Transportable package and system and method to form the same

Abstract

A system and method to form a transportable package is disclosed. The method includes placing a frame on a suitable base and placing a collapsible bag inside the frame, wherein an open top portion of the collapsible bag is draped over an open top of the frame to support the collapsible bag in an open position. The collapsible bag is then filled with flowable particulate matter and a vacuum is drawn in the interior of the collapsible bag. While the vacuum is being applied, the frame is removed and the collapsible bag is spirally wrapped with a reinforcing material. The open top portion of the collapsible bag is then preferably sealed to form the transportable package.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 052,091 filed on May 9, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present general inventive concept relates to packaging of bulk material, and more particularly, to a package to transport loose bulk materials and a system and method to form the same.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Typical containers utilized for transport of bulk materials include either boxes or containers that generally have a rigid shape and are filled with the bulk material and then closed. Alternatively, collapsible bags have also been used to store and transport bulk material. However, conventional collapsible bags require either an internal frame structure or an external form to which the collapsible bag is attached during filling. In the later case, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A transportable package in accordance with this disclosure includes a collapsible bag, flowable particulate matter contained within the bag, and a reinforcing material wrapped around the collapsible bag to reinforce and provide dimensional stability to the filled collapsible bag. The reinforcing material is wrapped around the collapsible bag while the filled collapsible bag is subjected to a vacuum after the collapsible bag is filled with the flowable particulate matter.

[0013]The present general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a method to form a transportable package, including positioning a separable frame on a suitable base, placing a closed bottom portion of a collapsible bag within the separable frame and draping an open top portion of the collapsible bag over an open top portion of the separable frame to support the collapsible bag in an open position, filling the collapsible bag with flowable particulate matter while the collapsible bag is supported by the separable frame, drawing a vacuum in an interior of the collapsible bag, separating the separable frame from the collapsible bag while the collapsible bag is under vacuum, and, while the bag is under vacuum, wrapping a reinforcing material around the collapsible bag to reinforce and provide dimensional stability to the filled collapsible bag.

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional collapsible bags require either an internal frame structure or an external form to which the collapsible bag is attached during filling.

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