Discharge apparatus for a shipping container

Abstract

A shipping container discharge system and method of using the shipping container discharge system includes a bulkhead liner for a shipping container with a reinforced area and a discharge sleeve extending from within the shipping container. The discharge sleeve has a discharge passage in communication with an interior space of the bulkhead liner for discharging a product from the interior space. The shipping container discharge system also includes a manifold having a first aperture and at least one attachment member. The discharge sleeve extends through the first aperture and the attachment member is attached to the reinforced area of the bulkhead liner to secure the manifold to the bulkhead liner. A high hat with a second aperture is attachable to the manifold with a portion of the discharge sleeve secured between the manifold and the high hat to prevent contamination of a product to be unloaded from the interior space of the bulkhead liner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a discharge apparatus for a shipping container. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Cargo containers are used to carry bulk cargo such as dry bulk chemicals, powdered and pelletized resins, flour, coffee, grains and the like. When cargo containers are used to carry bulk cargo, the container must be kept clean or be cleaned after each load of cargo is emptied from the container, so that the container can be subsequently used with another load of cargo. Moreover, the cargo must be protected from contamination and from undesirable exposure to natural elements. [0003] Removable liners typically are used to line interior walls or surfaces of the cargo containers in order to carry the bulk cargo without sullying the container and contaminating the cargo. Such a removable liner protects the cargo during shipment or storage from rain, debris, and the like. After the cargo is delivered, the liner can be removed so that the container is a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention is directed in general to a discharge apparatus for a pliable bulkhead liner for a shipping container. The discharge apparatus is readily attachable to the bulkhead liner to discharge a load of cargo or product held in the bulkhead liner. The component parts of the discharge apparatus are simple and economical to manufacture, assemble and use. Other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and attached drawings, or can be learned through practice of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

Due to the pliability of the liner and the sleeve, attachment of the take-away device is difficult.

Moreover, as the container is inclined to unload the cargo, forces exerted by the shifting cargo can cause the liner sleeve to slip off the take-away device thus spilling and contaminating the cargo.

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