Portable Liquid and Material Container

The portable liquid and material container of the present invention includes a base, sidewall, and rim. The sidewall is attached to the base at a sidewall angle and forms a base lip at the junction between the base and the sidewall. The rim is attached to the sidewall opposite the edge joined to the base, where the rim diameter is smaller than the base diameter. The large base provides stability to the container in the various types of environments. The narrow opening prevents and minimizes the liquid within the container from escaping. The sidewall angle positions the sidewall inwards towards the center of the container to direct liquid traveling up the sidewall towards the center of the container to prevent the liquid from escaping over the rim. The container is collapsible for easy transportation and requires no tools for assembly.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/426,829 filed on Nov. 28, 2016, titled “Portable Liquid and Material Container.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to liquid and material containment. The present invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to a portable liquid and material container that may be assembled without the use of tools and can be used in various types of different environments for various different types of liquids and materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water runoff is one of the largest sources of water pollution. Unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, water runoff comes from many different sources. Water runoff pollution is caused by water moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, and deposits them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters. In addition to the collection of pollutants as water moving over and through the ground, water runoff is directly polluted by the actions of human.

In many instances, human actions involve depositing pollutants directly into water runoff. In environments where there are drainage systems to collect and redistribute the waste water, many of the drainage systems deposit the water directly into natural bodies of water without treatment. The waste water from human actions that flow into the drainage system is deposited into the natural bodies of water. In remote environments where there is no drainage systems to collect and distribute waste water to treatment centers, such as farmland, construction sites, and oil fields, the waste water is directly deposited into the ground. The waste water seeps through the ground and into the water runoff, eventually flowing into natural bodies of water.

To collect waste water runoff in these environments, hard body containers are typically used as the primary collection containers. The hard body containers are large and bulky and are difficult to transport. The hard body containers are rigid and cannot be compressed or compacted into a smaller size without damaging the container. The transportation of the hard body containers to remote locations may be difficult as they require large transportation vehicles to move the containers. Additionally, because they are rigid, the hard body containers typically require a flat ground to be properly placed without tipping over.

For hazardous materials stored in the primary collection containers, a secondary containment is required to collect any spillage from the primary collection container. The secondary containment is compatible with the hazardous material and must be able to contain a spill or leak from the primary collection containers. Similar to the primary collection containers, the secondary containment is typically a hard body container. The secondary containment is larger than the primary collection containers, which allows the secondary collection containers to contain spills or leakage from the primary collection containers. However, due to its hard body, the secondary containment suffers the same deficiencies as the primary collection containers.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a portable liquid and material container. It would further be advantageous to provide a portable liquid and material container capable of being assembled without external tools. It would further be advantageous to provide a portable liquid and material container capable of being used in any environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The portable liquid and material container of the present invention provides a portable, easy to use container to collect liquid and solid materials from pollutant generating activities at sites such as construction sites and make shift repair and or material production facilities. The container provides a pollutant containment and temporary pollutant washout or may serves as a secondary containment unit. The container is constructed of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant to accommodate all types of hazardous material and pollutant substances. The material is also pliable and flexible making the container collapsible for easy transportation. The pliable and flexible material further allows the base to conform to various different types of surfaces allowing the container to be used in any environment. No tools are needed to assemble the container.

The portable liquid and material container of the present invention includes a base, sidewall, and rim. The sidewall is attached to the base at a sidewall angle and forms a base lip at the junction between the base and the sidewall. The rim is formed by folding over the edge of the sidewall opposite the edge joined to the base and attaching the material together to form a circular loop with rim diameter, where the rim diameter is smaller than the base diameter. Alternatively, the rim may be a circular loop attached to the sidewall.

The large base provides stability to the container in the various types of environments. The narrow opening prevents and minimizes the liquid within the container from escaping. The rim and the base lip prevent the sidewalls from flaring. The sidewall angle positions the sidewall inwards towards the center of the container to direct liquid traveling up the sidewall towards the center of the container to prevent the liquid from escaping over the rim. A cover may be included to cover the opening of the container to prevent liquid and material from entering and escaping from the container. In an alternative embodiment, the portable liquid and material container includes a base, sidewall, and rim. The sidewall is attached between the base and the rim at a sidewall angle. The sidewall includes a plurality of panel insert pockets extending the length of the sidewall along the exterior perimeter, with each panel insert pocket extending between the base and the rim. Individual plastic corrugated panels are inserted into each individual panel insert pocket and provide a sturdy frame to give shape to the portable liquid and material container. The portable liquid and material container may be collapsed with the corrugated insert panels inside the panel insert pockets for quick transportation, or the plastic corrugated insert panels may be removed from the panel insert pockets for compact storage and transportation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a bracket of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bracket being inserted into the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container with a cover;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cover;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a collapsible L-Bracket for use in the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible L-Bracket in the closed position;

FIG. 10 is a close up of the hinge assembly of the collapsible L-Bracket in the closed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the collapsible L-Bracket in the open position;

FIG. 12 is a close up of the hinge assembly of the collapsible L-Bracket in the open position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 14 a side elevation view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a plastic corrugated panel insert;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container collapsed for transportation;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container collapsed for transportation;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container collapsed for transportation;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the portable and liquid material container semi-collapsed;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the portable and liquid material container collapsed;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container collapsed for transportation; and

FIG. 26 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container collapsed for transportation.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the present invention, the portable liquid and material container is shown and generally designated 100. The portable liquid and material container 100, described in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a base 102, sidewall 104, and rim 106. The container 100 is made of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant. The base 102 has a circular shape with a base diameter 112. The sidewall 104 is attached to the base 102 at a sidewall angle 114 and forms a base lip 108 at the junction between the base 102 and the sidewall 104. The rim 106 is formed by folding over the edge of the sidewall 104 opposite the edge joined to the base 102 and attaching the material together to form a circular loop with rim diameter 116, where the rim diameter 116 is smaller than the base diameter 112.

In the preferred embodiment, the base 102, the sidewall 106, and the rim 106 is made of the same material. The rim 106 is constructed with multiple layers of the material to increase the strength of the rim 106 when compared to the base 102 and the sidewall 106. The base lip 108 is constructed of at least two layers of material, the base 102 and the sidewall 106, which increases the strength of the base lip 108. It is contemplated that the rim 106 may be made of another material with higher strength characteristics than the material used for the base 102 and the sidewall 104. In the alternative embodiment, the rim 106 is formed as a circular loop and attached to sidewall 104.

The sidewall 104 is formed with multiple sleeves 120 evenly spaced apart. In the preferred embodiment, the sidewall 104 has eight sleeves 120, however the number of sleeves 120 is not meant to be limiting. The sleeves 120 are welded to the sidewalls 108. It is contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. The sleeves 120 extend between the base lip 108 and the rim 106. The base lip 108, at each junction between the base lip 108 and the sleeve 120, includes a bracket pass-through 122. The bracket pass-through 120 provides an opening in the base lip 108 for a bracket 124 (shown in dashed lines) to pass through the base lip 108.

The brackets 124 provide initial structure to hold the sidewall 104 up to facilitate the filling of the container 100 with liquid. Without the bracket 124, the sidewall 104 does not have enough rigidity to hold itself up and will collapse under the weight of itself and the rim 106. When collapsed, the opening provided by the rim 106 will decrease in size due to the sidewalls 104 folding in and lying flat. Further, by lying flat liquid and material may flow out instead of being retained within the container. The brackets 124 provides the structural support needed to hold the sidewalls 104 up for liquid and material to be put inside the container 100. The rim 106 and base lip 108, in conjunction with the base 102 and the sidewall 104, provides the proper strength to support the weight and pressure of the fluid within the container 100 and prevent the sidewall 104 from flaring when the container 100 is filled with liquid.

A coupling 130 is formed into the sidewall of the container 100 and provides a closable opening for the intake or exhaust of fluid to and from the container 100. Attached to the base 102 and base lip 108 are tabs 132. Tabs 132 are utilized to attach the container 101 to a ground. The tabs 132 include a grommet reinforced opening 134 for a stake, nail, or other fastener to be passed through and anchor the container 101 to the ground. In the preferred embodiment, there are four tabs 132. The number of tabs is not limiting and it is contemplated that the number of tabs 132 may be change with to fit the needs of the container 101.

The portable liquid and material container 100 provides a portable, easy to use container to collect liquid and solid materials from pollutant generating activities at sites such as construction sites and make shift repair facilities. The portable liquid and material container 100 provides a pollutant containment and temporary pollutant washout or may serves as a secondary containment unit. The container 100 is constructed of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant to accommodate all types of hazardous material. The material is also pliable and flexible making the container 100 collapsible into a smaller form for easy transportation. The pliable and flexible material further allows the base 102 to conform to various different types of surfaces allowing the container 100 to be used in any environment. No tools are needed to assemble the container 100.

The large base 102 provides stability to the container 100 in the various types of environments. The large surface area of the base 102 provides adequate friction to prevent the container 100 from moving without anchoring the tabs 132. Anchoring the tabs 132 ensures the container 100 does not move. The narrow opening prevents and minimizes the liquid within the container 100 from escaping. The rim 106 and the base lip 108 prevent the sidewalls from flaring. The sidewall angle 114 angles the sidewall 104 inwards towards the center of the container 100 to direct liquid traveling up the sidewall 104 to towards the center of the container 100 to prevent the liquid from escaping over the rim 106.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of the bracket 124 is shown. The bracket 124 includes a first member 126 and a second member 128 at a bracket angle 129 made out of a rigid material. The bracket angle 129 is equal to the sidewall angle 114. The first member 126 has a length approximate to the length of the sleeve 120. This allows the bracket 124 to properly support the sidewall 104. The first member 126 and the second member 128 may have equal or non-equal length.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the bracket 124 is shown being inserted into the sleeve 120 of the container 100. The first member 126 of the bracket 124 is inserted into the sleeve 120 while the second member 128 of the bracket 124 passes though the bracket pass-through 122 and under the base 102 of the container 100. The brackets 124 provide ample strength to hold the sidewall 104 to facilitate the filling of the container 100 with liquid. Once liquid or material is added to the container 100, the container 100 becomes self-supported.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the container 101 is shown. The container 101 is substantially the same as the container 100 as described above in FIGS. 1-5, wherein like numerals designate like parts. A whiteboard panel 159 is attached to the sidewall 104 of the container 101. The whiteboard panel 159 provides an erasable surface to write words, e.g., concrete washout, paint washout, and oil washout. Heavy duty straps 150 are also attached to the sidewall. The heavy duty straps 150 may be utilized by cranes and lifts to move the container 100.

As shown in FIG. 6, the container 101 also includes a cover 140 formed to fit over the rim 106 and cover the container 101. The cover 140 is made of a circular base layer 142 having diameter 143 with an edging 144 around the perimeter of the base layer 142. A steel spring 148 (shown in dashed lines) is placed within the edging 144 of the cover 140 to pull the cover 140 taut. Attached to and extending from the edging 144 is a flap 146. The flap 146 includes a snap buckle 152 which corresponds with a snap buckle 154 on the container 101. The cover 140 is made of the same material as the container 101. As a result, the cover 140 may be manipulated into a smaller size for storage and transportation similar to the container 101.

The cover 140 prevents liquid from getting into the container 101 and also prevents liquid from getting out of the container 101. The diameter 143 of the cover 140 is slightly larger than the rim diameter 116 of the container 101. When placing the cover 140 over the rim 106 of the container 101, the cover overlaps the rim 106 thus covering the opening of the container 101. The flaps 146 extends downwards to over any side gaps between the cover 140 and the container 101 to provide a proper seal to prevent liquid and material from getting in or out.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cover is shown and generally designated 160. The cover 160 is formed to fit over the container 101. The cover 160 is made of a circular base layer 162 having diameter 163 with an edging 164 around the perimeter of the base layer 162. A steel spring 168 (shown in dashed lines) is placed within the edging 164 of the cover 160 to pull the cover 160 taut. Attached to and extending from the edging 164 is a flap 166. The flap 166 includes a snap buckle 165 which corresponds with the snap buckle 154 on the container 101. The cover 160 is made of the same material as the container 101. As a result, the cover 160 may be manipulated into a smaller size for storage and transportation.

Formed on the circular base layer 162 are a first slot 170 and a second slot 172. The first slot 170 and the second slot 172 are arranged in a crisscross pattern and extend from one side of the edging 164 to the opposite side of the edging 164. The first slot 170 and the second slot 172 are formed to receive a first pole 171 and a second pole 173, respectively. The first pole 171 and the second pole 173 are inserted into the first slot 170 and second slot 172, respectively and are retained within the slots. The first pole 171 and the second pole 173 when inserted into the first slot 170 and second slot 172, respectively, reinforces the circular base layer 162 and provides structure to the center so that weight can be supported in the center. The use of the first slot 170 and second slot 172 to retain the first pole 171 and the second pole 173 is not meant to be limiting and it is contemplated that other methods may be used to retain the first pole 171 and the second pole 173, such as clips, straps, ties, and other similar methods.

The cover 160 prevents liquid from getting into the container 101 and also prevents liquid from getting out of the container 101. The diameter 163 of the cover 160 is slightly larger than the rim diameter 116 of the container 101. When placing the cover 160 over the rim 106 of the container 101, the cover overlaps the rim 106 thus covering the opening of the container 101. The flaps 166 extends downwards to over any side gaps between the cover 160 and the container 101 to provide a proper seal to prevent liquid and material from getting in or out. Alternatively, instead of flaps 166 the cover may include any other structure that will provide a proper seal to prevent liquid and material from getting in or out. The first pole 171 and the second pole 173 provides a slight curvature to the circular base layer 162 which allows liquid or other materials to slide off the cover and prevent the pooling of liquids and materials in the center of the circular base layer 162.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a collapsible L-Bracket is shown and generally designated 200. The collapsible L-Bracket 200 includes a first member 210, a second member 230, and a pin 202. The first member 210 has a base 212 with a first sidewall 214 and a second sidewall 216 along the longitudinal edge of the base 212. The first sidewall 214 and the second sidewall 216 each have a straight edge and a tapered edge. The base 212 extends past the first sidewall 214 and the second sidewall 216 a distance 218 to provide a first ledge 220. Extending from the first ledge 220 is a second ledge 222 oriented at an angle 224 from the first ledge 220. Attached to the second ledge 222 is a plurality of knuckles 226. In the preferred embodiment there are three knuckles 226, however it is contemplated that any number of knuckles 226 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The second member 230 has a base 232 with a first sidewall 234 and a second sidewall 236 along the longitudinal edge of the base 232 extending from edge to edge of the base 232. The first sidewall 234 and the second sidewall 236 each have a straight edge and a tapered edge. The first sidewall 234 includes a first recess 235 extending from the base 232 to the first sidewall 234. The first recess 235 corresponds to the shape of the first sidewall 214 of the first member 210 and is formed to receive the first sidewall 214. The second sidewall 236 includes a second recess 236 extending from the base 232 to the second sidewall 236. The second recess 237 corresponds to the shape of the second sidewall 216 of the first member 210 and is formed to receive the second sidewall 216. Extending from the base 232 is a plurality of knuckles 240, which are similar in shape and size to knuckles 226. In the base 232 between the two knuckles 240 is a notch 242. In the preferred embodiment there are two knuckles 240, however it is contemplated that any number of knuckles 240 may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the collapsible L-Bracket 200 is assembled and in the closed position. The first member 210 and the second member 230 are formed to fit together where the knuckles 226 and knuckles 240 are aligned to receive the pin 202 to form a hinge assembly, where the pin 202 is the axis of rotation. The pin 202 is formed to fit within knuckles 226 and knuckles 240 and keeps the first member 210 rotatably attached to the second member 230.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a close up view of the hinge assembly of the collapsible L-Bracket 200 is shown. As shown, the second member 230 is received by the first member 210, wherein the recess 235 and the recess 237 of the second member 230 accommodates the first sidewall 214 and the second sidewall 216 of the first member 210. The first ledge 220 and the second ledge 222 at angle 224 provide the proper offset to align knuckles 226 with knuckles 240. The notch 242 provides proper clearance for the knuckles 226 to freely rotate.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of the collapsible L-Bracket 200 is shown in the open position. The first member 210 and the second member 230 are able to rotate in direction 204 from the closed position to the open position, and from the open position to the closed position. In the open position, the first member 210 and the second member 230 are at an angle 206. The angle 206 puts the center of gravity 208 of the first member 210 ahead of the pin 202 serving as the axis of rotation to prevent the first member 210 from rotating back to the closed position with little to no external force placed on the first member 210.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a close up view of the collapsible L-Bracket 200 in the open position is shown. The collapsible L-Bracket 200 is in the open position and at angle 206. In the open position, the second member 230 is the designated member to contact a surface, such as the ground or a floor where the base 232 of the second member 230 contacts the ground. In the open position, the second ledge 222 of the first member 210 contacts the tapered edge of the first sidewall 234 and the second sidewall 236, which puts the base 212, first sidewall 214, and second sidewall 216 of the first member 210 at the angle 206.

To utilize the collapsible L-Bracket 200 to support the container 100, the collapsible L-Bracket 200 is put in the open position from the closed position. The first member 210 of the collapsible L-Bracket 200 is inserted into the sleeve 120 while the second member 230 of the collapsible L-Bracket 200 passes though the bracket pass-through 122 and under the base 102 of the container 100. The collapsible L-Brackets 200 provides ample strength to hold the sidewall 104 to facilitate the filling of the container 100 with liquid. Once liquid or material is added to the container 100, the container 100 becomes self-supported. When the container 100 is no longer needed, the collapsible L-Brackets 200 are removed and then rotated in the closed position for compact storage of the collapsible L-Brackets 200.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container is shown and generally designated 300. The portable liquid and material container 300, described in conjunction with FIGS. 14 and 15, includes a base 302, a rim 304, and a sidewall 310 connected between the base 302 and rim 304 at a sidewall angle 312. The container 300 is made of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant. In the alternative embodiment, the base 302 has a tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shape with a length between two vertices 303 (or a diameter of a circle that the tetradecagon is inscribed within). Similar to the base 302, the rim 304 has a tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shape with a length between two vertices 305 (or a diameter of a circle that the tetradecagon is inscribed within). The rim length between two vertices 305 is smaller than the base length between two vertices 303. The sidewall 310 is attached between the base 302 and the rim 304 at the sidewall angle 312. Loop handles 330 are attached to the sidewall 320 on the inner surface. The loop handles 330 may be utilized by a user to lift an empty container 300, or by cranes and lifts to move the container 300 filled with fluid. Side release clips 332 are attached to the sidewall 332 on the outer surface for attachment of the cover 160 to the container 300.

The sidewall 310 is formed with a plurality of panel insert pockets 314. Since the base 302 and the rim 304 is tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shape, there are fourteen (14) panel insert pockets 314 in the sidewall 310. The fourteen (14) panel insert pockets 314 are side-by-side and extend the length of the sidewall 310. Each panel insert pocket 314 stretches between a side of the tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shaped base 302 and a corresponding side of the tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shaped rim 304, resulting in the panel insert pocket 314 having a quadrilateral shape, such as a trapezoid. The shape of the base 302 and the rim 304 is not meant to be limiting, and it is contemplated that the shape may be any other, such as any other numbered-gon shape, square, rectangle, triangle, and others. The change in shape of the base 302 and rim 304 will change the number of panel insert pockets 314 on the sidewall 310. For example, a 10-gon shaped base 302 and rim 304 will require 10 panel insert pockets on the sidewall 310. In the preferred embodiment, the base 302, the rim 304, the sidewall 310, and the panel insert pockets 314 are made of the same material. The panel insert pockets 314 are attached to the sidewall 310. Placed in each panel insert pocket 314 is a panel insert 320.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the panel insert 320 has a quadrilateral shape, such as a trapezoid. The panel insert 320 has a base length 322, a top length 323, a height 324, a panel insert angle 326, and a thickness 328. The base length 322 is approximately equal to a side of the tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shaped base 302 and the top length 323 is approximately equal to a side of the tetradecagon (or tetrakaidecagon or 14-gon) shaped rim 304. The height 324 is approximately equal to the distance between the base 302 and the rim 304 of the container 300. The angle 326 corresponds to the base length 322, the top length 323, and the height 324 of the panel insert 320. The dimensions of the panel insert 320 corresponds to the dimensions of the panel insert pockets 314. Any change in any of the dimensions of the container 300 will result in a change in all of the dimensions of the container. It is contemplated that the panel inserts 320 may be placed in the panel insert pockets 314 and removed, or that they may be placed in the panel insert pockets 314 and not be removed.

Referring back to FIGS. 13-15, the panel inserts 320 provide structure to hold the sidewall 310 up to facilitate the filling of the container 300 with liquid. Without the panel inserts 320, the sidewall 310 does not have enough rigidity to hold itself up and will collapse under the weight of itself and the rim 304. In the alternative embodiment of the container 300, there are fourteen (14) panel inserts 320 located along the sidewall 310; a single panel insert 320 is inserted into a single panel insert pocket 314. The configuration of the base 302, the rim 304, and the sidewall 310 positions each panel insert 320 edge to edge around the sidewall 310; each panel insert 320 is adjacent to another panel insert 320 on both sides. The sidewall angle 312 positions each panel insert 320 at the sidewall angle 312, thereby allowing each panel insert 320 to lean inwards and rest on its edges. Each panel insert 320 and the adjacent panel inserts 320 compresses a portion of the sidewall 310 and panel insert pocket 314 between the panel insert 320 and the adjacent panel inserts 320, locking all of the panel inserts 320 upright at sidewall angle 312. The locking of the panel inserts 320 provides structure to the container 300 and prevents the sidewall 310 from collapsing in on itself.

For illustrative purposes, as shown in FIG. 13, each panel insert 320 is adjacent to panel insert 320L on one edge and adjacent to panel insert 320R on the opposing edge. The sidewall angle 312 positions the panel insert 320, panel insert 320L, and panel insert 320R at the sidewall angle 312, thereby allowing the panel inserts 320 to lean inwards. Panel insert 320 and panel insert 320L compresses a portion of the sidewall 310 and panel insert pocket 314 between the panel insert 320 and the panel insert 320L. Panel insert 320 and panel insert 320R compresses a portion of the sidewall 310 and panel insert pocket 314 between the panel insert 320 and the panel insert 320R. Each panel insert 320 of the fourteen (14) panel inserts in the container 300 includes adjacent panel inserts 320 (320L and 320R), which compresses a portion of the sidewall 310 and panel insert pocket 314 between the panel insert 320 and the adjacent panel inserts 320, locking all of the panel inserts 320 upright at sidewall angle 312.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, the container 300 is shown collapsed for transportation. The container 300 is collapsed with the panel inserts 320 within the panel insert pockets 314, however it is contemplated that the panel inserts 320 may be removed from the panel insert pockets 314 for more compact transportation or storage. The container 300 collapses to a thickness substantially equal to the total thickness of the sum of panel inserts 320 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) and to a footprint of a single panel insert 320 (see FIG. 19). As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the container 300 is collapsed into a single column. The container 300 may also be collapsed into two columns, thereby making the collapsed container 300 smaller in thickness, but with a larger footprint.

To expand the collapsed container 300 with panel inserts 320 inside the panel insert pockets 314 for use, the container 300 is expanded by pulling on the sidewall 310. By expanding the sidewall 310, the base 302 and the rim 304 is also expanded. By expanding the sidewall 310, the panel inserts 320 will lift from zero degrees (lying flat) outwards towards the sidewall angle 312. Before the panel inserts 320 reach the sidewall angle 312, the panel inserts 320 and its adjacent panel inserts 320 will be obstructed by the sidewall 310 and panel insert pockets 314 between the panel inserts 320. A minimal amount of force will overcome the obstruction and lift the panel inserts 320 to an angle greater than the sidewall angle 312. By releasing the sidewalls 310 once they are at the angle greater than the sidewall angle 312, the panel inserts 320 will come to a rest at the sidewall angle 312 and locked into place by the obstruction—the compressed portion of the sidewall 310 and panel insert pocket 314 between the panel insert 320 and the adjacent panel inserts 320.

To collapse the container 300, the sidewall 310 is pushed inwards. The panel inserts 320 will overcome the obstruction and lay flat on the base 302. The container 300 is then folded into the desired shape, either a single column or multiple columns. No tools are needed to assemble the container 300.

The portable liquid and material container 300 provides a portable, easy to use container to collect liquid and solid materials from pollutant generating activities at sites such as construction sites and make shift repair facilities. The portable liquid and material container 300 provides a pollutant containment and temporary pollutant washout or may serves as a secondary containment unit. In the alternative embodiment, the base 302, the rim 304, the sidewall 310, and the panel insert pockets 314 of the container 300 is constructed of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant to accommodate all types of hazardous material. The material is also pliable and flexible making the container 300 collapsible into a smaller form for easy transportation. The pliable and flexible material further allows the base 302 to conform to various different types of surfaces allowing the container 300 to be used in any environment. The panel inserts 320 is constructed of a corrugated plastic sheet. The choice of materials is not meant to be limiting. It is contemplated that the choice of materials may be specified based on the needs of the container 300.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment of the portable liquid and material container is shown and generally designated 400. The portable liquid and material container 400, described in conjunction with FIGS. 21 and 22, includes a base 402, a rim 404, and an inner sidewall 410 and an outer sidewall 411 connected between the base 402 and rim 402 at a sidewall angle 412. The container 400 is made of a material that is leak-proof, chemical resistant, and oil resistant. In the alternative embodiment, the base 402 has a hexadecagon (or 16-gon) shape with a length between two vertices 403 (or a diameter of a circle that the hexadecagon is inscribed within). Similar to the base 402, the rim 404 has a hexadecagon (or 16-gon) shape with a length between two vertices 405 (or a diameter of a circle that the hexadecagon is inscribed within). The rim length between two vertices 405 is smaller than the base length between two vertices 403. The inner sidewall 310 and outer sidewall 311 is attached between the base 402 and the rim 404 at the sidewall angle 312. Loop handles 430 are attached to the inner sidewall 410. The loop handles 430 may be utilized by a user to lift an empty container 400, or by cranes and lifts to move the container 400 filled with fluid. Side release clips 432 are attached to the outer sidewall 411 for attachment of the cover 160 to the container 400.

A plurality of panel insert pockets 414 is formed between the inner sidewall 410 and the outer sidewall 411 by attaching the inner sidewall 410 and the outer sidewall 411 around the perimeter of the panel insert pockets 414. The inner sidewall 410 attached to the outer sidewall 411 creates a perimeter of material 416 around each panel insert pocket 414. Since the base 402 and the rim 404 is hexadecagon (or 16-gon) shaped, there are sixteen (16) panel insert pockets 414. The sixteen (16) panel insert pockets 414 are side-by-side and extend the height of the inner sidewall 410 and outer sidewall 411. Each panel insert pocket 414 stretches between a side of the hexadecagon (or 16-gon) shaped base 402 and a corresponding side of the hexadecagon (or 16-gon) shaped rim 404, resulting in the panel insert pocket 414 having a quadrilateral shape, such as a trapezoid. Each panel inset pocket 414 has a top length 419, a base length 417, and a height 418. The shape of the base 402 and the rim 404 is not meant to be limiting, and it is contemplated that the shape may be any other, such as any other numbered-gon shape, square, rectangle, triangle, and others. The base 402, the rim 404, the inner side wall 410, and the outer sidewall 411 are made of the same material. Placed in each panel insert pocket 414 is a panel insert 420.

Panel insert 420 is similar to the panel insert 320 described above. As discussed above, the dimensions of the panel insert 320 corresponds to the dimensions of the panel insert pockets 314. Any change in any of the dimensions of the container 300 will result in a change in all of the dimensions of the container. Since the shape of the container 400 is different from the container 300, the dimensions of the panel insert 420 is modified accordingly.

The panel inserts 420 provide structure to hold the inner sidewall 310 and outer sidewall 411 up to facilitate the filling of the container 400 with liquid. Without the panel inserts 420, the inner sidewall 310 and outer sidewall 411 do not have enough rigidity to hold itself up and will collapse under the weight of itself and the rim 404. As shown in FIG. 22, the container 400 has sixteen (16) panel inserts 420a to 420p and sixteen (16) panel insert pockets 414a to 414p, arranged in alphabetical order, along the inner sidewall 410 and outer sidewall 411. A single panel insert 420 is inserted into a corresponding single panel insert pocket 414. The configuration of the base 402, the rim 404, and the inner sidewall 410 and outer sidewall 411 positions each panel insert pocket 414 edge to edge around the inner sidewall 410 and outer sidewall 411, thereby placing each panel insert 420 adjacent to another panel insert 420 on both sides. The sidewall angle 412 positions each panel insert 420 at the sidewall angle 412, thereby allowing each panel insert 420 to lean inwards and rest on its edges.

Each panel insert pocket 414 and panel insert 420 includes a perimeter of material 416 made of the inner sidewall 410 attached to the outer sidewall 411. The perimeter of material made of the inner sidewall 410 attached to the outer sidewall 411 is more rigid than both the inner sidewall 410 and the outer sidewall 411 alone. The rigidity of perimeter of material 416 provides structure to aid the panel inserts 420 to hold the inner sidewall 410 and the outer sidewall 411 upright. The perimeter of material 416 locks the panel inserts 420 in place and provides structure to the container 400 and prevents the container 400 from collapsing in on itself.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the container 400 is shown in a semi-collapsed position. To collapse the container 400 from the open position shown in FIG. 20, the inner sidewall 410, outer sidewall 411, the panel insert pockets 414, and the panel inserts 420 are pushed inwards while simultaneously pulling the base 402 inward. The perimeter of material 416 is rigid, however is also pliable. By pushing the container inwards, the perimeter of material 416 between each panel insert pocket 414 with panel insert 420 will flex and fold. The container 400 is then collapsed into two columns of panel insert pockets 414 with panel inserts 420. To open the container 400 from the collapsed position, the inner sidewall 410, outer sidewall 411, the panel insert pockets 414, and the panel inserts 420 are pulled apart. While being pulled apart, the base will naturally move outwards and flatten. No tools are needed to collapse or open the container 400.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, the container 400 is shown collapsed for transportation. The container 400 is collapsed into two columns of panel insert pockets 414 with panel inserts 420 resulting in a collapsed container 400 having a collapsed container thickness 440, a collapsed container top length 442, a collapsed container base length 444, and a collapsed container height 446. The collapsed container thickness 440 is approximately equal to the total thickness of four panel insert pockets 414 and four panel inserts 420. The collapsed container top length 442 is approximately equal to the length of two panel insert pocket top lengths 419. The collapsed container base length 444 is approximately equal to the length of two panel insert pocket bottom lengths 417. The collapsed container height 446 is approximately equal to the height of one panel insert height 418.

While the preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention has been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable liquid and material container, comprising:

a base having a base diameter;
a rim having a rim diameter smaller than said base diameter; and
a sidewall attached to said base at a sidewall angle, said sidewall extending to and attached to said rim.

2. The portable liquid and material container of claim 1, further comprising a base lip at the attachment between the sidewall and the base.

3. The portable liquid and material container of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sleeves attached and equally spaced apart to said sidewall and a plurality of bracket pass-through formed into said base lip, wherein each bracket pass-through is adjacent a sleeve.

4. The portable liquid and material container of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of brackets, each bracket inserted through said bracket pass-through and into an adjacent sleeve to support said sidewall upright.

said bracket comprising:

5. The portable liquid and material container of claim 4, wherein said bracket comprises:

a first member;
a second member; and
a pin connecting said first member and said second member, wherein said first member and said second member rotates about said pin from a close position to an open position.

6. The portable liquid and material container of claim 5, wherein said first member of said bracket comprises:

a first member base with a first member longitudinal edge,
a first member first sidewall and a first member second sidewall attached to said first member base along said first member longitudinal edge, said first member first sidewall and said first member second sidewall each have a straight edge and a tapered edge; and
a plurality of first member knuckles attached to said first member base at a first member knuckle angle.

7. The portable liquid and material container of claim 6, wherein said second member of said bracket comprises:

a second member base with a second member longitudinal edge,
a second member first sidewall and a second member second sidewall attached to said second member base along said second member longitudinal edge, said first sidewall and said second sidewall each have a straight edge and a tapered edge;
a plurality of second member knuckles attached to said base at a second member knuckle angle;
a first recess extending from said second member base to said second member first sidewall, and configured to receive said first member first sidewall; and
a second sidewall extending from the second member base to said second member second sidewall, and configured to receive said first member first sidewall.

8. The portable liquid and material container of claim 1, wherein said base is shaped as a polygon and said rim is shaped as a polygon.

9. The portable liquid and material container of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of panel insert pockets attached to and extending the length of said side wall, wherein each of said panel insert pockets also extend between said base and said rim.

10. The portable liquid and material container of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of panel inserts, wherein a panel insert is inserted into a panel insert pocket of said plurality of panel insert pockets and the plurality of panel inserts are adjacent to each panel insert around said sidewall.

11. A portable liquid and material container, comprising:

a base having a base diameter;
a rim having a rim diameter smaller than said base diameter;
a sidewall attached to said base at a sidewall angle, said sidewall extending to and attached to said rim;
a plurality of panel insert pockets attached to and extending the length of said side wall, wherein each of said panel insert pockets also extend between said base and said rim; and
a plurality of panel inserts, wherein a panel insert is inserted into a panel insert pocket of said plurality of panel insert pockets.

12. The portable liquid and material container of claim 11, wherein said base is shaped as a polygon and said rim is shaped as a polygon.

13. The portable liquid and material container of claim 12, wherein said panel inserts have a quadrilateral shape with a base length, a top length, a height, and a panel insert angle.

14. The portable liquid and material container of claim 13, wherein said top length of said panel insert is equal to a side of the polygon shaped rim and said base length of said panel insert is equal to a side of the polygon shaped base.

15. The portable liquid and material container of claim 14, wherein said height of said panel inserts is equal to a distance between said base and said rim.

16. A portable liquid and material container, comprising:

a base shaped as a hexadecagon having a base diameter;
a rim shaped as a hexadecagon and having a rim diameter smaller than said base diameter;
a sidewall attached to said base at a sidewall angle, said sidewall extending to and attached to said rim;
a plurality of panel insert pockets attached to and extending the length of said side wall, wherein each of said panel insert pockets also extend between said base and said rim;
a plurality of panel inserts shaped as a quadrilateral, wherein a panel insert is inserted into a panel insert pocket of said plurality of panel insert pockets and abuts an adjacent panel insert on each side; and
wherein said panel inserts is configured to provide structure to keep said sidewalls upright and said sidewall is configured to collapse for transportation.

17. The portable liquid and material container of claim 16, wherein said panel inserts have a trapezoid shape with a base length, a top length, a height, and a panel insert angle.

18. The portable liquid and material container of claim 17, wherein said top length of said panel insert is equal to a side of the hexadecagon shaped rim and said base length of said panel insert is equal to a side of the hexadecagon shaped base.

19. The portable liquid and material container of claim 18, wherein said height of said panel inserts is equal to a distance between said base and said rim.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180194550
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 28, 2017
Publication Date: Jul 12, 2018
Inventors: Matt Green (San Diego, CA), Reef Mowers (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 15/824,824
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 88/52 (20060101);