AU2021203647A1 - A reinforced bulk bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A reinforced bulk bag, including a base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base to form the reinforced bulk bag with a plurality of corners. Further, each of the plurality of corners has a reinforcement panel extending across. Each of the reinforcement panels has a first end and a second end. 1/8 10 27 26 27 24 21 21 25- 25 20 Figure 1

Description

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A REINFORCED BULK BAG FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a reinforced bulk bag that provides a level of rigidity for use in the filling and transportation of dry flowable products, including non-hazardous and hazardous goods.

BACKGROUND

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC), which are also known as bulk bags, are industrial containers made of flexible fabric that are designed for storing and transporting dry, flowable products, such as sand, fertilizer, granules, pellets etc. Most commonly, bulk bags are made of thick woven polyethylene or polypropylene and include either one, two or four lifting loops that facilitate transportation and loading.

Bulk bags are particularly useful for the transportation of both non-hazardous goods and hazardous goods, such as sodium cyanide pellets. Sodium cyanide pellets are highly toxic and are used for a variety of industrial purposes, including in the mining industry where they are used to extract gold and other precious metals from their ores.

Due to the flexible nature of standard bulk bags, there is a risk of spillage of the contents of the bag, which in the case of hazardous goods then poses a significant environmental and personal hazard. In addition, the flexible nature of standard bulk bags makes filling difficult, particularly during placement of the bag on the conveyor belt. As a result, current practice requires each individual bulk bag to be contained within a plywood box in order to provide safe and effective filling and transportation of goods, particularly in relation to hazardous goods, such as sodium cyanide. The plywood box is built around and acts to provide adequate rigidity to each bulk bag, which allows for filling and ensures containment of the contents of the bulk bag. The plywood boxes are also then stacked for containerisation and transportation.

However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the current practice of containing individual bulk bags within a plywood box. This includes the added expense associated with the boxes and also the additional time required to construct and contain each bulk bag within an individual plywood box. Furthermore, cleaning and recycling of the boxes can be problematic.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a reinforced bulk bag, including: a base, a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base to form the reinforced bulk bag with a plurality of corners, each of the plurality of corners having a reinforcement panel extending across, and each of the reinforcement panels having a first end and a second end.

In preference, there is a gap between the second end of each of the reinforcement panels and the base of the reinforced bulk bag.

In preference, there is a gap located between the first end of each reinforcement panel and a top of the reinforced bulk bag.

In preference, each reinforcement panel is a baffle.

In preference, each baffle includes at least one opening, hole or perforation to allow for filling of the reinforced bulk bag with a dry flowable product.

In preference, each reinforcement panel is a mesh panel.

In preference, each mesh panel is made up of a series of horizontal thread members.

In preference, the reinforced bulk bag further includes one or more stiffening elements.

In preference, one or more of the side walls of the reinforced bulk bag having a pouch, sleeve or recess formed for receiving the one or more stiffening elements.

In preference, the one or more stiffening elements are located on the one of the side walls, respectively, of the reinforced bulk bag.

In preference, each stiffening element is a rigid sheet.

In preference, each stiffening element is a rigid polypropylene sheet.

In preference, the rigid polypropylene sheet is corrugated.

In preference, the rigid polypropylene sheet is approximately 4 mm thick.

In preference, the reinforced bulk bag includes four side walls that are connected at respective ends to form the reinforced bulk bag having four corners.

In preference, each of the four comers has a reinforcement panel extending across.

In preference, each of the four side walls has a stiffening element.

In preference, the reinforced bulk bag is constructed from a plurality of layers of material.

In preference, the plurality of layers includes at least an inner layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer and an outer layer.

In preference, the inner layer is polypropylene.

In preference, the inner layer is woven polypropylene.

In preference, the first intermediate layer is attached to an outside surface of the inner layer.

In preference, the first intermediate layer is glued onto the outside surface of the inner layer.

In preference, the first intermediate layer is low density polyethylene.

In preference, the second intermediate layer is woven polypropylene.

In preference, the outer layer is woven polypropylene.

In preference, a pouch, sleeve or recess for receiving the one of more stiffening elements is formed between second intermediate layer and the outer layer.

In preference, the pouch is sealed once the stiffening element has been received within the pouch.

Objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description directed towards an embodiment of the invention. As will be realised, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the top has been removed.

Figure 3 is a top view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a top view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the top has been removed.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the top has been removed.

Figures 6 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced bulk bag in a preferred embodiment of the invention with the top removed.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced bulk bag with the top removed in an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the reinforced bulk bag with the top removed in an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced bulk bag of Figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed but, rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

The reinforced bulk bag of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown generally as (10).

In particular, Figures 1 to 6 depict an embodiment of the reinforced bulk bag (10) of the present invention, which is made up of a base (20) and four side walls (21) extending upwardly from the base (20) to form the reinforced bulk bag (10) with chamber (15) and four corners (23). In Figure 1, the reinforced bulk bag (10) is depicted with the top (24) secured in place. In Figures 2 and 4 to 6, the top (24) has been removed to more easily depict the internal features of the reinforced bulk bag (10).

In the embodiment depicted, the side walls (21) are connected at respective ends to form the reinforced bulk bag (10) with four corners (23). However, other types of construction that would be known by those skilled in the art, such as a unitary type of construction wherein the base and side walls are a single piece of material that are then used to form the reinforced bulk bag (10), are also contemplated, and fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, whilst the embodiment shown includes four side walls (21), the person skilled in the art would understand that any number of sides could be possible if they result in a container suitable for the transportation of dry flowable products. The dry, flowable products that the reinforced bulk bag (10) would be suitable for include sand, fertilizer, granules, pellets etc., which may include non-hazardous materials or hazardous materials, such as sodium cyanide pellets.

In addition, each of the comers include a reinforcement panel extending across, each reinforcement panel having a first and a second end. The reinforcement panel can take any number of forms, such as a baffle, a mesh panel, or any other form that acts to reinforce the rigidity and shape of the reinforced bulk bag. Specific forms of the reinforcement panel according to several embodiments are described in more detail below.

In the embodiment depicted in Figures 4 to 6, each reinforcement panel is a baffle (30) located within the reinforced bulk bag (10), with each baffle (30) having a first end (31) and a second end (32). In addition, each baffle (30) is positioned such that it extends across one of the comers (23) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) and includes a gap (33) between the second end (32) of the baffle (30) and the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). Thebaffle(30) may be made of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art and according to the user's requirements, including, but not limited to a polypropylene or polyethylene.

Advantageously the baffles (30) assist in maintaining the rigidity and shape of the reinforced bulk bag (10), which assists during filling and stacking of multiple bulk bags (10) during transportation. As depicted in Figure 6, a gap (33) is maintained between the second end (32) of each baffle (30) and the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) so that the product fills the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) evenly and once the product reaches the second end (32) of the baffle (30) it fills the remaining volume of the bag, including the space between the baffle (30) and respective corner (23). In particular, the concentration of product in the corners (23) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) assists in maintaining the shape of the bulk bag (10).

In addition, a further gap (34) may also be maintained between the first end (31) of the baffle (30) and the top (24) of the reinforced bulk bag (10).

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the baffles (30) are solid without any holes or perforations.

According to the present invention, the reinforced bulk bag (10) preferably further includes one or more stiffening elements (40). The purpose of the stiffening elements (40) is to impart further rigidity to the reinforced bulk bag (10), such that it may maintain its shape before and during filling of the product and also during transportation.

Each stiffening element (40) may be received within a pouch, sleeve or recess (25) formed in or on one of the side walls (21) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). As shown in the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 6, the pouch (25) is formed on the outer surface of the side walls (21) within which the stiffening element (40) may be received. In alternate embodiments, the pouch may be formed within layers of the side wall (21), which is discussed further below.

