US20020117503A1

US20020117503A1 - Liquid container apparatus having a removable locking collar

Info

Publication number: US20020117503A1
Application number: US09/794,342
Authority: US
Inventors: John Lundquist
Original assignee: Charter Medical Ltd
Current assignee: Charter Medical Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-28
Filing date: 2001-02-28
Publication date: 2002-08-29

Abstract

A liquid container includes a tote having a through outlet and a false bottom member or under-tote cavity member. The false bottom member is storable in the tote, and the under-tote cavity member is attachable to the tote. A locking collar is provided for interfacing with the through hole. The locking collar is removable from the through hole. The false bottom and the under-tote cavity member facilitate access to an evacuation member attached to a liner stored within the tote.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid containers, and more particularly to liquid containers having internal disposable liners.

2. Background Art

There are many known liquid containers used to facilitate transport of liquid and/or storage of liquid. One such liquid container includes a plastic, flexible bag placed within a rigid carton or dispenser to hold the liquid product. The bag may be made from polyethylene or any other known material. An evacuation element, such as a spigot, valve, or sealed tube, can be molded into the side or bottom of the bag to permit evacuation of the liquid from the filled bag. When the bag is positioned inside the carton, the evacuation element is designed to project through an opening in a side of the carton, typically placed near the bottom vicinity of the carton side. A vast variety of liquid material may be stored or transported using such containers.

Another known liquid containing apparatus is a bioreactor. Conventional bioreactors use stainless steal vessels for producing cells, proteins or other such biological materials. Before the use of internal liners, these conventional bioreactors would have to be carefully cleaned to prevent crossover contamination between subsequent cell producing batches and the like. Similar to the liquid containers, bioreactors with an internal liner use an integral evacuation element molded to the internal liner to facilitate draining of a biological material contained therein. Such liners and liquid containers are also used in the pharmaceutical industry where sterility is important.

The use of polyethylene liners having integrated evacuation elements and the like in liquid containers has facilitated relatively hassle free draining of liquid material therefrom. Moreover, refilling of these liquid containers has been hastened significantly through the use of these liners, by effectively eliminating the need to clean or sanitize the interior of the liquid containers.

However, several disadvantages have arisen from the use of these liners. First, because the polyethylene liners have to withstand tremendous pressure from the liquid contained therein, leakage around an opening or at a seam can occur. For example, the evacuation member must pass through the liner to facilitate drainage and leakage can occur in this area. The liquid will press against the interior wall of the liner, in the vicinity of the evacuation member, thereby causing the external wall to undesirably rub and press against the opening through which the evacuation member passes. This rubbing and pressing against the opening may cause thinning of the liner and ultimately leakage. Alternatively, the seam or other closure around this area may simply rupture. Second, threading the evacuation member through the opening has been found to be difficult. Specifically, when the liner is placed inside the container, the evacuation member must be accessible through the opening. However, accessing the evacuation member from the outside of the container is difficult unless the liner is placed properly within the container. This installation can be time consuming.

Moreover, once a liner is filled with liquid, it is difficult to transport. Most bioreactors and other dispensers are stationarily mounted or too heavy to transport when a liquid filled liner is placed therein. Simply grabbing the filled liner and carrying it to a new location is not only awkward but increases the chance of liner rupture. Moreover, possible injury to workers such as back strain can occur when handling a filled liner in such a crude way. While a conventional cart or trolley may be used in such transport, these carts or trolleys do not adequately protect the liner and its contents. Moreover, they require additional steps of placing the liner in the trolley, transporting it, and then removing the liner from the trolley for installation in the dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid containing apparatus, which eliminates the risk of rupture of the liner. It is a further object to prevent rupture around a liquid liner evacuation member or other seam of the liner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid containing apparatus, which facilitates hassle free placement of a liner therein.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a liquid containing apparatus, which facilitates hassle free access to a liner evacuation member from an exterior of the liquid containing apparatus.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide for easy, reliable transport of a liquid filled liner.

To achieve the above objects of the present invention, a liquid container is provided, which includes a tote having a through outlet and a false bottom member having a through hole. The false bottom member is storable in the tote. A locking collar is also provided for interfacing with the through hole. The locking collar is removable from the through hole and will hold an outlet spout or other evacuation element from the liner.

Alternatively, the objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a liquid container having a tote with a through hole. A locking collar is included and is designed to fit in the through hole. The locking collar is removable from the through hole and holds an outlet spout or other evacuation element from the liner. An under-tote container member is provided to interface the through hole. This under-tote container holds the outlet spout or other evacuation element from the liner and is readily accessible to thereby allow effortless retrieval of the outlet spout.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: [0016]
FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a tote according a first embodiment to the present invention; [0017]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tote illustrated in FIG. 1 with a liner provided therein and with the cover partially open; [0018]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a locking collar according to the present invention; [0019]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3; [0020]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 3; [0021]
FIG. 6 is a plan view of another locking collar according to the present invention; [0022]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6; [0023]
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6; [0024]
FIG. 9 is a plan view of yet another locking collar according to the present invention; [0025]
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the locking collar illustrated in FIG. 9, in a closed state; [0026]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken line X-X in FIG. 10; [0027]
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a locking collar according to the present invention, implemented using a passage member holding mechanism; [0028]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 12; [0029]
FIG. 14 is front view of a tote according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [0030]
FIG. 15 is a side view of the tote according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [0031]
FIG. 16 illustrates an under-tote cavity member according the second embodiment of the present invention. [0032]
FIG. 17 is a side view of the tote according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [0033]
FIG. 18 is front view of a tote according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [0034]
FIG. 19 illustrates cross-sectional view of an intricate portion of the third embodiment according to present invention; and [0035]
FIG. 20 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a variant of the third embodiment according to the present invention.[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the elements illustrated in the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of elements of a liquid container according to the present invention. The liquid from the container illustrated in FIG. 1 can be used in a bioreactor, pharmaceutical application or for other clean or sterile uses. Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention includes a [0037] tote 1 having a through outlet 2 in its lower front side. The through outlet 2 is coverable with an outlet cover 3. The outlet cover 3 may be securable to the through outlet 2 using threads or the like such that a sealed, liquid-tight outlet can be provided. Alternatively, the outlet cover 3 may be designed to cover the through outlet 2 and stay fixed in place using conventional attaching methods and/or means.
A [0038] false bottom member 4 is insertable into tote 1. The false bottom member 4 has a plurality of vanes 5 on its bottom. These vanes 5 support the false bottom member 4 when it is disposed in the tote 1. Moreover, the vanes 5 provide clearance between an undersurface of the false bottom member 4 and a bottom surface of the tote 1. While continuous vanes 5 which extend from side-to-side of the false bottom member 4 are shown, any shape or arrangement of vanes can be used. Alternatively, tabs on the interior sides of the tote walls can be used to receive the false bottom member 4 and space it from the bottom surface of tote 1. It is merely necessary that the false bottom member 4 is spaced from the bottom surface of the tote 1.
The [0039] false bottom member 4 has a through hole 6, with a ledge/lip 6′, centrally disposed therethrough, which is designed to receive a locking collar 7 (described in detail hereinafter). This through hole can be located at any position on the false bottom member 4 and can have any desired shape. Moreover, a cut off corner of the false bottom member 4 can alternatively serve as the through hole 6. This through hole 6 merely provides an opening for an evacuation element of a liner placed on the false bottom member 4 as will be discussed below. As is seen in FIG. 1, the false bottom member 4 has a concave shape. The false bottom member 4 is sized to snugly fit within the tote 1, but a gap can be provided between the top of the false bottom member 4 and the tote sidewalls, if so desired.
A [0040] cradle 8 is attachable to an exterior bottom and side surfaces of the tote 1 to thereby facilitate movement of the tote 1. The cradle 8 includes wheels 9 for ease of movement; however, in the place of the wheels 9, skids or the like may also be used. Use of the cradle 8 merely requires resting the tote 1 on crossbeams 10, which span between the sides of the cradle 8. As is seen in FIG. 1, the device also includes a cover 11 that attaches to the tote 1 and is lockable in place in a known manner. Of course, a lockable container cover is not required, but this helps to ensure that the liquid filled liner is not tampered with or otherwise disturbed. While a dual top cover 11 is shown with a centrally located hinge or fold 26, a single flat cover hinged at one edge or a slidable cover design could be used. In addition, the cover 11 may be constructed of transparent material, such as plastic or the like, thereby allowing visibility of the internal contents of the liquid container from outside of the container without having to physically open the cover 11. Alternatively, the cover 11 may have one or more Plexiglas™ or other translucent plastic view windows 11′ integrated in the cover 11. These windows 11′ also allow visible access of the interior of the container and/or a batch label(s) 27 without physically opening the cover 11.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view the liquid container illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the bioreactor further includes a [0041] flexible bag 12. The flexible bag 12 is preferably made from a nonporous material. The flexible bag 12 has integrated thereon two through passage members 13, 14 through which liquid material may pass. The through passage member 13 is positioned on the top of the flexible bag 12, and the through passage member 14 is positioned on the bottom of the flexible bag 12. Filling of the flexible bag 12 is facilitated using the through passage member 13 and draining of the flexible bag is accomplished using the through passage member 14. The through passage members 13, 14 are openable/closeable using known methods and/or means.
Before the [0042] flexible bag 12 is placed in the tote 1, the locking collar 7 is attached to the through passage member 14 as close as possible to the exterior surface of the flexible bag 12. Therefore, when placing the flexible bag 12 in the tote 1, the weight of the locking collar 7, coupled with gravity, assist proper alignment and positioning of the locking collar 7 on the ledge 6′ of the through hole 6. Alternatively, the through hole 6 can be tapered or have a slightly conical shape to ease insertion of locking collar 7. Once the flexible bag 12 and locking collar 7 are positioned correctly in the tote 1, the through passage member 14 may be easily retrieved via the through outlet 2. Retrieval of the through passage member 14 is only necessary when draining is desired, otherwise the through passage member 14 may be stored in the clearance defined between the false bottom member 4 and the bottom of the tote 1. The cover 3 can be kept closed as desired.
When filling the [0043] flexible bag 12 with liquid material, the material is distributed evenly via the smooth surface of the false bottom member 4. The batch label 27 can be provided on the side of the tote to identify the liquid material. Alternatively, this label can be directly on the line and would be visible through the transparent cover 11. Of course, a transparent cover does not have to be used. The label could also be on the cover 11 or on any other suitable location. Since the false bottom member 4 is slightly concave, liquid material contained in the flexible bag can be drained easily via through passage member 14.
The [0044] locking collar 7 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail while referencing FIGS. 3-5. As illustrated in the figures, the locking collar 7 has a substantially circular opening 15 disposed therethrough. Alternative shapes and sizes of the opening 15 may be use; however, care should be taken to ensure minimal clearance between the through passage member 14, which passes through the opening 15, and an interior wall of the opening 15. Ensuring minimal clearance will prevent the flexible bag 12 from protruding through the opening 15. The locking collar 7 has a substantially rectilinear shape to reduce manufacturing costs; however, various other shapes may be used if desired.
Integral to the [0045] opening 15 is a recess 16 that has fastened thereto a slidable locking mechanism 17. The slidable locking mechanism 17 may slide along the recess 16 when a fastening screw 18 is loose, and is fixed to the recess 16 when the fastening screw 18 is tight. When the screw 18 is loose, the slidable locking mechanism 17 is designed to effectively reduce or increase the diameter of the opening 15 by the movement thereof. Thus, the opening 15 is universal inasmuch as it can receive through passage members which have various sizes. The fastening screw 18 is preferably of the thumbnail type (i.e. a wind-nut); however, implement tightenable/loosenable screws may also be used. The orientation of the locking collar 7 is the orientation that should be used when attaching it to the through passage member 14. This orientation ensures that the fastening screw 18 does not inadvertently puncture the flexible bag 12
An [0046] alternative locking collar 7′ according to the present invention will be described in detail while referencing FIGS. 6-8. This collar 7′ is also shown in FIG. 1. As is seen in the figures, the locking collar 7′ according to this embodiment includes first and second half circular members 19 and 20, respectively. The first and second half circular members 19 and 20 are attachable together via thumbnail screws 21.
When the half circular members are attached, defined therebetween is an [0047] opening 22. The opening 22 functions in the same manner, and with the same purpose as the opening 15. Accordingly, for brevity the specific functionality of opening 22 will not be discussed as it functions essentially in the same manner as the opening 15 (see hereinabove).
The first half [0048] circular member 19 further includes a slidable locking mechanism 23, a recess 24 and a fastening screw 25. These elements function in the same manner as their corresponding elements of the first embodiment. Therefore, for brevity, the specific functionality of elements 23-25 will not be discussed as they function in the same manner as their corresponding elements discussed in connection with the first embodiment (see hereinabove).
Yet another alternative of the locking [0049] collars 7 and 7′ will be described in detail while referencing FIGS. 9-11. As is seen in the figures, a locking collar 7″ according to this embodiment includes first and second half circular members 47 and 48, respectively. The first and second half circular members 47 and 48 are attachable together via pins 49. The first and second half circular members 47 and 48 may be held together with an o-ring (discussed hereinafter) placeable within a recess 53 defined a circumferential portion of each of the first and second half circular members 47 and 48. However, other conventional holding means and mechanisms may also be used to hold the first and second half circular members 47 and 48 together.
The [0050] locking collar 7″ further includes a split interface gasket 50 formed along surfaces of the first and second half circular members 47 and 48. Specifically, the split interface gasket 50 is formed along a half portion of a hole 51 defined in the second half circular member. The split interface gasket 50 is further defined on another half portion of the hole 51 and along inner surfaces of the first half cirular member 47.
The [0051] locking collar 7″ is designed to receive the through passage 14 via the hole 51. The split interface gasket 50 defined in the hole 51 ensures a liquid tight seal is achieved around the through passage 14. Moreover, the split interface gasket 50 ensures a liquid tight seal is formed along abutting surfaces of the first and second half circular members 47 and 48. The locking collar 7″ is receivable in the tote 1 as shown, or alternatively, the locking collar 7″ is receivable in a top adapter (discussed hereinafter).
The [0052] locking collars 7, 7′ and 7″ may also be constructed with an alternative passage member holding mechanism. As is seen in FIGS. 12-13, the locking collars 7 and 7′ may implement a slidable locking mechanism 34. The slidable locking mechanism 34 is slidable along a recess 35 and is fixable in place by way of a friction plug 36, which may be made to abut a side of the slidable locking mechanism 34. In the case of locking collar 7″, the friction plug 36 is part of one of the first and second half circular members 47 and 48. In particular, the friction plug 36 is defined in a wall of one of the members 47 and 48 and is assessable from an exterior surface thereof.
Pressure applied by the [0053] plug 36 is accomplished with a spring 37 and a set screw 38. Specifically, when the set screw 38 is tightened, the spring 37 compresses and applies a force against the plug 36, which thereby applies a restrictive force against the slidable locking mechanism 34. Therefore, similar to the slidable locking mechanisms 17 and 23, the slidable locking mechanism 34 can facilitate receiving passage members having various sizes.
A tote according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described while referencing FIGS. [0054] 14-16. In FIGS. 14-16, like reference numerals from FIGS. 1-13 have been used in order to describe the second embodiment. Although various elements included and discussed in the first embodiment will not be discussed/illustrated with the second embodiment, the absence of these elements is simply for brevity reasoning and it should not be construed that the elements are not included with the second embodiment.
Similar to the first embodiment, a [0055] tote 1 includes a cover 11. The tote 1 also includes a through opening 28, which is located on a bottom of the tote 1. The through opening 28, similar to the through opening 6 illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a ledge (not illustrated). The through opening 28 receives a locking collar 7, 7′ and 7″ attached to a through passage member 14 of a flexible bag 12.
The through [0056] passage member 14 may be stored in an under-tote cavity member 29 that is attachable to a bottom of the tote 1. As is seen in the figures, the under-tote cavity member 29 is substantially dome-shaped and has an opening 30 that interfaces with the through opening 28. The under-tote cavity member 29 also includes an accessible opening 31, which allows a user access to an interior of the under-tote cavity member 29. Therefore, while the through passage member 14 is advantageously protected in the under-tote cavity member 29, it is also easily retrieved when the flexible bag 12 needs draining. The opening 31 may incorporate a hinged, slidable door 32 or the like in order to ensure the through passage member 14 stays within the under-tote cavity member 29 until withdrawn. Moreover, the hinged or slidable door may be locked with any conventional locking device if so desired.
Although the under-[0057] tote cavity member 29 is illustrated as being dome-shaped, it is not limited to this shape. For example, the under-tote member 29 may be substantially rectilinear or the like, if such a shape would be advantageous. Additionally, the under-tote cavity member 29 is illustrated as being attachable to the tote 1 via threads 33. However, alternatively the under-tote cavity member 29 may be integrally formed to the tote 1, or attachable to the tote 1 using means other than threads 33. For example, the under-tote cavity member 29 may be designed to “snap” on the through opening 28 by way of flanges (not illustrated) integrated on either/both the under-tote cavity member 29 and the through opening 28.
A tote according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described while referencing FIGS. [0058] 17-20. In FIGS. 17-20, like reference numerals from prior referenced figures have been used in order to describe the third embodiment. Although various elements included and discussed in the first and second embodiments will not be discussed/illustrated with the third embodiment, the absence of these elements is simply for brevity reasoning and it should not be construed that the elements may not be included with the third embodiment.
Similar to the first and second embodiments, a [0059] tote 1 includes a cover 11. The tote 1 also includes a through opening 28, which is located on a bottom of the tote 1. The through opening 28, similar to the through opening 6 illustrated in FIG. 1, includes a ledge (not illustrated). The through opening 28 receives a locking collar 7, 7′ or 7″ attached to a through passage member 14 of a flexible bag 12. Alternatively, the locking collar 7, 7′ or 7″ may be received in a bottom port assembly 39. In such a case, the tote 1 has a large enough opening in a bottom thereof of allow the locking collar 7, 7′ or 7″ to pass therethrough.
