US3372725A

US3372725A - Collapsible container modified

Info

Publication number: US3372725A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederick T Voorhees
Original assignee: BARLOW Manufacturing CO
Current assignee: BARLOW Manufacturing CO
Priority date: 1965-07-01
Filing date: 1965-07-01
Publication date: 1968-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 1985-03-12

Description

March 12, 1968 F. T. VOORHEES 3,372,725

VCOLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MODIFIED Filed July 1, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. FREDERICK T. VOORHEES Arramvsv March 12, 1968 F. T. VOORHEES COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MODIFIED Filed July 1, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 7

Fla. 5

INVENTOR. CK T VOORHEES W flm z,

FREDERI BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,372,725 COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MODIFIED Frederick T. Voorhees, New York, N.Y., assignor to Barlow Manufacturing Company, Amsterdam, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 1, 1965, Ser. No. 468,882 Claims. (Cl. 150-49) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present inventon comprises a collapsible container having a rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to the pan, a top cover attached to the wall and movable therewith toward and from the pan, and bracing means between the pan and the top cover for maintaing the container in an erect attitude, and for facilitating emptying the container when folded.

This invention relates to the art of containers for the transport of bulk materials, and more particularly to a collapsible container.

Many types of collapsible containers have been presented in the prior art. One type, the simplest, is merely a flexible bag in some geometric form which is adapted to be expanded for filling with dry or liquid bulk material. However, serious disadvantages include the requirement that the bag be filled with compressed air to maintain it erect for filling; and once filled, the bag must always have some sort of support to prevent it from folding over in a semi-collapsed attitude. Another type is similar to a be]- lows wherein pre-established folds permit the container to be folded or collapsed into a preset compact form. This type, however, must include bulky and complex auxiliary support bracing and the like since the bellows or accordion folds constantly tend to cause the container to be selffolding. Moreover, constant folding of the container for return to a filling point for reuse increases the likelihood that the container will develop a leak, since the fabric body will not withstand repeated folding at the same points. Other types include double walled containers wherein fluid pressure between the walls maintains the container in an erect attitude; however, they require valve means and the like, as well as a source of fluid pressure. Another type includes a collapsible bag that has a geometry with the inherent provision for easily emptying the container, but the bag has a rigid outer bracing which cannot be collapsed therefore the space occupied while shipping empty is the same as when shipped full. Still other types cannot be folded simply and in such manner that the flexible Wall portion of the container is protected during the transit back to a filling point for reuse.

It is therefore a main object of this invention to provide a collapsible container which is adapted to be erected or collapsed simply; and which is adapted to be self supporting when erected.

It is another object of this invention to provide support means for the erected container which is inherently simple and economical, provides means for handling of the container and its contents, yet does not contribute appreciably to the weight of the container.

It is another object of this invention to provide the support means for the container such that when the container is collapsed, the support means also provides protection for the vulnerable flexible portions of the container; yet does not contribute to the bulk and weight of the container for shipment back to a filling point for reuse.

A further object of this invention is to provide a collapsible container that can be readily emptied.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a structure for a collapsible container which does not require a significant amount of handling and the like for erection or folding.

Other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed specification, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In carrying out the objects of the invention there is provided a collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to the pan, a top cover attached to the wall and movable therewith toward and from the pan, and bracing means between the pan and the top cover for maintaining the container in an erect attitude, and for facilitating emptying the container when folded.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an erect container with one brace.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the container while being emptied.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the container.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the container when folded as a single unit.

FIG. 5 is a reduced side elevation of several containers when folded and fastened together.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the brace member.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of the U-clamp and eye bolt.

Before proceeding with the description of the structure of a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be. pointed out that both flexible and rigid members are employed in the combination. The flexible member to be described may be formed of many natural or synthetic fabrics impregnated with such substances as to render the container compatible with the intended use. That is to say, the sealant which is either fabric reinforced or impregnates the fabric should be noncontaminant to and inert from any material intended to be carried in the container. For example, the fabric may be coated with vinyl, polyurethane, neoprene, hypalon etc., depending on the stability of these coatings with the merchandise to be carried. Any rigid structural members of the container may be formed of metal, preferably from a lightweight high strength alloy, or from any of the plastics or other suitable resins possessing the necessary properties of strength and the like. The foregoing definitions shall apply to all subsequent reference to flexible or rigid members.

The embodiment illustrated in the drawings comprises a rigid base pan 5 such as may be formed from a channel member formed in a circle and enclosed by a bottom sheet. Structural reinforcement is provided through the use of another circular channel member.

Rectangular slots

31 and 32 are provided for storage of brace members 12 and slot 30 to accommodate a fork lift or the like.

The flexible tubular wall 2 is fastened as shown in FIG. 3 to the base pan 5, the wall being disposed between the pan surface and flange 15 of pipe fitting 14. It is seen that the area defined on base pan 5 by the periphery of securement of wall 2 is less than the area defined on the top cover by the periphery of securement of Wall 2 to the top cover. It is understood that the wall 2 should be fluid tight when it joins the pan 5, and such a seal may be obtained by bonding or cementing or the like, depending on the nature of the particular materials employed.

A top cover is attached or secured to the top end of the flexible wall 2, and is a rigid member comprising preferably a peripheral rim 4 which may be formed, for example, from a length of angle bent in a circle; and a cover disc 3 secured to the rim 4.

Inlet means in the form of a collar or ring 9 may be disposed conveniently centrally through the top cover. Any suitable filler neck plug 8 of conventional type may be employed for a closure for the inlet ring 9. Similarly, outlet means in the form of a conventional large pipe fitting 14 that may be internally, and externally threaded may be disposed through the bottom or base pan of the container. Any suitable plug may be employed as a closure for the outlet 8, for example, a plug 7 with a pro trusion formed thereon in the shape of a cylinder with a transverse hole so that the threaded plug may be removed by a simple rod or the like.

The top cover and the flexible wall 2 are movable toward and away from the base pan 5 due to the flexibility of the Wall 2. That is to say, the wall 2 is foldable to a position such that it may be contained in or completely enclosed by the pan 5 when in the folded position, as will appear. It is suflicient to point out that a twisting motion is imparted to the Wall 2 and the top cover together to cause the wall to be folded into the pan 5.

Means are provided for preventing a twisting motion to be imparted to the top cover and the wall 2 for maintaining the container erect, and for permitting the container to be hoisted conventionally when filled.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, braces 12 consist generally of a square pipe element 11 and a rectangular element 13 that telescopes into pipe 11. The square pipe element 11 has a transverse hole 23 therethrough adapted to receive eye bolt 21 and another hole 24 through its Wall such that pin 16 may pass through. Also a constriction 19 is formed within the pipe 11, which may be an open box which is welded in place. Rectangular element 13 has tongue 6 with a transverse hole therethrough on one end and at the other end an enlargement 18 is formed thereon adapted to engage constriction 19. Also a threaded transverse hole 17 is formed within element 13 to accept threaded pin 16 which has a D-ring affixed to it. The external braces 12 are detachably disposed or connected between the base pan 5 and top cover.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the top end of braces 12 are secured to each of the stub braces 20 that have bifurcated ends by passing shouldered and threaded eye bolt 21 through holes 26 (one of which is threaded) of the U clamp 22, holes 25 of the bifurcated ends of stub brace 20 and the hole through tongue 6.

As further shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the bottom ends of the external braces 12 are secured within receptacle cups 10, each of which has a transverse hole therethrough by a similar arrangement employing U clamps 22 and eye bolts 21.

Further, FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 illustrate that threaded pin 16 with a D ring attached prevents

elements

11 and 13 from telescoping by being passed through hole 24 and threaded into hole 17 of rectangular element 13.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the containers folded in a single unit and as a stacked unit of six. It will seen that the braces 12 are folded across the top cover where they may be retained by suitable spring clips. Bolts or clamps (not shown) may be employed for fastening the yoke 11 directly to the edge of base pan 5 to maintain the container in the folded position. FIG. 4 illustrates the folded position being maintained by disposing the U clamps 22 over stub brace 20. FIG. 5 shows six collapsible containers stacked upon one another and external brace members 12 connected in receptacle cups 14 of the bottom container and extending upward and connecting to stub brace 20 of the uppermost container. It is to be understood that when folding the bottom container the stub braces 20 of the bottom container are twisted out of alignment with bottom cups in such a Way that brace members 12 may extend upwardly.

In describing the operation of the container from folded to erect position and transversely, it is pointed out that the inlet filler plug 8 should be removed temporarily to facilitate the relief of air pressure and free movement of air into and out of the container. To erect the container the braces 12 are removed from

slots

31 and 32 and laid away from the container. The top cover and wall 2 are ti l.

then raised to erect position by means attached to U clamps 22 which in turn are attached to stub brace 20, then by manually lifting the top cover. The braces (with pins 16 secured in place) are then simply secured in place by the arrangement employing U clamps and eye bolts described above. The container is now maintained erect. Moreover, it is retained against twisting movement (of the wall 2) such that the container cannot be collapsed or otherwise distended out of shape. After the container is filled with bulk material to be transported, the lifting U clamps 22 may be used for lifting the container onto a truck or the like. It will be seen that lifting stress is applied through the U clamps 22 down through the rigid braces 12 and transversely of the bottom of the container by means of receptacle cups 10 and rigid base pan 5. At no time does lifting stress or shear stress occur in the flexible wall.

After the bulk material has been delivered to its destination and the container is to be emptied lifting means are attached to the upper U clamps and pins 16 are removed from each of the external braces 12. Then the top cover is lifted until

elements

11 and 13 are no longer capable of being telescoped, that is to say, until enlargement 18 is abutted against constriction 12. As a consequence of the above tubular wall 2 assumes the shape of a truncated cone (as can be seen from FIG. 2) and hence acts as a funnel, facilitating greatly the removal of the contents. After the container is arranged in emptying position plug 7 is removed and contents vacated through fitting 14.

As the tubular wall 2 encounters considerable strain while its shape is being altered, a reinforcing band of fabric 1 is provided and as illustrated in the drawings is disposed (while in the position of FIG. 1), such that it forms a peripheral rim extending normally from base pan 5 and also forms an annular band which is parallel to base pan 5.

When the container is to be folded for transporting, extended braces 12 are detached by removal of eye bolts 21 and U clamps 22 and stored in the

slots

31 and 32 as seen in FIG, 4. Now both members are turned or twisted clockwise (in this embodiment) through a partial turn and lowered partially to the base pan. In this manner the flexible wall 2 is caused to gather toward the axis of the container intermediate its ends, and the flexible wall further folds over itself radially taking on the appearance not unlike that of the segmented diaphragm in a camera. When partially folded in the clockwise direction, the direction of twist is then reversed to the counterclockwise direction and the flexible wall and top cover are then lowered the rest of the way into the base pan 5.

Then according to which ever mode is desirable the containers are transported in either singular (FIG. 4) or stacked (FIG. 5) arrangement.

It is readily understood that the above embodiment the only tool required for intrinsic operations on the container itself is a simple rod or the like (not shown.)

In other equivalent embodiments plug 7 is replaced by a valve (not shown) when it is intended to control the flow of liquids, or plug 7 is replaced by a gate when the container is used in conjunction with pourable solids. Also, means may be incorporated to induce either pressure or vacuum within the container.

Any bracing structure may be used that is capable of extending instead of telescoping elements. For example, two rods that are adjacent and slidably connected so that they are translatably in relation to each other would be equivalent to the telescoping square pipe and rectangular element shown.

One of the more obvious advantages of the collapsible container is that it can hold several times the volume of bulk commodity as the conventional rigid drums while occupying only a fraction of the space that rigid drums require. Moreover, the folded container occupies a fraction of the space as the erect container, hence does not require valuable load space when being returned. The collapsible container can be formed of a variety of materials, making it compatible for transporting commodities of diiferent natures. Although the container is light in weight, it is unique in that the base pan, wall and top cover contain the bulk material, while the independent and external braces remove all handling stresses from the container itself, except when the container is extended into emptying position and for this there has been provided a reinforcing band. Thus a full container can also store a commodity at a depot area for periods of time with no deleterious effects on the flexible wall.

Other advantages that also are apparent are that the container can be readily emptied for it assumes the shape of a funnel and that folded the folded container can be stacked and secured in this arrangement so as to be handled with facility during transport by fork lifts, hoists and the like.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the embodiment disclosed, but is to be construed within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position enclosed by said pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movable therewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for said container, and bracing means for said container, said flexible tubular wall, base pan and top cover substantially defining the shape with a constant transverse area when said bracing means are partially extended, said flexible tubular wall, base pan and top cover substantially defining a funnel shape when said bracing means are further extended.

2. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

3. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubular Wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

4. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

5. A collapsible container as defined in claim 1, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

6. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position enclosed by said pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movable therewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for said container, and bracing means for said container while in emptying position, said bracing means comprising two elements longitudinally translatable in relation to each other, detachable means for preventing translation, means for securing said braces to top cover and base pan, said flexible tubular wall capable of assuming a generally funnel shape when said external braces are extended.

7. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

8. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubular Wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

9. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

10. A collapsible container as defined in claim 6, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

11. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base.

Part, a flexible tubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position enclosed by said pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movable therewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for said container, and bracing means for said container while in emptying position, said bracing means comprising two elements longitudinally translatable in relation to each other, detachable, means of securing said braces to top cover and base pan, said flexible tubular wall capable of assuming a generally funnel shape when said external braces are extended.

12. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

13. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

14. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

15. A collapsible container as defined in claim 11, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

16. A collapsible container comprising a rigid base pan, a flexible tubular wall attached to said pan and foldable to a position adjacent said pan, a top cover attached to the top end of said wall and movable therewith toward and away from said pan, inlet and outlet means for said container, said wall being adapted to move toward said 30 pan in a twisting motion about the axis of said container for collapsing same, external braces comprising two tele scoping elements and detachable means to prevent extension, means by which said braces are releasably attached to said base pan and top cover, said braces when attached to base pan and top cover preventing said wall from being twisted, and said braces with said means to prevent extension maintaining container in a rigid erect position, with said wall, said top cover and said base pan defining generally a cylindrical shape, said wall being secured to 40 base pan over said outlet means such. that the area defined on the said base pan by the periphery of securement to said wall is substantially less than the area on the said top cover defined by the periphery of securement to said wall, when said braces telescoped into extension then said wall said top cover and said base pan defining generally a truncated conical shape.

17. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with vinyl.

5 18. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with polyurethane.

19. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with neoprene.

20. A collapsible container as defined in claim 16, said flexible tubular wall being comprised of a fabric impregnated with hypalon.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 664,147 12/1900 Harth 150-49 1,375,384 4/1921 Guhl 150-49 FOREIGN PATENTS 953,411 3/ 1964 Great Britain.

71,060 1/1930 Sweden. 57,175 9/ 1911 Switzerland.

JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiner.