Patent ID: 9511929
Filing Date: 2016-12-06
CPC Classification: B65D,B65G

Claim Text:
1. A container structurally strengthened to transport and store large volumes of proppant effectively therein to supply to a fracturing site, the container comprising: a top; a bottom having an outlet formed therein; a plurality of sidewalls coupled to and extending between the top and bottom, so as to define an interior volume within the container thereby to store the proppant therein; a plurality of sidewall supports positioned to provide structural support to the sidewalls when large volumes of proppant are positioned within the interior volume of the container, the proppant comprising sand having a substantially spherical shape and a tightly graded particle distribution, the plurality of sidewall supports including a plurality of support braces extending in a substantially horizontal position and positioned in direct contact with interior surfaces of the sidewalls to enhance support of the sidewalls when the container is filled with the proppant, the plurality of support braces includes a first set of support braces attached to a first pair of sidewalls and a second set of support braces attached to a second pair of sidewalls, the first set of support braces extending in a plane direction transverse to a plane direction of the second set of support braces; ramps downwardly inclined and extending inwardly from the sidewalls to direct the proppant toward the outlet when the proppant is stored therein, at least one support brace of the plurality of support braces being positioned vertically higher than the ramps; and a hatch positioned proximate the outlet, the hatch being moveable between open and closed positions.