WO2018073670A1

WO2018073670A1 - Modular bulk storage container, kit and sealing arrangement therefor and method of nesting a modular bulk storage container

Info

Publication number: WO2018073670A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/055594
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alan Bray
Original assignee: Watertainer Sa (Pty) Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-17
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2018-04-26
Also published as: ZA201705249B

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular bulk storage container (10) comprising a first end section (12), a second end section (14), and a mid-section (16) configured to be securable to each other to form a seal-tight container when in an assembled condition (18). The sections (12, 14, 16) being shaped and dimensioned to nest within each other when the container (10) is in a disassembled condition (20). The second end section (14) having internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section (12), the second end section (14) further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the mid-section (16). The container (10) having an external height of x in an disassembled condition (20), and an external height of y in the assembled condition (18). The container (10) is configured such that the external height x of the container (10) in the disassembled condition (20) is less than or equal to 0.5y.

Description

MODULAR BULK STORAGE CONTAINER, KIT AND SEALING ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR AND METHOD OF NESTING A MODULAR BULK STORAGE CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to modular storage containers. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Storage containers having modular and nesting features are known in the art. Non- modular and non-nesting storage containers are also well known in the art.

When dealing with bulk storage containers, storage and transportability of these containers are fundamental factors that need to be considered. Typically, existing bulk or larger storage containers such as water tanks, are over-sized and require special transport arrangements to be made. These special arrangements lead to extra transport costs. In addition to this problem, more space is required to transport or store fewer containers. The installation of existing storage containers is hampered by their bulk. They require multiple people to handle and install which inflates costs.

It is common knowledge that in order to increase the internal volume of a modular container, the dimensions of the container modules or sections can be increased, however this increases the dimensions of the disassembled or nested container, and has a negative impact on transportability and storage size of the containers. In much the same way, by decreasing the dimensions of the disassembled container, it will assist in reducing storage and transport size, but the internal volume will be reduced.

An objective of a nestable container is to compact and reduce the overall size of the container, in order that it occupies a smaller space should it be desired. This same principle applies to multiple containers.

The inventor is aware of prior art relating to modular and nestable storage containers. Of particular relevance is WO20091 16881 , which discloses a demountable container with sections that are nestable within each other. The height of the disassembled container when in an disassembled or nested condition is reduced, however a drawback of this particular container is that the size reduction is limited, and not conducive and effective for transportation and storage of containers. The internal volume of the assembled container is not optimised nor is the size reduction optimised.

The inventor has identified the need to maximise the internal volume of an assembled container while at the same time minimising the overall dimensions of the disassembled container, such that many of the above mentioned problems are overcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular bulk storage container comprising: a first end section, a second end section, and one or more mid-sections; the sections being configured to be securable to each other to form a seal-tight container when in an assembled condition; the sections further being shaped and dimensioned to nest within each other when the container is in a disassembled and nested condition; characterized in that the sections are dimensioned differently relative to each other, the second end section having internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section, the second end section further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the one or more mid-sections.

The container may have an external height of x in an disassembled and nested condition, and an external height of y in the assembled condition, and the container is configured such that the external height x of the container in the disassembled and nested condition is less than or equal to 0.5y.

The external height x of the container in the disassembled and nested condition is between 0.35y to 0.45y. In the preferred form, the height of the container may be y, and the height of the container in the disassembled and nested condition x may be reduced to 0.374y. The height of the container is reduced by 62.6 %.

The first and second end sections may be shaped frusto-conically.

The mid-section may be a cylindrical tube connectable between the first and second end portions.

The container may include one or more mid-sections.

A circumferential surface of the first end section and the second end section may be angled not more than +0.3° relative the longitudinal axial line.

The height ratio of the first end section, mid-section and second end section is preferably 1 14:100:107, respectively.

The height of the first end section may be greater than the height of the mid-section, and greater than the height of the second end section.

The internal diameter of the mid-section may be greater than the diameter of the first end section and the diameter of the second section, at their widest points.

The sections may include threaded portions for threadably securing the sections to each other to form a seal-tight container.

The threaded portions may include two-start, three-start or four-start square threads, wherein adjoining sections may be complementally threaded. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the threaded portions include four-start square threads. The four-start square thread allows for the joining, tightening and sealing of adjacent end and/or middle sections by rotating the respective sections by 90°. At least one section may include a seal. The seal may be in the form of an o-ring.

The o-ring may be positioned in an o-ring groove on the outer circumference of at least one of the sections above the threads.

The second end section and mid-section may include o-ring grooves above the threads and the o-rings are positioned in the o-ring grooves, which seal the sections in a seal-tight manner and form a seal-tight container in the assembled condition.

The mid-section may include reinforcing arms, the arms connecting at least 2 points on the circumference of an open end of the mid-section.

The reinforcing arms preferably connect 3 points on the circumference of an open end of the mid-section and intersect centrally, resulting in a web-like formation of reinforcing arms.

The reinforcing arms may project internally and towards an opposing open end of the mid-section.

The reinforcing arms may comprise solid members.

The reinforcing arms may comprise inverted channel-like members.

The first end section may be at the top, the mid-section in the middle and the second end section at the bottom, when the container is in a vertical assembled condition.

The reinforcing arms may be positioned at a lower end of the mid-section when the container is in the vertical assembled condition.

A closed end of the second end section may include a first groove which is a component of a first tongue-and-groove type arrangement, the first groove being shaped and dimensioned to receive the reinforcing arms when nesting with the second end section within the mid-section.

The first tongue-and-groove arrangement may comprise three channel-like components which intersect centrally, and which result in a web-like formation on the closed end of the second end section.

A closed end of the first end section may include a second groove which is part of a second tongue-and-groove type arrangement, the second groove being shaped and dimensioned to receive a tongue of the first tongue-and-groove type arrangement of the second end section, when nesting with the first end section, the first end section being configured to nest within the second end section.

The second tongue-and-groove arrangement may comprise three channel-like components which intersect centrally, and which result in a web-like formation on the closed end of the first end section.

The width of the channel-like components of the second tongue-and-groove arrangement may be wider than the width of the width of first tongue-and-groove arrangement's channel-like components.

The assembled container may be reversible, such that when the first end section is positioned at the top, the second end section is at the bottom, or alternatively when the second end section is positioned at the top, the first end section is at the bottom.

The assembled container may be positioned laterally.

At least one of the sections may include an inlet.

The inlet may be an inspection hole.

The inlet may be located on an upper end region of the upper end section. The inlet is preferably positioned on the closed end of the first end section. The inlet may be configured to receive a pipe.

The pipe may be a rain water drainage pipe or the likes thereof.

The inlet may be sealed with a lid.

At least one of the sections may include an outlet.

The outlet may be positioned at a lower region of the lowest end section or base section, which is preferably the closed end of the second end section, wherein the inside bottom region of the second end section may act as a silt trap as a result of the outlet being positioned above the closed end of the second end section, this closed end being the base or bottom surface of the container.

The closed end of the first and/or second end section may include flat recesses for the container to locate onto a base plate. The base plate may be used to correctly space the container from a wall and/or a further container, which in turn allows for the correct spacing for fittings, valves, pumps, pipes and the like thereof. The closed ends may include location dimples. Typically the location dimples are located in four flat recesses configured on the closed end of the second end section, or base of the container.

The four-start thread may assist with the alignment of the flat portion of the first end section with the flat portions of the second end section.

The first tongue-and-groove arrangement's channel-like components on the closed end of the second end section may define three cavities in the bottom region of the second end section, wherein one or more of the cavities may act as silt traps.

Two of the cavities may act as silt traps when the outlet is positioned relative the third cavity.

The outlet may include a dispensing means. The outlet may be configured to receive a pipe. The closed end of the first end section may include blind holes to assist in the alignment and securing of the container to a wall and/or to another container.

The securing of the container to a wall may be achieved by a mounting bracket, wherein a first portion of the mounting bracket is attachable to the wall, and a second portion of the mounting bracket is attachable to a part of the first end section.

The mounting bracket may be L-shaped or T-shaped.

The joining of two or more containers to each other may be achieved by a connector, wherein the connector connects the first end section of one container to the first end section of another container.

