Patent Publication Number: US-2013228234-A1

Title: Tap stand and liquid delivery system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of United Kingdom Application No. UK 1203041.7, filed Feb. 22, 2012, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to tap stands and systems employing same. The invention is particularly concerned with tap stands and water delivery systems suitable for rapid deployment in emergency situations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tap stands are commonly used by, for example, aid agencies in the event of humanitarian emergencies to provide a means of distributing potable water. Conventional tap stands are supplied as a kit containing loose tubes, taps, fixings and assembly tools all provided in a wooden crate. Typically, concrete bases must be laid down for these products to mitigate problems with water loss in the area surrounding the tap stand. This requires time and skill to put into place, factors which are not always available in the aftermath of a disaster, as well as adding to the cost of installation. Nevertheless, wastage and spillage of water from the tap stand remains a problem. In addition, the wooden crates are not filled to capacity by the components, and thus important volume is wasted, therefore increasing transport costs. The tubes are typically galvanised steel, and therefore very heavy, which also contributes to transport and storage costs. Once installed, the tap stand cannot easily be relocated or otherwise re-used. 
     It would be desirable to provide a tap stand and tap stand system that mitigate the problems outlined above. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a tap stand comprising a pipe having an inlet and at least one outlet, a respective tap being in liquid communication with said at least one outlet, wherein said tap stand further includes at least one leg coupled to the pipe and configured to support said pipe in a substantially upright position. Advantageously, said at least one leg is coupled to the pipe such that it is movable into and out of a deployed state in which said at least one leg supports said pipe in a substantially upright position. 
     Preferably, said tap stand comprises a plurality of deployable legs. The legs may be provided on a leg assembly coupled to the pipe, e.g. by means of one or more slidable collars, the assembly optionally including a linkage mechanism interlinking the legs for simultaneous deployment. Alternatively, the legs may be individually coupled to the pipe and individually deployable. The or each leg is preferably pivotably coupled to the pipe, preferably by means of at least one slidable collar. Typically the tap stand includes means for securing the or each leg in its deployed state (individually or collectively). 
     In preferred embodiments, the or each leg is movable between said deployed state and a stowed, or folded, state in which the or each is folded substantially against the pipe and/or, where there is more than one leg, the legs are folded substantially together. Optionally, the or each leg is removably coupled to the pipe. 
     Preferably, the or each tap is connected to a respective outlet by a flexible hose. The or each tap is preferably self closing. The or each tap may comprise a liquid-pouring type tap, a multi-aperture spray or sprinkler type tap, e.g. a shower head, or any other type of tap. 
     Advantageously, the tap stand includes a plurality of outlets, typically provided by a manifold. The outlets are preferably radially spaced apart around the pipe, and are preferably located at the in-use upper end of the pipe. Conveniently, the or each outlet, and when present the manifold, is located at an in-use upper end of the pipe. The inlet is typically located at an in-use lower end of the pipe. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a liquid delivery system, and in particular a water delivery system, comprising a tap stand connectable to a source of liquid, especially water. The system is advantageously provided as a kit of parts. 
     Advantageously, the tap stand comprises a tap stand embodying the first aspect of the invention. 
     The liquid source typically comprises a liquid container, preferably a collapsible liquid container. 
     Preferably, the system includes a liquid containment bund (also known as a berm or drip tray) shaped and dimensioned to allow the tap stand, and optionally one or more water collection containers, to stand therein during use. The liquid containment bund is preferably collapsible. 
     The preferred system includes a waste liquid container connectable to the containment bund to receive liquid therefrom. The waste liquid container is preferably a self-supporting structure and, advantageously, is shaped and dimensioned to store at least said tap stand (when in a stowed state) and preferably also said containment bund (when collapsed) and/or said liquid container (when collapsed). 
     Advantageously, the tap stand is foldable between a deployed and non-deployed state and as such may be deployed rapidly, typically in seconds. Assembly tools are not required for deployment of the preferred tap stand. The tap stand may be supplied alone, or as part of a kit for a tap stand system that provides emergency water distribution and which can typically be assembled in minutes. The preferred tap stand system is supplied in a packaging container that is suitable for containing water, e.g. rotomoulded, and which forms part of the preferred system as said waste liquid container. 
     The preferred system includes said containment bund in which the tap stand sits thus eliminating the need to build concrete structures to collect spilled water, and typically also to serve as a foundation. 
     Skilled labourers are not required to set up the system and no tools are required for assembly. The systems is therefore relatively inexpensive, simple and quick to install, relatively simple and inexpensive to store and transport, and can readily be relocated for re-use. A pre-plumbed watertight system is factory assured. 
     Embodiments of the invention are volume and weight efficient, and so will help to reduce freight costs for, for example, aid relief agencies who spend heavily on emergency logistics. 
     Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a water delivery system embodying one aspect of the invention and including a tap stand embodying a second aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the tap stand of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the tap stand, located in an alternative bund. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  of the drawings there is shown, generally indicated as  10 , a liquid delivery system, or tap stand system, embodying one aspect of the invention. The system  10  comprises a liquid storage container  12  connectable to a tap stand  14  for the delivery of, in particular, water thereto during use. 
     The container  12  may take any suitable form but is preferably of a type that is deployable between a non-use state and a use state, e.g. collapsible. In the non-use state the container  12  is typically folded and/or disassembled so that it is relatively small and suitable for transport or storage, i.e. a portable tap stand.  FIG. 1  shows one example of the container  12  in the form of a tank  12 A comprising a liquid receptacle  16  supported by a frame  18 . The liquid receptacle  16  is formed from a flexible, liquid tight material, e.g. PVC coated fabric, that is capable of being folded when the receptacle  16  is not in use. The frame  18  comprises a kit of rigid frame members, typically formed from metal, e.g. aluminium, that can be assembled to form the frame  18  for supporting the receptacle  16  in its use state and disassembled for storage and/or transport. In preferred embodiments, the frame  18  includes an upper rim portion  19  from which the receptacle  16  is suspended by one or more resilient stretchable ties  21 . Storage containers provided by Fast Engineering Limited of Greystone Road, Antrim, Northern Ireland United Kingdom under the brand FASTANK are suitable for use as the container  12 .  FIG. 1  shows an alternative liquid storage container in the form of a pillow tank  12 B, which comprises a bag-like enclosure formed from flexible material, e.g. PVC coated fabric. Alternatively still, the container  12  may comprise a vehicle-mounted tank, a floating collar tank (or onion tank), a permanent (e.g. non-portable) tank, a reservoir or a well. In a further alternative, the tap stand may be connected to an alternative source of water, e.g. a water supply system. Where necessary, water stored in the container  12  may be treated against contamination in any conventional manner. In typical embodiments, the container  12  is raised with respect to the tap stand  14  to create a head of water (typically of at least 1 metre) to provide sufficient pressure to deliver water to the tap stand  14  and to allow it to be dispensed by the tap stand  14 . Alternatively, a pump (not shown) may be connected to the system, e.g. in the container or between the container and the tap stand, to pump water to the tap stand. 
     Conveniently, the container  12  is connected to the tap stand  14  by a fluid delivery line  20 , which may take any suitable form, e.g. hose or pipe, but is preferably flexible to allow it to be wound or otherwise folded for transport or storage. One end of the line  20  is connectable to an outlet  22  of the container  12  preferably by means of a quick-release connector  24 . In preferred embodiments, a valve (not shown) is provided at the outlet  22 , the valve being operable (e.g. in response to whether or not said line  20  was connected to the outlet  22 , or manually) to selectably close the outlet  22 . Alternatively the tap stand  14  may be connected directly to the outlet  22 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 2 , the tap stand  14  comprises a pipe  30  that is connectable to the container  12  for receiving water therefrom. The preferred pipe  30  has a substantially straight, rigid body  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, the in-use lower end  32  of the pipe  30  provides an inlet for receiving water. The end  32  may be connected to the other end of line  20  by any convenient connector, preferably a quick-release connector to allow water to be delivered into the pipe  30  from the line  20 . Conveniently, end  32  comprises a curved pipe section connected to body  34 . The end section  32  may be curved with respect to the body  34  such that the inlet faces laterally during use to facilitate connection to the line  20  or outlet  22 . In alternative embodiments, the water inlet may be located elsewhere in the pipe  30 . Alternatively still, the pipe  30  may serve as a sleeve for receiving the line  20 . For example, instead of being connected to end  32  to deliver water into the pipe  30 , the line  20  may enter the pipe  30  at its inlet (at end  32  in this example) and be fed along the inside of the pipe  30 , the outlet of the line  20  being in liquid communication with the or each outlet of the tap stand or pipe. The line  20  may extend partly or fully along the length of the pipe body  34 . Depending on the arrangement, the inside of the pipe may or may not come into direct contact with the liquid being dispensed. 
     The preferred tap stand  14  includes a manifold  36  for distributing water to a plurality of outlet devices  38 . The manifold  36  conveniently comprises a cap located at the in-use upper end of the pipe  30 . The manifold  36  may comprise a hollow body in which the outlets are formed, and/or a body in which respective channels are formed for directing water between the pipe  30  and a respective outlet  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold  36  and inlet  32  are provided at opposite ends of the body  34 . The manifold  36  has a respective outlet  40  for supplying water to each outlet device  38 , the outlets  40  preferably being radially spaced around the manifold. The manifold  36  provides fluid communication between the pipe  30  and the outlet devices  38  (or between the line  20  and the outlet devices in the case where the pipe  30  is used only as a sleeve for the line  20 ) via the respective outlets  40 , preferably without intermediate valves. The outlets  40  may be of substantially the same size so that substantially equal amounts of water are supplied to the respective outlet devices  38  during use. The manifold  36  may be removably fitted to the pipe  30  by any convenient connection means, e.g. screw fittings, a push-fit connection or a quick-release connector and/or by sealing using an o-ring or similar device. In alternative embodiments, the tap stand may have only one outlet device, in which case the manifold is not required and the pipe may have a single outlet, preferably at its in-use upper end. 
     When the tap stand  14  is deployed, the pipe  30 , and in particular the body  34 , is substantially upright, i.e. substantially perpendicularly disposed with respect to the ground surface. In this position, the end  32  of pipe  30  is preferably held substantially at ground level or above ground level. To support the pipe  30  in this position, the tap stand  14  includes at least one deployable leg, typically a plurality of deployable legs. In the preferred embodiment, the tap stand  14  includes a leg assembly  42  comprising multiple legs  44  interlinked by a linkage mechanism  46  configured to allow the legs  44  to be operated simultaneously between a deployed state (as illustrated) in which they support the pipe  30  in its upright position, and a stowed state (not illustrated) in which they are folded for ease of transport or storage. The leg assembly  42  may coupled to the pipe  30  using any convenient coupling. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly  42  remains coupled to the pipe  30  in both the deployed and stowed states, although in alternative embodiments, the assembly  42  may be removable from the pipe  30 . The legs may take any convenient form, e.g. circular or rectangular in cross section, hollow or solid. Preferably, each leg is provided with a resiliently deformable foot  45 , for example made of rubber. Optionally, one or more of the legs may be extendible, e.g. telescopically extendible. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the linkage mechanism  46  comprises upper and lower collars  50 ,  52  located around the body  34 . The in-use upper end of each leg  44  is pivotably coupled to the upper collar  50 . A respective linkage  54  has one end pivotably coupled to the lower collar  52  and the other end pivotably coupled to the respective leg  44 , preferably at a location between its ends. During at least deployment and optionally stowage of the legs  44 , one or other of the collars  50 ,  52  is fixed with respect to the pipe  30  (by any convenient fixing device(s), e.g. one or more screws or clamps or interference fit mechanisms), the other collar  52 ,  50  being slidable along the pipe  30 . To operate the assembly  42  from the deployed state to the stowed state, a user may push any one of the legs  44  inwardly towards the pipe  30 , causing the slidable collar  52 ,  50  to move along the pipe towards the fixed collar  50 ,  52  and causing the other legs  44  to simultaneously fold in towards the pipe  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the legs  44  are folded substantially against the pipe  30  in the stowed state, a run substantially parallel with the body  34  of the pipe  30 . To operate the assembly  42  from the stowed state to the deployed state, a user may pull any one of the legs  44  outwardly from the pipe  30 , causing the slidable collar  52 ,  50  to move along the pipe away from the fixed collar  50 ,  52  and causing the other legs  44  to simultaneously fold outwardly from the pipe  30 . The slidable collar  52 ,  50  may be provided with fixing device(s), e.g. one or more screws or clamps or interference fit mechanisms, for releasably securing the collar  52 ,  50  with respect to the pipe  30  in order to retain the assembly  42  in the deployed or stowed state. The fixing device(s) use to secure the fixed collar  50 ,  52  with respect to the pipe  30  is preferably releasable to allow the collar  50 ,  52  to slide with respect to the pipe. This allows the leg assembly  42  to slide along the pipe  30 , which can reduce the length of the tap stand  14  when stowed, or to be removed from the pipe  30 . In preferred embodiments, the collar  52  is the fixed collar and the collar  50  is the slidable collar. 
     In the illustrated example, the tap stand  14  has three legs  44 , but it will be understood that more or fewer legs may be provided in alternative embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the leg(s) may be individually deployable and stowable. For example, the lower collar  52  and links  54  may be omitted. Each leg  44  may be provided with means for fixing it at least in its deployed state and preferably also in its stowed state. For example, the fixing means may comprise a friction-hold coupling (e.g. between the leg and the collar or the leg and the pipe), a screw-tightenable coupling (e.g. between the leg and the collar or the leg and the pipe) or a releasable latching mechanism. 
     The preferred outlet devices  38  comprise a tap  60  in fluid communication with a respective outlet  40 , preferably by means of a respective fluid delivery line  62 . Alternatively, the taps  60  may be connected directly to the outlets  40 . In the preferred embodiment, at least some or and preferably each fluid delivery line  62  comprises a flexible hose. The outlet devices  38  may be permanently connected to the outlets  40  by any convenient means, or may be releasably coupled thereto by any suitable means for removal during storage and transport (e.g. a self-sealing plug in fitting or quick release coupler). The taps  60  are preferably self-closing, i.e. configured to adopt a closed state when not being actively opened by a user. The taps  60  may comprise a liquid-pouring type tap, a multi-aperture spray head or sprinkler type tap, or any other type of tap, typically being operable by a common or respective user control mechanism (lever  61  in the illustrated example). Where the tap stand includes multiple taps, the taps need not necessarily be of the same type. 
     The preferred system  10  also includes a second liquid container  70 , referred to herein as a containment bund (also known as a berm or drip tray). The bund  70  is preferably of a type that is deployable between a non-use state and a use state, e.g. collapsible. In the non-use state the bund  70  is typically folded and/or disassembled so that it is relatively small and suitable for transport or storage.  FIG. 1  shows one example of the bund  70  comprising a liquid receptacle  72  and support members  74 . The liquid receptacle  72  is formed from a flexible, liquid tight material, e.g. PVC coated fabric, that is capable of being folded when not in use. The supports  74  may comprise a kit of rigid frame members, typically formed from metal, e.g. aluminium, that can be assembled to form the supports  74  for supporting the receptacle  72  in its use state and disassembled for storage and/or transport. Storage containers provided by Fast Engineering Limited of Windmill Court, Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom under the brand FASTANK BUND are suitable for use as the containment bund  70 . In use, the tap stand  14  stands in the bund  70 . Any water dripping from or spilled during use of the tap stand  14  is collected by the bund  70 . 
     The preferred system  10  further includes a third liquid container  80  connectable to the bund  70  for receiving water therefrom during use. Conveniently, the container  80  is connected to the bund  70  by a fluid drainage line  82 , which may take any suitable form, e.g. hose or pipe, but is preferably flexible to allow it to be wound or otherwise folded for transport or storage. One end of the line  82  is connectable to an outlet from the bund  70  by any convenient connection means, the other end being connectable to the container  80  by any convenient connection means, or otherwise coupled to the container  80  so that it can deliver water thereto, e.g. placed in or over the container  80 . The fluid connection between the container  80  and bund  70  is conveniently an open one so that fluid may flow freely from the bund  70  to the container  80 , although a check valve may be provided to prevent liquid from flowing back to the bund  70 . Typically, the container  80  is positioned in use at a level below that of the bund  70 . Optionally, a pump (not shown) may be provided for pumping the water from the bund  70  to the container  80 . 
     Advantageously, the container  80  doubles as packaging for the system  10  when not in use, e.g. during storage or transport. To this end, it is preferred that the container  80  comprises a rigid, self-supporting structure, e.g. formed from rigid or semi-rigid plastics, by, for example, rotomoulding. The container  80  is shaped and dimensioned to receive the tap stand  14 , as well as the bund  70  (when present), container  12  (when present), all in their stowed or folded states, together with any fluid lines  20 ,  82  and accessories. The container  80  preferably has a removable lid  84 . Advantageously, the lid  84  is shaped and dimensioned, or is otherwise adaptable, for use as a stretcher or other load carrier. 
     During use of the preferred embodiment, water is delivered to the tap stand  14  from the container  12  via hose  20  under pressure caused by the head of water in the container  12 . The water enters the pipe  30  via the inlet at end  32  and is forced up the pipe  30  to the manifold  36 , whereupon it is distributed to the outlet devices  38  via the respective outlets  40 . When a taps  60  are opened, water is dispensed under the head pressure. The flexible hoses  62  make the taps more amenable to use by a user (e.g. when filling a container) and help to reduce the amount of spillage. By gathering spilled or leaked water, the bund  70  prevents the surrounding ground from becoming muddy and so reduces the chance of disease and infection occurring. Waste water collected in the bund  60  is drained to the container  80 . The water collected in the container  80  may be disposed of in any convenient manner (preferably put to practical use e.g. watering crops), or the container may be used as a trough, e.g. for animals or washing. 
     Optionally, more than one tap stand may be connected to the container  12 , or other water source, during use. To this end the container  12  or other water source may have multiple outlets. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  of the drawings, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a tap stand, generally indicated as  114 , shown in an alternative embodiment of the liquid container, or bund  170 . Unless stated otherwise or apparent from the drawings, the tap stand  114  and bund  170  are similar to the tap stand  14  and bund  70  hereinbefore described and so similar numerals are used to denote like parts and the same or similar description applies, as would be apparent to a skilled person. The tap stand  114  and bund  170  are each (individually or together) suitable for use as part of the water delivery system  10 , or other embodiments of the water delivery system. 
     The manifold  136  of the tap stand  114  comprises a body  115  with a removable cover  117 . The removable cover  117  provides access to the inside of the body  115  should repair or maintenance be required. The outlets  140  for connection to the delivery lines  162  are provided in an in-use underside of the body  115 , preferably in a side or face of the body  115  that is opposite to the removable cover  117 . As a result, the delivery lines  162 , each of which typically comprises a hose, extend or hand downwardly in use from the underside of the body  115  without having to bend. In comparison with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this reduces the strain on the connection between the line  162  and the outlet  140 , as well as protecting the connections especially during transit. It is also helps to reduce restrictions or blockages in the line  162  that can occur as a result of kinks. In the preferred embodiment the body  115  has a face (not visible) which extends around the pipe  130  and faces the ground during use, in which face the outlets  140  are provided. 
     The liquid container  170 , or bund, comprises a liquid receptacle  172  formed from a liquid impermeable material, e.g. PVC coated fabric, that is non-resilient and flexible, or otherwise susceptible of being folded away when not in use. The receptacle  172  is shaped to have a base  173  surrounded by a wall  175 . The receptacle  172  is dimensioned with respect to the tap stand  14 ,  114  such that the tap stand  14 ,  114 , when located in the bund  170 , supports the receptacle, especially the wall  175 , to maintain the wall  175  substantially upright and so to maintain the receptacle  172  in a shape in which it can hold liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs  44 ,  144  engage with the wall  175  to this end. The feet (not visible) at the end of the legs  44 ,  144  may engage with the interface between the base  173  and wall  175  at respective locations. The receptacle  172  may be shaped to define a respective foot-receiving corner or socket  177  for each leg  44 ,  144  of the tap stand. Hence, separate support structures are not required to maintain the bund  170  in the desired shape. 
     It is preferred that the outlet devices  138  are arranged such that the dispensing ends of the taps  160  face inwardly of the tap stand, i.e. generally towards the pipe  130 . 
     It is found that typical systems embodying the invention are smaller (when stowed) and lighter when compared to conventional systems. This saves significantly in transport costs. The tap stand can be carried by one person to a site (and so is suitable for use in emergencies where logistics are an issue—e.g. destroyed roads due to earthquake). Disease and infection are controlled by water capture in the bund and by distancing the main water source from both the tap stand and the container  80 . The preferred system  10  is largely fold-out, so it is less likely that parts can be lost or separated in transit. The preferred system may be deployed rapidly with no site preparation required and without tools or skilled labour. It is suitable for rapid relocation, or for expansion. Alternative embodiments may however be permanently installed. Conservation of spilled water means that water which has typically been freighted to site is not wasted but made useful for washing clothes, watering animals, washing, crop watering etc. 
     Although the invention is described herein in the context of a water delivery system, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to use with water and may be used with other liquids and for applications other than emergency humanitarian relief. 
     The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.