U.S. patent application number 13/458634 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for storage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to FRONTIER LOGISTICS, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is George Cook, Burt Lusk, James Madler, Kevin Newkirk, Glenn Wiseman. Invention is credited to George Cook, Burt Lusk, James Madler, Kevin Newkirk, Glenn Wiseman.
Application Number | 20130284729 13/458634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49476412 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284729 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; George ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A self-contained container for storing and transporting
particulate material is provided, the container including a frame,
a storage cavity defined by opposing front and back walls, opposing
side walls, a top wall, and a floor, each of the front and back
walls, side walls, top wall and floor connected to the frame, at
least one loading port in the top wall, and at least one discharge
region including at least one discharge port and one sloped wall
configured for removing material from the container. The discharge
region and discharge port being positioned within the frame.
Inventors: |
Cook; George; (Crosby,
TX) ; Wiseman; Glenn; (Crosby, TX) ; Newkirk;
Kevin; (Friendswood, TX) ; Lusk; Burt;
(Richmond, TX) ; Madler; James; (Chicago,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cook; George
Wiseman; Glenn
Newkirk; Kevin
Lusk; Burt
Madler; James |
Crosby
Crosby
Friendswood
Richmond
Chicago |
TX
TX
TX
TX
IL |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FRONTIER LOGISTICS, L.P.
Morris
IL
|
Family ID: |
49476412 |
Appl. No.: |
13/458634 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/54 20130101;
B65D 90/14 20130101; B65D 88/68 20130101; B65D 88/74 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/1.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/00 20060101
B65D088/00 |
Claims
1. A container for storing and transporting particulate material,
the container comprising: a frame; a storage cavity defined by
opposing front and back walls, opposing side walls, a top wall, and
a floor, each of the front and back walls, side walls, top wall and
floor connected to the frame; at least one loading port in the top
wall; at least one discharge region including at least one
discharge port configured for removing material from the container,
the discharge region and discharge port positioned within the frame
at least one sloped wall having a lower edge extending adjacent to
and longitudinally to the discharge region and an upper edge
mounted to a support rod.
2. A container as defined by claim 1 wherein a major axis for the
discharge region extends between the opposing side walls, and
wherein the discharge region further comprises at least one trough,
and the at least one discharge port is proximate to a base of the
trough.
3. A container as defined by claim 1 further comprising a plurality
of discharge regions, each including the corresponding discharge
port and a trough.
4. (canceled)
5. A container as defined by claim 4 wherein at least a portion of
the sloped wall upper edge is positioned closer to one of the front
and back wall top than the corresponding front or back wall
bottom.
6. A container as defined by claim 2 wherein the frame has a lower
perimeter, wherein the trough and the discharge port are positioned
above the frame lower perimeter, and wherein at least one of the
side walls includes an open access region for accessing the
discharge port.
7. A container as defined by claim 1 wherein the side walls have a
length and the front and back walls have a width, the side wall
length is at least twice the front and back width, and wherein the
opposing side walls have the same dimensions, and wherein the
opposing front and back walls have the same dimensions.
8. A container as defined by claim 1 wherein the frame is
configured for attachment to a wheeled carrier.
9. (canceled)
10. A container for storing and transporting particulate material,
the container comprising: a frame; a storage cavity defined by
opposing front and back walls, opposing side walls, a top wall, and
a floor, each of the front and back walls, side walls, top wall and
floor connected to the frame; at least one discharge region
extending longitudinally between the opposing side walls and
adjacent to a top surface of the floor; the discharge region
including at least one sloped wall having a lower edge extending
adjacent to and longitudinally to a trough and an upper edge
mounted to a corresponding support rod; and the discharge region
further including at least one discharge port positioned on one of
the side walls and within the frame, the discharge port aligned
with the trough and for removing particulate material from the
container.
11. The container of claim 10 further comprising a pair of sloped
walls, each sloped wall having a lower edge extending adjacent to
and longitudinally to the trough and an upper edge respectively
mounted to the corresponding support rod.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein the top wall further
comprises at least one loading port.
13. (canceled)
14. The container of claim 10 wherein the pair of sloped walls are
respectively mounted to the corresponding support rod at a
predetermined angle.
15. The container of claim 10 further comprising an auger
positioned in the trough to facilitate removal of the particulate
material through the discharge port.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the auger extends through the
discharge port.
17. The container of claim 10 wherein an interior surface of the
opposing side walls, floor, and sloped wall has an epoxy
coating.
18. The container of claim 10 wherein the back wall further
comprises a door.
19. The container of claim 10 wherein the container is one of a 20
foot and 40 foot dimensioned container.
20. A container comprising: a frame; a storage cavity defined by
opposing front and back walls, opposing side walls, a top wall, and
a floor, each of the front and back walls, side walls, top wall and
floor connected to the frame; a plurality of discharge regions,
each discharge region including: a trough extending longitudinally
between the pair of opposite side walls and adjacent to a top
surface of the floor; a plurality of sloped wall pairs, each sloped
wall having a lower edge extending adjacent to and longitudinally
to one of the plurality of troughs and an upper edge mounted to a
corresponding support rod; and a plurality of discharge ports on
each of the side walls and positioned within the frame, the
discharge port aligned with the trough and for removing particulate
material from the container.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Some embodiments of this invention relate to storage
containers, with one example being a container for shipping and/or
storage of particulate material, for example, granular, powdered
and pelleted materials.
[0002] Particulate material is often mined, manufactured or
refined, then transported by motor vehicle, such as a dump truck,
to a job site. Many conventional systems have been designed to
transport particulate material, but require a special vehicle or
equipment for unloading it. Therefore, many conventional
transportation systems are not capable of storing the material
independent from the transportation equipment. This leads to
increased costs for both transportation and storage.
[0003] One conventional system teaches loading a sealed bag in a
container and using a titled support frame to discharge the
material using gravity. However, the bag increases the difficulty
of loading and unloading particulate material and requires
disposal. In addition, a specially designed transportation vehicle
is necessary to tilt the container for unloading the material.
[0004] In yet another conventional system, a pneumatic discharge
outlet is fastened to the bottom of a railway hopper car. However,
the hopper car must be used in connection with a railway cart and
does not provide for storage of particulate material without the
railway cart. In addition, this system is not acceptable for job
sites not located next to railway tracks.
[0005] Still further, particulate materials are often deposited on
the ground for storage once at a job site. This results in the
material being exposed to the elements which can lead to spoilage,
dilution, change in composition through moisture absorption, and/or
loss of material. Another risk is theft of the material.
[0006] In many applications such materials are also required to be
transported using different vehicles for different legs of a
journey. As an example, granular material may be transported using
a first dump truck, deposited at a midway location by dumping
material on the ground, storing the material for a period of time,
and then reloading it into a second dump truck for a second leg of
the journey. Each loading and unloading step results in additional
labor costs and loss of material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present container addresses the drawbacks of the prior
art. For example, some embodiments of the present container
comprise a container for storing a granular or other material that
can be loaded and unloaded from vehicles with the material
contained therein. Some embodiments utilize sloped walls to
facilitate the unloading of particulate material using gravity in
combination with a pneumatic and/or an optional auger device.
Importantly, some embodiments of the present container include
sloped walls positioned inside the container to eliminate the need
for tipping or elevation for unloading material. Therefore, no
additional special equipment is required. Another beneficial
feature of some embodiments is that all discharge equipment is
enclosed within the container so that it can be transported using
many different methods and stored with other standard sized
containers independently from the equipment used to transport the
container.
[0008] More specifically, a container for storing and transporting
particulate material is provided, the container including a frame,
a storage cavity defined by opposing front and back walls, opposing
side walls, a top wall, and a floor, each of the front and back
walls, side walls, top wall and floor connected to the frame, at
least one loading port in the top wall, and at least one discharge
region including at least one discharge port configured for
removing material from the container. The discharge region and
discharge port being positioned within the frame.
[0009] Also included is a container for storing particulate
material, the container having a frame and a storage cavity defined
by opposing front and back walls, opposing side walls, a top wall,
and a floor, each of the front and back walls, side walls, top wall
and floor connected to the frame. The container also has at least
one discharge region extending longitudinally between the opposing
side walls and adjacent to a top surface of the floor, the
discharge region including at least one sloped wall having a lower
edge extending adjacent to and longitudinally to a trough and an
upper edge mounted to a corresponding support rod, and the
discharge region further including at least one discharge port
positioned on one of the side walls and within the frame, the
discharge port aligned with the trough and for removing particulate
material from the container.
[0010] In addition, also included is a container including a frame,
a storage cavity defined by opposing front and back walls, opposing
side walls, a top wall, and a floor, each of the front and back
walls, side walls, top wall and floor connected to the frame. The
container also has a plurality of discharge regions, each discharge
region including a trough extending longitudinally between the pair
of opposite side walls and adjacent to a top surface of the floor,
a plurality of sloped wall pairs, each sloped wall having a lower
edge extending adjacent to and longitudinally to one of the
plurality of troughs and an upper edge mounted to a corresponding
support rod, and a plurality of discharge ports on each of the side
walls and positioned within the frame, the discharge port aligned
with the trough and for removing particulate material from the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
container mounted on a wheeled shipping trailer;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a side elevation of the present cargo container
shown in partial cutaway view, showing two discharge regions, and
mounted on a shipping trailer;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a top view of a loading port of the present cargo
container of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a side elevation of the present container showing
an embodiment with two discharge regions;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a side view of one of the discharge regions shown
in FIG. 3A as viewed in the direction along the arrows on the line
3B-3B;
[0016] FIG. 3C is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 3A as
viewed in the direction along the arrows on the line 3C-3C with the
top wall removed and showing two discharge regions;
[0017] FIG. 3D is a side view of one of the discharge regions shown
in FIG. 3A as viewed in the direction along the arrows on the line
3B-3B and configured with an auger;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a side elevation of another embodiment of the
present container with one discharge region;
[0019] FIG. 4B is a side elevation of another embodiment of the
present container with three discharge regions;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
container mounted on a wheeled shipping trailer with back doors in
an open position; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of the discharge port.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a container is generally
designated as 10 and includes a frame 12. A storage cavity 14 is
defined by opposing front 16 and back walls 18, opposing side walls
20, 22, a top wall 24, and a floor 26. Each of the front 16 and
back 18 walls, side walls 20, 22, top wall 24 and floor 26 connect
to the frame 12. The example container 10 generally includes walls
16-24 and floor 26 that are coextensive with the frame 12. Some
other embodiments may include one or more walls 6-24 and floor 26
that are not coextensive with the frame 12. The walls 16-24, floor
26, and frame 12 may be constructed as desired, but in many
applications a useful balance between strength, weight and
durability is desirable. In many applications, the frame is
constructed of steel of sufficient gauge, with walls 6-24 and floor
26 likewise constructed of steel. They can be attached to the frame
12 by welding, fasteners or other suitable connection means.
[0023] Although dimensions may be selected for the container 10 as
desired, in many applications interchangeability is desirable so
that the container 10 can be easily moved from one vehicle to
another, stored with other containers, and the like. In such
applications standardization is desirable. It has been discovered
that a generally three dimensional rectangular "block" shape is
useful in many applications, with the container 10 adopting a
relatively longer length than its width or height. This allows for,
among other things, an advantageous balance of volume and exterior
dimensions for shipping on vehicles. In such applications, the
container 10 may be dimensioned so that the side walls 20, 22 have
a length that is at least twice the front 16 and back 18 wall
widths, and the opposing side walls and opposing front and back
walls respectively have the same dimensions.
[0024] In some applications, it has been discovered that
interchangeability and usefulness with existing transportation
network infrastructure is achieved by setting the container 10
dimensions consistent with standard transportation containers 10
which typically have a length of 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, 48 ft, or 53
ft. In addition, standard containers 10 typically have a height and
width of 7-8 ft. However, other dimensions are contemplated and may
be used based on applications.
[0025] Again, a beneficial aspect of many embodiments is the
ability to be easily loaded, off-loaded and moved from location to
location and vehicle to vehicle without unloading of contained
material. Many embodiments accordingly include features for
releasable attachment to vehicles (trucks, trailers, forklifts,
cranes, ships, planes, rail cars, and the like) to facilitate
transportation. As an example and as shown in FIG. 2, the container
10 is configured for releasable attachment to a wheeled carrier 27
for transportation by a vehicle such as a truck (not illustrated).
The container 10 may also be transported using a variety of other
methods including rail, boat and plane. Since the container 10 is
preferably sized using standard container dimensions as are known
in the industry, it can be transported and stored using readily
available equipment. The means of attachment and locking containers
to a transportation vehicle and stackability is well known in the
art.
[0026] Although the example container 10 has been illustrated in a
general three dimensional block shape with particular dimensions,
many other shapes and dimensions are possible. As an example, cube
or even spherical shapes could be useful.
[0027] Moving now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the container 10 includes at
least one, and preferably multiple loading ports 28 located in the
top wall 24 for loading material 30 such as sand, gravel, dirt,
pellets or other material 30 into the container 10 for storage in
the cavity 14. As should be appreciated, various features of the
container 10 may be adjusted depending on the material 30 used and
desired application. The loading port 28 may include a door 29
hingedly attached that can be pivotally moved between open and
closed positions. When the door 29 is in the open position, the
container 10 may be loaded using a conveyer, hose or other
mechanism as is known in the art. Other configurations, such as
generally rounded opening, for the loading port 28 are also
contemplated. Alternatively, the loading port 28 may be positioned
on a top portion 31 of one or more of the side walls 20, 22 instead
of the top wall 24.
[0028] In some embodiments, the door 29 is lockable in either the
open or closed positions for convenience. In some embodiments, the
door 29 is spring loaded for convenience. In these embodiments, a
spring (leaf or coil) is attached to the door 29 to urge it into a
closed position whereby it remains closed unless opened by an
opening force. An opening force can be provided, for example, by
engaging the door 29 with a hose nozzle, conveyor end, transport
tube, or other element through which material flows into the
container 10. This allows for convenience of operation, and
eliminates the need for an operator to manually open and close the
door 29.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the container 10 may also include
at least one access door 32 located on the front 16 and/or back
wall 18. Preferably, the back wall 18 includes a plurality of
lockable hinged access doors 32. These access doors 32 may also be
used to load material 30 using a conveyor, hose, or other mechanism
as is known in the art. The access doors 32 will be subsequently
described in more detail.
[0030] Moving now to FIGS. 2A-3C and 6, at least one discharge
region 34 is included to facilitate gravitational flow of material
30 from the cavity 14. Each discharge region 34 preferably includes
a discharge trough 35 and at least one discharge port 36. In the
illustrated embodiment, the discharge region 34 and corresponding
trough 35 have a major axis that extends between the opposing side
walls 20, 22 and is adjacent to a top surface 38 of the floor 26.
The discharge region 34 may have any of a number of different
configurations as may be desirable for particular applications. In
many applications, it includes at least one sloped wall 46 to
encourage downward flow into the discharge trough 35. In the
illustrated embodiment, the discharge region 34 is v-shaped.
Dimensions of the discharge region 34 can vary based on
application, such as the type of material being transported. Other
shape configurations for the discharge region 34, such as a bowl or
oval, are also contemplated. The discharge region 34 may also be
spread over substantially the entire floor 26.
[0031] Preferably, the container 10 includes a plurality of
discharge regions 34, each including the discharge trough 35 and
the discharge port 36 positioned proximate to a base 40 of each
discharge region. The discharge port 36 is generally round and
configured to attach to standard pneumatic withdrawal equipment
(not shown) which creates a vacuum to assist with removal of
material 30 from the container 10. A cover 37 restricting access to
the discharge port 36 may also be included to prevent inadvertent
removal of material 30.
[0032] Discharge ports 36 may be positioned on one or both side
walls 20, 22 for each corresponding discharge region 34.
Furthermore, the discharge port 36 is positioned within the frame
12 in a recessed access region 42 on one or more of the side walls
20, 22 (see also FIG. 1), and the discharge ports 36 and trough 35
are all positioned above a frame lower perimeter 44. The access
region 42 is contained within the frame 12 so that no components
from the discharge port 36 protrude from the container 10, thereby
ensuring that all components of the container 10 remain contained
within the perimeter of the frame 12 to allow for efficient
transportation, storage and stacking of the container 10 using
existing equipment. This attribute, for instance, minimizes any
required space between adjacent containers 10 when being shipped or
stored so they can be arranged wall to wall. Alternatively, the
discharge port 36 may be positioned on the floor 26 of the
container 10 in a similar recessed access region 42.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A and 4A-4B, the discharge region 34
also includes at least one sloped wall 46 having a lower edge 48
extending approximately adjacent to and longitudinally to the
trough 35, and an upper edge 50 mounted to a support rod 47
extending from the floor 26 to the upper edge 50. It is also
contemplated that the upper edge 50 is mounted directly to the
front 16 or back wall 18. The sloped wall 46 may be constructed of
steel or other material, and is attached to the support rod 47
using welding or other means. Alternatively, the sloped wall 46 may
be attached to the wall 16-22 or support rod 47 using an adjustable
means so that the angle .quadrature. formed between the upper edge
50 and the wall 16-22 can likewise be adjusted.
[0034] The sloped wall 46 is preferably positioned to form an angle
.quadrature. with the support rod 47, front wall 16 or back 18 wall
that is greater than the angle of repose for the material 30 being
transported. Most contemplated substances 30 have an angle of
repose in the range of 15-45 degrees. The angle .quadrature., and
therefore slope of the sloped wall 46, can be configured based on
the application. As such, a portion of the sloped wall upper edge
50 is preferably positioned vertically closer to the front 16 or
back wall 18 top 52 than the front or back wall bottom 54.
Specifically, the upper edge 50 is preferably positioned higher
than 50% of the front 16 or back wall 18 height and approximately
at 75% of the front or back wall. An advantage of this
configuration is that gravity is used to facilitate transportation
of particulate material 30 to the discharge trough 35 for removal
from the container 10 through the discharge port 36.
[0035] Multiple configurations are contemplated for the number,
angle, placement and other overall arrangement of sloped walls 46
and discharge regions 34 based on the substance 30 and other
application details. For example, the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 3A includes two discharge regions 34, each with two sloped
walls 46 extending adjacent to and longitudinally to the
corresponding discharge trough 35, and an upper edge respectively
mounted to the corresponding support rod 47.
[0036] Other configurations, such as those shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B, using one, three or more discharge regions 38 with sloped wall
pairs 46, discharge troughs 35 and discharge ports 36 are
contemplated based on design requirements, container 10 size and
the substance 30 being transported. As should be appreciated, the
number of sloped walls 46 may be limited depending on the angle of
repose for the particulate material 30 being transported. In
addition, in embodiments, the sloped wall 46 may be mounted to
another sloped wall without the use of the support rod 47.
[0037] In addition, an access area sloped wall 49 (see FIGS. 3B and
3C) positioned above the access area 42 may be included in the
discharge region 34 to further facilitate the flow of material 30
to the trough 35. The access area sloped wall 49 is similar in
function to the sloped wall 46 described above, but extends inward
from the side walls 20, 22 and converges at the trough 35. As
should be appreciated, the access area sloped wall 49 should be
shaped and configured to function with the sloped wall 46 and other
elements in the discharge region 34.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, storage areas 55 are
accessible by doors 32 and formed between the sloped walls 46 and
the floor 26 may be used for general storage of equipment such as
hand tools, engines, motors, and other items. As a specific
example, in some embodiments it may be useful to maintain a
particular temperature or pressure in the container cavity 14. In
such applications, heater(s), cooler(s), vacuum(s), and/or pump(s)
may be located in the storage areas 55 along with controllers, fuel
tanks and required connections. Venting can be provided as may be
required to communicate heated/cooled air or fluids to the cavity
14 and to provide airflow/exhaust for any motors in the storage
areas 55. Again, arrangement of these elements within the perimeter
boundary of the frame 12 offers advantages and benefits related to
efficiency of shipping, storage and the like. In some embodiments a
motor may be driven by use of fuel contained in a fuel tank also
stored in the storage area 55, while in others electrical or other
external power supplies may be utilized. A locally stored fuel tank
offers the advantage of the container 10 being self-contained and
able to be operated without any external input.
[0039] Doors 32 may also be included on the front 16 and side walls
20, 22 for access to additional storage areas 55 formed by the
sloped walls 46. The number of storage areas 55 will vary based on
the number of sloped wall pairs 46. Size and placement of doors 32
can be as desired. In many applications the doors 32 are provided
with locking devices.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2A, material 30 may be removed from the
cavity 14 using only gravity, or may be aided by mechanical and/or
pneumatic means. A combination of gravity and a pneumatic vacuum
transfer system 56 is provided in the example embodiment. Such
equipment 56 is well known in the art. The pneumatic equipment 56
combined with gravity functions to remove material 30 from the
cavity 14 through the trough 35 and discharge port 36, and into a
hopper 58 or other device.
[0041] For example, in one embodiment product 30 is unloaded using
a vacuum hose 59 connected to one of the discharge ports 36. In
this example, the flow of product 30 into the trough 35 is
controlled using a valve shaft 60 or similar device (see FIG. 3C).
Product 30 is then vacuumed out of the trough 35, through a
transition tube and out of the discharge port 36 for ultimate
discharge to a receptacle 58. The configuration is further
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,560.
[0042] Different mechanical elements can be provided for aiding in
the discharge of material 30. Examples include conveyors, augers
and the like. Moving to FIG. 3D, the example embodiment includes an
auger 62 positioned in the trough 35 for further facilitating
removal of material 30 from the container 10. Specifically, the
auger 62 facilitates providing a consistent material 30 flow to the
discharge port 36 for removal in an efficient manner. However,
material 30 may also be removed from the container 10 using just
the auger 62 and without the pneumatic vacuum 56. Each discharge
region 34 may include a corresponding auger 62. However, in
instances when a pneumatic vacuum 56 is not used, a removable auger
extension (not shown) may be placed onto the auger 62 to assist
transporting material through the discharge port 36. The auger 62
is powered using a mechanical, electrical or hydraulic drive
systems such as a farm tractor connected to the auger via a gear
set (not illustrated). Such systems are well known in the art.
[0043] In some other embodiments, power for the auger 62 or other
discharge aiding means is located in the container 10. In some
embodiments, for example, a drive motor is provided in one or more
of the storage areas 55. A power linkage is provided linking the
motor to the auger 62. In some embodiments the motor may be powered
by diesel, propane, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon fuel. In such
embodiments a fuel tank may also be provided in the storage area
55. This offers the advantage of the container 10 being completely
self contained and not requiring external input for operation.
[0044] An interior surface 64 of the opposing front 16 and back 18
walls, opposing side walls 20, 22, top wall 24, floor 26 and sloped
walls 46, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3C, 4A and 4B, may include an
epoxy coating for facilitating storage and removal of material 30.
Such a coating may also function to prevent the interior surfaces
64 from corroding and reacting with the granular material 30. In
addition, epoxy coating may facilitate removal of material 30 by
increasing the slickness of the surface. This may also reduce the
angle of repose for the material 30 and the corresponding angle of
the sloped wall 46. As a result, the area for storing particulate
material 30 is increased. In some other embodiments other suitable
coatings can be provided to, for instance, comply with health or
other industrial standards for material storage.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3D, the container 10 is filled with
material 30 by closing the discharge ports 36 and opening the
loading port 28. A conveyor, hose under pneumatic pressure or other
suitable loading mechanisms are then used to load granular material
30 through the loading port 28 and into the container cavity 14.
Once the container 10 is filled with a designated amount of
material 30, the loading port 28 is closed and the container 10 is
transported to its destination. Since the container 10 is
dimensioned to be a standard size, conventional truck, rail, air
and boat are suitable transportation options. Once the container 10
arrives at the destination, it may be stored independently of the
transportation equipment until removal of the material 30 is
desired. As indicated above, material 30 is preferably removed
using a pneumatic device 56 to vacuum material 30 out from the
trough 35 and through the discharge port 36.
[0046] Importantly, the loading port 28, sloped walls 46, trough
35, discharge outlet 36 and all other container elements are
positioned inside a perimeter of the frame 12. As such, no
additional special equipment is required for unloading the
container 10. As should also be appreciated, the container 10 can
therefore be transported using many different methods and stored
with other standard sized containers 10 independently from the
equipment used to transport the container.
[0047] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described, it should be understood that other
modifications, substitutions and alternatives are apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications, substitutions and
alternatives can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention, which should be determined from the
appended claims.
[0048] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *