GB2515898A

GB2515898A - Container

Info

Publication number: GB2515898A
Application number: GB201408974A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lance Andrew Chapman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-20
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: GB201408974D0; GB201402928D0

Abstract

A containers 10 base 20 can be closed or opened for discharge by securing or releasing a main flap 34 and two side flaps 36; each extending from the base of one of the container side walls 18. Ideally the side flaps have a part attached 36B to two opposed side panels and another part attached 36A to the main flap extending between them to form a chute when open. The parts of each side panel can be folded against themselves when closed. The flaps could be retained in the closed position by a further flap 42 extending from the main flap which secures against and parallel to the opposite wall. There are preferably loops 22 at the top of the container for hoisting and adjacent loops 24 in the further flap 42 to be retained with the hoisting loops to hold the container closed. Preferably a collapsible sub structure frame biased to the extended position holds the container open. The container could have the form of an FIBC.

Description

Title; Container

Background of the Invention;

[0011 This invention relates to containers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to intermediate bulk containers. Embodiments of the invention relate to flexible intermediate bulk containers. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of this invention relate to skip bags.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (known as FIBC's) are a well known product used to contain, store and transport lose products such as sand, fertilizer, granules and plastics. Generally made from coated or uncoated Polypropylene material, typically this type of FIBC is intended as a one trip use container and is more commonly found in a commercial environment, whereby the content is more of a smaller flowing material such as pellets, granules or aggregates that can be easily loaded or discharged through a variation of smaller inlets and outlets.

However there is a growing trend in popularity of this type of container in the domestic environment as an alternative use to a conventional skip for waste removal from homes and businesses, but more commonly known as a tonne bag or dump bag. The increase in demand has seen a variety of sizes enter the market, although at present they all follow a common theme of a purchased tonne bag that is loaded, transported and discharged by slitting the bottom of the bag to empty. The bag is then discarded as it is only fit for one trip use which constitutes the bag to be sent to landfill or sent for recycling as a low grade scrap plastic.

[0021 As such where FIBC's usually resemble a flexible low grade material container made from polypropylene, IBC's usually resemble a more rigid form of plastic such as polyethylene; references to this type of container are clear in European application number 88305670.7 which are primarily used for bulk liquid storage and (,Q transportation.

[0031 FIBC's in most cases are designed for a one trip use only, although there are many variations such as the containers disclosed in U8601 5057, U87798712, EF0300622A1, W0201 0/1 48497, and U82008/0277393.

[0041 According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a container comprising a man part for holding a material, the main part having a plurality of side walls and defining a lower open end, and the container further including a flap arrangement comprising a base flap attached to a first of the plurality of side walls, and two subsidiary flaps attached respectively to a second and a third of the plurality of side walls; wherein the flap arrangement is moveable between a closed condition in which the base flap and the subsidiary flaps extend over the lower end to close the lower end, and a open condition in which the base flap and the subsidiary flaps extend downwardly from the side walls. The two subsidiary flaps may be arranged opposite each other.

The container may comprise a flexible intermediate bulk container. In one embodiment, the container may comprise a skip bag.

Statement of Invention:

[0051 It is an advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that it can provide an improved skip bag which is more easily stored, opened, loaded and emptied on several occasions.

[0061 When the flap arrangement is in the open condition, the base flap and the subsidiary flaps may define a discharge channel via which material in the main part can be discharged.

The base flap may be attached by a hinged attachment to the first side wall. The subsidiary flaps may be attached by a hinged attachment to the respective second and third side walls. The second and third side walls may be arranged opposite each other. The second and third side walls may be attached to the first side wall along opposite edges thereof.

The subsidiary flaps may constitute a semi-detachable panel having at least two concealed hinged flaps.

Each subsidiary flap may comprise first and second flap portions. The first flap portion of each subsidiary flap may be attached to the respective side wall. The first flap portion of each subsidiary flap may be attached by a hinged attachment to the respective side wall. The second flap portion may be attached to the base flap. The second flap portion may be attached by a hinged attachment to the base flap. The first and second flap portions may be attached by a hinged attachment to each other.

The first and second flap portions of each subsidiary flap may be movable between a folded condition when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition, and an unfolded condition when the flap arrangement is in the open condition. When the first and second flap portions are in the folded condition, the first and second flap portions may lie across one another. When the first and second flap portions are in the unfolded condition, the second (Q flap portion may extend downwardly from the first flap portion.

The flap arrangement may further include a retaining means for retaining the flap arrangement in the closed condition. The retaining means may comprise a retaining flap which extends alongside one of the plurality of side walls when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition. The retaining flap may extend alongside a fourth of the plurality of side walls when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition.

The retaining flap may be attached to the base flap. The retaining flap may be attached to the base flap along an edge of the base flap. In one embodiment, the retainng flap may be attached to the base flap by a hinged attachment.

The retaining means may further include fastening means to fasten the further flap to the side wall. The fastening means may comprise a hook and loop fastening means, such as sold under the trade mark Velcro.

The container may comprise a plurality of lifting loops on the main part, the lifting loops being provided to allow the container to be lifted. The lifting loops may be provided on an upper edge of the main part.

The flap arrangement may comprise a plurality of opening loops by means of which the flap arrangement can be moved from the closed condition to the open condition, The opening loops may be provided on the retaining means.

The container may further include a collapsible sub-structural frame, said frame being configured to support the main part in an upright condition and being collapsible to allow the main part to be moved to a collapsed condition. Thus, in the embodiment described herein, the main part can be collapsed to provide a flat packed arrangement for easy storage ortransportation. The sub-structural frame may be a self expanding frame to allow the main part to move to the upright condition.

[0071 According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a container comprising: a main part; a clear open aperture at the top of the main part, a semi detachable floor panel at the boftom of the main part and four upright wall panels defining four corners; a first set of at least four plurality lifting loops that are attached to and extend over and above the side walls and are evenly spaced apart; a second set of at east two plurality loops that are attached to and extend over and above the semi detachable panel wall and are evenly spaced apart; a concealed set of hinged flaps that are attached to at least three side walls of the bag from the bottom and have a folded panel that is revealed upon activation of the semi detachable panel creating a directional discharge chamber; r an incorporated self expanding sub-structural frame that gives the customer an unassisted free standing waste o receptacle or when empty it can be compressed to create a flat packed product for easy storage or transportation.

[0081 The container may comprise a flexible intermediate bulk container. In one embodiment, the container may comprise a skip bag.

The container may comprise a flexible and collapsible material structure that can expand and compress to differing heights as well as contain heavy, bulky and semi penetrable materials for the removal or transportation on several occasions.

The semi detachable floor panel may enclose the bottom and the four walls of the container acting as a liner which securely contains the material when loading and lifting but also has the ability to swing open when required to discharge the contents upon request.

The first set of the plurality of loops that extend over and above the sides of the container are used to lift the container and its contents from site into the collection vehicle to be emptied.

The semi-detachable panel may have at least two concealed hinged flaps which act as a directional discharge chamberto guide the contents downwards into a desired location; The container may include a self expanding sub-structural frame is incorporated into the main part the sub-structural frame being made from a strong rigid material to maintain a self standing open aperture when in use, but also form a flat packed configuration for storage or transportation when compressed; The self expanding sub-structural frame may require no assistance or multi part assembling to create a self standing feature.

The container may comprise a set of opening loops which form part of the semi-detachable panel, that when released, the weight of the contents forces the semi detachable panel to fall which in turn fully opens the concealed hinged flaps creating a directional discharge chamber to allow the contents to fall safely in a specified location without spHlage, mess or human intervention.

The container may have a concealed set of hinged flaps that also act as a supporting structure to the floor and side walls that direct the flow of the contents upon discharge.

In the embodiment described herein, the very nature of the products material structure along with the self discharging feature allows the container to be used many times before a replacement is required.

The pair of opening loops may be attached to and may extend over and above the two ends of the upper part of the semi-detachable panel are spaced evenly apart from each other.

The height the width and the depth may be no smaller than 90cm each.

The volume of the bag may be at least 1 cubic yard. r

The capacity in weight that can be lifted may be rio less than 1000 kg.

[0091 One embodiment of the present invention provides a container comprising a flexible material made to form a sizable container with at least four plurality loops located in a way that enables a mechanical device to lift and lower into position.

[0101 The container may include a self expanding sub structural frame incorporated as part of the container to maintain an open free standing state when in use. The side flaps may constitute a set of concealed hinged flaps that double as a liner to minimise spillage when lifting and also acts as a directional discharge chamber when fully open.

[0111 The container may include at least Iwo loops that are used in connection with an auto uncoupling device, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. A suitable auto uncoupling hook is sold under the trade mark ELEBIA byArUsorra, SL,.

[0121 The container may include a flexible container formed in such a way that once emptied can be easily cleaned and compressed back into a flat packed formation without any disassembly using strategically located fasteners to hold the self expanding sub structural frame in a compactable one piece state ready for storage or transportation to another location.

Thus, when required, the container can be easily sprung open with no assembly needed ready to be used time and again.

[0131 The container may be made from a flexible lightweight material and may be constructed in such a way that allows it to be reduced in size to a flat pack state. The embodiment of the container described herein can be used several times due to its high tensile material properties.

[0141 The embodiment of the container described herein is thus strong enough to lift bulky loose and in some cases semi penetrable material up to a tested weight of lSOOkgs without puncturing or splitting unlike prior art containers that are designed, tested and only capable of a one trip use bag that can ony carry soft heavy material making them redundant and a less environmentally friendly alternative.

[0151 One embodiment of the container may be transformable from a collapsed flat packed configuration into an upright free standing waste receptacle. An advantage of such a transformation is that requires no human intervention to part assemble before or after loading. Also it does not require the user to consistently adjust the sides during the loading process due to its self expanding sub structural frame incorporated in the container. The embodiment of the container described herein includes feature that allows the consumer to set the container at differing heights to create either a level or tilted aperture for easy loading of heavy or dense material with such tools as a wheel barrow.

[0161 The container may include an uncoupling release system that may utilise a further two external loops. The loops may be attached to and run up and over the sides of the semi-detachable panel.

This procedure allows the operator to stand at a safe distance during operation and does not require the operator to enter the body of the vehicle to disconnect the loops from the semi detachable panel before operating the (Q discharging procedure, making it a much safer and quicker alternative.

[0171 The flap arrangement described herein provides strength and durability to the container. When fully open the flap arrangement may create a directional discharge chamber which may allow the contents to fall downwards into a designated area of the collection vehcle. The hinged flaps may be connected to the floor of the semi-detachable panel and thereby may act as a protection guard against over spill or stray objects from falling outside of the footprint of the bag as it empties.

[0181 Preferably, the container has reinforced baffles woven into the fabric side walls to maintain the containers shape and reduce bellowing when being loaded.

[0191 Preferably, the container has at least four reinforced diagonal gussets sewn into the fabric of the walls to keep the self expanding sub structural frame in position when either compressed or expanded.

[0201 Preferably, another embodiment of the container has an optional enclosed lid for use in specialised material handling circumstances.

Advantages There are several advantages associated with the use of the embodiment of the container described herein.

The embodiment described herein possesses the ability to be a free standing receptacle within seconds ready to be loaded at the consumers leisure. When the embodiment described herein is full of waste material, it can be lifted by a mechanical crane and instantly discharged into the collection vehicle without the need for the container to be taken away from site for unloading, thus making the reusable nature of the container an instantly returnable product to the customer for use on another project. This in turn provides an environmental advantage over its one trip use predecessors.

The embodiment described herein also provides a timed advantage over the conventional means of existing domestic and commercial waste disposal as the purchase of the container allows the consumer to avoid any unnecessary hire charges and/or road licensing charges in circumstances where a customer has little or no space for a conventional skip to be sited on their property.

In addition, the embodiment of the container described herein take up very little footprint to be sited. With this amount of control over the use of a waste receptacle owned by the customer, the embodiment described herein could relieve stress and worry over them attempting to get a job done in a set timeframe as most commonly associated with conventional skip hire terms of 7-10 days hire.

The advantages for a licensed operator has a massive impact on time and fuel efficiency, as by the very nature that the container has an instant onsite discharge method allows the operator to make multiple collections before the need to return to an operating centre for unloading. This has an environmental advantage over existing r methods of waste operations; namely fuel usage, and wear and tear on vehicles and damage to the highways created by a consistent journey to and from the recycling centre to off load and return to another site with an 0 empty skip.

Tradesmen have the advantage of not having to be so reliant on skip deliveries or on site exchanges as they have a flat packed container on the works vehicle ready to be used in an instant; again making the job of a tradesman less stressful.

All users have the advantage of not being restricted by opening hours or weather forecasts that in normal circumstances can stop or delay commencement of works being carried out, as the container once purchased is owned by the customer and is not retained by the waste management operator.

Brief Description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container in an open free standing position -rear perspective from above and one side.

Fig. 2 is a transparent view of the container showing the reinforced baffles that minimise the bag from bellowing during loading of dense material and reinforced gussets in the corners that firmly hold the self expanding sub structural frame in place to maintain an open aperture at all times.

Fig. S is a transparent view of the container showing diagrammatically the self expanding sub structural frame.

Fig. 4 shows the container elevated in a front perspective from below and one side, clearly showing the container in an open discharged state.

Figs. SA to SC show the container being compressed into a flat pack product for easy storage and transportation for reuse.

Figs. SA to SC show the container being compressed into a alternative flat pack product for easy storage and 1 transportation for reuse. r r (0 a

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container in the form of a flexible intermediate bulk container. In the embodiment shown, the container comprises a skip bag 10. Fig. 1 shows the skip bag 10 in an open free standing configuration.

The skip bag 10 has a main part 11 defining a clear upper aperture 12 which is created by an integral self expanding sub structural frame 14 (see Figure 3) that can be expanded and compressed at the request of the consumer by releasing fasteners 16 to allow the skip bag 10 to open freely without the need to construct or dismantle anything before loading or discharge commences. The fasteners 16 may be hook and loop fasteners, such as sold under the trade mark Velcro.

As shown in Fig. 1 the main part 11 comprises four side walls 18. The skip bag 10 has a flap arrangement 20 in the form of a semi detachable floor panel that encloses the area under the four side walls 18 and then folds at a degree angle up and alongside one of the wall panels 18. The construction of the floor panel 20 is described below.

The fasteners 16 are attached to the flap arrangement 20 in varying places around the inner side to maintain the flap arrangement 20 in an upright position whilst loading. There are a plurality lifting loops 22 attached to and extending up and overthe top of the main part 11.

In the embodiment shown there are at least four of the lifting loops 22, each of which is approximately 30cm in length and may vary between 6cm and 10cm wide. They also form an integral part of the strength within the corners. There are a plurality of opening loops 24. r

(Q A sling 26 is attached to, and extends between, the opening loops 24. In the embodiment shown, there are two 0 of the opening loops 24. The opening loops 24 are attached to the flap arrangement 20. In another embodiment of the skip bag 10 where capacities differ, the lifting loops 22 may be positioned in various points around the main part 11 for maximum strength and lifting capability.

The skip bag 10 can be made of any suitable light weight material (such as polypropylene) that has the tensile strength to withstand repeated use and lift a weight of no less than l000kgs each time, and the flexibility to expand and compress repeatedly into a flat pack configuration.

Fig. 2-shows a transparent view of the skip bag 10 in an open free standing configuration that clearly shows at least four reinforced baffles 28 that minimise any bellowing effect when being loaded with heavy dense material.

Also, there are at least eight reinforced corner gussets 30 that are elongate, and may be substantially 30cm in length. The corner gussets 30 are parallel to each side wall 18, and maintain the self expanding sub structural frame 14 within the confines of the main part 11.

The skip bag 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 shows the main part 11 having a cube shape however in other embodiments of the skip bag 10 there may be variations in side wall sizes to accommodate larger capacity bags.

The configuration and preferred size of the skip bag 10 ii the diagrams shown consists of the side walls 18 each being approximately 90cm (height) x 90cm (wide) along with the bottom discharge panels (described below) each being 90cm (height) x 90cm (wide) In addition, whilst not shown the skip bag 10 can have any combination of dimensions greater or less than the configurations described.

Fig. 3-shows a transparent view of the skip bag 10 in which the self expanding sub structural frame 14 can be seen. The sub structural frame 14 maintains the aperture 12 open so that the loading process is not hindered.

The sub structural frame 14 allows the main part 11 to remain in position during discharge, and when not in use it can be compressed into a fiat pack configuration.

The self expanding sub structural frame 14 can be made of any suitable lightweight material that has the ability to withstand compression and expansion at differing heights and strong enough so as to not fail.

Fig. 4 -shows the skip bag 10 viewed from the bottom front side in an open discharging position. An auto uncoupling system (riot shown but which would be understood by those skilled in the art) is attached to the further lifting loops 24 and/or the sling 26 whilst the skip bag 10 is at a safe ground level.

A crane (not shown but which would be understood by those skilled in the art) can be attached to the lifting loops 22. The skip bag 10 can then be lifted by the crane using the lifting loops 22. The auto uncoupling system can then be activated by remote to lower the flap arrangement 20 to an open condition, as shown in Fig 4, creating a clear open bottom discharge end 32 defining a lower aperture that safely discharges the load without human intervention, creating a safe working environment for the operative and the general public.

The flap arrangement 20 comprises a base flap 34 configured to extend across the bottom aperture 32. The base flap 34 is attached by a hinged attachment 34A to a lower edge of one of the side walls 18. r

(Q Two subsidiary flaps 36 are attached to opposite edges of the base flap 34 by respective hinged attachments SÔA. The subsidiary flaps 36 are also attached by respective hinged attachments 36B to the lower edges of the side walls 18 adjacent the side wall 18 to which the base flap 34 is attached.

Each of the subsidary flaps 36 comprises first and second triangular flap portions 35, 40. The first flap portions are attached to the respective side walls 18 by the hinged aftachments 36B, and are attached to the base flap 34 by the hinged attachments 36A.

The first flap portion 38 of each subsidiary flap 36 is attached by a hinged attachment 35A to the second flap portion 40 of each subsidiary flap 36. Each of the subsidiary flaps 36 is triangular in shape.

When the flap arrangement 20 is in the open condition, shown in Fig. 4, the base flap 34 and the subsidiary flaps 36 provide a discharge channel 44 which directs material being discharged from the skip bag 10 in a desired direction.

The flap arrangement 20 further includes a retaining flap 42 to retain the flap arrangement 20 in a closed condition, as shown in Figs. ito 3. The retaining flap 42 is attached to the base flap 34 by a hinged attachment 42A.

In the closed condition, the subsidiary flaps 36 are folded to extend partially across the bottom aperture 32, the first and second flap portions 38, 40 of each subsidiary flap 36 lying across each other. Also in the closed condition, the base flap 34 extends across the bottom aperture 32 and across the folded subsidiary flaps 36.

When the flap arrangement 20 is in the closed condition, the retaining flap 42 extends across one of the side walls 18, said side wall 18 being opposite the side wall 18 to which the base flap 34 is attached. In this position, the fasteners 16 fasten the retaining flap 42 to the main part ii, as shown in Figs. ito 3 Thus, in the embodiment described herein, when the flap arrangement 20 is in the closed condition, shown in Figures ito 3, it creates an overlapping liner along the base of the skip bag 10 that minimises any contents from escaping whilst being loaded.

When the flap arrangement 20 is in the open condition, shown in Figure 4, it provides a wide open discharge aperture 32 whilst at the same time forming the directional discharge channel 44 that minimses debris spillage whilst discharging and allows the operator to discharge the contents in a specified area.

In other embodiments of the skip bag 10, the flap arrangement 20 may differ in size and shape.

Figs. SA to 5C -shows the skip bag 10 being moved to a collapsed state. Fig 5A shows the fap arrangement 20 laid flat on the ground. Fig. 5B shows the compression procedure of the self expanding sub structural frame 14 being compressed nto a flat packed state.

When the main part ii has been compressed and held in position with the use of fasteners 16 the retaining flap 42 is positioned over the top of the compressed main part ii. Fig. SC shows the skip bag 10 being fastened together securely into a flat packed state ready to store and ready for re-use; to open the skip bag 10 this (Q procedure is just reversed.

Figs. 6A to 6C -shows the skip bag 10 being moved to an alternative collapsed state. Fig 6A shows the flap arrangement 20 laid flat on the ground. Fig 6A also shows the first part of the compression procedure by folding adjacent side walls 18 inwards. Fig SB shows the compression procedure in its second state as the four side walls 18 are folded over into a fiat pack state as shown in Fig 6C.

Preferably, in another embodiment of the skip bag 10, at the base of the main part ii are four loops/spikes that will allow the user to secure it firmly to any soft ground before use, minimising the risk of the skip bag 10 from tipping over due to uneven loads, un-level ground or adverse weather conditions.

Preferably, in another embodiment of the skip bag 10 the compressed configuration could be reduced to a third of the expanded size making it a more compact and easy to store/transport said product using a method known as overcurveture' Although the present invention has been shown and described in details and references to other embodiments, it is recognised that alterations and changes may be made to the skip bag 10 in different forms and detail without departing from the main scope of the invention.

The embodiment of the present invention described herein has many advantages over traditional methods as well as more recent embodiments of a waste bag, most notably for its self erecting feature, safe working environment advantages, reusable possibilities and more importantly its environmental impact of its reusable possibilities, thus reducing the need for any future one trip use bulk bags in industry and domestic uses. r r (0

Claims

The Invention Claimed is: 1. A container comprising a main part for holding a material, the main part having a plurality of side walls and defining a lower open end, and the container further including a flap arrangement comprising a base flap attached to a first of the plurality of side walls, and two subsidiary flaps attached respectively to a second and a third of the plurality of side walls; wherein the flap arrangement is moveable between a closed condition in which the base flap and the subsidiary flaps extend over the lower end to close the lower end, and a open condition in which the base flap and the subsidiary flaps extend downwardly from the side walls.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the two subsidiary flaps may be arranged opposite each other.
3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the flap arrangement is in the open condition, the base flap and the subsidiary flaps define a discharge channel via which material in the main part can be discharged.
4. A container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the base flap is attached by a hinged attachment to the first side wall, and wherein the subsidiary flaps are attached by a hinged attachment to the respective second and third side walls.
5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the second and third side walls are arranged opposite each other, and wherein the second and third side walls are attached to the first side wall along opposite edges of the first side wall.
6. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein each subsidiary flap comprises first and second flap portions, the frst flap portion of each subsidiary flap being attached to the respective side wall, and the second flap portion of each subsidiary flap being attached to the base flap. (0

0
7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the first flap portion of each subsidiary flap is attached by a hinged attachment to the respective side wall, and the second flap portion is attached by a hinged attachment to the base flap.
8. A container according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second flap portions are attached by a hinged attachment to each other
9. A container according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the first and second flap portions of each subsidiary flap are movable between a folded condition when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition, and an unfolded condition when the flap arrangement is in the open condition.
10. A container according to claim 9, wherein when the first and second flap portions are in the folded condition, the first and second flap portions lie across one another, and when the first and second flap portions are in the unfolded condition, the second flap portion extend downwardly from the first flap portion.
11. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the flap arrangement further includes a retaining means for retaining the flap arrangement in the closed condition.
12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the retaining means comprises a retaining flap which extends alongside one of the plurality of side walls when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition.
13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the retaining flap extends alongside a fourth of the plurality of side walls when the flap arrangement is in the closed condition.
14. A container according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the retaining flap is attached to the base flap.
15. A container according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the retaining flap is attached to the base flap along an edge of the base flap.
16. A container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the retaining flap is attached to the base flap by a hinged attachment.
17. A container according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the retaining means further includes fastening means to fasten the further flap to the side wall.
18. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a plurality of opening loops by means of which the flap arrangement can be moved from the closed condition to the open condition.
19. A container according to claim 18 when dependent upon any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the opening loops are provided on the retaining means.
20. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of lifting loops on the main part, the lifting loops being provided to allow the container to be lifted. r21. A container according to claim 20, wherein the lifting loops are provided on an upper edge of the main part.0 22. A container according to any preceding claim, further including a collapsible sub-structural frame, said frame being configured to support the main part in an upright condition and being collapsible to allow the main part to be moved to a collapsed condition.23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the sub-structural frame is a self expanding frame to allow the main part to move to the upright condition.24. A container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.