Patent Publication Number: US-7717296-B1

Title: Transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/815,385, filed Jun. 22, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a large portable, flexible, fabric-composite based, tank and method of use and, more particularly, to a fluid containment apparatus comprised of internal baffles capable for transporting water or other liquids on virtually any sized truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many areas of the world that are not provided with drinkable water by a centralized piping distribution system. In such cases, water is typically provided by tanker truck. The tanker truck is capable of delivering large quantities of water, or other liquids, where and when needed. However, the tanker truck has disadvantages. First, it is a dedicated vehicle, and as such is not suited for other uses when not serving as a liquid delivery vehicle. Second, when not in use, it requires considerable storage space. Third, it can be dangerous to transport a partially filled tank due to the effect sloshing liquid has on vehicle dynamics in panic or emergency driving situations. A final disadvantage is when removing the liquid from a tanker, a discharge pump is usually required to dispense the contained fluids. There does not exist an apparatus that addresses and solves the disadvantages as herein described. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which large quantities of liquid can be transported without the disadvantages as listed above. The development of this invention fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a portable, flexible and transportable tank system providing an efficient means of distributing water and/or other liquids. 
     The invention is a portable, flexible, fabric-composite based, tank having inflatable, internal baffles capable of transporting liquids such as water or other liquids on a flatbed truck, wherein said baffles provide stability of said tank and prevent the sloshing of said liquids. 
     When in a deflated configuration and laid flat, said portable, flexible and transportable tank system is approximately 28′ long by 7′4″ wide by 4″ high. When in a fully filled configuration, it assumes a pillow-like shape approximately 27′ long by 5′2″ wide by 4′6″ high and is capable of holding approximately 3,000 gallons. 
     The invention further comprises a clamp top further comprising a set of hand grips to aid in movement and placement of the portable, flexible and transportable tank system when empty and a clamp bottom. Said clamp top and clamp bottom further comprise a left hand top end clamp, a left hand bottom end clamp, a right hand top end clamp, and a right hand bottom end clamp. Fastening of said clamp top and clamp bottom is aided by a plurality of fastening elements, such as cap screws and flat washers. 
     Located within an interior of the portable, flexible and transportable tank system is at least one balloon baffle capable of inflation with air pressure via an external pump through at least one series of three independent balloon baffle air valves. Preferably, the invention comprises a three (3) balloon baffles inflated via three (3) air valves. Said balloon baffle(s) provide said portable, flexible and transportable tank system with its overall shape and aids in the stability of the tank. Also said pressurization forces liquids out of the portable, flexible and transportable tank system therethrough a gate valve assembly as the balloon baffle(s) are inflated. The action of inflating the baffles results in forcing the liquids within the tank outward through distribution piping without the need for an auxiliary internal or external pumping system. 
     A gate valve assembly is located at a first end of said portable, flexible and transportable tank system, and comprises an inside flange face and an inlet end, a rubber adapter placed between said portable, flexible and transportable tank system and said inside flange face and functions as a gasket. A pipe clamp is then placed around said first end of said portable, flexible and transportable tank system and tightened to provide a mechanical and watertight seal. A hose adapter is provided at an outlet end of said gate valve assembly to allow said gate valve assembly to connect to external distribution piping. The gate valve assembly preferably comprises a 4″ gate valve, though virtually any type of valve could be used with equal effectiveness. 
     Said gate valve assembly further comprises a pressure gage assembly, affixed thereto said gate valve assembly, said pressure gage assembly further comprises a isolation valve, a water pressure gage, and associated piping and fittings. 
     Further, it is envisioned that the portable, flexible and transportable tank system would be supplied with at least two (2) lengths of hose, preferably ten (10) feet in length with quick connect fittings in a conventional arrangement. 
     Further, an inlet and an outlet connector each in fluid connection therewith external distribution piping at second ends and thereto said portable, flexible and transportable tank system at first ends are provided. 
     The invention further utilizes such a tank comprising a heavy textile-based bladder either coated thereon or impregnated therewith a flexible material, such as PTFE. 
     Additionally, a relief valve provides a means to bleed off vapors attachable thereto said tank; wherein said relief valve further provides stabilization during transportation, when said tank is partially filled. 
     Also, further safety features for the present invention comprise a series of four (4) tie-down harnesses for preventing the portable, flexible and transportable tank system from lateral movement during transportation. The tie-down harnesses may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism. A protective bed cloth protects the portable, flexible and transportable tank from any physical abnormalities present on the bed of a towing vehicle, thereby helping to avoid possible puncture. A plurality of identification labels may be removably affixed thereto an external surface of said portable, flexible and transportable tank system. 
     Further, the tank is adaptable to a variety of capable of being attached thereto a towing vehicle, such as pick-up trucks or tractor-trailers. When finished with use, the fabric bladder tank can be cleaned, dried, and collapsed for storage within a sling, thus allowing the truck to return to other duties. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cut-away view depicting an interior portion of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a rolled up or stored state; 
         FIG. 3   b  is an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a partially deployed state; 
         FIG. 3   c  is an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a further deployed state; and, 
         FIG. 3   d  is an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a fully deployed state; 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of a pressure gage assembly  68  as used with the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 ; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a pictorial representation of a gate valve assembly  65  as used with the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 10 
                 transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral 
               
