Container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from vehicle

Abstract

A container for collecting liquid discharged from a vehicle includes a tray for collecting the liquid discharged from the vehicle and a reservoir for containing the liquid collected with the tray. The reservoir includes a vented inlet and an inlet cover for closing the vented inlet. The reservoir includes a vented outlet and an outlet cover for closing the vented outlet. The reservoir does not have an additional vent, the user must remember to open / close the vent, and the vent is susceptible to leakage.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference and priority claims of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 698,115, filed September 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to liquid containers, and more specifically to containers for collecting and containing liquids discharged from vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] When servicing vehicles, an oil pan is typically used to collect engine oil. Some oil pans are open, resembling a wide, shallow bowl, while others are integrated into a portable container that defines a closed reservoir to hold the oil and facilitates its transport to a suitable recycling facility. Existing open oil pans and those integrated into portable containers are prone to spillage during oil collection and / or transportation. Improvements are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, this disclosure describes a container for collecting and containing liquids discharged from a vehicle. The container includes:

[0006] A tray used to collect liquids discharged from vehicles;

[0007] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising:

[0008] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by a tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet including an inlet liquid passage and an inlet vent; and

[0009] A vented outlet, operable to allow liquid contained in a reservoir to be poured out of the reservoir, the vented outlet including an outlet liquid passage and an outlet vent.

[0010] An inlet cover operable to selectively close a vented inlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented inlet; and

[0011] An outlet cover, operable to selectively close the vent outlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vent outlet.

[0012] The reservoir may have no manually actuated vents except for a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

[0013] The reservoir may have no additional vents other than a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

[0014] The container may be without any additional caps other than the inlet and outlet caps.

[0015] When the container is in a liquid collection orientation: the tray may include a tray surface that is inclined downward toward a venting inlet; the inlet liquid passage may include an inlet liquid opening defined in the wall of the container; and the inlet vent may include an inlet vent opening located above the inlet liquid opening.

[0016] The liquid inlet opening can be located below a portion of the adjacent ventilated inlet on the disc surface.

[0017] The vent opening can be located above the portion of the disc surface adjacent to the vent inlet.

[0018] The vent opening can be located above a portion of the disk surface adjacent to the vent inlet.

[0019] The ventilation opening can be located in the center of the ventilation inlet.

[0020] The inlet liquid opening may be one of multiple inlet liquid openings in a vented inlet. The vent opening may be located in the center of the multiple inlet liquid openings.

[0021] Ventilation openings can be located at the top of a protrusion extending upwards from the wall.

[0022] The protrusion can have a truncated conical shape.

[0023] The protrusion can be integrally formed with the wall of the container that defines the inlet liquid opening.

[0024] The protrusion may extend above at least a portion of the disk surface. The inlet cover may be shaped to accommodate the protrusion therein.

[0025] The outlet liquid passage may extend along the outlet axis. The container may have an upright axis that is horizontal when the container is placed on a horizontal surface with the liquid collection orientation, and vertical when the container is placed on a horizontal surface with the upright orientation. When the container is in the upright orientation, the vent outlet may be located in the upper part of the container. The outlet axis may form an angle between 25° and 65° with the upright axis.

[0026] The vertical axis and the outlet axis can be coplanar.

[0027] The outlet vent can be defined by a straw that extends into the reservoir. The straw can be longer than the liquid outlet channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the entire straw may be parallel to the outlet axis.

[0029] The container may include a base pad for engaging a support surface when the container is in a liquid collection orientation. The base pad may be sized to fit into the opening of another identical container and allow the base pad to be received in the opening of another container when the containers are stacked.

[0030] Implementation examples may include combinations of the features described above.

[0031] On the other hand, this disclosure describes a container for collecting and containing liquids discharged from a vehicle. The container includes:

[0032] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, a tray is used to collect liquid discharged from the vehicle; and

[0033] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising:

[0034] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by the tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet comprising:

[0035] A tank, which defines the opening for liquid to enter the reservoir; and

[0036] A protrusion, surrounded by a groove and defining a vent opening for venting the reservoir, extends upward relative to the groove such that the vent opening is positioned higher than the liquid opening when the container is in a liquid collection orientation; the protrusion is integrally formed with the groove; and

[0037] An outlet operable to allow liquid contained in a reservoir to be removed from the reservoir.

[0038] The grooves and protrusions can be formed integrally with the body of the container.

[0039] The protrusion can have a truncated conical shape.

[0040] Ventilation openings can be located at the top of the protrusion.

[0041] The liquid opening can be one of a plurality of liquid openings defined in the tank. The vent opening can be located in the center of the plurality of liquid openings.

[0042] The tray may include a tray surface that slopes downward toward the vent inlet when the container is in liquid collection orientation. A protrusion may extend over at least a portion of the tray surface.

[0043] The groove may be annular in shape. The protrusion may be located in the center of the groove.

[0044] Implementation examples may include combinations of the features described above.

[0045] On the other hand, this disclosure describes a method for blow molding an integrally formed body of a container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the body defining: a tray for collecting liquid discharged from the vehicle and a reservoir for containing the liquid collected by the tray. The method includes:

[0046] A polymer workpiece is inserted into a mold that defines the shape of a body, the mold comprising:

[0047] The first mold surface for forming the disc;

[0048] The second mold surface has a groove for forming the ventilated inlet of the reservoir; and

[0049] The third mold surface defines a cavity extending from the second mold surface for forming a protrusion of a ventilated inlet surrounded by a groove and projecting outward relative to the reservoir;

[0050] Pressurized fluid is injected into the workpiece to cause it to expand into the mold and form the body; and

[0051] Demold the main body from the mold.

[0052] The method may include forming a liquid channel through the wall of a ventilated inlet.

[0053] Liquid channels can be formed after the container body is demolded from the mold.

[0054] The method may include forming a vent hole through a protrusion in the ventilated inlet.

[0055] Vents can be formed on the top of the protrusion of the vent.

[0056] The cavity can have a truncated conical shape.

[0057] The second mold surface used to form the wall of the ventilated inlet can be offset from the first mold surface used to form the disc.

[0058] Implementation examples may include combinations of the features described above.

[0059] On the other hand, this disclosure describes a container for collecting and containing liquids discharged from a vehicle. The container includes:

[0060] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, a disc is used to collect liquid discharged from the vehicle;

[0061] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising:

[0062] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by the tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet comprising:

[0063] Perforated grooves that define the liquid opening into the reservoir; and

[0064] A protrusion, surrounded by a groove and defining a vent opening for venting the reservoir, the protrusion extending upward relative to the groove such that, when the container is in a liquid collection orientation, the vent opening is arranged above at least a portion of the disc; and

[0065] An inlet cover, operable to selectively close a vented inlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented inlet, is shaped to accommodate a protrusion therein.

[0066] The reservoir may include a vent outlet operable to allow liquid contained in the reservoir to be removed from the reservoir. The container includes an outlet cap operable to selectively close the vent outlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vent outlet.

[0067] The reservoir may not have any additional vents other than the inlet vent and the outlet vent.

[0068] The groove may be part of a recess extending from the disc and integrally formed with the disc. The inlet cover may be threaded into the recess.

[0069] The protrusion can be positioned in the center of the groove.

[0070] The protrusion may have a truncated conical shape. The vent opening may be located at the top of the protrusion.

[0071] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, the vent opening may be located above a portion of the downwardly sloping surface of the disc adjacent to the vent inlet.

[0072] Implementation examples may include combinations of the features described above.

[0073] This invention also provides the following technical solutions:

[0074] 1. A container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the container comprising:

[0075] A tray used to collect liquids discharged from vehicles;

[0076] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a dish, the reservoir comprising:

[0077] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by a disc to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet including an inlet liquid passage and an inlet vent; and

[0078] A vented outlet, operable to allow liquid contained in a reservoir to be poured out of the reservoir, the vented outlet including an outlet liquid passage and an outlet vent.

[0079] An inlet cover operable to selectively close a vented inlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented inlet; and

[0080] An outlet cover, operable to selectively close the vent outlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vent outlet.

[0081] 2. The container according to Scheme 1, wherein the reservoir has no manually actuable vent holes other than a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

[0082] 3. The container according to Scheme 1, wherein the reservoir has no additional vent holes other than a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

[0083] 4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container has no additional cover other than the inlet cover and the outlet cover.

[0084] 5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the container is in liquid collection orientation:

[0085] The disc includes a disc surface that slopes downward toward the ventilated inlet;

[0086] The inlet liquid passage includes an inlet liquid opening defined in the wall of the reservoir; and

[0087] The inlet vent includes an inlet vent opening located above the inlet liquid opening.

[0088] 6. The container according to embodiment 5, wherein the inlet liquid opening is located below a portion of the disc surface adjacent to the ventilated inlet.

[0089] 7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the vent opening is located above the portion of the disc surface adjacent to the vent inlet.

[0090] 8. The container according to embodiment 5, wherein the venting opening is located above a portion of the disc surface adjacent to the venting inlet.

[0091] 9. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the venting opening is located at the center of the venting inlet.

[0092] 10. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein:

[0093] The inlet liquid opening is one of the multiple inlet liquid openings of the ventilated inlet;

[0094] The vent is located in the center of multiple inlet liquid openings.

[0095] 11. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the vent opening is located at the top of a protrusion extending upward from the wall.

[0096] 12. The container according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion has a truncated conical shape.

[0097] 13. The container according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the wall of the container in which an inlet liquid opening is defined.

[0098] 14. The container according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein:

[0099] The protrusion extends above at least a portion of the disk surface; and

[0100] The inlet cover is shaped to accommodate the protrusion therein.

[0101] 15. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:

[0102] The outlet liquid channel extends along the outlet axis;

[0103] The container has a vertical axis, that is:

[0104] The vertical axis is horizontal when the container is placed on a horizontal surface with the liquid collection orientation; and

[0105] The vertical axis is vertical when the container is placed on a horizontal surface with an upright orientation;

[0106] When the container is in an upright orientation, the vent outlet is located in the upper part of the container; and

[0107] The outlet axis forms an angle between 25° and 65° with the vertical axis.

[0108] 16. The container according to Scheme 15, wherein the vertical axis and the outlet axis are coplanar.

[0109] 17. The container according to claim 15 or 16, wherein:

[0110] The outlet vent is defined by a suction tube extending into the reservoir; and

[0111] The straw is longer than the liquid outlet channel.

[0112] 18. The container according to Scheme 17, wherein the entire straw is parallel to the outlet axis.

[0113] 19. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein:

[0114] The container includes a base pad that serves to engage the support surface when the container is in liquid collection orientation; and

[0115] The base is sized to fit into the opening of another identical container, and allows the base to be received into the opening of the other container when the container is stacked with another container.

[0116] 20. A container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the container comprising:

[0117] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, a tray is used to collect liquid discharged from the vehicle; and

[0118] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising:

[0119] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by the tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet comprising:

[0120] A tank, which defines the opening for liquid to enter a reservoir; and

[0121] A protrusion, surrounded by a groove and defining a vent opening for venting the reservoir, extends upward relative to the groove such that the vent opening is positioned higher than the liquid opening when the container is in a liquid collection orientation; the protrusion is integrally formed with the groove; and

[0122] An outlet operable to allow liquid contained in a reservoir to be removed from the reservoir.

[0123] 21. The container according to claim 20, wherein the groove and the protrusion are integrally formed with the body of the container.

[0124] 22. The container according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the protrusion has a truncated conical shape.

[0125] 23. The container according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the vent opening is disposed on the top of the protrusion.

[0126] 24. The container according to any one of schemes 20 to 23, wherein:

[0127] The liquid opening is one of a plurality of liquid openings defined in the tank; and

[0128] The vent is located in the center of multiple liquid vents.

[0129] 25. The container according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein:

[0130] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, the tray includes a tray surface that slopes downward toward the vent inlet; and

[0131] The protrusion extends above at least a portion of the disk surface.

[0132] 26. The container according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein:

[0133] The groove has an annular shape; and

[0134] The protrusion is located in the center of the groove.

[0135] 27. A blow molding method for an integrally formed body of a container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, said body defining: a tray for collecting liquid discharged from a vehicle and a reservoir for containing the liquid collected by the tray, said method comprising:

[0136] A polymer workpiece is inserted into a mold that defines the shape of a body, the mold comprising:

[0137] The first mold surface for forming the disc;

[0138] The second mold surface has a groove for forming the ventilated inlet of the reservoir; and

[0139] The third mold surface defines a cavity extending from the second mold surface for forming a protrusion of a ventilated inlet surrounded by a groove and projecting outward relative to the reservoir;

[0140] Pressurized fluid is injected into the workpiece to cause it to expand into the mold and form the body; and

[0141] Demold the main body from the mold.

[0142] 28. The method according to claim 27 includes forming a liquid passage through the wall of the ventilated inlet.

[0143] 29. The method according to Scheme 28, wherein a liquid channel is formed after the body of the container is demolded from the mold.

[0144] 30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, comprising forming a vent hole through a protrusion in the ventilated inlet.

[0145] 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the vent is formed on top of the protrusion of the ventilated inlet.

[0146] 32. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the cavity has a truncated conical shape.

[0147] 33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the second mold surface for forming the wall of the ventilated inlet is offset from the first mold surface for forming the disc.

[0148] 34. A container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the container comprising:

[0149] When the container is in liquid collection orientation, a disc is used to collect liquid discharged from the vehicle;

[0150] A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising:

[0151] A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by the tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet comprising:

[0152] Perforated grooves that define the liquid opening into the reservoir; and

[0153] A protrusion, surrounded by a groove and defining a vent opening for venting the reservoir, the protrusion extending upward relative to the groove such that, when the container is in a liquid collection orientation, the vent opening is arranged above at least a portion of the disc; and

[0154] An inlet cover, operable to selectively close a vented inlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented inlet, is shaped to accommodate a protrusion therein.

[0155] 35. The container according to claim 34, wherein:

[0156] The reservoir includes a vent outlet operable to allow liquid contained in the reservoir to be removed from the reservoir; and

[0157] The container includes an outlet cap that is operable to selectively close a vented outlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented outlet.

[0158] 36. The container according to claim 35, wherein the reservoir has no additional vents other than an inlet vent and an outlet vent.

[0159] 37. The container according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein:

[0160] The groove is part of a recess extending from the disk and is integrally formed with the disk; and

[0161] The inlet cover can be engaged with the groove via threads.

[0162] 38. The container according to claim 37, wherein the protrusion is disposed in the center of the groove.

[0163] 39. The container according to claim 38, wherein:

[0164] The protrusion has a truncated conical shape; and

[0165] The ventilation opening is located at the top of the protrusion.

[0166] 40. The container according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein when the container is in a liquid collection orientation, the vent opening is located above a portion of the downwardly sloping surface of the disc adjacent to the vent inlet.

[0167] Further details regarding these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0168] Now refer to the attached diagram, in which:

[0169] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the container being shown in a liquid collection orientation;

[0170] Figure 2 This is a front view of a container in an upright orientation;

[0171] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the container taken by line 3-3, with the inlet cover removed;

[0172] Figure 4 This is a magnified top view of the container's venting inlet;

[0173] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region 5 in the middle shows the area along... Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the ventilated inlet without inlet cover, line 3-3;

[0174] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the ventilated inlet and inlet cover, taken from line 3-3 in the figure;

[0175] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the vent outlet and outlet cover of the container, taken from line 7-7 in the figure;

[0176] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the ventilated outlet with the outlet cover removed.

[0177] Figure 9 It is a container in an upright orientation in relation to Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken from a vertical plane orthogonal to the direction of observation;

[0178] Figures 10A-10F It is a cross-sectional view of a container in an upright orientation taken in a vertical plane orthogonal to the viewing direction of Figure 10, showing multiple instances of the container in different tilt orientations to show the liquid contained therein;

[0179] Figure 11 A flowchart of a blow molding method for an integrally formed body of a container for collecting and containing liquids discharged from a vehicle;

[0180] Figures 12A to 12C Schematic illustration Figure 11 The steps of the blow molding operation used in the method;

[0181] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a mold used for blow molding a part of a body;

[0182] Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the main body combined with tools used to form fluid channels through the walls of the main body;

[0183] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of two containers stacked together; and

[0184] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the container stack taken from line 16-16 in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0185] This disclosure describes containers for collecting and containing used (e.g., automotive) fluids discharged from vehicles, methods of manufacturing such containers, and methods of using such containers. When servicing a vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, or motorcycle), the containers can be used to collect one or more fluids, such as engine oil, gear oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and / or windshield washer fluid. The containers can also be used to contain the collected fluids and optionally transport them to a suitable (e.g., recycling) facility.

[0186] The container may include a tray for collecting liquid discharged from a vehicle and a sealable reservoir for containing the liquid collected by the tray. In some embodiments, the container disclosed herein may reduce the likelihood of spillage during liquid collection and / or transportation. For example, the container may include a vented inlet and a vented outlet and may not have an additional / separate vent that the user may forget to open / close during use and that the vent may be prone to leakage. In some embodiments, the vented inlet may reduce the likelihood of splashing or gurgling during liquid collection, thereby reducing the likelihood of the vented inlet being flooded as air from within the reservoir attempts to leave the reservoir while liquid enters it. In some embodiments, the vented inlet may be integrally formed with the body of the container to facilitate container manufacturing. In some embodiments, the vented outlet facilitates the pouring of collected liquid out of the reservoir. Aspects of various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0187] The term “substantially” as used in this article may be applied to modify any quantity that can be varied without causing a change in the underlying functionality associated with it.

[0188] Figure 1It is used for collecting and containing from vehicle 14 (such as Figure 3 (As shown) Discharged (e.g., automotive) liquid 12 (such as...) Figure 3 A perspective view of an exemplary container 10 (shown). Container 10 may include a body 16 defining a tray 18 (i.e., a collection basin) for collecting liquid 12 discharged from vehicle 14, and a sealable reservoir 20 for containing the liquid 12 collected by the tray 18. Figure 1 The container 10 is shown in a liquid collection orientation, with the container 10 placed flat (e.g., horizontal) on a surface S (e.g., ground, driveway, garage floor) with the tray 18 facing upwards.

[0189] The reservoir 20 may include a vent inlet 22 operable to allow liquid 12 collected by the tray 18 to flow into the reservoir 20. The container 10 may include an inlet cap 24 operable to selectively open the vent inlet 22 during liquid 12 collection to allow liquid 12 to be received into the reservoir 20, and to selectively close the vent inlet 22 after liquid 12 collection to prevent liquid 12 from flowing out of the reservoir 20 via the vent inlet 22 during storage and / or transport of liquid 12. The reservoir 20 may include a vent outlet 26 operable to allow liquid 12 contained in the reservoir 20 to be removed from the reservoir 20 (e.g., poured out). The container 10 may include an outlet cap 28 operable to selectively open the vent outlet 26 to pour liquid 12 from the reservoir 20, and to selectively close the vent outlet 26 to prevent liquid 12 from flowing out of the reservoir 20 via the vent outlet 26 during collection, storage, and / or transport of liquid 12. The inlet cover 24 and / or the outlet cover 28 may be selectively attached to the body 16 by means of tethers to prevent the inlet cover 24 and / or the outlet cover 28 from being lost.

[0190] Besides venting the reservoir 20 through the vent inlet 22 and vent outlet 26, the container 10 may have no additional (i.e., manually actuated) vents other than the vent inlet 22 and vent outlet 26. This eliminates the need for the user to remember to manually actuate (i.e., close / open) any additional vents. Therefore, this eliminates the risk of the user forgetting to close / open such additional vents, thereby reducing the risk of leakage through such additional vents. Therefore, the container 10 may have no additional removable (i.e., threaded) caps or (i.e., press-fit) plugs associated with such additional vents. The container 10 may have no additional removable (i.e., threaded) caps or (i.e., press-fit) plugs other than the inlet cap 24 and the outlet cap 28.

[0191] Figure 2This is a front view of container 10 placed in an upright orientation on a (e.g., horizontal) surface S. The upright orientation of container 10 can be used during the storage and / or transport of liquid 12. Container 10 can be multifaceted and can be placed on surface S in other orientations. For reference herein, when container 10 is placed in an upright orientation on a horizontal surface S, the upright axis U of container 10 can be defined as parallel to the vertical direction V. In other words, the upright axis U can be perpendicular to surface S. In some embodiments, container 10 and disc 18 can each have an elongated shape, and the upright axis U can be the longitudinal axis of container 10 and / or disc 18. The elongated shape of disc 18 can facilitate the collection of liquid 12, from an initial strong flow to a thin stream, the liquid flow may have different trajectories depending on the orientation of the drain plug on vehicle 14. When container 10 is arranged in a liquid collection orientation on a horizontal surface S, the upright axis U can be horizontal, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0192] Container 10 may include one or more handles 30 to facilitate handling and carrying of container 10. In some embodiments, a handle 30 may be provided on each side of the disc 18 to facilitate sliding of container 10 along the surface S below vehicle 14, thereby positioning (e.g., adjusting, aligning) disc 18 to the drain plug of vehicle 14 and / or, for example, the flow of liquid 12 discharged from vehicle 14. Providing handles 30 on different sides of container 10 also facilitates carrying and storing container 10 in different orientations. Handle 30 may be part of body 16 (i.e., integrally formed with body 16). Handle 30 may be hollow and part of reservoir 20, such that liquid 12 may also be received within handle 30.

[0193] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of container 10 taken from line 3-3, where the inlet cap 24 is removed from the vent inlet 22 to allow liquid 12 collected in tray 18 to be received into reservoir 20 through the vent inlet 22. An outlet cap 28 can be installed to close the vent outlet 26 during liquid collection. Figure 3 A container 10 is shown positioned beneath a vehicle 14 undergoing repair. The container 10 is shown in a liquid collection orientation, with liquid 12 being discharged from the vehicle 14 and collected into a disc 18. The disc 18 may be defined as a recess formed on one side of a body 16. The disc 18 may include a port 32 defining an opening through which liquid 12 is received during collection. The port 32 of the disc 18 may have, for example... Figure 1 and 2The tray 18 is shown in an elongated (e.g., typically oval or rectangular) shape. The tray 18 may include a bottom tray surface 34 that slopes downwards toward a vent inlet 22, such that when the container 10 is in liquid collection orientation, liquid 12 received in the tray 18 can flow (i.e., drain) toward the vent inlet 22 along arrow D. When collection of liquid 12 from the vehicle 14 is complete, any residual liquid 12 on the tray surface 34 can be removed / wiped / cleaned, and an inlet cap 24 can be installed on the vent inlet 22 to allow transport of the filled container 10. The tray surface 34 may be relatively smooth (e.g., without protrusions (e.g., ribs) and recesses (e.g., grooves)) to facilitate cleaning.

[0194] Figure 3 The image shows reservoir 20 filled to its maximum capacity, indicated by the MAX level, represented by a horizontal line extending over the top of liquid 12. The MAX level may be located directly below the vent inlet 22. Container 10 may be sized to accommodate one or more maintenance events of vehicle 14. For example, container 10 may be sized to accommodate one or more engine oil changes for vehicle 14. In various embodiments, container 10 may have a maximum capacity between 5 liters and 20 liters. In some embodiments, container 10 may have a maximum capacity between 10 liters and 20 liters. In some embodiments, container 10 may have a maximum capacity of approximately 15 liters.

[0195] Container 10 may include a base pad 36 for engaging with surface S when container 10 is in liquid collection orientation. The base pad 36 may project outward from the remainder of body 16 and may be sized to facilitate stacking of containers 10, as described below.

[0196] Figure 4 This is an enlarged top view of the vent inlet 22 of container 10, with the inlet cap 24 removed from the vent inlet 22, indicating that liquid 12 can be collected and received inside the reservoir 20. The vent inlet 22 may be partially defined within a recess 38 extending downward from and integrally formed with the disc surface 34. In some embodiments, all elements of the vent inlet 22 may be integrally formed with the body 16 of container 10. The term "integrally formed" as used herein is intended to indicate that the elements have a single (i.e., monolithic) structure. For example, integrally formed elements may be molded together from the same material in the same molding operation and have an integral structure. Alternatively, in some embodiments, some elements of the vent inlet 22 may be manufactured separately as independent parts, which may then be assembled with the body 16 (e.g., fastening, press-fitting, threading, bonding, gluing).

[0197] A venting inlet 22 may include one or more inlet liquid openings 40 formed in the wall 42 of the container 10. A recess 38 may have a generally cylindrical shape and a circular profile. In some embodiments, the recess 38 may have an elliptical, rectangular, or other profile. The wall 42 may define the bottom of the recess 38. The wall 42 may define a flat or circular bottom of the recess 38. The wall 42 may be part of a perforated groove 45 defined in the recess 38. The groove 45 may follow the profile of the recess 38. For example, the groove 45 may be annular. The recess 38 may be partially defined by a peripheral wall 43. In other words, the wall 42 may be recessed relative to the disc 18. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 43 may be tapered in the vertical direction with a suitable draft angle to facilitate molding operations. The wall 42 and the groove 45 defined by the wall 42 may be integrally formed with the disc 18 and the body 16. The inlet liquid openings 40 may be part of a corresponding inlet liquid channel that allows liquid 12 collected by the disc 18 to flow through the wall 42 and into the reservoir 20. The wall 42 and the inlet liquid opening 40 may be located below a portion of the disc surface 34 adjacent to the vented inlet 22, such that the liquid 12 may be received in a groove 45 defined in the recess 38, and then flow through the inlet liquid opening 40 and into the reservoir 20.

[0198] The venting inlet 22 may include one or more inlet vent openings 44 (hereinafter referred to in the singular) as part of a corresponding vent (e.g., an air passage) for providing ventilation to the reservoir 20 during liquid collection 12. In some embodiments, the venting inlet 22 may include a plurality of inlet liquid openings 40 defined in the wall 42, and the inlet vent opening 44 may be located centrally at the plurality of inlet liquid openings 40. The inlet vent opening 44 may be located centrally at the venting inlet 22. The inlet vent opening 44 may be located centrally at the wall 42. The inlet vent opening 44 may be located centrally at the recess 38.

[0199] When container 10 is in liquid collection orientation, inlet vent opening 44 may be positioned above inlet liquid opening 40. Inlet vent opening 44 may be positioned above the portion of the downwardly sloping disk surface 34 adjacent to vent inlet 22. For example, inlet vent opening 44 may be positioned on or on top of a hollow protrusion 46 extending upward from wall 42. For example, in various embodiments, groove 45 defined by recess 38 may partially or completely surround protrusion 46. Protrusion 46 may extend upward relative to groove 45. Protrusion 46 may be integrally formed with the wall 42, disk 18, and body 16. Protrusion 46 may extend vertically from wall 42. Wall 42 may have a generally circular periphery, and protrusion 46 may be positioned at the center of recess 38. For example, protrusion 46 may be positioned at the center of groove 45. In some embodiments, protrusion 46 may extend vertically beyond recess 38 and above at least a portion of disk surface 34. Therefore, the inlet venting opening 44 can be positioned to continue its venting function even when the groove 38 is exactly completely filled with liquid 12 during the collection of liquid 12.

[0200] In various embodiments, the protrusion 46 may be cylindrical or prismatic. The protrusion 46 may have an axially uniform cross-sectional shape, or be tapered in the vertical direction with an appropriate draft angle to facilitate the molding process. In some embodiments, the protrusion 46 may have a truncated conical shape and resemble a volcano. In some embodiments, the protrusion 46 may have a pyramidal shape. In some embodiments, the protrusion 46 may have a tubular (e.g., straw) shape. In some embodiments, the vent 22 may include only one (i.e., a single) vent opening 44, which may be located at the top of the protrusion 46.

[0201] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region 5 in the middle shows the area along... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a ventilated inlet without an inlet cap, shown by line 3-3. In some embodiments, the inlet liquid opening 40 may be partially formed (e.g., cut into) a central protrusion 46. Figure 5 Arrows L and A illustrate the flow of liquid 12 and air through the vent inlet 22 during liquid collection. When liquid 12 is received in the tray 18, the tray surface 34 guides the liquid 12 toward the vent inlet 22. Liquid 12 enters the recess 38 and flows into the reservoir 20 through the inlet liquid opening 40. As liquid 12 enters the reservoir 20, air is released from the reservoir 20 through a channel extending vertically through the protrusion 46 and leading to the inlet vent opening 44 located at the top of the protrusion 46.

[0202] In some embodiments, the inlet vent 44 may be located below the disk surface 34 but above the inlet liquid opening 40. In some embodiments, the inlet vent 44 may be flush with the disk surface 34 or located at a non-zero height H above the disk surface 34. In some embodiments, the height H may be between 0 mm and 50 mm. In some embodiments, the height H may be between 5 mm and 15 mm, which may facilitate ventilation under certain flow conditions.

[0203] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the vent inlet 22 and inlet cap 24, taken by line 3-3 in the figure. The inlet cap 24 is operable to selectively close the vent inlet 22 to prevent liquid 12 from flowing out of the reservoir 20 through the vent inlet 22. For example, the inlet cap 24 can be removed from the vent inlet 22 during liquid collection and can be installed on the vent inlet 22 after liquid collection and during storage and / or transportation of the collected liquid 12. In some embodiments, the inlet cap 24 can be a plug that can be manually pressed into a recess 38 by a user of the container 10. In some embodiments, the inlet cap 24 can be selectively engaged with a portion of the vent inlet 22. For example, the inlet cap 24 can be manually threaded onto a protrusion 46 via threads 48 or onto the peripheral wall 43 of the recess 38 (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), the inlet cover 24 is detachably installed.

[0204] The inlet cap 24 may include an optional seal 50, which is retained thereon such that when the inlet cap 24 is installed to close the vent inlet 22, the seal 50 is operatively positioned between the inlet cap 24 and a portion of the body 16 to prevent leakage of liquid 12 from the reservoir 20 through the vent inlet 22. For example, a recess 38 may define an annular seat 52 configured to engage with the annular seal 50 and allow the seal 50 to be compressed between the flange of the inlet cap 24 and the seat 52 when the inlet cap 24 is installed. The seal 50 may be made of a compressible (i.e., elastic) material that is suitable for the type of liquid 12 that can be collected by the container 10. For example, the seal 50 may be an annular gasket or an O-ring made of a suitable elastic material (e.g., rubber).

[0205] In embodiments where the protrusion 46 extends over at least a portion of the disk surface 34, the inlet cap 24 may be configured to receive a portion of the protrusion 46 therein. For example, the inlet cap 24 may include a pocket 54 in which the top of the protrusion 46 may be received when the inlet cap 24 is installed. In some embodiments, the inlet cap 24 may be manufactured (e.g., by injection molding) and made of a suitable polymer material.

[0206] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vent outlet 26, taken by line 7-7, with an outlet cover 28 mounted thereon. The outlet cover 28 is operable to selectively close the vent outlet 26 and is selectively installed to prevent liquid 12 from flowing out of the reservoir 20 through the vent outlet 26. The outlet cover 28 can be installed during liquid collection and can be removed from the vent outlet 26 after the liquid 12 has been transported to a recycling facility to remove the liquid 12 from the reservoir 20 (e.g., pour it out). Alternatively, the liquid 12 collected using container 10 can be poured into another (e.g., a smaller) container, such as an empty container of new oil, and this other container can be taken to the recycling facility instead of container 10.

[0207] In some embodiments, the outlet cap 28 may be a plug that can be manually press-fitted with the collar 56 by a user of the container 10. In some embodiments, the outlet cap 28 may be threaded through thread 58. Figure 7 (Illustrated schematically) Manually threaded onto collar 56 for removable installation of outlet cap 28. Collar 56 may be part of body 16 and may be integrally formed therewith. Vented outlet 26 may include outlet liquid passage 60 and outlet vent 62. Outlet liquid passage 60 and outlet vent 62 may extend through collar 56.

[0208] The outlet cap 28 may include an optional seal 64 that is retained therein, such that when the outlet cap 28 is installed to close the vent outlet 26, the seal 64 is operatively positioned between the outlet cap 26 and a portion of the body 16 to prevent liquid 12 from leaking from the reservoir 20 through the vent outlet 26. The seal 64 may be sized and configured to engage with corresponding openings in the outlet liquid passage 60 and the outlet vent 62. In some embodiments, the seal 64 may be a disc-shaped gasket made of a compressible (i.e., elastic) material that is suitable for the type of liquid 12 that can be collected by the container 10. For example, the seal 64 may be made of a suitable elastic material (e.g., rubber). When the outlet cap 28 is installed, the seal 64 presses against the openings in the outlet liquid passage 60 and the outlet vent 62 to prevent liquid 12 from flowing out of the vent outlet 26.

[0209] When container 10 is in such a state Figure 2 In the upright orientation shown, the vent outlet 26 can be located in the upper part of the container 10. The outlet liquid channel 60 can extend along the outlet axis O.

[0210] An outlet vent 62 may be defined by a straw 66 (i.e., a tube) that is held within a collar 56 and extends into the reservoir 20 to provide ventilation when liquid 12 is poured out of the reservoir 20. The straw 66 may be longer than the outlet liquid passage 60. In some embodiments, part or all of the straw 66 may be substantially parallel to the outlet liquid passage 60. The straw 66 may be substantially entirely straight, or some portions of the straw 66 may be curved. The straw 66 may be made of a relatively rigid material such that the straw 66 will not deform substantially due to its own weight or due to its interaction with the liquid 12 within the reservoir 20.

[0211] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the vent outlet 26, with the outlet cap 28 removed from the vent outlet 26. Threads 58 may be formed on the collar 56, and are not... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. The vent outlet 26 is operable to allow the liquid 12 contained in the reservoir 20 to be poured out of the reservoir 20 when the outlet cap 28 is removed. The vent outlet 26 may include an insert 68, which may be fitted (e.g., press-fit, threaded, glued, adhesive) to the interior of the collar 56. Alternatively, the insert 68 may be integrally formed with the body 16. The insert 68 may define an outlet liquid passage 60 through it and may also include a hole in which a straw 66 is received and optionally retained, for example, by press-fit, threaded, glued, or adhesive. In some embodiments, the outlet cap 28 may be manufactured by (e.g., injection molding). The insert 68 and the straw 66 may be manufactured by a suitable extrusion or molding process. The outlet cap 28, the insert 68, and the straw 66 may be made of a suitable polymer material.

[0212] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of container 10 in an upright orientation, the view being orthogonal to... Figure 9 The outlet axis O is intercepted in the vertical plane of the observation direction. The outlet axis O may not be parallel to the vertical axis U. The vertical axis U and the outlet axis O may be coplanar. In some embodiments, the outlet axis O may be oriented at an angle α between 25° and 65° with the vertical axis U. In some embodiments, the outlet axis O may be oriented at an angle α between 35° and 55° with the vertical axis U. This orientation of the outlet axis O facilitates venting and manual tilting and pouring of liquid 12 from the reservoir 20. The orientation of the outlet axis O also allows the outlet cap 28 to be accommodated within the rectangular space occupied by the entire container 10, facilitating the efficient storage, packaging, and transport of one or more containers 10.

[0213] Figure 9 It also displays that the liquid 12 contained in reservoir 20 has reached the MAX level. The MAX level corresponds to... Figure 3The reservoir 20 shown represents the maximum liquid capacity, but may not necessarily occupy all available volume within the reservoir 20. In an upright orientation of the container 10, the straw 66 may extend into the reservoir 20 far enough to extend past the MAX liquid level. In other words, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 may be positioned below the MAX liquid level and may extend into the liquid 12. In some embodiments, the length of the straw 66 may be selected such that the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is near the longitudinal (e.g., vertical) midpoint of the container 10 when the container 10 is in an upright orientation. In some embodiments, the length of the straw 66 may be selected such that the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is within ±20% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the container 10 from the longitudinal midpoint of the container 10. In some embodiments, the length of the straw 66 may be selected such that the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is within ±10% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the container 10 from the longitudinal midpoint of the container 10. In some embodiments, the length of the straw 66 can be selected such that the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is within ±5% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the container 10 from the longitudinal midpoint of the container 10.

[0214] Figure 10A-10F This is a cross-sectional view of container 10 in an upright orientation, taken in a vertical plane orthogonal to the viewing direction of FIG10, and showing multiple instances of container 10 in different tilt orientations to illustrate the relationship between the liquid 12 contained therein and the venting straw 66. The orientation, positioning, and length of the straw 66 facilitate venting of the reservoir 20 when the liquid 12 is poured out. Venting the reservoir 20 through the straw 66 helps the liquid flow more steadily out of the outlet liquid channel 60 during pouring. Different tilt orientations are represented by the tilt angle T between the upright axis U and the vertical direction V. Figure 10A As shown, with the tilt angle T at 0°, the vertical axis U is parallel to the vertical direction V, and the container 10 is shown containing liquid 12 up to the MAX level, with the suction end 66A of the straw 66 submerged. Figure 10B As shown, when the tilt angle T is 30°, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is still immersed in the liquid 12, but the venting outlet 26 is not immersed in the liquid 12. Figure 10C As shown, at an inclination angle T of 45°, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is positioned above the liquid 12, while the vent outlet 26 is partially submerged in the liquid 12, indicating that venting and pouring will occur. In some embodiments, the container 10 may be sized and the vent outlet 26 may be configured such that when the container 10 contains liquid 12 reaching the MAX level, pouring will begin at an inclination angle between 40° and 50° (e.g., near an inclination angle T of 45°). Figure 10DAs shown, at an inclination angle T of 60°, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is above the liquid 12, while the venting outlet 26 is partially submerged in the liquid 12, indicating that venting and pouring will occur. Figure 10E As shown, when the tilt angle T is 90°, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is above the liquid 12, while the venting outlet 26 is submerged in the liquid 12, indicating that ventilation and pouring will occur. Figure 10F As shown, when the tilt angle T is 120°, the suction end 66A of the straw 66 is above the liquid 12, while the venting outlet 26 is submerged in the liquid 12, indicating that ventilation and pouring will occur.

[0215] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1000 for blow molding (e.g., extrusion or injection) an integrally formed body 16 for collecting and containing liquid 12 discharged from vehicle 14. In some embodiments, the body 16 may not necessarily be entirely integrally formed and may not necessarily be manufactured using method 1000. In various embodiments, method 1000 may include:

[0216] polymer workpiece 70 (e.g.) Figure 12A (As shown) The mold 72, which defines the shape of the main body 16, is inserted into it. Figure 12A (as shown in the image) (box 1002);

[0217] Pressurized fluid 74 is injected into workpiece 70 to cause workpiece 70 to expand into mold 72 and form body 16 (frame 1006); and

[0218] Demold the (optional unfinished) main body 16 from the mold 72.

[0219] The following sections, with reference to the accompanying diagrams, will explain various aspects of Method 1000.

[0220] Figures 12A-12C The steps of the extrusion blow molding operation for forming the body 16 of the container 10 are schematically shown. Figure 12A A mold 72 is shown, comprising a first half-mold 72A and a second half-mold 72B, which are separated to allow a workpiece 70 to be inserted into a cavity defined between the half-molds 72A and 72B. The workpiece 70 may be a hollow part of a polymer material softened by heat. When using extrusion blow molding, the workpiece 70 may be a tubular preform formed using an extruder 73, which is fed into the mold 72 in the direction of arrow F. The workpiece 70 may be made of a suitable thermoplastic polymer suitable for exposure to the type of liquid 12 intended to be collected by container 10. In some embodiments, the workpiece 70 may be made of high-density polyethylene. A nozzle 76 may be inserted into the workpiece 70 to deliver pressurized fluid 74 (e.g., air) into the interior of the workpiece 70.

[0221] The cavity can be configured to define the shape of the body 16. In some embodiments, the mold 72 can be configured to define substantially all features of the body 16 and may optionally include additional elements (e.g., inserts). Alternatively, some features of the body 16 may be formed by one or more subsequent (e.g., finishing) operations performed after blow molding.

[0222] Figure 12B The diagram shows half-molds 72A and 72B joined together to close mold 72, with workpiece 70 located within the cavity. With mold 72 closed, pressurized fluid 74 (e.g., pressurization) can be injected (i.e., blown in) into workpiece 70 through nozzle 76 to cause workpiece 70 to expand into the shape of mold 72 and form body 16. Excess material 77 can be trimmed (i.e., clipped) during mold 72 closure or removed from body 16 through subsequent finishing (e.g., trimming) operations.

[0223] Figure 12C The diagram shows that after the workpiece 70 expands and after the workpiece 70 depressurizes and cools, the half molds 72A and 72B have been separated to open the mold 72. With the mold 72 open, the molded body 16 can be removed from the mold 72, and the molded body 16 can be subjected to one or more finishing operations if necessary. Excess material 77 can be recycled or discarded.

[0224] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a half-mold 72A of a mold 72 for blow molding a portion of a body 16 in the region of a vent 22. Half-mold 72A may include various geometric features, such as cavities, bosses, pins, recesses, etc., configured to form various portions of the body 16. For example, half-mold 72A may include a first mold surface 78 for molding a disc 18 of the body 16. Half-mold 72A may include a second mold surface 80 for molding a wall 42 of the vent 22, the wall being designed to have one or more inlet liquid channels extending therethrough to allow liquid 12 collected by the disc 18 to be received into a reservoir 20 during use. Half-mold 72A may include a third mold surface 81 defining a cavity 82 extending from the second mold surface 80 for molding a protrusion 46 of the vent 22 projecting from the wall 42 of the vent 22. The cavity 82 may have a truncated conical or other shape. The second mold surface 80 of the wall 42 used for forming the ventilated inlet 22 may be offset from the first mold surface 78 used for forming the disc 18.

[0225] Figure 14This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the body 16 combined with a tool 84 (e.g., a drill bit) for forming a hole in the region of the vent 22. After blow molding, the body 16 may optionally undergo one or more finishing (e.g., material removal) operations to form features of the body 16. For example, an inlet liquid opening 40 may be formed after demolding the body 16 from the mold 72. The tool 84 may be used to form (e.g., drill) the inlet liquid opening 40 into the wall 42 of the vent 22. The tool 84 may be used to form (e.g., drill) an inlet vent opening 44 into a protrusion 46 of the vent 22. The inlet vent opening 44 may be formed on top of a (e.g., truncated conical) protrusion 46 of the vent 22.

[0226] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a stack of two exemplary containers 10 stacked together, numbered 86. Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a stack 86 of containers 10, taken by line 16-16. Multiple containers 10 may be stacked together during warehousing, transportation, and / or retail operations (e.g., in a retail display). The shape of the containers 10 may be configured to facilitate stacking. For example, containers 10 may be configured to allow nested stacking of containers 10. For example, when stacked, the base pad 36 of the upper container 10 may project downwards from the remainder of the body 16 and is sized to fit within the opening 32 of the tray 18 of the lower container 10. Thus, the base pad 36 can be received in the opening 32 when stacked. When stacked, the bottom surface of the upper container 10 adjacent to (e.g., around) the base pad 36 may rest on the top surface of the lower container 10 adjacent to (e.g., around) the opening 32 of the tray 18. In some embodiments, the bottom pad 36 of the upper container 10 and the opening 32 of the lower container 10 can laterally interlock the upper container 10 and the lower container 10 to prevent excessive relative lateral sliding between the upper container 10 and the lower container 10. In some embodiments, the bottom pad 36 and the opening 32 may have matching shapes and may be sized to provide a relatively small (e.g., 1 mm) gap therebetween.

[0227] Therefore, it can be seen that the examples described and illustrated above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container for collecting and containing liquid discharged from a vehicle, the container comprising: A tray used to collect liquids discharged from vehicles; A reservoir for containing liquid collected in a tray, the reservoir comprising: A vented inlet, operable to allow liquid collected by a tray to be received into a reservoir, the vented inlet including an inlet liquid passage and an inlet vent; and A vented outlet, operable to allow liquid contained in a reservoir to be poured out of the reservoir, the vented outlet including an outlet liquid passage and an outlet vent. An inlet cover operable to selectively close a vented inlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vented inlet; and An outlet cover, operable to selectively close the vent outlet to prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir through the vent outlet.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The reservoir has no manually actuated vents except for a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The reservoir has no additional vents other than a vent outlet and a vent inlet.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The container has no additional caps other than the inlet and outlet caps.

5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the container is in liquid collection orientation: The disc includes a disc surface that slopes downward toward the ventilated inlet; The inlet liquid passage includes an inlet liquid opening defined in the wall of the reservoir; as well as The inlet vent includes an inlet vent opening located above the inlet liquid opening.

6. The container according to claim 5, wherein, The inlet liquid opening is located below a portion of the disc surface adjacent to the ventilated inlet.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein, The vent opening is located above the portion of the disc surface adjacent to the ventilated inlet.

8. The container according to claim 5, wherein, The vent opening is located above a portion of the disc surface adjacent to the ventilated inlet.

9. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The ventilation opening is located in the center of the ventilation inlet.

10. The container according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein: The inlet liquid opening is one of the multiple inlet liquid openings of the ventilated inlet; The vent is located in the center of multiple inlet liquid openings.

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