GB2157255A

GB2157255A - Stackable drums

Info

Publication number: GB2157255A
Application number: GB08408088A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Angel Las Ripoll; Antonio Juan Vidal
Original assignee: Compania Valenciana de Cementos Portland SA
Current assignee: Compania Valenciana de Cementos Portland SA
Priority date: 1984-03-29
Filing date: 1984-03-29
Publication date: 1985-10-23
Also published as: ES285703U; NO851268L; PT80185A; PT80185B; AR242010A1; IL74749A0; AU4045985A; EP0156653A3; ES285703Y; IE56373B1; DK139885A; JPS60228249A; NZ211605A; KR850006724A; OA07974A; GB2157255B; GR850784B; DK139885D0; FI851257A0; DE3511641A1

Abstract

A stackable drum (1) comprises; a) a top (2) having an raised peripheral rim, (3) formed with a channel (30) immediately inward from the rim (3), b) a base portion (31) at the bottom of the drum (1) with or without drain holes, having a plurality of feet (9) to be received wfthin the channel (30) of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked, wherein; i) each foot (9) is provided with an outwardly projecting step (10) to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum so as to transmit the weight of the first drum through the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, through the side walls (6) of the identical drum. At least one foot (9) may be provided with a shoe (14), the or each shoe being fixedly attached to the foot, hook or sling receiving apertures 16 may be provided on the foot or the shoe. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB 2 157 255 A 1

SPECIFICATION

Improvements to polygonal stackable drums The present invention relates to improvements to 70 polygonal stackable drums.

Spanish Utility Model No. 241877 discloses a stackable, square drum whose base had holes to allow the passage of the prongs of fork-lifts pro vided with beveled ends, in the jambs, and with a lintel in an inclined plane for displacing the centre of gravity towards the geometric centre of the load assembly, which enabled the usual load platforms or four elements pallets, to be dispensed with, and assisted the prongs of the forklift to enter and leave the holes, avoiding the possibility of their un expectecify getting snagged or dragged.

Drums as described in, and contempory with, the abovementioned prior art had an upper lid in which the perimetral bourdon, or rim, remained under the supporting member of a second drum placed on top of a first, whereby the weight load was applied in part directly to the lid and created the risk of denting the lid. Furthermore the actual shape of the lid was such that in certain cases fit ting drums into a stack was difficult.

United States Patent Application Serial Number 134874 filed March 28, 1980 and it's continuation in-part filed 12 July 1982, disclose a drum wherein the perimetral bourdon is raised and a channel for drainage is formed parallel to the perimeter and immediatly interior to the raised bourdon. Further more, the support points of the lower base of each drum were provided with a step so disposed that the weight of each drum passed directly through the vertical faces of the drum stacked below it.

It has now been determined that further im provements may be made to drums whereby the operational lifetime may be lengthened and the re sistance of the drum to damage while in use may be increased. Furthermore, additional improve ments have been made which further add to the utility of the drum.

According to a first aspect of the present inven tion there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum 110 comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein; i) each foot is provided with an outwardly proj ecting slep to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, ii) at least one foot is provided with a shoe, the 125 or each shoe being fixedly attached to the foot, on or after forming of the foot, and, c) a side wall surface, the perimentral rim ex tending upwardly from the side wall surface; wherein the side wall surface, the top and the 130 base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

The or each shoe may be fixedly attached to the foot, on or after forming of the foot, by for example, spot welding, braising (if the drum is made of metal), ultrasonic welding (if the drum is made of a fusible plastics material) or by means of a screwed interconnection.

Conveniently, at least one part of the side wall surface is formed with a plurality of reinforcements to improve its mechanical strength.

Preferably, the drum is a substantially square prism.

By employing a square drum it is possible to obtain a drum with particular utility and ease of han- dling, however, it should be understood that a drum according to the present invention in any of its aspects may, for example, be hexagonal or triangular in horizontal section.

In a first series of embodiments the foot per se which is provided with the shoe is shorter than an- other foot which is not provided with a shoe so that the second foot is as long as the combination of the first foot with its shoe, thereby enabling the drum to stand level on a flat surface.

In a second series of embodiments, each foot is provided with a shoe.

In either of these two series of embodiments, the outwardly projecting step of each foot may either be provided on the respective foot itself or may be provided on a respective shoe. Where the shoe is provided with the projecting step, the step may either be pressed or rolled into the shoe. if the shoe is provided with a rolled projecting step it is possible that one limb of a carrying handle, or a length or carrying cable may be passed through the central void of the rolling, thereby enabling the drum to be more easily handled.

