초록 ▼

A flexible bulkhead (36) is provided that includes a plurality of horizontal poles (38) disposed in channels (54) and (56) on opposite sides of a container (10). Webbing straps (50) and (52) are operable to space the poles (38) a predetermined distance apart when installed between hooks on either si

A flexible bulkhead (36) is provided that includes a plurality of horizontal poles (38) disposed in channels (54) and (56) on opposite sides of a container (10). Webbing straps (50) and (52) are operable to space the poles (38) a predetermined distance apart when installed between hooks on either side of the container opening and at the upper and lower corners therein. When pulled taut, the webbing straps (50) and (52) maintain the material of the flexible bulkhead (36) in a taut configuration. Flaps (66) and (68) extend from the peripheral edges on the sides of the flexible bulkhead (36) and inward to the container (10). A liner (16) is then disposed in the container (10) and inflated with a vacuum system through a manifold (42) and a blower (22). The flaps (66) and (68) prevent deformation of the flexible material of the bulkhead (36) to minimize air from flowing under and around the flexible bulkhead (36).

대표청구항 ▼

A bulkhead for loading bulk cargo in a rear opening of a container disposed on its side with the rear opening at one end thereof and having an upper end and a lower end, the container having a floor, a ceiling, side walls and a flexible liner disposed therein substantially adjacent interior surfaces

A bulkhead for loading bulk cargo in a rear opening of a container disposed on its side with the rear opening at one end thereof and having an upper end and a lower end, the container having a floor, a ceiling, side walls and a flexible liner disposed therein substantially adjacent interior surfaces thereof by a vacuum system that creates a negative pressure between an exterior of the liner and the interior surfaces of the container, the bulkhead comprising: a flexible sheet having peripheral edges and sized to cover the rear opening in the container with a portion of the rear opening at the upper end thereof accessible for leading of the cargo; sealing means associated with said flexible sheet to minimize air passage between outer peripheral edges of said flexible sheet that are adjacent to peripheral edges of the rear opening of the container to provide a seal to allow a vacuum to be formed between exterior surfaces of the flexible liner and the interior surfaces of the container during installation of the flexible liner; a support mechanism having a collapsed configuration and an uncollapsed configuration for providing support for said flexible sheet to exert a resisting force against the bulk cargo at the rear opening when said support mechanism is in the uncollapsed configuration; said support mechanism operable in the collapsed configuration to allow said flexible sheet to collapse for storage thereof; and a securing device for securing said support mechanism to the rear opening of the container in the uncollapsed configuration to cover the rear opening of the container.