Water tank

Abstract

A water tank comprising a container (2) of substantially parallelepiped shape having a containment volume (3) suitable for containing water and defined by a first pair of opposite side panels (4) arranged parallel to each other, a second pair of opposite side panels (5) arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first pair of side panels (4), a top panel (6), a bottom panel (7) opposite to the top panel (6), wherein said water tank (1) also comprises at least one distribution valve (8, 9) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (3) and wherein the distance (X) between the side panels (4) of the first pair of side panels (4) is much smaller than the distance (Y) between the side panels (5) of the second pair of side panels (5) or much smaller than the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the bottom panel (7), so as to define a water tank (1) of slender shape.

Description

[0001] WATER TANK Description

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention finds application in the field of water containment and distribution systems and specifically relates to a water tank for water distribution. In a first variant, the tank will be for domestic use, i.e., for the distribution of water to sanitary appliances such as sinks, washtubs, showers, bathtubs, and the like, and in particular, for the plumbing, construction, and architectural sectors. The tank will be installable in domestic environments such as homes, offices, boats, campers, bungalows, but also in cellars, attics, and warehouses, both indoors and outdoors, such as on terraces, balconies, and the like.

[0004] In a further application, the water tank will be modular and designed for the distribution and storage of large amounts of water in industrial and residential settings. The tank is designed to be architecturally integrated with insulated panels, commonly used for the construction of industrial warehouses, residential buildings, bungalows, fences, partition walls, and flooring. In addition to its primary function of water storage, the tank will find specific applications such as a reserve tank in fire-fighting systems, water distribution for industrial and agri-food processes, and rainwater collection for secondary or emergency uses.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] As known, the environments in which we spend most of our time every day are often full of walls and spaces that are used, or furnished, in a suboptimal manner. Indeed, these spaces are frequently filled with furniture and objects to prevent the walls from being bare.

[0007] To date, water shortages in domestic environments (due to water shortages, municipal restrictions, damage to water mains, supply interruptions, and unwanted leaks) have been addressed through the use of large water tanks, which are very bulky and are typically combined with noisy and expensive motors or pumps, such as traditional pressure tanks. These systems are typically installed in dedicated spaces and are technically equipped to allow water to reach the upper floors, if necessary. Starting from these complex solutions, the Applicant identified the need to solve the problem of water shortages and reduce the size of these tanks.

[0008] The Applicant has identified several disadvantages in the use of water tanks currently in use.

[0009] First, as mentioned, the main problem is space: tanks require a lot of space, requiring significant volumes to be dedicated thereto. This issue is particularly acute in crowded urban areas, where tanks limit the space available for other activities or infrastructure. Then, there are complications related to transportation: tanks can be bulky and difficult to transport, especially in areas with narrow streets or weight restrictions.

[0010] Problems related to the formation of stagnant water have been identified: tanks can promote water stagnation, increasing the risk of insects, bacteria, and algae, with potential implications for public health.

[0011] Furthermore, the visual impact of these tanks is problematic, due to the obvious difficulty in hiding or camouflaging them so that they blend harmoniously with the architectural and landscape context. Water tanks, in fact, often compromise aesthetics and landscape, especially if they don’t blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

[0012] Furthermore, tanks require a solid foundation, such as a solid, level platform, which may be difficult to implement on uneven terrain or with structural restrictions.

[0013] Scope of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a particularly cost-effective water tank that overcomes one or more of the above drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a compact, versatile water tank that can be easily integrated into the home environment.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact water tank that can serve as a non-invasive furnishing element within the architectural context.

[0017] The specified technical effect and the specified objects are substantially obtained by a water tank as set forth in claim 1, to which reference is made for a more concise explanation. Specifically, a water tank for the distribution of water for domestic use, for example, to sanitary fixtures such as sinks, washtubs, showers, and bathtubs, installed in environments such as homes, offices, cellars, warehouses, boats, campers, bungalows, chalets, and caravans, comprises a substantially parallelepiped-shaped container with a containment volume suitable for holding water and defined by: a first pair of opposing side panels arranged parallel to each other, a second pair of opposing side panels arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel opposite the top panel.

[0018] The tank also comprises at least one distribution valve in fluid communication with the containment volume for filling and / or emptying the container.

[0019] Advantageously, the distance between the panels of the first pair of side panels is much smaller than the distance between the panels of the second pair of side panels, or much smaller than the distance between the top panel and the bottom panel, thus creating a streamlined water tank.

[0020] Preferably, the distance between the panels of the first pair of side panels is much smaller than the distance between the panels of the second pair of side panels, and much smaller than the distance between the top panel and the bottom panel.

[0021] In other words, the thickness of the container, defined as the distance between the side panels of the first pair of side panels of the container, is much smaller than the width of the container, defined as the distance between the side panels of the second pair of side panels of the container, or the length of the container, defined as the distance between the top panel and the bottom panel of the container.

[0022] Advantageously, therefore, the dimensional ratio between width and thickness and / or length and thickness of the container is very high, for example 10: 1, resulting in a very slim tank, meaning its thickness is much smaller than its length and / or width. This results in a compact design and, as such, allows for easy placement even in very small domestic spaces.

[0023] Advantageously, thanks to its slim geometry, the water tank subject to this invention allows for additional or emergency water resources without causing space-related problems in limited-size domestic environments. Its slim, slab-like shape allows it to be easily integrated into walls, ceilings, and cavities without taking up excessive space in the home and, potentially, allowing for the furnishing of surfaces that would otherwise appear bare.

[0024] The tank is designed to occupy extremely small spaces thanks to its ultra-flat dimensions, allowing it to be placed even in cramped spaces without compromising accessibility to internal and external spaces of the home.

[0025] Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims, incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] Brief disclosure of the drawings

[0027] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of some preferred but non-exclusive configurations of a water tank according to the present invention, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the attached drawings wherein:

[0028] FIGs. 1 to 4 are perspective views of the water tank of the invention according to four different embodiments.

[0029] Best modes of carrying out the invention

[0030] With reference to the attached figures, some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a water tank according to the present invention are shown.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a water tank for the distribution of water for domestic use, hereinafter referred to simply as the tank and globally designated with 1.

[0032] The tank 1 comprises a container 2 of substantially parallelepiped shape having a containment volume 3 suitable for containing water and defined by:

[0033] - a first pair of opposing side panels 4 (i.e., first panels 4) arranged parallel to each other,

[0034] - a second pair of opposing side panels 5 (i.e., second panels 5) arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first pair of side panels 4,

[0035] - a top panel 6,

[0036] - a bottom panel 7 opposite the top panel 6. In other words, the water containment volume 3 is delimited by the panels 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the container 2.

[0037] The tank 1 also comprises at least one distribution valve 8, 9 in fluid communication with the containment volume 3, for filling and / or emptying the container 2.

[0038] Preferably, the container 2 is closed, meaning the panels completely delimit the containment volume 3; the only opening is at least one distribution valve 8, 9.

[0039] In particular, preferably, the tank 1 comprises a first distribution valve 8 in fluidic communication with the containment volume 3 for supplying water to the containment volume 3 and a second distribution valve 9 in fluidic communication with the containment volume 3 for distributing water to a domestic water supply or a sanitary appliance.

[0040] Even more preferably, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first distribution valve 8 and the second distribution valve 9 are installed at the second panels 5.

[0041] Advantageously, the distance between the first side panels 4 is much smaller than the distance between the second side panels 5 or much smaller than the distance between the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7, so as to define a slender tank 1.

[0042] In other words, the thickness X, measured perpendicular to the first side panels 4 as the distance therebetween, is much less than the width Y, measured perpendicular to the second side panels 5 as the distance therebetween, or much less than the length Z, measured perpendicular to the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7 as the distance therebetween.

[0043] Preferably, however, the distance between the first side panels 4 is much less than the distance between the second side panels 5 and much less than the distance between the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7.

[0044] In other words, the thickness X is much less than both the width Y and the length Z. Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the distance X of the first pair of side panels 4 and the distance Y of the second pair of side panels 5 is equal to a value between 1 :20 and 1 :5.

[0045] Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the distance X of the first pair of side panels 4 and the distance Z between the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7 is between 1 :30 and 1 :5.

[0046] Preferably, the distance X between the panels of the first pair of side panels 4 is between 50 mm and 350 mm.

[0047] Preferably, the distance Y between the panels of the second pair of side panels 5 is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

[0048] Preferably, the distance Z between the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7 is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

[0049] Preferably, the distance Z between the top panel 6 and the bottom panel 7 is greater than the distance Y between the second side panels 5.

[0050] Preferably, the container 2 is designed to be constantly filled with water during use, so that the user can draw on it promptly in the event of a temporary or permanent water shortage. If necessary, this water can be circulated using a small mini pump, not shown in the attached figures. Its operation will also be greatly facilitated by the pressure that the container 2 can generate naturally, given that the predominant dimension is the length Z (i.e., height, in the case of vertical positioning as in FIG. 1).

[0051] Alternatively, the tank 1 could be constantly filled for a future urgent need, or integrated into the building’s plumbing system. This would allow a continuous flow of water into the container 2, ensuring a constant supply for daily needs.

[0052] This method ensures a constant exchange of liquids and a complete and regular filling of the containers 2 at all times.

[0053] Preferably, the top panel 6 is arranged parallel to the bottom panel 7.

[0054] Preferably, panels 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the container 2 are made of plastic, metal, or a metal alloy.

[0055] Specifically, based on technical and design requirements, if a tank 1 according to the present invention were positioned closer to the exterior walls of a building, it could exploit optimal heat conditions to heat the container 2 and therefore the water contained therein, offering the possibility of free hot water. This would be possible by selecting a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient.

[0056] Alternatively, the tank 1 could be installed on pergolas or components of canopies and garages to receive and be exposed directly to the sun rays. In this case, the material for panels 4, 5, 6 and 7 will also be selected based on the atmospheric aggressiveness of the living environment, ensuring adequate durability of the tank 1.

[0057] Alternatively, if the tank 2 were mounted on the interior walls of the building, the water could absorb heat from alternative sources, reducing the need for additional energy to heat it during the winter.

[0058] Preferably, panels 4, 5, 6 and 7 are made of rigid material so that they can be walked on.

[0059] Therefore, the tank 1 can advantageously define a walkable horizontal architectural element for floor installations.

[0060] Preferably, the tank 1 comprises sliding guides (not shown) installed on the container 2 and which can be mounted on external tracks (not shown), for example, on the floor. Therefore, the tank 1 can advantageously create a movable and sliding element for dynamic and versatile architectural solutions.

[0061] The tank according to the present invention achieves the proposed objectives, overcoming the drawbacks noted in the prior art and providing the user with a compact and space-saving water tank 1, minimizing the thickness X of the container 2 compared to its width Y and length Z.

[0062] This solution allows water tanks 1 to be installed along walls or in other available spaces in rooms, without creating inconvenience because they occupy a minimum thickness of a few centimetres. Furthermore, the tank 1 of the invention can be advantageously used as a furnishing and design element depending on the architectural style of the surrounding home environment.

[0063] For example, the tank 1 can be installed: exposed, behind a piece of furniture, covered with plasterboard (therefore concealed), inside the cavity between walls, on balconies or terraces as a dividing or perimeter wall (for example, to ensure privacy between two residential units), under the sink in kitchens or bathrooms or in laundry rooms and storage rooms, or as a fixed wall in a shower stall.

[0064] FIGS. 2 to 4 show further embodiments of a water tank according to the present invention, designated generally by reference 10, designed for the distribution and storage of large amounts of water in industrial and civil settings. The water tank 10 according to these further embodiments is also composed of a container 20 with a substantially quadrangular cross-section having a containment volume 30 suitable for holding water and defined by:

[0065] - a first pair of opposing side panels 40 (i.e. first panels 40) arranged parallel to each other;

[0066] - a second pair of opposing side panels 50 (i.e. second panels 50) arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first pair of side panels 40;

[0067] - an upper loading spout 60 open for the entry of water into the container 20;

[0068] - a bottom panel 70 opposite the loading spout 60.

[0069] In other words, the water containment volume 30 is delimited by the panels 40, 50 and 70 of the container 20 and by the upper inlet edge of the loading spout 60.

[0070] The three illustrated solutions differ essentially in the configuration of the loading spout 60, so in the following, reference will be made to any one of these tanks 10. It is understood that what is stated for one of the tanks also applies to the others, unless otherwise indicated; furthermore, it is understood that the loading spout 60 may also have shapes other than those illustrated, without particular limitations.

[0071] The tank 10 also comprises at least one distribution valve 80, 90 in fluid communication with the containment volume 30, for filling and / or emptying the container 20.

[0072] In particular, the tank 10 preferably comprises a first distribution valve 80 in fluid communication with the containment volume 30 for supplying water into the containment volume 30 and a second distribution valve 90 in fluid communication with the containment volume 30 for distributing water to an external user.

[0073] Even more preferably, as shown in the embodiment of the figures, the first distribution valve 80 and the second distribution valve 90 are installed at the second panels 50. Advantageously, the distance between the first side panels 40 is much smaller than the distance between the second side panels 50 or much smaller than the distance between the upper edge of the loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70, so as to define a slender tank 10.

[0074] In other words, the thickness X, measured perpendicular to the first side panels 40 as the distance therebetween, is much smaller than the width Y, measured perpendicular to the second side panels 50 as the distance therebetween, or much smaller than the length Z, measured perpendicularly between the upper edge of the loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70 as the distance therebetween.

[0075] Preferably, however, the distance between the first side panels 40 is much smaller than the distance between the second side panels 50 and much smaller than the distance between the upper loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70.

[0076] In other words, the thickness X is much smaller than both the width Y and the length Z

[0077] Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the distance X of the first pair of side panels 40 and the distance Y of the second pair of side panels 50 is between 1 :20 and 1 :5.

[0078] Preferably, the dimensional ratio between the distance X of the first pair of side panels 40 and the distance Z between the upper edge of the loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70 is between 1 :30 and 1 :5.

[0079] Preferably, the value of distance X between the panels of the first pair of side panels 40 is between 50 mm and 350 mm.

[0080] Preferably, the distance Y between the panels of the second pair of side panels 50 is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

[0081] Preferably, the distance Z between the upper edge of the loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70 is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

[0082] Preferably, the distance Z between the upper edge of the loading spout 60 and the bottom panel 70 is greater than the distance Y between the second side panels 50.

[0083] Advantageously, the tank 10 is composed of modular panels 40, 50 and 70 that can be easily assembled without the use of extruders, reducing production costs and simplifying assembly.

[0084] Appropriately, depending on the overall dimensions of tank 10, one or more stiffening elements 100 may be provided connecting the first panels 40 to counteract the water buoyancy of the volume of water in the container 20, preventing it from sagging.

[0085] The dimensions (width, height, and thickness) can be customized based on the user’s needs and the installation environment. Appropriately, the materials used will be insulated and resistant plastics, already available on the market, but customizable to optimize sustainability and water performance, with the possibility of aesthetic customization to better integrate into urban, industrial, or natural contexts.

[0086] The use of recyclable or modifiable plastic materials and the integration with rainwater collection systems make the tank 10 suitable for modern environmental sustainability and energy efficiency policies, thus also fitting into emergency or environmental compensation water circuits.

[0087] The tank 10 is designed to be architecturally integrated with insulated panels, commonly used in industrial warehouses, residential buildings, bungalows, fences, partition walls, and flooring.

[0088] In addition to its primary function of water storage, the tank 10 is also designed for specific uses, such as a reserve tank in fire-fighting support systems, a reserve or process tank for water distribution systems in industrial and agri-food processes, and a rainwater collection tank for secondary or emergency uses.

[0089] The tank 10 may also be used in the food industry for the distribution and storage of water intended for drinking, thanks to its resistance to water flow. Furthermore, the tank 10 may be used as a soundproofing wall and, simultaneously, as an integrated cistern for the collection and use of rainwater.

[0090] In the context of road and urban safety, the tank 10 can be integrated into soundabsorbing barriers or dividing walls along highways, ensuring immediate availability of water in the event of accidents or fires.

[0091] From the above description, it is clear that this configuration also achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the tank according to the invention stands out for its integration between structural functionalities, environmental, and civil protection. The tank system is not simply a container, but becomes an active element of sustainability and safety, both in urban and industrial settings.

[0092] The tank according to this invention will be characterized by improved ease of assembly, lower production costs, increased versatility of use, and adaptability to systems already on the market.

Claims

Claims1. A water tank for the distribution of water, comprising a container (2) of substantially parallelepiped shape having a containment volume (3) suitable for containing water and defined by:- a first pair of opposing side panels (4) arranged parallel to each other,- a second pair of opposing side panels (5) arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first pair of side panels (4),- a top panel (6),- a bottom panel (7) opposite the top panel (6); wherein said water tank (1) further comprises at least one distribution valve (8, 9) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (3); wherein the distance (X) between the side panels (4) of the first pair of side panels (4) is much smaller than the distance (Y) between the side panels (5) of the second pair of side panels (5) or much smaller than the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the bottom panel (7), so as to define a water tank (1) of slender shape.

2. Water tank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (X) between the side panels (4) of the first pair of side panels (4) is much smaller than the distance (Y) between the side panels (5) of the second pair of side panels (5) and much smaller than the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the tail panel (7).

3. Water tank (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dimensional ratio between the distance (X) of the first pair of side panels (4) and the distance (Y) of the second pair of side panels (5) is equal to a value between 1 :20 and 1 :5.

4. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensional ratio between the distance (X) of the first pair of side panels (4) and the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the bottom panel (7) is equal to a value between 1 :30 and 1 :5.

5. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- the distance (X) between the side panels (4) of the first pair of side panels (4) is between 50 mm and 250 mm;- the distance (Y) between the side panels (5) of the second pair of side panels (5) isbetween 200 mm and 3000 mm;- the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the bottom panel (7) is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

6. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (Z) between the top panel (6) and the bottom panel (7) is greater than the distance (Y) between the side panels (5) of the second pair of side panels (5).

7. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the top panel (6) is arranged parallel to the bottom panel (7).

8. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a first distribution valve (8) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (3) for suppling water inside the containment volume (3) and a second distribution valve (9) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (3) for the distribution of water to a domestic water supply network or to a sanitary appliance.

9. Water tank (1) according to claim 8, wherein said first distribution valve (8) and said second distribution valve (9) are installed at the side panels (5) of said second pair of panels (5).

10. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (4, 5, 6, 7) of said container (2) are made of plastic or metal or a metal alloy.

11. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the panels (4, 5, 6, 7) of said container (2) are made of rigid material so as to be walkable.

12. Water tank (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising sliding guides installed on the container (2) and slidably mountable on external rails.

13. A water tank (10) for dispensing water, comprising a container (20) having a containment volume (30) suitable for containing water and defined by:- a first pair of opposing side panels (40) arranged parallel to each other,- a second pair of opposing side panels (50) arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first pair of side panels (40),- an upper loading spout (60) having an open upper edge,- a bottom panel (70) opposite said upper loading spout (60); wherein the distance (X) between the side panels (40) of the first pair of side panels(40) is much less than the distance (Y) between the side panels (50) of the second pair of side panels (50) or much less than the distance (Z) between the open upper edge of the loading spout (60) and the bottom panel (70), so as to define a water tank (10) of slender shape.

14. Water tank (10) according to claim 13, wherein the distance (X) between the side panels (40) of the first pair of side panels (40) is much smaller than the distance (Y) between the side panels (50) of the second pair of side panels (50) and much smaller than the distance (Z) between the open upper edge of the loading spout (60) and the bottom panel (7).

15. Water tank (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the dimensional ratio between the distance (X) of the first pair of side panels (40) and the distance (Y) of the second pair of side panels (50) is equal to a value between 1 :20 and 1 :5.

16. A water tank (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, wherein the dimensional ratio between the distance (X) of the first pair of side panels (40) and the distance (Z) between the open upper edge of the loading spout (60) and the bottom panel (70) is between 1 :30 and 1 :5.

17. A water tank (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- the distance value (X) between the side panels (40) of the first pair of side panels (40) is between 50 mm and 250 mm;- the distance value (Y) between the side panels (50) of the second pair of side panels (50) is between 200 mm and 3000 mm;- the distance value (Z) between the open upper edge of the loading spout (60) and the bottom panel (70) is between 200 mm and 3000 mm.

18. Water tank (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 17, wherein the distance (Z) between the open upper edge of the loading spout (60) and the bottom panel (70) is greater than the distance (Y) between the side panels (50) of the second pair of side panels (50).

19. Water tank (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 18, comprising a first distribution valve (80) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (30) for the supply of water inside the containment volume (30) and a second distribution valve(90) in fluidic communication with the containment volume (30) for the distribution of water to an external user.

20. Water tank (10) according to claim 19, wherein said first distribution valve (80) and said second distribution valve (90) are installed at the side panels (50) of said second pair of panels (50).

21. Water tank (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 20, wherein the panels (40, 50, 70) of said container (20) are made of plastic or metal or a metal alloy, preferably of rigid material so as to be walkable.

22. Water tank (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 21, wherein said container (20) comprises one or more stiffening elements (100) suitable for connecting said first panels (40) to each other.

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