CONTAINER

Abstract

A container includes a body and an upper head and a lower bottom. The container includes a first opening in the upper head, the first opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the body. The first opening can include a rim extending from the upper head. The container further includes a second opening in the upper head, the second opening including a vent.

Description

BACKGROUND

There are numerous different configurations of an industrial container. When determining which container is appropriate for a specific use, businesses consider the container's material, gauge or thickness of the material, size, shape, linings, closures, head style, and many more factors. Some of these factors come with a multitude of options, for head style, it is just a choice between two: open head or tight head. An open head container has a fully removable cover secured with a Lever lock or bolt ring closure. Tight head drums, also known as closed head, have a non-removable top.

The tight head drum is known to be more secure and less expensive than an open head drum. On a tight head drum, the head is an integral part of the drum construction—both ends are flanged and permanently sealed. The open head drum relies on a rather large, heavy duty closing ring and a gasket in order for it to pass the necessary tests to ship hazardous materials.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure presents a hybrid solution between a tight head drum and an open head drum. For example, the container can include a tight head form with a “lid” opening. In some examples, this opening allows the liner to be more easily installed as well as extracted from the drum or container while maintaining a high degree of performance. The opening in the drum can be closed off with a cover or “lid” that has a much smaller closing ring than is currently used on a full open head drum. This can result in a lower cost than a full open head drum because the closing ring is much smaller and doesn't have to be as heavy duty. It is also much easier to assemble a smaller cover than a full lid for an open head drum.

In one embodiment, a container can include a body and an upper head and a lower bottom. The container can also include a first opening in the upper head. The first opening can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the body. The first opening can include a rim extending from the upper head. The container can further include a second opening in the upper head, the second opening comprising a vent.

In some examples, the rim of the first opening can include an annular bead. The first opening can include an opening between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In some examples, the container can include a fifty five (55) gallon drum. In some examples, the container can further include a cover configured to couple to the annular bead. In some examples, an outer rim of the cover can include an engagement groove for the annular bead of the rim. The cover can couple to the annular bead with a closing ring. In some examples, the cover can include a bung opening fitting. In some examples, the container can further include a liner disposed within the container. The liner can be removable and/or replaceable.

In some examples, a tight head drum can include a cylindrical body with a closed bottom end and a top end. The top end can include an opening having a diameter smaller than the cylindrical body. The opening can be sealed with a lid, the lid coupled to the opening with a closing ring. In some examples, the opening can be an opening between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In some examples, the tight head drum can further include a liner disposed within the drum, the liner can include a material resistant to hazardous materials. In some examples, the top end can further include a vent opening. In some examples, the lid can include a steel cover. In some examples, the lid can further include an opening between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. The opening can be configured to be sealed with a drum plug.

In some examples, a lidded drum can include a closing ring for fastening a drum lid on a primary opening of the drum. The primary opening can include an annular bead rim extending from an upper surface of the drum. The lidded drum can include a secondary opening defined by the upper surface of the drum. The secondary opening can include a smaller diameter than the primary opening. In some examples, the closing ring can include an engagement groove for engaging the annular bead of the outer rim of the lid. In some examples, the primary opening can include a circular diameter and the drum lid can define an opening having a diameter smaller than the primary opening.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-section view of a portion of a container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some examples, a storage and transport drum assembly can include a liner disposed within the drum. The container and liner assembly presents a hybrid solution between a tight head drum and an open head drum. In some examples, the container can include a tight head form with a first opening in the upper or top portion of the drum. In some examples, this first opening allows the liner to be more easily installed as well as extracted from the drum or container; while maintaining a high degree of performance. The opening in the drum can be closed off with a cover or lid that has a much smaller closing ring than is currently used on a full open head drum. This can result in a lower cost than a full open head drum because the closing ring is smaller than the open head ring and does not require the material strength and weight of the full open head ring. Further, the tight head drum storage container with the first opening can be easier to assemble a smaller cover or lid than a full lid for an open head drum.

A container may include a tight head drum with a first opening in the top or upper head and a liner may be placed into the container, the container assembly may then be filled with storage material (e.g., a hazardous waste). A lid or cover may be placed over the liner and the opening in the container and secured thereto. In some examples, the lid may be secured with an adhesive, via friction or a snap fit, an internal or external threaded connection, a gasket and latched connection, with toothed or other biting-type features, or other connection systems. The container may thus store the material to be shipped or placed in storage. In some examples, the lid or opening cover may be removable and resealable such that some or all of the material in the container may be accessed and withdrawn from the container for use. In some examples, the liner may be removable and/or replaceable. Where only a portion of the material is withdrawn, the lid may be replaced, thereby allowing for further storage and/or shipping and/or handling of the container while preserving the rest of the material for later use or continuing to isolate the material from the environment.

The container may be used for most any type of contents including solids or other liquids including food products, detergents, cleaning agents or other chemicals, or cooking products such as oils, spreads, condiments, and the like. The container may also be used with other types of contents and the uses described herein are not intended to be limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a container 100 is shown. The container 100 may include a body 102, a lower bottom 104, and an upper head 106. The body 102 may be configured to define the shape of the container 100. In some examples, the body 102 can be cylindrical. In other examples, any suitable shape can be used including cubic or as required for space utilization or the material within the container 100. The body 102 may be further configured to support the contents of the container 100 with respect to any outwardly or inwardly directed forces imparted on the container 100 by the contents or otherwise. In some examples the body 102 can include a standard diameter of a 55 gallon drum, or about 22.5 inches. The lower bottom 104 can be sealed to the body 102 by a weld, connected with a closing ring and/or gasket, or be monolithically or integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the body 102. The lower bottom 104 may include a generally flat outer surface for resting the container 100 on a surface and may have a thickness and a material strength suitable for supporting the container contents. In some embodiments, the lower bottom 104 may be generally plate-like.

In some embodiments, the bottom 104 may be made from metal or plastic, composite materials, or other metal materials. Other materials are also contemplated by this disclosure and are not meant to be limiting. The thickness of the material can be selected based on the type of material used, the size of the container 100, and the type of material being placed in the container 100. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the body 102 and the lower bottom 104 may range from approximately 1/16 inch to approximately 1 inch, or from approximately ⅛ inch to approximately/inch, or from approximately 3/16 inch to ¼ inch. In some embodiments the volume of the container may be 55 gallons. In other examples, the container 100 or drum can be larger or smaller as required by the application. As such, other volumes may be provided including volumes outside the ranges mentioned.

In some examples, the container 100 can be a lidded drum. In some examples, the container 100 can further include a liner 108 disposed therein. The liner 108 may be configured to nest within the container 100 and within the cylindrical body 102 and provide a watertight or fluid tight film to maintain the contents and prevent leakage or other escape of the contents. The liner 108 can be a vacuum-formed liner 108 and, as such, may be sized and shaped with particular dimensions. As shown, the liner 108 may be configured for nesting within the container 100 and can be disposed therein via the primary opening 110 in the upper head 106. As such, the liner 108 can include a bottom and a wall portion similar to the container 100, but slightly smaller, such that the liner 108 can be disposed within the container 100 and the several portions of the liner 108 can be arranged immediately adjacent to corresponding portions of the container 100. As such, when contents are placed within the liner 108 and the liner 108 is within the container 100, the position of the several portions of the liner 108 can be maintained by the container 100 under forces or pressures exerted by the contents on the liner 108. Accordingly, the liner 108, like the container 100, may include a bottom having a circular periphery as the shape of the bottom of the liner 108 corresponds to the shape of the lower bottom 104 of the container 100.

While the liner 108 has been described as having several particular parts and elements having particularly adapted sizes and shapes, in other embodiments the liner 108 may any suitable shape, including “pillow” shaped or more bag-like, and may be placed within the container 100 where the contents placed in the liner 108 may press outward on the liner 108 causing the liner 108 to conform to the shape of the container 100. Other liner types and shapes may also be provided.

The liner 108 may be made from any suitable material. Where the contents are liquids, a liquid impermeable material may be used such as a plastic, polyethylene, or other substantially liquid impermeable material. Where the contents are solids, a more permeable material may be used, such as a cloth material, netting, mesh, other material. A more impermeable material may also be used with solid contents. In some embodiments, the liner 108 may be a plastic material. The liner 108 may be a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. As mentioned, the liner 108 may be vacuum-formed or other forming methods may be used. Still other materials may also be used. The liner 108 can be removable and replaceable. In some examples, the liner can be resistant to hazardous materials.

The liner 104 may be configured to be engaged by the cover to be described below. As such, the free edge of the liner 108 may be sealed or connected to the perimeter of the primary opening 110. Connecting features can be provided and any or all of the features may be continuous around the perimeter of the open top of the liner 108 or intermittent or varying features may be provided. In some examples, the liner 108 can extend upward from the container 100 and engage the underside of the cover without any particular engagement with the upper head 106 of the container 100.

In some examples, the upper head 106 can be sealed to the cylindrical body 102 by a weld, connected with a closing ring and/or gasket, or be monolithically or integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the cylindrical body 102. The upper head 106 may include a generally flat outer surface.

The container 100 can include a first opening 110 in the upper head 106. The first opening 110 can be circular and/or cylindrical, however the opening can be square, trapezoidal, or other suitable shape. In some examples, the first opening 110 can be located at or near a perimeter of the upper head 106. In some examples, the first opening 110 can include a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body 102. In some examples, the first opening 110 can include a diameter of about 6 inches. However, the first opening 110 can be less than or greater than 6 inches. For example, the first opening 110 can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater, about 7 inches or greater, about 8 inches or greater, about 9 inches or greater, about 10 inches or greater, or about 11 inches or greater. In some examples, the first opening 110 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches

The first opening 110 can include a rim 112 extending from the upper head 106. The rim 112 can extend less than 1 inch from the upper head 106. In some examples, the rim 112 can include an annular bead 114. The annular bead 114 can be configured to engage and/or connect to a cover configured to act as a lid for the primary opening.

In some examples, the upper head 106 also includes a second opening 116. The second opening can include a vent. The second opening 116 can be a standard ¾ inch opening for vacuum prevention when evacuating the material from within the container 100. However, the second opening 116 can be less than or greater than ¾ inches. For example, the second opening 116 can be about 1 inch or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, or about 6 inches or greater. In some examples, the second opening 116 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 1 inches, about 1 inches to about 2 inches, about 2 inches to about 3 inches, about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or about 5 inches to about 6 inches. The second opening 116 can provide air evacuation while emptying the contents of the tight head drum or container 100. The second opening 116 can be disposed in any suitable location on the upper head 106. As shown, the second opening 116 is generally opposite the primary opening 110. In some examples, the second opening 116 can be located proximate the perimeter of the upper head 116. The second opening 116 can be sealed with a fitting. The fitting can include a bung, a stopper, a threaded fitting, a lid with closing ring, or other suitable fitting.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1. Disposed over the primary opening 110 is a lid or a cover 118. As shown, the lid or cover 118 can be about a 6 inch cover that is formed over the rim 112 of the primary opening 110. However, the cover 118 can be less than or greater than 6 inches. For example, the cover 118 can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater, about 7 inches or greater, about 8 inches or greater, about 9 inches or greater, about 10 inches or greater, or about 11 inches or greater. In some examples, the cover 118 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches. The peripheral portion or outer rim 120 of the cover 118 can be configured for engagement with the liner 108 to form a leak free seam thereby maintaining the contents in the space defined by the liner 108 and the cover 118. The outer rim 120 of the cover 118 can include an engagement groove that mates with the annular bead 114 of the rim 112. In some examples, the peripheral portion or outer rim 120 of the cover 118 may be configured for engagement with the upper head 106 of the container 100 in an interference fit. In some examples, the cover or lid 118 can be threadedly coupled to the rim 112 of the primary opening. The cover 118 may be operably or removably secured to the rim 112 of the primary opening 110 and may be configured for accessing the contents stored in the container 100. In some examples, the cover 118 couples to the annular bead 114 of the rim 112 with a closing ring 122. In some examples, the closing ring 122 can be a steel closing ring. The closing ring can have a 6 inch diameter. However, the closing ring 122 can be less than or greater than 6 inches. For example, the closing ring 122 can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater, about 7 inches or greater, about 8 inches or greater, about 9 inches or greater, about 10 inches or greater, or about 11 inches or greater. In some examples, the closing ring 122 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches.

The outer rim 120 of the lid 118 can include a top and a container/liner engaging portion. The top of the lid 118 can be a generally flat, plate-like, element having a peripheral edge generally matching the shape of the primary opening 110 and being slightly larger than the peripheral or outer rim 120 of the primary opening 110. In the embodiment shown, the primary opening 110 and the cover 118 can be generally circular or round. In some examples, the primary opening 110 can be square, triangular, or trapezoidal shaped, or another suitable shape. The lid 118 can include an engagement feature (e.g., closing ring 122) arranged along the outer edge of the rim 112 for engagement with the annular bead 114. In some embodiments, the closing ring 122 can include an engagement groove configured to engage to the outer rim 120 of the lid 118.

The lid or cover 118, including the closing ring 122 may be made of any material. In one embodiment, the lid 118 may be an injection molded lid. As such, the lid 118 may be constructed of a plastic material or other injectable material. Other materials and processes for forming the lid 118 may also be used. In some embodiments, a portion of the lid 118 may be made of a relatively clear or semi-transparent material such that the contents and the color thereof may be viewed without removing the lid 118.

In some examples, the lid or cover 118 can include a bung opening 124 for accessing the contents of the container 100 through the cover 118. In some examples, the bung opening 124 can be between about ¾ inches and about 8 inches. In some examples, the bung opening can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater or about 7 inches or greater. In some examples, the bung opening 124 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches. As shown in FIG. 2, the bung opening includes a bung 126 to seal the bung opening 124. In some embodiments, the bung can be threadely coupled or inserted into the bung opening 124. In some examples, the bung can include a standard drum plug.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-section view of a portion of the container 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the diameter α of the first opening 110 can be less than 20 inches. In some examples, the diameter α of the first opening 110 can be less than 15 inches, less than 10 inches, or less than 8 inches. In some examples, the diameter α of the first opening can be about 6 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter α of the first opening 110 can be less than 6 inches. The diameter α can be 5 inches or less, 4 inches or less, or three inches or less. In some examples, the diameter α of the first opening 110 can be in ranges from about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, about 10 inches to about 12 inches, about 12 inches to about 15 inches, about 15 inches to about 18 inches, or about 18 inches to about 20 inches. This opening allows the liner 108 within to be easily installed and extracted from the tight head drum or container 100. Because the closing ring 122 is smaller than an open head drum, the cost of manufacturing the container assembly is lower because the closing ring is smaller and doesn't have to be as heavy duty. Further, it is easier and more cost effective to assemble the cover 118 instead of a lid for an open head drum.

The cover 118 allows access to within the drum to position the liner 108. Once the liner is installed, the cover 118 can be sealed to the upper head 106 and access to the container can be through the bung opening 124. The liner 108 can be removable and replaceable.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the portions of the container assembly engaged together. As shown, the first opening 110 comprises a 6 inch opening. The rim 112 of the first opening 110 comprises an annular bead 114. The cover 118 is configured to couple to the annular bead 114 to seal the cover to the upper head 106. In some examples, the cover 118 couples to the annular bead 114 with closing ring 122.

As shown, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 can be less than 4 inches. In some examples, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 can be less than 3 inches, or less than 2 inches. In some examples, the diameter β of the bung opening 124 can be about 6 inches. The bung opening 124 can be sealed with the bung 126 or a standard 2 inch drum fitting. Further, in some examples, a faucet or other fitting can be connected to the bung opening 124.

In use, the described container 100 may be used for several types of contents. In one embodiment, the container 100 may be used to store, transport, and handle, liquids. The liner 108 may also be fitted to the container 100 or can be disposed therein. In other words, in some examples, the liner 108 can be attached to the container 100 or may be placed in the container, and the assembly may allow for the liner 108 to be suspended from the primary opening 110 or the upper head 106 of the container 100. The liner 108 may be filled with the intended contents. The cover or lid 118, including at two inch bung opening 124, may be arranged on the upper head 106 and the liner 108 and may be fitted between the annular bead 114 and the closing ring 122 such that the liner and slides over the annular bead 114 of the rim 112. The liner 108 and/or the lid 118 can be pressed or sealed onto the upper head 106 and the liner 108 and/or the lid 118 can adhere to the upper head 106. The material in the container 100 can be accessed through the bung opening 124 by removing the bung 126. The bung 126 is replaceable as required to access the materials within the container 100.

The container 100 described herein may be advantageous for several reasons. The tight head drum with a primary opening 110 having a diameter smaller than the cylindrical body 102 can provide the ability to insert and remove the liner 108 while being less expensive to manufacture an open head drum assembly. The bung opening 124 can be located in a standard location for a tight head drum and fit the standard fittings to access the contents of the container 100. Several parts of the container 100 may be selectively sealed and/or opened for cleaning, liner extraction, filling, or other operations and thus reduce the carbon footprint in landfills, during shipping, and during manufacturing. For example, the liner may be removed after use and collapsed and recycled.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: a body and an upper head and a lower bottom,a first opening in the upper head, the first opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the body, wherein the first opening comprises a rim extending from the upper head; anda second opening in the upper head, the second opening comprising a vent.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim of the first opening comprises an annular bead.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first opening comprises an opening between about 3 inches and about 12 inches.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a cylindrical 55 gallon drum.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein the container further comprises a cover configured to couple to the annular bead.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein an outer rim of the cover comprises an engagement groove for the annular bead of the rim.

7. The container of claim 5, wherein the cover couples to the annular bead with a closing ring.

8. The container of claim 5, wherein the cover comprises a bung opening fitting.

9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a liner disposed within the container.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the liner is removable and replaceable.

11. A tight head drum, comprising: A cylindrical body with a closed bottom end and a top end, the top end comprising an opening having a diameter smaller than the cylindrical body;wherein the opening is sealed with a lid, the lid coupled to the opening with a closing ring.

12. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the opening is between about 3 inches and about 12 inches.

13. The tight head drum of claim 11, further comprising a liner disposed within the drum, the liner comprising a material resistant to hazardous materials.

14. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the top end further comprises a vent opening.

15. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the lid comprises a steel cover.

16. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises an opening between about 3 inches and about 12 inches.

17. The tight head drum of claim 11, wherein the opening is configured to be sealed with a drum plug.

18. A lidded drum, comprising: a closing ring for fastening a drum lid on a primary opening of the drum, wherein the primary opening comprises an annular bead rim extending from an upper surface of the drum; anda secondary opening defined by the upper surface of the drum, wherein the secondary opening comprises a smaller diameter than the primary opening.

19. The lidded drum of claim 18, wherein the closing ring comprises an engagement groove for engaging the annular bead of the outer rim of the lid.

20. The lidded drum of claim 18, wherein the primary opening comprises a circular diameter and the drum lid defines an opening having a diameter smaller than the primary opening.