Octagonal bulk bin

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to shipping and storage containers. More specifically, the invention relates to corrugated paperboard bulk bins configured to reduce sidewall bulge.

#2. Prior Art

#The foregoing as well as other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a conventional octagonal bulk bin, shown on a pallet, and without any cover or liner bag;

#FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the bulk bin of the invention;

#Referring more specifically to the drawings, a conventional bulk bin of octagonal configuration is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 3. This bin has two opposed end walls 11 and 12, and two opposed side walls 13 and 14, joined by diagonal corner panels 15, 16, 17 and 18. The bin is shown with an open top 20, and resting on a pallet 21. The side walls have a width “a”, the end walls have a width “b”, and the diagonal corner panels have a width “c”. In a typical construction, the dimension “a” is 28⅜ inches, the dimension “b” is 20⅜ inches, and the dimension “c” is 12¼ inches.

#In the bin of the invention, indicated generally at 10′ in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6, the width “c′” of the diagonal panels 15′, 16′, 17′ and 18′ is increased, and the widths “a′” and “b′” of the side and end walls 13′, 14′ and 11′, 12′, respectively, is decreased relative to their size in a conventional bin, with the same spacing between opposed side and end walls. In this regard, the dimension “c′” is increased approximately 25% and the dimension “b′” is decreased approximately 25%, while the dimension “a′” is decreased approximately 20%. This results in a slightly elongated generally equilateral octagonal bin which has six sides of equal width and two sides that are approximately 50% wider than the other sides, and in which the spacing between the side walls and the spacing between the end walls remains the same as in a conventional bin, whereby the bin of the invention fits on a conventional 48×40 inch pallet.

#The dimensional relationship of the diagonal corner panels and the side and end walls in the bin of the invention reduces the perimeter of the bin while maintaining the predetermining spacing between the opposed side walls and the opposed end walls, and reduces package bulge and overhang, thus eliminating interference and fit problems on warehouse racks and in transportation trailers.