AU2366499A - A bulk bag with safe and easy disharge - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

o* Name of Applicant/s: Natthi Cholsaipant Actual Inventor/s: Natthi Cholsaipant Address for Service: BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 Invention Title: 'A BULK BAG WITH SAFE AND EASY DISHARGE' The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- File: 21838.00 -2- This invention relates to a flexible bulk bag.

The invention has been developed primarily for bulk bags which are used to convey particulate flowable material such as grain or powder products and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that particular field of use.

Flexible bulk bags generally include a base and four sidewalls extending upwardly from the base to collectively define a cavity for containing a flowable material. In most forms the bags include a single opening only which is disposed at the bottom of the bag.

"To facilitate removal of the flowable material from the bag it is known to slit the base o:.o and/or one or more of the sidewalls. Slitting the bag often results in foreign particles contaminating the load of the bag, as well as destroying the bag itself. The foreign particles are often from the bag itself or from the implement used for slitting the bag.

Another type of bag has a flexible tubular discharge chute which is tied closed with a cord to keep the load of the bag from being released. To release the load, the cord is untied or cut to remove it from the chute. This is time consuming, awkward and sometimes complicated.

In both types of bag, an operator wishing to open the bag often is required to crouch down to gain access to the underneath of the bag. This results in inconvenience and potential back problems for the operator. In addition, opening the bag while crouching beneath it is hazardous. This is because the load can discharge onto the operator. Moreover, where the load is of a type which produces dust when discharging, the operator risks inhaling this dust if the bag is opened while he is close to it.

-3- It is an object of the present invention, at least in the preferred embodiments, to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

According to a first apsect of the invention there is provided a flexible bulk bag including: at least one wall member for defining a cavity for containing a flowable load; a discharge aperture in the at least one wall member at or adjacent to the bottom of the cavity; -a chute extending between a first end which is connected to the at least one wall o member adjacent the aperture and a second end which is open and remote from the first S• •end, the chute being moveable between an extended configuration and a collapsed :configuration for respectively permitting and preventing passage of the load from the second end via the chute; and a cover being moveable between a closed position for maintaining the chute in the collapsed configuration and an open position for allowing the chute to move to the extended configuration.

*oo 9 Preferably the chute is tubular, the first end surrounding the aperture.

The bag preferably includes: a plurality of wall members which are interconnected to collectively define the cavity, the aperture being formed in a first of the wall members; and guide means connected to one of the wall members, for supporting the cover for sliding movement in a plane substantially parallel to the first wall member.

Preferably the cover is a cover sheet.

-4- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a flexible bulk bag including: at least one wall member for defining a cavity for containing a flowable load; a discharge aperture in the at least one wall member at or adjacent to the bottom of the cavity; a cover sheet being slidably mounted to the at least one wall member for movement between a closed position in which the cover sheet covers and closes said aperture and an open position in which the aperture is open for discharging the load.

The bag preferably includes: S 10 a plurality of wall members which are interconnected to collectively define the cavity, the aperture being formed in a first of the wall members; and guide means connected to one of the wall members, for supporting the cover sheet a for sliding movement in a plane substantially parallel to the first wall member.

In a preferred embodiment the cover sheet defines a cover sheet hole which is in see* register with the aperture when the cover sheet is in the open position and which is out of Sa. register with the aperture when the cover sheet is in the closed position.

Preferably the guide means includes a guide sheet disposed substantially parallel to the first wall member, the cover sheet being slidably held between the first wall member and the guide sheet, the guide sheet having a guide sheet hole in register with the aperture, and which is in open communication with the aperture when the cover sheet is in the open position and which is blocked from the aperture when the cover sheet is in the closed position.

Preferably the cover sheet includes a pulling formation for pulling said cover sheet from said closed position to said open position.

Preferably the guide sheet is fastened to the first wall member substantially along two spaced apart parallel lines, the cover sheet being disposed between the lines when in the closed position.

Preferably the pulling formation is at an edge of the cover sheet which edge extends transversely with respect to said lines.

Preferably the pulling formation is a strap.

o Preferably the cover sheet includes a said pulling formation at each of two opposite said edges.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example 1: only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of a flexible bulk bag according to the invention; o*oo Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view fr-om below of the bag of Figure 1; S. Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of part of the bag of Figure 1, in an intermediate stage of use; Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the bag of Figure 1 in a further intermediate stage of use; Figure 5 is a front view of an alternative cover sheet for use with the bag of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a front view of a bag according to the invention, having a different configuration to the bag of Figure 1; -6- Figure 7 is a schematic end view, shown partly in section, of a bag according to the invention, having an alternative form of guide sheet; and Figure 8 is a schematic view from below of the bag of Figure 8.

