INTERMEDIATE BULK CONTAINER (IBC) AND ASSOCIATED PALLET

Abstract

An intermediate bulk container system includes a molded bottle and a pallet. The molded bottle includes a bottom wall and a top wall opposite the bottom wall. A plurality of support columns extend vertically from the bottom wall and define a column thickness. A plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the support columns. The sidewalls define a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness. The molded bottle further includes a band or belt that wraps around the molded bottle, and the band is formed of a plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of ribs protrudes outward from one of the plurality of sidewalls and extends between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than the column thickness.

Claims

1. A molded bottle for an intermediate bulk container system, the molded bottle comprising: a bottom wall; a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls; a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, the plurality of columns defining a column thickness; a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns; and a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs protruding from one of the plurality of sidewalls away from the axis and extending between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than or equal to the column thickness.

2. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness.

3. The molded bottle of claim 2, wherein the column thickness is at least 15 percent greater than the rib thickness.

4. The molded bottle of claim 2, wherein the column thickness is greater than a material thickness of the bottom wall, and wherein the column thickness is greater than a material thickness of the top wall.

5. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is greater than the rib thickness.

6. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sidewalls each define a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness and greater than the rib thickness.

7. The molded bottle of claim 6, wherein the sidewall thickness is at least 20 percent greater than the rib thickness.

8. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of columns defines a first height, and each of the plurality of sidewalls having a top surface and a second height defined between the bottom wall and the top surface, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

9. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein the rib thickness is greater than a material thickness of the bottom wall, and wherein the rib thickness is greater than a material thickness of the top wall.

10. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs extend horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the axis.

11. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sidewalls define an ovoid structure, and wherein the plurality of ribs form a band arranged around the perimeter of the ovoid structure.

12. The molded bottle of claim 1, wherein the rib thickness is less than the column thickness.

13. A molded bottle for an intermediate bulk container system, the molded bottle comprising: a bottom wall; a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls; a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, the plurality of columns defining a column thickness; a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns; and a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs protruding from one of the plurality of sidewalls away from the axis and extending between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than the column thickness, wherein each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness and greater than the rib thickness.

14. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein the column thickness is greater than a material thickness of the bottom wall, and wherein the column thickness is greater than a material thickness of the top wall.

15. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of columns defines a first height, and each of the plurality of sidewalls having a top surface and a second height defined between the bottom wall and the top surface, wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

16. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein the rib thickness is less than a material thickness of the bottom wall, and wherein the rib thickness is less than a material thickness of the top wall.

17. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of ribs extend horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of columns.

18. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sidewalls define an ovoid structure, and wherein the plurality of ribs form a band arranged around the perimeter of the ovoid structure.

19. The molded bottle of claim 13, wherein the sidewall thickness is about 20% greater than the rib thickness.

20. A molded bottle for an intermediate bulk container system, the molded bottle comprising: a bottom wall; a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls; a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, the plurality of columns defining a column thickness; a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns; and a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs protruding from one of the plurality of sidewalls and extending between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than the column thickness, wherein the rib thickness is less than a material thickness of the bottom wall, wherein the rib thickness is less than a material thickness of the top wall, wherein the column thickness is greater than the material thickness of the bottom wall, wherein the column thickness is greater than the material thickness of the top wall, wherein each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness and greater than the rib thickness.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view with parts separated of an IBC system in accordance with the present disclosure, illustrating a molded bottle, a pallet and various accessories of the IBC system.

[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view with parts separated of the IBC system of FIG. 1 illustrating an underside of the IBC system.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the molded bottle of the IBC system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the molded bottle illustrating a horizontal cross-section of the molded bottle.

[0013] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the molded bottle illustrating a vertical cross-section of the molded bottle.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the pallet of the IBC system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the pallet of the IBC system of FIG. 1 illustrating an underside of the pallet.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two IBC systems stacked vertically.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another IBC system, according to one or more alternate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6A is a top front perspective view of a molded bottle utilizable with the IBC system of FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 6B is a bottom rear perspective view of the molded bottle of FIG. 6A.

[0020] FIG. 7A is a close-up upper perspective view of a portion of the molded bottle of FIG. 6A.

[0021] FIG. 7B is a close-up lower perspective view of a portion of the molded bottle of FIG. 6A.

[0022] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the molded bottle taken along a plane that extends through the band, the sidewalls, and the top and bottom wall.

[0023] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the molded bottle taken along a plane that extends transverse to a central axis of the molded bottle through the center of the band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A more complete understanding of the components, processes and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are therefore not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0026] The singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] As used herein, the terms generally and substantially are intended to encompass structural or numeral modification which do not significantly affect the purpose of the element or number modified by such term.

[0028] The terms about and approximately can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, about and approximately also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g. about 2 to about 4 also discloses the range from 2 to 4. Generally, the terms about and approximately may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a reduced weight IBC system for a given volumetric capacity for bulk materials. To provide the reduced weight, a smaller wall thickness may be defined in areas where less material is required to support the bulk materials. A reduced weight can improve durability of the IBC systems while the IBC systems are handled and stacked for transport and storage. A pallet of the IBC system facilitates handling of the IBC system with a forklift.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of an IBC system 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The IBC system generally includes a molded bottle 102, a pallet 104 and connectors 106 for securing the molded bottle 102 to the pallet 104. Each of the molded bottle 102, pallet 104 and connectors 106 may be constructed of thermoplastic polymers, such as polyethylene, with plastic molding techniques including injection molding, blow molding and rotational molding.

[0031] The molded bottle 102 may have an interior capacity of 275 gallons or more, and is generally constructed of a plurality of support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d (collectively, or individually, support columns 108), and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the support columns 108. Specifically, the molded bottle 102 includes front and rear sidewalls 110, 111 and right and left sidewalls 112, 113 extending between the support columns 108. Top and bottom walls 114, 115 extend between the sidewalls 110-113 and substantially enclose an interior volume of the molded bottle 102. As described in greater detail below, the support columns 108 may have a greater material thickness than the sidewalls 110-113 and/or the top and bottom walls 114, 115.

[0032] The top wall 114 includes a threaded fill opening 118 to which a fill cap 120 may be attached. The fill cap 120 may be a standard 6 or 9 inch IBC fill cap as recognized in the art. An auxiliary port 122 is defined in the top wall 114, which permits, for example, accessories to be attached to the molded bottle 102, additives to be poured into the interior of the molded bottle 102, or for collecting fluid samples from the molded bottle 102. An accessory fitting 124 may be received within the auxiliary port 122 when the auxiliary port 122 is not in use. The front sidewall 110 includes a discharge port 126 through which fluids and flowable solids (e.g., grains or powders) may be drained. A discharge valve 128 may be received within the discharge port 126 to permit an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through the discharge port 126.

[0033] The pallet 104 generally includes front and rear surfaces 130, 131, right and left side surfaces 132, 133 and upper and lower surfaces 134, 135. The front and rear sides may have a length of about 40 inches while the left and right side surfaces 132, 133 may have a length of about 48 inches such that the pallet 104 defines a standard 4048 inch footprint of the IBC system 100. In other embodiments, larger or smaller footprints may be defined.

[0034] The upper surface 134 of the pallet 104 includes inclined pads 138a, 138b, which slope downward from the right and left surfaces 132, 133 respectively in the direction of arrows 140a, 140b. A trough 142 is defined between the inclined pads 138a, 138b and slopes downward from the rear surface 131 in the direction of arrow 144. As described below, with reference to FIG. 1B, the bottom wall 115 of the molded bottle 102 includes a corresponding geometry to facilitate drainage of materials from the molded bottle 102.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1B, the bottom wall 115 of the molded bottle 102 includes inclined panels 148a, 148b, which slope downward from the right and left sidewalls 112, 113 respectively in the direction of arrows 150a, 150b. The inclined panels 148a, 148b are generally flat. A trough 152 is defined between the inclined panels 148a, 148b and slopes downward from the rear sidewall 111 to the discharge port 126 in the direction of arrow 154. The inclined panels 148a, 148b and the trough 152 facilitate complete drainage of molded bottle 102 through the discharge port 126. When the molded bottle 102 is placed on the pallet 104, the inclined panels 148a, 148b are fully supported on the inclined pads 138a, 138b (FIG. 1A). By providing full support of the inclined panels 148a, 148b out to the right and left sidewalls 112, 113, a greater portion of the footprint of the IBC system 100 may be occupied by the interior volume of the molded bottle 102.

[0036] A plurality of blind holes 156 are defined in the bottom wall 115 of the molded bottle 102. The blind holes 156 align with through bores 158 defined in the pallet 104 such that the connectors 106 may pass through the through bores 158 and be received in the blind holes 156. In some embodiments, the blind holes 156 and the connectors 106 may be threaded, and in some embodiments the connectors 106 may establish a friction fit with the blind holes 156 to secure the molded bottle 102 to the pallet 104. The bottom wall 115 also includes elongated indentations 160 defined therein. The elongated indentations 160 which provide structural reinforcement to the inclined panels 148a, 148b of the bottom wall 115, may be constructed as kiss-offs. A kiss-off is a bridging structure formed during rotational molding at locations where two mold surfaces come in close proximity, but do not contact one another. Plastic deposited on the two mold surfaces can flow together to create the elongated indentations due to the proximity of the mold surfaces.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the support columns 108 of the molded bottle 102 extend vertically from the bottom wall 115 to a pallet stacking structure 204 at an upper end of each support column 108. The pallet stacking structures 204 are disposed above the top wall 114 and define the uppermost surfaces of the molded bottle 102. The pallet stacking structures 204 are arranged to securely engage a pallet 104 of an IBC system 100 to facilitate stacking IBC systems 100 on top of one another (see FIG. 4). By supporting an upper IBC system 100 on the pallet stacking structures 204, the weight of the upper IBC system 100 will be transferred through the support columns 108.

[0038] The pallet stacking structures 204 each include a flat base surface 206 with inner and outer alignment plateaus 208, 210 extending therefrom on inner and outer sides of the flat base surface 206. The alignment plateaus 208, 210 extend into similarly shaped recesses defined in lower surface 135 (FIG. 3B) of a pallet 104 (FIG. 1A) when the pallet 104 is stacked thereon. A corner protrusion 212 of the pallet stacking structures 204 extends along an outermost corner of the respective column 108. The corner protrusion 212 extends to a greater height above the flat base surface 206 than the alignment plateaus 208, 210 and may serve to guide a pallet 104 into position as it is being stacked on the pallet stacking structures 204.

[0039] The front sidewall 110 extends horizontally between support columns 108a and 108b, and the right sidewall 112 extends between support columns 108b and 108c. The sidewalls 110, 112 each include a central ovoid portion 216, 218 and transitional radii 220 extending between the ovoid portions 216, 218 and the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c. The ovoid portions 216, 218 are curved both horizontal and vertical directions as designated by the curved arrows H and V. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the vertical curves are elongated with respect to the horizontal curves, e.g., the vertical curves span a greater vertical distance than a horizontal distance spanned by the horizontal curves. Thus, the curvature of the horizontal and vertical curves define the ovoid portions 216, 218. The sidewalls 111, 112 also include ovoid portions therein such that together, the ovoid portions of sidewalls 110, 111, 112, 113 define a truncated ovoid shape (truncated by the top and bottom walls 114, 115). In other embodiments, other types of curved regions may be defined. For example, the curvature of the horizontal and vertical curves may substantially equal such that spherical portions are defined in the sidewalls 110, 113.

[0040] Single-curve sections 222, 224 are provided within the ovoid portions 216, 218. The single-curve sections are curved only in one direction, e.g., the vertical direction designated by curved arrows V. A single curve may facilitate the application of decals or other markings to identify the contents, source or other information regarding the contents of the molded bottle 102. The rear sidewall 111 and the left sidewall 113 may be constructed similarly to the front sidewall 110 and right sidewall 113, including ovoid portions 216, 218, single-curve sections 222, 224 and transitional radii 220 extending between the ovoid portions 216, 218 and the support columns 108c to 108d and 108a to 108d, respectively. The transitional radii 220 prevent stress concentrations from developing within the molded bottle 102.

[0041] The top wall 114 includes a concavity 228 surrounding the threaded fill opening 118. The concavity 228 provides clearance for the fill cap 120 when an IBC system 100 is stacked on the molded bottle 102 (see FIG. 4). A drain trough 230 extends between the concavity 228 and the rear sidewall 111 to prevent liquids from being captured within the concavity 228 when an IBC system 100 is stacked on the molded bottle 102. Generally surrounding the concavity 228 are a set of ribs 234 extending to the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d. The ribs 234 provide a bearing area for a pallet 104 when an IBC system 100 is stacked on the molded bottle 102. The ribs 234 transfer a portion of the weight of the IBC system 100 to the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, which are constructed to support the weight of stacked IBC systems 100 and the pressure of internal materials within the molded bottle 102. In some embodiments, the ribs 234 and the flat base surfaces 206 of the pallet engaging structures 204 extend to a common elevation.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d of the molded bottle 102 are constructed to define a column thickness TO that is greater than a sidewall thickness T1. For example, the material forming the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d may have the column thickness TO while the material forming the sidewalls 110, 111, 112, 113 may have a sidewall thickness T1. In some embodiments, the column thickness TO may be at least or about 15 percent greater than the sidewall thickness T1. In other embodiments, the column thickness TO may be between about 10 and about 15 percent or between about 15 and about 40 percent greater than the sidewall thickness T1. Rotational molding processes may be defined to permit a greater amount of material to be deposited on mold surfaces forming the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d than on mold surfaces forming the sidewalls 110, 111, 112, 113.

[0043] Also illustrated in FIG. 2B, and as described above, the rear and left sidewalls 111, 113 are curved in the horizontal direction (see arrows H) similar to the front and right sidewalls 110, 112 described above with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, top and bottom walls 114, 115 of the molded bottle 102 may be constructed with the same sidewall thickness T1 as the right and left sidewalls 112, 113. A vertical curve in right and left sidewalls 112, 113 extends substantially to the bottom wall 115. An interior of the bottom wall 115 includes protrusions 240, 242, which correspond to the blind holes 156 and indentations 160 (FIG. 1B) described above.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3A, the pallet 104 may be constructed as a one-piece molded component. The through bores 158 extend through the top surface 134 of the pallet 104 to permit passage of the connectors 106 (FIG. 1B). The through bores 158 are elongated to accommodate any deformations or misalignments that may otherwise frustrate the connection of connectors 106 to molded bottle 102. Seven stabilizing lugs 302 protrude upward at a periphery of the top surface 134, which may secure the molded bottle 104 therebetween (see, FIG. 4). Specifically two front lugs 302a, two right lugs 302b, two left lugs 302c and a single rear lug 302d extend upwardly at the front surface 130, right surface 132, left surface 133 and rear surface 131, respectively. Corner indentations 304 are defined in the front, rear right and left surfaces 130, 131, 132, 133, and are shaped to receive and interlock with the corner protrusions 212 (FIG. 2A) of the molded bottle 102 therein.

[0046] Spaced apart elongated slots 306 extend between the right and left surfaces 132, 133 of the pallet 104 and define entry slots for a forklift or other equipment for handling the IBC systems 100. Similarly, spaced apart elongated slots 308 extend between the front and rear surfaces 130, 131. Vertical openings 310 extend from the top surface 134 and intersect the elongated slots 308. The vertical openings 310 may facilitate molding of anti-teeter bars 312 (FIG. 3B) extending across the elongated slots 306. For example, a first or upper mold for the pallet 104 may extend into the vertical openings to create a top surface of the anti-teeter bars 312 as well as the top surface 134 of the pallet 104. A second or lower mold may form the lower surface 135 (FIG. 3B) of the pallet 104 including lower surfaces of the anti-teeter bars 312. In this manner, the pallet 104 may be constructed using only two molds, which can simplify demolding processes for constructing a pallet with anti-teeter bars 312 formed therein. Rotational molding techniques may facilitate construction of the pallet 104 with the vertical openings 310 defined therein.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the anti-teeter bars 312 extend across the elongated slots 308. The anti-teeter bars 312 are sized and shaped to engage the flat base surface 206 and interlock with the inner and outer alignment plateaus 208, 210 of the pallet stacking structures 204 (FIG. 2A). The elongated slots 306, 308 surround a central foundation 314, which may engage the ribs 234 (FIG. 2A) on the top wall 114 of a molded bottle 102 when the pallet 104 is stacked on top of an IBC system 100. The central foundation 314 includes a generally circular clearance 316 therein to receive a fill cap 120 of the molded bottle 102 stacked below the pallet 104.

[0048] Ground supports 320 extend along the right and left surfaces 132, 133. The ground supports 320 may share a common elevation with the anti-teeter bars 312 and the central foundation 314. Together with the anti-teeter bars 312 and the central foundation 314, the ground supports 320 may support the pallet 104 when resting on a flat ground surface. The ground supports 320 do not necessarily engage the top wall 114 of a molded bottle 104 when the pallet 104 is stacked upon the molded botte 102.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, a stack 400 of two IBC systems 100 is illustrated. A stack 400 of two IBC systems 100 may readily be loaded for transport, for example within a semi-trailer. In other embodiments (not shown), the IBC systems 100 may be stacked vertically in stacks of three or more IBC systems 100 for storage or other applications.

[0050] The pallet 104 of an upper IBC system 100 engages the pallet engaging structures 204 of a molded bottle 102 of a lower IBC system 100. The central foundation of the pallet 104 on the upper foundation bears on the ribs 234 (FIG. 2A) of the molded bottle 102 of the lower foundation. The ribs 234 transfer a portion of the weight of the upper IBC system 100 to the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d (FIG. 2B) of the molded bottle 102 of the lower IBC system 100. At least since much of the weight of the upper IBC system 100 is carried by the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d of a molded bottle 102, the sidewalls 110, 111, 112, 113 of the molded bottle 102 may be constructed with a lower sidewall thickness T1 (FIG. 2A) than the column thickness TO of the support columns 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d. By varying the thickness of the molded bottle 102 in this manner, a total weight of the IBC system 100 may be lowered, thereby facilitating handling, stacking and storing the IBC system 100.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts yet another IBC system 500, according to one or more other aspects of the present disclosure. As with the IBC system 100 detailed above, the IBC system 500 generally includes a molded bottle 502, the pallet 104 and connectors 106 (obscured from view) for securing the molded bottle 502 to the pallet 104. Each of the molded bottle 502 may be constructed of thermoplastic polymers, such as polyethylene, with plastic molding techniques including injection molding, blow molding and rotational molding.

[0052] The IBC system 500 also includes a discharge valve 528, a fill cap 520, and an accessory fitting 524. The molded bottle 502 is depicted with the discharge valve 528 arranged thereon. The discharge valve 528 may be provided similar to the discharge valve 128 detailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottle 502 in a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the discharge valve 128 on the molded bottle 102. The discharge valve 528 is operable to permit an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through a discharge port of the molded bottle 502. The molded bottle 502 is also depicted with the fill cap 520 assembled therein/thereon. The fill cap 520 may be provided similar to the fill cap 120 detailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottle 502 in a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the fill cap 120 on the molded bottle 102. For example, the fill cap 520 may be removably attached to a threaded fill opening/neck that extends/protrudes from a top wall of the molded bottle 502. Furthermore, the accessory fitting 524 may be provided similar to the accessory fitting 124 detailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottle 502 in a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the accessory fitting 128 on the molded bottle 102. For example, the accessory fitting 524 may be received within an auxiliary port of the molded bottle 502 when the auxiliary port is not in use.

[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the molded bottle 502 of the IBC system 500, according to one or more other aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the molded bottle 502 includes a central axis A. Also, the molded bottle 502 includes a discharge port 526, an auxiliary port 522, and a threaded fill opening/neck 518. However, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the molded bottle 502 is depicted with the discharge valve 528 removed from the discharge port 526, with the accessory fitting 524 removed from the auxiliary port 522, and with the fill cap 520 removed from the threaded fill opening/neck 518. As will be appreciated, the discharge port 526 provides a means through which fluids and flowable solids (e.g., grains or powders) may be drained from the molded bottle 502 and the discharge valve 528 provided thereon permits an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through the discharge port 526. The accessory fitting 524 may be removed from the auxiliary port 522, and then other accessories to be attached to the molded bottle 502 through the auxiliary port 522; or the auxiliary port 522 may be utilized to access the interior of the molded bottle 502 For example, to pour additives into the interior of the molded bottle 502 or for collecting fluid samples from the molded bottle 502.

[0054] FIG. 6A depicts an upper end 602A of the molded bottle 502 while FIG. 6B depicts a lower end 602B of the molded bottle 502. As with the molded bottle 102 detailed above, the molded bottle 502 includes a plurality of support columns 508a, 508b, 508c, 508d (collectively or individually, the support columns 508) and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the support columns 508. Specifically, the molded bottle 502 includes front and rear sidewalls 510, 511 and right and left sidewalls 512, 513 extending between the support columns 508. The front and rear sidewalls 510, 511 and the right and left sidewalls 512, 513 are collectively referred to as the sidewalls 510-513. The top and bottom walls 514, 515 extend between the sidewalls 510-513 and, together with the sidewalls 510-513 and the support columns 508, substantially enclose an interior volume of the molded bottle 502. The axis A extends through the top and bottom walls 514, 515, and the sidewalls 510-513, despite having some curvature, and may generally extend along and be oriented in the direction of the axis A. As described in greater detail below, the support columns 508 may have a greater material thickness than the sidewalls 510-513 and/or the top and bottom walls 514, 515.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the molded bottle 502 also includes a belt or band 604. The band 604 extends or wraps around the body of molded bottle 502. The band 604 provides lateral support to the bottle 502 to inhibit the bottle 502 from deforming (e.g., bowing) outwards when filled with a material and/or when the IBC system 500 is in a vertically stacked arrangement with at least one other IBC system 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the band 604 is oriented in a substantially horizontal orientation and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support columns 508 and the axis A, which extend vertically as previously described. The band 604 extends and blends into each of the support columns 508, such that the band 604 and the support columns 508 together define a frame or cage that supports and contains the sidewalls 510-513.

[0056] The band 604 may be comprised of several discrete segments or portions, with each discrete segment or portion defining a rib. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the band 604 includes a front rib 610, a rear rib 611, a right rib 612, and a left rib 613. The front rib 610 protrudes outward from the front wall 510, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle 502, between the front left support column 508a and the front right support column 508b. The rear rib 611 protrudes outward from the front wall 510, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle 502, between the rear left support column 508d and the rear right support column 508c. The right rib 612 protrudes outward from the front wall 510, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle 502, between the front right support column 508b and the rear right support column 508c. Similarly, the left rib 613 protrudes outward from the front wall 510, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle 502, between the rear left support column 508d and the front left support column 508a.

[0057] As mentioned, the band 604 blends into the support columns 508 such that the band 604 is not visible on and does not protrude outward from at least a portion of the support columns 508. Here, the front rib 610 extends and blends into both the front left support column 508a and the front right support column 508b, the rear rib 611 extends and blends into both the rear left support column 508d and the rear right support column 508c, the right rib 612 extends and blends into both the front right support column 508b and the rear right support column 508c, and the left rib 613 extends and blends into both the rear left support column 508d and the front left support column 508a.

[0058] Also, the band 604 divides each of the sidewalls into upper and lower sidewall portions. Here, for example, the front rib 610 divides the front wall 510 into an upper sidewall portion 620A and a lower sidewall portion 620B, and the right rib 612 divides the right sidewall 512 into an upper sidewall portion 622A and a lower sidewall portion 622B, as shown in FIG. 6A. Similarly, in this example and as shown in FIG. 6B, the rear rib 611 divides the rear wall 511 into an upper sidewall portion 621A and a lower sidewall portion 621B, and the left rib 613 divides the left sidewall 513 into an upper sidewall portion 623A and a lower sidewall portion 623B.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sidewall portions 620A, 621A, 622A, and 623A include a flat portion or flat surface 624 on which labels, stickers, or print may be affixed. In embodiments, text may be formed into any one or more of the flat portions 624. For example, via molding during formation of the molded bottle 502. Here, the remaining portions of the upper sidewall portions 620A, 621A, 622A, and 623A that are outside of (and not included in) the portion or flat surface 624 are curved (or include a curvature). Also in the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall portions 621B, 622B, and 623B are all curved (or include a curvature). In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall portions 620B of the front sidewall 520 include a flat surface/portion on which information may be applied, for example, sticker, label, molding, etc.

[0060] The upper sidewall portions 620A, 621A, 622A, and 623A and the lower sidewall portions 621B, 622B, and 623B form a generally ovoid structure 630 (e.g., egg shaped). The ovoid structure 630 is shaped to distribute the load applied to the bottle 502, such as the load applied by the material within the bottle 502 or the load applied when the bottle 502 is in a stacked arrangement with another IBC system 500. The support columns 508a-d are arranged around the generally ovoid structure 630 at the corners and transfer the axial load to the pallet 104. The band 604 is arranged about the perimeter of the ovoid structure 630. The ribs 610-613 of the band 604 are stiffeners that inhibit outward deformation to increase the overall load capacity of the bottle 502.

[0061] The support columns 508 have a thickness that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the material utilized to form the band 604. Stated differently, the support columns 508 define a thickness (i.e., a column thickness or material thickness of the columns 508) and the ribs 610-613 define a thickness (i.e., a rib thickness or material thickness of the ribs 610-613), and the column thickness is greater than or equal to the rib thickness. In some embodiments, the column thickness is greater than the rib thickness. Thus, the rib thickness defined by each of the ribs 610-613 may be less than (or less than or equal to) the column thickness defined by the support columns 508. Accordingly, in embodiments, the support columns 508 may be thicker than the band 604 (including each of the ribs 610-613), and the band 604 (including each of the ribs 610-613) may be thinner than each of the support columns 508.

[0062] Further, the top wall 514 and the bottom wall 515 may be thinner than, thicker than, or the same as the rib thickness defined by the band 604 (including each of the ribs 610-613). For example, the top and bottom walls 514, 515 may be thinner than the thickness of the band 604. As another example, the top wall 514 defines a material thickness that is less than the rib thickness, and the material utilized to form the bottom wall 515 defines a material thickness that is less than the rib thickness. Accordingly, the band 604 (including each of the ribs 610-613) is/are thicker than the top and bottom walls 514, 515.

[0063] In some embodiments, the band 604 is thinner than the sidewalls 510-513 while providing sufficient lateral support to inhibit deformation of the bottle 502. Accordingly, the manufacturing process (e.g., molding) may be used to form each rib 610-613 thinner than the corresponding sidewall 510-513 of the bottle 502. Additionally, the thickness of each of the plurality of sidewalls 510-513 may be less than the column thickness but greater than the rib thickness. Additionally, the rib thickness may also be less than the thickness of the top and bottom walls 514, 515.

[0064] In other embodiments, the sidewalls 510-513 are thinner than the band 604 (e.g., rib thickness). Accordingly, the band 604 (including each of the ribs 610-613) may be thicker than the corresponding sidewall 510-513. Additionally, the sidewall thickness each of the plurality of sidewalls 510-513 may be less than the column thickness and less than the rib thickness (i.e., rib thickness of each of the ribs 610-613 and column thickness of each of the support columns 508 are all greater than the sidewall thickness of each of the plurality of sidewalls 510-513) and, in such embodiments, the rib thickness is also greater than the thickness of the top and bottom walls 514, 515.

[0065] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict close up top and bottom views, respectively, of the band 604, according to an embodiment. While FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the front and right rib 610 and 613 of the band 604, it should be appreciated that the rear and left rib 611 and 612 may be similarly provided. As shown, each of the ribs 610-613 includes a side portion 702, an upper portion 704, and a lower portion 706. While the material of the support columns 508 may be thicker than the material that defines/forms the portions 702, 704, 706 of each rib, each portion 702, 704, 706 of each rib is thinner than sidewalls 510-513 and the top and bottom walls 514, 515.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the material forming the side portion 702 of each rib is greater/larger than or equal to the thickness of the material forming the upper and lower portions 704 and 706. Stated differently, the side portion 702 is thicker than the upper and lower portions 704 and 706.

[0067] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict cross-sectional views of the molded bottle 502, according to embodiments. In particular, FIG. 8A depicts the molded bottle 502 in cross-section along plane P1 which traverses and extends through the front and rear ribs 610, 611 of the band 604, as well as the front and rear sidewalls 510, 511, and the top and bottom walls 514, 515. The thickness T1 of the side portion 702 of the front rib 610 is shown in FIG. 8A. The thickness T1 is representative of the other ribs 611-613 of the band 604.

[0068] The rib thickness T1 of the side portion 702 is the distance/measurement that may be measured/evaluated between an outside surface 802A of the side portion 702 of a particular one of the ribs, and an inside surface 802B of the side portion 702 of that particular rib, with the inside surface 802B being opposite the outside surface 802A. Similarly, the rib thickness T1 of the portions 704 and 706 is measured/evaluated as the distance between an outside surface 804A, 806A of the portions 704 and 706, and an inside surface 804B, 806B of the portions 704 and 706 that are opposite the outside surfaces 804A, 806A but located inside of the molded bottle 502. Accordingly, the rib thickness T1 of the band 604 (or the rib thickness T1 of any one or more of the ribs 610-613) is the distance/dimension measured between the outside surface 804A, 806A and the inside surface 804B, 806B, and this rib thickness T1 dimension is visible upon viewing a cross-sectional view of the molded bottle 502. While FIG. 8A depicts an example rib thickness T1 of the left rib 613 of the band 604 taken at the side portion 702 of the front rib 610, it should be appreciated that the rib thickness T1 may also or instead be evaluated along the portions 704, 706 of that front rib 610, and/or the rib thickness T1 may also or instead be evaluated along any one or more of the portions 702, 704, 706 of any one or more of the other ribs 611-613.

[0069] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A also depicts a manner in which the thickness of the top wall 514 and the bottom wall 515 may be evaluated. With regard to the top wall 514, the thickness T2 is the distance/measurement that may be measured/evaluated between an outside surface 814A of the top wall 514 and an inside surface 814B of the top wall 514, with the inside surface 814B being opposite the outside surface 814A. Accordingly, the thickness T2 of the top wall 514 is the distance/dimension measured between the outside surface 814A and the inside surface 814B, as exemplified by the cross-sectional view of the molded bottle 502. With regard to the bottom wall 515, the thickness T3 is the distance/measurement that may be measured/evaluated between an outside surface 815A of the bottom wall 515 and an inside surface 815B of the bottom wall 515, with the inside surface 815B being opposite the outside surface 815A. Accordingly, the thickness T3 of the bottom wall 515 is the distance/dimension measured between the outside surface 815A and the inside surface 815B, as exemplified by the cross-sectional view of the molded bottle 502. As detailed above, the rib thickness T1 in the illustrated embodiment (whether evaluated on any one of the portions 702, 704, 706) is less than the thickness T2 of the top wall 514 and the thickness T3 of the bottom wall 515. In some embodiments, however, the bottle 502 may be formed such that the rib thickness T1 is the same as or greater than the thickness T2 of the top wall 514 and the thickness T3 of the bottom wall 515.

[0070] Even further, FIG. 8A depicts a manner in which the sidewall thickness T4 of any one or more of the sidewalls 510-513 may be evaluated. The sidewall thickness T4 is the distance/measurement that may be measured/evaluated between an outside surface 820A (of any one or more of the sidewalls 510-513) and an inside surface 820B of that same sidewall, with the inside surface 820B being opposite the outside surface 820A. While the sidewall thickness T4 is depicted in FIG. 8A as being measured on the rear sidewall 511, it may be similarly evaluated on any of the other sidewalls in a similar manner as exemplified with respect to the rear sidewall 511. As detailed above, the rib thickness T1 of the illustrated embodiment (whether evaluated on any one of the portions 702, 704, 706) is less than the sidewall thickness T4 in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the sidewall thickness T4 is between about 5% to about 40% thicker than the rib thickness T1, such as being about 10% thicker, such as being 15% thicker, such as being 20% thicker, such as being 25% thicker, such as being 30% thicker, such as being 35% thicker, such as being 40% thicker. In some embodiments, however, the bottle 502 may be formed such that the rib thickness T1 is greater than the wall thickness T4.

[0071] FIG. 8B depicts a cross-section of the molded bottle 502 in a plane transverse to central axis A (FIG. 6A) through the middle of the band 604. FIG. 8B shows the ribs 610-613 extending between the corresponding columns 508a-d. As shown, the band 604 and columns 508a-d create a rectangular perimeter of the molded bottle 502 with rounded corners. FIG. 8B again shows the rib thickness T1 of the side portion 702 of the left rib 613 measured between the outer and inner surfaces 802a,b.

[0072] The ovoid structure 630 is shown as having a generally ovoid shape due to the curved shape of the sidewalls 510-513 extending to the band 604. The lower portion 706 of left rib 613 is illustrated having an arc shape due to the curvature of the lower sidewall portion 623B of the left sidewall 513. The lower portions 706 of the rear rib 611 and right rib 612 exhibit a similar shape due to the curvature of the rear sidewall 511 and right side wall 512, respectively. The lower portion 706 of the front rib 610 has a different geometry due to the lower sidewall portion 620B of the front side wall 510 being shaped to accommodate the discharge port 526 and discharge valve 528 (FIGS. 5A, 6A).

[0073] Also, FIG. 8B depicts a manner in which the column thickness T5 of any one or more of the columns 508a-d may be evaluated. The column thickness T5 is the distance/measurement that may be measured/evaluated between an outside surface 830A (of any one or more of the columns 508) and an inside surface 830B of the same columns 508, with the inside surface 830B being opposite the outside surface 830A. While FIG. 8B depicts the column thickness T5 with regard to the column 508d, it should be appreciated that the column thickness T5 may be similarly measured with respect to the columns 508a-c. Additionally, the column thickness T5 is measured at the corner of the column 508. In some embodiments, the thickness of the column 508 is thickest at the corner and progressively decreases in thickness toward the corresponding rib of the band 604.

[0074] As detailed above, the rib thickness T1 (whether evaluated on any one of the portions 702, 704, 706) is less than or equal to the column thickness T5 (e.g., the column thickness T5 is greater than or equal to the rib thickness T1) and, in certain embodiments, the rib thickness T1 is less than the column thickness T5 (i.e., the column thickness T5 is greater than the rib thickness T1). For example, the column thickness T5 may be between about 5% to about 40% thicker than the rib thickness T1, such as being about 10% thicker, such as being 15% thicker, such as being 20% thicker, such as being 25% thicker, such as being 30% thicker, such as being 35% thicker, such as being 40% thicker.

[0075] As one example, the bottle 502 may have columns 508a-d with a column thickness T5 that is thicker than the rib thickness T1 of the band 604 and the sidewall thickness T4 of the sidewalls 510-513. The sidewall thickness T4 may also be thicker than rib thickness T1. For example, the column thickness T5 may be between about 25% to about 30% thicker than the rib thickness T1 while the sidewall thickness T4 is between about 20% to about 25% thicker than the rib thickness T1.

[0076] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claim.