JPH0699982A - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage. CONSTITUTION: A container comprises a plastic tank 111 for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end, and an upper abutment 140 and a lower abutment 141, extending around side walls, a top member 112 engaged to an upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon the upper abutment, and a bottom member 113 engaged to a lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon the lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs 181. The clip means 176 cooperate with serrated areas 142, 175 of the tank and the top member and with additional serrated areas 143, 188 of the tank and the bottom member, to fix the top member and the bottom member to the tank.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides about 122 when filled with a liquid and cooled to about -17.8 ° C (0 ° F).
Even if it falls from a height of 4 cm, it has a high resistance to breakage, even at the weakest part, and is approximately 42
Can be stacked up to a height close to the top of a warehouse with a height of 7 cm (14 ft) and similar containers can be stacked on top of it, but can effectively fill or drain virtually any contents And a plastic container having a shape for storing a maximum amount of

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a farmer uses chemical products such as pesticides and herbicides, in order to prevent the chemical products contained in them from leaking, they should not collide or fall without breaking or breaking. It is desirable to house such chemicals in a container that will withstand the rigors of handling. Containers with such strength are quite expensive, so
It is desirable that such containers be recyclable and reusable. However, when supplying recyclable and reusable containers used in the field, in order to prevent contamination of the products contained therein, a person other than the chemical product manufacturer may add other solutions to the container. It is important to ensure that they cannot be introduced within. Therefore, it is desirable that such containers cannot be refilled by anyone other than the seller, manufacturer, or other person responsible for accessing special tools that allow the proper chemical product to be installed within the container.

Although the containers used in the past provided some desirable features for containing these types of chemicals, none have incorporated all of the important features of the present invention.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a plastic tank containing a liquid molded by rotational molding or other method and a top member separately molded and fixed to the upper end of the tank. And a bottom member post, which is fixed to the lower end of the tank and is molded separately. The tank preferably has a closed shape with the exception of one or two upward openings, through which the liquid can be guided into or dispensed from the tank. The second opening can be used to recycle or fill at high GPM. At the top of the tank,
A recessed area or well is formed to accommodate the coupling, and the pump can be mounted on the upper end if desired. The tank comprises a sump allowing the maximum amount of liquid to be dispensed from the tank and forming a lowermost region of the tank, the lower end of the tank being shaped to direct the liquid to the sump; It comprises a ledge-free reinforcement for the ends; a shape that allows for efficient stacking of tanks; engagement means for lifting with a chain hoist; and a handgrip for lifting empty containers. A container comprising a tank having a top member and a bottom member assembled includes a coupling protection abutment member or post extending upwardly from a horizontal panel of the top member; legs of the bottom member and recessed engagement projections or pads of the top member. A stacking means including: an inlet means between closely stacked containers for engagement by a forklift from multiple directions; an interlocking of the containers in four directions between the securing of the containers and the adjacent columns of the stacked containers. Engagement means for allowing locking; a shape for permitting removal of liquid from or introduction of liquid into each container stacked in the column; reinforcement inserts for the legs of the bottom member; on the side wall of the tank And a meshing abutting means provided on the lower edge of the top member and the upper edge of the bottom member for transmitting a load when an impact is applied. Double wall protection of the main part of the main part and a shape that withstands damage from impacts regardless of impact; top member and / or bottom member can be removed and replaced in the event of damage to either the top member or the bottom member And while
A cooperating button-type fastener on the tank that is resiliently fitted into the holes in the top and bottom members to retain the top and bottom members on the tank; By molding and molding the inner surface of the top and bottom members with the outer surface of each vacuum die, the top and bottom members are accurately mated to the tank.

If desired, the tank may be translucent,
This allows the user to see how much liquid remains, the top and / or bottom members can be colored differently and color coded based on the type of product being housed. It is possible. Such color coding allows the refiller of the chemical product to easily recognize what chemical product is contained. Further, the same top and bottom members can be used for tanks of various sizes. Thus, about 56.8 liters (15 gallons), about 113.6 liters (30 gallons), and about 227 liters (60 gallons) tanks use the same top and bottom members. This design allows drainage from the top of the assembled component and efficient storage of the unassembled component while preventing water from entering the bottom by the overhanging tank. If a leak occurs from the bottom of the tank in the area that engages the stanchion / bottom member, such a stanchion / bottom member encloses the liquid and the liquid flows from the leak source directly to the ground or to the warehouse floor. And the liquid flows into the holes in the bottom member that engage with the button fasteners and leaches out of these holes to provide leak detection characteristics.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to resist breakage and to be able to stack in a column in a very stable manner, removing the contents from any or all of the stacked containers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a plastic container capable of discharging substantially all liquid contents from these containers while holding the containers in the stacking position.

These and other objects of the invention, including each of the features described above, will be readily apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, there is shown generally at 10 a container comprising a tank 11, a top member 12 and a bottom member 13.

The tank 11 is preferably formed from a plastic such as high density polyethylene and is rotationally molded using techniques known in the art, although other types of tank 11 may be used to form such a tank. Molding methods can be used, and other types of plastic such as high molecular weight polyethylene can be used.

Seen from above, the tank 11 is generally rectangular with rounded corners and slightly overhanging sidewalls. Thus, in particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 2, 6-8, 14 and 17, the tank extends between the top panel 20, the bottom panel 21 and between the top panel 20 and the bottom panel 21 and is arranged oppositely. Side panels 22a and 22b
And end panels 23a and 23b that adjoin the side panels 22a and 22b at the corners 24 and extend between the top and bottom panels.

The upper panel 20 has a recessed area at each corner 24 that defines a support pad 25. A recess 26 is formed in each support pad 25 for the purpose described below. The support pad 25 and the recess 26 can be seen very clearly in FIGS.

A conical recess 27 is formed in a portion of the upper panel 20 adjacent to each of the end panels 23a and 23b, and each recess 27 extends from the upper panel 20 toward the end panel 23a or 23b. The washer support pad 3 extends downward to the inwardly facing step 28 and is adjacent to the groove 30 and the adjacent end panel 23a or 23b.
A wall portion 29 having a length of 1 extends (see FIG. 16).
The washer support pad 31 has a pocket 32, and a metal insert 33 having a screw inside is molded at a predetermined position in the pocket. A metal washer 34 is mounted on the metal insert 33, the inner peripheral edge of which is housed under the tank wall 29 to ensure maximum tensile strength. The eyebolt 35 is accommodated in the thread portion of the insert 33 and extends through the washer 34.

Each side panel 22a and 22b is provided with a centrally located, vertically extending groove 38. Similarly, each end panel 23a and 23b is attached to each corner 2
4 has a pair of vertically extending grooves 39 close to but spaced from each other. Each side panel 22a and 22
b and inside each of the end panels 23a and 23b, a step is formed over a large area in which the top panel 20 and the bottom panel 21 are close to each other, and the area and the side where the step is formed. The seams of the panels 22a, 22b and the end panels 23a, 23b with the center form an upper abutment 40 and a lower abutment 41 that extend horizontally around most of the circumference of the tank 11 and these Abutment parts 40 and 4
1 forms a gap in each groove 38 and 39.

The upper panel 20 has two cavities or wells 44 formed therein. An opening to the inside of the tank 11 is formed at the bottom of each well 44, and a threaded mounting member 45 is permanently attached to this opening (see FIGS. 7-9). Each well 44 has a side panel 22a.
Alternatively, it is formed so as to extend to the region of one groove 38 of 22b. In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 7, an inwardly tapered groove extension 38a extending to reach the major portion of the groove 38 in the region adjacent to the bottom of each well 44 and slightly below the abutment 40. Extends upward from the groove 38.
As will become clear below, such groove extensions 38a are provided in wells 44 after the top member 12 is assembled to the tank 11.
It provides an area for draining water or other liquids that may accumulate in it.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 7, 8, 14 and 17, the bottom panel 21 of tank 11 has a reservoir 4 which forms the bottom of tank 11 when the tank is in the upright position.
Form 7. The bottom panel 21 is formed with a pair of raised platforms, each platform having a flat top 50. Each sloped wall 51 joins the flat top 50 of the raised platform to the bottom panel 21. Each inclined wall portion 51 follows a curved path when seen in a plan view, and this curved path forms a semicircle extending to each of the side panels 22a and 22b at both ends in an area close to the lower contact portion 41. The inclined wall portion 51 defines a part of a cone of about 180 °. It will thus be seen that the liquid in the tank 11 flows from the raised platform to the bottom panel 21 and then to the tip 47 to a sump 47, which holds the liquid until it is drained.

In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, one end of the suction / fill tube 48 is located in the reservoir 47 and the other end is connected to the threaded mounting member 45 by couplings 53 and 54. The sump 47 allows removal of substantially all liquid from the tank 11 by means of a suction / fill tube. A one-way valve 55 is mounted above the coupling 53 and a pump (not shown) for removing the contents from the tank 11 can be engaged with this valve. It will be appreciated that guiding the liquid to or from the liquid tank is typically performed after the top member 12 and the bottom member 13 have been assembled to the tank 11 to form the finished container 10. The one-way valve 55 can only be opened using a special tool to allow the container 10 to be filled, which tool can normally only be used in chemical supply stores, farmers or otherwise. Is not available to the final consumer of. Thus, a farmer or other person using the container 10 can remove the contents but not guide fresh liquid into the container 10. These types of one-way valves are known in the art and as such do not form part of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-8, the top member 12 is also preferably formed of a plastic such as high density polyethylene so that the shape and size of the inner surface is such that the top member is mounted. It is preferably vacuum-molded on the male mold in order to form exactly so that it adheres exactly to the tank 11 to be bonded in the critical region. As mentioned above, the tank 11 is preferably rotationally molded, and therefore its outer surface is molded on the inner surface of the rotary mold, so that its shape is accurately formed.

The top member 12 includes a top panel 58 and side panels 59 depending from the top member and located on opposite sides.
a and 59b and end panels 60a arranged on both sides
And 60b. Side panels 59a and 59
b and end panels 60a and 60b have rounded corners 6
It is joined at 1. The side panels 59a and 59b, the end panels 60a and 60b, and the corner 61 extend downward toward the contact edge 62. As can be seen from the drawings, the top member 12 is fitted onto the upper part of the tank 11, the abutment edge 62 engages the upward abutment 40 of the tank 11, and the upper panel 58 corresponds to the upper panel 20 of the tank 11. Engage.
Side panels 59a and 59b and end panels 60a and 6
The shape and size of 0b and the corner portion 61 are formed so as to be closely engaged with the respective facing portions of the tank 11. Therefore, the inner surfaces of the side panels 59a and 59b are connected to the upper contact portion 4 by
0 engage the outer surface of the upper side panels 22a and 22b,
The inner surfaces of the end panels 60a and 60b engage with the outer surfaces of the facing portions of the end panels 23a and 23b above the upper contact portion 40.

End panels 60a, 60b of the top member 12
A pair of holes 64 is formed in each of. Figures 1, 2,
And button type fastener 65, as can be seen clearly from FIGS.
Is rotationally welded or fastened to a portion of the end panel 23a of the tank 11 that aligns with the holes 64 when the top member 12 is attached to the tank 11. Thus, when the top member 12 is placed on the tank, the end panels 60a and 60b are unfolded to fit into the fasteners 65, and thus the tightening for holding the top member 12 on these end panels. Provides an interference fit. Spread the top member or easily remove it from the tank 11 to ensure that if the top member is damaged, the fastener 6
5 can be replaced with a new top member 12 fitted with 5.

Each corner 61 of the top member 12 is sized so that a support pad 66 rests on the support pad 25 of the tank 11 when the top panel 58 rests on the support pad 25 of the tank 11. Top panel 5
A support pad 66 disposed below the base plate 8 is formed. As described above, the contact edge portion 62 contacts the contact portion 40 of the tank 11. Each support pad 66 is formed with a hole 67 aligned with the recess 25 of each support pad 25.

Each of the end panels 60a, 60b has a conical recess 68 extending from the upper panel 58 to a step 69 which engages the conical wall 27 and step 28 of the tank 11, respectively. Has been done.

A pair of abutment members 70a and 70b extend upward from the upper panel 58. Abutting member 70a
And 70b are arranged centrally in the vicinity of the opposing side panels 59a, 59b, and the outer wall portions of the abutting members 70a, 70b are located on the same surface as the outer surfaces of the side panels 59a, 59b. Each abutment member 70a, 70b includes a pair of posts 71 separated by a recessed area that aligns with the groove extension 38a of the tank 11 and forms a groove 72 that fits into this extension. In addition, the upper panel 58 includes the one-way valve 55 and the couplings 53 and 54 that communicate with the inside of the tank 11.
A pair of holes 7 having approximately the same size as the upper end of the cavity 44 for allowing access to the upper end and aligned with the upper end.
Have three.

The abutment members 70a, 70b cooperate with a pump mounted at a height that protects the coupling engageable with the threaded mounting member 45. Therefore, the container 10
When a part of the top member 12 receives an impact due to a drop, the contact members 70a and 70b cooperate with the attached pump,
It acts to absorb the shock and prevent damage to the coupling or valve or to prevent loose engagement with the threaded mounting member and leakage. Groove 72
A contact member 70a having a post 71 separated by
The shape of 70b is the drop of the container 10 or the container 1.
It provides sufficient strength to provide excellent protection against zero impact. The groove 72 also serves to support the suction hose to minimize lateral loading on the coupling when the pump is used from ground level rather than from the top 58 of the container.

It will be appreciated that when the container 10 is used outdoors, it is exposed to natural forces, including rain. However, rain does not accumulate in the cavities 44 and is drained through the groove extension 38a which is spaced from the inner surface of the top member 12. Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the groove 72 separating the posts 71 extends to the bottom of the area indicated by the reference numeral 74 proximate the abutment edge 62, and thus from the cavity 44 to water or otherwise. Provides a clear path for draining the liquid.

The post or bottom member 13 is also vacuum formed on the male mold and is a bottom panel having one at each corner, four downwardly extending legs 81 and upwardly extending ends 82a and 82b. Contains 80. A pair of raised platforms, each having a flat top 84, extend upwardly above the bottom panel 80 and arcuate sloped walls 85.
Is connected to the bottom panel 80 by. The raised platform provides a flat top 84 and an arcuate ramped wall to the aligned flat top 50 and ramped wall 51, respectively, which form the raised platform of the tank 11 when the bottom member 13 is assembled to the tank. It has a size and a shape for closely engaging 85 (see FIG. 7). In particular,
As can be seen from FIG. 5, this design provides an upwardly extending abutment member having posts 71 when the second container is placed in the lower container with legs 81 resting on the support pads of the lower container. A space is provided in which 70a and 70b can be housed. 15 and 11
As can be seen, the space between the stacked containers allows insertion of forklift blades and access to the one way valve 55 of the lower container as well as the upper container.

The upper portions of the legs 82 and the ends 82a and 82b extend to the same plane defined by the flat upper portion 84 of the raised platform so that when the bottom member 13 is attached to the tank, the lower portion of the tank 11 is abutted. Contact part 41
Limits the abutting edge 87 that engages with.

A pair of holes 88 are formed in each of the end panels 82a and 82b to engage with a fastener 65 attached to a portion of each of the end panels 23a and 23b below the lower contact portion 41.
Are formed.

The unique design of the container 10 of the present invention with the stanchion or bottom member 13 engaged with the tank 11 provides the impact resistance, stacking characteristics and various other advantages mentioned above in addition to strength. Therefore, the bottom member 13
If the liquid from the tank 11 leaks into the area covered by the liquid, the liquid does not flow directly to the ground or the floor of the warehouse but flows to the bottom member 13 and then to the holes 88 where it seeps out and leaks. Provides detection characteristics.

In order to provide impact and compression resistance, each leg 81 is preferably formed of foamed plastic 90 or other structural support material (see FIG. 8).

With reference to FIGS. 11 to 13 and 15, if it is desired to stack the containers 10 in a column, the containers 10 are forklifts arranged by the desired power mechanism to engage the eyebolts 35 or between the legs 81. It can be lifted by the blade of. Such lifted container 10 is then placed in the lower container, with each leg 81 of the lifted container resting on the support pad 66 of the top member 12 of the lower container 10. Since the support pad 66 is located below the upper panel 58, the legs 81 of the upper container mounted thereon form an essentially non-slip relationship with the lower container. The load from the upper container to the lower container is via the top member 12 of the lower container 10, ie
Side panels 59a and 59b and end panels 60a and 6
0b and the corner 61 and the upper contact part 4 of the lower container
It is transmitted to the contact portion 62 that engages with 0. Such loads are applied to the side panels 22a and 22b of the lower container, the end panels 23a and 23b and the corners 24, and then to the lower abutment 41, and thereafter to the end panel 82a of the bottom member 13.
And 8b and foamed plastic 9 providing additional reinforcement 9
It is transmitted to the leg portion 81 formed by 0.

It is desirable to stabilize the peaks due to the height of the stacked peaks. As can be seen from FIGS. 11 to 13, the mountain stabilization depends on the recess 26 of the adjacent container 10.
This is accomplished by providing a strip 91 having at both ends a circular protrusion 92 sized and positioned to be received in a non-friction fit. It will be appreciated that the projections 92 extend through the holes 67 in each upper member 12 to reach the recesses 26 in the tank 11 of the adjacent container 10 for non-friction engagement with these recesses. This configuration allows for mountain stability and allows the strip 91 to be automatically removed when removing the top container when using a lift truck.

As can be seen from the drawings, the container 10 of the present invention has sufficient space between the lower container and the containers stacked thereon to reach a coupling or other dispensing means disposed thereon. It can be seen that it is configured to be secured in. This configuration ensures that virtually all chemicals contained in the container are removed as a result of the formation of a sump, provides structural resistance to breakage, allows drainage,
Allows access to all containers in the pile for stacking and dispensing. In addition, the grooved structure of the sidewalls provides a load bearing shape as well as a ledgeless feature. Column interlocks through the use of straps provide load stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-27, there is shown a modified embodiment of the container of the present invention. This modified embodiment includes a tank 111, a top member 112, and a bottom member 11
3 and a container denoted by reference numeral 110 in its entirety.

As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 20, when viewed from above, the tank 111 forms a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, and the top panel 120, the bottom panel 121, and the top panel 120. Opposed side panels 122A and 122B extending between the bottom panel 121 and the side panels 122A and 12 at the corners 124.
Adjacent to 2B, top panel 120 and bottom panel 121
And end panels 123A and 123B extending between and.

At each corner 124, the top panel 120 forms a recessed area that defines a support pad 125.

A portion of the upper panel 120 adjacent to each of the end panels 123A and 123B has a conical recess 1.
27 are formed so that each recess extends downwardly from each upper panel 120 toward each inward end panel 123A or 123B to the inwardly facing step 128 and from the step 128 to the wall 12;
9 extends.

Each side panel 122A and 122B includes:
A centrally located and vertically extending groove 138 is formed. Similarly, each end panel 123A and 123B
Has a pair of vertically extending grooves 139 proximate to, but spaced from, each corner 124. Each side panel 122A and 122B and end panel 123A and 1
23B, a step portion is formed inside each of the upper and bottom panels over a large area adjacent to each of the top panel and the bottom panel, and the area in which these step portions are formed and the side panels 122A, 122B.
And a joint between the end panels 123A and 123B and the central portion forms an upper abutment portion 140 and a lower abutment portion 141 that extend horizontally around most of the peripheral portion of the tank 111. Portions 140 and 141 are provided in respective grooves 138 and 13
Form a gap at 9.

Each end panel 123A and 123B includes:
Two serration regions 142 adjacent to each corner 124 in the region above the upper abutment 140 and a lower abutment 141.
Two serration regions 143 are formed adjacent to each corner 124 of the region below.

The upper panel 120 has two cavities or wells 144 formed therein. Each well 144
An opening to the inside of the tank 111 is formed in the bottom of the tank, and a threaded mounting member similar to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is permanently arranged in this opening. Each well 144 is formed to extend to one of the side panels 122A or 122B in the region of the groove 138 to allow drainage of water or other liquid that may accumulate in the well 144.

Similar to the above-described embodiment, the bottom panel 121 of the tank 111 is provided with a liquid reservoir 149 which forms the lowermost part of the tank 111 when the tank is in the upright position. The bottom panel 121 is formed with a pair of raised platforms each having a flat top 150. The wall 151 connects the flat top 150 of the raised platform to the bottom panel 121. Each wall 1
51 follows a U-shaped path when seen in a plan view, and this U-shaped path extends to each side panel 122A and 122B at both ends in a region adjacent to the lower contact portion 141. Thus, the liquid in tank 111 flows from the raised platform to the bottom panel and then to the sump 149 where the liquid is retained after tipping and until drained.

Each side panel 122A and 122B includes:
A hand-holding recess 145 is formed that aligns with the groove 138 and extends upwardly from the lower abutment 141 to approximately the midpoint between the upper abutment 140 and the lower abutment 141.

Further, each of the side panels 122A and 122B has a pair of tongue pieces 146 extending outward from a substantially intermediate point between the upper contact portion 140 and the lower contact portion 141. Each of the end panels 123A and 123B has a recess 147 which, in friction engagement with an interference fit, includes a pair of tongues 146 of a second container oriented to face the recess. It has a recess 147 having a size and shape to be housed (see FIG. 23). Therefore, the recess 147
20, the length of must be equal to or greater than the spacing between the left end of the left tongue 146 and the right end of the right tongue 146. The interengagement between the tongues 146 and recesses 147 of the column-stacked containers stabilizes the column without the need for a separate strap of the type shown in FIGS. 11-13. . To take advantage of the tongue and groove features, standard plastic shipping bands need to be wrapped around a stack of containers.

Further, the upper panel 120 is formed with four pockets 148 for accommodating the pump support members 152. The pump support members will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-19 and 22, the top member 112 is also preferably formed from a plastic such as high density polyethylene or preferably low density linear polyethylene, which may also be vacuum formed. However, it is preferably formed by rotational molding. Tank 11
1 is preferably rotationally molded, so that its outer surface is precisely shaped as it is molded on the inner surface of the rotary mold.

Top member 112 includes a top panel 158, opposed side panels 159A and 159B depending from the top panel, and opposed end panels 160A and 160B. . The side panels 159A and 159B and the end panels 160A and 160B are connected by a rounded corner 161. Side panels 159A, 159B and end panels 160A, 16
0B and the corner 161 extend downward toward the contact edge 162. As can be seen, the top member 112 fits over the top of the tank 111, the abutment edge 162 engages the upward abutment 140 of the tank 111, and the top panel 158 connects with the top panel 120 of the tank 111. Engage.

At each corner 161 of the top member 122, when the upper panel 158 is placed on the upper panel 120 of the tank 111, the support pad 166 is placed on the support pad 125 of the tank 111. A support pad 166 is formed that is sized and spaced apart and that is disposed below the upper panel 158. As mentioned above, the abutment edge 16
2 is in contact with the contact portion 140 of the tank 111.

A conical recess 168 is formed in each of the end panels 160A and 160B, and this recess extends from the upper panel 158 to the conical wall 127 and step 1 of the tank 11.
28 extends to a step 169 that engages with each of the 28.

From the upper panel 158 to the pair of abutting portions 170
A and 170B extend upward. Abutment portion 170A,
170B is disposed in the central portion in the vicinity of the side panels 159A and 159B facing each other, and the abutting portions 170A and 170B are disposed.
The outer wall portion of the includes a pair of posts 171 separated by a recessed area that forms a groove 172. Top panel 1
Reference numeral 58 denotes a pair of holes 173 having substantially the same size as the upper end of the well 144 and aligned with the upper end, and substantially the same size as the upper end of the pocket 148 of the tank 111 and the upper end thereof. And four smaller holes 174 that are aligned.

The abutment members 170A, 170B cooperate with the assembled pump to protect the coupling engageable with the tank. Therefore, when the container 110 is dropped and a part of the top member 112 receives an impact, the contact members 170A,
170B acts with the pump to absorb shock, prevent damage to the coupling or valve, or prevent loose engagement with the threaded mounting member and leakage. Abutment members 170A, 1 having posts 171
The shape of 70B provides sufficient strength to provide good protection against the dropping or impact of the container 110. In addition, the groove 172 provides an opening through which the hose can be secured to prevent lateral loading pressure on the coupling.

On the outer surface of each of the end panels 160A and 160B, two serration regions 175 adjacent to the respective corners 161 are formed slightly above the downward contact edge 162. Each serration area 175 is a tank 111
Aligned with the serration region 142 above, but slightly below this serration region.

Four clips 176, preferably formed from elastic stainless steel, align serration area 142 above the tank and serration area 17 of the top member to secure top member 112 to tank 111.
5 is provided for each set. In particular, as can be seen from FIGS. 18, 19 and 22, each clip 176 is U-shaped and is substantially orthogonal to the outer leg 177 and the outer leg 177 and the inner leg 178. Lateral leg 1
Inner leg 1 connected to outer leg 177 by 79
78 and. The outer leg 177 is the inner leg 1
It has wings 193 that slope towards 78 and extend downwards towards the lateral legs 179. Inner leg 1
Reference numeral 78 denotes a pair of wings, that is, a first wing 194 that is inclined toward the outer leg 177 and extends downward toward the lateral leg 179, and is inclined away from the inner leg 177. And a second wing 195 extending upward in a direction away from the lateral leg 179. The tip of the first wing 194 is aligned with and spaced from the tip of the wing 193 of the outer leg 177. In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 19 and 22, the clip 176 is placed around the downward abutment edge 162 of the top member 112 prior to being placed in the tank 111. Edge panel 160
The walls of A and 160B are thicker than the distance between the aligned tips of wings 193 and 194, and thus, when clip 176 is positioned as shown in FIGS.
3 is resiliently biased into engagement with each aligned serration area 175 and held there. When the top member 112 is placed on the tank 111,
The tip of the second wing 195 engages each serration region 142 in alignment, thus bringing the top member 112 into the tank 1.
Lock to 11.

The bottom member 113 is also rotationally molded and has a bottom panel 18 having four downwardly extending legs 181 located at each corner and upwardly extending ends 182A and 182B.
Contains 0. A pair of raised platforms, each having a flat top 184, extend upwardly above the bottom panel 180 and are connected to the bottom panel by walls 185. The raised platform is the bottom member 1
Tank 11 when 13 is attached to tank 111
1 has a size and a shape that closely engage with 1. As in the above embodiment, the liquid reservoir 149 of the tank 111 is
When the bottom member 113 is attached to the tank 111, it is housed in one of the legs 181.

Legs 181 and ends 182A and 182
B top is flat top of raised platform 18
The bottom member 1 extending to the same plane defined by 4
Tank 11 when 13 is attached to tank 111
1 defines an abutment edge 187 that engages the lower abutment 141.

Each of the end panels 182A and 182B has a pair of serration areas 188 formed to engage the clips 176. Clip 176 engages serration area 143 below tank 111 to lock bottom member 113 to tank 111 in a manner similar to engaging top member 112 with tank 111 described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, the pocket 1 of the tank 111 for containing the pump support member.
48 and a partial detail view of holes 174 in the top member 112 are shown. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a pump support member 152 that includes a structural platform 196 that has sufficient strength and rigidity to support the pump.
Is provided. Aligned pocket 148 and hole 17
Four legs 197 having a stowed size and shape of four, and arranged to be stowed in one of the aligned pockets 148 and holes 174 extend downwardly from the platform. The two legs 197 diagonally arranged to each other include a first vertical member 198 extending downwardly from the platform 196, a horizontal member 199, and a second vertical member 200 extending upwardly from the horizontal member 199. . The second vertical member 200 is upright and can be deformed and elastically biased to the left as viewed in FIG. The second vertical member 200 has, on its outer side, an enlarged portion that extends in a direction away from the first vertical member 198 and forms a contact portion 201. When leg 197 is inserted into pocket 148 and hole 174, the enlarged portion of second vertical member 200 contacts upper panel 158 and is elastically biased to the left as viewed in FIG. Panel 158
The contact portion 201 extends to a lower side of a part that defines the hole 174. When you reach the bottom depth of 158 on the top panel,
The second vertical leg resiliently returns to the position shown in FIG. 25, thus firmly locking the second vertical member in place on the container 110. To release the pump support member 152 from the container, simply push the upright end of the second vertical member 200 to the left as shown in FIG. 25 until the abutment 201 is released from the bottom surface of the upper panel 158. Good.

Referring to FIG. 28, a modified clip 276 for fastening the top member 112 and the bottom member 113 to the tank 111 is shown. As in the previous embodiment, four clips 276 are used to secure the top member 112 to the tank 111 and four clips are used to secure the bottom member 113 to the tank 111. Each clip 276 is U-shaped with an outer leg 277,
It includes an outer leg 277 and a majority of the inner leg 278, and an inner leg 278 connected to the outer leg 277 by transverse legs 279 that are orthogonal to each other. Outer leg 277
Is inclined toward the inner leg 278 and laterally the leg 2
It has a wing portion 293 extending downward toward 79. Inner leg 278 has an end 295 spaced from lateral leg 279, which end 295 is inclined toward outer leg 277, lateral leg 279 and outer leg 277 and laterally. Of the wing portion 294 that extends downward toward the leg portion 279 of the above. The tip of wing 294 is aligned with and spaced from the tip of wing 293 of outer leg 277. Clip 276
Before being placed in the tank 111, it is placed around the downward abutment edge 162 of the top member 112. End panel 16
The walls of 0A and 160B are thicker than the distance between the aligned tips of wings 293 and 294, and thus clip 276.
28 is positioned as shown in FIG. 28, the wings 293 are resiliently biased into engagement with the aligned serration regions 175, and thus retained in each serration region 175. When the top member 112 is placed on the tank 111, the beveled end 295 of the inner leg 278 engages the aligned serration area 142, and thus the top member 11.
2 and lock on tank 111. Modified clip 2
It will be appreciated that 76 can also be used to fasten the bottom member 113 to the tank 111.

As can be seen from the drawings, the structure of the container 10 and the container 110 according to the present invention is such that a sufficient space is secured between the lower container and the containers stacked on the coupling, and the coupling is arranged on the container. Or it will be seen that it is configured so that it can reach other dispensing means. This structure guarantees the discharge of virtually all chemicals contained in the container as a result of being formed as a liquid reservoir, provides a breakage resistant structure, allows drainage, stacks and dispenses. To allow access to all containers in the mountain. Further, the grooved structure in the sidewall provides a load bearing structure as well as a ledgeless feature. Column interlocks using straps and tongues and grooves / recesses provide load stability. The interlocking of the unique clips that attach the top and bottom members to the tank provides an inexpensive but efficient way to hold the various members together.

Many modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of the present invention including a tank having a top member and a bottom member assembled therein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a top member and a bottom member removed from a tank.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one side of the container.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the container.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a side 90 ° away from the side of FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling fixed to the opening of the container.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing the containers stacked in two columns and interlocked together.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of two adjacent containers showing interlocking means.

13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG.

FIG. 14 shows two tanks stacked with the bottom tank vertically upside down and the top tank in an upright position with no top and bottom members attached.

FIG. 15 is a view showing two stacked containers when viewed from a direction 90 ° away from the direction of the container shown in FIG. 11.

16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tank with its bottom portion facing upward.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the container of the present invention including a tank having a top member and a bottom member attached thereto.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the top member removed from the tank and a clip for attaching the top member to the tank.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tank with the top and bottom members removed.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the bottom member removed from the tank.

22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG.

23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 23-23 in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view showing the pump support member fastened to the hole in the upper part of the container.

25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 25-25 of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 26-26 of FIG.

27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 27-27 of FIG.

28 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing a modified clip for attaching the top and bottom members to the tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 container 11 tank 12 top member 13 bottom member 20 top panel 21 bottom panel 22a, 22b side panel 23a, 23b end panel 24 corner 25 support pad 26, 27 recess 28 step 29 wall 30 groove 31 support pad 32 pocket 33 insert 34 washer 35 eye bolt 38, 39 groove 40 upper contact part 41 lower contact part 44 well 47 liquid pool 50 upper 51 wall part 53, 54 coupling 55 valve 58 upper panel 59a, 59b side panel 60a , 60b End panel 61 Corner 62 Contact edge 64 Hole 65 Fastener 66 Support pad 67 Hole 70a, 70b Contact member 71 Post 72 Groove 73 Hole 80 Bottom panel 81 Leg 82a, 82b End 84 Upper 85 Inclination Wall portion 87 Contact edge portion 88 Hole 91 Belt metal 92 Starter 110 Container 111 Tank 112 Top member 113 Bottom member 120 Top panel 121 Bottom panel 122A, 122B Side panel 123A, 123B End panel 124 Corner 125 Support pad 127 Cavity 128 Step 129 Wall 138, 139 Groove 140 Top Contact part 141 Lower contact part 142,143 Serration area 144 Cavity 146 Tongue piece 147 Recess 148 Pocket 149 Liquid reservoir 150 Upper 151 wall 152 Pump support member 158 Upper panel 159A, 159B Side panel 160A, 160B End panel 161 Corner 162 Contact edge 166 Support pad 168 Depression 170A, 170B Contact member 172 Groove 173 Hole 174 Hole 175,188 Serration area 176 Clip 177 Outer leg 17 Inner leg 179 Lateral leg 180 Bottom panel 181 Leg 182A, 182B End 184 Upper 194,195 Wing 197 Leg 198 First vertical member 199 Horizontal member 200 Second vertical member 201 Abutment 276 Clip 277 Outside Leg 278 Inner leg 279 Lateral leg 293, 294 Wing

