Apparatus for bulk handling

Abstract

A container for bulk handling including a body defined by an upper portion of rigid construction, a lower portion of rigid construction and a central portion of flexible construction extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower portion includes an outlet for the discharge of product from the container, and the upper portion, the lower portion and the central portion define a chamber for bulk handling of product.

1 . A container for bulk handling, the container comprising:
 a body defined by an upper portion of rigid construction, a lower portion of rigid construction and a central portion of flexible construction extending between the upper portion and the lower portion;   wherein the lower portion includes an outlet for the discharge of product from the container; and
 wherein the upper portion, the lower portion and the central portion define a chamber for bulk handling of product. 
   
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower portion defines a discharge cone having said outlet at a lower end thereof, for the discharge of product from the container. 
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the central portion is removably coupled to the upper portion and/or the lower portion. 
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the central portion is sealingly coupled with the upper portion and/or lower portion, preferably wherein the central portion is sealingly coupled with the upper portion and/or lower portion by means of an interference fit connection therewith. 
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion includes a surface over which part of the central portion extends, and wherein said part is sealingly and removably held in place against said surface. 
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein said surface comprises an outer edge at a distal end of said upper portion. 
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower portion includes a surface over which part of the central portion extends, and wherein said part is sealingly and removably held in place against said surface. 
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 7 , wherein said surface comprises an outer edge at a distal end of said lower portion. 
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the central portion is of polyurethane material. 
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion and/or the lower portion is manufactured from a metallic material, e.g. from steel. 
     
     
         11 . A container for bulk handling, the container comprising:
 a body defined by an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion extending between the upper portion and the lower portion;   wherein the lower portion includes an outlet for the discharge of product from the container;   
       wherein the upper portion, the lower portion and the central portion define a chamber for bulk handling of product; and
 wherein the central portion is removably coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion. 
 
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the central portion is sealingly coupled with the upper portion of the body, e.g. by means of an interference fit connection or clamp. 
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the upper portion includes a surface over which a part of the central portion extends, wherein said part is sealingly and removably held in place against said surface, preferably wherein said surface comprises an outer edge at a distal end of said upper portion. 
     
     
         14 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the lower portion includes a surface over which a part of the central portion extends, wherein said part is sealingly and removably held in place against said surface, preferably wherein said surface comprises an outer edge at a distal end of said upper portion. 
     
     
         15 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the lower portion defines a discharge cone having said outlet at a lower end thereof, for the discharge of product from the container. 
     
     
         16 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the central portion is of flexible construction, e.g. the central portion is of polyurethane material. 
     
     
         17 . A container according to  claim 11 , wherein the lower portion and/or the upper portion is of rigid construction. 
     
     
         18 . A discharge assembly for bulk handling, the discharge assembly comprising:
 a frame; and
 a container according to  claim 1 ; 
   wherein the container is removably mounted on said frame.   
     
     
         19 . A discharge assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the frame comprises a plurality of adjustable legs, for varying the distance between the upper and lower sections of the frame. 
     
     
         20 . A discharge assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the discharge assembly is configured for rotation of the frame, in order to rotate the container through multiple revolutions of 360 degrees, during which an uppermost end of the frame or bulk container becomes lowermost after a first 180 degrees of rotation and is returned to an uppermost position after a further 180 degrees of rotation.