Abstract: A container includes a flexible liner for holding fluent material, a plurality of substantially vertical rigid support walls spaced around the periphery of the liner, and a flexible skin interconnecting the walls and encircling the liner so as to laterally constrain and support the liner when fluent material is added. The container can include a bottom wall under the liner and connected to some of the support walls. Furthermore, a top platform can be removably secured over the liner so as to rest on top of the support walls. This provides the strength and rigidity to make the container system stackable. The support walls can be removably disposed in pockets or a sleeve in the flexible skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing a fluent material includes a fluent material containing bag with a valve; a container having a bottom and a discharge region beneath the bottom, the container containing the bag so that the valve drains the bag from the discharge region; and a pallet for supporting the container without interfering with the discharge region. Also, a method for using the apparatus by preparing to empty the container, which includes the steps of: removing a first knock-out portion; bending a bendable portion of the container into a receiving region of the pallet; removing a second knock-out portion; and pulling a portion of the valve through openings created by removing the first and second knock-out portions so that pad member holding the valve fits with the bendable portion of the container. In this way, a discharge region is formed beneath the bottom of the container from which the valve drains the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus having a valve for a container intended to hold liquid. The valve includes an inner conduit which can be easily assembled through flexible fingers of an outer sleeve. The inner conduit both moves axially relative to the outer sleeve between open and closed positions and circumferentially so that the inner conduit can be threaded with respect to a mating hose. A tab which functions to stop the valve in the closed position, as well as in the open position, includes tamper-evident structure.

Abstract: A lightweight beam is formed from a single sheet of cardboard, and a pallet is constructed using the lightweight beam. A number of folds are pre-scored on the sheet of cardboard, forming a diagonal panel, a securable panel on one side of the diagonal panel, and a plurality of structural panels on the other side of the panel. The beam is assembled by folding the securable panel in a first direction and then folding the structural panels in a second direction using a rolling action, thus simplifying the assembly of the beam. The beam has double-walled sides to provide strength in the vertical direction in the pallet. The beam is provided with interlocking tabs which prevent the beam from disassembling, and which avoid the need for adhesives.

Abstract: Apparatus having a valve for a container intended to hold liquid. The valve includes an inner conduit which can be easily assembled through flexible fingers of an outer sleeve. The inner conduit both moves axially relative to the outer sleeve between open and closed positions and circumferentially so that the inner conduit can be threaded with respect to a mating hose. A tab which functions to stop the valve in the closed position, as well as in the open position, includes tamper-evident structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a container to a buffering mechanism with a binding member. The buffering mechanism has a plurality of cleats at the corners thereof, each with an aperture for receiving a banding member which is threaded through the cleats and wrapped around the contained material in a "saddle-strapping" pattern. In another embodiment, the buffering member includes a platform with holes therethrough, and the banding member is threaded through the holes to pass under the platform and wrap around the container to secure it thereto.

Abstract: A fluent container and a method of using the fluent container are provided to fixedly and safely secure the discharge fitting of the bag and, therefore, the bag which contains the fluent material, to the bottom of the container. The container has a pre-use configuration convenient for storage which includes a flattened side member and nested cover and bottom members with the bag contained therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a container to a buffering mechanism with a binding member. The buffering mechanism has a plurality of cleats at the corners thereof, each with an aperture for receiving a banding member which is threaded through the cleats and wrapped around the contained material in a "saddle-strapping" pattern. In another embodiment, the buffering member includes a platform with holes therethrough, and the banding member is threaded through the holes to pass under the platform and wrap around the container to secure it thereto.