U.S. patent application number 09/771270 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-21 for octagon shaped stackable flexible intermediate bulk container and method of manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to B.A.G. Corp.. Invention is credited to Brown, Bobby Glenn, Eisenbarth, Bradley Matthew, Nickell, Craig Alan.
Application Number | 20010004058 09/771270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24052126 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010004058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nickell, Craig Alan ; et
al. |
June 21, 2001 |
Octagon shaped stackable flexible intermediate bulk container and
method of manufacture
Abstract
A bulk bag comprises eight substantially identical side wall
portions each containing a stiffening panel. A bottom wall is
connected to the bottom edges of the side wall portions and may be
provided with a discharge port. Alternatively, a discharge port may
be provided in one of the side wall portions. The bulk bag may be
provided with a top wall which may be either openable or secured in
place. A pallet and/or lift loops may be provided for transporting
the bulk bag and the contents thereof.
Inventors: |
Nickell, Craig Alan;
(Sherman, TX) ; Brown, Bobby Glenn; (Dennison,
TX) ; Eisenbarth, Bradley Matthew; (Sherman,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael A. O'Neil
Michael A. O'Neil, P. C.
Suite 1030
5949 Sherry Lane
Dallas
TX
75225
US
|
Assignee: |
B.A.G. Corp.
|
Family ID: |
24052126 |
Appl. No.: |
09/771270 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09771270 |
Jan 26, 2001 |
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09515631 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
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09515631 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
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09458362 |
Dec 9, 1999 |
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6220755 |
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09458362 |
Dec 9, 1999 |
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09390403 |
Sep 3, 1999 |
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6203198 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/600 ;
206/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/1668 20130101;
B65D 2519/00029 20130101; B65D 88/1681 20130101; B65D 19/20
20130101; B65D 2519/00099 20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D
2519/00064 20130101; B65D 2588/165 20130101; B65D 2519/00218
20130101; B65D 88/1625 20130101; B65D 77/061 20130101; B65D 90/046
20130101; B65D 2519/00452 20130101; B65D 88/1631 20130101; B65D
19/06 20130101; B65D 2519/00184 20130101; B65D 2519/00497 20130101;
B65D 2519/00502 20130101; B65D 88/1656 20130101; B65D 2519/00323
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/600 ;
206/386 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An octagon shaped bulk bag comprising: eight double layer side
wall portions disposed in an octagonal array and each comprising a
stiffening panel receiving pocket; eight stiffening panels each
received in the stiffening panel receiving pocket comprising one of
the side wall portions; means for retaining the stiffening panels
in the stiffening panel receiving pockets; and a bottom wall
extending between and connected to the bottom of each of the side
wall portions.
2. The bulk bag according to claim 1 wherein each of the side wall
portions is further characterized by: spaced apart vertically
extending seams defining the width of the side wall portion; a
bottom seam connecting the bottom wall to the side wall portion;
and a top seam; the four seams defining the length and width of the
side wall portion and comprising the means for securing the
stiffening panel in the stiffening panel receiving pocket of the
side wall portion.
3. The bulk bag according to claim 2 wherein the eight side wall
portions comprising the bulk bag are substantially equal in length
and width and wherein the eight stiffening panels which are
received in the stiffening panel receiving pockets of the side
portions are substantially equal in length and width.
4. The bulk bag according to claim 3 wherein the stiffening panels
each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.
5. The bulk bag according to claim 1 wherein each of the side wall
portions is further characterized by: spaced apart vertically
extending seams defining the width of the side wall portion; a
bottom seam connecting the bottom wall to the side wall portion;
and a releaseable closure mechanism located at the top of the side
wall portion; the three seams and the releaseable closure mechanism
defining the length and width of the side wall portion and
comprising the means for retaining the stiffening panel in the
stiffening panel receiving pocket of the side wall portion.
6. The bulk bag according to claim 5 wherein the eight side wall
portions comprising the bulk bag are substantially equal in length
and width and wherein the eight stiffening panels which are
received in the stiffening panel receiving pockets of the side
portions are substantially equal in length and width.
7. The bulk bag according to claim 6 wherein the stiffening panels
each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.
8. The bulk bag according to claim 1 wherein the bottom wall has a
discharge port formed therein.
9. The bulk bag according to claim 8 further including a liner
contained within the bulk bag and wherein the liner extends through
the discharge port formed in the bottom wall of the bulk bag.
10. The bulk bag according to claim 1 further including a discharge
port formed in one of the side wall portions of the bulk bag.
11. The bulk bag according to claim 10 further including a liner
positioned within the bulk bag and wherein the discharge port
provides fluid communication from outside the bulk bag through the
side wall portion and through the liner to the interior of the bulk
bag.
12. The bulk bag according to claim 1 further including a pallet
secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for facilitating
transportation of the bulk bag and its contents.
13. The bulk bag according to claim 12 further including a
plurality of fasteners secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for
releaseably securing the bulk bag to the pallet.
14. The bulk bag according to claim 1 further including four lift
loops secured to the alternating side wall portions of the bulk bag
to facilitate transportation of the bulk bag and the contents
thereof.
15. The bulk bag according to claim 1 further including a top panel
for closing the upper end of the bulk bag.
16. The bulk bag according to claim 15 wherein the top panel is
releaseably secured to facilitate opening and closing of the upper
end of the bulk bag.
17. The bulk bag according to claim 16 wherein the top panel
comprises a double layer top panel and further including a
stiffening panel received between the double layers of the top
panel.
18. The bulk bag according to claim 15 wherein the top panel is
permanently secured to the upper ends of the side wall portions and
further including a fill spout formed in the top panel.
19. The bulk bag according to claim 1 wherein the bulk bag
comprises four side wall assemblies each comprising an inner fabric
layer, an outer fabric layer, and spaced apart, vertically
extending seams defining one of the side wall portions, the four
side wall assemblies being sewn together end to end to define the
remaining four side wall portions.
20. The bulk bag according to claim 19 further characterized by a
bottom seam extending along the bottoms of each of the four side
wall assemblies for closing the lower ends of the stiffening panel
receiving pockets thereof and for joining the bottom wall to the
side wall assemblies; and a top seam extending along the tops of
all four side wall assemblies for closing the tops of the
stiffening panel receiving pockets thereof.
21. An octagon shaped bulk bag comprising: eight side wall portions
each having spaced apart substantially parallel top and bottom
edges and spaced apart substantially parallel side edges; the eight
side wall portions being characterized by substantially identical
length and width dimensions; the eight side wall portions being
disposed in an octagonal array; each of the side wall portions
comprising a stiffening panel receiving pocket which is closed
along at least the side wall edges and the bottom edge of the side
wall portion; eight substantially identical stiffening panels each
received in the stiffening panel receiving pocket of one of the
side wall portions; and a bottom wall extending between and
connected to the bottom edges of each of the side wall
portions.
22. The bulk bag according to claim 21 wherein each of the side
wall portions is further characterized by: spaced apart vertically
extending seams defining the width of the side wall portion; a
bottom seam connecting the bottom wall to the side wall portion;
and a top wall seam; the four seams defining the length and width
of the side wall portion.
23. The bulk bag according to claim 22 wherein the eight stiffening
panels substantially fill the stiffening panel receiving pockets of
the side portions.
24. The bulk bag according to claim 23 wherein the stiffener panels
each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.
25. The bulk bag according to claim 21 wherein each of the side
wall portions is further characterized by: spaced apart vertically
extending seams defining the width of the side wall portion; a
bottom seam connecting the bottom wall to the side wall portion; a
releaseable closure mechanism located at the top of the side wall
portion; the three sew lines and the releaseable closure mechanism
defining the length and width of the side wall portion.
26. The bulk bag according to claim 25 wherein the eight stiffener
panels substantially fill the stiffener panel receiving pockets of
the side portions.
27. The bulk bag according to claim 26 wherein the stiffener panels
each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.
28. The bulk bag according to claim 21 wherein the bottom wall has
a discharge port formed therein.
29. The bulk bag according to claim 28 further including a liner
contained within the bulk bag and wherein the liner extends through
the discharge port formed in the bottom wall of the bulk bag.
30. The bulk bag according to claim 21 further including a
discharge port formed in one of the side wall portions of the bulk
bag.
31. The bulk bag according to claim 30 further including a liner
positioned within the bulk bag and wherein the discharge port
provides fluid communication from outside the bulk bag through the
side wall portion and through the liner to the interior of the bulk
bag.
32. The bulk bag according to claim 21 further including a pallet
secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for facilitating
transportation of the bulk bag and its contents.
33. The bulk bag according to claim 32 further including a
plurality of fasteners secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for
releaseably securing the bulk bag to the pallet.
34. The bulk bag according to claim 21 further including four lift
loops secured to the alternating side wall portions of the bulk bag
to facilitate transportation of the bulk bag and the contents
thereof.
35. The bulk bag according to claim 21 further including a top
panel for closing the upper end of the bulk bag.
36. The bulk bag according to claim 35 wherein the top panel is
releaseably secured to facilitate opening and closing of the upper
end of the bulk bag.
37. The bulk bag according to claim 36 wherein the top panel
comprises a double layer top panel and further including a
stiffening panel received between the double layers of the top
panel.
38. The bulk bag according to claim 37 wherein the top panel is
permanently secured to the upper ends of the side wall portions and
further including a fill spout formed in the top panel.
39. The bulk bag according to claim 21 wherein the bulk bag
comprises four side wall assemblies each comprising an inner fabric
layer, an outer fabric layer, and spaced apart, vertically
extending seams defining one of the side wall portions, the four
side wall assemblies being sewn together edge to edge to define the
remaining four side wall portions.
40. The bulk bag according to claim 39 further characterized by a
bottom seam extending along the bottoms of each of the four side
wall assemblies for closing the lower ends of the stiffening panel
receiving pockets thereof and for joining the bottom wall to the
side wall assemblies; and a top seam extending along the tops of
all four side wall assemblies for closing the tops of the
stiffening panel receiving pockets thereof.
41. For use in constructing an octagon shaped bulk bag, a side wall
assembly comprising: an inner side wall layer having top and bottom
edges; an outer side wall layer having top and bottom edges aligned
with the top and bottom edges of the inner side wall layer; spaced
apart vertically extending seams interconnecting the inner and
outer side wall layers and defining a side wall portion
therebetween; and the side wall portion comprising a stiffening
panel receiving pocket; a bottom seam extending along the bottom
edges of the inner and outer side wall layers to close the bottom
of the stiffening receiving pocket.
42. The side wall assembly according to claim 41 further including
a stiffening panel received in the stiffening panel receiving
pocket comprising the side wall assembly.
43. The side wall assembly of claim 42 further characterized by a
seam extending along the top edges of the inner and outer layers
for retaining the stiffening panel in the stiffening panel
receiving pocket.
44. The side wall assembly according to claim 42 further
characterized by a releaseable closure mechanism for connecting the
top edge of the inner layer to the top edge of the outer layer
thereby retaining the stiffening panel in the stiffening panel
receiving pocket of the side wall assembly.
45. The side assembly according to claim 42 wherein the stiffener
panel comprises a corrugated plastic stiffener panel.
46. A method of manufacturing octagon shaped bulk bags including
the steps of: providing eight substantially identical fabric sheets
each having upper, lower, and side edges; arranging the eight
fabric sheets in four pairs each comprising an inner layer and an
outer layer with the upper, lower, and side edges of each pair
respectively aligned; joining the inner and outer layers comprising
each pair by seams extending parallel to the side edges and spaced
apart to define a side wall portion comprising a stiffening panel
receiving pocket; joining the inner and outer layers comprising the
four pairs edge to edge to form four additional side wall portions
each comprising a stiffening panel receiving pocket; providing an
octagon shaped bottom wall; securing the bottom wall to the lower
edges of the inner and outer layer comprising the side wall
portion; providing eight substantially identical stiffening panels;
and positioning a stiffening panel in each of the stiffening panel
receiving pockets.
47. The method according to claim 46 wherein the steps of providing
eight identical fabric sheets is carried out by providing eight
identical fabric sheets formed from woven polypropylene fabric.
48. The method according to claim 46 wherein the step of providing
a bottom wall is carried out by providing a bottom wall formed from
woven polypropylene fabric and wherein the step of securing the
bottom wall to the lower edges of the inner and outer layers
comprising the side wall portions is carried out by forming a seam
which connects the bottom wall to the lower edges of the inner and
outer layers comprising in the side wall portions.
49. The method according to claim 46 wherein the step of providing
eight identical stiffening panels is carried out by providing
stiffening panels formed from corrugated plastic material.
50. The method according to claim 46 including the additional step
of at least releaseably securing the upper edges of the inner and
outer panels comprising the side wall portions one to another and
thereby securing the stiffening panels in the stiffening panel
receiving pockets.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Over the past thirty years flexible intermediate bulk
containers, commonly known as bulk bags, have come into widespread
use for receiving, storing, transporting, and discharging flowable
materials of all types. Although circular bulk bags are known, bulk
bags are typically constructed from rectangular panels which are
sewn together along their adjacent edges to define a bulk bag which
is initially square or rectangular in horizontal cross section.
Nevertheless, all bulk bags, whether initially square, rectangular,
or circular in cross section tend to assume a circular
configuration when filled due to the uniform pressure imposed by
the contents of the bulk bag against the flexible fabric side walls
thereof.
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,859 discloses a bulk bag comprising four
double layer side walls. Stiffeners formed from cardboard are
inserted between the layers of the side walls thereby imparting
sufficient rigidity to the container for permit its use with
liquids. Although the bulk bag of the '859 patent has been
generally well received, its utilization has been somewhat limited
by the fact that it cannot be stacked.
[0003] Co-pending application Ser. No. 09/390,403 assigned to the
assignee hereof (doing business as Composite Container Corp.)
discloses an improvement over the bulk bag of the '859 patent. In
application Ser. No. 09/390,403 there is disclosed a bulk bag
having double layer side walls and vertically extending corner
pockets. Plywood sheets are received between the layers of the side
walls and wooden posts are received in the corner pockets to
provide a bulk bag suitable for use with liquids which is
stackable.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,710 discloses a baffle-type bulk bag
wherein bridge panels or baffles are sewn across the four corners
of a nominally rectangular bulk bag. The baffles prevent the side
walls of the bulk bags from bulging outwardly when the bulk bag is
filled, thereby retaining the filled bulk bag in a more or less
rectangular cross-sectional configuration. The baffles may be
provided with apertures which allow material to flow into and out
of the corners of the bulk bag during filling and discharging
operations.
[0005] Co-pending application Ser. No. 09/458,362 also assigned to
the assignee hereof discloses a baffle-type bulk bag which is
stackable. In the bulk bag of application Ser. No. 09/458,362,
triangular stiffeners are provided in the triangular corners of
baffle-type bulk bags. The stiffeners may be formed from various
materials including plastic panels, panels formed from corrugated
paperboard and similar materials etc. The stiffeners may be
provided with apertures aligned with the apertures of the baffles
thereby permitting the flow of material into and out of the bulk
bag during filling and discharging operations.
[0006] The present invention comprises an improvement over the bulk
bags disclosed in the '859 and '710 patents and in the '403 and
'362 patent applications which provides an octagon shaped bulk bag
which is stackable. The use of the octagon shape in the
construction of the bulk bag is advantageous in that it provides
maximum stackability while eliminating the need for baffles and
triangular stiffeners contained within the baffles.
[0007] In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention,
there is provided a bulk bag comprising eight double layer side
wall portions. Each double layer side wall portion receives a
stiffening panel which extends substantially the entire length and
width of the side wall portion. The stiffening panels used in the
side wall portions of the bulk bag of the present invention may
comprise corrugated plastic panels or similar panels made from
other materials which are sufficiently resistant to bending.
[0008] The octagon shaped bulk bags of the present invention are
adapted for mounting on pallets. The bulk bag may also be provided
with lift loops. The bulk bags of the present invention have bottom
walls which may include a discharge port. Alternatively, one of the
side wall panels may be provided with a discharge port located at
the lower end thereof. The bulk bags of the present invention may
have an open top, or a suitable top closure may be provided.
Suitable top closures useful in the practice of the invention
include openable flexible panels, openable rigid panels, and
permanently mounted panels including fill spouts.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided an eight piece bulk bag side wall construction. The eight
pieces are arranged in four sets each comprising an inner layer and
an outer layer. The inner and outer layers are joined together by
vertically extending seams which are spaced apart by a distance
equal to approximately 1/8of the circumference of the bulk bag,
thereby forming four of the side wall portions. The opposite edges
of the inner and outer layers comprising the four side wall
assemblies are joined edge to edge to form the remaining four side
wall portions of the bulk bag. A stiffening panel is positioned
between the inner and outer layers of each side wall portion and at
least the bottom edges of the side wall sections are sewn together
to secure the stiffening panels therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by
reference to the following Detailed Description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an octagon shaped bulk bag
incorporating in the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side wall assembly useful
in the practice of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial top view of the octagon shaped
bulk bag of FIG. 1 illustrating the joinder of adjacent side wall
assemblies;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the octagon shaped bulk bag of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a first variation
of the octagon shaped bulk bag of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 in which certain
component parts are shown in section more clearly to illustrate
certain features of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view illustrating a second
variation of the bulk bag of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the bulk bag of FIG.
7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the bulk bag of FIG. 7
illustrating the use of liners in conjunction with bulk bags
incorporating the invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the stacking of
octagon shaped bulk bags comprising the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the folding of
octagon shaped bulk bags of the present invention for return
shipment; and
[0022] FIG. 12 is perspective view illustrating the positioning of
several small size versions of the octagon shaped bulk bag of the
present invention on a single pallet, and the stacking of pallets
having several small size bulk bags positioned thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1
thereof, there is shown an octagon shaped bulk bag 20 comprising in
the present invention. The octagon shaped bulk bag 20 is
characterized by an octagonal side wall 22 having a top or upper
edge 24 and a bottom or lower edge 26. The octagonal side wall 22
comprises eight substantially identical side wall portions 28, 30,
32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42. The side wall portions 28-42,
inclusive, are connected edge to edge to form the octagonal side
wall 22.
[0024] As is best shown in FIG. 2, the octagonal side wall 22 of
the bulk bag 20 comprises four substantially identical side wall
assemblies 50. Each side wall assembly 50 comprises an outer layer
52 having a top or upper edge 54, a bottom or lower edge 56, and
opposed side edges 58 and 60. The side wall assembly 50 further
comprises an inner layer 62 having a top or upper edge 64, a bottom
or lower edge 66, and opposed side edges 68 and 70. Each side wall
assembly 50 comprising the bulk bag 20 is further characterized by
a predetermined length, which is the vertical dimension, and a
predetermined width, which is the horizontal dimension. The layers
52 and 62 are preferably formed from woven polypropylene fabric;
however, other materials may also be used in the practice of the
invention.
[0025] The outer layer 52 and the inner layer 62 comprising the
side wall assembly 50 are joined by spaced apart vertically
disposed seams 72 and 74. The seams 72 and 74 of the side wall
assemblies 50 define the side wall portions comprising the side
wall 22 of the bulk bag 20. The seams 72 and 74 also define
stiffening panel receiving pockets 76. Each stiffening panel
receiving pocket 76 eventually receives a stiffening panel 80
therein. In the construction of the bulk bag 20, the stiffening
panel receiving pockets 76 are closed at the bottom or lower ends
thereof by a bottom seam 82.
[0026] The stiffening panels 80 of the present invention may be
manufacturing from plastic panels of the type sold by Coroplast of
Dallas, Tex., under the trademark COREX.TM.. Other types of plastic
panels may also be used, depending upon the requirements of
particular applications of the invention. The stiffening panels 80
may also be formed from various types of paperboard; fiberboard,
including medium density fiberboard (MDF); cardboard; plywood; and
other materials depending upon the ability of stiffening panels
formed from such materials to resist bending.
[0027] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top or upper
end of each stiffening panel receiving pocket 76 and the top or
upper edges of the outer and inner layers 52 and 62 may be
permanently joined by a seam 84. Alternatively, the top or upper
ends of the stiffening panel receiving pockets 76 may be
releaseably closed by fastening mechanisms 86 which may comprise
hook-and-loop fasteners of the type sold under the trademark
VELCRO.RTM., buttons, or snaps. The use of the releaseable
fasteners 86 allows the stiffening panels 80 to be removed from the
stiffening panel receiving pockets 76 to facilitate folding of the
bulk bag 20 for transportation and storage.
[0028] In the construction of the bulk bag 20 the four side wall
assemblies 50 are connected edge to edge to form the side wall 22.
As is best shown in FIG. 3, the side edges 58 and 60 of adjacent
side wall assemblies 50 are joined by seams 90. Likewise, the
adjacent edges 68 and 70 of the inner layers 62 are joined by seams
92. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
circumference defined by the joinder of the four inner layers 62
comprising the four side wall assemblies 50 must be somewhat less
than the circumference defined by the four outer layers 52 in order
to provide sufficient space between the outer layers 52 and the
inner layers 62 to received the stiffening panels 80. For this
reason, the seams 92 which join the inner layers 62 consume
somewhat more fabric when compared with the seams 90 which join the
outer layers 52.
[0029] When the seams 90 and 92 are completed, the outwardly
extending portions of the outer and inner layers 52 and 62
comprising the side wall assemblies 50 form stiffening panel
receiving pockets 76. Thus, the completed side wall 22 includes
eight stiffening panel receiving pockets 76, including the
stiffening panel receiving pockets defined by the seams 72 and 74
of each side wall assembly 50 and the stiffening panel receiving
pockets 76 which are formed when the seams 90 and 92 are
completed.
[0030] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 4, the bulk bag 20
includes an octagon shaped bottom wall 96 which is secured to the
outer and inner panels 52 and 62 of the side wall assemblies 50 by
the bottom seam 82. Like the other components of the bulk bag 20,
the bottom wall 96 is preferably formed from polypropylene fabric.
Other materials may be utilized in the construction of the bottom
wall 96 and the other components of the bulk bag 20 depending upon
the requirements of particular applications of the invention.
[0031] A pallet 98 may be employed to facilitate transportation and
positioning of the bulk bag 20 and the contents thereof. In such
instances, the bulk bag 20 is preferably provided with retaining
members 100 which are extended around component parts of the pallet
98 to retain the bulk bag 20 in engagement therewith. Other
mechanisms for securing the bulk bag 20 to the pallet 98 may be
utilized in lieu of the retaining members 100 depending upon the
requirements of particular applications of the invention.
[0032] The bulk bag 20 may be provided with a top or cover 102. If
used, the top or cover 102 is preferably formed from woven
polypropylene fabric, it being understood that other materials can
be utilized in the construction of the top 102, if desired. The top
102 may be completely removable from the side wall 22 of the bulk
bag 20. Alternatively, the top 102 may hingedly secured to the side
wall 22 by means of the top seam 84 situated at the top of the side
wall 22.
[0033] The top 102 may comprise a cover panel 104 and a skirt 106
extending downwardly from the panel 104. The top 102 can be
flexible or rigid, in which event a stiffening panel 108 is used.
Conventional retaining apparatus may be utilized to secure the top
102 to the side wall 22 of the bulk bag 20, if desired.
[0034] In FIG. 5, there is shown a bulk bag 120 comprising a first
variation of the bulk bag 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, inclusive,
and described hereandabove in conjunction therewith. Many of the
component parts of the bulk bag 120 are identical in construction
and function to component parts of the bulk bag 20. Such identical
component parts are designated in FIG. 5 with the same reference
numerals utilized above in the description of the bulk bag 20.
[0035] Bulk bags constructed in accordance with the present
invention may be provided with conventional gland-type liners which
facilitate the use of the bulk bag to receive, transport,
discharge, and store liquids. The liner extends around the entire
interior of the bulk bag 120 including the interior of the side
wall 22, the bottom wall 96, and the top wall 102.
[0036] Bulk bags constructed in accordance with the present
invention are adapted for use with a variety of discharge
apparatus. The bulk bag 120 includes a discharge port 130 formed in
one of the side wall portions comprising the side wall 22, it being
understood that the discharge port 130 can also be positioned in
the bottom wall of the bulk bag 120. The discharge port 130 extends
through the side wall 22 and through the liner, thereby connecting
the interior of the bulk bag 120 to the exterior thereof. Discharge
ports of the type shown in FIG. 5 are particularly adapted for use
in bulk bags designed to received, transport, store, and discharge
liquids.
[0037] FIG. 6 comprises a horizontal sectional view taken through
the upper portion of the bulk bag 120 of FIG. 5, it being
understood that a similar horizontal section view taken through the
upper portion of the bulk bag 20 of FIG. 1 would be, in all
practical respects, identical. In FIG. 6 the eight stiffener panel
receiving pockets 76 and the eight stiffener panels 80 received
therein are illustrated.
[0038] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrated a bulk bag 140 comprising a
second alternative version of the bulk bag 20 of FIG. 1. Many of
the component parts of the bulk bag 140 are identical in
construction and function to component parts of the bulk bag 20
illustrated in FIG. 1 and to component parts of the bulk bag 120
illustrated in FIG. 5. Such identical component parts are
designated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 with the same reference numerals
utilized in the foregoing description of the bulk bags 20 and
120.
[0039] The bulk bag 140 differs from the bulk bags 20 and 120 in
that the bulk bag 140 is not mounted on a pallet. Rather, the bulk
bag 140 is provided with lift loops 142 which are utilized in the
transportation and positioning of the bulk bag 140. The lift loops
142 are preferably formed from nylon webbing and are conventional
in design and function.
[0040] The bulk bag 120 differs from the bulk bag 20 in that it is
provided with a permanently installed top 122 which is secured to
the side wall 22 by a seam 124. As is conventional in bulk bag
construction, the top 122 is provided with a fill spout 126.
[0041] The bulk bag 140 further differs from the bulk bags 20 and
120 in that the bulk bag 140 is provided with a discharge port 144
formed in the bottom wall 96. The discharge port 144 comprises four
closure flaps 146 formed from the material of the bottom wall 96
and interconnected by a drawstring 148. A liner 128 extends through
the discharge port 144 and may be provided with closure apparatus
such as a tie-tie 150. Those skilled in the art will realize that
the discharge port 144 is conventional in design and
construction.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, one of the primary advantages deriving
from the use of the present invention comprises the fact that
octagon shaped bulk bags constructed in accordance with the
invention are readily adapted for stacking. FIG. 10 illustrates the
bulk bag 120 of FIG. 5, however, it will be understood that the
bulk bag 20 of FIG. 1, the bulk bag 140 of FIG. 7, and in fact all
bulk bags incorporated in the present invention are readily adapted
for stacking. FIG. 10 illustrates three bulk bags comprising the
present invention stacked one on top of another but in actual fact
up to six bulk bags comprising the present invention can be stacked
one on top of another depending on the density of the material
contained in the bulk bags.
[0043] As is best shown in FIG. 11, bulk bags comprising the
present invention are readily foldable for return shipment. FIG. 11
illustrates a bulk bag 20 of the type shown in FIG. 1 folded and
position on the pallet 98 for return shipment, it being understood
that the bulk bag 120 of FIG. 5, the bulk bag 140 of FIG. 7, and in
fact all bulk bags incorporating the invention are adapted for
folding in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0044] Bulk bags comprising the present invention can be
manufacturing in a variety of sizes. FIG. 12 illustrates a
plurality of small size bulk bags 160 incorporating the present
invention. The bulk bags 160 are octagon in shape and are otherwise
substantially identical to the bulk bags of FIGS. 1-9, inclusive.
As is clearly shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of small size bulk bags
160 may be received on a single pallet 162 and secured by a strap
164. The bulk bags 160 thus positioned and secured are adapted for
stacking one on top of another. Up to six layers of bulk bags 160
may be stacked one on top of another depending upon the density of
the material contained in the bulk bags.
[0045] The present invention further comprises a method of
manufacturing octagon shaped bulk bags. In accordance with the
method, there is provided eight substantially identical fabric
sheets. The fabric sheets are preferably formed from woven
polypropylene fabric, however, other fabric materials can be
utilized in the practice of the invention. Each of the sheets is
characterized by an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposed side
edges.
[0046] The fabric sheets are arranged in four pairs, each pair
comprising an inner layer and an outer layer. The upper, lower, and
side edges of each pair are respectively aligned. The inner and
outer layers comprising each pair are joined by seams extending
parallel to the side edges which are spaced apart to define a side
wall portion comprising a stiffening panel receiving pocket. The
inner and outer layers comprising the four pairs are joined edge to
edge to form four additional side wall portions, each comprising a
stiffening panel receiving pocket.
[0047] The method further comprises the step of providing an
octagonal shaped bottom wall. The bottom wall is preferably formed
from woven polypropylene fabric, however, other materials can be
used in the practice of the invention. The bottom wall is secured
to the lower edges of the inner and outer layers of the side wall
portions by a bottom seam which also closes the lower ends of the
stiffening panel receiving pockets.
[0048] A stiffening panel is received in each stiffening panel
receiving pocket. The stiffening panels preferably comprise
corrugated plastic panels, however, other materials can be used in
the manufacture of the stiffening panels. After the stiffening
panels are installed, the upper ends of the stiffening panel
receiving pockets are closed, either permanently or
releaseably.
[0049] Transportation and positioning of the bulk bag and the
contents thereof is facilitated either by mounting the bulk bag on
a pallet or by providing the bulk bag with lift loops. The bulk bag
may be provided with a top closure which may be either flexible or
rigid and which may be either permanently or releaseably secured.
Discharge ports may be provided either in the bottom wall or in one
of the side wall portions of the bulk bag.
[0050] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *