Abstract: A method for loading a bulk cargo into a flexible expandable liner. The liner has a body defining an inlet opening and an interior for holding the cargo. An inlet chute is connected to the liner body and extends through the inlet opening. The method includes the step of opening the inlet chute to form a tubular shaped passageway which passageway is in communication with the interior and exterior of the liner. Then conducting bulk cargo through the tubular passageway into the interior. Raising the gas pressure in the interior of the body to force the inlet chute against the liner body and thus close off the chute and inlet opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: A bulkhead comprises a main section including left and right edges, a left flap connected to and extending outward from the left edge of the main section; and a right flap connected to and extending outward from the right edge of the main section; wherein the main section of the bulkhead laterally extends substantially completely across the back panel of the liner, between the left and right back edges thereof; and the right flap of the bulkhead extends over and is connected to the right flap of the liner to connect the bulkhead thereto, and the left flap of the bulkhead thereto, and the left flap of the bulkhead extends over and is connected to the left flap of the liner to further connect the bulkhead the.

Abstract: The method of unloading provides for unloading of a cargo container without having to tip the container up on its end to cause a gravity flow. The method provides for placing a liner on the floor of a cargo container with side walls, front wall, ceiling and back opening. Suspending a bulkhead at the rear opening of the container from an upper portion of the container so it does not depend upon the floor for support. Placing a cargo within the container on the liner. Removing a bottom portion of the bulkhead and attaching an end of the liner located at the back opening to an unloading apparatus which has been detachably connected to the rear of the container, and then pulling the liner out, and as the liner is pulled out, the cargo on the liner is unloaded from the container.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cargo containers; and more specifically, to cargo containers of the type from which bulk cargo is discharged by pulling a bottom or floor liner out from the container.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus for use with a cargo container. The unloading apparatus having a supporting frame with a mandrel rotatably supported by the supporting frame and laterally extending across the frame. The unloading apparatus having devices to detachably connect it to the rear of the container. A liner disposed on the floor of the container with devices to connect the liner to the unloading apparatus when the unloading apparatus is connected to the back of the container. The liner in some uses has rolled or pleated sections which unfold or unroll as the liner is pulled out of the container and winds onto the mandrel. As the liner winds onto the mandrel, the cargo contained on top of the liner falls out the back and into a collection device such as a bin located at the rear of the container.

Abstract: Unloading Apparatus for Use with a Cargo Container. The cargo container defines an interior cargo space and has a floor, left and right side walls, a front wall between the left and right side walls at the end of the floor and an opening at another end of the floor opposite the front wall. A liner is placed over the floor and extends from at least the front wall to the back opening. The unloading apparatus attaches to the cargo container at the back opening and has a frame with twist locks on it to connect into openings in the back of the container. The frame also has an mandrel rotatably supported by it and laterally extending from the left side to the right side of the frame. The mandrel includes a device for attaching the edge of the liner adjacent the back opening of the container to the mandrel. A drive device is mounted on the frame which engages the mandrel and rotates it so that the liner winds onto the mandrel as it rotates.

Abstract: A cargo container comprising a container body defining an interior cargo space, a flexible and expandable liner secured inside the container body, a bulkhead positioned in the container body and held against the liner, and bracing apparatus to brace the bulkhead in the cargo container. A first embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of vertical beams connected to a floor of the container body, horizontally spaced apart and vertically extending upward against the bulkhead; and a multitude of cross beams connected to the vertical beam to held hold those beams upright. A second embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of upwardly extending straps and a plurality of laterally extending straps.

Abstract: A cargo container comprisesa container body defining in interior space;a flexible liner secured inside the container body, right side panels;a multitude of liner ties connected to and spaced along the liner adjacent the top edges, each of the liner ties forming a channel;a multitude of lashing members connected to and spaced along the container body andrope connected to the container body and extending through the channels of the liner ties and through the lashing members to support the liner in an upright position in the container body while allowing limited sliding movement of the liner therein.

Abstract: A flexible liner for lining the interior of a cargo container, and including a multitude of unique connecting segments spaced along edges of the liner to help secure the liner in the cargo container. Each of these connecting segments comprises a multitude of layers located one on top of another and held together over a given area. The layers of a first type of connecting segment include a respective one portion of a first liner panel, a respective one portion of a second liner panel, and first and second sections of a respective one reinforcing member. The layers of each of these connecting segments form a through opening extending through the connecting segment and spaced from the perimeter thereof. The layers of a second type of connecting segment include a respective one portion of a first liner panel, a respective one portion of a second liner panel, first and second sections of a respective one first reinforcing member, and a respective one second reinforcing member.

Abstract: A method of unloading a cargo from a lined, modular cargo container having a flexible, expandable liner located inside the container and expanded against the interior surfaces thereof. The method comprises the steps of conducting gas into the interior of the liner to increase the pressure on the bulk cargo therein and to urge the liner outward against the interior surfaces of the cargo container; and drawing gas and substantially the complete supply of the bulk cargo outward from the interior of the liner, without tilting the container and without tilting the liner.

Abstract: A cargo container comprising a container body defining an interior cargo space, a flexible and expandable liner secured inside the container body, a bulkhead positioned in the container body and held against the liner, and bracing apparatus to brace the bulkhead in the cargo container. A first embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of vertical beams connected to a floor of the container body, horizontally spaced apart and vertically extending upward against the bulkhead; and a multitude of cross beams connected to the vertical beam to held hold those beams upright. A second embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of upwardly extending straps and a plurality of laterally extending straps.

Abstract: A liner for a cargo container and a method of installing a liner inside a cargo container. The liner comprises an inflatable body and left and right connecting strips that are connected to the liner body. The left connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom left edge of the liner body, and the right connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom right edge of the liner body. The liner is placed inside the container, with the left connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the left side wall of the container, and with the right connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the right side wall of the container. These two connecting strips are then releasably clamped to the container floor, for example by securely nailing wooden slats to the container floor, over the connecting strips. Also disclosed is a method of fluidizing a bulk cargo inside a lined cargo container to facilitate unloading the cargo from the container.

Abstract: A cargo container comprising a container body defining an interior cargo space, a flexible and expandable liner secured inside the container body, a bulkhead positioned in the container body and held against the liner, and bracing apparatus to brace the bulkhead in the cargo container. A first embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of vertical beams connected to a floor of the container body, horizontally spaced apart and vertically extending upward against the bulkhead; and a multitude of cross beams connected to the vertical beam to held hold those beams upright. A second embodiment of the bracing apparatus includes a plurality of upwardly extending straps and a plurality of laterally extending straps.