System and Method for Storing, Transporting and Dispensing Bulk Particulate Materials and Dispensing Apparatus Therefor

Abstract

An apparatus attachable to a bag containing a bulk particulate material and having a discharge spout for dispensing material from the bag generally consisting of first and second annular clamping members displaceable axially between a first, spaced apart condition permitting a portion of the spout to be drawn in position therebetween, and a second, adjacent condition clamping the spout portion position therebetween, and means for releasably retaining the members in the clamping condition.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . An apparatus mountable on a bag containing a bulk particulate material and having a discharge spout for dispensing material from said bag comprising:
 first and second annular clamping members provided with cooperating frusto-conically configured surfaces, displaceable axially between a first, spaced apart condition permitting a portion of said spout to be drawn over an outer side of one of said members and positioned between said members, and a second adjacent condition clamping said sprout portion positioned therebetween; and   means for releasably retaining said member in said clamping condition.   
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  including means supported on said first annular member for supporting said second annular member when said second annular member is disposed in said spaced apart condition. 
     
     
         34 . An apparatus according to  claim 33  wherein said support means comprises an annular flange. 
     
     
         35 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein said releasable retaining means comprises a threaded bolt threaded in one of said clamping members and having an end engageable in pressing relation with the other of said clamping members. 
     
     
         36 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  wherein said first clamping member is provided with a surface against which a first portion of said spout may be drawn over and positioned, and said second clamping member is provided with a lower edge around which a second portion of said spout may be turned and a surface against which a third portion of said spout may be drawn in position. 
     
     
         37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  including a hopper supported by said first clamping member, having an inlet communicating with the interior thereof. 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . An apparatus according to  claim 38  including means supported on said first annular member for supporting said second annular member when said second annular member is disposed in said spaced apart condition. 
     
     
         41 . An apparatus according to  claim 40  wherein said support means comprises an annular flange. 
     
     
         42 . An apparatus according to  claim 38  wherein said releasable retaining means comprises a threaded bolt threaded in one of said clamping members and having an end engageable in pressing relation with the other of said clamping members. 
     
     
         43 . An apparatus according to  claim 38  wherein said first clamping member is provided with a surface against which a first portion of said spout may be drawn and positioned, and said second clamping member is provided with a lower edge around which a second portion of said spout may be turned and a surface against which a third portion of said spout may be drawn and positioned. 
     
     
         44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  including a valve supported by said first clamping member having an inlet communicating with the interior thereof. 
     
     
         46 . An apparatus according to  claim 45  wherein said valve comprises a butterfly valve. 
     
     
         47 . An apparatus according to  claim 31  including a hopper supported by said first clamping member having an inlet communicating with the interior thereof, and a valve supported on said hopper having an inlet communicating with said hopper. 
     
     
         48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  including means supported on said first annular member for supporting said second annular member when said second annular member is disposed in said space apart condition. 
     
     
         50 . An apparatus according to  claim 49  wherein said support means comprises an annular flange. 
     
     
         51 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said releasable retaining means comprises a threaded bolt threaded in one of said clamping members and having an end engageable in pressing relation with the other of said clamping members. 
     
     
         52 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said first clamping member is provided with a surface against which a first portion of said spout may be drawn in position and said second clamping member is provided with a lower edge around which a second portion of said spout may be turned and a surface against which a third portion of said spout may be drawn in position. 
     
     
         53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said valve is provided within elongated, manually operated handle. 
     
     
         55 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said valve comprises a butterfly valve. 
     
     
         56 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said hopper is provided with a frusto-conically configuration. 
     
     
         57 . An apparatus according to  claim 47  wherein said hopper includes means for fluidizing material therein for enhancing the flowability thereof. 
     
     
         58 - 65 . (canceled)