The connector may be an elongate flat member.

The blind holes may be configured to receive screws or the like so as to attach the second portion of the mounting bracket to the first end section, and/or attach the first end of the connector to the second end of the connector.

One or more containers may be joined to an existing or previously installed container.

Outer rims of at least one of the sections may include an alignment means.

The alignment means may include lugs, wherein the lugs may act as grips during assembly.

The outer rim of the mid-section and first end sections include lugs to assist the alignment of the sections when assembling the container. The outer rims of the midsection and first end sections include two lugs. The lugs also aid in tightening and loosening of the sections. When the four-start thread of the sections are fully engaged with each other, each of the lugs are in alignment with two top and bottom flat portions of the end sections. The sections may include markings for orientating the sections when assembling, as well as to indicate correct securing of the sections to each other when in the assembled condition.

The marking may be in the form of lines along the length of the sections. The markings may include assembly arrows corresponding to four compass points of each section of the container, wherein there are four arrows configured on the sides of the first and second end sections, the arrows located near the open ends of the sections. The midsection may include eight arrows, four located near each open end of the mid-section. When the mid-section and first and second end sections are fully secured, the arrows of the mid-section and the end sections will be aligned.

The first and second end sections may include flat portions, for assisting the alignment and joining of two or more containers to each other. The flat portions may include markers to ensure correct and accurate drilling to fit pipes connecting one or more assembled containers.

The flat portions may include one or more outlet and/or inlet.

The sections may be injection moulded. The four-start square thread may assist with the mould design.

The container may store and hold a fluid, including but not limited to water.

The container volume may vary as the size of the container is scaleable.

The containers may be 750 i (litres) and 1500 i volume containers, which are likely to the most useful. The container volume may be 1761 .6 i in the assembled condition. When in the disassembled and nested condition, the container may have a volume of 658.5 I.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular bulk storage container, the container comprising, a first end section and a second end section; the sections configured to be securable to each other to form a seal-tight container when in an assembled condition; the sections being shaped and dimensioned to nest within each other when the container is in a disassembled and nested condition; characterized in that at least one section includes an o-ring, the o-ring being positioned in an o-ring groove on an outer circumference of at least one of the sections above a threaded portion of the section.

The container may further include one or more mid-sections.

The container may be configured such that each section is dimensioned differently relative each other such that the overall dimensions of the container in the disassembled and nested condition are significantly reduced compared to the overall dimensions of the container in the assembled condition, and wherein the internal volume of the container is optimised when in the assembled condition.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a seal arrangement for a bulk storage modular container comprising: an o-ring and an o-ring groove; characterized in that the o-ring groove is positioned above a threaded portion on an outer circumference of at least one section of the container, and the o-ring is eatable within the o-ring groove such that the o-ring is installed upon manufacturing the container, and wherein the location of the o-ring assists in reducing damage, dislodgement and/or loss of the o-ring.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for a container as described above, characterized in that the kit comprises: one or more first end sections, second end sections and mid-sections; one or more base plates which are eatable on a surface where the container is to be installed; and

one or more connectors for connecting one or more containers to a surface and/or other containers, when in their assembled conditions.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of nesting a modular bulk storage container, characterizing in that the method comprises; detaching a first end section, mid-section and second end section from each other, wherein the sections are dimensioned differently relative each other, the second end section may have internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section, the second end section further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the mid-section; nesting the second end section within the mid-section such that a first groove at a closed end of the second end section receives a reinforcing arm positioned at an end of the mid-section; and nesting the first end section within the second end section such that a second groove at a closed end of the first end section receives a tongue at the closed end of the second end section, and wherein the overall dimensions of the container in a disassembled and nested condition are significantly reduced relative the overall dimensions of the container when in an assembled condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention shall be described briefly by way of reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a modular bulk storage container in an assembled condition, comprising first and second end sections and a mid-section;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the container in the assembled condition, showing internal features of the container; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a threaded portion of the mid-section and the second section, showing an o-ring seal;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a threaded portion of the mid-section and the first second, an o-ring seal;

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the container in the assembled condition;

Figure 3A is an enlarged top view of blind holes on the top surface of the first end section;

Figure 4 is a top view of the container in the assembled condition;

Figure 5 is a side view of the container in a disassembled and nested condition with the sections nested within each other, adjacent another container in the assembled condition;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the container in the disassembled and nested condition with the sections nested within each other;

Figure 6A is a cross-sectional side view of the container in a disassembled and nested condition, showing the sections nested within each other, the section having four-start square threads;

Figure 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the sections nested within each other, showing the first end section nested in the mid-section and the second end section then nested in the first section;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container in the assembled condition, showing the reinforcing arms of the mid-section;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the midsection and second end section, showing the reinforcing arms of the mid-section;

Figures 9A - C show different views of an L-shaped mounting bracket;

Figures 10A - C show different views of a T-shaped mounting bracket;

Figures 11 A - C show different views of a connector;

Figure 12 is a top view of two containers joined to each other with the connector; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of two containers joined to each other by the connector, showing the mounting brackets mounted to the first end section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of the preferred embodiment with respect to the drawings follows. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. It will further be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment/s disclosed, but is capable of various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth.

A modular bulk storage container 10, the container 10 comprising a first end section 12, a second end section 14, and a mid-section 16 configured to be securable to each other to form a seal-tight container when in an assembled condition 18, the sections 12, 14 and 16 being shaped and dimensioned to nest within each other when the container 10 is in a disassembled and nested condition 20, the sections 12, 14 and 16 being dimensioned differently relative to each other, the second end section 14 having internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section 12, the second end section 14 further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the mid-section 16, and the container 10 having an external height of x in an disassembled and nested condition 20, and an external height of y in the assembled condition 18, configured such that the external height x of the container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20 is less than or equal to 0.5y.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, 5, 7 and 13, the first and second end sections 12 and 14 are shaped frusto-conically. A circumferential surface 13 of the first end section 12 and second end section 14 are angled +0.3° relative the longitudinal axial line. This taper angle allows the internal volume of the container 10 to be increased, while minimising the overall height of the container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20, which assists in achieving the most compacted container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20.

The mid-section 16 is a cylindrical tube connectable between the first and second end portions 12 and 14.

The height ratio of the first end section 12, mid-section 16 and second end section 14 is 1 14: 100: 107, respectively. The height of the first end section 12 is greater than the height of the mid-section 16, and greater than the height of the second end section 14. This allows for an increase in the internal storage of the container 10 when in the assembled condition 18 without having to increase the height of the container 10 when in the disassembled and nested condition 20. The dimensions of the first end section 12 are greater than the dimensions of the second end section 14. The internal diameter of the mid-section 16 is greater than the first end section's 12 diameter and the second section's 14 diameter, at their widest points.

Referring to Figure 2, the dimensions of the second end section 14 are 779mm x 941 .6mm, the first end section's 12 dimensions are 827mm x 1002 mm, and the midsection's 16 are 725mm x 961 mm. The diameter of the container 10 in the assembled condition 18 is 1002 mm.

Referring to Figure 5, the height y of the container 10 in the assembled condition 18 is 2234mm. The height x of the container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20 is reduced to 0.374y, such that x = 835.04mm. Therefore, x is reduced to less than 0.5y.

Figure 2A and 2B show the sections 12, 14 and 16 which include four-start square threads 22 for threadably securing the sections 12, 14 and 16 to each other to form a seal-tight container 10. The adjoining sections 12 and 16, and 14 and 16 are complementally threaded. This type of threading reduces the height of the threaded area resulting in the reduced height of the sections 12, 14 and 16 without impacting the overall dimensions of the container 10 when in an assembled condition 18, and resulting in a more compacted container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20. This also has the benefit of maintaining the container's 10 optimal internal volume.

The second end section 14 and mid-section 16 include o-rings 24 which seal the sections 12, 14 and 16 in a seal-tight manner and form a seal-tight container 10 in the assembled condition 18. The o-rings 24 are positioned in o-ring grooves 26 above the threads 22, positioned on both the outer circumference of the second end section 14 and mid-section 16.

