US3785534A

US3785534A - Dispensing shipping container with funnel-type pallet

Info

Publication number: US3785534A
Application number: US00271720A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Smith
Original assignee: Milacron Inc
Current assignee: Milacron Inc
Priority date: 1972-07-14
Filing date: 1972-07-14
Publication date: 1974-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 1991-01-15

Abstract

A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities is provided by a base in the form of a pallet having legs and including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening. A container body is positioned on the pallet and includes a plurality of sidewalls which rest upon the pallet and which together with the pallet define the container volume. A suitable cover means is provided to prevent contamination by foreign materials of the material carried by the container. Preferably the pallet is a unitary structure and includes hollow legs which permit a multiplicity of pallets to be stacked in closely spaced relationship and in nested condition. Suitable closure means can be provided to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the material carried by the container.

Description

[4 1 Jan. 15, 1974 1 DISPENSING SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH FUNNEL-TYPE PALLET William R. Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio [73] Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.,

Cincinnati, Ohio 22 Filed: July 14, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 271,720

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 222/460, 222/143, 229/14 B,

229/17 B [51] Int. Cl. B67c 11/00 [58] Field of Search 222/460, 541, 143,

222/556; 214/305; 229/17 B, 17 SC, 23 C, 1.4 B; 108/51-58 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-David A. Scherbel [57] ABSTRACT A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities is provided by a base in the form of a pallet having legs and including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening. A container body is positioned on the pallet and includes a plurality of sidewalls which rest upon the pallet and which together with the pallet define the container volume. A suitable cover means is provided to prevent contamination by foreign materials of the material carried by the container. Preferably the pallet is a unitary structure and includes hollow legs which permit a multiplicity of pallets to be stacked in closely spaced relationship and in nested condition. Suitable closure means can be provided to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the material carried by the container.

4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU M 3,7855% SHEEI 1 (IF 3 PAIENIE JAN 151914 SHEE! 2 BF 3 I PAIENTEUJAN 1 SIHH DISPENSING SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH FUNNEL-TYPE PALLET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to shipping containers, and more particularly to a dispensing-type shipping container which is especially adapted for use in connection with flowable materials.

The use of bin-type containers to permit the transporting and subsequent dispensing of flowable materials in bulk form is well-known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,879, which issued Apr. 2, I963, to C. B. Coleman, discloses a dispensing bin suitable for handling by means of fork-lift trucks and by means of which bulk quantities of flowable materials can be conveniently handled. However, the Coleman device is a large, cumbersome structure, it must be returned as a unit for refilling, and it cannot be dismantled for easy return. When being returned for refilling, the Coleman dispensing bins consume a considerable amount of space, thus rendering their use relatively expensive.

The drawbacks of the Coleman device with regard to return for refilling are overcome by the structure disclosed in us. Pat. No 2,762,551, which issued Sept. 11, I956, to C. D. Fallert. The Fallert device consists of a multi-wall paper board container which is secured to a flat wooden pallet and adapted to transport flowable materials in bulk form. The Faller't device, how ever, does not include dispensing means for facilitating the controlled flow of material from the container; instead, the materials must be removed from the top of the container, as by scooping or otherwise transferring them'to their point of use.

Additionally, the prior art has also taught the use of a bag-like inner lining used in conjunction with a paperboard shipping container which is attached to a wooden pallet. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 3,433,400, which issued Mar. 18, I969 to M. R. Hawkins discloses such a container. However, the nature of the container construction is such that incomplete emptying of the contents can occur unless the bag is itself withdrawn from the dispensing slot, as shown in FIG. 3 of the patent. That particular operation requires the presence of some operator and thus contributes to the cost of this approach.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-described difficulties in connection with the prior art structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing shipping container is provided for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities. The container includes a base in the form of a pallet which includes downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening. The pallet includes a plurality of legs which space the dispensing opening from the plane of the lowermost portion of the legs. The container includes means for closing the dispensing opening to prevent the inadvertent loss of material therefrom and also includes a plurality of sidewalls which extend upwardly from the pallet to define a substantially tubular structure, which together with the pallet defines the container volume. Cover means are provided for closing the top of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the pallet forming the base of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the-pallet forming the base of the present container.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section of the shipping container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross section of the shipping container of FIG. ll.

FIG. 6 is a layout of the paperboard blank defining the exterior portion of the container.

FIG. 7 is a layout of the paperboard blank forming the interior portion of the container.

FIG. 8 is a layout of the paperboard blank defining the cover of the container.

FIG. 9 is a layout of an alternative embodiment for the paperboard blank defining the exterior portion of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown the dispensing shipping container of the present invention. The container comprises a base 10 in the form of a pallet having depending legs 11 a number of sidewalls l2 and a top cover portion 13. The container of the present invention is particularly adapted to the transportation and subsequent dispensing of flowable materials, which can be either liquids or particulate solids. In the case of the latter, the materials which can advantageously be transported in the container of the present invention range from finely divided powders and granular materials to discrete particles of relatively substantial size. For example, among other products, the container of the present invention is suitable for use in connection with abrasive grains, powdered and particulate chemicals, various liquids, and particulate matter of substantial size such as, for example, nuts, and the like.

Base 10 of the container is in the form of a pallet which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. As therein shown, base 10 comprises a plurality of generally triangular panels 14 which are positioned in abutting relationship to provide a substantially rectangular outline. Each of panels 14 slopes downwardly and inwardly and terminates to define a portion of a dispensing opening 15. An outwardly extending ledge 16 can be provided to support sidewalls l2 and an upstanding peripheral lip 17 can be provided to prevent lateral shifting of sidewalls 12. The pallet is supported by a plurality of legs 11 which are positioned at the corners thereof. Preferably the legs are hollow to permit a plurality of pallets to be stacked one upon the other in nested, closely spaced relationship to facilitate return of the pallets for subsequent reuse, and are so spaced to permit transport of the pallet by means of fork lift trucks. The pallet can also be of a unitary construction, which can be obtained by forming it from drawn metals or molded plastics; alternatively, and preferably from the standpoints both of strength and of cost, the pallets can be formed from fiber reinforced plastics, such as for example, fiberglass.

The container of the present invention is shown in cross section and in assembled form in FIG. 4. As

therein shown, sidewalls 12 of the container rest on base and can include an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 19 each of which can be formed from, for example, corrugated paperboard. The number of plys of sidewall required for any particular application would be dependent upon the nature of the material carried by the container and its density, which would be reflected in a deflecting force which tends to bow the side walls outwardly unless they are reinforced or of multiple wall construction. Sidewalls 12 can, if desired, be supported by a ledge 16 which extends around the periphery of base 10 and in addition be restrained from lateral movement by means of upstanding lip 17 formed around the outer periphery thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, base 10 includes a closure device 20 at dispensing opening to prevent inadvertent loss of material therethrough. Additionally, a plastic liner in the form of a bag 21 can be provided in the event liquid materials are to be carried in the container of the present invention, or in the event dry products which are hygroscopic are shipped, in order to prevent excessive absorption of moisture thereby during transit.

Outer wall 18, assuming only one thickness of sidewall is employed, can merely be of a tubular construction, the blank for which is shown in FIG. 6. As therein shown a series of abutting panels 22 defined by score lines 23 are formed in a blank of suitable material and the same is then assembled to form a tubular structure of a cross section corresponding to that of base 10 by overlapping the narrow flap 24 with the free end 25 of the first panel 22, as by means of glue, staples, or the like.

Inner wall 19 can also be formed in similar fashion, the blank for which is shown in layout form in FIG. 7. As shown, a plurality of panels 26 are defined in the blank by means of score lines 27 and from each of the panels a trapezoidal flap 28 is positioned in hinged relationship with its associated panel 26. Since outer wall 18 is secured by attaching narrow flap 24 in overlapping relationship to the first of panels 22 having free end 25 to define a tubular structure, it is not absolutely necessary that the inner wall be secured in the same fashion, although it can be so secured if desired. As shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 5, flaps 28 are not so long as to obstruct dispensing opening 15 yet are sufficient to cover the openings 29 defined by hollow legs 11 to prevent the accumulation ofmaterial in those areas. Flaps 28 can be so configured that their edges abut when inner wall 19 is formed into its tubular shape, or, if desired, they can be so configured as to partially overlap each other for ease of manufacture.

As is shown in phantom in FIG. 5, a sheet 29a of plastic material of substantial thickness, say, several mils can be provided in overlying relationship to dispensing opening 15 to thereby prevent undesired flow of the material therethrough. If desired, the sheet can be of a thermoformed nature with a protruding projection (not shown) which corresponds with and extends into dispensing opening 15. Sheet 29a can be employed whether or not a cover is provided and in the latter case can take the place of the cover, if desired.

Top cover 13 of the container of this invention can be formed from a blank configured as shown in FIG. 8, and which comprises a central panel 30, a pair of opposed side flaps 31, which are hingedly connected to central panel 30 by means of score lines 32, and a pair of opposed flaps 33 hingedly connected to central panel 30 by means of score lines 34.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment for outer wall 18 and which obviates the need of a separate cover 13 shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the several panels 35 each includes a hinged flap member 36 which is hingedly secured to its respective panel 35 by score line 37 and which is adapted to be inwardly folded in overlapping relationship in a well-known manner to close the top of the container.

In use, the container of this invention can be filled by any convenient means and shipped to its destination either stacked one upon another or in single layers, as desired. Although not absolutely necessary, cover 13 and sidewalls 12 can be secured to base 10 by means of straps or the like (not shown) in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art. Upon arrival at its destination, the container can be positioned above a hopper or other vessel into which its contents are to be discharged. If the container includes a closure 20 such as that illustrated in FIG. 4 hereof, the closure can be opened when desired to permit the material to flow through dispensing opening 15. Similarly, if the closure is in the form of a sheet of plastic or other material 29a such as shown in phantom in FIG. 5, flow of the material through the dispensing opening can be initiated by inserting a knife or other sharp object through dispensing opening 15 to puncture the film or sheet and thereby permit the material to flow from the container. Because of the downward and inward slope of panels 14 of base 10, complete emptying of the container is assured. The angle of inclination of the several panels 14 of base 10 can be determined experimentally for any type of material which may be shipped.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities, said container comprising:

a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening, said base having a plurality of hollow nestable legs extending downwardly therefrom which allow a plurality of such bases to be stacked in a nesting closely spaced relationship and which space the dispensing opening form the plane of the lowermost portion of said legs;

b. closure means for preventing the flow of material through said dispensing opening during transit of said container;

c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from said base, said sidewalls cooperating with said base to define a container and terminating at a point spaced above said pallet;

d. cover means for closing the top of said container to thereby minimize the entry of foreign matter therewithin; and

e. said base including an outer upstanding lip to prevent lateral shifting of said sidewalls.

2. The container of claim 1 including an inner bag which extends over substantially the complete inner surface of said container and which is suitable for packto define a container and terminating at a point aging hygroscopic products. spaced above said pallet; and

3. A dispensing shipping container for transporting (1. cover means for closing the top of said container and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities to thereby minimize the entry of foreign matter said container comprisingi 5 therewithin; and

a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping e. said sidewalls being a multi-layer structure includwalls which terminate in a dispensing opening, said ing an outer wall formed from several panels and base having a plurality of legs extending downan inner wall formed from several panels wherein wardly therefrom, and which space the dispensing each panel of said inner wall includes a substanopening from the plane of the lowermost portion of 10 tially trapezoidal flap extending therefrom and said legs; which overlies a portion of the hollow legs in said b. closure means for preventing the flow of material base.

through said dispensing opening during transit of 4. The container of claim 3 further comprising an said container; inner bag positioned between said inner and said c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from outer walls.

said base, said sidewalls cooperating with said base

Claims

1. A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities, said container comprising: a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening, said base having a plurality of - hollow nestable - legs extending downwardly therefrom which - allow a plurality of such bases to be stacked in a nesting closely spaced relationship and which - space the dispensing opening form the plane of the lowermost portion of said legs; b. closure means for preventing the flow of material through said dispensing opening during transit of said container; c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from said base, said sidewalls cooperating with said base to define a container and terminating at a point spaced above said pallet; d. cover means for closing the top of said container to thereby minimize the entry of foreign matter therewithin; and e. said base including an outer upstanding lip to prevent lateral shifting of said sidewalls.

2. The container of claim 1 including an inner bag which extends over substantially the complete inner surface of said container and which is suitable for packaging hygroscopic products.

3. A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities said container comprising: a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening, said base having a plurality of legs extending downwardly therefrom, and which space the dispensing opening from the plane of the lowermost portion of said legs; b. closure means for preventing the flow of material through said dispensing opening during transit of said container; c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from said base, said sidewalls cooperating with said base to define a container and terminating at a point spaced above said pallet; and d. cover means for closing the top of said container to thereby minimize the entry of foreign matter therewithin; and e. said sidewalls being a multi-layer structure including an outer wall formed from several panels and an inner wall formed from several panels wherein each panel of said inner wall includes a substantially trapezoidal flap extending therefrom and which overlies a portion of the hollow legs in said base.

4. The container of claiM 3 further comprising an inner bag -positioned between said inner and said outer walls.