Bulk container

Abstract

A stackable collapsible container for flowable materials. The container has a flexible outer skin and rigid support, having a top frame and bottom frame connected by poles. The top frame and bottom frame are designed for mating engagement when the containers are stacked, as well as for mating engagement when the containers are broken down for transport. The top frame and bottom frame are provided with similar perimeters to prevent undesired movement and contact between adjacent top frame when the containers are filled and transported.

1 . A bulk container comprising:
 (a) a first pole;   (b) a second pole;   (c) a first frame defining first means for receiving said first pole and said second pole;   (d) a second frame defining second means for receiving said first pole and said second pole, wherein said second frame defines a first corner and a second corner;   (e) a first locator pin secured across said first corner;   (f) a second locator pin secured across said second corner;   (g) wherein said first frame defines first means for retaining said first locator pin against lateral movement in relationship thereto; and   (h) wherein said first frame defines second means for retaining said second locator pin against lateral movement in relationship thereto.   
     
     
         2 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , wherein said first frame is provided with a first perimeter, wherein said second frame is provided with a second perimeter, and wherein said first perimeter is substantially similar to said second perimeter. 
     
     
         3 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , wherein said first frame defines at least two fork lift slots. 
     
     
         4 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , wherein said first locator pin is tapered upward from said second frame. 
     
     
         5 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of ribs secured to said first locator pin. 
     
     
         6 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , wherein said second frame defines a third corner and a fourth corner, and further comprising a third locator pin secured across said third corner, and a fourth locator pin secured across said fourth corner. 
     
     
         7 . The bulk container of  claim 6 , wherein said second frame comprises a first arm, a second arm, a third arm and a fourth arm. 
     
     
         8 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , further comprising a first arm and a second arm defining said first corner, and a third arm and a fourth arm defining said second corner. 
     
     
         9 . The bulk container of  claim 1 , wherein said first frame defines a raised perimeter. 
     
     
         10 . The bulk container of  claim 9 , wherein said second frame defines a recessed perimeter configured for mating engagement with said raised perimeter. 
     
     
         11 . The bulk container of  claim 9 , wherein said frame defines a plurality of pole collars located at a position interior of said raised perimeter when said first frame is provided in mating engagement with said second frame. 
     
     
         12 . A bulk container comprising:
 (a) a first pole;   (b) a second pole;   (c) a third pole;   (d) a fourth pole;   (e) a first frame defining means for receiving said first pole, said second pole, said third pole and said fourth pole;   (f) a second frame defining means for receiving said first pole, said second pole, said third pole and said fourth pole, said second frame comprising:
 (i) a first arm; 
 (ii) a second arm; 
 (iii) a third arm; 
 (iv) a fourth arm; 
 (v) a first corner; 
 (vi) a second corner; 
 (vii) a third corner and 
 (viii) a fourth corner. 
   (g) a first locator pin secured at said first corner; and   (h) a second locator pin secured at said second corner.   
     
     
         13 . The bulk container of  claim 12 , wherein said first frame is provided with a first perimeter, wherein said second frame is provided with a second perimeter, and wherein said first perimeter is substantially similar to said second perimeter. 
     
     
         14 . The bulk container of  claim 12 , wherein said first locator pin is tapered upward from said second frame. 
     
     
         15 . The bulk container of  claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of ribs secured to said first locator pin. 
     
     
         16 . The bulk container of  claim 12 , wherein said first frame defines a raised perimeter. 
     
     
         17 . The bulk container of  claim 16 , wherein said second frame defines a recessed perimeter configured for mating engagement with said raised perimeter. 
     
     
         18 . A bulk container comprising:
 (a) a plurality of poles;   (b) a first frame defining means for receiving said plurality of poles, said first frame defining a raised perimeter;   (c) a second frame defining means for receiving said plurality of poles, said second frame defining a recessed perimeter configured for mating engagement with said raised perimeter, said second frame comprising:
 (i) a first arm and a second arm defining a first corner; and 
 (ii) a third arm and a fourth arm defining a second corner. 
   (d) a first locator pin secured to said first corner; and   (e) a second locator pin secured to said first corner.   
     
     
         19 . The bulk container of  claim 18 , wherein said raised perimeter is substantially similar in length to said recessed perimeter. 
     
     
         20 . The bulk container of  claim 18 , wherein said first frame defines first means for retaining said first locator pin against lateral movement in relationship thereto.