BAG FOR THE TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF BULK GOODS

Abstract

 There is described a bag (100) for the transport and storage of bulk goods comprising at least a bottom part (15) and four sides (11-14) connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag (100). The bag (100) further comprises four lifting straps (18) provided in an upper portion of the bag (100) along the vertical ridges of the bag (100), which lifting straps (18) are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves (17) to form tubings or ducts on two opposite sides (12, 14) of the bag (100) to allow lifting of the bag by means of a forklift. Slits (20) are further provided on an upper side of each sleeve (17), at both ends of each sleeve (17), next to the lifting straps (18), thus forming four anchor points around the lifting straps (18) to allow lifting of the bag (100) by means of a four-point lifting device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bag for the transport and storage of bulk goods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] International (PCT) Publication No. WO 98/54070 A1, which publication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a bag in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. Different embodiments of the bag are disclosed in WO 98/54070 A1 and are reproduced in Figures 1A to 1E hereof. Such bags are also commonly referred to in the art as "big bags".

[0003] One example of a known bag is shown in Figure 1A. This known bag, generally designated by reference numeral 10, comprises at least a bottom part 5 and four sides 1 to 4 connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag 10. As schematically shown in Figure 1A, the bag 10 may further be provided with a lid closing the upper part thereof and provided with an aperture or spout to transfer goods inside the storage area of the bag 10. The bag 10 of Figure 1A further comprises four lifting straps 6 provided in an upper portion of the bag 10 along the vertical ridges of the bag 10, which lifting straps 6 allow lifting of the bag 10 by means of a conventional four-point lifting device, such as a crane equipped with a four-point anchoring system.

[0004] Another known bag 10' is shown in Figures 1B-1D, in which the lifting straps 6 of Figure 1A are replaced by lifting straps 8 that are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves 7 to form tubings or ducts on two opposite sides 2, 4 of the bag 10' to allow lifting thereof by means of a forklift 50, as schematically depicted in Figure 1D. The two sleeves 7 are particularly advantageous in that they favour and facilitate insertion and guiding of the fork arms 51 of the forklift 50 through the lifting straps 8, which lifting straps 8 are designed as structural elements supporting the bag's load.

[0005] Another known bag 10" is shown in Figure 1E, which bag 10" combines the lifting abilities of bag 10 of Figure 1A and bag 10' of Figures 1B-1D, namely by providing additional lifting straps 9 on an upper end of the bag 10", next to the lifting straps 8 that form an integral part of the sleeves 7. Thanks to this arrangement, the bag 10" can either be lifted by means of a conventional four-point lifting device, using the additional lifting straps 9 as anchor points, or by means of a forklift, using the lifting straps 8, as already illustrated in Figure 1D.

[0006] A variant of the bag 10" shown in Figure 1E, as disclosed in WO 98/54070 A1, may consist in arranging the additional lifting straps so as to form closed loops around the lifting straps 8, like two links of a chain.

[0007] A problem with the known bags however resides in that these bags are either solely capable of being lifted by means of one particular type of lifting device (i.e. either a four-point lifting device or a forklift) or require the provision of two separate sets of lifting straps in order to allow lifting by means of both types of lifting devices.

[0008] There is therefore a need for an improved solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A general aim of the invention is to provide such a bag that is capable of being lifted both by means of a forklift and by means of a four-point lifting device, while keeping the bag configuration as simple as possible.

[0010] A further aim of the invention is to provide such a bag that is less expensive to manufacture than the known bags that are equipped with two sets of lifting straps.

[0011] These aims are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the claims.

[0012] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a bag for the transport and storage of bulk goods comprising at least a bottom part and four sides connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag. The bag further comprises four lifting straps provided in an upper portion of the bag along the vertical ridges of the bag, which lifting straps are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves to form tubings or ducts on two opposite sides of the bag to allow lifting of the bag by means of a forklift. According to the invention, slits are provided on an upper side of each sleeve, at both ends of each sleeve, next to the lifting straps, thus forming four anchor points around the lifting straps to allow lifting of the bag by means of a four-point lifting device.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the slits are substantially linear slits extending parallel to the lifting straps. In that context, the slits are preferably distant from the lifting straps by a distance not exceeding a couple of centimetres, in particular of the order of 1 centimetre. By way of preference, a length of the slits likewise does not exceed 10 centimetres. Furthermore, rounded openings may be provided at both ends of the slits, which rounded openings are advantageous in preventing or at least greatly limiting fraying of the fibrous woven material that is typically used as material for manufacturing the bags of the invention.

[0014] Preferably, the slits are positioned on the upper side of each sleeve so as to be distant from the relevant side onto which the sleeve is formed by a distance of the order of 10 centimetres or more. This ensures adequate positioning of the anchor points with respect to the upper portion of the bag.

[0015] In accordance with another preferred refinement of the invention, a longitudinal fold may advantageously be provided on the upper side of each sleeve, which longitudinal fold extends longitudinally along each sleeve between the slits to form a concavity along the upper side of each sleeve. The provision of this longitudinal fold favours opening of the slits and therefore use of the anchor points around the lifting straps.

[0016] The sleeves may advantageously be an integral part of the opposite sides and be formed by bending each opposite side on itself to form the tubings or ducts. In this context, a sewing or welding line extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeves may further be provided, at the base of the tubings or ducts, to secure an end of the opposite side on itself.

[0017] Furthermore, the lifting straps are preferably disposed on an outer side of the sleeves.

[0018] In accordance with a refinement of the invention, the sleeves may further be provided with structural reinforcements, which structural reinforcement can in particular be distributed along a longitudinal length of the sleeves.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention form the subject-matter of the dependent claims and are discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

Figures 1A-1E are schematic illustrations of prior art bags as disclosed e.g. in International (PCT) Publication No. WO 98/54070 A1 ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bag in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention ;

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an upper side of a sleeve of the bag of Figure 2, which sleeve is provided at both ends with slits, next to the lifting straps ;

Figure 4 is a more detailed view of one end of the sleeve shown in Figure 3 highlighting a preferred geometry of the slits and a location thereof with respect to the lifting straps ;

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of one end of the sleeve highlighting the resulting anchor point formed around the lifting strap thanks to the provision of the slits shown in Figures 3 and 4 ; and

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the bag of Figure 2 likewise highlighting the resulting anchor points formed around the lifting straps at both ends of the sleeve thanks to the provision of the slits shown in Figures 3 to 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments. It shall be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses all combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the invention disclosed herein.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bag in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, which bag is generally identified by reference numeral 100. Figure 2 shows the bag 100 in an almost fully deployed configuration as held by two persons for the purpose of illustration. It is to be understood that, in the fully deployed configuration, the bag 100 typically exhibits a generally cubic or cuboid shape, with possibly different width, length and height dimensions, depending on the relevant application and goods to be transported and stored. The bag dimensions (be it the width, length or height) may in particular range from approximately 60 to more than 200 centimetres, which dimensions shall however be understood as being mentioned for the purpose of illustration only.

[0023] Bag 100 is preferably manufactured from woven fabric using e.g. synthetic fibre materials (such as polypropylene or polyethylene materials), which fabric is cut into pieces that are sewn and/or welded together to form the bag structure. By way of illustration, reference can be made to International (PCT) Publication No. WO 01/18293 A1 in the name of the present Applicant, which publication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] Bag 100 generally shares a configuration similar to the known bag 10' of Figures 1B to 1D. In particular, bag 100 comprises at least a bottom part 15 and four sides 11 to 14 connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag 100. Bag 100 may optionally be provided with a lid closing the upper part thereof and provided with an aperture or spout to transfer goods inside the storage area of the bag 100, like the known bag 10' of Figure 1B. Bag 100 likewise comprises four lifting straps 18 provided in an upper portion of the bag 100, on sides 12 and 14, along the vertical ridges of the bag 100, which lifting straps 18 are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves 17 to form tubings or ducts on the two opposite sides 12, 14 of the bag 100 to allow lifting of the bag 100 by means of a forklift.

[0025] By way of preference, the sleeves 17 are an integral part of the opposite sides 12, 14 of the bag 100 and are formed by bending each opposite side 12, 14 on itself to form the tubings or ducts. In this context, it may further be contemplated to provide a sewing or welding line extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeves 17, at the base of the tubings or ducts, to secure the bended end of the opposite side 12, 14 on itself.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous to dispose the lifting straps 18 on an outer side of the sleeves 17, as illustrated, so as to ensure that the inner side of the sleeves 17 is free from protrusions that could otherwise interfere with the insertion of the forklift arms.

[0027] In accordance with the invention, as highlighted in Figures 3 to 6, slits 20 are provided on an upper side of each sleeve 17, at both ends of each sleeve 17, next to the lifting straps 18. These slits 20 are designed to form four anchor points around the lifting straps 18 to allow lifting of the bag 100 by means of a typical four-point lifting device. Thanks to the invention, it shall therefore be understood that a single set of four lifting straps, namely lifting straps 18, is used both for lifting by means of a forklift and by means of a four-point lifting device, thereby doing away with the need to provide separate sets of lifting straps as known in the art.

[0028] By way of preference, as better illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the slits 20 are designed as substantially linear slits extending parallel to the lifting straps 18. Furthermore, the slits 20 may advantageously be positioned on the upper side of each sleeve 17 so as to be distant from the relevant side 12, respectively 14, onto which the sleeve 17 is formed by a distance d (see Figure 3) of the order of 10 centimetres or more. The distance D (see Figure 4) separating the slits 20 from the lifting straps 18 is likewise preferably selected to not exceed a couple of centimetres. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the distance D is preferably of the order of 1 centimetre.

[0029] Tests carried out by the Applicant have furthermore demonstrated that it is appropriate for the slits 20 to exhibit a length L (see Figure 4) that does not exceed 10 centimetres, which length L is sufficient to permit formation of adequate anchor points and does not compromise the function of the sleeves 17 for the purpose of facilitating lifting by means of a forklift. While slits 20 of larger dimensions could possibly be contemplated in the context of the invention, the dimensions of the slits 20 should not however be too important as the slits 20 could otherwise interfere with the introduction and guidance of the forklift arms through the lifting straps 18 and sleeves 17.

[0030] Tests carried out by the Applicant have furthermore demonstrated that it is particularly advantageous to further shape the slits 20 so as to exhibit rounded openings 20A at both ends of the slits 20 as highlighted in Figure 4 especially. These rounded openings 20A are advantageous in preventing or at least greatly limiting fraying of the fibrous woven material that is typically used as material for manufacturing the bags of the invention.

[0031] As a further refinement of the invention, it may be useful to additionally provide a longitudinal fold 25 on the upper side of each sleeve 17, which longitudinal fold 25 extends longitudinally along each sleeve 17 between the slits 20 to form a concavity along the upper side of each sleeve 17, as depicted in Figures 3 to 5 and further visible on Figure 2. The provision of this longitudinal fold 25 favours opening of the slits 20 and therefore formation and use of the anchor points around the lifting straps 18.

[0032] In accordance with a possible refinement of the invention, the sleeves 17 could further be provided with structural reinforcements, especially structural reinforcements that are distributed along a longitudinal length of the sleeves 17.

[0033] Various modifications and/or improvements may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims. For instance, while the bag is shown as being of generally cubic form, the bag could exhibit a more elongated shape in one direction, for instance be taller or wider, depending on the relevant application.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

[0034] 

10

bag (prior art of Figure 1A)

10'

bag (prior art of Figures 1B to 1D)

10"

bag (prior art of Figure 1E)

1

first side of bag 10, 10', 10"

2

second side of bag 10, 10', 10"

3

third side of bag 10, 10', 10"

4

fourth side of bag 10, 10', 10"

5

bottom part of bag 10, 10', 10"

6

lifting straps to allow lifting of the bag 10 by means of a four-point lifting device (prior art of Figure 1A)

7

first and second sleeves interconnecting lifting straps 8 in pairs and forming tubings or ducts to allow lifting of the bag 10' (or 10") by means of a forklift (prior art of Figures 1B-1E)

8

lifting straps provided at four corners of bag 10', 10" and forming an integral part of sleeves 7 (prior art of Figures 1B-1E)

9

additional lifting straps to allow lifting of the bag 10' (or 10") by means of a four-point lifting device (prior art of Figure 1E)

50

forklift

51

fork arms of forklift 50

100

bag according to the invention (preferred embodiment)

11

first side of bag 100

12

second side of bag 100

13

third side of bag 100 (opposite to side 11)

14

fourth side of bag 100 (opposite to side 12)

15

bottom part of bag 100

17

first and second sleeves interconnecting lifting straps 18 in pairs and forming tubings or ducts to allow lifting of the bag 100 by means of a forklift

18

lifting straps provided at four corners of bag 100 and forming an integral part of sleeves 17

20

slits provided on an upper side of each sleeve 17, at both ends of each sleeve 17, next to lifting straps 18, and forming four anchor points around lifting straps 18 to allow lifting of the bag 100 by means of a four-point lifting device

20A

rounded openings 20A provided at both ends of the slits 20

25

longitudinal fold provided on upper side of each sleeve 17 and extending longitudinally along each sleeve 17 between slits 20 to form concavity along upper side of each sleeve 17

d

distance separating slit 20 from the relevant side 12, respectively 14 (see Figure 3)

D

distance separating slit 20 from associated lifting strap 18 (see Figure 4)

L

length of slits 20 (see Figure 4)

Claims

1. A bag (100) for the transport and storage of bulk goods comprising at least a bottom part (15) and four sides (11-14) connected in pairs along adjacent edges to form vertical ridges at four corners of the bag (100),
wherein the bag (100) further comprises four lifting straps (18) provided in an upper portion of the bag (100) along the vertical ridges of the bag (100), which lifting straps (18) are interconnected in pairs by two sleeves (17) to form tubings or ducts on two opposite sides (12, 14) of the bag (100) to allow lifting of the bag by means of a forklift,
characterized in that slits (20) are provided on an upper side of each sleeve (17), at both ends of each sleeve (17), next to the lifting straps (18), thus forming four anchor points around the lifting straps (18) to allow lifting of the bag (100) by means of a four-point lifting device.

2. The bag (100) according to claim 1, wherein the slits (20) are substantially linear slits extending parallel to the lifting straps (18).

3. The bag (100) according to claim 2, wherein rounded openings (20A) are provided at both ends of the slits (20).

4. The bag (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the slits (20) are distant from the lifting straps (18) by a distance (D) not exceeding a couple of centimetres.

5. The bag (100) according to claim 4, wherein the distance (D) separating the slits (20) from the lifting straps (18) is of the order of 1 centimetre.

6. The bag (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a length (L) of the slits (20) does not exceed 10 centimetres.

7. The bag (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slits (20) are positioned on the upper side of each sleeve (17) so as to be distant from the relevant side (12, 14) onto which the sleeve (17) is formed by a distance (d) of the order of 10 centimetres or more.

8. The bag (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal fold (25) is provided on the upper side of each sleeve (17), which longitudinal fold (25) extends longitudinally along each sleeve (17) between the slits (20) to form a concavity along the upper side of each sleeve (17).

9. The bag (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeves (17) are an integral part of the opposite sides (12, 14) and are formed by bending each opposite side (12, 14) on itself to form the tubings or ducts.

10. The bag (100) according to claim 9, further comprising a sewing or welding line extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeves (17), at the base of the tubings or ducts, to secure an end of the opposite side (12, 14) on itself.

11. The bag (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting straps (18) are disposed on an outer side of the sleeves (17).

12. The bag (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeves (17) are further provided with structural reinforcements.

13. The bag (100) according to claim 12, wherein the structural reinforcements are distributed along a longitudinal length of the sleeves (17).

Drawing