WO2008018878A1 - Sac de levage - Google Patents

Sac de levage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008018878A1
WO2008018878A1 PCT/US2006/031369 US2006031369W WO2008018878A1 WO 2008018878 A1 WO2008018878 A1 WO 2008018878A1 US 2006031369 W US2006031369 W US 2006031369W WO 2008018878 A1 WO2008018878 A1 WO 2008018878A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
lifting
straps
edge
rope
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/031369
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Troy Town
Michael Schilling
Lewis Strickland
Original Assignee
Pactec, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pactec, Inc. filed Critical Pactec, Inc.
Priority to GB0901648.6A priority Critical patent/GB2453305B/en
Priority to PCT/US2006/031369 priority patent/WO2008018878A1/fr
Priority to US11/846,333 priority patent/US8894282B2/en
Publication of WO2008018878A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008018878A1/fr
Priority to US14/551,924 priority patent/US9365345B2/en

Links

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
    • 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]
    • B65D88/1675—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
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/12—Supports
    • B65D90/20—Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers
    • B65D90/205—Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers for flexible containers, i.e. the flexible container being permanently connected to the frame
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/22—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
    • B66C1/226—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]

Definitions

  • the free drop test requires a package to be loaded or filled to its design weight capacity and dropped from a specific height (1-4 feet, depending on design weight) and to maintain structural integrity after impact.
  • the stack test requires a loaded package to be subject to a compressive load of five times the actual capacity weight of the package.
  • Such testing requirements place substantial restrictions on possible construction of the packaging.
  • the drop test and stack test present heavy design hurdles.
  • One possible flexible bag design is shown in U.S. patent number 6,142,727 (the '727 patent), attached hereto and made a part hereof, in its entirety.
  • the lifting bag in the '727 patent has several drawbacks.
  • the lifting straps are attached to the outer cover of the bag, which places stress on the outer cover during lifting operations.
  • the lifting straps encircle the bottom of the bag in an even rectangular grid, which results in an even distribution of weight during lifting provided the lifting forces are evenly distributed. If the lifting forces are not evenly distributed, the bag is subject to torsional forces and the rectangular webbing support grid on the bottom of the bag will not sufficiently compensate for these twisting forces, resulting in bag deformation and unnecessary stress, particularly on the bag seams. Further, an uneven load distribution within the bag can result in torsional forces despite the application of evenly applied lifting forces. Finally, the bag employs a complex flap folding procedure to seal the bag, which is cumbersome and time consuming. Summary of the Invention
  • a lifting bag having at least one side wall and a closed bottom forming an interior, the bag further having a closable top portion connected to a portion of the sidewall and adapted to close the interior of the bag.
  • the lifting bag includes at least one bottom support member positioned on the bag bottom and forming a bottom support pattern.
  • the lifting bag includes a series of side support members positioned on the sidewall, where the side support members are connected to the bag sidewall in a fashion to allow a substantial length of the sidewall near the bag top to move independently of the side support members.
  • the side support members are connected to the bottom support.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lifting bag.
  • Figure IA is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 1
  • Figure 2 is a schematic showing the components used to manufacture the bag of figure 1
  • Figure 3 a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifting bag having a single top and shortened duffle liner.
  • Figure 2A is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 2
  • Figure 4 is a detail view of a retainer loop embodiment attached to the bag
  • Figure 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifting bag having a single top and shortened duffle liner.
  • Figure 5A is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 5.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifting bag.
  • Figure 6A is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 6.
  • Figure 7 a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifting bag.
  • Figure 7A is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 7.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic showing two fabric pieces overlaid and used to construct a lifting bag, and also shows the retainer loops as being slits in the fabric.
  • Figure 8A is a schematic showing the straps positioned in the unassembled bag of figure 8.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lifting bag using cinch straps.
  • Figure 9A is a perspective view of the invention of figure 9 showing the cinch straps in use.
  • Figure 10 is a bottom view showing another embodiment of the bottom weave.
  • Figure 1OA is a bottom view showing another embodiment of the bottom weave.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bottom weave of the invention, where the bottom weave extends partially up the sides of the bag.
  • Figure 1 IA is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 11.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing a variation in top configuration.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lifting bag.
  • Figure 13 A is a bottom view of the lifting bag of figure 13.
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a one embodiment of a lifting frame being used to lift a lifting bag.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is one embodiment of the invention, comprising a lifting bag 1, constructed to meet IP-2 standards for 24,000 lbs capacity.
  • the bag 1 has two opposing sidewalls 2, 3; two opposing end walls 4, 5; a top portion 10; and a bottom 20.
  • the lifting bag 1 forms a rectangular shaped enclosure (as shown, about 8' x 7'x 4.5' or 8' x 5.5' x 5.5'), having an interior volume, with an open top defined by the upper ends of the end walls and sidewalls.
  • Other bag shapes and sizes are possible, such as a cubical shape or cylindrical shape.
  • the enclosure sidewalls and bottom are constructed of a robust flexible fabric, such as 6.5 - 18+ oz coated woven (or non-woven) polypropylene or polyethylene, with coated polypropylene being preferred.
  • the coating if provided, is usually polyethylene (typically 1-3 mil coating).
  • the top also be made of a robust flexible fabric.
  • the bottom layer may be a multilayer construction.
  • a lifting bag having two layers of 6.5 oz coated woven polypropylene, or one layer of 6.5 oz woven polypropylene and a second layer of 8 oz woven polypropylene have been utilized (more preferred).
  • the bag may have a separate liner positioned in the interior of the bag (a bag in a bag) with the liner attached to the top of the bag, and if desired, also attached to the four side corners of the bag.
  • the sidewalls and end walls may be constructed from a single piece of fabric; the bottom and sidewalls (or bottom and end walls) may each be constructed from a single sheet of fabric, etc.
  • One embodiment uses separate cut pieces or panels of fabric for each wall, bottom and top, with the panels joined by stitching.
  • two pieces of fabric could be overlaid in a "x" or "t" shape creating a double layer for the bottom of the bag (see figure 8).
  • the pieces can be joined through stitching.
  • Means other than stiching can be utilized to join wall/bottom/top members, such as plastic welding or adhesion or a combination of means.
  • the lifting bag 1 when used for construction debris, include an inner support liner 30, lining all or part of the interior.
  • the liner 30 is constructed from 6 to 12 oz non-woven polypropylene fabric (12 oz being most preferred with a 24,000 Ib capacity bag).
  • a liner can be constructed in multiple layers of differing fabrics or materials for strength, puncture resistance or other desired physical properties.
  • the liner 30, shown in figure 1 extends above the top of end wall 3 to form a closable flap 31.
  • the liner 30 is attached (stitched, welded, glued) to the interior of the outer enclosure near the periphery of the top opening to maintain the liner 30 in place with respect to the outer enclosure.
  • Duffle top 40 is a plastic sheet of 3 oz -8 oz. coated polypropylene (with 6.5 oz being preferred) attached around the periphery of the open top of the enclosure.
  • the duffle top can be an extension of the inner liner if desired.
  • the duffle top can be separately closed.
  • other types of tops can be utilized, such as cigar or spout equipped tops, sheet tops with various closure means (such as straps or ties), or other top configurations or a combination of top configurations (for instance figure 12 shows a spouted top in combination with two opposing zippered tops).
