Bulk transport system
View Patent ↗A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin is disclosed wherein 1) said container can comprise a component of a bulk transport system further comprising a container assembly, and 2) said container includes a body defining a cavity, at least one opening, at least one vent, and a material delivery system assembly wherein a) the body is flexible and capable of positioning within the container assembly, b) the opening provides communication with the cavity, and c) the material delivery system assembly comprises at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and said manifold includes a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container and at least one passageway extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity.
1. A flexible bulk container capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin, comprising:
a reusable body defining a cavity;
at least one inlet for introducing said first material, at least one outlet, and at least one vent, each providing communication with the cavity, wherein said inlet has a cross sectional area greater than that of the outlet; and
a material delivery system assembly having:
at least one manifold, a portion of which is positioned within the cavity of the flexible bulk container, the at least one manifold having a shell, an interior region, an inlet accessible from outside of the cavity of the flexible bulk container, and a plurality of passageways strategically positioned along the manifold extending from the internal region, through the shell, to, in turn, place the interior of the manifold in communication with the cavity, and wherein the at least one manifold is oriented within the flexible bulk container such that the outer shell of said manifold is coupled to each of a front and a back wall of the flexible bulk container and the passageways are strategically positioned along at least one of a side wall of the flexible bulk container.
2. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein each of the body and the at least one manifold comprise a flexible material.
3. The flexible bulk container of claim 2 wherein the body further comprises a ultraviolet inhibiting, antimicrobial inhibiting, or moisture absorbing component.
4. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a polyester base cloth material, optionally having a polyvinylchloride coating.
5. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a front wall region, a back wall region, a top wall region, a bottom wall region and opposing side wall regions.
6. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the inlet includes a fitment and a cover capable of sealing the inlet in a substantially fluid tight configuration.
7. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the outlet includes a valve to control flow therethrough, and optionally further comprises an internal screen, filter or perforated device.
8. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the material delivery system assembly comprises a plurality of manifolds.
9. The flexible bulk container of claim 8 wherein the at least one manifold is oriented within the flexible bulk container such that the passageways are strategically positioned along at least one of the front, back, and top walls of the flexible bulk container.
10. The flexible bulk container of claim 8 wherein the passageways of one of the plurality of manifolds are offset relative to the passageways of another of the plurality of manifolds.
11. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the passageway further comprises a nozzle.
12. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein the at least one manifold is coupled to the flexible bulk container at the inlet.
13. The flexible bulk container of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the manifold forms at least one ring proximate to a wall region of the flexible bulk container.
14. A bulk transport system capable of transporting a first material and introducing a second material for mixing therewithin, comprising:
a container assembly; and
a flexible bulk container of claim 1 .
15. The bulk transport system of claim 14 further comprising a liner and container attachment assembly, the liner and container attachment assembly facilitating attachment of a portion of the flexible bulk container with a portion of the container assembly.
16. The bulk transport system of claim 15 wherein the liner and container attachment assembly comprises a plurality of suspension members having a first end attached to the flexible bulk container and a second end attached to the container assembly.
17. The bulk transport system of claim 14 further comprising securement sleeves, said sleeves facilitating supporting and positioning of the at least one manifold within the flexible bulk container.