NESTABLE DRUM SYSTEM

Abstract

A nestable drum for storing liquids is disclosed. In one non-limiting example, a drum may include a tapered cylinder between a first end and a second end. The tapered cylinder can have a top opening at the first end. A recessed port is positioned along a surface of the tapered cylinder. The recessed port can provide a side opening and can be configured as an outlet port for a liquid. The drum also includes a first recessed platform and a recessed platform. The first recessed platform can be nearer to the first end than the second end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder. The second recessed platform can nearer to the second end than the first end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder. The second recessed platform can extend further inward toward a center of the tapered cylinder than the first recessed platform.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 62/830,956, entitled “NESTABLE DRUM SYSTEM, filed on Apr. 8, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In various facilities, mechanical components are cleaned using chemical solutions to remove grease, dirt, and other debris. The cleaning solutions used may include harmful elements. Typically, metal containers are used to store these chemical solutions during shipment and during the process of cleaning the mechanical components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a drum assembly, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a drum from FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the drum from FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the drum from FIG. 1B, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 1E illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover, the clamp, and the drum from FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 1F illustrates an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view of the cover, the clamp, and the drum from FIG. 1E, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates a nested arrangement of two drums, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nested arrangement of the two drums from FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrates various views of an insert from FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a ring clamp from FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cover from FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates various views of a drum coupled with a recessed adapter and a fluid connector, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the recessed adapter, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates a perspective view and a side view of the fluid connector from FIGS. 6A-6C, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrates various views of an exemplary hose fitting that can connect with the fluid connector of FIGS. 8A and 8B, according to one embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a nestable drum assembly for storing potentially hazardous liquid and cleaning mechanical components. Within a facility, mechanical components may be cleaned using chemical solutions to remove oil, dirt, and other debris. The cleaning solutions used may include a surfactant blend, a caustic blend, or other harmful compounds. Typically, metal containers are used to store these chemical solutions during shipment and during the process of cleaning the mechanical components. For example, a typical metal container may be a fifty five gallon steel drum. However, these metal containers take up a considerable amount of space when shipped in bulk. Additionally, these metal containers can rust and leak eventually from exposure to chemicals, biologicals and moisture.

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a drum assembly that enables multiple drums to be nested. The nested arrangement of drums reduces the amount of space occupied by multiple drums in comparison to existing drums improving shipping, storage and cost of drum. A nested arrangement of the drums can represent at least a portion of a drum being placed within another drum. In contrast, stacking two drums may involve placing the bottom of a first drum on top of a second drum. The nested arrangement occupies less space than a stacked arrangement because the overall height of multiple drums is reduced in the nested arrangement. Further, the drum assembly include additional structural components that improve upon the storage and transportation of fluids. Depending on the contamination and ability to recycle contaminants in the drum, the drum can be cleaned out and reused or recycled.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of a drum assembly 100 is shown. The drum assembly 100 includes a drum 103, a cover 106, a ring clamp 109, a first insert 110a, and a second insert 110b (collectively the “inserts 110”). FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the drum 103 from FIG. 1A with the ring clamp 109, the cover 106, the inserts 110 omitted from view. The drum 103 can be used to store and transport liquids that may have harmful elements, such as a surfactant blend, a caustic blend, or other hazardous compounds. The drum 103 comprises a tapered cylindrical shape between a first end 112 and a second end 115. The drum 103 may have a first diameter D1 associated with the first end 112 that is larger than a second diameter D2 associated with the second end 115. The tapered or conical shape of the drum 103 can allow for a first drum 103 to fit within a second drum 103 in a nesting arrangement. The drum 103 can be manufactured using rotational molding, blow molding, or other suitable molding techniques.

The drum 103 can be made from a variety of materials that can support the storage of harmful and non-harmful materials. For example, the drum 103 can be comprised of a variety of different plastic materials that are suitable for storing and transporting chemical cleaning solutions. Some non-limiting examples of plastic materials may include (PP) Polypropylene, (PE) Polyethylene (LDPE) Low Density Polyethylene, (LLDPE) Liniar Low Density Polyethylene, (HDPE) High Density Polyethylene or other suitable materials. In one non-limiting example, a wall of the drum 103 may have a thickness in a range of 3-10 mm. Additionally, the transparency of the material composition of the drum 103 can enable a liquid level within the drum 103 to be visible from its exterior. Further, the drum 103 can be sealed by placing the cover 106 on top of the first end 112 of the drum 103 and by fastening the cover 106 to the drum 103 with the ring clamp 109.

The drum 103 may also include additional structural features that can be used for a variety of purposes. As a non-limiting example, the drum 103 can be used in conjunction with liquid-based cleaning machinery, such as, for example, a pressure washer for industrial machinery or parts washing equipment. The drum 103 may comprise a first recessed platform 118, a second recessed platform 121, a first recessed port 124, a second recessed port 127, and liquid indicators 130.

The first recessed platform 118 can have a recessed area that extends inward toward an interior of the drum 103. The first recessed platform 118 can function as a handle for an operator and can also support another drum 103 in a nesting arrangement. The first recessed platform 118 has a first longitudinal length “L1.” The first recessed platform 118 may be closer to the first end 112 of the drum 103 than its second end 115.

The second recessed platform 121 can have a recessed area that extends inward toward an interior of the drum 103. The second recessed platform 121 can be used to connect with the first recessed platform 118 in a nested arrangement (FIG. 2A). As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the second recessed platform 121 can have a second longitudinal length “L2” that is longer than the first longitudinal length “L1” of the first recessed platform 118. The second recessed platform 121 is closer to the second end 115 of the drum 103 than its first end 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the second recessed platform 121 is longitudinally aligned along the surface of the drum 103 with the first recessed platform 118.

The first recessed port 124 can provide a side opening along the surface of the drum 103. The first recessed port 124 may be an upper recessed port that is closer to the first end 112 of the drum 103 than the second end 115. The first recessed port 124 can be configured as an inlet port or an outlet port for liquid to flow in or out of the drum 103. In some non-limiting examples, the first recessed port 124 can be coupled an insert 110 that can enable a fluid connector of a hose to attach the drum 103. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the first recessed port 124 has a perimeter with thirteen distinct edges. In other examples, the first recessed port 124 can be configured as a square, a pentagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a circle, or other suitable shapes. In some examples, the first recessed port 124 in combination with a hose can be used to drain oil or other substances during operation of an attached liquid-based cleaning system.

The second recessed port 127 can provide another side opening along the surface of the drum 103. The second recessed port 127 may be a lower recessed port that is closer to the second end 115 of the drum 103 than the first end 112. The second recessed port 127 can configured as an inlet port or an outlet port for liquid to flow in or out of the drum 103. In some non-limiting examples the recessed port 127 can be an outlet that connects to a pump and or strainer. In some examples, the second recessed port 127 can be located a certain distance from the bottom of the drum 103 to avoid a pump from picking up debris during a cleaning process.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the second recessed port 127 has a perimeter with thirteen distinct edges. In other examples, the second recessed port 127 can be configured as a square, a pentagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a circle, or other suitable shapes. In some non-limiting examples, the second recessed port 127 can be coupled to an insert 110 that can enable a fluid connector of a hose to attach the drum 103. In some non-limiting examples, the second recessed port 127 can be connected a pump or motor for a cleaning system. In this example, the pump can extract a cleaning solution from the second recessed port 127 of the drum 103 and provide it to hose for removing oil and other containments from a mechanical component.

The liquid indicators 130 provide an indication of the quantity of liquid in the drum 103. The material composition and the thickness of the drum 103 can enable for the liquid level to be visible from the exterior of the drum 103. Because the liquid level can be visible through the surface of the drum 103, the liquid indicators 130 can provide an indication of the amount of liquid presently in the drum 103. Further, the drum 103 may also include a lip 133 that surrounds the first end 112 of the drum 103, as shown in FIG. 1B. A portion of the cover 106 may be positioned adjacent to the lip 133 in order to fasten the cover 106 to the drum 103 with the ring clamp 109.

The inserts 110 can be attached to the recessed ports 124,127 of the drum 103. The inserts 110 can be used to seal the side opening of the recessed ports 124,127. Additionally, the inserts 110 can provide mechanical fastening components for attaching fluid connectors to the drum 103. In some embodiments, the inserts 110 may be omitted from the drum assembly 100. In other example scenarios, the inserts 110 may be attached to the drum 103 via a molding process. Multiple drums 103 can form a nested arrangement with or without the inserts 110 attached to the drums 103. The nestability of the drums 103 conserves space for multiple drums 103 placed in storage or transported to another location. Subsequently, the inserts 110 and associated components of a fluid connector can installed for use with a cleaning system.

The cover 106 can be used to seal the first end 112 of the drum 103 to prevent its contents from spilling out as the drum 103 is transported to another location. A portion of the cover 106 can be positioned adjacent to the lip 133 of the drum 103 or substantially near the lip 133 of the drum 103. The ring clamp 109 can be an annular clamp that has a clamp fastener 137. The ring clamp 109 can be used to fasten the cover 106 to the drum 103. Particularly, in some embodiments, the ring clamp 109 can physically secure or restrain a portion of the cover 106 against a portion of the lip 133. The clamp fastener 137 can open and close in order to expand and contract a diameter of the ring clamp 109.

Moving on to FIG. 1C, shown is a cross-sectional view of the drum 103 from FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to one embodiment described herein. FIG. 1C illustrates an interior area of the drum 103. Additionally, FIG. 1C illustrates that the first recessed platform 118 includes a first ledge 136 and a first sloped surface 139. The second recessed platform 121 includes a second ledge 142 and a second sloped surface 145. The first ledge 136 and the second ledge 142 extend inward toward a center of the drum 103. In some embodiments, the first ledge 136 extends further inward than the second ledge 142 as illustrated in FIG. 1C. In a nested arrangement (FIG. 2B) of multiple drums 103, the outer surface of the second ledge 142 of a first drum 103 can be placed on the inner surface of the first ledge 136 of a second drum 103.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the first recessed platform 118 has a first angle between the first ledge 136 and the first sloped surface 139. The second recessed platform 121 has a second angle between the second ledge 142 and the second sloped surface 145. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

Moving on to FIG. 1D, shown is a bottom view of the drum 103 from FIG. 1B. Particularly, FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom surface 150 of the drum 103 that has a concave surface, which improves the structural integrity of the drum 103. The bottom surface 150 also includes a first recessed area 148a, a second recessed area 148b, and a recessed bridge 151. The first recessed area 148a and the second recessed area 148b (collectively the “recessed areas 148”) can be positioned diametrically opposite along a perimeter of the bottom surface 150. The recessed areas 148 can be used as a handle for an operator. The recessed areas 148 can extend inward toward an interior of the drum 103. Further, the recessed areas 148 can be connected by way of the recessed bridge 151. The recessed bridge 151 can extend inward toward an interior of the drum 103. The recessed areas 148 and the recessed bridge 151 improve the structural integrity of the drum 103, especially in scenarios in which the drum 103 experiences an impact force.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1E and 1F, shown are enlarged views of the drum assembly 100 from FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover 106, the ring clamp 109, and the lip 133 of the drum 103. FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of an enlarged portion of FIG. 1E. FIG. 1E illustrates the cover 106 is placed over the first end 112 of the drum 103. The cover 106 can prevent drum contents from spilling out while the drum 103 is being transported to another location. FIG. 1F illustrates that the cover 106 can be fastened to the lip 133 of the drum 103 by a ring clamp 109. The cover 106 comprise a lowered rim 155 (FIG. 5) that is situated under a top portion of the ring clamp 109 in FIG. 1F. The ring clamp 109 restrains the lowered rim 155 to the lip 133 of the drum 103.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate different views of an exemplary nested arrangement 200 of a first drum 103a and a second drum 103b from FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the nested arrangement 200 of the two drums 103, and FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nested arrangement 200 of the two drums 103 from FIG. 2A. In this non-limiting example, FIG. 2A illustrates that the first drum 103a is oriented to correspond to that of the second drum 103b. For instance, the first recessed platform 118a of the first drum 103a corresponds with the first recessed platform 118b of the second drum 103b. In other words, the first recessed platform 118a and the first recessed platform 118b are in alignment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the nested arrangement 200 can form from platform engagements 205a, 205b (collectively the “platform engagements 205”) between the first drum 103a and the second drum 103b. As a non-limiting example, the first platform engagement 205a can involve the second recessed platform 121b of the second drum 103b being positioned on top of the first recessed platform 118a on the first drum 103.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, shown are various views of the insert 110 from FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of the insert 110, and FIG. 3B illustrates a back view of the insert in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the insert 110 from FIG. 3A. The insert 110 can be configured to seal the first recessed port 124 and/or the second recessed ports 127. Further, the insert 110 can coupled to a recessed bung adapter 603 (FIG. 6A), which in turn can be coupled to a fluid connector 606 (FIG. 6A). A fluid connector 606 may be a quick connector or some other suitable fitting for a hose or strainer.

FIG. 3A illustrates that the insert 110 includes a flange 303 and an inner ring 306. The flange 303 can have an exterior side 304 and an interior side 305. In this non-limiting example, the flange 303 has a hexagonal shape. In other examples, the flange 303 can be configured as a square, a pentagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a circle, or other suitable shapes. The exterior side 304 of the flange 303 includes a lowered flange perimeter 307 and a raised flange perimeter 308. When attached to the drum 103, portions of the exterior side 304 of the flange 303 can visible from the exterior of the drum 103 and the interior side 305 of the flange 303 can be visible from the interior of the drum 103.

In some examples, the raised flange perimeter 308 can be visible from the exterior of the drum, and the lowered flange perimeter 307 can be positioned against a perimeter of the first recessed port 124 or the second recessed port 127 of the drum 103. The attachment between the flange 303 and the perimeter of the first recessed port 124 or the second recessed port 127 of the drum 103 may be performed by a molding technique, such as injection molding, blow molding, or other suitable molding techniques. The inserts 110 form a fluid-tight seal at the first recessed port 124 and/or the second recessed port 127. The inner ring 306 extends a first length “L1” from the exterior side 304 of the flange 303, and extends a second length “L2” from the interior side 305 of the flange 303. The inner ring 306 can includes one or more inner threads 309 for coupling to a fluid connector.

FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the insert 110c prior to being molded into the drum 103. The inserts 110c can be manufactured using injection molding or other manufacturing process. The insert 110c can be molded into the drum 103 during the during the blow molding or rotary molding process providing a water tight connection using insert molding or attached in other water tight connections such as spin welding, sonic welding, chemical bonding, threaded or other suitable connection methods. The insert 110c comprises a back wall 310 that prevents molding material from accessing the inner threads 309 during the molding process. In the case of the inserts 110c being molded into the blow molded drum 103 and after the insert 110c has been molded to the drum 103, the back wall 310 can be removed. The back wall 310 also includes a protrusion 315 that serves as a guide for an operator to remove the back wall 310.

Next, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the ring camp 109 from FIG. 1A. FIG. 4 illustrates that the ring clamp 109 can have a circular shape for fitting around the drum 103, particularly around the lip 133 of the drum 103 as a non-limiting example. The ring clamp 109 includes an annular slot 403 that provides spacing for the lip 133 and a lowered rim 155 of the cover 106. The clamp fastener 137 can be used to open and close the ring clamp 109. Specifically, the clamp fastener 137 can be configured to expand and contract the diameter of the ring clamp 109. In some cases, the clamp fastener 137 may have a hinge for opening and close the ring clamp 109. In an open position, the ring clamp 109 can be configured in an expanded state. In this state, the ring clamp 109 can be positioned around the lip 133 (FIG. 1B) of the drum 103 (FIG. 1B), in which the lip 133 and the lowered rim 155 (FIG. 5) of the cover 106 are positioned within the annular slot 403 of the ring clamp 109. The clamp fastener 137 can be manipulated to a closed position, which reduces the diameter of the ring clamp 109. In a closed state, the ring clamp 109 fastens the lowered rim 155 to the lip 133 of the drum 103.

Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cover 106 from FIG. 1A. The cover 106 comprises a lowered rim 155 along its perimeter. The lowered rim 155 extends from an annular wall 504. The annular wall 504 and an interior disc 506 form an annular groove 509 for the cover 106. The lowered rim 155 can be used to fasten the cover 106 to the drum 103 (FIG. 1B). The cover 106 can be placed over the first end 112 (FIG. 1B) of the drum 103 such that the lowered rim 155 can be adjacent to the lip 133 of the drum 103. The ring clamp 109 (FIG. 4) can be positioned over the lip 133 and the lowered rim 155.

Next, a general description of the operation of the various components of the drum assembly 100 is provided. To begin, the various embodiments allow for multiple drums 103 to be positioned in a nested arrangement 200 (FIG. 2A). Various embodiments of the drum 103 allow for a nested arrangement 200 as a result of one or more structural components. The nested arrangement 200 allows for multiple drums 103 to occupy less space than existing drums or barrels.

In one exemplary scenario, multiple drums 103 may need to be transported to another location or placed in storage. To conserve space, a nested arrangement 200 of the drums 103 may be implemented. As a non-limiting example, the second end 115 of a second drum 103b (FIG. 2A) can be positioned within the interior of the first drum 103a (FIG. 2A). The second drum 103b can be orientated or rotated until the first recessed platform 118b is in alignment with the first recessed platform 118a of the first drum 103a. The second recessed platform 121b of the second drum 103b can be placed on the first recessed platform 118a of the first drum 103 to form a platform engagement 205a (FIG. 2B). Similarly, a third drum 103 can be nested inside of the second drum 103 in order to have three drums 103 in a nested arrangement 200. The number of drums 103 configured in a nested arrangement 200 can vary. For example, some operators may nest four or five drums 103 in a nested arrangement 200. In the nested arrangement 200, the drums 103 can be transported to another location or put in storage.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of a drum 103 coupled with a recessed bung adapter 603 and a fluid connector 606, which may be components of the drum assembly 100. FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary configuration for a scenario of connecting the drum 103 to a liquid-based cleaning system. FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective exterior view of the recessed bung adapter 603 coupled to the insert 110b, in which the fluid connector 606 is coupled to the recessed bung adapter 603. FIG. 6B illustrates an interior view of a first recessed bung adapter 603a and a second recessed bung adapter 603b within the drum 103.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed bung adapter 603 and the fluid connector 606 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C illustrates that the recessed bung adapter 603 is attached to the drum 103. The recessed bung adapter 603 is attached via insert 110b. Although the FIG. 6C illustrates that the recessed bung adapter 603 is within the second recessed port 127, it should be noted that FIG. 6C can represent the recessed bung adapter 603 within the first recessed port 124. Additionally, FIG. 6C illustrates that a flange 609 of the recessed bung adapter 603 is positioned outside of a perimeter of the second recessed port 127. In some examples, the second recessed port 127 can be located a certain distance from the bottom of the drum 103 to avoid a pump from picking up debris during a cleaning process.

A gasket 612 is positioned between the flange 609 and the insert 110b. The gasket 612 can be used to fill in spaces between components and to help with seal area for fluid leaks. The gasket 612 can be comprised of rubber, EPDM, Silicone, or some other suitable flexible material that is chemically resistant. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 6C, the gasket 612 has a circular shape for surrounding the recessed bung adapter 603. In some examples, the gasket 612, the flange 609, and the insert 110b are used in combination to seal the perimeter of the recessed bung adapter 603 from liquid leaks.

Further, the recessed bung adapter 603 has a threaded connection with the inner threads 309 of the insert 110, and the fluid connector 606 is coupled to a recessed opening 615 of the recessed bung adapter 603. The fluid connector 606 can have a threaded engagement with the recessed opening 615. As a reference, reference 618 represents a length of the recessed bung adapter 603 that extends beyond the insert 110b and into the interior of the drum 103.

In FIG. 6C, the fluid connector 606 is one example of a fluid fitting for the recessed bung adapter 603 provided by (CPC) Colder Products Company, US Plastics or other similar companies. In this example, the fluid connector 606 is a male quick connector that is configured to connect with a female quick connector (FIGS. 9A-9C) of a hose. The female quick connector can move a disk 621 of the fluid connector 606 inward to the form a fluid connector engagement. The fluid connector 606 is a male connection that provides a water tight seal when is attached to the drum and a water tight seal when it is attached to the drum with and without the female connection. The male connection and female connection can be used interchangeably if both retain fluids when disconnected.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, shown are various views of the recessed bung adapter 603 from FIGS. 6A through 6C that is made by suppliers such as Tex Plastics, Drum mates Inc, US Plastics or other suppliers. FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the recessed bung adapter 603, and FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed bung adapter 603 in FIG. 7A.

As illustrated, the recessed bung adapter 603 comprises a first cylinder 701 that extends to a second cylinder 702 with a smaller diameter. It should be noted that the recessed bung adapter 603 may have other shapes, such as a conical shape, a concave shape, or other suitable shapes. The flange 609 extends from the first cylinder 701. The recessed bung adapter 603 has an exterior opening 703 for the first cylinder 701 on one end and a recessed opening 615 for the second cylinder 702. The recessed bung adapter 603 comprises exterior threads 706 on its exterior surface. The exterior threads 706 can be used to form a threaded engagement with the interior threads 309 (FIG. 3A) of the inserts 110 (FIG. 3A).

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a perspective view and a side view of the fluid connector 606 from FIGS. 6A-6C. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fluid connector 606 is one example of a male quick connector that can connect with a female quick connector (FIG. 9A-9C). One end, the fluid connector 606 includes a movable disk 621 for establishing a connection with a female fluid connector. When pressed, the disk 621 moves inward to allow for the female fluid connector to connect. At the other end, the fluid connector 606 includes multiple threads 803 for forming a threaded connection with the recessed bung adapter 603 (FIG. 6C). The fluid connector 606 also includes a connector gasket 806 for helping seal the connection with a female fluid connector.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various views of an exemplary hose connector 903 that can connect with the fluid connector of FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the hose connector 903. FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of the hose connector 903 from FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of the hose connector 903 from FIG. 9A. At a first end 906, the hose connector 903 includes a head 907 with an opening in which a spring 912 is positioned. The hose connector 903 includes a hose fitting 909 at a second end. The hose fitting 909 can be connected to a hose that leads to a portion of a cleaning system.

In FIGS. 9A through 9C, the hose connector 903 is one example of a female quick connector for connecting with the fluid connector 606 (FIG. 8A). When forming a connection, the spring 912 of the hose connector 606 can press against the disk 621 (FIG. 8A) of the fluid connector 606. The disk 621 can move inward and allow the head 607 to surround an extended portion of the fluid connector 606. Particularly, a portion of the head 607 can be positioned past the connector gasket 806. At this stage in the example, the fluid connector 606 and the hose connector 903 have formed a fluid connection.

Next, another description of the operation of the various components of the drum assembly 100 is provided. In another exemplary scenario, the drum 103 can be assembled for use with various liquid-based cleaning machinery. In one exemplary assembly configuration, the first insert 110a can be coupled to the first recessed port 124 and the second insert 110b can coupled to the second recessed port 127. In some examples, the inserts 110 may be molded or welded into the first recessed port 124 and the second recessed port 127. The inserts 110 can seal a perimeter of the first recessed port 124 and the second recessed port 127 as liquid passes through the first recessed port 124 and the second recessed port 127. Then, the recessed bung adapters 603 (FIG. 6A) can be screwed into the inserts 110, and the fluid connector 606 (FIG. 6A) can be screwed into the recessed bung adapter 603. The fluid connector 606 can be connected to another hose connector 903 of a hose for one end. The other end of the hose may be connected to a pump for extract liquid out of the drum 103, for example if the hose was connected to the second recessed port 127. Alternatively, the hose may be used as a drainage hose if the hose is connected to the first recessed port 124 (FIG. 1A). Further, in some examples, the first end 112 of the drum 103 can be fitted with a lid compatible with various cleaning systems during operations. Accordingly, portions of the drum assembly 100, such as the recessed bung adapter 603 and the fluid connector 606, can be assembled and dissembled in preparation for use with a liquid-base cleaning system.

As a non-limiting example, the various embodiments of the drum 103 can be coupled to an industrial pressure washer for degreasing mechanical components. In this example, the drum 103 has been assembled with the inserts 110 and hoses are attached to the first recessed port 124 and the second recessed port 127. The drum 103 may be filled with a cleaning solution that contains harmful chemical compounds to an operator. The cleaning solution can be pumped out of the second recessed port 127 and to a pressure sprayer configured to removing oil, grease, and other debris. Drainage from a wash bin for the industrial pressure washer can be funneled back to the first end 112 of the drum 103. Overtime, oil and other chemical residue substances may build up within the liquid in the drum 103. The second hose attached to the second recessed port 124 can be used for draining the oil and other chemical residue substances from the drum 103.

In another exemplary scenario, the drum 103 may need to be transported filled with liquid after being used with the industrial pressure washer. In some scenarios, the cleaning solution in the drum 103 may be thoroughly contaminated with oil and other residues after a period of time of cleaning one or more parts. At this point, the drum 103 can be configured to safely transport the harmful mixture. For example, the cover 106 can be placed over the first end 112 of the drum 103. The cover 106 can be positioned such that the lowered rim 155 is adjacent to the lip 133 of the drum 103. Then, the clamp fastener 137 can be manipulated to an open position in order to expand a diameter of the ring clamp 109. The ring clamp 109 can be positioned around the first end 112 of the drum 103, such that the lip 133 and the lowered rim 155 of the cover 106 are positioned within the annular slot 403 of the ring clamp 109. The clamp fastener 137 can be manipulated to a close open, which contracts the diameter of the ring clamp 109. By reducing the diameter, the ring clamp 109 can be tightened around the lip 133 of the drum 103 and the lowered rim 155 of the cover 106. Thus, the ring clamp 109 fastens the lowered rim 155 to the lip 133 of the drum. Also, the hose connectors 903 and their attached hoses may be detached from the fluid connectors 606 attached to the drum 103. Accordingly, the drum 103 with a fastened cover 109 can be safely transported to another location containing harmful chemical compounds.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A drum for storing fluid, comprising:

a tapered cylinder between a first end and a second end, the tapered cylinder having a top opening at the first end;

a recessed port along a surface of the tapered cylinder, the recessed port providing a side opening and being configured as an outlet port for a liquid;

a first recessed platform that is nearer to the first end than the second end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder; and

a second recessed platform that is nearer to the second end than the first end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder, the second recessed platform extending further inward toward a center of the tapered cylinder than the first recessed platform.

2. The drum of claim 1, wherein the first recessed platform is in longitudinal alignment with the second recessed platform.

3. The drum of claim 1, wherein the recessed port comprises a first recessed port that is nearer to the first end than the second end of the tapered cylinder, and further comprising a second recessed port that is nearer to the second end of the tapered cylinder.

4. The drum of claim 1, the first recessed platform includes a first slanted surface that is angled inward to a greater degree than a second sloped surface of the second recessed platform.

5. The drum of claim 1, wherein the taper cylinder comprises a lip near the first end.

6. The drum of claim 5, further comprising an annular clamp that has an annular slot that is configured to receive the lip.

7. The drum of claim 1, further comprising a cover that has a lowered rim.

8. The drum of claim 1, wherein the first recessed platform has a first longitudinal length that is larger than a second longitudinal length of the second recessed platform.

9. The drum of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises a concave bottom surface.

10. The drum of claim 9, wherein the concave bottom surface comprising a first recessed area and a second recessed area that are connected by a recessed bridge.

11. The drum of claim 1, further comprising an insert that fits within the recessed port, the insert comprising a ring and an outer rim that extends from the ring.

12. The drum of claim 1, further comprising an insert that fits within the recessed port, the insert comprising a ring with a first plurality of threads on an inner surface of the ring and a second plurality of threads on an outer surface of the ring.

13. The drum of claim 12, wherein the insert couples to a fluid connector for opening and closing a pathway for a liquid to enter or exit the tapered cylinder.

14. The drum of claim 1, wherein the first end of the tapered cylinder having a first diameter that is larger than a second diameter of the second end.

15. An apparatus for storing fluid, comprising:

a tapered cylinder between a first end and a second end, the tapered cylinder having a top opening at the first end;

a first recessed port along a surface of the tapered cylinder, the first recessed port providing a first side opening; and

a second recessed port along the surface of the tapered cylinder, the second recessed port providing a second side opening, the second recessed port being closer to the second end than the first recessed port.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a first recessed platform that is nearer to the first end than the second end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder; and

a second recessed platform that is nearer to the second end than the first end along on the surface of the tapered cylinder.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second recessed platform extends further inward toward a center of the tapered cylinder more than the first recessed platform.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first recessed platform comprises a first slanted surface that is shorter than a second sloped surface of the second recessed platform.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises a first apparatus, and the second recessed platform of the first apparatus is configured to be placed onto a respective first recessed platform of a second apparatus.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the taper cylinder comprises a lip near the first end.