  • Shown in figure IA is a detail of one embodiment of the bottom 20 construction.
  • a series of short retention loops 50 Positioned on the bottom 20 is a series of short retention loops 50, each retention loop 50 stitched at two opposing ends to the bottom 20 to create a loop much like a belt loop.
  • a series of 14 retention loops 50 are formed, in a 3-4-3-4 pattern positioned around the periphery of the bottom 20, located about 12-15 inches from the outer edge of the bottom 20.
  • the loops 50 on opposing sides of the bottom 20 are substantially aligned.
  • Shown in figure 1 and IA are retention loops 50 positioned on the sidewalls, endwalls and bag bottom.
  • Sidewall 2 has eight retention loops, four located near the top of the sidewall and four located near the bottom of the sidewall.
  • End wall 4 has six retentions loops 50, three located near the top of the end wall 4 and three located near the bottom.
  • the opposing end walls and sidewalls are similarly equipped with retention loops 50 (see figure 2).
  • the top and bottom retention loops 50 positioned on the walls are substantially aligned with each other, and additionally, aligned with the retention loops 50 located on the bottom portion 20 nearest the wall (end wall or sidewall).
  • fourteen groups of retention loops are created on the exterior of the enclosure, where the three retention loops in each group are substantially aligned in a vertical plane. Additional retention loops can be placed on the end and sidewalls (or bottom) as needed. Retention loops on the bottom may be eliminated base upon the bottom support configuration.
  • Retention loops 50 may be constructed from 1.5 -2.5 inch polypropylene or polyester webbing, 1.5 -2.5 inch elastic knitted latex webbing, 3 A inch rope, or any suitable material. In certain applications, an elastic retention loop may be suitable while in other applications, a substantially non-elastic retention loop may be desirable.
  • the side straps are positioned separated, generally equidistant, on each side and each.
  • the bag can include a cinch straps 111 positioned near the top four corners (preferably, two straps on each long side of the bag), as shown in figure 9 and 9A.
  • Cinch straps 111 can be constructed from rope, polypropylene, polyester or other suitable material.
  • the cinch straps U l runs vertically on the side of the bag and in use, allows the top of the bag to be drawn toward the bottom of the bag. If a bag is not filled to capacity, the top of the bag can curve inwardly, forming a center depression that can hold water during extended storage of a filled bag.
  • cinch straps 111 are tightened and secured, drawing the top of the bag toward the bag bottom of the bag, removing any slack in the sidewalls. If the bag is to be moved, the cinch straps can be released if desired.
  • Each cinch strap may be directly attached to the bag or may be threaded through retention loops 100 at the top and bottom of the bag and tightened and tied as appropriate.
  • the cinch straps 111 can be threaded through retention loops 50 used for the lifting straps 60, with the two free ends tied together after removing the slack. Alternatively one end can be attached to the bag (top or bottom) and the other end free.
  • each lift strap 60 threaded through each group of three retention loops 50 (one retention loop being on the bottom) is a lift strap 60.
  • Each lift strap 60 has two distal ends, and located on each distal end is an attachment member 61.
  • attachment members 61 are loops formed at the ends of the lift straps 60.
  • Other attachment members can be used, such as shackles, metal loops, etc., and the attachment members on each strap or on different straps do not have to be identical.
  • the lift straps 60 will be used to transfer lifting forces to the bottom support weave 90.
  • Lift straps 60 are formed of 2 inch (or larger) polyester webbing, but ropes, wire or chain could also be used as a flexible lift strap or side support member.
  • the side lifting straps 60 can be decoupled from the bag exterior, allowing the bag to be lifted without using the bag fabric itself to supporting a lifting force (the bag vertically "floats" about the straps). This decoupling is important in preventing unnecessary stress on the bag and the bag seams. Because the bag is not a substantial lifting element, the bag, during lifting operations, will deform to some degree and is restrained from excessive deformation by the side lifting straps 60 and retention loops 50, For instance, the top of the bag may "settle" to the load line since the lift straps 60 are detached from the sides of the bag. By “detached” is meant that the lift straps are not directly attached (sewn, welded, adhered) to the bag fabric.
  • the lift straps/bag fabric can move independently in the vertical direction due to the detachment of the lift straps 60 from the bag.
  • the straps simply slide through the retention loops 50.
  • the side retention loops are present to retain the vertical geometry of the lifting straps 60 during lifting. That is, the side retention loops 50 allows the bag to move vertically with respect to the lifting straps 60, but substantially restrains the bag from moving sideways or horizontally with respect to the lifting straps 60 (some horizontal movement will occur if the lift straps are much smaller that the opening created by the retention loops, say a 3 A wire rope in a retention strap having a 5 -6 inch span or opening.
  • a retention loop instead of a loop of fabric attached to the exterior wall of the bag as a retention loop, another embodiment of a retention loop includes adjacent horizontal slits 110 positioned in the outer layer of the bag material.
  • the slits 110 are parallel, separated by about 2-4 inches and may be positioned where loop type retention loops would be placed.
  • the lifting straps can be threaded through the slits, as is shown in figure 8A (shown on an unassembled bag). Note, that a retention loop is not included on the bottom of the bag shown in figure 9. If a slitted retention loops are employed, a liner should be used to prevent material from escaping through the slits cut in the bags outer material.
  • the detachment of the side straps from the bag also allows the side straps to be positioned on the bag at the site, and allows for the same size bag to be built and accommodate different construction side lifting members (different side strap sizes, rope instead of straps, etc). This allows for flexibility in design, assembly and inventory. As later shown, these benefits can also be achieved with a detached or floating bottom support weave.
  • the bottom support weave 90 is constructed of two 3/8 inch diameter woven nylon ropes 91 and 92 (for clarity, rope 91 is shown dotted). Again, webbing, chain, wire of other rope types can be used provided they have sufficient strength to withstand the resultant pulling and lifting forces.
  • the ropes 91 and 92 are laced through the bottom attachment members 61 of the lift straps 50, as shown in figure 3A.
  • the lacing is formed in a crisscross pattern as shown.
  • the crisscross pattern alternates between the attachment members of the side wall lift straps 50 in a pattern similar to that of a lace up-shoe.
  • Rope 92 generally extends between opposing sidewall edges on the bottom of the bag. Rope 92 runs parallel to the end wall edge only through the attachment members adjacent to the end wall edge. At the bottom corner (where sidewall bottom edge and end wall bottom edge meet the bottom), the ropes are threaded through the attachment members of the adjacent end wall and sidewall lift straps. After lacing, the ends of rope 92 are joined together, here by use of a figure eight knot.
  • This particular crisscross pattern (using single rope 92) is known in the art.
  • Bottom support weave includes second rope 91, woven into a pattern between the end walls as shown. The demonstrated pattern is similar to the crisscross pattern of rope 92 except this pattern lacks the lacing parallel to the end walls.
  • the lacing extends between the opposing corners of the end walls, with an additional lacing through the adjacent corner sidewall lift strap loop, shown in the detail of figure IA
  • the ends of the rope 91 are connected or joined together.
  • the join can be by tying or using links or snaps other connections means.
  • the crisscross pattern of rope 91 is end-to-end, while that of rope 92 is side-to-side.
  • This "double" crisscross pattern creates a flexible structure providing support for lifting and is resistant to twisting forces.
  • Use of two ropes is preferred (but not necessary, either rope 91 or 92 could be used), as it allows independent movement of the ropes, de-coupling movement of rope 91 from rope 92.
  • the crisscross pattern can also include elements of the bottom support member that connect sidewall to endwall (end to side connections, such as these elements orientated along diagonals, as shown in Figures 3 and 6).
  • "connected” includes attachment to (such as a sewn fixed attachment) or a loose joint, such as formed by threading a rope through a loop, a joint formed by a shackle and ring, or other means of loosely joining two or more items.
  • weave patterns shown are preferred, other woven pattern can be used (for instance, see figure 3A). It is desired that the pattern have crisscrossing support elements that do not cross in a solely rectangular grid (as shown in the '727 patent). It is preferred that the opposite diagonal corners of the bottom be connected together to resist twisting. For instance, using the rectangular grid of the '727 patent and adding a lacing between diagonal corners would provide added resistance to twisting forces. The additional crisscrossing across the bottom (other than through diagonal corners) adds additional resistance to twisting movement.
  • woven bottom support means a crisscross pattern of support member(s) across the bag's bottom creating a pattern containing elements other than a 90 degree grid, and where the crisscross pattern (at least in a rectangular or square shaped bag) includes elements crisscrossing end-to-end, or side-to-side (that is, the support members are orientated along a slant between either opposite sides or adjacent sides).
  • "Support members” refers to substantially linear elements, such as rope, webbing, chain or wire. In general, any pattern created by one or more bottom support members will be referred to as a bottom support.
  • a bottom support includes a woven bottom support as well as other types of bottom support patterns, such as support members creating an intersecting right angled crisscross pattern (as shown in the '727 patent and in figure 11), a support member positioned in an oval pattern on the bottom (see figure 10), a rectangular pattern, or other pattern created by support member(s) positioned on the bottom of the bag (see figure 12),
  • a single rope or webbing oval shape (shown in figure 10) can be utilized (the oval shape itself tends to provide the needed support to resist torsonial forces, or an oval, overlaid with an "X,” could be used to providing additional end to end reinforcement (shown in figure 10A)).
  • the bottom support includes a center oval, with radiating straps 99 that end in loops that will tie in to side support members.
  • Oval could be a loop of metal, with the straps looped around the metal, creating a partially rigid (partially flexible) bottom support weave rigid
  • Shown in figure 10 A is a slight modification of the design in figure 10, where the radiating loops 99 support a perimeter rope 98 into which side support member will connect.
  • the bottom support weave can be attached to, partially attached or detached from the bag fabric.
  • a square/rectangular pattern with/without diagonals could be employed.
  • the crisscross right angle grid pattern shown in the '727 patent could be employed (such as shown in figure 11 and 1 IA), or the single woven support provided by rope 91 or rope 92 as shown in figure IA, or other bottom support grids or patterns could be used.
  • a 90 degree intersecting grid of straps created the bottom support.
  • the bottom support extends partially up the sides and each strap ends in a loop that is used to join with the side support members.
  • the join could be loop to loop (using a connector (snap ring, rope tie, cable tie,) or other means of joining the side support members).
  • the bottom support could end in a perimeter encirciling member such as is shown in figure 13, or partial perimeter members such as shown in figure 11 (the alternative join, shown dashed in figure 11).
  • the bottom support or woven bottom support is designed to work with the side support members to transfer the applied lifting forces from the side support members to the bottom support members and support the bottom of the bag during lifting operations. It is desired to have a fairly uniform distribution of lifting forces which can be achieved with a wide variety of bottom support or woven bottom support.
  • the bottom support members may also reduce using the bag fabric as a substantial support/lift element if the bottom support members are not directly attached to the bag fabric.
  • the bottom weave may be detached from the fabric of the bag, as shown in figure 1. That is, part or all of the support members may not be sewn to or otherwise directly attached to the bottom.
  • the bottom support or woven bottom support pattern of support members may shift with respect to the bottom of the bag. For instance, as shown in figure IA, the woven bottom support created with ropes 91 and 92 is not attached to the bottom; instead, the ropes are threaded through the bottom-most extension of the side lifting straps 60.
  • this woven bottom support allows the bottom support to move with respect to the bottom, allowing the bottom support members to slip, shift or otherwise adjust to a changing load or lift forces while substantially decoupling the bag material from the bottom support members (ropes, straps, wire, etc). Consequently, the bag materials and bag seams are not subject to the same forces that would be present if the bottom support members were sewn to the bag.
  • This "decoupling" or detachment of the bottom supports from the bag's bottom material helps reduce the bag bottom being used to transfer forces from the side lift straps. If both the bottom support members and the side support members are "decoupled” or detached from the bag material, the side and bottom support members act to cradle the bag.
  • the bottom support weave (or portions thereof) may be directly attached to the bag, For instance, shown in figure 11 is a 90 degree intersecting crisscross pattern similar to that shown in the '727 patent.
  • the bottom straps 60 do not extend up the sides of the bag to the top of the bag.
  • Each strap is can be sewn or otherwise fixedly attached to the bottom of the bag, or the straps can be detached (or the straps could be attached to the other straps),
  • Each strap has two distal ends that terminate in a connector.
  • the connector can be a loop of fabric (shown in figure 11) or can be a connector such as a caribiner, snap hook, etc. or a partially or totally encircling perimeter support member (such as a rope).
  • the connector is positioned near the edge of the bottom and is used to join the side straps to the bottom support weave or grid.
  • the connector can extend beyond the bag bottom (as shown in figure 11 using a grid and figure 13 using a crossing ropes bottom support pattern) where the bottom support pattern extends partially up the side and endwalls of the bag, or fall within the bag bottom, as shown in 1OA using an oval shaped bottom supporting pattern.
  • a preferred material is a kermantal nylon 6/6 static rope (tensile strength 5,500 lbs).
  • rope could be used, including wire rope.
  • Webbing, chain or other flexible linear materials can be used to weave the desired flexible bottom support weave.
  • the ends of the ropes are tied together, but the ropes can be joined to the retention loops 50 (not preferred) or the side lift strap retention loops or attachment members, or attached to the bottom (not preferred).
  • the lifting bag shown in figure 1 has two opposing closable flaps 31 and 35.
  • the inner closing flap 31 is composed of the liner material, while the outer flap 35 is composed of the outer bag material.
  • each flap 31 and 35 is closable with a zipper (a #10 nylon coil zipper has been successfully employed).
  • the outer flap 35 zips along the edge of the top of the outer enclosure bag.
  • the lining includes 1-3 inch extension into the interior of the bag along the top edge of the opening (other l than on sidewall accommodating the liner top 31).
  • top construction of the bag is not that critical, and top construction can include spouts, single flap or multiple opposing flaps, a duffle top etc, and the top closure means can also vary (zipper closure, strap closures, Velcro-type connectors, ropes etc), as shown in figures 3, 5, 6 and 14.
  • the lifting bag In use, the lifting bag, once loaded or filled, can be lifted using a lifting frame, such as shown in figure 8 U.S. patent number 6,142,727 and figure 14 herein, (suitably modified for the number of straps on the bag to be lifted) or any other type of lifting frame known in the art.
  • a square frame lifting frame may bbe used instead of the parallel lifting bars attached with a center support such as shown in figure 14,
  • each side support member is a lineal element with a top and bottom end: the top end attaches to the lifting frame and the bottom end attaches to or is attached to the bottom support.
  • a rope or webbing may be threaded through the top loops of the lifting straps, and a crane used to lift the filled bag.
  • the lifting straps or side support members can be made sufficiently long to allow the top loops to be gathered together, joined, and lifted by crane or other lifting device.
  • the lifting straps 60 are not fixedly connected to the sides of the bag, hence the straps are free to move through the retention loops 50.
  • the ability of the straps to slide through the retention loops allows transfer of the lifting force to the bottom of the lifting bag (i.e. to the bottom support or woven bottom support), without placing a tearing type stress on the sides of the bag when lifting.
  • the lifting straps 60 are "detached" from the side of the bag along the entire height of the bag's side, and positioned adjacent to the bag's exterior by the retention loops 50.
  • the lifting straps can be directly attached (e.g.
  • the lifting straps 60 may be desired to removably fix the lifting straps 60 near a position on the exterior of the bag during filling.
  • the area of the side straps near the topmost retention loop are lined with one side of a hook and loop type fastener, such as Velcro.
  • Attached to the lifting strap is a strip of flap of material (a closure flap 40) of the remaining side of the hook and loop type fastener.