               
                   
                 baffle system 
               
               
                 15 
                 truck transport system 
               
               
                 20 
                 clamp top 
               
               
                 25 
                 clamp bottom 
               
               
                 30 
                 left hand top end clamp 
               
               
                 35 
                 left hand bottom end clamp 
               
               
                 40 
                 right hand top end clamp 
               
               
                 45 
                 right hand bottom end clamp 
               
               
                 50 
                 hand grip 
               
               
                 55 
                 flat washers 
               
               
                 60 
                 cap screws 
               
               
                 65 
                 gate valve assembly 
               
               
                 68 
                 pressure gage assembly 
               
               
                 69 
                 pressure gauge 
               
               
                 70 
                 tank material 
               
               
                 75 
                 pressure relief valve 
               
               
                 80 
                 tie-down harnesses 
               
               
                 85 
                 protective bed cloth 
               
               
                 90 
                 first identification label 
               
               
                 95 
                 second identification label 
               
               
                 100 
                 third identification label 
               
               
                 105 
                 balloon baffles 
               
               
                 110 
                 balloon baffle air valves 
               
               
                 115 
                 sling 
               
               
                 120 
                 belts 
               
               
                 125 
                 ratchet take-up mechanisms 
               
               
                 130 
                 elbow 
               
               
                 135 
                 isolation valve 
               
               
                 140 
                 pipe nipple 
               
               
                 145 
                 rubber adapter 
               
               
                 150 
                 inside flange face 
               
               
                 155 
                 pipe clamp 
               
               
                 160 
                 hose adapter 
               
               
                 165 
                 gate valve 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for a transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  comprising a large portable, flexible, fabric-composite based, fluid tank system  10  with internal inflatable baffles  105  capable of transporting water and other liquids on a truck  15 . In lieu of a steel tank, the invention  10  utilizes a heavy fabric-based tank  70 , which is impregnated and coated with a flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material (such as Teflon®). The tank  70  would be available in multiple sizes suitable for transport using pickup trucks  15  up to tractor-trailer rigs  15 . The series of internal balloon baffles  105  aids in the stability of the tank  70 , as well as preventing sloshing of the liquid contents while traveling with the tank  70  partially filled. The invention  10  would reduce or eliminate the need for pumps dependent on pressure and flow rates. When finished with use, the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  can be cleaned, dried, and collapsed or folded for storage, thus allowing the truck&#39;s transport platform  15  to be used for other tasks if necessary. The use of the present invention  10  provides a means of distributing water, fuel, and other liquids to remote locations. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is shown setting upon a truck transport system  15 , herein depicted as a flatbed trailer commonly used with an over the road tractor trailer rig, and is described as such in detailed descriptions hereinbelow. However, by scaling various parameters of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank systems with integral balloon baffle system  10 , it can be used with small truck transport system  15 , such as pickup trucks, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Access to the interior of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is provided through the use of a clamp top  20  and a clamp bottom  25 . The clamp top  20  and the clamp bottom  25  consist of a left hand top end clamp  30  and a left hand bottom end clamp  35 , and a right hand top end clamp  40  and a right hand bottom end clamp  45 . A set of hand grips  50  are provided along the clamp top  20  to aid in movement and placement of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  when empty. Fastening of the clamp top  20  and clamp bottom  25  is aided by a plurality of cap screws  60  and flat washers  55 . A gate valve assembly  65  is located at one end of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and will be described in greater detail herein below. A pressure gage assembly  68  is provided as part of the gate valve assembly  65 . When laid flat the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is approximately 28′ long by 7′4″ wide by 4″ high. When filled it assumes a pillow like shape approximately 27′ long by 5′2″ wide by 4′6″ high. When tilled the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is capable of holding approximately 3,000 gallons. The tank material  70  is made of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated or—impregnated material, an example of which includes Teflon® which increases durability and allows for the transportation of liquids such as fuel, water, and other fluids. A pressure relief valve  75  prevents over pressurization of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and possible rupture. A series of four (4) tie-down harnesses  80  prevents the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  from lateral movement during transportation. Finally, a protective bed cloth  85  protects the tank material  70  from any physical abnormalities present on the bed of the truck transport system  15 , thereby helping to avoid possible puncture. It is also envisioned that the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  would be provided with an emergency repair kit (not shown) which would include common temporary repair items, such as plugs and clamps, to institute an emergency repair, should the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  become punctured. 
     A first identification label  90 , a second identification label  95  and a third identification label  100  provide relevant information such as tank contents, pressure limitations, transport limitations, torque limitations and the like. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a cut-away view depicting an interior portion of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Said FIG. more clearly illustrates the placement of the four (4) tie-down harnesses  80 , and the protective bed cloth  85  upon the truck transport system  15 . This FIG. clearly depicts the hand grip  50 , the gate valve assembly  65 , and the pressure gage assembly  68  as well. Located on the interior of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is a series of three (3) balloon baffles  105  which are inflated with air pressure via a series of three independent balloon baffle air valves  110 . Said balloon baffles  105  provide the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  with its overall shape and aids in the stability of the tank. Also said pressurization aids in emptying the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  by forcing fluids out of the tank  70  through the gate valve assembly  65  as the balloon baffles  105  are inflated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a rolled up or stored state is shown. When not in use, the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  may be folded and rolled and stored in a sling  115 . Said sling  115  is necessary to lift the weight of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , and can be facilitated by the use of a crane, forklift or other mechanical aid. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3   b , an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a partially deployed state is depicted. This FIG. clearly depicts the four (4) tie-down harnesses  80  and their associated placement at regular intervals along the length of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . Each tie-down harness  80  comprises a pair of ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 , and trailer attachments specifically designed to minimize tank  70  movement during transport. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   c , an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a further deployed state is disclosed. At this point the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is unrolled, but is still folded in half. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3   d , an isometric view of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  in a fully deployed state is shown. At this point in time, the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is completely flat with the gate valve assembly  65  located at the rear of the truck transport system  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a pictorial representation of the pressure gage assembly  68  as used with the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is disclosed. The pressure gage assembly  68  comprises a common water pressure gauge  69  which is connected to the gate valve assembly  65  (shown here in a cross-section view) by way of an elbow  130 , an isolation valve  135 , and a pipe nipple  140 . The pipe nipple  140  is envisioned to be welded to the side of the gate valve assembly  65 . The isolation valve  135  allows isolation of the gate valve assembly  65  and maintenance of said pressure while the pressure gage assembly  68  is removed. Said removal would be necessary during transportation and storage to prevent physical damage to the pressure gauge assembly  68 . 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , a pictorial representation of a gate valve assembly  65  as used with the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is depicted. The gate valve assembly  65  is shown in a cutaway view for simplicity. A rubber adapter  145  is provided to ensure a tight and waterproof fit between the tank material  70  and an inside flange face  150  of the gate valve assembly  65 . Said rubber adapter  145  functions as a gasket. A pipe clamp  155  is then placed around the tank material  70  and tightened to provide a mechanical and watertight seal. A hose adapter  160  is provided at the opposite end of the gate valve assembly  65  to allow the gate valve assembly  65  to connect to virtually any style of hose. It is envisioned that the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  would be supplied with two (2) or more ten (10) foot lengths of hose with quick connect fittings in a conventional arrangement. The gate valve assembly  65  comprises a 4″ gate valve  165  in its preferred arrangement, though virtually any type of valve could be used with equal effectiveness. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     When a new or used transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is received by an organization it must be uncrated, installed and serviced. The user must ensure that all protruding nails and other objects are removed prior to attempting to remove the tank  70  from the packaging container. This is essential in order to avoid puncturing the tank  70 . 
     Before placing the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  on said truck transport system  15 , the user would clear the truck transport system  15  of splinters, protruding nails and other foreign objects that could puncture or chafe the tank material  70 . The user then places a protective bed cloth  85  on the truck transport system  15 , rolls it forward and unrolls it rearward to a rear location. Next, the user would secure the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  to the truck transport system  15  with the tie-down harnesses  80 . There are two anchor points per belt to provide maximum support to the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  during transport. Each anchor point is envisioned to consist of a ⅝″ diameter eyebolt, two retaining plates, and accompanying hardware. The user would determine belt locations (depending on trailer type) and install said anchor assemblies and re-check the area for sharp objects. If the surface is rough and jagged, it will be necessary to place plywood or a tarpaulin down for the tank  70  to rest upon. Then the user would attach the ratchet take up mechanism  125  to each anchor point by using a shackle between the eyebolt and delta ring on the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 . Next, the user would lay the tie-down harnesses  80  crosswise to the length of the truck transport system  15 , making sure the belts  120  are centered accurately between the eyebolt portion of said anchor points. The remaining portion of the belts  120  should lie over the side of the trailer  15 . Care should be taken to insure that each belt  120  is not twisted and is laying flat. The area is now prepared for unfolding of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . 
     To install the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  on the truck transport system  15 , the user would use a lifting device, such as a forklift or crane, carefully taking hold of the sling  115  by its lift straps and placing the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  on the truck transport system  15  in such a manner that the tank will unroll towards the front of the trailer. The ends of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  should be near or touching the trailer bulkhead. Next, the user would remove the belts  120  from the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  and unroll and unfold the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  over the belts  120  while visually inspecting tank. Then, the user positions the invention  10  so that when it is full, the ends or sidewalls will not rub against the forward bulkhead or hang over the sides of the truck transport system  15 . Next the sling  115  would be removed from under the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and placed in the trailer stowage compartment. Before use, the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  requires inspection. To perform said tasks, the user would inspect the tank material  70  for any punctures or tears. Also, the user would inspect the fittings and components for evidence of damage or missing bolts or gaskets. 
     Before use, the operator should be thoroughly familiar with the location and function of every control before operating the system. Other personnel comprising the crew should be thoroughly briefed in the operation of the system and be familiar with any shutdown or stopping procedures under emergency conditions. Said functional components include the gate valve assembly  65 . Said valve in conjunction with any hoses, provides the connection necessary to both fill and empty the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . The pressure gage assembly  68  envisioned to consist of a 0-15 PSI pressure gage is supplied to monitor the pressure of the filling transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . Operating pressure is 4 to 6 PSI. The pressure gage  69  is controlled by an isolation valve  135 . The isolation valve  135  is to be closed when the pressure gage  69  is removed. The hose assembly could consist of two (2) or more ten (10) foot long by four (4) inch diameter hose (PTFE-coated for potable water, fuel, or any other FDA approved liquid) supplied with quick disconnect fittings. The pressure relief valve  75  is manually operated to relieve trapped air. Said pressure relief valve  75  is open and closed with finger pressure. 
     Along the driver&#39;s side of the tank  70  when fully unrolled, the three (3) balloon baffle air valves  110  are spaced approximately seven (7) feet apart from each other. These balloon baffle air valves  110  are the inlet/outlet valves for the three (3) respective balloon baffles  105  located inside the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . The balloon baffles  105  are to be inflated before filling the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  with any fluids. Inflation is accomplished by attaching any standard compressed air hose, such as from the trailer, to the balloon baffle air valves  110  to inflate the balloon baffles  105  to an operating pressure between 4 to 6 PSI. The balloon baffles  105  may be deflated by pressing down on the center pin of the balloon baffle air valves  110 , thus allowing air to escape the balloon baffles  105 . The balloon baffles  105  can be further deflated as the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is rolled up. 
     Before filling the invention  10  with a fluid, the user would check to see that the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is properly installed. The truck transport system  15  should be level to prevent the tank  70  from rolling from side to side. Tighten all the cap screws  55  to 70±5 ft. lbs. of torque on the left hand top end clamp  30 , the left hand bottom end clamp  35 , the right hand top end clamp  40  and the right hand bottom end clamp  45 . The PTFE in a new transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  will “cold flow” under the pressure and the cap screw torque  55  will drop. Said cap screws  55  should be re-torqued periodically until the rubber adapter  145  has set and the torque doesn&#39;t drop appreciably. If leakage is noted at the fittings or if the tank  70  is subjected to hard usage, the cap screws  55  should be re tightened periodically. Next, the user would attach the pressure gage assembly  68  to the gate valve assembly  65  and then open the isolation valve  135 . 
     Before using the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  for the first time or after prolonged storage, flush the tank with 100 to 300 gallons of clean disinfectant and water solution. The solution could consist of ½ gallon of commercial bleach mixed in 250 gallons of fresh water. Then, the user surges the cleansing solution by walking back and forth on the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  or by rocking the truck transport system  15  with abrupt starts and stops. The resultant surge will clean the collapsed transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  without exposing its interior to contaminants or foreign objects. Rinse transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  with 250 gallons water to remove bleach taste. When the cleaning is complete, close the gate valve assembly  65  immediately to hermetically seal out contaminants. 
     Before starting to fill the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , ensure that all air has been expelled. Then close the gate valve assembly  65 . Also ensure that the balloon baffles  105  are fully inflated. The user then attaches a source of water or other liquid to a user supplied hose, purges the air from the filling line and the hose by opening the valve at the water source until the water comes out the supplied hose, and turns off water at the water source. Next, the free ends of the tie-down harnesses  80  should be brought over the top of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and down the other side through the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  attached to the truck transport system  15 . The user slides the ends of the belts  120  two feet through slot in the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  and folds end back on belts  120  and hold manually until one turn has been taken on roll up spool portion of said ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 . 
     Next, the user would attach the user supplied hose to the gate valve assembly  65  and opens the valve at the potable water supply, or other fluid source and opens the gate valve  165  on the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . No pressure will show on the pressure gage assembly  68  until the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is approximately two (2) feet high. From that point on, periodically check the exact pressure by closing the gate valve  165  on the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  to obtain a precise pressure reading. After a pressure reading has been taken, the user opens the gate valve  165  again on the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and resumes filling to 2 to 3 PSIG. The user then opens the pressure relief valve  75  on the top of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  until water flows from the pressure relief valve  75 . The belts  120  should now be tightened with the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  to the maximum possible with one hand on the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 . The second hand should be used to steady the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  so that the belts  120  will wind flat and true. After tightening each of the four ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 , see that the ratchet handle has dropped securely into the locking mechanism portion of the ratchet take-up mechanism  125 . When all ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  have been tightened uniformly, the pressure in the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  will be increased approximately 2 PSI. NOTE: If the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  end portions are not level with the floor of the truck transport system  15 , the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  may be leveled by releasing the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125  on one side of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  and then taking up the slack by tightening the opposing ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 . After filling the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  to a correct pressure of four (4) to six (6) PSI, shut off filling line valve first, shut off the gate valve  165  and then disconnect filling line. Some loss of liquid between the valves will be experienced at this point. Material is under pressure between the valves. Said pressure is envisioned to be low if the filling line valve is shut off first as directed above, and high if the gate valve  165  is shut off first. NOTE: The closed system of filling a transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  allows the pressure to build up very rapidly as the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  reaches full capacity. It is recommended that the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  be filled to a final minimum pressure of four (4) PSI and a maximum of six (6) PSI, keeping the isolation valve  135  open to allow continual observation of tank pressure. The transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is now properly filled and secured for transportation. Regular periodic checks for tightness of belts  120  are required. 
     To drain the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 , the user would perform the procedure described hereinbelow. It must be noted that transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is designed to be emptied by gravity or suction pump only. Use of air pressure to unload tank should not be used as it may cause the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  to burst under pressure, except when inflating balloon baffles  105  fully to force fluids out of the tank through the discharge valve by displacing fluid with air. The transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  can be drained either by gravity or by the use of a pump. To drain by gravity, the user would ensure that the end of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  opposite the gate valve assembly  65  must be at least 8″ to 10″ higher than the end of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  with the gate valve assembly  65 . The corner of the belts  120  with the gate valve assembly  65  should be the lowest level of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . The proper use of grade elevation or portable ramps under the appropriate trailer wheels  15  is paramount. The user would connect one end of the user supplied hose to the hose adapter  160 , while the other end of the hose to the line or container requiring the potable water. Next, the user would open the gate valve  165  on the tank to start the flow. After operation is complete, close gate valve  165  on end of transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . 
     To drain by pump, the user would connect one end of a user supplied hose to the gate valve assembly  65  and connect the other end of the user supplied hose to the pump. Next, the isolation valve  135  would be closed, and the gate valve  165  would be opened. In the next step the user would start the pump, while noting that the draining rate is not a factor in tank operations. After operation is complete, the gate valve  165  would be closed, along with the valve on the pump. Next, the user supplied hose assembly from the line, container or vacuum pump would be disconnected, whichever is applicable. Then the user would disconnect said hose from hose adapter  160  and close the isolation valve  135 . 
     To repackage the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  after use, the user would remove the pressure gage assembly  68 , deflate all balloon baffles  105  and disconnect all tie-down harnesses  80  and remove. Hang loose ends of belts  120  over sides of truck transport system  15 . Then the user would fold the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  almost in half lengthwise, by laying the top fold of the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  down approximately one (1) foot shorter than the bottom fold. The ends will then be equal when the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is rolled up. The user would then manually roll the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  into a cylinder shape. It is necessary that the first roll be circular and tight, otherwise the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  will be hard to roll and will make a large package. If the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  is to be transported to a new location or placed back in its shipping box, the sling  115  may be slipped around and under the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10 . The user would also roll and store belts  120 , the pressure gage assembly  68 , the ratchet take-up mechanisms  125 , etc. in a prepared area, preferably in a box. It should be ensured that the pressure gage assembly  68  be packed in suitable padding to avoid damage. After the first few uses, the transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system  10  will become more flexible and easier to roll and unroll. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.