Support for cage and bottle style intermediate bulk container

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for using a liner in conjunction with the cage of a bottle and cage type IBC. The invention involves use of a support that is placed inside the cage of a bottle and cage type IBC. In one embodiment, the support may be a thin sheet of material that conforms to the inner surface of the cage. In an alternative embodiment, the support may be a bottle from a cage and bottle type IBC that has been modified by removing the discharge valve spout. In the case that a liner is used in conjunction with the cage, the support forms a barrier between the liner and the cage to prevent the liner from extruding through the bars of the cage. An aperture in the support may allow a discharge valve of a liner to extend outwardly for easy access to the item.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates generally to containers and more specifically to containers adapted for storing and shipping bulk materials. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] Much of our economy today is driven by goods and other items that have been shipped long distances. Of course, shipment of items in bulk is normally more cost effective than shipments of the same items in smaller units. To this extent, one of the biggest challenges for producers of an item lies in finding containers and methods for shipping it, especially in bulk, to its desired destination and storing it upon arrival. [0005] One type of container that is often used to transport materials in bulk is called an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC). IBCs are normally designed to be large enough to contain large quantities of goods or materials, while being small enough to be placed within a larger container, such as the trailer of a semi-truck, a railroad car, a s...

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