Moreover, the stiffening elements (40) may be arranged in any other way that would be known to those skilled in the art such that they act to reinforce and impart rigidity to the side walls (21) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). For example, alternatively, each stiffening element (40) may be directly attached to and located on one of the side walls (21) of the reinforced bulk bag (10).

Further, in the embodiment depicted, each one of the four side walls (21) includes a pouch (25) receiving a stiffening element (40). Thus, a total of four stiffening elements are present. However, depending on the user's requirements, a pair of stiffening elements could be located on opposite side walls only, or any other configuration and/or number of stiffening elements can be used as desired.

According to the present embodiment, each stiffening element (40) is a rigid sheet and more preferably a rigid polypropylene sheet. However, the stiffening element (40) may be any other suitable material that would be known to those skilled in the art and that is sufficiently rigid to maintain the shape of the reinforced bulk bag (10), particularly during filling and transportation. Furthermore, the rigid polypropylene sheet may be corrugated and have a thickness of approximately 4 mm. However, other forms and thicknesses of rigid polypropylene sheet that impart sufficient rigidity that would be known to those skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Advantageously, the baffles (30) and stiffening elements (40) aid in providing rigidity to the structure of the reinforced bulk bag (10), such that it is no longer necessary to contain each bulk bag within a plywood box. This provides numerous advantages including, simplifying the packing and distribution process and technicalities, whilst also reducing the associated costs. In particular, the reinforced bulk bag (10) achieves the requirements of a semi-rigid bulk bag, which is particularly useful in the transportation of dangerous goods, such as sodium cyanide. Also, the stiffening elements (40) allow the reinforced bulk bag (10) to remain in a rigid box-like shape so that it can be placed onto a conveyor belt during product filling.

The reinforced bulk bag (10) according to the present invention is constructed from a plurality of layers of material, which may include any material known to those in the art that would provide the desired properties, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

In one form of the invention, the plurality of layers includes at least an inner layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer and an outer layer. In particular, the inner layer of the reinforced bulk bag (10) may be constructed of polypropylene, such as woven polypropylene. The first intermediate layer is then attached to an outside surface of the inner layer. The attachment means could include any that would be known to those skilled in the art, such as through gluing or stitching. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate layer is constructed of a low density polyethylene. The second intermediate layer is positioned adjacent to the first intermediate layer and is woven polypropylene.

Finally, the outer layer is a woven polypropylene, which is preferably a thinner woven polypropylene layer. In one embodiment, the outer layer fulfils the purpose of forming the pouch, sleeve or recess for receiving the one or more stiffening elements. The pouch or sleeve includes an opening, which allows for the one or more stiffening elements (40) to be received within the pouch. The opening may be located at the top (24) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). However, it may also be located at the base (20) or along one of the comers (23) of the bulk bag (10) as desired.

Optionally, the opening on the pouch or sleeve may be sealed once the stiffening element has been received within the pouch. This may include permanent sealing, such as by stitching the layers together once the stiffening element (40) has been received within the pouch.

Alternatively, the pouch may be releasably sealed, such as by way of hook-and-loop fasteners or the like, so that the stiffening elements (40) may be inserted and removed when desired. In another alternative embodiment, the pouch may remain open, again so that the stiffening elements (40) may be inserted and removed when desired.

When in use, the reinforced bulk bag (10) may be placed onto a conveyor belt, or other suitable surface, by way of the loops (27) to be filled with a dry flowable product, such as sodium cyanide or any other desired product. As mentioned, the stiffening elements (40) improve the rigidity of the reinforced bulk bag (10) so that it maintains its shape prior to and during the filling stage. When desired, dry flowable product is then supplied to the reinforced bulk bag (10) through the fill spout (26), which is positioned on the top (24) of the bag (10), as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Other configurations of inlets for receiving product that would be known by those skilled in the art may also be used.

Figures 6 depicts a cross-section of the reinforced bulk bag (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section has been taken as part A as shown in Figure 4. During filling, the gap (33) maintained between the second end (32) of each baffle (30) and the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) causes the product (not shown) to initially fill from the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) evenly and once the product reaches the second end (32) of the baffle (30) the product fills within the chamber (15) and the comers (23) behind the baffles (30). Advantageously, the concentration of product in the corners (23) of the reinforced bulk bag (10) due to the baffles (30) assists in maintaining the rigidity and shape of the bulk bag (10).

As mentioned above, optionally a further gap (34) may also be maintained between the first end (31) of the baffle (30) and the top (24) of the bag (10), which causes product to also fill the space between the baffle (30) and respective corner (23) from the top (24) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). As the reinforced bulk bag (10) further fills, optional openings, hole, or perforations in the baffles (30), as depicted in Figure 7, allow the product to flow through the baffle (30).

Once filling has been completed, the reinforced bulk bag (10) is then sealed for transportation and may be stacked in shipping containers and transported to any desired destination. The flowable product may be accessed when required from a discharge spout or outlet (not shown in figures) located at the base (20) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). Other configurations of outlets that would be known by those skilled in the art and allow the product to be accessed from the reinforced bulk bag (10) may also be used.

In another embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the reinforced bulk bag (110) includes base (120), side walls (121), chamber (115) and comers (123). As shown, each baffle (130) of the reinforced bulk bag (110) includes a series of holes (135) distributed over the baffle (130). Depending on the user's requirements, the holes (135) could be substituted for any type of opening or perforation and the number of opening/perforations can be tailored to control flow of the desired product through the baffle (130). In other embodiments, the second end of each baffle (130) may extend all the way to the base (120) such that there is little, or no, gap and product directed into the chamber (115) can flow through the holes (135) or other such openings in the baffles (130) into the respective corner spaces behind the baffles (130). As per the preceding embodiment, the stiffening elements (140) are located within pouches (125) on side walls (121) of the reinforced bulk bag (110) and may take other forms as described above. Further, the reinforced bulk bag (110) maybe constructed from a plurality of layers of material, which may include any material known to those in the art that would provide the desired properties, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as discussed above for the preceding embodiment.

During filling, the gap (133) maintained between the second end (132) of each baffle (130) and the base (120) of the reinforced bulk bag (110) causes the product (not shown), which could be in the form of pellets, granules, briquettes, powder, etc., to initially fill from the base (120) of the reinforced bulk bag (110) evenly and once the product reaches the second end

(132) of the baffle (130) the product flows through the baffles (130) so there are no air gaps as the reinforced bulk bag (110) is being filled. Advantageously, the concentration of product in the corners (123) of the reinforced bulk bag (110) due to the baffles (130) assists in maintaining the rigidity and shape of the bulk bag (110).

In a further embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the reinforced bulk bag (210) includes base (220), side walls (221), chamber (215) and corners (223). As shown, the reinforcement panel of the reinforced bulk bag (210) is in the form of a mesh panel (250). In particular, the mesh panel depicted is made up of a series of horizontal thread (or rope) members (252) extending across each corner (223). In the embodiment shown, the horizontal thread members (252) could be made of polypropylene, or any other suitable material, and are attached to vertical supports (255) that are stitched to each respective side wall (221). Other forms of attachment of the horizontal thread members (252) forming the mesh panel that would be known by those skilled in the art could be used. Advantageously the mesh panels (250) assist in maintaining the rigidity and shape of the reinforced bulk bag (210), which assists during filling and stacking of multiple bulk bags (210) during transportation.

Also, alternatively, the mesh panel could be in the form of a network of netting having intersecting horizontal and vertical thread (or rope) members or intersecting diagonal thread members, or any other desired arrangement.

The spaces (260) between thread members (252) allow for flow of the desired product through the mesh panel (250). As shown, there is a gap (233) between the second end (232) of each mesh panel (250); however, in other embodiments, the second end of each mesh panel (250) may extend all the way to the base (220) such that there is little or no gap.

Further, in Figures 8 and 9 there is depicted a further gap (234) may also be maintained between the first end (231) of the mesh panel (250) and the top (224) of the reinforced bulk bag (10). This allows product to also fill the space between the mesh panel (250) and respective corner (223) from the top (224) of the reinforced bulk bag (210) as well as filling from the gap (233) at the base (220) of the bag (210).

