U.S. patent application number 12/589515 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for bulk container.
Invention is credited to Larry Ronald Hughes, Richard Raz.
Application Number | 20100187141 12/589515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42353300 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100187141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raz; Richard ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
BULK CONTAINER
Abstract
A bulk container and method of use for storage of at least two
substances includes a first container for containing a first
substance, and a second container for containing a second
substance. The first container has an outer surface including a
recess, and the second container has a shape corresponding with the
recess of the first container. The second container is coupled with
the recess to form a container assembly. The first substance and
second substance are kept separate when in the first and second
containers respectively.
Inventors: |
Raz; Richard; (Carol Stream,
IL) ; Hughes; Larry Ronald; (Lindsay, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN & BURKHART, LLP
SUITE 207, 2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49546
US
|
Family ID: |
42353300 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589515 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/219 ;
220/23.83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0202 20130101;
B65D 77/0453 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/219 ;
220/23.83 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/08 20060101
B65D025/08; B65D 25/00 20060101 B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A bulk container for storage of at least two substances
comprising: a first container adapted to contain a first substance,
wherein an outer surface of said first container includes a recess;
a second container adapted to contain a second substance, said
second container having a shape corresponding with said recess;
wherein said second container couples with said recess to form a
container assembly; and wherein said first substance and said
second substance are kept separate when in said first container and
said second container respectively.
2. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
cage for said first and second containers, said cage comprising: a
base portion supporting a bottom portion of said first container; a
wall substantially surrounding said first container; and an upper
outer perimeter extending above said first container when said
first container is in said cage.
3. The bulk container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said upper
outer perimeter of said cage is substantially open, wherein said
first container is lowerable in to said cage through said
opening.
4. The bulk container as claimed in claim 3 wherein said recess is
at a top portion of said first container, wherein said second
container is removable through said opening at said upper outer
perimeter of said cage.
5. The bulk container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said cage
comprises a plurality of apertures passing through said wall at
said upper outer perimeter.
6. The bulk container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said recess of
said first container is located adjacent said wall of said cage
when said first container is in said cage, wherein said second
container is between said outer surface of said first container and
an inner surface of said wall when said second container is coupled
with said recess.
7. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first
container comprises a drain valve assembly at a bottom portion of
said first container.
8. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first
container has a capacity of at least 454 liters.
9. The bulk container as claimed in claim 8 wherein said first
container has a capacity of less than 3000 liters.
10. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one
of said first container and said second container is made of an
elastomeric material.
11. The bulk container as claimed in claim 10 wherein said
elastomeric material comprises polyethylene.
12. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first
container comprises a sealable aperture at a top portion of said
first container.
13. The bulk container as claimed in claim 1 wherein an outer
perimeter of said first container comprises four corner portions,
and said recess comprises four recesses each located at a
respective corner portion, wherein four of said second containers
are located in respective recesses.
14. A bulk container for separately storing at least two substances
comprising: a first container, wherein an outer surface of said
first container includes a recess; a second container, said second
container having a shape corresponding to said recess; a cage
having a base portion supporting said first container, a wall
substantially surrounding said first container and said second
container, and an upper outer perimeter extending above said first
container when said first container is in said cage; and wherein
said second container couples with said recess between said wall of
said cage and said outer surface of said first container to form
said bulk container.
15. A method of separately storing at least two substances
comprising: placing a first substance in a first container, said
first container having a recess; placing a second substance in a
second container, said second container being shaped to correspond
with said recess; placing said second container in said recess to
form a container assembly.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising lowering
said first container in to a cage, wherein a wall of said cage
substantially surrounds said first container when in said cage.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising lowering
said second container in to said recess, wherein said recess
defines a space adapted to receive said second container, said
space being between an interior surface of said wall and an outer
surface of said first container.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising:
transporting said bulk container to a destination; removing said
second container from said recess at said destination; and placing
said second substance in fluid communication with said first
substance to form a mixture of said at least two substances.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising draining
at least a portion of said mixture from said first container
through a drain valve at a bottom portion of said first
container.
20. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein placing said first
substance in said first container comprises flowing said substance
through a sealable aperture in a top portion of said first
container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers, and
more particularly to containers for transporting bulk flowable
materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flowable materials, such as liquids, granulated solids and
the like, are often shipped or transported in bulk containers. In
some cases, it is desirable to store or transport flowable
materials in separate containers for later combination at their
destination or place of use. It is an aim of transporters of such
flowable materials to ship such separate containers in an efficient
and convenient manner, and to ensure that the materials are kept
separate until reaching an appropriate time and/or place for mixing
the materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a bulk container that allows
transport of at least two flowable materials isolated from one
another in a common or unitary package. The flowable materials are
transported in separate containers, with the separate containers
being nested or coupled to form a container assembly. The separate
flowable materials may then be mixed at a later time, such as at a
final destination.
[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, a bulk container
and method for storage of at least two substances includes a first
container adapted to contain a first substance, the first container
having an outer surface with a recess. The bulk container further
includes a second container adapted to contain a second substance.
The second container has a shape at least generally corresponding
with the recess of the first container. The second container is
coupled with the recess to form a container assembly, so that the
first substance and the second substance are kept separate when in
their respective containers, such as during transport or
shipping.
[0005] In one aspect, the bulk container may also include a cage
for the first and second containers. The cage includes a base
portion to support a bottom portion of the first container, a wall
substantially surrounding the first container, and an upper outer
perimeter that extends above the first container when the first
container is in the cage. The wall may, for example, be a four
sided wall with a square or rectangular cross section, such as for
defining a substantially cubic cage.
[0006] In another aspect, the upper outer perimeter of the cage may
be substantially open, such as to allow the first container to be
freely lowered into or raised out of the cage.
[0007] In another aspect, the recess in the outer surface of the
first container may be located at a top portion of the first
container, so that the second container is removable through the
opening at the upper outer perimeter of the cage, such as by
lifting the second container out of the cage and away from the
first container. Thus, placing the recess at the top portion of the
first container may allow for the second container to be removed
from the cage without removing the first container.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the cage may include a plurality of
apertures passing through the wall at the upper outer perimeter.
Such apertures may be used to tie the cage to an adjacent surface
or support, such as a pallet. Alternatively, the apertures may be
used to lift the cage, such as with an overhead crane or forklift
or the like.
[0009] In still another aspect, the recess in the first container
may be located adjacent to the wall of the cage when the first
container is in the cage, so that the second container is located
between the outer surface of the first container and the inner
surface of the wall of the cage when the second container is
coupled with the recess. When the recess is so configured, the
second container is restrained from lateral movement when located
in the cage with the first container, but is freely laterally
removable from the first container when the first container is not
located in the cage.
[0010] In another aspect, the first container may include a drain
valve assembly located at a bottom portion of the first container.
The drain valve assembly may be used for dispensing the contents of
the first container. Such dispensation may optionally occur when
the first container is located in the cage, such as through a door
or cover in the wall portion of the cage.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the first container may have a
capacity of at least 454 liters, but not more than 3,000 liters,
and the second container may have a capacity of 10 liters. Either
the first container or the second container or both may be made of
an elastomeric material, such as polyethylene.
[0012] In still another aspect, the first container may include a
sealable aperture at a top portion of the first container, such as
an aperture threadably attached to a cap with a gasket disposed
between the threaded aperture and the cap. Multiple apertures may
be provided, such as two small apertures and one large aperture in
the top portion of the first container for rapid and efficient
fluid transfer into or out of the first container.
[0013] In another aspect, the outer perimeter of the first
container may have four corner portions with a recess being located
at each corner portion, so that the first container has four
recesses. Each of the recesses may then be used for coupling a
second container with the first container, so that the bulk
container includes four second containers each located in a
respective recess of the first container.
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention provides a bulk container
adapted to transport and/or store more than one flowable material
separately in a common package. The separate flowable materials are
prevented from mixing during transport or storage, but can easily
be mixed when ready to use. A cage may be provided that protects
the container and facilitates safe, orderly and efficient movement
and/or packing of one or more bulk containers.
[0015] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bulk container in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bulk
container shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a container; and
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the bulk
container shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a drain valve assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring now specifically to the drawings and the
illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a bulk container 10 for
storage of at least two substances includes at least two
containers, such as a first or main container 12 and one or more
second or secondary containers 14. Secondary containers 14 nest or
couple with a recess or bay or depression 16 formed in first
container 12 to form a container assembly that is storable and/or
transportable as a single unit while holding two or more flowable
materials separately from one another.
[0020] The first or main container 12 has a closed body shape
forming a cavity therein. The first container wall has generally
vertical parallel wall portions 12a with generally horizontal top
portion 20 and bottom portion 12b. In the illustrated embodiment,
the top portion 20 has a slight convex curvature, such as for
structural rigidity and to leave a gap or space between the inside
or lower surface of the top portion and the material contained by
the container when the container is filled to near-capacity.
Transitions between the bottom, top and wall portions of first
container 12 are radiused to provide rounded corners and edges to
facilitate handling of first container 12 and to reduce stress
concentration created by pressure on such corners and edges. For
example, the radius between the bottom portion and the wall may be
larger than the radius between top portion and the wall to
accommodate the pressure exerted by the weight of contained
materials on the bottom portion.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, first container 12 has a
generally cubic shape with each of four rounded vertical corners
having a recess 16 formed in a top portion 20 of the first
container 12 for coupling with up to four second containers 14.
However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
first container may take other shapes, such as a cylindrical or
hemispherical shape, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0022] Offset portions in the wall of first container 12 define
recesses 16. The recesses have a horizontal platform 16a offset
from the bottom portion 12b and a plurality of vertical wall
portions 16b offset inwardly from the outermost wall of the first
container. For example, recesses 16 have three vertical walls, made
up of two mutually opposed wall portions 16b offset from the
adjacent outer wall portions 12a of the first container 12, and a
middle wall portion 16c offset from the corner defined by such
adjacent wall portions. The mutually opposed end wall portions 16b
of the recess 16 may be at generally right angles with respect to
one another, with the middle wall portion 16c being at a 45-degree
angle with respect to each adjacent end wall portion 16b.
[0023] Second container 14 is shaped and sized to couple or nest
with recesses 16. In the illustrated embodiment, recesses 16 extend
sufficiently far into the outer surface of first container 12 to
allow second containers 14 to complete a substantially cubic outer
profile of the container assembly when coupled with first container
12. Such a profile corresponds with a substantially cubic inner
cavity of a cage 18 for a secure fit, as discussed in detail below.
However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that other shapes and profiles of the recesses in the first
container may be employed without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, the recess may be
configured to prevent lateral movement of the second container even
when the first container is not in the cage, such as by forming the
recess as a cavity in the top portion of the container or by
forming a retaining wall around the perimeter of the recess to form
a cavity, with the second container being lowered in to the cavity
to couple with the first container.
[0024] Second container 14 has a closed body shape forming a cavity
therein. The second container wall has generally vertical parallel
wall portions with a generally horizontal bottom portion
corresponding with horizontal platform 16a of first container 12
(discussed above). The top portion of the second container 14 has
sloping sides and a handle portion 14b integrally formed as part of
the container. Adjacent the handle at the top portion is a cap 15
adapted to attach to the container and substantially seal any
contents inside the container. In the illustrated embodiment,
second container 14 has a generally rectangular shape, though the
container may take other shapes without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0025] The first or main container includes multiple sealable
apertures at its top portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment,
first container 12 includes a primary or central aperture 22, with
a secondary aperture 24 and a tertiary aperture 26 located at
opposite ends of primary aperture 22 (see FIG. 2). Primary aperture
22 includes a threaded exterior portion 28 adapted to threadably
couple with a cap 30, with a gasket 32 being optionally interposed
between cap 30 and primary aperture 22 to facilitate sealing of the
primary aperture. Cap 30 may include a venting device 34 attached
at a central portion of cap 30 to prevent or relieve any pressure
differential between the interior cavity of the first container and
the atmosphere around the container.
[0026] Secondary aperture 24 is sealed with a second venting device
36, also operable to prevent or relieve pressure differentials,
such as during pouring or draining of the contents of first
container 12. Tertiary aperture 26 is closed or sealed by a plug
38, such as a two inch buttress plug, which may be removed for
pouring the contents of first container 12 through tertiary
aperture 26. For example, if the contents of first container 12 are
poured through tertiary aperture 26, venting device 34 and/or
second venting device 36 may be opened to allow ambient air to flow
into the container. As the contents of the container are discharged
through tertiary aperture 26, the air admitted by venting devices
34, 36 smoothly displaces the poured contents as they flow out of
first container 12. Although the illustrated embodiment includes
three aligned apertures, it will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art that other combinations or configurations of
apertures through the container may be employed without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0027] Bulk container 10 includes a cage 18 that provides
protection for containers 12, 14 and promotes safe and efficient
transport and storage of the substances contained therein. As best
seen in FIG. 1, cage 18 includes a base or bottom portion 40 that
supports first container 12 and provides a stable foundation for
bulk container 10. A wall 46 extends upwardly from base 40 to form
a cavity 48 adapted to enclose the container or containers. Ribs 50
extend downwardly from base portion 40 to form legs 42 and upwardly
from base portion 40 to form an upper outer perimeter 52 of wall
46. Legs 42 are extend below the lower face of cavity 48 with
channels 44 extending between legs 42 across the width of cage 18.
Channels 44 may, for example, allow a lifting device such as the
forks of a forklift to pass therethrough to facilitate lifting bulk
container 10 from the bottom. At the base portion 40, wall 46
curves inwardly to define the lower surface of cavity 48 that
supports first container 12. In the central portion of the inwardly
curved surfaces, protrusions 51 extend downwardly to support, for
example, forks of a forklift as discussed above. Depressions 50a
are formed between ribs 50 with radiused transitions for enhanced
strength and rigidity of cage 18.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, cavity 48 is adapted to
receive first container 12 and second containers 14 by having a
substantially cubic shape corresponding with the substantially
cubic shape of the container assembly (as discussed above),
although the containers and cage may be formed in other shapes.
Depressions 50a gradually flare outwardly as they approach upper
outer perimeter 52 (see FIG. 1) to provide an oversize opening at
the top of cavity 48 to facilitate alignment of containers 12, 14
with cavity 48 as the containers are lowered in to cage 18, as
discussed in detail below. As containers 12, 14 move down in to
cavity 48, the inner perimeter of the central and lower portions of
wall 46 contracts to hold containers 12, 14 securely with little or
no clearance for lateral movement of the containers.
[0029] When the containers 12, 14 are placed in cage 18, upper
outer perimeter 52 of cage 18 extends above the upper surfaces of
the containers for protection and to allow stacking of multiple
bulk containers (as discussed below). Upper outer perimeter 52 is
substantially open to allow ingress and egress of containers 12, 14
by lifting or lowering the containers in to or out of the cage.
[0030] Optionally, cage 18 may include apertures 54 passing through
wall 46 at upper outer perimeter 52 (see FIG. 1). Apertures 54 may
be used to secure bulk container 10 to a lower or supporting
surface, such as a pallet or truck bed. Apertures 54 may also be
used to lift or support bulk container 10 from above, such as with
a forklift or overhead crane. For example, forks of a forklift may
be passed through apertures 54 to securely couple bulk container 10
with the forklift for safe and efficient transport of the bulk
container.
[0031] At least two substances may be stored and transported using
bulk container 10. The first substance is transferred to first
container 12 through an aperture in upper surface 20 (discussed
above), such as through primary aperture 22. Graduation markings 56
may be provided at the exterior portion of first container 12 to
aid in accurately transferring a desired amount of the first
substance to the first container. First container 12 is then closed
and sealed using cap 30, venting devices 34, 36 and plug 38, as
discussed above. A second substance is transferred to a second
container 14, and second container 14 is then closed and sealed
with cap 15. First container 12 is then lowered into the cavity 48
of cage 18. Once first container 12 is firmly seated in cavity 48,
and in contact with the upper interior surface of lower portion 40,
second container 14 is lowered into recess 16 to couple therewith,
securing second container 14 between the outer surface of first
container 12 and the inner surface of wall 46 and thereby forming a
substantially unitary bulk container 10. Other substances or
additional quantities of the second substance may be transferred to
subsequent second containers 14 as necessary, and additional second
containers 14 are similarly coupled with respective recesses
16.
[0032] With containers 12, 14 securely stowed in cage 18, the first
and second substances contained in their respective containers can
be safely stored or transported. When transporting bulk container
10, containers 12, 14 may be secured against vertical movement by
placing an obstruction, such as a strap or bar, across upper outer
perimeter 52 through apertures 54. Alternatively, the bottom
portion of a second cage may enclose the cavity 48 when the second
cage is stacked on the first cage (as discussed in detail below).
Upon reaching a destination or being removed from storage, second
container 14 is removed from recess 16 and the second substance
contained therein is be placed in fluid communication with the
first substance contained in first container 12 to form a mixture.
In the illustrated embodiment, bulk container 10 includes four
second containers 14, thereby providing for a mixture of up to five
different substances.
[0033] Optionally, the first container may include a drain valve
assembly 62 for discharging the substance contained therein.
Referring now to FIG. 3, drain valve assembly 62 of the illustrated
embodiment includes a split ring assembly 64, a coupler 66, and a
valve 68, with O-rings 70 interposed between each. Optionally,
valve assembly 62 may also include a dust cap 72. Valve assembly 62
attaches at a bottom portion of first container 12 for draining the
substance or a mixture of substances contained in the first
container. Valve 68 includes a lever 74 which can be rotated
between a closed position and an open position, with the open
position allowing a flowable substance to pass therethrough and the
closed position being substantially sealed or closed to prevent
such passage.
[0034] To accommodate drain valve assembly 62, first container 12
may include a recessed portion 75, such as a cup-shaped portion
(see FIG. 3) in the bottom portion of the first container. The
recess may be generally semi-cylindrical in shape, with the axis of
the cylinder being approximately coincidental with the bottom outer
surface of the first container so that the recess extends upwardly
in to the body of the first container, thereby allowing drain valve
assembly 62 to couple with first container 12 without increasing
the footprint of the container. The terminal end of the recess is
offset from the outer wall of first container 12 so that the recess
extends a portion of the bottom portion, such as about halfway
across. Ribs 75a may be included at the inwardly facing surface of
recess 75 to add structural support and reinforcement to the
recess. A spout or protrusion 75b extends into the recessed portion
75 and provides a port for the first container which is in fluid
communication with the interior cavity of first container 12. Drain
valve assembly 62 connects to spout 75b to dispense the contents of
first container 12, as discussed above.
[0035] Cage 18 may include an opening 76 at its bottom portion
corresponding with the location of drain valve assembly 62 when
first container 12 is located in the cage. Opening 76 eliminates
the need for removal of the first container from the cage when
draining the substance in first container 12 by allowing passage
through drain valve assembly 62 and opening 76. Optionally, a cover
or door 78 may be pivotally coupled to the cage at opening 76 to
conceal and protect the drain valve assembly. A protrusion 80
adjacent one side of opening 76 provides a stop and prevents
further rotation of door 78 when the door is in the closed
position, while allowing free rotation of the door to the open
position.
[0036] Optionally, the cage may include keys 82 at each corner of
upper outer perimeter 52. Keys 82 fit into corresponding recesses
84 in the outer surface of legs 42. Thus, a cage with keys 82
provides for precise and secure stacking of multiple bulk
containers 10. The keys prevent lateral shifting of an upper bulk
container stacked on a lower bulk container. The upper container is
also prevented from falling into the lower container (as might
occur in the event of a lateral shift of the upper container),
enhancing the safety and security of the substances contained
therein.
[0037] Optionally, first or main container 12 includes a recessed
area 86 for placement of text or symbols or warnings or the like.
In addition, the upper surface 20 of first container 12 may include
a label 88 (see FIG. 2) affixed thereto for information, warnings,
port specifications related to the destination of the bulk
container, or the like.
[0038] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments may be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *