NZ553145A - Shipping and storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

A shipping and storage container is disclosed that can be used to occupy the lost volume between circular drums or barrels loaded on a shipping pallet. The shipping and storage container has a top end, a bottom end, two first sidewalls substantially at right angles to each other, and a third 5 sidewall. The container has a substantially triangular shaped cross section in a plane substantially parallel to the top or bottom ends, the triangular cross section being generally in the shape of a right angled isosceles triangle. The container is sized to fit alongside circular shipping drums or barrels on a square or rectangular shipping pallet without extending beyond the footprint of the pallet when the container is resting on its bottom end.

Description

553145 Patents Form # 5 *10055449039* NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER PROVISIONAL #s :553145/564119 DATED : 12 February 2007 TITLE : Shipping and Storage Container I, MARTIN, Grant Anthony Address: 46 Rawlings Street, Melville, Hamilton, New Zealand Nationality: A New Zealand citizen do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement : i 91448NZ Cap. 20080207J 035_PBA.doc FEE CODE 10SQ 553145 F1ELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a container, and in particular, but not exclusively to a small shipping and storage container for liquids or other flowable products.

BACKGROUND The 44 gallon (55 US gallon) drum or barrel, or similar sized drums, are widely used around the world today. The 44 gallon drum is typically just under 34 Vi inches (875 millimetres) high and just under 24 inches (610 millimetres) in diameter and was originally designed to meet military shipping requirements around the time of the First World War. At this time 10 trucks were increasingly being used for transportation. In addition, the manufacture of drums from cold rolled steel was possible allowing mass production of these containers.

The 44 gallon drums were sized such that four could fit onto a standard shipping pallet, which in turn could easily be handled using a fork truck. Individual drums could be handled using a two wheeled hand truck, or manually either by tilting the drum to a shallow angle 15 and rolling on the lower rim, or by lying the drum flat and rolling it.

The ease of manufacture, the durability, the ease of handling, and the convenience of use made the 44 gallon drum a huge success and today millions of these drums are used and shipped about the world each day.

Shipping charges are often volume related for cargo densities of less than one tonne per 20 cubic metre. Above this density, shipping charges are typically calculated by weight. Many drums however contain oil, or other liquids, pastes or fine powders, with a gross weight of less than one tonne per cubic metre. In addition, the drums are round and do not fully occupy the entire space they take up when being shipped or stored.

This means that when liquids, pastes or fine powders are transported using drums, the 25 shipping charges are often driven by volume rather than by weight. Additional weight could be carried on each pallet without incurring additional freight charges. 191448NZ_CAPSpec_Feb08.doc/PA 553145 Received at IPONZ on 13 June 2008 In addition, full use of the total space occupied by a pallet load of four drums is not made since there are air gaps around the drums. In terms of shipping costs, there remains an opportunity to take advantage of the space and the weight allowance that is not always used when drums are shipped.

OBJECT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container which will at least go some way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a shipping and storage container, the container having a top end, a bottom end, two first sidewalls substantially at right angles to each other, and a third sidewall, the container having a substantially triangular shaped cross section in a plane substantially parallel to the top or bottom ends, the triangular cross section being generally in the shape of a right angled isosceles triangle.

Preferably the arrangement being such that the container is sized to fit alongside circular shipping drums or barrels on a square or rectangular shipping pallet without extending beyond the footprint of the pallet when the container is resting on its bottom end.

Preferably the container is generally elongate in shape, the distance between the ends of the container, or the height of the container, being greater than the width of the third sidewall.

Preferably the two first sidewalls of the container each include a recessed region or regions adapted to accommodate any ribs or other projections on the exterior of a circular shipping drum or barrel.

Optionally the third sidewall of the container includes a recessed region or regions adapted to accommodate any ribs or other projections on the exterior of a circular shipping drum or barrel. 191448NZ_CAPSpec_l 3June08.doc 553145 Preferably any recesses in the first sidewalls, or the third sidewall, of the container are in the form of a recessed channel extending across the width of each sidewall.

Preferably the width of each of the two first sidewalls, in a direction substantially parallel with the top or bottom ends of the container, is in the range of 190 to 270 millimetres.

More preferably the width of each of the two first sidewalls, in a direction substantially parallel with the top or bottom ends of the container, is in the range of 210 to 240 millimetres.

Preferably the height of the container is in the range of 290 to 900 millimetres.

More preferably the height of the container is in the range of 400 to 480 millimetres.

Optionally the third sidewall of the container is curved, however, in a preferred embodiment, the third sidewall of the container is substantially flat.

Optionally either or both of the first sidewalls of the container is/are curved, however, in a preferred embodiment the two first sidewalls of the container are substantially flat.

Preferably the container includes a sealable opening.

