Intermodal bulk container

Abstract

An intermodal bulk container includes a rigid outer frame having end frames interconnected by two upper trusses and two lower trusses. The lower trusses each form a respective sill. A container vessel is mounted within the outer frame and includes a cylindrical shell that forms lower openings. Hoppers are mounted in the shell to extend out of the lower openings, and these hoppers are joined to an interior surface of the shell above the openings. First and second domed end portions are secured to the shell to close respective ends of the shell. Lower support plates are secured to an exterior surface of the shell, and these lower support plates are secured to the sills to secure the vessel within the frame. The outer frame is fabricated as upper and lower frame portions that are completed prior to assembly with the vessel. The upper and lower frame portions are then separated and the vessel is installed in the lower frame portion. Then the upper frame portion is assembled over the vessel and welded to the lower frame portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.