U.S. patent application number 13/026509 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for bulk transport system for dense products.
Invention is credited to Randall L. Cary, Gary W. Gunia, David C. Ours.
Application Number | 20110131932 13/026509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36917102 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110131932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ours; David C. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
BULK TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR DENSE PRODUCTS
Abstract
A method for filling a container with a plurality of particles
or a liquid includes a bulk packaging support structure for
supporting the flexible container during filling. The support
structure includes first and second foldable members each having a
bottom portion and a first wall section that is pivotally connected
to the bottom portion along a primary fold line. A second wall
section is pivotally connected to the first wall section along a
secondary fold line that extends perpendicular to the primary fold
line. The first and second foldable members are releasibly engaged
with one another such that the bottom portion of the first foldable
member is disposed between the second wall section and the bottom
portion of the second foldable member. The radially flexible
container disposed within the support structure is filled through a
large diameter to a fill level. The large diameter of the radially
flexible container is then reduced to a smaller fill diameter in
vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises
during filling of the flexible container.
Inventors: |
Ours; David C.; (Marshall,
MI) ; Cary; Randall L.; (Battle Creek, MI) ;
Gunia; Gary W.; (Portage, MI) |
Family ID: |
36917102 |
Appl. No.: |
13/026509 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11356253 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
7909189 |
|
|
13026509 |
|
|
|
|
60654301 |
Feb 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 67/1205 20130101;
B65B 67/1238 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/474 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
Claims
1. A method for filling a container with one of a plurality of
particles and a liquid comprising the steps of: filling a radially
flexible container through a large diameter with one of a plurality
of particles and a liquid to a fill level; reducing the large
diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill
diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill
level rises during filling of the flexible container; and placing a
paperboard structure on opposing sides of the radially flexible
container to support the radially flexible container during
filling.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the placing step further comprises
the steps of: positioning a first foldable member under and at
least partially around the radially flexible container; and
positioning a second foldable member shaped similar to the first
foldable member under and at least partially around the radially
flexible container.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the placing step further comprises
the steps of: overlapping the first and second foldable members
with respect to one another under the radially flexible
container.
4-17. (canceled)
18. A method for filling a container with one of a plurality of
particles and a liquid comprising the steps of: forming a support
structure with a first foldable member and a second foldable member
that releasibly engages the first foldable member for supporting a
radially flexible container; disposing the radially flexible
container in the support structure; filling the radially flexible
container through a large diameter with one of a plurality of
particles and a liquid to a fill level; and reducing the large
diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill
diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill
level rises during filling of the flexible container.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18 further including the step
of forming the first and second foldable members with each of the
first and second foldable members including a bottom portion having
an upwardly facing surface and a side portion directly connected to
the bottom portion along a primary fold line for substantially
encircling the radially flexible container.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19 wherein the each of the
side portions of the first and second foldable members include a
first wall section extending between a top and a bottom and further
including the step of: disposing each of the first wall sections
substantially perpendicular to the connected bottom portion along
the primary fold line.
21. The method as set forth in claim 20 further including the step
of overlapping the bottom portions of the first and second foldable
members with respect to one another, wherein the first wall section
of the first foldable member and the first wall section of the
second foldable member are spaced and parallel relative to one
another for receiving a flexible container in the support
structure.
22. The method as set forth in claim 20 further including the steps
of: directly connecting a second wall section that extends between
a top and a bottom to each of the first wall sections of the first
and second foldable members along a secondary fold line that
extends between the top and bottom and perpendicular to the primary
fold line, wherein each of the second wall sections is moveable
about the secondary fold line for substantially encircling the
radially flexible container; and spacing the upwardly facing
surface of the second foldable member and the bottom of the second
wall section of the second foldable member to define a gap for
receiving the bottom portion of the first foldable member to form
the support structure and wherein the bottom of the second wall
section of the second foldable member is movable over the upwardly
facing surface of the first foldable member for substantially
encircling the radially flexible container.
23. The method as set forth in claim 22 further including the steps
of directly connecting a third wall section that extends between a
top and a bottom to each of the first wall sections opposite the
second wall sections of the first and second foldable members along
a secondary fold line that extends between the top and bottom and
perpendicular to the primary fold line, wherein each of the third
wall sections is moveable about the secondary fold line for
substantially encircling the radially flexible container; and
spacing the upwardly facing surface of the second foldable member
and the bottom of the third wall section of the second foldable
member to define a gap for receiving the bottom portion of the
first foldable member to form the support structure and wherein the
bottom of the third wall section of the second foldable member is
movable over the upwardly facing surface of the first foldable
member for substantially encircling the radially flexible
container.
24. The method as set forth in claim 23 further including the steps
of: directly connecting a fourth wall section that extends between
a top and a bottom to each of the second wall section opposite the
first wall sections of the first and second foldable members along
a secondary fold line that extends between the top and bottom and
perpendicular to the primary fold line, wherein each of the fourth
wall sections is moveable about the secondary fold line for
substantially encircling the radially flexible container; and
spacing the upwardly facing surface of the second foldable member
and the bottom of the fourth wall section of the second foldable
member to define a gap for receiving the bottom portion of the
first foldable member to form the support structure and wherein the
bottom of the fourth wall section of the second foldable member is
movable over the upwardly facing surface of the first foldable
member for substantially encircling the radially flexible
container.
25. The method as set forth in claim 24 further including the steps
of: directly connecting a fifth wall section that extends between a
top and a bottom to each of the third wall section opposite the
first wall sections of the first and second foldable members along
a secondary fold line that extends between the top and bottom and
perpendicular to the primary fold line, wherein each of the fifth
wall sections is moveable about the secondary fold line for
substantially encircling the radially flexible container; and
spacing the upwardly facing surface of the second foldable member
and the bottom of the fifth wall section of the second foldable
member to define a gap for receiving the bottom portion of the
first foldable member to form the support structure and wherein the
bottom of the fifth wall section of the second foldable member is
movable over the upwardly facing surface of the first foldable
member for substantially encircling the radially flexible
container.
26. The method as set forth in claim 25 further including disposing
punch-out portions in at least one of the first, second, third,
fourth and fifth wall sections of the first and second foldable
members for retaining the radially flexible container.
27. The method as set forth in claim 19 further including the step
of contacting the second foldable member adjacent the primary fold
line of the second foldable member with an edge on the upwardly
facing surface of the bottom portion of the first foldable member
and disposed opposite the primary fold line of the first foldable
member.
28. The method as set forth in claim 19 further including the steps
of: pivotally connecting first and second tabs to the bottom
portion of one of the first and second foldable members along first
and second tab lines; and extending the first and second tabs
perpendicular to the bottom portion of the first and second
foldable member to assist in the handling of the support
structure.
29. The bulk packaging support structure as set forth in claim 19
wherein the bottom and side portions of the first and second
foldable members are generally rectangular.
30. The method as set forth in claim 19 further including the step
of overlapping the bottom portions of the first and second foldable
members with respect to one another.
31. The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein the first and
second foldable members have a same shape.
32. The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein the reducing the
large diameter step is further defined as wrapping the radially
flexible container with stretch wrap to reduce the large diameter
of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in
vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises
during filling of the flexible container.
33. The method as set forth in claim 32 further including the step
of wrapping the first and second foldable members with stretch wrap
as the radially flexible container is wrapped with stretch wrap
during filling of the flexible container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/654,301 for a BULK TRANSPORT SYSTEM
FOR DENSE PRODUCTS, filed on Feb. 18, 2005, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a packaging system for products and
more particularly to a container formed from a pair of foldable
members.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Reusable containers for products that are shipped in bulk
are usually very sturdy for at least two reasons. First, reusable
bulk containers will often hold a large quantity of product. Also,
reusable bulk containers must be amenable to return transit back to
the point of origination without damage. Based on these operating
conditions, reusable bulk containers will often be heavy, expensive
and difficult to collect and store when not in use. Many empty bulk
containers are damaged or lost during transit back to the point of
origination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a method for filling a container with
one of a plurality of particles and a liquid. The method includes
the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large
diameter with one of a plurality of particles and a liquid to a
fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large
diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill
diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill
level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method
also includes the step of placing a paperboard structure on
opposing sides of the radially flexible container to support the
radially flexible container during filling.
[0007] Other applications of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description
of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view of a foldable member according to the
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first and second foldable
members engaged with one another to form a reusable bulk container
according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines
3-3 in FIG. 2; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a container formed
according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] Referring now to FIG. 1, a foldable member 10 includes a
first or bottom portion 12 and a second or side portion 14. A
primary fold line 16 is disposed between the first and second
portions 12, 14. The first portion 12 includes an upwardly facing
surface 18. The second portion 14 includes an inwardly facing
surface 20. When the first and second portions 12 and 14 are folded
relative to one another along the fold line 16, the surfaces 18 and
20 are generally perpendicular and substantially facing one
another, best shown in FIG. 2. In alternative embodiments of the
invention, a foldable member could be formed with a single second
portion (similar to first portion 14) and pair of first portions
(similar to first portion 12) disposed on opposite sides of the
single second portion.
[0013] The second portion 14 includes a plurality of secondary fold
lines 22, 24, 26, 28. The second portion 14 is folded about the
plurality of fold lines 22, 24, 26, 28 to define wall sections 30,
32, 34, 36, 38. The wall sections 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 form one-half
of a reusable bulk container 40. One of the wall sections, a first
wall section 34 in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, is
pivotally connected to the bottom portion 12 along the primary fold
line 16. A second wall section 32 is connected to the first wall
section 34 along a secondary fold line 24. A third wall section 36
is connected to the first wall section 34 opposite the second wall
section along a secondary fold line 26. A fourth wall section 30 is
connected to the second wall section 32 opposite the first wall
section 34 along a secondary fold line 22. The second portion 14
stands upright in the container 40 and the first portion 12 defines
the bottom of the container 40.
[0014] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 40 includes
the foldable member 10 and a second foldable member 10a. The second
foldable member 10a is formed substantially similar as the first
foldable member 10. For example, the second foldable member 10a
includes a first portion 12a with an upwardly facing surface 18a, a
second fold line 16a, and a second portion having wall sections
such as wall section 34a. The wall sections of the first and second
foldable members 10, 10a cooperate to form a frame-like structure
for supporting a radially flexible container such as a bag (shown
in phantom). Products in bulk can be moved to the bag. When the
first and second foldable members 10, 10a are engaged with respect
to one another, the first portion 12 of the first foldable member
10 is disposed between the wall sections 30a, 32a, 36a, 38a and the
first portion 12a of the second foldable member 10a. Also, an edge
42 of the first portion 12 contacts the second foldable member 10a
adjacent to the fold line 16a. In alternative embodiments of the
invention, a container such as container 40 could be formed from
one foldable member or from more than two foldable members. An
alternative container could be formed from the alternative foldable
member having two first portions, such as described above. An
alternative container could also be formed from more than two
foldable members wherein adjacent foldable members are engaged with
respect to one another with mating tabs and notches, tape, or any
other type of connection structure known in the art.
[0015] After the first and second foldable members 10, 10a have
been engaged with respect to one another, a flexible container such
as a bag can be positioned between the respective second portions
14, 14a. In at least some embodiments of the invention, the first
and second foldable members 10, 10a, reduce the cost associated
with filling the bag by eliminating the need for complex mechanical
structure for holding the bag in place during filling. The bag can
be filled with particulate material or liquids, such as syrups,
fruit fillings, honey, oil, tar or cold patch. The bag (shown in
phantom in FIG. 2) can be folded over the side sections 14, 14a.
For example, the opening of the bag can be extended around and
supported by the wall sections 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 30a, 32a, 34a,
36a, 38a. The wall sections 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 are transverse to
one another to correspond generally to a portion of the
circumference of the bag. Likewise, the wall sections 30a, 32a,
34a, 36a, 38a are similarly transverse to one another. The wall
sections 30-30a, 32-32a, 34-34a, 36-36a, 38-38a are mirrored with
respect to each other to substantially encircle the bag. The bag
can receive a quantity of product in bulk form. After the bag has
been filled to the extent desired, the top of the bag can be drawn
over one wall section and the container 40 wrapped in stretch wrap
to maintain the bag in a closed orientation.
[0016] In another aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the container 40 and bag could be wrapped in accordance
with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,324, which is
incorporated by reference. The '324 patent discloses transportable
container and a method for forming the container. The container 40
and bag can be wrapped during filling, the level of wrap following
the fill level as the fill level rises during filling.
Alternatively, the container and bag can be processed according to
one or more of the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,892,768;
6,918,225; 6,935,385; and 6,945,015, as well as application Ser.
No. 10/280,969, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0017] In another aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the wall sections 32, 36, 32a, 36a include punch-out
portions 44, 46, 48, 50, respectively. The punch-out portions 44,
46, 48, 50 can be removed from the respective wall sections 32, 36,
32a, 36a and receive a handle from another container, such as a
sack. The handles of the sack can extend through the openings
defined when the punch-out portions 44, 46, 48, 50 are removed or
folded out of alignment with the respective wall sections 32, 36,
32a, 36a. After the sack has been placed between the two second
portions 14, 14a, the sack and second portions 14, 14a can be
wrapped with stretch wrap. Alternatively, the punch out portions
44, 46, 48, 50 can remain at least partially connected to the side
sections 14, 14a and retain a bag in place prior to filling.
[0018] In another aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the first portion 12 defines first and second tab lines
52, 54 and tabs 56, 58. In operation, a handling device for
handling the container 40 can engage one or both of the tabs 56, 58
to move the container 40.
[0019] The exemplary embodiment of the invention could also include
a frame (not shown) to support the bag during filling. The frame
could be relatively light weight and formed from relatively small
diameter rod. The frame would be shaped to correspond to the
interior of the container 40 and would be removable after the bag
is filled and wrapped.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. A
bag 60 has been filled with a mass of material 62. The material 62
can be liquid or can be a plurality of discrete particles. Prior to
filing, the bag 60 was placed on, and folded over, first and second
foldable members lob, 10c. The first and second foldable members
10b, 10c supported the bag 60 in a desired position during filling.
The first and second foldable members 10b, 10c do not overlap one
another, as was shown with respect to the bottom portions 12, 12a,
of the first and second foldable members 10, 10a, in FIGS. 1-3.
During filling, the bag 60 was wrapped with wrap 64 to reduce the
diameter of the bag 60. The wrap 64 was applied substantially at
the fill level of the bag 60 as the fill level rose. The first and
second foldable members 10b, 10e were compressed with the bag 60
during wrapping.
[0021] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance
with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is
exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and
modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to
those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection afforded this
invention can only be determined by studying the following
claims.
* * * * *