GB2487192A - A connector and a modular container for liquids - Google Patents

A connector and a modular container for liquids Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2487192A
GB2487192A GB1100406.6A GB201100406A GB2487192A GB 2487192 A GB2487192 A GB 2487192A GB 201100406 A GB201100406 A GB 201100406A GB 2487192 A GB2487192 A GB 2487192A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
connector
inlet
outlet pipes
end parts
pipes
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1100406.6A
Other versions
GB201100406D0 (en
Inventor
Elizabeth Anne Alexander
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1100406.6A priority Critical patent/GB2487192A/en
Publication of GB201100406D0 publication Critical patent/GB201100406D0/en
Publication of GB2487192A publication Critical patent/GB2487192A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0201—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together side-by-side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/083—Containers of variable capacity by means of additional elements, e.g. modular
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
    • E03B3/02—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from rain-water
    • E03B3/03—Special vessels for collecting or storing rain-water for use in the household, e.g. water-butts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L25/00—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means
    • F16L25/12—Joints for pipes being spaced apart axially
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F16L33/22—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts
    • F16L33/223—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts the sealing surfaces being pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/108—Rainwater harvesting

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (7a figure 2), b for making a joint to carry liquids, such as rainwater, between two or more containers with fixed threaded inlet/outlet pipes. The connector comprises a flexible centre portion 9, which may be deformed, and two threaded end parts 10 for connection to the threaded inlet/outlet pipes (6, 7 figure 2) of the containers. The connector can be compressed for insertion between the threaded inlet/outlet pipes and then the end parts of the connector may be rotated to secure the connector to the said inlet/outlet pipes. Alternatively, the threaded end parts (12 figures 4 & 5) may be fixed to the centre portion (11 figures 4 & 5) and one end may have a right hand thread, and the other may have a left hand thread. Each container may have a horizontal inlet/outlet pipe 6 and a vertical inlet/outlet pipe (7 figure 2), such that when the containers are placed adjacent to each other, the horizontal pipes are immediately left or right of each other, and the vertical inlet/outlet pipes are immediately above or below each other.

Description

A CONNECTOR AND A MODULAR CONTAINER SYSTEM FOR LIQUIDS
The present invention is in the area of modular fluid storage systems of the type where a number of containers may be connected together to form one larger container. The invention relates to an expandable connector which may be fitted to connect two threaded connection points on corresponding containers so as to connect a water flow path between two different containers, they also act as a means of holding the containers in place in respect of each other. The said connector may be added or removed after the containers have been placed into position, without the need to move or to separate the two containers.
Drought can be a worldwide problem, however in recent years it has become much more common for certain areas of Europe and the UK to suffer from seasonal drought. Governments in the western world are now focussing more on conservation matters and green issues and one of the areas of focus is a common interest in the conservation of natural resources such as rainwater.
To address this now very topical issue there are many examples in the art of rain water storage systems ranging from the simple water butt which collects rainwater from a downspout to much more complex systems involving a multiplicity of containers connected together to form one large container.
Frequently a preferred method of implementing multiple container systems is to make the containers as unobtrusive as possible, often by concealing the connectors which link the individual tanks together or by designing slim style tanks. However most of these require either complex connection systems between the tanks or are difficult to assemble.
Typical examples of such multiple modular container systems are: -AU2007100385. This shows a water storage system which appears to be a fence however the connector linking the individual elements are long connector pipes running diagonally.
EPI 722039. This patent shows a modular storage system consisting of a series of interconnected tanks linked together with a connection unit. This water connection system is rather complex GB2366831. This patent is an example of slim line design with a conventional pipe and lock nut water connector.
DE19907975. This German patent is again a modular system using a conventional smooth pipe based connector system.
The present invention has been developed from our patent application GB 2461779, which relates to water storage containers and the method of locking more than one container together. The fluid carrying connector system itself was not part of the novelty in this publication and installation of the connector exampled in this publication required careful alignment whilst the tanks were being brought together. This was a rather difficult assembly operation; the tanks were difficult to align accurately especially where several tanks were involved and completing a water seal was not guaranteed. Consequently further work took place to improve the system and the result was the present invention.
The present invention is intended primarily but not exclusively for connecting water containers in domestic garden environments where the said containers are storing rainwater. Multiple containers are designed to be linked together so as to show a smooth flat unobtrusive surface on one side. These containers have threaded inlet/outlet pipes and are used in conjunction with water flow connectors which are expandable and can be added or removed without disturbing the alignment or position of any individual container. There are two different designs of water flow connectors. One is an all in one connector, with female threaded end portions having right hand and left hand threads respectively and a concertina centre portion. A second connector is provided having end portions rotatably attached to the centre portion and the centre portion is sufficiently flexible so as to deform in order to facilitate assembly of the rotating end portions and insertion of the whole assembly between inlet/outlet pipes which are attached to two tanks.
In this specification the words connection points, pipes, connector pipes and inlet/outlet pipes have the same meaning and the word connector relates to a separate part which mates with a connector pipe.
According to a first feature of the invention there is provided an expandable connector for carrying water between two fixed threaded inlet/outlet pipes. The fixed inlet/outlet pipes have male screw threads. The expandable connector has a flexible centre portion and two end portions and can be inserted between the said two fixed inlet /outlet pipes and fixed to the said two fixed inlet/outlet pipes by means of female screw threads which are carried on the two end portions.
According to a second feature of the invention there is provided an expandable connector for carrying water between two fixed inlet/outlet pipes according to the first feature, where the total length of the said connector will expand in length as the end portions are rotated to engage the screw threads by which the said connector is fixed to the said two fixed inlet/outlet pipes.
According to a third feature of the invention there is provided an expandable connector for carrying water between two fixed inlet/outlet pipes according to any previous feature in which the said end portions are fixed to the said centre expandable portion and where one end is equipped with a right hand thread and the other end is equipped with a left hand thread so that the whole assembly can be rotated in order to attach the said connector to the said inlet/outlet pipes.
According to a fourth feature of the invention there is provided an expandable connector for carrying water between two fixed inlet/outlet pipes according to the first feature in which the said end portions are rotatably attached to the flexible centre portion. The end portions have threads of the same hand and are rotated individually to attach them to the fixed inlet/outlet pipes.
According to a fifth feature of the invention there is provided a water container with threaded outlet/inlet pipes for use with an expandable connector for carrying water between two fixed inlet/outlet pipes as described in any previous feature.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1. Shows four tanks connected together and arranged so that the largest visible side is smooth. This hides the connectors and shows no particular features.
Figure 2. Shows the opposite side to figure 1 with one tank removed so that more of the connectors and the inlet/outlet pipes are visible.
Figure 3. Is a cross sectional view of one version of the connector which has rotatable end portions and a flexible centre portion.
Figure 4. Is a side view of a different connector to that shown in figure 3.
This connector has fixed end portions and a concertina centre portion integral with the end portions. Each end portion has a differently handed thread on its inside surface which cannot be seen in this view.
Figure 5. Is a cross section of the connector shown in figure 4 Referring now to figure 1. Four tanks numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 are placed together so that some of their inlet/outlet pipes are opposite to each other with a gap in between. In this view the smooth side of the tanks is visible so as to present an unbroken surface to anyone viewing the tanks, though the split lines between the tanks would be visible.
Turning now to figure 2, this view is of the opposite side of the tanks to that shown in figure 1 and tank number 1 has been removed for clarity. It will be seen that there are horizontal inlet/outlet pipes 6 and vertical inlet outlet pipes 7.
It will also be seen that inlet/outlet pipes are further differentiated in that horizontal pipes 6 are suffixed a or b depending on whether they are viewed to the left or right side of the tank and vertical inlet/outlet pipes 5 are suffixed a or b depending on whether they are viewed to the top or bottom of the illustration.
Each pipe is formed the same and is threaded on its outside surface and this is not shown in the drawings.
It will be seen that vertical pipes are for connecting tanks immediately above or below each other and horizontal pipes are for connecting tanks immediately left or right of each other.
When tanks are placed in position as is shown in figures 1 and 2 inlet /outlet pipes are positioned so that for adjacent tanks vertical inlet/outlet pipes 5 are opposite to each other with a gap in between and horizontal inlet/outlet pipes 6 are also opposite to each other with a gap 8, in between the pipes.
Into the gap 8 is placed a connector 7 and this can be of the type 7a or 7b. The connector is then either rotated in its entirety or the end portions are rotated (depending on whether it is a type 7a or 7b) in order to attach the connector to the inlet/outlet pipes 5 or 6.
Connector type 7a is shown in cross section in figure 3. This type of connector has a flexible centre portion 9, which can be deformed sufficiently to allow it to be placed between inlet/outlet pipes 6a and 6b. The end portions 10 are retraced towards the middle of centre portion 9 during positioning. Once in position the end portions 10, are engaged with the threads on inlet/outlet pipes 6a and 6b respectively and are turned to complete a water tight engagement.
Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, these figures show connector type 7b which still has a centre portion 11 and two end portions 12 but for this connector the portions are all fixed together so that if one turns then all must turn. This connector has the centre portion 11 formed into a concertina shape so that it may be compressed to facilitate it's insertion into gap 8 between the inlet/outlet pipes. Threads are present on surfaces 13 and 14 and they are differently handed at each end so that the whole may be rotated in order to attach it to threaded inlet/outlet pipes 6a and 6b which are shown in figure 3. This of course means that tanks also have to have corresponding threads.
It will be understood that this is one example of many different possible embodiments which different numbers of connection points in different places and that the scope of this invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims (5)

  1. CLAIMS1. A connector for carrying water between two fixed threaded inlet or outlet pipes which connector has a flexible centre portion and two threaded end parts and in use the centre portion may be deformed in order to place the connector between the said inlet or outlet pipes and the threaded end parts may be rotated in order to secure the said end parts of the connector to the said inlet or outlet pipes.
  2. 2. A connector according to claim I where the total length of the said i--connector will extend as the end parts are rotated to engage and tighten r the screw threads by which the said connector is fixed to the said fixed i--is inlet oroutlet pipes.C
    C)
  3. 3. A connector according to any previous claim in which the said end parts are fixed to the said centre portion and where the centre portion is expandable and where one end part is equipped with a right hand thread and the other end part is equipped with a left hand thread so that the whole assembly can be rotated in order to attach the end parts of the said connector to the said inlet/outlet pipes.
  4. 4. A connector according to any previous claim in which the said end parts are rotatably attached to the flexible centre portion. The end parts have threads of the same hand and are rotated individually to attach them to the fixed inlet/outlet pipes.
  5. 5. A water container with threaded outlet/inlet pipes through which in use water may travel to another identical container for use with an expandable connector constructed in accordance with any previous claim. rC C)
GB1100406.6A 2011-01-11 2011-01-11 A connector and a modular container for liquids Withdrawn GB2487192A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1100406.6A GB2487192A (en) 2011-01-11 2011-01-11 A connector and a modular container for liquids

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1100406.6A GB2487192A (en) 2011-01-11 2011-01-11 A connector and a modular container for liquids

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201100406D0 GB201100406D0 (en) 2011-02-23
GB2487192A true GB2487192A (en) 2012-07-18

Family

ID=43664067

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1100406.6A Withdrawn GB2487192A (en) 2011-01-11 2011-01-11 A connector and a modular container for liquids

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2487192A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020005074A1 (en) 2020-08-19 2022-02-24 Volker Stoetzel Device as a storage device for liquids consisting of modular, freely arrangeable individual elements and connected and stabilized with an inner or outer structure. The connecting elements used serve to guide the water between the individual storage elements.
IT202000027164A1 (en) * 2020-11-12 2022-05-12 Luca Greco CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID OR PARTICULATED SUBSTANCE

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN201359150Y (en) * 2009-03-16 2009-12-09 凡思军 Connecting pipe for anti-theft type gas/water meter
CN201377642Y (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-01-06 吴金生 Full corrugated section annular corrugation corrugated pipe
CN201475529U (en) * 2009-07-23 2010-05-19 厉剑锋 Compound bellows
CN201858445U (en) * 2010-10-22 2011-06-08 颜建民 Novel stainless steel corrugated hose

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN201377642Y (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-01-06 吴金生 Full corrugated section annular corrugation corrugated pipe
CN201359150Y (en) * 2009-03-16 2009-12-09 凡思军 Connecting pipe for anti-theft type gas/water meter
CN201475529U (en) * 2009-07-23 2010-05-19 厉剑锋 Compound bellows
CN201858445U (en) * 2010-10-22 2011-06-08 颜建民 Novel stainless steel corrugated hose

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020005074A1 (en) 2020-08-19 2022-02-24 Volker Stoetzel Device as a storage device for liquids consisting of modular, freely arrangeable individual elements and connected and stabilized with an inner or outer structure. The connecting elements used serve to guide the water between the individual storage elements.
IT202000027164A1 (en) * 2020-11-12 2022-05-12 Luca Greco CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID OR PARTICULATED SUBSTANCE
WO2022101822A1 (en) * 2020-11-12 2022-05-19 Luca Greco A containment system for a substance in liquid or particulate form

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201100406D0 (en) 2011-02-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11713840B2 (en) System and method of releasably connecting pipe sections
US20130284278A1 (en) Chemical Tank Adapter and Method of Use
CN204141093U (en) Two screw connection structures of thin-wall stainless steel and pipe joint
CN205850396U (en) A kind of water purifier quick-connected filter element structure
US20160177992A1 (en) Connector for Steel Reinforcing Bars
GB2487192A (en) A connector and a modular container for liquids
US20080106092A1 (en) Manifold arrangement
CN205189080U (en) Direction adjustable trap head
EP1701097A2 (en) Manifold esp. for heating installations
US20110089688A1 (en) Thread-lockable pipe coupling assembly
CN103285621A (en) Device and method for distributing and collecting liquid material of adsorption and separation tower
CN202506175U (en) Liquid material distributing and collecting device of adsorption and separation tower
CN205613746U (en) Cleaning device for internal threads and cleaning device for external threads
CN206929457U (en) A kind of feed pipe of convenient combination
JP2013257029A (en) Pipe joint
AU2004100959A4 (en) Close Coupled Fitting
CN204411952U (en) A kind of natural-gas transfer pipeline
CN102494214B (en) Pressure pipe connecting mode, pipe joint and application
CN202419000U (en) TY-type right-angled cross
CN213313777U (en) Whole skid-mounted equipment of two-stage filter module
CN203017866U (en) Upper shell of oil filter and oil filter utilizing same
CN205350500U (en) Two type PE ball valves that diffuse
CN210141354U (en) Connecting structure of faucet main body
CN209325102U (en) A kind of faucet assembly
KR20110115120A (en) Combine structure for pipe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)