Information
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Patent Grant
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6213352
-
Patent Number
6,213,352
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Date Filed
Tuesday, August 11, 199826 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, April 10, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
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US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 141 319
- 141 320
- 141 364
- 141 369
- 141 370
- 141 375
- 141 390
- 141 391
- 222 164
- 222 166
- 222 167
- 222 173
- 414 758
- 414 770
- 414 783
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International Classifications
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Abstract
A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the drainage of contents from a second drum or vessel into a first drum or vessel, including a first supporting member for supporting the first vessel and a second supporting member for supporting the second vessel, and a lifting mechanism for lifting the second vessel over and in tilted relation to the first vessel, and maintaining the second vessel in the raised, tilted position to permit the emptying of contents into the first vessel, the lifting mechanism including a hydraulic lifting device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of draining liquids from a vessel, and more particularly to a device and method for draining liquids and other viscous materials from one vessel into another vessel.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In many instances it is desirable to remove contents from a vessel for a number of reasons. For example, the contents may be valuable or expensive, or scarce, and leaving behind some of the material can result in financial loss. In other cases, reuse of the containing vessel is required and to do so one must drain the vessel fully of all of its contents. There are yet further situations where the vessel contains a material which must be removed pursuant to federal, state and/or local laws. Often a residue will remain in a vessel of which the contents have been emptied. For example, where contents, such as a liquid, are poured from a vessel, a residual amount of the liquid often remains and is left behind in the vessel. This is especially the case for viscous liquids like molasses and sugar syrups, tar products for roofing and driveway coatings, paints and sealers, synthetic resins, and various other materials. Often, there is not time for the material to fully drain from the containment vessel and a residual amount of the material is left behind. This is observed in production facilities where large batches of a product are being made from material contained in one or more vessels. The need to have the material removed from the vessel for immediate use does not permit the full evacuation of the vessel contents.
In the ever-developing movement for conservation of resources, there is greater emphasis placed on the need to conserve materials, as well as to conserve landfill space that discarded or unwanted materials may occupy. A need exists to provide an improved method and device which will facilitate the evacuation of liquid materials from a vessel.
In many instances containment vessels are often large and cumbersome and can be extremely heavy. Generally, vessels containing liquids which are used in large scale industrial applications, for delivery of components in manufacturing operations, cannot even be lifted by a single individual, but rather, require special handling equipment to move and empty them. The special handling equipment is for the most part expensive and space consuming. This requires that heavy vessels which are to be lifted by the special handling equipment be readily removed from the equipment after the contents is poured out from the vessel. For example, industrial liquids are often supplied in large drum type vessels. These drum type vessels often contain a substantial amount of residual liquid, especially when the liquid contained therein is viscous, after the vessel has been tilted to pour its contents into a vat for use. While the drum vessel is indeed lighter, after having dumped most of its contents, it is still a substantially heavy item. While attempts have been made to drain the residue from the vessel, the weight and cumbersomeness of the vessel make for a difficult task.
In the use of drum type vessels, it is a common practice to recycle these vessels for reuse. The recycling process may include not only cleaning the vessel contents, but also, cutting an end of the vessel to remove embedded contents, or a damaged area, such as, for example, a broken sealing weld or connection. In many cases the vessels are provided to hold a standard amount of content, such as, for example, fifty-five gallons. Drum type vessels can be cut anywhere from fractions of inches to over one inch or more, and still be able to hold a desired amount, for example, fifty-five gallons, of material therein. The vessel height generally changes when the vessel is cut down, however, the diameter continues to remain the same.
One attempt known is to stack a vessel over another vessel at an angle. This often does not work well with heavy vessels, and further presents a dangerous condition in the work environment. The special handling pulleys or equipment can be used, but this is not practical since that equipment is expensive and must be available for pouring the contents from other vessels for use. Since the vessels have a considerable weight, the pulleys or vessel pouring equipment is often heavier and takes up a large amount of space, making it difficult to use such equipment for draining the remaining residue from a vessel. There exists a need for a device which is portable, light-weight, storable, uses minimal floor space and can readily be usable at a variety of locations, which will facilitate the draining of the residual contents from a vessel.
Prior attempts to provide draining devices include U.S. Pat. No.496,537 “Drainage Skid” issued May 2, 1893 to E. I. Perrington. The drainage skid provides a rigid device which permits a first vessel to be held over a second vessel at an incline to drain the contents of the first vessel into the second vessel. Other prior art drainage apparatus include U.S. Pat. No. 2,807,290 “Oil Can Draining Rack” issued on Sept. 24, 1957 to R. T. Hearn. The oil can draining rack includes a rigid cage for maintaining a standing can at a fixed position while supporting a second can at an inclined position relative to the standing can. A “Can Draining Rack” is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,788,262, issued on Jan. 6, 1931 to C. J. Wiebusch. The can draining rack includes a pair of arms which are connected by a yoke to support an inverted inclined can. A chain attached to the arms is provided to engage the top of the standing can.
The prior attempts to provide a draining apparatus require that the user lift the vessel and install it on the apparatus. A need exists for a portable draining device which can facilitate lifting and maintaining a drum into a position for draining.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel foldable drum draining device which retains an emptying vessel into position, preferably at an incline, with respect to another vessel which is to receive the contents from the emptying vessel. The present device facilitates draining of the contents by maintaining a vessel at an incline for gravitational expulsion of the contents thereof. Furthermore, the present drum draining device includes lifting means for facilitating the lifting the of the emptying vessel into position for draining.
The drum draining device includes a first supporting member attached to a second supporting member. The first supporting member holds a first vessel and the second supporting member holds a second vessel. The first supporting member is connected to and supported by a base. The second supporting member is pivotally connected to the first supporting member and has a lifting portion on which the second vessel is placed. A hydraulic mechanism is provided to facilitate the lifting of the second vessel. Additional attachment members, which can include straps and the like, can be used to secure the vessels to the supporting members. Preferably, the apparatus is useful for emptying industrial drum type vessels. The lifting member is foldably provided so that it can be collapsed when the assembly is not in use. The first and second supporting members are also foldably provided relative to each other so that these members, along with the lifting member, can collapse to fold for ready transport and storage of the device. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the lifting member in an operable position when the assembly is in use and permit the folding of the lifting member when the assembly is not in use. Similarly, a locking member can be provided to lock the second supporting member relative to the first supporting member at a position which maintains the second vessel in an inclined or tilted position relative to the first supporting member and first vessel into which the contents from the second vessel are to drain.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel draining apparatus for draining the contents of a first vessel, such as a drum or the like, into a second vessel.
Another object of the present invention is to accomplish the above object wherein the apparatus can be folded for ready transport and storage.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a draining assembly with a mechanism to facilitate lifting of a heavy vessel.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable mechanism which permits the apparatus to accommodate vessels having different heights.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drum draining apparatus, where the operator is required only to lift an amount of weight equal to the weight of the contents to be drained from a drum.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-regulating feature, which prevents overfilled vessels from being drained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1
is a parallel perspective view of a drum draining device according to the present invention, shown in the draining position, in use with a first vessel and a second vessel, as viewed from the left side.
FIG. 2
is an enlarged rear parallel perspective view of the device of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 3
is a parallel perspective view of the drum draining device according to the present invention shown in its folded position.
FIG. 4
is a parallel perspective view of the drum draining device according to the present invention, shown in use, with liquid draining from a second vessel into a first vessel.
FIG. 5
is a parallel perspective view of the drum draining device according to the present invention, shown installed on a first vessel and positioned to receive a second vessel thereon.
FIG. 6
is a partial view of a section of a first vessel received in a flange member.
FIG. 7
is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a drum draining device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8
is a rear perspective view of the device of
FIG. 7
shown installed on a first vessel.
FIG. 9
is a left side perspective view of the apparatus of
FIGS. 7 and 8
, in use with a first vessel, shown in a partial view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIG. 1
, a preferred embodiment of a drum draining assembly
10
according to the present invention is shown. The drum draining assembly
10
is shown in use with a first vessel, such as for example, the first barrel
200
and the second barrel
300
. The drum draining assembly
10
includes a base
11
, first support means for supporting the first vessel
200
and second support means for supporting the second vessel
300
. The first support means is shown comprising a first supporting member
12
which is connected to the base
11
.
Securing means is provided for securing the first barrel
200
to the first supporting member
12
. Referring to
FIG. 2
, first securing means is shown comprising an arcuate collar portion
14
connected to the first supporting member
12
. The collar portion
14
has a plurality of retaining elements, such as, for example, the flange members
15
. The flange members
15
are generally u-shaped in configuration to engage the lip
201
of the first barrel
200
. The securing means preferably further comprises a retaining member disposed about the circumferential periphery of the vessel
200
. The retaining member can comprise a strap member
16
which is secured with fastening means at each end of the collar portion
14
. The fastening means can comprise hooks, chains, bolts, or any other suitable like member. As shown in
FIG. 2
, generally s-shaped hooks
18
, secured to respective hook retaining members
19
, are provided on each side of the collar
14
. The strap member
16
is fastened to the collar portion
14
with the hooks
18
. Preferably, the retaining member is adjustably provided to accommodate barrels having different diameters. For example, the strap
16
can comprise a resilient member which can be stretched around the circumference of the vessel
200
to retain it.
The base
11
preferably comprises a member which rests on a surface, such as, for example, the floor
500
on which the first drum
200
is sitting. The base
11
is shown with reinforcing means comprising the strengthening members
22
,
23
. To permit the assembly
10
to fold, the base
11
is preferably pivotally connected to the first supporting member
12
of the first support means. A hinge
24
is shown in
FIG. 3
connecting the first supporting member
12
to the base
11
. Preferably, the hinge
24
permits backfolding of the base relative to the first supporting member
12
. The hinge
24
is preferably provided so that when the base
11
is unfolded, from its
FIG. 3
position to its
FIG. 2
position, the hinge
24
stops the base
11
from further movement once the base
11
has been unfolded to be perpendicular to the first supporting member
12
.
A locking means is provided to lock the base
11
and first supporting member
12
against relative rotation when the device
10
is in use, or when the device
10
is folded for transport or storage. The locking means can comprise a first aperture
28
disposed in the base member
11
and a second aperture disposed in the first supporting member
12
. The apertures
28
,
29
are positioned to align with one another when the first supporting member
12
is substantially perpendicular to the base
11
. A retaining pin
31
can be installed in the apertures
28
,
29
to prevent relative movement of the base
11
and first supporting member
12
.
The second support means is shown comprising a second supporting member
34
, and which is connected to a pair of transverse members
35
,
36
. The transverse members
35
,
36
support carriage members
37
,
38
which are disposed parallel to the second supporting member
34
. The carriage members
37
,
38
each include a sidewall portion
40
,
41
respectively, with an inturned flange
42
,
43
, respectively, provided to support the second vessel
300
.
Connecting means are provided for pivotally connecting the second supporting member
34
to the first support means. The connecting means is shown comprising a pair of flange members
45
,
46
extending outwardly from the collar portion
14
. The second supporting member
34
further comprises connecting wall portions
47
,
48
which are secured to the collar flange members
45
,
46
, respectively, by a fastening member. The fastening member can comprise bolts, pins, bushings, or other suitable members which secure the collar flanges
45
,
46
and connecting wall portions
47
,
48
together in a pivotal relationship. A bolt
50
and retaining nut
51
is shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
connecting each flange member
45
,
46
with a respective wall portion
47
,
48
. Washer means can also be used to facilitate the pivot relationship between the first support means and the second support means. Washer means, for example, while not shown, can comprise washers provided between the first supporting member flanges
45
,
46
and the respective connecting wall portions
47
,
48
of the second support means. A second vessel stop means is provided to maintain the second vessel
300
against forward movement by providing engaging ledge elements
52
,
53
against which the lip
301
of the second vessel
300
engages, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
.
Securing means are provided to secure a second vessel
300
to the second support means. As described above in connection with the securing of the first vessel
200
to the first support means, a strap
68
can be used. Preferably, fastening members, such as for example hooks
77
and retaining members
78
can be provided for fastening the strap
68
on each side of the carriage members
37
,
38
, as shown in FIG.
2
.
Lifting means is provided to facilitate lifting of a second vessel
300
. The lifting means is shown comprising a lift support member
60
which is connected to the second supporting member
34
. Preferably, the lift support member
60
is provided to be positioned at about 90 degrees with respect to the second supporting member
34
when the device
10
is to be operated, as shown in
FIG. 2. A
stop is provided on the second supporting member
34
of the second support means to maintain the lift member
60
in its perpendicular position for lifting of a second vessel
300
. The stop is shown comprising end portions
61
,
62
which engage the second supporting member
34
when the lift member
60
is unfolded with respect to the second support means to its substantially perpendicular position (FIG.
1
). The lift member
60
further includes a handle
67
which is provided on the end of the lift member
60
opposite that end which is connected to the second support means.
Preferably the lifting means further comprises hydraulic means for lifting the second vessel
300
over, and in tilted relation to, the first vessel
200
. The hydraulic means is shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
comprising a gas spring
70
which is secured at one end thereof to the first supporting member
12
and at the other end thereof to the second supporting member
34
. As shown, the gas spring
70
can include mounting means at each end thereof, shown comprising the mounting apertures
71
,
72
. A bolt and nut arrangement can be used for securing the gas spring
70
to the apparatus
10
, such as the bolt
73
and nut
74
which holds the top end of the gas spring
70
second supporting member
34
, and the bolt
75
and nut
76
which holds the lower end of the gas spring
70
on the first support member
12
. Preferably, a bushing or washers, not shown, are used to pivotally mount the ends of the gas spring
70
to permit the spring
70
to rotate as the second support means is raised with a second vessel
300
thereon. The gas spring
70
provides a lifting force which parallels that of an operator using the handle
67
to complement the force required for lifting of the second vessel
300
.
When the gas spring is actuated by the lifting of the handle
67
, the force is provided to lift the second drum
300
in a substantially inclined position over the first vessel
200
to permit the contents of the second vessel
300
to drain therefrom. The second vessel
300
generally remains in the inclined position until the operator lowers it by grasping the lift handle
67
and applying a downward force, counter to the gas spring force. The application of the downward force causes the gas spring
70
to relax and lower the second vessel
300
to its original upright position.
A retaining member, such as, for example, the release pin
82
shown in
FIG. 3
, is provided to secure the first supporting member
12
and second supporting member
34
relative to each other. Bores
80
and
81
are respectively provided transversely in the first supporting member
12
and in the second support member
34
. The bores
80
and
81
extend through each support member
12
,
34
and are aligned with each other when the first supporting member
12
and second supporting member
34
are folded When the release pin
82
is removed, the second supporting member
34
can be lifted away from the first supporting member
12
. A first retaining aperture
83
is provided on a flange portion
45
,
46
of the collar member
14
. A matingly provided second aperture
84
is provided on an adjacent connecting wall portion
47
,
48
of the second support means, such that when the second vessel
300
is lifted to its inverted inclined position, as shown in
FIG. 2
, the first and second apertures
83
,
84
mate with one another for receipt of the retaining pin
82
therein. While the retaining member is shown comprising a pin and a pair of apertures, it will be understood that the retaining member can comprise any suitable member which can permit selective retention of the first support means and the second support means. One such example of a retaining member is a latch, such as a slam action latch which can be actuated to latch the first support member
12
and second support member
34
together when folded. The slam latch can further include a release lever or actuator which the operator can actuate to release the first and second support members from engagement with each other. In addition, while shown in
FIG. 4
, the pin
82
can be replaced with another retaining member, such as, for example, the slam latch member, described herein. In this manner, the second support means, when lifted into its tilted position, can be held there by the actuation of a slam latching mechanism. As described, a release lever or actuator on the latch can be used to disengage the second support means from its lifted, inclined position, to permit the return to the floor of the second vessel.
The device
10
can be operated as follows. The drum draining device
10
is placed on the floor, as shown in
FIG. 4
, and starting from its stored or folded position, is used as follows. A first vessel or drum
200
, into which the contents of a second vessel or drum
300
are to be drained, is attached to the drum draining device
10
, as shown in FIG.
5
. Preferably this is done by placing the retaining flanges
15
over the lip
201
of the first vessel. The drum draining device
10
is secured to the first vessel
200
by placing the flange members
15
over the lip
201
of the vessel
200
. The base
11
of the draining device
10
is unfolded and placed on the floor
500
relative to the first supporting means which is positioned upright. The additional securing means are fastened by placing the strap
16
around the circumference of the vessel
200
and securing the strap
16
to the retaining member
19
with a fastener or hook
18
. The second vessel
300
is placed on the second supporting means
34
of the device
10
. The second vessel
300
is positioned on the lifting member
60
and is secured to the second supporting means
34
with a strap
68
, similar to that
16
described in connection with securing of the first supporting means
12
to the first vessel
200
.
With the first and second vessels placed on the device
10
, the operator disengages the release member, shown comprising a release pin
82
, and then grasps the handle
67
attached to the lift member
60
. The operator then lifts the handle
67
to raise the second vessel
300
relative to the first vessel
200
. As the operator continues to lift the handle
67
, the gas spring
70
is actuated to release its arm
80
thereby assisting the operator to lift the second vessel
300
and the contents contained therein. Preferably, the gas spring
70
is provided to supply the amount of force required to lift a second vessel, such as that
300
shown and described herein, into its draining position, inclined and above the first vessel
200
. With the gas spring
70
supplying the lifting force for the second vessel
300
, the operator need only lift the weight associated with the contents or residue remaining in the second vessel
300
. The second vessel
300
is lifted until it engages the ledge stop elements
51
,
52
of the second supporting means.
The lip
301
of the second vessel is restrained from further downward movement by the stop elements
51
,
52
. While not shown, the stop elements can also be provided to comprise a unshaped configuration which extends into the second vessel
300
. In the arrangement where the stop flange extend into the second vessel
300
, it will be preferable to locate the stop flange members outside of the drip or flow zone of the material.
While not shown, a pivot stop means can be provided to limit upward movement of the second support means relative to the first support means. The pivot stop means, for example, can comprise a first element on one or the other of the second support means and the first support means for engaging a second element on the other of the second support means and the first support means. The engaging elements, for example can comprise a retaining flange portion (not shown) extending from the second supporting member
34
and a limiting flange provided on the collar portion
14
of the first support.
With the second vessel
300
in its raised inverted position, the operator then actuates the locking mechanism to lock the second supporting means
34
into the inverted position relative to the first supporting means
12
. The locking mechanism shown includes a pin
82
which is inserted transversely through the first supporting means
12
to prevent downward movement of the second supporting means
34
.
The second vessel
300
is then permitted to remain in its draining position, the
FIG. 2
position, until the contents thereof is sufficiently drained or considered to be empty. For example, where slow moving viscous material is contained in the second vessel
300
, the second vessel
300
will remain tilted for a period of time within which the material can drain into the first vessel
200
.
When the second vessel
300
is finished draining, the operator releases the locking mechanism, for example, by removing the pin
82
, and pushes the second vessel
300
down to its starting position where it is generally upright alongside the first vessel. The operator then actuates the locking means to secure the first supporting means and second supporting means together to prevent relative movement therebetween and prevent inadvertent lifting of the second supporting member
34
. This is done by inserting the retaining pin
82
to hold the second support means down alongside the first supporting member
12
. The strap
68
is removed from the second vessel
300
and the second vessel
300
is removed from the device
10
.
The first vessel
200
can also be removed from the device
10
, or alternately, can remain attached to the device
10
to receive the contents from another vessel (a next second vessel).
When the draining is completed, the drum draining device can be folded for storage or transport. The base
11
folds relative to the first supporting means, and the second supporting means folds to be aligned with the first supporting means. The lifting member likewise folds to align with the first and second supporting members. A strap or belt (not shown) can be supplied to retain the assembly in its folded condition. Similarly, retaining members, such as, for example, pins, latches, or the like, can also be employed to lock the components together when the device
10
is folded to prevent unfolding. Preferably, one of more of the components of the device
10
can be provided to comprise a handle for facilitating transport of the folded device
10
. For example, the angled cradle members, when folded, can provide a gripping portion for an operator's hand.
