EP2299033B1 - Liquid container, in particular for water - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a liquid container, in particular for water, which is formed with a side wall made of a flexible material. In particular, the invention relates to liquid containers which are rapidly buildable and degradable, so that they can also be referred to as mobile liquid containers. Such liquid containers can, for. B. Application as a swimming pool, paddling pool, for industrial applications for collecting, for example, dirty water, as a fire water tank in the fire extinguisher or generally as a container for storing liquids. Such containers are usually open at the top. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting up such a container.

From the prior art are liquid container, such. B. swimming pools known which have a lateral enclosure of a metal sheet. Due to the lack of or at least negligible flexibility of the metal sheet, the enclosure is dimensionally stable, that is, that the side wall is not pressed by the pressure of the water in the liquid container or only slightly negligible to the outside. The design of the side wall with a metal sheet has the disadvantage that the liquid container is limited for mobile applications in question, since the non-flexible metal sheet requires a relatively large transport volume.

Furthermore, from the prior art mobile folding containers are known which have a side wall made of a flexible material, such. B. plastic film, have. As a result, the mobility of the liquid container is increased because it is easy to fold and thus transportable with a small volume. A disadvantage of the flexible side wall is that the side wall is pressed by the water in the liquid container to the outside, so that the side wall has a bulge to the outside. This bulge can handle in the way, so that the handling of the liquid container for the above-mentioned applications may be limited.

The FR 2 569 668 A1 describes a swimming pool with a side wall and a floor. On the inside of the side wall, a sheath is attached, which is lined on its inside with a floating body and in which a rod-shaped stiffening means is arranged. The sheath is opened at its bottom so that the stiffening means extends from this opening. The stiffening means is supported on a floor connected to the bottom of the pool. About the inner circumference of the side wall a plurality of such cases are arranged, in each of which there is a stiffening means.

From the EP 2 031 153 A1 For example, a liquid container is known which has a side wall made of a flexible material. To the outside of the side wall, ie the side facing away from the liquid volume side stiffening means are attached. Furthermore, pockets are glued to the outside of the side wall, in which the stiffening means can be inserted. The joints of the pockets with the side wall are subjected to a heavy load when filling the liquid container.

Furthermore, from the prior art, such as. B. the WO 2007/025074 A . US Pat. No. 3,660,853 and FR 2 874 953 A Liquid container known, which are supported on their outside by frames.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a liquid container that is robust, easy to assemble and disassemble and easy to transport. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for setting up a liquid container.

The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim 1 and the independent claim 10. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a liquid container, in particular for receiving water, wherein the liquid container should not be limited thereto, but rather is suitable for receiving a plurality of liquids. The liquid container comprises an annular side wall which is annular in the first cross-section and made of a flexible, preferably non-inflatable material which protrudes from an installation surface of the liquid container along a vertical axis. The vertical axis preferably extends perpendicularly away from the installation surface or upwards. The first cross-section is preferably in a plane which runs approximately parallel to the footprint or a bottom of the liquid container. The cross-sectionally annular side wall can be, for example, round, in particular circular or elliptical, or angular, in particular three, four, five, six, eight or polygonal, a round shape being preferred over a square one. The enclosed within the annular side wall volume serves to receive the liquid.

The side wall is formed of a flexible material. The material may comprise one or more layers of different materials. For example, an inner layer may be formed of a material which is chemically resistant to the liquid to be absorbed. The same or another layer may serve to provide the desired mechanical strength properties to provide the sidewall with the requisite mechanical stability against stresses such as stress. B. the gravitational pressure of the liquid to be absorbed to give. For example, to improve the mechanical properties in a layer, tear resistant fibers may be included. The fibers in particular have a higher tensile strength and / or a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the surrounding layer. For example, the fibers may be crossed so as to give the material the same properties in both principal directions of tension. It can also be advantageous to align the orientation and the number of fibers with respect to the direction with the highest voltage. Preferably, the fibers may extend in the circumferential direction and / or perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the side wall. For example, the proportion of fibers in the circumferential direction may be higher than the proportion of the fibers transversely to the circumferential direction.

As a material for the fibers is virtually any material in question, which fulfills the above-mentioned properties in relation to the fibers. Suitable materials for the at least one layer are plastics or plastic-like natural substances. For example, the side wall comprises a liquid-tight thermoplastic film. In particular, this is a film of soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), z. B. used in multilayer or single-layer design. A multilayer sidewall or film may, for. B. by laminating, vulcanizing, gluing or welding of multiple layers are formed. However, there are also all other plastic materials with similar properties mentioned above, such. As polyurethane, polyethylene or copolymers of metallocene-catalyzed Polyolesinen, also suitable. As a welding process z. As impulse, hot air, ultrasonic or friction welding in question.

Flexible materials have to inflexible or to materials whose flexibility for the invention described herein is negligible, such. As sheet metal, the advantage that they are easy foldable, whereby the liquid container can be transported to a liquid container with a metal wall easier. Furthermore, the plastic material from which the side wall is formed, already be admixed with a dye, the liquid container a desired, in particular aesthetically pleasing color or a technically effective color, the z. As a heating of the liquid by sunlight allows. In contrast to a metal wall, the plastic wall does not need to be painted, but already has the desired color or chemical resistance as a material property.

For example only, it should be noted that the annular side wall protrudes approximately perpendicular or at an acute or obtuse angle from the footprint or from the bottom of the liquid container. The side wall is liquid-tight connected to the ground. The floor may be constructed of the same or different material as the side wall. For example, the floor may have an additional layer of material which is preferably wear-resistant with respect to abrasion or punctiform loading, such as e.g. B. stones on the footprint, is. The additional layer of material may be an integral part of the soil or at the bottom z. B. glued or the liquid container just be placed under.

For the liquid container, at least one stiffening means is provided, which is attachable or attachable to the side wall and extends in the attached or mounted state along the vertical axis. In addition, the liquid container has at least one pocket provided for a side wall attachable, along the vertical axis extending stiffening means. According to the invention, the at least one pocket or / and the at least one stiffening means is arranged on the inside, ie the volume for receiving the liquid, of the side wall. The arrangement on the inside of the side wall, the pockets or the stiffening means are pressed when filling the liquid container with the liquid due to the fluid pressure against the side wall. In particular, the joints of the bag with the side wall with a z. For example Adhesive connections better suitable voltage, such. B. a compressive stress acted upon. For adhesive joints harmful types of stress, such. As peeling stresses are reduced or even eliminated by the inventive arrangement. The liquid container is thereby more stable and robust as opposed to a liquid container to which the pockets or the stiffeners are attached to the outside of the side wall. Preferably, a plurality of Versteifüngsmitteln or pockets, in particular arranged at approximately equal intervals around the circumference of the annular side wall. The at least one stiffening means prevents buckling of the sidewall due to the gravitational pressure of the liquid at the location where it is disposed or secured to the sidewall. The stiffening means has a greater bending resistance than the side wall. Preferably, with a plurality of stiffening means or pockets, the stiffening means or pockets are circumferentially spaced so far that bulging of the side wall between two adjacent stiffening means is reduced to a desired level. Preferably, the liquid container comes with just as many stiffening means or pockets that this condition is met and on the other hand as few stiffening means are arranged around the circumference. By using the least possible stiffening the economic aspect, such as weight and transport size, is taken into account.

The at least one stiffening means can be fastened to the side wall. For attachment, the side wall fastening elements, such as one or more pockets for each stiffening means, whereby the at least one stiffening means is fixable to the side wall. According to the stiffening means is inserted through an opening in the pocket. The one or more pockets, with a single pocket per stiffener being preferred, are formed on the sidewall. For example, they can with a suitable joining method, such. As welding, gluing, vulcanizing, sewing or the like on the side wall in particular insoluble, be attached, which is why the one or more fasteners can also be considered as belonging to the side wall. Preferably, a cohesive connection which can advantageously be designed liquid-tight. The at least one pocket or / and the at least one stiffening means extends in the fixed, ie fixed to the side wall state along the vertical axis. For example, the stiffening means can extend approximately perpendicular to the footprint. Preferably, the stiffening means is parallel to the side wall. It is particularly preferred that the at least one stiffening means bears against the side wall at least for the most part, provided it is or will be arranged on the side wall, in particular in the pocket.

According to its name, the stiffening agent serves to increase the rigidity, in particular flexural rigidity of the side wall. The stiffness, in particular bending stiffness of the stiffening agent is greater than the stiffness of the side wall. Preferably, the stiffness of the side wall relative to the stiffness of the stiffening agent is negligible. For example, the stiffening means may be formed of a material having a higher elastic modulus (modulus of elasticity) than the material of the sidewall. As suitable materials have metal, such as. As steel or aluminum, or wood, such as. B. bamboo, exposed. In principle, the use of plastic should also be possible, with stiffening means made of plastic providing a corresponding construction of the stiffening means for the required bending stiffness. Preferably, the stiffening means of wood or metal are constructed in a construction that serves to increase the bending stiffness. The at least one stiffening means is rod-shaped. The flexural rigidity is z. B. significantly influenced by the cross section of the at least one stiffening agent. For example, a round, oval, box-shaped or generally preferred closed cross-section is contemplated. Also open cross sections, such. B. L-, C-, T- or double-T profiles represent suitable cross-sections. Particularly preferred, however, the stiffening means is tubular, since an excellent relationship between weight and bending stiffness is provided here.

Preferably, the at least one stiffening means can be detachably connected to the side wall or, in particular with the at least one fastening element. This results in the advantage that when folding and transporting the liquid container of the liquid container due to the at least one of the side wall dissolved stiffening means can be merged in a simple manner. The at least one stiffening means can be transported separately from the liquid container, ie separately or in a common package. Anyway, the transport size relatively low.

It is further preferred that the at least one stiffening means is integrated in the side wall. Preferably, the at least one pocket is formed on the side wall into which the stiffening means can be inserted and from which the stiffening means can be removed. This results in a technically good possibility to integrate the at least one stiffening agent in the side wall. The bag is preferably formed so that the stiffening means is for the most part received therein, i. that at most only a small part of the stiffening means protrudes from the bag. For example, the at least one stiffening means can be withdrawn from its pocket by means of a movement along the longitudinal axis of the stiffening means or inserted into the pocket. Preferably, the pocket for the at least one stiffening means extends over the largest part, in particular the almost complete height of the side wall of the liquid container and thus preferably also over almost the entire length with which the stiffening means extends along the vertical axis. In this way it can be achieved that the at least one stiffening means at least for the most part rests against the side wall and thus provides for a corresponding resistance against buckling of the side wall. The pocket may have an opening through which the stiffening means is insertable. The bag may have the opening at its top, d. H. have on the facing away from the footprint side. The bag is on its underside, d. H. also open on the side facing the footprint, so that the stiffening means received in the pocket can protrude from the pocket at the bottom. The top can preferably be closed by welding a bag forming layer with the side wall. The bottom of the bag is open. The top of the bag can be closed. For example, then the wall with the closed top of the bag could be supported vertically on the at least one stiffening element.

The at least one stiffening agent may be from the z. B. protrude at the bottom open pocket.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one stiffening means can be supported directly on the footprint, z. B. with a suitable foot. In particular, the side wall may have an opening through which the at least one stiffening means can be inserted, in particular from the outwardly to the inwardly facing side of the side wall. As a result, the stiffening means can be arranged substantially on the inside of the side wall and still be supported outside of the liquid container on the footprint by a part of the stiffening agent, such as. B. a foot outside the liquid container is arranged. Preferably, the part of the at least one stiffening means arranged on the outside of the side wall is smaller than the part of the at least one stiffening means arranged on the inside of the side wall or in the pocket. The opening is surrounded in particular by the side wall. In particular, the side wall forms a passage for the at least one stiffening means. Alternatively, the passage may also be formed from the bottom of the liquid container. The passage or opening is preferably adjusted approximately at the diameter of the at least one stiffening means. About the opening, the at least one stiffening agent can be inserted into the pocket or pulled out of it. In the ready state, the rod-shaped stiffening means may be arranged in the pocket, wherein it protrudes from the pocket through the side wall. The opening or the passage through the side wall may, for. B. be provided with a reinforcement which protects the side wall against lateral tearing or damage.

Preferably, the at least one pocket embraces the at least one stiffening means about its circumference with only a slight play, so that a tight fit of the pocket is achieved on the stiffening means, whereby the resistance of the side wall is further improved against buckling. For example, the at least one pocket for which at least one stiffening means has a circumference which corresponds approximately to the circumference of the at least one stiffening means, ie is minimally larger, so that the at least one stiffening means has only a slight play in its state accommodated in the pocket , Preferably, the pockets can be arched away from the side wall, in particular with an inserted stiffening means, in particular to the side facing the liquid. In particular, the curvature of the bag can be larger towards the inside than to the outside. The bulges described herein can be readily made by placing the pouch on the inside of the sidewall.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one pocket for a stiffening means is formed from two surface-connected layers each made of a flexible material. In the region of at least one pocket, the side wall may comprise at least two surface-connected layers each made of a flexible material, wherein it is preferred that the at least one stiffening means be insertable and removable between the two layers. Between the two layers, therefore, the bag is formed. The two layers are firmly connected. The connection point (s), preferably produced by gluing or welding, is / are preferably formed as a material fit and in a liquid-tight manner. Between the layers, a strip is formed, in which the layers are unconnected, so that the pocket for the at least one stiffening means is formed by the cavity produced in the strip. Generally preferred, the cavity is adapted for receiving preferably a single stiffening agent. One of the two layers forms an annular peripheral part of the side wall, which in turn, as described above, can consist of several layers. The other layer forms the pocket and may, for example, extend completely or partially around the circumference of the first-mentioned layer, the two layers being unconnected to the stiffening means with a strip for forming a pocket. Preferably, a strip of flexible material is provided which forms the second layer for forming the pockets. The strip is, as described above, joined flat to the side wall and has an unconnected strip for forming at least one pocket for the at least one stiffening means. Preferably, a single strip of flexible material is provided for each pocket and / or for each stiffening element, which is connected in the circumferential direction on both sides next to the longitudinal axis of the stiffening means or provided for the stiffening bag with the side wall forming layer. The said layers need not be directly connected to each other, but it may for example be arranged between these layers an intermediate layer which z. B. prevents the situation that forms the annular part of the side wall, from damage when introducing the stiffening agent in the bag. Generally, the pocket is formed from a strip of flexible material, which is fastened, in particular adhesively bonded or welded, on the side wall of the side facing the liquid, wherein a cavity for receiving the stiffening means exists between the strip and the side wall. The strip and in particular the cavity may be elongate and extend longitudinally along the vertical axis.

The at least one stiffening means may be integral or comprise several parts. In at least one stiffening means at least comprises in preferred embodiments a rod-shaped, in particular tubular element, which is provided for insertion into the at least one fastening element. Further, in preferred embodiments, a stiffening means may comprise a retaining means. The holding means is preferably used to support the side wall of the liquid container in the vertical direction. The advantage is that in uses of the liquid container in which a vertical force is exerted on its edge, the edge can not be easily pushed under the liquid level of the filled container, which would lead to leakage of the liquid. Such a vertical load on the pool edge can z. B. occur when a person wants to climb over the edge in the basin, as z. B. in a swimming pool is the case, or if suction or pressure hoses are fed into the container for filling and emptying of the liquid container and thereby supported on the side wall, as z. As in industrial applications or applications in the fire extinguisher may be the case.

The holding means may for example be a hook, but preferably a rod-shaped element which protrudes at least in one direction, preferably in two directions, from the dust-shaped element provided for the fastening element. Preferably, the holding means is a tube. The holding means may be welded to the vertically extending rod-shaped element, that is, inextricably connected, or plugged, that is releasably connected. The holding means may in particular point away convexly from the installation surface, ie point upwards. The holding means may be curved, wherein it is preferred that at least one end, preferably both ends of the holding means are bent in the direction of the footprint, in particular are curved. The holding means may be, for example, arc, V or U-shaped.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one stiffening means may have, at its end facing away from the footprint, a cap which is dimensioned so that it can be inserted into the pocket or through the opening in the pocket. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the bag is closed at its top, so that it can be supported with its closed top on the side facing away from the footprint side of the at least one stiffening means with a vertical force, whereby advantageously the side wall is supported vertically , The cap can z. B. made of plastic and rounded to reduce the risk of damage to the bag or the side wall.

Advantageously, the side wall with the region which forms the upper edge of the liquid container, on the stiffening means, in particular supported on the holding means, preferably in the vertical direction, ie in the direction of footprint. Preferably, the side wall has an engagement element, in particular in the region forming the upper edge of the liquid container, which is in engagement with or at least engageable with the at least one stiffening means arranged on the side wall so that the side wall is supported vertically on the stiffening means can. The engagement element can, for. Example, a tab, a hook or a general Abragung so that the side wall can transmit a vertical force component on the at least one stiffening means. The at least one stiffening means is preferably arranged on the outer circumference of the side wall. For several stiffening agents, it is preferred that they be unconnected, ie. only connected via the side wall. Preferably, the upper edge of the liquid container can have a reinforcement which is intended to prevent the side wall from being pushed in the areas between two adjacent stiffening means or only with a greater resistance in the direction of the set-up surface than would be the case if no such stiffening were present , By this measure, the distance between two stiffening means can be increased and thus the total number of stiffening means can be reduced, which leads to a lower transport weight.

In preferred embodiments, a buoyancy ring is provided, which preferably forms the upper edge of the side wall of the liquid container. For example, the buoyancy ring also forms the engagement element for the at least one stiffening means and / or the stiffening of the upper edge, which is intended to prevent the deflection between two adjacent stiffening means.

The buoyancy ring preferably extends approximately parallel to the footprint and / or to the bottom of the liquid container. The buoyancy ring may extend with a part over the side wall to the outside to z. B. to form the engagement element for the at least one stiffening agent. Further, the buoyancy ring may extend inwardly over the sidewall with another part to provide buoyancy for the buoyant ring. In particular, the inwardly extending portion may be larger than the outwardly extending portion. Preferably, the buoyancy ring comprises a buoyancy generating volume. This is achieved in that the buoyancy ring has a total density which is less than the density of the liquid for which the liquid container is provided as a storage means. At least the total density is less than the density of water. For example, the buoyancy ring may be inflatable with a gas or air or may comprise a material having a density less than that of the liquid. A material is understood to mean both the substance and the construction of the substance, the substance being able to have a low density as the density of the liquid as a substance property or due to the structure in which the substance has been processed (eg foamed material). , An inflatable ring has the advantage of being easily collapsible. For example, a ring with a material having a lower density than the liquid may have the advantage of producing an increased stiffening effect and not damaging the ring as opposed to an inflatable ring. Due to the buoyancy ring, the liquid container can self-assemble when filled with the liquid. For this purpose, the empty liquid container is spread out and the at least one stiffening means attached to the side wall of the liquid container. Subsequently, the liquid container is filled with the liquid, in particular water. By filling the liquid level rises in the liquid container. Because the buoyant ring floats on the surface of the liquid, the liquid can not flow over the edge of the sidewall. By the effect that the buoyancy ring floats on the surface, are raised by the rising liquid level, the side wall and the at least one stiffening agent. This works until the side wall is completely upright.

The liquid container has a second, a second cross-sectional plane which is approximately perpendicular to the first, forming a first cross-sectional plane and / or the bottom and / or the footprint. The buoyancy ring in the second cross-section preferably has a greater, in particular substantially greater thickness than the thickness of the side wall. The side wall is for example a film body which appears very thin in cross-section, wherein the buoyancy ring in the second cross-section is a surface element, in particular a round, such. B. oval or circular cross-section, or a square, such. B. has three, four, five or polygonal cross section. The thickness of the side wall is thus negligible with respect to the thickness of the buoyant ring.

It is generally preferred that the buoyancy ring has an encircling ring which is annular in the second cross-section and which is preferably connected to its half facing the footprint or with such a portion to the side wall. Within the annular z. B. formed from the material of the side wall or a film enclosure may be arranged to produce the low overall density of air or the material of lower density than that of the liquid. The annular surround of the buoyancy ring has a away from the footprint, d. H. upward facing half and one towards the footprint, d. H. downward facing half. The film-shaped portion of the side wall is preferably connected to the lower half of the enclosure, but in particular slightly offset from the lowest point of the lower half. This has the advantage that the proportion of the total volume of the buoyant ring pointing to the liquid is greater than that of the liquid pointing away from the liquid, d. H. outward facing part. This results in lift generation benefits as the greater part of the volume can interact with the water, creating a higher lift.

It is further preferred that the cross-sectional area of the buoyancy ring in the second cross-section has a centroid, which in relation to the side wall by a degree in the direction of the inside, ie in particular in the direction provided for the liquid Range is offset. For example, the centroid is so far offset or the volume fraction pointing to the liquid is so large that the volume fraction pointing to the liquid 2/3 and the outward-pointing volume fraction is about 1/3 of the total volume fraction of the buoyancy ring.

The liquid container according to the invention can, for. B. on a solid surface, such. As a stone floor, or a soft ground, such. B. a meadow. In an intended for installation on a solid surface liquid container, the at least one stiffening means extends to a maximum of the footprint. Possibly. the at least one stiffening means may be formed so that there is a small distance between the footprint and the lower end of the at least one stiffening means, whereby damage to a sensitive footprint can be avoided. Preferably, the at least one stiffening means comes into contact with the footprint, wherein a suitable element for protecting the footprint may be provided, the z. B. may be attached to the underside of the at least one stiffening agent. In the case of a liquid container provided for a soft base, it may be preferred for the at least one stiffening means to extend below the level of the floor or the set-up surface. This may provide advantages in terms of the stability of the liquid container. Thus, the lower end of the at least one stiffening agent in the footprint, such. B. drill in the meadow. To an uncontrolled sinking of the at least one stiffening agent in the footprint z. B. to avoid vertical loading of the at least one stiffening agent, for the at least one stiffening means a stop element, the z. B. may be formed plate-shaped, be provided. It is therefore preferred that on the side facing the footprint of the at least one stiffening means an extension is formed or attachable, which extends below the level of the footprint or the bottom of the liquid container, wherein preferably a stop element is arranged on the extension, the only one limited extension of the extension below the level of the footprint allows. For example, the extension may be conical in order to allow easy penetration into the footprint.

The at least one, in particular rod-shaped stiffening means may have in preferred embodiments on its side facing the footprint a stop element or a foot in the shape of a plate. The dish-shaped foot may be wider than the diameter of the stiffener. The plate can on its underside, d. H. on its side facing the footprint z. B. be formed flat. This means that preferably no extension extends from the plate surface towards the footprint, which has the advantage that the footprint is not damaged and acting on the at least one stiffening in the direction of footprint surface is better distributed in terms of area than without stop element. The stop element is preferably attachable to the end of the at least one stiffening means facing the mounting surface and optionally detachable therefrom. In order to prevent the stop element from falling out of the at least one stiffening means, these can lock together. For example, the stop element may be firmly connected to or formed from the at least one stiffening means. Particularly preferred is the attachable stop element made of plastic, as it protects the footprint.

In a further preferred embodiment, the end of the at least one stiffening means facing the installation surface can be closed with a cap, in particular made of plastic. This is particularly advantageous if the at least one fastening element, which is preferably pocket-shaped, is closed at its end facing the footprint. Through the cap damage to the closed bag by z. B. prevents a sharp-edged end of at least one stiffening agent.

It is generally preferred that the at least one stiffening agent is one or more parts, with a multi-part stiffening means can be plugged together with a plug-in connection, or z. B. by telescoping sleeve-shaped sections can be telescoped. A removable extension for the at least one stiffening means has the advantage that the liquid container can be set up optionally on solid or soft ground.

To reinforce the side wall of the liquid container may be to said at least one stiffening agent, if necessary, a around the circumference of the side wall extending reinforcing element, such as a band or ring made of plastic (eg., PVC) or metal may be provided. This is particularly advantageous for very large liquid containers. It may optionally be provided several or a single such reinforcing elements. For example, the at least one reinforcing element can be arranged at half the side wall height and / or outside at the side wall and / or have a smaller width than the side wall is high. It may also extend over the fasteners for the stiffening means and / or form the fasteners. The at least one reinforcing element can be welded to the side wall. Preferably, the at least one reinforcing element is substantially loose, in particular completely loose, ie a separate part of the side wall. However, it should not be ruled out that the reinforcing means for fixing at individual locations connected to the side wall, such. B. can be welded. In particularly preferred embodiments, the liquid container on its side wall in particular on its outer side over the circumference distributed loops. The loops serve to hold the reinforcing element in the desired position of the side wall, much like belt loops of a pair of trousers hold the belt. The reinforcing element preferably extends between in each case a loop and the side wall.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting up a liquid container as described above. The method comprises the steps of: spreading the empty liquid container, attaching at least one stiffening means to the side wall of the liquid container by inserting the at least one stiffening agent into the at least one pocket over the opening and filling the liquid container with a liquid, in particular water. According to the invention, the at least one stiffening means is arranged on the side facing the inside of the side wall. Advantageous developments result from the use and installation of the above-mentioned liquid container.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Flüssigkeitsbehälters aus dem Stand der Technik,

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils eines erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitsbehälters mit Blick auf die Innenseite der Seitenwand,

Figur 3

den Flüssigkeitsbehälter aus Figur 2 während der Montage mit Blick auf die Außenseite der Seitenwand und

Figur 4

einen Teil des Flüssigkeitsbehälters aus Figur 1 in einem montierten Zustand mit Blick auf die Außenseite der Seitenwand.

In the following the invention will be described with reference to figures. The features disclosed in this case also advantageously form the invention in combination, in particular also in combination with the features described above. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of a liquid container of the prior art,

FIG. 2

a perspective view of a portion of a liquid container according to the invention with a view of the inside of the side wall,

FIG. 3

the liquid container off FIG. 2 during assembly, facing the outside of the side wall and

FIG. 4

a part of the liquid container FIG. 1 in an assembled state, facing the outside of the sidewall.

FIG. 1 shows a liquid container of the prior art. The FIGS. 2 to 4 show further developments of this liquid container according to the invention. Unless otherwise stated, the comments on FIG. 1 also for the device from the FIGS. 2 to 4 , The liquid container 1 has a bottom 3, with which the liquid container 1 can be set up on a footprint. The bottom 3 thus runs parallel to the footprint. Transverse to the bottom 3, ie approximately perpendicularly, protrudes a side wall 2 connected to the bottom 3, which encloses a volume which is provided for receiving a liquid, in particular water. The side wall 2 and the bottom 3 are each liquid-tight and also liquid-tightly connected to each other, such. B. by welding.

The side wall comprises a layer of a plastic material, the z. B. may have a reinforcing fabric. The reinforcing fabric is made of tear resistant fibers to improve the mechanical properties of the layer. The side wall 2 is in this example of PVC, but may also be made of other suitable plastics. The upper end, d. H. the end of the side wall 2 facing away from the bottom 3 is formed by a buoyancy ring 6, which is connected to the side wall 2, which is arranged between the bottom 3 and buoyancy ring 6, for example likewise by means of a welding process.

On the outside, ie the side facing away from the volume of the side wall 2, a plurality of pockets 5 are mounted, namely for each stiffening means 4 a. The pockets 5 extend approximately perpendicular to the outside of the side wall 2 of the liquid container. 1 The pockets 5 are formed by strips 17 which are suitably permanently connected to the side wall 2. In particular, the connection is cohesive. The pockets 5 are formed by connecting each strip 17 on both sides in the circumferential direction with the side wall 2, whereby an unconnected strip forms the pocket 5. The unconnected strip is therefore arranged between the two connected portions of the strip 17 on the left and right of the pocket 5. The strip 17 and thus also the pocket 7 extend over most of the stiffening means 4 and also over the largest part, ie almost completely over the height of the side wall 2 forming layer 20. The pocket 5 is, as shown here, particularly preferred closed in the peripheral region of the stiffening means 4, but open at its lower and upper end, so that the stiffening means 4 can be inserted from above into the pocket 5. Although the bag 5 may be formed of a different material than the side wall 2, it is formed in this embodiment of a same or at least similar material. The pocket 5 is formed so that the strip 17 engages around most of the circumference of the stiffening means 4, while the pocket 20 of the side wall 2 forming the pocket 5 surrounds a smaller part of the circumference of the stiffening means 4. Thus, the layer 20 also forms a smaller part of the circumference of the pocket 5 than the strip 17. As shown here, the pocket 5 protrudes from the outer periphery of the layer 20 of the side wall 2, which is why the pocket 5 can also be referred to as being put on , The pocket 5 thus bulges outwards with a U-shaped cross-section.

The stiffening means 4 is a rod and comprises a retaining means 7 connected to the rod, which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Rod and holding means 7 are each formed of a steel tube. The flexibility of the stiffening means 4 in relation to the side wall 2 is negligible. Conversely, the stiffness of the side wall 2 in relation to the stiffening element 4 is negligible. The stiffening means 4 can be inserted from above into the pocket 5, in particular in the deflated state of the liquid container 1. The play of the rod in the pocket 5 is relatively small, so that a tight fit of the stiffening means 4 is ensured in the pocket 5. The stiffening means 4 has with its underside 10 - as shown in this embodiment - to just below the level of the footprint on which the bottom 3 rests. Thus, in this embodiment, the liquid container 1 is for installation suitable for a soft and firm surface.

The buoyancy ring 6 is supported with its underside on the holding means 7 and thus on the stiffening means 4. This prevents that the upper edge of the liquid container 1 is pressed down. The force exerted on the upper edge of the buoyancy ring 6 vertically downward force is derived via the stiffening means 4 in the footprint. In the areas between two adjacent stiffening means 4, the edge can only be pressed down by a negligible distance due to the reinforcing effect of the lifting ring 6. By using the buoyancy ring 6, the number of stiffening means 4 can be reduced. In this example, 16 stiffening means 4 are arranged uniformly over the circumference of the approximately circular side wall in the first cross section. The diameter of the liquid container 1 is about 4 m. The height of the side wall approx. 1.50 m. These values are only examples. The size of the liquid container 1 is almost arbitrarily increased or reduced, in which case more or less stiffening means 4 are used or the stiffening means 4 in terms of their dimension to possibly changing loads, which are exerted by the water pressure on the side wall 2 adjusted Need to become. For example, a diameter of the liquid container 1 of 20 m or even more would be possible.

The liquid container 1 shown here serves as a swimming pool, but may nevertheless be used for other applications described herein or apparent to those skilled in the art.

Like from the FIGS. 2 to 4 it can be seen, the liquid container is made FIG. 1 Improved according to the invention in that the at least one arranged on the side wall 2, along the vertical axis H of the liquid container 1 extending stiffening means 4 or / and the at least one for a attachable to the side wall along the vertical axis H extending stiffening means 4 provided pocket 5 on the to the inside, ie the liquid volume-facing side of the side wall 2 is arranged. How best FIG. 2 is visible, the strip 17, which forms the pocket 5, welded to the inside of the side wall 2. The joining, in particular welding or splice is cohesively and waterproof designed so that no water can get into the bag 5 via the joint. The bag 5 may be open or preferably closed on its upper side, ie on its side facing away from the footprint, in particular also waterproof. A vertical force exerted on the side wall 2 can thus be transmitted to the stiffening means 4 via the ring 6 or the closed end. If the bag 5 is closed at its top, in some embodiments even the ring 6 can be dispensed with.

How best FIG. 3 it can be seen, the stiffening means 4 is inserted into the pocket 5 before filling the liquid container with water from the outside of the side wall 2 via an opening 121 whose opening cross section corresponds approximately to the cross section of the stiffening means 4. After the complete insertion of the stiffening means 4, the largest part of the stiffening means 4 is located within the pocket 5, wherein the smaller part of the stiffening means 4 outside the liquid container, that is arranged on the outside of the side wall 2. Thus, advantageously, the joint of the strip 17 with the side wall 2 relieved of damaging forces for the joint connection and a vertical force of the stiffening means 4 are still derived outside the liquid container in the footprint. In the erected state, the stiffening means 4 is located substantially on the inside of the side wall 2.

In the Figures 3 and 4 a foot 18 is shown attached to the underside 10 of the stiffening means 4. A sinking of the stiffening agent in a soft ground is prevented by the design of the foot 18. The plate has a larger diameter than the stiffening means. 4

The side facing away from the footprint of the stiffening means 4 may be cap-shaped or equipped with a plastic cap and the end, in particular the lower end of the stiffening element 4 enclose. The cap-shaped end has approximately the same, ie only a marginally larger, outer diameter than the stiffening means 4. The cap 11 serves primarily to protect the layers covered by the device from sharp edges of the end of the stiffening means 4. Via the side facing away from the footprint End of the stiffener 4 is one on the side wall applied vertical force introduced into the stiffening means 4, which in turn is supported on the footprint and thus directs the vertical force in the footprint.

Alternatively, the cap 11 may be attached to the footprint facing away from the footprint and to the inner diameter of the stiffener 4 such that the cap 11 with a shoulder adjacent to the end of the stiffener 4 and having the outer diameter of the stiffener 4, the stiffener 4 completes. In addition to the above embodiments, the rod 16 of the stiffening means 4 may be multi-part, namely formed of an outer sleeve 13 and an inner sleeve 14, which are plugged into each other, whereby the transport length of the stiffening means can be reduced.

How best of the Figures 3 and 4 is recognizable, on the outside of the side wall 2, a reinforcing element in the form of a belt 101 or belt is arranged, which forms a closed ring over the circumference of the liquid container. The band-shaped reinforcing means 101 has a smaller width than the side wall 2 is high. The belt 101 is arranged approximately at half the height of the side wall 2. There, the belt 101 is held by loops 102 which are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the side wall 2 and with the side wall 2 z. B. glued or welded. The belt 101 loosely attached to the side wall 2 is looped through the loops 102 so as to be between the loops 102 and the side wall 2. Due to the belt 101, buckling of the side wall 2 by the fluid pressure can be even better avoided. For example, the belt 101 may comprise circumferentially reinforcing fibers which impart a greater tensile or tear strength to the belt 101 in the circumferential direction than transverse to the circumferential direction.

How out FIG. 4 can be seen, 4 devices, such. B. a circulating pump 130 are connected. Like also out FIG. 4 it can be seen that are in the erected state, the stiffening means 4 for the most part on the inside of the side wall. 2

Claims (11)

1. A liquid container (1) for water, in particular a swimming pool, comprising:

   a) a rod-shaped reinforcing means (4);

   b) a side wall (2) which is annular in cross-section and made of a flexible material, and a base (3), wherein the side wall (2) is connected, impermeable to liquid, to the base (3);

   c) at least one pocket (5), provided for the rod-shaped reinforcing means (4) which can be attached to the side wall (2) and extends along the vertical axis (H),

   d) wherein the at least one pocket (5) is arranged on the side of the side wall (2) which faces inwards, and extends along the vertical axis (H) of the liquid container (1),

   e) wherein the rod-shaped reinforcing means (4) can be inserted into and removed from the pocket (5) via an opening (121) on the lower side of the pocket (5),
   characterised in that

   f) the opening (121) is a passage through the side wall (2) or the base (3).
2. The liquid container according to Claim 1, characterised in that the pocket (5) is formed from a flexible material which is connected to the side wall (2), preferably in a material fit, on the side of the side wall (2) which faces inwards.
3. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one pocket (5) is formed from a strip (17) of flexible material.
4. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an element (101) which encircles the side wall (2) annularly, such as for example a belt, is arranged on the side of the side wall (2) which faces outwards.
5. The liquid container according to the preceding claim, wherein the element (101) exhibits a width which is smaller than the height of the side wall (2).
6. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein loops (102) which are distributed over the circumference are arranged on the outer side of the side wall (2), wherein the element (101) which is arranged annularly around the side wall (2) extends respectively between a loop (102) and the side wall (2).
7. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reinforcing means (4) is arranged in the pocket (5), wherein the reinforcing means (4) protrudes out of the pocket (5) through the side wall (2) when the liquid container (1) is ready for operation.
8. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pockets (5) are curved inwards, preferably more significantly than outwards, in particular when a reinforcing means (4) is inserted.
9. The liquid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one end of the reinforcing means (4) comprises a foot (18) which is wider than the diameter of the reinforcing means (4) and which is in particular disc-shaped, and/or in that one end of the reinforcing means (4) comprises a cap which is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into the pocket (5) or the opening (121) along with the reinforcing means (4).
10. A method for erecting a liquid container (1) formed in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

    a) spreading out the empty liquid container (1);

    b) fastening at least one reinforcing means (4) to the side wall (2) of the liquid container (1) by inserting the at least one reinforcing means (4) into the at least one pocket (5) via the opening (121); and

    c) filling the liquid container (1) with a liquid, in particular water.
11. The method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the at least one reinforcing means (4) is arranged on the side of the side wall (2) which faces inwards.

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