Multi-piece plastic tank having an integrated connection means and a method for implementing same
AssigneeAdvanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
InventorPaul R. Holbrook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-piece plastic tank is provided and includes a tank top section, wherein the tank top section defines a tank top opening surrounded by a top flange that extends along the length of the top flange, a tank bottom section having, wherein the tank bottom section defines a tank bottom opening surrounded by a bottom flange that extends along the length of the bottom flange, wherein the top flange and bottom flange are configured to be connected to form the multi-piece plastic tank.
Claims14
A method for associating a jig having a jig engagement structure with a first half tank structure and a second half tank structure to form a multi-piece molded plastic tank, wherein the first half tank structure includes a first half tank flange and wherein the second half tank structure includes a second half tank flange, the method comprising:
- associating the first half tank structure with the second half tank structure such that the first half tank flange is aligned with the second half tank flange, wherein at least one of the first half tank flange includes a first jig structure and the second half tank includes a second jig structure;
- associating the jig with the first half tank flange and the second half tank flange, such that the jig engagement structure is associated with at least one of the first jig structure and the second jig structure, wherein
- the jig engagement structure comprises an upper rail system comprising a first rail roller and a second rail roller and a lower rail system comprising a third rail roller and a fourth rail roller;
- operating the jig to cause the jig to traverse the first half tank flange and the second half tank flange such that the first half tank flange becomes securely associated with second half tank flange, wherein
- operating the jig comprises rotating an actuation handle of the jig to cause the fourth rail roller to engage the second jig structure, and
- the fourth rail roller and the second jig structure each comprise a sawtooth shape;
- and
- disassociating the jig from the first half tank flange and the second half tank flange.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.