Furthermore, the shoe may provide an attachment for a slinging hook or the like. For example in one emobiciment of the invention, the sole of at least one foot provided with a shoe is further provided with an inward pressing and the respective shoe is either; provided with a corresponding aperture, whereby a slinging hook or the like may enter the inward pressing of the foot and thereby enable the drum to be lifted, or, provided with a corresponding inward pressing which substantially follows the contour of the inward pressing of the shoe, whereby a slinging hook or the like may enter the inward pressing of the shoe and thereby enable the drum to be lifted, in either of the two cases outlined above, the aperture adapted to receive the slinging hook or the like may be threaded, or otherwise provided with means to lock a carrying means in place, such as a twistlock receiving plate.

It can be seen from the above that the shoe may be varied in profile or curvature in all planes relative to the foot and attached in such a way as to 2 GB 2 157 255 A 2 form an energy absorbing member, both to give added mechanical protection to the drum in han dling and to overcome the effects of environmental shock or vibrations during storage and transporta tion.

According to a second aspect of the present in vention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in- 75 ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perime tral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein; i) the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, 1i) the side wall surface is provided with a num ber of pressed ribs to improve its mechanical 90 strength, and, iii) the side wall surface is provided with at least one carrying handle formed as a pressing in the side wall, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

Preferably the at least one carrying handle formed as a pressing in at least one side wall, is formed at or near the upper edge of the side wall.

It is however envisaged that the said carrying han dle may be disposed otherwise upon the side wall surface at any convenient location.

According to a third aspect of the present inven tion there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, a substantially central aperture having a rolled edge, and a snug fitting lid with a dependent flange to close the said aperture b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perime tral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral 125 rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is 130 transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum. 70 Conveniently, the rolled edge of the substantially central aperture is attached to the opening of a bag for lining the drum, wherebv interaction of the contents of the drum and the drum wall is prevented. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately in- ward from the rim, and having one or more apertures provided in the perimetral rim, wherein each aperture is provided with an inner lining sleeve extending through the aperture and flanged so as to retain the sleeve within the said aperture, 85 b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum. c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

By providing a series of apertures lined with sleeves in the manner described above it is possible that a plurality of laterally disposed drums may be secured together, or a single drum may be secured to a frame or support member by the use of a screw fixing, a drop- pin or the like. Furthermore the aperture may provide the funtion of a drainhole to drain water from the channel without weakening the structure of the drum.

Preferably, the apertures are adapted to receive a carrying handle for enabling ease of transport of the drum.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime- tral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein; i) each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical 3 drum, and, ii) at least one foot is provided with a drain plug for filling or emptying the drum and rein forced by the addition of a shoe to the same foot, and, c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

The drain plug may be located either on the sole of the respective foot or on the side of the respec tive foot. The drain plug may also be employed in combination with any one or more of the further features of the invention disclosed herein.

According to a sixth aspect of the present inven tion there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in- 90 ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perime tral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein; i) the perimetraf rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, and, ii) at least one portion of the side wall surface is provided with a number of pressed ribs to im prove its mechanical strength, whereby the pressed ribs of adjacent drums disposed laterally of each other interlock thereby adding to the me chanical cohesion of a stack of said adjacent drums, and, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

According to a seventh aspect of the present in vention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perime tral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the GB 2 157 255 A 3 weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein; i) the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, and, ii) at least one substantially vertical rib is provided in the side wall surface to act as a strut and thereby to improve its mechanical strength, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

Preferably the sustantially vertical ribs acting as struts are formed in pairs disposed adjacent some or all of the vertical edges of the dru, wherein one rib of each pair is disposed on each side of each said vertical edge.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum' having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, each foot is formed together with the respective projecting step in a singie pressing operation, c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum and forming the floor of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, each foot is formed with an inwardly facing sloping surface beween the sole of the foot and the floor of the base portion.

4 GB 2 157 255 A 4 c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

In any of the aspects of the invention described above the drum may be manufactured in metal or from a plastics material.

Furthermore, in any of the aspects of the inven tion described above, means for attaching carrying 80 means may be formed in either the top or base portion of the drum.

The invention will be further described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying fig ures wherein; Figure 1, shows a section through a drum ac cording to the present invention taken along a di agonal, Figure 2, shows an enlarged view of the seam between thew top of the drum and the side wall surface, Figure 3, shows an enlarged view of the seam between thew base portion of the drum and the side wall surface, Figure 4, shows a view of one foot of a drum ac- 95 cording to the present invention seen from inside the drum, Figure 5, shows a section through one foot of a drum according to the present invention, Figure 6, shows a view similar to that of figure 4, 100 but with a draining hole provided, Figure 7, sh.ows a section through one foot of a drum according to the present invention and de tails of a shoe having a drain hole in the sole thereof, Figure 8, shows a detail of the upper rim of a drum provided with an aperture in the rim, Figure 9, shows a detail of the lower rim of a drum provided with a carrying handle above the rim, Figure 10, shows a section through a drum ac cording to the present invention taken along a di agonal, with added ribs provided to further strengthen the side wall surfaces, Figure 11, shows a section through one foot of a 115 drum according to the present invention with a variant of the shoe attached by spot welding, Figure 12, shows the upper part of a drum ac cording to the present invention, provided with a lid, Figure 13 shows a modified shoe, Figure 14 shows a modified shoe, Figure 15 shows a modified foot, and, Figure 16 shows in profile a further variant on the present invention.

In figures 1,2 and 3, there is shown a square, stackable drum 1 comprising; a square top 2 having an upraised perimetral rim 3 formed with a channel 30 immediately inward from the rim. The perimetral rim 3 is formed as an upward extension 130 of the side wall surface 6. A square base portion 31 is provided at the bottom of the drum and forms both the floor 8 of the drum and each foot 9 to be received within the channel 30 of an identical drum when a plurality of such drums are stacked vertically on top of each other. The foot 9 is provided with an outwardly projecting step 10 to rest upon the perimetral rim 3 of an identical drum. 75 The a side wall surface 6 is seamed to the the top 2 and the base portion 31 at locations 5 and 7 respectively, the nature of one possible variant on these seams being shown in figures 2 and 3 respectively. The side wall surface 6 has pressings 11 and 12 which act to strenghten the side wall surface and prevent collapse of an empty drum when a full drum is stacked above it. The pressing 11 is a window-like pressing while the pressing 12 comprises a substantially vertical rib which is provided in the side wall surface 6 to act as a strut.

An orifice 4 for a closure member is provided in the top 2.

Turning now to figure 4, there is shown a view of one foot of a drum according to the present in- vention seen from inside the drum. The pressed or rolled step 10 is seen from the inside together with the seam 7 between the side wall surface 6 and the base portion 31. In use the space within the foot 9 may be filled with a resin or other sealing compound to the level of the floor 8, to prevent residues accumulating when the drum is emptied.

The pressings 12 acting as struts may be formed in pairs disposed adjacent at least some of the vertical edges of the drum, with one rib of each pair disposed on each side of the respective vertical edge.

Figures 6 and 7 show respectively, a view similar to that of figure 4, but with a draining hole 13 provided in the wall of the foot 9 and a section through one foot of a drum according to the present invention with details of a shoe 14 having a drain hole 17 in the sole thereof.

In figure 7, The shoe substantially follows the contour of the foot 9. The drain hole 17, pierces both the shoe 14 and the foot 15, and is sealed by a drain plug 16. In embodiments such as this, the sealing of the feet as described above is of particular utillity.

The sloping surface 15, which forms the inward facing surface of the drum slopes between the sole 32 of the foot and the floor 8 of the drum, as does the sloping surface of the shoe 14. This sloping surface 14 is particularly useful when the drum is being lifted by a fork lift, when the forks are centred from any off-centre position as they impinge upon this surface.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the upper rim 3 of a drum provided with an aperture 18 in the rim. The aperture is provided with an inner lining sleeve 19 extending through the aperture and flanged so as to retain the sleeve within the said aperture. This aperture may act as a fixing point for a handle or a slinging hook. By providing a series of apertures lined with sleeves in the manner described above it is possible that a plurality of laterally disposed GB 2 157 255 A 5 drums may be secured together, or a single drum may be secured to a frame or support member by the use of a screw fixing, a drop-pin or the like.

Furthermore the aperture may provide the funtion of a drain-hole to drain water from the channel without weakening the structure of the drum.

An additional feature shown in figure 8 is the in ward pressing 60 of the side wall surface 6, which in this instance bears upon the undersurface of the top 2 along line 61. By providing such an inward pressing it is possible to produce a structure by means of which a filled drum may be handled without deformation.

Figure 9 shows a detail of the lower seam 7, i.e.

the seam at the lower edge of the side wall 6. In this variant of the invention, a handle 20 is pressed into the side wall 6 above the seam. As an alterna tive or in addition, a similar handle may be pro vided as an inward presssing of the side wall below the upper seam 5.

Figure 10 shows a section through a drum ac cording to the present invention taken along a di agonal, with added ribs 21 provided to further strengthen the side wall surfaces 6. The added ribs are shown in a 'St. Andrew's Cross' formation but 90 other formations such as diagonal vertical or hori zontal corrugations may be employed. As a yet fur ther alternative, the 'St. Andrew's Cross' formation may extend over at least one entire face of a poly hedral drum, in a manner with which the 'Jerry Can' may be considered analogous.

Figure 10 also shows a drop-down handle 34 at tached to the side wall surface by mountings fixedly attached to the surface.

Figure 11, shows a section through one foot 9 of a drum according to the present invention with a variant of the shoe 22 attached by spot welding at points 23. It should be noted that this shoe does not follow the contour of the foot over its entire outer surface and thus forms an energy absorbing member, both to give added mechanical protection to the drum in handling and to overcome the effects of evviromental shock or vibrations during storage and transportation.

Figure 12, shows the upper part of a drum according to the present invention, provided with a lid 25, in the top 2. The lid 25 may be located centrally or offset. A dependent flange 24 forms a fixing point for a bag 27, which is held in, place by a ring 28 provided with an over-centre clasp means 29. The lid may be secured in place by a sealing ring 26 which may have deformable lugs to hold the lid in place, in the event of a shock.

Figure 13 shows a modified shoe 40 attached to a foot 49 which has a rolled step 41. A further optional feature is shown in the figure, wherein a D ring 48 is passed through the central void 42 of the rolling, thereby enabling the drum to be more easily handled.

Figure 14 shows a modified shoe 43 attached to a foot 50, provided with a corresponding aperture 44 to an inward pressing of the foot 48, whereby a slinging hook or the like (not shown) may enter the inward pressing of the foot and thereby enable the drum to be lifted.

Figure 15 shows a modified foot 45, provided with a corresponding inward pressing 46 which substantially follows the contour of the inward pressing 47 of the shoe 51, whereby a slinging hook or the like (not shown) may enter the inward pressing of the shoe and thereby enable the drum to be lifted. In either of the two cases outlined above, as illustrated in figures 14 and 15, the aperture adapted to receive the slinging hook or the like may be threaded, or otherwise provided with means to lock a carrying means in place. Furthermore, the floor 8 of the drum is provided with at least one inward pressing (of which only one 57 is shown) which acts as a purchase for carrying and/ or handling of the drum.

Figure 16 shows in profile a further variant on the present invention, wherein the foot 54 is adapted to fit within a shoe 53 provided with a pressed step 55. A cable or wire 56 is passed through a void between the foot 54 and the shoe 53, thereby enabling the drum to be more easily handled.

Claims

1. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim ' formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein; i) each foot is provided with an outwardly proj ecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, ii) at least one foot is provided with a shoe, the or each shoe being fixedly attached to the foot, on or after forming of the foot, and, c) a side wall surface, the perimetral rim ex tending upwardly from the side wall surface; wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur- face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

2. A drum as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one part of the side wall surface is formed with a plurality of reinforcements to improve its mechanical strength.

3. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the drum is a substantially square prism.

4. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-3, wherein, the foot per se which is provided with the shoe is shorter than another foot which is not provided with a shoe so that the second foot is as long as the combination of the first foot with its shoe. thereby enabling the drum to stand level on a flat surface.

5. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-3, 6 GB 2 157 255 A 6 wherein, each foot is provided with a shoe.

6. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-5, wherein, the outwardly projecting step of each foot is provided on the respective foot itself

7. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-5, 70 wherein, the outwardly projecting step of each foot is provided on a respective shoe.

8. A drum as claimed in claim 7 wherein, the projecting step is either pressed or rolled into the shoe.

9. A drum as claimed in claim 8 wherein, one limb of a carrying handle, or a length or carrying cable is passed through the central void of the rolling, thereby enabling the drum to be more easily handled.

10. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-9 wherein, the sole of at least one foot provided with a shoe is further provided with an inward pressing and the respective shoe is provided with a corre- sponding aperture, whereby a slinging hook or the like may enter the inward pressing of the foot and thereby enable the drum to be lifted.

