Abstract:
An aboveground fueling facility for storing and dispensing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a double-wall storage tank provided in a fuel storage section where the tank is constructed and arranged to store the combustible fluid in a fire resistant tank and box. The facility further includes a dispenser section for dispensing the fuel and an isolating wall which separates the fuel storage section from the dispenser section. The isolating wall is preferably a fire wall and in part defines a fuel supply chamber. An access door provides access for a person to enter or exit the fuel supply chamber. A user may obtain self-service of fuel at the dispenser section which may also be secured by a door. Fire resistant panels are also used as the exterior box structure for the facility and also provide a display or advertising function.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an aboveground fueling or service facility or station that can be conveniently and efficiently deployed in a desired location and that provides for safety in the storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible fuel. 
     2. Background Information 
     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. There are a variety of types of motor fuel dispensing systems and facilities that include below-ground storage tanks and a number that also use above-ground storage tanks. 
     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. 
     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 
     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. Particularly useful are unattended (or minimally attended) fueling stations where users may pump fuel in a self-serve manner. A vending system allows the user to pay for the fuel at the pump location. In order to accommodate the most efficient use of resources, there is a desire to configure the vending system and pump units at a location that accommodates ease of use. The ability to make payment at the pump location via credit or debit card is crucial for operation of an efficient facility or station. Moreover, orienting the vending and pumping unit in close proximity to the fuel storage tank is desired for several reasons. One reason is that having the vending/pumping section in close proximity to the storage tank allows for a small-scale facility in terms of space allocation. Having a close proximity also reduces the amount of energy required to pump the fuel from the tank to the nozzle. Close proximity of the vending/pumping section and storage tank also allows for security in that the components may be housed in the same protective container, and especially may include fire resistant panels. 
     One potential drawback of orienting the vending/pumping section in close proximity to the storage tank was the potential for leaking of fumes or fuel in an unsafe manner. Introducing fumes or fuel near a vending or pumping operation, with the presence of electricity or sparks (or even persons that might be smoking), is a potential safety issue. Accordingly, the inventor recognizes the safety improvement of placing a fire wall between the vending/pumping section and the tank; and also providing an isolated fuel supply chamber which is positioned between the vending/pumping section and the tank. The supply location has greatest potential for spilling and fumes, and especially when filling the tank, given the fluid dynamics and change in the environment in terms of volumes, pressures, static, and other conditions that might induce a fire and/or explosion. A fuel supply chamber that is isolated from both the pumping/vending section and the tank storage section enhances the safety of the structure 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an improved aboveground facility and 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 an optional 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 tank is a double-wall storage tank and surrounded by fire rated panels. Importantly the facility includes an internal fire wall to isolate a dispenser section from the fuel storage section. The fire wall defines a fuel supply chamber which includes piping to supply fuel to the tank. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility that has improved safety qualities, including a fire wall to isolate a dispensing area from other areas of the facility. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a refueling facility which includes a fire rated double walled tank surrounded by fire rated panels. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a fuel supply chamber isolated from a dispensing area and where the chamber may be entered by a person for inspection or operations. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide an aboveground refueling facility which includes a double walled fuel tank surrounded by fire rated panels that also display communication media. 
     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. 
     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 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a facility in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a facility in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side diagrammatical view of the facility in accordance with an aspect of the invention with portions removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 4  is a top diagrammatical view of the facility shown in  FIG. 3  with portions removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a panel feature of the facility in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the facility shown in  FIG. 3  with portions removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 7  is a section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4  with access door removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is a left side view of the facility shown in  FIG. 2  with portions removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the facility shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the facility shown in  FIG. 1  having door feature at least partially open. 
     
    
    
     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 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , aspects of a fueling facility  20  are shown. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , facility  20  includes a box-like structure  22  and an optional canopy  24 . As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , facility  20  includes a fuel storage section  26 , dispenser section  28  and fuel supply chamber  30 . Preferably storage section  26 , dispenser section  28  and supply chamber  30  are all positioned within box  22 . Inside fuel storage section  26  is a tank  32 . Preferably tank  32  is a double-walled tank that is fire resistant. Preferably tank  32  includes inner tank wall  34  and outer tank wall  36 . An interstitial space  38  is present between tank wall  34  and tank wall  36 . 
     A fire wall  40  separates dispenser section  28  from fuel storage section  26 . Preferably fire wall  40  in part defines fuel supply chamber  30 . Fire wall  40  preferably spans from side panel  46  to an opposite side panel  46  as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , wall  40  also spans from a top panel  49  to deck  64 . In such manner fuel supply chamber  30  is isolated from dispenser section  28 . 
     As used herein “fire wall” or “fire rated” is defined as a panel or wall or material that meets certain fire resistance standards or requirements, particularly, “fire rated” or a “fire wall” is one that complies with UL 723 (Underwriters Laboratory standard UL 723), ANSI 255 (American National Standards Institute standard No. 255) and/or NFPA No. 255 (National Fire Protection Association standard No. 255), and/or UBC No. 8-1. In one aspect, fire wall  40 , side panels  46 , and end panel  48  are made of the same or similar material. Panels  46 ,  48  are preferably fire rated panels. 
     In reference to  FIG. 5 , an example of a fire wall  40  or panels  46 ,  48  preferably comprise a plastic core positioned between metal sides. For instance, the core  66  may be a copolymer plastic core of a “fluted” variety generally as shown in  FIG. 5 . Core  66  may also have a corrugated structure. A metal layer  68 , such as aluminum or other metal, may be positioned on either side of core  66 . Preferably layer  68  is a laminated aluminum overlay on both sides of core  66 . Preferably layer  68  is also finished with a smooth and glossy baked enamel. In this way panels  46 ,  48  may receive graphic elements to produce signs or other displays. Panels  46 ,  48  may be painted or printed with graphic designs as desired. Wall  40  and panels  46 ,  48  may come in various thicknesses and in sheets of various lengths which are cut to desired dimensions. 
     Within dispenser section  28  is a fuel dispenser  70  which contains a pump as generally shown in  FIG. 6 . Preferably dispenser  70  is of a vending variety in that a card reader  92  is included so that a user may facilitate payment for the fuel by using a credit card, debit card, gift card or the like. Thus, facility  20  may be unattended. Alternative vending payment arrangements may also be used whether developed now or in the future. Dispenser section  28  also preferably includes a hose reel  72  around which a hose may be wound. Such hose typically includes a nozzle for insertion into the fuel tank receptor of a vehicle or airplane or other machine or container to be fueled. A filter  74  and associated piping for a fueling operation are also preferably included. Dispenser section  28  and dispenser/pump  70  are powered by electricity. A grounding reel  76  is provided for grounding connection of an aircraft or other equipment. An automatic fire suppression system  84  is positioned within section  28 . Fire extinguishers  82  are also provided. Lift plates  86  ( FIG. 3 ) are provided to assist in transport of portable facility  20 . Other general safety items  88 , such as pressure/vacuum working vent, audible overfill alarm, top fill with spill containment, mechanical level gauge, overfill shutoff valves, internal ignition suppression system, interstitial emergency vent, explosion proof conduit, interstitial leak gauge, fusible link fire valve, explosion proof solenoid valve, fusible link shear valve, and other items may be provided. 
     Facility  20  is an aboveground fueling facility which provides a compact efficient solution for fueling vehicles, airplanes, boats and the like. Placing a fueling tank  32  in close proximity to an electrical source should be done with caution. Care must be used to avoid creation of a flame, spark, static electricity or other combustible environment in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are designed to minimize such hazards. Particularly, fire wall  40  provides a barrier to eliminate or reduce the potential for such hazard. Flame resistant or fire rated fire wall  40  provides a measure of safety to assist in isolating the fuel supply chamber  30  from the spread of potential fire (whether from dispenser section  28  to fuel supply chamber  30 , or vice versa). As such, the spread of fire to or from fuel storage section  26  is also prevented or reduced. 
     The presence of fuel supply chamber  30  provides enhanced safety due to improved isolation of fumes and fuel. Particularly, when a fueling or refill hose  59  is connected or disconnected to fuel supply piping  60 , by use of a bottom fill nozzle  63  at the end of piping  60 , spills of fuel or release of fuel vapors may be expected. Spill container  62  is provided to contain such spills. Even so, such spill present a hazard where fumes may escape, thus a panel or isolation wall  41  is desired. Wall  41  is configured to limit or prevent vapors or fuels from traveling to dispenser section  28 . Preferably dispenser section  28  is sealed from chamber  30  as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . Preferably wall  41  is a fire wall  40 . Further, vapor vent  58  is utilized to allow vapors within panels  46  to escape so that dangerous build-up of vapors is reduced or eliminated. 
