U.S. patent application number 10/624751 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for side discharge bag for flowable materials and method for dicharging flowable materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Dawley, Michael P., Hess, Kief, Leister, Thad P., Moore, William R., Suuk, Steve L..
Application Number | 20040190799 10/624751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32995046 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040190799 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hess, Kief ; et al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Side discharge bag for flowable materials and method for dicharging
flowable materials
Abstract
A discharge bag for flowable materials is disclosed, having a
side discharge spout near the bottom of the bag, allowing for
discharge without the requirement for the bag to be hoisted by a
forklift or other means, for discharging the materials contained
within. The side discharge bag can be conveniently used with a
frame assembly that further facilitates the discharge of flowable
materials stored in the bag.
Inventors: |
Hess, Kief; (Morgantown,
WV) ; Moore, William R.; (Morgantown, WV) ;
Suuk, Steve L.; (Morgantown, WV) ; Dawley, Michael
P.; (Morgantown, WV) ; Leister, Thad P.;
(Morgantown, WV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hanh T. Pham
GE Plastics
One Plastics Avenue
Pittsfield
MA
01201
US
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
|
Family ID: |
32995046 |
Appl. No.: |
10/624751 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60459210 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/66 ; 383/22;
383/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/1668 20130101;
B65B 69/0083 20130101; B65D 88/1618 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/066 ;
383/022; 383/071 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/16 |
Claims
We claims:
1. A container for bulk materials comprising: a flexible bulk bag
having a bag bottom from which bag surround wall extends, a bag
discharge opening extending from said surround wall, said bag
discharge opening being sealable for keeping said bulk materials in
said flexible bag; fastening means secured to said flexible bulk
bag, said fastening means comprising at least one of a tie, a hook,
a ring, an S-hook, and a strap; whereby said container may be
emptied by securing said bulk bag via said fastening means to a
location for holding said flexible bulk bag in an upright position
and for said bulk materials to flow out of said discharge
opening.
2. The bulk material container of claim 1, wherein said bag
discharge opening is kept sealable by a fastening means comprising
at least one of a cordlock, a wire tie, a plastic tie, a web tie, a
drawstring, a flap, and a resealable closure.
3. The bulk material container of claim 1, further comprising a
flexible liner lining inside of said bulk bag.
4. The bulk material container of claim 1, wherein said bad
discharge opening has a bottom side which is located at a distance
of less than 15" from the bottom of said flexible bulk bag.
5. The bulk material container of claim 4, wherein the bottom side
of said bad discharge opening is located at a distance of less than
5" from the bottom of said flexible bulk bag.
6. The bulk material container of claim 1, wherein said bag
discharge opening is a tube with an opening being one of circular
spout, a rectangular spout, and a cone-shaped spout.
7. The bulk material container of claim 4, wherein said tube has a
cylindrical shape with a cylindrical surround wall or a rectangular
tube with side surround wall.
8. A bulk bag discharge assembly for discharging a flexible bulk
bag filled with flowable materials equipped with fastening means
secured to said flexible bulk bag and a sealable side bag discharge
opening, said bulk bag discharge assembly comprising: a support
frame connected to vertical support means, for hanging said
flexible bulk bag via said fastening means in an upright position,
whereby said flexible bulk bag may be emptied by opening said side
discharge opening for said flowable materials to flow out of said
flexible bulk bag.
9. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, wherein the vertical
support means comprises four support rods.
10. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, further comprises
moving wheels.
11. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, further comprises a
vibrator assembly.
12. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, wherein the
flexible bulk bag further comprises a flexible liner lining inside
of said bulk bag.
13. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, wherein the
flexible bulk bag comprises at least one of a tie, a hook, a ring,
an S-hook, and a strap as the fastening means secured to said
flexible bulk bag.
14. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, wherein the
flexible bulk bag comprises at least one of a tie, a hook, a ring,
an S-hook, and a strap as the fastening means.
15. The bulk bag discharge assembly of claim 8, wherein said bag
discharge opening is kept sealable by a fastening means comprising
at least one of a cordlock, a wire tie, a plastic tie, a web tie, a
drawstring, a flap, and a resealable closure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/459210, filed on Mar. 31, 2003.
[0002] The present invention relates to a container for bulk
materials and a discharge system for discharge of bulk product from
within container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It has been common practice to pack, transport, and deliver
flowable materials, dry particulate or granular materials in bags
or containers. Flowable materials include chemicals, polymer
additives, minerals, fertilizers, foodstuffs, grains, cement,
agricultural products and the like. When large quantities of
materials are transported, specialized bulk handling equipment is
used. For example, the materials are loaded into a truck, railroad
car or barge and then transferred to a hopper or other storage
device.
[0004] When smaller quantities of flowable materials are handled, a
smaller container system is used. The present invention relates to
such a container system. The container may be in form of bags, bulk
bags, or flexible containers. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,484,207, bulk transport bags are quite common, and normally such
a bag would have a discharge spot extending from the bottom of the
bag, which is used to release the materials from the bag. In
another publication, U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,796 discloses a container
bag with a top loading and a bottom discharge.
[0005] The prior bag discharge system requires special handling,
including the lifting the bulk bags via a folk lift or other means
to place into a receiving hopper or for discharge into a hopper.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,171 discloses a special device for picking up
container bags using a forklift truck, without the driver having to
leave his seat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,754 discloses a discharge
system with a bag lifting frame as well as a support frame with
support legs. In operation, a forklift or hoist is needed to
elevate the bulk bag over the fitting frame. The task of retrieving
and emptying the bags requires the use of a forklift for large
operations. With small operations, i.e., individual bags are
handled, the operator must often handle the bags separately and
manually, lifting, cutting open, and dumping the bags into
receiving bins. The prior art approach lends to injuries or strains
to the operator in the lifting or hoisting of the bags. It is also
time consuming to empty the bags.
[0006] The present invention relates to an improved and novel bulk
bag design as well as a convenient bulk bag discharge system that
facilitates the discharge of flowable materials from such bulk
bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a discharge bag for
flowable materials having a side discharge spout near the bottom of
the bag.
[0008] The invention further relates to a discharge assembly,
comprising a frame having wheels rotably mounted to the frame for
moving the frame over a ground surface to position of a discharge
bag containing flowable materials, for supporting the discharge bag
and discharging flowable materials contained within the bag.
[0009] Lastly, the invention also relates to a method for
discharging flowable material from a bulk bag having a side
discharge outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a side discharge bag that
embodies principles of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second side discharge bag
that embodies principles of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the liner for use
with the side discharge bag of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing a discharge
assembly with the side discharge bag in operation in conjunction
with a discharge frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] As used herein, "flexible container" is used interchangeably
with "bag," or "bulk bag," to refer to the container of the present
invention to hold large, heavy quantities of materials, typically
one to three tons. The bag of the invention is useful in handling
flowable materials which may be moist, coarse, compactable, powder,
pellets, granular, and pastilles.
[0015] Also as used herein, "discharge assembly" is used
interchangeably with "discharge frame," or "discharge apparatus,"
or ""frame assembly," to refer to an apparatus that can be used in
conjunction with the side discharge bag of the present invention,
to conveniently discharge contents from the bag via the side
discharge spout or opening.
[0016] Side Discharge Bag. With reference in more details to FIG.
1, there is shown one embodiment of the bag of the invention. An
intake spout 15 extends upwardly from an unshown opening in the top
17 of the bag 10. Bag has a base or bottom 12 from which four sides
or panels 13 extend upwardly. Four lifting straps or loops 19 are
attached to the top corners of the sides 13, for use as an
attaching means to a discharge assembly. There is an optional
lifting strap 14 located about one third of the way from the top 17
to the bottom 12. Side discharge spout (or flap) 16, located at or
near the bottom of one of the side, extending from an unshown
opening in the side opposite to the side bearing lifting strap 14.
Side discharge means 16 has an opening or spout 18, for discharging
materials from the bag.
[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the discharge spout is
located at the bottom 12 of the bag, i.e., the bottom of the side
discharge spout is on the same plane as the bottom 12 of the bag.
In another embodiment, the bottom of the discharge spout is at a
distance from 1 to 5" from the bottom 12 of the bag. In a third
embodiment, the bottom of the discharge spout is at a distance from
0 to 15" from the bottom 12 of the bag.
[0018] The discharge spout is kept closed or sealed by fastening
means known in the art, e.g., a standard cordlock with spout
locking device; a heavy duty cordlock; ties in the form of a wire
tie, plastic tie, web tie, or drawstring. In one embodiment of the
invention, the side discharge means 16 is in the form of a
cylindrical tube with a circular opening or spout. In yet another
embodiment, the discharge means is in the form of a cone shaped
discharge tube, i.e., downwardly and inwardly taping toward a
circular spout. In a third embodiment, the discharge means
comprises a resealable opening, e.g., by VELCRO hook and loop, thus
obviating the need for fastening means to keep the discharge means
closed.
[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a second set of
four (additional) lifting straps/loops of a different size/length
than the first set of lifting straps are provided, also attached to
the top corners of the sides, to give the operator flexibility in
adjusting the height of the bag.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, also as shown in FIG. 2,
attachment means are in the form of hooks, S-hooks, or rings 29,
used in place of the lifting straps. The hooks or rings are
subsequently hooked to or suspended from corresponding hooks or
rings of a discharge assembly.
[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the attachment
means are in the form of at least a hook, a ring, or a strap as
part of the tie-string or strap to tie the opening 15 of the bag,
which hook or strap is subsequently hung onto or used with a
corresponding attaching means of a discharge assembly.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention (not shown), the bag may
have a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical surround wall, and with
the side discharge spout located near or toward the bottom of the
cylindrical bag. In another embodiment, each lift strap includes a
lift loop with an optional guide loop at the end of the loop, with
the lift strap being shown at the four corner of the cylindrical or
rectangular-shaped bag. In yet another embodiment for a bag as
shown in FIG. 2, to be used with a liner, the bag 20 has an opening
(or spout) 22 at the bottom of the bag, for the handling of the
liner before or after use for refurbishment of the bag.
[0023] Materials of Manufacture of the Side Discharge Bag. The side
discharge bag of the present invention is made by any suitable
material that provides the strength and support to the materials
contained within, e.g., jute, cotton, polyester, or polypropylene,
etc. In one embodiment, it is made with a woven material to prevent
leaking of the contents. Suitable materials include woven cloths of
polypropylene filaments of suitable filament thickness, for example
of 1000 denier; polyvinyl chloride covered polyester filaments,
and/or rubber covered nylon fabric. In yet another embodiment, the
woven cloth is coated with a mixture of propylene and
polyethylene.
[0024] Optional Liner. In one embodiment of the invention, the bag
further comprises an inside layer or a liner. Liners are often
desirable when shipping powdered materials, such as flour or sugar,
or chemicals, to prevent the powdered contents from sifting through
the porous outer bag, or to prevent contamination of the outer bag,
or to provide a moisture barrier or to render the bag capable of
containing liquid. The liner can be provided independently or
integrally with the bag, i.e., by means of extrusion laminate.
Independent liners are often non-reusable. Conventional liners are
made of flexible, conductive and non-conductive materials such as
polyolefin, polyester, or nylon, that are either tubular, i.e.,
tube liners, or configured to conform to the shape of the bag,
i.e., form fitted liners.
[0025] In one embodiment, the liner is a polybutylene film of about
0.5 mil to 4.0 mil thick, being attached to the bag (outer layer)
by mean of a resin adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the liner
comprises metallized or metallic foil layers.
[0026] In one embodiment, a kiss coating of adhesive is applied in
a manner known in the art to secure the inner layer and the bag. As
used herein, the term "kiss coating" means a conventional process
by which a thin layer of adhesive is applied to a surface. In a
second embodiment, the liner is sewn into the outer bag at opposing
diagonal corner side seams. In another embodiment, the liner may be
sewn onto the top and side, or bottom and side panels of the bag.
In yet another embodiment, strings are attached onto the liner and
tied to the top and bottom corners of the bag to position and hold
the liner in place during fill and discharge of the product.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention wherein the liner has a
flat bottom and wherein when being discharged, the operator would
reach to the liner via the discharge spout of the outer bag and
slit the liner with a sharp instrument such as a knife, blade, and
the like, allowing the product to flow out of the cut in the liner
and through the side discharge spout. In yet another embodiment as
shown in FIG. 3, the liner 30 has a top intake 31, a body 33
optionally conforming to the size of the bag, and an extra long
lower section or tail 32 which can be folded over the bottom 32 or
the side of the bag 30. In a discharging operation, an operator can
reach into the liner via discharge spout 18 of the bag to pull out
the output tail 22, to discharge material contained in the liner
20.
[0028] Discharge Assembly and Method of Discharging. The bag is
first loaded or filled with material. In one embodiment with the
use of a liner, the bulk bag is first lined with the liner by
inserting the liner into the bag via the top intake spout. The now
lined bag may now be filled with material fed down through the top
opening of the liner protruding from the intake spout. The intake
spout as well as the top of the liner may be secured, heat-sealed,
tied off or fastened by any fastening means, with a tie, a cord, or
a line. The side discharge spout of the bag can been tied off and
tuck away to one side of the bag.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the side discharge bag
as filled with materials is set on a pallet, i.e., near a receiving
vessel or hopper. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the discharge assembly
50 is manually moved (on its wheels 51) into position straddling
the pallet (not shown) and the bag 10, which is in an upright
position (vertical orientation). The bag is supported via strap
cables and hung in an upright position. The bag then can be emptied
via the side discharge spout 18 near the bottom of the bag into a
receptacle (not shown).
[0030] With respect to the discharge assembly, reference is made to
FIGS. 4 and 5. The loops or lifting straps 19 of the bag 10 are
first attached to a support means in the form of a frame 40. Frame
40 can be optionally adjusted vertically up and down rods 52 via a
lifting means or leverage means to reduce the strain and work
needed by an operator to position the bag onto the frame. As shown
in the figure, the frame is adjusted vertically via a pulley/roller
54 by an operator (not shown) via hand crank 53. After bag 10 is
stabilized in a desirable vertical position, the side discharge
spout is untied or unfolded to expose the opening to discharge
materials from the bag. If the materials are contained within a
liner within the bag, Operator can reach through the discharge
spout opening to cut the liner with a blade in a convenient manner,
i.e., an X or inverted U shape, thus allowing material to flow out
the side discharge spout. As the bag empties, operator may lift the
lifting strap 14 (not shown) to tilt the material toward the front
of the bag and out the discharge spout.
[0031] In another embodiment of the invention wherein hooks or
rings are used on bag to attach the bag (instead of lifting straps
19), frame 40 has built-in loops or rings that hooks on bag 10 can
be conveniently hooked onto the frame.
[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the support means is
in the form of a ring with built-in notches or hooks for the loops,
lifting straps, or hooks of the bag to be correspondingly attached
onto.
[0033] In yet another embodiment of the invention, instead of a
frame, the support means comprises two parallel bars or rods, which
can be adjusted vertically up and down rods 52 as well as being
tilted up and down of one end of the bars or another, thus allowing
the operator to slightly lift one end of the bag (toward the side
discharge opening) to allow the bag to be emptied via the side
discharge opening.
[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, the support means
may comprise a hook, a ring, or a notch, being part of or suspended
from the lifting device, for the bag to be directly suspended
from.
[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, instead of a pulley
and/or hand-crank, the lifting device for the frame comprises a
wench or wenches operationally connected between the frame and the
discharge assembly. The wench can be lifted via manual, hydraulic,
pneumatic, or electrical means. The wenches may optionally contain
small hooks for the lifting straps to be attached onto during
discharge.
[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly is
optionally equipped with a vibrator assembly (not shown in
Figures), to promote the flow of bulk material out of the discharge
opening/spout upon emptying the bag.
[0037] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the discharge
assembly is circular in form, i.e., with the support means 40 is in
the form of a circular ring.
[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises
collapsible rods or bars, allowing the frame to be disassembled and
moved around easily. In yet another embodiment of the invention,
the frame is supported by support means in the form of a 3-sided
frame assembly, allowing the frame to be moved to the location of a
stationary bulk bag and enclosing the bulk bag via the open
side.
[0039] In another embodiment, a motor is used to power the wench,
allowing an operator to quickly adjust/tighten the wench and speed
up the discharge process. Once the bag nears empty, the wench
connected to the rear of the bag is tightened to provide a lightly
lift of the back of the bag, pouring the material from the bag
toward and out of the side discharge spout.
[0040] It is thus seen that a flexible container or bag is now
provided which may be readily prepared for discharge in a safe and
simple manner. There is also provided a discharge system for use
with the side-discharge bag of the invention. The bag and discharge
system may employ other variations and modifications from those set
forth within, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *