EP1754673B1 - Bulk bag for meat and meat products - Google Patents
Bulk bag for meat and meat products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1754673B1 EP1754673B1 EP06077015A EP06077015A EP1754673B1 EP 1754673 B1 EP1754673 B1 EP 1754673B1 EP 06077015 A EP06077015 A EP 06077015A EP 06077015 A EP06077015 A EP 06077015A EP 1754673 B1 EP1754673 B1 EP 1754673B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bulk bag
- meat
- liner
- side wall
- tabs
- 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 - Lifetime
Links
- 235000013622 meat product Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 25
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012783 reinforcing fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004826 seaming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
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]
- B65D88/1618—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] double-walled or with linings
-
- 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]
- B65D88/1618—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] double-walled or with linings
- B65D88/1625—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] double-walled or with linings with stiffening rigid means between the walls
-
- 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]
- B65D88/1668—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] closures for top or bottom openings
-
- 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]
- B65D88/1675—Lifting fittings
- B65D88/1681—Flexible, e.g. loops, or reinforcements therefor
-
- 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
- B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
- B65D88/58—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls
- B65D88/60—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls of internal walls
- B65D88/62—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls of internal walls the walls being deformable
-
- 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
- B65D2588/00—Large container
- B65D2588/16—Large container flexible
- B65D2588/162—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
- B65D2588/167—FIBC in multiple arrangement
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to bulk bags, and more particularly to a bulk bag construction that is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with meat and meat products.
- the present invention comprises a bulk bag as recited in the claim.
- the bulk bag 10 includes four side walls 12 which may comprise one, two, three, or four side wall panels depending upon the requirements of particular applications.
- the bulk bag 10 further comprises a bottom wall which is secured to the lower ends of the side walls 12 by sewing along sew lines 14.
- the upper ends of the side walls 12 may be reinforced as indicated at 16, however, reinforcement of the upper ends of the side wall is not necessary to the practice of the invention.
- the bulk bag 10 may be provided with any of the various well known types of lifting apparatus, such as the lift loops 18 illustrated in Figure 1 .
- the bulk bag 10 may be provided with a liner 20.
- the bulk bag 10 is preferably provided with tabs 22 located at the bottom thereof which are utilized to secure the bulk bag 10 to a conventional tip over discharge apparatus.
- the bulk bag 10 is provided with a plurality of vertically extending pockets 26. Each of the pockets 26 receives a support member 30 therein.
- the support members 30 may be either solid or tubular, for example, the support members 30 may comprise PVC pipe which is readily available and inexpensive.
- the support member 30 function to retain the side walls 12 of the bulk bag 10 in an upright, open configuration.
- bulk bags are often square or rectangular in cross sectional configuration, thereby defining four corners. In such instances it is convenient to attach the pockets 26 at the corners of the bulk bag, however, attaching the pockets at the corners is not required in the practice of the invention. Rather, the pockets 26 may be attached at any,convenient location.
- Bulk bags having a single tubular side wall are also widely used.
- the pockets 26 may be attached to the side wall thereof at any convenient location around the periphery of the bulk bag.
- the number of pockets used in conjunction with a particular tubular bulk bag depends upon the requirements of particular applications of the invention, it being understood that larger diameter tubular bulk bags will typically require a larger number of pockets 26.
- FIGs 2 through 5 illustrate various techniques for constructing the pockets 26 .
- the fabric of the side walls may extend to form a loop which is then closed by sewing as indicated by the sew line 32.
- the sew line 32 may be used to close the seam.
- FIGs 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of wherein the pocket 26 is constructed independently of the fabric of the side walls of the bulk bag.
- the side walls 12 are joined at one of the corners of the bulk bag by a seam 40.
- a pocket 26 comprises panels 42 and 44.
- the sew line 32 performs the triple function of closing the seam 40, joining the panels 42 and 44 along adjacent edges thereof, and securing the pocket 26 to the bulk bag.
- the seam 36 joins the panels 32 along the opposite edges thereof thereby completing the construction of the pocket 26.
- Figure 5 illustrates a similar construction wherein the pocket 26 is formed from a single panel 46.
- the sew line 32 performs the triple function of closing the seam 40, joining the adjacent edges of the panel 46 to complete the construction of the pocket 26, and securing the pocket 26 to the bulk bag.
- Bulk bags incorporating the present invention may be formed using U panel, tubular, or four panel construction.