FIG. 6
shows the retaining means of the present invention in an enlarged close up view with a vessel end shown in sectional view. The retaining range is shown by the distance between arrows “a” and “b” within which the vessel rim
201
can be received and retained with the device
10
. The retaining means therefore permit the device
10
to accommodate standard size vessels, for a give application, and the minimum acceptable sized vessels (which is shorter), including recycled or reconditioned vessels which can hold a standard content amount. For example, if a fifty-five gallon drum can be used to hold fifty-five gallons of material at its standard height, and up to a height of two inches lower than its standard height, preferably, the retaining means, such as the flange members can be provided with a retaining range (“a” to “b”) which can receive vessels which have varying heights.
Although the retaining means of the present device provides for accommodation of vessels having various heights, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the central bar of the first and second supporting members can be adjustably provided for accommodating vessels having different heights. Similarly, the second support member can be adjustably provided to likewise accommodate second vessels having different heights.
Furthermore, while not shown additional means such as roller transport and the like can be used to facilitate placement of the second vessel on the lifting member of the apparatus. For example, the lift member may be provided with additional holding means, including arms which can swing out therefrom, to provide additional support for a second vessel.
Referring now to
FIG. 7
, an alternate embodiment of a drum draining apparatus
120
according to the present invention is shown. The drum draining apparatus
120
is shown in a nearly folded condition in
FIG. 7
having a collar portion
121
with inturned flange members
122
disposed thereon. Second vessel support means is also provided shown comprising a pair of side walls
123
,
124
which are each connected to the collar member
121
at one end thereof and extend outwardly therefrom. A connecting member
125
connects the side walls
123
,
124
. The connecting member
125
supports the arm
126
which is pivotally maintained on the connecting member
125
by a pair of flange members
130
,
131
and a fastening member, such as for example the bolt
132
extending through the flange members
130
,
131
, to retain the arm
126
. The arm
126
extends through a central support member
133
which is pivotally connected to the collar
121
. Preferably, connecting means are employed and may comprise a pair of flanges
134
,
135
and a bolt
136
to secure the support member
133
to the collar portion
121
. The support member further includes a pair of legs
137
,
138
at the end opposite that connected to the collar portion
121
. The legs
137
,
138
are shown with a retaining pin
140
extending transversely between them and connecting them. The arm
126
further includes engaging means for engaging the side of a first vessel
220
when the apparatus is in use (see FIGS.
8
and
9
). Engaging means is shown preferably comprising a foot
142
which is disposed at the end of the arm member
126
. The arm member
126
also includes latching means, such as, for example, the clamping member
144
. The clamping member
144
is provided to engage the retaining pin
140
when the apparatus
120
is installed on a first vessel
220
, and is fully unfolded for use. Stop means are also included to regulate the position of the second vessel when the apparatus
120
is in use. The stop means is shown comprising bracket members
145
,
146
(FIG.
9
).
Referring to
FIG. 8
, the drum draining device
120
is shown installed on a first vessel
220
having a rim
221
over which the inturned flange members
122
are positioned. Preferably, cradling means comprising angled wall portions
150
,
151
are provided on the side walls
123
,
124
of the second support means. The angular wall portions
150
,
151
support a second vessel such as, for example, the second vessel shown and described above in connection with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 through 6
.
Referring to
FIG. 9
, a side view showing the apparatus
120
in position on a first vessel
220
is shown. In the view of
FIG. 9
, the stop means, shown comprising the bracket members
145
,
146
is best seen. A second vessel (not pictured) containing contents to be emptied into the first vessel
220
will be understood to be positioned on the second vessel support means, comprising the wall portions
123
,
124
and the respective angled walls
150
,
151
. When a second vessel is placed on the second support means, the rim
221
can rest against the stop members
145
,
146
and the contents of the second vessel can be therefore drained into the first vessel
220
.
In addition, while the apparatus is shown with a single-sized vessel in use therewith, it will be understood that other sized containers can be used with the present invention by providing appropriately sized components for the size of the container to be drained.
These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments, and the appended Claims. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention. In this regard, while the various features of the present invention have been shown and described in relation to a drum, it will be understood that many of these features are suitable in connection with other types of vessels.
Claims
- 1. A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the draining of material from a second vessel into a first vessel, comprising:a) at least one supporting base member for resting on a surface; b) a first supporting member for supporting the first vessel, said first supporting member being connected to said base member; c) first securing means for securing the first vessel to said first supporting member, said first securing means including an engagement portion being connected to said first supporting member, said engagement portion being in detachable engagement with the first vessel wherein the first vessel is maintained in a generally fixed position relative to said first supporting member during use of said apparatus; d) a second supporting member for supporting the second vessel, said second supporting member being connected to said first supporting member and including means supporting the second vessel; e) second securing means for securing the second vessel to said second supporting member wherein the second vessel is maintained in a generally fixed position relative to said second supporting member during use of said apparatus; and f) lifting means for lifting the second vessel supported with said second supporting member from a first position in which gravity maintains the contents in the second vessel to a second position which permits gravitational emptying of the contents of the second vessel.
- 2. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lifting means comprises a lifting handle and hydraulic means for facilitating lifting of the second vessel secured to said second supporting member.
- 3. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, further comprising connecting means connecting said second supporting member to said first supporting member, said connecting means comprising pivot means for providing relative pivotal movement of said second supporting member with respect to said first supporting member, and wherein said connecting means comprises stop means for fixing the position of said second supporting member relative to said first supporting member for maintaining the second vessel at an incline relative to the first vessel which permits gravitational emptying of the contents of the second vessel into the first vessel.
- 4. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second securing means comprises at least one flange member disposed on said second supporting member for retaining the second vessel, said at least one flange member providing a stop against which the second vessel engages when positioned above the first vessel at an incline thereto for draining the contents therefrom.
- 5. The drum draining apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second securing means further comprises a removably provided surrounding member which surrounds the second vessel, and fastening means for securing and releasing said surrounding member to and from engagement with the second vessel.
- 6. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lifting means comprises a lifting handle extending from said second supporting member, said lifting handle including a gripping portion and a base portion, wherein the second vessel is loaded by positioning the second vessel on said base portion of said handle.
- 7. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lifting means includes a lifting member pivotally connected to said second supporting member to pivot over a predetermined range from a first position substantially parallel to said second supporting member to a second position substantially perpendicular to said second supporting member.
- 8. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights.
- 9. The drum draining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights, and wherein said second supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said second supporting member to second vessels having different heights.
- 10. A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the draining of material from a second vessel into a first vessel, comprising:a) base means; b) first support means for supporting the first vessel, said first support means comprising a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first support means to first vessels having different heights; c) second support means for supporting the second vessel; d) first securing means for securing said first support means to the first vessel; e) second securing means for securing said second support means to the second vessel; f) connecting means connecting said first support means with said second support means, said connecting means comprising means for collapsing said second support means relative to said first support means to facilitate folding of said apparatus; and g) lifting means for facilitating lifting of said second support means and the second vessel carried thereby wherein said lifting means is provided to lift the second vessel from a first position in which gravity maintains the contents in the second vessel to a second position which permits gravitational emptying of the contents of the second vessel.
- 11. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lifting means further comprises hydraulic means for facilitating lifting of said second support means.
- 12. The drum draining apparatus of claim 11, wherein said lifting means includes a lifting member pivotally connected to said second support means to pivot over a predetermined range from a first position substantially parallel to said second support means to a second position substantially perpendicular to said second support means.
- 13. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lifting means includes a lifting member pivotally connected to said second support means to pivot over a predetermined range from a first position substantially parallel to said second support means to a second position substantially perpendicular to said second support means.
- 14. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said connecting means comprises hinging means pivotally connecting said first support means with said second support means, and locking means for locking the position of said first support means relative to said second support means to maintain said first support means at an inclined position relative thereto.
- 15. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second support means comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said second support means to second vessels having different heights.
- 16. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second securing means comprises at least one flange member disposed on said second support means for retaining the second vessel, said at least one flange member provides a stop against which the second vessel engages when positioned above the first vessel at an incline thereto for draining the contents therefrom.
- 17. The drum draining apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first support means is pivotally connected to said base member.
- 18. A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the draining of material from a second vessel into a first vessel, comprising:a) at least one supporting base member; b) a first supporting member for supporting the first vessel, said first supporting member being connected to said base member; c) a second supporting member for supporting the second vessel, said second supporting member being connected to said first supporting member; d) first securing means for attaching said first supporting member to the first vessel, said first securing means comprising (i) a plurality of generally unshaped flange members which engage the rim of the first vessel and (ii) a removably provided surrounding member which surrounds the first vessel, and fastening means for securing and releasing said surrounding member to and from engagement with the first vessel; e) connecting means for pivotally connecting said first supporting member with said second supporting member to permit relative movement of the second vessel relative to the first vessel, said connecting means further comprising means for collapsing said second supporting member relative to said first supporting member for folding of said apparatus; f) a lifting member connected to said second supporting member and extending outwardly therefrom, said lifting member being pivotally connected to said second supporting member and selectively securable in an operating position and a collapsed position, said lifting member including a handle for facilitating grasping thereof for facilitating lifting of said second support means and the second vessel carried thereby; wherein said lifting means is provided to lift the second vessel from a first position in which gravity maintains the contents in the second vessel to a second position which permits gravitational emptying of the contents of the second vessel; and g) hydraulic means comprising a hydraulic member for facilitating the lifting of the second vessel from a position adjacent the first vessel, said hydraulic member being connected at one end thereof to said first supporting member and at the other end thereof to said second supporting member, wherein said hydraulic member provides a force pivoting said second supporting member relative to said first supporting member.
- 19. The drum draining apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second supporting member comprises a pair of supporting members disposed parallel to each other and comprising a seat on which the second vessel is positioned.
- 20. The drum draining apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first supporting member is pivotally connected to said base member.
- 21. The drum draining apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights.
- 22. The drum draining apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights, and wherein said second supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said second supporting member to second vessels having different heights.
- 23. A compact, foldable, storable, portable drum draining apparatus for facilitating the draining of material from a second vessel into a first vessel, comprising:a) a first supporting member having a collar portion and a central support member extending downwardly therefrom, said central support member being pivotally connected to said collar member at one end thereof and having a slot therein at the other end thereof; b) securing means for securing said first supporting member to the first vessel; c) a second supporting member connected to said collar portion and having means for supporting the second vessel thereon; d) an arm which is pivotally connected to said second supporting member at one end thereof, with the other end of said arm extending through said slot of said central support member and having an engaging portion thereon for engaging the first vessel; and e) latching means for latching said arm in relation with said central support member.
- 24. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said second support means includes stop means for regulating the position of the second vessel.
- 25. The drum draining apparatus of claim 18, wherein said securing means comprises turned Range members disposed on said collar portion.
- 26. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said latching means further comprises a fastening member carried on the end of said locking member carrying said engaging portion for securing said arm to said central supporting member.
- 27. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said second supporting member further comprises at least one flange member disposed on said second supporting member for retaining the second vessel, said at least one flange member providing a stop against which the second vessel engages when positioned above the first vessel at an incline thereto for draining the contents therefrom.
- 28. The drum draining apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a removably provided surrounding member which surrounds the second vessel, and fastening means for securing and releasing said surrounding member to and from engagement with the second vessel.
- 29. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said first supporting member is pivotally connected to said base member.
- 30. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said second supporting member comprises a pair of supporting members disposed parallel to each other and comprising a seat on which the second vessel is positioned.
- 31. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights.
- 32. The drum draining apparatus of claim 23, wherein said first supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said first supporting member to first vessels having different heights, and wherein said second supporting member comprises a support member which is adjustably provided to permit attachment of said second supporting member to second vessels having different heights.
US Referenced Citations (15)