TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a micro-spill prevention trough and method of use, and more particularly, micro-spill prevention trough and method of use with reusable containers designed for the transport and storage of bulk liquids.
BACKGROUND
Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) totes 10 are reusable containers designed for the transport and storage of bulk liquids for several industries (e.g., oil & gas, food, agricultural, pharmaceutical, industrial, etc.)(see FIG. 1). Typically, IBC totes 10 are used to store and transport non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals. Such chemicals can pose serious health and safety risks. Regulations to prevent spillage and contamination from the storage and transport of hazardous materials are becoming increasingly common.
Typically, IBC tote 10 capacity is standardized in both design (e.g., typically cuboid shaped) and capacity (e.g., between 275 or 330 US gallons). The IBC totes 10 are generally configured with fill ports 12 on a top portion 16a and an outlet port(s) 14 on a lower portion 16b of the tote. The outlet port 14 generally has a 2″ bulk-head connection stub 15 and is comprised of a valve 13 and standard threaded or cam-lock fitting connection 17. The valve 13 and stub 15 connections 17 tend to leak over time and bases 18 of the IBC tote 10 are not designed to contain spills. The tendency for fitting leakage and increased regulation presents a real need for micro spill containment solutions which are adaptable to most standard IBC totes 10.
SUMMARY
One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a micro-spill prevention trough for with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes comprising an attachment portion configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote, the attachment portion comprising a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space, and a fluid retaining portion defining a second fluid retention space rotationally coupled to the attachment portion, wherein the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position a front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container.
Another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of making a micro-spill prevention trough for use with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes, the method comprising the steps of: forming an attachment portion configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote, forming a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space within the attachment portion, and forming a fluid retaining portion having a front wall defining a second fluid retention space. The method further includes the step of rotationally coupling to the attachment portion to the fluid retaining portion such that the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container.
Yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a micro-spill prevention trough for use with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes comprising an attachment portion configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote. The attachment portion compromises a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space, wherein the bucket portion comprises an interface lip and a wall that increases in height as the wall extends away from the bucket portion, the wall defining an interior space of the attachment portion. The micro-spill prevention trough further includes a fluid retaining portion defining a second fluid retention space. The fluid retraining portion comprising a capture area defined by a base wall, first and second sidewalls, a front wall, and a rear wall, and a flow direction path, wherein the flow direction path is defined by portions of the front wall, the base wall, and the first and second sidewalls. Wherein, the fluid retaining portion is rotationally coupled to the attachment portion, wherein the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container, wherein the interface lip interacts with the fluid retaining portion to further define the flow direction path.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts unless described otherwise throughout the drawings and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art example Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tote;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position coupled to an IBC tote in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spill prevention trough in a closed position coupled to an IBC tote in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an attachment portion of a spill prevention trough in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a fluid retaining portion of a spill prevention trough in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an attachment portion of a spill prevention trough in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an fluid retaining portion of a spill prevention trough in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a front-perspective view of a spill prevention trough in a closed position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in a closed position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a front left perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a spill prevention trough in a closed position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in a closed position in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a top left perspective view of a MICRO-SPILL PREVENTION TROUGH in an open position coupled to an Intermediate Bulk Container Tote shown in phantom in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a top left perspective view thereof;
FIG. 20 is a top right perspective view thereof;
FIG. 21 is a bottom left perspective view thereof;
FIG. 22 is a bottom right perspective view thereof;
FIG. 23 is a front elevation view thereof;
FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view thereof;
FIG. 25 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view thereof;
FIG. 27 is a left side elevation view thereof;
FIG. 28 is a right side elevation view thereof;
FIG. 29 is a cross-section of a left side elevation view thereof taken along lines 29-29 of FIG. 26;
FIG. 30 is a cross-section of a rear elevation view thereof taken along lines 29-29 of FIG. 26; and
FIG. 31 is a top left perspective view of a MICRO-SPILL PREVENTION TROUGH in a closed position in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a spill prevention trough in an open position in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a micro-spill prevention trough and method of use, and more particularly, micro-spill prevention trough and method of use with reusable containers designed for the transport and storage of bulk liquids.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a micro-spill prevention trough 20 in an open position 20a. The micro-spill prevention trough 20 is positioned under an outlet port 14. In one example embodiment, the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is positioned over an IBC-tote base 18. A securing apparatus 46 is positioned over the outlet port 14 to secure an attachment portion 40 of the micro-spill prevention trough 20 underneath the outlet port 14 (including the valve 13 and stub 15 connections 17) and a fluid retaining portion 60 of the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is positioned underneath a spout 19 (e.g., the location fluid is dispensed). The micro-spill prevention trough 20 is removable and transferable between multiple IBC totes 10. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the securing apparatus 46 includes a tightening mechanism 46a that secures the micro-spill prevention trough 20 in position during use. In one example embodiment, the tightening portion 46a comprises a friction slide, a clip, a chord lock, etc. It would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the securing apparatus 46 includes rubber, plastic and/or textile chords that can be secured in many ways including through knotting, buckle, friction, etc. The securing apparatus 46 comprises at least one of flexible polymer and/or plastic material.
In one example embodiment, the attachment portion 40 and/or the fluid retaining portion 60 comprise one of metal, plastic, polymeric material, and/or some combination thereof. In another example embodiment, the attachment portion 40 and/or the fluid retaining portion 60 are made by injection molding, by hand, by molds, or the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the micro-spill prevention trough 20 in a closed position 20b. The securing apparatus 46 is positioned over the outlet port 14 to secure the attachment portion 20 underneath the outlet port 14. In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 3, the fluid retaining portion 40 is rotationally pivoted into the closed position 20b (in direction A, see FIG. 9) from the open position 20a. In the closed position 20b, the fluid retaining portion 40 does not interact with or extend past walls of the IBC tote 10 and/or the base 18 that extend along a plane 9 extending along the x and y directions. Stated another way, in the closed position. 20b, the micro-spill prevention trough 20 does not protrude relative to the IBC tote 10.
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 5, the attachment portion 40 is-decoupled from the fluid retaining portion 60. In the illustrated example embodiment, the attachment portion 40 is configured to fit within the base 18. The attachment portion 40 comprises a bucket portion 52 defining a fluid retention space 48. The bucket portion 52 comprises an interface lip 50 that supports and interacts with the fluid retaining portion 60 when the attachment portion 40 is coupled thereto. The bucket portion 52 further comprises a substantially flat bottom surface 51 (see, for example, FIG. 7). Wherein the bucket portion 52 has a first height 57a, not including the interface lip 50, and a wall 47 has an increasing height, at least one of linearly, step-wise, or in an arced manner from the first height to a second height 57b (see FIG. 5) measured from an edge 49 of the wall to the flat bottom surface 51. In one example embodiment, the flat bottom surface 51 extends along a first axis that is parallel to a surface on which the tote 10 rests when in use.
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 5, first and second protrusions 51a, 51b, extend from the bucket portion 52. The first and second protrusions 51a, 51b interface with first and second voids 84a, 84b (see FIG. 8) of the fluid retaining portion 60 to rotationally couple the attachment portion 40 to the fluid retaining portion. As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIGS. 8, 10, the first and second voids 84a, 84b define openings and/or indentations that are complementary to the first and second protrusions Sla, 51b. In one example embodiment, the first and second protrusions 51a, 51b are linked by a pin through the first and second voids 84a, 84b, or by some other rotational mechanism. In another example embodiment, the first and second protrusions 51a, 51b are frictionally fit within the first and second voids 84a, 84b, allowing for rotational movement of the attachment portion 40 and the fluid retaining portion 60 relative to each other.
As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 4A, extending from the bucket portion 52 and/or the flat bottom surface 51 is the wall 47, having first and second edges 47a, 47b, that define an interior space 42 of the attachment portion 40. The first and second edges 47a, 47b interface with first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b of the fluid retaining portion 60 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) when the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is in the closed position 20b.
As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5, the wall 47 defines first and second securing locations 44a, 44b through which the securing apparatus 46 is secured and/or attached. In the example embodiment, the first and second securing locations 44a, 44b are laterally spaced from one another by a spout engagement notch 53. The spout engagement notch 53 is configured to interact with an underside of the outlet port 14, such that portions of the wall 47 having first and second securing locations 44a, 44b extend beyond a drip location of the outlet port. It would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that first and second securing locations 44a, 44b could be located in multiple locations.
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 10, the attachment portion 40 includes a loop or protrusion 82 on an exterior face of the bucket portion 52. The loop or protrusion 82 is one of a support mechanism for the fluid retaining portion 60 when the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is assembled and in the open 20a position (e.g., such as when the fluid retaining portion 60 is rotationally moved away from the attachment portion 40 in direction B, see FIG. 11).
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 4B and 6, the fluid retaining portion 60 is illustrated decoupled from the attachment portion 40. The fluid retaining portion comprises a fluid capture area 62 defined by a base wall 70, first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b, a front wall 72c, and a rear wall 72d. The front wall 72c includes a portion of a flow direction path 68 and indents 63a, 63b on an interior portion that correspond to a connection interaction location of the first and second voids and the first and second protrusions 51a, 51b that is formed on an external portion of the front wall. In another embodiment, such as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13, a single indent 63 is on an interior portion of the front wall 72c.
In one example embodiment, the flow direction path 68 comprises portions of the front wall 72c, the base wall 70, and the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b. The flow direction path 68 comprises an area wherein the base wall 70 begins to narrow as it extends toward the front wall 72c. In one example embodiment, the front wall 72c has a front protrusion 61 that extends above a linear edge of the front wall. In another example embodiment, a rear length 65a of the rear wall 72d (see FIG. 11) measured from the base wall 70 to an edge of the rear wall farthest from the base wall is less than a front length 65b (see FIG. 6) measured from the wall 70 to an edge of the front wall farthest from the base wall. In that embodiment, fluid that is captured by the fluid containing portion 60 flows toward the front wall 72c when the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is in use. In another example embodiment, the front length 65b is substantially the same as the rear length 65a.
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 4B-17, the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b are coupled to wing supports 74a, 74b respectively. The wing supports 74a, 74b support first and second wings 64a, 64b, respectively. In one example embodiment, the first and second wings 64a, 64b are one of substantially parallel to the base wall 70, substantially parallel to each other, are located between a plane along which the base wall extends and an edge of the first or second sidewall 72a, 72b, and/or located farthest from the base wall. The wings 64a, 64b provide a handle or human interaction point to open and close the micro-spill prevention trough 20. In the illustrated example embodiment, the wings 64 comprise a honeycomb pattern or some other pattern, wherein raised portions overlay a flat surface to trap liquid. In another example embodiment, the wings 64 comprise an interrupted honeycomb or other shape pattern that transverse the material comprising the wings to define one or more openings in the wings (see, for example, FIG. 14).
In the illustrated example embodiments of FIGS. 7, 11-14, the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is illustrated, wherein the attachment portion 40 and the fluid retaining portion 60 are rotationally coupled together in the open 20a position. The attachment portion 40 is coupled to an exterior portion of the fluid retaining portion 60 as described above with regard to the connection interaction location 85. The front wall 72c and at least a portion of the sidewalls 72a, 72b of the fluid retaining portion 60 are located over the attachment portion 40 in the open position 20a, such that if fluid overflowed the front wall, the liquid would be caught in the bucket portion 52.
In the illustrated example embodiments, portions of the first and second edges 47a, 47b of the wall 47 of the attachment portion 40 are adjacent to, or near the sidewalls 72a, 72b of the fluid retaining portion 60. In the open position 20a, the bucket portion 52 is under the connection 17 and the valve 13, when in use. If the connection leaks, the attachment portion 40 will capture and retain the liquid. Further, when in the open position 20s, the fluid retaining portion 60 is under the spout 19 and will capture and retain leakage therefrom.
In the illustrated example embodiments of FIGS. 8-10, 15-16 the fluid retaining portion 60 is rotationally moved toward the attachment portion 40 indirection A (see FIG. 9) into the closed position 20b. As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the closed position 20b, the front wall 72c pivots into contact with the flat bottom surface 51 of the attachment portion 40 and exterior portions of the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b move into contact with interior portions of the wall 47. Further, in the closed position 20b, the first and second edges 47a, 47b of the wall 47 of the attachment portion 40 align with the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b of the fluid retaining portion 60.
As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, an attachment angle 83 at which the first and second edges 47a, 47b extend away from the flat bottom surface 51 is complementary to a retaining angle 81. Edges of the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b, comprised in the flow direction path 68, extend along the retaining angle 81 from the front wall 72c toward the rear wall 72d (see for example, FIG. 8). As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 9, the complementary nature of the attachment angle 83 and the retaining angle 81 creates a fluid retention container 88. The fluid retention container 88 is defined by the flat bottom surface 50, and the wall 47 of the attachment portion, and the front wall 72c, the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b, and the base wall 70.
Responsive to fluid being preset in the fluid retaining portion 60 when the fluid retaining portion is rotationally moved toward the attachment portion 40 in direction A, the fluid will travel from the fluid retaining portion into the bucket portion 52 of the attachment portion 40, until the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is in the closed position 20b, wherein the fluid is retained in the fluid retention container 88. In one example embodiment, the interaction of the wall 47 of the attachment portion 40 and the first and second sidewalls 72a, 72b of the fluid retaining portion 60 frictionally maintains the micro-spill prevention trough 20 in the closed position 20b absent application of a force over-a force threshold. In another example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the first and second protrusions 51a, 51b frictionally interact with the first and second voids 84a, 84b to maintain the micro-spill prevention trough 20 in the closed position 20b absent application of a force over a force threshold. Responsive to capturing fluid in the macro-spill prevention trough 20, the micro-spill prevention trough is moved into the closed position 20b, and the micro-spill prevention trough is removed from the tote 10, wherein the fluid is safely disposed of, and safely retained in the fluid retention container 88.
The micro-spill prevention trough 20 advantageously is configured to interact with most IBC totes 10 and prevents micro-spills or drips of various chemicals without having to purchase additional totes. Further, the micro-spill prevention trough 20 has the closed position 20b wherein the micro-spill prevention trough is within the bounds of the IBC tote 10, such that the micro-spill prevention trough is transportable with the tote. Stated another way, in the closed position 20b, the micro-spill prevention trough 20 is clear from contact of any fork truck or fork truck rakes used to move the tote 10. Thus, breakage of the micro-spill prevention trough is advantageously minimized. Additionally, as the micro-spill prevention trough 20 forms a fluid retention container 88 in the closed position 20b, fluids can be sequestered and spilling is minimized.
Referring now to FIGS. 32-33, another example embodiment of a micro-spill prevention trough 120 is shown. Features of the micro-spill prevention trough 120 illustrated in FIGS. 32-33 that are similar to the features of the micro-spill prevention trough 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2-31 will be identified by like numerals increased by a factor of one-hundred.
In the illustrated example embodiment of FIGS. 32-33, the attachment portion 140 includes first and second indents 194a, 194b. The first and second indents 194a, 194b interact with first and second lips 192a, 192b defined by the fluid retaining portion 160 in the closed position. In one example embodiment, the first and second indents 194a, 194b interact frictionally with the first and second lips 192a, 192b. In another example embodiment, the first and second indents 194a, 194b slip onto the first and second lips 192a, 192b, such that to re-open the micro-spill prevention trough 120, the attachment portion 140 is flexed inwardly to unclip the lips from the indents.
As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 33, the attachment portion 140 defines a relief projection 198a for ease of manufacturing Ic. A second relief projection is on a second side of the attachment portion 140 (not shown) opposite the relief projection 198a. In the illustrated example embodiment, the fluid retaining portion 160 includes a rear notch 199. In one example embodiment, the rear notch 199 comprises a u-shaped indent in the rear wall 172d.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 10%, in another possible embodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1%, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
Patent Application
20210188498