Preferably the sealable opening includes a thread adapted to receive an externally or internally threaded cap.

Preferably the sealable opening is provided in the top end of the container.

Preferably the sealable opening is provided within a recessed area in the top end of the container.

Preferably the top end of the container is adapted to at least partially engage with the bottom end of a similarly configured container.

Preferably the top end of the container includes one or more projections adapted to engage with corresponding recesses in the bottom end of a similarly configured container. 19144 KN7..C APS pecFebO 8. doc/P A 553145 Preferably the top end of the container is shaped to facilitate pouring from the container, for example including a recessed area about the opening, the recessed area having an apex adjacent to an edge of the top of the container.

Preferably the container includes one or more handles.

Preferably the or each handle is formed as a recess within one of the sidewalls of the container.

Optionally the body of the container is formed from a fibrous product, for example dense paper or cardboard, and the top and bottom of the container are formed from plastic or metal, for example sheet steel.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a pallet loaded with circular shipping drums or barrels, and at least one container as specified herein.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific 15 integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

DESCRIPTION Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in 20 which: FIGURE 1 is an upper perspective view of a first example of a container according to the present invention, FIGURE 2 is an upper perspective view from a different angle of the first example of a container, FIGURE 3 is a top plan view showing the first example of a container and defining a section plane AA, 191448»Z_CAPSpec_FebO£, doc/PA 553145 FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of the first example of a container, FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view of the first example of a container through plane AA, FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing a number of the first example of a 5 container stacked on a pallet alongside a number of drums, FIGURE 7 is a perspective view showing a number of the first example of a container stacked amongst a pallet of eight drums, FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing a number of the first example of a container stacked amongst a pallet of four drums, FIGURE 9 is an upper perspective view of a second example of a container according to the present invention, and FIGURE 10 is a perspective view showing a number of the second example of a container stacked amongst a pallet of four fibre barrels.

FIRST EXAMPLE With reference to Figures 1 to 5, a first example of a container (10) is shown having a top end (11), a bottom end (13), two first sidewalls (15) which are substantially at right angles to each other and a third sidewall (17). The container (10) has a substantially triangular shaped cross section in a plane substantially parallel to the top or bottom ends (11) or (13). The 20 triangular cross section is generally in the shape of a right angled isosceles triangle.

In this example, the angle between the two first sidewalls (15) is approximately ninety degrees, however it is envisaged that containers (10) where the angle between the two first sidewalls (15) is between approximately eighty and one hundred degrees will fall generally within the scope of the present invention. 191448NZ_CAPSpec_Feb08.doc/PA 553145 The container (10) is sized to fit alongside circular shipping drums or barrels on a square or rectangular shipping pallet without extending beyond the footprint of the pallet. The containers (10) are suitable for use between or alongside any two or more drums that are arranged side by side. Where there are four or more drums, the containers (10) are suited for 5 use when each set of four drums is arranged in a generally square pattern. In addition, the containers (10) can be used for shipping or storage on their own, the shape of them being suitable for stacking, and allowing convenient and efficient use of space, and their size making them relatively easy to handle.

In this example, the two first sidewalls (15) and the third sidewall (17) of the container (10) 10 are shown substantially flat, however, in an alternative embodiment, either or both of the first sidewalls (15), and/or the third sidewall (17) of the container (10), can be curved, for example having a concave shape which can mate more closely with the curved exterior of a drum or barrel.

The two first sidewalls (15) and/or the third sidewall (17) of the container can each include a 15 recessed region (19) or regions adapted to accommodate any ribs or other projections from the exterior of a circular shipping drum or barrel. In this example, each recess (19) is shown in the form of a recessed channel extending across the width of each of the two first sidewalls (15), however it is envisaged that the recesses (19) could extend around the third sidewall (17) also.

The recesses or channels (19) can help to improve the stiffness of the sidewalls (15) or (19), for example to help prevent the sidewalls from bulging outward when the container (10) is loaded.

In this example, the width of each of the two first sidewalls (15), in a direction substantially parallel with the top or bottom ends, (11) or (13), of the container (10), is approximately 225 25 millimetres. It is envisaged that this width can be in the range of 190 to 270 millimetres, and preferably within the range of 210 to 240 millimetres, for a container (10) designed for use alongside a typical 44 gallon drum, or similar sized drum or barrel.

While the container could have a height that is similar to a typical 44 gallon drum or barrel, in this example the container (10) is approximately half the height of such a drum, that is, 19144 8NZ_C APSpec_Feb08.doc/PA 553145 about 440 millimetres high. This gives the container (10) a generally elongate shape in which the height of the container (10), or the distance between the ends of the container (11) and (13), is greater than the width of the third sidewall (17). Alternatively the container (10) could be a third or a quarter of the height of a typical drum or barrel.

Having said this, a container (10) height that is about half the height of a 44 gallon drum or barrel is considered advantageous. Such a container (10) is relatively easy to handle, for example, one such container (10) could be carried in each hand, suspended from each hand. The height of the containers (10) allows them to hang freely from each hand while they are being carried, without dragging on the ground. By contrast, if the height of the containers 10 (10) was similar to that of a 44 gallon drum or barrel they would be very awkward to carry, not being able to hang freely from either hand.

Also, a container (10) that is the full height of a 44 gallon drum or barrel would be much heavier to handle, and would be more prone to splitting or bulging if dropped. It would also be less stable when standing alone.

It is envisaged that the height of the container (10) can be in the range of 290 to 900 millimetres, and preferably the height of the container (10) is in the range of 400 to 480 millimetres.

In this example, the container (10) is approximately half the height of a typical 44 gallon drum, and there are two recesses (19) in each of the first sidewalls (15). As noted earlier, the 20 recesses (19) are in the form of recessed channels which extend across the width of each first sidewall (15). One of the recesses (19) in each sidewall (15) is situated at approximately one third of the height of the container (10), and the other is situated at approximately two thirds of the height of the container (10).

When two such containers (10) are stacked, one on top of the other, the upper recess (19) on 25 the lower container (10) will coincide with the height of a lower rib on typical 44 gallon drum, and the lower recess (19) on the upper container (10) will coincide with the height of an upper rib on the drum. See figure 6 for further clarification. 19144SNZ_CAPSpec_Feb08.doc/PA 553145 While the recesses (19) can simply be shorter or radiused channels designed to neatly fit about the Tib on a drum, it is considered advantageous to extend the ribs right across the width of the sidewalls (15) or (17) as they can improve the rigidity of the sidewalls, as noted above. Such recesses or channels (19) can also be used to accommodate tie straps, for 5 example when tying a pair, or a larger number, of containers (10) together if shipping them by themselves, that is, not alongside drums or barrels.

In can be seen that the container (10) includes a single use, or a re-sealable, opening (21), which in this example includes an external thread adapted to receive an internally threaded cap (not shown). In this example the re-sealable opening (21) is situated in the top end (11) 10 of the container (10). The sealable opening (21) is recessed below the surface of the top end (11) of the container (10) to facilitate stacking of the containers (10).

The top end (11) of the container can be adapted to at least partially engage with the bottom end (13) of a similarly configured container (10) for example, the top end (11) of the container (10) can include one or more projections adapted to engage with corresponding 15 recesses in the bottom end (13) of another container (10). In this example the top end of the container (10) is provided with two raised domes (23) which are configured to mate with two corresponding recessed dimples (25) in the bottom end (13) of a similar container (10).

The top end (11) of the container (11) is shaped to facilitate pouring from the container (10). In this example, the container (10) includes a recessed area (27) about the opening (21), the 20 recessed area having an apex (29) adjacent to an edge of the top (11) of the container (10).

In this example, the container (10) includes a handle (31). The handle (31) is formed as a recess within the third sidewall (17) of the container (10), adjacent to the top end (11) of the container (10). The container (10) can. have more than one handle (31), and the handle or handles could be located in a number of places to suit handling and/or manufacturing 25 requirements.

The edges of the container (10) can be chamfered or radiused for improved durability. The chamfered or radiused corners can also be useful in providing clearance between the container (10) and any protruding rim at the top or bottom end of a drum, 191448NZ_CAPSpee_Feb08,doc/PA 553145 With reference to Figure 6, it can be seen that the container (10) is designed for use alongside drums or barrels on a shipping pallet, or alongside drums or barrels inside a larger shipping container. In the example shown, three 44 gallon drums (33) are shown as they would normally be arranged on a shipping pallet. The fourth drum to complete the pallet 5 load is omitted to enable the containers (10) to be seen more clearly.

Figures 7 and 8 show pallets loaded with eight and four drums respectively. It can be seen that twelve of the containers (10) described herein can be loaded onto a pallet loaded with four drums. The containers (10) fit on the pallet alongside the drums (33), without extending beyond the footprint of the pallet. The containers (10) are stowed completely within the 10 lines of the set of four drums and are therefore reasonably well protected from damage when the pallet load of drums is moved about or when other similar pallet loads are placed alongside.

On a pallet load of four drums, twelve containers (10) can be placed in the gaps between adjacent drums. Each container can hold about twelve litres, and therefore twelve containers 15 providers an increase of about one hundred and forty four litres of storage capacity for each pallet load of four drams. This increases the storage capacity of the pallet load from eight hundred litres (four times two hundred litres), to nine hundred and forty four, representing an eighteen percent increase in storage capacity.

' A pallet load of eight drums provides spaces for twenty eight containers, allowing an 20 increase in storage capacity in the region of twenty one percent. For some products, particularly low density products such as oil based products, this additional capacity can be transported at little or no additional cost.

SECOND EXAMPLE Figures 9 and 10 show a second example of a container (50), according to the present 25 invention. The geometry of the container (50) is generally similar to that of the first example of a container (10) described above, however its construction is different. In this example the container (50) has a body (51) that can be made from any suitable material, for example a fibrous material such as dense paper or cardboard, and the top (53) and bottom (55) are made 191448NZ_CAPSpeeJ?ebQ8,doc/PA 553145 separately. The top (53) and bottom (55) can be made from metal, for example from sheet steel, or they could be made from other suitable materials such as plastic.

The top (53) and bottom (55) can be fastened to the body (51) using a clip or similar fastening system, as is commonly used on fibrous barrels (57). While the top (53) could be 5 removable, it could also be fixed to the body (51) and be provided with a single use or a re-sealable opening (not shown).

Preferably the tops (53) and the bottoms (55) are configured to allow stacking of one container (50) on top of another, for example having a raised rim on each top (53) which can engage with a recessed channel on each bottom (55).

A fibrous container (50) could be used to transport liquids, pastes, powders or granules for example, and could be used in conjunction with a plastic liner.

Figure 10 shows a pallet loaded with four fibrous barrels (57), about which twelve containers (50) can be stacked, in a similar fashion to the containers (10) described in the first example.

VARIATIONS Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

The examples described above the containers (10) and (50) are made from plastics material 20 or fibrous material, however it is envisaged that other container constructions could be used, for example the container (10) could be made from metal, wood or other composite materials.

In the above example, the opening (21) is shown centrally located in the top end (11), however, in an alternative configuration the opening (21) could be positioned nearer an edge 25 ofthetopend(ll), or on one of the sides. 191448NZ .CAPSpecJebCW.doc/PA I 553145 DEFINITIONS Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, 5 integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides a container which can be stored on a pallet that also includes drums and which can do so without 10 increasing the overall footprint of the loaded pallet while at the same time provide storage for additional flowable product. This additional material can be shipped at little or no additional cost since the total density of the loaded pallet can remain below or near one tonne per cubic metre. iwo or four containers according to the present invention can be stacked adjacent to one 15 another to form a stack having a generally square footprint. For this reason the containers are equally well suited for shipping and storage requirements in their own right, that is, including when they are not being used alongside drums or barrels. The triangular shape also provides a convenient shape for storing a single container in a corner, providing minimal disruption to the remaining space. 191448NZ_CAPSpec_Feb08.sJoc/PA

Claims (12)

553145 Received at IPONZ on 13 June 2008 -13 - CLAMS

1. A shipping and storage container, the container having a top end, a bottom end, two first sidewalls substantially at right angles to each other, and a third sidewall, the container having a substantially triangular shaped cross section in a plane substantially parallel to the top or bottom ends, the triangular cross section being generally in the shape of a right angled isosceles triangle, and the arrangement being such that the container is sized to fit alongside circular shipping drums or barrels on a square or rectangular shipping pallet without extending beyond the footprint of the pallet when the container is resting on its bottom end.

2. A shipping and storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is generally elongate in shape, the distance between the ends of the container, or the height of the container, being greater than the width of the third sidewall.

3. A shipping and storage container as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the two first sidewalls of the container each include a recessed region or regions adapted to accommodate any ribs or other projections on the exterior of a circular shipping drum or barrel.

4. A shipping and storage container as claimed in claim 3, wherein any recesses in the first sidewalls of the container are in the form of a recessed channel extending across the width of each first sidewall.

5. A shipping and storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of each of the two first sidewalls, in a direction substantially parallel with the top or bottom ends of the container, is in the range of 190 to 270 millimetres.

6. A shipping and storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the container is in the range of 290 to 900 millimetres.

7. A shipping and storage container as claimcd in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a sealable opening. 191448NZ_CAPSpecJ 3June08.doc 553145 -14-

8. A shipping and storage container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sealable opening is provided within a recessed area in the top end of the container.

9. A shipping and storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top end of the container is adapted to at least partially engage with the 5 bottom end of a similarly configured container.

10. A shipping and storage container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top end of the container includes one or more projections adapted to engage with corresponding recesses in the bottom end of a similarly configured container.

11. A shipping and storage container substantially as herein described with reference to 10 any one of the accompanying drawings.

12. A pallet loaded with circular shipping drums or barrels, and at least one shipping and storage container substantially as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. PIPERS Attorneys for: Grant Anthony Martin 191448NZ_CAPSpec_FebO&.doc/PA