This document describes improvements to methods and apparatuses for filling large collapsible shipping containers. Specifically, it describes pressurizing the container before filling to expand it fully, then filling it while maintaining pressure. This ensures utilization of the container's full capacity. The document provides detailed descriptions and drawings of various apparatuses that can pressurize and fill the container through separate or same openings, including features like telescoping filling tubes and screw conveyors to direct filling material.

1. * GB780029 (A)
Description: GB780029 (A) ? 1957-07-31
Improvements in method and apparatus for filling collapsible containers
Description of GB780029 (A)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Improvements in method and apparatus for Filling Collapsible
Containers
We, UNITED STATES RUBBER COMPANY, of
Rockefeller Center, 1230 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, State of New York,
United States of America, a Corporation organized and existing under
the Laws of the State of New Jersey, United States of
America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a
patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be
performed, to be particularly described in and by the following
statement:
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling and
emptying large collapsible shipping containers.
It was originally suggested that containers of this type be first
filled with the material to be shipped or stored and then, after
filling, pressurized by the introduction of gas under pressure thereto
to make the containers rigid so that they could be easily handled,
stored and stacked. While such a method is quite satisfactory for
comparatively small containers, it is not particularly satisfactory
for larger containers.
In accordance with the method of our present invention, the container
is first pressurized to expand the container to its full size and then
while so pressurized and expanded, filled with the material to be
shipped. By initially expanding the container and maintaining the
container expanded during the filling thereof, utilization of the full
storage capacity of the container is obtained. It is contemplated that
in most instances air will be used to pressurize the container but
where the material to be shipped is subject to contamination by or
presents a hazardous condition in the presence of air, a suitable

2. inert gas, such as nitrogen, can be used.
The apparatus of our invention is intended to be used in performing
the method of the invention and includes apparatus for pressurizing
and filling the collapsible container through separate openings in the
container or the same opening.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, showing one form of
apparatus for filling a collapsible container in accordance with the
invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial elevational view showing the connection
between the apparatus of Fig. 1 and the collapsible container;
Fig. 3 is an elevational view of another form of apparatus for filling
collapsible containers in accordance with the invention
Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the connection between
the apparatus of
Fig. 3 and the collapsible container;
Fig. 4A is an enlarged sectional view showing another form of
connection between the filling apparatus and the collapsible
container;
Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partly in section, of still another
form of apparatus for filling a collapsible container in accordance
with the invention;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a modified form of the apparatus shown
in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a pressure regulator and gas cleaner
usable with any one of the forms of the apparatus illustrated;
Fig. 8 is an elevational view of a device for dispersing the filling
material towards the sides of the container during filling of the
container; and
Fig. 9 is an elevational view showing apparatus for use in discharging
material from a collapsible container.
Referring to the drawings and in particular to Fig. 1, there is shown
a collapsible container, designated by the letter C, of the general
type with which the apparatus and method of the present invention is
intended to be used. The container is formed of flexible cord fabric
which is covered and impregnated with rubber (either natural or
synthetic) to render the fabric gas and liquid tight. Neoprene rubber
has been found to be particularly suitable for covering and
impregnating the fabric.
The container when inflated is of a generally cylindrical shape and is
provided at one end with a central lifting eye L by which the the
container may be lifted by suitable means, such as the overhead

3. traveling chain hoist
H, illustrated. A filling opening F is provided in the top of the
container to one side of the lifting eye L and a discharge opening D
is provided in the bottom of the container.
As best shown in Fig. 2, a flexible, fabric, preferably nylon, sock or
sleeve S is secured to the fitting F' of the filling opening F. As
will be described, the sock or sleeve S may be utilized in making a
connection with the filling apparatus. The sleeve or sock S is
provided with two tie strings T and T' by which the sleeve or sock S
may be dosed. The sleeve S is preferably treated or coated to render
it gas impervious so that when tied up by one d the tie strings it
forms a secondary closure for the container. Such a sleeve is commonly
referred to as a sleeve valve.
When not in use during shipment or storage of the container, the
sleeve or sock S is tucked into the opening F and covered by the usual
closure plug or cap. The discharge opening
D is similarly provided with a sleeve or sock.
An inflating opening I is provided in the container adjacent the
filling opening through which an inflating gas may be introduced.
The inflating opening is commonly provided with a check valve to
facilitate inflation of the container and prevent escape of gas from
the container during shipment or storage.
Steel reinforcing cables W, secured at one end to the lifting eye L
and at the other end to space points to the lower end of the container
serve to prevent bulging of the ends d the container and to take a
portion of the load during lifting of the container.
In filling the container C by use of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1,
and in accordance with the method of the invention, the container C,
while collapsed and supported by chain hoist H, is inflated to expand
it to its full size by the introduction of gas under pressure into the
container through the insating valve I prior to the filling thereof
with the filling material. The inflating gas may be air or, if the
nature of the filling material requires, an inert gas, such as
nitrogen, may be used. A gas pressure of from 1/2 to 1 pound per
square inch is usually sufficient to expand the container to its full
size.
The gas under pressure is supplied to the container C from a pump 10
through a pipe
11 and through a flexible hose 12 which is connected to the inflating
opening I of the container C: As previously described, the inflating
opening I ds preferably provided with a conventional check valve to
prevent escape of air when the hose 12 is uncoupled but which will
allow the gas to flow in both directions when the hose is coupled to
the container.

4. After the container is expanded to its full size, it is ready to be
filled. In accordance with the invention, the container is filled
against a pressure in the container, i.e., suff- cient pressure above
atmospheric pressure is maintained in the container during filling to
insure that the container is expanded to its full size during filling
thereby insuring utilization of the full capacity of the container.
The granular or powdered filling material with which the container is
to be filled is conveniently conveyed from a suitable storage hopper
or bin 1 to a point above the container C, by means of a suitable
screw conveyor 14. From the conveyor 14, the filling material passes
vertically downwardly through a conventional rotary gas lock valve 15
which allows the filling material to pass therethrough but prevents
the gas under pressure from escaping from the container C.
From the rotary valve 15 the filling material passes via the pipe i5e
through a flexible conduit 16 through a rigid end nozzle 17 through
the filling opening F into the container. A substantially gas tight
connection between the nozzle 17 and the container C is conveniently
made by utilizing the flexible sleeve or sock S which, as previously
described, is secured to the filling opening F of the container. The
sock S is slipped over the nozzle 17 and tied tightly thereto by the
tie string T' or by some other suitable means, such as a heavy rubber
band or conventional hose clamp.
As previously described the gas lock valve 15 permits the filling
material to pass into the container but prevents a loss of the gas
under pressure from the container. The gas lock valve 15 is a
conventional valve and in the simplest form consists of a freely
rotatable rotor having radiating blades 15a, the ends of which have a
very small clearance with the surrounding housing 1sub. The gas under
pressure in the container acts on the blades on both sides of the
center of rotation of the rotor with equal pressure with the result
that the rotor does not turn under the influence of the gas pressure.
On the other hand, the filling material is directed against the blades
only on one side of the center rotation of the
valve with the result that the valve rotor turns admitting the filling
material to the container.
The connection of the sleeve or sock S to the nozzle 17 may be made
either before or
after the container is in8atd or pressurized.
In the event that the container is pressurized
before making the connection, the inter
mediate tie string T is not unfastened until the connection of the
free end of the sleeve or sock S is made, so that the gas will not
escape from the container while the connection is being made. After
the connection is made, the tie string T is unfastened to permit

5. filling material to pass through the sleeve.
In collapsed condition, the container C will contain very little air
and in instances where an inert gas is used to inflate the container,
it is not normally necessary to purge the container of the little air
that it might contain in the collapsed condition. However, if it is
important that all air be removed, the container can be purged with
either the inert gas or a liquid to remove all air.
If desired, the pump 10 which pumps the gas into the container may be
operated continuously during the filling operation to insure
maintenance of the inflation of the container. However, in most
instances, the volume of the filling material as it is introduced into
the container will normally replace any gas that might leak out so as
to maintain the desired pressure within the container.
To prevent over inflation of the container, a conventional pressure
release valve 18 is provided in the gas supply line which will open
when a desired maximum pressure within the container is reached,
thereby regulating the pressure within the container.
Gas from the container released by the pressure relief valve 18 is
selectively directed by operation of valves 19 and 20 through a pipe
21 into the hopper 13 to pressurize the hopper and to carry any
filling material or dust contained in the gas into the hopper, or
through a pipe 22 to a conventional "gas scrubber" or filter 23 to
remove any filling material or dust therefrom and recirculated to the
pump 10 through a pipe 24. Inert gas Of air is otherwise supplied tol
the pump 10 from a suitable supply source (not shown) through a pipe
10a.
As shown in Fig. 3, instead of supporting the container by an overhead
hoist, the container may be supported on a tiltable cradle 25. The
cradle is particularly useful for use with containers having the
filling opening in a corner, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The container
is placed in the cradle and the cradle tilted about 45" to, bring the
filling opening to the highest point of a container thereby insuring
filling of the container to its maximum capacity. The cradle 25
includes a base 26 and a curved side 27 corresponding in shape to the
cylindrical shape of the container C. The cradle 25 is pivotally
supported at each side on an A-frame 28 (only one of which can be seen
in Fig. 3). The cradle 25 is tilted by means of fluid cylinder 29
which is pivotally secured at one end to the A-frame and whose piston
rod 29rye is pivotally connected to an arm 30. The arm 30 is secured
to the cradle 25. It will be appreciated that the cradle 25 can be
used to support the container C during filling with the apparatus
shown in Fig. 1 as well as that shown in Fig. 3. It will also be
appreciated that a cradle of the type shown or similar thereto could
be fixed to the bed of a truck or railroad platform car so that the

6. container may be tilted and filled without removing the container from
the truck or platform car.
The apparatus shown in Fig. 3 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 in a
number of features, any one or all of which could be readily
incorporated in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
In the apparatus of Fig. 3, the hopper 13 is connected directly to the
rotative gas lock valve 15 and the filling material fed by gravity.
The gas supply pipe 11 is connected into the conduit 1 sic forming an
integral part of the housing of the air lock valve 15, below the valve
15 so that the inflating gas may be introduced into the container
through the same filling opening through which the filling material is
introduced. By this modification the necessity of a separate inflating
opening of the container is eliminated. A baffle or nozzle 31 directs
the gas introduced into the conduit 15c towards the container.
A telescoping filling tube, generally designated by the reference
numeral 32 which may be adjusted in length is connected to the conduit
15c by means of a short section of flexible conduit 33, As best shown
in Fig.
4 the filling tube 32 consists of two parts, a relatively stationary
upper part 32rue and a lower movable part 32b which is telescoped over
the end of the upper portion 32a. As best shown in Fig. 4 a
compressible, annular seal 331 secured to the end of the upper portion
32v presses against the outer surface of the lower portion 32b to
prevent leakage of gas between the two parts.
Handles 34 secured to the lower portion 32b of the filling tube 32
serve to facilitate the raising and lowering of the lower portion 32b.
Cables 35 secured to the movable lower part 32b of the filling tube 32
and extending around pulleys 36 have weights 37 secured to the ends
thereof to counterbalance the weight of the lower telescoping part 32b
of the filling tube 32 to facilitate adjustment and movement thereof.
In using the modification of Fig. 3, a gas tight connection between
the sleeve or sock
S on the container C is made prior to inflation of the container. The
container is then in flated to its full size and filled while the
inflation thereof is maintained.
In Fig. 4A there is shown another florin of connection which may be
used for forming a gas tight connection between the filling tube 32
and the container C. This connection includes a rigid inner sleeve 38
which is connected to the end of the part 32b of the filling tube 32
by a short section of flexible conduit 39. A flexible, resilient
sleeve or annular diaphragm 40 surrounds the rigid sleeve 38 and is
secured to the rigid sleeve 38 adjacent each end by means of suitable
straps 41. The outer resilient sleeve or diaphragm is adapted to be
expanded outwardly bv the introduction of air or gas under pressure

7. between the inner rigid sleeve 38 and the outer diaphragm 40. Air or
gas under pressure to expand the diaphragm 40 is supplied through a
flexible hose 42 which is secured to a rigirl pipe 43 which connects
with an opening through the inner rigid sleeve 38.
To make the gas tight connection between the filling tube 32 and the
container C, the rigid sleeve 38 with the resilient sleeve or
diaphgram 40 in collapsed condition is inserted into the filling
opening F. Air or gas under pressure is then admitted between the
rigid sleeve 38 and the outer diaphragm 40 to expand the diaphragm
tightly against the threaded bore of the fitting F' surrounding the
filling opening F to thereby effect a gas tight seal.
The inflating gas supply arrangement of
Fig. 3 is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and the same
reference numerals have been used to identify the common elements
thereof.
The modification of Fig. 5 differs from those shown in Figs. 1 and 3
in that a gun type screw conveyor, generally designated by the
reference numeral 44 serves to introduce the filling material into the
container through the filling opening F in the container. The
advantage of this gun type screw conveyor, in the arrangement
illustrated, is that it can be aimed in various directions to direct
the filling material to various parts of the container, thereby
further insuring complete filling of the container.
The gun type screw conveyor 44 includes an elongated cylindrical
barrel 45 in which a conveyor screw 46 is rotatably mounted.
The screw 46 is rotatably supported at the discharge end of the barrel
45 by a spider 47 and is secured at the other end to the shaft of an
electric motor 48. The motor is provided with a handle 49 by which the
gun conveyor 44 may be aimed. A heavy duty electric hand drill is very
satisfactory for use as the motor, in that handles and a trigger
switch are commonly provided on such electric drills. The conveyor 44
has an intake opening 50 adjacent the motor end thereof to which is
attached one end of a compressible, flexible conduit 51. The conduit
51 is attached at the other end to the rotary gas lock valve 15. The
conveyor 44 is suspended from cables 52 which extend over pulleys 53
and have weights 54 secured to the ends thereof to counterbalance the
weight of the conveyor 44.
The gas supply hose 12 is connected to an opening 55 through the end
of the barrel 45 adjacent the motor end thereof and the gas passes
through the barrel 45 into the container C to e ipard the container
prior to filling thereof. Nltern.ttively-, gas can be introduced into
the collduit 15c as described in connection with the form of apparatus
shown in Fig. 3 or d'rectly into the container
C through the inflating opening I as described in conjunction with the

8. form of the apparatus shown ill Fig. 1. In such cases, the opening 55
. -oultl be closed with a suitable plug.
A substantially gas tight connection is made with the barrel between
the barrel 45 of the conveyor 44 tod the container by means of the
sock or sleeve S in the manner previously described in conjunction
with the forms of the apparatus shown in Figs. I and 2. Such a
connection permits the gun to be moved inwardly and outwardly of the
container to 'facilitate the tilling thereof. The flexibility of tlie
container wall permits the gun to be aimed in various directions to
further facilitate th; tilling.
During filling of the container, the container is preferably vented
through a flexible hose 12a connected to the inflating opening
I, to prevent excessive pressure build-up in the container. After
tilling of the container air under pressure ni tV be admitted to the
barrel 45 through hose 12 to dean out the barrel. The gas sul?pix
system sho n in
Fig. 5 is otherwise tlie same as that shown in Figs. l and 3 tad the
same reference numerals have been used for common elements.
The filling opening F in the container is preferably provide adjacent
the upper corner of the conetin r to insure complete filling. The
conveyor gun 44 is inserted at an angle into the opening and then
moved downwardly to a horizontal position as shown. Buckling of the
container C around the opening F permits the gun to be moved to this
horizontal position. Most of the filling of the container is performed
while the conveyor gun 44 is iII this horizontal position.
When the container is almost full, the conveyor gun 44 is again tilted
upwardly so that the container can be tilled to capacity. The gun is
then removed. The sock S may be tied off before the gun is completely
withdrawn from the sock to prevent loss of pressure within the
container when the conveyor gun 44 is completely removed.
A fluid actuated cylinder 56 interposed between the chain hoist H and
the container C may be used to periodically raise and drop the
container a few in-shes during the filling of the container to thereby
jolt the container and compact the tilling material.
Referring to Fig. 6. there is shown a modifred form of gun conveyor.
In this modified form, a rotary gas lock valve 57 is provided as a
part of the gun. being rotatably supported in a housing 58 finned as
an integral part of the barrel 59 adjacent the motor end.
In such an arrangement the valve 15 as shown in Fig. 5 may be
eliminated.
The screw 60 is rotatably mounted in an inner barrel 61 which is
spaced from the outer barrel 59 so as to provide a passageway 62
through which the inflating gas may pass.
A threaded opening 63 is provided in the barrel 59 adjacent the motor

9. end to which the gas supply hose 12 (Fig. 5) may be attached.
In inflating the container prior to filling, the inflating gas passes
both through the barrel 60 and through the passageway 62. During
filling the inflating gas can vent through passageway 62 if the
pressure in the container becomes sufficiently high to open the
pressure relief valve 18 (Fig. 5).
A gas tight connection is provided between the barrel 59 and the
container by means of a sleeve 64 which is slidably mounted on the
barrel 59 and has a threaded end adapted to be threaded into the
fitting F' of the filling opening F of the container. Lugs 65 are
provided on the end of the barrel to prevent the sleeve 64 from
sliding off the end of the barrel.
The sleeve 64 is provided with handles 66 to facilitate the threading
of the sleeve 64 into the fitting of the filling opening F. A gasket
67 adapted to be compressed between the face of the fitting of the
filling opening F of the container and a flange 68 of the sleeve 64
serves to effect a gas tight seal between the sleeve and the fitting.
The barrel 64 of the gun may be slid inwardly and outwardly by reason
of the sliding connection with the sleeve 65 to facilitate filling of
the container. The barrel can also be aimed in various directions as
the wall of the container is sufficiently flexible to permit such.
Referring to Fig. 7, there is shown a pressure regulator and gas
cleaner which may be used in place of the pressure relief valve 18 and
gas scrubber 23, previously described.
The regulator and cleaner, generally designated by the reference
numeral 69, includes a cylindrical pipe 70 closed at one end and
adapted to carry a fixed height of liquid, such as water. The liquid
is supplied to the pipe 70 through a pipe 71. An overflow pipe 72
insures maintenance of a predetermined height of liquid in the
container. A pipe 73 adapted to be connected with the gas supply pipe
in place of the relief valve 18 of any one of the forms of the
apparatus illustrated extends into the pipe 70 so that the inflating
system is maintained under a predetermined head of liquid whereby the
pressure within the collapsible container is regulated. When the
container reaches the desired pressure, excess inflating gas will pass
through the pipe 73 and through the liquid in the pipe 70 so that dust
and filling material carried thereby will be trapped by the liquid.
Referring to Fig. 8 there is shown an im- peller attachment which
serves to disperse the filling material towards the sides of the
container C as the filling material is introduced in to the container
to further facilitate the complete filling of the container.
The attachment includes a housing 74, which in the form shown has a
threaded lower end 75 by which it may be connected to the threaded
fitting F' of the filling opening

10. F of a container C. A gasket 76 insures that a gas tight seal is
provided between the container and the housing 74. Extending through
the housing 74 and rotatably supported thereby is a shaft 77. The
shaft 77 extends beyond the threaded end 75 and has secured to the end
thereof a multi-bladed impeller 78.
When the housing 74 is secured to the fitting
F', the impeller 78 therefore extends into the container C as
illustrated. The blades 78' of the impeller 78 are pivotally secured
to the end of the shaft 77 so that they hang downwardly as shown in
solid lines to permit insertion thereof into the container. When
rotated the blades 78' extend outwardly by reason of centrifugal force
acting therein as indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 8.
The filling material is introduced into the container through a branch
pipe 79, communicating with and formed as in integral part of the
housing 74. The branch is connected with the supply pipe for the
filling material, such as the flexible conduit 16 shown in Fig. 1.
The shaft 77 and the impeller 78 secured thereto are rotated by means
of an air motor 80 secured to the top of the housing 74. As the
filling material is introduced through the branch pipe 79 into the
container C, it is thrown towards the sides of the container by the
rotating extended blades 78' thereby insuring complete filling of the
container. The attachment may be conveniently supported from an eye 81
secured to the top of the housing 74.
Referring to Fig. 9 the discharging of the filling material from a
collapsible container
C is illustrated. The container is suitably supported or suspended
over the intake pipe 82 of a suitable screw conveyor 83. The closure
plug (not shown) for the discharge opening D is removed and the sock
or sleeve
S, which had been previously tied off prior to filling of the
container, is pulled out and connected to the pipe 82 by means of tie
string
T, a rubber band or clamp. The intermediate tie string T' is then
loosened to permit the flow of the filling material therethrough to
the conveyor 83 by which it may be conveyed to any desired location.
From the above description it can be seen that there is provided a
method and apparatus which will insure complete filling of collapsible
containers. The method and apparatus also provides a completely closed
system of filling and emptying containers thereby providing dust free
operation and insurance against contamination of the lading or filling
material, when such is a problem.
It will be appreciated that after filling, the container is preferably
further pressurized with air or an inert gas to render the container
more rigid so as to facilitate handling, shipping and stacking

11. thereof.
What we claim is : -
1. A method of filling a collapsible container with comminuted solids
comprising, inflating the collapsible container with gas to fully
expand the container and then filling the container with the
comminuted solids while maintaining sufficient gas pressure within the
container to hold the container fully expanded during filling.
2. A method according to Claim 1 including the step of limiting the
gas pressure within the container to a predetermined maximum pressure
during inflation and filling.
3. A method according to Claim 1 wherein after filling the container
additional gas is introduced under pressure into the container to
render the container substantially rigid.
4. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the
comminuted solids are introduced into the container through an opening
therein other than the one through which the gas is introduced.
5. A method accord
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