Abstract:
Minibulk quantities, e.g., 500-6000 pounds, of dry, free-flowing feed for large animals, e.g., horses, are delivered to small farms and ranches, e.g., less than fifteen horses, located remote from a distribution center for the feed by a method comprising the steps of: A. Filling a container sealable to the environment with a minibulk quantity of dry, free-flowing, manufactured animal feed at a distribution center for the feed, the container equipped with at least one sealable opening through which the feed can be loaded into and unloaded from the container; B. Transporting the filled container to the site remote from the center; C. Positioning the filled container onto a support rack at a location remote from the manufacturing center, the filled container positioned upon the support rack in a manner such that the feed flows under the force of gravity to the at least one sealable opening of the container; D. Recovering a container depleted of feed from the remote site; and E. Returning the container depleted of feed to the manufacturing center for refilling with feed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/213,920 filed Jun. 26, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the transport and storage of animal feed and more particularly, to a method and assembly for delivering minibulk quantities of dry, free-flowing animal feed to sites remote from an animal feed distribution center. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method and assembly of storing the minibulk quantity of dry animal feed once delivered to the remote site.  
           [0003]    Presently, all forms of dry animal feed (e.g., pellets, granules, etc.) for horses, cattle, sheep, goats and other animals, primarily large mammals but also including small mammals, e.g., rabbits, and non-mammals, e.g., birds and fish, are transported and stored in either bulk or bag quantities. Bulk or bulk quantities means amounts in excess of about three short tons (with a short ton equal to 2,000 pounds). Bags or bag quantities means amounts of about 50 pounds or less, with a typical bag containing 50 pounds of feed.  
           [0004]    Shipping dry, manufactured animal feed in bulk quantities is more economical (on a cost per unit weight basis) than shipping in bag quantities due to economies of scale. However, to benefit from this economy of scale typically requires an on-site storage facility and a sufficiently large number of animals to consume the feed before it deteriorates due mold (typically from exposure to warm and humid weather conditions) or insect or rodent infestation.  
           [0005]    Small ranches and farms, e.g., those with fifteen or fewer large animals (e.g., horses) that eat dry, manufactured animal feed, usually buy such feed in bag quantities. This avoids the need for an on-site storage facility and/or the loss of feed due to mold or insect or rodent infestation. As such small farms and ranches remote from the distribution center usually must make arrangements to pick-up their purchases of bag quantities of manufactured animal feed.  
           [0006]    Thus, a need exists to serve small farms and ranches located at sites remote from a dry animal feed distribution center with the delivery and storage of minibulk quantities of dry animal feed. As here used, minibulk and minibulk quantities means an amount of manufactured, dry animal feed of between about one-quarter and three short tons, i.e., between about 500 and about 6000 pounds. As here used, remote from a dry animal feed distribution center means that the distance between the small farm, ranch, etc. and the dry animal feed distribution center is such that delivery of less than bulk quantities of dry animal feed is usually not available from the facility or it requires a separate charge. As here used, distribution center means any facility from which the dry animal feed is distributed to end users. Exemplary facilities include warehouses, dealer or agent facilities, and manufacturing facilities (in certain circumstances, the manufacturer of dry animal feed will distribute the feed to end users directly from its manufacturing facility). As here used, end users include ranchers, farmers and hobbyists, i.e., essentially anyone who raises and/or cares for animals that consume manufactured dry feed.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0007]    According to one embodiment of this invention, minibulk quantities of dry animal feed are delivered to sites remote from a distribution center for the feed by a method comprising the steps of: A. Filling a container with a minibulk quantity of dry, free-flowing animal feed at a distribution center for the feed, the container equipped with at least one sealable opening through which the feed can be loaded into the container; B. Transporting the filled container to the site remote from the center; C. Positioning the filled container onto a support rack at the site remote from the distribution center, the filled container positioned upon the support rack in a manner such that gravity causes the feed to flow towards the at least one sealable opening of the container; D. Recovering from the remote site a container depleted of feed; and E. Returning the container depleted of feed to the distribution center.  
           [0008]    Preferably, the container comprises a removable lid that sealingly engages one or more side walls, and the side walls sealingly engage a base equipped with a discharge opening. The base comprises one or more sections that slope inwardly and downwardly from the side walls to the discharge opening to form a cone-like configuration. The discharge opening is equipped with a gate that moves between an open and closed position to allow a discharge of dry, free-flowing animal feed from the container.  
           [0009]    The rack is sized to receive and hold the container in a secured manner, and to allow the positioning of a transport device, e.g., a wheel barrow, beneath it to receive dry, free-flowing animal feed from the container when the discharge gate is in the open position.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment of the invention, the filled container is transported to the remote site using a trailer equipped with a means for lifting and positioning the filled container onto the rack. In one embodiment, the trailer comprises a single axle supporting a U-shaped frame designed to securely receive, hold and transport the filled container from the distribution center to the remote site. The trailer is also equipped with a drive wheel powered by a motor that, once disconnected from the towing vehicle, allows the trailer to maneuver into a position from which the filled container can be transferred from the trailer to the rack.  
           [0011]    In yet another embodiment of this invention, the container is not recovered from the rack at the remote site. Rather, the container remains on the rack at the remote site, and it is periodically refilled by a delivery truck equipped with means for transferring dry, free-flowing manufactured animal feed from the vehicle to the container. The transfer means typically comprises at least one pump and hose. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is an isometric, cut-away view of one embodiment of a mini bulk feed container or bin that can be used in the practice of this invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a side view of the minibulk feed bin of FIG. 1 positioned on a trailer for towing to a remote site.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the trailer of FIG. 2 with the feed bin removed, and showing the hoist and rear gate.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a full side view of the trailer of FIG. 2 with a partial side view of the bin of FIG. 2.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the trailer and bin of FIG. 2.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is an enlarged, sectional view of the rear, left support strut of the trailer of FIG. 5.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the bin of FIG. 1 positioned on a support rack.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a rear view of the bin and support rack of FIG. 7 with a cut-away view of the lower section of the bin.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the method of this invention for delivering minibulk quantities of manufactured, dry, free-flowing animal feed to small ranches and farms remote from an animal feed distribution center.  
         [0021]    FIGS.  10 - 19  illustrate a sequence of steps for the delivery of a filled minibulk feed bin to a remote site, and the return of an empty minibulk feed bin to a distribution center for refill.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an alternative design of a minibulk feed bin.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 21 is an elevated, isometric view of an alternative design of a support rack.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 22 is a side view of the position relative to one another of the rack of FIG. 21 and the bin of FIG. 20 during the transfer of the filled bin from a transport vehicle to the rack.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 23 is an enlarged, rear view of the rack of FIG. 21 illustrating one embodiment of adjusting the height of one set of support legs of the rack.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 24 is another alternative design of the minibulk feed bin.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 25 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of this invention in which the minibulk feed bin is refilled from a bulk feed transport. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]    Although the following description of the invention is within the context of manufactured, free-flowing, dry horse feed (e.g., pellets, granules, etc.), the method and apparatus of this invention is applicable to other manufactured, free-flowing dry feeds for other agricultural or recreational animals (both large and small, mammals and non-mammal), e.g., cattle, goats, sheep, llamas, ostriches, pigs, rabbits, fish, etc. In the figures, like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same. Various items of equipment, such as fittings, fasteners, and the like, have been omitted so as to simplify the description. Those skilled in the art, however, will realize that such conventional equipment is employed as desired.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 illustrates two-part container  10  comprising ring  11  in sealed engagement with base  12 . Ring  11  is also in a sealed engagement with removable lid  13 , and base  12  comprises internal surfaces  14   a - d  (surfaces  14   c - d  not shown) that slope downwardly and inwardly to form discharge port  15 . The inwardly slope of these surfaces is typically at least 30°, preferably at least 40° and more preferably at least about 50° . Ring  11  and base  12  can have any suitable shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, etc., but the shape of the ring usually follows the shape of the base, and vice versa .  
         [0030]    Whether or not discharge port  15  is open or closed is controlled by gate  16 . In FIG. 1, gate  16  is in the closed position. Discharge port  15  is open when gate  16  is pulled back (not shown) from base  12 . Bin  10  is supported on feet  17   a - l  feet g through l not shown), and these feet are spaced from one another such that tines of a forklift hoist (shown in FIG. 3) can fit beneath bin  10  to raise and lower it as necessary.  
         [0031]    Bin  10  is constructed of any suitable material, but preferably it is constructed from a durable plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc.). The plastic can be opaque, translucent or transparent and if opaque (e.g., pigmented), then preferably the bin is equipped with sight glass  18  so as to enable a viewer to determine the relative fill of the bin without removing the lid. The bid is constructed in such a manner that it is water-tight and the only entries to its interior are by removal of the lid from the ring and through the discharge port when the gate is in its open position (thus offering an effective barrier against rodents, birds and other animals (including insects) that might be interested in its contents). The bins manufactured by Buckhorn, Inc. of Milford, Ohio are representative of the bins that can be used in the practice of this invention, and these bins are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,01 0,022 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 2 illustrates bin  10  securely positioned atop trailer  20 . Bin  10  is secured to trailer  20  by straps  21   a - b.  Trailer  20  comprises a U-shape frame  22  supported by axle  23 , wheels  24   a - b  and drive wheel  25 . The axle spans the two arms of the frame, and the drive wheel is located beneath and supports the frame under the base of the U. Motor  26  powers both drive wheel  25  and hydraulic hoist  27 . Motor  26  can be of any convenient design and size, but typically it is electric (powered by a battery, not shown) and of sufficient size to provide sufficient power to operate hoist  27  to lift filled bin  10  and to maneuver trailer  20  into position so as to transfer filled bin  10  to a support rack (shown in FIG. 7). Hydraulic fluid for the operation of hoist  27  is stored in tank  19 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 illustrates a section of trailer  20  without bin  10 . Hoist  27  is equipped with tines  28   a - b  that are of sufficient length so as to effectively engage the base of bin  10  to raise and lower it as required. The vertical range of tines  28   a - b  is such that the bin can be lowered to the ground or raised and placed onto a support rack. In another embodiment (not shown), the hoist is replaced with a crane or other means for lifting a filled bin from the trailer to the support rack.  
         [0034]    Frame  22  of trailer  20  is of a general U-shape, each arm of which is equipped with tie-down hooks  29   a - d  for engaging straps  21   a - b  (shown in FIG. 2). The arms of frame  22  are also equipped with moveable struts  30   a - d  that slide between a first and second position (FIG. 6). When in first position  31   a,  the struts are flush with or recessed into the arms of frame  22  such that the bin can be lowered to the ground. When the struts are in second position  31   b,  they engage bin feet  17   d/f/j/l  in such a manner so as to support the bin during transport (as shown in FIG. 5). The trailer rear gate comprises arms  32   a - b  that are pivotally mounted to the arms of frame  22  by way of posts  36   a - b  in a manner that allows the arms to securely join together to hold the bin in place on trailer  20  during transport, and to open in a manner that allows the bin to either be placed upon or recovered from the ground or a support rack. Preferably, one of the arms of the rear gate is equipped with traffic cautionary sign  33 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 is a side view of trailer  20  with a partial view of bin  10  securely attached to it. Trailer  20  is detachably engaged to a towing vehicle (not shown) by any safe and convenient means, e.g., a ball hitch (not shown). Trailer  20  is further equipped with a steering mechanism  34  that allows maneuverability of trailer  20  once decoupled from a towing vehicle. FIG. 4 (as well as FIG. 2) also shows hydraulic fluid reservoir  19  used in the operation of hoist  27 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the struts are equipped with a stop tab (e.g.,  35   a  and  35   c ). FIG. 5 also shows that when the feet of the bin are engaged with the struts of the trailer, tines  28   a - b  of the hoist do not carry any weight of the bin.  
         [0037]    FIGS.  7 - 8  illustrate bin  10  positioned upon support rack  40 . As shown in both of these Figures, support rack  40  comprises legs  41   a - d  resting upon pylons  42   a - d.  Support rack legs  41   a - d  are fastened to rails  43   a - d  that are joined in a configuration that conforms to bin base  12 . Rack rails  43   a - d  are preferably joined to one another by stabilizer bars (not shown) that provide stability and rigidity to the rack. Legs  41   a - d  are spaced apart from one another and are of sufficient height (when resting upon the pylons) to permit a transport vehicle, e.g., a wheel barrow (shown in phantom outline in FIG. 8), to fit beneath bin  10  such that when gate  16  is in an open position, manufactured, dry, free-flowing animal feed falls through the discharge port into the transport vehicle.  
         [0038]    Support rack  40  is also equipped with retaining tabs  37   a - d  (tabs  37   c - d  not shown) and  38   a - d  (tabs  38   c - d  not shown) all of which are fastened in any convenient manner (e.g., welds, bolts, etc.) to rails  43   a - d.  These tabs assist in keeping the bin and base securely in place atop the rack. Preferably, retaining tabs  38   a - d  are designed to receive and hold retaining bars  39   a - b  in such a manner that the base cannot be removed from the support rack without first unfastening the bars from the tabs. These bars serve as a safety device against inadvertent removal of base from the rack, e.g., bumping into the rack with heavy equipment, heavy winds, etc.  
         [0039]    One sequence of steps describing the method of this invention is illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 9. Commencing with a stored, clean and empty bin, the bin is filled and then either stored for future transport to a remote site or immediately transported to a remote site. Since one of the purposes of this invention is to provide a relatively fresh minibulk quantity of manufactured, dry animal feed to a remote site, the bins are preferably filled not more than one or two weeks in advance of their transport to the remote site of the end user.  
         [0040]    The filled bin can be transferred to the remote site either on a predetermined schedule or in response to a demand for the delivery of a minibulk quantity of feed. With respect to the former, the schedule can either be fixed in advanced or initiated through an automated monitoring system of any convenient design (e.g., weight monitors on the bin linked to the distribution center by any convenient communication means, e.g., telephone or cable line, wireless, etc.).  
         [0041]    FIGS.  10 - 19  describe one embodiment of the sequence of steps illustrated in FIG. 9 in the context of bin  10  and trailer  20 . Clean and empty bins are filled with a minibulk quantity of manufactured, dry, free-flowing animal feed (FIG. 10), and then stored until needed to transport to a remote site (FIG. 11). Bins  10  are of such of a design that they can be stored, filled or empty, in a stacked position. When needed for transport to a remote site, a bin is placed upon the trailer by any convenient means, and then secured in place with the straps and rear gate (FIG. 12). The bin can be loaded onto the trailer using the trailer hoist or another mechanical assist, e.g., a fork lift truck, crane, etc.  
         [0042]    Once at the remote site, the trailer is de-coupled from the towing vehicle, and the filled bin is placed upon the ground (FIG. 13). The trailer is then maneuvered into position so that it can lower the empty bin from the support rack to the ground (FIG. 14). The arms of the trailer are spaced apart from one another sufficient to allow the arms to straddle the support rack. The trailer hoist is then used to transfer the filled container from the ground to the support rack (FIG. 15). The empty bin is then loaded onto the trailer (FIG. 16), the trailer re-coupled to the towing vehicle (FIG. 17), and the empty bin transported back to the distribution center (FIG. 18). Once at the distribution center, preferably but not necessarily, the empty bin is voided of any remaining feed, washed with soapy water, disinfected, and then dried. Once completely dry, the bin is either stored empty or immediately refilled with animal feed, and the cycle is repeated.  
         [0043]    This invention can also be practiced in various alternative embodiments. In one such embodiment, the bin  10  is equipped with a breather vent to allow for the passage of water vapor between the interior of the bin and the environment. This minimizes, if not eliminates, condensation within the bin, and thus minimizes mold formation. The vent can either be a separate structure (not shown) on the bin, or incorporated into the design of the lid or cover.  
         [0044]    In another alternative embodiment, the bin is a single-piece container with a discharge opening in a side wall. The bin of this embodiment has a generally rectangular or loaf shape, and the loaf bins manufactured by Rotonics Mfg., Inc. of Bartow, Fla. are representative.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 20 illustrates loaf bin  50  comprising a top and bottom wall  51   a - b  (bottom wall  51   b  not shown) connected by side walls  52   a - d  (side walls  52   a - b  not shown). Top wall  51   a  is equipped with lid  53  that is in sealing engagement (e.g., threaded, compression fit, etc. and which is substantially water-tight) with an opening size for easy and fast filling of the bin with a dry, free-flowing manufactured animal feed.  
         [0046]    In another embodiment of this invention not shown, top wall  51   a  is equipped with two or more openings, each opening having such a lid. In another, preferred embodiment of this invention, the fill opening is sealed with a breather cap that allows for the exchange of air between the environment and the inside of the bin so as to prevent or reduce condensation within the bin or, alternatively, the breather element is simply lid  53  loosely threaded to top wall  51   a.    
         [0047]    Side wall  52   d  is equipped with discharge mechanism  54  which is in sealing engagement with an opening sized for easy and fast discharge from the bin of dry, free-flowing, manufactured animal feed. Discharge mechanism  54  (also known as a hopper valve or slide gate assemble) comprises (i) adapter plate  55  that is affixed to side wall  52   d  by any convenient means, e.g., mechanical fasteners, adhesive, etc., in an essentially air and water-tight manner, (ii) guide or shoot  56  that attaches to adapter plate  55 , and (iii) gate blade  57  (shown in the open position) that opens or closes access to the interior of bin  50 . When gate blade  57  is in the close position, the bin is sealed to the environment such that the bin contents are protected from the environment and invasive animals. When gate blade  57  is in the open position, the contents of the bin are discharged. The amount of feed discharge from the bin can be regulated by manual operation of the gate blade. One discharge mechanism that can be used in the practice of this particular embodiment is the hopper valve assembly manufactured by Brock Grain &amp; Feed Systems of Milford, Ind. Variations on this discharge mechanism include detachable or hinged chutes (which can be removed or moved to a position that does not hinder the positioning of the bin on either the transport or support rack), larger and/or wider adapter plates, different gate mechanisms, and the like.  
         [0048]    Because a loaf bin discharges its contents from a side wall, it is positioned on an angle such that the contents of the bin flow gravitationally (i.e., under the force of gravity) towards the discharge mechanism. The size or slope of the angle (i.e., the angle formed by the bottom wall of the bin and a level section of ground) will vary with the nature of the animal feed (feed of a generally spherical shape flows more readily than a feed of a generally rectangular shape, and thus the tilt of the bin is usually less steep for the former than it is for the latter). Since loaf bins are generally rectangular, the support rack is typically designed such that the loaf bin rests at an angle (relative to a level section of ground) that allows the feed to flow gravitationally towards the discharge mechanism. Typically, the angle is at least about 30°, preferably at least about 40° and more preferably at least about 50°. This is illustrated in FIGS.  21 - 23 .  
         [0049]    Support rack  60  comprises a pair of rear legs  62   a - b  and a pair of front legs  64   a - b,  the rear legs longer than the front legs such that the plane between the rear and front legs is sloped downward from back to front. The rear legs are connected to the front legs. Rear leg  62   a  is connected to front leg  64   a  by top rail  74   a,  and similarly, rear leg  62   b  is connected to front leg  64   b  by top rail  74   b.  Rear legs  62   a - b  are connected to one another by stabilizing cross beams  66   a - b,  and similarly, front legs  64   a - b  are connected to one another by stabilizing cross beams  66   c - d.  Rear leg  62   a  is further connected to front leg  64   a  by stabilizing cross beams  68   a - b,  and similarly, rear leg  62   b  is further connected to front leg  64   b  by stabilizing cross beams  68   c - d.  Lateral support beams  70   a - d  connects top rails  74   a - b  and, optionally but preferably, each such beams are equipped with rollers  72   a  respectively. Top rail  74   a  is also equipped with side tabs  76   a - b  and end tab  78   a  and top rail  74   b  is equipped with side tabs  74   c - d  and end tab  78   b  (the tabs also known as guides, stops or a similar term). Rear legs  62   a - b  are optionally equipped with wheels  79   a - b,  respectively, and front legs  64   a - b  are optionally equipped with wheels  79   c - d,  respectively.  
         [0050]    In those embodiments of this invention in which the bin is equipped with a stationary, nonremovable chute that extends below the bottom wall of the bin, the lateral support beams preferably are of a flattened U-shaped configuration, as shown in FIG. 21, which allows for easy movement of the bin into its final resting position on support rack  60 . In those circumstances in which the chute is retractable, hinged, removable, or otherwise designed not to extend below the plane of the bottom wall of the bin during transport and/or storage, the lateral support beams can be, and preferably are, straight (i.e., extend from one lateral rail to another in a flat plane (not shown).  
         [0051]    Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, in one embodiment of this invention, top rails  74   a  are adjustable so as to vary the angle of incline of bin  40 . The ability to adjust the angle of incline can be convenient for at least two reasons. First, it permits better and more even alignment between support rack  60  and the bed of the transport vehicle (shown in phantom). This, in turn, facilitates moving bin  40  from the transport vehicle to support rack  60  (as is self-evident, the filled bin is moved from the vehicle (depicted as a truck in FIG. 22) onto the high end of the support rack thus using gravity as an assist in positioning the bin onto the rack). Second, the ability to vary the angle of incline is useful in those instances in which the animal feed, for whatever reason, does not flow freely through the discharge mechanism. In this instance, an increased angle of incline may impart sufficient gravitational force to the feed such that it resumes free flow through the discharge mechanism.  
         [0052]    Still referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, top rails  74   a - b  are joined by lateral support rail  86  which is equipped with legs  80   a - b.  These legs are not load-bearing support structures, but rather part of a stability/guide system that includes tabs  81   a - b.  When lateral support rail  86  is lifted from the top of rear legs  62   a - b  (upon which it rests when not in an extended position), legs  80   a - b  move along and against tabs  81   a - b.  Lateral support rail  86  is extended upward through the action of jack  82 , which can be manipulated by, for instance, handle  83  (shown in phantom). Jack  82  rests upon lateral beam  84 , which is fastened to rear legs  62   a - b  in any suitable manner (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.), and jack head  85  engages lateral support rail  86 . Alternative means to this manual jack for adjusting the angle of incline can also be used in the practice of this invention, e.g., a powered, hydraulic mechanism, a hoist, etc. Moreover, jacks of different sizes and designs, e.g., a jack sized and designed to rest on the ground, can also be used.  
         [0053]    In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the bin is carried by a simple skid, pallet or other device that allows the bin to be maneuvered with mechanical lift equipment. In these embodiments, the bin is attached to the skid by any conventional means, e.g., straps, brackets, etc. In yet another alternative embodiment, the bin is designed with lift-engagement features (e.g., ridges, hooks, pockets, handles, etc.) that allow for its positioning and transport using mechanical lifts. For example, the bin can have one or more cavities or recessions designed into the shape of its bottom wall to allow engagement with the tines of a forklift truck, or the hooks and cables of a crane.  
         [0054]    Once the loaf bin has been transported to the desired remote location, it is transferred from the transport vehicle (e.g., trailer or truck) onto the support rack.  
         [0055]    First, the empty bin must be moved from the support rack onto the truck. Since the empty bin is relatively light, the bin can be removed from the rack by an individual of modest strength with little difficulty. Once the empty bin is removed from the support rack, then the filled bin is transferred from the transport vehicle to the support vehicle (the truck positioned such that the filled bin first engages the support rack at its elevated end). The transfer can be effected with the use of lift equipment, e.g., a forklift truck, crane, etc. The side tabs guide the filled bin as it moves along the top rails from the transport vehicle into its position onto the support rack so as to prevent the bin from moving sideways off of the rack either during this transfer operation or while at rest in the field (from contact with an animal or machine). Alternatively, the top rails can be shaped to provide this guiding function. The end tabs prevent the bin from sliding too far forward on the support rack, also during both transfer and while at rest. Here too, the top rails can be shaped to perform this function.  
         [0056]    Typically, the support rack and filled bin are located in a barn, pasture or similar setting in which the horses, cattle or other large animals are fed. The discharge assembly of the bin is located at a sufficient height above the floor or ground to permit a wheelbarrow or similar device to be positioned beneath the discharge device to accept feed from the bin. To release feed, the gate blade of the discharge device is activated, the desired quantity of feed is transferred to a wheelbarrow or similar device, and the gate blade is closed. The feed is then transported to a desired location. The feed remaining in the bin is safe from the elements and/or rodents until further needed. In those embodiments of the invention in which the support rack is equipped with wheels or other mobility means, e.g., skids, tracks, etc., the support rack and bin itself can be moved about the building or pasture.  
         [0057]    In another alternative embodiment of this invention, the bin and support rack are combined into a one-piece device as shown in FIG. 24. In this instance, the bottom wall of the bin is equipped with legs  44   a - d  (leg  44   d  not shown). The legs ( 44   b - c ) that extend beneath the wall with discharge gate  45  are shorter than the legs ( 44   a  and  d ) extending beneath the wall distal to discharge gate  45 . The relative length of legs  44   a  and  d  and  44   b - c  are determined by the desired angle of incline for the bottom wall of the bin. Typically, the angle of incline is at least about 30 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, and more preferably at least 50 degrees. These angles of incline are essentially the same as those used with the bin and support rack of FIGS.  21 - 23 . The bin of FIG. 24 is also equipped with capped fill portal  46 .  
         [0058]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the bin of FIG. 24 is of a two-piece construction (not shown) in which the bin is of a configuration as shown in FIG. 20 and the support rack is simply a modified, four-legged table design with its supporting surface having the desired angle of inclination.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 25 illustrates still another embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, the bin of FIG. 7 remains on the rack of FIG. 7, i.e., it is not removed for refilling once emptied of its contents. Rather, once empty or otherwise in need of refilling, the bin is refilled in place by any convenient means. As illustrated in the FIG. 25, one means of refilling bin  10  is from a cargo vehicle, e.g., hopper trailer  47 , that is towed or otherwise transported to the bin. This cargo vehicle is designed to hold more than a minibulk quantity of feed, typically many times a minibulk quantity of feed, so that one such vehicle can be used to fill many minibulk feed bins before requiring reloading.  
         [0060]    Once at the site, the dry, free-flowing manufactured animal feed is transferred from hopper trailer  47  to bin  10  by any convenient means, e.g., an air flow system comprising hose  48  and dispenser head  49  powered by any suitable source (gas engine, battery, etc, not shown). One such system is available from Systems One (a Yetter Company). An alternative transfer means utilizes an auger system. The refilling can occur on an as-needed basis, e.g., when the bin is empty or the amount of feed is reduced to below or near a level of less than a minibulk quantity, or on a predetermined schedule.  
         [0061]    Although this invention has been described in considerable detail through the description and figures described above, this detail is for the purpose of illustration and is not to be construed as limitations upon the invention as described in the appended claims.