Barrel liner rim retention method and apparatus

Abstract

A plurality of arcuate rim retention elements adapted for installation over the rim of a barrel in an end-to-end relationship so as to capture and retain a fluid containing liner installed in the barrel. Each of the rim retention elements has an upper portion, and inner and outer side portions depending downwardly from the top portion. The configuration provides for a tight fit over a barrel rim and thus captures the liner interposed between rim retention elements and the sides of a barrel rim.

1 . A barrel liner rim retention system, comprising: 
 a plurality of arcuate rim retention elements adapted for installation over the rim of a barrel in an end-to-end relationship, each of said rim retention elements having an upper portion, an inner side portion, and an outer side portion, and configured so as to fit over and capture a waterproof liner interposed between said rim retention elements and the sides of a barrel rim.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said top portion of said rim retention elements is rounded.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said top portion of said rim retention elements is substantially flat.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said inner side portion and said outer side portions of said rim retention elements are substantially flat.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein said inner side portion and said outer side portion of said rim retention elements are generally parallel to one another.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said inner side portion and said outer side portion depend downwardly from said top portion.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of said rim retention elements includes a through hole such that a fastener can be driven or threadably inserted through the hole and into the barrel.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said rim retention elements includes an integral channel.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said integral channels are disposed substantially medially in said rim retention elements.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said rim retention elements is provided with attachment means to secure an article on said upper portion.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said attachment means comprises a boss.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said boss includes a threaded hole.  
   
   
       13 . A method of retaining a liner in a barrel, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of arcuate rim retention elements adapted for installation over the rim of a barrel in an end-to-end relationship, each of said rim retention elements having an upper portion, an inner side portion, an outer side portion, and configured to fit over and capture a waterproof liner interposed between the barrel and the outer side portion, inner side portion, and top portion of the rim retention element;    lining the barrel with a flexible liner material;    folding the upper edge of the liner so that it is draped over the upper rim perimeter of the barrel; and    installing the rim retention elements in an end-to-end array so that the liner is interposed between the top portion, inner side portion, and outer side portion of the rim element and the upper rim and sides of the barrel, such that the liner is covered and captured by the rim elements.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further including the step of providing through holes in one or more of the rim retention elements.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further including the step of driving a fastener through the through holes in the rim retention elements and into the side of the barrel.