Patent ID: 7699575
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: B65D,B65G

Abstract:
1. A loading assembly for use with a transport container having an open end and a predetermined load capacity, comprising: a load bin sized to be inserted into a transport container through an open end thereof, from a retracted position, external of the transport container, to an inserted position, internal of the transport container, the load bin having a floor and two side walls and a movement aid beneath the floor configured to ease movement of the load bin between a retracted position, external of the transport container, and an inserted position, internal of the transport container; a barrier assembly including a movable wall disposed within the load bin, the wall being movable relative to the load bin, wherein the load bin and the barrier assembly cooperate to define a volume equal to the predetermined load capacity and configured to hold a load of bulk material of sufficient size to fill the transport container to the predetermined load capacity in a single operation, and wherein the load bin and the barrier assembly further cooperate to define a top opening for receiving the load; a support structure supporting the load bin and the barrier assembly, the support structure comprising frame members fixed relative to a support surface at least during loading assembly operation, and wherein the movement aid engages the floor of the load bin during movement of the load bin between the retracted and inserted positions; and a drive mechanism configured to engage one of the load bin and the transport container operable to position and move the load bin relative to the transport container and the supporting structure between the inserted and retracted positions, wherein insertion occurs through the open end of the container such that the load bin is substantially within the container and retraction occurs to separate the load bin from the container, the drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder and a cable assembly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and to the load bin; wherein the barrier assembly is configured to lock the movable wall in a fixed position relative to the container, adjacent to the open end of the container when the load bin is positioned in the transport container, such that when the drive mechanism thereafter moves the load bin from the inserted position to the retracted position, the movable wall of the barrier assembly retains the bulk material load within the container.