Patent Document

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to fluid storage and more specifically relates to water storage and portability. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As fluid storage tanks are filled, mobility becomes difficult by human force alone as weight increases. In times of emergencies, such as after natural disasters, a small scale, mobile, dedicated, and rapidly fillable source of potable water is often required. Storage tanks having sufficient capacity allowing users to prepare an emergency water supply may be too heavy to easily move from a water source to shelter. FEMA suggests that a family of four requires one liter of water per person, per day, to comfortably survive for two weeks. The volume of such a tank sufficient to hold this amount of water, roughly 56 liters, can be heavy and difficult to keep sanitary. Filling a tank with such a substantial amount of water can be time consuming. In some cases, water sources available to citizens that can fill a storage tank are limited to a faucet or spigot. Filling tanks from such sources may be time consuming. Filling tanks from such sources may also limit the size of the storage means capable of receiving water from such as source, for example a bucket. In emergency situations, however, time may be limited. 
         [0003]    What is needed is a readily available apparatus for storing an emergency supply of potable water extracted from a common household faucet or spigot. What is also needed is for such an apparatus to be fillable in a relatively short period of time. 
         [0004]    In situations commonly requiring emergency water provisions, such as before a bad weather event, citizens often buy large stores of bottled water in anticipation. This can be expensive, and may distract from other needs when preparing for an impending emergency. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a storage means mitigating the substantial time, money and storage space required to procure and store flats of water that are purchased in anticipation of disasters and water interruption. 
         [0006]    Storage means known in the art, such as bathtub water bladders and large water tanks, are susceptible to waste, spillage and mess. Known storage means for storing emergency water supplies are often located at a great distance from where the majority of water is consumed for drinking and cooking, such as the kitchen or dining room. In known storage tools, repeated instances of mobilizing the water from storage areas to consumption areas often invites spillage and/or contamination. 
         [0007]    In emergency situations, high-rise apartment homes that lose power can also lose electricity-driven water pressure. For residents of high-rise apartment homes, particularly those who live on higher-floors, it may be impracticable to move the requisite amount of water quickly, safely, and without contaminating the water supply. 
         [0008]    For residents of suburban and rural communities, when natural disasters strike local water supplies can be temporarily unavailable or contaminated. Often alternative water sources are not possible due to road closures, floods, snow, distances, and/or debris. 
         [0009]    In some cases, it may even be useful for municipalities and other government agencies to distribute storage tanks to its citizens following natural disasters. Such large-scale water distribution may reduce the amount of time lost to provide potable water rations and reduce that amount of water spilled by distributing water in small, makeshift water receptacles. Municipalities and other government agencies may distribute the present invention to groups of citizens to provide temporary and safe supplies of water to their citizens. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a means for providing an emergency potable water supply that is easily movable. What is needed is a collapsible and/or storable apparatus for transporting, storing, and dispensing water. What is needed a storable apparatus that is readily assembled and filled with potable water before, during, and/or after natural disasters or other emergency scenarios. What is needed is a water storage apparatus providing large scale liquid storage that can be easily moved, in a compact, stable format, from the filling source to other areas despite the large weight of an apparatus that is filled with potable water. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    Embodiments described herein may include a wheeled apparatus suitable for storing liquids, such as potable water for consumption, during periods when ordinary drinking water may be less available or unavailable. Embodiments of the apparatus may be collapsed and stored in a small profile arrangement. Embodiments of the apparatus may be assembled in one location and rolled to a water source using enclosed wheels. Some embodiments may provide for a detachable coupling with a hose to connect embodiments of a water storage apparatus to a water source, such as a household faucet. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, a water storage apparatus comprises a base comprising a lower horizontal surface, one or more wheels removably attached to the base, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from edges of the lower horizontal surface, thereby forming a recess in the base defined by the walls and the lower horizontal surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls has a hole configured to be detachably coupled to a fluid dispenser; an upper portion comprising an upper horizontal surface having a plurality of walls extending downwardly from edges of the upper horizontal surface, thereby forming a recess in the upper portion defined by the walls of the upper portion and the upper horizontal surface, wherein the upper horizontal surface comprises a hole; a plurality of removable panels extending from the base to the upper portion forming a chamber defined by the plurality of removable panels, the base, and the upper portion, wherein the removable panels are configured to fit in a housing defined by the recess of the base and the recess of the upper portion when the base is adjacent to the upper portion; and a flexible bladder comprising an orifice substantially aligned with the hole in the upper horizontal surface. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a water storage apparatus comprises a base comprising a lower horizontal surface, one or more wheels removably attached to the base, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from edges of the lower horizontal surface, thereby forming a recess in the base defined by the walls and the lower horizontal surface, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls has a hole configured to be detachably coupled to a fluid dispenser; an upper portion comprising an upper horizontal surface having a plurality of walls extending downwardly from edges of the upper horizontal surface, thereby forming a recess in the upper portion defined by the walls of the upper portion and the upper horizontal surface, wherein the upper horizontal surface comprises a hole; a plurality of removable panels extending from the base to the upper portion forming a chamber defined by the plurality of removable panels, the base, and the upper portion, wherein the removable panels are configured to stack upon one another between the base and the upper portion whereby the base is adjacent to a first end of the stack and the upper portion is adjacent to an opposing second end of the stack; and a flexible bladder comprising an orifice substantially aligned with the hole of the upper horizontal surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  shows an interior perspective view from a back side of an exemplary embodiment of a base for a water storage apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  shows an interior perspective view from a front side of an exemplary embodiment of a base for a water storage apparatus 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows an exterior perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper portion for a water storage apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows components defining a chamber of an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a flexible bladder for a water storage apparatus. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a rear view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of an assembled embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective front view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus in a disassembled configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus having an alternative configuration comprising wheels protruding from side walls of a base. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary embodiment of the a water storage apparatus having an alternative configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus in a disassembled configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The present invention is here described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here. 
         [0032]    Embodiments may provide a readily available capability to store an emergency supply of potable water from any house faucet or spigot, in a short period of time. In some embodiments, the capacity of this supply may meet or exceed the FEMA-suggested 14-liter per person amount (56 liters for a family of four), and without sacrificing mobility or safety. 
         [0033]    Embodiments may provide a rapidly fillable source of potable water that municipalities or other government agencies may distribute to citizens following disasters and in other emergencies. Such embodiments may facilitate water distribution to citizens in larger amounts thereby reducing waste and contamination in makeshift receptacles (e.g., buckets). 
         [0034]    Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used here to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated here, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated here, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  100  having a base  101 , an upper portion  109 , and panels  113  extending from the base  101  to the upper portion  109  forming a chamber  115  for housing a bladder  117  capable of storing fluids. 
         [0036]    The base  101  has side walls  102  and wheels  103 . A side wall  102  of the base may comprise a hole  105  through which a fluid dispensing attachment may be detachably coupled, such as a hose  107  or a spigot. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary hose  107  may comprise corners so as to have substantially rectangular shape, but it is to be appreciated that embodiments of such dispensing hose  107  may be rounded or be otherwise shaped so as to be capable of dispensing fluid. 
         [0037]    The base  101  may comprise a number of wheels  103 . In some embodiments, wheels  103  may be removably attached and rotatably coupled to an exterior facing, or lower side, of the base  101 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , wheels  103  may be removably attached and rotatably coupled to axles protruding from side walls  102  of the base  101 . In some embodiments, such axles may be removably coupled to the side walls of the base. Embodiments of the wheels  103  may be a size capable of mobilizing a water storage apparatus  100  through application of human-generated force. As detailed below, in some embodiments, the wheels  103  may be stored within a housing defined by the base  101  and the upper portion  109  when the side walls  102  of the base  101  are placed adjacent to side walls  110  of the upper portion  109 . In some embodiments, the wheels  103  may be a size capable of being stored in a housing between the base  101  and the upper portion  109  with the other components of the water storage apparatus  100 . 
         [0038]    A water storage apparatus  100  may comprise an upper portion  109 . Embodiments of an upper portion  109  may comprise side walls  110  and an upper horizontal surface  111 . In some embodiments, a hole  112  may be formed in the upper horizontal surface  111 . In some embodiments, a cap  118  may be removably placed in the hole  112 . In some embodiments, handles  113  may be removably attached to the upper portion  109 . 
         [0039]    In the exemplary embodiment of the handles  113 , shown in  FIG. 1 , the handles  113  are attached to an upper horizontal surface  111  of the upper portion  109 . One of the exemplary handles  113   a  is shown having two posts attached to the upper horizontal surface  111  of the upper portion  109 . Another of exemplary handles  113   b  is shown as having a first post attached to an upper horizontal surface  111  with the handle extending downward to have a second post attached to a column  116  of the chamber  115 . It is to be appreciated that embodiments of handles  113  may be attached to the water storage apparatus  100  at any number of locations such that the handles  113  are capable of aiding human grip and comfort when moving the water storage apparatus  100  by human-applied force. In some embodiments, the handles  113  may be stored in a housing between the base  101  and the upper portion  109 . In some embodiments, the handles  113  may be actuated so to provide carrying capabilities when the water storage apparatus  100  is collapsed and stored in the housing. In some embodiments, the handles  113  may be moved to another location on the water storage apparatus  100 , or detached and reattached to another location on the water storage apparatus  100  to provide carrying capabilities when the water storage apparatus  100  is collapsed and stored in the housing. 
         [0040]    A water storage apparatus  100  may comprise a chamber  115  housing a bladder  117  for storing fluids. The chamber  115  may comprise one or more panels  114  extending from a base  101  to an upper portion  109  and thereby defining the shape of the water storage apparatus  100  and the chamber  115 . Embodiments of the chamber  115  may be collapsible or otherwise disassembled. In some embodiments, the panels  114  may be detached from abutting components (e.g., base  101 , upper portion  109 ). In some embodiments, the chamber  115  may comprise columns  116  extending from a base  101  to the upper portion  109  forming corners of the chamber  115 , the corners of the columns may have angles based on a number of sides. Embodiments of the columns  116  may be detachably coupled to one or more abutting components (e.g., panels  114 , base  101 , upper portion  109 ). 
         [0041]    The exemplary embodiment of the water storage apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is a cube having six sides. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the water storage apparatus  100  may comprise any number of sides capable of forming a chamber  115  housing a bladder  117  for fluid storage. In other words, it is to be appreciated that some embodiments of the potable water storage apparatus  100  may be substantially triangular, pyramidal, pentagonal, octagonal, or any other shape. It is to be appreciated that some embodiments of the water storage apparatus  100  may be substantially cylindrical in shape. It is also to be appreciated that the components of the water storage apparatus  100  described herein (i.e., a base  101 , an upper portion  109 , a chamber  115 ) may comprise a number of sides dependent upon the shape of the embodiment of the water storage apparatus  100 . Thus, it is to be understood that the term “sides” used to describe embodiments of the water storage apparatus  100  is not intended to limit the shape of the water storage apparatus  100 , base  101 , upper portion  109 , or chamber  115 . For example, in embodiments forming a substantially cylindrical shape, the base  101  and the upper portion  109  may each form a circular shape. The chamber  115  may comprise one or more panels  113  extending from the base  101  to the upper portion  109  forming a substantially tubular shape. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2A  shows an interior perspective view from a back side of an exemplary embodiment of a base  200  for a water storage apparatus.  FIG. 2B  shows an interior perspective from a front side of an exemplary embodiment of a base  200  for a water storage apparatus. A base  200  may comprise side walls  201  and a lower horizontal surface  202 , together defining a recess  203  on the interior of the base  200 . 
