Bag filling and discharge system

Abstract

A system for storing a loose material comprises an upright bag having internal bracing to support a middle portion from expanding radially outwards and a support structure operable to lift the bag between a first collapsed position and a second fill position. The structure includes a plurality of hinged support members extending between a base and top ring frame. The system further comprises a flexible tension member extending between each of the plurality of hinged support members and the middle portion of the bag and a winch connected to each flexible tension member wherein the winch is operable to adjust a distance between the bag and the hinged support members so as to move the bag and the support structure between a first collapsed position and a second filled position in which the bag is upright and the hinged support members are upright.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 678,893 filed May 31, 2018 entitled Bag Filling and Discharge System.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to a system for filling collapsible bags, and in particular to a system to erect, fill and discharge a collapsible bag for particulate bulk materials.2. Description of Related Art[0003]Silos are widely used to temporarily store granular or powdered particulate bulk materials prior to shipment or use. A variety of silo manufacturing methods and construction materials may be used, such as concrete or steel panels, cast concrete, wood staves, heavy plastic tubular bags or fabric bags suspended from a structural frame.[0004]Conventional silos can be expensive, and are generally permanent structures, not meant to be moved or dismantled. In some cases, it is desirable to have the ability to periodically move...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system for storing a loose material in an upright bag that can be collapsed and raised using a support structure. The system includes a flexible tension member that extends between the bag and the support structure, with hinged support members and a winch for adjusting the distance between the bag and the support structure. The bag has internal bracing to support its middle section and a top is connected to the support structure. The system also includes a roof assembly and plurality of lift arms for compressing the middle section of the bag. The technical effects of this invention include improved storage and protection of loose materials, as well as easy and safe lifting and raising of the bag.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional silos can be expensive, and are generally permanent structures, not meant to be moved or dismantled.

Additionally, it may be cost prohibitive for some users to construct a conventional permanent silo.

It is difficult to unload material from a bag silo, as a specialized machine must be used, and material can be damaged or lost when it falls on the ground.

Plastic bag silos are not reusable, thus creating a large amount of plastic waste.

Additionally, this type of storage solution requires a large area to store material.

Disadvantageously, large fabric silos require specialized equipment to access the top of the frame to hang the bag therefrom.

Additionally, typical fabric silos require that the frame be sized to sufficiently support the weight of the bag and its contents, as the bag is permanently raised to expose a conical bottom portion and is thus not self-supporting.

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