Nova Patents
US2872079A

Nested shipping drums with built-in pallet

Abstract

This record has no abstract on file.

US2872079A, drawing sheet 1
Sheet 1 of 9

Term

Term ended

Expired 3 February 1976, 50.6 years ago.

  1. Priority and filed
  2. Granted
  3. Expired
  4. Today

3 claims: 3 independent, 0 dependent

  1. 1
    Having thus described the general characteristics generally common to the different species of drums embodying the present invention, specific embodiments thereof incorporating those features may be constructed as described hereinafter. In the various views, those features described in connection with Fig. 1 bear the same reference characters throughout the species. Fig. 2 shows a drum embodying substantially all the salient features described in Fig. 1 wherein the drum is formed of wood panels comprising the top end wall 4 and bottom end wall 6 and staves 40 comprising the cylindrical side wall structure. The staves 40 are held in assembled relation to the end walls by the usual metal hoops 42. In general, the construction of this embodiment is conventional but the drum is further provided with roller rings 8. The top wall 4 is provided with means defining the ribs 10 and 12 having the channels 14 therein and the bottom wall 6 is provided with separate ribs 16 and 18 corresponding to those of Fig. 1. The ribs 10, 12, 16 and 18 are configured to the same general configurations as described in connection with Fig. 1 and function in the same way. The central bottom rib 16 is provided with a longitudinal but upwardly sloping passageway 43 communicating with the interior of the drum through the bottom wall 6 and terminating in a discharge opening at the forward outer end of the rib 16. It is intended that the passageway 43 be closed by a suitable closure corresponding to the closure 26 of Fig. 1. The top wall 4 of this drum is also provided with a vent opening closed by a suitable closure 30 having the same relationship to the remaining parts as described in connection with the closure 30 of Fis. 1. The stave construction of this modification does not permit use of a dump panel as described in connection with . Fig. 1 but the cylindrical side wall structure is provided with a suitable discharge of filling opening or bunghole 44 and a suitable closure therefor (not shown). The elements defining the ribs 10, 12, 16 and 18 of this modification may be separate wood elements doweled or otherwise secured to the top and bottom end walls, respectively. This modification may also be provided with the telescoping handles 32. It will be evident that the drum shown iii Fig. 2 includes most of the advantages and desirable features described in connection with Fig. 1, and many of which will be enlarged upon later. Fig. 3 shows another modification of the invention wherein the drum is constructed of metal, preferably steel, and comprises top and bottom end wall panels 46 and 48,. respectively, of relatively thin sheet material having peripheral axially extending flanges 50 integral therewith. The flanges 50 are arranged in edge-abutting relationship and welded, as at 52, to form a complete drum structure. The top and bottom end walls further include outer layers 54 and 56, respectively, of relatively. heavy sheet metal overlying the inner layer 48 and interlocked therewith at the periphery of the end walls and axially inwardly of the roller rings 8. Both the inner and outer layers 48 and 56 of the bottom and 46 and 54 of the top are formed to define the ribs 10, 12, 16 and 18, the rib-forming portions of the inner layers nesting within corresponding portions of the outer layers. Preferably, the portions of the end wall structures defining the bottoms of the open-ended channels between the ribs are corrugated in a longitudinal direc- 1 tion to add rigidity and strength to the structure and the flanges 59 are provided with ribs or beads 58 integrally, formed thereon to provide added reinforcement and rigidity to the side wall structure. As shown in Fig. 4, those portions of the inner layer 46 of the end wall ' panels which define the ribs heretofore referred to are further formed with transverse bead portions 60 for added reinforcement. This form may be provided with the dump panel 36 heretofore described having a further opening therein with the closure 38. The central bottom rib 16 being a hollow integral portion of the drum, lends -itself readily to the provision of a discharge opening in the end of a rib as described in connection with Fig. 1 and the hollow interior of that rib constitutes a channel extending across the bottom wall to effect complete draining of the drum. If desired, the inner layer 48 constituting a portion of the bottom wall of this embodiment may be formed as a continuous planar sheet over the ribs 18 but is preferably shaped to conform to the outer layer 56 at the rib 16. By making the inner layer planar over the ribs 18 liquid material cannot then remain in the hollow ribs 18 when the drum is drained through the bottom opening upon removal of closure 26. The modification illustrated in Fig. 5 shows how readily a drum embodying the present invention may be constructed of molded resinous material wherein the top and bottom end walls are integral with the side wall structure. The drum may be molded in one piece, if desired, eiiiployl ing the dump opening 34 for removal of the molding core, or it may be molded in two semicylindrical sections thereafter suitaoly mated and joined by cementing, fusion or the like to form an integral drum structure. In constructing such a drum of molded resinous material, it is desirable that the resinous material be provided ’ with fibrous reinforcing materials embedded therein. Such reinforcing material as glass fibers or the like are readily adaptable to this purpose. As shown in the right hand half of Fig. 5, the ribs 10, 12, 16 and 18 are of hollow, generally tubular construction with the inner portions thereof defining planar inner end wall surfaces for the drum. Preferably the ribs 10,12 and 18 are made hollow to reduce the weight of the drum but may be filled with a lightweight rigid core material 62. Preferably, the core material 62 is of less specific gravity than the resinous material but of sufficient rigidity to materially add to the strength of the structure. Wood or light metal tubes lend themselves readily to this purpose. The central bottom no 16 does not define a planar portion of the bottom wall 6 but-is formed with an internal channel 64 extending substantially diametrically across the bottom wall and constituting a drain channel for the drum. The channel 6^ communicates with a suitable opening in the forward end of the rib 16, which may be provided with the closure 26. In those forms of the invention constructed of molded resinous materials, the top and bottom end walls 4 and 6 and the side wall structure 2 are preferably formed with mtegral beads or ribs 66 to add strength and rigidity to the drum. The ribs 66 on the side wall structure preferably extend circumferentially around the drum to facilitate molding of the material and withdrawal of the drum from the mold. The endmost beads of the side wall structure are larger than the intermediate beads and themselves define the roller rings 8. Fig· 6 illustrates a still further form of the modification of the invention wherein the shipping drum is constructed ot molded resinous material and is similar in most respects to that described in connection with Fig. 5, corresponding parts, bearing the same reference numerals. In this modification, however, the reinforcing ribs 68 of the side Wall structure extend axially of the drum between the roller rings 8. In this form the roller rings 8 are covered by a metallic channel-shaped annular element 70 providing a wear-resistant surface for the roller rings. Fig. 7 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale through the dump panel .36 of Fig. 6. This figure illustrates one manner of securing and sealing the dump panel 36 to the side wall structure of the drum. As shown in Fig 7 the panel 36 is provided with parallel ribs 72 extending inwardly at its periphery and nestingly received within a channel structure 74 integrally formed with the side wall structure and defining an outwardly facing channel around the periphery of the opening 34. Suitable threaded studs 76 or the like extend through the edge portions of the
  2. 2
    2,872,079 panel 36 into threaded engagement with metallic elements 78 embed$e#m ; the side wall structure to thereby clamp the panel to the drum. The space between the ribs 72 and the bottom’portion of the channel structure 74 defines an open passageway extending along the joint between the panel and the drum. That passageway is filled with a self-sustaining but deformable resilient material 80 which may be rubber or the like. Upon tightening the studs 76, the resilient material 80 is placed under pressure and effects a complete and perfect seal between the dump panel and the drum side wall structure. This sealed joint merely illustrates one form of seal that may be employed, it being understood that any suitable sealed joint may be incorporated in the dump panel 36 to effect the desired sealing thereof. At its central portion the dump panel 36 is dished or depressed inwardly at 82 and is provided with an embedded metallic insert 84 having a threaded opening 86 therethrough defining a filling or dumping opening. The closure 38 threadedly engages the opening 86 to close the same. Obviously the closure 38 may be removed when desired. As clearly evident from Fig. 7, the dished portion 82 of the panel 36 permits all portions of the closure 38 to lie entirely within the cylinder defined by the outermost surfaces of roller rings 8 whereby the drum may be rolled over a supporting surface without causing the closure 38 to strike that surface to interfere with the rolling action. While the details of the dump panel 36 have been described with particular reference to the drum shown in Fig. 6, it is to be understood that all these features or their equivalents may be incorporated in the dump panels of any of the various modifications described or to be described herein. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view through a drum of the present invention and illustrates features that may be incorporated in any or all of the specific modifications described. While the specific features of Fig. 8 are described in connection with an integrally molded resinous drum, it is to be understood they may be incorporated in the wooden drum of Fig. 2 or the metal drum of Fig. 3 and the details of the drum proper as shown in Fig. 8 are merely illustrative. The bottom rib 16 is provided with a longitudinal passageway or channel 88 having a bottom portion 90 sloping upwardly from the front to the rear thereof and extending substantially diametrically across the drum. The channel or passageway 88 is upwardly open and defines a drain channel in the bottom of the drum. The channel 88 communicates with a passageway extending through the front end of the rib 16 and defined by a metal insert 92 embedded in the material of the rib and provided with internal threads adapted to receive a valve body insert 94. The valve body insert 94 is threaded into the metal insert 92 and constitutes a permanent fixture in the drum even though removable for replacement or repair. The valve body 94 provides guide spider 96 for the stem 98 of a valve 100. A spring 102 normally holds the valve 100 in closed position to prevent flow of material outwardly of the drum. The valve body insert 94 is further provided with an inwardly facing peripheral channel 104 in which an O-ring 106 or equivalent sealing means is mounted. The outermost end portion of the valve body insert 94 is internally threaded, as at 108. The internal threads 108 are for the purpose of threadedly receiving the closure 26 previously described. A portion of the bottom end wall 6 of the drum outwardly of the end of the rib 16 is provided with a groove 110 defining a transverse abutment surface 112. The vent opening previously referred to is defined by an embedded insert 114 having an O-ring sealing member 116 mounted in its inner periphery and provided with screw threads 118 at its upper end. The threads 118 threadedly receive the vent closure 30 previously described. The end portion of the rib 10 is provided with a transverse groove 120 having an abutment surface 122 extending transversely to the axis of the vent opening. The provision of the valve 100 in the drain opening provides for highly desirable “bottom filling” of one or more drums of the present invention. In filling shipping drums with certain liquid materials it is highly desirable 5 to prevent, as far as possible, undue agitation of the material in the drum during filling and to maintain that material in as nearly a quiescent state as possible. The desirability of maintaining the liquid being introduced into the drum in a quiescent state is well known and 10 offers many advantages. To accomplish such bottom filling, the drum of Fig. 8 may be employed in combination with a filling device comprising a fitting 124 having a tubular end portion telescopically receivable in the valve body insert 94 in sealing relation to the O-ring 15 106. The fitting 124 is provided with a laterally extending ear 126 receivable in the groove 110 to hold the fitting in the illustrated position. The fitting 124 is mounted on the end of a tube or pipe 128 comprising a supply tube for liquid material to be introduced into the 20 drum under suitable pressure. The ear 126 is of limited circumferential extent and it is obvious that the fitting 124 may be inserted in the valve body insert 94 with the ear 126 extending laterally horizontally and then the fitting may be rotated to position the ear 126 in 25 groove 110, as shown, the abutment surface 112 coacting with the ear 126 to prevent inadvertent removal of fitting 124 during a drum filling operation. Liquid material under pressure may be introduced through tube 128 and the pressure thereof will cause the 30 valve 100 to open and permit the liquid to flow into the drum. It is obvious that the liquid level in the drum will rise with a substantially quiescent surface until the drum is filled. Fig. 8 also illustrates one form of vent fitting suitable 35 for use with a drum embodying the present invention. The vent fitting comprises a cylindrical insert 130 having a check valve 132 mounted therein for sliding movement through a spider 133. The fitting 130 is secured to the end portion of an adaptor 134 having a lateral ear 136 40 thereon. The adaptor 134 is connected to an angle fitting 138 and vent tube 140. The cylindrical fitting 130 may be inserted in the vent opening while the ear 136 extends laterally, then the fitting may be rotated to position the ear 136 in groove 120 to hold the vent fitting in the 45 desired position. As liquid material is introduced into the bottom of the drum, air and vapors thereover force the valve 132 to open and permit the vapors to be discharged through the vent tube 140. These may be directed back to the source of material or otherwise dis 80 posed of. The vent opening and the insert 114 preferably extend downwardly below the inner surface of the top wall 4. By this arrangement the liquid level rises up to the bottom of the fitting 114 and air and vapor thereabove is then trapped in the drum and the drum will 55 receive no more liquid. The air and/or vapors trapped above the liquid surface constitute a cushion having well known advantages. The vent tube 140 may be of transparent material and when the drum has been filled up to the level of the bottom edge of insert 114 the introduction 60 of additional liquid through the supply tube 128 will cause the liquid to flow outwardly of the vent opening through tube 140 and the operator may visually determine that the drum has been completely filled. In the modification of Fig. 13, the drum may be iden 65 tical to that of Fig. 8 but the imbedded insert 114 is preferably provided with an upstanding flange 180 constituting centering means for the vent fitting 182. The fitting 182 is of relatively flat shape and provided with a „ 0 downwardly facing opening 184 defined by a flange 186 ‘ of a diameter to be readily but fairly snugly received in the centering flange 180. Valve sleeve 188 is threadedly mounted in the opening 184 in fixed position on the fitting 182 and is provided with a downwardly extending 75 cylindrical portion 190 in which spider 133 and valve 132 9,873,079 are located. The cylindrical portion 190 is of less external diameter than the inside of insert 114 and is provided with a threaded outer surface on which liquid level control sleeve 192 is threadedly mounted. A threaded ring 194 serves as a locking ring to lock the sleeve 192 in a selected position of adjustment along the cylindrical portion 190. The outer diameter of the sleeve 192 is only slightly less than the inside diameter of the insert 114 and engages the O-ring seal 116, as described in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 8. The fitting 182 is provided with a laterally extending ear 196 positionable in groove 120 exactly as the ear 136 of Fig. 8. The fitting 182 is further provided with an enlargement 198 at its outer end constituting attachment means for the vent tube 140. Since the fitting 182 is of such small vertical dimension in the vicinity of the drum, it will be obvious that the fitting may readily be applied to or removed from the vent opening in any drum in a stack of drums without interference from or the necessity of moving the drums above the one selected. It will be obvious that when the device of Fig. 13 is employed while “bottom filling” a drum with liquid, the liquid will rise only to the level L coincident with the lowermost end of sleeve 192. Thus, by pre-adjusting the position of sleeve 192 on portion 19® the level to which the drum can be filled may be very accurately controlled. Since the valve sleeve 188 always rests on the upper end of insert 114, the sleeve 192 will project exactly the same distance into each of successive drums being filled. The ability to control, in this manner, the level to which drums are filled is a very important advantage of “bottom filling” and eliminates the need for weighing scales or automatic shut-off nozzles. Since the drums of the present invention are of relatively large diameter, a small range of 35 adjustment of sleeve 192 permits a relatively large range of adjustment of the filled capacity of the drum. The structure of Fig. 13 lends itself readily to a further use. When it is desired to accurately proportion differc~‘ '-----” · - _ 192 can be relatively long to control the level oTthe first ingredient than replaced by successively shorter tubes for successive ingredients, thus accurately controlling the ^The^featnrpi 1 4orniu ' a · — °” — »uiau Cl iLiuuiai memoers 1W tele. ieatu Ffs described in connection with Fig. 13 45 scopically received within the ends of the tube 158 and further permit the filling of a multiplicity of drums from .. ..... a single supply tube 128. A plurality of drums equipped with the structure shown in Fig. 13 may be stacked one upon the other as shown in Fig. 1 and the vent tube 140 may be provided at its other end (not shown) with one 50 The of the fittings 1^4 and connected to the bottom opening of the drum next thereabove in the stack. By this arrangement the bottom drum will be first completely filled to the desired level, then liquid material passing through -----— luc CH us m me i the vent opening past valve 132 is introduced into the 55 vent inadvertent withdrawal of the pi; bottom of the drum next thereabove until it is filled and so on until all drums in the stack have been completely filled to the desired level. f “ a y be drawn from drums equipped with the ---------- , u i n JS ocvious t matures ot Figs. 8 or 13 by providing a spigot or the like 60 P ln 156 may move downwardly through the liner receivable in the valve body insert 94 and provided with ------- S means to engage the valve stem 98 to hold valve 180 open. _ If desired, material may be withdrawn by merely removing the closure 26 and using any convenient instrument to push valve stem 98 inwardly to open valve 100. p Referring now to Figs. 9 through 12, the drum shown herein includes most of the salient features described in connection with Fig. 1 but is different therefrom in that the dump panel 36' extends substantially one-half way around the drum. The opening covered by the dump panel 36' likewise extends throughout one-half the circumference of the drum and terminates at the ends of to the ribs 10 and 12. The upper and lower boundaries of the opening covered by the dump panel 36' are defined by the edge portions of the top and bottom walls 4 and 6, respectively. Thus, there are no inwardly projecting portions of the drum at the periphery of the opening covered by the dump panel. The edge portions of the top and bottom end walls 4 and 6 which define the edges of the dump opening are provided with ribs or beads 142. The- beads 142 are substantially coextensive with the roller rings 8 but are of less radial extent and the upper and lower curved edge portions of the dump panel 36' are formed with inwardly facing channel portions 144 embracing the beads 142. The outer surfaces of the channel portions 144 are coextensive with the outer surfaces of the roller rings 8 and, in fact, define one-half of each of the roller rings. The vertical end portions of the dump panel 36' are secured to adjacent portions of the side wall structure of the drum by means of a joint similar to that shown and described in the copending application of Clyde Maurice Moore, Serial No. 234,831, filed July 2, 1951, for “Interlocking Container and loint,” now abandoned.' In general, the edge portions of the side wall structure at the ends of the dump opening are provided with outwardly extending ribs 146 receivable in inwardly directed channels 148 at the end edges of the dump panel 36'. Portions of the rib 146 are cut away, as at ISO (Fig. 11) and portions of the channel 148, corresponding to the cut away portions of the rib 146, are provided with an internal inwardly facing rib receivable in the cut away portions ISO to nest therein. Thus, the edges of the panel 36' and corresponding edges of the side wall structure of the drum overlap and interlock with each other. Those overlapped and interlocked portions are provided with axialiy extending aligned openings defining a continuous passageway 1S2 through the joint. Those portions of the passageway lying within the edge portions of the panel 36' and those portions constituting part of , · ,. ... - -----— the side wall structure are each lined with a tubular ent ingredients placed in a drum, the adjustable sleeve 40 metal structure 154 having a pin 156 slidable therein 191 ----------..., , . .. Thejiners 154 and pins lsg are shQwn mors detai j in Fig. 12 wherein the tubular metal liner is shown as comprising a central tubular portion 158 of relatively large diameter and smaller tubular members 160 telefixed therein. The pin 156 is of a diameter to slide within the tubes 160 and is of an overall length substantially equal to the overall length of the liner assembly 154, the ends of the pins 156 being rounded as shown. ; adjacent ends of the tubes 160 are axially spaced apart and define an annular chamber around the pin 156. The pin 156 is provided with a circumferential groove 162 having a split ring 164 which extends into the chamber between the ends of the tubes 160 to pre------------ — —- pins 156 from the liner assembly. .The annular groove 162 is so positioned that the split ring 164 engages one of the tubes 160 when the pin 156 is entirely contained within the liner assembly, as shown in Fig. 12. It is obvious that the bly until tne ring 164 abuts the upper end of the lower tube 160 and in which position the lowermost end of tne pm 156 will project some distance below the liner assembly 154. Referring again to Fig. 11, the liner assemblies 154 are embedded in their respective structures in axial alignment and with the pins 156 moved downwardly to the extent of their movement they span the joints between adjacent liner assemblies and thus lock the dump panel 70 36' to the drum side wall structure. The end portions of the passageway 152 receive short actuating pins 166 and threadedly receive actuating screws 168 outwardly of the pins 166. The pins 166 are provided with split , «liametcr .he *. «... h l> SJ.'TSn “S, £ 079 tending transversely within the portions thereof defining said ribs. 4. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein said end walls and side wall structure are integrally molded of resinous material, said end walls having substantially planar inner surfaces and said ribs being hollow integral portions of said end walls with the hollow interiors thereof filled with a lightweight core material. 5. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein the inner 10 surface of said bottom wall is substantially planar, an upwardly open channel extending substantially diametrically of the inner surface of said bottom wall, said channel lying within one of said ribs, and a drain passageway below said substantially planar surface and extending through 15 an end of said one rib into communication with said channel. 6. A container as defined in claim 1 including elongated handle elements telescopically slidable in longitudinal passages extending through the ends of certain of said ribs. 20 7. A container having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and generally circular top and bottom end walls secured to the ends of said side wall structure, said end walls having spaced ribs thereon and extending thereacross in a direction parallel to a diameter thereof, said 25 ribs defining open-ended spaces therebetween of sufficient depth and width to receive lifting elements inserted beneath said container when said container is positioned on a flat supporting surface with the said ribs of one end wall resting on said surface, the crest portions of the ribs on one of said end wall structures having longitudinal concave channels therein, the crest portions of the ribs on the other end wall being of convex transverse shape substantially complementary to said concave channels whereby a plurality of said containers may be stacked, one upon the other, with said convex rib crests on one of said containers mating with the convex channels of another of said containers and with said open-ended spaces being open for the reception of lifting elements between said containers, the depth of said concave channels being substantially equal to the height of said ribs whereby the height of said open-ended spaces between adjacent stacked containers is not substantially greater than the height of said open-ended spaces between one of said containers and a flat supporting surface. 8. A container as defined in claim 7 wherein said convex rib crests and said concave channels are of generally V-shape and wherein the sides of certain of said channels are provided with depressions receiving generally bulbous projections on the side faces of corresponding convex ribs 50 of an adjacent stacked container to prevent relative sliding movement of said containers in the direction of said ribs. 9. A container having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and generally circular top and bottom end walls 55 secured to the ends of said side wall structure, said end Avails having spaced ribs thereon and extending thereacross in a direction parallel to a diameter thereof, said ribs defining open-ended spaces therebetween of sufficient depth and width to receive lifting elements inserted be60 neath said container when said container is positioned on a flat supporting surface with the said ribs of one end wall resting on said surface, the crest portions of the ribs on one of said end wall structures having longitudinal concave channels therein, the crest portions of the ribs on the 65 other end wall being of convex transverse shape substantially complementary to said concave channels whereby a plurality of said containers may be stacked, one upon the other, with said convex rib crests on one of said containers mating with the convex channels of another of said con70 tainers and with said open-ended spaces being open for the reception of lifting elements between said containers, at least one of said ribs having a convex crest being substantially centrally located on the bottom end wall of said container and having a longitudinal passageway therein 75 extending through an end of said rib below said bottom 2,872, locked to the side wall structure of the drum and to remove the dump panel it is only necessary to unscrew the upper screw 168 a short distance and advance the lower screw 168 to push actuating pins 166, and the pins 156, upwardly until each of the pins 156 is en- 5 tirely contained within its associated liner structure 154, at which time the abutting ends of the pins 156 lie in the same plane as the joint between the overlapped portions of the drum and dump panel, whereupon the edge of the dump panel may be moved radially outwardly away from the drum and completely removed therefrom. The locking means just described are merely illustrative of one form adaptable to the present invention, it being understood that the ends of the dump panel may be secured to the drum in any other desired manner. Since the dump opening of this modification extends fully half-way around the drum, the projecting portions of the top and bottom end wails would present weaknesses and be subject to distortion or breakage when the dump panel is removed. However, since the ribs 10 and 12 and reinforcing beads 170 project outwardly to the free edges of the top and bottom walls, they so stiffen and rigidify those walls that the danger of breakage is minimized. This modification is particularly useful where it is desired to fill the drums with a material which may solidify or at least partially solidify after being introduced into the drum in liquid or semiliquid form. By providing such a dump panel as described above, the solidified ma- uvj terial may be readily and rapidly removed from the drum in one piece by merely removing the dump panel and withdrawing the material. Such, withdrawal may even be accomplished by gravity upon removing the dump panel and rolling the drum to a position where 35 its dump opening is lowermost. While a limited number of specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it is to be understood that other modifications may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims. 40 I claim:1. A container having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and generally circular top and bottom end walls secured to the ends of said side wall structure, said end walls having spaced ribs thereon and extending there- 45 across in a direction parallel to a diameter thereof, said ribs defining open-ended spaces therebetween of sufficient depth and width to receive lifting elements inserted beneath said container when said container is positioned on a fiat supporting surface with the said ribs of one end wall resting on said surface, the crest portions of the ribs on one of said end wall structures having longitudinal concave channels therein, the crest portions of the ribs on the other end wall being of convex transverse shape substantially complementary to said concave channels whereby a plurality of said containers may be stacked, one upon the other, with said convex rib crests on one of said containers mating with the convex channels of another of said containers and with said open-ended spaces being open for the reception of lifting elements between said containers, the mating surfaces of certain of said rib crests being further provided with mating protuberances and depressions, respectively, arranged to prevent sliding movement of said ribs along said concave channels. 2. A container as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said end Avails is formed of an inner layer of relatively thin sheet metal with a peripheral flange extending axially thereof, said flanges being in edge-abutting relation and welded together to define said side wall structure, and an outer layer of relatively heavy sheet metal over said end walls, said ribs being defined by deformed portions of both layers of said end walls.
  3. 3
    A container as defined in claim 2 wherein said inner layer is further deformed to define reinforcing beads ex- 2,872,079 wall and communicating with the interior of said container through said bottom wall. 10. A container as defined in claim 9 wherein said at least one rib is a hollow integral portion of said bottom wall and wherein the hollow interior thereof defines an 5 inwardly open channel extending across said bottom wall. 11. A container as defined in claim 10 wherein the bottom of said passageway extends upwardly from said end of said rib. 12. A container as defined in claim 9 wherein said passageway is provided with a check valve therein, adjacent said end of said rib, said check valve being arranged to permit one-way flow of material through said passageway into said container, and means accessible from the outer end of said passageway for opening said valve to permit 15 flow of material outwardly through said passageway. 13. A container as defined in claim 9 wherein said passageway is provided with a check valve therein, adjacent said end of said rib, said check valve being arranged to permit one-way flow of material through said passageway into 20 said container, a portion of said passageway outwardly of said check valve being provided with annular sealing means around its periphery, a portion of said container adjacent said end of said rib being provided with an abutment surface extending transversely of said passageway 28 for releasably holding a filler fitting in said passageway. 14. A container having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and generally circular top and bottom end walls secured to the ends of said side wall structure, said end walls having spaced ribs thereon and extending thereacross 30 in a direction parallel to a diameter thereof, said ribs defining open-ended spaces therebetween of sufficient depth and width to receive lifting elements inserted beneath said container when said container is positioned on a flat supporting surface with the said ribs of one end 38 wall resting on said surface, the crest portions of the ribs on one of said end wall structures having longitudinal concave channels therein, the crest portions of the ribs on the other end wall being of convex transverse shape substantially complementary to said concave channels 40 whereby a plurality of said containers may be stacked, one upon the other, with said convex rib crests on one of said containers mating with the convex channels of another of said containers and with said open-ended spaces being open for the reception of lifting elements between 45 said containers, a portion of at least one of said ribs on said top wall terminating inwardly of the periphery of said top wall, a vent opening through said top wall, and a closure for said vent opening, said vent opening and closure being positioned entirely within the end outline of 50 said one rib. 15. A container as defined in claim 14 with at least one of said ribs having a convex crest being substantially centrally located on the bottom end wall of said container and having a longitudinal passageway therein extending through an end of said rib below said bottom wall and communicating with the interior of said container through said bottom wall. 16. A container as defined in claim 14 wherein the end portion of said one rib is provided with an abutment surface extending transversely of said passageway for releasably holding a vent fitting in said vent opening. 17. In combination, a closed container for liquids having means defining a filler opening adjacent the bottom thereof, a check valve in said opening permitting oneway flow of liquid into said container, means defining a vent opening in the top of said container, a vent fitting removably secured in said vent opening and provided with a vent tube projecting downwardly into said container a predetennined short distance to position its lower end only slightly below said top to predetermine the extent to which liquid can rise in said container. 18. The combination defined in claim 17 wherein said vent tube is vertically adjustable relative to said vent fitting whereby to permit the lowermost end of said vent tube to be positioned at a preselected level in said container. 19. The combination defined in claim 17 including pressure sealing means between said vent fitting and said vent opening. References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 268,732 Salmon_____________._____£) e c. 5, igg2 1,515,996 Buchanan_____________Nov. 181924 1,730,142 Henderson______________Oct. 1’ 1929 1,770,163 McCrery---------------July 8,’ 1930 1,773,930 Athon----------------Aug. 26, 1930 2,047,164 Coleman________________July 7, 1936 2,092,926 Lithgow--------------Sept. 14,’1937 2,147,886 Devine________________Feb. 21,1939 2,172,878 Pfitzer----------------Sept. 12,’1939 2,635,786 Wickson________________Apr. 21,1953 2,652,174 Shea et al_______________Sept. 15,’1953 2,695,115 Roop-----------------Nov. 23,’ 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 262,108 Germany_______________July 8, 1913 638,203 Germany______________Nov. 11, 1936
Independent claims3