As per the preceding embodiments, the reinforced bag (210) includes stiffening elements (240) located within pouches (225) on side walls (221), which may exhibit alternate forms as described above. Also, the reinforced bulk bag (210) may be constructed from a plurality of layers of material, which may include any material known to those in the art that would provide the desired properties, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as discussed above for the preceding embodiment.

During filling, the gap (233) maintained between the second end (232) of each mesh panel (250) and the base (220) of the reinforced bulk bag (210) causes the product (not shown), which could be in the form of pellets, granules, briquettes, powder, etc., to initially fill into the chamber (215) from the base (220) of the reinforced bulk bag (210) evenly and once the product reaches the second end (232) of the mesh panel (250) the product flows through the spaces (260) of the mesh panel (250) so there are no air gaps as the reinforced bulk bag (210) is being filled. Advantageously, the concentration of product in the comers (223) of the reinforced bulk bag (210) due to the mesh panels (250) assists in maintaining the rigidity and shape of the bulk bag (210).

Overall, the combination of the stiffening elements along with the increased strength and reinforced construction based on the multi-layered material provides the strength required for transportation of hazardous goods, such as sodium cyanide. However, the reinforced bulk bag is equally applicable for use in the transportation of non-hazardous goods. Furthermore, the inclusion of the reinforcement panels maintains the shape of the reinforced bulk bag once filled, which is critical so that the bags can be containerized for transportation without the need to use plywood boxes.

Claims (28)

1. A reinforced bulk bag, including: a base; a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base to form the reinforced bulk bag with a plurality of corners. each one of the plurality of corners having a reinforcement panel extending across, and each of the reinforcement panels having a first end and a second end.

2. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the second end of each of the reinforcement panels and the base of the reinforced bulk bag.

3. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is a gap located between the first end of each reinforcement panel and a top of the reinforced bulk bag.

4. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein each reinforcement panel is a baffle.

5. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claim 4, wherein each baffle includes at least one opening, hole or perforation to allow for filling of the reinforced bulk bag with a dry flowable product.

6. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each reinforcement panel is a mesh panel.

7. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 6, wherein each mesh panel is made up of a series of horizontal thread members.

8. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more stiffening elements.

9. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 8, wherein each stiffening element is received within a pouch, sleeve or recess formed in or on one of the side walls of the reinforced bulk bag.

10. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 8, wherein each stiffening element is located on one of the side walls of the reinforced bulk bag.

11. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein each stiffening element is a rigid sheet.

12. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein each stiffening element is a rigid polypropylene sheet.

13. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 12, wherein the rigid polypropylene sheet is corrugated.

14. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the rigid polypropylene sheet is approximately 3 to 6 mm thick.

15. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforced bulk bag includes four side walls that are connected at respective ends to form the reinforced bulk bag having four corners.

16. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 15, wherein each one of the four comers has a reinforcement panel extending across.

17. The reinforced bulk bag according to claims 15 or 16, wherein each of the four side walls has a stiffening element.

18. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforced bulk bag is constructed from a plurality of layers of material.

19. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of layers includes at least an inner layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer and an outer layer.

20. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 19, wherein the inner layer is polypropylene.

21. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 20, wherein the inner layer is woven polypropylene.

22. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the first intermediate layer is attached to an outside surface of the inner layer.

23. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 22, wherein the first intermediate layer is glued onto the outside surface of the inner layer.

24. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the first intermediate layer is low density polyethylene.

25. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the second intermediate layer is woven polypropylene.

26. The reinforced bulk bag according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the outer layer is woven polypropylene.

27. The reinforced bulk bag of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein a pouch for receiving one or more stiffening elements is formed between the second intermediate layer and the outer layer.

28. The reinforced bulk bag according to claim 27, wherein the pouch is sealed once the stiffening element has been received within the pouch.