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A liquid containing liquid having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, comprising: (a) a bottom, an upper and a side panel, at least one side panel having a serrated outer surface formed on the side panel. A tank, and (b) an upstanding wall extending around and engaging the side panels, the wall having an serrated outer surface formed on the wall and an inner surface. And a bottom member having an edge portion extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, and (c) a first leg portion that engages with an outer surface of a wall portion of the bottom member,
The first extending inwardly to engage the wall serration
A wing member on the leg, a second leg located between the inner surface of the wall and the outer surface of the side panel, and a second leg on the second leg extending inward and engaging the side panel serrations A container comprising a wing member and a clip means having a means for connecting the first leg and the second leg. 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the second leg portion of the clip has a protrusion that extends outwardly from the tank and engages with an inner surface of a wall portion of the bottom member. 3. The bottom member wall portion has a predetermined thickness,
The clip is parallel to the first leg and extends through a portion of the wing member to engage the wall serration
There is a gap of a predetermined width measured between a plane and a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and that passes through the portion of the protrusion and engages the inner surface of the wall portion, and the predetermined thickness is the predetermined thickness. The container according to claim 2, which is larger than the width. 4. The side panel has a centrally located first portion and a second portion located below the first portion, at least two opposing second portions of the second portion. 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is recessed from the first portion, and cooperates with the first portion to form a downwardly facing contact portion, and an edge portion of the bottom member engages with the contact portion. . 5. The two opposing side panels of the side panels have grooves, and the other two of the side panels.
The two side panels have tongues and these tongues and grooves
Such engagement between the tongues having dimensions and shapes which allow interlocking engagement with the grooves and between the tongues of one container and the grooves of adjacent containers which are substantially in the same plane. The container of claim 1, wherein the containers are located relative to one another to allow 6. (a) For containing a liquid having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, including a bottom, a top and a side panel, at least one side panel having an outer surface with serrations formed on the side panel. A tank; and (b) a downwardly extending wall portion that engages with and extends around the side panels, the wall portion having an outer surface with serrations formed in the wall portion; A top member having an inner surface and an edge extending between the outer surface and the inner surface; (c) a first leg engaging the wall outer surface of the top member;
The first extending inwardly to engage the wall serration
A wing member on a leg, a second leg located between the inner surface of the wall and the outer surface of the side panel, and a second leg extending inward and engaging the side panel serrations A wing member and a clip device having means for connecting the first leg to the second leg. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the second leg of the clip has a protrusion extending outwardly from the tank to engage an inner surface of a wall of the top member. 8. The wall of the top member has a predetermined thickness, the clip being parallel to the first leg and engaging the wall serration through a portion of the wing member. There is a gap of a predetermined width measured between a plane and a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and that passes through the portion of the protrusion and engages the inner surface of the wall portion, and the predetermined thickness is the predetermined thickness. The container according to claim 7, which is larger than the width. 9. The side panel has a centrally located first portion and a second portion located above the first portion, at least two opposing second portions of the second portion. 7. A container according to claim 6 which is recessed from said first portion and cooperates with said first portion to form an upwardly facing abutment, the edge of said top member engaging said abutment. . 10. Two of said side panels have opposite side panels having a groove and two other side panels of said side panels have tongues, the tongues And a groove between the grooves of adjacent containers having dimensions and shapes that allow the tongues to interlock engage with the groove and which are substantially in the same plane as the tongues of one container. 7. Positioning relative to each other to allow such engagement.
The listed container. 11. A liquid containing tank having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, comprising: (a) a bottom, a top and a side panel, said side panel having an outer surface with serrations formed on these side panels. (B) having upstanding walls extending around and engaging the side panels, the walls having serrated outer surfaces formed on the walls, and inner surfaces; A bottom member having an edge extending between the outer surface and the inner surface; and (c) a lower extension wall engaging the side panels and extending about the side panels. A top member having an outer surface with serrations formed on the wall, an inner surface and an edge extending between the outer and inner surfaces; and (d) engaging the outer wall surface of the bottom member. The first leg,
A wing member on the first leg that extends inwardly and engages a wall serration of the bottom member, and a second leg located between the wall member inner surface of the bottom member and the side panel outer surface. First clip means having a wing member on the second leg extending inwardly to engage the side panel serrations, and means for connecting the first leg and the second leg. (E) a first leg portion that engages with an outer surface of the wall portion of the top member,
A wing member on the first leg that extends inwardly and engages a wall serration of the top member, and a second leg located between the inner wall surface of the top member and the outer side panel surface. Second clip means having a wing member on the second leg extending inwardly to engage the side panel serration, and means for connecting the first leg and the second leg. And a container with. 12. The side panel includes a central portion, a lower portion, and an upper portion, and at least two facing lower portions or upper portions of the lower portion and the upper portion are recessed from the central portion, and the recessed portion is provided. The lower portion cooperates with the central portion to form a downwardly facing contact portion, the edge portion of the bottom member engages the downwardly facing contact portion, and the recessed upper portion has the central portion. Form an abutting part facing upwards in cooperation with the part,
The container according to claim 11, wherein an edge of the top member engages with the upwardly facing abutment. 13. The first and second clip devices each have a protrusion extending outwardly from the tank, and the protrusion of the first clip device engages an inner surface of a wall portion of the bottom member, The container according to claim 11, wherein the second clip device engages an inner wall surface of the top member. 14. Two of the side panels facing each other have a groove and two other side panels facing each other have a tongue. The tongue and the groove are of a size and shape that allow the tongue to interlock with the groove, and with the groove of the adjacent container in substantially the same plane as the tongue of one container. A container as claimed in claim 11 positioned relative to each other to allow such engagement therebetween. 15. A first member having (a) a wall having inner and outer surfaces and terminating at an edge extending between the inner and outer surfaces, the outer surface having serrations; and (b) serrations on the outer surface. A second member having a wall portion provided with, and (c) a clip, the clip having (i) means for engaging the outer surface of the first member and engaging the serrations of the first member. An outer leg having and (ii) an inner leg having means for engaging an outer surface of the second member and engaging serrations of the second member; and (iii) the outer leg and the inner leg. A multi-component article having a means for coupling with. 16. The article according to claim 15, wherein the inner leg portion has a protrusion extending in a direction away from the second member, and the protrusion has an end portion that engages with an inner surface of the first member. 17. The wall portion of the first member has a predetermined thickness, and the engaging means of the outer leg portion is aligned with the protruding end portion of the inner leg portion, and the engaging means and the inner leg portion. 17. The article according to claim 16, wherein the distance between the projection and the projection end of the section is smaller than the predetermined thickness. 18. The wall of the first member has a predetermined thickness, the clip being parallel to the outer leg and passing through a means for engaging the serration; and the first plane. 16. A gap having a predetermined width measured between a second plane parallel to and passing through the protrusion end portion, and a predetermined thickness of the wall portion of the first member is larger than the gap having the predetermined width. The listed items. 19. A bottom portion, a top portion, a first pair of opposed side panels, each grooved, and a second pair of opposed side panels, each having outwardly extending tongues. , The tongue and the groove of the adjacent container having dimensions and shapes which allow the tongue to interlock engage with the groove and which are substantially in the same plane as the tongue of one container. A container positioned relative to each other to allow such engagement with a groove. 20. (a) A bottom portion, an upper portion, a first pair of opposing side panels, and a second pair of opposing side panels, the side panels having spaced upper and lower abutment portions. And these side panels have a liquid storage tank having a generally rectangular cross-section having a central portion between the upper and lower contact portions, and (b) extending around the side panel. A bottom member having an upright wall engaging the side panel, the wall having an edge engaging the lower abutment, and (c) engaging the side panel and these sides. A lower extension wall extending around the panel, the wall having an edge for engaging the upper abutment, and the central portion of the first pair of opposing side panels having a groove The central portion of the second pair of opposing side panels has tongues, the tongues and the groove interlocking the tongues with the groove. Have dimensions and shapes that allow them to engage with each other and to allow such engagement between the tongues of one container and the grooves of adjacent containers that are substantially in the same plane. A top member located on the container.