CA1142865A - Industrial drums configured for mechanized and manual handling - Google Patents
Industrial drums configured for mechanized and manual handlingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1142865A CA1142865A CA000323745A CA323745A CA1142865A CA 1142865 A CA1142865 A CA 1142865A CA 000323745 A CA000323745 A CA 000323745A CA 323745 A CA323745 A CA 323745A CA 1142865 A CA1142865 A CA 1142865A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- drum
- body member
- end member
- bottom end
- annular
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
- B65D39/08—Threaded or like closure members secured by rotation; Bushes therefor
- B65D39/082—Bung-rings and bungs for bung-holes
- B65D39/084—Separated bung-rings made by one element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/12—Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
Abstract
INDUSTRIAL DRUMS CONFIGURED FOR
MECHANIZED AND MANUAL HANDLING
Abstract of the Disclosure An industrial drum molded of synthetic resin material, pre-ferably by rotational molding, having a configuration including body portions provided for facilitating handling of the drum both manually and by the use of conventional mechanized material handling devices, the configuration of these body portions, as well as further portions at the bottom of the drum, also serving as a reinforcing structure for strengthening the drum. Specific surface finished are provided on different surface areas of the drum for enabling ease of labelling, handling and storage of the drum. A bung opening for a conventional threaded closure is provided by a threaded insert of a synthetic resin material having greater toughness and a higher melting point than the material of the drum so that the threaded insert can be molded in place during fabrication of the drum.
MECHANIZED AND MANUAL HANDLING
Abstract of the Disclosure An industrial drum molded of synthetic resin material, pre-ferably by rotational molding, having a configuration including body portions provided for facilitating handling of the drum both manually and by the use of conventional mechanized material handling devices, the configuration of these body portions, as well as further portions at the bottom of the drum, also serving as a reinforcing structure for strengthening the drum. Specific surface finished are provided on different surface areas of the drum for enabling ease of labelling, handling and storage of the drum. A bung opening for a conventional threaded closure is provided by a threaded insert of a synthetic resin material having greater toughness and a higher melting point than the material of the drum so that the threaded insert can be molded in place during fabrication of the drum.
Description
28~iS
INDUSTRIAL DRUMS CONFIGURED FOR
MECHANIZED AND MANUAL HANDLING
The present invention relates generally to industrial drums and pertains, more specifically, -to industrial drums con-structed of synthetic resin materials for use in the trans-portation and storage of goods which are usually in liquid form.
Industrial drums have long been a staple product used in the transportation and storage of goods in liquid and liquid-like forms. The now ubiquitous fifty-five gallon drum is an example of a versatile container which has been manufactured for many years in numerous forms. The conventional form for such drums is a cylindrical configuration with integral annular chimes. Such a configuration has been reduced to more-or-less standard shapes and dimensions to enable mechanized drum-handling equipment and storage facilities to be developed on a more uniform basis.
More recently, industrial drums have been constructed of synthetic resin materials in attempts to gain superior corrosion resistance and ease of manufacture, as well as other beneficial characteristics provided by the newer materials. However, the more commercially acceptable plastic drums have been constructed in configurations which represent a considerable departure from the widely accepted cylindrical drum with its annular~ chimes.
Attempts at duplicating the accepted aspects of the conventional cylindrical drum in a synthetic resin drum have met with problems relating to attaining the appropriate strength in a container manufactured by economical molding techniques. In an earlier Canadian Patent No. 1,083,055~ issued August 5, 1980, drum configurations and manufacturing techniques and materials are described which enable the construction of industrial drums offering the advantages of present drums of conventional size and configuration, but which can be fabricated economically of a synthetic resin material which offers high strength and ~1~2~36S
increased durability, as well as further advantages such as corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved industrial drum configuration constructed of synthetic resin material and which facilitates handling of the drum both manually and by the use of conventional mechanized material handling devices, while providing a reinforcing structure for strengthening the drum, all without departing drastically from current conventional drum configurations.
Another object of the invention is to provide an industrial drum of synthetic resin material in which different surface areas of the drum are provided with specific surface finishes for enabling ease of labelling, handling and storage of the drum.
Still another object of the invention is to provide in-dustrial drums of synthetic resin material with bottom end members having a specific load-reinforcing configuration.
A further object of the invention is to provide in-dustrial drums of the type described and which include a bung opening for a conventional threaded closure, the bung opening being provided by a threaded insert o~ a material haviny greater toughness and a higher melting point than the material of the drum so that the threaded insert can be molded in place during fabrication of the drum, the threaded insert having a special external thread for securing the insert in place in the drum wall while enabling selective removal and replacement of the insert.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an industrial drum configuration which can be fabricated by rotation-al molding and provides a rugged container capable of a long service life under a wide variety of conditions.
The above objects, as well as still further objects and advantages, are a-ttained by the present invention which may be
INDUSTRIAL DRUMS CONFIGURED FOR
MECHANIZED AND MANUAL HANDLING
The present invention relates generally to industrial drums and pertains, more specifically, -to industrial drums con-structed of synthetic resin materials for use in the trans-portation and storage of goods which are usually in liquid form.
Industrial drums have long been a staple product used in the transportation and storage of goods in liquid and liquid-like forms. The now ubiquitous fifty-five gallon drum is an example of a versatile container which has been manufactured for many years in numerous forms. The conventional form for such drums is a cylindrical configuration with integral annular chimes. Such a configuration has been reduced to more-or-less standard shapes and dimensions to enable mechanized drum-handling equipment and storage facilities to be developed on a more uniform basis.
More recently, industrial drums have been constructed of synthetic resin materials in attempts to gain superior corrosion resistance and ease of manufacture, as well as other beneficial characteristics provided by the newer materials. However, the more commercially acceptable plastic drums have been constructed in configurations which represent a considerable departure from the widely accepted cylindrical drum with its annular~ chimes.
Attempts at duplicating the accepted aspects of the conventional cylindrical drum in a synthetic resin drum have met with problems relating to attaining the appropriate strength in a container manufactured by economical molding techniques. In an earlier Canadian Patent No. 1,083,055~ issued August 5, 1980, drum configurations and manufacturing techniques and materials are described which enable the construction of industrial drums offering the advantages of present drums of conventional size and configuration, but which can be fabricated economically of a synthetic resin material which offers high strength and ~1~2~36S
increased durability, as well as further advantages such as corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved industrial drum configuration constructed of synthetic resin material and which facilitates handling of the drum both manually and by the use of conventional mechanized material handling devices, while providing a reinforcing structure for strengthening the drum, all without departing drastically from current conventional drum configurations.
Another object of the invention is to provide an industrial drum of synthetic resin material in which different surface areas of the drum are provided with specific surface finishes for enabling ease of labelling, handling and storage of the drum.
Still another object of the invention is to provide in-dustrial drums of synthetic resin material with bottom end members having a specific load-reinforcing configuration.
A further object of the invention is to provide in-dustrial drums of the type described and which include a bung opening for a conventional threaded closure, the bung opening being provided by a threaded insert o~ a material haviny greater toughness and a higher melting point than the material of the drum so that the threaded insert can be molded in place during fabrication of the drum, the threaded insert having a special external thread for securing the insert in place in the drum wall while enabling selective removal and replacement of the insert.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an industrial drum configuration which can be fabricated by rotation-al molding and provides a rugged container capable of a long service life under a wide variety of conditions.
The above objects, as well as still further objects and advantages, are a-ttained by the present invention which may be
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l~escribed ~riefly as an industrial drum constructed of molded synthetic resln material and capable of being transported in an upright position when filled, the drum comprising a generally tubular body member extendiny longitudinally between opposi-te top and bottom ends when the drum is in the upright position, first and second end members for closiny the opposite ends, one of which end members is a bottom end member molded unitary with the tubular body member at the bottom end thereof, an annular base located adjacent the intersection of the bottom end member and the tubular body member, the annular base having a first basal support located ln a basal plane and upon which the drum is supported when in the upright position, and a further support portion in the bottom end member, the further support portion being spaced laterally inwardly from the annular base and having a further basal support for providing an auxiliary support for the drum when the drum is in the upright position and is filled.
Additionally, the further basal support can be spaced longitudinally upwardly from the first basal support when the drum is empty, and the bottom end member is flexible so as to enable do~ward displacement of the further basal support to the basal plane when the drum is filled.
In a further embodiment, the invention con-templates an industrial drum constructed of molded synthetic resin material which comprises a generally tubular body member extending longi-tudinally between opposite ends, with first and second end members molded unitary with the tubular body member for closing the opposite ends. The tubular body member includes a generally cylindrical, longitudinally extending portion terminating.at longitudinally opposite boundaries adjacent the opposite ends and having a first outside diameter, with the longitudinally extending portion including a generally cylindrical ou-ter surface having a smooth matte finish for facilitating the adhesive application of a label thereto.
,,, ~
:~L142~3~i5 The invention will be more fully understood, while still further objects and advantages will become apparent, by reference to the following detailed description of an ~.
embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: :
FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially cut away, of an industrial drum constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the drum;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the drum;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is empty;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bo~tom end portion of the drum when the drum is full;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of another portion of the drum;
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The invention will be more fully understood, while still further objects and advantages will become apparent, by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational viewt partially cut away, of an industrial drum constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the drum, FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the drumi FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is emptyi FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view o the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is full, FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of another portion of the drum;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of still another portion of the drum;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded, cross-sectional view of a further portion of the drum illustrating the component parts of the closure assembly; and FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but with the component parts assembled.
Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS.
1, 2 and 3 thereof, an industria]. drum constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated at 10. Drum 10 has a generally tubular body member 12 which includes a unitary cylindrical side wall 14 extending longitudinally between a top end 16 and a bottom end 18. A first end member 20 includes a generally cir-cuIar top end wall 22 which is unitary with side wall 14. A
second end member 24 includes a generally circular bottom end wall 26 which also is unitary with side wall 14. Drum 10 is shown empty and resting in a vertical position on a horizontal , -4-. ,~.~
l~Z~3~i5 support surface 28.
Side wall 14 has a longitudinally centrally located first portion 30 which is in the ~form of a generally straight cylinder extending longitudinally between upper~boundary 32 and lower boundary 34, each boundary'32 and 34 being spaced from a corresponding end 16 and 18. First portion 30 has an outside diameter which is essentially~constant along the length between boundaries 32 and 34. A pair of annular ribs 36 is placed adjacent each boundary'32 and'34 and spaced from a corresponding end 16 and 18.
The overall outside diameter of ribs 36 is greater than the outside diameter of first portion 30'and is greater than the outside diameter of any further portion of drum 10. Thus, upon placement of the drum upon support surface 28 in a horizontal position, that is, with the central longitudinal axis C of the drum parallel to the support surface 28, as shown in phantom in FIG. 1, ribs 36 serve as contacts which rest upon the support surface 28. ~he space 40 between each of the ribs 36 of a pair of ribs 36 is made great enough to accommodate the load-engaging tines of a conventional material handling device, such as the tines 42, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1, of a conventional fork lift truck (not shown). In addition, the space 40 between the ribs 36 of each pair of ribs 36 is great enough to accommodate the jaws (not shown) of a conventional drum-handling device known as a "grabber". Further, the provision of a plurality of ribs 36 establishes a reinforcing structure for strengthening the side wall 14 of the drum 10.
Top end wall 22 is unitary with side wall 14, and an integral chime 46 is provided at the intersection of top end wall 22 and side wall 14. Chime 46 has a configuration which enables the drum 10 to be handled with drum~handling equipment of the type such as that described in United States patent no. 2,814,403, . ,,:.:~
s all as more fully described in the aforesaid Canadian Patent No. 1,083,055, issued ~ugust 5, 1980. Thus, mechanized handling of drum lO is readily accomplished with a variety of different types of conventional drum handling devices. Chime 46 is pro-vided with two drain troughs 48. The location of the drain troughs 48, together with the slightly domed configuration of the top end wall 22, facilitates the draining of any liquid which might otherwise tend to collect upon the top end wall 22.
As best seen in FIGS. l and 3, the second end member 24 includes an annular base portion 50 located at the intersection of the bottom end wall 26 and the side wall 14. The annuIar base portion 50 is circular and includes a primary basal support 52 upon which drum lO is supported when in the upright vertical position shown. Spaced laterally inwardly from the annular base portion 50 is a further support portion in the form of an annular support ring 54, molded integral with the bottom end wall 26, and including further basal support 56.
Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as to FIGS. 1 and 3, when the drum lO is empty, further basal support 56 is spaced lon~itudinally upwardly from primary basal support 52, as seen in FIG. 4; however, upon filling the drum lO, as seen in FIG. 5, the flexible nature of bottom end wall 26 enables downward displacement of annular support ring 54 until further basal support 56 rests upon horizontal support 28, thereby providing an auxiliary support for drum lO when the drum is filled. The auxiliary support is effective during the transportation of a loaded drum in that the bottom end wall 26 is reinforced against excessive up and down movement under load. Such excessive up and down movement under load has been responsible, in the past, for failure of the bottom end wall. By reinforcing against that constant up and down movement, the annuIar support ring 54 and the further basal support 56 thereof extends the useful ; -6-12~365 service life of the drum 10 Drum 10 preferably is fabricated by rotational molding and is constructed of a synthetic resin material suitable for rotational molding. One such material is polyethylene. The rotational molding process lends itself well to molding the tubuIar body member 12, the top end member 20 and the bottom end member 24 in a unitary structure.
The rotational molding process also provides a slmplified method of establishing specific surface finishes upon different surface areas of the drum 10 so as to enable ease of labelling, handling and storage~ Thus, side wall portion 30 which is fabri~
cated in a straight sided cylindrical configuration so as to be well-suited to the placement of a separate label on the outer surface 60 thereof, is given a smooth matte finish along outer surface 60. The smooth matte finish creates a smooth "satin-like" surface in order to facilitate the adhesion of a label which either has an adhesive backing or is secured with a separate layer of adhesive placed directly upon surface 60. The smooth matte finish is attained by treating the portion of the mold which creates surface 60, first with a superfine sandblast and then with a fine glass bead blast. Since it is the mold which is so treated, each molded drum will emerge with the same controlled surface finish.
In order to enhance the ability of drum 10 to be handled manually, the exposed surface 62 of chime 46 is provided with a medium-rough surface finish, and the medium-rough surface finish preferably is extended onto the top end wall 22 continuously over a contiguous annuIar area 64 of the top end wall 22, as illustrat-ed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. The medium-rough finish creates a granular-type surface which enables a worker to grasp the drum 10 along that surface without having the surface slip from the grasp of gloved hands even when the surface or the gloved hands 1~2~i~;5 are wet. Thus, manual maneuverability is enhanced. The medium-rough finish is achieved by treating the corresponding portion of the mold which creates the drum 10, first with a superfine sandblast and then with a No. 330 shot blast. Again, since the mold is so treated, every drum will have-an identical sur-face finish.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the outer surface 66 of the base 52 is provided with a coarse-rough surface finish.
Preferably, the coarse-rough surface finish is extended con-tinuously along the contiguous surface portions 68 and 69 of the side wall 14 and the bottom end wall 26. In this manner, an extremely rough, almost knurled texture is provided so that the drum will establish a firm frictional grip upon a support surface, such as support surface 28. Thus, the drum will stand firm upon a wooden pallet and will tend to resist skidding on almost any floor surface encountered in shipment and storage.
In addition, the extended portions 68 and 69, together with surface 66, provide for the anti-slip grip of gloved hands during manual manipuIation of the drum. The coarse~rough finish is attained by treating the corresponding area of the mold, the treatment comprising a No. 14 grit blast. Again, since the mold is so treated, each drum will have an identical finish.
Turning now to FIGS. 7 and-8, as well as to FIGS. 1 and 2, drum 10 is provided with bung openings 70 and 72 in top end wall 22, each bung opening being constructed to accept con-ventional screw-threaded closures by means of a closure assembly, shown at 80 in connection with bung opening 70. The closure assembly for bung opening 72, though of smaller diameter, is similar and does not require a separate illustration and des-cription.
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The bung opening 70 itself extends through a boss 82 in the top end wall 22. A separate threaded insert 84 having a tubular body is fitted into the opening 70 and is secured therein by complementary screw threads including an external thread 86 on the insert 84 and an internal thread 88 in the boss 82. Thread 86 is a modified buttress thread having a thread profile which includes a leading flank 90, facing the forward direction T of the thread, and a trailing flank 92. Trailing flank 92 lies in a plane P generally perpendicular to the forward direction T, and the leading flank 90 makes an acute angle A with plane P and the trailing flank 92. Such a thread configuration tends to keep the insert 84 locked within the opening 70.
The insert 84 is itself provided with a threaded aperture 94 for receiving a conventional threaded closure 96 Closure 96 is selectively removable to gain access to the interior of the drum, while insert 84 is more-or-less permanently installed in the drum. The insert 84 is fabricated of a material which has a toughness greater than the material of the drum 10. Thus, the insert 84 is better able to withstand the repeated insertion and removal of the closure 96. ~owever, should the insert 84 become worn or otherwise damaged, it may be removed and replaced by unthreading the insert from the opening 70, by means of the threads 86 and 88.
Preferably, the material of the insert 84 has a higher melting point than the material of the drum 10 so that a complet-ed insert may be placed in the drum mold during fabrication of the drum and molded integral with the drum to establish an assembled drum and insert. Where the drum 10 is molded of poly-ethylene, the insert may be fabricated of another synthetic resin material, such as nylon, which is tougher and has a higher melting point than polyethylene.
.,~- ., _g_ . .: . ., Insert 84 includes a flange 98 which abuts boss 82 to aid in sealing the connection between the insert 84 and the top end wall 22. Closure 96 also has a flange 100 which e~tends radially outwardly and carries a depending lip 102. Upon insertion of the closure 96 into the insert 84~ lip 102 is seated against an annuIar sealing surface in the form of a seat 104 on the insert to seal the threaded aperture 94. Closure 96 is provided with a wrenching socket 105 for driving the closure during closing and opening. An annular wall 106 is unitary with the insert 84 and extends upwardly beyond seat 104 to an outer edge 108.
Annular wall 106 is spaced laterally from seat 104 and outer edge 108 is raised sufficiently such that upon seating the closure 96 in the insert 84, as seen in FIG. 7, the outer periphery 110 of the flange 100 of the closure 96 is located closely adjacent to the annular wall 106 and the closure 96 is recessed beneath the outer edge 108. In this manner, access to the closure 96 for operating the closure is limited to the wrenching socket 104, with access to the outer periphery 110 being closed off. Thus, operation of the closure 96 by any tool other than that specifically designed to enter wrenching socket 104 is precluded.
A protective cap 112 is placed over the closure 96 and insert 84 and is secured in place by a clamping band 114 which includes a bead 116 for engaging a complementary groove 118 in the flange 98 of the insert 84. The cap 112 seals the closure 96 from surrounding contaminants.
It is to be understood that the above detailed des-cription of an embodiment of the invention is provided by way of example only. Various details of design and construction may be modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
.,. . ~ , ~;
.,. ",,
~.~.42~3~S
l~escribed ~riefly as an industrial drum constructed of molded synthetic resln material and capable of being transported in an upright position when filled, the drum comprising a generally tubular body member extendiny longitudinally between opposi-te top and bottom ends when the drum is in the upright position, first and second end members for closiny the opposite ends, one of which end members is a bottom end member molded unitary with the tubular body member at the bottom end thereof, an annular base located adjacent the intersection of the bottom end member and the tubular body member, the annular base having a first basal support located ln a basal plane and upon which the drum is supported when in the upright position, and a further support portion in the bottom end member, the further support portion being spaced laterally inwardly from the annular base and having a further basal support for providing an auxiliary support for the drum when the drum is in the upright position and is filled.
Additionally, the further basal support can be spaced longitudinally upwardly from the first basal support when the drum is empty, and the bottom end member is flexible so as to enable do~ward displacement of the further basal support to the basal plane when the drum is filled.
In a further embodiment, the invention con-templates an industrial drum constructed of molded synthetic resin material which comprises a generally tubular body member extending longi-tudinally between opposite ends, with first and second end members molded unitary with the tubular body member for closing the opposite ends. The tubular body member includes a generally cylindrical, longitudinally extending portion terminating.at longitudinally opposite boundaries adjacent the opposite ends and having a first outside diameter, with the longitudinally extending portion including a generally cylindrical ou-ter surface having a smooth matte finish for facilitating the adhesive application of a label thereto.
,,, ~
:~L142~3~i5 The invention will be more fully understood, while still further objects and advantages will become apparent, by reference to the following detailed description of an ~.
embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: :
FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially cut away, of an industrial drum constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the drum;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the drum;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is empty;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bo~tom end portion of the drum when the drum is full;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of another portion of the drum;
- 3a -, 2~36S
The invention will be more fully understood, while still further objects and advantages will become apparent, by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational viewt partially cut away, of an industrial drum constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the drum, FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the drumi FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is emptyi FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view o the bottom end portion of the drum when the drum is full, FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of another portion of the drum;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of still another portion of the drum;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded, cross-sectional view of a further portion of the drum illustrating the component parts of the closure assembly; and FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but with the component parts assembled.
Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS.
1, 2 and 3 thereof, an industria]. drum constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated at 10. Drum 10 has a generally tubular body member 12 which includes a unitary cylindrical side wall 14 extending longitudinally between a top end 16 and a bottom end 18. A first end member 20 includes a generally cir-cuIar top end wall 22 which is unitary with side wall 14. A
second end member 24 includes a generally circular bottom end wall 26 which also is unitary with side wall 14. Drum 10 is shown empty and resting in a vertical position on a horizontal , -4-. ,~.~
l~Z~3~i5 support surface 28.
Side wall 14 has a longitudinally centrally located first portion 30 which is in the ~form of a generally straight cylinder extending longitudinally between upper~boundary 32 and lower boundary 34, each boundary'32 and 34 being spaced from a corresponding end 16 and 18. First portion 30 has an outside diameter which is essentially~constant along the length between boundaries 32 and 34. A pair of annular ribs 36 is placed adjacent each boundary'32 and'34 and spaced from a corresponding end 16 and 18.
The overall outside diameter of ribs 36 is greater than the outside diameter of first portion 30'and is greater than the outside diameter of any further portion of drum 10. Thus, upon placement of the drum upon support surface 28 in a horizontal position, that is, with the central longitudinal axis C of the drum parallel to the support surface 28, as shown in phantom in FIG. 1, ribs 36 serve as contacts which rest upon the support surface 28. ~he space 40 between each of the ribs 36 of a pair of ribs 36 is made great enough to accommodate the load-engaging tines of a conventional material handling device, such as the tines 42, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1, of a conventional fork lift truck (not shown). In addition, the space 40 between the ribs 36 of each pair of ribs 36 is great enough to accommodate the jaws (not shown) of a conventional drum-handling device known as a "grabber". Further, the provision of a plurality of ribs 36 establishes a reinforcing structure for strengthening the side wall 14 of the drum 10.
Top end wall 22 is unitary with side wall 14, and an integral chime 46 is provided at the intersection of top end wall 22 and side wall 14. Chime 46 has a configuration which enables the drum 10 to be handled with drum~handling equipment of the type such as that described in United States patent no. 2,814,403, . ,,:.:~
s all as more fully described in the aforesaid Canadian Patent No. 1,083,055, issued ~ugust 5, 1980. Thus, mechanized handling of drum lO is readily accomplished with a variety of different types of conventional drum handling devices. Chime 46 is pro-vided with two drain troughs 48. The location of the drain troughs 48, together with the slightly domed configuration of the top end wall 22, facilitates the draining of any liquid which might otherwise tend to collect upon the top end wall 22.
As best seen in FIGS. l and 3, the second end member 24 includes an annular base portion 50 located at the intersection of the bottom end wall 26 and the side wall 14. The annuIar base portion 50 is circular and includes a primary basal support 52 upon which drum lO is supported when in the upright vertical position shown. Spaced laterally inwardly from the annular base portion 50 is a further support portion in the form of an annular support ring 54, molded integral with the bottom end wall 26, and including further basal support 56.
Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as to FIGS. 1 and 3, when the drum lO is empty, further basal support 56 is spaced lon~itudinally upwardly from primary basal support 52, as seen in FIG. 4; however, upon filling the drum lO, as seen in FIG. 5, the flexible nature of bottom end wall 26 enables downward displacement of annular support ring 54 until further basal support 56 rests upon horizontal support 28, thereby providing an auxiliary support for drum lO when the drum is filled. The auxiliary support is effective during the transportation of a loaded drum in that the bottom end wall 26 is reinforced against excessive up and down movement under load. Such excessive up and down movement under load has been responsible, in the past, for failure of the bottom end wall. By reinforcing against that constant up and down movement, the annuIar support ring 54 and the further basal support 56 thereof extends the useful ; -6-12~365 service life of the drum 10 Drum 10 preferably is fabricated by rotational molding and is constructed of a synthetic resin material suitable for rotational molding. One such material is polyethylene. The rotational molding process lends itself well to molding the tubuIar body member 12, the top end member 20 and the bottom end member 24 in a unitary structure.
The rotational molding process also provides a slmplified method of establishing specific surface finishes upon different surface areas of the drum 10 so as to enable ease of labelling, handling and storage~ Thus, side wall portion 30 which is fabri~
cated in a straight sided cylindrical configuration so as to be well-suited to the placement of a separate label on the outer surface 60 thereof, is given a smooth matte finish along outer surface 60. The smooth matte finish creates a smooth "satin-like" surface in order to facilitate the adhesion of a label which either has an adhesive backing or is secured with a separate layer of adhesive placed directly upon surface 60. The smooth matte finish is attained by treating the portion of the mold which creates surface 60, first with a superfine sandblast and then with a fine glass bead blast. Since it is the mold which is so treated, each molded drum will emerge with the same controlled surface finish.
In order to enhance the ability of drum 10 to be handled manually, the exposed surface 62 of chime 46 is provided with a medium-rough surface finish, and the medium-rough surface finish preferably is extended onto the top end wall 22 continuously over a contiguous annuIar area 64 of the top end wall 22, as illustrat-ed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. The medium-rough finish creates a granular-type surface which enables a worker to grasp the drum 10 along that surface without having the surface slip from the grasp of gloved hands even when the surface or the gloved hands 1~2~i~;5 are wet. Thus, manual maneuverability is enhanced. The medium-rough finish is achieved by treating the corresponding portion of the mold which creates the drum 10, first with a superfine sandblast and then with a No. 330 shot blast. Again, since the mold is so treated, every drum will have-an identical sur-face finish.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the outer surface 66 of the base 52 is provided with a coarse-rough surface finish.
Preferably, the coarse-rough surface finish is extended con-tinuously along the contiguous surface portions 68 and 69 of the side wall 14 and the bottom end wall 26. In this manner, an extremely rough, almost knurled texture is provided so that the drum will establish a firm frictional grip upon a support surface, such as support surface 28. Thus, the drum will stand firm upon a wooden pallet and will tend to resist skidding on almost any floor surface encountered in shipment and storage.
In addition, the extended portions 68 and 69, together with surface 66, provide for the anti-slip grip of gloved hands during manual manipuIation of the drum. The coarse~rough finish is attained by treating the corresponding area of the mold, the treatment comprising a No. 14 grit blast. Again, since the mold is so treated, each drum will have an identical finish.
Turning now to FIGS. 7 and-8, as well as to FIGS. 1 and 2, drum 10 is provided with bung openings 70 and 72 in top end wall 22, each bung opening being constructed to accept con-ventional screw-threaded closures by means of a closure assembly, shown at 80 in connection with bung opening 70. The closure assembly for bung opening 72, though of smaller diameter, is similar and does not require a separate illustration and des-cription.
:,~ -8-6~
The bung opening 70 itself extends through a boss 82 in the top end wall 22. A separate threaded insert 84 having a tubular body is fitted into the opening 70 and is secured therein by complementary screw threads including an external thread 86 on the insert 84 and an internal thread 88 in the boss 82. Thread 86 is a modified buttress thread having a thread profile which includes a leading flank 90, facing the forward direction T of the thread, and a trailing flank 92. Trailing flank 92 lies in a plane P generally perpendicular to the forward direction T, and the leading flank 90 makes an acute angle A with plane P and the trailing flank 92. Such a thread configuration tends to keep the insert 84 locked within the opening 70.
The insert 84 is itself provided with a threaded aperture 94 for receiving a conventional threaded closure 96 Closure 96 is selectively removable to gain access to the interior of the drum, while insert 84 is more-or-less permanently installed in the drum. The insert 84 is fabricated of a material which has a toughness greater than the material of the drum 10. Thus, the insert 84 is better able to withstand the repeated insertion and removal of the closure 96. ~owever, should the insert 84 become worn or otherwise damaged, it may be removed and replaced by unthreading the insert from the opening 70, by means of the threads 86 and 88.
Preferably, the material of the insert 84 has a higher melting point than the material of the drum 10 so that a complet-ed insert may be placed in the drum mold during fabrication of the drum and molded integral with the drum to establish an assembled drum and insert. Where the drum 10 is molded of poly-ethylene, the insert may be fabricated of another synthetic resin material, such as nylon, which is tougher and has a higher melting point than polyethylene.
.,~- ., _g_ . .: . ., Insert 84 includes a flange 98 which abuts boss 82 to aid in sealing the connection between the insert 84 and the top end wall 22. Closure 96 also has a flange 100 which e~tends radially outwardly and carries a depending lip 102. Upon insertion of the closure 96 into the insert 84~ lip 102 is seated against an annuIar sealing surface in the form of a seat 104 on the insert to seal the threaded aperture 94. Closure 96 is provided with a wrenching socket 105 for driving the closure during closing and opening. An annular wall 106 is unitary with the insert 84 and extends upwardly beyond seat 104 to an outer edge 108.
Annular wall 106 is spaced laterally from seat 104 and outer edge 108 is raised sufficiently such that upon seating the closure 96 in the insert 84, as seen in FIG. 7, the outer periphery 110 of the flange 100 of the closure 96 is located closely adjacent to the annular wall 106 and the closure 96 is recessed beneath the outer edge 108. In this manner, access to the closure 96 for operating the closure is limited to the wrenching socket 104, with access to the outer periphery 110 being closed off. Thus, operation of the closure 96 by any tool other than that specifically designed to enter wrenching socket 104 is precluded.
A protective cap 112 is placed over the closure 96 and insert 84 and is secured in place by a clamping band 114 which includes a bead 116 for engaging a complementary groove 118 in the flange 98 of the insert 84. The cap 112 seals the closure 96 from surrounding contaminants.
