Patent ID: 9725234
Date: 2017-08-08
CPC Classifications: B60P,B65D,B65G

Claim:
1. A method for delivering proppant to a fracturing site, the method comprising: filling an interior volume of a container with proppant, the container structured to include a plurality of support braces positioned peripherally about the sidewalls and positioned between respective uprights of a frame that supports the container, the plurality of support braces enhancing structural support of the sidewalls, a top substantially rectangular section at least partially defined by the sidewalls, and a bottom funnel-shaped section coupled to the top substantially rectangular section at a bottom of the top substantially rectangular section to thereby position the bottom funnel-shaped section at a lower elevation than the top substantially rectangular section, the bottom funnel-shaped section being structurally strengthened by a plurality of lower supports; transporting the container to the fracturing site when the container is filled with the proppant; positioning the container on a support structure over a conveyor; moving a gate positioned proximate an outlet to an open position to enable the proppant to flow out of the interior volume and into a hopper; and moving a metering gate positioned adjacent to an opening of the hopper to enable the proppant to flow out of the hopper and onto the conveyor.