초록 ▼

The body structure of a fluid storage apparatus, which may be used for both liquids and gases, is formed from a coaxially and sealingly joined series of one-piece molded polymeric body sections including opposite end sections having closed outer ends. Each one piece molded polymeric body section has

The body structure of a fluid storage apparatus, which may be used for both liquids and gases, is formed from a coaxially and sealingly joined series of one-piece molded polymeric body sections including opposite end sections having closed outer ends. Each one piece molded polymeric body section has tubular inner and outer shell portions that are coaxial with one another and radially separated by a circumferentially spaced series of radially extending ribs molded integrally therewith and defining therebetween a circumferentially extending series of arcuate insulation spaces. In the assembled body structure the inner shell portions entirely define in the apparatus an internal fluid storage vessel portion that is useful in storing both liquids and gases. The interior fluid storage vessel is outwardly enveloped by the insulation spaces and structurally reinforced, via the integral ribs, by the outer shell sections. The apparatus is representatively a water heater storage tank with suitable inlet and outlet piping operatively communicated with the interior of the vessel, and water disposed in the internal storage vessel portion thereof may be selectively heated by one or more electric resistance type heating elements operatively mounted on the water heater body structure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Fluid storage apparatus comprising:a plurality of molded polymeric one piece hollow tubular body sections positioned in a coaxial, end-to-end orientation in which there is at least one axially adjacent pair of body sections, and including first and second opposite end sec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Fluid storage apparatus comprising:a plurality of molded polymeric one piece hollow tubular body sections positioned in a coaxial, end-to-end orientation in which there is at least one axially adjacent pair of body sections, and including first and second opposite end sections having closed outer ends, each of said body sections having at least one open end portion and further having (1) a tubular inner shell section, (2) a tubular outer shell section coaxially circumscribing said tubular inner shell section and forming between said inner and outer shell sections an annular insulation space, and (3) a circumferentially spaced series of ribs extending radially across said annular insulation space and dividing said annular insulation space into circumferential segments, said ribs being integrally molded with said inner and outer shell sections, and said closed outer ends of said first and second opposite end sections being integrally molded with said first and second opposite end sections; andjoining means for permanently and sealingly joining opposing open contiguous end portions of each axially adjacent pair of said plurality of body sections in a manner forming from said plurality of body sections a hollow fluid storage body structure having an internal fluid storage vessel portion defined entirely by said inner shell sections, outwardly enveloped by said annular insulation spaces and structurally reinforced, via said ribs, by said outer shell sections.