It is to be understood that the above detailed des-cription of an embodiment of the invention is provided by way of example only. Various details of design and construction may be modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
.,. . ~ , ~;
.,. ",,
Claims (8)
1. An industrial drum constructed of molded synthetic resin material, said drum comprising:
a generally tubular body member extending longitudinally between opposite ends; and first and second end members molded unitary with the tubular body member for closing said opposite ends;
the tubular body member including a generally cylin-drical, longitudinally extending portion terminating at longitudinally opposite boundaries adjacent said opposite ends and having a first outside diameter, said longitudinally extending portion including a generally cylindrical outer surface having a smooth matte finish for facilitating the adhesive application of a label thereto.
a generally tubular body member extending longitudinally between opposite ends; and first and second end members molded unitary with the tubular body member for closing said opposite ends;
the tubular body member including a generally cylin-drical, longitudinally extending portion terminating at longitudinally opposite boundaries adjacent said opposite ends and having a first outside diameter, said longitudinally extending portion including a generally cylindrical outer surface having a smooth matte finish for facilitating the adhesive application of a label thereto.
2. The invention of Claim 1 wherein the drum includes at least one annular chime molded unitary with a member of the drum, said chime including an exposed surface with a medium-rough surface finish extending continuously over said exposed surface for providing a hand-grip surface area which facilitates manual handling of the drum.
3. The invention of Claim 2 wherein the first end member is a top end member molded unitary with the body member, the chime is located at the intersection of the top end member and the body member and the medium-rough surface finish extends over the chime and onto a contiguous annular portion of the top end member.
.
.
4. The invention of Claim 1 wherein the second end member is a bottom end member molded unitary with the body member, the drum including an annular base located adjacent the intersection of the bottom end member and the body member, said annular base including an exposed basal support surface having a coarse-rough surface finish extending continuously over the exposed surface of the base for providing a non-slip rest surface area which facilitates shipping and storage of the drum.
5. The invention of Claim 3 wherein the second end member is a bottom end member molded unitary with the body member, the drum including an annular base located adjacent the intersection of the bottom end member and the body member, said annular base including an exposed basal support surface having a coarse-rough surface finish extending continuously over the exposed surface of the base for providing a non-slip rest surface area which facilitates shipping and storage of the drum.
6. The invention of Claim 4 wherein the coarse-rough surface finish extends continuously over annular portions of the bottom end member and the tubular body member, contiguous with the basal support surface, for providing a further hand-grip surface area.
7. The invention of Claim 5 wherein the coarse-rough surface finish extends continuously over annular portions of the bottom end member and the tubular body member, contiguous with the basal support surface, for providing a further hand-grip surface area.
8. The invention of Claim 6 or Claim 7 including at least one pair of annular ribs located adjacent to each of said opposite boundaries of the longitudinally extending portion and having a second outside diameter greater than the first outside diameter.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89342778A | 1978-04-04 | 1978-04-04 | |
| US893,427 | 1978-04-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1142865A true CA1142865A (en) | 1983-03-15 |
Family
ID=25401545
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000323745A Expired CA1142865A (en) | 1978-04-04 | 1979-03-19 | Industrial drums configured for mechanized and manual handling |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU4557279A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1142865A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2017630B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4579170A (en) * | 1983-04-18 | 1986-04-01 | The Dow Chemical Company | Container for thermal energy storage materials |
| DE8521677U1 (en) * | 1985-07-27 | 1985-09-12 | Mauser-Werke Gmbh, 5040 Bruehl | Bung barrel |
| US4890756A (en) * | 1988-08-15 | 1990-01-02 | Hoover Group, Inc. | Cylindrical tank with flared upper end |
| DE29519105U1 (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1996-01-18 | Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag, 38112 Braunschweig | Tin can body |
| GB9916020D0 (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 1999-09-08 | Barron Timothy C | Improved rainwater goods |
| FR2824807A1 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2002-11-22 | Anisa | Bottle, for the transport and storage of hazardous materials, is formed by centrifugal molding to give a cylinder body with a structured neck and base to fit into each other for stacking |
| FR2883954A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2006-10-06 | Jean Francois Vincent | Fibre-reinforced plastic container for gas-liquid contents under autogenous pressure, e.g. butane, propane or beer, made by rotational moulding with incorporation of inserts and other accessories |
| CN104554961A (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2015-04-29 | 南通市华洋包装容器厂如皋分厂 | Plastic vessel and preparation process thereof |
-
1979
- 1979-03-19 CA CA000323745A patent/CA1142865A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-03-29 AU AU45572/79A patent/AU4557279A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1979-04-03 GB GB7911516A patent/GB2017630B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2017630A (en) | 1979-10-10 |
| AU4557279A (en) | 1979-10-18 |
| GB2017630B (en) | 1982-09-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |