WO2022159747A1

WO2022159747A1 - Structural support enhancement for a wall-mounted reservoir holder

Info

Publication number: WO2022159747A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/013384
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars DE VRIES
Original assignee: Ecolab Usa Inc.
Priority date: 2021-01-25
Filing date: 2022-01-21
Publication date: 2022-07-28

Abstract

A wire-frame chemical reservoir holder (12) may be retrofit for enhanced structural support. In some configurations, the wire-frame reservoir holder includes a first side rail (16), a second side rail (18), an upper rail (20), and a bottom rail (22). A support frame (14) may be interlocked into the wire-frame holder. The support frame may include a vertically extending sheet of material (36) joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material (38) and at least one projection (42,44) extending outwardly from the vertically extending sheet of material. The support frame may be positioned on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder and the at least one projection interlocked within an offset (32) formed by the wire frame.

Description

STRUCTURAL SUPPORT ENHANCEMENT FOR A WALL-MOUNTED RESERVOIR HOLDER

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This applications claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/141,473, filed January 25, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to structural support systems and, more particularly, to structural support systems for retaining wall-mounted chemical reservoirs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Aqueous chemical solutions are used in a variety of situations. For example, in different applications, aqueous cleaning solutions are used to clean, sanitize, and/or disinfect kitchens, bathrooms, schools, hospitals, factories, and other similar facilities. Aqueous cleaning solutions include one or more chemical species dissolved in water. The chemical species impart various functional properties to the water such as cleaning properties, antimicrobial activity, and the like. In different applications, an aqueous cleaning solution may be supplied by a manufacturer in a dilute, ready -to-use form or as a concentrate that is diluted onsite to form a working solution. Supplying a concentrate has the advantages of reducing shipping costs and minimizing the amount of onsite storage required to hold the chemical before use.

[0004] In environments where a chemical reservoir is stored for repeated access and use, a dedicated storage system may be provided for receiving and holding the chemical reservoir. The chemical reservoir may be inserted into the storage system to position the chemical reservoir at a safe location that will prevent the reservoir from being inadvertently knocked over. In some applications, the storage system may be attached to a vertical wall surface to position the chemical reservoir at an elevated height, for example, to increase the storage capacity of the holding location and/or to position the chemical reservoir at an ergonomically convenient height for user access. SUMMARY

[0005] In general, this disclosure is directed to systems and techniques for supporting reservoirs. In some examples, a reservoir holding system includes a wire-frame holder defined by interconnected rail members joined together. For example, the wire-frame holder may include a pair of side rails, an upper rail, and a lower rail. The lower rail may form a surface on which the chemical reservoir can be placed. For example, the chemical reservoir may be placed with a bottom surface of the reservoir contacting the top surface of the lower rail, with the chemical reservoir retained between the pair of side rails and the upper rail. [0006] In practice, a problem observed with some wire-frame holder systems is that the chemical reservoir may lose structural integrity over time when positioned on the wire-frame holder. For example, many chemical reservoirs are made of polymeric material and, when filled with chemical, may be comparatively heavy. The lower rail of the wire-frame system may have a comparatively small cross-sectional area compared to the cross-sectional area of the chemical reservoir. As a result, as the weight of the chemical bears against the lower rail of the wire-frame system, the chemical reservoir may have a tendency to deform around the rail (e.g., drooping, sagging, or causing the bottom surface of the chemical reservoir to lose its shape under the force of gravity. This may be especially true if the chemical present in the chemical reservoir reduces the strength of the material defining the reservoir (e.g., increases the plasticity of the reservoir). In more significant cases, the chemical reservoir itself may crack, causing a chemical spill.

[0007] For these and other reasons, a reservoir holding system according to the disclosure may include a support frame that is insertable into the wire-frame holder. The support frame can include a vertical sheet of material and a horizontal sheet of material. In use, the support frame can be inserted onto the wire-frame reservoir holder so the horizontal sheet of material is positioned on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder. This can increase the amount of surface area on the reservoir holding system that contacts the bottom surface of the chemical reservoir. As a result, issues with the chemical reservoir deforming and breaking while in contact with the wire-frame reservoir alone can be reduced or eliminated.

[0008] In some implementations, the support frame is designed to easily retrofit an existing wire-frame holder. For example, the support frame may be designed to be inserted into, and interlock with, the existing wire-frame holder without requiring the aid of a tool (e.g., screw driver, drill) to remove and/or insert one or more mechanical fasteners. In some configurations, the support frame includes one or more projections that interlock with the wire-frame holder, when the support frame is inserted into the wire-frame holder. In applications where there are a significant number of wire-frame holders benefiting from being retrofitted with a support frame, configuring the support frame to be installed on the wire-frame holder with a simple, tool-free technique can significantly reduce the amount of labor and time needed to deploy the solution. While certain support frame designs may beneficially be used in retrofit applications, it should be appreciated that the support frame designs can also be used on new or non-retrofit designs without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] In one example, a method of retrofitting a wire-frame reservoir holder for enhanced structural support is described. The method involves inserting a support frame onto a wireframe reservoir holder and interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder. According to the example, the wire-frame reservoir holder includes a first side rail, a second side rail, an upper rail, and a bottom rail. The first side rail defines a top end, the second side rail defines a top end, and the upper rail is connected to at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail or second side rail, respectively, to define an offset. The bottom rail extends between the first side rail and the second side rail and defines a top surface. The example also specifies that the support frame includes a vertically extending sheet of material joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material and at least one projection extending outwardly from the vertically extending sheet of material. According to the method, inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder involves positioning the horizontally extending sheet of material of the support frame on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder. In addition, interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder involves inserting the at least one projection within the at least one offset.

[0010] In another example, a reservoir holding system is described that includes a wire-frame reservoir holder and a support frame. The wire-frame holder includes a first side rail, a second side rail, an upper rail, and a bottom rail. The first side rail defines a top end, the second side rail defines a top end, and the upper rail is connected to at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail or second side rail, respectively, to define an offset. The bottom rail extends between the first side rail and the second side rail and defines a top surface. The example specifies that the support frame includes a vertically extending sheet of material joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material and at least one projection extending outwardly from the vertically extending sheet of material. According to the example, the support frame is inserted onto the wire-frame reservoir holder with the horizontally extending sheet of material of the support frame positioned on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder, and the projection is positioned within the at least one offset.

[0011] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example reservoir holding system that includes a wire-frame reservoir holder and a support frame.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example configuration of the wire-frame reservoir holder from FIG. 1 shown with the support frame removed from the wire-frame reservoir holder.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support frame of FIG. 1 shown removed from wire-frame reservoir holder.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of the example of reservoir holding system from FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This disclosure is generally directed to systems and techniques for supporting reservoirs. In some examples, a reservoir holding system includes a wire-frame holder formed of one or more individual wire members. A support frame may be installed on the wire-frame holder that increase the surface contact area on which a reservoir inserted into the holder resides. In some implementations, the support frame includes a vertically extending sheet of material joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material. The support frame can be positioned onto the wire-frame reservoir holder by positioning the horizontally extending sheet of material of the support frame on a top surface of a bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder.

[0017] To attach the support frame to the wire-frame holder, the support frame may include one or more projections configured to interlock into one or more corresponding receiving spaces defined by the wire-frame holder. For example, the wire-frame holder may include an offset defined between an upper rail and a side rail. When the wire-frame reservoir holder is mounted to a vertical wall surface, the offset may be bounded on a backside by the vertical wall surface, on a front side by a side rail, and on a bottom side by the upper rail. In either case, a projection defined by the support frame may be inserted into the offset, thereby interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame holder. In some implementations, the support frame is designed to interlock with the wire-frame holder without requiring the aid of a tool, thereby reducing the amount of time and labor needed to engage the support frame with the wire-frame holder. That being said, in other applications, a tool may be utilized to help attach the support frame to the wire-frame holder, e.g., by inserting one or more mechanical fixation elements to secure the support frame to the wire-frame holder.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example reservoir holding system 10 that includes a wire-frame reservoir holder 12 and a support frame 14. Support frame 14 may be insertable into wire-frame reservoir holder 12 by inserting the support frame downwardly onto the wire-frame reservoir holder (e.g., in the negative Z-direction indicated on FIG. 1), e.g., until the support frame contacts and rests on the top surface of the wire-frame reservoir holder. Support frame 14 may be interlocked with wire-frame reservoir holder 12 concurrent with or after inserting the support frame into the wire-frame reservoir holder. In some implementations as will be described, support frame 14 may include one or more projections that can be inserted into one or more corresponding receiving spaces defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12 to interlock the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder. In either case, support frame 14 may be secured to wire-frame reservoir holder 12 so as to prevent the support frame from inadvertently detaching from the wire-frame reservoir holder 12 when installed.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, support frame 14 may have an enlarged surface area (e.g., in the X-Y plane) on which a reservoir can be placed as compared to wire-frame reservoir holder 12. After support frame 14 is installed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12, a chemical reservoir may be placed on the support frame, e.g., by positioning the bottom surface of the chemical reservoir on the horizontally extending surface of the support frame. When so configured, the enlarged surface area provided by support frame 14 as compared to wireframe reservoir holder 12 alone can distribute the weight of the reservoir and any contents therein over a larger surface area. This may be useful to help reduce or eliminate one or more pressure points on the bottom surface of the chemical reservoir.

[0020] For example, when the chemical reservoir is placed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12 alone, the weight of the reservoir and any contents therein pressing against the comparatively small rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder may have a tendency to deform and/or crack the chemical reservoir over extended service. By installing support frame 14 on wire-frame reservoir holder 12, the weight of the chemical reservoir and its contents can be distributed over a larger surface area to help prevent these and other issues. [0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example configuration of wire-frame reservoir holder 12 from FIG. 1 shown with support frame 14 removed from the wire-frame reservoir holder. As shown in this example, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 may formed of multiple individual rail elements joined together to define the wire-frame structure. For example, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 may include at least two side rails, which are illustrated as a first side rail 16 and a second side rail 18. Wire-frame reservoir holder 12 may also include an upper rail 20 and a bottom rail 22. Upper rail 20 may be positioned at a vertically elevated location relative to bottom rail 22, when wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is positioned to receive a chemical reservoir.

[0022] Upper rail 20 can extend between first side rail 16 and second side rail 18. Similarly, bottom rail 22 can extend between first side rail 16 and second side rail 18. Upper rail 20 and bottom rail 22 can extend perpendicularly relative to first side rail 16 and second side rail 18, or one or both of upper rail 20 and bottom rail 22 can extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the side rails. In either case, bottom rail 22 can define a top surface 24, which is an uppermost surface of the bottom rail that may contact a bottom surface of support frame 14, when the support frame is inserted into wire-frame reservoir holder 12.

[0023] As shown with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, first side rail 16 can define a top end 26, and second side rail 18 can define a top end 28. The top ends of first side rail 16 and second side rail 18 may be the uppermost surface or extension of each rail (e.g., in the Z-direction indicated on FIG. 1). Upper rail 20 may be connected to one or both of first side rail 16 and second side rail 18 at a location below top end 26 and/or top end 28 of the first and second side rail 16, 18, respectively. For example, upper rail 20 may be connected to first side rail 16 and/or second side rail 18 such that a top or uppermost surface 30 of upper rail 20 is positioned below top end 26 and/or top end 28 of first side rail 16 and/or second side rail 18, respectively.

[0024] When upper rail 20 is connected to first side rail 16 and/or second side rail 18 below the top ends of one or both rails, an offset may be defined between the top end of a rail and the lower positioned upper rail 20. For example, a first offset 32 may be defined between top end 26 of first side rail 16 and upper rail 20 (e.g., upper surface 30 of the upper rail). A second offset 34 may be defined between top end 28 of second side rail 18 and upper rail 20 (e.g., upper surface 30 of the upper rail). While the example illustrated wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is illustrated as having two offsets 32, 34, the wire-frame reservoir holder may have fewer offsets (e.g., one offset) or more offsets (e.g., three or more) without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The number and configuration of offsets may be defined by the number of side rails and the relative position to one or more upper rails connecting the side rails together.

[0025] Features described as rails forming wire-frame reservoir holder 12 (e.g., first side rail 16, second side rail 18, upper rail 20, bottom rail 22) may be connected together in any suitable manner. In some examples, one or more rail elements our formed from a unitary member bent to define the individual rails. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rail elements may be formed as separate members and subsequently joined together (e.g., integrally and permanently connected together). For example, one or more rail elements may be joined together via welding, an adhesive, a mechanical fixation element (e.g., screw, bolt), and/or other attachment mechanism.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of support frame 14 shown removed from wire-frame reservoir holder 12. In this example, support frame 14 includes a vertically extending sheet of material 36 and a horizontally extending sheet of material 38. Vertically extending sheet of material 36 can extend upwardly with respect to gravity (e.g., in the Z-Y plane indicated on FIG. 3). Horizontally extending sheet of material 38 can extend horizontally with respect to gravity (e.g., in the X-Y plane indicated on FIG. 3). Vertical sheet 36 and horizontal sheet 38 may be joined together at a junction 40. Vertical sheet 36 and horizontal sheet 38 may be a single sheet of material bent at junction 40 to define the two sheets extending different directions or may be separate sheets of material joined together via one or more attachment mechanisms, such as those discussed above for joining different rail elements.

[0027] Support frame 14 can include at least one projection extending outwardly from vertical sheet 36. In the illustrated example, support frame 14 includes a first projection 42 and a second projection 44. Each feature described as a projection may be feature extending away from a remainder of support frame 14 (e.g., away from a remainder of vertical sheet 36). Each projection can extend horizontally outwardly from vertical sheet 36 (e.g., at a 90° angle with respect to the sheet) or can extend in a different direction and/or at a different angle, such as vertically away from a remainder of the sheet and/or at an angle other than a 90° angle relative to a remainder the sheet.

[0028] Independent of the configuration of each projection, the one or more projections defined by support frame 14 may be configured (e.g., size and/or shaped) to be engaged with the one or more offsets defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12. For example, to engage support frame 14 with wire-frame reservoir holder 12, the support frame may be inserted in a vertically downwardly direction, e.g., until the bottom surface of horizontal sheet 38 contacts top surface 24 of bottom rail 22 of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. As support frame 14 is moving downwardly relative to wire-frame reservoir holder 12, one or more projections defined by the support frame may be inserted into the corresponding one or more offsets defined by the wire-frame. In the illustrated configuration, for instance, first projection 42 can be inserted into first offset 32 and second projection 44 can be inserted into second offset 34.

[0029] When the one or more projections defined by support frame 14 are inserted into the corresponding one or more offsets defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12, the support frame may be interlocked with the wire-frame reservoir. The support frame may be interlocked such that the support frame does not inadvertently separate or detach from the wire-frame holder except under the deliberate control of a user. The support frame may also be interlocked such that the support frame can only be removed from the wire-frame in one direction (e.g., vertically upwardly).

[0030] For example, with further reference to FIG. 1, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 may be mounted to a vertical wall surface 46. When mounted, wire-frame reservoir holder 12, including bottom rail 22 of the wire-frame reservoir, may be positioned at a vertically elevated location above the ground (or, in other examples, may be mounted to the vertical wall surface with the bottom surface of bottom rail 22 contacting the ground). When mounted to vertical wall surface 46, the one or more offsets defined between a side rail and upper rail 20 may be bounded by the wall surface. For example, a first space configured to receive first projection 42 may be bounded on a backside by vertical wall surface 46, on a front side by first side rail 16, and on a bottom side by upper rail 20. A second space configured to receive second projection 44 may be bounded on a backside by vertical wall surface 46, on a front side by second side rail 18, and on a bottom side by upper rail 20.

[0031] When so configured, the one or more projections defined by support frame 14 may be inserted into the corresponding receiving spaces in a vertically downward direction (e.g., in the negative Z-direction indicated on FIG. 1) and removable in a vertically upward direction (e.g., in the positive Z-direction indicated on FIG. 1). However, once interlocked, the one or more projections may prevent support frame 14 from moving in other directions (e.g., downwardly and/or horizontally) relative to wire-frame reservoir holder 12.

[0032] When a projection of support frame 14 is designed to be inserted into a receiving space formed between vertical wall surface 46 on the backside and a side rail on the front side, the thickness of support frame 14 (at least the projection portion of the support frame) may be sized relative to the size of the space between the wall surface and the side rail. When wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is mounted with the backside of upper rail 20 flush against vertical wall surface 46, the size of the space between the wall surface inside rail may be set based on the thickness of upper rail 20. In these configurations, the thickness of support frame 14 (at least the one or more projections of the support frame) may have a thickness equal to or less than the thickness of upper rail 20.

[0033] While support frame 14 is illustrated as including a first projection 42 and a second projection 44, the support frame can define any desired number of projections such as a single projection or more than two projections (e.g., three or more). As illustrated, support frame 14 includes first projection 42 extending outwardly in a first direction from a remainder of vertical sheet 36 and second projection 44 extending outwardly in a second direction from the remainder of the vertical sheet. The second direction in which second projection 44 extends (e.g., the negative Y-directi on indicated on FIG. 1) is opposite the first direction in which first projection 42 extends (e.g., the Y-direction indicated on FIG. 1). Accordingly, when so configured, the one or more projections defined by support frame 14 can extend laterally (e.g., side to side) away from a remainder of vertical sheet 36 which is then positioned between first side rail 16 and second side rail 18.

[0034] In general, support frame 14 may define a surface on which a reservoir can be placed that has a greater surface area than the surface area of bottom rail 22 on which the reservoir may otherwise be placed in the absence of support frame 14. In the illustrated configuration, horizontal sheet 38 of support frame 14 is a continuous sheet of material devoid of any openings extending through the thickness of the sheet. In other examples, horizontal sheet 38 may include one or more openings. For example, horizontal sheet 38 may be implemented using a screen (e.g., grating) with apertures between adjacent structural members defining the screen. This may be useful where drainage through horizontal sheet 38 is desired.

[0035] Vertical sheet 36 is joined to horizontal sheet 38. Vertical sheet 36 may be a continuous sheet of material devoid of openings extending through the thickness of the sheet or may include one or more openings. For example, vertical sheet 36 may have one or more openings that form a greater cumulative cross-sectional area of the sheet than the cross- sectional area defined by structural material forming the sheet. In this regard, vertical sheet 36 may take a variety of configurations.

[0036] In some examples, vertical sheet 36 is joined to horizontal sheet 38 to define an approximately 90° angle (e.g., ± 10°) at the junction 40. In other examples, vertical sheet 36 may be joined to horizontal sheet 38 at a different angle, such as an angle ranging from 45° to 135°, or an angle ranging from 70° to 110°. The specific angle at which vertical sheet 36 joints horizontal sheet 38 may vary depending on the configuration of wire-frame reservoir holder 12 into which the support sheet is intended to be positioned.

[0037] To interlock support frame 14 to wire-frame reservoir holder 12, the one or more projections defined by the support frame may be inserted into the one or more offsets defined by the wire-frame reservoir holder. For example, first projection 42 can be inserted into first offset 32, and second projection 44 can be inserted into second offset 34. Each projection can be inserted into the corresponding offset by advancing the projection downwardly until the projection is at least partially positioned behind the top end of the side rail defining the offset. For example, first projection 42 can be inserted at least until the bottom edge of the projection is below top end 26 of first side rail 16, and second projection 44 can be inserted at least until the bottom edge of the projection is below top end 28 of second side rail 18.

[0038] Accordingly, in some examples, each offset 32, 34 may define a height (e.g., distance extending in the Z-direction) and each projection 42, 44 may also define a height (e.g., distance extending in the Z-direction). The height of each projection 42, 44 may be less than or equal to the height of the corresponding offset 32, 34. When so configured, each projection may be seated at or below the top end 26, 28 of the siderail defining the offset.

[0039] In some configurations, each projection defined by support frame 14 can be inserted until the bottom edge of the projection contacts the top side of upper rail 20. Additionally or alternatively, each projection can be inserted into the offset defined by upper rail 20 and a corresponding side rail until horizontal sheet 38 contacts the top surface of bottom rail 22. When so positioned, each projection may or may not contact upper rail 20. In either case, once each projection is partially or fully inserted into an offset, atop edge of each projection may be recessed below the top end of the side rail defining the offset, or may extend above the top end. For example, in one implementation, first projection 42 and second projection 44 are each configured such that, when support frame 14 is installed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12, the top edges of the projections are recessed below top end 26 of first side rail 16 and top end 28 of second side rail 18, respectively.

[0040] Configuring support frame 14 to interlock with wire-frame reservoir holder 12 by inserting one or more projections into one or more offsets and/or receiving spaces defined by the reservoir frame holder can be useful to facilitate easy assembly of the system. In some implementations, support frame 14 can be inserted into and interlocked with wire-frame reservoir holder 12 without the aid of a tool (e.g., screwdriver, drill, hammer), which may otherwise be required to insert and/or remove a mechanical fixation element. For example, when deployed as a retrofit solution, a user may remove a chemical reservoir positioned on wire-frame reservoir holder 12 from the holder and insert support frame 14 down onto the wire-frame reservoir holder. Under hand pressure, the user may insert the one or more projections defined by support frame 14 into the one or more corresponding offsets defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12. The user can then reinsert the chemical reservoir onto support frame 14 which, in turn, is supported by and interlocked with wire-frame reservoir holder 12. In this way, support frame 14 can be easily installed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12 while minimizing the amount of time and effort needed to facilitate the installation. That being said, in other configurations, support frame 14 may be attached to wire-frame reservoir holder 12 with the aid of a tool (e.g., to remove and/or attach a mechanical fixation element, to hammer the support frame onto the wire-frame).

[0041] In practice, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can be secured to a surface, such as vertical wall surface 46, in a variety of different ways. In some examples, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is adhesively bonded to vertical wall surface 46. Additionally or alternatively, one or more mechanical fixation elements may be used to secure the wire-frame reservoir holder to the vertical wall surface. To facilitate attachment in these configurations, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can have one or more fixation apertures configured to receive one or more corresponding mechanical fixation elements. The one or more fixation apertures may be openings defined by first side rail 16, second side rail 18, upper rail 20, and/or other portions of the wire-frame reservoir holder through which a mechanical fixation element can be inserted. Example mechanical fixation elements include bolts, screws, nails, and pins. [0042] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 includes two apertures, 50A, 50B, defined by upper rail 20. Mechanical fixation elements can be inserted through these two apertures to secure wire-frame reservoir holder 12 to vertical wall surface 46. In some examples, support frame 14 includes one or more cut outs positioned at a location corresponding to the one or more apertures defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12, when the support frame is inserted into the wire-frame reservoir holder. The one or more cut outs may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and/or positioned) to allow the head of one or more mechanical fixation elements to project out of the one or more apertures defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12 without interfering with support frame 14.

