EP0118112B1 - Flexible container to be filled with bulk material and method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Flexible container to be filled with bulk material and method for its manufacture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0118112B1
EP0118112B1 EP84102195A EP84102195A EP0118112B1 EP 0118112 B1 EP0118112 B1 EP 0118112B1 EP 84102195 A EP84102195 A EP 84102195A EP 84102195 A EP84102195 A EP 84102195A EP 0118112 B1 EP0118112 B1 EP 0118112B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lifting
container
handle
loop
flexible container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP84102195A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0118112A2 (en
EP0118112A3 (en
Inventor
Anders Juel
Bjarne Omdal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Norsk Hydro ASA
Original Assignee
Norsk Hydro ASA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=19886980&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0118112(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Norsk Hydro ASA filed Critical Norsk Hydro ASA
Publication of EP0118112A2 publication Critical patent/EP0118112A2/en
Publication of EP0118112A3 publication Critical patent/EP0118112A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0118112B1 publication Critical patent/EP0118112B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
    • B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to flexible containers, and in particular to containers with at least one lifting loop including substantially all the longitudinal fibres of the container.
  • Containers of the above mentioned type have been used for some time and been found to be suitable for several purposes. Usually they comprise an inner bag or liner of impervious material. The container is usually first blown up by air before it is filled with free-flowing bulk material.
  • Such a container is described in US Patent No. 4.136.723.
  • This container has a double bottom and is equipped with two integral lifting loops each having a total width substantially equal to 1/ 4 of the container's circumference such that the lifting loops comprise all of the longitudinal fibres of the container.
  • EP-A-0050845 a container having four lifting loops is described, which loops are direct extensions of the container's sidewalls, and each lifting loop having a width of up to 1/4 of the container's circumference.
  • the containers of US-A-4136723 and EP-A-0050845 can be filled by using an apparatus described in GB-Patent No. 1.505.583, and they will then remain upright on a floor or the like without any extra support.
  • the lifting loops of the container can be placed on a hook or the like before the container is blown up and filled with bulk material.
  • the container can then be prepared for further transport, by closing the inner bag and joining the lifting loops by pressing them together and securing them in this position so that a suitable loop is obtained which can easily be placed on a hook or some other lifting means.
  • European Patent Application No. 81108748.5 Publication No. 0054145
  • Norsk Hydro a.s. discloses a container the loops of which have been placed, one after another, on specially designed lifting hooks. During the filling operation the loops are held together by tape wound around that portion of the loops which is present between the hooks. As the tape can only be applied between the hooks its length is short and not sufficient to act as a protection for the loops during any subsequent lifting operation by for example the tines of a standard fork lift truck.
  • the capacity of the filling apparatus is reduced because the various ungathered lifting loops have to be placed out of the way of the filling apparatus and in particular because of the time it takes for an operator to "bunch" the loose material of the loops and to place the loops onto a hook.
  • the container's lifting loop is formed after filling, some drawbacks are found, since although the capacity of the apparatus is somewhat increased, the total filling operation will be more labour-consuming because an extra operator is needed to form the container's loop.
  • the shape of the container makes it necessary to use filling apparatuses of a special type in order to obtain efficient filling and an effective process for making such containers ready. The fact that such special filling apparatuses are not available everywhere where filling of such containers takes place, has accordingly hindered widespread use of such containers.
  • the lifting loops each have a total width corresponding to 1/4 the container's circumference, means that the process of joining together the loops to form one lifting loop becomes somewhat labour-consuming.
  • the wide loops also result in certain disadvantages when the container is placed on the filling apparatus or connected to it. Accordingly, there has been a need to make these operations easier and less labour-consuming.
  • a method of producing an empty flexible container of the type having at least one lifting loop including substantially all the longitudinal fibres of the container, the lifting loop or loops being a direct extension of the container walls characterised in that, before filling commences, the lifting loop(s) is folded or gathered and the folds or gathers held together to form a permanent lifting handle at a lifting area.
  • Such containers have a single lifting loop forming a permanent lifting handle which can endure the strain that they would be exposed to during use of the flexible container.
  • Such containers can be used with any type of filling apparatus and lifting device, thereby providing the advantage that the container does not require the use of special equipment.
  • the width of the lifting loop is thereby reduced to a suitable dimension for forming a lifting area with a lifting handle. It was further found that the total width of the lifting loop is preferably reduced so that the width of the lifting area is at maximum 1/6th of the container's circumference. A lifting area with a lifting handle is then obtained which is appropriate and advantageous for all operations such as filling, handling, lifting, transport and discharge of the container.
  • the lifting handle itself is preferably equipped with protection material.
  • This material should cover at least the lower part of the lifting handle, and be long enough to protect the part of the handle which will lie against the lifting device, for instance a lifting fork, when the flexible container is lifted and/or transported.
  • the protection material may comprise a sleeve which surrounds the lifting area.
  • the sleeve is suitably made from a strong material which can endure the strains it is exposed to and which can be joined to the material of the lifting loop such that a strengthened lifting point is obtained.
  • This sleeve preferably consists of woven material, for instance of the same type which is used for the container itself.
  • a sheet of material 1 is shown having two halves A and B, side edges 3, and a cut 8 at each end, which cuts make it possible to form a container having a double bottom.
  • the piece of material 1 is first folded inwardly along its centre line 2 to form a lifting loop 6.
  • the material 1 is collected at the middle of the folding line 2 in a lifting area 4 which is less than or equal to 1/6 of the container's circumference.
  • the side edges 3 are positioned as shown by the reference number 3' in Figure 1.
  • the lifting area 4 of the lifting loop 6 is then joined together by means of glue or preferably at least one seam.
  • Protection means in the form of a piece of material 5 is then fastened over the area 4, for instance by means of a seam.
  • the protection means 5 is fastened around the area 4 in the form of a sleeve.
  • the material 1 is thereafter folded along the line 2 such that the halves A and B mate with each other. Thereupon the material is sewn along the side edges 3, and at the bottom, to form a completely finished container with a lifting loop forming a lifting handle 10, surrounded by the protecting sleeve 5.
  • the sleeve 5 can be of woven material, for instance of the same type as that used for the container itself, or of some other suitable material which is strong enough to endure the strains it will be exposed to during further handling of the container.
  • the sleeve 5 may have a special colour such that the lifting point of the container is clearly marked out, and it can for instance be employed as a colour code indicating the type of container used or the material which is to be transported.
  • Figure 1 shows the use of a sleeve 5, however, the permanent lifting handle 10 can as previously mentioned be made without this sleeve, that is by just joining together the lifting loop 6 in the lifting area 4.
  • Figure 2 shows a round-woven base material 1, which is joined in its upper part by a seam 11, and which is cut in the upper part of the piece of material to form lifting loop portions 6 and openings 7 in which lifting devices (such as a hook or fork) can be placed, and which openings 7 can also be used as filling openings for the bulk material which is to be transported or stored in the-container.
  • the lifting area 4 is then formed by folding together the loop portions 6, and joining the loop portions 6 together by means of glue or at least one seam.
  • a sleeve 5 can then be fastened to the lifting area 4 as in Figure 1.
  • the container's bottom can be formed in a known manner, and the container is then ready for filling.
  • FIG 3 a round-woven base material 1 is shown where the lifting loop 6 is already formed, and the lifting area 4 is formed by bending or folding together this loop as described above. The container's side edges are then joined by seams 11 which terminates somewhat below the lifting loop 6 such that openings 7 are formed. Unless one desires to make the container with a special bottom, the container is now ready for filling.
  • FIG 4 a container is shown from above with the fitting loop 6 forming the lifting handle 10.
  • a sleeve 5 is fastened to itself (not visible in Figure 4) and around the lifting handle, the sleeve 5 being fastened to the area 4 by a seam 9.
  • the openings 7 are here shown equally large, but the opening which is to be used for filling can be made somewhat larger than the other opening.
  • the container is ready for direct connection to a filling apparatus.
  • Afilling pipe is put into one of the openings 7, and the container can be blown up by air and thereupon filled with free-flowing material.
  • the lifting loop can be placed on a hook on the filling apparatus, but strictly speaking this is not necessary. It has in fact been found that the blown up container can stand freely and without substantial sideways support during the filling operation. As soon as the container is filled, the inner bag is closed, and the container is ready for transportation.
  • An advantage of the flexible container shown in the drawings is the rational manufacture of the containers with a permanent lifting handle. Filling of such ready-made containers can be carried out quickly and easily with fewer operations than is usually necessary when the lifting point has to be formed at the filling station. The filling operation itself will accordingly be simplified, as placement of the container on special lifting hooks orforming of lifting handles will not be necessary. The container will thereby be ready for further transport as soon as it is filled and the inner bag is closed. The capacity of the filling apparatus can be maximised, and the total operation of filling and making the container ready for further transport will be less labour-consuming.
  • An advantage which is obtained by use of the flexible containers is that complicated or special filling apparatuses or lifting devices are not required.
  • lifting forks can be employed which can be easily placed under the well-defined lifting handle, which is strongly made to endure several handling operations of the filled container without being damaged by the handling devices. Even when especially rough lifting devices are used, the lifting handle incorporating the sleeve 5 will protect the fibres in the lifting loop from wear.

Landscapes

  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
EP84102195A 1983-03-02 1984-03-01 Flexible container to be filled with bulk material and method for its manufacture Expired EP0118112B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO830718 1983-03-02
NO830718A NO151855C (no) 1983-03-02 1983-03-02 Storsekk med integrerte loeftestropper, og fremgangsmaate til dens fremstilling

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0118112A2 EP0118112A2 (en) 1984-09-12
EP0118112A3 EP0118112A3 (en) 1985-11-06
EP0118112B1 true EP0118112B1 (en) 1989-07-12

Family

ID=19886980

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84102195A Expired EP0118112B1 (en) 1983-03-02 1984-03-01 Flexible container to be filled with bulk material and method for its manufacture

Country Status (18)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0118112B1 (no)
JP (1) JPS59174481A (no)
AT (1) ATE44512T1 (no)
AU (1) AU568533B2 (no)
BR (1) BR8401008A (no)
CA (1) CA1200218A (no)
DE (1) DE3478921D1 (no)
DK (1) DK153012C (no)
ES (2) ES8502642A1 (no)
FI (1) FI69810B (no)
HK (1) HK119293A (no)
IE (1) IE55554B1 (no)
NO (2) NO151855C (no)
NZ (1) NZ207325A (no)
PT (1) PT78164B (no)
SU (1) SU1574165A3 (no)
TR (1) TR25365A (no)
UA (1) UA7086A1 (no)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4736449A (en) * 1984-12-21 1988-04-05 Norsk Hydro A.S. Flexible container with integrated lifting loops having separate cargo compartment
US4781470A (en) * 1984-12-21 1988-11-01 Norsk Hydro A.S. Flexible container with separate lifting area
EP0340622A2 (de) * 1988-05-03 1989-11-08 Unistrap Verpackung E. Huemer Container aus flexiblem Material
WO1992016438A1 (en) * 1991-03-21 1992-10-01 Some Guys Limited Flexible containers
GB2255072A (en) * 1991-04-23 1992-10-28 Condepols Sa Forming suspension handle for flexible bulk containers
US5222812A (en) * 1990-09-11 1993-06-29 Cuddy Christopher C Bulk containers
US5443102A (en) * 1993-01-27 1995-08-22 Norsk Hydro A.S. Method and apparatus for filling particulate material into a liner of a FIBC
WO2002057150A1 (en) * 2001-01-21 2002-07-25 Ip Organisers Pty Ltd Package

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT401502B (de) * 1993-10-25 1996-09-25 Storsack Austria Gmbh Flexibler behälter
JP6105944B2 (ja) * 2013-01-15 2017-03-29 前田工繊株式会社 土嚢用袋体

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS439857Y1 (no) * 1964-08-29 1968-04-30
GB1581438A (en) * 1977-09-05 1980-12-17 Lolift Uk Ltd Containers
GB1581437A (en) * 1977-09-06 1980-12-17 Lolift Uk Ltd Containers
GB2042469B (en) * 1979-02-23 1983-08-17 Toyama Ind Flexible skips

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4736449A (en) * 1984-12-21 1988-04-05 Norsk Hydro A.S. Flexible container with integrated lifting loops having separate cargo compartment
US4781470A (en) * 1984-12-21 1988-11-01 Norsk Hydro A.S. Flexible container with separate lifting area
EP0340622A2 (de) * 1988-05-03 1989-11-08 Unistrap Verpackung E. Huemer Container aus flexiblem Material
EP0340622A3 (en) * 1988-05-03 1990-11-28 Huemer E Unistrap Verpackung Container made of flexible material
US5222812A (en) * 1990-09-11 1993-06-29 Cuddy Christopher C Bulk containers
US5328267A (en) * 1990-09-11 1994-07-12 Cuddy Christopher C Bulk containers
WO1992016438A1 (en) * 1991-03-21 1992-10-01 Some Guys Limited Flexible containers
GB2255072A (en) * 1991-04-23 1992-10-28 Condepols Sa Forming suspension handle for flexible bulk containers
US5443102A (en) * 1993-01-27 1995-08-22 Norsk Hydro A.S. Method and apparatus for filling particulate material into a liner of a FIBC
WO2002057150A1 (en) * 2001-01-21 2002-07-25 Ip Organisers Pty Ltd Package

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TR25365A (tr) 1993-01-07
AU568533B2 (en) 1988-01-07
ES529873A0 (es) 1985-01-16
DK153012C (da) 1988-10-17
HK119293A (en) 1993-11-12
EP0118112A2 (en) 1984-09-12
DK153012B (da) 1988-06-06
BR8401008A (pt) 1984-10-09
PT78164A (en) 1984-03-01
NO920426D0 (no) 1992-01-31
UA7086A1 (uk) 1995-06-30
JPS59174481A (ja) 1984-10-02
JPH0446830B2 (no) 1992-07-31
FI840763A0 (fi) 1984-02-24
NZ207325A (en) 1988-03-30
NO151855C (no) 1991-12-10
IE840297L (en) 1984-09-02
IE55554B1 (en) 1990-10-24
EP0118112A3 (en) 1985-11-06
FI840763A (fi) 1984-09-03
NO151855B (no) 1985-03-11
NO920426L (no) 1984-09-03
SU1574165A3 (ru) 1990-06-23
DK134884D0 (da) 1984-02-29
NO830718L (no) 1984-09-03
PT78164B (en) 1986-03-21
AU2468784A (en) 1984-09-06
FI69810B (fi) 1985-12-31
DK134884A (da) 1984-09-03
ES280269U (es) 1985-04-16
ATE44512T1 (de) 1989-07-15
ES8502642A1 (es) 1985-01-16
CA1200218A (en) 1986-02-04
DE3478921D1 (en) 1989-08-17
ES280269Y (es) 1986-04-01
NO174818B (no) 1994-04-05

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