LIQUID STORAGE CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS

Abstract

An apparatus and system for storing and transporting fluids, the apparatus comprising a pair of collars, each collar comprising three panels, and a storage container, the storage container having a shape generally of a triangular prism. One of the pair of collars being attached proximate a top of the storage tank, the other of the pair of collars being attached proximate the bottom of the storage tank. The storage container having a generally triangular top plate with at least one port, a generally triangular bottom plate with the top and bottom plate having shapes that generally correspond, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom plate. Each collar may comprise three elongated panels, each panel having a joining structure at opposite ends, wherein joining structures of the elongated panels are configured for connection adjacent joining structures of another panel to operably connect the three panels.

Description

BACKGROUND

One traditional method of storing and transporting liquids for industrial or other commercial purposes is using storage drums or barrels. Examples of drums may come in a variety of sizes, but the size commonly referred to as a 55-gallon drum (22.5 inches diameter and 33.5 inches height) is the most common. Such drums are used to store, transport, and dispense a variety of liquids, oils, gels, greases, and the like. The drums may be made from a variety of materials including metal (e.g., steel), plastic (e.g., polyethylene), and the like.

Movement and storage of multiple storage drums 12 is typically accomplished using pallets 14. Standard pallet are typically 48 inches by 40 inches or 48 inches by 48 inches limiting the capacity of a pallet to four 55-gallon drums as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Safety regulations generally prohibit stacking drums on top of one another which limits the number of drums which may be stored on a standard pallet to four. Traditional storage drum design includes further drawbacks such as if tipped over the round drums will roll away, potentially causing further damage to the drum and anything in its path. Additionally, a rolling drum will spread leaked materials over a larger area which may produce hazardous conditions depending on the material stored in the drum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention involves an apparatus and system for storing and transporting fluids, the apparatus comprising a pair of collars, each collar comprising three panels, and a storage container, the storage container having a shape generally of a triangular prism. One of the pair of collars being attached proximate a top of the storage tank, the other of the pair of collars being attached proximate the bottom of the storage tank. The storage container having a generally triangular top plate with at least one port, a generally triangular bottom plate with the top and bottom plate having shapes that generally correspond, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom plate. Each collar may comprise three elongated panels, each panel having a joining structure at opposite ends, wherein joining structures of the elongated panels are configured for connection adjacent joining structures of another panel to operably connect the three panels.

In one embodiment, the invention involves a storage container for storing and transporting fluids, the container comprising a generally triangular top plate with at least one port; a generally triangular bottom plate, wherein the top and bottom plate have shapes that generally correspond; and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom plate. At least one port in the top plate may be an access port. The bottom plate may include a sump. The bottom plate may be configured to be downwardly sloped. The shapes of the top and bottom plate may have generally rounded joinders, and the sidewall may have corresponding rounded joinders. The shapes of the top and bottom plate may have generally angular joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding angular joinder edges. The triangular top plate and triangular top plate have one side of shorter length than the other two sides, optionally in the form of an isosceles triangle. At least one attachment channel may be formed in the sidewall. At least one attachment channel may be configured for attachment of a protective collar device.

In another embodiment, the invention involves a collar for transporting storage containers, the collar comprising: three elongated panels, each panel having a joining structure at opposite ends; wherein a joining structure of one end of a first elongated panel is configured for connection with a joining structure of one end of a second elongated panel, and the third elongated panel having a first end configured for connection with the joining structure of the other ends of the first and second elongated panel; and wherein the joining structures are operably connected. At least one of the elongated panels may include a handle portion. At least one of the elongated panels may include a mounting portion for mounting the collar to a storage container. One of the three elongated panels may be shorter than the other two elongated panels.

In a further embodiment, the invention involves an apparatus for storing and transporting fluids, comprising: a pair of collars, each collar comprising three panels operably connected to one another; and a storage container, the storage container having a shape generally of a triangular prism with a generally triangular top plate and a generally triangular bottom plate joined to one another by a sidewall, one of the pair of collars being attached to the storage container proximate to the top plate, the other of the pair of collars being attached proximate the bottom plate of the storage container. The top plate and bottom plate of the storage container may have a shape generally in the form of an isosceles triangle. Each of the pair of protective collars may include one panel shorter than the other two panels. A first attachment channel may be formed in the sidewall proximate to the top plate and a second attachment channel may be formed in the sidewall proximate to the bottom plate. The triangular top plate may include at least one access port. The triangular bottom plate includes a sump. The shapes of the top and bottom plate may have generally rounded joinders, and the sidewall may have corresponding rounded joinders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of prior art liquid storage drums on a pallet.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of prior art liquid storage drums on a pallet.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of liquid storage drums on a pallet according to one example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 is a liquid storage drum according to another example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 5 is a liquid storage drum according to a further example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 6 is a liquid storage drum according to still another example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 7 is a liquid storage drum according to one example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is a segment of a drum collar according to one example of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 9 is a front view of a segment of a drum collar according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the drum collar segment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of liquid storage drums on a pallet according to another example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 12 is a liquid storage drum according to another example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 13 is a liquid storage drum according to still another example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a drum collar according to an example of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a drum collar segment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another drum collar segment shown in FIG. 14.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the claimed technology and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the claimed technology or invention is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the disclosed technology as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The disclosed invention involves an apparatus for transporting fluids, the apparatus comprising a pair of collars, each collar comprising three panels, and a storage container, the storage container having a shape generally of an elongated prism, one of the pair of collars being attached proximate a top of the storage container, the other of the pair of collars being attached proximate the bottom of the storage container. The storage container having a generally triangular top plate with at least one port, a generally triangular bottom plate with the top and bottom plate having shapes that generally correspond, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom plate. The top plate may include at least one access port, and the bottom plate may include a sump and be configured downwardly sloping. The shapes of the top and bottom plates may have generally rounded joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding rounded joinders, or have generally angular joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding angular joinder edges. Each collar may comprise three elongated panels, each panel having a joining structure at opposite ends, wherein joining structures of the elongated panels are configured for connection adjacent joining structures of another panel to operably connect the three panels. The collar may include a handle portion, a protrusion, and/or a mounting portion.

Storage containers according to the disclosed technology in the examples shown in FIGS. 3-8 have a generally triangular cross section. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the generally triangular cross section is of an equilateral triangle (that is, all three sides are generally of equal length). The dimensions of storage containers according to the disclosed technology may vary according to a particular use or context. In one example, a storage container is sized so hold approximately 30 gallons, where each side is approximately 18 ½ inches long and the container is approximately 40 inches tall. In another example, a storage container is sized so hold approximately 15 gallons, where each side is approximately 18 ½ inches long and the container is approximately 26 inches tall. In other examples the containers may be large or smaller as desired.

The storage containers of the disclosed technology may be made from a variety of suitable materials according to the requirements of a particular use to which the container is put. Containers may be made from metal (e.g., steel); composites; and polymers such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), high or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE or UHMEPE), and the like. The containers may additionally include exterior and/or interior coatings or layers of a variety of materials depending on a particular application (e.g., food-safe coatings).

As shown in FIG. 3, a pallet which is 48 inches by 48 inches may hold eight storage containers 22 according to the disclosed technology. Traditional storage drums having a round or square cross section would be limited to six containers per pallet. A pallet which is 48 inches by 40 inches may hold 6 storage containers according to the disclosed technology. Traditional storage drums having a round or square cross section would be limited to five containers per pallet. On a truck capable of carrying forty pallets, the improved configuration of the disclosed technology allows for an additional 80 containers per shipment (using 96 inch by 48 pallets) or an additional 40 containers per shipment (using 48 inch by 40 inch pallets). Increasing the number of storage containers on each pallet also reduces the number of pallets necessary to carry a given volume of liquid, reduces the number of trips necessary to move and handle a given volume of liquid, both of which reduce opportunities for accidents. Additionally, increasing the number of storage containers on each pallet reduces the footprint required to store a given quantity of liquid. The triangular shape of the containers also prevents them from rolling if they are accidentally tipped on their side or dropped which helps contain any leaks or spills to a smaller area.

FIGS. 4-5 show one example of a storage container according to the disclosed technology. In this example, the storage container 30 has a first, top end or plate 32 and a second, bottom end or plate 34 connected by sidewall 42, in the disclosed embodiment referred to as three side wall panel portions 42, giving the container a generally triangular cross section. In this example, sidewall panels 42 are joined to one another by joinder portions 40, in the sense that sidewall 42 may be monolithically formed as a single piece so that panels and joinder portions are integral. Joinder portions 40 may be generally curved or have an angular edge as desired. Top end 32 includes two openings or access ports 36, 38. Other examples may include more or fewer openings in different arrangements and sizes as desired. Openings 36, 38 may be sized and configured so as to allow attachment of devices such as pumps, valves, vents, spigots, dry breaks, air locks, mixers, and the like. Bottom end 34 may be downwardly sloped and include low point or sump 44 so that materials stored in container 30 drain towards sump 44 to allow for easier and more complete removal. In this particular example, sump 44 is located in bottom end 34 so as to be opposite one of access ports 36, 38 in top end 32 so as to allow a hose or tube from a pump (not shown) to be inserted into sump 44. Further, bottom end 34 may be rounded, that is generally spherical at bottom end 34, to facilitate liquid draining out sump 44. In one embodiment, bottom end 34 has the form of a hemisphere, in other embodiments bottom end 34 has a plurality of sides that slope to sump 44. Optionally, sump 44 may be replaced by a drain or other opening. Container 30 further includes two channels 46, 48 in sidewall 42. Channels 46, 48 may be configured to be used as attachment features for protective collars such as those shown in FIGS. 7-8.

FIG. 6 shows container 50 according to another example of the disclosed technology. In this example, container 50 has top end 52 connected to bottom end 54 by sidewall 56 giving container 50 a generally triangular cross section. Top end 52 includes three access ports 58, 60, 62 in this particular example and is generally flat. Bottom end 54 has a under surface (not shown) which may be flat or alternatively may be rounded as the previous embodiments. Optionally, the container 50 further includes one or more channels for attaching protective collars such as those shown in FIGS. 7-8.

FIGS. 7-8 show one example of a protective, locking collar system 70 which may be used in combination with the improved storage containers of the disclosed technology. Container 72 similar to that shown in FIGS. 4-5 having a top end 74 and a bottom end 76 is engaged with two collar assemblies 80, 82. One collar assembly 80 is engaged with channels (not shown in FIG. 7, but may correspond, for example, to channels 46, 48 of FIG. 5) or other attachment feature in container 72 near top end 74. Collar assembly 80 extends beyond top end 74 of the container 72 so as to protect openings 78 in top end 74 and any devices (not shown) attached thereto. Collar assembly 82 may be engaged with channels (not shown) or other attachment features in container 72 near bottom end 76. Collar assembly 82 extends beyond bottom end 76 of container 72 so as to protect any openings or protrusions (for example, a sump) in bottom end 76 and any devices (not shown) attached thereto.