- the corner pockets are dimensional to receive rods or tubes having diameters between about 1 ⁇ 2" and about 2".
- the pockets may be formed as part of the side panels of the bag, or attached to the side seams.
- the pockets are made of bulk bag fabric, narrow fabric webbing, or in lieu of pockets straps are used in multiple locations in the side seams.
- Various lift loop styles may be used including standard four corner vertical loops, spread straps, over-the-corner straps, basket straps and sleeves.
- the bulk bag may also have tabs, straps, or loops attached to various points at the bottom of the bags to be used to secure the bottom of the bag to the tip over discharge equipment.
- each pocket may have a closure device or the pocket can be left open.
- the bulk bag 50 comprises four side walls 52 and a bottom wall 54 ( Figs. 7 and 9 ).
- the side walls 52 and the bottom wall 54 define a rectangular enclosure.
- the side walls 52 intersect at corners which define vertically disposed pockets 56 located outside of the rectangular enclosure.
- a reinforcing band 58 is provided along the tops of the side walls 52, and is secured by seams 59.
- the bottoms of the side walls 52 are joined to the bottom wall 54 by seams 61.
- the bulk bag 50 is constructed from four corner panels 62, 64, 66, and 68. As is best shown in Figure 8 , the opposite vertically extending edges of each of the corner panels are folded over and adhesively secured at to provide reinforced edges 70. Referring again to Figure 6 , the reinforced edges of the corner panels are joined by side seams 72 to define the bulk bag 50.
- the bulk bag 50 is provided with lift loops 74 which are secured to the fabric of the corner panels by sewing along seams 75. As is shown in Figure 11 , the lift loops 74 are secured to their respective corner panels by the side seam 72 and by the seams 59 which secure the reinforcing band 58.
- the lift loops 74 are secured to the side walls 52 by seams 75. In this manner the lift loop 74 is secured in an upright configuration to facilitate manipulation of the bulk bag 50 by forklift trucks and similar apparatus.
- Securing loops 76 are provided at the bottom of each corner of the bulk bag 50.
- the securing loops 76 are secured to the bulk bag 50 during construction thereof function to secure the bulk bag 50 to a conventional tip over apparatus (not shown) to facilitate discharge of the contents of the bulk bag 50.
- the pockets 56 are constructed from the fabric of the corner panels comprising the bulk bag 50 and a seam 77 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 2 and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.
- Each corner pocket 56 is located outside of the rectangular enclosure defined by the side walls 52 and receives a structural member 78 which preferably comprises a length of PVC pipe.
- the function of the structural member 78 is to maintain the bulk bag 50 in an upright and open configuration to facilitate filling thereof.
- each pocket 56 is provided with a sewn-in-place shield 80 which prevents contamination of the interior of the pocket 56 during filling of the bulk bag 50.
- the lower end of each pocket 56 is provided with a releasable closure 82 which secures the structural members 78 within the pocket 56 during filling, transport, and discharge of the bulk bag 50, while facilitating removal of the structural members 78 after the bulk bag 50 has been emptied.
- the releasable closures 82 preferably comprise tie down straps, however, other releasable closure configurations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.
- the bulk bag 50 further includes a liner 84.
- the main portion of the liner 84 extends across the bottom wall 54 of the bulk bag 50 and then upwardly along the side walls 52 thereof. At the upper ends of the side walls 52 the liner 84 is folded inwardly and then extended downwardly to define a skirt 86.
- An important feature of the bulk bag 50 comprises the fact that the liner 84 is secured to the upper ends of the side walls 52 by tabs 88.
- each tab 88 comprises a layer of plastic tape 90 of the type comprising longitudinally extending lengths of reinforcing fibers.
- Each tab 88 includes a sectional of woven polypropylene fabric 92 at the upper end thereof which is secured to the tape 90 by a suitable adhesive and which is sewn into the reinforcing band 58.
- the liner 84 and the skirt 86 thereof are secured to the tab 88 by means of a suitable adhesive.
- the tab 88 may be provided with an additional length of woven polypropylene fabric 94 which further secures the tab 88 against tearing.
- the reinforced edges 70 of the corner panels 62, 64, 66, and 68 comprise doubled-over edge portions of the fabric comprising the corner panels which are secured in place by adhesive layers 96.
- the upper portions of the reinforced edges 70 are doubled over and are secured in place by the seams 59 which also function to secure the reinforcing band 58 in place.
- the seams 59 also secure the tabs 88 to the side walls 52 of the bulk bag.
- the lift loops are secured to the reenforced edges of the corner panels 62, 64, 66, and 68 by the seams 75.
- the bulk bag 50 is typically filled with a quantity of meat products MP.
- the securing loops 76 are utilized to secure the bulk bag 50 to a conventional tip over apparatus (not shown) of the type utilized in conjunction with prior art meat product transporting devices. After the securing loops 76 are secured to the tip over apparatus, the tip over apparatus is utilized to invert the bulk bag 50 so that the meat product MP can be discharged therefrom.
- FIG 13 illustrates an early step in the discharge of the meat product MP from the bulk bag 50.
- the bulk bag 50 is shown partially inverted with the meat product MP beginning to pour outwardly from the liner 84 of the bulk bag 50. Because of the sticky nature of the meat product MP, discharge thereof tends to pull the liner 84 out of the bulk bag 50. However, outward movement of the liner 84 relative to the bulk bag 50 is restrained by the tabs 88 which secure the liner 84 to the upper end of the bulk bag 50.
- Figure 14 shows the bulk bag 50 completely inverted with the restraining loops 76 still securing the bulk bag 50 to the tip over apparatus.
- the liner 84 is pulled outwardly from the interior of the bulk bag and is turned inside out.
- Figure 15 illustrates the bulk bag 50 with the discharge of the meat product MP therefrom substantially complete
- Figure 16 illustrates the bulk bag 50 after the discharge of the meat product MP from the bulk bag has been completed.
- the liner 84 is completely turned inside out with the skirt 86 now positioned on the outside of the liner proper.
- the liner 100 comprises a length of tubular plastic film 102 which may,be formed from conventional polymeric materials such as polyethylene.
- a first seam 104 closes one end of the liner 102 in the manner of a trash bag.
- the liner 104 is formed into a rectangular configuration whereupon seams 106 and 108 are formed at the same end of the liner 102 as the seam 104. In this manner the liner 100 is retained in a rectangular configuration having dimensions which approximate the interior dimensions of the bulk bag in which the liner 101 will be used.
- the seams 104, 106, and 108 may comprise heat seals. Alternatively, the seams 104, 106, and 108 may be adhesively constructed. Other conventional techniques for seaming polymeric materials may also be utilized in the practice of the invention.
- each tab 110 may be rolled or folded to provide additional tear resistance.
- a bulk bag 120 comprising one or more side walls 122 and a bottom wall 124.
- the side wall(s) 122 are joined to the bottom wall 124 by seams 126.
- Figure 19 also shows the liner 100 shown in Figures 17 and 18 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith positioned in the bulk bag 120.
- the tabs 110 extending from the opposite sides of the lower end of the liner 100 are positioned between the lower edges of the side wall(s) 122 and the lateral edges of the bottom wall 124.
- the seams 126 extend through the tabs 110 to secure the liner 100 within the bulk bag 120.
- the distal ends of the tabs 110 may be rolled or folded to provide additional tear strength.
- the bulk bag 120 having the liner 110 secured therein is used to receive, transport, and discharge meat products.
- meat products are received in the liner 100 with the bulk bag 120 oriented as shown in Figure 19 .
- the meat products received within the bulk bag 120 are discharged from the liner 100 thereof by inverting the bulk bag 120 as shown in Figure 20 .
- the sticky nature of the meat products causes the liner 100 to move downwardly ( Figure 20 ) relative to the bulk bag 120 as the meat products are discharged therefrom.
- the tabs 110 at the closed end of the liner 100 allow the liner 100 to move down a limited amount and then prevent further limited movement.
- the abrupt stoppage of the downward movement of the liner 110 which is caused by the sewing the tabs 110 of the liner 100 into the seams joining the side wall(s) and the bottom wall of the bulk bag 120 causes the meat products to disengage from the liner 100 and fully discharge from the bulk bag 120.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates generally to bulk bags, and more particularly to a bulk bag construction that is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with meat and meat products.
- Heretofore meat and meat products have been transported in large cardboard boxes which are mounted on wooden pallets. As is well known, both cardboard and wood can and do harbor microorganisms, insects, etc. The presence of such organisms in and around containers utilized to receive, store, transport, and discharge meat and meat products can lead to contamination thereof. Total freedom from contamination is an absolute necessity in the food industry. Therefore, a need exists for a container adapted to receive, store, transport and discharge meat and meat products which is incapable of harboring contaminating organisms.
- The present invention comprises a bulk bag as recited in the claim.
- A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
-
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a bulk bag for meat and meat products constructed not in accordance with the present invention; -
FIGURE 2 is an illustration of a first construction technique for the bulk bag ofFIGURE 1 ; -
FIGURE 3 is an illustration of a second construction technique for the bulk bag ofFIGURE 1 ; -
FIGURE 4 is an illustration of a third construction technique for the bulk bag ofFIGURE 1 ; -
FIGURE 5 is an illustration of a fourth construction technique for the bulk bag ofFIGURE 1 ; -
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view illustrating a bulk bag for meat and meat products not in accordance with the invention; -
FIGURE 7 is a view similar toFIGURE 6 in which certain components parts have been broken away more clearly to illustrate certain features of the bag; -
FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 inFIGURE 1 in the direction of the arrows; -
FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the upper portion of the bulk bag shown inFIGURE 6 taken along the line 9-9 inFIGURE 6 in the direction of the arrows; -
FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 inFIGURE 1 in the direction of the arrows. -
FIGURE 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11 inFIGURE 1 in the direction of the arrows. -
FIGURE 12 is a view similar toFIGURE 6 showing the bulk bag thereof in its filled configuration; -
FIGURE 13 is an illustration of a bulk bag ofFIGURE 12 showing an early step in the discharge of product therefrom; -
FIGURE 14 is an illustration of the bulk bag ofFIGURE 12 showing the bulk bag at a later stage in the discharge of product therefrom; -
FIGURE 15 is an illustration of the bulk bag ofFIGURE 12 showing the bulk bag at a still later stage in the discharge of product therefrom; -
FIGURE 16 is an illustration of the bulk bag ofFIGURE 12 showing the completion of the discharge of product therefrom; -
FIGURE 17 is a top view of a bulk bag liner for use in the invention; -
FIGURE 18 is a partial side view of the liner ofFIGURE 17 ; -
FIGURE 19 is an illustration of the liner ofFIGURE 17 installed in a bulk bag; and -
FIGURE 20 is an illustration of the discharge of the bulk bag ofFIGURE 19 . - Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to
Figure 1 thereof, there is shown abulk bag 10 not according to the present invention. Thebulk bag 10 includes fourside walls 12 which may comprise one, two, three, or four side wall panels depending upon the requirements of particular applications. Thebulk bag 10 further comprises a bottom wall which is secured to the lower ends of theside walls 12 by sewing alongsew lines 14. The upper ends of theside walls 12 may be reinforced as indicated at 16, however, reinforcement of the upper ends of the side wall is not necessary to the practice of the invention. - The
bulk bag 10 may be provided with any of the various well known types of lifting apparatus, such as thelift loops 18 illustrated inFigure 1 . Thebulk bag 10 may be provided with aliner 20. Thebulk bag 10 is preferably provided withtabs 22 located at the bottom thereof which are utilized to secure thebulk bag 10 to a conventional tip over discharge apparatus. - The
bulk bag 10 is provided with a plurality of vertically extendingpockets 26. Each of thepockets 26 receives asupport member 30 therein. Thesupport members 30 may be either solid or tubular, for example, thesupport members 30 may comprise PVC pipe which is readily available and inexpensive. Thesupport member 30 function to retain theside walls 12 of thebulk bag 10 in an upright, open configuration. - As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, bulk bags are often square or rectangular in cross sectional configuration, thereby defining four corners. In such instances it is convenient to attach the
pockets 26 at the corners of the bulk bag, however, attaching the pockets at the corners is not required in the practice of the invention. Rather, thepockets 26 may be attached at any,convenient location. - Bulk bags having a single tubular side wall are also widely used. In the case of a tubular bulk bag the
pockets 26 may be attached to the side wall thereof at any convenient location around the periphery of the bulk bag. The number of pockets used in conjunction with a particular tubular bulk bag depends upon the requirements of particular applications of the invention, it being understood that larger diameter tubular bulk bags will typically require a larger number ofpockets 26. -
Figures 2 through 5 , inclusive, illustrate various techniques for constructing thepockets 26 . Referring particularly toFigure 2 , when thepocket 26 is formed at a location on theside walls 12 of the bulk bag that does not include a seam, the fabric of the side walls may extend to form a loop which is then closed by sewing as indicated by thesew line 32. Referring toFigure 3 , if the location of thepocket 26 is coincident with aseam 34 anadditional sew line 36 is utilized to close the seam. -
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of wherein thepocket 26 is constructed independently of the fabric of the side walls of the bulk bag. Referring particularly toFigure 4 , theside walls 12 are joined at one of the corners of the bulk bag by aseam 40. Apocket 26 comprisespanels sew line 32 performs the triple function of closing theseam 40, joining thepanels pocket 26 to the bulk bag. Theseam 36 joins thepanels 32 along the opposite edges thereof thereby completing the construction of thepocket 26.Figure 5 illustrates a similar construction wherein thepocket 26 is formed from asingle panel 46. Hereagain, thesew line 32 performs the triple function of closing theseam 40, joining the adjacent edges of thepanel 46 to complete the construction of thepocket 26, and securing thepocket 26 to the bulk bag. - Bulk bags incorporating the present invention may be formed using U panel, tubular, or four panel construction. The corner pockets are dimensional to receive rods or tubes having diameters between about ½" and about 2". The pockets may be formed as part of the side panels of the bag, or attached to the side seams. The pockets are made of bulk bag fabric, narrow fabric webbing, or in lieu of pockets straps are used in multiple locations in the side seams.
- Various lift loop styles may be used including standard four corner vertical loops, spread straps, over-the-corner straps, basket straps and sleeves. The bulk bag may also have tabs, straps, or loops attached to various points at the bottom of the bags to be used to secure the bottom of the bag to the tip over discharge equipment.
- The opening of each pocket may have a closure device or the pocket can be left open.
- Referring now to
Figures 6 through 10 , inclusive, and particularly toFigure 6 there is shown analternative bulk bag 50 not according to the invention. Thebulk bag 50 comprises fourside walls 52 and a bottom wall 54 (Figs. 7 and9 ). Theside walls 52 and thebottom wall 54 define a rectangular enclosure. Theside walls 52 intersect at corners which define vertically disposedpockets 56 located outside of the rectangular enclosure. A reinforcingband 58 is provided along the tops of theside walls 52, and is secured byseams 59. The bottoms of theside walls 52 are joined to thebottom wall 54 byseams 61. - The
bulk bag 50 is constructed from fourcorner panels Figure 8 , the opposite vertically extending edges of each of the corner panels are folded over and adhesively secured at to provide reinforcededges 70. Referring again toFigure 6 , the reinforced edges of the corner panels are joined byside seams 72 to define thebulk bag 50. Thebulk bag 50 is provided withlift loops 74 which are secured to the fabric of the corner panels by sewing along seams 75. As is shown inFigure 11 , thelift loops 74 are secured to their respective corner panels by theside seam 72 and by theseams 59 which secure the reinforcingband 58. Thelift loops 74 are secured to theside walls 52 byseams 75. In this manner thelift loop 74 is secured in an upright configuration to facilitate manipulation of thebulk bag 50 by forklift trucks and similar apparatus. - Securing
loops 76 are provided at the bottom of each corner of thebulk bag 50. The securingloops 76 are secured to thebulk bag 50 during construction thereof function to secure thebulk bag 50 to a conventional tip over apparatus (not shown) to facilitate discharge of the contents of thebulk bag 50. - Referring to
Figure 11 , thepockets 56 are constructed from the fabric of the corner panels comprising thebulk bag 50 and a seam 77 in a manner similar to that shown inFigure 2 and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Eachcorner pocket 56 is located outside of the rectangular enclosure defined by theside walls 52 and receives astructural member 78 which preferably comprises a length of PVC pipe. The function of thestructural member 78 is to maintain thebulk bag 50 in an upright and open configuration to facilitate filling thereof. - The upper end of each
pocket 56 is provided with a sewn-in-place shield 80 which prevents contamination of the interior of thepocket 56 during filling of thebulk bag 50. The lower end of eachpocket 56 is provided with areleasable closure 82 which secures thestructural members 78 within thepocket 56 during filling, transport, and discharge of thebulk bag 50, while facilitating removal of thestructural members 78 after thebulk bag 50 has been emptied. Thereleasable closures 82 preferably comprise tie down straps, however, other releasable closure configurations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. - As is best shown in
Figures 7 and10 , thebulk bag 50 further includes aliner 84. The main portion of theliner 84 extends across thebottom wall 54 of thebulk bag 50 and then upwardly along theside walls 52 thereof. At the upper ends of theside walls 52 theliner 84 is folded inwardly and then extended downwardly to define askirt 86. An important feature of thebulk bag 50 comprises the fact that theliner 84 is secured to the upper ends of theside walls 52 bytabs 88. - Referring to
Figure 9 eachtab 88 comprises a layer ofplastic tape 90 of the type comprising longitudinally extending lengths of reinforcing fibers. Eachtab 88 includes a sectional of wovenpolypropylene fabric 92 at the upper end thereof which is secured to thetape 90 by a suitable adhesive and which is sewn into the reinforcingband 58. Theliner 84 and theskirt 86 thereof are secured to thetab 88 by means of a suitable adhesive. Thetab 88 may be provided with an additional length of wovenpolypropylene fabric 94 which further secures thetab 88 against tearing. - Referring to
Figure 8 , the reinforcededges 70 of thecorner panels adhesive layers 96. Referring again toFigure 9 , the upper portions of the reinforcededges 70 are doubled over and are secured in place by theseams 59 which also function to secure the reinforcingband 58 in place. Theseams 59 also secure thetabs 88 to theside walls 52 of the bulk bag. Referring to 11, the lift loops are secured to the reenforced edges of thecorner panels seams 75. - Utilization of the
bulk bag 50 is illustrated inFigures 12 through 16 , inclusive. Thebulk bag 50 is typically filled with a quantity of meat products MP. The securingloops 76 are utilized to secure thebulk bag 50 to a conventional tip over apparatus (not shown) of the type utilized in conjunction with prior art meat product transporting devices. After the securingloops 76 are secured to the tip over apparatus, the tip over apparatus is utilized to invert thebulk bag 50 so that the meat product MP can be discharged therefrom. -
Figure 13 illustrates an early step in the discharge of the meat product MP from thebulk bag 50. Thebulk bag 50 is shown partially inverted with the meat product MP beginning to pour outwardly from theliner 84 of thebulk bag 50. Because of the sticky nature of the meat product MP, discharge thereof tends to pull theliner 84 out of thebulk bag 50. However, outward movement of theliner 84 relative to thebulk bag 50 is restrained by thetabs 88 which secure theliner 84 to the upper end of thebulk bag 50. -
Figure 14 shows thebulk bag 50 completely inverted with the restrainingloops 76 still securing thebulk bag 50 to the tip over apparatus. As the meat product MP discharges from the interior of theliner 84 of thebulk bag 50, theliner 84 is pulled outwardly from the interior of the bulk bag and is turned inside out.Figure 15 illustrates thebulk bag 50 with the discharge of the meat product MP therefrom substantially complete, andFigure 16 illustrates thebulk bag 50 after the discharge of the meat product MP from the bulk bag has been completed. At this point theliner 84 is completely turned inside out with theskirt 86 now positioned on the outside of the liner proper. - Referring to
Figures 17 through 20 , inclusive, there is shown abulk bag liner 100 useful in receiving, transporting, and discharging meat products comprising the embodiment of the invention. Theliner 100 comprises a length of tubularplastic film 102 which may,be formed from conventional polymeric materials such as polyethylene. Afirst seam 104 closes one end of theliner 102 in the manner of a trash bag. - After the
seam 104 is formed, theliner 104 is formed into a rectangular configuration whereupon seams 106 and 108 are formed at the same end of theliner 102 as theseam 104. In this manner theliner 100 is retained in a rectangular configuration having dimensions which approximate the interior dimensions of the bulk bag in which the liner 101 will be used. - The
seams seams - As indicated above, the foregoing steps change the cross sectional configuration of the
liner 100 from a circle to a rectangle having predetermined dimensions. The formation of theseams triangular tabs 110 extending from the opposite sides of theliner 100. As shown inFigure 18 , the distal ends 112 of eachtab 110 may be rolled or folded to provide additional tear resistance. - Referring to
Figure 19 , there is shown abulk bag 120 according to the present invention comprising one ormore side walls 122 and abottom wall 124. The side wall(s) 122 are joined to thebottom wall 124 byseams 126. -
Figure 19 also shows theliner 100 shown inFigures 17 and 18 described hereinabove in conjunction therewith positioned in thebulk bag 120. Thetabs 110 extending from the opposite sides of the lower end of theliner 100 are positioned between the lower edges of the side wall(s) 122 and the lateral edges of thebottom wall 124. Theseams 126 extend through thetabs 110 to secure theliner 100 within thebulk bag 120. As shown inFigure 18 and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith, the distal ends of thetabs 110 may be rolled or folded to provide additional tear strength. - The
bulk bag 120 having theliner 110 secured therein is used to receive, transport, and discharge meat products. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, meat products are received in theliner 100 with thebulk bag 120 oriented as shown inFigure 19 . - The meat products received within the
bulk bag 120 are discharged from theliner 100 thereof by inverting thebulk bag 120 as shown inFigure 20 . The sticky nature of the meat products causes theliner 100 to move downwardly (Figure 20 ) relative to thebulk bag 120 as the meat products are discharged therefrom. Thetabs 110 at the closed end of theliner 100 allow theliner 100 to move down a limited amount and then prevent further limited movement. The abrupt stoppage of the downward movement of theliner 110 which is caused by the sewing thetabs 110 of theliner 100 into the seams joining the side wall(s) and the bottom wall of thebulk bag 120 causes the meat products to disengage from theliner 100 and fully discharge from thebulk bag 120.
Claims (1)
- A bulk bag (120) for receiving, storing, transporting, and discharging meat and meat products comprising:at least one side wall (122) defining a rectangular enclosure characterized by predetermined dimensions and having upper and lower edges;a bottom wall (124) secured to the lower edge of the side wall for closing the bottom end of the rectangular enclosure defined by the side wall (122);a length of tubular polymeric film (102) having a longitudinal axis and having upper and lower ends;a first seam (104) closing the lower end of the length of tubular polymeric film (102);spaced apart second and third seams (106, 108) extending mutually perpendicularly to the first seam (104) and to the longitudinal axis of the length of tubular polymeric film (102) for constraining the length of tubular polymeric film (102) to a rectangular configuration which is closely matched to the dimensions of the rectangular enclosure defined by the side wall (122);the first, second, and third seams (104, 106, 108) also forming triangular tabs (110) extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the lower end of the length of tubular polymeric film (102);the distal ends (112) of the triangular tabs (110) extending between the lower end of the side wall (122) and the bottom wall (124) and being secured by a seam (126) which extends through the tabs (110) and secures the bottom wall (124) and the tabs (110) to the lower end of the side wall (122) thereby permitting the liner to move a limited distance when the bulk bag (120) is tipped over to effect discharge of meat and meat products therefrom.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US38986502P | 2002-06-20 | 2002-06-20 | |
US10/253,086 US6739753B2 (en) | 2002-06-20 | 2002-09-24 | Bulk bag for meat and meat products |
EP03250677A EP1375387B1 (en) | 2002-06-20 | 2003-02-03 | Bulk bag for meat and meat products |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03250677A Division EP1375387B1 (en) | 2002-06-20 | 2003-02-03 | Bulk bag for meat and meat products |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1754673A2 EP1754673A2 (en) | 2007-02-21 |
EP1754673A3 EP1754673A3 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
EP1754673B1 true EP1754673B1 (en) | 2008-08-06 |
Family
ID=37648571
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06077015A Expired - Lifetime EP1754673B1 (en) | 2002-06-20 | 2003-02-03 | Bulk bag for meat and meat products |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1754673B1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4541765A (en) * | 1983-05-18 | 1985-09-17 | Wills Trucking, Inc. | Trailer unloading apparatus and method |
US4658989A (en) * | 1985-07-08 | 1987-04-21 | Bonerb Vincent C | Disposable flexible liner for material storage and handling bag, and method of releasably installing the same |
US4946291A (en) * | 1987-01-02 | 1990-08-07 | Schnaars Daniel R | Semi-bulk with liner |
DE3928054A1 (en) * | 1989-08-25 | 1991-02-28 | Empac Verpackungs Gmbh | Flexible container for fluids - has vertical struts loosely fitting on support plate |
WO2001025101A1 (en) * | 1999-10-06 | 2001-04-12 | Southcorp Australia Pty Ltd | Bulk container suitable for dangerous goods |
CA2306326A1 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2001-10-19 | Richard Gervais | Multipurpose trailer |
-
2003
- 2003-02-03 EP EP06077015A patent/EP1754673B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1754673A3 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
EP1754673A2 (en) | 2007-02-21 |
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