FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a small-volume bitumen packaging receptacle or container produced from robust and durable flexible material.

BACKGROUND

The use of large-volume packaging containers of flexible material for transporting and storing flowable materials, in particular bitumen, is already known.

Under normal circumstances bitumen is not produced at the site where it is eventually used, which necessitates storage and transport from the bitumen production site to the site of use. In the past, for storage and transport purposes, bitumen was first filled into dimensionally fixed containers. Later, due to economic reasons, bitumen was packed using small flexible containers made of cardboard or plastic foil, but they lacked strength and robustness, and were hampered by slow packing speed, high handling cost and the limitation to pack only hard industrial grades and/or high-viscous polymer modified bitumen in order to minimise leakage during transportation.

The disadvantages of small flexible containers gave rise to the advent of large-volume packaging containers of flexible material to pack penetration grade bitumen for road- use. These large-volume packaging containers can contain sufficiently large amount of bitumen to speed up packing operations and lower handling cost at the same time. Being made from woven polypropylene, they are robust and resistant to damage from rough handling. As their structure allows the fully filled containers to be stacked one on top of the other, they are also cost-effective in terms of storage and transportation. Finally, the bitumen can be enclosed in a foil of polyethylene, which can be melted together with the bitumen at the melting site. However, their main weakness is handling at site of use, especially in third-world countries, as often such sites will not have suitable equipment to lift and move such large-volume containers filled with bitumen.

Looking at solutions for transportation and storage of bitumen, Patent No. AT505805B1 proposes a receptacle with carrying straps. This single-layer receptacle is the aforementioned foil. The carrying straps results in a truncated pyramid-shaped open top bag. Bitumen is viscid, and the aforementioned foils, into which the bitumen is enclosed, may have pinholes, though rarely. Pinholes are small holes in the material, which let the contents escape. As the formation of pinholes cannot be totally avoided during the production process, very often, the truncated pyramid-shaped bag leaks. Furthermore, as they do not stack well, they topple over, making storage and transportation difficult. Hence bitumen receptacles or containers formed in such a manner are at a big disadvantage. Packaging containers having a single-layer cuboid receptacle are known from AT11585U1 , in which case the lateral length is longer by more than 80% compared to the height, resulting in good stackability. The material used in this case is a polypropylene woven material. A filling hole is provided on one lateral skin surface, and the surfaces of the packaging container are joined together by means of seams. This invention is disadvantageous as external damage or material defects may lead to bitumen flowing out, due to it being a single-layer system, in order for such containers to be cost competitive.

PCT/EP2013/054315 refers to a large volume packaging container for bitumen having a bottom panel and a container jacket which consists of wall panels made of woven fabric. The container jacket is constricted in the lower half of the height of the container. As mentioned earlier, the main weakness of large volume packaging containers for bitumen is the absence of handling equipment at site of use, especially in third-world countries. Often such sites will not have suitable equipment to lift and move such large- volume containers filled with bitumen. It is desirable that all the critical disadvantages of the prior art be overcome by a bitumen container/receptacle of flexible but robust material able to withstand external damages from rough handling during transportation of bitumen in such receptacles.

It is desirable that such receptacles be stackable to minimise transport cost and has enhanced leak-tightness due to it being a multi-layered system. Due to the requirement for stackability, such inventive receptacle or container should not be too heavy. Although smaller bitumen receptacles are still considerably heavy, it is desirable to have features which enable high carrying comfort for manual labour, in circumstances where suitable equipment is not available to lift and/or move the filled receptacle.

Such an improved receptacle should also be filled at an acceptable rate by using a customised filling machine, hence minimising filling cost, which was a major weakness of earlier small-volume receptacles. Finally, the low cost of such an inventive receptacle offers a massive advantage over dimensionally fixed containers currently used widely in many parts of the world.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The inventive packaging bitumen receptacle or container comprises a carrying part, an outer receptacle part, and an inner receptacle part, wherein outer and inner receptacle parts respectively are designed in tubular form and arranged substantially coaxial to one another. The end sections of the tubular outer receptacle part and of the tubular inner receptacle part are closed in a way to build "a receptacle within another receptacle", with the intake of bitumen confined by the inner receptacle part.

The inventive bitumen receptacle or container with a carrying part, an outer and an inner receptacle parts, result in enhanced leak-tightness and at the same time provides optimal protection against external damage and improves transportation, storage and carrying comfort. Herein the invention consists of two receptacle parts (outer and inner). Each of them has their own respective enclosed space, independently of each other. The inner receptacle part confines the intake volume of bitumen. Should there be pinholes in the material of the inner part, which is rare but does occur, the bitumen will escape from these pinholes, but will be confined by the outer receptacle part, preventing bitumen from leaking out, which is a common problem faced by existing flexible bitumen containers. The function of the carrying part is to enable easy handling by man or equipment of the filled bitumen receptacles and provides protection against rough treatment and external damages. The final result is a significantly improved small volume bitumen receptacle or container for bitumen packaging, transportation and worksite handling over existing flexible bitumen receptacles. It is also cost competitive against dimensionally fixed containers and is environmentally friendly. In one embodiment of the invention, the end sections of the inner receptacle part and the end sections of the outer receptacle part are each closed independently by means of a fastener. If the outer receptacle part should be opened at any or both end sections, then the inner receptacle part can be pulled out completely with some effort. In a further embodiment of the invention, end sections of the tubular outer receptacle part and the tubular inner receptacle part respectively adjacent to one another are joined together by means of a joint fastener. Herein the tubular outer receptacle part has two end sections, and so does the tubular inner receptacle part. The coaxial arrangement of both receptacle parts results in one end section of the outer receptacle part arranged adjacently to one end section of the inner receptacle part. These two end sections are both joined together by means of a joint fastener. The other end of the outer and inner receptacle parts has the same arrangements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, one end section of the tubular outer receptacle part and the corresponding end section of the tubular inner receptacle part adjacent to one another are joined together by means of a joint fastener. The other end section of both outer and inner receptacle parts are closed independently with their own respective fastener.

The various embodiments are to meet the requirements of different manufacturing processes and/or filling methods.

The carrying part is designed as having tubular form, running in coaxial position to the receptacle and surrounding it length-wise. This facilitates transport whilst at the same time protecting the enclosed area.

Alternatively, another embodiment provides for the carrying part and receptacle to be fixed to one another. This secures the bitumen receptacle or container from sliding out of the carrying part. The carrying part is affixed to the bitumen receptacle by means of a double-sided adhesive tape. This tape constitutes a simple and effective way of securing the carrying part to the bitumen receptacle and is cost-effective.

Preferably, the inventive bitumen receptacle or container allows for the carrying part to be secured to the already filled bitumen receptacle by means of static friction. With a filled bitumen receptacle the outer receptacle part sits closely on the inner surface of the carrying part in order to prevent the filled receptacle from sliding out of the carrying part. The filled-state static friction between the two layers (the carrying part and the outer receptacle part) is sufficiently high to prevent the filled bitumen receptacle from sliding out of the carrying part, not even under traction caused by gravity. It is sufficient that the outer radial dimensions of the outer receptacle part approximate the inner radial dimensions of the carrying part. Thus, the elasticity of the materials and the static friction between the carrying part and the outer receptacle part, caused by the load of the bitumen, will provide the required security against sliding out.

It is intended for the fastener at the end sections to be removed by use of a simple hand tool such as a knife or a pair of scissors. Preferably, the fastener is removable without use of any hand tool. This can be done by anyone using a few simple steps, providing an advantage particularly in lesser developed countries. The fact that it is a simple fastener should provide a cost advantage.

Preferably the fastener of the end sections can be a cable binder or a cord. A cord can be tied in such a manner that it can be untied at a later stage in time without any hand tool, and there are models of cable binders that can be unbound. The advantages are cost-savings whilst meeting the requirements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fastener can be by means of knotting. This can easily be accomplished effortlessly and without additional cost.

It is provided in the invention that in relation to the longitudinal axis of the outer and inner receptacle parts, the carrying part is designed to be shorter than the outer receptacle part and/or the inner receptacle part. If the end sections of the receptacle only serve to facilitate a fastener, then the protection of the carrying part is not necessary at those ends. Thus material can be saved, which will lead to lower costs.

In a further option of the invention in relation to the longitudinal axis of the outer and inner receptacle parts, the outer receptacle part is designed to be shorter or longer than the inner receptacle part. The fabrication can require that the two parts are not equally long. Moreover it is possible that the fastener of the outer receptacle part and of the inner receptacle part requires unequal lengths.

In one embodiment of the invention, the carrying part has at least one carrying strap to stabilize the filled bitumen receptacle or container whilst being lifted and transported.

Another embodiment of the invention has the carrying strap spanning over at least 2/3 of the length, preferably the entire length, of the carrying part, and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bitumen receptacle. A rod, such as a wooden or bamboo stick, can be passed through the carrying strap. This rod will enable the filled bitumen receptacle to be mechanically or manually transported stably and positioned easily. In a further embodiment, several carrying straps or carrying strap parts can be provided along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bitumen receptacle. This is possible for example by cutting through the carrying strap once or several times. This option may be used if the operation of the equipment, used to stuff filled bitumen receptacles into the transport container, requires gripping of the filled bitumen receptacles at several places.

An additional embodiment of the invention proposes the use of a carrying strap formed by shaping a portion of the carrying part into a strap and stitching the same. Thereby it is possible to manufacture the carrying part and the carrying strap from one part, which is simple and cost-effective. Moreover, the carrying strap is cut through once or several times. This way, the individual carrying strap parts are tiltable around the axis, in line with which they are arranged. Thus, for example, two wooden rods can be passed through different straps, enabling the filled bitumen receptacle or container to be carried by two or four people. In remote areas which are inaccessible to machines/equipment, it is advantageous if the filled bitumen receptacles be manually carried.

In a further preferred embodiment option of the invention, one carrying strap is formed by using at least one, but preferably four through-cuts of the carrying part crosswise, preferably at right angles, to the longitudinal axis of the bitumen receptacle. By crosswise or at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the bitumen receptacle, in this context it is meant that the through-cut surface planes cut the longitudinal axis of the bitumen receptacle. This represents a particularly simple solution, since the carrying part, unfilled, is only folded once lengthwise and then cut in crosswise at least once through the folding edge by means of a cutting tool, such as a pair of scissors or a knife. No complex devices will be required to do this. The cut to produce at least one carrying strap can also be done after the production of the bitumen receptacle at, for example, the filling site. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the inner receptacle part is made of polyethylene, which can be melted homogeneously into the bitumen at the work site.

The outer receptacle part is made of polypropylene, which has a high level of leak- tightness preventing bitumen from flowing through it. At the same time, polypropylene is robust and has good protection characteristics, suitable for transporting bitumen.

Likewise, the carrying part is also made of polypropylene, providing sufficient strength in carriage activities. Thus, costs can be kept low, whilst at the same time offering good protection against rough handling and external damages.

It is the intention of the invention to offer a maximum intake volume of 100 litres, preferably 55 litres. As a result, it is possible for between one to four individuals to carry the bitumen receptacle or container. This is an advantage in the absence of other modes of handling/transportation.

The length of the bitumen receptacle is between 90 cm and 200 cm, and its diameter is between 25 cm and 50 cm. In the case of limited storage or working space, the filled bitumen receptacles can be stacked stably due to its form.

In another embodiment of the invention, the carrying part has a peel-seal longitudinal seam. By means of this seam it is possible to remove the carrying part in a quick and simple manner after transporting it to the site of use. Another objective of the invention is to allow for stable stacking of the filled bitumen receptacles or container. This is achieved by stacking one layer over another inside transport containers as described. The longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles of the first group are arranged side by side and pointing towards a first direction. The longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles of the second group, lying upon the first group, are pointing towards a second direction. In so doing, it is possible that those first and second directions are different, preferably at right angles to one another, or that first and second directions are parallel. This results in stable stacking of the filled bitumen receptacles in narrow space, which is well suited for transporting via larger means of transport, such as ship, aeroplanes, trains or trucks. A variation in the embodiment option of the invention in relation to stacking one layer over another, viewed from the top, the longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles of the second group are running between the longitudinal axes of two filled adjacent bitumen receptacles of the first layer. This results in a pyramid-shaped stacking manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS

To illustrate the invention, reference is made to the diagrams below. The diagrams serve to explain the inventive concept, and by no means restrict the invention to only what is shown.

Fig 1 is a cross sectional longitudinal side view of a filled bitumen receptacle or container in accordance to the invention.

Fig 2 shows the top view of the filled bitumen receptacle

Fig 3 is a cross sectional view of the filled bitumen receptacle, seen against section plane A - A in Fig. 1

Fig 4 is an axonometric view of a different embodiment of a filled bitumen receptacle in accordance to the invention.

Fig 5 is an axonometric view of another different embodiment of a filled bitumen receptacle in accordance to the invention Fig 6 is a cross sectional longtitudinal side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig 7 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of Fig 6, seen against section plane A--A in Fig 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The inventive bitumen receptacle (1) is described with reference to Fig 1 , 2 and 3, which show a filled bitumen receptacle (1) in accordance to the invention made of flexible material.

The invention is a bitumen receptacle (1) or container formed by an inner tubular receptacle part (4), with end sections (6c, 6d); and with an outer tubular receptacle part (3), with end sections (6a, 6b). The receptacle parts (3, 4) are arranged coaxial to one another. A carrying part (2) serves as outermost layer. The inner receptacle part (4) confines the intake volume of bitumen (5).

By coaxial it is meant that the inner tubular receptacle part (4) is approximately aligned to the outer tubular receptacle part (3) and that both receptacle parts (3, 4) are arranged around a common longitudinal axis (8).

The tubular inner receptacle part (4) is in this case contained within the tubular outer receptacle part (3) and is fastened at the end sections (6c, 6d) so that the bitumen contained therein cannot escape.

A fastener (7) for receptacle parts (3, 4) is introduced at end-sections (6a, 6c) and (6b, 6d) respectively, being closed jointly or independently of each other. This forms a leak- tight seal for both the outer receptacle part (3) and inner receptacle part (4), preventing bitumen from flowing out. A closed space for intake volume (5) arises within the inner receptacle part (4) by means of the embodiment shown in Fig 1. If there are pinholes in the material of the said inner receptacle part (4), bitumen will escape from these pinholes into the space in- between inner receptacle part (4) and the outer receptacle part (3). As the outer receptacle part (3) forms a closed outer skin, the viscid transported bitumen cannot flow out of the bitumen receptacle or container.

The carrying part (2) (Fig 1 and 2), is designed having tubular form, and runs in coaxial position to outer receptacle parts (3) and inner receptacle part (4), surrounding them at least portion-wise. It spans over almost the entire length of the outer receptacle part (3). Only the end sections (6a, 6b) of the outer receptacle part (3) are not covered by the carrying part (2). By having such a long span, the carrying part (2) protects the inner parts of the bitumen receptacle (1) and its contents against damages. In a filled bitumen receptacle (1), the carrying part (2) is secured to receptacle part (3) by means of static friction. This is achieved by dimensioning the carrying part (2), outer receptacle part (3) and inner receptacle part (4) in such a manner that the receptacle part (3) sits closely on the inner surface of the carrying part (2). The static friction arises from the weight/volume of bitumen inside receptacle parts (3, 4) imposes an outward pressure on the inner walls of outer receptacle part (3). Due to carrying part (2) having smaller, equal, or slightly bigger radial dimensions than the outer receptacle part (3), the outward pressure from the inner receptacle part (4) is imposed on both the outer receptacle part (3) and carrying part (2). This pressure creates the said static friction. In Fig 1 is shown a fastening means (10) for securely fastening the end sections (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d). The fastening means (10) can be a cable binder or a cord or a tape (10), at the end sections. The fastener (7) with the said fastening means (10) can be removed by means of a hand tool such as a knife or a pair of scissors by cutting off the fastener (7), along with the cable binder/cord/tape (10). In the case of a cable binder (10) that can be unbound, it can be removed without the aid of any hand tool. The bitumen receptacle (1) or container, according to the invention, has a carrying strap (9) (shown in Fig 1 , 2, 3). In the first embodiment option, the carrying strap (9) can be formed by means of through-cuts to the carrying part (2), along the through-cut surface plane (13) (shown in Fig 6), which cuts the longitudinal axis (8).

Fig 4 describes a preferred embodiment where a carrying aid (12), for example a stick, is passed through the carrying strap (9). The carrying strap (9) is made in such a manner, having consecutive through-cuts (11). Thus, the carrying strap (9) is divided into five carrying strap portions (9a). In the first situation, the carrying aid (12) is passed through carrying strap (9), alternating in and out, of which two carrying strap (9) portions (9a) are transferring the force from the carrying aid (12) to the carrying part (2) whilst in carrying position. In the second situation, the carrying aid (12) can be passed through the other 3 carrying strap portions (9a), whereby the force is transferred from the carrying aid (12) to the carrying part (2) by three carrying aid parts whilst in carrying position.

The inventive bitumen receptacle (1) would have an intake volume (5) up to a maximum of 100 litres. The preferable intake volume of the inventive bitumen receptacle would be from 40 litres to 60 litres.

The inventive bitumen receptacle (1 ) would have a length between 90 cm and 200 cm, and a diameter of between 25 cm and 50 cm.

The inner receptacle part (4) of the inventive bitumen receptacle (1) can be made of polyethylene. The outer receptacle part (3) of the inventive bitumen receptacle (1) can be made of polypropylene. Likewise the carrying part (2) of the inventive bitumen receptacle (1) can be of polypropylene.

Fig 5 shows another embodiment where the through-cut surface plane (13) stands at right angle to the longitudinal axis (8). An angular orientation is also allowable as long as the through-cut surface plane (13) cuts the longitudinal axis (8). It provides for the carrying strap (9) to be formed by shaping a portion of the carrying part (2) into a strap and stitching the same. In so doing, it is additionally possible to divide the carrying strap (9) into several carrying strap portions (9a), by means of through-cuts.

This option is shown in Fig 1 , 2, 3. The carrying strap (9 ) spans over the entire length of the carrying part (2) and runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (8) of the receptacle parts (3, 4). It is also possible that the carrying strap (9) spans not over the entire length of the carrying part (2), but at least over 2/3 of the length.

This option allows two carrying strap portions (9a) to incline to one side and the remaining two to the other side, which is shown in Fig 2. Two wooden rods can each be passed through into two carrying strap portions (9a) to achieve this objective.

Fig 6 shows yet another embodiment where the through-cut surface plane (13) stands at right angle to the longitudinal axis (8). An angular orientation is also allowable as long as the through-cut surface plane (13) cuts the longitudinal axis (8). Fig. 7 shows an end view, seen against section plane AA in Fig 6

Filled bitumen receptacles (1) or container are usually stuffed inside transport containers by stacking one layer of bitumen receptacles (1) over another layer of bitumen receptacles (1). A method of stacking the bitumen receptacles (1) of the invention is proposed using the inventive bitumen receptacle (1 ). The longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles (1 ) of the first group is arranged side by side and pointing towards a first direction. The longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles (1) of the second group, lying upon the first group, are then pointing towards a second direction. In so doing, it is possible that those first and second directions are different, preferably at right angles to one another, or that first and second directions are parallel. This results in stable stacking of the filled bitumen receptacles (1 ) in narrow space, which is well suited for transporting via larger means of transport, such as ship, aeroplanes, trains or trucks.

Another variation in the stacking method of the bitumen receptacles (1 ) of the invention is in relation to stacking one layer over another. When viewed from the top, the longitudinal axes of the filled bitumen receptacles (1 ) of the second group are running between the longitudinal axes of two filled adjacent bitumen receptacles (1 ) of the first layer. This results in a pyramid-shaped stacking manner.

While a few embodiments of the improved bitumen receptacle (1 ) or container have been described, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, rearrangements, substitutions, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited by the particular features and structures hereinbefore described and depicted in the accompanying drawings. It is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention being a packaging bitumen receptacle (1 ) or container of flexible but robust material can withstand external damages from rough handling whilst transporting bitumen. It is stackable to minimise transport cost and has enhanced leak- tightness due to it being capable of being stacked in a multi-layered system. It is not too heavy to be carried using manual labour, in circumstances where suitable equipment is not available to lift and/or move the filled bitumen receptacle (1 ). It can also be filled at an acceptable rate by using a customised filling machine, hence minimising filling cost, which was a major weakness of earlier small-volume receptacles. Finally, the low cost in producing this present invention gives it a massive advantage over dimensionally fixed containers currently used widely in Asia and the Middle East.