11. Adrum as claimed in anyof claims 1-9 wherein, the sole of at least one foot provided with a shoe is further provided with an inward pressing and the respective shoe is provided with a corresponding inward pressing which substantially foilows the contour of the inward pressing of the shoe, whereby a slinging hook or the like may en- ter the inward pressing of the shoe and thereby enable the drum to be lifted,

12. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately in- ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein; i) the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, H) the side wall surface is provided with a number of pressed ribs to improve its mechanical strength, and, iii) the side wall surface is provided with at least one carrying handle formed as a pressing the side wall, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

13. A drum as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the at least one carrying handle formed as a pressing in the side wall, is formed at or near the upper edge of the side wall.

14. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, a substantially central aperture having a rolled edge and a snug fitting lid with a dependent flange to close the said aperture b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perime tral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum. 90

15. A drum as claimed in claim 14 wherein, the rolled edge of the substantially central aperture is attached to the opening of a bag for lining the drum, whereby interaction of contents of the drum and the drum wall is prevented. 95

16. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, and having one or more apertures provided in the perimetral rim, wherein each aperture is provided with an inner lining sleeve extending through the aperture and flanged so as to retain the sleeve within the said aperture, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur- face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

17. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein, the apertures are adapted to receive a carrying handle for enabling ease of transport of the drum. 125

18. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a ppolygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received 7 GB 2 157 255 A 7 within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein; i) each foot is provided with an outwardly proj ecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, ii) at least one foot is provided with a drain plug for filling or emptying the drum and rein- 75 forced by the addition of a shoe to the same foot, and, c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall sur face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

19. A drum as claimed in claim 18 wherein, the drain plug is located on the sole of the respective foot.

20. A drum as claimed in claim 18 wherein, the drain plug is located on the side of the respective foot.

21. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum.

c) a side wall surface, wherein i) the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, and, ii) at least one portion of the side wall surface is provided with a number of pressed ribs to improve its mechanical strength, whereby the pressed ribs of adjacent drums disposed laterally of each other interlock thereby adding to the mechanical cohesion of a stack of said adjacent drums, and, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

22. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime- 125 tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a 130 plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum. c) a side wall surface, wherein; i) the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, and, ii) at least one substantially vertical rib is provided in the side wall surface to act as a strut and thereby to improve its mechanical strength, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum. 85

23. A drum as claimed in claim 22 wherein the substantially vertical ribs acting as strusts are formed in pairs disposed adjacent some or all of the vertical edges of the drum, wherein one rib of each pair is disposed on each side of each said vertical edge.

24. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perimetral rim, formed with a channel immediately inward from the rim, 95 b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum, having a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identical drum, and, each foot is formed together with the respective projecting step in a sin- gle pressing operation, c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the frist drum directly into and through the side wall surface and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

25. A polygonal, stackable drum comprising; a) a polygonal top having an upraised perime tral rim, formed with a channel immediately in ward from the rim, b) a polygonal base portion at the bottom of the drum and forming the floor of the drum, hav ing a plurality of feet to be received within the channel of an identical drum when a plurality of drums are stacked vertically on top of each other, wherein each foot is provided with an outwardly projecting step to rest upon the perimetral rim of said identical drum and to transmit the weight of the first drum to the perimetral rim of said identi cal drum, and, each foot is formed with an in wardly facing sloping surface between the sole of 8 GB 2 157 255 A 8 the foot and the floor of the base portion.

c) a side wall surface, wherein the perimetral rim is formed as an upward extension of the side wall surface, wherein the side wall surface, the top and the base portion are disposed such that the weight of another such drum stacked above the first drum is transmitted through the perimetral rim of the first, drum directly into and through the side wall sur- face and through the base portion to the perimetral rim of the said identical drum.

26. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-25 wherein, means for attaching carrying means are formed in either the top or base portion of the drum.

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27. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-25 wherein, the drum is formed from metal.

28. A drum as claimed in any of claims 1-25 wherein, the drum is formed from a plastics mate- riaL c) The side wall surface (6) may be provided with strengthening ribs (12 and 11) the perimetral rim (3) extending upwardly from the side wall surface.

The projecting step (10) may.be provided on the foot or just on the shoe. A handling recess may be pressed into the side wall or a handling aperture provided in the upstanding rim. The drum may be square, hexagonal or triangular in horizontal cross section, and the top (2) may include an aperture closed by a lid and having a depending flange for fixing a bag within the drum.

Printed in the UK for HMSO, D8818935, 9185, 7102. Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A lAY, from which copies may be obtained.