WO2002092458A2

WO2002092458A2 - Supple foldable recipient for fluids

Info

Publication number: WO2002092458A2
Application number: PCT/BE2002/000072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georges Puriks
Original assignee: Belfroid, Laurence
Priority date: 2001-05-11
Filing date: 2002-05-08
Publication date: 2002-11-21
Also published as: BE1013794A6; WO2002092458A3

Abstract

Reservoir for a fluid such as liquid fuel or water, comprising a supple bag (2) having an opening (3) which is provided with a connecting piece (4) with a central recess (6) via which said bag can be filled with the fluid, whereby an accessory such as a nozzle (5) or a screw cap (22) is fastened to said connecting piece (4) has means to mount the accessory in said recess (6) and the accessory is arranged to be plugged in two alternative positions.

Description

SUPPLE FOLDABLE RECIPIENT FOR FLUIDS

The present invention concerns a reservoir for a fluid, such as liquid fuel or water, comprising a supple bag having an opening which is provided with a connecting piece with a central recess via which said bag can be filled with the fluid, whereby an accessory such as a nozzle or a screw cap is fastened to said connecting piece in a detachable manner. When the reservoir is empty, said bag can be easily rolled up or folded up in a compact manner, such that it represents only a little volume.

Such reservoirs are known according to the present state of the art, but they nevertheless represent a considerable volume when they are folded up, or they are provided with a relatively complex accessory, such as a nozzle, for pouring out a liquid contained in the reservoir. American patent US-A-5.967.370 describes a reservoir, for example, containing a rubber bag with a connecting piece upon which has been mounted a telescopic pouring nozzle via an outside thread. Such a telescopic pouring no2zle is relatively complex and occupies a considerable volume. Moreover, fluid may leak out between the successive sections of said telescopic pouring nozzle when the reservoir is being emptied. The present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages and proposes a reservoir which can be stored in a very compact manner, whereby it is possible to store the empty reservoir with the accessory for example in a volume of 25 cl, while it is still possible to fill the reservoir, for example, via the nozzle of a conventional fuel pump.

To this aim, said connecting piece has means for mounting the accessory in said recess, which is preferably cylindrical.

Practically, these means consist of a screw thread provided in the above- mentioned recess of the connecting piece.

According to a preferred embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, a first part of said accessory comprises a cylindrical ring which is provided with a mounting element on the outside co-operating with said means, whereby a second part of the accessory is connected to this ring. According to a special embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, said accessory has an external diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the above-mentioned recess, whereby said means and said mounting element make it possible to successively mount the accessory in different positions in said recess, whereby said second part extends in the direction of the inner side of said bag in a first position, and, in a second position, this second part extends at least partially on the side of said connecting piece which is turned away from the bag.

According to a preferred embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, the accessory forms a storage space when mounted in said second position. In an advantageous manner, said bag, when it is not filled, is rolled up in relation to an axis extending in the prolongation of the axis of said recess, in order to store the reservoir.

The invention also concerns an emergency kit with the above-mentioned reservoir for a fluid and a storage case, whereby said bag is rolled up in relation to an axis extending in the prolongation of the axis of said recess, and the reservoir is stored in said storage case such that it practically fits.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of a few specific embodiments of the reservoir and the emergency kit according to the invention; this description is given as an example only and does not restrict the scope of the claimed protection in any way; the reference figures used hereafter refer to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal section of a reservoir with a bag according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal section of the reservoir from figure 1 whereby its bag is folded up.

Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal section of a part of the reservoir according to a second embodiment of the invention whereby an accessory has been mounted in a first position.

Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal section analogous to that in figure 3, whereby the accessory has been mounted in a second position.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross section of the accessory according to line V-V from figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal section of a part of the reservoir according to a third embodiment of the invention whereby an accessory has been mounted in a first position.

Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal section analogous to that in figure 6, whereby the accessory has been mounted in a second position.

Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section of the reservoir from figure 3 and 4, stored in a storage case.

Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal section of the reservoir according to the invention, according to a third embodiment. In the different drawings, the same reference figures refer to identical or analogous elements.

The invention generally concerns a reservoir which is used for example to convey fluid or water and which can be easily folded up or rolled up in a very compact manner. Thus, it is possible to store a reservoir according to the invention, containing for example eight litres of fluid, in a space of about 25 cl.

Figure 1 schematically represents a reservoir 1 containing a supple bag 2 with a handle 16 and an opening 3 provided with a connecting piece 4. On the connecting piece 4 is mounted an accessory in the shape of a nozzle 5 which makes it possible to pour out fluid contained in the bag 2. The bag 2 is quadrangular and has a second handle 26 provided in the vicinity of the angle of the bag 2 situated opposite to the connecting piece 4 and connecting onto the side where the other handle 16 is fixed. Thus, the reservoir 1 can be easily emptied via the nozzle 5, without the bag 2 folding double for example, or without it needing to be supported, by holding it with both handles 16 and 26. The connecting piece 4 is formed of a cylindrical sleeve with a central recess 6. At a first far end 7 of the connecting piece 4, the bag 2 is attached in such, a manner that it communicates with the recess 6 via the opening 3. Near the other far end 8 of the connecting piece 4, means are provided in the recess 6 to connect the nozzle 5 to the connecting piece 4. The accessory consists of two parts, whereby a first part thereof is formed of a cylindrical ring 12 which is provided on the outside with a mounting element working in conjunction with said means of the connecting piece 4, whereas the second part comprises a conical tube forming the above-mentioned nozzle 5 and which has a pouring opening 10 on the conical end 9 thereof, and which is coaxially connected to the cylindrical ring 12 with the wide end 11.

In the embodiments of the invention represented in the figures, said means of the connecting piece 4, as well as said mountmg element, are formed of a screw thread 13, 14 respectively.

As this screw thread 13 is provided on the inside in said recess 6, a very compact connecting piece 4 is obtained, and the reservoir 1 will thus only occupy a small volume. The recess 6 has a diameter in the order of magnitude of 41 mm. Thus, the bag can for example be filled with liquid fuel by putting the nozzle of a conventional fuel pump partially in the recess 6, after the accessory has been removed from this recess 6.

Figure 2 represents the reservoir from figure 1, whereby the bag 2 is folded in three more or less equal parts around an axis which is practically rectangular to the central axis 15 of said recess 6.

In the case of the reservoir 1 which is represented in figure 2, said second part, namely the nozzle 5, extends in the direction of the inside of the bag 2, whereas in the case of the reservoir 1 which is represented in figure 1, the nozzle 5 extends on the side of said connecting piece 4 which is turned away from said bag, in particular on the free end 8 of the connecting piece 4.

In order to make it possible for the accessory to be fixed to the connecting piece 4 in these two positions, the external diameter of said second part of the accessory, in particular of the nozzle 5, is smaller than that of the recess 6.

Thus, the accessory which is situated in a first position, whereby said nozzle 5 partially extends in the recess 6, can be detached from the connecting piece 4 by making it turn around its axis 15 until the screw thread 14 thereof no longer meshes in the screw thread 13 of the connecting piece 4. By subsequently turning the accessory and by screwing it in said recess 6 again, it is put in a second position, as is represented in figure 1, whereby the nozzle 5 extends outside the reservoir 1 and thus can be used to pour out fluid contained in the bag in a controlled manner.

Further, the connecting piece 4 has an external screw thread on the free end 8 upon which is fixed a screw cap 22 when the accessory is in said first position. This screw cap 22 prevents that fuel is spilled while being conveyed by means of the reservoir 1.

In an advantageous manner, this screw cap 22 is provided with a valve, not represented in the figures, which makes sure that the pressure in the bag remains under a certain value. Possibly, micro-perforations can be provided in the lid 22 instead of such a valve.

In order to store the reservoir 1 in a compact manner when it is empty, the bag 2 is folded as is represented in figure 2. Further, the bag is rolled up together with the handle 16 in relation to the axis 15 of the recess 6, and the reservoir can for example be stored in a cylindrical storage case. In this manner is obtained a reservoir with a very compact form which can for example be stored as an emergency kit in the glove compartment of a car.

The bag 2 is preferably made out of synthetic material such as polyethylene, and it is somewhat elastic, such that possible volume changes of its content due to temperature variations cannot cause any cracks in the bag when it is filled for example with a liquid fuel. The bag 2 can preferably expand to the double of its original volume.

Figures 3 and 4 represent a second embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, which differs from the preceding embodiment in that said accessory is partially shaped as an accordion. Thus, this accessory has a first part formed of a cylindrical ring 12 which is identical to that of the preceding embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention. A second part of the accessory consists of a nozzle 5 which is connected with its wide end 11 to said ring 12. However, the nozzle 5 has the shape of an accordion, such that it can be compressed in its longitudinal direction so as to occupy a small volume. When the nozzle 5 is not compressed, as represented in figure 4, it can be used to pour fluid from the bag 2. Further, the conical end 9 of the nozzle 5 is provided with a screw cap 17, such that the reservoir 1 can be sealed when it is filled with a liquid, for example.

The nozzle 5 preferably has a cross section as represented in figure 5. This cross section has two connecting sections 18 and 19, whereby each section represents a different curvature. A first section 18 consists of the segment of a circle, whereas the second section consists of the segment of an ellipse. This makes sure that, when the nozzle

5 is not compressed, it remains extended until a sufficiently large compressive force is exerted to compress it again. Thus is avoided that, for example when pouring out a liquid, the nozzle 5 would automatically rebound into the compressed shape.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the accordion-shaped nozzle 5 can for example have a hexagonal section. As is clear from figures 3 and 4, the accessory with the nozzle 5 can also be mounted in two positions in the recess 6 of the coupling element 4.

In a first position as is represented in figure 3, the compressed nozzle 5 extends in the part of the recess 6 of the coupling element 4 in which no screw thread 13 is provided. A storage space 20 is hereby formed on the inside of the accessory. This storage space 20 is confined in particular by the inner side of the ring 12 and the nozzle 5. In the storage space 20 can be stored accessories for the use of the reservoir according to the invention, such as for example disposable plastic gloves. Possibly, the storage space 20 can be sealed on the free end 8 of the connecting piece 4 by means of a lid which is not represented in the figure. In figure 4, the accessory is mounted on the connecting piece 4 in a second position, whereby the nozzle 5 is extended and can thus be used to pour out a liquid.

Figures 6 and 7 represent a third embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention which differs from the preceding embodiments in that the second part of said accessory is formed of a hollow truncate cone 21 which forms a recipient together with the ring 12. The wide end 11 of the cone 21 connects to this ring 12.

In the position of the accessory as represented in figure 6, the inside of this recipient forms a storage space 20. Thus, it is possible to put for example a little bag containing a flavouring substance such as milk powder in this storage space 20. If the reservoir is then filled with water after the accessory has been loosened, this flavouring substance can be added to the water.

Said space 20 is sealed on the free end 8 of the connecting piece by means ofa lid 22.

Figure 7 represents the accessory in a second position whereby said cone 21 extends outside the recess 6. The top 23 can for example be provided with an opening so as to serve as a drink nozzle.

Figure 8 represents an emergency kit according to the invention containing a storage case 24 with a screw cap 25. In this storage case 24, the reservoir 1 from figure 3 has been stored. The bag 2 is hereby rolled up in relation to the axis 15 of the above- mentioned recess 6 of the connecting piece 4. The accessory, which represents a nozzle 5 in the shape of an accordion, is fixed in this recess 6 in the above-mentioned second position represented in figure 4 when compressed. Thus is obtained a very compact emergency kit which represents a volume of about 25 cl in this stored shape, whereas when the reservoir is taken out of the storage case 24, it can be filled with for example eight litres of liquid.

When stored, this emergency kit also has a storage space 20 on the inside of the accessory which is sealed by means of the above-mentioned screw cap 25. The storage case 24 may for example consist of a drinking cup.

Figure 9 represents yet another embodiment of the reservoir according to the invention, h this embodiment, the connecting piece 4 has such a length that the bag 2 of the reservoir 1 can be stored in the part of the recess 6 having no screw thread. The bag 2 is preferably attached in the vicinity of the far end 7 of the connecting piece 4 in the recess 6.

In the preceding embodiments of the reservoir according to the invention, the bag 2, around the opening 3, is attached to the far end 7 of the connecting piece 4 by means of connecting techniques known as such. The bag 2 is for example connected to the connecting piece 4 by means of thermal or ultrasonic welding or by means of gluing. The connecting piece 4, as well as the accessory, is preferably made of a synthetic material such as for example polyethylene.

The invention is by no means restricted to the above-described embodiments of the reservoir and the emergency kit according to the invention represented in the accompanying drawings. On the contrary, several variants are possible within the scope of the present invention, as far as the dimensions and shapes of the reservoir are concerned as well as the accessory working in conjunction with it.

Thus, the accessory may for example comprise a dummy teat, so that the emergency kit can be used as a very compact feeding bottle.

It is clear that the reservoir according to the invention cannot only be used to convey liquids, but can also be filled with for example air. When the reservoir is thus inflated with air, it forms for example a float or a lifebuoy, or it can be used as a pillow. The reservoir can be made of all sorts of materials. When the reservoir is used to convey a liquid fuel for a car, it can preferably be disposed of, and it is made for example of polyethylene so as to meet the prevailing environmental standards.

When the emergency kit comprises a cylindrical storage case with a screw cap, the latter and the bottom of the storage case are for example provided with a reflecting or fluorescent material, such that a person walking with this emergency kit in his hand at night or in the evening is at all times visible.

Claims

1. Reservoir for a fluid, such as liquid fuel or water, comprising a supple bag (2) having an opening (3) which is provided with a connecting piece (4) with a central recess (6) via which said bag (2) can be filled with the fluid, whereby an accessory such as a nozzle (5) or a screw cap (22) is fastened to said connecting piece (4) in a detachable manner, characterised in that said connecting piece (4) has means to mount the accessory in said recess (6).

2. Reservoir according to claim 1, characterised in that said recess (6) is cylindrical.

3. Reservoir according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said means consist of a screw thread (13) which is provided in said recess (6) of the connecting piece

(4).

4. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said accessory is at least partially conical.

5. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a first part of said accessory comprises a cylindrical ring (12) which is provided with a mounting element (14) on the outside working in conjunction with said means (13), whereby a second part of the accessory connects onto this ring (12).

6. Reservoir according to claim 5, characterised in that said mounting element consists of screw thread (14).

7. Reservoir according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said accessory has an outer diameter which is smaller than the diameter of said recess (6), whereby said means (13) and said mounting element (14) make it possible to successively mount the accessory in different positions in said recess (6), whereby, in a first position, said second part extends in the direction of the inside of said bag (2), and, in a second position, this second part extends at least partially on the side of said connecting piece (4) which is turned away from the bag (2).

8. Reservoir according to claim 7, characterised in that, in said first position, the second part extends at least partially in said recess (6), whereas, in said second position, the second part extends at least partially outside said recess (6).

9. Reservoir according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the accessory forms a storage space (20) when it is mounted in said first position.

10. Reservoir according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that a lid (22,25) is provided which works in conjunction with said connecting piece (4), such that when said accessory is mounted in said first position, a storage space (20) is created between this lid (22,25) and the accessory.

11. Reservoir according to any of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that said second part of the accessory is formed of a nozzle (5) having a wide end (11) which connects to said cylindrical ring (12), and a conical end (9) which is provided with an opening (10) via which a fluid contained in said bag (2) can be poured out.

12. Reservoir according to claim 11, characterised in that said conical end (9) of said nozzle (5) is provided with a screw cap (17).

13. Reservoir according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that said nozzle (5) is made in the shape of an accordion, such that it can be compressed in its longitudinal direction, whereby it occupies only a small volume when compressed, and can be used for pouring out a liquid when it is not compressed.

14. Reservoir according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that said nozzle (5) has a cross section, a part (18) of which is ellipse-shaped, whereas the other part (19) is circular.

15. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that said connecting piece (4) has such a length that said bag (2), when it is not filled, can be stored in the above-mentioned recess (6).

16. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that said bag (2) has a content of some eight litres.

17. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that said bag (2) is made of polyethylene.

18. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that said bag (2) is elastic.

19. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that said bag (2), when it contains practically no fluid, is rolled up in relation to an axis extending in the prolongation of the axis (15) of said recess (6), in order to store the reservoir (1).

20. Reservoir according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that it is provided with a valve which automatically releases the gases contained in said bag (2) when the pressure in this bag exceeds a pre-set value.

21. Reservoir according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said bag (2) has two handles (16,26), whereby a first handle (16) is provided on one side of this bag (2) which is almost parallel to the axis (15) of said connecting piece (4), whereas a second handle 26 is provided in the vicinity of the angle of the bag (2) situated opposite to the connecting piece (4) and connecting to the side where said first handle (16) is fixed.

22. Emergency kit with a reservoir (1) for a fluid according to any of the preceding claims and a storage case (24), whereby said bag (2) is rolled up in relation to an axis extendmg in the prolongation of the axis (15) of said recess (6), whereby this reservoir (1) is stored in said storage case (24) such that it practically fits.

23. Emergency kit according to claim 22, characterised in that said storage case (24) consists of a drinking cup.