Flexible container discharge apparatus and method

Abstract

Flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container as hereinbefore defined, comprises a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingably connected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements which project in a direction away from the common support element and which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element. With a flexible bulk container positioned on the common support element, as flowable material within the container is discharged, the urging elements pivot towards each other, pressing the flowable material towards an outlet of the container. A method of discharging material from a flexible bulk container is also provided.

1 . Flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container, the apparatus comprising a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingably connected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of equi-angularly pivotable urging elements which project in a direction away from the common support element and which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element, so that, as the common support element moves due to gravity, the urging elements equi-angularly pivot towards each other. 
   
   
       2 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the base structure includes one or more upstanding support members, and a rim on the or each support member, the movable container support element being hingably connected to the rim. 
   
   
       3 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the movable container support element includes a plurality of spaced arms which are pivotably engaged with the base structure. 
   
   
       4 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each arm includes a joint for articulated movement. 
   
   
       5 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the moveable container support element includes a plate having a material discharge aperture therethrough. 
   
   
       6 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the said urging elements is slidable relative to the movable container support element. 
   
   
       7 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a base hopper which is supported by the base structure. 
   
   
       8 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising a flexible discharge duct which is connected or connectable between the movable container support element and the base hopper, and through which material from the flexible bulk container passes during discharge. 
   
   
       9 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising a valve for closing a flow path through the flexible discharge duct, wherein the valve includes a material dislodgement device which is movable in the flexible discharge duct for projection into an interior of the flexible bulk container. 
   
   
       10 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the valve includes a cutting device which is moveable in the flexible discharge duct for cutting a base of the flexible bulk container. 
   
   
       11 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a biasing element for moving the support element and/or urging elements to promote material discharge. 
   
   
       12 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing element is a cage. 
   
   
       13 . Flexible container discharge apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , in combination with a flexible bulk container having a flowable material therein, the container being provided on the common movable container support element of the apparatus, and the pivotable urging elements forming a variable volume enclosure around the flexible bulk container, the urging elements equi-angularly pivoting towards each other as the material flows from the container whereby a base of the flexible bulk container forms a hopper-shape. 
   
   
       14 . A combination as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the flexible bulk container has a flexible tubular outlet with a length which is less than or equal to its diameter. 
   
   
       15 . A combination as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising a flexible elongate tie element for location around a flexible tubular outlet of the flexible bulk container, the tie element having a length adapted for access from the exterior of the discharge apparatus when the flexible bulk container is seated on the discharge apparatus. 
   
   
       16 . A method of discharging material from a flexible bulk container as hereinbefore defined, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing flexible container discharge apparatus including a base structure, a common movable container support element which is hingably connected to the base structure, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element and which project away from the support element to define an enclosure for the flexible bulk container; b) locating the flexible bulk container on the common movable container support element, so that the weight of the container urges the common support element downwards, thus causing the urging elements to equi-angularly pivot inwards and press on the flexible bulk container; and c) opening the flexible bulk container so that material contained therein is discharged through its base. 
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein, in step a), it is determined whether: i) the flexible bulk container to be emptied has a flexible discharge tube in its base which has a length which is greater than its diameter, ii) the flexible bulk container has a flexible discharge tube in its base which has a length which is less than or equal to its diameter, or iii) whether the base of the flexible bulk container must be punctured to enable discharge, in the case of option i), the flexible discharge tube is connected directly to a base hopper supported by the base structure in step b), in the case of options ii) and iii), a flexible discharge duct is provided between the base hopper and the movable container support element. 
   
   
       18 . A method as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein, in option iii), the discharge apparatus is provided with a cutting device for puncturing the base of the flexible bulk container. 
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the locating of the flexible bulk container on the apparatus in step b) occurs at a first location, and the apparatus and flexible bulk container are moved to a second location which is different from the first location for discharge of the material into a second container. 
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the flexible container discharge apparatus further comprises a biasing element, and a step f) is provided subsequent to step c) of imparting oscillation to the support element via the biasing element.