| JP2002080091 | DIKE FOR TANK ON THE GROUND |
| WO/1996/039561 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LEAK PREVENTION AND REMEDIATION IN STORAGE TANK SYSTEMS |
| WO/1997/048611 | SPILLAGE RETAINING FITMENT FOR PALLETS |
| 1. | A device including a storage container stand on which a liquid storage container with an outlet may be placed and a liquid collection trough detachably depending from the stand, the trough being arranged so that it is disposed beneath the outlet of a container placed on the stand. |
| 2. | A device according to claim 1 , wherein the device includes a releasably engageable coupling between the stand and the trough, having respective coupling portions on the stand and the trough that have cooperating and interengagable configurations. |
| 3. | A device according to claim 2, wherein the respective coupling portions on the stand and the trough hook together to allow the trough to detachably depend from the stand. |
| 4. | A device according to any one claims 1 to 3, wherein the stand and the trough each include a substantially vertical extension, the extension depending downwardly from the stand and the extension rising upwardly from the trough being detachably connected to each other so that the trough depends from the stand. |
| 5. | A device according to claim 4, wherein the extension depending downwardly from the stand includes a return that extends upwardly substantially parallel to and rearward of the stand extension and the extension rising upwardly from the trough includes a return that extends downwardly substantially parallel to and forward of the trough extension. |
| 6. | A device according to claim 5, wherein one or both of the returns include two or more coupling portions spaced along the width of the extension. |
| 7. | A device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the returns are arranged so that the trough depends from the stand and liquid flowing from the outlet cannot pass into the returns as it falls toward the trough. |
| 8. | A device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the returns form Ushaped portions on the trough and stand extensions. |
| 9. | A device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the returns interlockingly engage as a friction fit. |
| 10. | A device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein one or more lateral stops are provided in at least one of the returns of the extensions of the trough and stand to prevent lateral movement of the trough relative to the stand. |
| 11. | A device according to claim 10, wherein the lateral stops include a lateral wall positioned generally perpendicular to the length of the return. |
| 12. | A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the stand includes a base plate on which the container rests. |
| 13. | A device according to claim 12, wherein the base plate extends beneath the entire base of the container and includes raised sides extending up from the base plate to prevent spillage of liquid onto the surface supporting the container. |
| 14. | A device according to claim 12 or 13 when appended to claim 2, wherein the device is arranged to be placed over the edge of a worktop and wherein the stand includes one or more spacers which space the releasably engageable coupling away from the edge of the worktop. |
| 15. | A device according to claim 14, wherein at least one spacer is a lateral web that perpendicularly projects from one or both of the base of the stand or the vertical extension of the stand and has a distal portion which abuts a surface at the edge of the worktop to space the releasably engageable coupling away from the edge of the worktop. |
| 16. | A device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the stand includes one or more fastening portions which can be utilised to fasten the stand to a worktop. |
| 17. | A device according to claim 16, wherein the fastening portions include one or more apertures through which a fastener can be located and engage with the workbench to fasten the stand to a worktop. |
| 18. | A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the stand includes at least one opening on a side adjacent to the trough which allows liquid spillage in the stand to empty into the trough. |
| 19. | A device according to claim 18, wherein the front side of the side adjacent to the trough is substantially open. |
| 20. | A device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the trough includes a base, the base having one or more feet. |
| 21. | A device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the outlet of the container is a tap. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for preventing chemical spillage.
Background of the Invention
The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
Chemicals that are used frequently and/or in large volumes are commonly stored in large containers the contents of which are accessed via a tap at the bottom of the container extending beyond the footprint of the container. While the taps are designed to seal the container once they are closed, they sometimes fail to do so completely and leak chemicals, creating a chemical spillage. This problem is exacerbated if the user fails to close the tap completely. Spillage can also occur if the user overfills the vessel to which the chemical is being transferred.
Chemical spilled in this way is wasted. Further it can lead to cross contamination of chemicals. Moreover, spillage is undesirable particularly for highly coloured, toxic, corrosive or otherwise hazardous chemicals. Spillage of these types of chemicals is of a health and safety concern to all occupants and users in the spillage area.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a device that can minimise or substantially eliminate spillage from chemical storage containers.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a device including a storage container stand on which a liquid storage container with an outlet, such as a tap, button valve or the like, may be placed and a liquid collection trough detachably
depending from the stand, the trough being arranged so that it is disposed beneath the outlet of a container placed on the stand. Typically, the trough is positioned forward of the stand.
A device according to the present invention therefore provides a trough that can be detachably positioned under the outlet of a container which collects any spillage from the outlet. As the trough is detachable, the spillage can be easily disposed of or alternatively returned to the liquid storage container.
The trough can detachably depend from the stand through a number of coupling configurations. However, the device preferably includes a releasably engageable coupling between the stand and the trough, the coupling having respective coupling portions on the stand and the trough. These coupling portions typically have cooperating and interengagable configurations. In one particular coupling configuration, the respective coupling portions on the stand and the trough hook together to allow the trough to detachably depend from the stand.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stand and the trough each include a substantially vertical extension, the extension depending downwardly from the stand and the extension rising upwardly from the trough being detachably connected to each other so that the trough depends from the stand. Preferably, the extension depending from the stand includes a return that extends upwardly substantially parallel to and rearward of the stand extension and the extension rising from the trough includes a return that extends downwardly substantially parallel to and forward of the trough extension. In this configuration the returns interlockingly engage so that the trough depends from the stand and liquid entering the trough cannot pass into the returns as it flows from the outlet.
The returns can form a single coupling portion on the extension of the trough and stand or can form a series of separated sections each having a cooperating coupling portion on the respective extension of the trough and stand. In one embodiment, one or both of the returns include two or more
coupling portions spaced along the width of the respective extension. Preferably, the return on the extension of the trough includes two or more coupling portions which interlock with a correspondingly configured coupling portion on the extension of the stand.
The returns can have any number of suitable interlocking configurations. In one embodiment, the returns form U-shaped portions on the trough and stand extensions. Preferably, the returns interlockingly engage as a friction fit to prevent accidental dislodging of the trough from the stand. The skilled addressee will readily recognise that other shaped returns could be employed and still provide for interlocking engagement. For example, V-shaped portions, J-shapes, any number of arcuate, hook, bends or the like would be suitable. Alternatively, the returns may be configured such that they act to suspend the trough from the stand but interlocking engagement is effected by an alternative means such as reusable adhesive or a latching mechanism.
It is preferable that the trough is releasably engaged to the stand in such a way that the trough is prevented from moving laterally (or sideways) relative to the stand. This can be achieved in some embodiments by including one or more lateral stops in at least one of the returns of the extensions of the trough and stand to prevent lateral movement of the trough relative to the stand. Preferably, the lateral stops include a lateral wall positioned generally perpendicular to the length of the return. As can be appreciated, the lateral stops can be located in any suitable position along the length of the returns. In some embodiments, the stops are placed on the outer end of one or more of the returns of the trough and stand. In other embodiments, the lateral stops are placed in a position remote from the outside ends of one or more of the returns of the trough and stand. Preferably, the stop is located in one of the. returns of the trough and stand and the other of the returns of the trough and stand has a portion configured to laterally abut the stop along the length of the cooperating return.
Other forms of engagement between the stand and the trough could be employed that permit the trough to be detached from the stand. In one
embodiment, the trough does not have a substantially vertical extension, and is detachably mounted on an extension depending from the stand. In another embodiment, the trough has a substantially vertical extension which detachably engages the stand directly, rather than engaging an extension depending from the stand. A detachable connection between the trough and the stand may be arranged by an adhesive capable of separation and reuse, the use of latching means, or sleeving of one of the extensions to fit the other in a friction fit. Sleeved extensions may alternatively include other engagement means to more firmly secure the trough to the stand. Suitable engagement means include hooks, latched, pins, adhesives, locks, clips, clamps or the like. Detachable connection may also be achieved using a complimentary tab and slot arrangement, or a pin and keyhole arrangement.
Typically, the stand includes a base plate on which the container rests. Typically, the base plate extends beneath the entire base of the container. Preferably, the stand includes raised sides extending up from the base plate to prevent spillage of liquid onto a surface supporting the stand.
The device is preferably arranged to be placed over the edge of a worktop such as a workbench, tabletop, shelf or the like. To allow easy of removal of the trough from the stand, it is preferable that the stand includes one or more spacers which space the releasably engageable coupling away from the edge of the worktop. This substantially prevents the workbench from impeding or interfering with the coupling and decoupling process between the coupling portions of the trough and stand. In one embodiment, at least one spacer is a lateral web that perpendicularly depends from one or both of the base of the stand or the vertical extension of the stand and have a distal portion which abuts a surface at the edge of the worktop to space the releasably engageable coupling away from the edge of the worktop.
In some embodiments, the stand includes one or more fastening portions which can be utilised to fasten the stand to a worktop. This fastens the stand in one place on the worktop, ensuring the stand and attached trough cannot be accidentally moved when for example as user manipulates the container. In
one preferred embodiment, the fastening portions include one or more apertures through which a fastener can be located and engage with the workbench to fasten the stand to a worktop.
Preferably, the stand includes at least one opening on a side adjacent to the trough which allows liquid spillage in the stand to empty into the trough. Typically, the front side of the side adjacent to the trough is substantially open.
In some embodiments, the trough includes a base, the base having one or more feet. Preferably, the feet provide a non slip ground/surface engaging function when the trough is placed on a surface.
In use, a bulk liquid container is placed on the stand. Liquid may be dispensed via a tap from the bulk container into smaller containers for use. Any drips from the tap or overflow from the smaller containers falls into the trough. Because the trough is associated with a single container, the danger of mixing of spilled chemicals is avoided. The trough depends from the stand by means of a substantially vertical extension with a return which interlockingly engages a return on a substantially vertical extension of the stand. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the interlocked returns prevents liquid from the tap or overflow from the small containers being caught in the returns as it flows into trough.
When desired, the trough can be demounted from the stand and the liquid in the trough can be returned to the bulk container. Raised sides on the stand prevent liquid being returned from the trough to the bulk container from spilling onto the surface supporting the stand and the container.
Brief description of the drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be further described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a device incorporating one preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is front view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a rear view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is an inverted plan view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of another device incorporating another preferred embodiment the invention.
Figure 9 is an exploded isometric view of the device shown in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 8.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Referring now to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a device 10 which incorporates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is suitable for use with a liquid storage container including a dispensing outlet such as a tap (not illustrated).
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the device 10 with the trough depending from the stand in a typical in use configuration. The device 10 includes a liquid collection trough 11 which is releasably engageable to a storage container stand 12 on which a storage container may be placed. Stand 12 and trough 11 each include a substantially vertical extension 14 and 13 respectively that engage to depend trough 11 from stand 12. The trough 11 is
arranged relative to the stand to be disposed beneath the tap of the container, when the container is seated in stand 12. The trough 11 is designed to catch any spillage from the tap located above it.
Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing liquid collection trough 11 and storage container stand 12 separated. From both Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the stand extension 14 depending from stand 12 includes a return 16 in the form of a U-shaped elongate portion that extends upwardly substantially parallel to and rearward of stand extension 14. The trough extension 13 includes a return 15 in the form of a U-shaped elongate portion that extends downwardly substantially parallel to and forward of trough extension 13. As can be appreciated, Figure 2 more clearly shows the U-shaped configuration of return 15 as these returns 15 and 16 are separated, while in Figure 1 , the device is in an in use position with the returns 15 and 16 interlockingly engaged to depend trough 11 from stand 12.
Referring now to Figure 2, it can be seen that the U-shape of each of the returns 15 and 16 is formed from an integral portion 15a and 16a which is integral with the extension and a hook portion 15b and 16b which is spaced away from the integral portion 15a and 16a. A channel 15c and 16c is defined between the integral portion 15a and 15b and the hook portion 15b and 16b of each return 15 and 16 respectively. The returns 15 and 16 interlockingly engage as a friction fit so that trough 11 depends from stand 12 and liquid entering trough 11 cannot pass into returns 15 and 16 as it flows from the tap. In this respect, the hook portion 15b and 16b of each of the returns 15 and 16 is inserted into a cooperating cavity 16c and 15c of the opposite return 16 and 15, thereby forming a hook like coupling between each of the returns 15 and 16.
The stand 12 includes a base plate 17 enclosed by three raised sides 18 which integrally extend from the base plate 17. The base plate 17 is typically dimensioned to extend beneath the entire base of the container and therefore forms a tray in which the container is seated. The three raised sides 18 that extend up from base plate 17 provide a barrier which prevents spillage of liquid onto a surface supporting the base plate 17. The fourth or front side is open.
The base plate 17 extends integrally from the front side to the extension 14. Any spillage of liquid into the stand 12 can flow through the open front side and empty along the extension into the trough 11.
The illustrated trough 11 includes a base plate 25 enclosed by four raised sides 26 which integrally extends from the base plate 25. The trough 11 forms a liquid receptacle or bucket in which liquid spillage from a tap leak, overfilling or the like can collect. The trough extension 13 extends vertically from the rear wall 27.
Figures 3 to 8 show elevational views of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 which provide more detailed views of the rear configuration of the extensions 13 and 14 and the returns 15 and 16. In this respect:
Figure 3 is a front view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing trough 11, stand
12, trough extension 13 and stand extension 14.
Figure 4 is a rear view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing trough 11 , stand 12, trough extension 13 and stand extension 14
Figure 5 is a plan view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing trough 11 and stand 12. Stand 12 includes base plate 17 and raised sides 18.
Figure 6 is an inverted plan view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing trough 11 and stand 12.
Figure 7 is a side view of device 10 of Figure 1 showing trough 11 , stand 12, trough extension 13, stand extension 14 and returns 15 and 16 interlockingly engaged. Stand 12 includes raised sides 18 extending from base plate 17.
Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, there is shown a device 110 which incorporates a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be appreciated, this device 110 has the same general configuration as the
device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7. Accordingly, similar features in the device 110 of the second embodiment have been given the same numerical designation as the device 10 of the first embodiment plus 100. It is to be understood that the foregoing description of the device 10 of the first embodiment similarly applies to the device 110 with the exception of the following described differences.
Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown the device 110 which includes a liquid collection trough 111 which is releasably engageable to a storage container stand 112 on which a storage container (not illustrated) may be placed. Like the device 10 shown in Figure 1, the stand 112 and trough 111 each include at least substantially vertical extensions 114 and 113 respectively that engage to depend trough 111 from stand 112, with trough 111 arranged to be disposed beneath an outlet, such as a tap of the container.
The device 110 shown in Figures 8 to 10 differs to the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 7, through: the inclusion of two fastening fixtures 130 in the rear side 131 of the stand for fastening the stand 112 to an underlying worktop (not illustrated) on which the stand 112 is situated; the configuration of the returns 115 and 116 of the extensions 113 and 114 of the stand 112 and trough 111 ; the inclusion of shelf spacers 133 on the underside of the stand to space the returns 115 and 116 away from the edge of a worktop or shelf on which the device 110 is situated; and the inclusion of feet 135 on the base 125 of the trough 111.
As best shown in Figure 8 and 9, the fastening fixtures 130 are formed from two vertically orientated cylindrical bodies situated in the two rear comers 137 and 138 of the stand 112. The fastening fixtures 130 include a borehole 139 through the centre which provides an aperture through which a fastener (not illustrated) such as a screw or nail can be inserted and fixed to the underlying worktop. This fastens the stand 112 in place on the worktop.
As best shown in Figure 9, the returns 115 and 116 (shown in hidden detail) of the extensions 113 and 114 are formed from two separate U-shaped sections, the stand 112 having coupling sections 140, 141 and the trough 111 having coupling sections 142 and 143. Each stand coupling section 140, 141 is in the form of a U-shaped elongate portion that extends upwardly substantially parallel to and rearward of stand extension 114. Each trough coupling section 142, 143 is in the form of a U-shaped elongate portion that extends downwardly substantially parallel to and forward of trough extension 13. Each coupling section 140, 141 , 142 and 143 defines a channel 140c, 141c, 142c and 143c in which a hook section 140a, 141a, 142a and 143a inserts, interlocking returns 115 and 116 as a friction fit so that trough 111 depends from stand 112.
The inner end 145 and 146 of each of the trough coupling sections 142 and 143 is closed providing lateral stops. Accordingly, when the stand coupling section 140 and 141 is engaged with the trough coupling section 142 and 143, the stand hook sections 140a and 141a are laterally captured within the cavities 142c and 143c of the trough coupling section 142 and 143. This prevents lateral or sideways movement of the returns 114 and 115 relative to one another. The inbuilt stop ends 145 and 146 of the coupling sections 142 and 143 prevent sideways movement of the trough 111 relative to the stand 112. The trough 111 can only be disengaged from the stand 112 by lifting the trough 111 upwards and then back towards the stand 112.
As best shown in Figures 9 (shown in hidden detail), and 10, two shelf spacers 133 are included in the inner corner between the stand extension 114 and the base plate 117 of the stand. Each shelf spacer 133 is in the form of a generally rectangular rib or web, which is laterally attached to each of the stand extension 114 and the base plate 117. The front edge 147 of each spacer 133 is designed to abut a generally vertical side or edge of a worktop, and therefore prevent the stand from being pushed any further back on the worktop. The lateral length X (Figure 10) of each spacer 133 is dimensioned to have a greater width than the width Y (Figure 10) of the interlocked returns 115 and 116. The shelf spacers 133 prevent the stand 112 being placed on a shelf or bench too far back. The shelf spacers 133 will always allow the clearance necessary to
engage and disengage the trough 111 to and from the stand 112 without obstruction.
Finally, as shown in Figures 9 (shown in hidden detail) and 10, the trough 111 has four circular lugs on the underside of the base 125 forming feet 135 of the trough 111. The feet 135 provide greater grip on a surface when the trough is placed on that surface. In some instances, a non-slip material is inserted or otherwise positioned in the feet 135 to provide an enhanced non-slip property to the feet 135.
The above description is in no way intended to limit the generality of the invention. It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the transporter and machine without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.