| 摘要 |
<p>A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) 34 is located in a housing and a discharge device 18 is arranged in communication with a discharge end (38) of the FIBC 34. The housing is inverted to invert the FIBC 34, and product is dispensed through the discharge end (38) of the FIBC 34 via the discharge device 18. The housing has first 12 and second 14 parts, the first part 12 including the discharge device 18, and the second part 14 including a platform for supporting the FIBC 34. To use the discharge device 18 the first part 12 is arranged over the FIBC 34 and coupled to the FIBC 34. The FIBC is then lifted and lowered onto the platform using the first part 12, prior to inverting. The side walls of the FIBC 34 are held against inward collapse by springs during discharge of product when the FIBC 34 is inverted. The discharge device 18 is sealingly connected to the discharge end of the FIBC 34 prior to inverting. A method of dispensing from the FIBC 34 using the discharge device 18 is claimed. The discharge device 18 may be in the form of a cone having an inlet 20 for communication with the open end of the FIBC and an outlet 22 which may be closed by a valve 24 to allow for closed discharge from the FIBC. Additionally there is claimed an FIBC 34 having a discharge spout (38) and sidewalls, wherein the spout is formed of tougher, more heavy duty, material than the sidewalls which are lightweight.</p> |
