Abstract: A seal assembly is disposed in a seal of a flexible bag. The seal assembly includes a first tab, a second tab, a middle layer of peelable adhesive sandwiched between the first tab and the second tab, a first outside layer of adhesive that adheres to the first side of the bag, and a second outside layer of adhesive that is compatible with the second side of the bag such that second outside layer is heat sealed to the liner. The first tab and the second tab are easily grasped and may be pulled in opposite directions to break the middle layer of peelable adhesive. The middle layer is heat resistant such that the first tab and the second tab do not melt together during the formation of the seal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for filling a container with one of a plurality of particles and a liquid. The method includes the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large diameter with one of a plurality of particles and a liquid to a fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method also includes the step of placing a paperboard structure on opposing sides of the radially flexible container to support the radially flexible container during filling.

Abstract: The invention provides a stackable bulk transport container. The stackable bulk transport container includes a first bulk container that includes a flexible container filled with particulate material and wrapped in stretch wrap. The flexible container of the first bulk container is wrapped such that the stretch wrap is applied substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The stackable bulk transport container also includes a planar member positioned on the first bulk container. The planar member defines a substantially planar surface that engages the first bulk container. The stackable bulk transport container also includes a second bulk container positioned on the planar member. When the second bulk container is positioned on the planar member, the planar member flattens and expands the top portion of the first bulk container to enhance the stability of the stackable bulk transport container.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for filling a container with a plurality of particles. The method includes the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large diameter with a plurality of particles to a fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method also includes the step of varying the vertical relationship between the fill level and the smaller fill diameter in response to the density of the particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a container including a front panel and a back panel spaced from the front panel. The container also includes first and second side panels connecting the front and back panels. The container also includes at least one area of weakness on at least one of the front back and side panels. The container also includes a wrapping material extending around a portion of the container deforming the at least one area of weakness relative to the other of the panels. After wrapping, the container has a predetermined shape formed by deforming the area of weakness relative to the remainder of the container.

Abstract: A method for filling a flexible container with a flowable material is provided, including the steps of filling the flexible container, suspending the flexible container, transferring the weight of the flexible container from being suspended to being supported by a support surface, and applying a hoop force to the flexible container to substantially maintain a configuration of the flexible container. The flexible container can be a bag-type container for containing flowable material such as chemicals, food products, agricultural products, and plastic pellets. As the container is lowered from the suspended position to a bottom-supported position, the hoop force is applied around the perimeter as the perimeter changes during transfer of the flexible container from being suspend to being bottom-supported. The hoop force can be applied by stretch wrap. Alternatively, the first flexible container can be lowered into a second flexible container.

Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching device to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.

Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a shrinking device to shrink the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The shrinking device can include a heater to direct heat at the fill level. The container can be a bag formed from heat shrinkable material. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a conveying member defining a loop. The conveying member can be a belt, a chain, or plurality of hinged plates. The invention also includes first and second supporting members individually disposed at opposite sides of the loop and spaced a first distance apart from one another. The first and second supporting members support rotating movement of the conveying member. The invention also includes a moving device operable to translate the first and second supporting members concurrently along a path having at least one bend. The lengths of the portions of the conveying member disposed on opposite sides of the bend can be adjusted by the moving device.