     Preferably dispenser section  28  includes a dispenser area  29  bound on at least three sides by fire rated panels. Particularly, fire wall  40  defines a back wall of area  29  (see  FIG. 10 ), while fire rated side panels  46 ,  46  define side walls of area  29 . In this way dispenser  70  which is positioned within area  29  may also be bound on at least three sides by fire rated panels. If a fire situation would arise within area  29 , doors  50  may also be closed to further assist in containing or extinguishing the fire. Since fire suppression system  84  is also positioned within area  29 , the suppression fluid released by system  84  is also contained so that a more concentrated extinguishing action is realized due to area  29  being bounded by panels. Fire suppression system  84  therefore more efficiently operates to extinguish a fire due to the cabinet-like structure of panels bounding area  29 . 
     Chamber  30 , which is defined in part by fire wall  40  and tank  32 , provides space between dispenser section  28  and fuel storage section  26 . Such space provides a set-back with further separates the stored fuel from potential fire danger at dispenser section  28 . Positioning fueling access port  54  so as to avoid communication with dispenser section  28  provides for further safety enhancement. Fuel supply piping  60  is therefore isolated from section  28 . Preferably bottom fill door  56  is used to cover access port  54 . Door  56  may be opened to allow a hose and nozzle to connect to piping  60 . Preferably chamber  30  includes access door  52  which opens to allow a person to enter and exit chamber  30  as needed or desired. Door  52  may be locked for security. An additional optional fire wall, similar or identical to wall  40  may also be positioned within chamber  30  between wall  40  and tank  32 . In such configuration chamber  30  may be isolated from both dispenser section  28  and fuel storage section  26 . A chamber  30  having such double fire wall may provide further safety in isolating or containing fires that might occur. 
     While other orientations may be used, preferably fuel storage section  26  is positioned at a first end  42  of facility  20  and dispenser section  28  is positioned at a second end  44 , opposite first end  42 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this manner fire wall  40  may operate to isolate section  26  from section  28 . Preferably supply chamber  30  is positioned between dispenser section  28  and fuel storage section  26 . 
     A door  50  and preferably a pair of doors  50 ,  50  are provided at dispenser section  28 . Preferably doors  50  are security doors and may lock to secure section  28 . Preferably door  50  is connected to panel  46  with a double hinge so that door  50  may open and fold against panel  46  so that door  50  may be folded into a compact position during operational use of facility  20 . Alternative doors, such as a roll-up door or other doors may also be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , a deck  64  supports fire wall  40 . Dispenser  70  is also supported by deck  64 . A containment pan  65  is positioned below deck  64 , or more preferably, deck  64  and containment pan  65  are integrally connected. An inspection hatch door  67  is provided in deck  64  to allow for access to or viewing of hoses, tubes, valves or other components that lay underneath or within deck  64 . A fire resistant flexible hose connects dispenser  70  to fuel exit piping  61 . It may be appreciated that exit piping  61  draws fuel from within tank  32 . Piping  61  (and fuel from tank  32 ) exits inner tank wall  34 , passes through interstitial space  38 , runs through outer tank wall  36  and leads underneath deck  64  to dispenser/pump  70 .  FIG. 7  is a section view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 . With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 7 , fuel supply piping  60  (and fuel supplied thereto) enters through outer tank wall  36 , through space  38  and into inner tank wall  34 . 
       FIG. 8  is a left side view of facility  20 .  FIG. 9  is a rear view of facility  20 . Ladder  78  provides access to the top or roof of facility. Facility  20  is configured to accept a canopy  24 . Canopy mount  80  provides a mount for canopy  24 . Box  22  is configured to fit within a standard shipping container and may be easily lifter. A canopy  24  may be shipped with box  22 . For instance canopy  24  may be placed directly upon box  22  and together shipped as a unit. Once the parts for facility  20  arrive at a desired destination, facility  20  (with canopy  24 ) may be easily assembled in a single day with the help of a single or only a few assembly persons. 
     In one aspect the invention includes an aboveground fueling facility  20  comprising a fire rated tank  32  having an inner tank wall  34  and an outer tank wall  36  surrounded by fire rated panels  46 ,  48  and  40 , and where panels  46 ,  48  operate as media panels configured to provide a background for advertising communication. In a marketing mode, fire rated media panels  46 ,  48  include a further layer placed upon layer  68  which has a smooth baked enamel finish (or other finish) so that facility  20  may be “wrapped” with graphic display media (i.e., a pictorial scene of a beach or other setting may be displayed, or the panels  46 ,  48 ,  48  may include a camouflage print or design, or other media). 
     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 STATION HAVING PROTECTIVE WALL AND ISOLATED CHAMBER 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.