CONTAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A container having a base, with a bottom surface, a first support tube fixed to the base at a first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; a second support tube fixed to the base at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the first support tube; a third support tube fixed to the base, at a second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface, and below and substantially parallel to the first level; and a fourth support tube fixed to the base, at the second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to the third support tube. The first and second support tubes may be substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a container having a base, a lid, and walls, wherein the base has a bottom surface, wherein there is an inner chamber enclosed by the base, the lid and the walls; a first support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the first support tube is fixed at a first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; a second support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the second support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the first support tube; a third support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the third support tube is fixed at a second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and below and substantially parallel to the first level; a fourth support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the fourth support tube is fixed at the second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to the third support tube; wherein the first and second support tubes are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes; wherein the third and four support tubes are configured to receive, at the same time, first and second tines, respectively, of a forklift while the container is fixed to the third and fourth support tubes, while the lid is fixed to the walls, and while the walls are fixed to the base of the container; wherein the first and second support tubes are configured to receive first and second horizontal members of first and second supports, while the container is fixed to the first and second support tubes, while the lid is fixed to the walls, and while the walls are fixed to the base of the container; wherein the first and second supports include first and second bases, which are fixed to first and second vertical members which are fixed to the first and second horizontal members, respectively.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fifth support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the fifth support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; a sixth support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the sixth support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the fifth support tube; wherein the fifth and sixth supports tubes are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes; wherein the first and fifth support tubes are substantially aligned; wherein the second and sixth support tubes are substantially aligned; wherein the fifth and sixth support tubes are configured to receive third and fourth horizontal members of third and fourth supports, while the container is fixed to the fifth and sixth support tubes, while the lid is fixed to the walls, and while the walls are fixed to the base of the container; wherein the third and fourth supports include third and fourth bases, which are fixed to third and fourth vertical members which are fixed to the third and fourth horizontal members, respectively.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the base has an opening through which liquid can pass.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a means for connecting a pipe to the base of the container so that water within the inner chamber of the container can flow out of the container; and wherein the means for connecting a pipe does not overlap any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth support tubes.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first and second support tubes are configured with respect to each other, and sized to allow a first support to be inserted into the first support tube, while a second support is simultaneously inserted into the second support tube in order to cause the container, and first, second, third, and fourth support tubes, to be raised a distance, above a ground surface, parallel to the bottom surface of the base of the container,

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth support tubes are configured with respect to each other, and sized to allow a first support to be inserted into the first support tube, while a second support is simultaneously inserted into the second support tube, while a third support is simultaneously inserted into the fifth support tube, and while a sixth support is simultaneously inserted into the sixth support tube, in order to cause the container, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth support tubes, to be raised a distance, above a ground surface, parallel to the bottom surface of the base of the container,

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the third and fourth support tubes are configured with respect to each other, and sized, to allow a first fork lift tine of a fork lift to be inserted into the third support tube, while a second fork lift tine of the fork lift is simultaneously inserted into the fourth support tube, and while the first, second, third, and fourth supports are inserted into the first, second, fifth, and sixth support tubes.

8. A method of using an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is comprised of a container having a base, a lid, and walls, wherein the base has a bottom surface, wherein there is an inner chamber enclosed by the base, the lid and the walls; a first support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the first support tube is fixed at a first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; a second support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the second support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the first support tube; a third support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the third support tube is fixed at a second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and below and substantially parallel to the first level; a fourth support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the fourth support tube is fixed at the second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to the third support tube; wherein the first and second supports tubes are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes; wherein the third and four support tubes are configured to receive, at the same time, first and second tines, respectively, of a forklift while the container is fixed to the third and fourth support tubes, while the lid is fixed to the walls, and while the walls are fixed to the base of the container; wherein the first and second support tubes are configured to receive first and second horizontal members of first and second supports, while the container is fixed to the first and second support tubes, while the lid is fixed to the walls, and while the walls are fixed to the base of the container; wherein the first and second supports include first and second bases, which are fixed to first and second vertical members which are fixed to the first and second horizontal members, respectively; the method comprising the steps of: inserting a first support into a first support tube, while a second support is simultaneously inserted into a second support tube, while a first forklift tine of a forklift is inserted into a third support tube, and while a second forklift tine of the forklift is inserted into a fourth support tube; wherein the first support tube is fixed to a base of a container, such that the first support tube is fixed at a first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; wherein the second support tube is fixed to the base of the container, such that the second support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the first support tube; wherein the third support tube is fixed to the base of the container, such that the third support tube is fixed at a second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and below and substantially parallel to the first level; and wherein the fourth support tube fixed to the base of the container, such that the fourth support tube is fixed at the second level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to the third support tube; and wherein the first and second supports tubes are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes.

9. The method of claim 8 Inserting a third support into a fifth support tube and a fourth support into a sixth support tube, while the first and second supports are inserted into the first and second support tubes; wherein the fifth support tube is fixed to the base of the container, such that the fifth support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base; wherein the sixth support tube is fixed to the base of the container, such that the sixth support tube is fixed at the first level below and substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base, and spaced apart from, substantially parallel to the fifth support tube; wherein the fifth and sixth supports tubes are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth support tubes; wherein the first and fifth support tubes are substantially aligned; and wherein the second and sixth support tubes are substantially aligned.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the bottom surface of the base has an opening through which liquid can pass.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising lifting the container above a ground surface, by moving the first forklift tine and the second forklift tine upwards, while the first forklift tine is inserted in the third support tube and the second forklift tine is inserted in the fourth support tube.

12. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a pipe connected to the means for connecting a pipe, in a manner such that at least a portion of the pipe is located between the first and the second support tubes.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the apparatus includes a means for connecting a pipe to the base of the container so that water within the inner chamber of the container can flow out of the container; and wherein the means for connecting a pipe does not overlap any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth support tubes.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the apparatus includes a pipe connected to the means for connecting a pipe, in a manner such that at least a portion of the pipe is located between the first and the second support tubes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of a known apparatus, with the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a non compressed state;

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the apparatus shown in a non compressed state;

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, with the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a non compressed state;

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, with the apparatus of FIG. 2 shown in a compressed state;

[0017] FIG. 5A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of a first wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 5B shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of the first wall section of FIG. 5A;

[0019] FIG. 6A shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of a second wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 6B shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the second wall section of FIG. 6A;

[0021] FIG. 7A shows a top, left, and front side perspective view of a third wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0022] FIG. 7B shows a top, right, and rear side perspective view of the third wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0023] FIG. 8A shows a top, right, and front side perspective view of a fourth wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 8B shows a top, left, and rear side perspective view of the fourth wall section of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 9A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 held up by a support apparatus;

[0026] FIG. 9B shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A;

[0027] FIG. 9C shows a left side view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A;

[0028] FIG. 9D shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A;

[0029] FIG. 9E shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A;

[0030] FIG. 10 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 in a compressed state on top of a second apparatus, identical to the apparatus of FIG. 2, with the second apparatus in a non-compressed state;

[0031] FIG. 11 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 placed on a trailer apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 12A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of part of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 12B shows a bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of the part of the apparatus of FIG. 2 shown in FIG. 12A;

[0034] FIG. 12C shows a top view of the part of the apparatus of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A;

[0035] FIG. 12D shows a left side view of the part of the apparatus of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A;

[0036] FIG. 12E shows a front view of the part of the apparatus of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A;

[0037] FIG. 12F shows a closeup view a portion of the part of the apparatus, shown in FIG. 12E; and

[0038] FIG. 12G shows a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of a known prior art apparatus 1, with the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a non compressed state. Parts of the known apparatus 1 are part of an apparatus 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The apparatus 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is referred to in whole or in part, in FIGS. 2-12G.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the apparatus 200 includes a lid or top device 2, a first wall section 4a, a third wall section 4b, a second wall section 4c, a fourth wall section 4d, a base 6, and supports 8, 10, 12, and 14, which are also shown in the known apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The lid or top device 2 includes, or has attached thereto, handle devices 28 and 30 and device 32. The lid or top device also includes, or has attached thereto, handles devices 40, 42, 44, 46, 76, 78, 80, and 82. The lid or top device 2 includes a top plate or surface 2a and side plates or surfaces 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e, which form a box top structure. The plates 2a-e may be made of a hard material such as a hard metal. The lid or top device 2 also includes latching devices 45.

[0042] The apparatus 200 also includes supports 202, 204, 206, and 208, and well as fork lift tubes or supports 210 and 212 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The known apparatus 1 does not include the combination of supports 202, 204, 206, and 208 and fork lift tubes or supports 210 and 212 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 2-3. The known apparatus 1 only includes tube or supports 72 and 74. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the combination of supports 202, 204, 206, and 208 and supports 210 and 212 in the configuration shown, allows the apparatus 200 to be supported in the manner shown in FIGS. 9A-9D by supports or stands 300, 310, 320, and 330, so that water can be accessed from opening 6f in the apparatus 200, and allowing the apparatus 200 to be lifted up by inserting one tine of a fork lift in tube 210 and at the same time one tine of the fork lift into tube 212, to thereby lift up the apparatus 200 and move it while the supports 300, 310, 320, and 330 are still inserted in supports or tubes 204, 206, 208, and 202, respectively.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, with the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 shown in a compressed state. In the compressed state, sections 63a and 63b of wall section 4b are folded on top of one another and sit under half of wall section 4a, sections 83a and 83b of wall section 4d are folded on top of one another and sit under the other half of wall section 4a, and sections, and wall section 4c sits under wall sections 4a, 4b, and 4d as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4.

[0044] The components 4a, 4b, 4c, 6, 8, 10, 140, 142, 150, and 152 may all be known components which are part of known apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Each of the components 140 and 142 may be J-shaped metal plates which are configured to hold a pipe in place substantially parallel to the bottom surface 6e, shown in FIG. 12A, and underneath the bottom surface 6e. The component 150 may be an opening or a coupling for an opening to connect a section of pipe perpendicular to the surface 6e, and to the opening 6f, in order to drain water from a chamber enclosed by bottom surface 6e of FIG. 12A and walls 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d of the apparatus 200 and the known apparatus 1 of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 5A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of a first wall section 4a of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, and of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of the first wall section 4a of FIG. 5A. The first wall section 4a includes a plate or surface 5a, which may be made of a hard metal material. The first wall section 4a further includes handle devices 34 and 36, latching devices 38 and 106, device 48, and members 108, 110, and 112. The member 108 includes plates 108a and 108c, which are rotatably connected together by a hinge 108b; the member 110 includes plates 110a and 110c, which are rotatably connected together by a hinge 110b; and the member 112 includes plates 112a and 112c, which are rotatably connected together by a hinge 112b. The combination of members 108a-c or members 110a-c or members 112a-c may be called a hinge.

[0046] The hinge of members 108a-c, is rotatably connected to the fourth wall section 4d, and allows the first wall section 4a to pivot with respect to the fourth wall section 4d; the hinge of members 110a-c is rotatably connected to the base 6 and allows the first wall section 4a to pivot with respect to the base 6; and the hinge of members 112a-c is rotatably connected to the third wall section 4b, and allows the first wall section 4a to pivot with respect to the third wall section 4b.

[0047] FIG. 6A shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of a second wall section 4c of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6B shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the second wall section 4c of FIG. 6A. The second wall section 4c may be a mirror image or identical to the first wall section 4a, unless otherwise described.

[0048] The second wall section 4c includes a plate or surface 5c, which may be made of a hard metal material. The second wall section 4c further includes handle devices 68 and 70, latching device 72 and a device 98, and members 114 and 116. The member 114 includes plates 114a and 114c, which are rotatably connected together by a hinge 114b; and the member 116 includes plates 116a and 116c, which are rotatably connected together by a hinge 116b. The combination of members 114a-c or members 116a-c may be called a hinge.

[0049] The hinge of members 114a-c, is rotatably connected to the fourth wall section 4d, and allows the second wall section 4c to pivot with respect to the fourth wall section 4d; the hinge of members 116a-c is rotatably to the third wall section 4b, and allows the second wall section 4c to pivot with respect to the third wall section 4b.

[0050] FIG. 7A shows a top, left, and front side perspective view of a third wall section 4b of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7B shows a top, right, and rear side perspective view of the third wall section 4b of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The third wall section 4b includes plates or members 63a and 63b joined together by plate 64, hinge 65, and plate 66, and reinforced by members 67 and 69. The plate 64, hinge 65, and plate 66 together may be described as a hinge and the member 63a can be folded on top of the member 63b using hinge 64, 65, and 66. The third wall section 4b may also include device 62.

[0051] FIG. 8A shows a top, left, and front side perspective view of a wall section 4d of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8B shows a top, right, and rear side perspective view of the third wall section 4d of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The third wall section 4d includes plates or members 83a and 83b joined together by plate 84, hinge 85, and plate 86, and reinforced by members 87 and 89. The plate 84, hinge 85, and plate 86 together may be described as a hinge and the member 83a can be folded on top of the member 83b using hinge 84, 85, and 86. The third wall section 4d may also include device 92.

[0052] FIG. 9A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 held up by a support apparatus including supports 300, 310, 320, and 330. FIG. 9B shows a top, rear, and right side perspective view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A.

[0053] The support 300 includes base 302, vertical member 304 and horizontal member 306, which is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the vertical member 304. Similarly or identically, the support 310 includes base 312, vertical member 314 and horizontal member 316, which is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the vertical member 314. Similarly or identically, the support 320 includes base 322, vertical member 324 and horizontal member 326, which is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the vertical member 324. Similarly or identically, the support 330 includes base 332, vertical member 334 and horizontal member 336, which is substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the vertical member 334. The supports 300, 310, 320, and 330 may be made substantially or entirely of a hard, rigid metal.

[0054] In the combination of FIGS. 9A-9B, the horizontal members 306, 316, 326, and 336 are shown inserted in the supports or tubes 204, 206, 208 and 202, respectively. Unlike the tubes 72 and 74 of FIG. 1, the supports or tubes 204, 206, 208, and 202, do not go all the way across the width of the walls 4a and 4c, rather there is a gap between tubes 204 and 206 and a gap between tubes 208 and 202, which allows a pipe, such as pipe 160 shown by dashed lines in FIG. 12G, to be connected at opening 6f of FIG. 12G, to not be impeded by an additional structure.

[0055] FIG. 9C shows a left side view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9C, dashed lines are shown for a vertical pipe 162 connected to or at opening 6f, and dashed lines are shown for a horizontal pipe 160 connected to the vertical pipe 162. Water may be drained from the chamber, enclosed by walls 7 and bottom surface 6e, through opening 6f, then through pipe 162 and then through pipe 160 and out opening 160a.

[0056] FIG. 9D shows a top view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus, including supports 300, 310, 320, and 330, shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9E shows a front view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 held up by the support apparatus 300, 310, 320, and 330 shown in FIG. 9A. The location of pipe 160 and opening 160a is shown in FIG. 9D. The pipe 160 may be held up by J-shaped member 140 and/or J-shaped member 142.

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 in a compressed state on top of a second apparatus 200a, identical to the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, with the second apparatus 200a in a non-compressed state.

[0058] FIG. 11 shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 placed on a trailer apparatus 400.

[0059] FIG. 12A shows a top, front, and left side perspective view of part of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The section or base 6 is shown. The base 6 may include walls 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d and bottom 6e, which are attached together and enclose a chamber 6g which can retain water and which may be made of a metal material.

[0060] FIG. 12B shows a bottom, left side, and rear perspective view of the part of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 shown in FIG. 12A;

[0061] FIG. 12C shows a top view of the part of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A.

[0062] FIG. 12D shows a left side view of the part of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A.

[0063] FIG. 12E shows a front view of the part of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 12A.

[0064] FIG. 12F shows a closeup view a portion of the part of the apparatus 200, shown in FIG. 12E.

[0065] FIG. 12G shows a bottom view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

[0066] In operation, the lid 2 may be removed from the apparatus 2 of FIGS. 2-3. Water can be pumped into a chamber defined by walls 4 of FIGS. 2-3, and the base of FIG. 12A. The walls 4 along with the base 6 (including walls 6a-6d, and bottom 6e) define an inner chamber underneath the lid 2. After water is pumped into the inner chamber, it can be released out of opening 6f through pipes 162 and 160 out opening 160a. There may be a valve located at opening 6f. The general water draining operation is known with respect to the known apparatus 1.

[0067] In addition, the apparatus 200 can be placed on the support structure, including supports 300, 310, 320, and 330 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. Thereafter, the apparatus 200 and supports 300, 310, 320 and 330 can be lifted upwards in the direction U1, shown in FIG. 9E, by a fork lift, by inserting one tine of the forklift in tube 210, and inserting the other tine of the forklift simultaneously in tube 212, and then causing the tines of the fork lift the apparatus 200 and supports 310, 320, and 330 up in the direction U1. A first tine of the forklift is inserted into opening 210a, shown in FIG. 9E, of the tube or support 210, so that the first tine extends and sits inside of the entire length or substantially the entire length L1 of the support 210 shown in FIG. 2. A second tine of the forklift is inserted into opening 212a, shown in FIG. 9E, of the tube or support 212, so that the first tine extends and sits inside of the entire length or substantially the entire length L1 of the support 212 shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.