  • the closure strap is positioned to allow the closure strap to bridge across the topmost retention loop, thereby preventing the side strap from sliding through the retention loop.
  • the closure strap 40 bridges the retention loop 50 in a closed loop by the join of the hook and loop attachment members (see figure 4).
  • the hook material attached to the lifting strap is positioned through the top retention loop.
  • the loop side of the fastener passes over the exterior facing side of the retention loop (it bridges over the retention loop) and attaches to the hook side of the fastener on the lifting strap below the retention loop (or above, if the strip is attached below the retention loop), thus securing the strap to the retention loop and hence the exterior of the bag.
  • the Velcro fastener should be removed from a bridging relationship with the retention loop.
  • other means of temporarily fixing the position of the lifting straps 60 to the exterior of the bag can be used, such as a button on the lifting strap and a button hole in the retention loop, clasps, etc.
  • the exterior of the retention loop can be lined with, for instance, the hook fabric, and a strip of hook fabric attached to the lifting strap to allow attachment to the hook fabric.
  • AU such embodiments are a means to removably fix the position of a side support member to a retention loop.
  • a sidewall support member is a substantially linear element (rope, webbing, wire, chain, etc) substantially orientated in a vertical fashion along a side wall (and may extend across a portion of the bag bottom, as shown in figure I).
  • a frame must be provided to support the bag during loading, A metal or wooden frame can be used, such as shown in figures 5-7 of U.S. patent 6,142,727.
  • the bag is positioned in the interior of the frame, and the lifting straps 60 lie over the outside of the frame.
  • the lifting straps may be secured to the exterior of the frame if desired.
  • the bag may have support loops attached to the exterior to tie to the frame support frame during filling operations to tie the bag to the support structure.
  • the duffle top 40 is gathered and closed, such as with a cable tie or a strap sewn on the duffle bag.
  • the interior non- woven top 31 is positioned over the opening and zipped shut, and finally, the woven top 35 is positioned over the opening and also zipped shut.
  • the use of the zippers provides for ease of closing, and surprisingly, remained zipped during the drop test and stack test of a loaded bag.
  • FIGS. 5 Single top
  • figure 6 a 6'x4'x2' enclosure designed for 10,000 Ib capacity, using a single rope as the flexible bottom support weave
  • figure 7 a 4 J x6'x4' enclosure designed for a 16,000 Ib lifting capacity
  • figure 3 a 24,000 Ib bag using a single liner with short flap lie extensions to protect the zipper.
  • Appendix A Attached hereto as an appendix is the disclosure of PCT/US06/06662, hereby incorporated by reference Technical Field This invention relates to large lifting bags for lifting and transporting hazardous or radioactive materials. Background Art
  • the United States guidelines specify testing requirements that packaging must undergo to be certified as meeting the guidelines. See 49 CFR 173.465. Included in the testing procedures are a free drop test, and a stacking test.
  • the free drop test requires a package to be loaded or filled to its design weight capacity and dropped from a specific height (1-4 feet, depending on design weight) and to maintain structural integrity after impact.
  • the stack test requires a loaded package to be subject to a compressive load of five times the actual capacity weight of the package.
  • Such testing requirements place substantial restrictions on possible construction of the packaging.
  • the drop test and stack test present heavy design hurdles.
  • One possible flexible bag design is shown in U.S. patent number 6,142,727 (the '727 patent), attached hereto and made a part hereof, in its entirety.
  • the lifting bag in the '727 patent has several drawbacks.
  • the lifting straps are attached to the outer cover of the bag, which places stress on the outer cover during lifting operations.
  • the lifting straps encircle the bottom of the bag in an even rectangular grid, which results in an even distribution of weight during lifting provided the lifting forces are evenly distributed. If the lifting forces are not evenly distributed, the bag is subject to torsional forces and the rectangular webbing support grid on the bottom of the bag will not sufficiently compensate for these twisting forces, resulting in bag deformation and unnecessary stress, particularly on the bag seams. Further, an uneven load distribution within the bag can result in torsional forces despite the application of evenly applied lifting forces. Finally, the bag employs a complex flap folding procedure to seal the bag, which is cumbersome and time consuming.
  • a lifting bag design is that disclosed in PCT/US06/06662 (the '662 application, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).
  • This design uses a bottom support and side support lifting apparatus, where the support members are generally webbing or ropes, and is attached to the bag at designated locations, either on the bottom or the sides, but not the bag top portion.
  • the bag can be constructed from a series of panels. While the bag design is less complicated that that of the '727 patent, construction can be arduous and time consuming.
  • a lifting bag including a lifting strap system designed to carry substantial loads.
  • the lifting strap system may be detached from the bag but coupled to the bag, particularly, detached near the bag top portion.
  • the lifting system can be one piece or a two piece unit.
  • the lifting bag has a edge strip attached to or near the top edge to allow for placement of the lifting strap system.
  • One of the bags that can be used has a top center zipper, and can be constructed from a single sheet of fabric. To open the bag, the zipper is unzipped and the top portion of the bag is inverted and placed over the frame or container.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lifting bag.
  • Figure 2A is a plan view of the single sheet construction.
  • Figure 2B is a plan view of the folded sheet of figure 2A.
  • Figure 2C is a perspective view of the cylinder formed by joining the sides of the sheet in figure 2B
  • Figure 2D is a perspective view of the cylinder in figure 2C which a bottom seam
  • Figure 3A is a perspective view of the bag of figure 2D with a flattened bottom.
  • Figure 3B is a top view of the bag of figure 3A.
  • Figure 3C is a perspective view of the bag of figure 3a with the triangular folds removed.
  • Figure 3D is a top view of the bag in figure 3C.
  • Figure 4 A is a plan view of the single piece construction removing fabric before assembly.
  • Figure 4B is a plan view of a two piece construction embodiment having a separate bottom.
  • Figure 4C is a plan view of a two piece construction using two overlapping panels.
  • Figure 5 a perspective view of the completed bag of figure 3 with the top zippered closed.
  • Figure 6 A is a perspective view of the competed bag of figure 5 placed in a container with the top zippered closed.
  • Figure 6B is a perspective view of the completed bag of figure 5 in a container with the top open and inverted.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a two layer single piece construction having two closable tops.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lifting strap system.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lifting strap system of figure 8 with an encompassing belly strap.
  • Figure 10 A is a side view of one embodiment of an edge strip
  • Figure 10 B is a top view of another embodiment of an edge strip
  • Figure 1OC is a side view of another embodiment of an edge strip.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of a completed lifting bag with lifting strap system and a raincap.
  • Figure 12 A is a plan view of the single piece double layered fabric composed showing an inner zipper and outer zipper. The view is an interior facing view.
  • Figure 12B is a top view showing of a double zippered bag showing the relationship of the zippers.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is one embodiment of the invention, comprising a lifting bag 1, constructed to meet IP-2 standards for 24,000 lbs capacity.
  • the bag 1 has two opposing sidewalls 2, 3; two opposing end walls 4, 5; a top portion 10; and a bottom 20.
  • the lifting bag 1 forms a rectangular shaped enclosure (as shown, about 8' x 7'x 4.5' or 8' x 5.5' x 5.5'), having an interior volume, with an open top defined by the upper ends of the end walls and sidewalls.
  • Other bag shapes and sizes are possible, such as a cubical shape or cylindrical shape.
  • a frame must be provided to support the bag during loading.
  • a metal or wooden frame can be used, such as shown in figures 5-7 of U.S. patent 6,142,727, or a bulk container can be used, and all types of support will be considered as "frames."
  • the bag is positioned in the interior of the frame, and the top portion of the lifting straps 50 (later described) lie over the outside of the frame.
  • the tops of the lifting straps may be secured to the exterior of the frame if desired.
  • the bag may have support loops attached to the exterior to tie to the frame support frame during filling operations to tie the bag to the support structure.
  • the bag sidewalls and bottom are constructed of a robust flexible fabric, such as 6.0 - 18+ oz coated woven (or non-woven) polypropylene or polyethylene, with coated polypropylene being preferred.
  • the coating if provided, is usually polyethylene (typically 1-3 mil coating).
  • the top also be made of a robust flexible fabric.
  • the bottom layer may be a multilayer construction.
  • a lifting bag having two layers of 6.0 oz coated woven polypropylene, or one layer of 6.0 oz woven polypropylene and a second layer of 8 oz woven polypropylene have been utilized (more preferred).
  • the bag may have a separate liner positioned in the interior of the bag (a bag in a bag) with the liner attached to the top of the bag, and if desired, also attached to the four side corners of the bag.
  • the sidewalls and end walls may be constructed from a single piece of fabric; the bottom and sidewalls (or bottom and end walls) may each be constructed from a single sheet of fabric, etc.
  • One embodiment uses separate cut pieces or panels of fabric for each wall, bottom and top, with the panels joined by stitching.
  • two pieces of fabric could be overlaid in an "x" or "t" shape creating a double layer for the bottom of the bag.
  • the pieces can be joined through stitching.
  • Means other than stitching can be utilized to join wall/bottom/top members, such as plastic welding (heat welding, radio frequency welding, etc), adhesion or a combination of means.
  • a preferred means of construction is to build the bag from a single fabric sheet 1005 or a single multilayer fabric sheet.
  • the multiple sheets can be coextensive when laid on top of one another, or the innermost fabric can be shorter in height that the outermost fabric if it is not desired to have the top of the resulting bag lined.
  • An additional horizontal layer positioned near the bottom edge can be used to form a reinforced bottom.
  • Other multilayered designs are possible by modifying the laminated structure of a multilayer sheet. For ease of explanation, construction will be described using a single sized multilayer fabric piece, with two side edges IOOIA and 1001B, a bottom edge 1001C 5 and a top edge 1001D, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the resulting assembled bag will have a center opening on the bag top, preferably closable with a zipper 1070, such as shown in Figure 1.
  • a zipper chain 1005 is attached one of the long edges of the fabric, shown in Figure 2A, at the top edge.
  • a sewn attachment is preferred forming a seam. It is preferred that the edges of the fabric on the seam be folded over about 0.5-2 inches to create extra strength at the seam. This overlap is desired for all seams on the bag.
  • edge strip 1006 Also attached lengthwise and parallel to the half zipper chain is a edge strip 1006.
  • this strip is positioned so that when the bag is complete, the edge strip 1006 is positioned at or near the top edge of the completed bag.
  • the strip is a single strip of fabric, here a strip of 2" wide polyester webbing.
  • the edge strip may be several discontinuous strips place only where needed to couple to the lifting straps in the lifting strap system, as later described. Other positions of the edge strip on the bag sides may be desired, or additional edge strips may be included on the bag sides as needed (e.g. a strip positioned near the bag sidewall center or bag sidewall bottom edge).
  • the edge strip 1006 is preferred but can be eliminated depending upon the type of lifting system used to lift a loaded bag, as later described.
  • edge strip is not used, it is still desired, in a multilayered fabric embodiment, to place a stitch along a horizontal line at or near the location that will become the top edge of the completed bag. Such a stitch or join will keep the inner liner material from separating or sagging away from the outer material.
  • a single or multilayer fabric piece of 12xl4'6' fabric is used.
  • the single piece of bag fabric 1001 has the two ends 100 IA and 100 IB joined together, creating an opened top and bottom oblong cylinder Figure 2C.
  • the bottom edge of the cylinder 1001C (the edge opposite that having the zipper edge) is closed by attaching (preferably a sewn attachment) the opposing sides of the bottom edge of the cylinder (e.g. flatten the cylinder, creating two opposed sides, and attach the opposed sides). See Figure 2D.
  • the resulting structure resembles an open end toothpaste tube, with a seam 1008 running across the tube's bottom 1, and up one side 1007.
  • the tube like structure be created in a single step: the fabric piece 1001 is folded to align edges IOOIA and 1001B, and a join (such as by sewing) edges IOOIA and IOOB together, and the opposing sides of the folded bottom edge IOOIC joined together, creating a bottom seam 1008 and single side seam 1007 (see Figure 2B).
  • the closed end of the tube structure is flattened inwardly, with excess bottom fabric forming two triangular shaped flaps IOIOA and 101OB that extend outwardly from the tube bottom (see figure 3A and 3B). It is preferred that the triangular folds IOIOA and IOIOB be formed so that the bottom seam or join 1008 forms the perpendicular bisector of the triangular flaps IOIOA and B (see figure 3B). Each triangular flap IOIOA and 1010 B is cut or sheared off and the cut edges joined (preferably by sewing) creating two bottom edge seams, 101 IA and 101 IB.
  • the resulting structure now approximates a rectangular shaped open top box structure, having two long sidewalls 1020, two shorter end walls 1030 and a bottom 1040. See figure 3C.
  • the bottom of the structure has a seam running down the center of the bottom 1008 and along the two edges of the bottom 1031 adjacent the end walls.
  • one of the end walls 1030 has a seam 1007 running from the top to the bottom edge. See figure 3C.
  • the fabric 1050 that will form these triangular folds can be removed or excised from the single fabric piece prior to assembly (such as shown in figure 4A), but this is not preferred, as it makes seam alignment during construction more critical for quality control.
  • the triangular folds could be folded up and attached to the end walls or folded down and attached to the bottom of the bag. In this fashion, an open top boxlike structure is constructed from a single fabric piece.
  • this same structure may be formed from two fabric pieced, the fist fabric piece forming the sidewalls of the structure having the 1 A zipper chain 1005 attached and edge strip 1006 attached .
  • a separate bottom is then sewn in, such as shown in Figure 4b.
  • two intersecting pieces of fabric can be used having sections of edge strip 1006 and 1 A zipper chain attached (figure 4B).
  • the next step is to form the top of the bag.
  • Along the open top edge 100 ID of the boxlike structure 1060 is the single side of a zipper chain 1005.
  • the opposing sides of the open top are now operationally joined into a closable opening by attaching a zipper slide to the two half zipper chains, creating a functional zipper 1070.
  • Two sipper slides may be added if desired.
  • a zipper stop may simply be sewing the two 1 A chains together, or otherwise fixing the two 1/2 chains together to keep the slide from sliding off the terminal ends, or can be a metal or plastic lug positioned at the end of each 1 A chain to prevent the slide form exiting off the 1 A chain.
  • a #10 nylon coil zipper has been employed. The zippered top, when closed, again creates a toothpaste tube-like top end. The top end is pushed inwardly, again creating two triangular folds 1060A and 1060B on the top 1080 of the box shaped bag with the zipper bisecting the two triangular folds. See figure 5.
  • boxlike bag structure now has the edge strip 1006 positioned adjacent or near the top periphery of the edge forming the top portion 1080 of the bag.
  • These top triangular flaps 1060A ands 1060B are designed to allow the top, when unzipped along the centerline, to be inverted “inside out” thereby allowing the top portion 1080 to be folded over the edges of the container or frame that the bag is placed in, thereby exposing the interior of the bag.
  • the exposed opening is substantially aligned with the open top of the container or frame, allowing loading anywhere along the periphery of the container or frame. See figure 6 A and B showing a container with bag placed inside.
  • the top opening of the bag has a zipper to closure device, but other closure means could be used, such as straps, ties, loops, Velcro, etc.
  • the bag is rectangular shaped, but the bag can be a square boxlike structure, or adapted to fix almost any container shape as the bag is manufactured from flexible fabric. For instance, for a cylindrical shaped container, the general design described above will work, but the bottom end may not be modified beyond creation of the toothpaste tube type bottom.
  • the bag may include an inner liner 30, lining all or part of the interior.
  • One liner 30 is constructed from 6 to 12 oz non- woven polypropylene fabric (12 oz being most preferred with a 24,000 Ib capacity bag).
  • a liner can be constructed in multiple layers of differing fabrics or materials for strength, puncture resistance or other desired physical properties. It may be desired to reinforce the bag bottom against tearing, in which event a bottom panel can be glued or otherwise directly attached to the exterior bag bottom as a reinforcing patch, or an extra layer of fabric sized to accommodate the resulting bottom can be sewn on the one-piece sheet design in the appropriate location.
  • Inner liner may have a separate zipper attached distinct from the topmost zipper. When two zippers are used, the liner and exterior fabric can be attached at the zippers, at the edge strip 1006, or between the edge strip and the zippers, or a combination. If only joined or attached at the edge strip, the liner and exterior fabric remain as separate flaps above the edge strip.
  • the liner may be cut slightly shorter (2-4 inches) then the topmost fabric (the "topmost” fabric is that fabric that will form the exterior facing fabric), making it easier for the liner and outer fabric to be zippered shut separately. If it is desired that the inner and outer fabric be joined along the top edge, the two can be seamed together above the edge strip.
  • both inner and outer lining can be joined together when the 1 A chain zipper is added if the inner liner is cut shorter (1-2 inches) or the inner zipper 1 A chain 2050 is attached about 1-2 inches below the top edge (see Figure 12 A and B).
  • the separation of the inner Vz chain zipper 2050 from the outer 1 A chain zipper 2060 provides enough freedom between the two zippers on the assembled bag to allow closure of the inner then closure of the outer completed zipper.
  • This sheet constructed bag can be used with any lifting strap system know in the art, including a system of intersecting webbing straps are attached to the bag sidewalls, end walls or the bottom of the bag.
  • a system of intersecting webbing straps are attached to the bag sidewalls, end walls or the bottom of the bag.
  • the above describe one piece bag can be used with the lifting strap system described in the '727 patent.
  • the 5 strap 3 strap pattern intersect at right angles on the bag bottom and the straps are continuously attached on the bottom and walls of the bag, and extend above the bag for lifting.
  • the lifting straps or webbing can be attached to the bag but left "detached" from the bag near the half portion of the bag, to prevent undue stress on the exterior surface of the bag during lifting operations.
  • retention loops can be used to position the lifting straps on the exterior surface of the bag, as shown in figures 1-3 of the '662 application.
  • the one piece bag can be used with a split lifting strap system having a side lifting portion and a bottom lifting portion as described in the '662 application, where the side or bottom portions can be attached either on the lower sidewalls or the bottom of the bag, or both.
  • the lifting strap system be detached from the exterior surface of the bag near the top portion of the bag.
  • attaching the lifting strap system directly to the bag such as by sewing (as described in the '727 patent) or attaching the lifting strap system straps indirectly through retention loops, requires extensive sewing to join the retention loops and the straps to the bag and is labor intensive.
  • a more preferred design is to use a lifting strap system that is everywhere detached from the bag or only indirectly attached to the bag (e.g. coupled to the bag) to support and lift the bag.
  • "directly” attached means a sewn or welded attachment (or another means of attachment) where the lifting strap, at the point of attachment, cannot move independently from the bag material.
  • Indirect attachment, or coupling is a means of positioning the lifting strap on the exterior of the bag but allows for movement of the strap with respect to the exterior bag material at the point of indirect attachment. For instance, using a retention loop to position the lifting strap on the bags, as shown in the '662 application, is indirect attachment or coupling of the lifting straps to the bag.
  • a preferred lifting strap system is shown in figure 8.
  • the system is a first series of parallel straps 2000, and a second series of parallel straps 2001, where the first and second series intersect at right angles creating a grid that will be located adjacent the bag bottom.
  • Each strap has two distal ends that terminate in a connector 2010.
  • the straps are generally a fabric webbing, such as 2-3 inch polyester webbing, but other materials can be used.
  • the lifting strap system is composed of support straps, (continuous piece straps or multi piece straps).
  • the connector can be a loop of fabric 2010 (shown in figure 8) or can be a connector such as a carbineer, snap hook, etc. or a partially or totally encircling perimeter support member (such as a rope).
  • first and second group of straps be directly joined at one or several point of intersection along the lifting system bottom portion to maintain a integrated structure, but it is not necessary that every intersection be a direct join.
  • the first groups of straps 2000 is a series of four straps
  • the second group 2001 is a series of three straps.
  • the actual number of straps in each group can vary with the application.
  • the first group will extend between the long sidewalls and support the bag bottom, while the second group will extend between the shorter length end walls and support the bottom.
  • Additional straps can be attached to the lifting strap system and placed at other locations on the lifting system, as desired.
  • One such additional strap is positioned "horizontally" when the strap system is coupled to the bag, joining the first and second groups of straps.
  • this additional strap creates a perimeter encircling "belly strap” 2020 that is located at a height to provide support around the perimeter of the bag about 1/3 -1/2 of the distance from the bag bottom. It has been found that a fully loaded bag naturally forms a teardrop like bulge near the bottom V 2 of the bag.
  • the belly strap 2020 provides additional sidewall and end wall support in this case. When using a belly strap 2020, it is not necessary that the first and second group of straps be directly joined at intersections along the bottom. Other lifting strap system designs are possible.
  • the bottom portion of the lifting strap system can be constructed to accommodate side-to-side forces, such as the bottom design shown in figures 10 or 13 of the '662 application and included herein for reference.
  • Preferred materials for the sling lifting straps are 1.5- 3" wide polyethylene webbing, but other materials can be used where appropriate.
  • the lifting strap system (henceforth considered as a number of straps) are joined together at some of all of the strap intersections, generally by sewing.
  • the completed lifting strap system is a one piece unitary structure in the sense that there are enough direct joins of the crossing straps so that if the system is lifted at one strap, all straps will be lifted.
  • the lifting strap system can be composed of two parts, a bottom weave and a side weave that can be joined together, as shown in figures 1, 6 and 10 of the '662 application.
  • One means to position the lifting strap system is by using retention loops to couple or indirectly attach the straps to the bag, such as shown in figure 2 of the '662 application.
  • These retention loops are short pieces of fabric, such as webbing, that are stitched to the bag at opposing ends of the fabric strip to create a loop much like a belt loop with a center opening through which a lifting strap can be threaded.
  • Retention loops are positioned on the exterior surface of the bag as needed to support and properly position the lifting straps in the sling.
  • edge strip 1006 is shown in figure 1OA. As shown, it is a single 2" wide webbing (such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene) strap with slits 1061 positioned along a line offset from the strap center line. The strap is attached (e.g. sewn) to the bag near the bag top edge, and the slits 1061 in the strap are aligned with the desired side lifting straps of the lifting strap system, allowing the side portions of the lifting strap system to be threaded through the slits 1061.
  • slits 1061 positioned along a line offset from the strap center line.
  • the strap is attached (e.g. sewn) to the bag near the bag top edge, and the slits 1061 in the strap are aligned with the desired side lifting straps of the lifting strap system, allowing the side portions of the lifting strap system to be threaded through the slits 1061.
  • the edge strip 1006 can be constructed from two straps, one a straight strap 1006A that will be attached to the bag's side and end walls, and as second strap 1006B that is attached to the first strap 1006 leaving undulations in the second strap.
  • a top view is of this two strap arrangement is shown in figure 1OB.
  • the edge strip 1006 may be a singled strap with grommets 1009 instead of slits positioned periodically therethrough (Fig 10C). Individual fabric or webbing strips could be threaded through one or two grommets where needed to form a loop to accommodate one of the lifting straps, or a single fabric strip could be threaded though a series of grommets creating the undulations shown in figure 1OC.
  • Retention loops and the edge strip may be constructed from 1.5 -2.5 inch polypropylene or polyester webbing, 1.5 -2.5 inch elastic knitted latex webbing, 3 A inch rope, or any suitable material. Strap material can be constructed from 1.5-3 inch polypropylene, polyester or nylon webbing, 3/4 " rope (kermantal preferred) or other suitable materials.
  • a lifting strap system is coupled to the bag by threading the individual straps (some or all) through the edge strip 1006, at suitable locations.
  • the lifting straps By threading the lifting straps through the loops created by the edge strip, the lifting straps are positionally fixed horizontally (with some degree of movement) with respect to the bag, but still free to move vertically. It may be desired to removably fix the lifting straps vertically to the edge strip or retention loops.
  • a fastener is provided to removably bridge vertically around the edge strip. For instance, the area of the side straps near the loop on the edge strip are lined with one side of a hook and loop type fastener, such as Velcro.
  • Attached to the lifting strap is a strip or flap of material (a closure flap) of the remaining side of the hook and loop type fastener.
  • the closure strap is positioned to allow the closure strap to bridge across the edge strip material and connect to the lined area on the strap, thereby preventing the side strap from sliding through the retention loop.
  • Attached to the closure strap is the mating "hook” material.
  • the closure strap bridges the opening in the edge strip (or retention loop) in a closed loop by the join of the hook and loop attachment member, capturing the edge strip material there between, thereby substantially fixing the vertical position of the strap with respect to the to the edge strip.
  • the fastener should not be used during lifting of a loaded bag, as a lifting stress will be transmitted to the exterior walls of the bag by the fastener, potentially causing the exterior fabric to tear or rip, an undesired result. See figure 4 of the '662 application for details of this vertical attachment.
  • the bag is then placed in a frame or container, the top zipper 1070 is opened and the top inverted "inside out” over the sides of the frame or container.
  • the bag is then loaded. Once the bag is filled to the desired height, the top of the bag is re-inverted into an outside "out” relationship, and the zipper 1070 closed.
  • the two end wall triangular pieces 1060 A and B are folded down onto the top, and can be joined together with a strap or wire or rope to keep these triangles from flapping during transportation.
  • the lifting bag once loaded or filled, can be lifted using a lifting frame, such as shown in figure 8 U.S. patent number 6,142,727 and figure 14 herein, (suitably modified for the number of straps on the bag to be lifted) or any other type of lifting frame known in the art.
  • a square frame lifting frame may be used instead of the parallel lifting bars attached with a center support such as shown in figure 14 of the '662 application.
  • each side support member is a lineal element with a top and bottom end: the top end attaches to the lifting frame and the bottom end attaches to or is attached to the bottom support.
  • a rope or webbing may be threaded through the top loops of the lifting straps, and a crane used to lift the filled bag.
  • the lifting straps or side support members can be made sufficiently long to allow the top loops to be gathered together, joined, and lifted by crane or other lifting device.
  • a rain cap 2070 can be provided to cover the top, such as shown in figure 11.
  • One embodiment of such is a single piece of waterproof fabric that is draped over the bag's top and partially over the sides, and cinched down around the bag's top periphery using loops positioned along the bottom or sides of the bag, or off the belly strap or a similar location.
  • the bag can include a cinch straps positioned near the top four corners (preferably, two straps on each long side of the bag).
  • the cinch straps can tie into the edge strip.
  • Cinch straps can be constructed from rope, polypropylene, polyester or other suitable material.
  • the cinch straps runs vertically on the side of the bag and in use, allows the top of the bag to be drawn toward the bottom of the bag.
  • a loop or connector can be attached to the bag as needed for coupling the cinch straps. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
  • a method of manufacturing a lifting bag having a top portion, bottom portion, and sidewall portion comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fabric sheet of material, having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges extending between the top and bottom edges, two top corners and two bottom corners
  • said fabric sheet is a multilayer fabric comprising a woven material layer and a non- woven material layer, and wherein steps b and f are performed on said woven and non-woven layers thereby creating two substantially parallel operating zippers.
  • a method of manufacturing a lifting bag having a top portion, bottom portion, and sidewall portion comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fabric sheet of material having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges extending between the top and bottom edges, two top corners and two bottom corners said fabric material having a first woven material layer and a second non-woven material layer, said fabric sheet capable of supporting loads in excess of 10,000 pounds (b) attaching X A of a zipper chain to each of said woven and non-woven material layer near said top of said fabric sheet
  • said fabric sheet is a multilayer fabric comprising a woven material layer and a non- woven material layer, and wherein steps 2 and 6 are performed on said woven and non-woven layers thereby creating two substantially parallel zippers.
  • said 1/2 chain of said zipper is placed on said non-woven material about 0-4 inches below said top of said woven fabric material.
  • said bag further includes a lifting strap system coupled to the bag only at said edge strip.
  • the method of claim 1 further including the steps of providing a lifting strap system comprising a series of lifting straps intersecting in a pattern adapted to support a lifting bag, and coupling a plurality of lifting straps to said edge strip.
  • a lifting bag comprising a bag constructed according to the method of claim 1, in combination with a lifting strap system, said lifting strap system comprising a series of lifting straps intersecting in a pattern adapted to support said bag on said bag bottom and have bag side wall extensions to allow said lifting strap system to be attached to a lifting device above said bag top portion thereby lifting said supported bag, where said lifting strap system has a plurality of lifting straps that terminate above said closable top in a connector for lifting and said lifting strap system is not directly attached to said lifting bag.
  • a method of lifting a lifting bag adapted for lifting loads in excess of about 10,000 pounds comprising providing a lifting bag adapted for lifting loads in excess of about
  • said bag having a top portion, sidewall and bottom portion, coupling a lifting strap system to said lifting bag said lifting strap system comprising a plurality of lifting straps, said lifting strap system adapted to support loads in excess of 10000 pounds, said lifting straps coupled to said bag so that said lifting strap system is positioned adjacent to said sidewalls at a plurality of coupling points but adapted to be moveable at said coupling points with respect to said bag exterior, said lifting strap system having a series of straps that extends above said top of said bag top portion and terminating in coupling points, and coupling a lifting frame to said coupling points, and raising said lifting frame.
  • a method of loading a lifting bag comprising providing a lifting bag constructed according to claim 4, placing said lifting bag in a suitable frame or container having a top edge, unzipping said zipper, inverting said top portion of said bag inside out and over said top edge of said container or frame, placing debris or other material in said lifting bag, reinverting said top portion of said bag outside out and closing said zipper.
  • edge strip is a fabric strip having a series of grommets positioned there through.
  • lifting harness further has a means to removably fix the vertical position of said lifting sling with respect to said edge strip.
  • said lifting bag further has a top edge portion and further has two opposing triangular folds extending from said top portion at said top edge portion adjacent said endwalls of said loading frame.
  • said lifting strap system further includes a belly strap, said belly strap horizontally encircling said exterior of said bag at a height of about 1/3 to Vz of the bag height above said bag bottom.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un sac de levage comprenant au moins une paroi latérale et un fond fermé formant un intérieur, le sac comprenant en outre une partie supérieure pouvant être fermée raccordée à la paroi latérale et conçue pour fermer l'intérieur du sac. L'ouverture est constituée par une fente unique centrée sur le sommet du sac et pouvant être fermée par une fermeture à glissière. Ledit sac comprend une bretelle couplée au sac, généralement au moyen d'une bande latérale positionnée au niveau ou près du bord supérieur du sac. Le sac peut être construit à partir d'une seule feuille à couches multiples et est utilisé conjointement avec un système d'élingues de levage.
PCT/US2006/031369 2005-02-28 2006-08-11 Sac de levage WO2008018878A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0901648.6A GB2453305B (en) 2006-08-11 2006-08-11 Lifting bag device
PCT/US2006/031369 WO2008018878A1 (fr) 2006-08-11 2006-08-11 Sac de levage
US11/846,333 US8894282B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2007-08-28 Lifting bag device
US14/551,924 US9365345B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2014-11-24 Method of lifting a load using a bag coupled to a lifting sling

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/031369 WO2008018878A1 (fr) 2006-08-11 2006-08-11 Sac de levage

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/006662 Continuation-In-Part WO2007081361A2 (fr) 2005-02-28 2006-02-24 Dispositif de coussin élévateur

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/846,333 Continuation US8894282B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2007-08-28 Lifting bag device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008018878A1 true WO2008018878A1 (fr) 2008-02-14

Family

ID=39033299

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/031369 WO2008018878A1 (fr) 2005-02-28 2006-08-11 Sac de levage

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2453305B (fr)
WO (1) WO2008018878A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011033051A1 (fr) * 2009-09-18 2011-03-24 Polycube Systems Gmbh Récipient d'emballage de bitume

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11597593B1 (en) 2019-07-17 2023-03-07 Pactec, Inc. Containment bag with self-supporting sidewalls

Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5127893A (en) * 1991-03-15 1992-07-07 Custom Packaging Systems, Inc. Method of making scrapless collapsible bag with circumferentially spaced reinforced strips
US5810478A (en) * 1997-02-26 1998-09-22 Custom Packaging Systems, Inc. Bulk bag with lift straps and exterior liner

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4418806A (en) * 1982-08-20 1983-12-06 Johnson Rheuben C Three compartment travel bag
US5967579A (en) * 1997-11-12 1999-10-19 Hebert; Jon Barry Industrial diaper for flexible bulk containers
JPH11334786A (ja) * 1998-05-25 1999-12-07 Grand Kaihatsu:Kk クレーン・フォークリフト等の揚重機器用運搬袋及びその使用方法

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5127893A (en) * 1991-03-15 1992-07-07 Custom Packaging Systems, Inc. Method of making scrapless collapsible bag with circumferentially spaced reinforced strips
US5810478A (en) * 1997-02-26 1998-09-22 Custom Packaging Systems, Inc. Bulk bag with lift straps and exterior liner

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011033051A1 (fr) * 2009-09-18 2011-03-24 Polycube Systems Gmbh Récipient d'emballage de bitume
CN102686494A (zh) * 2009-09-18 2012-09-19 多立体方系统有限公司 用于沥青的包装容器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2453305B (en) 2012-02-22
GB2453305A (en) 2009-04-01
GB0901648D0 (en) 2009-03-11

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