U.S. patent application number 09/801508 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for flexible intermediate bulk container with fork lift guide.
Invention is credited to Carpenter, James Robert.
Application Number | 20010027826 09/801508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22690676 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027826 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carpenter, James Robert |
October 11, 2001 |
Flexible intermediate bulk container with fork lift guide
Abstract
A flexible intermediate bulk container. The container has walls
of flexible sheet, with at least a second end enclosed with a
sheet. The ends may have filling and discharge spouts. The walls of
flexible sheet may have a plurality of loops external to the
container and adjacent to the first end. The second end has two
parallel guides formed from flexible sheet and external to the
flexible intermediate bulk container. Preferably, each guide has
therein a removable fork guide formed from a solid material. The
guides and removable fork guides are cooperatively disposed in a
spaced apart relationship and accommodate the respective forks of a
fork lift,
Inventors: |
Carpenter, James Robert;
(Sarasota, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul D. Greeley, Esq.
Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
9th Floor
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Family ID: |
22690676 |
Appl. No.: |
09/801508 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60187837 |
Mar 8, 2000 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/313 ;
220/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/1618 20130101;
B65D 88/1687 20130101; B65D 88/1675 20130101; B65D 2588/165
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/313 ;
220/1.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 088/00; B65B
003/04 |
Claims
1. A flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of
flexible sheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second
end being enclosed with a sheet, said second end having at least
one sleeve formed from flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed to
accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift, said at least one
sleeve being external to the flexible intermediate bulk
container.
2. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 1 in which
said second end has two parallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in
a spaced apart relationship to accommodate said respective forks of
the fork lift.
3. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which the
second end is a flexible sheet.
4. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which
said first end has means for filling the container.
5. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 4 in which the
means to fill the container is a filling spout.
6. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which the
second end has a discharge spout therein.
7. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 6 in which a
cover sheet extends over the discharge spout.
8. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 6 in which the
cover sheet extends over said sleeves.
9. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which the
sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section.
10. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which
the sleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexible
intermediate bulk container.
11. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which
the walls of flexible sheet have a plurality of hoops extended to
the container and adjacent to the first end.
12. A flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of
flexible sheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second
end being enclosed with a sheet, said second end having at least
one sleeve formed from flexible sheet and external to the flexible
intermediate bulk container, each of said sleeves having therein a
removable fork guide formed from a solid material, said sleeves and
removable fork guides being cooperatively disposed to accommodate
the respective forks of a fork lift.
13. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 12 in which
said second end has two parallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in
a spaced apart relationship to accommodate said respective forks of
the fork lift.
14. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
the second end is a flexible sheet.
15. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
first end has means for filling the container.
16. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 15 in which
the means to fill the container is a filling spout.
17. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 15 in which
the second end has a discharge spout therein.
18. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 17 in which a
cover sheet extends over the discharge spout.
19. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 18 in which
the cover sheet extends over said sleeves.
20. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
the sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section.
21. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 20 in which
the sleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexible
intermediate bulk container.
22. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
the walls of flexible sheet have a plurality of hoops extended to
the container and adjacent to the first end.
23. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
the solid material of the fork guide is wood, cardboard, plastic or
metal.
24. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which
the removable fork guide is releasably retained in the sleeve.
25. A flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of
flexible sheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second
end being enclosed with a sheet, said second end being enclosed in
and secured to a removable flexible base assembly, said flexible
base assembly accommodating said flexible intermediate bulk
container and having therein at least one external sleeve disposed
at said second end, said external sleeve being formed from flexible
sheet and cooperatively disposed to accommodate the respective
forks of a fort lift.
26. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 25 in which
said flexible base assembly has two parallel sleeves cooperatively
disposed in a spaced apart relationship to accommodate said
respective forks of the fork lift.
27. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 26 in which
the sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section.
28. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 26 in which
the sleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexible
intermediate bulk container.
29. A flexible base assembly for a flexible intermediate bulk
container comprising a base and side walls, means to attach said
base assembly to a flexible intermediate bulk container, said base
assembly having at least one external sleeve formed from flexible
sheet and cooperatively disposed to accommodate the respective
forks of a fork lift.
30. The flexible base assembly of claim 29 in which said flexible
base assembly has two parallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in a
spaced apart relationship to accommodate said respective forks of
the fork lift.
31. The flexible base assembly of claim 30 in which the sleeves are
of elongated rectangular cross-section.
32. The flexible base assembly of claim 30 in which the sleeves
extend substantially for the depth of the flexible intermediate
bulk container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to containers known as
flexible intermediate bulk containers, which are used in the
shipping of semi-bulk quantities of, for instance, powdered
materials e.g. fine powdered food and chemical products. In
particular, the present invention relates to flexible intermediate
bulk containers that have fork lift guides for use in movement of
the containers from one location to another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flexible intermediate bulk containers, also known as FIBCs,
are increasingly used in the packaging and shipping of semi-bulk
quantities of fine powdery food, chemical products and other
powdered materials. Examples of the products that are shipped in
such containers include melamine, silicon and flour. Flexible
intermediate bulk containers have a flexible side wall, normally in
the form of a tube, and end walls. The end walls typically have
spouts thereon, the spout on one end being for filling the
container and the spout on the other end being for discharge of the
contents from the container.
[0003] Flexible intermediate bulk containers are usually filled
using a gravity fill process in which the material is fed through
the filling spout into the container, until such time as the
container has been filled.
[0004] Techniques for filling FIBCs, especially to reduce entrapped
air, are known e.g. as disclosed in Canadian Patent Application No.
2 242 121, published Jan. 25, 1999.
[0005] FIBCs are typically provided with external loops on one end,
usually the filling end, for use in movement of the filled FIBC.
For instance, a crane may be used to transport the FIBC using such
straps, and to locate the FIBC for discharge of its contents. In
some instances, the FIBC is elevated using the straps, to enable
discharge of the contents.
[0006] Use of a crane, or similar lifting devices, is restricted to
areas in which the crane has sufficient room to operate. Some
buildings are not equipped with cranes or lifting devices and, in
many instances, such buildings could not be so equipped due to the
presence of low ceilings or other obstructions. Particular
difficulties may be experienced in transportation of FIBCs in
railway cars and so-called tractor trailer units, which have
limited ceiling space for lifting of the FIBCs. Consequently, the
FIBCs are usually placed on a wooden pallet so that the FIBC can be
lifted into and out of the railway car or trailer. However, pallets
add weight and cost to transportation of the FIBC and do not allow
for discharge of the contents from the discharge spout in the
bottom of the FIBC.
[0007] GB Patent No. 2255963 discloses a combined flexible
container and pad with an elongate tear-away panel for discharge of
the contents of the container and a pallet member adapted to deform
concomitantly in use with the container.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,175 discloses a flexible bulk bag with a
base for cooperating with a fork lift. The base has a reinforced
cavity.
[0009] Improvements in flexible intermediate bulk containers,
especially in respect to movement, transportation, and discharge of
the container using a fork lift are required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A flexible intermediate bulk container with fork lift guides
has now been found.
[0011] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a
flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible
sheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second end being
enclosed with a sheet, said second end having two parallel sleeves
formed from flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed in a spaced
apart relationship to accommodate the respective forks of a fork
lift, said sleeves being external to the flexible intermediate bulk
container.
[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, the first end has
means for filling the container e.g. a filling spout, and/or the
second end has a discharge spout therein.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the flexible intermediate bulk
container, a cover sheet extends over the discharge spout,
optionally additionally over said sleeves.
[0014] In another embodiment, the sleeves are of elongated
rectangular cross-section.
[0015] In a still further embodiment, the guides extend
substantially for the width of the flexible intermediate bulk
container.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a flexible
intermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet, a
first end and a second end, at least said second end being enclosed
with a sheet, said second end having two parallel sleeves formed
from flexible sheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk
container, each of said sleeves having therein a removable fork
guide formed from a solid material, said sleeves and removable fork
guides being cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship
and accommodating the respective forks of a fork lift.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
solid material of the fork guides is wood, cardboard, plastic or
metal.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the removable fork guide is
releasably retained in the sleeve.
[0019] A further aspect of the present invention provides a
flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible
sheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second end being
enclosed with a sheet, said second end being enclosed in and
secured to a removable flexible base assembly, said flexible base
assembly accommodating said flexible intermediate bulk container
and having therein at least one external sleeve disposed at said
second end, said external sleeve being formed from flexible sheet
and cooperatively disposed to accommodate the respective forks of a
fort lift.
[0020] In embodiments, said flexible base assembly has two parallel
sleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship to
accommodate said respective forks of the fork lift, especially in
which the sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section.
Preferably, the sleeves extend substantially for the depth of the
flexible intermediate bulk container.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides a flexible
base assembly for a flexible intermediate bulk container comprising
a base and side walls, means to attach said base assembly to a
flexible intermediate bulk container, said base assembly having at
least one external sleeve formed from flexible sheet and
cooperatively disposed to accommodate the respective forks of a
fork lift.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention is illustrated by to the embodiments
shown in the drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a flexible
intermediate bulk container of the invention, with fork guides;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a sleeve and fork
guide of the flexible intermediate bulk container of FIG. 1;
and
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an alternate
embodiment of the flexible intermediate bulk container with fork
guides.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC),
generally indicated by 1. FIBC 1 has first end 2 and second end 3.
First end 2 has filling spout 5 extending upwards from a central
location in first end 2. In addition, first end 2 has a plurality
of loops 6, of which three are shown in the drawing. FIBC 1 would
normally have four such loops.
[0027] First end 2 and second end 3 are joined to the opposed ends
of flexible sheet 4, which forms the walls of FIBC 1.
[0028] Second end 3 has sleeves 7 and 8. Sleeves 7 and 8 contain
fork guides 9 and 10, respectively, which are more clearly seen in
FIG. 2. Sleeves 7 and 8 are parallel and spaced apart by a distance
that would correspond with the separation of the forks on a fork
lift. Fork guides 9 and 10 within sleeves 7 and 8 would be of a
size to accommodate a fork of a fork lift. Sleeves 7 and 8 are in
the form of a sheath that accommodates fork guides 9 and 10.
[0029] The fork guides 9 and 10 are formed from a solid material,
examples of which are wood, cardboard, plastic and metal. It is
preferred that fork guides 9 and 10 be attached to the respective
sleeves 7 and 8, for example using Velcro.TM. hook and loop
fasteners, to assist in retention of fork guides 9 and 10 in
sleeves 7 and 8 during use. Thus, fork guides 9 and 10 are
releasably retained in sleeves 7 and 8, to permit removal for
storage and for transportation of the FIBC 1 when it is empty.
[0030] Sleeves 7 and 8 are shown as extending between front edge 11
of FIBC 1 and back edge 12 thereof. In addition, sleeves 7 and 8
are spaced from side edges 13 of FIBC 1. It is understood that
sleeves 7 and 8 would normally be symmetrically disposed on second
end 3, with equal spacing from the respective side edges 13, so
that when FIBC 1 is lifted on a fork lift, the load on the fork
lift is stable and balanced, and will not tend to tip to one
side.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows sleeve 8 in more detail. Sleeve 8 is attached
to second end 3 by hems 14 and 15. Fork guide 10 is shown as
inserted in sleeve 8, thereby providing fork opening 16 for
insertion of a fork from a fork lift.
[0032] The discharge spout for FIBC 1, if present, would normally
be located on second end 3 between sleeves 7 and 8, but is not
shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which
FIBC 1 has a discharge spout, a cover sheet is attached to second
end 3 to cover the discharge spout. The cover sheet could be
attached to second end 3, and optionally additionally attached to
flexible sheet 4, by any suitable means, including snaps, straps,
tie tapes or Velcro.TM. hook and loop fastenings. In embodiments,
the cover sheet covers the area of the discharge spout i.e. the
area between the fork guides, but does not extend over the fork
guides. In other embodiments, the cover sheet covers the area of
the discharge spout and additionally extends over the fork guides.
Suitable means of attachment are used, as is appropriate for the
particular cover sheet. The cover sheet provides protection to the
area of the discharge spout, to reduce or prevent dirt or other
contamination of the discharge spout.
[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover sheet
extends over both sleeves 7 and 8 as well as the intervening
section of second end 3, and optionally extends onto flexible sheet
4. Suitable means to attach the cover sheet would be provided.
[0035] In use, a filled FIBC with fork guides inserted in the
sleeves is readily movable using a fork lift. The forks of the fork
lift are inserted in the respective fork guides to permit lifting
of the FIBC. It is important that the fork guides extend at least
substantially across the FIBC, so that when moved the FIBC is less
prone to tipping in a forwards/backwards direction. Transportation
of the FIBC on a fork lift involves starting and stopping of the
fork lift, which imparts force on the FIBC in the direction of
movement of the fork lift. The FIBC of the present invention
reduces the consequent tendency for the FIBC to tip forwards or
backwards.
[0036] After the contents of the FIBC have been discharged, the
FIBC is normally returned for re-filling. With the FIBC of the
present invention, it is convenient to remove both fork guides from
the respective sleeves so that stacks of fork guides and of folded
FIBCs may be transported for re-filling. Such separate stacks of
fork guides and folded empty FIBCs should require less space for
transportation. Alternatively, the fork guides may be retained i.e.
not transported back with FIBCs, and thus kept at locations where
fork lifts are used. This would reduce shipping costs.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the present
invention. FIBC 20 has first end 21 and second end 22. First end 21
has filling spout 23 extending upwards from a central location of
first end 21. First end 21 and second end 22 are joined to the
opposite ends of flexible sheet 24, which forms the walls of FIBC
20. Securement ties 25 are attached to flexible sheet 24, and
represent attachment means for attaching flexible base assembly 26
to FIBC 20. Other securement means may be used, for example as
discussed above.
[0038] Flexible base assembly 26 has walls 27 and 28, which are
conveniently formed from woven fabric e.g. woven polypropylene.
Walls 27 and 28 have eyelets 29 for attachment of flexible base
assembly 26 to FIBC 20 using securement ties 25. Bottom panel 30 of
flexible base assembly 26 has external sleeves 31 which contain
fork guides. Such sleeves and fork guides have been described above
with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0039] The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a removable base assembly.
The base assembly could be attached to FIBC 20 prior to filling of
the latter, or at any time thereafter to enable a fork lift to move
the filled flexible intermediate bulk container. After use, the
base assembly may be removed e.g. for storage for future use or for
return with empty FIBCs when the latter are returned for
filling.
[0040] The flexible base assembly may be provided with an opening,
especially a closable opening, for discharge of contents of the
FIBC, or the flexible base assembly could be removed prior to
discharge of contents of the FIBC. Any opening in the flexible base
assembly would be cooperatively located with respect to the
discharge spout of the FIBC.
[0041] A water-proof lining may be provided within the flexible
base assembly.
[0042] To further illustrate the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
FIBC may have a width of about 40 inches (100 cm) and a height of
about 48 inches (120 cm). The fork guides may be 5-8 inches in
width (12.5-20 cm). The height of the flexible base assembly may be
2-4 inches (5-10 cm). It will be appreciated that other appropriate
dimensions may be used.
[0043] Materials for the construction of FIBCs are known, and
include coated woven materials. The sleeves attached to the end of
the FIBC could be formed from similar material, un-coated woven
material or other materials with sufficient tear and tensile
strength. In particular embodiments of the invention, the flexible
sheet used to form the FIBC and/or flexible base assembly may be
woven or non-woven polypropylene or polyethylene materials.
[0044] The walls of the FIBC may have a variety of constructions,
as is known in the art. In particular, the walls could be in the
form of a four-sided baffle bag, a U-shaped bag or a circular bag.
Other shaped bags could also be used. In embodiments, the FIBC has
internal baffles, to facilitate filling and discharge of contents
from the FIBC. In other embodiments, the FIBC does not have such
baffles.
[0045] The present invention has been particularly described herein
with reference to a FIBC having a discharge spout in the second
(bottom) end. It is to be understood that a discharge spout is not
essential. The FIBC could have no discharge spout, with other means
being used to empty the FIBC. Alternatively, the FIBC could have a
porthole/cover construction of an outlet for discharge of the
contents of the FIBC, or other types of discharge outlets.
[0046] The present invention has also been particularly described
herein with reference to a FIBC having a filling spout. It is to be
understood that a filling spout is not essential and that the FIBC
could have other means for the filling of the FIBC. In embodiments,
the FIBC could have a duffle construction or a plain top, or other
types of construction suitable for filling the FIBC.
[0047] The present invention has been particularly described herein
with respect to the FIBC having a first end and a second end. The
second end is formed from a sheet, especially a flexible sheet,
which may have a discharge spout. The first end may also be formed
from a sheet, especially a flexible sheet, but in some
constructions defined herein the first end may have other forms
e.g. in a duffle construction.
[0048] The present invention has been particularly described with
reference to the use of two sleeves to accommodate the forks of a
fork lift. Although two sleeves are preferred, it is understood
that the two sleeves could be combined to a single sleeve that
accommodate both forks of a fork lift.
[0049] The present invention provides FIBCs that may be moved using
a fork lift, and contents discharged therefrom, without requiring
use of a separate pallet and/or use of a crane or other lifting
device.
* * * * *