Support Matrix for Spill Containment Pan

Abstract

A support matrix especially adapted for use with a spill containment pan having a reservoir defined by upstanding walls having upper edges and a generally flat-bottomed wall includes a porous grate that bridges the reservoir, a connection between the grate and the upper edges of the upstanding walls, and support walls connected to the grate and depending therefrom, the support walls having portions that contact the flat-bottomed wall. The lower edges of the support walls may be provided with cut-out portions that permit fluid to flow from one side of the support walls to the other. The support matrix is modular in nature so that one or more can easily be inserted into and removed from the reservoir.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application incorporates by reference, and claims priority from, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 291,139, entitled Support Matrix for Spill Containment Pan, filed Dec. 30, 2009 by Merrill E. Bishop.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to pans that collect spilled chemical materials and, more particularly, to a technique that enables vehicles to drive over the pans.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Traditionally, railroad tank car loading and unloading has been relatively unregulated. In the past, railroad sidings reflected that lack of concern because they had no provision to collect accidental discharges of whatever was being loaded and unloaded. Often the commodity being shipped was inexpensive or perceived to be of little environmental impact, and therefore any spills were either hosed down or just left for the next rain to clear away. With the advent of sti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a new and improved support matrix for use with a spill containment pan. The support matrix is particularly effective with pans used in conjunction with railroad tank cars. The support matrix includes a porous upper surface, or grate, that bridges the reservoir of the pan. The grate is supported by depending walls positioned about its periphery and one or more optional support walls that suspend or otherwise depend from a central portion of the grate. The support matrix is modular and can be used with different types of pans. It allows a vehicle to drive over a spill containment pan and permits fluid to be drained from the pan when desired. The support matrix is easy to install and remove for cleaning or repair."

Problems solved by technology

Traditionally, railroad tank car loading and unloading has been relatively unregulated.

Although the devices disclosed in the Multi-Pan patent, the Transportable Pan patent, and the Compact Pan patent provide many advantages compared with prior art spill containment pans, these devices do not address the issue of driving a vehicle over the pans.

The covers used with these pans generally are not suitable to sustain the weight of a vehicle, especially a heavy truck.

Moreover, if the covers are in the extended position, it would be undesirable for a vehicle to attempt to drive over the pan because the vehicle would have to traverse the reservoir.

Not only would such traversal risk damage to the pan and / or the vehicle, it is possible that the reservoir would contain fluid contaminants that could contaminate or otherwise harm the vehicle.

While the '834 patent mentions that the grate disclosed therein is strong enough to be driven upon, the referenced patents do not disclose devices that would be suitable for use with spill containment pans such as those disclosed in the Multi-Pan patent, the Transportable Pan patent, and the Compact Pan patent.

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