         [0043]    The base  200  may comprise a lower horizontal surface  202  having an interior side, or upper side, facing a chamber of the water storage apparatus, and an exterior side, or lower side, facing away from the chamber. The base  200  may comprise side walls  201 . The number of side walls may be based on a number of sides of an embodiment of the water storage apparatus. The side walls  201  of the base  200  may protrude upwards towards a chamber of the water storage apparatus. The lower horizontal surface  202  and the protrusion of the sides walls  201  away from the lower horizontal surface  202 , may define a recess  203  of the base  200 . In some embodiments, side walls  201  may comprise grooves  204  defined by an inner side wall  201   a  and an outer side wall  201   b . These grooves  204  may receive an end of a panel or column of the chamber, and the side walls may protrude upwards an amount needed for supporting and controlling components defining the chamber. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments of the base  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2A , bumpers  206  may be attached to a side wall on the back of the base  200 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments of the base  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2B , a hole  205  may be formed in a side wall  201  on the front side of the base  200 . In some embodiments, the hole  205  is may be airtight preventing fluids from escaping. In some embodiments, a bladder for storing fluids and resting in the recess  203  may comprise an orifice removably coupled to the hole  205  at an interior side of the side wall  201 . In some embodiments, a water dispenser (e.g., hose, spigot) may be attached to the hole  205  on an exterior side of the side wall  201 . In some embodiments, an outer ring  205   a  comprising a grommet, threaded ring, or other means for removably coupling the water dispenser may circumscribe the hole  205 . That is, embodiments of an outer ring  205   a  may provide a means for attaching, screwing, or otherwise removably coupling the water dispenser to the hole  205 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  shows an exterior perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper portion  300  for a water storage apparatus. The exemplary embodiment of the upper portion  300  comprising side walls  301  and an upper horizontal surface  302  defining a recess (not shown) in the upper portion  300 . 
         [0047]    Embodiments of an upper portion  300  may comprise an upper horizontal surface  302  having an interior side, or lower side, facing a chamber of the water storage apparatus, and an exterior side, or upper side, facing away from the chamber. In some embodiments, the upper horizontal surface  302  may comprise a filling hole  303  that extends through the upper portion  300  to a bladder storing fluids on the interior side of the upper portion  300 . In some embodiments, the bladder may comprise an orifice that may be removably attached to the hole on an interior side of the upper portion  300  for receiving fluids to fill the bladder and/or for dispensing the contents of the bladder. In some embodiments, a cap  304  may seal the filling hole  303  formed in the upper horizontal surface  302 . The cap  304  may prevent loss of the contents of the bladder and may also prevent contamination of the contents of the bladder. As detailed later, in some embodiments, a filling hose, pipe, funnel, or other means for delivering fluids may be attached to an exterior side of the filling hole  303  and may deliver fluids to an orifice of a bladder attached at the interior side of the upper portion  300 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, an upper horizontal surface  302  may comprise a means for attaching handles to the upper horizontal surface  302 , for example, holes  305  for receiving posts of handles. However, other means for attaching handles to the water storage apparatus may be utilized. 
         [0049]    Embodiments of an upper portion  300  may comprise a number of side walls  301  protruding downward, toward the interior of a water storage apparatus. The side walls  301  and the upper horizontal surface  302  may form a recess (not shown) on the interior side of the upper portion  300 . In some embodiments, the side walls  301  may comprise grooves  306  defined by an interior side wall  306   a  and an exterior side wall  306   b . The grooves  306  may receive an end of a panel or column of a chamber, and the side walls may protrude downwards an amount needed for supporting and controlling the components defining the chamber. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  shows components defining a chamber  405  of an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  400  having a chamber  405  defined by a base  401 , an upper portion  403 , panels  406  and columns  407 . 
         [0051]    The water storage apparatus  400  may comprise a chamber  405  partitioning an interior space from an exterior space. The chamber  405  may be formed by the erection of the components of the water storage apparatus  400 . In some embodiments, a first end of side panels  406  and columns  407  may be inserted into grooves formed in a base  401 . In some embodiments, a flexible fluid bladder (not shown) may be placed in the interior space of the chamber  405  and an orifice of the bladder may be removably coupled to a hole  402  in the base  401  at the interior side of the hole  402 . The side panels  406  and columns  407  may provide a structure for containing a flexible fluid bladder while the bladder is being filled. In some embodiments, a second end of each of the side panels  406  and columns  407  may be inserted into grooves in an upper portion  403 . In some embodiments, once the orifice of the bladder is coupled to a filling hole (not shown) of the upper horizontal surface, the upper portion  403  may be adjoined to the side panels  406  and columns  407  of the chamber  405 , fitting the side panels  406  and columns  407  into the grooves of the upper portion  403 , thereby forming the chamber  405 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the chamber  405  of the water storage apparatus  400  may be secured together by bungees (not shown) clipped to the upper portion  403  and base  401 , with a bungee wrapping around the chamber  405 . In some embodiments, clips, snaps, screws, or bolts may be used for securing joints of the water storage apparatus  400 . 
         [0053]    It is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment of the water storage apparatus  400  is shown having skeletal side panels  406  to exemplify the various features of the water storage apparatus  400 . Some embodiments may comprise components having a different skeletal pattern. Some embodiments may comprise components that are entirely solid. Some embodiments may comprise chemical compositions rendering the components clear and see through. Some embodiments may comprise chemical compositions rendering the components solid and unable to be seen through. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a flexible bladder  500  for a water storage apparatus comprising a first orifice  501  and a second orifice  502 . 
         [0055]    The flexible bladder  500  may comprise one or more orifices  501 ,  502  for filling the bladder  500  with fluids and/or extracting fluids from the bladder  500 . In some embodiments, a first orifice  501  may correspond with a hole in a chamber containing the bladder  500 . In some embodiments, the first orifice  501  may be detachably coupled to the corresponding hole in the chamber. In some embodiments, the first orifice  501  may be located near a top of the bladder  500  and correspond to a hole in an upper portion of the chamber. 
         [0056]    Some embodiments of a bladder  500  may comprise a second orifice  502  for filling the bladder  500  with fluids and/or extracting fluids from the bladder  500 . In some embodiments, the second orifice  502  may correspond to a hole in a chamber containing the bladder  500 . In some embodiments, the second orifice  502  of the bladder  500  may be detachably coupled to the corresponding hole in the chamber. In some embodiments, the second orifice  502  may be located near a bottom of the bladder  500  and correspond to a hole in a base of the chamber. 
         [0057]    It is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5  shows the flexible bladder  500  as a cube merely to display the flexibility of the bladder  500 , i.e., embodiments of a bladder  500 , when substantially filled with a fluid, may appear to take the shape of the containing chamber. The bladder  500  in  FIG. 5  is shown as being substantially cubed in shape due to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the bladder  500  are not limited to the shapes shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5  or any other exemplary embodiment described herein. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the bladder  500  may have no pre-defined shape, embodiments of the bladder  500  may have any pre-defined shape, and/or embodiments of the bladder  500  may have a fluidly changing shape. 
         [0058]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  600  from an exterior bottom-side underneath a base  601 . The water storage apparatus  600  has a base  601 , a chamber  611  housing a bladder  613 , and an upper portion  609 . The base  601  has side walls  603  and a lower horizontal surface  605 . 
         [0059]    As earlier described, a base  601  may comprise side walls  603  protruding upwards toward an upper portion  609 . In some embodiments, a rear side wall  603   a  may comprise bumpers  604  or some other useful attachments. A base  601  may comprise a lower horizontal surface  605  having a face on an interior side, or upper side, and a face on an exterior side, or lower side. In some embodiments, an exterior side of the lower horizontal surface  605  may comprise a means for attaching wheels  607  to the base  601 . In some embodiments, the lower horizontal surface  605  may comprise holes (not shown) for receiving posts attached to wheels  607 . In other embodiments, however other means for removably attaching rotatable wheels  607  are possible. 
         [0060]    It is to be appreciated that any number of rotatably coupled wheels  607  may be attached to the water storage apparatus  600  at locations other than the base  601  or the lower horizontal surface  605 . It is to be appreciated that the wheels  607  may be of any size. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  shows a rear view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  700  comprising a chamber  701  housing a bladder  711 , a base  703 , and an upper portion  705 . 
         [0062]    As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7 , a chamber  701  may be defined by a base  703  on a lower end of the water storage apparatus  700  and an upper portion  705  on an upper end of the water storage apparatus  700 . In some embodiments, sides of the chamber  701  may be defined by side panels  709  and columns  707  extending from the base  703  to the upper portion  705 . 
         [0063]    An upper portion  705  may comprise an upper horizontal surface  706  having an interior facing side, or lower side, and an exterior facing side, or upper side. In some embodiments, the upper portion  705  may comprise a filling hole  717  for accessing an orifice of a bladder  711  housed within the chamber  701 . The filling hole may be sealed with a cap  718  on the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  706 . In some embodiments, the upper portion may comprise handles  715 . In some embodiments, the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  706  may comprise holes or other means for attaching the handles  715 . Some embodiments of a water storage apparatus  700 , may comprise a base  703  having rotatable wheels  713  detachably coupled to the base  713 . In some embodiments, a hose  719  may be detachably coupled to the water storage apparatus  700  for dispensing fluid from the bladder  711 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  800  comprising a chamber  801  housing a bladder  811 , a base  803 , and an upper portion  805 . 
         [0065]    As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8 , a chamber  801  may be defined by a base  803  on a lower end of the water storage apparatus  800  and an upper portion  805  on an upper end of the water storage apparatus  800 . In some embodiments, sides of the chamber  801  may be defined by side panels  809  and columns  807  extending from the base  803  to the upper portion  805 . 
         [0066]    An upper portion  805  may comprise an upper horizontal surface  806  having an interior facing side, or lower side, and an exterior facing side, or upper side. In some embodiments, the upper portion  805  may comprise a filling hole  817  for accessing an orifice of a bladder  811  housed within the chamber  801 . The filling hole may be sealed with a cap  818  on the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  806 . In some embodiments, the upper portion may comprise handles  815 . In some embodiments, the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  806  may comprise holes or other means of attaching the handles  815 . Some embodiments of a water storage apparatus  800 , may comprise a base  803  having wheels  813  detachably connected to the base  803 . In some embodiments, a hose  819  may attach to a base  803  at a hole  820  formed into the base  803  for dispensing fluid from the bladder  811 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  900  comprising a chamber  901  housing a bladder  911 , a base  903 , and an upper portion  905 . 
         [0068]    As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 , a chamber  901  may be defined by a base  903  on a lower end of the water storage apparatus  900  and an upper portion  905  on an upper end of the water storage apparatus  900 . In some embodiments, sides of the chamber  901  may be defined by side panels  909  and columns  907  extending from the base  903  to the upper portion  905 . 
         [0069]    An upper portion  905  may comprise an upper horizontal surface  906  having an interior facing side, or lower side, and an exterior facing side, or upper side. In some embodiments, the upper portion  905  may comprise a filling hole  917  for accessing an orifice of a bladder  911  housed within the chamber  901 . The filling hole may be sealed with a cap  918  on the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  906 . In some embodiments, such as that of  FIG. 9 , the upper portion may comprise detachable handles  915  extending from the upper portion  905  to columns  907 . The handles  915  comprise a first post removably attached to the upper portion  905  and second post removably attached to the column  915 . In some embodiments, the exterior side of the upper horizontal surface  906  may comprise holes or other means of attaching the handles  915 . 
         [0070]    Some embodiments of a water storage apparatus  900 , may comprise a base  903  having wheels  913  detachably connected to the base  903 . In some embodiments, a hose  919  may attach at the base  903  of the water storage apparatus  900  and may dispense fluid from the bladder  911 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of an assembled embodiment of a water storage apparatus  1000  comprising an upper portion  1001  having detachable handles  1007 , and a hose  1009 . 
         [0072]    In some embodiments of a water storage apparatus, such as the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , may comprise an upper portion  1001  having a filling hole  1005  for accessing an orifice of a bladder housed within the water storage apparatus. In some embodiments, the filling hole  1005  may be sealed by a removable cap  1005   a . In some embodiments, handles  1007  may be attached to the upper portion  1001  via handle holes  1011  in the upper portion  1001 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective front view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  1100  in which a bladder  1103  is being filled with a fluid. The exemplary embodiment of the water storage apparatus  1100  comprising an upper portion  1101 , and a chamber  1102  housing a bladder  1103 . 
