Multilayered, insulated fluid tank and structure

Claim 1

In combination with a structure having an inner surface, a multiple-layered, insulated fluid tank, comprising: a plurality of elongated supporting elements each having adjacent sides and being of a low heat-conducting material; means for connecting the elongated supporting elements to the inner surface of the structure and maintaining said elements spaced one from the other and from said inner surface; a plurality of connecting elements each having at least first and second portions and a multiple-flanged holding element having a core, said connecting elements each being positioned at preselected locations on a respective elongated supporting element with the first and second portions contacting adjacent sides of and being attached to said supporting element with said core being oriented in a direction from the inner surface of said structure and said multiple-flanged holding elements having at least first and second spaced-apart flanges each extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from the core and forming at least first and second slots; a plurality of first rigid wall members each positioned in first slots of respective flanged holding elements forming an insulating first layer of the tank; a plurality of first membrane members positioned in first slots of respective flanged elements spaced inwardly from the first layer and being sealably connected one to another and to respective second flanges for forming an impervious second layer of the tank; a plurality of second rigid wall members each positioned in second slots of respective flanged holding elements spaced inwardly from the second layer for forming an insulating third layer of the tank; and a plurality of second membrane members positioned within the third layer, covering the connecting elements, and being sealably connected one to another for forming an impervious fourth layer of the tank.