Each collar assembly 80, 82 is comprised of three collar units 100 having first end 90 and second end 92. Each end includes locking portion 86, 88 for locking one end of a collar unit to an end of an adjacent collar unit. Locking portions may use pins, bolts, clasps, hinges, or other suitable securing mechanisms. Alternatively, locking portion 86, 88 may be integrally formed, with or without an internal securing mechanism, and each collar assembly may thus be made as a single integrated piece that has three sides that may be snapped over the tank. The materials of the collar assembly and the depth of the collar channels determine how easy or difficult assembly and removal of the collar assemblies may be accomplished. In one embodiment, collar assemblies are snap fit over containers shortly after creation (e.g. when made from thermoplastics and shaped by injection molding) so that assembly is relatively easy but once cooled and set collars are more securely fastened. Each collar unit 100 further includes at least one mounting portion 94 along one or both sides disposed between end portions 90, 92 for securing the collar unit to the container. In one example, mounting portions 94 are studs which engage with a channel disposed in the side of a container similar to those shown in FIGS. 4-5. Optionally each collar unit may further include handle cut out 96 to allow the container secured by a collar unit 100 to be better grasped and moved by hand, typically disposed proximate the top end of the container. Optionally, each collar unit may further include one or more protrusions or stand offs 98, 102. Such protrusions allow most of a container unit to sit above a surface and optionally may be configured for engaging and/or locking into a corresponding receptacle or opening on a surface, such as on a pallet or cart or another collar unit, to prevent the container from moving during transport. Optionally, protrusions 102 and mounting portions 94 made be shaped to mate together, which would allow a bottom collar unit and a top collar unit to mutually engage and thus provide an interlocked stack of containers and collars (not shown). Optionally, portions 90, 92 may include a groove or other indentation (not shown) to accommodate a strap or band (also not shown) so that the strap or band may connect several collars (and associated containers) into a movable unit, for example a pallet sized grouping of containers.

An alternative embodiment of a collar unit is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this example, a collar segment 110 having first end 190 and second end 192 is shown. Each end includes locking portion 186, 188 for locking one end of a collar unit to an end of an adjacent collar unit. Locking portions may use pins, bolts, clasps, hinges, or other suitable securing mechanisms. Each collar unit 110 further includes a handle cut out 196 to allow the container secured by a collar unit 110 to be better grasped and moved by hand, typically disposed proximate the top end of the container. Optionally, each collar unit may be integrally formed as described above, and further include one or more protrusions or stand offs 196 as well as corresponding receptacle cutouts 198 or notches. Such protrusions allow a container unit to sit above a surface and optionally may be configured for engaging and/or locking into a corresponding receptacle or opening on a surface, such as on a pallet or cart or another collar unit, to prevent the container from moving during transport. Protrusions 196 and receptacle cutouts 198 sized and shaped to mate together, which allows a bottom collar unit and a top collar unit to mutually engage and thus provide an interlocked stack of containers and collars (not shown).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example of storage containers 200 according to the disclosed technology. In this particular example, a plurality of storage containers 200 are disposed on a pallet 202. The storage containers 200 have the shape of a triangular prism with a generally triangular cross section that is of an isosceles triangle (that is, having two sides 208 of generally equal length and one side 210 of a significantly shorter length). Such configurations of storage containers allow for reducing or minimizing unused space 212 on a pallet 202. In this example the storage containers 200 are fitted with an upper collar unit 206 and a lower collar unit 204. The collar units increase stability of the containers, allow for easier handling, and optionally include one or more protrusions which fit within open slots on a pallet to prevent tipping of the containers during handling.

FIGS. 12-16 show a perspective view of a liquid storage container system according to another example of the disclosed technology. As shown in FIG. 12, a storage container system 220 includes a container 222 fitted with a first collar 218 and a second collar 216. The container 222 has two larger sides 240, 242 of roughly equal size and a third, shorter side 244 giving the container 222 a cross section resembling an isosceles triangle. The container further includes two access ports 224, although more or fewer access ports may also be present in other examples. Each of the first collar 218 and second collar 216 are secured to the container 222 by a first channel 248 and a second channel 246, respectively. The exact triangular configurations of containers in a particular container system may be optimized for storage and transportation configurations, so variations on the principles of the present invention may accommodate new configurations of transport systems with different sized pallets, different connections with multiple containers, etc. For example without limitation, some configurations may involve not a single type of triangular container but rather two or more alternative shapes of triangles. The collars may be alternatively configured to accommodate different mechanisms for connecting and transporting the containers.

Each collar 216, 218 includes two longer side pieces 226, 228 corresponding to the longer sides 240, 242 of the container 222, one shorter side piece 230 corresponding to the shorter side 244 of the container 244, and a connector piece 252 which joins the two longer side pieces 226, 228 to one another. Alternatively, collars may be integrally formed as described in earlier embodiments. Each of the loner side pieces 226, 228, shorter side piece 230, and connector piece 252 includes one or more locking portions 250 for locking one end of a side or connector piece to an end of an adjacent side or connector piece. Locking portions may use pins, bolts, clasps, hinges, or other suitable securing mechanisms. The side pieces and/or connector piece may also include handles, securing protrusions, and the like as previously discussed with respect to other examples. Each of the longer side pieces 226, 228 and shorter side piece 230 also include one or more securing protrusions 260 sized and configured to fit within the first channel 248 and/or a second channel 246 to secure the collars to the container.

In further examples, the collar units contain areas where information about the material(s) in a container may be positioned. Such information may be included on stickers or labels on the collars, embossed or printed directly into the collar material, and/or the collars may be color-coded to indicate the material in a particular container (e.g., blue for bases, red for acids, etc.). Collar units may be removed and reused when a container is emptied so as to allow for easier cleaning, disposal, and/or storage of emptied containers. Optionally, the collar portions may further include one or more locking features (not shown) which allow collars of one storage container to be secured to collars of one or more adjacent (side by side) and/or stacked (one on top of another) storage containers. Locking two or more storage containers via mating collars to one another reduces the chances of containers tipping or shifting during transport.

While the claimed technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed technology are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A storage container for storing and transporting fluids, the container comprising: a generally triangular top plate with at least one port;a generally triangular bottom plate, wherein the top and bottom plate have shapes that generally correspond; anda sidewall extending between the top and bottom plate.

2. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the at least one port in the top plate is an access port.

3. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the bottom plate includes a sump.

4. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the bottom plate is configured to be downwardly sloped.

5. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the shapes of the top and bottom plate have generally rounded joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding rounded joinders.

6. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the shapes of the top and bottom plate have generally angular joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding angular joinder edges.

7. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the triangular top plate and triangular top plate have one side of shorter length than the other two sides, optionally in the form of an isosceles triangle.

8. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment channel formed in the sidewall.

9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the at least one attachment channel is configured for attachment of a protective collar device.

10. A collar for transporting storage containers, the collar comprising: three elongated panels, each panel having a joining structure at opposite ends;wherein a joining structure of one end of a first elongated panel is configured for connection with a joining structure of one end of a second elongated panel, and the third elongated panel having a first end configured for connection with the joining structure of the other ends of the first and second elongated panel; andwherein the joining structures are operably connected.

11. The collar of claim 10 wherein at least one of the elongated panels includes a handle portion.

12. The collar of claim 10 wherein at least one of the elongated panels includes a mounting portion for mounting the collar to a storage container.

13. The collar of claim 10, wherein one of the three elongated panels is shorter than the other two elongated panels.

14. An apparatus for storing and transporting fluids, comprising: a pair of collars, each collar comprising three panels operably connected to one another; anda storage container, the storage container having a shape generally of a triangular prism with a generally triangular top plate and a generally triangular bottom plate joined to one another by a sidewall, one of the pair of collars being attached to the storage container proximate to the top plate, the other of the pair of collars being attached proximate the bottom plate of the storage container.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the top plate and bottom plate of the storage container have a shape generally in the form of an isosceles triangle.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the pair of protective collars includes one panel shorter than the other two panels.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a first attachment channel formed in the sidewall proximate to the top plate and a second attachment channel formed in the sidewall proximate to the bottom plate.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the triangular top plate includes at least one access port.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the triangular bottom plate includes a sump.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the shapes of the top and bottom plate have generally rounded joinders, and the sidewall has corresponding rounded joinders.