BLOW MOLDED CONTAINER FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING FLUIDS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for use in storing and transporting fluid materials, such as liquids, slurries or other flowable materials. The body of the container is preferably made from a thermoplastic material and formed by a blow molding process.

BACKGROUND

Liquid, slurries or other flowable materials, including industrial chemicals, are often stored in large containers, such as a pail, drum, tote, or carboy. It is desired that bulk containers are efficiently shipped and otherwise transported from the manufacturer or distributor. The containers often need to be moved by the end user at their working destination. Body shape and volume often play a role in the selection of a container. Other considerations include cost and durability.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, there is provided a container structure defined by a body having an interior volume for retaining flowable materials. The body is generally rectangular in form and includes a handle and an attached wheel-axle combination, permitting the container to be maneuverable during use.

In embodiments, a container structure is defined by a rectangular-shaped body having a top, bottom, and four walls. The four walls form a front wall, a rear wall and two sidewalls, with each wall connected to two adjacent walls, the top and bottom at a corner. The rectangular form positions the front and rear walls substantially parallel to one another, with the two side walls substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to the front and rear walls. The top and bottom walls are also generally parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front wall, rear wall and two side walls. The top, bottom and four walls create a unitary construction and define a closed interior volume.

In embodiments, the top wall includes a unitary handle and at least one bung opening for providing access into the interior volume. The rear wall preferably includes an engagement structure in the form of an inwardly formed engagement slot, extending transversely between two sidewalls. The rear wall may also include a recessed portion positioned between the engagement slot and the bottom. A pair of wheels are preferably provided on opposite ends of and rotatable about a transverse axle. The axle is preferably retained within the engagement slot and the wheels are positioned parallel to the two sidewalls.

In combination with the container, a separate extension handle may be provided. The extension handle preferably includes an engagement structure for releasably securing the extension handle to the body of the container. The engagement structure may be provided for engagement between the extension handle and a formed (or otherwise attached) handle on the top of the container. The extension handle is provided for assisting in the maneuverability of the container. A removable bung or cap is preferably provided within the opening provided in the container body. In further combination, a cap wrench may be formed as part of the extension handle. The wrench structure is formed to engage with the cap and assist in its removal from the opening.

In embodiments the container may include a handle structure that is separately formed from the container body and fixed thereto. The form of attachment may include an over molding process or a frictional engagement within contours formed in the container body. The attached handle may include pivoting structures and/or be extendable from the body during use. Other features of the handle and its attachment are also contemplated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings one or more forms that are presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 shows a top, front, and side isometric view of an embodiment of a container as contemplated herein.

FIG. 2 shows a top, rear, and side isometric view of the embodiment of a container as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom, front and side isometric view of the embodiment of a container as in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a plurality of rectangular, blow molded containers, such as those of FIGS. 1-3, arranged on a shipping pallet.

FIG. 5 shows the container embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 in combination with a separate extension handle.

FIG. 6 shows the container and extension handle of FIG. 5 provided in an operational position.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section view of the top of the container body with the extension handle in an operational position, as in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an operational use of the container embodiment from FIGS. 1-3 and the handle extension from FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 9 shows the use of bung wrench provided on an embodiment of the extension handle of FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section view of an embodiment of a bung opening and inserted bung or cap provided on an top surface of a container body.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the a wheel and axle combination to be secured within a retaining slot formed in a rear wall of a container body.

FIG. 12 shows a cross section view of the wheel and axle combination of FIGS. 11A and 11B secured within the retaining slot of the container body.

FIGS. 13A-D show various views of a container embodiment having a telescoping handle that is secured within molded contours formed on the rear wall of the container body.

FIG. 13E shows a cross section view of the telescoping handle of FIGS. 13A-D as taken along line 13E-13E in FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13F shows a cross section view of the telescoping handle of FIGS. 13A-D as taken along line 13F-13F in FIG. 13D.

FIG. 13G shows a cross section view of the telescoping handle of FIGS. 13A-D as taken along line 13G-13G in FIG. 13D.

FIGS. 14A-C show various views of a container embodiment having a fixed handled that is over molded within the top wall of a container body.

FIG. 14D shows a cross section view of the handle of FIGS. 14A-C as taken along line 14D-14D in FIG. 14C.

FIGS. 15A-C show various views of a container embodiment having a fixed handled that is secured to the top wall of the container body wherein a base portion of the handle is over molded within the container body and other portions of the handle are assembled thereto.

FIG. 15D shows a cross section view of the handle of FIGS. 15A-C as taken along line 15D-15D in FIG. 15A.

FIGS. 16A-C show various views of a container embodiment having a pivotable handled including a based portion of the handle that is over molded with the container body and other portions are assembled thereto.

FIG. 16D shows an exploded view of the constituent parts of the handle in FIGS. 16A-C.

FIGS. 16E-H show the handle of FIGS. 16A-C in various operational positions.

FIGS. 17A-C show various views of a container embodiment having a fixed handle that insertable into and retained within molded contours of the rear and top walls of the container body.

FIG. 17D is a cross section view of the handle of FIGS. 17A-C in an operable position on the container body as taken along line 17D-17D in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17E is a cross section view of the handle of FIGS. 17A-C in an operable position as taken along line 17E-17E in FIG. 17D.

FIGS. 18A-C show various views of a container embodiment having an extendable handle that is retained within molded contours of the rear of the container body.

FIG. 18D is a cross section view of the handle in an operable position as taken along line 18D-18D in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18E is a cross section view of the handle in an operable position as taken along line 18E-18E in FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 19A-D show various views of a container embodiment having a pivotable handle that is fixed to a molded axis pin projecting from the top wall of the container body.

FIG. 19E is a cross section view of the handle and an axis pin of FIGS. 19A-E as taken along line 19E-19E in FIG. 19C.

FIG. 19F is a cross section view of the handle and container body of FIGS. 19A-E as taken along line 19F-19F in FIG. 19D.

FIG. 19G is an enlarged partial view of the handle and container body of FIGS. 19A-E from the cross section of FIG. 19F.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, where like elements are identified by similar number designations, there is shown a generally rectangular and accompanying handle having various forms. In FIGS. 1-3, the container 10 is shown as including a body portion 12 having a generally hollow interior for retaining fluids, slurries, or other flowable materials. The body 12 is formed by a top 14, four walls 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and a bottom 18. The rectangular form positions the front and rear walls substantially parallel to one another, with the two side walls substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to the front and rear walls. The top and bottom walls are also generally parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front wall, rear wall and two side walls. Two wheel members 20a, 20b are provided adjacent the bottom end of sidewalls 16b and 16d. Two sealed openings 22a, 22b are provided on the top 14, along with a fixed handle 24 that projects from the top wall 14. The handle 24 is integrally formed with the structure of the container body 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front wall 16a of the body portion 12 includes a space 26 for application of labels or other information, such as, identifying the contents, acceptable use, or other properties of the contents and/or the container 10. Preferably, the space 26 is planer in form and is recessed in the front wall 16a. These features promote ease of label mounting and may improve label life. In FIG. 2, the rear wall 16c of the body portion 12 is shown as including an engagement structure for securing a pair of wheels 20a, 20b to the container body. The engagement structure is in the form of a retention slot 30 for receiving an axle member 28 therein. The wheels 20a, 20b are secured on the ends of and rotatable about the axle 28. As shown, wheel 20a is positioned within a well portion 32 formed at the bottom of sidewall 16b. Wheel 20b is similarly positioned within a well portion 32 formed in the opposing sidewall 16d (not fully shown). Preferably, the outside surfaces of the two wheels 20a, 20b are aligned with the outside surfaces of the corresponding sidewalls 16b, 16d. The size of the wheels 20a, 20b is preferably in the range of 7 inches in diameter. Relatively large diameter wheels assist in the maneuverability of the container 10 over curbs, steps, and the like.

The walls 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and the bottom 18 are shown as including a corrugated configuration for the purpose of improving sidewall and overall body strength. The corrugated structure is preferably formed to minimize expansion or deformation of the wall structure due to internal pressures from the retained material. In FIG. 3, the bottom 18 is shown as including a rib structure 34. The rib structure 34 preferably is in the form of a plurality of raised ribs projecting from the bottom 18 of the container body 12. The rib structure 34 is preferably integrally formed as part of the body 12 and provides both stiffness and a raised skid surface for protection of the bottom 18. A recessed portion 36 is provided at the lower portion of the rear wall 16c, below the position of the retention slot 30 for the wheel axle 28. The recess 36 preferably extends across the rear wall 16c, between the two sidewalls 16b, 16c, and creates a set-back. The recess 36 generally makes it easier to tilt the container during use and transport.

FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a plurality of containers 10 positioned on a pallet 40. Preferably, the outer dimensions of the container body 12 are defined to match the dimensions of the pallet 40 so as to maximize the available space during shipment. In the embodiment shown, the width and depth dimensions of the container body 12 are defined to fit six containers on a typical 42-inch by 42-inch pallet. Hence, the preferred width of the container 10 is set at less than 21 inches and the preferred depth of the container is set at less than 14 inches. The overall height of the container is preferably in the range of 45 inches.

FIGS. 5-7 show the addition of a separate extension handle 42 used to assist in transport of the container 10. In FIG. 5 the extension handle 42 is removably attached or secured to the container body 12. The extension handle 42 includes an engagement end 44 inserted under the fixed handle 24 on the top wall 14. After insertion, the extension handle 42 is pivoted upwards (from the phantom position in FIG. 5) into an engagement position (shown is solid lines in FIGS. 5 and 6). In the cross section of FIG. 7, the extension handle 42 is shown with the engagement end 44 contacting the top wall 14 of the container body 12. An engagement means is formed by a first bend portion 46 positioned adjacent the engagement end 44 The first bend 46 contacts the front of the fixed handle 24. Further, a second bend 48 as provided adjacent the first bend 46 and fits under the, preferably, integrally formed handle 24. The second bend 48 further contacts the rear of the handle 24. The bends 46, 48 preferably engage the handle 24 on opposite sides with the engagement end 44 in contact with the body. The engagement frictionally secures the extension handle 42 to the handle 24 and container body 10. A projecting portion 50 of the extension handle 42 is formed on an opposite end and is directed in an upward angle, away from the handle 42 on the container body 12. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the engagement of the extension handle 42 under the fixed handle 24 permits a user to pivot (FIG. 8B) the container 10 for rolling movement, using the wheels 20a, 20b. The extension handle 42 may be removed from its engagement by a downward pivot motion (into the phantom position of FIG. 5). The downward pivot disengages the bends 46, 48 from the fixed handle 24. In a preferred embodiment, the extension handle 42 provides a tilt of the container to an angle in the range of 20 to 25 degrees.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 9, the engagement end 44 of the extension handle 42 includes a wrench structure 52 for removing or attaching the bung or cap 54 from or to the bung openings 22a, 22b. In the cross section of FIG. 10, the cap 54 is shown inserted into the opening 56 and sealed by means of screw threads 58 and a flange gasket 60. Interior slots 62 are formed on the top of the cap 54. Four slots 62 are shown on the cap 54. The wrench structure 52 on the engagement end 44 includes a corresponding pattern of projecting tabs 64 (see, e.g., FIG. 7). Upon engagement of the tabs 64 in the slots 62, the handle 42 may be rotated to unscrew the cap 54 from the opening 56. As shown in FIG. 9, securing the cap 54 into the opening 56 is created by an opposite rotation.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 show the attachment structure for mounting the wheels 20a, 20b on the container body 12. The wheels 20a, 20b are preferably first mounted on the axle 28 (FIG. 11A). The combination is then inserted into the retention slot 30 formed in the lower portion of the rear wall 16c (FIG. 11B). The retention slot 30 is preferably formed to create a friction fit with the axle 28. The wheels 20a, 20b are positioned in the wheel wells 32 on opposite sides of the body 12. The engagement of the axle 28 in the slot 30 is shown in cross section in FIG. 12. The recessed portion 36 is also shown as being formed in the rear wall 16c, between the slot 30 and the bottom wall 18. Retention structures are preferably formed on the inside surfaces of the slot 30 to both strengthen the walls and to firmly retain the axle 28.

The container body 12 is preferably formed from a rigid plastic material and may be manufactured via a blow molding process. Certain portions of the container body may be formed separately and fused into an assembly. The handle 24 is preferably hollow. The wall thickness of the body 12 is preferably sufficient to retain the flowable material, without leaks or cracking, and to withstand common use, such as shipment, movement, pressure changes and storage of potentially corrosive chemicals. The internal storage volume is preferably around 20 gallons. This volume sizing is contemplated to be between many existing container volumes, thus making the container 10 applicable to replace existing containers. The container 10 is intended to serve as a replacement for existing pail, carboy, tote or drum structures.

FIGS. 13A-G show various views of a container embodiment identified as 110, having a telescoping handle 124 that is retained within molded contours of the rear wall 116c of the container body 112. The handle 124 as shown has an inverted “U” shape, with a gripping portion 170 positioned transversely between two projecting leg members 172. The leg members 172 are inserted into two molded slots 174 formed the upper contoured portions of the rear wall 116c of the body 112. In FIG. 13A the handle 124 is separated from the body 112 with directional arrows indicating the direction of insertion into the slots 174. In FIG. 13B the legs 172 of the handle 124 are inserted into the slots 174. As shown, a fixed handle 124b is also provided on the top wall 114 of the body 112. This fixed handle 124b is an optional structure and may be integrally formed as part of the blow molding of the container body 112. In FIGS. 13B and 13D, the extension handle 124 is retracted, such that the leg members 172 are almost fully retained within the slots 174. In FIG. 13C the handle 124 is shown in the extended position, created by sliding the legs 172 upwardly within the formed slots 174. The axle 28 and wheels 20a, 20b of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 may be included with the container 110 of FIGS. 13A-D. The axle 28 may be inserted into the slot 130 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 116c, adjacent the recess portion 136. The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within side well portions 132. A strengthening rib or corrugation structure 134 is also shown within the recessed portion 136, with the ribs wrapping around to the bottom surface (not shown).

In FIGS. 13E-G there is shown multiple cross sectioned views of one of the handle legs 172 retained within the corresponding slot 174 within the rear wall 116c of the container 110. The slot 174 includes an outer or main portion 176 and an inner or control portion 178. The handle leg 172 is retained with in the main portion 176 of the slot 174 and can moved longitudinally (vertically as shown) within the length of the slot 174. FIG. 13E shows the handle leg 172 in the extended position, such as that shown in FIG. 13C. In FIG. 13F, the leg 172 is in the downward position of FIGS. 13B and 13D. A stop member 180 is provided adjacent the end of the leg member 172. As shown, the stop 180 is a bolt that is fixed within the handle leg 172. A projected end 182 of the stop 180 is positioned within the inner, control portion 178 of the slot 174. The control portion 178 includes a top edge or shoulder 184 and a bottom edge or bottom shoulder 186.

In the extended position of FIG. 13E, the protected end 182 of the stop 180 contacts the top edge 184 of the control portion 178 of the slot 172 to define a maximum extension for the handle 124. In the retracted position of FIG. 13F, the projected end 182 of the stop 180 engages the bottom edge 186 of the inner portion 178 of the slot 174 to define a lower limit for the handle 124. As an alternative, the bottom end 188 of the outer portion 176 of the slot 172 may be contacted by the bottom edge of the leg member 172 to fix the lower retraced position. The stop 180 may be retracted or removed to permit the handle leg 172 slide out of the slot 174, to separate the handle 124 from the body 112. In FIG. 13G, a preferred contour of the outer slot portion 176 is shown as wrapping partially around the handle leg 172 to retain the leg 172 within the slot 176. This retaining contour is preferably formed into the body 112 during the blow molding formation process.

FIGS. 14A-C show various views of a container embodiment 210 having a fixed handled 224 that is secured to the top wall 214 of the container body 212 as part of an over-molding process. The top wall 214 includes retaining slots 274 formed in the surface. The handle 224 includes a crossing member 270 and two opposing leg members 272. A foot portion 273 is formed at the lower end of the leg members 272. The rear view of the container in FIG. 14B shows a retaining slot 230 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 216c, adjacent the recessed portion 236. The axle 28 and wheels 20a, 20b of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 may be attached to the body 212 by the axle 28 being inserted into the slot 230 The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 232. A strengthening rib structure 234 is also shown within the recessed portion 236, with the ribs wrapping around to the bottom surface (not shown).

As more particularly shown in the cross section of FIG. 14D, the foot members 273 are positioned within the top slots 274. In the over-molding process, the formed handle 224 is fixed in the mold for forming the blow molded body 212 of the container 210. As the body 212 is formed, the top wall 214 surrounds the foot members 273 of the handle 224. As the formed container body cools, the foot members 273 are fixed within the top wall 214.

FIGS. 15A-D show various views of a further container embodiment 310 having a fixed handled 324 that is attached to the top wall 314 of the container body 312. As shown by the exploded view of FIG. 15C and the partial cross section of FIG. 15D, the handle 324 is attached to a base member 390 by a rod 392. The base 390 includes opposing projections 372 having openings therein to receive the rod member 392. The rod 392 is inserted into the openings and into the lower portion of the handle member 324, with the handle positioned between the projections and the outer ends of the rod being fixed to the projections 372.

In the container embodiment 310, the base member 390 of the handle assembly is secured within the top wall 314 of the container body 312 by an over molding process, with the other portions assembled thereafter. As shown by FIGS. 15C-D, a well portion 374 is formed in the top wall 214 and in final formation of the body 212 surrounds the base member 390. As shown by FIG. 15B, the handle body 324 may include a structural lattice 325, formed by, for example, an injection molding process. The cross section of FIG. 15D is taken through one of the vertical members within the lattice 325.

The rear view of the container 310 in FIG. 15B shows a retaining slot 330 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 316c, adjacent a recessed portion 336. The axle 28 and wheels 20a, 20b of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 may be attached to the body 312 with the axle 28 inserted into the slot 330 The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 332. A strengthening rib structure 334 may be provided within the recessed portion 336, with ribs preferably wrapping around to the bottom surface (not shown).

FIGS. 16A-D show various views of a further container embodiment 410 having a handled 424 positioned on the top wall 414 of the container body 412. The handle 424 is pivotable on a base member 490 that is fixed to the top wall 414. The handle 424 is pivoted to a raised position in FIGS. 16A-B and downwardly to stored position in FIG. 16C. A recess 496 is provided in the upper portion of the rear wall 416c. The recess 496 receives the handle 424 in its pivoted downward position. The base member 490 is preferably secured within the top wall 414 of the container body 412 by an over molding process, with the other portions assembled thereafter. A well portion 474 is formed in the top wall 414 and in final formation the body 412 surrounds the base member 490. As shown by FIG. 16B-C, the handle body 424 may include a structural lattice 425, formed in, for example, an injection molding process.

The rear views of the container 410 in FIGS. 16B-C show a retaining slot 430 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 416c, adjacent a recessed portion 436. Similar to that discussed previously, the axle 28 and wheels 20a, 20b of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 may be attached to the body 412 with the axle 28 inserted into the slot 430 The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 432. A strengthening rib, corrugation or other structure 434 may be provided within the recessed portion 436, and preferably wrapping around to the bottom surface.

As shown by the exploded view of FIG. 16D, the handle 424 is attached to the base member 490 by a rod 492. As in the container 310, the base 490 includes opposing projections 472 having openings therein to receive the rod member 492. The rod 492 is inserted into the openings and through a retaining structure on the handle member 424. The retaining structure is positioned between the projections and the outer ends of the rod 490 are fixed. A stop member 482 may be provided on the axle formed by the rod 492 to control rotation of the handle 424.

In FIGS. 16E-16H there is show the handle 424 in various positions that are defined by the stop member 482. In FIG. 16E, the handle 424 is shown from the rear. The stop member 482 is slid along the rod 492 to the right as shown by the arrow. The bottom surface of the stop member 482 engages the top of the base 490 and is displaced from a recess 478 formed in the surface of the base 490. The engagement of the stop member 482 with the base 490 limits the downward rotation of the handle 424 towards the base 490. Hence, the stop member 482 prevents the handle from moving into the downward position shown in FIG. 16C.

In FIG. 16F, the handle is shown from the front. The stop member 482 is moved to the right as shown by the arrow in this view and aligns with the recess 478 in the top surface of the base 490. FIG. 16G shows the alignment of the stop member 478 with the recess 478 from the rear of the handle 424. In this aligned position, the handle 424 is permitted to rotate downwardly, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 16H. In FIGS. 16E and 16F, there is shown a spring 480 on the rod 490. The spring 480 provides resistance to movement of the stop member 482 on the rod 492. In addition, the spring provides a return force for moving the stop member 482 from the aligned position (FIGS. 16F-16H) back to the engaged position (FIG. 16E). When the stop member 482 is in the aligned position, a downward movement of the handle (FIG. 16H) causes the stop member 482 to move within the recess 478, whose side wall prevents the spring 480 from returning the stop member 482 to the engaged position (FIG. 16E). Other resilient return means may be provided for creating a normal position for the stop. Additional resilient means may be provided to normally set the handle in either the rotated up or rotated down positions.

FIGS. 17A-C show various views of a container embodiment 510 having a fixed handle 524 that is inserted into and retained within the molded contours 574 of a the rear wall 516C of a container body 512. The handle base 590 is retained in the contours 574 of the container body 512, with a gripping portion 570 formed on the upper end of the handle body 524. The handle gripping portion 570 is projected above the top wall 514 of the container body 512. The handle member is preferably injection molded, while the container body is formed by a blow molding process.

In FIG. 17A, there is shown a set of wheels 20a, 20b similar in form to those shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. An axle (30) may be inserted into the slot 530 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 516c, adjacent the recessed portion 536 (see FIGS. 17B-17C). The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 532. A strengthening rib, corrugation or similar structure 534 is also shown within the recessed portion 536, with the ribs preferably wrapping around to the bottom surface (not shown) of the container body 512.

In FIGS. 17D-17D there is shown the handle 524 in cross section as positioned within the contours 574 of the rear wall 516c of the container body. There is also shown in FIG. 17D a forward portion of the handle base 590 that projects into contoured portions formed in the top wall 512 of the container body 512. In addition, stop members 580 are positioned on a lower portion of the base 590. The stops 580 are preferably flexibly mounted on the base 590. In the fixed position for the handle 524, the stops engage a shoulder edge 584 formed in the lower portion of the body contours 574.

FIGS. 18A-E show various views of a container embodiment 610 having a telescoping handle 624 that insertable into and retained by molded contours 674 within the rear wall 616c of the blow molded container body 612. Similar to FIGS. 13A-13D, the handle 624 is secured in the contours 674 of the body and may be raised and lowed as desired.

FIG. 18A shows the handle 624 in the raised position. The handle 624 is preferably injection molded. There is also shown a set of wheels 20a, 20b similar in form to those shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. An axle (28 in FIGS. 11A-11B and 12) may be inserted into the slot 630 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 616c, adjacent the recessed portion 636 (see FIG. 18C). The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 632. A strengthening rib structure 634 is also shown within the recessed portion 636, with the ribs preferably wrapping around to the bottom surface (not shown) of the container body 612.

In FIGS. 18D-18E there is show the handle 624 in cross section as positioned within the contours 674 in the rear wall 616c of the container body 612. Stop members 680 are positioned on a lower portion of the base 690. The stops 680 are preferably flexibly mounted to the base 690. In the raised position of the handle 624, the stops 680 engage a shoulder edge 684 formed in the upper portion of the body contours 674.

In FIGS. 19A-19G there is shown a container embodiment 710 having a pivotable handle 724 that is rotatably fixed to an axis rod 792 that is integrally formed as part of the container body 712 in the blow molding process. The handle 724 is preferably injection molded having multiple parts 790, 794. In FIGS. 19A and 19C, the handle 724 is shown in a downward (assembled) position. FIG. 19B shows an exploded view with the handle base 790 separated from the retaining structure 794. The retaining structure 794 has a number of tabs that project from its main body portion. The tabs are inserted through openings formed between the axis rod 792 and the top wall 714 of the container body 712. The tabs are received by the handle base 790, with screw fasteners directed through the tabs and base to rotationally secure the retainer 794 to the handle base 790 about the axis rod 792.

In FIG. 19C the handle 724 is shown in the downward position, resting adjacent to the top wall 714 of the container body 712. In FIG. 17D, the handle 724 is raised upwardly to an operational position. In this operational position, the gripping portion 770 of the handle 724 is exposed, along with the adjacent opening for hand insertion.

In FIG. 19E there is shown a cross section of the handle 724 attached to the axis rod 792 and in the downward position. The crossing member 770 is positioned adjacent the intersection of the top wall 714 and the rear wall 716c. A curve is provided in the handle structure to match the contour of the wall intersection. The retaining member 794 is secured around the axis rod 792. In the blow molding process, the retaining rod 792 is formed integrally with the walls of the container body 712 and is preferably positioned at the parting line 791 of the mold (as shown in the molded body 712). In the cross section of FIGS. 19F-19G, the handle 724 is shown in the raised/operative position. A projecting portion 780 on the retaining structure 794 is shown engages with the top wall 714 of the container body 712. The projection portion 780 forms a stop for the upward rotation of the handle 724.

FIGS. 19A and 19F show a set of wheels 20a, 20b similar in form to those shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. An axle 28 is inserted into the slot 730 formed in the lower end of the rear wall 716c, adjacent the recessed portion 736. The wheels 20a, 20b may be positioned within the side well portions 732. A strengthening rib structure 734 is also shown within the recessed portion 736, with the ribs preferably wrapping around to the bottom surface 718 of the container body 712.

In the various embodiments, there is provided a container structure defined by a blow molded body having an interior volume for retaining flowable materials, such as industrial chemicals. The four walls of the body form a front, a rear and two sidewalls, with each wall connected to adjacent walls at a corner. The top, bottom and four walls preferably include a unitary construction. The body is substantially rectangular in form, includes a top handle and includes one or more integrally formed bung openings. Rolling wheels may be attached to the body.

In embodiments, the rear wall of the container body incudes an inwardly formed engagement slot, extending transversely across A lower section of the wall. The rear wall may also include a recessed portion positioned between the engagement slot and the bottom wall. A pair of wheels are provided on opposite ends of and rotatable about a transverse axle. The axle may be frictionally retained within the engagement slot, with the outside surface of the wheels positioned parallel to and, preferably, planer with the outside of the two sidewalls.

In embodiments, a number of handle structures are shown and described. In one embodiment, a fixed handle is provided that is integrally formed with, and molded as part of, the top wall. In other embodiments, a base of the handle, either forming an integral part thereof or as a separately attached element, is fixed within the top wall by an over molding process, fixing a base of the handle by molding the wall around the base structures. In other embodiments, the handle may be slidably retained within retention grooves formed in the contours of the walls of the container body. In embodiments, the handle may by be slidable so as to extend from a retracted position to the extended position. In embodiments, the handle may receive a separate extension structure for releasably securing the extension to the handle.

The rectangular shape of the container body provides for easy storage and efficient shipping. Corrugations, ribs or similar structures may be formed as part of the top, bottom and side walls of the container body. These structures preferably minimize bloating or swelling of the container walls and further reduce the risk of cracking along parting/assembly lines formed in the blow molding process.

Although specific terms are employed herein, these terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense and, unless specifically designated, are not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.