Improvements in containers and related improvements

Abstract

Disclosed is a lid (10) for closing a receptacle (20), the lid comprising a stationary portion (18) positioned to substantially coincide with the opening of the receptacle to be closed, a plurality of pivoting arms (11) connected to the stationary portion, and means (12) for moving the plurality of pivoting arms between a first position in which the plurality of pivoting arms are located within the periphery of the stationary portion and a second position in which the plurality of pivoting arms are located outside the periphery of the stationary portion and engage complementary features on the receptacle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved container. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved container for use in storing hazardous materials. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a container for use in storing radioactive waste where it is desirable for the container to be handled, filled and operated remotely, i.e., human interaction is minimized and / or occurs at a safe distance from the container. [Background technology]

[0002] Radioactive waste can be divided into various categories, with the most hazardous waste requiring very specialized handling and storage. Lower level waste, which may include materials and objects in contact with more hazardous substances, still requires specialized handling and storage.

[0003] In the prior art, low and medium level radioactive materials to be discarded are typically placed in large rectangular containers with a flat lid that is secured in place by multiple nuts and bolts. Securing the lid can be time consuming, error prone, and difficult to do effectively remotely.

[0004] Additionally, the volumetric efficiency of rectangular containers can be low because it can be difficult to properly fill the container with corners that can be difficult to reach from the opening, and the lids for such containers tend to be relatively thick, thus using a significant percentage of the available volume.

[0005] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to address problems with prior art containers, whether or not described herein.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid (10) for closing a receptacle (20), the lid comprising a stationary portion (18) arranged to substantially coincide with an opening of the receptacle to be closed, a plurality of pivot arms (11) coupled to the stationary portion, and means (12) for moving the plurality of pivot arms between a first position in which the plurality of pivot arms are located within a periphery of the stationary portion and a second position in which the plurality of pivot arms are located outside the periphery of the stationary portion and engage complementary features of the receptacle.

[0008] In an embodiment, the means (12) for moving the plurality of pivot arms (11) comprises an annular member coupled to and movable relative to a stationary portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, the annular member is coupled to the stationary portion by a plurality of fasteners (16), which are arranged to pass through respective slots (17) in the annular member (12) and secure to the stationary portion (18).

[0010] In an embodiment, the annular member (12) includes a plurality of teeth on its inner circumference.

[0011] In an embodiment, the means for moving the plurality of pivot arms and the plurality of pivot arms each include complementary couplings which facilitate relative pivotal movement therebetween.

[0012] In an embodiment, the complementary coupling portion comprises a substantially circular recess (12a) and a substantially circular protrusion (11a), the substantially circular protrusion being arranged to locate and rotate within the substantially circular recess.

[0013] In an embodiment, the multiple pivot arms are each coupled to the stationary portion by a fastener (14), the fastener (14) being positioned to pass through a respective slot (15) in each of the multiple pivot arms and secure to the stationary portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the lid is provided with one or more vents (50) to allow gases to escape from within the receptacle (20).

[0015] In an embodiment, an indicator is provided to show the locked or unlocked status of the lid.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a receptacle (20) arranged to receive the lid (10) of the first aspect.

[0017] In an embodiment, the receptacle includes an opening for receiving the stationary portion (18) of the lid, and proximate the opening is provided with a relatively inwardly directed projection (25) for supporting the lid.

[0018] In an embodiment, the relatively inward projections (25) are provided with a plurality of springs (23) arranged to exert a relatively upward force on the lid (10) in use.

[0019] In an embodiment, a plurality of springs (23) are each disposed within a recess (24) of a relatively inwardly directed protrusion (25).

[0020] In an embodiment, a circumferential groove (22) is provided proximal to the opening and is positioned to receive a plurality of pivot arms (11).

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container (1) comprising the lid of the first aspect and the receptacle of the second aspect.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of closing a container (1) using a lid of the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of: placing a lid on the opening of the receptacle (20) and applying a relative downward force thereto; operating the closure mechanism while exerting a downward force; removing the downward force; Includes.