[0043] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, support frame 14 can include a first cutout 52A and a second cutout 52B positionable over first aperture 50A and second aperture 50B, respectively, of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. As a result, when support frame 14 is inserted onto wire-frame reservoir holder 12, e.g., with projections 42, 44 inserted into offsets 32 and 34, respectively, the first and second cutouts 52A, 52B surround the first and second apertures 50A, 50B of the wire-frame reservoir holder. In some such configurations, this may allow support frame 14 to be installed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12 without requiring the removal of one or more mechanical fixation elements inserted through the apertures of the holder into the underlying wall surface 46. Rather, support frame 14 may be installed on wire-frame reservoir holder 12 with the cutouts 52A, 52B providing clearance for the mechanical fixation elements partially projecting through the apertures on the wire-frame reservoir holder.

[0044] Wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 may include at least a bottom rail 22 on which a reservoir may be positioned (when not using support frame 14). Bottom rail 22 can be connected to one or more upwardly extending side rails, such as first side rail 16 and second side rail 18. To position bottom rail 22 at a location effective to support the bottom surface of a reservoir and/or support frame 14, the bottom rail may be offset from vertical wall surface 46 to which wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is attached. Accordingly, the one or more side rails connected to bottom rail 22 may not extend parallel to vertical wall surface 46 over their entire length but, instead, may include at least a portion extending horizontally so as to position the bottom rail at a location offset from the wall surface.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 2, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is illustrated as including previously described first side rail 16 and second side rail 18. In the illustrated configuration, each side rail includes at least one vertical member 60 extending parallel to an axis defined by gravity (e.g., in the Z-direction indicated on FIG. 2) and at least one horizontal member 62 extending outwardly relative to the vertical member (e.g., in the X-Y plane away vertical wall surface 46, when installed). For example, the illustrated wire-frame reservoir holder includes a first vertical member 60, a horizontal member 62, and a second vertical member 64. In either case, bottom rail 22 can be attached, directly or indirectly, to horizontal member 62 at a location that positions the bottom rail away from the wall surface to which wire-frame reservoir holder 12 is attached.

[0046] It should be appreciated that features described as a horizontal member can, but need not, extend perpendicular to an axis defined by gravity (e.g., a direction parallel to ground). Instead, the horizontal member may extend in an angular direction relative to a vertical member (e.g., vertical member 60, 64). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, horizontal member 62 intersects vertical member 60 and an angle so as to extend outwardly and downwardly relative to the vertical member. In some implementations, horizontal member 62 extends from vertical member 60 at an angle ranging from 20 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to an axis defined by gravity (e.g., represented by the Z-direction on FIG. 2).

[0047] Independent of the specific configuration of wire-frame reservoir holder 12, bottom rail 22 of the wire-frame reservoir holder may be offset from vertical wall surface 46. This can create a void space subsequently filled upon insertion of support frame 14. The distance bottom rail 22 is spaced from vertical wall surface 46 may vary depending on the size and configuration of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. In some examples, the distance is at least 10 mm, such as at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, or at least 100 mm.

[0048] As noted, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can have various different configurations. In some examples, such as the illustrated example, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 includes a perimeter fence 66. Perimeter fence 66 may enclose a perimeter to define an opening into which a reservoir can be inserted into wire-frame reservoir holder 12. Perimeter fence 66 can be vertically elevated above bottom wire 22. When a reservoir is installed, perimeter fence 66 may help retain the reservoir in the system. As illustrated, perimeter fence 66 is joined to top end 26 of first side rail 16 and top end 28 of second side rail 18, although can be joined at other locations without departing from the scope of disclosure.

[0049] The dimensions of reservoir holding system 10 can vary depending on the size and configuration of one or more reservoirs to be held by the system. FIG. 4 is a front view of the example of reservoir holding system 10 from FIG. 1. As shown, wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can define an inner width 70 between an inner surface of first side rail 16 and inner surface of second side rail 18. Wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can also define an outer width 72 between an outer surface of first side rail 16 and outer surface of second side rail 18.

[0050] In some configurations, vertical sheet 36 of support frame 14 has a width less than or equal to the inner width 70 of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. As a result, the body of vertical sheet 36 can be positioned entirely between first side rail 16 and second side rail 18, when support frame 14 is inserted into wire-frame reservoir holder 12. The one or more projections 42, 44 extending from vertical sheet 36 can project beyond the inner width 70 of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. In some examples, such as that illustrated, the distance between the ends of the pair of projections is less than or equal to the outer width 72 of wireframe reservoir holder 12. This can help keep vertical sheet 36 within the vertical footprint defined by wire-frame reservoir holder 12.

[0051] The individual members forming wire-frame reservoir holder 12 can have a variety of cross-sectional sizes and shapes, such as arcuate (e.g., circular) and/or non-arcuate (e.g., square, rectangle) cross-sectional shapes. In the illustrated configuration, bottom rail 22 defines a circular cross-sectional shape. Independent of the shape, in some configurations, bottom rail 22 defines a comparatively small cross-sectional area for contacting the bottom surface of a reservoir (in the absence of support frame 14). For example, bottom rail 22 may have a diameter less than 20 mm, such as less than 15 mm, less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm.

[0052] Support frame 14 may be manufactured from a material and have a thickness suitable for supporting a reservoir that is then placed on the support frame. Support frame 14 may be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate). In some examples, support frame has a thickness (at least horizontal sheet 38 of the support frame) greater than 3 mm, such as 5 mm or greater.

[0053] While the dimensions of support frame will vary depending on the application, in some examples, horizontal sheet 38 has a length (e.g., in the X-direction indicated on FIG. 1) of at least 100 mm, such as at least 125 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, or at least 250 mm. Vertical sheet 36 may have a length (e.g., in the Y-direction indicated on FIG. 1) greater than, less than, or equal to the length of horizontal sheet 38. In some examples, vertical sheet 36 has a length of at least 100 mm, such as at least 150 mm, at least 170 mm, at least 200 mm, or at least 250 mm.

[0054] A reservoir holding system according to the disclosure can be used to hold any desired types of reservoirs containing any desired type of material. In some examples, the reservoir holding system receives a reservoir containing a chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir may be fabricated from a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate), glass, and/or metal. The chemical in the reservoir may be in solid form, liquid form, gel form, and/or a gas. In some examples, the weight of the reservoir and any contents therein is at least 1 kilogram, such as at least 2 kilograms, at least 5 kilogram, at least 10 kilograms, or at least 25 kilograms. For example, the weight of the reservoir and any contents may range from 2 kilograms to 25 kilograms, such as from 3 kilograms to 10 kilograms. The reservoir may have an arcuate (e.g., circular) and/or polygonal (e.g., square) cross-sectional shape. Typically, the reservoir may have a substantially flat (e.g., planar) base that can be positioned on horizontal sheet 38 of support frame 14.

[0055] Example chemical agents that may be in a reservoir inserted into a reservoir holding system according to the disclosure include chemicals used for food and beverage operations (e.g., sanitizers, sterilants, cleaners, degreasers, lubricants, etc.); chemicals used for warewashing or laundry operations (e.g., detergent, de-ionized water, sanitizers, stain removers, rinse agents, etc.); chemicals used in a laundry operation (e.g., detergent, bleach, stain removers, fabric softeners, etc.); chemicals used in agriculture (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, hydration agents, and fertilizers); chemicals used in cleaning of medical/surgical instrumentation (e.g., detergent, cleaning products, neutralizers, sanitizers, disinfectants, enzymes, etc.); and any other types of chemicals including, without limitation, glass cleaning chemicals, hard surface cleaners, antimicrobials, germicides, lubricants, water treatment chemicals, rust inhibitors, etc.

[0056] A reservoir can be inserted into a reservoir holding system according to the disclosure by positioning the bottom of the base of the reservoir on the top surface of horizontal sheet 38 of support frame 14. The weight of the reservoir can be distributed across the horizontal sheet while being structurally supported but bottom rail 22 of wire-frame reservoir holder 12. While the reservoir holding system may typically be sized to receive only a single reservoir, in other applications, the reservoir holding system may be sized to receive multiple reservoirs.

[0057] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of retrofitting a wire-frame reservoir holder for enhanced structural support, the method comprising: inserting a support frame onto a wire-frame reservoir holder, wherein: the wire-frame reservoir holder comprises: a first side rail, a second side rail, an upper rail, and a bottom rail; the first side rail defines a top end, the second side rail defines a top end, and the upper rail is connected to at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail or second side rail, respectively, to define an offset; the bottom rail extends between the first side rail and the second side rail and defines a top surface; the support frame comprises a vertically extending sheet of material joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material and at least one projection extending outwardly from the vertically extending sheet of material, and interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder, wherein inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder comprises positioning the horizontally extending sheet of material of the support frame on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder, and interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder comprises inserting the at least one projection within the at least one offset.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the upper rail is connected to the first side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail to define a first side offset; the upper rail is connected to the second side rail at a location below the top end of the second side rail to define a second side offset; the support frame comprises a first projection extending outwardly from the remainder of the vertically extending sheet of material in a first direction and a second projection extending outwardly from the remainder of the vertically extending sheet of material in a second direction opposite the first direction; and inserting the at least one projection within the at least one offset comprises inserting the first projection into the first side offset and inserting the second projection into the second side offset.

3. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the wire-frame reservoir holder is mounted to a vertical wall surface.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein inserting the at least one projection within the at least one offset comprises inserting the at least one projection within a space bounded on a backside by the vertical wall surface, on a front side by the at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail, and on a bottom side by the upper rail.

5. The method of either of claims 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the first side rail, the second side rail, and the upper rail define an aperture through which a mechanical fixation element is inserted to secure the wire-frame reservoir holder to the vertical wall surface.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the support frame comprises at least one cutout positionable over the at least one aperture such that inserting the support frame onto the wireframe reservoir holder comprises inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder without removing the mechanical fixation element.

7. The method of any one of claims 3-6, wherein the bottom rail is offset from the vertical wall surface a distance of at least 15 mm with a void space between the bottom rail and vertical wall surface.

8. The method of any one of claims 3-7, wherein: the first side rail and the second side rail each comprise at least a vertical member extending parallel to an axis defined by gravity and a horizontal member extending outwardly from the vertical member to offset the bottom rail from the vertical wall surface.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the horizontal member extends from the vertical member at an angle ranging from 20 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the axis.

10. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the offset defines a height, the at least one projection defines a height, and the height of the at least one projection is less than or equal to the height of the offset.

11. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein: the wire-frame reservoir holder defines an inner width between an inner surface of the first side rail and the second side rail and an outer width, the vertically extending sheet of material has a width less than or equal to the inner width of the wire-frame reservoir holder, the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections extending in opposite directions from vertically extending sheet of material, and the distance between the ends of the pair of projections is less than or equal to the outer width of the wire-frame reservoir holder.

12. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least the bottom rail defines a circular cross-sectional shape.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the bottom rail has a diameter less than 15 mm.

14. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising, prior to inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder, removing a reservoir from the wireframe holder, wherein the reservoir is fabricated from a polymeric material.

15. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder and interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir holder comprises inserting the support frame onto the wire-frame reservoir holder and interlocking the support frame to the wire-frame reservoir without aid of a tool.

16. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the vertically extending sheet of material is joined to the horizontally extending sheet of material to define a 90 degree angle between the vertically extending sheet of material and the horizontally extending sheet of material.

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17. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the horizontally extending sheet is devoid of any openings.

18. The method of any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a perimeter fence joined to the top end of the first side rail and to the top end of the second side rail.

19. A reservoir holding system comprising: a wire-frame reservoir holder that includes: a first side rail, a second side rail, an upper rail, and a bottom rail; the first side rail defines a top end, the second side rail defines a top end, and the upper rail is connected to at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail or second side rail, respectively, to define an offset; the bottom rail extends between the first side rail and the second side rail and defines a top surface; and a support frame comprising a vertically extending sheet of material joined to a horizontally extending sheet of material and at least one projection extending outwardly from the vertically extending sheet of material, wherein the support frame is inserted onto the wire-frame reservoir holder with the horizontally extending sheet of material of the support frame positioned on the top surface of the bottom rail of the wire-frame reservoir holder, and the at least one projection is positioned within the at least one offset.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: the upper rail is connected to the first side rail at a location below the top end of the first side rail to define a first side offset; the upper rail is connected to the second side rail at a location below the top end of the second side rail to define a second side offset; the support frame comprises a first projection extending outwardly from the remainder of the vertically extending sheet of material in a first direction and a second projection extending outwardly from the remainder of the vertically extending sheet of material in a second direction opposite the first direction; the first projection is positioned within the first side offset; and the second projection is positioned within the second side offset.

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21. The system of either of claims 19 or 20, wherein: the wire-frame reservoir holder is mounted to a vertical wall surface, and the at least one projection is positioned within the offset by at least being positioned within a space bounded on a backside by the vertical wall surface, on a front side by the at least one of the first side rail and the second side rail, and on a bottom side by the upper rail.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the bottom rail is offset from the vertical wall surface a distance of at least 15 mm with a void space between the bottom rail and vertical wall surface.

23. The system of either of claims 21 or 22, wherein: the first side rail and the second side rail each comprise at least a vertical member extending parallel to an axis defined by gravity and a horizontal member extending outwardly from the vertical member to offset the bottom rail from the vertical wall surface.

24. The system of any one of claims 19-23, wherein: the wire-frame reservoir holder defines an inner width between an inner surface of the first side rail and the second side rail and an outer width, the vertically extending sheet of material has a width less than or equal to the inner width of the wire-frame reservoir holder, the at least one projection comprises a pair of projections extending in opposite directions from vertically extending sheet of material, and the distance between the ends of the pair of projections is less than or equal to the outer width of the wire-frame reservoir holder.

25. The system of any one of claims 19-24, wherein at least the bottom rail defines a circular cross-sectional shape, and the bottom rail has a diameter less than 15 mm.

26. The system of any one of claims 19-25, wherein the horizontally extending sheet is devoid of any openings.

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