Abstract:
A bulk fluid container assembly for maturing wines or other fluid beverages comprising, a container of moulded polymeric material having a plurality of sides, a bottom and a top, wherein the sides are bowed inwardly with respect to the interior of the container, the top and bottom are bowed outwardly with respect to the interior, and the sides are joined to form corners, a separate base for supporting the bottom of the container, a corner reinforcing post for each of the corners, each corner reinforcing post extending from the separate base along one of the corners. It may have a base frame for receiving the tynes of a forklift.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a fluid container assembly. It relates specifically but not exclusively to a fluid container assembly which may be suitable for maturing wines in bulk. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Bulk fluid containers have been commonly used in industry. By bulk, we mean containers having a capacity typically between 500 litres and 5,000 litres, although much larger containers have at times been used for truck haulage. 
         [0003]    One of the most common forms of bulk containers for fluids is one which has a footprint similar to that of a standardized pallet. This has obvious advantages for warehousing and movement by forklift trucks. Whilst there have been numerous designs of bulk fluid containers, they have generally been subject to compromises in their performance. For example, where the bulk containers have been formed of a polymeric material, the polymeric material may often be subject to bulging caused by the weight of the contents of the container. Over time this may become so serious that the container is no longer useable. 
         [0004]    Some containers are unsuitable for long term storage of liquids such as wine because of characteristics such as high oxygen permeability. 
         [0005]    Other disadvantages of some of the container designs include not being readily cleanable after each use and/or not allowing discharge of the contents under gravity. 
         [0006]    The current invention seeks to provide a container construction which is advantageous in relation to at least one of the above identified considerations. 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention provides, in one aspect, a fluid container assembly comprising,
       a container of moulded polymeric material having a plurality of sides, a bottom and a top, wherein the sides are bowed inwardly with respect to the interior of the container, the top and bottom are bowed outwardly with respect to the interior, and the sides are joined to form corners,   a separate base for supporting the bottom of the container, and   a corner reinforcing post for each of the corners, each corner reinforcing post extending from the separate base along one of the corners.       
 
         [0011]    The polymeric material may comprise polyethylene. It may comprise high density, medium density or low density polyethylene. Preferably it comprises high density polyethylene. The container may be moulded using a rotational moulding process. Suitably, the container has a capacity of 500 litres to 5,000 litres. In one preferred form, the container assembly may have a footprint substantially the same as a standard pallet. The container may have a capacity of between 800 litres and 1,200 litres. 
         [0012]    The sides of the container may be reinforced with side posts. The side posts may be located in recesses moulded in the external surfaces of the sides. Suitably, the recesses allow the side posts to fit snugly within them. Where the container capacity is between 800 litres and 1,200 litres, there may suitably be two posts in each side wall, each being located in a recess in the side wall. The side posts may extend from the separate base to a top assembly mounted on the container. 
         [0013]    Similarly, the corner posts may lie in recesses formed in the corners. Suitably there are four sides and four corners. The bottom of the container may be shaped so as to direct all fluid to flow under gravity to a drainage opening formed at a front side of the container when the container assembly stands on level ground. For this purpose, the drainage opening is suitably located at a substantially central position in the front side of the container. It may be located in a recess so as to form protection for a tap fitted to the drainage opening. 
         [0014]    The separate base may comprise a moulded base and a base frame. The moulded base may have an upper surface which substantially conforms to the contours of the bottom of the container. It may have a lower surface with recesses for receiving the individual members of the base frame. The base frame may have tubular legs for receiving the bottom ends of the corner posts. 
         [0015]    Suitably, the top assembly includes means for holding the top of the corner posts. It may also include means for holding the top of the side posts. 
         [0016]    The top of the container may include a closure assembly. The closure assembly may be formed in such a fashion as to allow the container to be accessed by two different sizes of openings. A first opening having a diameter of between 250 mm and 400 mm may be provided so that the interior of the container can be accessed by cleaning equipment. A second opening of smaller diameter may be provided in the closure assembly to allow filling. 
         [0017]    Shaping of the top of the container is suitably arranged to ensure that air flows towards the first opening in the top as the container is filled. For this purpose, the top of the container may be bulged. It may include one or more ribs shaped to direct air from the top to the first opening. Similarly, the closure assembly may include air bleed ribs to direct air to the smaller second opening as the container is filled. 
         [0018]    In one aspect, the closure assembly may comprise,
       a cap having a top panel joined to a circumferential skirt by a plurality of bridges separated by gaps,   a closure base having a seal display and a plurality of projections, and   a plurality of complementary projections provided on the inner surface of the skirt,   wherein upon application of the cap to the closure base, and rotation of the cap relative to the closure base, the projections and complementary projections come into engagement to hold the cap onto the closure base and the seal display moves between a position where it is hidden behind one of the bridges to a visible position in a gap between bridges with rotation of the cap.       
 
         [0023]    There may be a seal between the cap and closure base. The top of the cap may seal on the top rim of the closure base or a complementary annular circular sealing face of the closure base. 
         [0024]    The projections and/or complementary projections may be elongate. They may comprise screw threads. They may comprise multi-start screw threads. 
         [0025]    In a further particular aspect of the invention, the closure assembly for the container may comprise,
       a cap having a top panel joined to a circumferential skirt by a plurality of bridges,   an opening in the top panel,   a plurality of complementary projections provided on the inner surface of the skirt,   an intermediate member having a top portion,   an annular sealing surface joining and rising from the top portion,   a neck formed on the top portion located to protrude through the opening,   a closure base with a complementary annular sealing surface adapted to telescopically receive the annular sealing surface,   a plurality of projections extending from the closure base, and   a sealing member applicable between the annular sealing surface and complementary annular sealing surface to provide a seal between the intermediate member and the closure base.       
 
         [0035]    The sealing member may comprise an O-ring. Similarly, one or more O-rings may be used to provide a seal between the closure base and a finish surrounding an opening in the top of the container. Also, one or more O-rings may be provided to give a seal between the cap and the intermediate member. 
         [0036]    Preferred aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates an axonometric view of a fluid container assembly according to one aspect of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative axonometric view taken looking upwards from the base of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  shows an elevational view of a container used in the fluid container assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an axonometric view of the container of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  shows a plan view of the container of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  shows a plan view of the container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  shows the section A taken through the container of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 8 a    shows the same view as that shown in Figure A with a ringed portion at the top of the container; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8 b    shows the sectional view of  FIG. 8  with a ringed portion around a portion of the top of the container; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of the ringed portion of  FIG. 8   a;    
           [0048]      FIG. 10  shows an enlarged view of the ringed portion of  FIG. 8   b;    
           [0049]      FIG. 11  shows a section taken through the container of  FIG. 8  slightly to the left of the section A of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  shows an enlarged view of the bottom ringed section of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  shows an enlarged view of the top ringed section of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 14  shows an enlarged view of a section of the container and closure assembly; 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of the top assembly for the fluid container assembly; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of the closure assembly; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 17  shows an inverted exploded view of the closure assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0056]    The various elements identified by numerals in the drawings are listed in the following integer list. 
       Integer List 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               1  Fluid container assembly 
               3  Container 
               5  Base frame 
               7  Base 
               9  Top assembly 
               11  Closure assembly 
               13  Corner post/rod 
               14  Foot 
               15  Side post/rod 
               21  Socket member 
               23  Front wall 
               25  Side wall 
               27  Rear wall 
               29  Corner recess 
               31  Wall recess 
               33  Sample tap recess 
               35  Drainage tap recess 
               37  Bottom 
               39  Flow recess 
               40  Complementary recess 
               41  Top 
               42  Rib 
               43  Container mouth 
               47  Seal display 
               48  Gap 
               49  Drainage opening 
               50  Drainage tap 
               51  Sampling socket 
               53  Plug/tap 
               55  Cross bar 
               57  Hoop 
               59  Side bar 
               61  Tubular leg 
               63  Corner opening 
               65  Wall opening 
               67  Holes and/or stippling 
               68  Recess 
               69  Channel section 
               70  Locating return 
               71  Corner section 
               72  Corner screw 
               73  Tubular stub 
               75  Screw 
               76  Wide opening 
               77  Closure base 
               78  O-ring 
               79  Sealing surface 
               80  Sealing surface 
               81  Holes 
               83  Projection 
               84  Screw 
               85  Ratchet surface 
               86  Cover 
               87  O-ring 
               89  Intermediate member 
               91  Neck 
               92  Internal thread 
               93  Air bleed rib 
               95  O-ring 
               96  Upper perimeter 
               97  O-ring 
               99  Cap 
               100  Top panel 
               101  Locking lug 
               105  Opening 
               107  Skirt 
               108  Bridge 
               109  Complementary projection 
               111  Plug 
               112  Gap 
               113  Domed top 
           
         
       
     
         [0128]    Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  there is shown a fluid container assembly  1  according to one aspect of the invention, comprising a container  3  which may suitably be moulded of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be polyethylene, preferably high density polyethylene, although low density or medium density polyethylene may be used depending on the characteristics needed in relation to the nature of fluids held in the container. It may be produced by rotational moulding, injection moulding or blow moulding. As a particularly preferred use is in relation to a base size comparable with standard sized pallets, it may typically have a capacity of 800 to 1200 litres. However for certain applications a broader range of sizes from 500 to 10,000 litres may be applicable. 
         [0129]    For example, if the container is to be used to mature wine, the thickness of the container, based on the use of high density polyethylene, needs to be chosen to adjust the oxygen permeation rate of the container so as to give a rate of permeation similar to that achievable during maturation of wine in oak barrels, ie. the rate of oxygen permeation should be similar to that achievable with oak barrels having a range from 500 litres to 5,000 litres. This may equate to an oxygen permeation rate which lies between 7 and 35 mg of oxygen per litre per year at standard temperature and pressure. Where this is a requirement, in instances where the primary container is formed by rotational moulding of high density polyethylene, applicant&#39;s find that a thickness of container in excess of 4½ mm for containers ranging between 500 and 10,000 litres may be required to achieve satisfactory maturation of wine comparable with that achievable with oak barrels. 
         [0130]    Whilst the foregoing discussion deals with a specific application for the container, namely wine, it is to be appreciated that the container may be used for a range of different fluids, some of which do not require the oxygen permeation storage conditions required for maturation of wine. This is particularly the case where the container is being used for short term storage or with other liquids such as spirits, oils, water, etc. 
         [0131]    The container  3  is mounted on a base frame  5  by means of an intermediate base  7  shaped with recesses so as to snugly fit over the bars of the base frame and also shaped to receive the bottom of the container  3 . As the bottom of the container  3  bulges outwardly, the base, is suitably dished so as to receive the bulging bottom  37  of the container  3 . As seen more clearly in  FIG. 11  the bottom of the base has a slope corresponding to that of the container through the central section to facilitate substantially complete drainage when the tap  50  is opened. 
         [0132]    A top assembly  9  is mountable on the top of the container  3  and is configured so that the corner posts  13  protrude through the tubular legs  61  of the base frame and also through the tubular stubs  73  located on the corner sections  71  of the top assembly  9 . 
         [0133]    A closure assembly  11  is provided to seal off the container mouth  43  provided on top of the container  3 . 
         [0134]    Each of the corner posts  13  is provided with a foot  14 . The bottom of the foot, as shown in  FIG. 2 , is shaped so as to receive the top of a corner post  13  of a similar fluid container assembly upon which the fluid container assembly may be mounted or stacked. 
         [0135]    Side posts  15  are provided so as to extend between the base  7  and the top assembly  9 . The side posts  15  are shaped to snugly fit within and along the wall recesses  31  provided at the front, side and rear walls  23 ,  25  and  27  of the container. 
         [0136]    Similarly, the corner posts  13  are adapted to fit within the corner recesses  29 . Both the side posts and corner posts serve to reinforce the container  3  against bulging of the container  3  when it is filled with fluid. 
         [0137]    Each of the tubular legs  61  of the base frame  5  are provided with socket members  21 . These are adapted to slide into the top of the tubular legs  61  so as to locate within the top of the tubular legs and snugly surround the corner posts  13  which protrude through the tubular legs  61  and are each joined to a foot by means such as welding. 
         [0138]    A drainage tap  50  adapted to be fitted to the drainage opening  49  is provided at the bottom of the container and a plug/tap  53  is adapted to fit within the sampling socket  51  provided at an intermediate position on the front wall of the container  3 . 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 , it can be seen that the container  3  shown as a component of the fluid container assembly  1  in the earlier drawings, has sides shaped so that they bulge inwardly towards the contents of the container with the top  41  and bottom  37  of the container being bulged outwardly from the contents. 
         [0140]    By having the sides bulging inwardly, and having them reinforced by the corner posts  13  and side posts  14  the resistance of the side walls to the outward pressure from the container contents is enhanced, thereby reducing the prospect of bulging and/or sagging of the container. Similarly, the outward bulging of the bottom  37  supported by the moulded base  7 , apart from serving to distribute the load in the container across the base, also serves to facilitate drainage of fluid from the container. In this regard, the flow recess  39  terminating in the drainage opening  49  in combination with the dished bottom  37  of the container  3  serves to facilitate drainage of liquid from the container as and when needed. A complementary recess  40  provided in the base  7  is moulded to receive the flow recess  39  of the container  3  mounted thereon. 
         [0141]    The drainage opening  49  is located in a drainage tap recess  35  provided so that a tap mounted to the drainage opening does not protrude substantially beyond the front wall of the container, thereby reducing the risk of accidental damage. Similarly, a sample tap recess  33  is provided centrally around sampling socket in the front wall of the container. 
         [0142]    The top  41  of the container  3  is provided with ribs  42  shaped to increase the stiffness of the top  41  and also to assist with purging of air when the container is filled with liquid. This is particularly important where the contents of the container are such that they should be protected from spoilage by oxygen especially if the container is used to mature wine. 
         [0143]    The container neck  45  is located adjacent to the ribs  42  whereby the ribs form a channel for evacuation of air through the container mouth  43  and finally through the neck  91  and opening  105  as the container is filled. The container mouth may typically have a diameter of 250 mm to 400 mm to allow access of cleaning devices to the container interior. A diameter of 325 mm to 375 mm is preferred. 
         [0144]    The container neck has mounted thereon a seal display  47  which is arranged to be visible when the container has been properly sealed by the closure assembly. 
         [0145]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the base frame  5  comprises a plurality of cross bars  55  which may be formed of steel or any strong metal joined to a pair of side bars  59 . The side bars are in turn fixed to tubular legs  61  which are adapted to receive the corner posts  13 . The cross bars are provided with hoops  57  for receiving the tynes of a fork lift. The hoops facilitate tilting of the container by a fork lift. 
         [0146]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the base  7  is provided with stippling and/or holes  67  to help locate the container  3  placed thereon and to allow drainage if necessary. 
         [0147]    Along the sides of the base  7 , there are provided wall openings  65  which serve to hold and locate the side posts  15 . These wall openings  65  only protrude part of the way into the base  7 . At the corners, there are also corner openings  63  extending completely through the base  7  to allow penetration by the corner posts  13 . 
         [0148]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the top assembly  9  is shown as comprising four channel sections  69 , each of which includes a locating return  70  adapted to hold the side posts in the recesses  68 . The top of the channel section  69  overlies the top of the side posts to prevent them being displaced. 
         [0149]    Corner sections  71  are joined to the channel sections  69  by a plurality of screws  75 . 
         [0150]    Each corner section has a tubular stub  73  through which the appropriate corner post  13  may protrude. When assembled, the corner screws  72  when screwed into the stubs  73 , serve to secure the top assembly in place on top of the container thereby holding the whole fluid container assembly together. 
         [0151]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the closure assembly  11  comprises a closure base  77  having a wide opening  76 . The closure base  77  is adapted to be bolted to the top of the container. Two O-rings  78 , as shown more clearly in  FIG. 9 , provide a seal between the container finish and the closure base. The closure base has a sealing surface  79  angled with respect to the vertical so that when the components of the closure assembly telescopically are put together, the O-ring  87  will become compressed between the annular sealing surface of the intermediate member  89  and the annular sealing surface  79  to provide an effective seal. As the angling of the sealing surface  79  means that the top of the opening defined by the sealing surface  79  is slightly wider than the bottom of the opening, removal of the O-ring and other components of the closure assembly is facilitated by the release of pressure as the closure components are lifted. 
         [0152]    A plurality of holes  81  are provided around the closure base whereby to allow screws and/or bolts to be used to secure the closure base to the finish of the container  3 . 
         [0153]    The closure base includes a plurality of projections  83  which are adapted to co-operate with complementary projections  109  on the cap  99  when the closure is assembled and the cap  99  is rotated ⅛ turn with respect to the closure base  77 . 
         [0154]    When the cap is rotated to seal the closure in this fashion, the locking lug  101  comes into engagement with the ratchet surface  85  whereby to lock the cap in the closed position. To unlock the cap, it is necessary to lift the locking lug out of engagement with the ratchet surface prior to unscrewing the cap. Optionally screws  84 , which pass through the cap into the intermediate member  89 , may also be used to lock the cap. Covers  86  may be provided to cover the tops of the screws. 
         [0155]    When the cap has been locked shut, the seal display  47  provides visual confirmation that a seal has been achieved. Conversely, when the cap has not been rotated shut, the seal display will be hidden behind one of the bridges  108  on the cap  99 . 
         [0156]    The cap  99  has a domed top panel  100  joined to a skirt  107  by four bridges  108  separated by gaps  48 . 
         [0157]    The domed top panel  100  includes an opening  105  which is adapted to telescopically overlie the neck  91  of the intermediate member  89 . The neck includes an internal thread  92  into which the plug  111  may be screwed. 
         [0158]    A plurality of air bleed ribs  93  are arranged around the perimeter of the intermediate member  89 . This is to allow air to bleed from the gap  112  shown in  FIG. 9  into the domed section  113  of the intermediate member  89  and ultimately through the opening  105  as the container is filled. 
         [0159]    An O-ring  95  provides a seal between the cap and the upper perimeter of the intermediate member and the O-ring  97  provides a seal between the neck  91  and opening  105 . 
         [0160]    The construction of the closure assembly is such that the container  3  can be accessed for filling through the relatively narrow neck  91  when the plug  111  is removed. When access to the interior of the container  3  is required for purposes such as cleaning, the cap  99  and intermediate member  89  may be removed to expose the wide opening  76 . Suitably the wide opening  76  is at least twice as large as the internal opening of the neck  91 . 
         [0161]    Whilst the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention. 
         [0162]    It will be also understood that where the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are used in this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature or features. 
         [0163]    The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.