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WO2008137954A2 - Contenant d'expédition universel - Google Patents

Contenant d'expédition universel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008137954A2
WO2008137954A2 PCT/US2008/062946 US2008062946W WO2008137954A2 WO 2008137954 A2 WO2008137954 A2 WO 2008137954A2 US 2008062946 W US2008062946 W US 2008062946W WO 2008137954 A2 WO2008137954 A2 WO 2008137954A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panels
container
shipping container
universal
component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/062946
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008137954A3 (fr
Inventor
Michael Sims
Charles W. True
Original Assignee
Environmental Packaging Technologies Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Environmental Packaging Technologies Limited filed Critical Environmental Packaging Technologies Limited
Publication of WO2008137954A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008137954A2/fr
Publication of WO2008137954A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008137954A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/02—Local reinforcements or stiffening inserts, e.g. wires, strings, strips or frames
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/14—Suspension means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B65D77/061—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers the containers being mounted on a pallet
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging

Definitions

  • This application relates to shipping containers and, in preferred embodiments, to collapsible, reusable, stackable, flexible or semi-rigid shipping containers for shipping all types of cargo, ranging from dry bulk materials to slurries to fluids.
  • a universal flexible shipping container can include a structure referred to herein as an "outer component layer” and a structure referred to as a "corner component member” for combination with the outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • a universal flexible shipping container includes an outer component layer, corner component members for combination with the outer component layer, and at least one "core section member" for insertion in the outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • a universal shipping container includes an outer component layer, corner component members for combination with the outer component layer, and at least one flexible container member for insertion in the outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • a universal flexible shipping container includes an outer component layer, corner component members for combination with the outer component layer, at least one core section member for insertion in said outer component layer, and at least one flexible container member for insertion in that least one core section member for forming a shipping container.
  • a universal shipping container comprising an outer component layer and at least one core section member for insertion in said outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • the universal shipping container can additionally comprise at least one corner component member for combination with said outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • the universal shipping container can additionally comprise at least one flexible container member for insertion in said outer component layer for forming a shipping container.
  • the universal shipping container can comprise at least one corner component member for combination with said outer component layer for forming a shipping container and at least one flexible container member for insertion in said at least one core section member for forming a shipping container.
  • a universal shipping container that comprises at least a first structure, a second structure and a third structure, wherein the first structure includes a semirigid enclosure that includes a bottom part and a top part configured to be joined, defines a first open space and has six rectangular sides when the bottom part and the top part are joined; the second structure includes multiple panels forming elongated sidewalls that are configured to define a second open space and to be positioned within the first open space of the first structure; and the third structure includes a cargo container that is configured to be positioned within the second open space of the second structure and is capable of holding cargo in the form of liquid, slurry or dry bulk material.
  • the universal shipping container can comprise a second structure that includes a core section member that includes multiple, elongated flat panel members each capable of being folded so that the core section member is capable of having either a planar orientation or a cylindrical-type orientation that defines the second open space and has an octagonal cross-section.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that includes a set of separate corner component members.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that includes internal support walls that extend across part of the interior of the first structure and provide structural support for any weight placed on the top of the first structure.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that includes a core section member that includes two wall core sections, each wall core section having multiple elongated flat panels that can be folded such that each wall core section is capable of having a planar orientation.
  • the universal shipping container can have a second structure that includes at least three components that are initially separate and, upon assembly, form a unitary structure.
  • the universal shipping container can have a first structure that has at least six rectangular side panels comprising four vertically oriented rectangular side panels, a horizontal top rectangular side panel and a horizontal bottom rectangular side panel, wherein the horizontal top side panel and the horizontal bottom side panel have flat outer surfaces.
  • the universal shipping container can have a third structure that includes a flexible bag having multiple film layers, such that if one film layer fails the other layers retain the cargo being shipped.
  • the universal shipping container can have a second structure that fits inside the first structure, and includes internal support walls that extend across part of the interior of the first structure, wherein the walls provide structural support for another container stacked on top of that particular container.
  • the universal shipping container can have a second structure that fits inside the first structure, and includes internal support walls that extend across part of the interior of the first structure, wherein the walls provide structural support for another container stacked on top of that particular container; and wherein the internal support walls are provided in part by corner components.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that has multiple elongated flat panels, and also includes two or more wall core sections, each having multiple elongated flat panels.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that has multiple elongated flat panels, and also includes two or more wall core sections, each having multiple elongated flat panels, wherein the two or more sections can be combined to form a substantially cylindrical-like structure.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that can be placed inside the first structure, the multiple elongated panels of the second structure are vertically oriented, the second structure has multiple vertically oriented flat panels that form a cylindrical-type of enclosure; the width of each vertically oriented flat panels is less than the width of each of the four vertical sides of the first structure; at least four of the panels extend across the space or interior of the first structure, thus providing structural support; eight vertically oriented flat panels include four sets of opposed vertically oriented flat panels; the second structure has eight vertically oriented flat panels that form an octagonal cylinder; and the eight vertically oriented flat panels can include four sets of opposed vertically oriented flat panels.
  • the universal shipping container can include a second structure that has a bottom component, which has a large panel that is the bottom side of the bottom component, wherein the bottom side includes an inner surface and an outer surface, such that, when the container is assembled, after the second structure has been placed inside the first structure, the outer surface of that bottom side is in contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the bottom side of first structure to provide support.
  • the universal shipping container can have a second structure with a bottom component, that includes a central bottom side with multiple extension panels around the circumference of the bottom side, each extension panel being connected to the central bottom side such that it can be folded from a flat orientation to a perpendicular orientation with respect to the central bottom side, the multiple extension panels including a first extension panel configured for contact with a corner piece and oriented in coplanar relation to the corner piece, and a second extension panel configured for contact with an inner wall of the first structure, wherein the first extension panel has a greater length than the second extension pane.
  • the universal shipping container can include two or more corner components, each corner component having multiple panels which can be folded to form a structure forming a triangular cross-sectional space and which also has apertures which, when folded together can be aligned and a cord or cable can be used to tie them together and secure the triangular corner structure.
  • Versions of the invention described herein include universal collapsible, reusable, stackable, flexible shipping containers for shipping many types of cargo, ranging from dry bulk materials to slurries to fluids. At least certain versions of the invention include components which are flexible and when used as a system provides a container with superior shipping qualities. These flexible design components used in this invention of the universal shipping container allows them to be disassembled and folded into a package when they are empty, which is substantially smaller in volume than when they are assembled to form a container for carrying cargo. However, when they are assembled these, containers hold more volume when full than conventional containers.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outer component layer showing one embodiment of its bottom and top covering parts and securing straps.
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of a bottom component which as shown is in a flat configuration, but fold lines are shown to form a bottom component.
  • Fig. 3 is a side view of a triangular stacking corner component showing it partially folded along fold lines for starting to form a triangular stacking corner.
  • Fig 4 is a side view of a wall core section component showing it partially folded along predetermined fold lines to a form component panel.
  • Fig 5 shows an exploded view of an assembly of components to form one embodiment of a universal container which has an outer component layer, wall core section components, bottom panel, triangle stacking corners components, and bottom component.
  • Fig. 6 shows and exploded view of an assembly of components to form another embodiment of the universal container which may be fitted into an outer component layer showing wall core section components, bottom component, bottom panel, and a flexible container member.
  • Fig. 7 is a partial side view, looking toward the top of one embodiment of the universal container, showing wall core section components, triangular stacking corners, and outer component layer.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer component layer showing the bottom and top covering parts secured, with hidden lines showing at least one embodiment of universal container components
  • Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic top view of one embodiment of the universal container with 55 gallon drums superimposed by hidden lines in the universal container to diagramically show relative volume foot prints on a standard pallet.
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of four universal container embodiments collapsed, packaged, and stacked on a palette for shipment empty.
  • Fig. 11 is a side view of four pallets containing four 55 gallon drums per pallet for shipment empty to attempt to equal the volume possible in Fig. 10 when the four universal containers are filled for shipment.
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an outer component layer showing one embodiment of a triangular stacking corner component being inserted DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • a universal container includes at least three structures, which may broadly be referred to herein as a "first structure,” a “second structure” and a “third structure.” Different versions and examples of the first, second and third structures are described in greater detail below. Each of the three structures may have different characteristics and features; they also may have different relationships to one another, as described below.
  • the term "universal container” is defined as any of the various combinations of structures and/or components claimed and/or disclosed herein, where the term “universal” merely refers to the fact that a wide variety of different types of cargo can be shipped using the same type of container.
  • FIG. 1 A specific example of a first structure 10 is shown in Figure 1, which includes a bottom part 1OB and a top part 1OT.
  • the top part 1OT has four side panels which are oriented vertically with respect to the preferred positioning of the structure. Each of those four side panels is rectangular in shape; each has a lower edge, a right edge, an upper edge and a left edge.
  • the top part 1OT also has a top panel (upper panel) which includes an upper surface 110.
  • the top part 1OT also has a fixed stitched belting 111 that is affixed to, e.g., woven or stitched into, the circumference of the top part 1OT proximate the upper edge.
  • FIG. 11 Also included are eight individual stitched vertical belt members 112 that are positioned vertically and close to the corners. Those vertical belt members include openings through which the moveable horizontal belting 17 can slide. Each of the two ends of the moveable belt have fasteners 114, 115, and can be fastened to one another, and tightened, as shown in Figure 8. One end of the moveable horizontal belt (the “fastening belt”) can include holes, which can be used to aid in fastening, if hooks on the fastening belt are included.
  • the rectangular-shaped circumference of the top part 1OT is larger than the rectangular-shaped circumference of the bottom part 1OB, so that the two parts can be adjoined by simply fitting the top part 1OT over the bottom part 1OB, as revealed in Figure 8, which also shows how the fastening belt operates to tighten and secure the top part 1OT on the bottom part 1OB, preferably after the second and third structures (including cargo) are inserted.
  • the first structure 10 also includes bottom part 1OB.
  • the bottom part 1OB has similar dimensions as those of top part 1OT, with a few differences, including but not limited to the difference in circumferences as noted above.
  • the bottom part 1OB has four side panels which are oriented vertically with respect to the preferred positioning of the structure. Each of those four side panels is rectangular in shape; each has a lower edge, a right edge, an upper edge and a left edge.
  • the bottom part 1OB also has a bottom panel (lower panel) which includes an upper surface that is on the inside, within the space defined by the lower part 1OB, and a lower surface (not shown) which is on the exterior of the first structure.
  • the bottom and top parts are made of the same material, to provide a semi-rigid structure that is both flexible and self-supporting.
  • the individual panels can be made of any number of flexible planar materials, such as plastic sheeting, they should be reinforced in some manner, e.g., by internal stitching.
  • the bottom part 1OB can have fixed, horizontal belting 117 that can be stitched into the panels. It should also have vertical stitching at the corners, as seen in Figures 1 and 8.
  • the bottom part 1OB should also have cross straps 119 that can be placed across the opening formed by the four vertical panels (see, e.g., Figure 8) and fastened to secure any third structure, e.g., cargo container 16 (see Figure 16), and prevent the cargo from experiencing excessive up-and-down movement.
  • Each cross belt should have a corresponding fastener, e.g., rings 118.
  • the bottom component 11 (which forms part of the second structure) is illustrated.
  • the bottom component is preferably non- circular, having three or more edges.
  • the particular bottom component 11 shown in Figure 2 has eight edges, having an octagonal shape.
  • the center part 120 of the bottom component includes side edges 121 and corner edges 122. All the edges 121 and 122 are preferably folds HF that separate the central part 120 of the bottom component 11 from the extension panels 123, 124.
  • the bottom component 11 includes eight extension panels, which include two different types of extension panel 123, 124. Extension panel 124, discussed in greater detail below, has a greater length than extension panel 123.
  • Each extension panel 124 has one edge that is defined by a fold 122, two side edges that are perpendicular to the fold 122 and two angular edges that form a point.
  • Each extension panel 123 has one edge defined by a fold 121, two side edges that are perpendicular to fold 121 and a single top edge.
  • the second structure can be assembled by folding the all extension panels in a perpendicular position (with respect to the center part of the bottom section), and then inserting or sliding the thus-assembled bottom component into the space defined by the core section (discussed below).
  • a core component can be formed of two or more separate “core sections,” which are assembled to fit together to form the core component that slides into the first structure.
  • the walls or panels of the assembled core component defines an octagonal space into which the bottom component can fit.
  • the assembled bottom component slides into the space defined by the core component, as illustrated in Figure 5.
  • a core section (not shown) that is the mirror-image of the core section in Figure 4 is used to form an assembled core component, which can be seen in Figure 5.
  • the core section in Figure 4 has five elongated panels, although a core section with fewer panels is also contemplated.
  • the core section has five elongated panels, including the outer panels 130a, 130b and the inner panels (131a, 133, 131b). All those five panels have the same length but, in that specific embodiment, panels 131b, 131a and 132 each has a larger width than the width of panels 130a, 130b which is narrower.
  • the panels of core section 14 can be separate, individual panels that are connected by hinges.
  • the core section can be an integral member formed of any planar but bendable material, e.g., foam board or rigid plastic sheeting, which can be bent, scored, or folded to form folds 14F, so that panels are formed in the core section. Also, a longitudinal cut can be made along each fold to facilitate folding.
  • each core section is folded as shown in Figure 4, and then placed in adjoining relation, such that the concave portion of one core section faces the concave portion of the other core section.
  • the two core sections are then combined to form the core component, as shown in Figure 6, which also shows a belt that can be used to hold the two sections together.
  • three core sections can be used to form a core component having an octagonal shape.
  • each core section can have four panels instead of five, and the two outer panels can either join (as do the outer panels in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5) or then can overlap with the outer panel of the adjoining core section.
  • corner component member 13 is shown, which is part of the specific embodiment of the universal container disclosed herein. That member 13 is shown in unfolded and unassembled form, i.e., before being folded together to form a triangular stacking corner component such as the one seen in Figure 5.
  • corner component member (corner member) 13 will now be discussed.
  • each assembled corner member fits into the leftover space at the corners of the first structure, which leftover space is between the inside surface of the first structure (proximate the corners) and the outside surface of the core component.
  • Each assembled corner member is inserted into the first structure, at the corners, and has a vertical surface that is in surface contact with one of the panels of the core component, as seen in Figure 5.
  • the corner section has multiple elongated panels and the specific corner section in Figure 3 has six elongated panels, including two outer panels 125a, 125b (with apertures for lashing the panels together after folding and assembling them as seen in Figure 7), two intermediate panels 126a, 126b and two inner panels 127a, 127b.
  • each of the outer and intermediate panels has the same width, each of which is narrower than the width of each inner panels.
  • the panels for the corner members can be separate, individual panels that are connected by hinges.
  • the corner member can be an integral member formed of any planar but bendable material, e.g., foam board or rigid plastic sheeting, which can be bent, scored, or folded to form folds 13F, so that panels are formed in the corner member. Also, a longitudinal cut can be made along each fold to facilitate folding.
  • the first structure exemplified by the structure 10 which is shown in the drawings, and which is referred to elsewhere herein as the "outer component layer," preferably includes at least a bottom part and a top part.
  • the second structure which fits inside the first structure, preferably includes at least two components or parts, and more preferably three components or parts. In a preferred embodiment, those two or three components or parts forming the second structure are initially separate (before assembly), and can then be combined (assembled) to form the second structure that is then unitary, as disclosed in drawings herein.
  • a third structure which is either a flexible cargo container or a rigid cargo container (e.g., a 55-gallon drum), capable of holding actual cargo (e.g., liquid, slurry or dry bulk material), fits inside the second structure, i.e., in the space defined by the walls of the second structure.
  • actual cargo e.g., liquid, slurry or dry bulk material
  • a universal container includes at least a first structure, exemplified by the "outer component layer” shown in the drawings, which includes a bottom part and a top part; and a second structure, which preferably includes a separate "bottom component,” an example of which is shown in the drawings, and preferably also includes a separate “wall core section component,” an example of which is also shown in the drawings.
  • the second structure also preferably includes a set of separate "corner component members,” examples of which are shown in the drawings. As disclosed by the drawings, the second structure preferably fits inside the first structure.
  • the third structure is a flexible container that holds the cargo, and includes multiple film layers, such that if one film layer fails the other layers retain the cargo being shipped.
  • the third structure is a rigid container, such as a 55- gallon drum.
  • the three components forming at least part of the second structure are initially separate, and form a unitary structure upon being assembled.
  • This patent disclosure does not exclude a universal container in which the second structure is a single integral structure without the need for assembly of different parts (components) to form that structure.
  • a second structure that includes, or is formed or assembled from, two or more different components, where those components are initially separate from one another, rather than already being part of a unitary second structure.
  • the second structure is preferably formed by assembling together a bottom component (e.g., as shown in Figure 2), a core section that is composed of two mirror-image core component sections (e.g., as shown in Figure 4) and four separate corner components (e.g., as shown in Figure 3).
  • each of those separate components can be configured for assembly to form the second structure (e.g., as shown in Figure 5), or they can be configured in a flat or planar arrangement (e.g., as shown in Figures 2-4). When they are in the flat (planar) configuration they can be stacked on top of one another and shipped separately.
  • the third structure e.g., the flexible cargo container
  • the empty container is disassembled, including disassembly of the second structure into the different components, shown in Figures 2-4; and those components (including the bottom, corner and core components) can be each be unfolded and configured in a flat arrangement.
  • those components can be stacked and easily shipped separately from the first component, for re-assembly into newly formed universal containers, as shown in Figure 10.
  • a universal container includes at least a first structure and a second structure that fits inside the first structure.
  • the first structure has at least six rectangular sides, namely, four vertically oriented rectangular sides, a horizontal top rectangular side and a horizontal bottom rectangular side, thus providing a generally cube-like structure.
  • both the horizontal top side and the horizontal bottom side preferably have flat outer surfaces.
  • all six sides of the first structure are preferably semi-rigid, so that the entire first structure is self-supporting. Because of the way these component elements are constructed in this container system, these containers although flexible are also stackable. These containers may be stacked at least two layers high. The ability of this stackable container to be stacked allows it to be used two high in shipping containers. Further, the stackable containers maintained their rectangular side shape and do not expand out to become stuck in a shipping container, even when they are stacked two high.
  • the universal container includes at least three structures (including the flexible container for the cargo).
  • the second structure fits inside the first structure, and preferably includes internal support walls that extend across part of the interior of the first structure.
  • the walls are configured to provide structural support for any weight placed on the top of the first structure, e.g., another container stacked on top of that particular container.
  • Those internal support walls are preferably provided in part by the geometry of the second structure itself.
  • the internal support walls also are preferably provided in part by a part of the corner components.
  • the second structure preferably has multiple elongated flat panels, and also preferably includes two or more sections (e.g., wall core sections) each having multiple elongated flat panels (e.g., four flat panels). Those two or more sections can be combined to form a substantially cylindrical-like structure (e.g., an octagonal form) as exemplified by the wall core section in the drawings, e.g., in Figure 5.
  • two or more sections can be combined to form a substantially cylindrical-like structure (e.g., an octagonal form) as exemplified by the wall core section in the drawings, e.g., in Figure 5.
  • the second structure When the second structure is placed inside the first structure described elsewhere herein (e.g., in Figure 1, in which the first structure has four vertically oriented side walls forming a cube, with a flat top side and a bottom flat side), the multiple elongated panels of the second structure are vertically oriented, as shown in certain drawings herein, e.g., Figure 5.
  • the second structure has multiple vertically oriented flat panels that form a "cylindrical-type" enclosure which, instead of curved walls, has multiple flat walls, each of which is tangential to the curve of an imaginary ideal cylinder inside it.
  • the width of each of those vertically oriented flat panels is less than the width of each of the four vertical sides of the first structure, as is apparent from the drawings.
  • compartments are formed, e.g., spaces at each of the corners of the first structure.
  • at least four of the panels extend across the space or interior of the first structure, thus providing structural support, as referenced above.
  • the eight vertically oriented flat panels preferably include four sets of opposed vertically oriented flat panels.
  • the second structure has eight vertically oriented flat panels that form an octagonal cylinder, and the eight vertically oriented flat panels can include four sets of opposed vertically oriented flat panels.
  • the second structure also preferably has a bottom component, which is described elsewhere herein and is also shown in the drawings, e.g., Figure 2.
  • the bottom component (which in at least one specific embodiment forms part of the second structure) has a large panel that is the bottom side or part of the bottom component. That bottom side (or panel) includes an inner surface and an outer surface.
  • the outer surface of that bottom side is preferably placed in contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the bottom side of first structure to provide support for the flexible container that is to be provided.
  • the bottom side of the bottom component has a shape that corresponds to the geometry of the quasi-cylinder formed by the multiple panels of the core section (e.g., an octagon).
  • the bottom component also includes multiple extension panels around the circumference of the bottom side or panel, as depicted in Figure 2.
  • each of those extension panels is connected so that it can be folded, bent or rotated from a flat orientation (shown in Figure 2) to a perpendicular orientation with respect to the bottom side (or panel), as shown in Figure 5.
  • the extension panels are of at least two different lengths, as exemplified in Figure 5.
  • the extension panels that are designed to be positioned in contact or against the corner pieces, and are oriented in coplanar relation to the corner pieces, are longer than the extension panels that are designed to be positioned in contact or against the inner walls of the first structure.
  • the second structure also preferably has multiple corner components, exemplified by the "triangular stacking corner components" discussed elsewhere herein, and shown by reference number 13 in the drawings, e.g., in Figure 4 (in unfolded configuration) and in Figure 5 (in folded or assembled configuration).
  • the assembled corner components are displayed partially as a top view and partially as a perspective view, to more fully disclose how the corner components function, and how they combine with and relate to the core structure and the first structure.
  • the corner component has multiple panels (e.g., five panels), which can be folded to form a triangular structure (when viewed from the top, bottom, or in cross-section), and which also has apertures so that, when folded together so that the apertures line up, a cord or cable can be used to tie them together and secure the triangular corner structure, as disclosed in Figure 7.
  • the corner pieces are displayed in assembled form in Figure 12 (without the cords or cables), where the physical relationship between the corner pieces and the first structure can be seen.
  • FIG. 1 an embodiment of an outer component layer is shown in general reference number 10 with its bottom 1OB and top covering parts 1OT
  • a bottom component 11 is shown in a flat configuration with fold lines 1 IF shown for forming a bottom component 11.
  • This bottom component 11 may be folded to form a bottom component 11 to be used as shown here after and then folded back flat after use for stacking and later reuse.
  • a triangular stacking corner component 13 is shown in a partially folded position with fold lines 13F shown for forming a triangular stacking corner component 13.
  • fold lines 13F shown for forming a triangular stacking corner component 13.
  • at least two or more triangular stacking corner components 13 may be used.
  • a wall core section component 14 is shown in a partially folded position with fold lines 14F shown for forming a wall core section component 14.
  • an outer component layer 10 and its bottom 1OB are shown receiving two wall core section components 14, bottom panel 15 and four triangular stacking corner components 13.
  • a bottom component 11 is being received into the at least two wall core section components 14. Once all the components are in place at least one embodiment of this container has been formed.
  • FIG 6 an assembly for forming at least another embodiment of this container, is shown, wherein at least two wall core section components 14 are placed on bottom panel 15 and then are provided for receiving a bottom component of 11 which in turn receives a flexible container member 16. After all these combinations of components have been assembled, at least another embodiment of this container is formed. This formed container may be inserted into an outer component layer 10, not shown, for the formation of a least yet another embodiment of this universal container.
  • FIG 7 an assembly for forming at least yet another embodiment of this universal container, is shown, wherein at least six wall core section components 14, four triangular stacking corner components 13 have been positioned and inserted into a bottom 1OB of outer component layer 10, for forming yet another embodiment of this universal container.
  • FIG 8 an assembly of one embodiment of this universal container has been completed showing the outer component layer 10 having its bottom 1OB and top covering parts 10 mated and secured.
  • the inner components shown in this figure being shown in hidden lines are four triangular stacking corner components 13, two wall core section components 14 and secured with securing straps 17 for forming yet another embodiment of this universal container.
  • Fig 10 the universal container is shown in its collapsed stage in packages 19. These collapse stage packages 19, had been stacked four high on a pallet 20, which would be as high as four 55 gallon drums 18 if those 55 gallon drums 18 had been stacked on the palate 20.
  • Fig. 11 which is four palettes 20 with four 55 gallon drums 18 on each palette 20, it can be seen by comparing Fig 10 and Fig 11 the relative volumes of the universal container stored for shipment empty against 55 gallon drums, which would hold less volume, stored for shipment empty.
  • FIG 12 an assembly for forming at least another embodiment of this universal container, is shown, wherein four triangular stacking corner components 13 are being positioned into the bottom 1OB of outer component layer 10 for forming yet another embodiment of this universal container or as preparation for the formation of many different embodiments for this universal container.
  • Embodiments of this container system allow the sum of the component parts to achieve a synergistic effect, which means that the resultant container formed is substantially stronger than any of its component parts and because it is made of independent rigid and semirigid components it is able to withstand damage from shipping events such as drops, collisions, etc.
  • the universal container is actually a series of panels and containers using components, which as assembled, provides a series of containers which can be used for varying and different cargos ranging from simple bulk cargos to non-toxic cargos dry or fluid to toxic cargos which are dry or fluid. These containers may also be configured to carry food grade and other products of high purity.
  • these containers are designed to provide containment against environmental leaks if the primary component of the container leaks. This containment feature is achieved by providing multiple film layers used in one of the components of these containers, such that if one film layer fails the other layers retain the product.
  • Embodiments of the universal container also provide safe and environmentally sound disposal of products and containers without the need for washing and containment of wash water and product, by incineration of one of the component containers.
  • the container component which can be incinerated has fittings which may be removed and reused in new containers. Also, these fittings are relative expensive and therefore provide good recycle material incentive for both the seller and the user.
  • these containers although flexible are very stackable. These containers may be stacked at least two layers high. The stackability of this container allows it to be used two high in shipping containers. Further, the stackable containers maintained their rectangular side shape and do not expand out to become stuck in a shipping container, even when they are stacked two high.
  • these containers may be changed from wet too dry cargo by simply changing one component of this universal container system.
  • the components of these containers may be disassembled and laid flat, which greatly reduces the volume these universal containers take up when shipped empty. Further, these containers may be stored in their flat configuration until cargo is ready. Also by being greatly reduced in volume, it requires less freight to be shipped empty containers to destinations for filling because more of these containers can be placed in a freight container than a standard container, thereby reducing the cost of shipping these universal containers. It would also be appreciated by the skilled in the art, that many more of these containers can be stored in a smaller space, than previous containers of the prior art.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un contenant d'expédition universel comprenant au moins une première structure, une deuxième structure et une troisième structure. La première structure comprend une enceinte semi-rigide qui comprend une partie inférieure et une partie supérieure configurées pour être unies, et définit un premier espace ouvert et a six côtés rectangulaires lorsque la partie inférieure et la partie supérieure sont unies; la deuxième structure comprend de multiples panneaux formant des parois latérales allongées qui sont configurées pour définir un second espace ouvert et pour être positionnées dans le premier espace ouvert de la première structure. La troisième structure comprend un contenant de fret qui est configuré pour être positionné à l'intérieur du second espace ouvert de la deuxième structure, et qui peut contenir un chargement sous la forme de matériau liquide, de boue ou de vrac solide.
PCT/US2008/062946 2007-05-07 2008-05-07 Contenant d'expédition universel WO2008137954A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US92799207P 2007-05-07 2007-05-07
US60/927,992 2007-05-07

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WO2008137954A2 true WO2008137954A2 (fr) 2008-11-13
WO2008137954A3 WO2008137954A3 (fr) 2008-12-24

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PCT/US2008/062946 WO2008137954A2 (fr) 2007-05-07 2008-05-07 Contenant d'expédition universel
PCT/US2008/005850 WO2008137168A2 (fr) 2007-05-07 2008-05-07 Réservoir universel semi-rigide, empilable, pliable, pour des marchandises dangereuses et non dangereuses

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WO (2) WO2008137954A2 (fr)

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JP2015202907A (ja) * 2015-06-12 2015-11-16 中津川包装工業株式会社 バルク包装箱

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JP2015202907A (ja) * 2015-06-12 2015-11-16 中津川包装工業株式会社 バルク包装箱

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080277393A1 (en) 2008-11-13
WO2008137168A2 (fr) 2008-11-13
WO2008137168A3 (fr) 2009-08-06
WO2008137168A9 (fr) 2008-12-31
WO2008137954A3 (fr) 2008-12-24

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