COMPOSITE CONTAINER SYSTEM

Abstract

A composite container system may include a frame assembly, a liner, and a cover. The frame assembly may include a base having a bottom end and a top end, a bottom wall at the bottom end, and sidewalls extending upward from the bottom wall towards the top end, wherein the base includes an interior volume defined between the sidewalls and the bottom wall and an opening at the top end through which the interior volume is accessible, and a lid arrangeable on the top end of the base, the lid having sidewalls that correspond in shape with the sidewalls of the base, and a bore extending through the lid. The liner may be removably arranged within the interior volume of the base, wherein the liner defines an interior storage volume. The cover may be removably arranged on the lid.

Claims

1. A composite container system, comprising: a frame assembly comprising: a base having a bottom end and a top end, a bottom wall at the bottom end, and sidewalls extending upward from the bottom wall towards the top end, wherein the base includes an interior volume defined between the sidewalls and the bottom wall and an opening at the top end through which the interior volume is accessible, and a lid arrangeable on the top end of the base, the lid having sidewalls that correspond in shape with the sidewalls of the base, and a bore extending through the lid; a liner removably arranged within the interior volume of the base, wherein the liner defines an interior storage volume; and a cover removably arranged on the lid, wherein the cover covers the opening in the lid when the cover is assembled on the lid.

2. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls of the lid further comprise inner sidewalls and outer sidewalls, wherein a lower end of the outer sidewalls is configured to mate with the top end of the sidewalls of the base.

3. The composite container system of claim 2, wherein the lid further includes a wall extending radially inward into the bore from the inner sidewalls and an upper rim extending at least partially around the bore, wherein the upper rim extends upward from the wall, wherein the cover is seated on the upper rim when assembled on the lid.

4. The composite container system of claim 2, further comprising a lip extending radially inward from a lower end of the outer sidewalls, wherein the lip abuts the top end of the sidewalls of the base when the lid is arranged on the base.

5. The composite container system of claim 4, further comprising a lower rim extending around the lip, wherein the lower rim extends into the interior volume of the base and aligns the lid on the base when assembled.

6. The composite container system of claim 5, wherein the base includes a plurality of concave ribs extending between the bottom end and the top end of the base, wherein each of the concave ribs defines an upper rib wall at an upper end of the concave rib, wherein the frame assembly further comprise a fastener operable to extend through the upper rib wall of the base and through the lip of the lid to thereby lock the lid on the base.

7. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a slot formed in a circumferential edge of the cover, and the lid further includes a fastener arranged in the sidewall for locking the cover in place, wherein the cover is removable from the lid by rotating the cover to thereby align the slot with the fastener.

8. The composite container system of claim 7, wherein the fastener includes an aperture and the cover includes an opening, and the system further includes a wire extending through the aperture in the fastener and the opening in the cover to provide evidence of tampering upon its removal.

9. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a plurality of handles.

10. The composite container system of claim 1, further comprising a stand is provided at the bottom end of the base.

11. The composite container system of claim 10, wherein the interior volume of the base further comprises a void defined within the stand, wherein the liner does not fully extend into the void such that the void functions as a spill containment region.

12. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the cover is connected to the lid via lanyard.

13. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly and the cover are made from a material that includes UV blocking pigment.

14. The composite container system of claim 1, wherein the liner includes a plurality of openings that are exposed upon removal of the cover from the lid.

15. The composite container system of claim 14, wherein a plug is arranged in a first of the plurality of openings, a mixing device is arranged in a second of the plurality of openings, and a draw tube device is provided in a third of the plurality of openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a composite container system having a frame assembly, a liner arranged within the frame assembly, and a cover arranged on the frame assembly and covering the liner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the composite container system of FIG. 1A with the cover removed from the frame assembly so as to expose the liner.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the composite container system of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a lid of the frame assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 3A.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the liner exploded from the base of the frame assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0013] FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the base of frame assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B with the liner having been removed therefrom.

[0014] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the base of FIG. 5A.

[0015] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the liner of composite container system of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0016] FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the liner of FIG. 6A.