The through [0060] passage member 14 may be stored in the bottom port assembly 39, which is attachable to a bottom of the tote 1 directly, or by way of a steel mounting plate 40. Conventional attaching means and methods may be used. The steel mounting plate 40 may be integral with the cradle 8, or may be an integral part of the cradle 8. Moreover, the cradle 8 may have sufficient depth to receive a large portion of the tote 1 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The bottom port assembly 39 is illustrated in the figures as round or square in shape, but other shapes and sizes may be used as desired.
As is seen in FIGS. [0061] 19-20, a gasket 41 is used between the steel mounting plate 40 and a bottom surface of the tote 1, where the gasket 41 is physically attached to the underside of the tote 1, or a portion of the tote 1 underside. Another gasket 42 is used between the bottom port assembly 39 and the steel mounting plate 40. The gasket 42 is physically attached to the bottom port assembly 39 along a top portion thereof. A ledge 45 is formed following a distal end of the tote 1. This ledge 45 receives a lip 46 of the locking collar 7, 7′ or 7″. Abutment of the ledge 45 with the lip 46 creates a liquid resistant seal between the two surfaces.
FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a variant according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As is seen in the figure, the specific features discussed with reference to FIG. 19 are illustrated. For brevity, further discussion of these elements will not be discussed. In the variant of the third embodiment, the [0062] locking collar 7″ is positioned within a top adapter 58. The top adapter 58 is receivable and rests on a bottom surface of the tote 1. A lip 62 ensures the top adapter 58 rests stably on the surface of the tote 1. An o-ring 59 elastically, or the like, adhered to a circumferential recess of the top adapter 58 ensures a liquid tight seal is achieved when the top adapter 58 is resting on the tote 1. Moreover, o-rings of the locking collar 7″ ensure a liquid tight seal when they abut with surfaces of the top adapter 58.
The [0063] top adapter 58 is retainably held in place by a retaining ring 60. The retaining ring 60 is threadably attachable to threads of the top adapter 58. The retaining ring 60 snuggly attaches the top adapter 58 to the tote 1 and ensures a tight seal is achieved along the o-ring 59, gasket 41 and gasket 42. Placed between the retaining ring 60 and inner bottom surface of the bottom port assembly 39 is a retaining ring gasket 61. The gasket 61 ensures a tight seal is achieved along the surface of the inner bottom surface. The multiple o-ring and gasket design ensure an essentially failsafe system where any liquids spilled within the tote 1 are prevented from escaping the enclosure thereof.
FIG. 20 [0064] further shows bolts 55 that attach the bottom port assembly 39 to the steel mounting plate 40. As indicated hereinabove, the steel mounting plate 40 may be integral with the cradle 8, or may alternatively be a portion of the cradle 8. The bolts 55 fastened with nuts 56 and washers 57 snuggly attach the bottom port assembly 39 to mounting plate 40. The bolts 55 create a tight liquid tight seal via the gasket 42.
As is seen in the figures, the [0065] bottom port assembly 39 has removable side port caps 43 and a drain plug 63. The side port caps 43 are attachable/removable to/from the bottom port assembly 39 by any conventional manner. The side port caps 43 cover an accessible opening 44, which allows a user access to an interior of the bottom port assembly 39. Therefore, while the through passage member 14 is advantageously protected in the under-tote cavity member 29, it is also easily retrieved when the flexible bag 12 needs draining.
The [0066] bottom port assembly 39 may be manufactured from plastic pipe, plastic square material, or aluminum or stainless steel. Advantageously, the plastic material may be translucent to allow an operator to see if a leak has occurred. Alternatively, the bottom port assembly may employ a test valve or port to determine if a leak has occurred. Such a test valve or port, although not illustrated, may be positioned at any desirable location on the bottom port assembly 39. An electronic leak sensor may also be used for non-flammable liquids. Such a sensor would be disposed on the inside of the bottom port assembly 39. Another possibility would be the use of humidity indicators for leak detection. For example, a sensor positioned in the interior of the bottom port assembly 39 would communicate with a remote device to indicate moisture in the bottom port assembly. The bottom port assembly 39 may also be constructed from metal material if desired. In such a case, windows or check valves/ports may be used to determine if a leak is present.
The device implemented with the [0067] liquid retaining tote 1 according to the present invention is advantageous over conventional liquid containers inasmuch as the collar 7, 7′ or 7″ of the embodiments ease placement of the flexible bag 12 in the tote 1. Moreover, since the collar 7, 7′ or 7″ may be removed from the false bottom member 4, attachment and/or removal of the collar 7, 7′ or 7″ from the through passage member 14 is simple. Additionally, since the collar 7, 7′ or 7″ use slidable locking mechanisms 17, 23, universal fitting to differently sized through passage members is provided; furthermore, the slidable locking mechanisms 17, 23 essentially eliminate the possibility that the flexible bag 12 will rupture as a result of severe pressure applied thereto in the vicinity of the openings 15, 22. This is achieve through the diameter reducing functionality of the slidable locking mechanisms 17, 23.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. [0068]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A liquid container, comprising:

a tote having disposed thereon a through outlet;

a false bottom member having a through hole disposed therethrough, said false bottom member storable in said tote; and

a locking collar for interfacing with the through hole, wherein said locking collar is removable from the through hole.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a cover mountable to a top of said tote.

3. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a liner member for receiving liquid material, said liner member being positional within said tote, whereby said liner member rests on a top surface of said false bottom member.

4. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein said liner member comprises a through passage member disposed on a surface of said liner member, said through passage member being receivable by said locking collar.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein said locking collar receives said through passage member and forcibly holds a portion thereof in place.

6. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a cradle member mountable to a bottom of said tote member, said cradle member having means attached thereon for facilitating movement of said tote.

7. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein said locking collar comprises a through hole thereon and a fastening member attached to said locking collar in a vicinity of said through hole, wherein said fastening member is movable such that a diameter of said through hole is adjustable.

8. The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein in said locking collar further comprises a recess member positioned immediately adjacent to said through hole and is disposed in a surface of said locking collar, said recess member receives said fastening member and is attached thereto in a slidable manner.

9. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein said locking member has a substantially rectilinear shape.

10. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein said locking collar comprises two half members, said half members are attachable together to form a through hole therebetween.

11. The liquid container according to claim 10, wherein one of said two half members comprises a fastening member attached to thereto in a vicinity of said through hole, wherein said fastening member is movable such that a diameter of said through hole is adjustable.

12. The liquid container according to claim 11, wherein said one of said two half members further comprises a recess member positioned immediately adjacent to said through hole and is disposed in a surface thereof, said recess member receives said fastening member and is attached thereto in a slidable manner.

13. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein said false bottom member has disposed on a bottom surface thereof a plurality of vanes, said vanes create a cavity area between the bottom surface of said false bottom and an interior bottom surface of said tote.

14. The liquid container according to claim 13, wherein the cavity area is accessible via the through outlet.

15. A liquid container, comprising:

a tote having disposed therein a through opening on the bottom thereof;

a under-tote cavity member attachable to the through opening; and

a locking collar for interfacing with the through opening from the inside of said tote, wherein said locking collar is removable from the through opening.

16. The liquid container according to claim 15, further comprising a cover mountable to a top of said tote.

17. The liquid container according to claim 15, further comprising a liner member for receiving liquid material, said liner member being positional within said tote, whereby said liner member rests on an interior bottom surface of said tote.

18. The liquid container according to claim 17, wherein said liner member comprises a through passage member disposed on a surface of said liner member, said through passage member being receivable by said locking collar.

19. The liquid container according to claim 18, wherein said locking collar receives said through passage member and forcibly holds a portion thereof in place.

20. The liquid container according to claim 18, wherein said through passage member is storable in said under-tote cavity member.

21. A liquid container, comprising:

a tote having disposed therein a through opening on the bottom thereof;

a port assembly member interfacing with the through opening;

a retaining member interfacing with the through opening and providing a through passage between said tote and said port assembly; and

a locking collar seated in said retaining member.

22. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein said locking collar is substantially liquid tight sealed with said retaining member.

23. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein said retaining member is in direct contact with said tote and is substantially liquid tight sealed therewith.