Abstract:
An adjustable length containing device comprises modular, molded polymer members. The containing device members are ribbed and attached to each other by connection flanges and bottom panels. The containing device is used to store and ship heavy, large objects and is used as an underground storage tank.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to an adjustable length, modular storage device. More particularly the invention relates to a storage device formed as a modular assembly that includes molded end and center members.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Storage devices are well known in the art. Most if not all are designed to meet unique requirements. For example, storage or containing devices have been configured to hold ammunition (U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,773-LaBianca et al.), mail (U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,816- Langenbeck) and other random articles. The known containing devices, however, do not teach, for example, an effective modular structure to transport heavy tubing or an efficient modular structure for use as a septic tank but, instead, teach of containing devices that allow objects to be transported in a secure manner, or objects to be transported in an organized manner. As a result, the known devices do not teach of a storage or containing device that is modular and includes a rib assembly, which device is adjustable in length and incorporates sections or portions formed from a molded polymer.  
           [0003]    Accordingly, there exists a need for an adjustable length, modular containing device. Desirably, such a configuration is configured for use as a reusable shipping container and alternatively as an underground storage device or tank. Most desirably, such a device includes a rib assembly to support extreme loads from, for example, heavy objects such as tubing. In addition, a most desirable device has an adjustable length to allow storage of discrete, precisely sized objects such as tubing of varying lengths for transport. Again, most desirably, such a device is modular and is formed for durability, light weight and structural strength.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    When used as a reusable shipping container, the adjustable length containing device comprises end and center members that are modular and formed from a molded polymer such as Telene. The end and center members further include a rib assembly formed thereon. The rib assembly comprises a lateral and a supporting rib pattern. The lateral rib pattern has externally and internally protruding ribs formed on the lateral surfaces of the end and center members. The supporting rib pattern, on the other hand, is formed on a base of the end and center members and further includes enclosed and open portions; the open portions have three sections formed by two dividers. In addition, the end and center members have strategically placed elevated stabilizers located on their respective substructures to add additional support to the shipping container.  
           [0005]    The end and center members may also be attached to each other by connection means. The connection means may include protruding flanges and a bottom panel. Both the protruding flanges and bottom panels may also have a plurality of threaded bolt receiving elements formed therein. Bolts and nuts can be used to attach and secure the end and center members to each other.  
           [0006]    In an alternate embodiment, the adjustable length containing device may be used as a septic tank. The septic tank comprises molded bottom and top end members and further includes bottom and top center members. The top end and center members incorporate predetermined located openings for inlet, egress, and cleaning purposes. In addition, the septic tank incorporates connection flanges to connect adjacent members to one another. Threaded openings are formed within the connection flanges to allow bolts to be threaded within the members to attach the adjacent members to one another. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0007]    Further objects of the invention, taken together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages occurring therefrom, will be apparent from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable length modular storage device embodying the principles of the present invention, the device is illustrated with a pair of end members attached to one another and a cover attached thereto;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the cover removed;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an end member of the storage device;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a center or intermediate member of the storage device;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a center cover member;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6A is an front view of an internal attachment panel of a cover member;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of the adjustable container device illustrating use as a septic tank;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bottom end member of the septic tank;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a top center member of the septic tank; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bottom center member of the septic tank. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.  
         [0020]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 4 , there is shown a first embodiment of the adjustable length modular storage device configured as a reusable shipping container  10  used to transport heavy tubing. In this embodiment, the adjustable length containing device  10  contains two end members  12  secured to one another. Each end member  12  has two upstanding elongated side walls  16  that are formed integral with a base  18 , and two ends walls  20 ,  22 . One of the end walls is an external end wall  20 , while the other end wall is an internal attachment wall  22 . The internal attachment wall  22  is configured to be joined or connected to a like internal attachment wall  22  of an adjacent end member  12 . The external end wall  20  is, of course, the outer portion of the storage device constituting the end of the device.  
         [0021]    The storage device can also include one or more center or intermediate sections  14  between and adjoining one another. As will be explained in more detail below, when used as a “standard” tube transport container, these sections permit secure transport of “standard” tubing lengths.  
         [0022]    In a most preferred embodiment, the side  16  and external end walls  20  are formed at an outturned angle α relative to the base  18 . The angle α should be greater than 90 degrees and is preferably about 95 degrees. The angled configuration provides a number of advantages. First, it permits nested stacking of the containers  10  in that the containers will “fit” into a next below container. In addition, this angled configuration facilitates easy placement of tubes into and removal from the containers  10 . That is, because the tubes will naturally pack down due to gravity, the angled, outwardly sloping surface will provide more lateral space when placing and removing the tubing.  
         [0023]    As will also be recognized by those skilled in the art, the internal attachment walls  22  are formed perpendicular to the base  18  so that an internal attachment wall of another end or intermediate section can be joined thereto with the internal walls  22  being flush with one another.  
         [0024]    Both the end  12  and center members  14  are modular and can be formed from an injection molded polymer. In a most preferred embodiment, the members are formed from a reaction molded polymer where the polymer is Telene®, which is commercially available from The Telene Products Division of B.F. Goodrich, 9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44141.  
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, as show in FIGS.  2 - 4 , the end members  12  and center member  14  have an rib assembly  24  formed therein that incorporates elevated stabilizers  26 . The rib assembly  24  and elevated stabilizers  26  can help the reusable shipping container  10  bear extreme loads that may be exerted on the container  10  by the heavy tubing. The rib assembly  24  includes a lateral rib pattern  28  and a supporting rib pattern  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the lateral rib pattern  28  is formed on the lateral surfaces  16  of the end  12  and center members  14  and includes both externally  32  and internally protruding ribs  34 . The supporting rib pattern  30  can be formed on the base  18  of the end  12  and center members  14  and can include alternating enclosed  36  and open portions  38  that are separated by horizontal dividers  40 . Desirably, the open portions  38  define three separate sections  42  formed by two vertical dividers  44  placed within each open portion  38 . The enclosed portions  36  include upper walls  46  that extend between the horizontal dividers  40 .  
         [0026]    As illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 2 , in a preferred embodiment, the end  12  and center members  14  also include elevated stabilizer elements  26  located below the base  18  of the members  12 ,  14 . The stabilizer elements  26  provide additional stability to the reusable shipping container  10  and are located to ensure that the shipping container  10  can withstand the extreme loads that the heavy tubing may exert upon it.  
         [0027]    As depicted in FIGS.  3 - 4 , connection members are used to connect the end members  12  to each other or alternatively, to attach the end members  12  to at least one center member  14 . The connection members are located on the internal attachment walls  22  of the end  12  and center members  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the connection members include at least two laterally protruding connection flanges  48  and a bottom connecting panel  50 . Preferably, for increasing rigidity and strength, the connection flanges  48  are formed at upper sections  52  of the internal walls  22  and the bottom panels  50  are formed at the base  18  of the internal walls  22 . In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of bolt receiving elements or openings  54  are formed within the flanges  48  and panels  50  so that the bolt receiving elements  54  align with one another when adjacent container members are connected. Fasteners, such as bolts  56  can then be inserted through the bolt receiving elements  54  and, for example, nuts  58  can be used to secure the bolts  56  and container members  12 ,  14  in place.  
         [0028]    As depicted in FIG. 5, the adjustable length modular storage container includes a cover  59  formed from a plurality of modular, injection molded polymer cover members  60 ,  62 . In a preferred embodiment, the cover  59  includes a plurality of modular, reaction molded polymer cover members  60 ,  62 , has two cover end members  60  and can have a number of cover center members  62 . The cover end members  60  are formed from a top  64  integral with two depending side flaps  66 . The cover end members  60  also have an integrally formed exterior end slip  68  at a first end and an integrally formed attachment panel  70  at a second end. A cover center member  62  is shown in FIG. 6. The cover center members  62  have a top  64  integral with two depending side flaps  66  and also have two integrally formed attachment panels  70  at first and second ends. In a preferred embodiment, the tops  64  of the cover center and end members  60 ,  62  respectively, are ribbed with externally  32  and internally  34  protruding ribs.  
         [0029]    As depicted in FIG. 6A, for the purpose of connecting the cover members  60 ,  62  to one another, the cover members  60 ,  62  have connection members at the attachment panels. In a preferred embodiment, the connection members include at least two laterally protruding connection flanges  48  and an upper attachment segment  72 . Desirably, for increasing rigidity and strength, the connection flanges are formed at lower portions of the attachment panels  70  and the upper attachment segments  72  are formed at the top  64  of the attachment panels  70 . In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of bolt receiving elements or openings  54  are formed within the flanges  48  and upper attachment segments  72  so that the bolt receiving elements  54  align with one another when adjacent cover members  60 ,  62  are connected. Fasteners, such as bolts  56  can then be inserted through the bolt receiving elements  54  and, for example, nuts  58  can be used to secure the bolts  56  and cover members  60 ,  62  in place. In the preferred embodiment, a steel or plastic strapping mechanism can be used to secure the cover  59  to the adjustable length container  10 .  
         [0030]    As shown in FIGS.  7 - 8 , the modular adjustable length containing device can also be used as a septic tank  100 . The septic tank  100  includes top and bottom end members  102 ,  104 , respectively and can also include top and bottom center members  106 ,  108 , respectively. The members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  are modular and are formed from an injection molded polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the members are formed from a reaction molded polymer where the polymer is the aforementioned Telene®. Because of the members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  unique modular and injection molded construction (or reaction molded construction in the case of the preferred embodiment), the members have light weight but high-strength walls which facilitate easy installation of the septic tank. In addition, the unique construction of the septic tank provides excellent corrosion resistance to water and acids and advantageously prevents seepage.  
         [0031]    As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, known below ground septic systems include tanks that are formed from massive, single piece concrete “bunkers” or shells. Typically, these one piece tanks require a considerable amount of labor and machinery (e.g., crews) to put in place. Moreover, because of the inflexible nature of concrete, these tanks can be easily cracked or damaged if mishandled. As such, the tanks require a relatively high standard of care in handling and installing.  
         [0032]    The present invention, on the other hand, provides untold advantages over the known concrete bunker tanks. The light weight, modular construction permits perhaps as few as two installers to, for example, move and install the tank without concerns of breakage or damage. In addition, as will be readily recognized, the modular tank can be configured in a variety of sizes (e.g., volumes) with any number of arrangements of inlet and outlet connections and types (e.g. flanged, flare-fitted and the like).  
         [0033]    As shown in FIGS.  7 - 8 , the top end members  102 ,  104  each have two parallel lateral surfaces  110  perpendicular and integral with an end surface  112  and a top surface  114 . The end surfaces  112  of the top end members  102  have openings  116  formed therein to allow for ingress and egress of various liquids and solid refuse. In addition, a semi-circular opening  118  is formed on the top surface  114  of the top end members  102 . The semi-circular openings  118  are centrally located on an open side  120  of the top surfaces  114  of the top end members  102  so that the semi-circular openings  118  form complete circular openings when adjacent top members  102 ,  106  are connected to one another. The circular opening can also be used as an inspection/clean out opening on the top side of the septic tank. Bottom end members  104 , on the other hand, include two parallel lateral surfaces  110  perpendicular and integral with an end surface  112  and a bottom surface  122 . Each top and bottom end member in the illustrated embodiment has six open sides  120 .  
         [0034]    As shown in FIG. 9, the top center members  106  have two parallel lateral surfaces  110  perpendicular and integral with a top surface  114 . The top surfaces  114  of the top center members  106  likewise have semi-circular openings  118  formed at their open sides  120  so that the semi-circular openings  118  align with semi-circular openings  118  of adjacent top members  102 ,  106  to form complete circular openings when the top center members  106  are connected to adjacent members  102 ,  106 . Bottom center members  108 , conversely, comprise two parallel lateral surfaces  110  perpendicular and integral with a bottom surface  122 , as shown in FIG. 10. Each top  106  and bottom  108  center member  106 ,  108  in the illustrated embodiment has eight open sides  120 .  
         [0035]    Each member  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  further includes a plurality of connection flanges  124  on their respective open sides  120 , as depicted in FIGS.  7 - 10 . The connection flanges  124  are located so that they align with one another when adjacent members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  are connected. The connection flanges  124  can be formed having internally threaded openings  126 , for example, to receive bolts  128  and to connect and secure adjacent members  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  to each other. In addition, an adhesive can be used to secure the members to each other to further ensure no seepage occurs.  
         [0036]    From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.