REUSABLE AND REMOVABLE FLEXIBLE BAG OR CELL FLOOD WALL PROTECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A method of constructing and a system of utilizing a removable flexible bag or cell by providing a flexible bag or container or cell of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending two feet under the bag when the bag is filled with material; folding each panel back onto itself to end at the nearest edge; securing loops onto the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; securing the ends of the bag beneath the bag while the bag is being filled with material; pulling the loops away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag; and lifting the bag upward and way from the material contents of the bag, the material contents to remain in place on the ground upon which it had been set to continue to function as a barrier wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/833,834, filed 11 Jun. 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/364,114, filed 1 Feb. 2012, entitled “FLOOD WALL PROTECTION SYSTEM” (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,585 on Mar. 18, 2014); pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/422,593, filed 16 Mar. 2012, entitled “FLOOD WALL PROTECTION SYSTEM” (published as No. US2012-0230766A1 on 13 Sep. 2012); and pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,492, filed 8 Jun. 2012, entitled “FLOOD WALL PROTECTION SYSTEM” (published as No. US2013-0094905A1 on 18 Apr. 2013), each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to flood barrier walls. The present invention relates to a barrier system constructed of interconnected fabric bags or cells or containers filled with material, such as sand, each bag having the capability to disengage the bottom of the bag, and allow the bag to be lifted from the material held therein, and the material to remain in place on the ground upon which it had been set to continue to function as a barrier wall.

2. General Background of the Invention

The art of building temporary flood walls is well known. The most commonly known method is to fill small bags full of sand and to stack them up in a pyramid fashion to hold back flood waters. These small bags may weigh, for example, between 50 and 100 pounds. Building flood walls with this method involves a lot of labor and time.

It is also well known in the art that once flexible fabrics are formed into continuous cellular walls, and filled with sand and dirt, it forms a solid barrier against water. However, filling these flexible containers on banks along rivers and shore lines is not an easy task. The flexible walls must be properly supported until the containers are filled. One such method accomplishes this by using a large metal sled that supports each portion of the cellular wall as it is filled. The sled may then be pulled along a horizontal line until it clears the filled cell and new unfilled cells are opened and supported under the sled, waiting to be filled.

Existing methods support each cell's corner with a special plastic hangar that is not readily available and is therefore expensive. These plastic hangars can only be used a single time. As two hangars are used every two feet of the wall, the costs of these special parts add up over the course of each mile of wall that is placed. Further, with only the corners supported, there is noticeable sagging of the cellular walls as each cell is filled. This sagging creates uneven tensions on the four holders. The uneven tension can often overload individual hangars and cause them to fail during the movement of the sled.

The individual cells of the wall can be filled with up to 7,000 pounds of sand or dirt. After filling, the sled moves horizontally. The hangars must slide along metal rails until they clear the sled. Under this tremendous weight, these hangars can fail and cause the cells to drop from the sled prematurely.

Other methods involve simply piling truckloads of sand and dirt on top of levees. But while this method is fast, it is prone to washouts as the sand and dirt is uncontained against the flow of water.

Still another method uses open top bulk bags with wooden frames inside them which are bolted together in a cellular fashion to create vertical long walls that are then filled with sand and dirt. This method is a fairly fast method for constructing walls but has the expense of the wood and is limited to vertical walls that can be pushed over by fast moving flood waters, or collapsed from beneath as the flood waters hollow out the ground beneath them.

Still another method uses specially shaped bags that have triangular shaped sides. These bags are delivered using a large sled device that makes filling easier and faster than the methods listed above. However, this sled device relies on a bag support method that requires special parts to support each bag by its four corners that can be expensive and unreliable. Further the triangular shaped front of the containers are often unfilled due to the containers pointed toe. Due to the wave action of the flood waters, the sand and dirt can move after placement and cause some loss of control over its shape. And, just as the square bags can be hollowed out from below, so can this triangular faced design.

In short, the prior art methods of flood control that utilize flexible materials still have shortcomings that need to be addressed.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention solves the problems in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided is a method of constructing, and a system of utilizing, a removable flexible bag or container or cell by providing a flexible bag or container or cell of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending two feet under the bag when the bag is filled with material; folding each panel back onto itself to end at the nearest edge; securing loops onto the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; securing the ends of the bag beneath the bag while the bag is being filled with material; pulling the loops away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag; and lifting the bag upward and away from the material contents of the bag, the material contents to remain in place on the ground upon which it had been set to continue to function as a barrier wall.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, each of the bottom panels are four feet long, with two feet set under the bag, and two feet folded back onto itself, and wherein the lifting loops extend one foot out from under the bag; and wherein the ends of the panels are secured under the bag, with the use of a hog ring on each panel, for example; and wherein after the bag is lifted away, the bag is cleaned, the bottom panels are re-secured in place, and the bag is stored for further use; and wherein the bag may be a group of a plurality of bags interconnected with each bag having its own bottom panels to operate as disclosed.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of constructing a removable flexible bag, comprising: a) providing a flexible bag of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; b) forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending two feet under the bag when the bag is filled with material; c) folding each panel back onto itself to end at the nearest edge; d) securing loops onto the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; e) securing the ends of the bag beneath the bag while the bag is being filled with material; f) pulling the loops away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag; and g) lifting the bag upward and way from the material contents of the bag.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, each of the bottom panels are four feet long, with two feet set under the bag, and two feet folded back onto itself.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the lifting loops extend one foot out from under the bag.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the ends of the panels are secured under the bag with the use of a hog ring on each panel.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, after the bag is lifted away, the bag is cleaned, the bottom panels are re-secured in place, and the bag is stored for further use.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the bag may be a group of a plurality of bags interconnected with each bag having its own bottom panels to operate as claimed herein.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of using a removable flexible bag or cell, comprising the steps of: a) providing a flexible bag of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; b) forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending two feet under the bag when the bag is filled with material so that the four foot bottom of the bag is defined by the two panels; c) folding each panel back onto itself to end at the nearest edge; d) securing loops onto the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; e) securing the ends of the bag beneath the bag while the bag is being filled with material; f) filling the bag with material, such as sand; g) pulling the loops away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag; and h) lifting the bag upward and way from the material contents of the bag.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a removable flexible bag, comprising: a) a flexible bag of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; b) a bottom portion, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel being four feet in length; c) each panel back folded onto itself so that each panel is two feet in length under the bag, and the end extends out to end at the nearest edge; d) a hog ring for securing each panel under the bag when material is poured into the bag; e) a loop secured to the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; and f) the loops pulled away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag, so the bag can be lifted upward and way from the material contents of the bag.

In another embodiment of the removable flexible bag of the present invention, each of the bottom panels are four feet long, with two feet set under the bag, and two feet folded back onto itself.

In another embodiment of the removable flexible bag of the present invention, the lifting loops extend one foot out from under the bag.

In another embodiment of the removable flexible bag of the present invention, the ends of the panels are secured under the bag with the use of a hog ring on each panel.

In another embodiment of the removable flexible bag of the present invention, the bag is lifted away, the bag is cleaned, the bottom panels are re-secured in place, and the bag is stored for further use.

In another embodiment of the removable flexible bag of the present invention, the bag may be a group of a plurality of bags interconnected with each bag having its own bottom panels to operate as claimed and disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an empty flexible cell or bag ready to be filled in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flexible bag or cell filled with sand in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom flap and pull straps in an embodiment of the flexible bag or cell of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the first steps for removal of the flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the step of lifting the flexible bag or cell straight up and off filler sand in an embodiment of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates reattaching the bottom panels to the flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an overall view of a group of flexible bags or cells with the removal sleeves in place, in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates constructing side panels of a flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate constructing sleeves of a flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the sleeve attachment process in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates adding the lifting structure to a flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates the printing step on a flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates the addition of a pull loop to a vertical panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates the addition of pull loops to a sloped panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates one main panel being sewn to two side panels in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates the addition of a sloped panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates the addition of the next center panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates the addition of more vertical and sloped panels in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates making a removal panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates adding a removal panel to the side wall in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates the attachment of loose ends to center panels in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates the packing of the completed chains of a group of flexible bags or cells in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates three photos of the process of filling the reusable flexible bags or cells in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates three photos of the removal of the bottom flaps on the vertical side in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates three photos of the removal of the flaps from the toe of a flexible bag or cell in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates three photos of the partially lifted off cells in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates two photos of completely lifted off cells in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates the undamaged and ready for reuse group of flexible bags or cells in an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 illustrates the liftoff and storage of the reusable flexible bags or cells in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 29 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the reusable and removable flexible bag or cell flood wall protection system and method of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, there is a side view of an empty flexible bag or cel or container ready to be filled, illustrating a side or center panel 11 or 12. A bottom portion 14 is shown, comprising two panel portions 14a and 14b as shown, each panel 14a, 14b extending 2 feet under the bag when it is in the filled position. A center opening 22 between the panel portions 14a, 14b is also shown. Each bottom panel portion 14a, 14b are folded back under the bag towards its nearest edge, and each bottom panel portion 14a, 14b ends with loops 16 designed to allow the bottom panel portion to be pulled out from under the bag. It should be noted that hog rings 17 hold unsewn panels 14a and 14b, in position while sand is poured into each cell or bag. Other suitable attachments may also be used to temporarily secure panels, which are not sewn, in position while sand is poured into each bag or cell.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated the flexible cell or bag 10 filled with sand 18. In this illustration, sand 18 has been added to the cell 10 and lays on top of the removable bottom panels 14a, 14b. A reusable embodiment features an incomplete bottom. The center portion or opening 22 of the bottom is completely open.

In FIG. 3, a pair of bottom flap pull straps or loops 16 are illustrated on a bottom panel 14a, or 14b. In a preferred embodiment, each bottom panel 14a, 14b, is four feet long and a pair of one foot long webbing loops 16, for example, are attached as shown. Two feet of each panel 14a, 14b reaches into the cell 10 and two feet fold back under the cell 10 back to the edge of the flexible cell 10. The webbing loops 16 may be one foot long and extend out from under the cell 10 for easy access, for removal and reuse.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the first steps in a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention for removal of the flexible bag or cell. Soft metal rings, for example a hog ring 17, can be threaded through a side panel 11, 12 and bottom panel 14a, 14b, to hold it in place during filling. In FIG. 4A, there is illustrated that when it is time to remove the flexible bags or cells, the method comprises pulling on the loops 16 to detach the hog rings 17 and allow the fabric to peel back under itself. In FIG. 4B it is illustrated that once the flaps are pulled out, there is nothing holding the flexible bag or cell 10 to the filler sand.

In FIG. 5, a flexible cell 10 has been lifted straight up and off the filler sand 18. The flexible cell 10 can then be cleaned with hoses, for example, to remove the remaining sand 18.

In FIG. 6, the reattachment of the bottom panels is illustrated. One would fold bottom flaps 14a, 14b back under the flexible bag or cell 10 as illustrated, and the hog ring 17 or other suitable temporary attachment means would be set into place. The bag may be folded and stored until needed.

An embodiment of the removable flexible cell or bag system of the present invention comprises a series of identical chambers that are sewn together to make a continuous cell wall 35. In a preferred embodiment, the method of constructing a continuous cellular wall of the removable flexible cell or bag system, comprises building every other chamber completely, then connecting the completed chambers with a single main panel. A completed cell wall in a preferred embodiment would be comprised of 31 completed chambers and one connection chamber that is essentially an open chamber at the end of the string of chambers. An embodiment of the present invention would be made up of 17 complete chambers and 18 extra main panels. The system may be constructed in a series of steps, similar to those used in bulk bag production, except for the final stage of putting together the chain of bags.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each chamber will have two sleeves of fabric 19 near the top opening of each chamber or cell 10. These sleeves will provide support for the chambers during the filling and emptying process. These sleeves 19 may be added to each side panel 11, 12 prior to the production of the actual chamber.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a group of flexible bags or chambers 10 sewn together with the bottom removal sleeves or loops 16 in place as illustrated.

FIG. 7 further illustrates dimensional details of a flexible bag or cell 10 and cellular wall 35 comprising a chain or bags or cells 10, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, “A” represents a vertical height, of a back or vertical panel portion 15. “B” represents a base length of bottom portion 14 (which is equal to A+62 CM in a preferred embodiment). “C” represents a height of a front toe 20. “D” represents length of a diagonal or sloping face portion 13. “E” represents a length of fill mouth or opening 21. “F” represents a finished width of a main panel and width of filling mouth or opening 21. “G” represents a main or sloping panel 13 and may be equal to C+D+12 CM. “H” represents a toe anchor panel which may be 62 CM. “I” represents a vertical back panel 15 which is equal to A+31 CM in a preferred embodiment. “J” represents a removal loop or sleeve 16 which may be 35 CM.

Dimensions may further be as follows:

• • A=138 CM
  • B=184 CM
  • C=31 CM
  • D=136 CM
  • E=100 CM
  • F=100 CM
  • G=C+D+12 CM
  • H=45 CM
  • I=15 CM
  • J=35 CM

In a preferred embodiment, dimensionally, a horizontal height “B” will be 46 centimeters longer than the vertical height “A”. The toe front 20 will be 31 centimeters tall. A reusable embodiment features an incomplete bottom 14. The center portion 22 of the bottom 14 is completely open. The outer portions 14a, 14b are only slightly attached so that it can easily break free without damage during removal for reuse. A reusable embodiment also features pull straps 16 that will allow the bottom flaps to be pulled from beneath the load to free the filler sand 18 without damage. In a preferred embodiment, the lifting sleeves are strong enough to lift up to 6,000 pounds from the ground to allow easy removal of the flaps. However, the 5 to 1 safety ratio is not in play.

FIG. 8 illustrates constructing of the side panels, wherein one makes one cut to both sides of a flexible sheet 23 of fabric or material. One would cut the sheet 23 at 148 centimeters×333 centimeters, then cut this sheet in a diagonal manner as shown. Parts marked by “X” are either cut off or folded out of the way. Hem the entire panels with 5 centimeter fold to make completed side panels 11, 12.

In FIGS. 9A-9C there is illustrated the sleeve 19 construction of a bag or cell 10. One would cut a 200 GSM sheet 24 of fabric or material, for example, to size 114, 110 centimeters. One would sew the hem 25 on the two edges to create a sheet 114 by 100 centimeters. One would then fold panel at 26 to create one side 12 centimeters longer than the other side as illustrated.

In FIG. 10, the process of sleeve 19 attachment is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment the fabric tunnel of the sleeve 19 at the top has a 25 centimeter lay flat. A sleeve 19 may be pre-attached to the panel with three sew lines 27. In a preferred embodiment, one would position the sleeve 19 so that 25 centimeters of the sleeve extends above the side panel 11, 12, with one sew line that is 5 centimeters from the bottom, one would have a sew line 5 centimeters above the bottom of the short side and one sew line 3 centimeters from the top of the side panel. In a preferred embodiment the sleeve 19 is positioned even with vertical side edge.

In FIG. 11 there is illustrated adding the lifting structure where one attaches 138 centimeters by 5 centimeter webbing with 4,500 pounds tinsel strength to long vertical side and zigzag sewing 28 attached for 25 centimeters at top to attach sleeve 19. An embodiment of the present invention further comprises 25 centimeter lift loops 30 at the toe. One folds a 100 centimeter by 5 centimeter piece of webbing loop in half and zigzags to the vertical portion of toe 20 panel as shown. This will form a 25 centimeter lift loop 30 at the toe.

When the units are complete, in a preferred embodiment fill openings 21 are 1 meter×1 meter. They are hemmed on all four sides with a 1 meter long sleeve 19 that has a 5 centimeter hem on each side that is even with the vertical edge of the center panel. For the connecting panels, the connecting panels will now be in two parts, each may be made of a 200 GSM sheet. There are two connecting panels for each cell. The panel for the vertical side 15 will be cut 184 centimeters×112 centimeters and hemmed 5 centimeters on all four sides. The panel for the slope side 13 will be cut 222 centimeters×112 centimeters and hemmed 5 centimeters on all four sides. Printing may be included on a cell and in a preferred embodiment will be oriented to start 40 centimeters from one edge, will then be placed near the fill opening when sewn into the cells. When attaching panels to center panels, a 1 centimeter same depth is preferred. Cells may also be in different colors, for example tan. If information, e.g. trademarks or contact information, is printed on the bag, such printing may be about 40 centimeters tall, with other printing being less tall, for example 10 centimeters. Printing may be, for example, on all panels near the top which is hemmed, or could be added to other locations as desired.

In FIG. 13, there is shown adding the pull loops to the vertical side to the connection panels, while in FIG. 14 there is illustrated adding the pull loops to the sloped panels as illustrated in the Figure. A vertical panel 14 may be 174 CM after hemming For a vertical panel, 5 CM wide webbing may be used, cut at 132 CM. Form one 31 CM long loop on free end by zigzagging 12 CM as shown. In a preferred embodiment, it will be attached to an unprinted side by zigzagging 12 CM as shown. A sloped panel 13 may be 212 CM after hemming For a sloped panel one may use 5 CM wide webbing cut 144 CM. Form one 31 CM long loop on free end by zigzagging 12 CM as shown. In a preferred embodiment, it will be attached to an unprinted side by zigzagging 12 CM as shown.

In FIG. 15, there is illustrated sewing one main panel or vertical panel 15 to a side panel 11, 12. The vertical panel may be sewn with a 5 centimeter fold to each center or side panel 11, 12 on the vertical side. At the bottom, turn the corner and sew for 3 centimeters then run off This will leave 28 centimeters unsewn. The unsewn flap will be slightly anchored in place later.

In FIG. 16, there is illustrated adding the sloped panel 13. One may sew the sloped panel 13 in the same manner as discussed above. In a preferred embodiment, only 5 centimeters is sewn to the bottom of the center or side panel 11 or 12 then the seam should stop and leave 10 centimeters unattached.

In FIG. 17, there is illustrated adding the next center or side panel 11, 12 by sewing the next center panel to the vertical 15 and sloped 13 panels, wherein a 5 centimeter fold is made in a preferred embodiment.

In FIG. 18 one would add more vertical and sloped panels as illustrated in continuing the process of the present invention. One would continue this process until one would have 31 complete chambers and a 32^nd chamber that has sloped and vertical panels but no ending center or side panel, 11, 12. This last chamber is a connection chamber to the next flexible cell or bag string. The last or 32^nd chamber may look like the left hand chamber illustrated in FIG. 18.

In FIG. 19 there is illustrated the process of making the removal panels from 200 GSM sheet as illustrated in the Figure. The sheet 31 may be 32.5 meters long by 147 centimeters wide. A 47 centimeter fold 32 may be made in the sheet 31 to make it a total of 1 meter wide. Sew flap down twice to make open sleeve with 31 cm lay flat. Sew lines 33 are shown in the figure.

In FIG. 20 there is illustrated adding a removal panel 14b in an embodiment of the present invention. The removal panel 14b is double sewn to a loose portion of sloped panel 13 with sleeve 34 laying beyond the toe 20 by 32 centimeters. Once sewn, total length from front of the toe 20 to end of removal panel 14b is 67 centimeters, plus or minus 5 centimeters, in a preferred embodiment. Note that the removal panel 14b may extend past a first chamber by 0.5 meters. This sleeve 34 will be capable of supporting a lot of weight as it lifts the toe for removal from the sand.

In FIG. 21, there is illustrated the attachment of loose ends to the center panels. Loose ends of all panels 14a, 14b are attached to center or side panels 11, 12 in a break away fashion in a preferred embodiment. Soft metal rings, for example a hog ring 17, can be threaded through a side panel 11, 12 and bottom panel 14a, 14b, to hold it in place during filling. During emptying, as the flexible bag 10 is lifted upwards, the rings 17 will easily bend and release. FIG. 21 illustrates completing the manufacturing of a chain of the flexible bags.

A completed chain or wall 35 may be folded accordion style by gusseting connection panels and lining center panels flat to each other in the manner to illustrate the packing of completed chains as set forth on a pallet 36 as seen in FIG. 22. In a preferred embodiment, each chain is packed with an open final chamber down on the pallet first. In the final packing, one may add the cover bag and strap to the pallet. One may add identifying tags or trademarks, dimension information, company contact information and other information regarding where the product was made, for example, to the flexible bags or cells 10. A tag may read for example “1.2 meter tall reusable flexible bag.”

In the procedures for use of the removable flexible bag or cell, there is illustrated in FIG. 23 three photographs, which depict procedures for single application design with one additional requirement. In the embodiment of the method as shown, all flap loops 16 are kept extended to the outside of the bag. Positioning flap loops 16 so they are extended to the outside of the bag allows them to be available to assist in pulling the bottom flaps from under the filler when it is time to remove the flexible bag or container.

In FIG. 24 there is illustrated three photos showing the removal of the bottom flaps on the vertical side. One would lift the vertical side of the flexible bag or container with a forklift, for example, or any appropriate powered lifting device, threaded through sleeves 19. Lift far enough to remove pressure from the flaps. Each flap 14a has two pull loops. Pull the loops 16 together to extract the flap 14a from beneath the filler material or sand 18. Repeat the process with neighboring cells until all the flaps 14a are extracted from the vertical side.

In FIG. 25, the three photos show the removal of flaps 14b from the toe portion 20 of the flexible bag or container 10. Using loops 30 on top of the toe 20 on the sloped side, raise the bag to take pressure off the bottom flaps. Using pull loops 16, pull the bottom flaps 14b from the filler materials, continue with adjacent cells until all bottom flaps 14b are free.

In FIG. 26 there are the photos which show the process of partially lifting off cells or bags 10. One would start on one side and lift 8 inches, for example, and then move two cells and repeat. Repeat this procedure until tie in for next line of flexible bag or cell is met. Cut connecting ties and continue 8 inch lifts. Proceed until the entire line has been partially lifted.

In FIG. 27 there are illustrated two photos showing the bag completely lifted off the cells. After lifting off entire cells one would clean each section, secure hog ring flaps 17 back into place, fold and pack for reuse.

In FIG. 28, there is illustrated an undamaged group or chain of flexible bags or containers or cells, ready for reuse while in FIG. 29 there is illustrated the flexible bags or containers being lifted off and readied for storing. Now that the entire bottom has been easily removed, simply lift the flexible bag or container off the filler in sequential stages. The flexible bag or container will be durable and difficult to damage in a preferred embodiment. Wash the flexible bag or container to remove excess dirt, reapply hog rings to bottom and position during fill. Fold and store for next use.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention:

PARTS LIST
Number Description
10     removable and reusable
       flexible bag or cell
11     side panel
12     side panel
13     sloping panel
14     bottom portion
14a    bottom panel portion
14b    bottom panel portion
15     back or vertical panel
16     bottom loop
17     ring
18     filler material/sand
19     fabric sleeve
20     toe portion
21     fill opening
22     bottom center opening
23     sidewall sheet
24     sleeve sheet
25     hem
26     fold
27     sew line
28     zigzag sewing
30     toe loop
31     sheet
32     fold
33     sew line
34     sleeve
35     cell wall
36     pallet

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of constructing a removable flexible bag or container comprising:

a) providing a flexible bag or container of the type having sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; and

b) forming a bottom, which comprises first and second panels, wherein a first panel extends from the rear wall and a second panel extends from the front wall, and wherein when the bag is lifted upward, an opening between the first and second panels allows the bag to be lifted away from any material contents of the bag.

2. The method in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second panels are four feet long, with two feet of each of the first and second panels set under the bag, and two feet of each panel folded back onto itself.

3. The method in claim 2, further comprising the step of securing a loop onto an end of each of the first and second panels, and positioning each loop so that it extends out from under the bag.

4. The method in claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are temporarily secured under the bag or container.

5. The method in claim 4, wherein the bag or container is reusable and wherein after being lifted away, the bag or container may be cleaned, the bottom panels re-secured in place, and the bag or container stored for further use.

6. The method in claim 1, wherein the bag or container may be a group of a plurality of bags or containers interconnected with each bag or container having its own bottom panels to operate as claimed herein.

7. A method of using a removable flexible bag or container, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a flexible bag or container of the type having sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand;

b) forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending under the bag when the bag is filled with material so that the bottom of the bag is defined by the pair of panels;

c) filling the bag with material, such as sand; and

d) lifting the bag upward and away from the material contents of the bag.

8. A removable flexible bag or cell, comprising:

a) a flexible bag or cell of the type having sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand;

b) a bottom portion, which comprises a pair of panels;

c) each panel back folded onto itself under the bag or cell, wherein an end of each panel extends out to end at a nearest edge of the bag or cell;

d) a loop secured to the each end of each panel, so that a loop extends from out of a front and rear of the bag or cell; and

e) wherein pulling the loops away from the bag enable the panels from under the bag to be pulled out from under the contents of the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to a surface beneath the bag or cell and the bag or cell may be lifted upward and away from the material contents of the bag.

9. The flexible bag or cell in claim 8, wherein each of the panels are four feet long, with two feet set under the bag, and two feet folded back onto itself.

10. The flexible bag or cell in claim 8, wherein the loops extend one foot out from under the bag.

11. The flexible bag or cell in claim 8, wherein the panels are secured under the bag or cell with a hog ring on each panel.

12. The method in claim 7, wherein after the bag or cell is lifted away, the bag or cell is cleaned, the bottom panels are re-secured in place, and the bag is stored for further use.

13. The flexible bag or cell in claim 8, wherein the bag or cell may be a group of a plurality of bags or cells interconnected with each bag or cell having its own bottom panels to operate as claimed herein.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the front wall is a sloping front wall.

15. The method of claim 7 wherein the front wall is a sloping front wall.

16. The flexible bag or cell of claim 8 wherein the front wall is a sloping front wall.

17. The method of claim 4, wherein a hog ring on each panel is used to temporarily secure each panel beneath the bag or container.

18. The method of claim 7 wherein step “b” further comprises folding each panel back onto itself to end at a nearest edge of the bag or container.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of securing loops onto a folded back end of each panel, so that there is a loop extending from out of a front and a rear of the bag.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising temporarily securing the panels beneath the bag or container prior to filling the bag or container.

21. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of pulling the loops away from the bag or container to pull the panels out from under the bag or container so that the contents of the bag or container are exposed to a surface beneath the bag or container, prior to lifting the bag or container.

22. A removable flexible bag or container, comprising:

a) a flexible bag or container of the type having sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; and

b) a bottom portion, which comprises a pair of panels, wherein a first panel of the pair extends from a rear wall and a second panel of the pair extends from a front wall, and wherein a space remains between the first and second panels, wherein the bag or container may be lifted away from any material contents of the bags and wherein any material contents of the bag will remain in place.