Container

Abstract

A container has a polymer body providing an enclosed volume in which in use fluid is contained. The body including an engagement formation from which, in use, an item, such as a particulate filter, depends within the enclosed volume. The container includes at a position below the engagement formation, a support formation formed integrally with the body of the container to support the item from below at least when the container becomes hot.

1 . A container having a polymer body providing an enclosed volume in which in use fluid is contained, the body including an engagement formation from which, in use, an item depends within the enclosed volume, and wherein the container includes at a position below the engagement formation, a support formation formed integrally with the body of the container to support the item from below at least when the container becomes hot.  
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the support formation is provided integrally with the polymer body by being formed as the polymer body is molded.  
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the support formation includes a part of the body which extends inwardly of the enclosed volume and at an exterior of the body includes a recess in the body, so that the thickness of the body wall is generally constant where the support formation is provided.  
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the engagement formation from which the item depends into the enclosed volume is provided at an opening provided in the body, through which fluid may flow.  
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 4  wherein the opening is provided at or towards a top of the container and the support formation is provided at or towards a bottom of the container.  
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 4  wherein the item includes a fluid filter to filter particulates from fluid passing into or from the container through the opening.  
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the item is long, and is additionally supported in the enclosed volume by a support structure which extends downwardly within the enclosed volume of the body from at or adjacent to the engagement formation.  
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 7  wherein the support structure is a cage or mesh with a plurality of openings sufficiently large to not impede fluid flow therethrough.  
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 7  wherein the support structure is an integral part of the container, provided by positioning the support structure in a mold cavity and molding the body of the container in the mold cavity.  
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the item which in use depends within the enclosed volume is integrally provided with the body.  
     
     
         11 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the exterior of the body of the container is provided with one or more external supporting formations for supporting at least one other item relative to the container.  
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 11  wherein the external supporting formation projects outwardly of the surrounding body and in use engages with an elongate item being one of a fluid conduit, and an electrical cable or an optical cable.  
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 11  wherein the external supporting formation includes a pair of arms which are resiliently moveable apart to receive the item to be supported, and when released grip and support the item.  
     
     
         14 . A container according to  claim 11  wherein the external supporting formation includes an enclosed support aperture in which the item to be supported is trapped.  
     
     
         15 . A container according to  claim 14  wherein the item to be supported is included within a mold cavity when the container body and external supporting formation are molded.  
     
     
         16 . A container according to  claim 1  wherein the exterior of the body is integrally formed with support ribs to strengthen the body in local weak areas.  
     
     
         17 . A container having a polymer body providing an enclosed volume in which in use fluid is contained, the body including an engagement formation from which, in use, an item depends within the enclosed body, wherein the item is supported in the enclosed volume by a support structure which extends downwardly within the enclosed volume of the body from at or adjacent to the engagement formation, the support structure being integrally formed with the container body.  
     
     
         18 . A container according to  claim 17  wherein the engagement formation from which the item depends into the enclosed volume is provided at an opening provided in the body of tank, through which fluid may flow.  
     
     
         19 . A container according to  claim 18  wherein the item includes a fluid filter to filter particulates from fluid passing into or from the container through the opening.  
     
     
         20 . A container according to  claim 17  wherein the support structure is a cage or mesh with a plurality of openings sufficiently large not to impede fluid flow therethrough.  
     
     
         21 . In combination a container having a polymer body providing an enclosed volume in which in use fluid is contained, and an item, the body including an engagement formation from which, in use, the item depends within the enclosed volume, the body including a support formation or support structure to support the item at least when the container becomes hot.