         [0074]    In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 11 , a chamber  1102  may contain a bladder  1103  being filled with a fluid through an orifice of the bladder using a delivery hose  1107 . An upper portion  1101  may comprise a filling hole  1105  that may receive a delivery hose  1107  or other means for delivering a fluid, such as a pipe or a funnel. In some embodiments, the delivery hose  1107  may be detachably coupled to the filling hole  1105 . In some embodiments, the bladder  1103  may comprise an orifice (not shown) corresponding to the filling hole  1105  of the upper portion  1101 . In some embodiments, the corresponding orifice of the bladder  1103  may be detachably coupled to an interior side of the filling hole  1105  of the upper portion  1101 . 
         [0075]    A water storage apparatus  1100  may comprise a dispensing hole  1111 . In some embodiments, a fluid dispenser, such as a hose  1113  or a spigot, may be detachably connected to the dispensing hole  1111  of the water storage apparatus  1100 . In some embodiments, a bladder  1103  may comprise an orifice (not shown) corresponding to the dispensing hole  1111 . That is, in such embodiments, the corresponding orifice of the bladder  1103  may be detachably coupled to an interior side of the dispensing hole  1111  of the base. 
         [0076]      FIG. 12  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus in a disassembled configuration  1200 . That is, some embodiments of the water storage apparatus disclosed herein may be capable of various configurations. Some embodiments of the water storage apparatus may comprise components capable of collapsing or otherwise disassembling. In some embodiments, some components, once collapsed or disassembled, may be capable of storing other components, which may also be collapsed or disassembled. As shown by  FIG. 12 , one exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus shown in a disassembled or collapsed configuration  1200  may comprise an upper portion  1201  and a base  1202 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, a upper portion  1201  may comprise a filling hole  1207  for filling a bladder at times when the water storage apparatus  1200  is in an assembled configuration. In some embodiments, the filling hole  1207  may be formed into an upper horizontal surface  1205  of the upper portion  1201 . 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, a base  1202  may comprise a hole  1206  formed into a side wall  1204 . In some embodiments, the hole  1206  may be for dispensing water, or other liquid, that may be stored in a bladder when the water storage apparatus  1200  is in an assembled configuration. 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, side walls  1204  of a base  1202  may protrude towards an upper portion  1201 . The upper portion  1201  may comprise side walls  1203  that may protrude towards the base  1202 , thereby forming a housing from the exemplary configuration of the disassembled water storage water storage apparatus  1200 . That is, the housing formed from the disassembled configuration of the water storage apparatus  1200  may be formed by placing the side walls  1204  of the base  1202  substantially adjacent to the side walls  1203  of the upper portion  1201 . In some embodiments, various components of the water storage apparatus in the disassembled configuration  1200  (e.g., panels, wheels, bladder) may be stored within the housing. 
         [0080]      FIG. 13  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  1300  comprising wheels  1307  protruding from side walls  1303  of a base  1301 . 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, removable axles  1305  may protrude from the side walls  1301  of the base  1301 . In such embodiments, removable wheels  1307  may be rotatably coupled to the axles  1305  on either side of the water storage apparatus  1300 . In some embodiments, the removable wheels  1307  may be rotatably coupled to axles  1305  that may attach to the base  1301  underneath the water storage apparatus  1300  at a lower horizontal surface of the base  1301 . 
