Patent ID: 9403626
Filing Date: 2016-08-02
CPC Classification: B65D,B65G

Claim Text:
1. A container structurally strengthened to transport and store large volumes of proppant effectively therein, the container comprising: a top; a bottom, having an outlet formed therein; sidewalls coupled to the top and bottom, so as to define an interior volume of 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, 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 container including a container frame structurally arranged to support another container when filled with large volumes of proppant and when positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement thereabove, and the large volumes are at least 30,000 pounds; 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.