Referring to Figures 3, 4, 7, 8 and 13 an outer rim 28 of the mid-section 16 and first end sections 12 include two lugs 30 to assist the alignment of the sections 12, 14 and 16 when assembling the container 10. The lugs 30 also act as grips during assembly. The sections 12, 14 and 16 include lines 32 along their length for orientating the sections 12, 14 and 16 when assembling the container 10. This also indicates the correct securing of the sections 12, 14 and 16 to each other once the container 10 in an assembled condition 18.

As depicted in Figure 1 , 3, 7 and 13 an area near the outer rim 28 is marked with assembly arrows 62 corresponding to four compass points of each section 12, 14 and 16 of the container 10, wherein there are four arrows 62 configured on the sides of the first and second end sections 12 and 14, the arrows 62 located near the open ends of the sections 12, 14 and 16. The mid-section 16 includes eight arrows 62, four located near each open end of the mid-section 16. When the mid-section 16 and first and second end sections 12 and 14 are fully secured, the arrows 62 of the mid-section 16 and the end sections 12 and 14 will be aligned.

As depicted in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the mid-section 16 includes reinforcing arms 36. Referring to Figure 7 and 8 in particular, the arms 36 connect 3 points on the circumference of an open end 38 of the mid-section 16 and intersect at a central point, resulting in a web-like formation of reinforcing arms 36. The reinforcing arms 36 comprise three solid members that project internally and towards an opposing open end 40 of the mid-section 16.

Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, 6A and 7, a closed end 42 of the second end section 14 or the bottom surface or base 53 of the container 10 includes a first groove 43 which is a component of a first tongue-and-groove type arrangement 44. Referring to Figure 6A specifically, this first groove 43 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the reinforcing arms 36 of the mid-section when nesting with the second end section 14 within the mid-section 16. The first tongue-and-groove arrangement 44 comprises three channel-like components which intersect centrally, and which result in a weblike formation on the closed end 42 of the second end section 14. This formation adds support to the closed end 42 of the second end section 14. The channel-like components form a tongue 47.

The closed end 42 of the second end section 14 or the base/ bottom surface 53 includes flat recesses 64 for the container 10 to locate onto a base plate (not shown). The base plate is used to correctly space the container from a wall and/or a further container, which in turn allows for the correct spacing for fittings, valves, pumps, pipes and the like thereof. Location dimples 64a are located in four flat recesses 64 configured on the base or bottom surface 53.

Referring again to Figure 6A and 7, a closed end 42 of the first end section 12 includes a second groove 45 which is part of a second tongue-and-groove type arrangement 46, the second groove 45 being shaped and dimensioned to receive the tongue 47 of the first tongue-and-groove type arrangement 44 of the second end section 14, when nesting with the first end section 12, wherein the first end section 12 is configured to nest within the second end section 14. The second tongue-and-groove arrangement 46 comprises three channel-like components which intersect centrally, and which result in a web-like formation on the closed end 42 of the first end section 12. This formation adds support to the closed end 42 of the first end section 12. The width of the second tongue-and-groove arrangement's channel-like components are wider than the first tongue-and-groove arrangement's channel-like components width, allowing them to receive the tongue 47 of the first tongue-and-groove type arrangement 44 of the second end section 14.

When disassembling the container 10, the first and second tongue-and-groove type arrangement 44 and 46 are shaped and dimensioned such that the second end section 14 is nestable within the mid-section 16 and thereafter the first end section 12 is nestable within the first end section 12, as illustrated in Figure 5 and 6.

As shown in the drawings, the closed end 42 of the first end section 12 includes an inspection hole 48a and lid 48.

Referring to Figures 2, the second end section 14 includes an outlet 52 positioned in one of the flat portions 34. The outlet 52 is in the form of a hole. The inside bottom region of the second end section 14 may act as a silt trap as a result of the outlet 52 being positioned above the closed end 42 of the second end section 14 which is the base or bottom surface 53 of the container 10. Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 and 8, the first tongue-and-groove arrangement's 44 channel-like components on the closed end 42 of the second end section 14 define cavities 44a in a bottom region of the inside of the second end section 14. There are three cavities 44a, two of the cavities 44a act as silt traps when the outlet 52 is positioned in the flat portion 34 above the third cavity 44a.

Furthermore, the first and second end sections 12 and 14 include flat portions 34, for assisting the alignment and joining of two or more containers 10 to each other. The containers 10 can be joined by means of piping or the likes. The flat portions include markers 34a to ensure correct and accurate drilling to fit pipes connecting one or more assembled containers 10.

Referring to Figures 3, 3A, 4 and 13, the closed end 42 of the first end section 12 includes blind holes 50 to assist in the alignment and securing of the container 10 to a wall (not shown) and to another container 10.

The securing of the container 10 to a wall is achieved by an L-shaped 54 or T-shaped 54B mounting bracket shown in Figure 9A - C and 10A - C, wherein a first portion 56 of the mounting bracket is attachable to the wall, and a second portion 58 is attachable to a portion of the first end section 12.

Referring to Figures 11 A - C, 12 and 13, the joining of two or more containers 10 to each other is achieved by an elongate flat connector 60, wherein the connector 60 connects the first end section 12 of one container 10 to the first end section 12 of the adjacent container 10.

The blind holes 50 are configured to receive screws or the like for attaching the second portion 56 of the mounting bracket to the first end section 12, and/or attach the first end of the connector 60 to the first end section 12.

The sections 12, 14 and 16 are dimensioned differently relative each other, such that the overall dimensions of the container 10 in the disassembled and nested condition 20 are significantly reduced compared to the overall dimensions of the container 10 in the assembled condition 18, and wherein the internal volume of the container 10 is optimised when in the assembled condition 18.

The transportation and storage benefits of the container 10 will now be explained by way of referring to the following non-limiting examples:

A 40 foot high cube container can hold seventy -two (72) containers 10 with volumes of 1500 I each (1500 I containers), when the 1500 I containers 10 are held in the 40 foot high cube container in their disassembled and nested conditions 20. The 40 foot high cube containers are commonly used as shipping containers, which may also be carried on trucks. If any of the dimensions of the 1500 i container 10 were to be adjusted, and/or the height ratio of 1 14:100:107 changed, the optimum number of 1500 i containers 10 that can be stored and transported will be significantly reduced. Effectively this means that a minimal increase in the height of the 1500 i container in the disassembled and nested condition 20 would result in an entire row (24 of the 1500 i containers) less being capable of transport. The equivalent quantity of JOJO™ tanks having a volume of 1500 1 (1500 1 JOJO™ tanks), that could fit into a 40 foot high cube container is approximately one third (V3) the quantity of 1500 i containers 10.

The height of a standard road bridge is approximately 4.3 m. A Superlink truck with a maximum height under 4.3 m, can hold and transport one hundred and eight (108) containers 10 with volumes of 1500 i each (1500 i containers), when the 1500 i containers 10 are held in the Superlink truck in their disassembled and nested conditions 20. If any of the dimensions of the 1500 i container 10 were to be adjusted, and/or the height ratio of 1 14: 100:107 changed, the optimum number of 1500 I containers 10 that can be stored and transported will be significantly reduced. The equivalent quantity of 1500 i JOJO™ tanks that could fit into a Superlink truck is approximately one third (V3) the quantity of 1500 1 containers 10.

Claims

1 . A modular bulk storage container (10) comprising: a first end section (12), a second end section (14), and one or more mid-sections (16); the sections (12, 14, 16) being configured to be securable to each other to form a seal-tight container when in an assembled condition (18); the sections (12, 14, 16) further being shaped and dimensioned to nest within each other when the container (10) is in a disassembled and nested condition (20); characterized in that the sections (12, 14, 16) are dimensioned differently relative to each other, the second end section (14) having internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section (12), the second end section (14) further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the one or more mid-sections (16).

2. The container as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the container (10) has an external height of x in the disassembled and nested condition (20), and an external height of y in the assembled condition (18), and the container (10) is configured such that the external height x of the container (10) in the disassembled and nested condition (20) is less than or equal to 0.5y.

3. The container as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the external height x of the container (10) in the disassembled and nested condition (20) is between 0.35y to 0.45y.

4. The container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the height of the container (10) in the assembled condition (18) is y, and the height of the container (10) in the disassembled and nested condition (20), x, is reduced to 0.374y.

5. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circumferential surface of the first end section (12) and the second end section (14) is angled not more than +0.3° relative the longitudinal axial line.

6. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height ratio of the first end section (12), mid-section (16) and second end section (14) is 1 14:100: 107, respectively.

7. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of the first end section (12) is greater than the height of the mid-section (16), and greater than the height of the second end section (14).

8. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal diameter of the mid-section (16) is greater than the external diameter of the first end section (12) and the external diameter of the second section (14), at their widest points.

9. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sections (12, 14, 16) include threaded portions for threadably securing the sections (12, 14, 16) to each other to form the seal-tight container.

10. The container as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the threaded portions (22) include two-start, three-start or four-start square threads, wherein adjoining sections (12, 14, 16) are complementally threaded.

1 1 . The container as claimed in either claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one section includes an o-ring (24) positioned in an o-ring groove (26) on the outer circumference of at least one of the sections (12, 14, 16) above the threaded portions (22).

12. The container as claimed in claim 1 1 , characterized in that the second end section (14) and mid-section (16) include o-ring grooves (26) above the threaded portions (22) and the o-rings (24) are positioned in the o-ring grooves (26).

13. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mid-section (16) includes one or more reinforcing arms (36), the one or more reinforcing arms (36) connecting at least two points on the circumference of an open end of the mid-section (16).

14. The container as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that a closed end (42) of the second end section (14) includes a first groove (43) which is a component of a first tongue-and-groove type arrangement (44), the first groove (43) being shaped and dimensioned to receive the reinforcing arms (36) when nesting the second end section (14) within the mid-section (16), and a closed end (42) of the first end section (12) includes a second groove (45) which is part of a second tongue-and- groove type arrangement (44), the second groove (45) being shaped and dimensioned to receive a tongue (47) of the first tongue-and-groove type arrangement (44) of the second end section (14), the first end section (12) being configured to nest within the second end section (14).

15. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sections (12, 14, 16) includes an inlet (48a).

16. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sections (12, 14, 16) includes an outlet (52).

17. The container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second end section (12, 14) includes one or more flat recesses (44a) configured on the closed end (42) of the first and/or second end section (12, 14) being alignable and locatable on a base plate with corresponding profusions, wherein the base plate is locatable on a surface where the container (10) is to be installed.

18. A kit for the container (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the kit comprises: one or more first end sections (12), mid-sections (16) and second end sections (14); one or more base plates which are locatable on a surface where the container (10) is to be installed; and

one or more connectors (54, 54B, 60) for connecting one or more containers (10) to a surface and/or other containers (10) when in their assembled conditions (18).

19. A seal arrangement for the container (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, the seal arrangement comprising: an o-ring (24) and an o-ring groove (26); characterized in that the o-ring groove (26) is positioned above a threaded portion (22) on an outer circumference of at least one section (12) of the container (10), and the o-ring (24) is locatable within the o-ring groove (26) such that the o-ring (24) is installed upon manufacturing the container (10), and the location of the o- ring (24) assists in reducing damage, dislodgement and/or loss of the o-ring (24).

20. A method of nesting the modular bulk storage container (10) comprising: detaching a first end section (12), mid-section (16) and second end section (14) from each other, wherein the sections (12, 14, 16) are dimensioned differently relative each other, the second end section (14) may have internal dimensions greater than the external dimensions of the first end section (12), the second end section (14) further having external dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions of the mid-section (16); nesting the second end section (14) within the mid-section (16) such that a first groove (43) at a closed end (42) of the second end section (14) receives a reinforcing arm (36) positioned at an end of the mid-section (36); nesting the first end section (12) within the second end section (14) such that a second groove (45) at a closed end (42) of the first end section (12) receives a tongue (47) at the closed end (42) of the second end section (14), characterized in that the overall dimensions of the container (10) in a disassembled and nested condition (20) are significantly reduced relative the overall dimensions of the container (10) when in an assembled condition (18).