Referring to the drawings, a flexible bulk bag 1 includes a generally square bottom wall member 2 and four side wall members 3 for defining a cavity for containing a flowable load. Bag 1 includes a discharge aperture 4 in wall member 2 near the bottom of the cavity. A tubular chute 5 extends between a first end 6 and a second end 7. End 6 is connected to wall 2, adjacent aperture 4, so as to surround the aperture. End 7 is open and remote from end 6. Chute 5 is moveable between an extended configuration as shown in Figure 2 and a collapsed configuration as shown in Figure 1. In the extended o• and collapsed configurations chute 5 respectively permits and prevents passage of the load from end 7 via the chute. Bag 1 further includes a cover sheet 8. In one embodiment cover sheet 8 is of flexible material and in another embodiment it is in the form of a rigid plate. Cover sheet 8 is moveable between a closed position as shown in

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Figure 1 and an open position as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The open position is also constituted by the cover sheet being completely removed from bag 1. In the closed position cover sheet 8 maintains chute 5 in the collapsed configuration. In the open position cover sheet 8 allows chute 5 to move to the extended configuration as shown in Figure 4.

Bag 1 further includes guide sheet 9 which is attached to wall 2 by two spaced apart, parallel stitch lines 10. Guide sheet 9 is disposed substantially parallel to wall 2.

In one embodiment, bag 1 and guide sheet 9 are both ofpolypropylene. In this -7embodiment, because bag 1 and guide sheet 9 are of the same material, the guide sheet in effect constitutes an integral part of the bag.

Cover sheet 8 is slidably held between guide sheet 9 and wall 2, between lines Guide sheet 9 has guide sheet hole 11 which is in register with aperture 4. It will be noted that when cover sheet 8 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 1, guide sheet hole 11 is blocked from aperture 4. When cover sheet 8 is in the open position as shown in Figures 3 or 4 or is completely removed from bag 1, guide sheet hole 11 is exposed to aperture 4.

Cover sheet 8 includes a pair of pulling formations in the form of straps 12. In one •coo embodiment straps 12 are constituted by tape. In another embodiment straps 12 are constituted by thin rope. Straps 12 are attached to opposite edges 13 and 14 of cover sheet 8. It will be noted that edges 13 and 14 extend transversely to the direction of lines When bag 1 is being used to carry a flowable solids load, such as grain, chute 5 is rolled or folded up in its collapsed configuration as shown in Figure 1. In this configuration the load in the cavity of bag 1 is prevented from flowing from the bag via aperture 4 and the chute. Cover sheet 8, in its closed position, prevents chute 5 from unravelling and keeps it in the collapsed configuration. The load in bag 1 forces chute against the upper surface of cover sheet 8. This assists in sealing the cavity of bag 1.

To empty bag 1, an operator slides cover sheet 8 from its closed position as shown in Figure 1 to its open position as shown in Figures 3 and 4. To do this the operator pulls one of straps 12. Because there are two straps 12 at opposite edges 13 and 14 of -8cover sheet 8, the operator is free to pull the cover sheet in either of two opposite directions. If desired, the operator removes cover sheet 8 completely, from bag 1.

Once cover sheet 8 is in its open position the weight of the load in bag 1 causes chute 5 to unravel to its extended configuration. In Figures 3 and 4, respectively, chute 4 is shown before and after it has unravelled to its extended configuration. Chute 5, in its extended configuration, projects from aperture 4 through guide sheet hole 11. In this configuration the load of bag 1 is free to pass through chute 5 out of its second end 7.

It will be understood that the operator need not stand underneath bag 1 to move 0:00 oeeo *cover sheet 8 from its closed position to its open position. The operator can grasp one of *o 10 straps 12 while standing beside bag 1. The longer straps 12 are, the further the operator 0. can stand from bag 1 to pull cover sheet 8 to its open position.

Referring now to Figure 5, an alternative cover sheet 15 is shown. Cover sheet has cover sheet hole 16. When cover sheet 15 is used in conjunction with a bag of the o 0° same type as bag 1 with aperture 4, the open position of cover sheet 15 is when cover sheet hole 16 is in register with the aperture. In this position the chute of the bag protrudes through both cover sheet hole 16 and the guide sheet hole when the chute is in its extended configuration. When using this type of cover sheet, it is therefore not necessary to move the cover sheet completely clear of the aperture to allow the chute to move to the extended configuration as in the case of cover sheet 8. Consequently a shorter travel of cover sheet 15 is required to move it from its closed to its open position.

Accordingly, cover sheets of this type can be longer than cover sheets in the form of cover sheet 8.

-9- Turning to Figure 6, bag 17 has side wall 18 with aperture 19. Bag 17 includes chute 20, guide sheet 21 and cover sheet 22. Apart from these components being located at the side of bag as opposed to underneath the bag as in the case of bag 1, bag 17 is identical to bag 1. Consequently when chute 20 is in its collapsed configuration and cover sheet 22 is then moved to its open position, the flowable contents of bag 17 cause chute 20 to unravel to its extended configuration as they flow from the bag. This is the position of chute 20 shown in Figure 6.

Turning to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown schematically bag 23 having an °alternative form of guide sheet 24. Guide sheet 24 includes a pair of face-to-face sheets 25. Sheets 25 are attached to each other by the same stitch lines 26 attaching them to o bottom wall 27 ofbag 23. Each sheet 25 has a guide sheet hole 28. Holes 28 are in register with each other and in register with aperture 29 in wall 27. Cover sheet 30 is disposed between sheets 25. When cover sheet 30 is in its closed position it blocks hole 28 of outermost sheet 25 from hole 28 of innermost sheet 25. It therefore also blocks •g0° hole 28 of outermost sheet 25 from aperture 29. In this position, as in the case of bag 1, it maintains the chute (not shown) of bag 23 in its collapsed configuration. When cover sheet 30 is in its open position, holes 28 and aperture 29 are exposed to one another. The flowable load in bag 23 then causes the chute to unravel to its extended position as the load flows from the bag. In this position the chute projects from aperture 29 through holes 28.

In all other respects, bag 23 is identical to bag 1.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (15)

1. A flexible bulk bag including: at least one wall member for defining a cavity for containing a flowable load; a discharge aperture in the at least one wall member at or adjacent to the bottom of the cavity; a chute extending between a first end which is connected to the at least one wall member adjacent the aperture and a second end which is open and remote from the first end, the chute being moveable between an extended configuration and a collapsed 0:00 "•configuration for respectively permitting and preventing passage of the load from the second end via the chute; and 0 0 a cover being moveable between a closed position for maintaining the chute in the .collapsed configuration and an open position for allowing the chute to move to the 0 extended configuration.

2. A bag according to claim 1 wherein said chute is tubular, said first end surrounding o o 0000 said aperture. 0

3. A bag according to claim 1 or claim 2 including: 00o. a plurality of wall members which are interconnected to collectively define the cavity, the aperture being formed in a first of the wall members; and guide means connected to one of the wall members, for supporting the cover for sliding movement in a plane substantially parallel to the first wall member.

4. A bag according to claim 3 wherein said cover is a cover sheet.

A flexible bulk bag including: at least one wall member for defining a cavity for containing a flowable load; -11 a discharge aperture in the at least one wall member at or adjacent to the bottom of the cavity; a cover sheet being slidably mounted to the at least one wall member for movement between a closed position in which said cover sheet covers and closes said aperture and an open position in which said aperture is open for discharging the load.

6. A bag according to claim 5 including a plurality of wall members which are interconnected to collectively define the cavity, the aperture being formed in a first of the wall members; and oroo guide means connected to one of the wall members, for supporting the cover sheet 10 for sliding movement in a plane substantially parallel to the first wall member.

7. A bag according to claims 4 or claim 6 wherein said cover sheet defines a cover "sheet hole which is in register with said aperture when said cover sheet is in said open a° position and which is out of register with said aperture when said cover sheet is in said •closed position. ooo°

8. A bag according to any one of claims 4, 6 or 7 wherein said guide means includes a guide sheet disposed substantially parallel to said first wall member, said cover sheet being slidably held between said first wall member and said guide sheet, said guide sheet having a guide sheet hole in register with said aperture, and which is in open communication with said aperture when said cover sheet is in said open position and which is blocked from said aperture when said cover sheet is in said closed position.

9. A bag according to claim 8 wherein said cover sheet includes a pulling formation for pulling said cover sheet from said closed position to said open position.

A bag according to claim 9 wherein said pulling formation is a strap. -12-

11. A bag according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said guide sheet is fastened to said first wall member substantially along two spaced apart parallel lines, said cover sheet being disposed between said lines when in said closed position.

12. A bag according to claim 8 wherein said guide sheet is fastened to said first wall member substantially along two spaced apart parallel lines, said cover sheet being disposed between said lines when in said closed position and including a pulling formation at an edge which edge extends transversely with respect to said lines.

13. A bag according to claim 12 wherein said pulling formation is a strap. 1*

14. A bag according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein said cover sheet includes a said :99 10 pulling formation at each of two opposite said edges. o

15. A bag substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. :i DATED this 8th Day of April, 1999 NATTHI CHOLSAIPANT Attorney: JOHN B. REDFERN Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS