U.S. patent application number 11/498167 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for spillage containment.
Invention is credited to Peter Joseph Woodhouse.
Application Number | 20070228054 11/498167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36425166 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070228054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woodhouse; Peter Joseph |
October 4, 2007 |
Spillage containment
Abstract
Transportation of goods such as flowers requires a container
including a liquid. Unfortunately, such liquids can contaminate
other goods in a consignment so by provision of a vessel which
includes a spillage prevention member it is possible to reduce the
amount of contamination. The spillage prevention member sits within
the vessel and present a tubular part such that any liquid remains
within the cavity created between the spillage prevention vessel
and the body of the container in which the goods are
transported.
Inventors: |
Woodhouse; Peter Joseph;
(Derby, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
36425166 |
Appl. No.: |
11/498167 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/719 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 7/07 20130101; B65D
85/505 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/719 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 4, 2006 |
GB |
0606697.1 |
Claims
1. A vessel assembly for transport of a product including a liquid,
the assembly comprising a vessel and spillage container member
including a tubular part and a flange part to engage the vessel to
form a seal against a wall of the vessel and to confine in use
liquid to a cavity between the containment member and the
vessel.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange part is
arranged to secure the containment member to a vessel.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange part is
upstanding to engage a surface of a vessel in use.
4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange part
engages the vessel in compressive abutment.
5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange extends at
a peripheral edge of the containment member.
6. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flange is
contiguous about a peripheral edge of the containment member.
7. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a shoulder part is
provided between the tubular part and the flange part.
8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shoulder part is
flatter than the tubular part or the flange part and extends
radially between them.
9. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tubular part is
flared or tapered.
10. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tubular part has
a truncated conical shape with an aperture at its bottom end.
11. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vessel has ribs
to engage the containment member.
12. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is an
interference engagement between the containment member and the
vessel to secure association.
13. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vessel has spaced
ribs to secure the containment member through the flange part
between the spaced ribs.
14. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribs are about an
inner peripheral surface of the vessel.
15. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribs are
contiguous about a peripheral surface of the vessel.
16. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribs facilitate
provision of a seal between the flange part and the vessel.
17. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribs maintain a
partial gap between surfaces of a vessel and other vessels when
stacked.
18. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the containment
member incorporates reinforced and/or spacer tabs or ribs.
19. A spillage prevention member for a vessel, the member
comprising a tubular part and a flange part arranged in use to
engage a vessel to locate the spillage member.
20. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange part is
arranged to secure the containment member to a vessel.
21. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange part is
upstanding to engage a surface of a vessel in use.
22. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange part engages
the vessel in compressive abutment.
23. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange extends at a
peripheral edge of the containment member.
24. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange is
contiguous about a peripheral edge of the containment member.
25. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein a shoulder part is
provided between the tubular part and the flange part.
26. A member as claimed in claim 25 wherein the shoulder part is
flatter than the tubular part or the flange part and extends
radially between them.
27. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the tubular part is
flared or tapered.
28. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the tubular part has a
truncated conical shape with an aperture at its bottom end.
29. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the vessel has ribs to
engage the containment member.
30. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein there is an
interference engagement between the containment member and the
vessel to secure association.
31. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the vessel has spaced
ribs to secure the containment member through the flange part
between the spaced ribs.
32. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ribs are about an
inner peripheral surface of the vessel.
33. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ribs are contiguous
about a peripheral surface of the vessel.
34. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ribs facilitate
provision of a seal between the flange part and the vessel.
35. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ribs maintain a
partial gap between surfaces of a vessel and other vessels when
stacked together.
36. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the containment member
incorporates reinforced and/or spacer tabs or ribs.
37. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to spillage containment and
assemblies for spillage containment and particularly to assemblies
utilised to act as tubs, buckets and vases for transportation of
cut flowers and other products incorporating or needing fluids.
[0002] Some products such as cut flowers require water or another
liquid in order to maintain and preserve their quality during
transportation. Furthermore, home delivery of such products through
postal and courier services is increasingly popular in view of
purchase via the Internet, telephone ordering or simple desire to
facilitate delivery to an individual at their home address or
office, etc. The use of water in such circumstances as indicated it
is necessary for preservation of the quality of the goods but can
create problems. It will be understood that with respect to fragile
and delicate flowers these flowers cannot be overly constricted or
confined whilst inherently open buckets if they fall over will
release water contained within the bucket.
[0003] The potential for such release of water has significant
problems with respect to courier and postal services in that an
individual delivery van or other transportation may carry a wide
range of goods including high value electronic and other goods
which can be damaged by spilt water. In such circumstances,
increasingly courier and postal services are either refusing to
carry cut flowers in vessels such as buckets with water or add a
significant delivery premium to such goods, so adding to the costs
of delivery. Such additional costs may be a deterrent to customers
accepting delivery by courier and postal services. It will also be
understood that private purchasers of flowers at a shop will also
consider the effects of spilt water and will tend to take cut
flowers home without water, possibly causing degradation in the
quality of the flowers during transportation.
[0004] In view of the above, as indicated, it is necessary that the
goods if fragile or delicate are not overly confined whilst
ensuring that the liquid is confined to avoid spillages in the
normal course of events. It will also be understood that ease of
assembly and transportation of a spillage container member, vessel
and other parts, are also important.
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a vessel assembly for transport of a product
including a liquid, the assembly comprising a vessel and spillage
container member including a tubular part and a flange part to
engage the vessel to form a seal against a wall of the vessel and
to confine in use liquid to a cavity between the containment member
and the vessel.
[0006] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention
there is provided a spillage prevention member for a vessel, the
member comprising a tubular part and a flange part arranged in use
to engage a vessel to locate the spillage member.
[0007] Generally, the flange part is arranged to secure the
containment member to a vessel.
[0008] Typically, the flange part is upstanding to engage a surface
of a vessel in use. Normally, the flange part engages the vessel in
compressive abutment.
[0009] Typically, the flange extends at a peripheral edge of the
containment member. Possibly, the flange is contiguous about a
peripheral edge of the containment member.
[0010] Possibly, a shoulder part is provided between the tubular
part and the flange part. Preferably, the shoulder part is flatter
than the tubular part or the flange part.
[0011] Typically, the tubular part is flared or tapered. Typically,
the tubular part has a truncated conical shape with an aperture at
its bottom end. Possibly, the vessel has ribs to engage the
containment member.
[0012] Typically, there is an interference engagement between the
containment member and the vessel to secure association.
Advantageously, the vessel has spaced ribs to secure the
containment member through the flange part between the spaced ribs.
Generally, the ribs are about an inner peripheral surface of the
vessel. Advantageously, the ribs are contiguous about a peripheral
surface of the vessel. Possibly, the ribs facilitate provision of a
seal between the flange part and the vessel. Advantageously, the
ribs maintain a partial gap between surfaces of a vessel and other
vessels when stacked.
[0013] Typically, the containment member incorporates reinforced
and/or spacer tabs or ribs.
[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a spillage containment member
and vessel in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side cross-section of an assembled vessel
assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the assembly depicted in FIG.
2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an assembly in accordance with
aspects of the present invention in an upright and in a toppled
state;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of a spillage containment member in
accordance with aspects of the present invention; and,
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a vessel in accordance with
aspects of the present invention.
[0021] As indicated above, provision of an assembly to allow
transportation of products which require or need liquids such as
water presents a number of challenges. Generally, a product such as
cut flowers will be delicate and therefore cannot be overly
constrained whilst it is necessary to ensure that if the assembly
is toppled liquid is not released. FIG. 1 provides a schematic
exploded illustration of the two principal components of an
assembly in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus,
a containment member 1 will be combined with a vessel 2 in order to
create a resilient assembly to constrain and contain a liquid in
use.
[0022] The spillage prevention member 1 generally comprises a
flange edge part 3 with a generally tubular middle part 4; A
shoulder part 5 is typically provided between the flange part 3 and
the tubular part 4.
[0023] The flange part 3 is generally contiguous about a peripheral
edge of the member 1. The flange is also generally upstanding to
provide an abutment surface against which part of the vessel 2 will
engage to locate the member in use. The width of the flange 3 as
well as its orientation and sizing in terms of thickness will be
sufficient to ensure good robust location within the vessel 2 in
use.
[0024] The tubular part 4 will typically be flared or tapered
towards an aperture 6. In such circumstances cut flowers will
generally be arranged to extend through the tubular part 4 into a
volume of water located within the vessel 2. The shoulder 5 ensures
central location of the aperture 6 and tubular part 4 for good
presentation of such products to be transported such as cut
flowers. It will also be understood that the combination of the
tubular part 4, shoulder 5 and the vessel 2 creates a cavity within
which the volume of liquid is retained.
[0025] The vessel 2 generally takes the form of a bucket or
vase-type container. An inner surface 7 of the vessel 2
incorporates ribs 8, 9 in a spaced relationship. The ribs 8, 9 are
spaced to accommodate the flange 3 in order to provide secure
location for the containment member 1 within the vessel 2. It will
be appreciated through an interference fit between opposed surfaces
of the flange part 3 and surface 7 between the ribs 8, 9 as well as
the ribs themselves a seal is created in order to at least inhibit
and generally prevent fluid leakage. The ribs 8, 9 as illustrated
are generally contiguous about the inner surface 7 of the vessel 2.
However, if a sufficient seal is created by simple compressive
abutment engagement between opposed surfaces of the flange 3 and
the surface 7 these ribs 8, 9 may not be contiguous and simply act
to retain the necessary compression for a seal as well as location
of the flange 3 with the vessel 2.
[0026] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate an assembly in accordance with
aspects of the present invention in an assembled state. The same
reference nomenclature with regard to FIG. 1 is utilised in FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0027] As can be seen, the spillage prevention member 1 is located
and secured within the vessel 2 such that the flange part 3 engages
with parts of the inner surface 7 between ribs 8, 9 to ensure in
the region 10 a seal is created. In terms of assembly, the spillage
prevention member 1 is simply generally located above the vessel 2
and through a compressive force in the direction of arrowhead A,
the flange part 3 clicks into interference association between the
ribs 8, 9. Generally, the flange part 3 will be configured and
shaped for substantial consistency with the angle and presentation
of the inner surface 7 between the ribs 8, 9 but possibly with
sufficient over-sizing or otherwise to ensure a good compressive
seal is provided.
[0028] Typically, the ribs 8, 9 will be arranged to appropriate
capture the flange part 3 in order to provide location for
engagement of the spillage prevention member 1 within the vessel 2.
In such circumstances, the bottom rib 8 may include a flat inwardly
projecting surface against which the bottom edge of the flange part
3 can latch for engagement. The upper rib 9 may have a more rounded
nature at least on its upper side to enable the flange part 3 to
move past this rib 9 until the lower part of the flange part 3
engages the rib 8. The flange part 3 is then captured between the
ribs 8, 9.
[0029] As indicated above, assemblies in accordance with aspects of
the present invention are designed in order to ensure that when an
assembly is toppled a volume of liquid such as water will not be
released. FIG. 4 illustrates in FIG. 4a an assembly 41 in
accordance with aspects of the present invention in an upstanding
state whilst in FIG. 4b an assembly 41 has toppled into a
horizontal state. In such circumstances a volume of water 42
located within the vessel part of the assembly 41 is at the bottom
of that vessel and so there will be no spillage. However, in FIG.
4b it will be noted that the assembly 41 has toppled to one side so
that the volume of water 42 now resides along one side of the
assembly 41 but is contained by the spillage prevention member 43
creating a seal in engagement with upper parts of the assembly 41.
The liquid 42 is then held within a cavity created between tubular
part 44 and a vessel. In particular, it will be noted that an
aperture 46 in the spillage prevention member 43 is above the level
of the fluid 42 and therefore fluid cannot escape through that
aperture 46.
[0030] It will be understood that the spillage prevention member 44
will be shaped such that the aperture 46 is centrally located with
a shoulder as described previously and the size of the aperture 46,
its relative position and other configurational dispositions
arranged such that even normal in use splashing of the fluid 42
will not result in significant volumes of liquid 42 escaping
through the aperture 46. It will also be understood that generally
in use the aperture 46 will be partially blocked with such objects
as the stems of cut flowers. It will also be understood that where
deemed necessary or possible the shoulder part of the spillage
prevention member may be associated with an absorbent material such
as foam to further reduce the depth of the fluid 42 should the
assembly 41 topple.
[0031] FIG. 5 provides a cross-section of a spillage prevention
member in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Similar
reference nomenclature has been utilised to that used in FIGS. 1 to
3 for consistency.
[0032] In FIG. 5 a spillage containment or prevention member 1 is
illustrated inside a cross-section. Thus, as can be seen, the
member 1 substantially defines a funnel shape with a flange part 3
extending through a shoulder portion 5 to a tubular part 4 opening
into an aperture 6. In use cut flowers will extend through the
aperture 6 and so will be located for appropriate presentation.
Through use of the tubular part 4 and shoulder 5 it will be
understood that there is an off-set between overlaying parts, that
is to say the shoulder 5 and the tubular part 4 to wall parts
(shown in broken line 12) results in a cavity 13. This off-set and
so cavity 13 acts to receive a fluid in use and so prevent that
fluid exiting through the aperture 6 when a vessel incorporating
the member 1 topples from an upright position.
[0033] The actual sizing and configuration of the spillage
prevention member 1 will be dictated by actual in use requirements
such as the size of a vessel or bucket that the member 1 will be
secured to, the volume of water to be contained and its depth, the
size of the aperture 6 and other factors.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a vessel 2. This
vessel 2 as indicated previously generally takes the form of a
bucket or vase with an inner surface 7 by which ribs or grooves 8,
9 are provided to capture and engage the flange part 3 of a
spillage prevention member in accordance with aspects of the
present invention. The ribs 8, 9 have a spacing width 40, to
capture the flange part 3 and retain it in compressive engagement
to provide a seal. Typically, as indicated previously, an
interference association between the flange 3 and the surface 7a
between the ribs 8, 9 will be provided possibly by over-sizing of
the flange 3. It will also be understood that the surface nature as
well as material from which the flange 3 and at least the surface
7a may be such that a seal is facilitated. In such circumstances
these surfaces may have an elastomeric or sticky nature to further
facilitate creation of an appropriate seal.
[0035] It will be understood in use as assembly as depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 3 will be provided. However, transportation of
assemblies and containment members in accordance with aspects of
the present invention prior to such assembly may be facilitated by
stacking. Such stacking itself may be aided through provision of
tubular ribs 15, 16 to ensure that the vessel 2 and insert spillage
prevention members 1 appropriately stack with a space between them
and so do not become jammed.
[0036] As indicated above, easy assembly is achieved through having
generally surface to surface engagement between the flanges 3 and
part 7a of the vessel 2. Clearly, one option is to provide flat to
flat surface engagement with simple compression to provide a seal.
Alternatively, one or both of the flange 3 and surface part 7a may
be slightly curved in order to create compression to achieve an
appropriate seal. Furthermore, the ribs 8, 9 may be made from an
appropriate material to provide a seal in association with the
flange.
[0037] It will be understood that generally the insert spillage
prevention member 1 and vessel 2 will be formed from a plastics
material. In such circumstances, in order to achieve thinner walled
members 1 and vessels 2 reinforcing ribs can be provided. These
ribs may also double up as indicated previously as spacer tabs or
ribs 15, 16 to prevent jamming of the vessels 2 and members 1 when
stacked.
[0038] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw
attention to those features of the invention believed to be of
particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant
claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or
combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in
the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed
thereon.
* * * * *