Octagon shaped stackable flexible intermediate bulk container and method of manufacture

Abstract

A bulk bag comprises eight substantially identical side wall portions and eight stiffening panels. A bottom wall is connected to the bottom edges of the side wall portions and may be provided with a discharge port. Alternatively, a discharge port may be provided in one of the side wall portions. The bulk bag may be provided with a top wall which may be either openable or secured in place. A pallet and/or lift loops may be provided for transporting the bulk bag and the contents thereof. Belly bands extend around the periphery of the side wall, comprising the side wall portions for reinforcing the side wall.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . An octagon shaped bulk bag comprising: 
 eight vertically extending side wall portions disposed in an octagonal array and each having a bottom edge;    vertically extending stiffening panels each aligned with one of the side wall portions;    each of the stiffening panels being releasably secured in engagement with one of the side wall portions;    a bottom wall extending between and connected to the bottom edge of each of the side wall portions;    at least one belly band secured to the side wall portions of the bulk bag;    the belly band extending parallel to the bottom wall; and    a top wall for closing the upper end of the bulk bag.    
   
   
       20 . The bulk bag according to  claim 19  wherein the eight side wall portions comprising the bulk bag are substantially equal in length and width and wherein the stiffening panels are substantially equal in length and width.  
   
   
       21 . The bulk bag according to  claim 19  wherein the stiffening panels each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.  
   
   
       22 . The bulk bag according to  claim 19  further including a pallet secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for facilitating transportation of the bulk bag and its contents.  
   
   
       23 . The bulk bag according to  claim 22  further including a plurality of fasteners secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for securing the bulk bag to the pallet.  
   
   
       24 . A stackable octagon shaped bulk bag comprising: 
 a single layer octagonally shaped side wall comprising eight vertically disposed side wall portions each having a bottom edge;    vertically disposed stiffening panels each aligned with and releasably secured to one of the side wall portions;    a bottom wall extending between and connected to the bottom edges of each of the side wall portions;    at least one belly band extending around the entire periphery of the side wall and secured thereto for reinforcing the side wall; and    a top panel for closing the upper end of the bulk bag.    
   
   
       25 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  wherein the stiffening panels are positioned inside of the belly band and engage one another edge to edge.  
   
   
       26 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  wherein the belly band is formed from webbing.  
   
   
       27 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  wherein the belly band is formed from a length of knitted webbing material extending continually around the periphery of the bulk bag.  
   
   
       28 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  wherein the eight side wall portions comprising the bulk bag are substantially equal in length and width and wherein the stiffening panels are substantially equal in length and width.  
   
   
       29 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  wherein the stiffening panels each comprise a panel formed from corrugated plastic material.  
   
   
       30 . The bulk bag according to  claim 24  further including a pallet secured to the bottom of the bulk bag for facilitating transportation of the bulk bag and its contents.  
   
   
       31 . A stackable octagon shaped bulk bag comprising: 
 a single layer octagonally shaped side wall comprising eight vertically disposed side wall portions and each having a bottom edge;    vertically disposed stiffening panels each aligned with and releasably secured to one of the side wall portions;    a bottom wall extending between and connected to the bottom edges of each of the side wall portions;    at least one belly band extending around the entire periphery of the side wall and secured thereto for reinforcing the side wall;    said belly band extending around the interior periphery of the bulk bag and secured to the side wall thereof at spaced intervals;    the stiffening panels being positioned between the belly band and the side wall of the bulk bag; and    a top panel for closing the upper end of the bulk bag.