[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how embodiments thereof may be carried into effect, reference is made, by way of example, to the accompanying schematic drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a lid and container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a plan view of a container lid according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a lid and container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the interface area between a lid and a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] 1 illustrates a lid according to an embodiment of the invention in an open configuration. [Figure 5b] 1 shows a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention in a locking configuration. [Figure 6a] 1 illustrates various stages of attaching and locking a lid to a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6b] 1 illustrates various stages of attaching and locking a lid to a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6c] 1 illustrates various stages of attaching and locking a lid to a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6d] 1 illustrates various stages of attaching and locking a lid to a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 with a receptacle 20 and a lid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receptacle 20 is in the form of an open circular cross-section cylinder and is arranged to receive waste material through the opening. The opening is arranged to receive a lid 10, which closes the container 1 and ensures that the waste material contained therein is kept safe and away from the external environment.

[0026] Once filled, each such container 1 may be stored in a secure storage facility for many years. Because they are stored for such long periods, the containers 1 must be sturdy, strong, free of corrosion risks, and inhibit the escape of material from the interior of the container 1. Containers according to embodiments of the invention are formed substantially from grade 1.4404 (316L) austenitic stainless steel. The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of grade 1.4404 stainless steel are generally considered optimal for packaging radioactive waste.

[0027] The receptacle 20 is formed from three separate components. The top 20c is positioned to receive a lid, the middle section 20a is a simple tube open at each end, and the bottom section 20b is a closed dish with a diameter matching that of the middle section 20a. All three sections 20a, 20b, and 20c are welded together to form the completed receptacle 20. The welding process typically uses arc welding techniques, which are well known in the art and provide suitable and reliable results. If a receptacle of a different height is required, this is accomplished by selection of the appropriate middle section 20a, as the top and bottom sections are standard and do not vary with the height of the receptacle.

[0028] The receptacle 20 includes a support 30 at an end opposite the lid 10. The support is fixedly attached to the receptacle by a welding operation. The support 30 includes an annular structure having a radius larger than the radius of the receptacle. This provides stability and allows several containers 1 to be stacked for storage.

[0029] The support 30 also comprises a pair of forklift pockets 31 to receive a pair of forks, for example from a forklift truck, to enable the container 1 to be lifted and moved as required.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle includes a protruding ridge 21 proximate the opening of the receptacle, which provides a means by which a gripping mechanism may be used instead of a forklift truck. Such a gripping mechanism may, for example, include a pair of cooperating arms which act in unison to grip the container 1 with the protruding ridge 21 helping to ensure that the container does not slip out of the grip of the gripping mechanism.

[0031] 2 shows a plan view of the lid 10 and receptacle 20. It shows the gear 12, which is accessible from the exposed surface of the lid 10 and is used to actuate the closure mechanism, which will be described shortly.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view corresponding to line AA in Figure 2. Here, the interior of the receptacle 20, support 30 and lid 10 can be seen in situ.

[0033] In the upper left corner is the portion designated B which corresponds to Figure 4, which shows a detailed view of this portion, which is the interface area between the receptacle 20 and the lid 10. This view shows the lid in a locked or closed configuration.

[0034] The receptacle 20 includes a projection 21 that extends outwardly from the main outer body of the receptacle 20. At the top of the receptacle 20 is a circumferential groove 22 that extends around the inner surface of the receptacle 20. The groove 22 is positioned to receive a portion 11 of the lid 10, as described below.

[0035] Also disposed on the top of receptacle 20 is an inwardly extending protrusion 25 that extends around the inside surface of receptacle 20 and is positioned to receive and support lid 10. The major diameter of lid 10 is positioned to fit the diameter of the top of the receptacle such that the lid fits snugly over the top of receptacle 20 and is supported by protrusion 25.

[0036] At various points around the projection 25, recesses 24 are provided. Each recess 24 is shaped to receive a spring 23 which fits snugly into the recess. A plurality of springs 23 are provided to exert a relative upward force on the lid 10 once engaged. Typically, there are 24 such recesses 24, each 19 mm in diameter, equally spaced around the projection 25, each of which is provided with a spring 23. Further details of the operation of the springs 23 are described below in connection with Figures 6a-6d.

[0037] 5a and 5b show views of the lid 10 in the unlocked (open) and locked (closed) configurations, respectively. The top cover of the lid, which is normally in place, has been removed to show the internal workings of the lid 10. In normal use, the lid 10 looks like FIG. 2.

[0038] Figure 5a shows the lid 10 in an unlocked configuration. This contrasts with Figure 5b, which shows the lid 10 in a locked configuration. The difference is evident by the extension of the arms 11, which in Figure 5b extend beyond the major axis of the lid 10. In this context, the major axis refers to the resting portion 18 of the lid 10 that is arranged to rest on the protrusion 25 of the receptacle 20.

[0039] The stationary portion 18 has a major axis that fits the diameter of the opening leading to the receptacle 20. The outermost periphery of the stationary portion 18 has a shoulder portion arranged to cooperate with the projection 25, and the underside of the shoulder portion is arranged to face the plurality of springs 23 and the projection 25.

[0040] The stationary portion 18 is circular in plan view and has a generally annular member 12 disposed on its upper surface. The annular member 12 has a plurality of teeth disposed about its inner periphery. The annular member 12 has a plurality of slots 17 disposed approximately midway between its inner and outer periphery. Each of these slots extends substantially arcuately relative to the center of the annular member.

[0041] Fasteners 16 are provided which pass through slots 17 and secure to stationary member 18 such that annular member 12 can rotate relative to stationary member 18 through a range of rotation defined by the length of the plurality of slots 17. As seen in Figure 5a, in the unlocked configuration, fastening means 16 is located towards one end of slot 17, and in Figure 5b, in the locked configuration, fastening means 16 is located towards an end of slot 17.

[0042] The fastening means 16 may take the form of a nut or screw, which mates with an appropriate opening provided in the stationary part 18. The head of the nut or screw is positioned to be wider than the slot 17, thereby holding the annular member 12 in place. The nut or bolt 16 is tightened to the extent that the annular member 12 is attached to the stationary part 18 but is relatively free to rotate.

[0043] The outer periphery of the annular member 12 is provided with a number of substantially circular recesses 12a with channels on its outer edge, each recess 12a being arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped mating member 11a on the end of an arm 11. In the embodiment shown, there are a total of twelve such recesses, although more or less may be provided depending on particular requirements.

[0044] A number of arms 11 are provided around the circumference of the annular member 12. Each arm 11 has a generally circular projection 11a arranged to fit into a recess 12a in the annular member 12. Each arm 11 is held in place in a manner similar to that used to secure the annular member 12 and the stationary part 18. Each arm 11 has a slot 15. A fastening means 14 is provided which extends through the slot 15 and fastens into an opening in the stationary member 18, allowing the arms to move to an extent determined by the slot 15. Surrounding each fastening means 14 is a phosphorus bronze bushing 14a, shown in FIG. 4. A similar bushing, not shown, also surrounds the fastening means 16.

[0045] The generally circular projection 11a, once positioned within the recess 12a, effectively allows the arms 11 to pivot at this connection point, which pivoting action urges the arms 11 relatively outwardly as the annular member 12 rotates relative to the stationary portion 18 into the position shown in Figure 5b.

[0046] As seen in Figure 5b, once the annular member 12 is rotated relative to the stationary member 18, all of the arms 11 extend beyond the major axis of the stationary member 18. By this mechanism, the lid 10 can be attached and secured to the receptacle 20, ensuring that the lid 10 stays securely in place and cannot be accidentally removed.

[0047] The attachment process is more fully described in connection with Figures 6a-6d, which show various stages of the attachment operation, and which generally correspond to the views shown in Figure 4.

[0048] In Figure 6a, the lid 10 is placed into the top opening of the receptacle 20. In this configuration, the spring 23 exerts an upward force on the lid 10, causing it to sit slightly above the projection 25. The weight of the lid 10 alone is insufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring 23.

[0049] In Figure 6b the next stage in the process is shown where a relative downward force is applied to overcome the bias of spring 23. As can be seen, the stationary portion of lid 18 now abuts directly against projection 25 and spring 23 is compressed.

[0050] The required downward force is provided by an external device, which is operable to place the lid 10 onto the receptacle and to actuate the closure mechanism.

[0051] Although discrete springs 23 are shown positioned within recesses 24, it will be appreciated that other biasing arrangements may be used. For example, a wave spring may be used instead of coil spring 23.

[0052] In Figure 6b it can be seen that the groove 22 is now aligned with the outer portion of the arm 11 and the closure mechanism is ready to be actuated.

[0053] Figure 6c shows the configuration when the closing mechanism is actuated. Operation of the closing mechanism is best understood with reference to Figures 5a and 5b. It should be noted that the actual appearance of the lid resembles the lid shown in Figure 2.

[0054] Once the lid 10 is placed within the aperture at the top of the receptacle 20 and a relative downward force is applied, the closing mechanism may be actuated. To do this, a remote control engages the toothed inner periphery of the annular member 12. By applying a relative rotational force to the teeth, the annular member 12 rotates relative to the stationary member 18, causing the arms 11 to pivot and extend outwardly beyond the major diameter of the stationary member 18. The details of the remote control are determined according to the particular requirements of a particular user. However, one way such a device may be actuated is by a number of extending arms extending from a central hub such that once the hub is approximately centered on the lid, the arms can be extended to engage the toothed inner periphery of the annular member 12. A rotational force applied to the hub completes the locking action.

[0055] The use of multiple teeth is exemplary only, and one or more different techniques may be used to enable the remotely operated device to provide a rotational force to the annular member 12. For example, the inner circumference may be smooth and the remotely operated device may have a frictional (e.g., rubber or similar) gripper that engages and a frictional force is applied. The inner circumference may be roughened, if necessary, to assist in this regard.

[0056] An advantage of such an arrangement is that there is no need to index the lid; in other words, the relative angular relationship between the central hub of the remote handling device and the lid is not critical. This is in contrast to typical prior art containers, which require multiple individual bolts to be remotely attached and tightened. Such operations require careful and precise control and can take tens of minutes or hours, compared to the few seconds of the present embodiment. When thousands of such containers are to be filled, locked and stored, the time savings can be significant.

[0057] If the relative downward force is sufficient to overcome the bias of spring 23, the outwardly extending portions of arms 11 will extend into grooves 22, as shown in Figure 6c. Now, all of the arms are securely engaged in the grooves and the lid 10 is secured to the receptacle 20.

[0058] In the final stage, the relative downward force applied to the lid 10 is removed, as shown in Figure 6d. This removes the force compressing the spring 23, which now exerts an upward force sufficient to lift the lid 10 slightly off the projection 25. This can be seen in Figure 6d where there is now a slight gap between the underside of the stationary portion 18 and the projection 25, and the upper surface of the arm 11 directly abuts the underside of the groove 22. Once the lid is locked, the relative upward force continues to be applied.

[0059] In this final configuration, the lid 10 is securely fastened to the container in a manner suitable for storing radioactive waste.

[0060] In the field of radioactive material containment, the concept of a "tortuous path" is defined in relation to the possible escape of particles from the container. By using a "tortuous path", material is prevented or at least hindered from escaping by the lack of a direct route from inside the container to the outside of the container. It should be noted that once the container 1 is locked, it does not necessarily have to be airtight. Since the contents may be stored for hundreds of years, gas may be generated as the contents decay. The risk of the container bursting due to gas pressure is real and should typically be avoided. Therefore, the container may be fitted with one or more vents 50 to allow any gas to escape. If such vents 50 are required, they are attached to the lid 10 as shown in FIG. 5a. It is at the discretion of the end user whether vents are provided.

[0061] The lid 10 may be provided with a visual indication that it is securely locked. This may take the form of a simple alignment icon on the exposed surface of the lid, such that an arrow or similar on the annular member 12 aligns with a lock or unlock icon or label, as appropriate, on the stationary portion of the lid 10. Such an indication provides a simple and reliable means of ensuring that the lid 10 is properly installed and locked.

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over prior art containers used in the field. In particular, the number of parts in each container is reduced. The number of individual welds required to manufacture each container is also reduced, which reduces production time and reduces the opportunity for error.

[0063] Compared to prior art containers having a square or rectangular shape, embodiments of the present invention provide easier access and filling. In particular, the opening into the receptacle corresponds to the inside diameter, so there are no hidden "corners." Furthermore, unlike square or rectangular containers, where it is difficult to fill all the corners inside, the circular shape of the receptacle's interior is easily filled and maximizes the available volume for storage.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention allow for quick and easy filling in a manner that optimizes available volume by avoiding hidden or hard-to-reach corners. Containers 1 may be stacked to a desired height and stored in this configuration.

[0065] Containers 1 may be stacked one above the other in a generally vertical manner up to a specified height, or, since the outermost diameters of the top and bottom of the containers are the same, as defined by the outer diameters of top portion 20c and support 30, containers 1 may be stored on their sides in a generally horizontal manner.

[0066] When it is desired to open the container after it has been closed, the steps described in connection with Figures 6a-6d are effectively reversed and the interior of the receptacle is available and accessible.

[0067] Attention is directed to all papers and documents relating to this application that are filed contemporaneously or prior to this application and that are open to public inspection herewith, and the contents of all such papers and documents are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0068] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0069] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0070] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A lid (10) for closing a receptacle (20), said lid comprising: a stationary portion (18) arranged to substantially coincide with the opening of the receptacle to be closed; A plurality of pivot arms (11) connected to the stationary part; a means (12) for moving said plurality of pivot arms between a first position in which said plurality of pivot arms are located within a periphery of said stationary portion and a second position in which said plurality of pivot arms are located outside a periphery of said stationary portion and engage said receptacle; Equipped with The means (12) for moving the plurality of pivot arms (11) comprises an annular member coupled to the stationary part and movable relative to the stationary part; the annular member is coupled to the stationary portion by a plurality of fasteners (16), the plurality of fasteners (16) being arranged to pass through respective slots (17) in the annular member (12) and secure to the stationary portion (18); The annular member (12) has a plurality of teeth on its inner circumference.

2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the means for moving the plurality of pivot arms and the plurality of pivot arms each include complementary connections facilitating relative pivotal movement therebetween.

3. 3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the complementary mating portion comprises a substantially circular recess (12a) and a substantially circular protrusion (11a), the substantially circular protrusion being arranged to locate and rotate within the substantially circular recess.

4. 4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pivot arms are each coupled to the stationary part by fasteners (14), the fasteners (14) being arranged to pass through respective slots (15) in each of the plurality of pivot arms to secure them to the stationary part.

5. A lid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid is provided with one or more vents (50) to allow gas to escape from within the receptacle (20).

6. A lid according to any preceding claim, comprising an indicator to indicate a locked or unlocked state of the lid.

7. A receptacle (20) arranged to receive a lid (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: the receptacle has an opening for receiving the stationary portion (18) of the lid, and proximate the opening is provided with a relatively inward projection (25) for supporting the lid; The receptacle, wherein said relatively inward projections (25) are provided with a plurality of springs (23) arranged to exert a relatively upward force on the lid (10) in use.

8. The receptacle of claim 7, wherein the plurality of springs (23) are respectively disposed within recesses (24) of relatively inwardly directed projections (25).

9. A receptacle as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein a circumferential groove (22) is provided proximal to the opening and arranged to receive the plurality of pivot arms (11).

10. A container (1) comprising a lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a receptacle according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A method for closing a container (1) using a lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of: placing said lid on the opening of a receptacle (20) and applying a relative downward force thereto; operating a closure mechanism while applying said downward force; removing the downward force; A method comprising:

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