Intermediate bulk container liner

Abstract

A liner (10) is disclosed for use with a bulk container having mounting posts (20) along a top edge (18). The liner has a liner body (23) which has top wall (26), a bottom wall (27), a front wall (28), a liner rear wall (29) and two side walls (30). The liner also includes a front mounting tab (40) and a rear mounting tab (41). Each mounting tab is mounted to and extends across the vast majority of the width of the liner body. Each mounting tab has two semi-circular cuts therethrough which form liner front mounting openings (43) and (44). This orientation allows for the mounting posts to be positioned upon the curved portion of the openings to aid in distributing pulling forces upon the tabs to restrict tearing of the material along the openings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to bulk material liners used in conjunction with intermediate bulk containers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Flexible liners are oftentimes utilized in conjunction with an intermediate bulk containers to ship large quantities of liquid, viscous, or granular products. A problem long associated with the use of such liners has been the proper filling of such liners. During the filling process the flexible liner may become folded or creased upon itself, resulting in it not expanding to its maximum volume. Furthermore, this may cause the liner to be pulled or stretched along one portion causing an uneven filling of the container or a tearing of the liner material.[0003]One solution to the filling problem has been the utilization of a fill bridge during the filling process. A fill bridge is an elongated member which is coupled to the top of the container and extended along the top surface of the liner so that it holds the liner top fitment in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a liner that is used to hold and transport material in a bulk container. The liner has a front and rear wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls. It also has a top mounting tab and a bottom mounting tab that can be attached to the container. The technical effect of this liner is that it helps to secure and stabilize the material during transportation, reducing damage and ensuring safety. Additionally, it can allow for easier handling and maintenance of the container.

Problems solved by technology

A problem long associated with the use of such liners has been the proper filling of such liners.

During the filling process the flexible liner may become folded or creased upon itself, resulting in it not expanding to its maximum volume.

Furthermore, this may cause the liner to be pulled or stretched along one portion causing an uneven filling of the container or a tearing of the liner material.

This concentration of force is not desired as it may cause damage to the liner at the location of the top fitment.

Also, the placement of the tabs on the corners creates a large force upon the tabs as it is concentrated on a relatively small area which is also the most likely to move during the filling process.

This concentration and location may likely cause a rupturing or tearing of the tabs during filling.

In addition to the filling problem, flexible liners also may have draining or evacuation problems.

The complete or near-complete evacuation of the contents from within the liner is difficult to achieve.

This problem may again occur as a result of the liner folding upon itself or moving with the material to a location which blocks the outlet port of the liner.

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