Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION
of
Ryan Lee Christensen
Derrek Leon Roberts
and
Kevin E. Collier
for
MODULAR STORAGE STRUCTURES
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Docket No T1887 10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001]
This application is a continuation in part of International Patent
Application No.
PCT/US2013/078110, filed December 27, 2013, titled MODULAR STORAGE
STRUCTURES, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/746,492, filed December 27, 2012, titled MODULAR LIQUID STORAGE TANK, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
The present application generally relates to modular storage
structures, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to modular storage structures arranged to
store a liquid
material.
[0003]
Hydrocarbon exploration and extraction operations are conducted in
places
around the world, sometimes in very remote locations. Many of these operations
involve
very large volumes of fluids, equipment and/or other materials which need to
be stored.
[0004]
For example, hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," is a process in
which large
amounts of pressurized fluids fracture rock layers in order to release fossil
fuels for
extraction and recovery. Wellbore locations vary with rock formations, and
some extraction
7
operations may require temporary fluid storage near the wellbore's position.
High volume
7 ;1.0
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= r:= 4 cczn:' liquid storage tanks may be necessary for storage of
fracturing fluids, brine or process water
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z
during various oil field operations. These storage tanks may be
designed to hold large
r. cip
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quantities of liquid while fracking or other processes are underway.
Structures for storing
<
= ¨
materials other than liquid may also be necessary. Further, the use of these
structures may be
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implemented at sites other than where fracking occurs and/or in connection
with operations
other than fracking.
[0005]
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that
solve any
disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described
above. Rather,
this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area
where some
embodiments described herein may be utilized.
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- Page 3 -
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BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006]
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to modular
storage
structures, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to modular storage
structures arranged
to store a liquid material.
[0007]
In one non-limiting embodiment, a modular structure includes a
plurality of
stackable, inter-engaging blocks. Two or more of the blocks include at least
two openings,
and the blocks are configured to be removably coupled to one another with an
opening of a
first block aligned with an opening of a second block. The modular structure
also includes at
least two elongate members positionable through aligned hinge openings of at
least two of
the plurality of blocks positioned adjacent to one another, and at least one
reinforcing
member structured to extend between and engage the at least two elongate
members
between stacked layers of the blocks.
[0008]
In another non-limiting embodiment, a modular structure includes at
least two
components each including a body extending along an axis and including
oppositely
positioned sidewalls. A first opening is positioned between the sidewalls and
extends
transversely to the axis, and a second opening is positioned between the
sidewalls and
extends transversely to the axis. The components are configured to be
removably coupled to
one another with the first opening of a first component aligned with the
second opening of a
-
second component when the first and second components are positioned adjacent
to one
LIr
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another. The modular structure also includes at least two elongate
members. At least one of
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the elongate members is configured to be positioned through the
aligned first and second
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>
openings of the first and second components when the first and second
components are
positioned adjacent to one another. The modular structure further includes one
or more
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CA 02896054 2015-07-03
=
reinforcing members positionable along exterior surfaces of the first and
second components
when the first and second components are positioned adjacent to one another
and into
engagement with the at least two elongate members.
[0009]
In yet another non-limiting embodiment, a modular structure includes a
plurality
of stackable, inter-engaging blocks, and at least two of the plurality of
blocks include at least
two hinge openings. The structure also includes at least two elongate members,
and each of
the elongate members is positionable through aligned hinge openings of at
least two of the
plurality of blocks positioned adjacent to one another. The structure further
includes at least
one reinforcing member structured to extend between and engage the at least
two elongate
members between stacked layers of adjacent ones of the plurality of blocks.
[0010]
In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for assembling a modular
structure
includes positioning a first stackable block relative to a second stackable
block. The first and
second blocks are configured to inter-engage with one another and each include
two or more
openings. The method also includes inserting a first elongate member through a
first
opening of the first block and a second opening of the second block aligned
with the first
opening of the first block; inserting a second elongate member through a
second opening of
the first block; and positioning a reinforcing member over the first block
with a first portion
7
7 thereof extending around the first elongate member and a second
portion thereof extending
4 p4 cci);' around the second elongate member.
,
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¨ [0011]
In still another non-limiting embodiment, a modular structure includes
a plurality
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of stackable, inter-engaging blocks, and at least two of the plurality of
blocks include at least
P.*
two hinge openings. The structure further includes a plurality of elongate
members, and at
least two of the elongate members are configured to be positioned through
aligned hinge
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openings of the at least two blocks. The structure also includes at least one
reinforcing
member positionable in line with the longitudinal axis of at least one of the
blocks and into
engagement with the two elongate members.
[0012]
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified
form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed
subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0013]
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the
description which
follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned
by the practice
of the invention. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by
means of the
instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
These and
other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from
the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the
invention as set
forth hereinafter.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular structure.
[0015] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a block component of
the modular structure of
Figure 1.
[0016] Figure 2B is a side view of the block component of Figure
2A.
[0017] Figure 2C is atop view of the block component of Figure
2A.
[0018] Figure 2D is a section view of the block component of
Figure 2A.
[0019] Figure 2E is a side view of a pair of alternatively
configured block components.
[0020] Figure 2F is a side view of a pair of alternatively
configured block components.
[0021] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an elongate member
relative to an anchor
component of the modular structure of Figure 1.
[0022] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an anchor stake of the
modular structure of
Figure 1.
[0023] Figure 4 is a side view of a portion of the modular
structure of Figure 1.
[0024] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an elongate member of
the modular structure
of Figure 1.
[0025] Figure 5B is a top view of the elongate member of 5A.
[0026] Figure SC is a perspective view of an alternatively
configured elongate member
4
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C21 E* and a plurality of sleeve members relative to an anchor
component.
rI
[0027] Figure SD is an exploded view of an alternatively
configured elongate member
relative to an anchor component.
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[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of one form
of the modular structure of
Figure 1.
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[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cap component of the
modular structure of
Figure 1.
[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cable of the modular
structure of Figure 1.
[0031] Figure 9A is a perspective view of a center member of
modular structure of
Figure 1.
[0032] Figure 9B is a perspective view of a support element
which may be used in
connection with the modular structure of Figure 1.
[0033] Figure 10A is a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment block component
positioned relative to an alternative embodiment reinforcing member.
[0034] Figure 10B is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment block
component.
[0035] Figure 10C is a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment modular structure
including the alternative embodiment block components illustrated in Figures
10A and 10B.
[0036] Figure 10D is an exploded, perspective illustration of
the alternative embodiment
modular structure illustrated in Figure 10C.
[0037] Figure 10E is an exploded, perspective illustration of
the modular structure
illustrated in Figure 10C without the block components.
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c,
[0038] Figure 1OF is a plan view of a portion of the modular
structure illustrated in
4 Figure 10C including a plurality of the block components
illustrated in Figure 10B.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039]
For purposes of promoting an understanding of the described subject
matter,
reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language
will be
used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope
of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further
modifications in the
described subject matter, and such farther applications of the principles of
the invention as
described herein being contemplated as would noimally occur to one skilled in
the art to
which the invention relates.
[0040]
The terms and words used in the following description and claims are
not limited
to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to
enable a clear and
consistent understanding of the invention. It is to be understood that the
singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus,
for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or
more of such
surfaces.
[0041]
By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited
characteristic, parameter, or
value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations,
including for example,
tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other
factors known
7 00
C7 to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude
the effect the characteristic was
7
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=11 [0042]
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to modular
structures. In one
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form, the modular structures may be configured to store a volume of liquid.
More
particularly, with general reference to Figure 1, one non-limiting embodiment
of a modular
structure 100 is illustrated in a perspective view. The modular structure 100
includes a
plurality of block components 200 that are configured to be removably coupled
to one
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another. In the illustrated form, block components 200 are identical or
substantially
identical, although forms in which variations between block components 200 are
present are
also contemplated. Modular structure 100 also includes a plurality of base or
anchor
members such as components 300 configured to be positioned on a surface
underlying the
modular structure 100, and a plurality of elongate members 500 each removably
coupled to
a respective base component or anchor component 300. Each of elongate members
500 is
further removably coupled to a respective one of a plurality of cap components
400. The
elongate members 500 are further configured to couple vertically and laterally
adjacent
block components 200 to one another, further details of which will be provided
herein
below. A center member 600 is positioned in substantially the center of
modular structure
100 and is positioned on or near the surface underlying modular structure 100.
A plurality of
cables 700 extend from center member 600 and each of cables 700 is removably
coupled
with a respective anchor component 300. For the sake of clarity, only a few of
the above-
mentioned components have been identified in Figure 1.
[0043]
In the illustrated form, block components 200 are arranged in a
circular
configuration and define an enclosed space. Although the modular structure 100
is generally
circular, the components as described herein permit modular structures with
configurations
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in a variety of geometric configurations and sizes. Additionally,
although the illustrated
7
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modular structure 100 includes block components 200 stacked six rows
high, it should be
Li) L4
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understood that modular structures with any number of rows of block
components 200 are
tJ..1
possible.
[0044]
Turning now to Figures 2A-D, details of one non-limiting embodiment of
the
block component 200 will be provided. In the illustrated form, the block
component 200
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includes a body extending along an axis A1 between a first end portion 204 and
a second end
portion 206. The block component 200 includes a first sidewall 208 opposite a
second
sidewall 210 and an upper surface 222 opposite a lower surface 224.
[0045]
A first opening 212 on the first end portion 204 extends through the
upper and
lower surfaces 222, 224 of the block component 200. The first opening 212 is
positioned
between the first and second sidewalls 208, 210 as illustrated for example in
Figure 2C. The
first end portion 204 includes a receptacle 216 configured to receive a second
end portion of
an adjacent block component which is the same or substantially identical to
the second end
portion 206 as illustrated for example in Figure 2B. The receptacle 216
interrupts the first
opening 212 into two spaced apart and aligned sections 212A and 212B. A second
opening
214 extends through the second end portion 206 of the block component 200. The
second
opening 214 is positioned between the first and second sidewalls 208, 210. The
first and
second openings 212, 214 may also be referred to as hinge openings, although
font's in
which no hinge action is present between adjacent block components 200 are
also
envisioned. Non-illustrated embodiments include block components with multiple
receptacles similar to receptacle 216 on the first and/or second end portions
204, 206 to
hingedly engage multiple block components. In one particular form, the block
component
= 00
C3r
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200 is at least partially formed of a plastic polymer, although it should
be appreciated that it
H
may be formed of other materials as well.
õ
= H
z E-+ [0046]
Turning now to Figure 2D, the first and second sidewalls 208, 210 and
upper and
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= cC
lower surfaces 222, 224 define an interior chamber 218. The interior
chamber 218 may be
hollow or may be filled with a filler material (not shown). The filler
material may be a foam
material or a structural matrix. The filler material may include support
members extending
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between the first and second sidewalls 208, 210 and/or the upper and lower
surfaces 222,
224. Alternatively or additionally, the interior chamber 218 may be filled
with water or any
other liquid or other material or component configured to increase the
structural stability of
the block component 200 or modular structure 100. Forms in which block
components 200
include a solid configuration and interior chamber 218 is absent are also
contemplated.
[0047]
As illustrated for example in Figure 2D, the block component 200
includes
reinforcing members such as cables 220 extending around the first and second
openings 212,
214. The cables 220 are positioned within the interior chamber 218 and are
configured to
structurally reinforce block component 200. In non-illustrated examples, the
cables 220 may
be positioned exterior to the block component 200 or within the sidewalls 208,
210 and/or
the upper and lower surfaces 222, 224 of the block component 200. When
present, a variety
of different types and numbers of cables 220 may be utilized in connection
with the block
component 200.
[0048]
The block component 200 may be configured to withstand tensile stress
without
failing or breaking. For example, configurations of the block component 200
may have an
ultimate tensile strength greater than 15,000 pounds-force per square inch. In
some forms,
configurations of the block component 200 may have an ultimate tensile
strength greater
7
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however that alternative
0,0
rz4 values for the tensile strength of the block component 200 are
possible.
H
[0049]
The modular structure 100 may be configured such that some rows of
block
Jc
r) 00 components 200 include reinforcing members such as cables 220, and
others do not. For
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>
example, the modular structure 100 of Figure 1 may include reinforcing members
such as
cables 220 associated with block components 200 in the first, second and
uppermost rows of
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block components 200 but not in any rows positioned between the second and
uppermost
rows of block components. In other configurations, reinforcing members such as
cables 220
may be associated with each block component 200 or cables 220 may not be
associated with
any of the block components 200. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
a number of
different combinations of block components 200 with or without cables 220 are
possible.
[0050]
As illustrated for example in Figures 2A and 2C, the first and second
end portions
204, 206 include arcuate or semi-circular configurations structured to
facilitate pivotable
engagement between adjacent block components 200. The first and second end
portions 204,
206 are configured such that adjacent block components 200 may engage one
another at a
variety of different angles. For example, block components 200 may be engaged
at or less
than right angles with respect to each other, engaged substantially in a
straight line with
respect to each other, or at any configuration therebetween, just to provide a
few non-
limiting possibilities. Given the potential variation in the angular
relationship between
adjacent block components 200, it should be understood that block components
200 may be
used to construct a modular structure having a variety of different sizes and
shapes.
[0051]
As illustrated for example in Figure 2D, the block component 200
includes a
molded handle 226 configured to facilitate manipulation and handling of the
block
< = c8 , component 200. Alternative arrangements for facilitating
manipulation and handling of the
4 <='
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8 block component 200 are possible. For example, the block
component 200 may additionally
c:4
H
z or alternatively include an opening, indentation, handle, pin,
loop, hooks, or any other
D
= (/)
/D co features for facilitating manipulation and handling of the block
component 200.
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[0052]
Alternative configurations for facilitating engagement of adjacent
block
components 200 are possible. For example, as illustrated in Figures 2E and 2F,
a receptacle
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may not interrupt one of the openings into two spaced apart and aligned
sections. As
illustrated in Figure 2E, adjacent block components 250A and 250B both include
a first
opening 252 and a second opening 254. Block components 250A and 250B are
configured
to be pivotably engaged with one another with opening 254 of block component
250A
aligned with opening 252 of block component 250B. In such a configuration, it
should be
appreciated that the positioning of block components 250A and 250B may be
switched to
align opening 254 of block component 250B with opening 252 of block component
250A.
[0053]
As illustrated in Figure 2F, another alternative configuration
includes adjacent
block components 260A and 260B both including a first opening 262 and a second
opening
264. Block components 260A and 260B are configured to be pivotably engaged
with one
another with opening 264 of block component 260A aligned with opening 262 of
block
component 260B. In such a configuration, block component 260B is rotated 180
degrees
about its axis relative to block component 260A when the components are
positioned
adjacent to one another and pivotably engaged. Block component 260B may be
rotated
relative to block component 260A such that opening 264 may be positioned to be
aligned
with opening 264 of block component 260A. Block component 260A may also be
similarly
rotated relative to block component 260B.
7
7 [0054]
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations of
block
Do
4
components including one or more aspects of block components 200, 250 and 260
are
possible. Although the modular structure 100 is illustrated with identical or
substantially
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r) 00 a4
identical block components, it is contemplated that other non-
illustrated forms of modular
structure 100 may include one or more variations between one or more of the
block
components 200.
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[0055]
Turning now to Figure 3A, further details regarding the anchor
component 300
will be provided. More particularly, the anchor component 300 includes a base
306
extending between a first end portion 302 and a second end portion 304. The
base 306 is
configured to be positioned on a surface underlying the anchor component 300.
The base
306 includes an opening 308 configured to receive an anchor stake 350 (Figure
3B) or other
anchor member to couple the anchor component 300 to the underlying surface.
The base 306
also includes a plurality of connector openings 310, each configured to
receive one end of a
respective one of cables 700. It should be understood that the number of
openings 308 and
310 in the anchor component 300 may deviate from the number shown in the
illustrated
form.
[0056]
A connector member 312 is positioned on the base 306 between the first
and
second end portions 302, 304. The connector member includes two oppositely
positioned
slots 314. Each of the slots 314 includes a substantially vertical portion 313
and a transverse
portion 315 extending orthogonally to the vertical portion 313.
[0057]
As illustrated for example in Figure 3A, elongate member 500 includes
a pin 502
extending across a diameter of the elongate member. The elongate member 500
may be
positioned such that the pin 502 is aligned with the slots 314. The pin 502
may be inserted
4 P-1 00
>
into the vertical portions 313 of the slots 314. Subsequently, the
elongate member 500 may
4
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CI) c)
4 Pe
be rotated relative to the anchor component 300 such that the pin 502 is
positioned into the
H
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transverse portions 315 of the slots 314, thereby axially locking the
elongate member 500
rz.1 LT)
cip
_)
relative to the anchor component 300.
cn <IC
[0058]
It should be understood that the number of slots 314 on the connector
member
312 configured to receive pins or protrusions to secure the elongate member
500 to the
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anchor component 300 may deviate from the number shown in the illustrated
form. The
illustrated slots 314 are substantially L or J shaped, although it should be
appreciated that
alternatively configured slots 314 are contemplated. It is also contemplated
that the engaging
features of elongate member 500 and the anchor component 300 may be switched
such that
elongate member 500 includes a slot that receives a pin or protrusion of the
anchor
component 300. Further variations for coupling the elongate member 500 and the
anchor
component 300 are also possible however. For example, in one non-illustrated
form, a
threaded arrangement may be utilized to couple the elongate member 500 and the
anchor
component 300.
[0059]
Turning to Figure 3B, the anchor stake 350 is configured to couple the
anchor
component 300 to a surface underlying the anchor component, such as soil, dirt
etc. The
anchor stake 350 includes an engagement component 352 and an annular surface
354
positioned on a first end portion of a body 356. The anchor stake 350 may be
composed at
least partially of steel or of any other suitable material. The annular
surface 354 is
configured to secure the anchor stake 350 to the anchor component 300 when the
anchor
stake 350 is positioned through the opening 308 and at least partially into
the surface
underlying the anchor component 300. The engagement component 352 is
configured to
7
C)
)
facilitate handling of the anchor stake 350, including removal of the
anchor stake 350 from
the underlying surface or the anchor component 300. Either or both of the
engagement
component 352 and the annular surface 354 may be welded to the anchor stake
350, or
_)
anchor stake 350 may be Ruffled as a single component including these
features.
[0060]
Turning now to Figure 4, where a number of blocks 200 have been
labeled
individually for the sake of clarity, further details regarding the
relationship of blocks 200
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relative to one another will be provided. More particularly, block components
200A, 200B
and 200C are individually illustrated in Figure 4 where like numerals refer to
like features
previously described. In the illustrated form, block components 200A, 200B and
200C are
identical, although it should be understood that fauns where the block
components are not
identical are also possible. The block components 200A, 200B and 200C are
configured to
be removably coupled to one another and include features corresponding to
those described
in connection with the block component 200 of Figures 2A-D.
[0061]
Block components 200 are configured to be positioned adjacent to one
another
and removably coupled to one another when positioned in such a manner. For
example, in
Figure 4 block component 200A and block component 200B are positioned
laterally
adjacent to one another and partially over the anchor component 300. While not
previously
discussed, it should be understood that the openings of the block components
200 may be
sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the anchor component 300.
For example, in
one form, the connector member 312 of the anchor component 300 and the
openings of the
block components 200 are sized and configured such that the connector member
312 is
received in an opening of a block component 200. The second end portion 206 of
block
component 200A is positioned in the receptacle 216 of the first end portion
204 of block
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component 200B such that the second opening 214 of block component
200A is aligned
4
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E
with the first opening 212 of the block component 200B.
D:)
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[0062]
The block components 200 are further configured to be placed on top of
one
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A cõ0
another and removably coupled with one another when positioned in such
a manner. As
<
illustrated for example in Figure 4, block component 200C is positioned or
stacked on top of
block component 200A. In this configuration, opening 214 of block component
200C is
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aligned with opening 214 of block component 200A and opening 212 of block
component
200C is aligned with opening 212 of block component 200A.
[0063]
In one non-limiting, alternative configuration, block component 200C
may be
rotated 180 degrees relative to its illustrated position in Figure 4 such that
opening 214 of
block component 200A is aligned with opening 212 of block component 200C.
Multiple
rows (also referred to as layers) of block components 200 may be stacked or
positioned as
described above to assemble modular structures of various heights, sizes and
volumes.
[0064]
The elongate member 500 is positioned through the aligned openings to
removably couple blocks 200A, 200B and 200C. The elongate member 500 is
rotatably
coupled to the anchor component 300 as described above, and in such
configuration a
portion of the connector member 312 is positioned inside of elongate member
500.
Similarly, in forms where at least a portion of connector member 312 extends
into an
opening of a connector block 200, the interaction between the elongate member
500 and the
connector member 312 occurs, in whole or in part, inside the opening of the
connector
block.
[0065]
With more particular reference to Figures 5A-5B for example, the
elongate
member 500 will be described in further detail. The elongate member 500
includes a
7
CC'
substantially cylindrical body extending between a first end portion 504 and a
second end
7 r-
4 p4
portion 506. In the illustrated form, elongate member 500 includes a
hollow interior 508,
H
although it should be appreciated that forms in which elongate member 500 is
solid along at
u cf)
n
least a portion of its length are possible. The pin 502 extends
through an annular sidewall of
the elongate member 500 and across the hollow interior 508 at the second end
portion 506.
In other forms, it is contemplated that the pin 502 is replaced with
oppositely positioned
- Page 18-
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CA 02896054 2015-07-03
projections or tabs that only extend partially into the hollow interior 508
from the sidewall
of elongate member 500. The elongate member 500 is further configured to
receive at least a
portion of the anchor component 300 and the cap component 400 inside of the
hollow
interior 508 at the first and second end portions 504 and 506. Although not
illustrated in
Figure 5A, the first end portion 504 of the elongate member 500 is configured
substantially
the same as the second end portion 506; i.e., it includes a pin extending
across the hollow
interior 508 or oppositely positioned projections or tabs that only extend
partially into the
hollow interior 508 from the sidewall of elongate member 500.
[0066]
In alternative configurations, the elongate member 500 may be
configured to be
positioned inside one or both of the anchor component 300 and the cap
component 400. In
such configurations, opposite ends 510a and 510b of the pin 502 extending from
the
sidewall of elongate member 500 may be aligned with and positioned inside of
the slots 314
of the anchor component 300 or a similar slot of the cap component 400. In
other
configurations, the pin 502 may not extend across the elongate member 500 and
the elongate
member 500 includes oppositely positioned protrusions or tabs in place of
opposite ends
510a and 510b of the pin 502.
[0067]
In certain non-illustrated forms, it is contemplated that anchor
component 300
z w cc
<
may be omitted from one or more portions of the modular structure 100.
In these forms, the
4
00
4 = (2) c)
= S=
n) elongate member 500 may include a helical or screw-like
configuration to engage the
HH
ground or another surface below the modular structure 100 instead of being
configured to
cr)
engage with the anchor component 300. In other forms where the anchor
component 300 is
< <
¨
absent from the modular structure 100, the elongate member 500 may be
configured to be
positioned on the surface underlying the modular structure 100 and then one or
more
- Page 19 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
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additional anchor elements may anchor the elongate member 500 to the surface.
Still, it
should be appreciated that alternative forms for anchoring the modular
structure 100 are
possible.
[0068]
The length of the elongate member 500 may be selected based on the
desired
height of the modular structure 100. For example, the length of the elongate
member 500
may generally correspond to the cumulative height of the number of layers or
rows of block
components 200 of the modular structure 100. In one technique for assembling
the modular
structure 100, the elongate member 500 in inserted into aligned openings of
block
components 200 after the final height of the modular structure 100 has been
obtained,
although other variations are possible.
[0069]
Turning to now Figure 5C, an alternatively configured elongate member
550 is
illustrated. Elongate member 550 may be used in modular structure 100 in
addition to or in
lieu of elongate member 500. Elongate member 550 includes a substantially
cylindrical body
extending between a first end portion 554 and a second end portion 556 and
defining a
hollow interior 558. The first and second end portions 554 and 556 include
slots 560
substantially corresponding to the structure and functionality of slots 314.
[0070]
The elongate member 550 is configured to engage an alternatively
configured
7 00
7 c)
anchor component 570. The anchor component 570 substantially
corresponds in
c>
functionality and structure to anchor component 300, but includes an
alternatively
;4
H
configured connector member 572. The connector member 572 includes an
opening 574 that
(.73
cip
is configured to receive the elongate member 550 and a pin 576 configured to
engage the
cn <
r:L4
slots 560 of the elongate member 550 to provide an axially restrained
relationship between
- Page 20 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
the elongate member 550 and the anchor component 570 when the elongate member
500 is
inserted into and rotated relative to the anchor component 570.
[0071] The elongate member 550 is further configured to engage
an alternatively
configured cap component 580 which includes a connector member 582 configured
like the
connector member 572. Although not shown, the connector member 582 includes a
pin
configured to engage the slots 560 of the elongate member 550 to provide an
axially
restrained relationship between the elongate member 550 and the anchor
component 572
when the elongate member 500 is inserted into and rotated relative to the cap
component
580.
[0072] A plurality of sleeve members 590 are also illustrated in
Figure 5C. The sleeve
members 590 are substantially cylindrical and define an opening 592 configured
to receive
the elongate member 550, and the sleeve members 590 are further configured to
engage with
one another such that openings 592 are aligned with one another. For example,
in one form
the sleeve members 590 may be configured to be simply positioned on top of one
another. In
another form, the sleeve members 590 may be configured to interengage with one
another to
provide a locking or locked arrangement therebweteen. It should be appreciated
that the
inner diameter of the opening 592 is configured to facilitate placement of the
elongate
7
member 550 therein. In addition, the sleeve members 590 may also be used with
the
7
7
12 E-4
4 elongate member 500 provided that the elongate member 500 is
sized to be inserted through
:4 ;4
= H >-4
z H the sleeve members 590.
4T.)
= c/D
.)
n [0073] When sleeve members 590 are employed in the
modular structure 100, they may
,
be individually placed in aligned openings of block components 200. In this
manner, the
sleeve members 590 can be individually stacked as successive rows of block
components
- Page 21 -
DocketNo T1887 10001US02
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200 of modular structure 100 are formed. More particularly, as a row of block
components
200 is formed, a sleeve member 590 can be positioned in aligned openings of
the block
components 200, and this process can be repeated until the final height of the
modular
structure 100 is reached. It is also contemplated that two or more sleeve
members 590 may
be positioned at the same time, or that the sleeve members 590 are all
positioned through
aligned openings of the block components 200 after the final height of the
modular structure
100 is obtained. When one or more sleeve members 590 are positioned in aligned
openings
of the block components 200 before the final height of the modular structure
100 is reached,
these sleeve members 590 provide provisional coupling and alignment of the
block
components 200 until the elongate member 500 is positioned through the sleeve
members
590. In this respect, once the modular structure 100 reaches its final height
and the sleeve
members 590 have been positioned, the elongate member 500 or 550 may be
inserted
through the sleeve members 590 and into engagement with an anchor component
300. The
. positioning of the elongate member 500 in this manner further secures the
coupling of the
block components 200 to one another.
[0074]
Turning to now Figure 5D, a plurality of elongate members 520 are
illustrated.
The elongate members 520 may be used in the modular structure 100 in addition
to or in lieu
7
- 0.0
of elongate member 500 or 550. The elongate members 520 extend between first
and second
= 00
"" cn
end portions 524 and 526. The first end portions 524 include slots 522
and the second end
= H
1.
portions 526 include a pin 528. A number of elongate members 520 are
individually labeled
c.) cip
as 520A, 520B and 520C for the sake of clarity.
[0075]
Anchor component 530 substantially corresponds in structure to anchor
component 570 and includes a connector member 532, opening 534 and pin 536.
The
- Page 22 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
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configuration also includes a cap component 540 that substantially corresponds
to the cap
component 580 and includes a connector member 542.
[0076]
The elongate members 520 are configured to engage with each other, the
anchor
component 530 and the cap component 540. For example, the elongate member 520A
is
configured to be partially inserted into opening 534 of the anchor component
530 with the
slots 522 engaging the pin 536. Upon rotation of the elongate member 520A
relative to the
anchor component 530, the slots 522 and the pin 536 interact to provide an
axially restrained
or locked relationship between the elongate member 520A and the anchor
component 530.
Elongate member 520B is configured to be positioned on top of the elongate
member 520A
and may be rotatably coupled therewith. More particularly, the pin 528 of
elongate member
520A may be positioned into the slot 522 of elongate member 520B and the
elongate
member 520B may be rotated relative to elongate member 520A to removably
couple the
two. The cap component 540 may be similarly coupled to the uppermost one of
elongate
members 520. When the elongate members 520 are employed in the modular
structure 100,
they may be individually placed in aligned openings of block components 200.
For example,
a first elongate member 520 may be placed through aligned openings and engaged
with an
anchor component. In this manner, the elongate members 520 can be stacked as
successive
7 CC
rows of block components 200 are formed on modular structure 100. Once the
modular
71C-
4
structure 100 reaches its final height, a final elongate member 520
may be coupled with the
1:1LIõ
z
next to final elongate member 520 and then the cap component 540 may
be coupled with the
u
"r÷ cip
--LC;
final elongate member 520. It should be understood that forms in which
a single elongate
¨
member 520 is positioned through aligned openings of block components 200 and
engaged
with an anchor component and a cap component are also possible.
- Page 23 -
Docket No. T1887 10001US02
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[0077] While not previously described, it should be appreciated
that modular structure
100 may include one or more reinforcing members to help provide stability and
strength to
structure 100. For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, the modular structure
100 includes
reinforcing members such as structural cables or bands 512 configured to add
stability to the
modular structure 100. In one aspect, the reinforcing members in the form of
cables 512 are
positioned above and below a respective block component 200. For example, a
first cable
512 may be placed relative to elongate members 500A and 500B followed by
positioning of
a block component 200 on top of the first cable and a second cable 512 on top
of the block
component 200. It should be understood that alternative arrangements are
possible however.
For example, a single cable 512 may be employed for each row of block
components 200.
As illustrated, the reinforcing cables 512 extend around two elongate members
500A and
500B and are configured to structurally connect the elongate members 500A and
500B.
While not illustrated, it should be understood that cables 512 may connect
more than two
elongate members 500 or that more than two elongate members 500 may be
connected by
one or more than one cable 512. The cables 512 may also be employed in forms
where
elongate members 520 or 550 are utilized. The cables 512 may be formed of
steel or any
other suitable materials. In one exemplary form, the reinforcing cables 512
may be formed
7
by plurality of braided steel fibers.
4 p4 [0078] Turning now to Figure 7, the cap component 400 will be
described in further
detail. The cap component 400 includes a body 406 including connector openings
410, each
_)
c Do
configured to receive one end of a respective cable 700 (discussed in
further detail below).
In the illustrated form, the connector openings 410 substantially correspond
in size and
configuration to the connector openings 310 of the anchor component 300. A
connector
- Page 24 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
member 412 is positioned on the body 406 and substantially corresponds in
structure and
function to connector member 312. The connector member 412 includes two
oppositely
positioned slots 414. Each of the slots 414 includes a vertically extending
portion 413 and a
transverse portion 415 which extends substantially orthogonally to the
vertical portion 413,
although other variations are contemplated.
[0079]
The cap component 400 is configured to rotatably couple or engage the
elongate
member 500 in an arrangement similar to that described above with respect to
the anchor
component 300. It should be appreciated that the cap component may also be
coupled to
elongate members 520 or 550 in a similar fashion. After the block components
200, anchor
components 300, and elongate members 500 are positioned and assembled as
described
above, each of the cap components 400 may be rotatably coupled to one of the
elongate
members 500. In this arrangement, the body 406 may engage with or be
positioned in close
proximity to an uppermost block component 200 and provide a lock or clamp on
the block
components in combination with the anchor component 300. Similarly, amongst
other
things, this arrangement prevents axial dislocation of the block components
from the
elongate member 500.
[0080]
With reference to Figure 8, for example, the cable 700 will be
described in further
co
= 4
0, detail. Cable 700 includes a connector 702 positioned on a first
end 706 and a connector 704
7 C)
7 ;I;
8
positioned on a second end 708. The connectors 702, 704 are keyed to
fit into corresponding
r24
H H
;4
connector openings of the anchor components 300, cap components 400
and/or center
71, u
n member 600. The connector openings 310, 410, 610 (Figure 9A) and 660
(Figure 9B) are
= <
oriented such that the connectors 702, 704 may be inserted into the connecting
openings in a
first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation in which the
connectors become
- Page 25 -
Docket No TI887 10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
engaged with or locked in the connector openings. For example, in the
illustrated form, the
connectors 702, 704 are substantially square-shaped, and the connector
openings 310, 410,
610, and 660 are substantially square shaped. In this arrangement, the
connectors 702, 704
may be turned about 45 degrees or so after insertion into the connector
openings 310, 410,
610, and 660 to provide a locking arrangement therebetween. However, it should
be
understood that other locking arrangements between connectors 702, 704 and
connector
openings, 310, 410, 610, and 660 are possible.
[0081]
The cable 700 also includes attachments 710 and 712 configured to
couple the
connectors 702, 704 with a cable section 714. The cable 700 may also include
one or more
optional tensioning devices that are not illustrated for clarity. The
tensioning devices may be
turnbuckles or any other suitable devices configured to adjust the tension of
cable 700. The
tensioning devices may be optionally added to the cable 700 at any feasible
position.
[0082]
With reference to Figure 9A, for example, the center member 600 will
be
described in further detail. The center member 600 is substantially circular
and includes a
plurality of connector openings 610 around the outside edge of the center
member 600. The
connector openings 610 substantially correspond to the connector openings 310
and 410 and
are configured to receive a connector 702 or, 704 of a cable 700. The center
member 600
7
c8C'
7 C also includes stake openings 608 positioned interior to the
connector openings 310. The
7
1-
p4 stake openings 608 substantially correspond to the stake openings
308 and each is
)a
H
H configured to receive an anchor stake 350. For the sake of
clarity, only a few of the stake
c..)
_)
/D openings 608 and connector openings 610 are labeled in Figure 9A.
P-,5!
[0083]
In alternative configurations, it should be appreciated that the
center member 600
may include a number of stake openings 608 or connector openings 610 that
deviates from
- Page 26 -
Docket No. T1887 10001US02
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the illustrated form. The positioning of stake openings 608 or connector
openings 610 may
also vary in non-illustrated forms. In one non-limiting form, the number of
connector
openings 610 may be selected to correspond to the number of anchor components
300 of the
modular structure 100. However, forms in which the center member 600 includes
a greater
or lesser number of connector openings 610 than there is anchor components 300
in the
modular structure 100 are also possible.
[0084]
In the illustrated form, the center member 600 is positioned in
substantially the
center of the modular structure 100. The center member 600 is configured to
attach to cables
700 to provide structural support for the modular structure 100. The length of
cable 700
roughly corresponds to the radius of the modular structure and the length of
the cable section
714 may be selected based on the size of the modular structure 100.
[0085]
In non-illustrated configurations a center member 600 may not be
included and
each of the cables 700 may be extend between a pair of anchor components 300
or between
a pair of cap components 400. In such configurations, each anchor component
300 or cap
component 400 may be coupled to more than one cable 700 to provide additional
structural
support. Such configurations may be generally circular or any geometric
configuration
and/or size. In one form for example, the modular structure 100 may be
substantially
7 00
7 c, rectangular and a plurality of cables 700 may be coupled to
each anchor component 300 or
a4 Do
8
cap component 400 and extend across the modular structure 100 where each of
the plurality
ni w
H p.õ
Z H of cables 700 is individually coupled with a respective
anchor component 300 or cap
cx) component 400.
<
[0086]
Turning to Figure 9B, the modular structure 100 may also include a
support
element 650, which is not illustrated in Figure 1. The support element 650
includes an
- Page 27 -
Docket No T1887.10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
elongate section 662 extending between a first end 652 and a second end 654. A
base
member 656 is positioned on the first end 652 and a top member 658 is
positioned on the
second end 654. The top member 658 generally corresponds in structure and
function to
center member 600 and includes connector openings 660. The second end 654 may
also
include spoke members 664 extending from the top member 658 to the elongate
section 662.
[0087]
The base member 656 is configured to be positioned substantially in
the center of
the modular structure 100 on a surface underlying the support element 650. The
underlying
surface may be a liner positioned inside of the modular structure, the center
member 600, or
the ground.
[0088]
The top member 658 is configured to be removably coupled to a first
end of a
plurality of the cables 700 with the other end of each cable 700 being coupled
to a cap
component 400. This support configuration is similar to that of the center
member 600 but
positioned generally near the top of the modular structure 100 instead of near
the bottom of
the modular structure 100.
[0089]
The support element 650 coupled to the cap components 400 with cables
700 may
be generally referred to as a support element system. The support element
system may be
configured to provide additional structural support for the modular structure
100. Although
= 44 Qc
EN) not illustrated, the support element system may also provide
support for a cover for the
4 0710-
8
modular structure 100. Additionally or alternatively, the support element 650
may provide
= L4
z
= L.L) support for a vapor control system for the modular
structure 100.
= ci)
J
= oo
[0090] Although not illustrated, the support element 650 may be
configured such that the
= rn
2 cl"
elongate section 662 may be removably coupled to the first and/or second ends
652, 654.
The elongate section 662 and the first and/or second ends 652, 654 may include
removable
- Page 28 -
Docket No. T1887 .10001U502
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coupling features similar to the rotatable coupling configuration of elongate
member 500
with anchor components 300 and/or cap components 400.
[0091]
Further details regarding alternative embodiment block components and
modular structures will now be provided in connection with Figures 10A-10F.
Turning first
to Figure 10A, an alternative embodiment block component 1200 and an
alternative
embodiment reinforcing member 800 are illustrated in a perspective view. The
block
component 1200 is similar to the block component 200, and like numerals have
been used in
connection with like features previously described in connection with the
block component
200.
[0092]
In the illustrated form, the block component 1200 includes a pair of
receptacles
1270 (only one is shown) structured to receive at least a portion of a
reinforcing member
800. The receptacles 1270 are positioned opposite one another on respective
upper and
lower surfaces 222, 224 of the block component 1200. Forms in which the block
component
1200 only includes a single receptacle 1270 positioned on one of the upper and
lower
surfaces 222, 224 are also possible. The receptacles 1270 extend around the
first opening
212 of the block component 1200 and toward the second opening 214 of the block
component 1200. However, since the second opening 214 is positioned medially
of the
7 00
CN
upper and lower surfaces 222, 224, the receptacles 1270 do not extend
around the second
7
7 ;7,
4
opening 216. In addition, the receptacles 1270 are positioned inwardly
from lateral edges of
z
the block component 1200 such that portions of the upper and lower surfaces
222, 224 are
4 C.) CID
n
positioned on opposite sides of the receptacles 1270, although other
variations are
¨
contemplated. As shown for example, the receptacle 1270 formed in upper
surface 222
includes a surface 1272 recessed with respect to the upper surface 222. The
recessed surface
- Page 29 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
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1272 is positioned between first and second portions 1274, 1276 of the upper
surface 222.
The first portion 1274 extends along the first sidewall 208 and the second
raised portion
1276 extends along the second sidewall 210. While not shown, it should be
appreciated that
the receptacle 1270 on the lower surface 224 of the block component 1200 is
similarly
configured.
[0093]
The reinforcing member 800 includes a body 802 extending between a
first end
portion 804 and a second end portion 806. The first end portion 804 includes
an arcuate
configuration which transitions from a linear configuration of the body 802,
and the second
end portion 806 also includes an arcuate configuration which transitions from
the linear
configuration of the body 802. Generally speaking, in the illustrated form the
configuration
of the first and second end portions 804, 806 of the reinforcing member 800
corresponds to
the configuration of the first end portion 204 of the block component 1200.
Similarly, when
a pair of the block components 1200 are engaged with one another in end-to-end
fashion
(i.e., with a first end portion 204 engaged with a second end portion 206),
the first end
portion 804 of the reinforcing member 800 is associated with the first end
portion 204 of a
first one of the block components 1200 and the second end portion 806 is
associated with
the first end portion 204 of a second one of the block components 1200.
00
^ >
[0094] A first opening 812 extends through the first end portion
804 of the reinforcing
8
member 800, and a second opening 814 extends through the second end portion
806 of the
H H
= Z
E:: reinforcing member 800. As illustrated for example in Figure
10A, the first opening 812
c/D
c7,
f)
may correspond in size and shape to the first opening 212 of the block
component 1200 and
rn
the second opening 814 may correspond in size and shape to the second opening
214 of the
block component 1200. The reinforcing member 800 and/or the receptacles 1270
are
- Page 30 -
Docket No TI887 10001US02
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generally dimensioned to facilitate positioning of at least a portion of the
reinforcing
member 800 in a receptacle 1200. For example, the reinforcing member 800 may
generally
include a width and thickness which facilitate positioning at least a portion
thereof in the
receptacles 1270. In one non-limiting aspect, the reinforcing member 800 may
include a
width that facilitates its positioning between the portions of the upper and
lower surfaces
222, 224 positioned on opposite sides of the receptacles 1270. In addition,
the reinforcing
member 800 may include a thickness dimensioned such that the reinforcing
member 800 is
flush with or positioned below the upper or lower surfaces 222, 224 when it is
positioned in
a receptacle 1270. Forms in which the reinforcing member 800 includes a
thickness
dimensioned such that a single reinforcing member 800 is positioned in
receptacles 1270 of
a pair of adjacent block components 1200 stacked one on top of the other are
also possible.
In these forms, the reinforcing member 800 includes a thickness which is
greater than the
depth of the receptacles 1200.
[0095]
Another alternative embodiment block component 2200 is illustrated in
a
perspective view in Figure 10B. The block component 2200 is similar to the
block
components 200 and 1200, and like numerals have been used in connection with
like
features previously described in connection with the block components 200 and
1200. In the
7
\
illustrated foil)", the block component 2200 includes an offset base
portion 2280 extending
7
7
8 H
n- =
r from the first sidewall 208 between the first and second end
portions 204, 206. Amongst
other things, the base portion 2280 may facilitate in preventing the contents
held by a
ci)
_)
ip
modular structure including the block component 2200 from moving under
and/or displacing
< <
the block component 2200.
- Page 31 -
Docket No T1887.10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
[0096]
As illustrated, for example, the base portion 2280 extends between a
first end
2284 and a second end 2286 and includes a portion 2282 having an arcuate or
rounded
configuration which extends from the first sidewall 208 of the block component
2200 to an
edge 2288 of the base portion 2280. More specifically, the portion 2282
defines an arcuate
surface extending from a first plane in which the first sidewall 208 extends
and a second
plane in which the lower surface 224 extends. In other non-illustrated
configurations, the
portion 2282 may define a planar surface which extends between and
transversely to the first
and second planes. The lower surface of the base portion 2280 is aligned with
the lower
surface 224 such that positioning of the block component 2200 on a surface
underlying the
block component involves placement of both the lower surface 224 and the lower
surface of
the base portion 2280 on the underlying surface. In form illustrated in Figure
10B for
example, the first and second ends 2284, 2286 of the base portion extend
parallel to one
another and orthogonally to the sidewall 208. However, it should be understood
that forms
in which the first and second ends 2284, 2286 extend transversely to one
another and to the
sidewall 208 are possible in order to facilitate non-linear positioning of a
number of adjacent
block components 2200. Further details of an arrangement of this nature are
provided below
in connection with Figure 10F.
z ;4
c=, [0097]
Figures 10C-10F illustrate a modular structure 1100 that includes block
00
4
8 ThH
components 1200 and 2200. As illustrated in Figure 10C for example, the
modular structure
17,4
r_i) ;4
H
a
1100 includes block components 2200A and 2200B which are coupled
together in end-to-
c/D
a
end fashion. The modular structure 1100 also includes block components 1200A-D
with
<
block components 1200A and 1200B engaged in end-to-end fashion with one
another and
positioned on top of the block components 2200A and 2200B, respectively. The
block
- Page 32-
Docket No T1887 10001US02
CA 02896054 2015-07-03
components 1200C and 1200D are engaged in end-to-end fashion with one another
and
positioned on top of the block components 1200A and 1200B, respectively. It
should be
appreciated that the modular structure 1100 could have any number of the block
components
1200 and 2200 engaged with and stack relative to one another to form a variety
of different
configurations of the structure 1100.
[0098]
Figures 10D and 10E illustrate details of assembly of the modular
structure 1100
and of elements of the modular structure 1100 that are not numerically
identified in Figure
10C. In addition to the block components 1200A-D and 2200A-B, the modular
structure
1100 includes a plurality of base members 830A-C, elongate members 820A-C and
822A-F,
cap members 840A-C, and reinforcing members 800A-H. In non-illustrated forms,
it is
contemplated that one or more of the elongate members 500, 520, or 550 may be
used in
addition to or in lieu of one or more of the elongate members 820A-C and 822A-
F, that the
anchor component 300 may be used in addition to or in lieu of one or more of
the base
members 830A-C, and that the and cap members 840A, 840B may be used in
addition to or
in lieu of one or more of the cap members 840A-C.
[0099]
In the illustrated form, the base members 830A-C are substantially
identical to the
cap members 840A-C and may be used interchangeably. The base members 830A-C,
the cap
z oc
members 840A-C and the elongate members 820A-C and 822A-F are configured for a
press
4 >.
00
4
(:) H
r4
fit engagement with one another, although forms utilizing alternative
locking arrangements
H
between these components such as bayonet locking or ball-detent locking are
contemplated.
ce,
For example, the base members 830A-C each include an insertion portion
and a collar
<
portion. These elements are identified by numerals 832A-B and 834A-B,
respectively, in
Figure 10E in connection with the base members 830A and 830B. The insertion
portions of
- Page 33 -
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the base members 830A-C are configured to be positioned inside a hollow
portion of the
elongate members 820A-C such that the ends of the elongate members 820A-C come
into
contact with the collar portion of the base members 830A-C.
[00100] The elongate members 822A-F each include an insertion portion
positioned
opposite of a hollow portion. These elements are identified by numerals 824 A,
B, D and E
and 826 A, B, D and E, respectively, in Figure 10E in connection with the
elongate members
822 A, B, D and E. The insertion portion of the elongate members 822A-C is
configured to
be positioned in a hollow portion of a respective elongate member 820A-C, and
the insertion
portion of the elongate members 822D-F is configured to be positioned in the
hollow portion
of a respective elongate member 822A-C. The cap members 840A-C, which are
identical to
the base members 830A-C, include an insertion portion and a collar portion and
the insertion
portion is configured to be positioned in the hollow portion of a respective
elongate member
822D-F such that the ends of the elongate members 822D-F engages with the
collar portion.
It should be appreciated however that alternative arrangements for engaging
the base
members 830A-C, the elongate members 820A-C and 822A-F, and the cap members
840A-
C are possible and that a different number of these components could be
present depending
on the desired size and configuration of the modular structure 1100.
00
E001011 The base members 830A, 830B include corresponding connecting portions
832A
7 >.
n4
and 832B. The connecting portion 832A may be positioned through the
first opening 812 of
H
c.'73
the reinforcing member 800A to engage the reinforcing member 800A with
the connecting
u c/D
portion 832A. Similarly, the connecting portion 832B may be positioned through
the second
<
opening 814A of the reinforcing member 800A to engage the reinforcing member
800A
with the connecting portion 832B. The elongate member 820A may be positioned
through
- Page 34 -
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CA 02896054 2015-07-03
the first opening 812 of the reinforcing member 800A into engagement with the
connecting
portion 832A of the base member 830A. The elongate member 820B may be
positioned
through the second opening 814A of the reinforcing member 800A into engagement
with the
connecting portion 832B of the base member 830B.
[00102] One non-limiting technique for assembling the modular structure 1100
involves
the following steps, although other variations in the assembly are
contemplated. The base
members 830A-C are positioned and the reinforcing member 800A is engaged with
the base
members 830A-B with the collar portion of the base members 830A-B being
positioned in
the first and second openings 812, 814 of the reinforcing member 800A. The
reinforcing
member 800E is positioned over the reinforcing member 800A at the base member
830B
and engaged with the base members 830B-C with the collar portion of the base
members
830B-C being positioned in the first and second openings of the reinforcing
member 800E.
[00103] After the reinforcing members 800A and 800E are placed in engagement
with the
base members 830A-C, the block component 2200B may be place over the
reinforcing
member 800E with a portion of the base member 830B extending into the opening
212 of
the block component 2200B and the opening 214 of the block component 2200B
positioned
in line with the base member 830C. The block component 2200A may then be
positioned
co
<
= Lj" over the reinforcing member 800A with the opening 214 thereof
aligned with the opening
7 >
71-
Z 00
8 E-
"'
212 of the block component 2200B and a portion of the base member 830A
extending into
H
a. 4
the opening 212 thereof. In this configuration, at least a portion of
the reinforcing members
= cip
/D co
800A, 800E is positioned in the receptacles 1270 on the lower surfaces
of the block
components 2200A and 2200B.
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[00104] Once the block components 2200A and 2200B have been positioned
accordingly,
the elongate member 820A may be positioned through the first opening 212 of
the block
component 2200A and into engagement with the base member 830A; i.e., with the
insertion
portion of the base member 830A received in the elongate member 820A. The
elongate
member 820B may be positioned through the aligned first opening 212 of the
block
component 2200B and the second opening 214 of the block component 2200A and
into
engagement with the base member 830B in a similar fashion. The elongate member
820C
may be positioned through the second opening 214 of the block component 2200B
and into
engagement with the base member 830C as described in connection with the
elongate
member 800A and the base member 830C.
[00105] Following placement of the elongate members 820A-C, the reinforcing
member
800B may be positioned over the block component 2200A with a portion of the
elongate
member 820A extending through the opening 812 thereof and a portion of the
elongate
member 820B extending through the opening 814 thereof The reinforcing member
800B is
also positioned such that at least a portion thereof is received in the
receptacle 1270 on the
upper surface of the block component 2200A. The reinforcing member 800F is
then
positioned over the block component 2200B with a portion of the elongate
member 820B
7
7 (=>
extending through the opening 812 thereof and a portion of the
elongate member 820C
" E3
extending through the opening 814 thereof The reinforcing member 800B is also
positioned
H F_,
z H
such that at least a portion thereof is received in the receptacle
1270 on the upper surface of
1:4
L) UP
) CT
co
the block component 2200B, and such that a portion thereof is
positioned over and overlaps
with the reinforcing member 800B around the elongate member 820B. The block
components 1200A and 1200B may then be positioned over the reinforcing members
800B
- Page 36 -
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and 800F in a manner similar to that described in connection with the
positioning of the
block components 2200A and 2200B, resulting in the reinforcing members 800B
and 800F
being positioned between the block components 2200A and 1200A and 2200B and
1200B,
respectively.
[00106] Following positioning of the block components 1200A-B, the elongate
member
822A may be inserted through the first opening 212 of the block component
1200A and the
insertion portion thereof may be positioned into engagement with the hollow
portion of the
elongate member 820A. The elongate members 822B-C may be similarly inserted
through
openings in one or both of the block components 1200A and 1200B and the
insertion
portions thereof may be brought into engagement with the elongate members 820B-
C,
respectively.
[00107] The remaining block components 1200C-D, elongate members 822D-F, and
reinforcing members 800C-D and 800G-H may be added to the modular structure
1100 in a
manner similar to that previously described with respect to like components.
Once these
components have been added to the modular structure 1100 and no additional
rows of the
block components 1200 are desired, the cap members 840A-C may be positioned to
engage
with corresponding elongate members 822D, 822E and 822F.
7
[00108] In Figure 10F, it can be seen that the base portions 2280A and 2280B
of the block
7
7
8
ce-)
components 2200A and 2200B interface with one another when the block
components
w
1.
2200A and 2200B are arranged in a non-linear configuration. The base
portion 2280A
up
n 00 c4
includes a first end 2284A and an oppositely positioned second end
2286A engaged with a
>".
first end 2284B of the base portion 2280B. The base portion 2280B also
includes a second
end 2286B positioned opposite the first end 2284B. As illustrated for example
in Figure
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CA 02896054 2015-07-03
10F, the ends 2284A-B and 2286A-B of the base portions 2280A-BC are angled
relative to
the corresponding body of the block component 2200A-B to permit the block
components
2200A-B to be angled with respect to one another, for example, to form a
circular modular
structure such as the modular structure 1100. This arrangement also
facilitates the formation
of a continuous or substantially continuous surface by the base portions 2280A-
B on which,
for example, a liner could be positioned.
[00109] While not previously discussed in specific detail, it should be
understood that the
modular structures 100, 1100 may be used for a variety of purposes. For
example, in one
form the modular structures 100, 1100 may form sidewalls upon which a roof or
other
enclosure is positioned in order to provide a shed or other storage building.
In another form
for example, the modular structures 100, 1100 may form a corral or other
enclosure for
retaining animals. In yet another form, the modular structures 100, 1100 may
form a
sidewall or perimeter structure that is used as the base for a liquid storage
tank. In this form,
once the modular structures 100, 1100 have been constructed to a desired size
and shape, a
liner is placed in the modular structure 100, 1100 and defines a reservoir for
holding a
liquid. The liner may be formed of a liquid-impermeable or substantially
liquid-
impermeable material, non-limiting examples of which include vinyl, rubber,
water-proof
7
0,
fabrics, and plastics, just to provide a few non-limiting examples.
The liner may include one
7 r"
E
or more securing straps or similar features which allow the liner to
be secured to one or
z.
more features of the modular structure 100, 1100. Additionally or
alternatively, the securing
ri)
/D co
straps may be engaged to one or more anchors or similar components
positioned around the
modular structure 100, 1100.
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[001101 In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure
includes
positioning a center member, attaching the center member to first ends of a
plurality of
cables, attaching second ends of the plurality of cables to a plurality of
anchor components,
and positioning a plurality of block components with at least two openings to
define an
enclosed space. The plurality of block components are positioned such that at
least one
opening of each of two adjacently positioned block components is aligned with
one of the
anchor components. The method also includes positioning a plurality of
elongate members
through the aligned openings, rotatably coupling each elongate member to one
of the
plurality of anchor components, rotatably coupling each of a plurality of cap
components to
one of the plurality of elongate members, and positioning a liner in the
enclosed space such
that the liner defines a reservoir for holding a liquid.
[00111] In another embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure
includes
positioning a center member, attaching the center member to first ends of a
plurality of
cables, attaching second ends of the plurality of cables to a plurality of
anchor components,
and positioning a plurality of block components with at least two openings to
define an
enclosed space. The plurality of block components are stacked one on top of
another, and
the plurality of block components are positioned such that at least one
opening of each of
7
two adjacently positioned block components is aligned with one of the anchor
components.
c7;
8 [-
r,4
The method also includes positioning a plurality of elongate members
through the aligned
H E_, >-(
z
openings and rotatably coupling each elongate member to one of the
plurality of anchor
u
components.
[00112] In still another embodiment, a method for assembling a modular
structure
includes positioning a center member, attaching the center member to first
ends of a
- Page 39 -
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plurality of cables, attaching second ends of the plurality of cables to a
plurality of anchor
components, and positioning a plurality of block components with at least two
openings to
define an enclosed space. The plurality of block components are stacked one on
top of
another, and the plurality of block components are positioned such that at
least one opening
of each of two adjacently positioned block components is aligned with one of
the anchor
components. The method also includes positioning a plurality of elongate
members through
the aligned openings and rotatably coupling each elongate member to one of the
plurality of
anchor components.
[00113] In a further embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure
includes
positioning a center member, attaching the center member to first ends of a
plurality of
cables, attaching second ends of the plurality of cables to a plurality of
anchor components,
and positioning a first plurality of block components with at least two
openings to define an
enclosed space. The first plurality of block components are positioned such
that at least one
opening of each of two adjacently positioned block components is aligned with
one of the
anchor components. The method also includes positioning each of a first
plurality of sleeve
members through the aligned openings, stacking a second plurality of block
components on
the first plurality of block components with the second plurality of block
components being
400
<
c> positioned such that at least one opening of each of two
adjacently positioned block
00
1= T2t
components is aligned with one of the anchor components, and positioning each
of a second
HH
= LT.
plurality of sleeve members through the aligned openings of the second
plurality of block
= c/D
4 Do components. The method also includes positioning each of a
plurality of elongate members
<
through one of the first plurality of sleeve members and one of the second
plurality of sleeve
- Page 40 -
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members, and rotatably coupling each of the plurality elongate members with
one of the
plurality of anchor components.
[00114] In another embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure
includes
positioning a center member, attaching the center member to first ends of a
plurality of
cables, attaching second ends of the plurality of cables to a plurality of
anchor components,
and positioning a first plurality of block components with at least two
openings to define an
enclosed space. The first plurality of block components are positioned such
that at least one
opening of each of two adjacently positioned block components is aligned with
one of the
anchor components. The method also includes positioning each of a first
plurality of
elongate members through the aligned openings, rotatably coupling each of the
first plurality
of elongate members to one of the plurality of anchor components, and stacking
a second
plurality of block components on the first plurality of block components. The
second
plurality of block components are positioned such that at least one opening of
each of two
adjacently positioned block components is aligned with one of the anchor
components. The
method also includes positioning each of a second plurality of elongate
members through the
aligned openings of the second plurality of block components, and rotatably
coupling each
of the second plurality of elongate members to one of the first plurality of
elongate
7 00
7 r= - members.
7
8 [00115] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular
structure includes
r4
D positioning a plurality of block components to define an enclosed space
and positioning a
= Cip
oo liner in the enclosed space such that the liner defines a
reservoir for holding a liquid.
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[00116] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure further
includes
rotatably coupling each of a plurality of cap components to one of the
plurality of elongate
members.
[00117] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure further
includes
positioning a support element in substantially the center of the modular
structure, attaching
the support element to first ends of a second plurality of cables, and
attaching second ends of
the second plurality of cables to the plurality of cap components.
[00118] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure further
includes
positioning a cover on the modular structure. In one embodiment, a method for
assembling a
modular structure further includes positioning a vapor control system on the
modular
structure.
[00119] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure further
includes
placing an anchor stake through an opening in the anchor component. In one
embodiment, a
method for assembling a modular structure further includes placing an anchor
stake through
an opening in center member.
[00120] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure further
includes
placing reinforcing cables around at least two block components. In one
embodiment, a
7
;-4 c.
method for assembling a modular structure further includes placing reinforcing
cables
7 P'"
E H between at least two block components.
w
1.
[00121] In yet another embodiment, a method for assembling a modular structure
includes
C/D
r) positioning a first stackable block relative to a second stackable
block, the first and second
¾
blocks being configured to inter-engage with one another and each including
two or more
openings; inserting a first elongate member through a first opening of the
first block and a
- Page 42 -
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second opening of the second block aligned with the first opening of the first
block;
inserting a second elongate member through a second opening of the first
block; and
positioning a reinforcing member over the first block with a first portion
thereof extending
around the first elongate member and a second portion thereof extending around
the second
elongate member. In some forms, the method includes engaging the elongate
member with a
base member positioned below the first and second blocks.
[00122] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing
from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to
be considered
in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is, therefore,
indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced
within their scope.
= r C=,
00
t= H
4 c4
CI 4.)
Li H
= z
G c/D
)
O co 124
<
- Page 43 -
Docket No T1887 10001US02
