Flexible container with integrated lifting loops having separate cargo compartment

In a flexible container for transportation and storage of bulk material and including an interior having a lower cargo compartment to be filled with bulk material and defined by side walls, and an upper lifting compartment defined by integral lifting loops which are formed by direct extensions of the material of said side walls, and lifting openings through said material to said interior of said container for the receipt of lifting means, whereby bulk material may be filled into said cargo compartment via said lifting compartment through one of said lifting openings or through a filling opening in the top of said container, the improvement of means for separating said cargo compartment from said lifting compartment, for maintaining said lifting openings open for the receipt of lifting means, and for closing said cargo compartment to prevent spillage therefrom of bulk material filled therein, said separating means comprising:

• a pipe-shaped member positioned within the upper part of said container and including a main pipe portion having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said container, an open bottom opening into said cargo compartment and a closed top separating said cargo compartment from said lifting compartment, said main pipe portion being fastened to said container side walls;
• and
• branch pipe means, extending from said pipe portion within said lifting compartment and formed of a flexible material, for being drawn out through one of said lifting or filling openings during a filling operation and thereby for forming a filling spout for filling bulk material therethrough and through said main pipe portion into said cargo compartment, and for being withdrawn from said one opening and being closed after completion of such filling operation and thereby closing the thus filled said cargo compartment.