Bulk Material Bag Discharge Apparatus

A bulk material transport bag comprising a flanged discharge apparatus that secures a replaceable discharge outlet cover is disclosed. The discharge outlet cover may be quickly replaced to reseal the discharge outlet after use. The flanged discharge apparatus is comprised of a flange or base ring assembly engaged with the bag around the bag discharge opening. A locking flange or ring secures the replaceable cover to the base ring assembly to cover and seal the bag discharge opening. The replaceable cover is intentionally incised to discharge and empty the contents of the bag. When the bag is emptied a new replaceable cover is mounted between the base ring assembly and locking ring to seal the bag discharge opening. The replaceable cover may be comprised of the same material used for construction of the bag or another suitable material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, elements, and/or aspects of the drawings can be otherwise combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed invention. Elements illustrated in the drawings are provided primarily to facilitate understanding of the disclosed technology and are not necessarily drawn to scale or with precise accuracy.

Referring now to the figures, particularlyFIG. 1, there is shown a bulk material transport bag (2) with a discharge apparatus (4) affixed thereto. The bag (2) may be of any desired configuration such a one having four sidewalls, a top wall, and a bottom wall or base (3). The bag (2) may also have any other suitable configuration such as having circular or oval sidewalls, two opposing flat sidewalls, or any other type of bag retainer configuration that allows for confinement of bulk material for storage and transportation. It is thought that the bag (2) may be made of a strong and flexible fabric material that may be collapsed and folded for convenient storage when the bag (2) is not in use.

The bulk material transport bag (4) is intended to be filled with a desired amount of bulk material. Bag (2) contains a discharge opening (6) with a diameter (D2), generally located at the bottom or base (3) of bag (2). Left uncovered, any bulk material placed within the bag (2) can pass freely through discharge opening (6). To ensure that no bulk material passes from bag (2) through discharge opening (6) the discharge apparatus (4) is attached to bag (2) and fittingly engaged around discharge opening (6).

The flanged discharge outlet is comprised of a base ring assembly engaged with the bag around the bag discharge opening. The discharge apparatus (4) has a base ring assembly (22) comprised of an O-shaped inner flange designated as inner base ring (8), an O-shaped outer flange designated as outer base ring (10), a plurality of securing elements (12), an O-shaped locking flange designated as locking ring (14), a plurality of latches (16) positioned on outer base ring (10), a corresponding plurality of receiving slots (18) positioned in locking ring (14), and a cover piece (20). Cover piece (20) is preferably made of strong and flexible fabric material similar to the fabric material utilized for the bag (2) though another suitable material may also be utilized.

Inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10) provide structural support to discharge opening (6) to allow discharge opening (6) to maintain constant shape and configuration during discharge. Base ring assembly (22) also provides a means by which to affix discharge apparatus (4) to bag (2). Inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10) each have a central opening or aperture (24). Apertures (24) are of sufficient diameter such that when base ring assembly (22) is engaged with bag (2), apertures (24) permit material to flow freely from bag (2) through discharge opening (6). The diameter of apertures (24) is generally sized to correspond with the diameter (D2) of discharge opening (6). However, diameter of apertures (24) can be larger or smaller than diameter (D2) of discharge opening (6) is so desired. Preferably, the diameter of apertures (24) is of the same size as diameter (D2) of discharge opening (6).

Base ring assembly (22) is secured around discharge opening (6) of bag (2). Inner base ring (8) is internally positioned within bag (2) such that aperture (24) axially aligns with discharge opening (6). Inner base ring (8) contains a plurality of equidistant threaded receiving holes (26). Outer base ring (10) is positioned external to bag such that aperture (24) axially aligned with discharge opening (6). Equidistant threaded receiving holes (28) on outer base ring (10) are axially aligned with threaded receiving holes (26) on inner base ring (8). Threaded securing elements (12) are then inserted through receiving holes (28) of outer base ring (10), through bag (2), into receiving holes (26) of inner base ring (8) and threadably tightened. As outer base ring (10) is compressed with inner base ring (8), material of bag (2) becomes securely compressed between inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10). Securing elements (12) are firmly tightened such that a watertight seal is formed at the junction between inner base ring (8), bag (2), and outer base ring (10).

Securing elements (12) can be screws or any equivalent threaded means capable of securing base ring assembly (22) to bag (2). Securing elements (12) must have low profile heads such that the top surface of securing element (12) sits flush with outer surface (30) of outer base ring (10). A waterproof sealant (32) such as an adhesive or caulking agent can optionally be applied between inner base ring (8) and bag (2) and between bag (2) and outer base ring (10). It is believed that sealant (32) will prevent seepage of bulk material from ring assembly (22). The above disclosed embodiment is merely intended to be illustrative and not intended as the only means by which to affix the discharge apparatus (4) to bag (2).

Outer base ring (10) contains a plurality of equidistant external latches (16) that extend outwardly around the periphery of outer base ring (10) in an orientation perpendicular to aperture (24) of base ring (10). Latches (16) each contain a flange or lip (34) located on the distal end furthest from outer base ring (10).

The cover piece (20) contains a plurality of peripherally located holes (36) aligned to receive latches (16). To apply the cover piece (20) to apparatus (4), the cover piece (20) is axially aligned with outer base ring (10) such that the holes (36) of cover piece (20) align with the latches (16) of outer base ring (10). Cover piece (20) is then urged towards outer base ring (10) until flush with the outer surface (30) of outer base ring (10).

Similarly, locking ring (14) contains a plurality of peripherally located receiving slots (18) configured to receive the latches (16) located on outer base ring (10). Locking ring (14) contains a central opening or aperture (24) through which bulk material passes. Once cover piece (20) has been positioned concomitant with surface (30) of outer base ring (10), locking ring (14) is axially aligned with outer base ring (10) such that latches (16) align with receiving slots (18). Locking ring (14) is then urged towards over piece (20) until the lips (34) of latches (16) have passed through locking ring (14). With force still applied on the locking ring (4) toward cover piece (20), locking ring (14) is rotated such that receiving slots (18) of locking ring (14) securely lock into latches (16) of outer base ring (10). The above disclosed embodiment is merely intended to be illustrative and not intended as the only means by which to secure the cover piece (20) to apparatus (4).

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of the O-shaped inner base ring (8). Inner base ring (8) is positioned within bag (2) and is affixed to the outer base ring (10) by securing elements (12). The threaded receiving holes (26) are engaged with the securing elements (12) to form base ring assembly (22). Aperture (24) of inner base ring (8) corresponds in diameter with apertures of outer base ring (10) and locking ring (14) and can optionally correspond with the diameter (D2) of the discharge opening (6).

FIG. 3illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of inner base ring (8) taken along line3-3ofFIG. 4. Threaded receiving holes (26) are positioned within inner base ring (8) to receive securing elements (12). Threaded receiving holes (26) bore into inner base ring (8) but do not fully transect therethrough. Diameter (D1) of inner base ring (8) spans aperture (24) and preferably corresponds with Diameter (D2) of the discharge opening (6).

FIG. 4illustrates a bottom view of inner base ring (8). The aperture (24) of inner base ring (8) having an interior diameter (D1) allows for the passage of material from bag (2). As previously seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, receiving holes (26) are positioned to engage with securing elements (12) to form base ring assembly (22).

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the O-shaped outer base ring (10). Latches (16) extend perpendicularly outward from outer surface (30) of outer base ring (10). Latches (16) each contain a lip (34) which allows the latches (16) to engage securely with receiving slots (18) of the locking ring (14). Holes (28) transect through the outer base ring (10) allowing securing elements (12) to pass through and secure with receiving holes (26) of inner base ring (8). The receiving holes (28) may optionally have beveled edges countersunk into surface (30) to allow the heads of securing elements (12) to sit flush therewith.

FIG. 6illustrates a cross sectional side view of outer base ring (10) taken along line6-6ofFIG. 7. Outer base ring (10) contains central aperture (24) having diameter (D1). Latches (16) extend downward from surface (30) of outer base ring (10). Latches (16) each contain a lip (34) which engage with the receiving holes (18) of locking ring (14). Receiving holes (28) may optionally have beveled edges countersunk into surface (30) to allow the heads of securing elements (12) to sit flush therewith. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded holes into which latches (16) secure are non-threaded and fully transect outer base ring (10). In such embodiment, the threaded portion of each latch (16) can pass through outer base ring and secure with a corresponding receiving hole in inner base ring (8).

FIG. 7illustrates a bottom view of outer base ring (10). Receiving holes (28) are positioned on outer base ring (10) such that they align with the threaded receiving holes (26) of inner base ring (8). Latches (16) are positioned at intervals between receiving holes (28) such that the latches (16) align with receiving slots (18) located on locking ring (14). The diameter (D1) of aperture (24) is sized to correspond with the diameter (D1) of the inner base ring (8) and the locking ring (14).

FIG. 8illustrates a perspective view of the O-shaped locking ring (14). Locking ring (14) contains receiving slots (18) positioned to engage with the latches (16) of outer base ring (10). To secure the locking ring (14) to the base ring assembly (22) receiving slots (18) are aligned with the latches (16) of outer base ring (10). The locking ring (14) is then urged towards outer base ring (10) until the lips (34) of the latches (16) have fully passed through receiving slots (18). Locking ring (14) is then rotated to allow lips (34) to secure with the outer surface of the locking ring (14).

FIG. 9illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of locking ring (14) taken along line9-9ofFIG. 10. Aperture (24) having a diameter (D1) allows material to pass through locking ring (14). Receiving slots (18) allow engagement of latches (16) with the locking ring (14) such that apparatus (4) can securely hold the cover piece (20) in place between the locking ring (14) and outer base ring (10).

FIG. 10illustrates a bottom view of the locking ring (14) having a central aperture (24) with a diameter (D1). Receiving slots (18) of locking ring (14) engage with the latches (16) of outer base ring (10) to secure cover piece (20) between locking ring (14) and outer base ring (10). Receiving slots (18) and latches (16) can be shaped in various configurations to securely engage with one another. Engagement of latches (16) and slots (18) as illustrated inFIG. 10is merely illustrative of one preferred shape for engagement of latches (16) with slots (18). Alternatively, latches (16) might be L-shaped brackets which slide into rectangular receiving slots (18).

FIG. 11illustrates a perspective view of the discharge apparatus (4) and bag (2) as seen inFIG. 1before cover piece (20) has been intentionally incised to allow for the discharge of bulk materials from bag (2).

Locking ring (14) engages with latches (16) to secure cover piece (20) in the apparatus (4). In the state depicted inFIG. 11, bulk material is contained within bag (2). The bag (2) is configured for transit such that no bulk material will leak or escape from the bag.

FIG. 12illustrates a perspective view of the discharge apparatus (4) of bag (2) as seen inFIG. 11after the cover piece (20) covering the discharge opening (6) has been incised, allowing the bulk material contained in the bag (2) to discharge therefrom.

Incision of cover piece (20) can be made by any blade, knife, or sufficient-sized puncturing device. Once an initial puncture or slice of sufficient size has been rendered through cover piece (20) such that bulk material is free to pass through, it is believed that the outward pressure generated by bulk material within bag (2) will cause cover piece (20) to fully tear, fully opening cover piece (20) the full size of aperture (24) for passage of the bulk material from bag (2). Alternatively, cover piece (20) can be scored prior to incision to facilitate easier passage of bulk material through aperture (24). An X-shaped score line running nearly contiguous with aperture (24) reaching each distal end of cover piece (20) is ideal. This will facilitate easier tearing of cover piece (20) and better ensure that aperture (24) is unobstructed during discharge of bag (2).

After the incision, cover piece (20) will hang flaccid from the apparatus (4). After unloading is completed, the locking ring (14) is rotated relative to the base ring assembly (22) such that latches (16) are disengaged from receiving slots (18). Locking ring (14) is then urged away from the bag (2), allowing the torn cover piece (20) to be disengaged therefrom and replaced with a new, substantially identical new cover piece (20).

FIG. 13is a cross sectional elevation view of bag (2) and apparatus (4) taken along Line13-13ofFIG. 11. Inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10) compressively engage with the bottom wall of the bag (2) such that apertures (24) axially align with discharge opening (6). The cover piece (20) engaged along the edges of apertures (24) prevents the flow of bulk material from bag (2) through discharge opening (6). Sealant (32), such as caulking or adhesive, optionally positioned between inner base ring (8) and bag (2) and between outer base rings (10) and bag (2) provides an additional preventative measure against seepage of bulk material during transit. It is suggested that sealant (32) does not come into contact with securing elements (12) within receiving, hole (28) or threaded receiving hole (26), as such contact may prevent securing elements (12) from being disengaged from the base ring assembly (22).

Securing elements (12) engage inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10) at threaded receiving holes (26) and receiving hole (28), respectively. As previously discussed, receiving holes (28) transect outer base ring (10), whereas threaded receiving holes (26) are not of sufficient depth to fully transect inner base ring (8).

It is suggested that securing elements (12) have a relatively low profile head that does not extend beyond the outer surface (30) of outer base ring (10). It is also possible for the receiving holes (28) to have a beveled countersink along outer surface (30) which allows the heads of securing elements (12) to sit flush with outer base ring (10). A flush surface between outer base ring (10) and cover piece (20) is thought to facilitate a watertight seal in apparatus (4). Because the locking ring (14) rotates relative to outer base ring (10), it is suggested that securing elements (12) do not extend beyond outer surface (30) of outer base ring (10) as this might cause unnecessary abrasive wear on cover piece (20) and locking ring (14).

FIG. 14is a cross sectional elevation view of the bag (2) and apparatus (4) taken along line14-14ofFIG. 12.FIG. 14depicts the bag (2) and apparatus (4) after the cover piece (20) has been incised or ruptured and is hanging flaccid from the connection between locking ring (14) and outer base ring (10).

With cover piece (20) incised, bulk material is free to discharge from the bag (2) through discharge opening (6). After the cover piece (20) fully tears under the weight of the bulk material, cover piece (20) hangs flaccid beneath locking ring (14) allowing unimpeded flow of the bulk material through aperture (24) and discharge opening (6). After discharge of the bag (2) is complete, the locking ring (14) is rotatably removed from outer base ring (10). To remove the locking ring (14) from the apparatus (4) locking ring (14) is rotated such that the lips (34) of latches (16) disengage from the outer surface of locking ring (14). The locking ring (14) then continues to rotate until latches (16) can be slidably disengaged from receiving slots (18). The incised over piece (20) is disengaged from the latches (16). Thereafter a replacement cover piece (20) is engaged with the latches (16). Locking ring (14) is again aligned such that receiving slots (18) align with latches (16) of outer base ring (10). Locking ring (14) is urged toward outer base ring (10) and rotated until the lips (14) of latches16) engage with the outer surface of locking ring (14), at which point the discharge apparatus (4) is again secured and ready to be reused for transport.

FIG. 15is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment wherein a sleeve (40) is used to cover discharge opening (6). In this embodiment sleeve (40) extends outward from bag (2). Sleeve (40) can be shaped to conform to any desired size or specification. During transit, sleeve (40) can be tied to the bag (2) apparatus (4) to prevent it from hanging freely. Rope, cord, brackets, rings, flaps, or the like can be used alone or in any combination to secure the sleeve (40) to the bag (2) and to prevent the sleeve (40) from unfolding during transit to the position seen inFIG. 15.

An additional feature of sleeve (40) is that it can be incised at any location, allowing a more versatile discharge of bulk material from the bag (2). Similar to the preferred cover piece (20), sleeve (40) can be incised on its lowermost section. Alternatively, the sleeve (40) can be incised on the hanging section that extends downward from the apparatus (4) to the lowermost section of the sleeve (4). This allows a more precise discharge of the bulk material from within bag (2).

FIG. 16illustrates a cross sectional view of sleeve (40) attached to bag (2). As with the preferred embodiment, inner base ring (8) and outer base ring (10) compressively engage with the bottom wall (3) of bag (2) such that apertures (24) axially align with the discharge opening (6) of the bag (2). The sleeve (40), engaged along the edges of apertures (24), prevents the flow of bulk material from bag (2) through discharge opening (6). Bulk material may pass through discharge opening (6) and come to rest within the sleeve (40) without discharging from bag (2). Sleeve (40) has internal volume that can hold bulk material prior to discharge. It is believed that sleeve (40) allows the bag (2) to hold greater volume of bulk material if stored in the extended position as seen inFIG. 15while simultaneously allowing an operator to incise sleeve (40) at a more customizable location. This affords the operator with the ability to more easily direct the unloading of the material from bag (2) to a more precise location below bag (2).

The remaining structure, including latches (16), receiving holes (28), threaded receiving holes (26), sealant (36), inner base ring (8), outer base ring (10) and locking ring (14) remain as they were in the preferred embodiment.

While the drawings show an inner base ring (8), outer base ring (10) and locking ring (14) rings are shown as O-shaped circular flanges around an O-shaped circular bag discharge opening (6), other configurations for the rings (8,10,14) and opening (6) may be utilized. For instance, rings (8,10,14) and opening (6) may be configured as rectangular flanges around a rectangular opening, triangular flanges around a triangular opening, or any other suitable geometric configuration or combination of flanges and openings. Similarly, the replaceable cover piece (20) is thought to be made from a suitable fabric such as from the same material as the bulk storage bag. However, the replaceable cover piece (20) could be made of a polymer sheet or film of suitable strength or even from a rigid or semi-rigid material that may be easily incised or cut to allow an opening for discharge of material.

It is thought that the bulk material transport bag of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description. It is also thought that it will be apparent that various changes may be make in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the bulk material transport bag and its discharge outlet without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form described being merely an exemplary embodiment of the invention.