         [0082]    In one example, the removable wheels  1307  may be wireframe wheels, such as bicycle wheels, and these wheels  1307  may be rotatably coupled to the axles  1305 . In some embodiments, wheels  1307  on one end of the water storage apparatus  1300  may be larger than wheels on another end of the water storage apparatus  1300 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 14  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus  1400  comprising an upper portion  1402 , a base  1404 , and a chamber  1406  situated between the upper portion  1402  and the base  1404 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the chamber  1406  comprises side panels  1408 ,  1409  and columns  1410 ,  1411  partitioned by a middle portion  1412  into upper panels  1408 , upper columns  1410 , lower panels  1409 , and lower columns  1411 . 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, components of a chamber  1406  may be partitioned by middle portion  1412 . The middle portion  1412  may be a coupling joint allowing adjoining panels  1408 ,  1409  and columns  1410 ,  1411  to be coupled together, thereby forming the chamber  1406 . In some embodiments, the middle portion  1412  may be defined by a bevel at the top of lower components  1409 ,  1411  to which upper components  1408 ,  1410  may be fastened. In some embodiments, the middle portion  1412  may be defined by a bevel at the bottom of upper components  1408 ,  1410 . to which lower components  1409 ,  1411  may be fastened. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the middle portion  1412  may be a solid partition partitioning the chamber  1406 , and allowing components of the chamber  1408 ,  1409 ,  1410 ,  1411  to be fastened together and/or to the middle portion  1412 . In such embodiments, the water storage apparatus  1400  may comprise bladders within each partition of the chamber  1406 . 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, the upper portion  1402  may comprise handles facilitating human locomotion of the water storage apparatus  1400 . In some embodiments, wheels  1416  may be place on the sides of the water storage apparatus  1400  by axles protruding from the sides of the base  1404  allowing for wheels  1416  to be rotatably attached to the axles. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, pegs  1414  may be removably attached to the base  1404 . 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , the base  1404  may comprise wheels  1416  and pegs  1414  on opposing ends of the base  1404 . The wheels  1406  may be positioned underneath handles  1418  attached to an upper  1418  such that weight of the water storage apparatus  1400  may be tilted on the axles of the base  1404  toward a human operator or other means of moving the water storage apparatus  1400 . When the water storage apparatus  1400  is relocated using the wheels  1416 , the weight may be shifted by the axles onto the pegs  1414  of the base  1404 . 
         [0088]    In some embodiments, the water storage apparatus  1400  may be disassembled in various ways for storage. In some embodiments, the components of the chamber  1408 ,  1409 ,  1410 ,  1411  may be stored within a housing, as described earlier. In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the side panels  1408 ,  1409  may be stacked onto one another and then the stack of side panels  1408 ,  1409  may be placed in between the side walls of the base  1404  and the upper portion  1402 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 15  shows an exemplary embodiment of a water storage apparatus in a disassembled configuration  1500  ready for storage. The exemplary embodiment of the disassembled or collapsed water storage apparatus  1500  may comprise an upper portion  1501  having a filling hole  1502 , a base  1503 , and a stack of side panels  1505 . 
         [0090]    In some embodiments, the side walls of a base  1503  may be abutted to side walls of an upper portion  1501  such that a housing is formed by a recess of the base facing the recess of the upper portion  1501  for storing various components of the water storage apparatus  1500 . In some embodiments, components of the water storage apparatus  1500  may fit within the storage housing formed by the base  1503  and the upper portion  1501 . In some embodiments, as in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 , side panels  1505  forming the collapsed chamber may be stacked on one another. In such embodiments, other components of the water storage apparatus  1500  may fit within a storage housing that may be formed by the base  1503 , upper portion  1501 , and the stackable side panels  1505 , such that the side walls of the base  1503  are adjacent to one end of the stack of side panels  1505  and the side walls of the upper portion  1501  are adjacent to the opposing end of the stack of side panels  1505 . 
         [0091]    In some embodiments, detachable handles  1507  may be stored within the storage housing. In some embodiments, as in  FIG. 15 , detachable handles  1507  may be attached to various areas of the storage housing to allow for easier mobility of the water storage apparatus  1500  having a different shape or construction when disassembled. 
         [0092]    The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus capable of storing and conveying water. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to water. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may store and/or dispense any fluids. The exemplary embodiments can relate to an apparatus for performing one or more of the functions described herein. Skilled artisans may implement the described method and apparatus in varying ways for a particular use, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Technology Category: 4