FLAT PACK WATER BUTT

Abstract: A flat pack water butt which constructs as a box with a bag liner (16). End structures (10) have shoulders (22) which front section (14) and rear section (15) push against with the weight of the water and are secured with clip details (19) into slots (20). The clear water dispensing tube (18) is also used to view the water level. The butt is a modular system and can be extended to increase the water volume by attaching another butt by connecting front sections (14) and rear sections (15) and base to the outside of the end structures (10) of the existing butt. The bag liners (16) are joined with connector piece (23) through cut out holes (24).

Description: FLAT PACK WATER BUTT This invention relates to a flat pack water butt. Water butts are well known outdoor items for both domestic and industrial use. They are usually barrel or drum shape and made of plastic. Water buts are, however, relatively bulky and limit the positions for location because of their size and are difficult to carry and transport from the retailer. Also storage and transport can be a bulky space using problem for the manufacturer, distributor and retailer. According to the present invention there is provided a flat pack water butt comprising two end structures which clip onto and hold a base section and front and back sections into a box into which a waterproof liner bag is inserted. The weight of the water holds the construction rigid by pushing out the base, front and back sections against the solid shoulder construction detail of the two end structures. The two end structures are held firmly rigid square position by the clips on the base, front and rear sections being securely located into the slots in the end structures. There is provided an outlet in the base to which a clear plastic hose is fitted. The hose is clipped to the side of the butt and extends to the top, allowing the water level of the butt to be viewed in the tube. By removing the tube from the clips, one can dispense the water from the butt. There is provided a lid for the water butt. The design of the end structures allows other butts to be constructed to the outsides of the end structures, therefore, the design is a modular flat pack water butt system. The butts can be connected by a pipe fitting between the butts through holes at the top of the end structures. The end structures can also be used, in conjunction with, or separate from, the water butt, or butts, as end construction pieces for shelving units or cupboard units and shelves can also be fitted to the water butt exterior. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the water butt assembled. Figure 2 illustrates the liner pushing the base and sides. Figure 3 shows the butt disassembled. Figure 4 shows a plan view section of the butt. Figure 5 shows two buts connected. Figure 6 shows in perspective, the bag liner connector. Figure 7 shows the preferred clipping detail. Referring to the drawing the water butt comprises two end structures 10, a base section 12, a front section 14, a rear section 15, a wateφroof liner bag 16, a lid 17 and a clear plastic water level viewing and outlet hose 18. In order to assemble the water butt both end structures 10 are stood up and the rear section 15 is positioned inserting clips 19 into slots 20 in the end structure as shown in Fig 3. The base section 12 is attached and the wateφroof liner bag 16 is positioned on the base section 12. A hole is cut in the bag 16 to align with the hole in the base section 12. The hose connector fitting 21 is secured to he base section 12 to ensure a watertight fit. The clear plastic water level viewing and outlet hose 18 is attached to the hose connector fitting 21. The bag 16 is lifted and attached to rear section 15. The front section 14 is inserted, slotting clips 19 into slots 20 in the end structure, as shown in Fig 1. The bag 16 is also attached to the front section 14. The lid 17 is fitted after a hole is cut to allow drainpipe access. The weight of the water pushes against the rear section 15, the base section 12, and the front section 14 within the wateφroof liner bag 16 as shown in Fig 2. The clear plastic hose is clipped up one side of the water butt as shown in Fig 1. The shoulder details 22 on the end structures 10, retain the front section 14 and the rear section 15 with the weight pressure of the water in the bag liner 16 pushing outwards. The clips 19 locate into slots 20 on end structures 10 ensuring a rigid construction, as shown in Fig 4. The butts can be adjoined to other butts, therefore, increasing the water volume in a modular fashion. Front section 14 and rear section 15 connect via clips 19 into slots 20 pushing behind shoulders 22 on the outside of the end structure 10 of the existing assembled butt, as shown in Fig 5. The bag liners 16 are joined by connector piece 23 through end structure 10 using the thin hole cut out detail 24 with reinforcement area 25, on end structures 10 as shown in Fig 6. Figure 7 shows a preferred clipping method, front section 14 and near section 15 connect to end structures 10 by clips detail 19 pushing through and slipping down behind slot detail 20 on shoulder 22 on end structure 10.

Claims: 81 CLAIMS A flat pack water butt comprising two end structures which clip onto and hold a base and front and back sections into a box into which a waterproof liner bag is inserted A flat pack water butt as claimed in claim 1 wherein the weight of the water pushes the box sections into the two end sections ensuring a rigid construction A flat pack water butt as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end structures and the box sections can be of various materials A flat pack water butt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a clear level viewing hose is provided A flat pack water butt as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a butt tap is provided A flat pack water butt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the construction and end structures can be used for shelves and cupboards A flat pack water butt as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the end structure allow for a modular build-up system A flat pack water butt as described herein with reference to Figs 1-3 of the accompanying drawing

Inventors: MANNING PETER ANTHONY, MANNING, PETER, ANTHONY
Applicants: MANNING PETER ANTHONY, MANNING, PETER, ANTHONY
Application year: 2000
Main classification: E03B3
IPC codes: E03B3