US20050115606A1

US20050115606A1 - System for effecting liquid transfer from an elevated supply container

Info

Publication number: US20050115606A1
Application number: US10/851,669
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald Chisholm; Peter Alex
Original assignee: Scepter Corp
Current assignee: Scepter Corp
Priority date: 2003-10-01
Filing date: 2004-05-24
Publication date: 2005-06-02

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising a support structure, configured to support the supply container mounting means configured for suspending the support structure at an elevated position relative to the receiving container and a fluid transfer apparatus, configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container. Also is provided is a kit for an apparatus for supporting an object comprising a support structure configured to support the supply container and mounting means configured for snap-fit engagement to the support structure to effect releasable coupling of the mounting means to the support structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for transferring fluids and, more particularly, to systems for siphoning liquids from a supply container to a receiving container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transferring liquids from a supply container to a receiving container by means of siphoning requires that the supply container be disposed in an elevated position relative to the receiving container. Typically, during siphoning, the supply container is supported on a relatively flat surface, such as a table. When siphoning from a supply container, the siphoning apparatus tends to be extended as close to the receiving container as possible. This creates risk of pulling the gas container and siphoning apparatus from the flat surface of the table, causing the system to fall to the ground, causing undesirable spillage of liquid (e.g. gasoline). Further, dedicating space on a table for supporting the siphoning system takes up unnecessary floor space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising:

- a support structure, configured to support the supply container;
- mounting means configured for suspending the support structure at an elevated position relative to the receiving container; and
- a fluid transfer apparatus, configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising:

- a support structure including a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base; and
- a fluid transfer apparatus configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the legal structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting an object comprising:

- a support structure configured for supporting the object; and
- mounting means coupled to the support structure in snap-fit engagement.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting an object comprising:

- a support structure including a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the top surface configured for supporting an object, the bottom surface defining at least one support structure rail;
- at least two mounting brackets, wherein each of the two mounting brackets is coupled to the bottom surface of the support structure, and wherein at least one of the at least two mounting brackets includes at least one bracket rail, one of the at least one bracket rail being disposed in spaced apart relationship relative to one of the at least one support structure rail; and
- at least one receptacle slideably mounted to each of the one of the at least one bracket rail and the one of the at least one support structure rail so as to facilitate movement of the at least one receptacle relative to the support structure.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for an apparatus for supporting an object comprising:

- a support structure configured to support the supply container; and
- mounting means configured for snap-fit engagement to the support structure to effect releasable coupling of the mounting means to the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the system illustrated in FIG. 1, having the fluid transfer apparatus removed for clarity;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the support structure of the present invention, illustrating a supply container being supported by the support structure;
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid transfer apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the valve in the closed condition;
FIG. 8 is a second fragmentary elevation view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the valve in an open condition;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the fluid transfer apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;
FIG. 11 is a partially exploded side elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;
FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, and having means for slidably mounting the support structure to the mounting brackets, with the fluid transfer apparatus removed for purposes of clarity;
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the supply container and a paper towel roll being supported by the support structure;
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, having the supply container and the paper towel roll removed for clarity;
FIG. 15 is a top perspective view from one side of the mounting bracket of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14;
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a second side of the mounting bracket illustrated in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is an exploded, partly fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the support structure illustrated in the embodiment of the system illustrated in FIG. 14, partly in section, illustrating the manner of coupling of the mounting bracket to the support structure;
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an exploded, partly fragmentary, top perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, illustrating the manner of coupling of a receptacle module to the support structure;
FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a receptacle module of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18; and.
FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a further receptacle or storage drawer of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a system 10 for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container 100 to a receiving container 300 comprising a support structure 400 and a fluid transfer apparatus 200.
The support structure 400 is configured to support the supply container 100. The support structure 400 includes a base 412 for vertically supporting the supply container 100, as well as lateral support means 414 projecting above the base 412 for providing lateral support to the supply container 100 supported on the base 412. The lateral support means 414 includes at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections 416, 418, and 420, 422. Each of the sidewall sections 416, 418 and 420, 422 presents an inwardly facing planar lateral support surface which is orthogonal to the upwardly facing vertical support surface presented by the base 412. The planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections 416, 418 and 420, 422 is orthogonal to the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections. Preferably, the sidewall sections 416, 418 are coupled to the sidewall sections 420, 422 to define a receptacle 424 for receiving the supply container 100. Preferably, the support structure is made from high density polyethylene.
Mounting means 440 of the support structure 400 is configured to effect mounting of the support structure 400 to a mounting surface having a transverse axis perpendicular to a transfer axis of a horizontal surface. For example, the mounting surface can be in the form of a wall 600 extending upwardly from a horizontal floor. Referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiment illustrated, the support structure 400 includes a connector hook 442 configured to be received by a bracket 444. To receive the connector hook 442, the bracket 444 includes receptacle 446. The bracket 444 is mountable to the wall 600 by means of screws 448.
Optionally, the support structure 400 can include a paper towel dispenser 450 projecting below the base 412. Additionally, a divider 426 can be provided to divide the compartment 424 into two separate compartments, such that one compartment can contain the supply container 100, and the other compartment can be configured to contain accessories such as engine fluids.
The fluid transfer apparatus 200 is provided to effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container 100 when the supply container 100 is supported on the support structure 400. In this respect, the fluid transfer apparatus 200 is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container 100. The fluid transfer apparatus 200 also includes an outlet 218 for effecting discharge of the liquid flowed to the receiving container 300 from the supply container 200.
The fluid pressure driving force created by the fluid transfer apparatus 200 can take the form of a communication of a reduced fluid pressure to the liquid in the supply container 100, wherein such reduced fluid pressure is less than the fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container 100. Such created fluid pressure differential initiates flow of the liquid from the supply container 100 through the fluid transfer apparatus 200.
A fluid transfer apparatus 200 which also falls within the scope of the invention is one which, when disposed communication with the liquid in the supply container 100, is capable of initiating and effecting siphoning of the liquid from the supply container 100. The term “siphoning” is used herein to describe the process by which a liquid is transferred from a supply container 100 at a higher level, and over an intermediate elevation greater then the higher level, and then discharged at a lower level. Such transfer is effected by the pressure of the fluid in the supply container 100 forcing the liquid from the supply container 100 to the intermediate elevation. The excessive weight of the liquid in the fluid passage between the intermediate elevation and the discharge causes a continuous flow to be discharged.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate further embodiments of the support structure 400 of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a support structure 400 having sidewall sections which do not extend from the base. FIG. 4 illustrates a support structure 400 having a strap 430 for securing the supply container 100 to the support structure 400. In this respect, the strap 430 includes at least two ends. Each of the two ends is coupled to the support structure 400 so as to extend over the supply container 100 supported on the support structure 400 and urging the supply container 100 into engagement with the support structure 400, thereby securing the supply container 100 to the support structure 400.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of the system 10 of the present invention, and particularly illustrate a further mounting means 440 for effecting mounting of the support structure 400 to the wall 600. In this embodiment, the mounting means 440 includes at least first and second mounting brackets 462, 464 configured for mounting to the wall 600 by respective fasteners 466 (such as screws). The mounting brackets 462, 464 present respective support surfaces 468, 470 configured to vertically supporting the support structure 400. In this respect, the base 412 of the support structure 400 is configured to rest upon the support surfaces 468, 470.
FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the system 10, which is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, with the exception that each of mounting brackets 462, 464 include respective rails 472, 474 extending upwardly from the support surface 468, 470. The base 412 of the support structure 400 includes channels 402, 404 extending across the width “W” of the base 412 and configured to be slidably received by, or “keyed” into, the corresponding rails 472, 474, to thereby effect slidable mounting and anchoring of the support structure 400 to the brackets 462, 464.
FIGS. 13 to 17 illustrate a further embodiment of the support structure 400 of the present invention. The support structure 400 is configured to support the supply container 100 (see FIG. 13). The support structure 400 includes a receptacle 500 formed in a top surface 502 for supporting the supply container 100. The receptacle is defined by the base 412, and lateral support means 414 projecting above the base 412 for providing lateral support to the supply container 100 vertically supported on the base 412. Lateral support means 414 includes the opposing sidewall sections 416, 418 and 420, 422.
The top surface 502 of the support structure 400 also includes further receptacles 501, 503 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) for containing other articles, such as a paper towel roll (shown in FIG. 13) as well as other ancillary articles, such as engine oil or tools.
The support structure 400 is mountable to a substantially vertical wall 600 by way of at least first and second mounting brackets 504, 506. Mounting brackets 504, 506 are configured for mounting to the wall 600 by respective fasteners 508 (such as screws). Mounting brackets 504, 506 are configured for snap-fit engagement to the support structure 400. Upon snap-fit engagement of the mounting brackets 504, 506 to the support structure 400, the support structure 400 can be mounted to the wall 600 by the fasteners 508. In this respect, each of the mounting brackets 504, 506 include mounting holes 510 for receiving the fasteners 508 to effect the mounting of the combination of the support structure 400 and mounting brackets 504, 506 to the wall 600.
Referring to FIG. 17, to effect snap-fit engagement of the brackets 504, 506 to the support structure 400, the bottom surface 519 includes pairs of downwardly extending ribs 512, 514 and 516, 518 corresponding to the number of brackets 504, 506. Each of the pairs of ribs 512, 514 and 516, 518 co-operate with respective brackets 504, 506 to effect snap-fit engagement of the brackets 504, 506 to the support structure 400. In this respect, the bracket 504 is configured for insertion between the ribs 512, 514. Similarly, the bracket 506 is configured for insertion between the ribs 516, 518. Referring to FIGS. 15-17, to effect engagement of the bracket 504 to the support structure 400, the ribs 512, 514 include respective apertures 513, 515 for receiving corresponding pins 505 provided on the bracket 504, the pins 505 being received by the apertures 513,515 in snap-fit engagement. Similarly, the ribs 516, 518 include respective apertures 517, 519 for receiving corresponding pins 507 provided on the bracket 506, the pins 507 being received by the apertures 517, 519 in snap-fit engagement.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 22, the support structure 400 can optionally include one or more slideably moveable receptacles 520 a, b (two are shown) for containing various ancillary articles, such as tools. Each of the receptacles 520 a, b includes a base 522 and two pairs of integrally joined and opposing sidewalls 524, 526 and 528, 530 to define a cavity 532 for receiving and containing the various articles. The receptacles 520 a, b are moveable relative to the support structure 400 between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, access to the contained articles stored in the receptacles 520 a, b is facilitated. In the retracted position, the receptacles 520 a, b are stored underneath the support structure 400 so that the receptacles 520 a, b substantially do not protrude beyond the perimeter of the support structure 400. In this respect, the receptacles 520 a, b function as storage drawers.
A pair of rails 534, 536 are provided for effecting slideable mounting of each of the receptacles 520 a, b to the support structure 400. In one embodiment, and referring to FIG. 17, one 534 of the pair of rails 534, 536 depends from the bottom surface of the support structure 500 and extends along the width (W). Referring to FIG. 16, the other rail 536 is provided on one of the mounting brackets 504, 506 and is in spaced apart relationship relative to the first rail 534 when the mounting bracket 504 is coupled to the support structure 400 in snap-fit engagement. Each of the receptacles 520 a, b includes first and second lips 538, 540 extending peripherally (outwardly) from the sidewalls 524, 526. Each of the lips 538, 540 is configured for slideable mounting to the respective rails 534, 536.
To effect movement of the receptacles 520 a, b between retracted and extended positions, a handle 542 is integrally formed with the front wall 528 of each of the receptacles 520 a, b. When the receptacle 520 a (or 520 b) is in the retracted position, by grasping the handle 542 and pulling in the direction of the arrow denoted by reference numeral 544, the receptacle 520 a (or 520 b) moves from a retracted position to an extended position to thereby effect access to any articles in the cavity 532.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 the support structure 400 is also configured for releasable coupling to one or more receptacle modules 546, 548. In the embodiment illustrated, two receptacle modules 546, 548 are provided and releasably coupled to the sides of the support structure 400. An example of how the receptacle modules are mounted to the support structure 400 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21.
FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate a further embodiment of the support structure 400. This embodiment is the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 17, with the exception that the receptacles 501, 503 of the support structure 400 are different. For example, the paper towel receptacle 501 is different in the FIG. 18 embodiment versus the corresponding receptacle 501 in the FIG. 13 embodiment. In particular, the receptacle 501 in FIG. 18 is in the form of a rod which is received in snap-fit engagement by an aperture 501 a. Further, one of the receptacle modules 548 is different in the FIG. 13 embodiment. Even further, the FIG. 13 embodiment does not include receptacles 520 a, b which functions as storage drawers.
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the mounting of the receptacle module, 546, 548 to the support structure 400. The support structure includes a plurality of key-hole shaped apertures 552 provided on first and second opposite sides of the support structure 400 to effect mounting of one or more receptacle modules 546, 548. The receptacle modules 546, 548 are configured to support and/or contain various articles, such as hand tools (module 548) or towels (module 546 is a towel rack). Referring to FIG. 19, the receptacle modules 546, 548 include mounting lugs 550 configured for insertion into corresponding key-holes 552 of the support structure 400 to thereby effect coupling of the receptacle modules 546 to the support structure 400.
An example of a suitable fluid transfer apparatus is the Flo'N Go™, manufactured by Scotia Innovators Inc.
A further example of a suitable fluid transfer apparatus 200 is illustrated in FIG. 5. It is understood that any one of a number of fluid transfer apparati can be used in the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a fluid transfer apparatus 200 for initiating and effecting siphoning of a liquid from a supply container 100. It is understood that other devices which are capable of initiating siphoning, but configured in a different manner, fall within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the fluid transfer apparatus 200 includes a fluid passage 214 having an inlet 216, and an outlet 218, and an orifice 219. The inlet 216 is configured for fluidly communicating with the supply container 100. A portion of the fluid passage 214 including the inlet 216 is defined by a flexible hose. To effect fluid communication with the liquid in the supply container 100, the hose is inserted through an opening in the supply container 100 and disposed below the liquid level in the supply container 100. Optionally, a shut-off valve 500 can be interposed between the inlet 216 and the supply container 100 (see FIG. 1).
The outlet 218 communicates with atmospheric pressure, and is configured for effecting discharge of liquid being flowed through the fluid passage 214 to the receiving container to effect transfer of liquid from the supply container 100 to the receiving container 300. The orifice 219 effects fluid communication between the inlet 216 and the outlet 218, and is defined by a valve seat 221. A fluid flow actuator 225 is provided to initiate flow of liquid from the supply container 100 and through the apparatus 200.
A valve 223 is provided and configured to control or prevent flow of fluid between the inlet 216 and the outlet 218. The valve 223 includes a sealing member 232 configured to sealingly engage a valve seat 221. Sealing engagement of the sealing member 232 to the valve seat 221 effects sealing of fluid communication between the inlet 216 and the outlet 218. A valve stem 234 joins the sealing member 232 to a male retaining bulb 236. The retaining bulb 236 is received within a female retaining bulb 238 provided within an expandable bellows 220 of an envelope 280. The envelope 280 is disposed between first and second valve means 224, 226 in the fluid passage 214. In this respect, the envelope 280 defines a space 222 for receiving a gas or a gas/liquid mixture.
Expansion and compression of the bellows 220 effects displacement of the sealing member 232 relative to the valve seat 221. The bellows 220 is spring biased towards an expanded condition. When the bellows 220 is in the expanded condition, the sealing member 232 is sealingly engaged to the valve seat 221.
The bellows 220 further functions as the flow actuator 225. Manual actuator 228 effects deformation of the bellows 220. Deformation of the bellows 220 effects a contraction of the space 222 to a contracted condition. In concert, the sealing member 232 becomes displaced from the valve seat 221. When the space 222 includes a liquid and/or gas, the deformation of the bellows 220 results in the contraction of the space 222, and displacement of the valve member, to thereby effect a discharge of at least a portion of the fluid from the space 222, through the orifice, past the first valve means 224, and to the outlet 218.
To prevent a return of the exhausted gas to the space 222 of the envelope 280, the first valve means 224 is disposed in the fluid passage 214 downstream of the orifice 219 to function as a check valve for preventing back flow of gas or a gas/liquid mixture from the outlet 218 and into the space 222. The first valve means 224 is biased by a first biasing force to assume a normally closed condition, whereby fluid communication between the space 222 and the nozzle outlet 218 is sealed. The first valve means 224 is configured to assume an open condition, whereby fluid communication is effected between the space 222 and the outlet 218 to effect the transfer of fluid from the space 222 and out through the nozzle outlet 218. This condition is assumed in response to a communication of an increased fluid pressure in the space 222 attributable to the contraction of the space 222, such contraction effecting a fluid pressure differential between the space 222 and the outlet 218. The resultant fluid pressure differential force acts on the first valve means 224 and eventually overcomes the first biasing force. Once the fluid pressure in the space 222 approaches the fluid pressure at the outlet 218, the first biasing force effects return of the first valve means 224 to the closed condition, thereby sealing fluid communication between the space 222 and the outlet 218. The first valve means 224 is configured to maintain the closed condition when the fluid pressure in the space 222 is less than the fluid pressure downstream of the first valve means 224, such as at the outlet 218. In the embodiment shown, the first valve means 224 is a flapper valve.
A second valve means 226 is also provided in the fluid passage 214, also functioning as a check valve, for preventing back flow of gas or a gas/liquid mixture from the space 222 to the inlet 216 (and to the container 100). The second valve means 226 is biased by a second biasing force to assume a normally closed condition, whereby fluid communication between the space 222 and the inlet 216 is sealed. The second valve means 226 is configured to assume an open condition, whereby fluid communication is effected between the inlet 216 and the space 222 to effect a transfer of fluid (gas and/or liquid) from the inlet 216 to the space 222 in response to communication of a decreased fluid pressure in the space 222 attributable to the expansion of the space 222 from the contracted condition, such expansion effecting a fluid pressure differential between the inlet 216 and the space 222. The resultant fluid pressure differential force acts on the valve means 226 and is eventually sufficient to overcome the second biasing force. Once the fluid pressure in the space 222 approaches the fluid pressure at the inlet 216, the second biasing force effects return of the second valve means 226 to the closed condition, thereby sealing fluid communication between the space 222 and the inlet 216. The second valve means 226 is configured to maintain a closed condition when the fluid pressure in the space 212 is greater than the fluid pressure upstream of the second valve means 216, such as at the inlet 216. In the embodiment shown, the second valve means 226 is a flapper valve.
To effect contraction and expansion of the space 222, the bellows 220 is coupled to the manual actuator 228. As shown, the manual actuator 228 comprises a hand lever 230. Referring to FIG. 4, the hand lever 230 is pivotally coupled to a frame 231 of the apparatus 200. Pressing on the hand lever 230 effects the deformation of the bellows 220, resulting in contraction of the space 222 and displacement of the sealing member from the valve seat (opening of the orifice). Releasing the lever 230, when the space 222 is in the contracted condition, results in expansion of the space 222 and its return to an original expanded condition and also results in return of the sealing member into sealing engagement with the valve seat 221.
The fluid transfer apparatus 200 is useful for effecting siphoning of liquid from container 100 where the level of the liquid in the supply container 100 is elevated relative to the discharge of the dispensing apparatus 200 and a receiving container 300. To effect flow of liquid from the container 100, and its eventual discharge through outlet 218, hand lever 230 is pressed. Pressing of hand lever 230 causes pivotal rotation of the hand lever 230 so that hand lever 230 comes into contact with and presses against the bellows 220. As the hand lever 230 presses against the bellows 220, the bellows 220 deforms, with consequent contraction of the space 222, and displacement of the sealing member 232 from the valve seat 221. Upon contraction of the space 222, fluid (liquid and/or gas) within the space 222 becomes pressurized. This fluid pressure eventually overcomes the biasing force being applied to the valve means 224, and effects opening of valve means 224 such that fluid communication is effected between the space 222 and the outlet 218. As a result, fluid flows from the space 222 and discharges from the nozzle 218, thereby effecting at least partial evacuation of the space 222. Eventually, the fluid pressure within the space 222 subsides such that the valve means 224 returns to a closed position, sealing fluid communication between the space 222 and the outlet 218.
Once the space 222 is at least partially evacuated and the valve means 224 has returned to a closed condition (or is disposed to return to a closed condition upon creation of a sufficient vacuum as described hereafter), release of the hand lever 230 effects expansion of the bellows resulting in reduced pressure condition in the space 222 relative to the fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container 100. This vacuum condition forces open the valve means 226 (and, if not closed already, effects closure of valve means 224), and provides a driving force to effect flow of fluid (liquid and/or gas) from the supply container 100.
The priming action of effecting alternating contraction/expansion of the space 222 eventually results in the fluid passage being occupied by liquid from the supply container 100. When this happens, a siphoning process is established as the fluid pressure of the liquid will keep the first valve means 326 open, and liquid flow will continue so long as the liquid level in the supply container 100 is elevated relative to the outlet 218 of the apparatus 212. The rate of liquid flow during siphoning may be controlled by the hand lever 230. If desired, the siphoning process can be stopped by sufficiently pressing on the hand lever to cause sealing engagement of the valve 223 with the valve seat 221.
It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made to the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising:

a) a support structure, configured to support the supply container;

b) mounting means configured for suspending the support structure at an elevated position relative to the receiving container; and

c) a fluid transfer apparatus, configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means is configured to effect mounting of the support structure to a mounting surface having a transverse axis perpendicular to the transverse axis of a horizontal surface.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting surface extends upwardly from a horizontal floor.

4. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the support structure includes a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lateral support means includes at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections, each of the sidewall sections projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base presents an upwardly facing planar vertical support surface, and each of the sidewall sections presents an inwardly facing planar lateral support surface which is orthogonal to the vertical support surface of the base.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is orthogonal to the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is disposed between the second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is coupled to the second one of the at least two sidewall sections.

10. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby initiate and effect siphoning of the liquid such that liquid is flowed from the supply container.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mounting means is configured to effect mounting of the support structure to a mounting surface having a transverse axis perpendicular to the transverse axis of a horizontal surface.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mounting surface extends upwardly from a horizontal floor.

13. The system as claimed in claims 10, wherein the support structure includes a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container, and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lateral support means includes at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections, each of the sidewall sections projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the base presents an upwardly facing planar vertical support surface, and each of the sidewall sections presents an inwardly facing planar lateral support surface which is orthogonal to the vertical support surface of the base.

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is orthogonal to the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is disposed between the second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is disposed to the second one of the at least two sidewall sections.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is coupled to the second one of the at least two sidewall sections.

20. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation and communication of a reduced fluid pressure relative to a fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container and thereby initiate flow of the liquid from the supply container.

21. The system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the mounting means include at least two mounting brackets configured for mounting to the mounting surface, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes at least one elongated rail, and wherein the support structure includes a plurality of channels configured to be keyed into a respective one of the rails for slideable mounting thereon.

22. A system for effecting transfer of liquid from a supply container to a receiving container comprising:

a) a support structure including a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base; and

b) a fluid transfer apparatus configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the legal structure to thereby effect creation of a fluid pressure driving force for initiating flow of the liquid from the supply container, and including an outlet for effecting discharge of the liquid being flowed to the receiving container.

23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the supply container is supported on the support structure to thereby initiate and effect siphoning of the liquid such that liquid is flowed from the supply container.

24. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fluid transfer apparatus is configured for fluid communication disposition with the liquid in the supply container when the container is supported on the support structure to thereby effect creation and communication of a reduced fluid pressure relative to a fluid pressure of the liquid in the supply container and thereby initiate flow of the liquid from the supply container.

25. The system as claimed in claims 22, wherein the support structure includes a base configured for vertically supporting the supply container, and lateral support means projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

26. The system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the lateral support means includes at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections, each of the sidewall sections projecting above the base and configured for providing lateral support to the supply container supported on the base.

27. The system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the base presents an upwardly facing planar vertical support surface, and each of the sidewall sections presents an inwardly facing planar lateral support surface which is orthogonal to the vertical support surface of the base.

28. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is orthogonal to the planar lateral support surface of each of the sidewall sections of a second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

29. The system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is disposed between the second one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections.

30. The system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first one of the at least two pairs of opposing sidewall sections is coupled to the second one of the at least two sidewall sections.