[0017] FIG. 7A is a view of the composite container system of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the composite container system along section line A-A in FIG. 7A, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 depicts the cover and fasteners of the composite container system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an example composite container system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the composite container system 100 (hereinafter, the system 100) includes a frame assembly 102 and a cover or cap 104 arranged on the frame assembly 102. As hereinafter described, the cover 104 is removable from the frame assembly 102, and FIG. 1B depicts the system 100 of FIG. 1A when the cover 104 has been detached and removed from the frame assembly 102, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1B, the system 100 also includes a liner 106 housed within the frame assembly 102. As hereinafter described, the liner 106 defines an interior storage space within which a substance (e.g., a chemical) may be stored. Here, the liner 106 includes a top side 108 having openings utilizable for filling or otherwise interacting with the substance contained within the liner 106, and the top side 108 of the liner 106 may be accessed by removing the cover 104. In embodiments, the frame assembly 102, the liner 106, and the cover 104 may be made from a plastic, such as polyethylene, nylon, etc. In embodiments, the frame assembly 102, the liner 106, and the cover 104 are made from the same material; whereas in other embodiments they are made from one or more different materials. In embodiments, the material utilized to construct the frame assembly 102 and the cover 104 includes a pigment/coloring/dye that is operable to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such that the frame assembly 102 and the cover 104 may block (and otherwise protect the liner 106) from UV radiation that may be harmful or damage the substance contained in the liner 106. Stated differently, the frame assembly 102 and the cover 104 may be made/constructed from a material that includes UV blocking pigment/dye.

[0022] The frame assembly 102 includes a base 110 and a lid 112. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the lid 112 may be arranged on the base 110, as hereinafter described, in order to retain the liner 106 within the frame assembly 102. FIG. 2 depicts the system 100 with the lid 112 of the frame assembly 102 removed from the base 110 and with the cover 104 removed from the lid 112, according to one or more embodiments. When the lid 112 is removed from the base 110 as shown, it is possible for a user to remove the liner 106 from the base 110 and/or insert a new liner 106 into the base 110 as hereinafter described.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2, the cover 104 includes a pair of slots 202 formed in a circumferential edge 204 of the cover 104. Also shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2, a pair of fasteners 206 may be arranged in the frame assembly 102 and, in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 206 are arranged in the lid 112 of the frame assembly 102. The fasteners 206 are utilized to retain the cover 104 and secure the cover 104 relative to the lid 112, as detailed below. Further, while FIG. 2 depicts the fasteners 206 when removed from the lid 112 so as to expose holes 207 in the lid 112 for receiving the fasteners 206, the fasteners 206 need not be removed from the lid 112 in order to allow for removal of the cover 104. Rather, as discussed below, the fasteners 206 may remain fixed to the lid 112 and the cover 104 may be rotated to align the slots 202 with the fasteners and thereby allow the cover 104 to be detached and removed from the lid 112.

[0024] The location of the slots 202 in the circumferential edge 204 of the cover 104 are clocked or correspond with the location of the fasteners 206 in an inner sidewall of the lid 112. In this manner, the cover 104 may be rotated, relative to the lid 112 and the fasteners 206, into an orientation where the slots 202 align with the fasteners 206, after which the cover 104 may be pulled upward and away from the lid 112, with the fasteners 206 passing through the slots 202 to thereby allow removal of the cover 104, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2. Also with this arrangement, the cover 104 may be rotated into an orientation where the slots 202 align with the fasteners 206 and then the cover 104 may be pressed onto the lid 112, allowing the fasteners 206 to pass through the slots 202 as the cover 104 is moved into a seated position on the lid 112, and then the cover 104 may be rotated (clockwise or counter clockwise), with the fasteners 206 abutting an upper surface 208 of the cover 104 to thereby retain the cover 104 on the lid 112 and inhibit removal of the cover 104. In this manner, the user may selectively rotate the cover 104 to remove it from the lid 112 and, when the cover 104 is locked and retained in place on the lid 112 via interference with the fasteners 206, the top side 108 of the liner 106 is covered (and thereby protected) by the cover 104 until the user desires to access the top side 108 of the liner 106 by rotating the cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 104 includes a grip portion 209 that provides an ergonomic means for the user to grasp and rotate the cover 104.

[0025] FIG. 2 also depicts an example of the top side 108 of the liner 106, according to embodiment. As shown, the liner 106 includes at least one opening 210 for allowing the user to fill, empty or otherwise interact with the substance contained inside the liner 106. Here, the top side 108 of the liner 106 includes three (3) openings 210a-c, but more or less than three (3) openings may be included without departing from the present disclosure. Also in the illustrated embodiment, a fitting is provided in each of the openings 210a-c. In the illustrated embodiment and as further described below, a plug 212 is arranged in the first opening 210a, a mixing device 214 (sometimes referred to as the agitation device 214) is arranged in the second opening 210b, and a draw tube device 216 is arranged in the third opening 210c. Here, the plug 212 may be removed to expose the interior volume of the liner 106 via the first opening 210a, in order to thereby fill or empty the substance from the liner 106. Also, the mixing device 214 may include an agitator within the interior volume of the liner 106 that is rotated to agitate the substance contained within the liner 106, and the mixing device 214 may further include a shaft extending upward from the agitator and terminating at an exposed adapter/coupling 218 that is located on the top side 108 of the liner 106 and which may be rotated (e.g., via hand or via a power drill) in order to actuate the agitator within the liner 106. Lastly, the draw tube device 216 may include an internal straw/tube within the liner 106 and a button 220 that is exposed on the top side 108 and operable to actuate a pump mechanism of the draw tube device 216 to thereby draw the substance from the interior volume of the liner 106 up through the internal straw/tube and out of the system 100, for example, to an external hose that is attached to the draw tube device 216 so that substance contained in the liner 106 may be transferred to an external container/location by actuating the draw tube device 216.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the base 110 defines an internal volume or cavity 230 within which the liner 106 may be disposed. As shown, the base 110 includes an outer surface 232 and an inner surface 234 (that is opposite the outer surface 232), and the internal volume 230 is defined by the inner surface 234 of the base 110.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 110 of the frame assembly 102 includes a plurality of ribs 240. Here, each of the ribs 240 is a recessed/concave indent formed in the outer surface 232 of the base 110, as each of each of the ribs 240 protrudes inward into the outer surface 232 of the base 110 (i.e., towards the internal volume 230). Further, each of the ribs 240 protrudes into the internal volume 230 such that each of the ribs 240 defines an internal protrusion 242 that protrudes outward from the inner surface 234 into the internal volume 230. The ribs 240 not only help provide structural rigidity to the base 110, but also help lock (or constrain) the liner 106 within the base 110. For example, the liner 106 includes corresponding ribs 244 that align with the internal protrusion 242 of each of the ribs 240 of the base 110 and, when the liner 106 is installed in the base 110, each of the ribs 244 of the liner 106 receives one of the internal protrusion 242 of the base 110, which inhibits relative rotation of the liner 106 within the base 110.

[0028] As shown, the base 110 includes a lower end 250 and an upper end 252 opposite the lower end 250, and the ribs 240 also each include a lower end 254 and an upper end 256 opposite the lower end 254. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the ribs 240 extends in a between lower and upper ends 250, 252; however, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 254 of each of the ribs 240 is above the lower end 250 of the base 110, such that a gap is present in between the lower end 250 of the base 110 and the lower end 254 of the ribs 240. Also in the illustrated embodiment, each of the ribs 240 extends all the way to the upper end 252 of the base 110, such that the upper end 256 of each of the ribs 240 is located at the upper end 252 of the base 110, thereby inhibiting formation of a gap between the upper end 256 of the rib 240 and the upper end 252 of the base 110. Because the ribs 240 protrude into the outer surface 232 of the base 110, an upper rib wall 258 and a lower rib wall 260 is defined at the upper end 256 of the rib 240 and the lower end 254 of the rib 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper rib wall 258 and the lower rib wall 260 are each oriented in a generally horizontal orientation, but they may be oriented in other orientations, for example, they may slope radially outward from the internal volume 230 of the base 110.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper rib wall 258 includes an opening through which a fastener 262 extends and, when the lid 112 is arranged on the base 110, the opening in the upper rib wall 258 aligns with a corresponding opening in the lid 112 for receiving the fastener 262 such that the fastener 262 may extend through the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110 and into the lid 112 in order to lock/secure the lid 112 onto the base 110. Here, each of the ribs 240 includes the upper rib wall 258 and each of the upper rib walls 258 includes one of the fasteners 262 extending therethrough for fastening the lid 112 to the base 110. As shown, the upper rib walls 258 are oriented horizontally such that the fastener 262 extends in a generally vertical direction. By orienting the fasteners 262 in the vertical direction, the head of the fasteners 262 are situated (or hidden) within the concave recess defined by the rib 240, rather than protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface 232; and, by hiding the heads of the fasteners 262 within the ribs 240, the heads of the fasteners 262 will be difficult to contact by neighboring items, which thereby facilitates positioning several of the assemblies 102 side by side (or positioning other structures next to the assemblies 102) without the fasteners 262 contacting such neighboring structures which may damage such neighboring structures and/or inhibit close positioning of them side by side.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the ribs 240 extends in a generally vertical orientation between lower and upper ends 250, 252. However, any one or more of the ribs 240 may have a different orientation and, in such embodiments, the corresponding rib 244 in the liner 106 will have a corresponding orientation to allow the liner 106 to slide into the base 110.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 is configured to allow the user to visually determine/ascertain the amount of substance contained within the liner 106. In an embodiment, the liner 106 is made from a translucent material and at least one window 270 is provided on the base 110 such that the user may view the level of the substance contained in the liner 106 through the window 270 in the base 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 270 is multiple windows arranged in one of the ribs 240. However, the windows 270 may be positioned elsewhere about the base 110 and/or the window 270 may comprise a single window extending along a length of the rib 240. In the illustrated embodiment, markings are provided on the outer surface 232 of the base 110 at locations thereon near the windows 270, and the markings may be correlated with a volume of the interior storage space of the liner 106. In this manner, the user viewing the level of the substance within the liner 106 through the windows 270 may correlate that substance level with one of the markings 272, for example, to ascertain the volume/amount of the substance within the liner 106.

[0032] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the lid 112 when removed from the base 110 and with the cover 104 having been removed from the lid 112, according to one or more embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 112 includes a bore or channel 300 that extends along an axis A through the lid 112, as well as an inner side wall 302 and an outer side wall 304 that surrounds the inner side wall 302. The inner side wall 302 at least partially surrounds or extends around the bore 300, such that the inner side wall 302 at least partially defines the bore 300. Here, the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 are concentric with each other, and an annular shaped cavity 306 (see FIG. 3B) is defined between the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 are joined together by at least a top wall 308 of the lid 112. Here, the lid 112 also includes openings 310, which extend through the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304, and thereby define handle portions 311. Not only do the handle portions 311 provide a means for the user to grasp the lid 112 and the entire system 100 when the lid 112 is mounted to the base 110, but the material of the lid 112 (i.e., the portions of the lid 112) surrounding and defining the openings 310 interconnects the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 to thereby provide another area/structure where the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 are joined, which in turn increases the structural rigidity of the lid 112. Stated differently, as best shown in FIG. 3B, a column structure 312 extends within the annular shaped cavity 306 between the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 and joins the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 to provide structural rigidity to the lid 112 in addition to the top wall 308, wherein the openings 310 are formed in (or defined by/in) the column structure 312.

[0033] FIG. 3B also depicts a lower end 320 of the lid 112, according to embodiments. The lower end 320 of the lid 112 is opposite an upper end 322 of the lid 112, and the lower end 320 is configured to mate with the upper end 252 of the base 110 (see FIG. 2). The bore 300 of the lid 112 extends between the lower end 320 and the upper end 322, with the upper end 322 defining an upper opening and the lower end 320 defining a lower opening that are both in communication with the bore 300. When the cover 104 is not assembled on the lid 112 as detailed herein, the bore 300 is unobstructed such that an object may travel through the upper opening, the bore 300 and the lower opening; however, when the cover 104 is assembled on the lid 112, the cover obstructs movement through the upper opening, the bore 300 and the lower opening.

[0034] Here, the lower end 320 includes a lower wall or lip 325 that extends/protrudes radially inward (toward the bore 300 of the lid 112) from the lower end of the outer sidewalls 304. A mounting surface 324 is defined on the lip 325 and a rim 326 protrudes/extends from the mounting surface 324. In particular and as shown, the rim 326 extends downward from the mounting surface 324, in a direction that is opposite the upper end 322 of the lid 112. In addition, the rim 326 includes a contact surface 329 that faces radially outward from the bore 300 in the lid 112. When the lid 112 is mounted on the base 110, the rim 326 extends (at least partially) into the internal volume 230 of the base 110, with the contact surface 329 of the rim 326 contacting the inner surface 234 into the base 110.

[0035] As shown, the rim 326 includes curved portions 328. The curved portions 328 are oriented (or curve) radially inward, towards the bore 300, and thereby define enlarged portions 330 of the mounting surface 324. Here, the enlarged portions 330 of the mounting surface 324 will contact/abut the upper rib wall 258 when the lid 112 is installed on the base 110. Also, openings 332 are formed in the enlarged portions 330 of the mounting surface 324, and the openings 332 are configured to receive the fasteners 262 that extend through the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110. Thus, when the lid 112 is installed on the base 110, the lid 112 will be oriented such that the enlarged portions 330 are aligned with the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110, such that the openings 332 in the lid 112 are aligned with the openings in the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110, such that the fasteners 262 may be inserted through the openings in the upper rib wall 258 and the openings 332, to thereby secure the lid 112 on the base 110.

[0036] In addition, by providing the rim 326 with the curved portions 328 that receive the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110, relative rotation of the lid 112 on (or relative to) the base 110 is inhibited. Stated differently, when the lid 112 is installed on the base 110, with the rim 326 extending into the internal volume 230 of the base 110, the contact surface 329 at the curved portions 328 will abut and contact the inner surface 234 of the base 110 at the upper rib wall 258, which creates an interference there-between upon attempting to rotate the lid 112 on the base, which in turn thereby inhibits rotation of the lid 112 relative to the base 110. Thus, the rim 326 corresponds in shape to the shape of the inner surface 234 and the upper rib wall 258 of the base 110.

[0037] Also exemplified in FIG. 3A, protrusions 334 are provided on an upper facing surface 336 of the rim 326, wherein the upper facing surface 336 is opposite the mounting surface 324 of the rim 326. In this example, the openings 332 in the rim 326 each open into threaded bores, and those threaded bores each extend into one of the protrusions 334. In other embodiments, however, nuts may be secured to the upper facing surface 336 at locations thereon corresponding with the openings 332 in the mounting surface 324 of the rim 326.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3A, the lid 112 includes a top end 350 and a bottom end 352. The top wall 308 is arranged at the top end 350 of the lid 112, and the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304 each includes a top end that corresponds with the top end 350 of the lid 112, as the inner and outer sidewalls 302,304 each terminate at the top end 350. Accordingly, the top end 350 of the lid 112 is defined on both the inner and outer sidewalls 302, 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sidewall 304 includes a bottom end that corresponds with the bottom end 352 of the lid 112, as the outer sidewall 304 terminates at the bottom end 352. Accordingly, the bottom end 352 of the lid 112 is defined on the outer sidewall 304. However, in this embodiment, the inner sidewall 302 includes a bottom end 354 that terminates before the bottom end 352 of the outer sidewall 304. Stated differently, the bottom end 354 of the inner sidewall 302 is in between the top end 350 and the bottom end 352, such that the bottom end 354 of the inner sidewall 302 is raised or elevated above the bottom end 352 of the outer sidewall 304.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, a lower wall 356 is arranged at the bottom end 354 of the inner sidewall 302. As shown, the lower wall 356 extends radially inward into the bore 300 from the bottom end 354 of the inner sidewall 302. Here, the lower wall 356 least partially surrounds or extends around the bore 300, such that the bore 300 extends through the lower wall 356. Thus, the lower wall 356 defines an opening in communication with the bore 300, wherein the opening may be closed by the cover 104 to thereby close (obstruct or block) the bore 300.

[0040] Also in the illustrated embodiment, a rim 358 is arranged on the lower wall 356 and provides a seat upon which the cover 104 may be installed, as detailed above. The rim 358 extends upward from the lower wall 356 toward the top end 350 of the lid 112, and the cover 104 may be seated on an upper edge of the rim 358. Here, the rim 358 at least partially surrounds or extends around the bore 300, such that the rim 358 defines an opening to the bore 300 that is closed (or sealed, blocked, obstructed) when the cover 104 is assembled on the lid 112. Stated differently, the opening to the bore 300 defined by the rim 358 is closed when the cover 104 is provided on the rim 358, which in turn obstructs or blocks access to the bore 300.

[0041] The distance at which the rim 358 extends upward from the lower wall 356 may depend on the thickness of the cover 104 and the location of the holes 207 (see FIG. 2) in the inner sidewalls 302, so as to ensure that the cover 104 is firmly retained between the upper edge of the rim 358 and the fasteners 206 (which are arranged in the holes 207) when the cover 104 is clocked into the locked position, as detailed above. When the cover 104 is installed on the lid 112, the cover 104 functions to close the lid 112 by blocking, covering, or otherwise closing the bore 300 in the lid 112, thereby closing or sealing the interior volume 230 of the frame assembly 102 and protecting the top side 108 of the liner 106 from the exterior/ambient environment outside the system.

[0042] A gutter, trough, or drainage channel 360 is defined between the inner sidewall 302, the upper facing surface of the lower wall 356, and a radially outward facing surface of the rim 358. As shown at least in FIG. 3A, the openings 310 extend into the gutter or drainage channel 360, so as to provide a means for fluids contained in the gutter or drainage channel 360 to exit the gutter or drainage channel 360. For example, during use fluid or other substances may flow into and collect in the gutter or drainage channel 360 (regardless of whether the cover 104 is installed on the lid 112), and such fluid/substance may flow through the gutter or drainage channel 360 and drain out of the system 100 via the openings 310.

[0043] FIG. 4 depicts the liner 106 and the base 110, according to embodiments. More particularly, FIG. 4 depicts the liner 106 when removed from the internal volume 230 of the base 110. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the base 110 with the liner 106 removed therefrom, according to embodiments. As shown, openings 502 are formed in the upper rib wall 258 for receiving the fasteners 262 and which are aligned with the openings 332 in the lid 112 when the lid 112 is installed on the base 110.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, a spill containment region is defined at the lower end 250 of the base 110. For example, when the liner 106 is inserted into the internal volume 230 of the base 110, a bottom wall 402 of the liner 106 will contact a bottom wall 504 of the base 110, and sidewalls 404 of the liner 106 will contact the inner surface 234 of the base 110. Further, the sidewalls 404 of the liner 106 includes inwardly protruding ribs 406, and the inwardly protruding ribs 406 defined in the liner 106 align with the ribs 140 of the base 110, such that the inwardly protruding ribs 406 of the liner 106 receive and contact the internal protrusion 242 of the base 110, which helps to inhibit relative rotation between the liner 106 and the base 110 when the liner 106 is installed therein.

[0045] The bottom wall 504 of the base 110 is sloped/contoured downward towards the lower end 250 and includes a drain pit 506. Due to the downward slope/contour of the bottom wall 504, any fluid that would fall onto the bottom wall 504 of the base 110 would drain into the drain pit 506 due to gravity.

[0046] As best shown in FIG. 5A, a stand 510 is provided at the lower end 250 of the base 110. Here, the stand 510 is ring shaped protrusion that encompasses or surrounds the bottom wall 504 of the base 110. As shown in at least FIG. 5B, the stand 510 defines a void 512 within the internal volume 230 of the base 110 and, in the illustrated embodiment, the void 512 is an annular shaped void. Stated differently, the internal volume 230 of the base 110 includes the annular shaped void 512 which is defined by the ring shaped structure of the stand 510. When the liner 106 is installed in the base 110, the liner 106 sits on the bottom wall 504, as detailed above, but does not extend into the annular shaped void 512, such that the annular shaped void 512 functions as a spill containment region (or spill containment pit) that can collect any fluid/substance that happens to spill/leak out of the liner 106 and drain down through the system 100 in between the inner surface 234 of the base 110 and the outer surface of the liner 106.

[0047] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the liner 106, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the liner 106 includes a top wall 602 positioned at the top side 108 of the liner 106. The openings 210a-c are formed in the top wall 602. As shown in FIG. 6B, the bottom wall 402 of the liner 106 is sloped/contoured downward, in a direction extending from a top end 604 of the liner 106 to a bottom end 606 of the liner 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 402 has a slope/contour that closely approximates (or is the same as) the slope/contour of the bottom wall 504 of the base 110. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the liner 106 includes a drain pit 608 extending downward from the bottom wall 402 and which functions as a sump region of the liner 106 (and of the system 100). As with the drain pit 506 of the base 110, the drain pit 608 of the liner 106 is oriented at the lowest part of the bottom wall 402, so that fluids or substances will flow and collect/pool in the drain pit 608 (due to gravity) rather than being stagnant on the bottom wall 402. When the liner 106 is assembled in the base 110, the drain pit 608 of the liner 106 will extend into the drain pit 506 of the base 110 and, in embodiments, an outer surface 610 of the drain pit 608 of the liner 106 may contact a surface 507 of the drain pit 506 of the base 110.

[0048] FIG. 7A depicts a side view of the system 100 and FIG. 7B a cross-sectional view of the system 100 taken along section line A-A in FIG. 7A. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 104 connected to the lid 112 via a lanyard 702. Here, a first end of the lanyard 702 is connected to the cover 104 and a second end of the lanyard 702 is connected to the lid 112. More specifically, the first end of the lanyard 702 is connected to an inside surface 704 of the cover 104, wherein the inside surface 704 faces the top side 108 of the liner 106 when the cover 104 is installed in the lid 112; and the second end of the lanyard 702 is connected to an inside surface 706 defined on lower wall 325 of the outer sidewall 304 of the lid 112, wherein the inside surface 706 is opposite the mounting surface 324 of the lid 112. Thus, the user may remove the cover 104 and move it out of the way from the top side 108 of the liner 106, so as to provide the user with unobstructed access to the liner 106 and the lanyard 702 will keep the cover 104 in close proximity to the rest of the system 100, thereby inhibiting losing the cover 104. Also, by having the lanyard 702 attach to the inside surface 704 of the cover 104 and the inside surface 706 of the outer sidewall 304 of the lid 112, the cover 104 may be fully/completely seated in the lid 112 without the lanyard 702 being exposed or extending between the cover 104 and the rim 358 of the lid 112 which would otherwise create a gap between the cover 104 and the lid 112.

[0049] As previously discussed, the liner 106 defines an interior volume 710 and, during use, the substance is filled/contained within the interior volume 710 of the liner 106. Also previously mentioned, the plug 212 may be removed to expose the first opening 210a and thereby expose (or provide access to) the interior volume 710 of the liner 106 via the first opening 210a.

[0050] FIG. 7B also depicts the mixing device 214 extending into the interior volume 710 of the liner 106. As shown, the mixing device 214 also includes a rotatable shaft 712 and an agitator 714. The rotatable shaft 712 includes an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end of the rotatable shaft 712 is connected to the coupling 218 and the lower end of the rotatable shaft 712 is connected to the agitator 714. The rotatable shaft 712 extends downward from the coupling 218, into and through the interior volume 710 of the liner 106, and terminates at the agitator 714, and the agitator 714 is positioned within the interior volume 710 so as to agitate/stir the substance contained in the interior volume 710 when a user causes rotation of the coupling 218.

[0051] FIG. 7B also depicts the draw tube device 216 extending into the interior volume 710 of the liner 106. As shown, the draw tube device 216 also includes a draw tube 720 and a pump mechanism 722. The button 222 of the draw tube device 216 is arranged at an upper end 724 of the draw tube 720 and the pump mechanism 722 is arranged proximate to a lower end 726 of the draw tube 720, opposite the button 222. The draw tube 720 is hollow and includes an opening at the lower end 726 of the draw tube 720. Also, the lower end 726 is extends through the interior volume 710 of the liner 106 and extends into the drain pit 608 of the liner 106, such that the draw tube device 216 is operable to access (i.e., suck) substance that is within the drain pit 608 of the liner 106. Here, the pump mechanism 722 is configured as an accordion or bellows type pump that may be compressed by pressing the button 220 (downward toward the interior volume 710), and then the pump mechanism 722 may expand back to its default length upon releasing the button 220, and the draw tube 720 sucks the substance contained in the drain pit 608 into and through its opening and up through the draw tube 720, after which the draw tube device 216 may then discharge such substance out of an outlet of the draw tube device 216. In this manner, the draw tube device 216 is operable to access all of the substance contained in the liner 106, as the substance within the liner 106 will pool in the drain pit 608 of the liner 106 as its volume diminishes, and positioning the opening of the draw tube 720 within the drain pit 608 allows the draw tube device 216 to access the final remnants of the substance as its volume is discharged from the system 100. Inclusion of the accordion or bellows type pump mechanism on the draw tube device 216 also helps with installation of the draw tube device 216 within the liner 106, as it is more easily expandable or contractable to fit the vertical dimension of the liner 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the draw tube device 216 includes a central opening at the lower end 726, wherein the central opening faces the inner surface of the drain pit 608 of the liner 106, and the draw tube device 216 may also include one or more feet that surround the central opening and extend downward from the lower end 726 toward the drain pit 608 such that, when installed, the feet may contact the drain pit 608 and maintain a small gap/space between the central opening and the surface of the drain pit 608 to allow the substance/fluid contained in the liner 106 to be drawn into the draw tube device 216 upon its actuation.

[0052] FIG. 7B also depicts how the system 100 includes a spill containment region or pit that may collect leaking fluid/substance. Here, for example, the annular shaped void 512, which is defined between the base 110 and the liner 106, functions as a spill containment region or pit that can collect substance that may have leaked from the liner 106 or from elsewhere (e.g., from a hose used to fill the interior volume 710 of the liner 106 via the first opening 210a therein).

[0053] FIG. 8 depicts a close up view of the fasteners 206 and the cover 104. As seen in at least FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the fasteners 206 are arranged in the lid 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fasteners 206 is a tamper evident fastener that includes a head portion 802 and an aperture (or bore) 804 extending through the head portion 802. In other embodiments, just one of the fasteners 206 may be configured with the aperture 804. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 104 also a pair of openings (or bores) 806. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 806 is formed in the grip portion 209 of the cover 104. Also, in other embodiments, the cover 104 may include just one of the openings 806. During use, after the cover 104 has been installed on the lid 112, a first wire (not shown) may be run through the aperture 804 in a first of the fasteners 206 and also run through a first of the openings 806 in the cover 104, and then tied off so that the first wire defines a closed loop of wire connecting the lid 112 and the cover 104; similarly, a second wire (not shown) may be run through the aperture 804 in a second of the fasteners 206 and also run through a second of the openings 806 in the cover 104, and then tied off so that the second wire defines a second closed loop of wire connecting the lid 112 and the cover 104. Here, the first and second closed loops of wire not only inhibit rotation of the cover 104 relative to the lid 112, which thereby helps lock the cover 104 in place, but provides a visual indication to the user as to whether the cover 104 has been tampered with, as removal of either or both of the closed wire loops would be indicative of tampering. Thus, the fasteners 206, the cover 104 and the loops of wire facilitate locking the cover 104 in place and providing evidence of tampering.

[0054] Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing the system 100. In embodiments, the system 100 may be at least partially manufactured via a molding process, such as a rotational molding; however, other manufacturing techniques could be utilized, including but not limited to injection molding and/or blow molding. In embodiments, the frame assembly 102 is molded via one or more molding techniques and the cover 104 is manufactured via a thermoforming technique. During molding of the components of the system 100, the temperature may be controlled to ensure the proper level of cure for optimal material strength, such that the method may include controlling temperature during forming/molding.

[0055] In embodiments, the cover 104 and the base 110 may be formed as a single part/component and then separated from each other and, in these embodiments, the lid 112 and the liner 106 may be formed individually via separate steps. Here, for example, the method may thus include forming the base 110 and the cover 104 as a single/individual/monolithic component, such that the cover 104 and the base 110 are attached/connected together. Here, the method may then include separating (e.g., cutting) the cover 104 from the base 110, and then the method may include trimming the base 110 and the cover 104 that have been separated from each other. Also here, the method may include separating forming the liner 106 and separately forming the lid 112, and then the method may include trimming the lid 112 and the liner 106. Thus, the method may include utilization of three separate tools/molds, with one such tool/mold for the base 110 and the cover 104 that are formed as the monolithic structure, a second such tool/mold for the lid 112, and a third such tool/mold for the liner 106.

[0056] Thus, the base 110 of the frame assembly 102 and the cover 104 may be molded together as a single monolithic component; and then that single monolithic component undergoes a cutting or separation step whereby the base 110 and the cover 104 are separated from each other to thereby provide two discrete components. The method may also include subjecting the liner 106 to a pressure test to ensure there are no leaks, and method may also include subjecting the liner 106 to an ultrasonic measurement to non-destructively confirm wall thickness of the liner 106.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms contains, containing, includes, including, comprises, and/or comprising, and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0058] Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of third does not imply there must be a corresponding first or second. Also, if used herein, the terms coupled or coupled to or connected or connected to or attached or attached to may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

[0059] The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, and the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

[0060] While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.