Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a protective cover for a flexible semi-bulk container to protect the container from contamination during filling, handling and storing. The protective covering forms no permanent bond and is strippable from the outside of the container when the container is ready for marketing and display.

Abstract: The invention comprises a metalized fabric having a lower layer of fabric. Secured to the fabric layer is an upper film layer. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the film layer is metalized.

Abstract: A material holding receptacle constructed of pliable material and having a main enclosure and a hopper below the enclosure. The hopper consists of a trapezoidal bottom piece and three triangular bottom pieces. The bottom pieces can be folded upward to form a substantially flat bottom to the receptacle. A cover piece is attached to the trapezoidal bottom piece to form a receptacle access tube over an opening in the trapezoidal bottom piece. A loop is attached to the bottom corner of one of the bottom pieces to secure the bottom pieces.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle (10) for handling flowable materials in semi-bulk quantities includes integral sling structure. The receptacle (10) comprises side panels (30, 32, 34 and 36), a top panel (48) including a fill spout (52), and a bottom panel (58). Lift sleeves (38, 40) are formed in an opposing pair of side panels (34, 36) for supporting the receptacle (10) without an external sling arrangement or pallet. In another embodiment, the receptacle (120) includes bands (122) of continuous filaments woven into two side panels (34", 36") for additional strength. In another embodiment, the receptacle (150) is formed from a receptacle blank (158) comprised of one piece of material. Another feature of the invention is the reinforced bottom panel (124) construction.

Abstract: A receptacle (10) is provided including an enclosure (20) having a bottom wall (42). The bottom wall (42) is provided with an opening (48) through which a discharge spout (50) extends. The discharge spout (50) can be drawn across the opening (48) and inserted in a pocket (64) mounted on the bottom wall (42) to prevent the contents of the receptacle (10) from discharging through the opening (48). A strap (56) is secured to the lower end of the discharge spout (50) to facilitate removal of the spout from the pocket (64).

Abstract: In the construction of a collapsible receptacle there is provided a length of fabric material and a length of webbing material formed from the same material as the length of fabric material. A plurality of lift loops formed from length of webbing material are positioned at spaced points along the length of fabric material with the lower ends of the lift loops located more than a predetermined distance above the lower edge of the material. After the lift loops are secured to the length of fabric material, the assembly is secured around the upper end of a collapsible receptacle body panel with the lift loops projecting above the upper edge of the panel. A line of stitching is used to at least partially secure the assembly to the body panel, with the line of stitching positioned at least the predetermined distance below the lowermost end of the lift loops.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle (570) has a bottom wall (574) provided with a discharge spout (582). The discharge spout (582) is provided with an interior layer (586) which is grounded during the flow of material through the discharge spout to prevent the buildup of static electric charge therein. The bottom wall (574) may also be provided with an electrically conductive layer (592) to further prevent the buildup of static electric charge in materials flowing out of the collapsible receptacle (570) through the discharge spout (582). The conductive layers (586, 592) may be electrically interconnected.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle for handling flowable materials in semi-bulk quantities comprises a generally cylindrical container supported by a sling. The container features top loading and bottom discharge. The container can be constructed of a strong weave material. Preferably, the container is constructed of a unique laminate material formed of an inner liner of polybutylene film noncontinuously adhered to an outer layer of woven polypropylene. The sling is constructed of straps of polyester webbing, which are sewn to the container so that support stresses are distributed between the sling and the container. In one embodiment, the sling includes a ring for supporting the bottom of the container and lift straps attached to the ring. The ring surrounds a unique discharge spout in the container bottom. In another embodiment, the lower ends of the lift straps include guide loops for a draw rope. The draw rope surrounds a wire tie which functions to gather and close the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle for handling flowable materials in semi-bulk quantities comprises a generally cylindrical container supported by a sling. The container features top loading and bottom discharge. The container can be constructed of a strong weave material. Preferably, the container is constructed of a unique laminate material formed of an inner liner of polybutylene film noncontinuously adhered to an outer layer of woven polypropylene. The sling is constructed of straps of polyester webbing, which are sewn to the container so that support stresses are distributed between the sling and the container. In one embodiment, the sling includes a ring for supporting the bottom of the container and lift straps attached to the ring. The ring surrounds a unique discharge spout in the container bottom. In another embodiment, the lower ends of the lift straps include guide loops for a draw rope. The draw rope surrounds a wire tie which functions to gather and close the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A collapsible receptacle for handling flowable materials in semi-bulk quantities comprises a generally cylindrical container supported by a sling. The container features top loading and bottom discharge. The container can be constructed of a strong weave material. Preferably, the container is constructed of a unique laminate material formed of an inner liner of polybutylene film noncontinously adhered to an outer layer of woven polypropylene. The sling is constructed of straps of polyester webbing, which are sewn to the container so that support stresses are distributed between the sling and the container. In one embodiment, the sling includes a ring for supporting the bottom of the container and lift straps attached to the ring. The ring surrounds a unique discharge spout in the container bottom. In another embodiment, the lower ends of the lift straps include guide loops for a draw rope. The draw rope surrounds a wire tie which functions to gather and close the bottom of the container.