GB2414465A

GB2414465A - Flexible receptacle for liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2414465A
Application number: GB0410668A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Williamson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-13
Filing date: 2004-05-13
Publication date: 2005-11-30
Also published as: GB0410668D0

Abstract

A receptacle for liquids comprises a bag or pouch 10, of liquid impermeable flexible material such as waterproofed textile, plastics, or a plastics-textile laminate material, with an open end 14 which has edge reinforcement strips 15, 16 and securing means such as hook-and-pile fabric strips 18, 19 to close the bag. The flexible bag can be used in positions which would not be accessible to a rigid receptacle such as a bucket. The securing means may alternatively comprise complementary rib and channel means. The reinforcement may comprise two strips 15,16 of stiff foamed plastics, over which the edges of the flexible material are draped and secured such as by stitching 17.

Description

24 1 4465 ]

RECEPTACLE FOR LIQUIDS

This invention relates to a receptacle for liquids.

The invention has particular relevance to receptacles for catching leaking or otherwise discharged liquids in restricted spaces where access with rigid receptacles is difficult or impossible.

It is an object of the invention to provide a receptacle for liquids, which is suitable for use in restricted spaces which are difficult to access, for example to catch leaking or otherwise discharged liquids.

According to the invention a receptacle for liquids comprises a pouch of liquid impermeable flexible material having one open end, and reinforcing or stiffening means present at the open end to define a rim or mouth.

The rim or mouth can provide a firm attachment for mounting the receptacle in position using clips, clamps or other fasteners whilst the flexible nature of the material forming the pouch enables the latter to be folded to be introduced into a confined space.

Advantageously, means may be associated with the rim or mouth for effecting at least a partially effective seal, to allow removal of the pouch when filled or partially filled with liquid without serious spillage. Such Berm) sealing means may comprise VELCRO,ype connectors using opposed hook and pile fabric surfaces, or rib and channel seals such as are used for closing plastics foil bags for food storage. Such closures may not be completely liquid tight but can suffice to prevent substantial spillage.

The pouch is preferably of a waterproof textile material such as nylon, coated woven fabric, or from suitable plastics or a textile-plastics laminate.

The pouch may comprise a rectangular bag which is capable of lying flat when empty, and of being folded on lines parallel to the open end.

The reinforcement or stiffening of the open end to form the rim or mouth may comprise two strips of stiff foamed plastics material sewn into the edges of the fabric of the pouch.

An embodiment of receptacle for liquids according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an embodiment of receptacle for liquids, according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the receptacle of Fig. 1, empty; Fig. 3 shows the receptacle in place below a leaking stop-cock, in a confined space requiring folding of the receptacle; and Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the receptacle containing liquid.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the receptacle according to the invention, the receptacle comprises a pouch 10 comprising two flat fabric panels 1 1, 12 folded at each end and seamed to form a fabric tube having a closed end 13 and an open end 14.

The open end 14 is stiffened by a pair of reinforcing strips 15, 16 of stiff foamed plastics material, over which the edges of the fabric are draped and secured e. 9. by stitching 1 7.

The pouch is made of a watertight coated nylon textile fabric, and can be at least partially sealed by means of complementary Velcro-type strips 18, 19 extending along the facing inner faces of the reinforcing strips 15, 16 to prevent at least significant spillage of water contained in the pouch during removal from a site with restricted or awkward access. Fig. 4 shows a partially filled pouch with the open end closed.

Fig. 3 illustrates the receptacle in a restricted access space, arranged to catch leakage from a valve 20 which is close to a wall 21, and located with a small clearance above floor 22, so that a rigid container such as a bucket would not be capable of being located in a position to catch drops from the valve. The flexible pouch however can be folded along a line 23 to bring the open end 14 below the valve 20.

Clips, clamps or other securing means may be used to engage with the rim of the open end to secure the receptacle in place, for example by clamping to a handy rail or pipe.

The pouch can of course be made of any flexible watertight material, including plastics sheet, and textile-plastics laminates, and any suitable stiffener may be used for the open end.

It is possible that the open end may not be reinforced but be limp so that it can be tied round a leaking part to secure the pouch in place.

Even partial sealing may be dispensed with, in which case care will need to be taken to avoid spillage when removing a filled or partially filled pouch from a site with restricted access.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which are described by

way of example only.

Claims

Claims 1. A receptacle for liquids, comprising a pouch of liquid

impermeable flexible material having one open end, a reinforcing or stiffening means present at the open end to define a rim or mouth.
2. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein seal means are associated with the rim or mouth for effecting an at least partially effective seal.
3. A receptacle according to claim 2, wherein said seal means comprises fabric connectors using opposed hook and pile fabric surfaces.
4. A receptacle according to claim 2, wherein said seal means comprises complementary rib and channel sealing means.
5. A receptacle according to any preceding claim wherein the pouch is of a waterproof textile material, or of a plastics material or a textileplastics laminate.
6. A receptacle according to any preceding claim comprising a rectangular bag adapted to lie flat when empty and of being folded on lines parallel to the open end.
7. A receptacle according to any preceding claim wherein the reinforcement or stiffening of the open end to define the rim or mouth comprises two strips of stiff foamed plastics, one sewn into each of the opposed edges of the fabric of the pouch.
8. A receptacle according to claim 7 wherein complementary parts of the seal means are provided along the facing inner faces of the reinforcement strips.
9. A receptacle according to any preceding claim having securing means to keep the rim or mouth in place when in use.
10. A receptacle for liquids substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.