Support for cage and bottle style intermediate bulk container

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for using a liner in conjunction with the cage of a bottle and cage type IBC. The invention involves use of a support that is placed inside the cage of a bottle and cage type IBC. In one embodiment, the support may be a thin sheet of material that conforms to the inner surface of the cage. In an alternative embodiment, the support may be a bottle from a cage and bottle type IBC that has been modified by removing the discharge valve spout. In the case that a liner is used in conjunction with the cage, the support forms a barrier between the liner and the cage to prevent the liner from extruding through the bars of the cage. An aperture in the support may allow a discharge valve of a liner to extend outwardly for easy access to the item.

1 . A support for use with a cage of a bottle and cage style Intermediate Bulk Container having walls, the support comprising a generally planar support member having a first and second surface, wherein the support member forms a three dimensional structure within the cage, and wherein the first surface abuts substantially all of an interior portion of the walls of the cage.  
   
   
       2 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is corrugated plastic.  
   
   
       3 . The support of  claim 1 , further comprising a top flap.  
   
   
       4 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is used in conjunction with a liner, which abuts the second surface, for separating contents of the cage from the support member.  
   
   
       5 . The support of  claim 4 , the cage having bars, wherein the support member prevents the liner from extruding through a space between the bars.  
   
   
       6 . The support of  claim 1 , the support member having an aperture for receiving a discharge valve.  
   
   
       7 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the cage is mounted to a pallet and wherein a portion of the support member is positioned between the cage and the pallet.  
   
   
       8 . A container, comprising: 
 a cage for use with an Intermediate Bulk Container, the cage having walls that include cage supports;    a liner positioned within the cage for holding an item to be at least one of shipped and stored; and    a generally planar support member support member adapted to be positioned between the liner and an substantially all of an interior portion the walls of the cage to prevent the liner from extruding through a space between the bars.    
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the support member has a first and second surface, and wherein and the first surface abuts substantially all of an interior portion of the walls of the cage and the second surface abuts an exterior portion of the liner.  
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the support member is corrugated plastic.  
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 8 , further comprising a top flap for at least one of to improving a structural integrity of the support and forming a cover for the item.  
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 8 , the support member having an aperture for receiving a discharge valve.  
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the cage is mounted to a pallet and wherein a portion of the support member is positioned between the cage and the pallet.  
   
   
       14 . A method for placing an item within a cage of a cage and bottle style Intermediate Bulk Container, comprising: 
 providing the cage, the cage having walls;    positioning a substantially planar support member within the cage, wherein the support member is folded in such a way that a first surface of the support member abuts substantially all of an interior portion of the walls of the cage;    positioning a liner within the cage, wherein the support member is between the liner and the walls of the cage; and    filling the liner with the item.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the positioning of the liner allows a discharge valve for accessing the item to extrude through an aperture of the support member.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the item is a liquid.  
   
   
       17 . A support for use with a cage of a bottle and cage type Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), the support comprising: 
 a bottle of a bottle and cage type IBC, wherein the bottle has been modified by removing a discharge valve spout.    
   
   
       18 . The support of  claim 17 , wherein the modification includes cutting a portion of the bottle surrounding the discharge valve spout to form an aperture in the bottle.