Octagonal bulk bin with means to resist initiation of failure of the vertical score in the bin

Abstract

In a bulk bin having side walls joined to one another at adjacent edges along vertical scores, and bottom flaps joined to bottom edges of the side walls along a flap score, with adjacent flaps separated from one another by a flap slot, a shaped cut is made at the terminal end of the flap slot to redirect stress away from the bottom end of the vertical score and resist initiation of tearing of the vertical score at that point. In one embodiment, the shaped cut is a downwardly open hook shape which terminates in an end pointing laterally away from the vertical score and into the flap. In another embodiment, the shaped cut resembles a modified Greek letter psi (ψ), with the ends pointing laterally away from the vertical score, and in still another embodiment, the shaped cut is “T” shaped, with the ends of the “T” pointing laterally away from the vertical score.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 339,175, filed Dec. 11, 2001.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to bulk bins, and more particularly to bulk bins made of corrugated paperboard with means to resist initiation of tearing of the vertical scores in the bin. [0004] 2. Prior Art [0005] Many products are stored and shipped in bulk containers, which are commonly constructed of corrugated paperboard. These containers or bins may be used to hold up to 2400 pounds of product, and are often used to ship and store flowable products. For instance, the poultry industry uses corrugated paperboard bulk bins to ship and store flowable de-boned meat product. Flowable products, in particular, exert an enormous force on the side walls of the bin, tending to cause them to bulge outwardly, especially toward the bottom of the bin. [0006] Bulk containers or bins made of corrugated p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The invention provides a means for resisting this initiation of a tear along the vertical score line by separating the end of the flap slot from the end of the vertical score line, and modifying the shape of the terminal end of the flap slot to redirect the stress away from the end of the score and thereby eliminate a potential starting point for a split to begin.

[0010] In one embodiment, the modified slot terminates in a shape much like a modified Greek letter psi (). This has the effect of moving the termination of the flap slot one inch away from the end of the vertical score line, and placing it in the flap score. This new shape diverts the internal pressure of the contents away from the base of the vertical score.

[0013] Reinforcing bands, such as, for example, sesame tape, can also be placed around the bin at spaced intervals along its height, beginning one inch above the flap score, to reinforce the bin and resist bulging and / or failure caused by the pressure of the contents.

Problems solved by technology

Flowable products, in particular, exert an enormous force on the side walls of the bin, tending to cause them to bulge outwardly, especially toward the bottom of the bin.

This stress concentration further tends to focus along an axis leading from the flap slot into the lower end of the vertical score, with the result that splitting of the vertical score is initiated, sometimes resulting in tearing along the entire length of the vertical score and failure of the bin.

Images