect to top T. A horizontal direction H-H may be the direction generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V-V. When reference is made to a “vertical” or “horizontal” object, such reference may include a substantially vertical or horizontal direction or in a general vertical or horizontal direction, unless otherwise stated, respectively. 
         [0038]    As seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , a cylindrical wall  10  of a first storage tank  12  may be comprised of a rolled metal sheet  14  and a rolled metal sheet  16 . Both rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16  may be formed by cutting a rectangular piece of metal and rolling the metal until two opposite butted ends  18  come together to form a ring  19 . Butted ends  18  may be welded together by a weld joint  20 , or use any other connection technique capable of withstanding heat and pressure requirements of a fire-resistant tank. Rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16  may have an inside end  24  and outside end  28 . When rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16  are assembled, inside ends  24  may be welded together (or connected by another connection technique forming a connection of desired strength) to form a joint. Rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16 , and all other portions of double-wall storage tank  15 , may be comprised of any material. For example, rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16  may be comprised of a ferrous alloy which provides fire-resistant support to first storage tank  12  (i.e., first storage tank  12  may be a fire-resistant tank). A tank may be a fire-resistant tank if it meets heat and pressure requirements that include the capability to withstand a rapid rise petroleum fire reaching 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes of ignition for a period of two hours and remain liquid tight while withstanding an impact and rapid cooling due to a hose stream. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an assembled first storage tank  12  is comprised of cylindrical wall  10  and storage tank end panels or heads  30 . Storage tank heads  30  may be cut from the same or different metal or material used for rolled metal sheets  14 ,  16 . Storage tank heads  30  may be cut and attached to outside ends  28  forming joint  32 . As a result of the construction and materials, formed first storage tank  12  may be a single-wall fire resistant tank or another desirable type of tank. 
         [0040]    After forming first storage tank  12 , additional rings  19  may be connected to one another to form a second storage tank  13  (e.g., a secondary containment tank). A single ring  19  may be utilized, or multiple rings  19  may be connected to one another. Once rings  19  have been connected to one another, an end of an open ended cylinder (not separately depicted, but shown as can  35  in  FIG. 5 ) formed from rings  19  may be connected to a first head  31  to form a can  35  having a single opening  33 , as seen in  FIG. 5 . First head  31  may be connected to rings  19  by any known connection technique; for example, first head  31  may be connected to rings  19  with a weld connection. As shown in  FIGS. 5-6   b,    9  and  10 , first head  31  may be of a rectangular shape, or other shape, and have adjacent corners  31   a  that are connected by edges  31   b  spanning a distance equal to or greater than a diameter of connected rings  19  forming can  35 , or first head  31  may be any other suitable shape and size. While corners  31   a  are depicted to be right angles, it may be appreciated that other angles greater or lesser than ninety degrees may be utilized. 
         [0041]    As seen in  FIG. 5 , after forming can  35 , first storage tank  12  may be inserted into can  35 , where first storage tank  12  is connected to an interior of can  35 . Alternatively, second storage tank  13  may be formed around first storage tank  12  or first storage tank  12  may be inserted into and connected to the open-ended cylinder prior to forming can  35 . First storage tank  12  may be connected to can  35  (or open-ended cylinder) via spacing tabs  34 , which may be connected to both first storage tank  12  and can  35  through a weld connection, or any other connection technique. Interstitial spacing  21  may be left between first storage tank  12  and second storage tank  13 , as seen in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  10 . One rationale for including an interstitial space  21  between first storage tank  12  and second storage tank  13  is to allow for the materials of tanks  12 ,  13  to expand at differing rates in the event there is a fire within or around tanks  12 ,  13 . 
         [0042]    Once first storage tank  12  has been connected to can  35 , a second head  39  may be connected to the open end  37  of can  35  through which first storage tank  12  was inserted, as depicted by the direction arrows in  FIG. 5 . The connection forms a double-wall storage tank  15 . Second head  39  may be substantially the same size and shape as first head  31  and fulfill the same requirements of first head  31 . That is, second head  39  may be of a rectangular shape and have adjacent corners  39   a  that are connected by edges  39   b  spanning a distance equal to or greater than a diameter of rings  19  for can  35 , or second head  39  may be any other suitable shape and size. Second head  39  may be connected to can  35  by any known connection technique; for example, second head  39  may be connected to can  35  with a weld connection. Heads  31 ,  39  may serve a dual purpose as being heads for double-wall storage tank  15  and as end pieces for box  150  (box  150  is further described below). 
         [0043]    Double-wall storage tank  15  (e.g., a single-wall fire resistant tank inside a secondary containment tank) may be supported substantially in rest by any known device or technique, including attached heads  31 ,  39 . For example, double-wall storage tank  15  may be supported relative to a flat horizontal surface (e.g., a ground surface of concrete) by one or more saddle members  36 , as seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  10 ,  12  and  13 . Each saddle member  36  may have at least one substantially planar lower support  36   b  and a concave upper support  36   a  which may receive a bottom portion of second storage tank  13 , where lower surface  36   b  and upper surface  36   a  are structurally connected, directly or by intermediate parts. 
         [0044]    An example of a saddle member  36  is depicted in  FIG. 12 , where saddle  36  includes concave upper support  36   a  and a substantially planar lower support  36   b  connected by substantially planar first diagonal supports  36   c  and substantially planar second diagonal supports  36   d.  Supports  36   a,    36   b,    36   c ,  36   d  may be at any angle with respect to a ground level on which fueling facility  100  rests and with respect to each other so long as side panels  52  have space to abut angles  40  and to be structurally secure. Further, supports  36   b,    36   c ,  36   d  may connect to angles  40  at any location. Supports  36   b,    36   c,    36   d  may be connected to angles  40  through any known connection technique; for example, supports  36   b,    36   c,    36   d  may be welded to angles  40 . 
         [0045]    For structural integrity and other purposes, at least one angle  40  may connect heads  31 ,  39  to at least partially form a frame of box  150 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , angles  40  may connect and span at least a distance L separating first head  31  and second head  39  of double-wall storage tank  15 . Angles  40  may be connected to heads at any location that facilitates forming sides  50  around double-wall tank  15 . For example, angles  40  may connect corresponding opposite corners  31   a,    39   a  of first head  31  and second head  39 . For example, such corresponding corners  31   a,    39   a  may include corresponding first corners, second corners, third corners and fourth corners. In one aspect box  150  may include at least two sides  50 , or any number of sides  50 , which at least partially enclose tank  15 . In a further aspect box  150  includes sides, including heads  30 , which enclose tank  15 . 
         [0046]    Angles  40  may be any shape that facilitates connection to heads  31 ,  39  and forming sides  50 . In the above example, if heads  31 ,  39  are rectangular shapes having right-angled corners  31   a,    39   a  as seen in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b  and  9 , angles  40  may have a first side  40   a  and a second side  40   b  separated by an angle A substantially equal to ninety degrees, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Such an arrangement of sides  40   a,    40   b  may allow angles  40  to fit onto corners  31   a,    39   a  while securely abutting panels  52 . Angles  40  may be connected to heads  31 ,  39  by any known connection technique; for example, the connection technique may be a weld or fastener connection, a combination thereof, or another type of connection. 
         [0047]    Angles  40  may include panel sockets  42  or reinforcing plates  45 , or both, for receiving side panels  52  and support  36  (where support  36  may be welded to reinforcing plates  45 ), respectively, as depicted in  FIG. 13 . Panel sockets  42  may be capable of receiving sides  50 . For example, angles  40  may have a panel socket  42  on second side  40   b  and a reinforcing plate  45  on a first side  40   a,  a panel socket  42  on both first side  40   a  and second side  40   b,  a reinforcing plate  45  on both first side  40   a  and second side  40   b,  or may have neither reinforcing plates  45  nor panel sockets  42 . Angles  40 , as seen in  FIG. 13 , may have a panel socket  42  for receiving vertical side panel  52   b  and reinforcing plate  45  for receiving lower support  36   b.  To accommodate a thickness of the material of panel socket  42 , vertical edges  31  b,  39   b  may have notches  46 , as seen in  FIG. 6   a , that are capable of receiving panel sockets  42 . 
         [0048]    Panel socket  42  and reinforcing plate  45  may be connected to sides  40   b,    40   a  of angle  40  by any connection technique; for example, such connection technique may include welding. Further, panel sockets  42  may extend along angle  40  the length of sides  50  or may be made up of separate attachments along the length of sides  50 . Reinforcing plates  45  may extend along angle  40  the length of sides  50  or may be made up of separate attachments along the length of sides  50 . 
         [0049]    Further, angles  40  may extend past head  31  and an at least one vertical side  51  to form anchor tabs  44 , as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Anchor tabs  44  may be used for any purpose. For example, anchor tabs  44  may be used to secure fueling facility  100  to a structure or a ground surface such that it is not blown away in high winds, is not carried away in the event of a flood, and does not tip over during an earthquake. 
         [0050]    To support angles  40  above double-wall storage tank  15 , structural braces  56  may extend from an exterior surface of second storage tank  13  to a meeting point of first and second sides  40   a,    40   b  of angle  40 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Structural braces  56  may have a curved portion in contact with the exterior surface of second storage tank  13  and extensions extending from the curved portion that extend to the meeting point of first and second sides  40   a,    40   b  (e.g., a corner). Optionally, there may be no curved portion of brace  56  such that extensions provide support by extending from the meeting point of first and second sides  40   a,    40   b  to the exterior of second storage tank  13 . There may be any number of support braces  56  along angles  40  and second storage tank  13  so as to provide support for at least angles  40  and a top side panel  52   a.  Top side panel  52   a  may also be at least partially supported by heads  31 ,  39  and other supports. 
         [0051]    Panels  52  may be inserted into adjacent angles  40  with a slide fit or another connection technique. Adjacent angles  40  may be any set of two angles  40  connecting sequential corresponding corners  31   a,    39   a  when traversing around double-wall storage tank  15 . Panels  52  may have a length substantially equal to the distance or length L between heads  31 ,  39  or any other length. Panels  52  may be shorter than distance L as shown in  FIG. 1 , and if so, a conjunctive H-channel  54  may be used to support sequential panels  52  forming a side  50 , as seen in  FIG. 14 . Panels  52  may be connected to H-channel  54 , angles  40 , heads  31 ,  39  and other objects which panels may contact by any known connection technique including, but not limited to, a slide fit, a pressure fit, a fastening connection (e.g., a nut and bolt connection or a tie connection) or other connection. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , angles  40  and panels  52  may extend past a location of second head  39  (second head is not depicted in  FIG. 1 ) so as to provide framing and sides for a fueling station area F enclosing fueling station  60  and on which canopy  62  may be supported. For example, angles  40  may extend through at least fueling station  60  to support posts  74 . Panels  52  may be inserted into angles  40  so as to form at least vertical walls on the side of fueling station, along with a top cover. Instead of a panel  52  for an end vertical wall covering access to first pump  64  of fueling station  60 , a roll up door  76  may be utilized, as seen in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0053]    Panels  52  may be made of any material suitable for surrounding a fuel storage tank. An example of such a material may include a corrugated/fluted copolymer plastic core having laminated aluminum overlays on both sides of the corrugated/flute copolymer plastic. This material may be commercially available under the trademark ALUMACORR offered by NUDO Products, Inc. Panels  52  may provide protection to double-wall storage tank  15  from external weather variations in that panels  52  provide insulation for double-wall storage tank  15  that reduces vaporization of fuels within tank  15 . 
         [0054]    As seen in  FIGS. 6   a - 11 , fueling facility  100  may distribute fuel from double-wall storage tank  15  to fueling station  60  by any known pumping system. For example, a first pump  64  may draw fuel from double-wall storage tank  15  through a supply pipe  65 . Fueling facility  100  may have several other features to facilitate safe and efficient use of facility  100 . For example, in addition to double-wall storage tank  15 , fueling facility  100  may include an interstitial emergency vent  80 , product emergency vent  82 , interstitial test port  84 , working vent (with alarm)  86 , manway  90 , interstitial sight gauge  92 , fire extinguisher  94 , fire suppression system  78 , clock gauge  96  and other features. Interstitial sight gauge  92  may be utilized for visually indicating and visual monitoring of leaks of first (internal) storage tank  12 . Further, double-wall storage tank  15  may include lift lugs  88  connected to the exterior surface of second storage tank  13  for the purpose of facilitating transfer and movement of double-wall storage tank  15 . 
         [0055]    Fueling station  100  may have several set-ups for filling double-wall storage tank  15  with fuel. An example may be a top fill system  110 , seen in  FIGS. 7-11 . Top fill system  110  may be filled from a top side T of double-wall storage tank  15  through the use of top fill port  112 , top fill manway  114 , top stage-one vapor recovery  116 , fill pipe  117  extending from a bottom to a top of first storage tank  12  and overfill prevention valve  119 , along with a ball float and arm  115 , located at or near a position where fill pipe  117  exits first storage tank  12 . Further, top fill system  110  may include ladder rungs  118  providing access to a top of fueling station  100 . Rungs  118  may extend from a head  31  or  39  at an end of double-wall storage tank  15 . 
         [0056]    Fueling facility  100  may include a fueling station  60 , which may have a protective collapsible canopy  62  and at least a first pump  64 , where pump  64  may be covered by canopy  62  or top side panel  52   a,  or both, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 11 . Canopy  62  may be strong enough to support solar panels, other alternative energy source collection devices, signage or other objects Further, canopy  62  may extend at least from an area above double-wall storage tank  15  to an area adjacent pump  64  on a side of pump  64  opposite a side where double-wall storage tank  15  is located. Operation of pump  64  may be controlled by a pump control unit  66 . To facilitate self-service refueling, shown in  FIG. 11 , a credit card reader  68  may be provided in fueling station  60 . Further, a receipt printer  70  may be located adjacent credit card reader  68  for the purpose of optionally providing a tangible verification of the refueling transaction. 
         [0057]    Canopy supports  61  may extend from a top side of angles  40  at locations generally above fueling station  60 . Canopy supports  61  may connect to canopy frame  63  and canopy  62  may be formed about canopy frame  63  so as to extend from fueling station  60  to an area adjacent fueling station  60  opposite a side of double-wall storage tank  15 , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 11 . 
         [0058]    In operation, first pump  64  when activated, may pump fuel from double-wall storage tank  15  through a filter  72  into hose real system  73  having a first hose and a nozzle which may be held by an operator during the refueling process. A user of facility  100  may be able to monitor the amount of fuel dispensed via pump control unit  66 . Further, the user may be able to pay for the dispensed fuel via credit card reader  68  and receive a receipt verification of the transaction via receipt printer  70 . 
         [0059]    The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise specifically indicated. While the particular BOX STATION as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described aspects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”