U.S. patent application number 13/172414 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for bulk packaging container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hoover Materials Handling Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Dean Hartley, Scott T. Meints.
Application Number | 20110315689 13/172414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45351562 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20110315689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meints; Scott T. ; et
al. |
December 29, 2011 |
Bulk Packaging Container
Abstract
A dual tank bulk packaging container comprises an inner
receptacle comprising a peripheral wall between opposite top and
bottom walls to define a primary containment space. The inner
receptacle comprises an outlet proximate a bottom end thereof. An
outer shell comprises a peripheral sidewall connected to a formed
bottom to define a secondary containment space having an upper
opening sized to receive the inner receptacle. The outer shell
includes integral legs for resting on a support surface. The
peripheral sidewall is configured to support the inner receptacle
in the secondary containment space. The outer shell comprises an
outlet proximate a bottom end thereof wherein the inner receptacle
outlet is aligned with the outer shell outlet incident to the inner
receptacle being received in the outer shell. A seal is provided
between the inner receptacle and the outer shell proximate the
outlets thereof.
Inventors: |
Meints; Scott T.; (Katy,
TX) ; Hartley; Michael Dean; (Beatrice, NE) |
Assignee: |
Hoover Materials Handling Group,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
45351562 |
Appl. No.: |
13/172414 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61359478 |
Jun 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/00 20130101;
B65D 2588/125 20130101; B65D 90/0033 20130101; B65D 25/54 20130101;
B65D 77/0486 20130101; B65D 90/20 20130101; B65D 21/0215 20130101;
B65D 88/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/500 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20060101
B65D025/04 |
Claims
1. A dual tank bulk packaging container comprising: an inner
receptacle comprising a peripheral wall between opposite top and
bottom walls to define a primary containment space, the inner
receptacle comprising an outlet proximate a bottom end thereof; an
outer shell comprising a peripheral sidewall connected to a formed
bottom to define a secondary containment space having an upper
opening sized to receive the inner receptacle, the outer shell
including integral legs for resting on a support surface, the
peripheral sidewall being configured to support the inner
receptacle in the secondary containment space, the outer shell
comprising an outlet proximate a bottom end thereof wherein the
inner receptacle outlet is aligned with the outer shell outlet
incident to the inner receptacle being received in the outer shell;
and a seal between the inner receptacle and the outer shell
proximate the outlets thereof.
2. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 1 wherein the
inner receptacle peripheral wall is generally cylindrical.
3. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 2 wherein the
inner receptacle peripheral wall is between about 18 and 68 inches
diameter.
4. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 1 wherein the
outer shell peripheral sidewall comprises a generally cylindrical
shape having four integral corner supports radially outwardly
thereof, wherein bottom ends of the corner supports define the
integral legs.
5. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 4 wherein top
and bottom ends of the corner supports are closed and formed to
enable stacking of multiple dual tank bulk packaging
containers.
6. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 5 wherein the
corner supports have upper openings to define sling points.
7. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 4 wherein the
corner supports are located radially outwardly of the secondary
containment space upper opening.
8. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 1 wherein the
outer shell comprises a sight window integrally molded in a
vertical opening in the peripheral sidewall.
9. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 1 wherein the
formed bottom comprises fork pockets for handling by a
forklift.
10. The dual tank bulk packaging container of claim 1 wherein the
seal comprises a bellows operatively connected between the outer
shell and the inner receptacle.
11. A bulk packaging container comprising: a plastic inner
receptacle comprising a cylindrical wall between opposite top and
bottom walls to define a primary containment space, the top wall
having a fill opening, and the bottom wall being generally dome
shaped and having a discharge outlet; a plastic one piece outer
shell comprising a peripheral sidewall connected to a formed bottom
to define a secondary containment space having an upper circular
opening sized to receive the inner receptacle, the outer shell
including integral legs for resting on a support surface, the
peripheral sidewall being configured to support the inner
receptacle in the secondary containment space, the outer shell
comprising an outlet opening proximate a bottom end thereof wherein
the inner receptacle discharge outlet is aligned with the outer
shell outlet opening incident to the inner receptacle being
received in the outer shell; and a seal between the inner
receptacle and the outer shell proximate the outlet opening.
12. The bulk packaging container of claim 11 wherein the inner
receptacle cylindrical wall is between about 18 and 68 inches
diameter.
13. The bulk packaging container of claim 11 wherein the outer
shell peripheral sidewall comprises a generally cylindrical shape
having four integral corner supports radially outwardly thereof,
wherein bottom ends of the corner supports define the integral
legs.
14. The bulk packaging container of claim 13 wherein top and bottom
ends of the corner supports are closed and formed to enable
stacking of multiple dual tank bulk packaging containers.
15. The bulk packaging container of claim 14 wherein top ends of
the corner supports include nipples and the bottom ends of the
corner posts include blind bores for interlocking with nipples of a
subjacent bulk packaging containers for stability when
stacking.
16. The bulk packaging container of claim 15 wherein the corner
supports have upper openings to define sling points.
17. The bulk packaging container of claim 13 wherein the corner
supports are located radially outwardly of the secondary
containment space upper opening.
18. The bulk packaging container of claim 11 wherein the outer
shell comprises a sight window integrally molded in a vertical
opening in the peripheral sidewall.
19. The bulk packaging container of claim 11 wherein the formed
bottom comprises fork pockets for handling by a forklift.
20. The bulk packaging container of claim 11 wherein the seal
comprises a bellows operatively connected between the outer shell
and the inner receptacle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of provisional application
No. 61/359,478 filed Jun. 29, 2010.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a bulk packaging container
including an inner plastic receptacle for containing a fluid
product and an outer plastic one piece shell for support and
secondary containment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Bulk packaging containers have found widespread use for
storage and shipment of bulk goods. The bulk packaging containers
assume many different forms. Among these forms are portable tanks
and intermediate bulk containers (IBC). Requirements for these
types of containers are outlined in various D.O.T. and F.D.A.
regulations and are particularly defined in 49CFR Section
171.8.
[0006] Among IBC's, there are numerous types of designs. These
include metal designs, which are constructed of metal, rigid
plastic IBC's which are constructed of all-plastic material, and
composite IBC's which include a rigid outer package enclosing a
plastic inner receptacle.
[0007] An IBC typically has a capacity in the range of 250-550
gallons. Some are as small as 119 gallons and as large as 793
gallons. As such, they are an efficient alternative to 55-gallon
drums. Nevertheless, each IBC must be handled and transported
individually when used, for example, in the export of materials.
The IBC is typically loaded into a shipping vessel, transport
vehicle, or transport trailer. Each IBC must be individually slung
by a crane or carried by a forklift during the loading or
unloading.
[0008] There is a desire to minimize weight of the bulk packaging
container, while ensuring that the bulk packaging container is of
sufficient strength to hold its contents during both storage and
transportation. In this regard, designs of IBCs have transitioned
from use of metal to more use of plastic. These include the noted
composites IBC's including a rigid outer packaging enclosing a
plastic inner receptacle. In any such design, the outer packaging
must be capable of withstanding handling such as by forklift and or
slings. With any such design there is always the possibility that
the inner receptacle becomes breached. If this were to occur, then
the contents of the container would leak out and be lost and
possibly damage other products.
[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide an IBC of sufficient
strength and design to minimize the likelihood of breach, but while
being adapted to contain the contents of the receptacle in the
event of a breach.
[0010] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems discussed above, in a novel and simple manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a dual
tank bulk packaging container which provides for secondary
containment.
[0012] There is disclosed in accordance with one aspect of the
invention a dual tank bulk packaging container comprising an inner
receptacle comprising a peripheral wall between opposite top and
bottom walls to define a primary containment space. The inner
receptacle comprises an outlet proximate a bottom end thereof. An
outer shell comprises a peripheral sidewall connected to a formed
bottom to define a secondary containment space having an upper
opening sized to receive the inner receptacle. The outer shell
includes integral legs for resting on a support surface. The
peripheral sidewall is configured to support the inner receptacle
in the secondary containment space. The outer shell comprises an
outlet proximate a bottom end thereof wherein the inner receptacle
outlet is aligned with the outer shell outlet incident to the inner
receptacle being received in the outer shell. A seal is provided
between the inner receptacle and the outer shell proximate the
outlets thereof.
[0013] It is a feature of the invention that the inner receptacle
peripheral wall is generally cylindrical. The inner receptacle
peripheral wall may be between about 18 and 68 inches in
diameter.
[0014] It is another feature of the invention that the outer shell
peripheral sidewall comprises a generally cylindrical shape having
four integral corner supports radially outwardly thereof. Bottom
ends of the corner supports define the integral legs. Top and
bottom ends of the corner supports are closed and may be formed to
enable stacking of multiple dual tank bulk packaging containers.
The corner supports may have upper openings to define sling points.
The corner supports may be located radially outwardly of the
secondary containment space upper opening.
[0015] It is a further feature of the invention that the outer
shell comprises a sight window integrally molded in a vertical
opening in the peripheral sidewall.
[0016] It is yet another feature of the invention that the formed
bottom comprises fork pockets for handling by a fork lift.
[0017] It is still another feather of the invention to provide a
seal in the form of a bellows operatively connected between the
outer shell and the inner receptacle.
[0018] There is disclosed in accordance with another aspect of the
invention a bulk packaging container comprising a plastic inner
receptacle and a plastic one piece outer shell. The inner
receptacle comprises a cylindrical wall between opposite top and
bottom walls to define a primary containment space. The top wall
has a fill opening. The bottom wall is generally dome-shaped and
has a discharge outlet. The outer shell comprises a peripheral
sidewall connected to a formed bottom to define a secondary
containment space having an upper circular opening sized to receive
the inner receptacle. The outer shell includes integral legs for
resting on a support surface. The peripheral sidewall is configured
to support the inner receptacle in the secondary containment space.
The outer shell comprises an outlet opening proximate a bottom end
thereof wherein the inner receptacle discharge outlet is aligned
with the outer shell outlet opening incident to the inner
receptacle being received in the outer shell. A seal is provided
between the inner receptacle and the outer shell proximate the
outlet opening.
[0019] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from a review of the entire specification,
including the appended claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual tank bulk packaging
container in accordance with the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inner plastic receptacle
of the dual tank bulk packaging container of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective sectional view taken along the line
3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the outer plastic shell
of the dual tank bulk packaging container of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer plastic shell;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side perspective sectional view of the outer
plastic shell;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a detailed section showing a seal between the
inner plastic receptacle and the outer plastic shell; and
[0027] FIG. 8 is an elevation view showing a pair of stacked bulk
packaging containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a dual tank bulk packaging container 10
in accordance with the invention is illustrated. The container 10
comprises an inner receptacle 12 and an outer shell or body 14. The
inner receptacle 12 provides for primary containment, while the
outer shell 14 provides for secondary containment, as described
more specifically below.
[0029] Referring also to FIG. 2, the inner receptacle 12 comprises
a cylindrical, peripheral wall 16 between a top wall 18 and an
opposite bottom wall 20. The top wall 18 is formed to include a
central fill opening 22 that can be selectively closed by a closure
(not shown) to provide entry to a primary containment space 24, see
FIG. 3. The bottom wall 20 is generally an inverted dome shape
including a sump 26 communicating with a discharge outlet 28 to
provide for complete drainage from the primary containment space
24. The discharge outlet 28 is provided at a bottom end 30 of the
inner receptacle 12. A semi-cylindrical wall 32 extends radially
inwardly from the peripheral wall 16 at the bottom end 30 and is
generally coaxial with the discharge outlet 28. An inner end of the
semi-cylindrical wall 32 is closed by a planar wall portion 34
connected to the dome bottom wall 20. The discharge outlet 28 is in
the planar wall 34. The semi-cylindrical wall 32 provides an area
for connection to suitable valves and the like while protecting the
same from damage. Particularly, this structure places the discharge
outlet 28 inset from the peripheral wall 16.
[0030] The inner receptacle 12 is rotationally molded and is thus
unitarily formed of one piece plastic construction. The inner
receptacle 12 is formed or molded using a plastic resin material.
Particularly, the receptacle 12 is durable and can withstand
extreme surface environments and harsh outdoor weather. The
receptacle 12 is rotationally molded to form a seamless, one-piece
plastic tank that will not leak, rust, chip or corrode. Typically,
the inner receptacle 12 would be formed of linear load density
polyethylene. However, the container could be formed of other
materials. Likewise, the inner receptacle 12 could be of a shape
other than cylindrical, as will be apparent. The inner receptacle
12 will generally be 18'' to 68'' in diameter, have a height
varying from 24'' to 112'', and have a uniform wall thickness of
1/16'' thick to 1'' thick. As such, the inner receptacle may have a
capacity in the range of about 250-550 gallons.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the outer shell 14 comprises a
peripheral sidewall 40 connected to a formed bottom 42 to define a
secondary containment space 44. The peripheral wall 40 at a top end
46 includes a circular rim 48 defining a circular opening 50 into
the secondary containment space 44. The circular opening 50 is
sized to receive the inner receptacle 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 3.
[0032] The peripheral sidewall 40 is continuous surrounding the
secondary containment space 44 and is generally cylindrical shape
having four integral corner supports or posts 52. Particularly, the
peripheral sidewall 40 comprises curved wall portions 54 between
each corner post 52. The curved wall portions 54 are coaxial with
and have a radius slightly larger than the radius of the circular
opening 50. The corner posts 52 comprise semi-cylindrical walls 56
of a significantly smaller radius. Each curved wall portion 54 is
of a size to extend between two adjacent corner posts 56 and is
bounded at its top by the rim 48 and at its bottom by the formed
bottom 42. The corner supports 52 extend downwardly below the
formed bottom 42 to define integral legs 58 for resting on a
support surface.
[0033] The formed bottom 42 comprises a dome shaped or spherical
wall 60 surrounded by a circular trough 62. In use, the feet 58
rest on an appropriate support surface, as does the trough 62. A
sump 64 is provided extending radially outwardly from a center of
the dome shaped wall 60 and ends at a vertical planar wall 66. A
radially outwardly extending semi-cylindrical wall 68, of a size
adapted to be received in the inner receptacle semi-cylindrical
wall 32, as shown in FIG. 3, extends from the planar wall 66 to a
bottom of one of the curved wall portions 54. An outlet opening 70
is provided in the planar wall 66. The trough 62 includes four fork
pockets 72, three of which are shown in FIG. 7, adapted to receive
tines of a fork lift.
[0034] Each corner post 52 is closed at a top wall 74 and an
opposite bottom wall 76. The top wall 74 includes an upwardly
extending nipple 78. The bottom wall 76 includes a matching
downwardly opening receptacle 80, an inside of which is shown in
FIG. 4, for interlocking with a subjacent nipple 78 for stacking.
Each corner post 52 includes opposite upper openings 82 which can
be used for lifting and transporting the container by overhead
crane. The cylindrical openings 82 can be reinforced using metal
pipe or other materials to assist in lifting heavy loads. A
rectangular tube beam 84 is centrally located and extends
horizontally across each support 52 and is open at opposite sides
as shown at 86. The tube beams 84 provide additional strength and
reinforcement.
[0035] As described, the secondary containment space 44 is entirely
enclosed except for the upper opening 50 and the outlet opening 70.
The corner posts 52 are hollow and thus form part of the secondary
containment space 44. The outer shell 14 is formed or molded using
a plastic resin material. The outer shell 14 may be rotationally
molded and formed of a polyethylene including both virgin material
and regrind or the like. The outer plastic one piece shell 14 will
generally have a base dimension ranging from 24.times.24'' up to
72''.times.72'', a height varying from 26'' to 100'', and have a
uniform wall thickness of 1/16'' thick to 1/2'' thick.
Advantageously, one or more sight windows 88 of Plexiglas or the
like are integrally molded in vertical openings 90 in one or more
of the peripheral sidewall curved wall portions 54. The molded in
sight windows 88 provide for viewing the fluid contents that are
inside the inner plastic receptacle 12.
[0036] For use, the inner receptacle 12 is lowered downwardly
through the outer shell opening 50 into the secondary containment
space 44 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The receptacle bottom wall 20
is supported on the shell bottom wall 60. The interaction between
the receptacle cylindrical wall 32 and the shell cylindrical wall
68 provides appropriate alignment of the inner receptacle 12 and
properly aligns the discharge outlet 28 relative to the outlet
opening 70 incident to the inner receptacle 12 being received in
the outer shell 14, as shown.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, a seal 92 is provided between the inner
receptacle 12 and the outer shell 14 proximate the outlets 28 and
70, respectively, thereof. The seal 92 includes an elongate
threaded nipple 94 having an inner end 96 threaded into the inner
receptacle discharge outlet 28. An outer end 98 of the threaded
nipple 94 extends out through the outer shell outlet opening 70 for
connection to a valve or hose, not shown, in use. An annular clamp
plate 100 is connected to the outer shell planar wall 66 using
fasteners 102 to connect a flexible rubber bellows 104 surrounding
the threaded nipple 94. A hose clamp 106 connects an outer end of
the bellows 104 to the threaded nipple 94. As such, the bellows 104
provides a sealed connection between the outer shell 14 and the
threaded nipple 94, and thus also the inner receptacle 12.
[0038] Should a breach occur in the inner receptacle 12, the
secondary containment space 44 of the outer shell 14 will contain
any material that escapes from the inner receptacle 12.
[0039] Typically, the dual tank bulk packaging container 10 is
supported on a ground surface. Alternatively, due to space
restrictions, it may be necessary to stack the bulk packaging
containers 10, as shown in FIG. 8. In this instance, the corner
posts 52 function as vertical beams with the corner posts 52 of an
uppermost container 10 being on the corner posts 52 of a subjacent
container 10. The containers 10 are interlocked relative to one
another by the nipples 78 of a lowermost container 10 being
received in the downwardly opening receptacles 80 in the uppermost
container 10, as described.
[0040] The inner plastic receptacle top wall 18 may be of a domed
shaped and include openings for filling and or discharging. The
inner plastic receptacle bottom wall 20 may also be of a domed
shaped with formations to assist with complete drainage. The inner
plastic receptacle bottom wall 20 also includes the outlet 28 for
discharging contents.
[0041] The outer plastic one piece shell 14 is of a generally
cylindrical design with four vertical corner supports 52 molded as
one unit. The corner supports 52 provide strength and stability
when double stacking the containers 10 one on top of the other and
also the mechanism to add sling points using the openings 82. The
formed bottom 42 of the outer plastic one piece shell 14 interlocks
with the top portion of the outer plastic one piece shell 14 to
provide stability when double stacking the containers 10.
[0042] The top and bottom of the outer plastic one piece shell 14
are designed as such so the outer plastic one piece shell 14 does
not come in contact with the inner plastic receptacle 12 of a
subjacent container 10 when double stacked.
[0043] The outer plastic one piece shell 14 is designed to be a
secondary containment compartment in the event the inner plastic
receptacle 12 is breeched. If the inner plastic receptacle 12 is
breeched and develops a leak, the outer plastic one piece shell 14
will completely contain the fluid that is being stored in the inner
plastic receptacle 12.
[0044] The four vertical corner supports 52, which are part of the
outer plastic one piece shell 14, contain horizontal cylindrical
holes 82 through the top which can be used for lifting and
transporting the container 10 by overhead crane. The cylindrical
holes 82 can be reinforced using metal pipe or other materials to
assist in lifting heavy loads. A shackle or clevis may be used to
assist users when hooking to a sling or other lifting device.
[0045] A specially designed gasket seal 92 is used between the
inner plastic receptacle 12 and the outer plastic one piece shell
14, at the bottom outlet location, to contain fluid in the case
that the inner plastic receptacle 12 is breeched and loses fluid.
The bottom seal 92 is also designed to keep the inner plastic
receptaclel2 and the outer plastic one piece shell 14 from coming
into contact with each other proximate the outlets during
transportation, which could cause a breech to the inner plastic
receptacle 12 because of vibration.
[0046] The outer plastic one piece shell 14, at the bottom outlet
location, is concave in design to help in the protection of outlet
valves and fittings and can also contain an integrated shelf (not
shown) that articulates to both protect the valve during transport
and act as a basin to contain fluid that can possibly leak during
valve actuation.
[0047] The invention is designed such that a plastic protection
cover can be snapped into place on top to protect the inner plastic
receptacle 12 from falling objects, and keep outside moisture out
from between the inner plastic receptacle 12 and the outer plastic
one piece shell 14.
* * * * *