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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] 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, such as a sheet of hard plastic, 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. The support may overlap at its ends to add stability and / or to ensure that a barrier is formed with respect to the entire inner surface of the cage. The support may also have at least one top flap to improve the structural integrity of the cage and / or to form a cover for the item inside. An aperture in the support may allow a discharge valve of the liner to extend outwardly for easy access to the item. The support may allow the cage to be used many times without having to purchase replacement bottles.

[0012] In a second aspect of the invention is provided a container, comprising: a cage for use with an Intermediate Bulk Container, the cage having walls that include bars; a liner positioned within the cage for holding an item to be at least one of shipped and stored; and a generally planar support member support member adapted to be positioned between the liner and an substantially all of an interior portion the walls of the cage to prevent the liner from extruding through a space between the bars.

Problems solved by technology

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.

One drawback of the cage and bottle type IBC is that the replacement of bottles can become fairly expensive.

It is sometimes difficult to adequately clean a bottle after it has been used, leading to the possibility of cross-contamination of shipped or stored materials.

In addition, certain laws, especially with respect to food products, may prohibit the reuse of the bottles.

Due to the fact that the bottles are often made of molded plastic, the costs associated with constantly replacing bottles may be prohibitive.

In addition, there may costs associated with disposal of the bottle may increase the overall cost to use cage and bottle type IBCs.

These liners, however, often cannot be used in conjunction with the cages of cage and bottle type IBCs because the filling of the liner with a good or material, particularly a liquid one, may cause the liner to extrude between the bars of the cage.

Furthermore, liners that are currently used to line the bottles of cage and bottle type IBCs are difficult to install and require specific installation methods, which may tend to discourage potential users from employing this type of liner.

This may lead to undue pressure on the liner or cause the liner to become caught on an outside object, leading to possible failure of the soft plastic liner and spoilage of the good or material inside.

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