Collapsible storage and dispensing vessel

Claim 2

A collapsible fluid storage vessel comprising: a generally cylindrical body formed of elastomer in which is embedded a reinforcement material; an outlet attached to the body portion and in communication with the interior of the vessel; a flattened ramp end portion extending from the body and formed by pinching together an end of the cylindrical body; and an insert formed of reinforced elastomer bridging and bonded to juxtaposed interior sidewall portions of the cylindrical body at an end thereof adjacent said flattened ramp portion, adapted and arranged to inhibit separation of the flattened ramp end portion upon pressurization of the storage vessel.

Claim 3

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 1 wherein the outlet includes an elongated nozzle, and a cowling integrally attached to the cylindrical body at one end thereof in surrounding relation to the outlet, the cowling being formed of an elastomeric material bonded by vulcanization to the cylindrical body.

Claim 4

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement material in the insert extend along and in adjacent relation to ramp surfaces of said flattened ramp end portion, but such reinforcement does not extend continuously around the interior sidewall portion of the insert, permitting a substantial hinging action during pressurization and depressurization of the storage vessel.

Claim 5

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 3 wherein the insert is formed of an inner elastomeric member bonded to the cylindrical body, an outer elastomeric member compatible with the fluids designed for use with the vessel, a tie gum elastomer bonded to each of the inner and outer layers of the insert, and the reinforcement being disposed within the time gum layer, the tie gum layer being compatible and bonded to the reinforcing members as well as the adjoining inner and outer layers.

Claim 6

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 1 wherein the flattened ramp and portion includes an elastomeric plug portion sandwiched between the sidewalls of said body portion.

Claim 7

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 5 wherein the flattened ramp end portion is held together as a sealed laminate solely by covulcanization of the elastomeric plug and body wall portions.

Claim 8

A collapsible storage vessel of generally toothpaste tube configuration for dispensing fluids, comprising: a generally cylindrical body formed of elastomer reinforced by a textile material disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vessel so that limited expansion of the vessel may take place upon pressurization of the vessel; an outlet including a nozzle means attached to the body portion and in communication with the interior of the vessel; a flattened end portion extending from the body and having upper and lower ramp portions, adapted to be driven up on by a wheeled or tracked vehicle to apply compressive force to the vessel to pressurize it and assist in expelling fluids therefrom; and an insert formed of reinforced elastomer bridging and bonded to interior sidewall portions of the cylindrical body juxtaposed to said upper and lower ramp portions adjacent said flattened end portion, adapted and arranged to inhibit separation of the flattened end portion upon pressurization of the storage vessel.

Claim 9

A collapsible storage vessel of generally toothpaste tube configuration for dispensing fluids, comprising: a generally cylindrical body formed of elastomer reinforced by a textile material disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vessel so that limited expansion of the vessel may take place upon pressurization of the vessel; an outlet including a nozzle means attached to the body portion and in communication with the interior of the vessel; a flattened end portion extending from the body and having upper and lower ramp portions, adapted to be driven up on by a wheeled or tracked vehicle to apply compressive force to the vessel to pressurize it and assist in expelling fluids therefrom; and an insert formed of reinforced elastomer bridging and bonded to interior sidewall portions of the cylindrical body juxtaposed to said upper and lower ramp portions adjacent said flattened end portion, adapted and arranged to inhibit separation of the flattened end portion upon pressurization of the storage vessel.

Claim 10

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 7 wherein the outlet includes an elongated nozzle, and a cowling attached to the cylindrical body at one end thereof in surrounding relation to the outlet, the cowling being formed of an elastomeric material bonded by vulcanization to the cylindrical body.

Claim 11

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 7 wherein the insert is formed of an inner elastomeric member bonded to the cylindrical body, an outer elastomeric member compatible with the fluids designed for use with the vessel, a tie gum elastomer bonded to each of the inner and outer layers of the insert, and the reinforcement being disposed within the tie gum layer, the tie gum layer being compatible and bonded to the reinforcing members as well as the adjoining inner and outer layers.

Claim 12

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 7 wherein the flattened ramp end portion includes a plug portion sandwiched between the sidewalls of said body portion.

Claim 13

The collapsible fluid storage vessel of claim 7 wherein the flattened ramp end portion is held together as a sealed laminate solely by covulcanization of the elastomeric plug and body wall portions.