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: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

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 invention provides a standard ISO cargo container with a plurality of flexible expandable liners secured inside the container, one behind the other, by a plurality of bracing systems secured to the container body. Each of the bracing systems engage and support a back panel of one of the liners. The plurality of liners being two or more, generally supported by the floor of the container. The back panel of each of the liners having a discharge outlet, and attached to the discharge outlet a conduit which extends back through the liner or liners to the rear of it.

Abstract: An active bulkhead corner unit with a support surface that faces the cargo and inflatable bags located underneath the support surface. The inflatable bags occupy the space between the support surface, the floor of the container, and the adjacent walls of the container. A vibrating mechanism such as a flutter valve is attached to the pressure pump to create rapid variations in pressure which in turn cause the inflatable bag and the support surface to vibrate against the cargo, disturbing the cargo and enhancing discharge flow. The bulkhead corner can be an independent unit or integrated with a liner.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit.

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 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 bulkhead for use with a cargo container, and comprising a wall member and at least a first slanted corner member. The wall member holds a cargo in the container, and the corner member is connected to the wall member adjacent a lower corner thereof to guide cargo downwardly and laterally toward an outlet in the wall member. Also disclosed is a lining system for a cargo container, and comprising a flexible liner and a bulkhead to hold the liner in place in the container. The liner includes an inlet and an outlet, and collapsible inlet and outlet chutes are provided to selectively open and close the inlet and outlet of the liner. With one embodiment the lining system is air and water tight; and with an alternate embodiment, the liner allows gases to pass outward through the liner.

Abstract: A bulkhead for use with a cargo container, and comprising a wall member and at least a first slanted corner member. The wall member holds a cargo in the container, and the corner member is connected to the wall member adjacent a lower corner thereof to guide cargo downwardly and laterally toward an outlet in the wall member. Also disclosed is a lining system for a cargo container, and comprising a flexible liner and a bulkhead to hold the liner in place in the container. The liner includes an inlet and an outlet, and collapsible inlet and outlet chutes are provided to selectively open and close the inlet and outlet of the liner. With one embodiment the lining system is air and water tight; and with an alternate embodiment, the liner allows gases to pass outward through the liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid impervious liner securable in a shipping container for use in the shipping of material which can contaminate or corrode the container or the environment. The liner comprises a base sheet of foam material and a top cover sheet of polymeric material which is bonded to the base sheet and which extends over at least a portion of the walls of the container whereby to substantially constitute a tub which is liquid impervious. A typical use of these liners is for the transportation and shipping of raw skins of animals which are normally treated with rock salt before treatment by tanneries.

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.