Intermediate Bulk Container (ibc) and Associated Pallet

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/073,651 filed Mar. 7, 2025, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/319,534 filed May 18, 2023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An intermediate bulk container (IBC) system may facilitate the transport, storage and dispensing of bulk materials such as liquids and free-flowing powdered materials. Many IBCs are constructed with a molded bottle with a storage capacity of about 1000 liters (265 gallons) or more. The molded bottles may exhibit a generally cubic shape to permit stacking and closely packing several IBCs together, for example, on a flatbed truck. Often a pallet is provided to facilitate handling of the IBCs with a forklift, pallet jack or other heavy equipment.

To alleviate the stresses of the enclosed materials and from the weight of IBCs stacked above, some IBCs include a metallic reinforcement structure around the molded bottles. These reinforcement structures, however, add expense and may not always prevent cracking and deformation of the molded bottle. Cracking may lead to a loss of materials, which can be hazardous and further contribute to the expense. Any undue deformation of the bottles can frustrate close packing efforts and cause damage to the IBCs while handling in confined spaces. An IBC system is needed with a molded bottle that has sufficient strength to permit stacking and handling of the IBCs without compromising the internal storage volume available for bulk materials.

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

The present disclosure generally relates to an IBC system having a molded bottle and a pallet. According to one or more embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the molded bottle may include a bottom wall, a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls. The molded bottle may also include a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, with the plurality of columns defining a column thickness. Further, the molded bottle may include a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns, and a plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of ribs protrudes from one of the plurality of sidewalls away from the axis and extending between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than or equal to the column thickness.

According to one or more other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the molded bottle includes a bottom wall, a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls, and a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, the plurality of columns defining a column thickness. The molded bottle may also include a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns, and a plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of ribs protrudes from one of the plurality of sidewalls away from the axis and extending between a pair of the plurality of columns, wherein each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than or equal to the column thickness. Each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness, and the rib thickness is greater than the sidewall thickness.

In other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, a molded bottle includes a bottom wall, a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and a central axis extending through the bottom and top walls, and a plurality of columns extending vertically from the bottom wall, the plurality of columns defining a column thickness. The molded bottle also includes a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically between the bottom wall and the top wall and horizontally between the plurality of columns, and a plurality of ribs. Each of the plurality of ribs protrudes from one of the plurality of sidewalls and extends between a pair of the plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of ribs defines a rib thickness that is less than the column thickness, the rib thickness is greater than a material thickness of the bottom wall, the rib thickness is greater than a material thickness of the top wall, the column thickness is greater than the material thickness of the bottom wall, and the column thickness is greater than the material thickness of the top wall. Further, each of the plurality of sidewalls defines a sidewall thickness that is less than the column thickness, and the rib thickness is greater than the sidewall thickness.

A more complete understanding of the components, processes and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are therefore not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass structural or numeral modification which do not significantly affect the purpose of the element or number modified by such term.

The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g. “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a reduced weight IBC system for a given volumetric capacity for bulk materials. To provide the reduced weight, a smaller wall thickness may be defined in areas where less material is required to support the bulk materials. A reduced weight can improve durability of the IBC systems while the IBC systems are handled and stacked for transport and storage. A pallet of the IBC system facilitates handling of the IBC system with a forklift.

Referring now to, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of an IBC systemin accordance with the present disclosure. The IBC system generally includes a molded bottle, a palletand connectorsfor securing the molded bottleto the pallet. Each of the molded bottle, palletand connectorsmay be constructed of thermoplastic polymers, such as polyethylene, with plastic molding techniques including injection molding, blow molding and rotational molding.

The molded bottlemay have an interior capacity of 275 gallons or more, and is generally constructed of a plurality of support columns,,,(collectively, or individually, support columns), and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the support columns. Specifically, the molded bottleincludes front and rear sidewalls,and right and left sidewalls,extending between the support columns. Top and bottom walls,extend between the sidewalls-and substantially enclose an interior volume of the molded bottle. As described in greater detail below, the support columnsmay have a greater material thickness than the sidewalls-and/or the top and bottom walls,.

The top wallincludes a threaded fill openingto which a fill capmay be attached. The fill capmay be a standard 6 or 9 inch IBC fill cap as recognized in the art. An auxiliary portis defined in the top wall, which permits, for example, accessories to be attached to the molded bottle, additives to be poured into the interior of the molded bottle, or for collecting fluid samples from the molded bottle. An accessory fittingmay be received within the auxiliary portwhen the auxiliary portis not in use. The front sidewallincludes a discharge portthrough which fluids and flowable solids (e.g., grains or powders) may be drained. A discharge valvemay be received within the discharge portto permit an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through the discharge port.

The palletgenerally includes front and rear surfaces,, right and left side surfaces,and upper and lower surfaces,. The front and rear sides may have a length of about 40 inches while the left and right side surfaces,may have a length of about 48 inches such that the palletdefines a standard 40×48 inch footprint of the IBC system. In other embodiments, larger or smaller footprints may be defined.

The upper surfaceof the palletincludes inclined pads,, which slope downward from the right and left surfaces,respectively in the direction of arrows,. A troughis defined between the inclined pads,and slopes downward from the rear surfacein the direction of arrow. As described below, with reference to, the bottom wallof the molded bottleincludes a corresponding geometry to facilitate drainage of materials from the molded bottle.

Referring now to, the bottom wallof the molded bottleincludes inclined panels,, which slope downward from the right and left sidewalls,respectively in the direction of arrows,. The inclined panels,are generally flat. A troughis defined between the inclined panels,and slopes downward from the rear sidewallto the discharge portin the direction of arrow. The inclined panels,and the troughfacilitate complete drainage of molded bottlethrough the discharge port. When the molded bottleis placed on the pallet, the inclined panels,are fully supported on the inclined pads,(). By providing full support of the inclined panels,out to the right and left sidewalls,, a greater portion of the footprint of the IBC systemmay be occupied by the interior volume of the molded bottle.

A plurality of blind holesare defined in the bottom wallof the molded bottle. The blind holesalign with through boresdefined in the palletsuch that the connectorsmay pass through the through boresand be received in the blind holes. In some embodiments, the blind holesand the connectorsmay be threaded, and in some embodiments the connectorsmay establish a friction fit with the blind holesto secure the molded bottleto the pallet. The bottom wallalso includes elongated indentationsdefined therein. The elongated indentationswhich provide structural reinforcement to the inclined panels,of the bottom wall, may be constructed as kiss-offs. A kiss-off is a bridging structure formed during rotational molding at locations where two mold surfaces come in close proximity, but do not contact one another. Plastic deposited on the two mold surfaces can flow together to create the elongated indentations due to the proximity of the mold surfaces.

Referring now to, the support columnsof the molded bottleextend vertically from the bottom wallto a pallet stacking structureat an upper end of each support column. The pallet stacking structuresare disposed above the top walland define the uppermost surfaces of the molded bottle. The pallet stacking structuresare arranged to securely engage a palletof an IBC systemto facilitate stacking IBC systemson top of one another (see). By supporting an upper IBC systemon the pallet stacking structures, the weight of the upper IBC systemwill be transferred through the support columns.

The pallet stacking structureseach include a flat base surfacewith inner and outer alignment plateaus,extending therefrom on inner and outer sides of the flat base surface. The alignment plateaus,extend into similarly shaped recesses defined in lower surface() of a pallet() when the palletis stacked thereon. A corner protrusionof the pallet stacking structuresextends along an outermost corner of the respective column. The corner protrusionextends to a greater height above the flat base surfacethan the alignment plateaus,and may serve to guide a palletinto position as it is being stacked on the pallet stacking structures.

The front sidewallextends horizontally between support columnsand, and the right sidewallextends between support columnsand. The sidewalls,each include a central ovoid portion,and transitional radiiextending between the ovoid portions,and the support columns,,. The ovoid portions,are curved both horizontal and vertical directions as designated by the curved arrows “H” and “V.” As illustrated in, the vertical curves are elongated with respect to the horizontal curves, e.g., the vertical curves span a greater vertical distance than a horizontal distance spanned by the horizontal curves. Thus, the curvature of the horizontal and vertical curves define the ovoid portions,. The sidewalls,also include ovoid portions therein such that together, the ovoid portions of sidewalls,,,define a truncated ovoid shape (truncated by the top and bottom walls,). In other embodiments, other types of curved regions may be defined. For example, the curvature of the horizontal and vertical curves may substantially equal such that spherical portions are defined in the sidewalls,.

Single-curve sections,are provided within the ovoid portions,. The single-curve sections are curved only in one direction, e.g., the vertical direction designated by curved arrows “V.” A single curve may facilitate the application of decals or other markings to identify the contents, source or other information regarding the contents of the molded bottle. The rear sidewalland the left sidewallmay be constructed similarly to the front sidewalland right sidewall, including ovoid portions,, single-curve sections,and transitional radiiextending between the ovoid portions,and the support columnstoandto, respectively. The transitional radiiprevent stress concentrations from developing within the molded bottle.

The top wallincludes a concavitysurrounding the threaded fill opening. The concavityprovides clearance for the fill capwhen an IBC systemis stacked on the molded bottle(see). A drain troughextends between the concavityand the rear sidewallto prevent liquids from being captured within the concavitywhen an IBC systemis stacked on the molded bottle. Generally surrounding the concavityare a set of ribsextending to the support columns,,,. The ribsprovide a bearing area for a palletwhen an IBC systemis stacked on the molded bottle. The ribstransfer a portion of the weight of the IBC systemto the support columns,,,, which are constructed to support the weight of stacked IBC systemsand the pressure of internal materials within the molded bottle. In some embodiments, the ribsand the flat base surfacesof the pallet engaging structuresextend to a common elevation.

As illustrated in, the support columns,,,of the molded bottleare constructed to define a column thickness TO that is greater than a sidewall thickness T. For example, the material forming the support columns,,,may have the column thickness TO while the material forming the sidewalls,,,may have a sidewall thickness T. In some embodiments, the column thickness TO may be at least or about 15 percent greater than the sidewall thickness T. In other embodiments, the column thickness TO may be between about 10 and about 15 percent or between about 15 and about 40 percent greater than the sidewall thickness T. Rotational molding processes may be defined to permit a greater amount of material to be deposited on mold surfaces forming the support columns,,,than on mold surfaces forming the sidewalls,,,.

Also illustrated in, and as described above, the rear and left sidewalls,are curved in the horizontal direction (see arrows “H”) similar to the front and right sidewalls,described above with reference to.

As illustrated in, top and bottom walls,of the molded bottlemay be constructed with the same sidewall thickness Tas the right and left sidewalls,. A vertical curve in right and left sidewalls,extends substantially to the bottom wall. An interior of the bottom wallincludes protrusions,, which correspond to the blind holesand indentations() described above.

Referring to, the palletmay be constructed as a one-piece molded component. The through boresextend through the top surfaceof the palletto permit passage of the connectors(). The through boresare elongated to accommodate any deformations or misalignments that may otherwise frustrate the connection of connectorsto molded bottle. Seven stabilizing lugsprotrude upward at a periphery of the top surface, which may secure the molded bottletherebetween (see,). Specifically two front lugs, two right lugs, two left lugsand a single rear lugextend upwardly at the front surface, right surface, left surfaceand rear surface, respectively. Corner indentationsare defined in the front, rear right and left surfaces,,,, and are shaped to receive and interlock with the corner protrusions() of the molded bottletherein.

Spaced apart elongated slotsextend between the right and left surfaces,of the palletand define entry slots for a forklift or other equipment for handling the IBC systems. Similarly, spaced apart elongated slotsextend between the front and rear surfaces,. Vertical openingsextend from the top surfaceand intersect the elongated slots. The vertical openingsmay facilitate molding of anti-teeter bars() extending across the elongated slots. For example, a first or upper mold for the palletmay extend into the vertical openings to create a top surface of the anti-teeter barsas well as the top surfaceof the pallet. A second or lower mold may form the lower surface() of the palletincluding lower surfaces of the anti-teeter bars. In this manner, the palletmay be constructed using only two molds, which can simplify demolding processes for constructing a pallet with anti-teeter barsformed therein. Rotational molding techniques may facilitate construction of the palletwith the vertical openingsdefined therein.

As illustrated in, the anti-teeter barsextend across the elongated slots. The anti-teeter barsare sized and shaped to engage the flat base surfaceand interlock with the inner and outer alignment plateaus,of the pallet stacking structures(). The elongated slots,surround a central foundation, which may engage the ribs() on the top wallof a molded bottlewhen the palletis stacked on top of an IBC system. The central foundationincludes a generally circular clearancetherein to receive a fill capof the molded bottlestacked below the pallet.

Ground supportsextend along the right and left surfaces,. The ground supportsmay share a common elevation with the anti-teeter barsand the central foundation. Together with the anti-teeter barsand the central foundation, the ground supportsmay support the palletwhen resting on a flat ground surface. The ground supportsdo not necessarily engage the top wallof a molded bottlewhen the palletis stacked upon the molded botte.

Referring now to, a stackof two IBC systemsis illustrated. A stackof two IBC systemsmay readily be loaded for transport, for example within a semi-trailer. In other embodiments (not shown), the IBC systemsmay be stacked vertically in stacks of three or more IBC systemsfor storage or other applications.

The palletof an upper IBC systemengages the pallet engaging structuresof a molded bottleof a lower IBC system. The central foundation of the palleton the upper foundation bears on the ribs() of the molded bottleof the lower foundation. The ribstransfer a portion of the weight of the upper IBC systemto the support columns,,,() of the molded bottleof the lower IBC system. At least since much of the weight of the upper IBC systemis carried by the support columns,,,of a molded bottle, the sidewalls,,,of the molded bottlemay be constructed with a lower sidewall thickness T() than the column thickness TO of the support columns,,,. By varying the thickness of the molded bottlein this manner, a total weight of the IBC systemmay be lowered, thereby facilitating handling, stacking and storing the IBC system.

depicts yet another IBC system, according to one or more other aspects of the present disclosure. As with the IBC systemdetailed above, the IBC systemgenerally includes a molded bottle, the palletand connectors(obscured from view) for securing the molded bottleto the pallet. Each of the molded bottlemay be constructed of thermoplastic polymers, such as polyethylene, with plastic molding techniques including injection molding, blow molding and rotational molding.

The IBC systemalso includes a discharge valve, a fill cap, and an accessory fitting. The molded bottleis depicted with the discharge valvearranged thereon. The discharge valvemay be provided similar to the discharge valvedetailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottlein a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the discharge valveon the molded bottle. The discharge valveis operable to permit an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through a discharge port of the molded bottle. The molded bottleis also depicted with the fill capassembled therein/thereon. The fill capmay be provided similar to the fill capdetailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottlein a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the fill capon the molded bottle. For example, the fill capmay be removably attached to a threaded fill opening/neck that extends/protrudes from a top wall of the molded bottle. Furthermore, the accessory fittingmay be provided similar to the accessory fittingdetailed above, and may be installed on the molded bottlein a similar manner as detailed with respect to installation of the accessory fittingon the molded bottle. For example, the accessory fittingmay be received within an auxiliary port of the molded bottlewhen the auxiliary port is not in use.

depict the molded bottleof the IBC system, according to one or more other aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the molded bottleincludes a central axis A. Also, the molded bottleincludes a discharge port, an auxiliary port, and a threaded fill opening/neck. However, in, the molded bottleis depicted with the discharge valveremoved from the discharge port, with the accessory fittingremoved from the auxiliary port, and with the fill capremoved from the threaded fill opening/neck. As will be appreciated, the discharge portprovides a means through which fluids and flowable solids (e.g., grains or powders) may be drained from the molded bottleand the discharge valveprovided thereon permits an operator to selectively start and stop the flow of material through the discharge port. The accessory fittingmay be removed from the auxiliary port, and then other accessories to be attached to the molded bottlethrough the auxiliary port; or the auxiliary portmay be utilized to access the interior of the molded bottleFor example, to pour additives into the interior of the molded bottleor for collecting fluid samples from the molded bottle.

depicts an upper endA of the molded bottlewhiledepicts a lower endB of the molded bottle. As with the molded bottledetailed above, the molded bottleincludes a plurality of support columns,,,(collectively or individually, the support columns) and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the support columns. Specifically, the molded bottleincludes front and rear sidewalls,and right and left sidewalls,extending between the support columns. The front and rear sidewalls,and the right and left sidewalls,are collectively referred to as the sidewalls-. The top and bottom walls,extend between the sidewalls-and, together with the sidewalls-and the support columns, substantially enclose an interior volume of the molded bottle. The axis A extends through the top and bottom walls,, and the sidewalls-, despite having some curvature, and may generally extend along and be oriented in the direction of the axis A. As described in greater detail below, the support columnsmay have a greater material thickness than the sidewalls-and/or the top and bottom walls,.

In the illustrated embodiment, the molded bottlealso includes a belt or band. The bandextends or wraps around the body of molded bottle. The bandprovides lateral support to the bottleto inhibit the bottlefrom deforming (e.g., bowing) outwards when filled with a material and/or when the IBC systemis in a vertically stacked arrangement with at least one other IBC system. In the illustrated embodiment, the bandis oriented in a substantially horizontal orientation and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support columnsand the axis A, which extend vertically as previously described. The bandextends and blends into each of the support columns, such that the bandand the support columnstogether define a frame or cage that supports and contains the sidewalls-.

The bandmay be comprised of several discrete segments or portions, with each discrete segment or portion defining a rib. As shown in, the bandincludes a front rib, a rear rib, a right rib, and a left rib. The front ribprotrudes outward from the front wall, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle, between the front left support columnand the front right support column. The rear ribprotrudes outward from the front wall, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle, between the rear left support columnand the rear right support column. The right ribprotrudes outward from the front wall, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle, between the front right support columnand the rear right support column. Similarly, the left ribprotrudes outward from the front wall, away from the central axis A of the molded bottle, between the rear left support columnand the front left support column

As mentioned, the bandblends into the support columnssuch that the bandis not visible on and does not protrude outward from at least a portion of the support columns. Here, the front ribextends and blends into both the front left support columnand the front right support column, the rear ribextends and blends into both the rear left support columnand the rear right support column, the right ribextends and blends into both the front right support columnand the rear right support column, and the left ribextends and blends into both the rear left support columnand the front left support column

Also, the banddivides each of the sidewalls into upper and lower sidewall portions. Here, for example, the front ribdivides the front wallinto an upper sidewall portionA and a lower sidewall portionB, and the right ribdivides the right sidewallinto an upper sidewall portionA and a lower sidewall portionB, as shown in. Similarly, in this example and as shown in, the rear ribdivides the rear wallinto an upper sidewall portionA and a lower sidewall portionB, and the left ribdivides the left sidewallinto an upper sidewall portionA and a lower sidewall portionB.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sidewall portionsA,A,A, andA include a flat portion or flat surfaceon which labels, stickers, or print may be affixed. In embodiments, text may be formed into any one or more of the flat portions. For example, via molding during formation of the molded bottle. Here, the remaining portions of the upper sidewall portionsA,A,A, andA that are outside of (and not included in) the portion or flat surfaceare curved (or include a curvature). Also in the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall portionsB,B, andB are all curved (or include a curvature). In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower sidewall portionsB of the front sidewallinclude a flat surface/portion on which information may be applied, for example, sticker, label, molding, etc.

The upper sidewall portionsA,A,A, andA and the lower sidewall portionsB,B, andB form a generally ovoid structure(e.g., egg shaped). The ovoid structureis shaped to distribute the load applied to the bottle, such as the load applied by the material within the bottleor the load applied when the bottleis in a stacked arrangement with another IBC system. The support columns-are arranged around the generally ovoid structureat the corners and transfer the axial load to the pallet. The bandis arranged about the perimeter of the ovoid structure. The ribs-of the bandare stiffeners that inhibit outward deformation to increase the overall load capacity of the bottle.

The support columnshave a thickness that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the material utilized to form the band. Stated differently, the support columnsdefine a thickness (i.e., a column thickness or material thickness of the columns) and the ribs-define a thickness (i.e., a rib thickness or material thickness of the ribs-), and the column thickness is greater than or equal to the rib thickness. In some embodiments, the column thickness is greater than the rib thickness. Thus, the rib thickness defined by each of the ribs-may be less than (or less than or equal to) the column thickness defined by the support columns. Accordingly, in embodiments, the support columnsmay be thicker than the band(including each of the ribs-), and the band(including each of the ribs-) may be thinner than each of the support columns.

Further, the top walland the bottom wallmay be thinner than, thicker than, or the same as the rib thickness defined by the band(including each of the ribs-). For example, the top and bottom walls,may be thinner than the thickness of the band. As another example, the top walldefines a material thickness that is less than the rib thickness, and the material utilized to form the bottom walldefines a material thickness that is less than the rib thickness. Accordingly, the band(including each of the ribs-) is/are thicker than the top and bottom walls,.

In some embodiments, the bandis thinner than the sidewalls-while providing sufficient lateral support to inhibit deformation of the bottle. Accordingly, the manufacturing process (e.g., molding) may be used to form each rib-thinner than the corresponding sidewall-of the bottle. Additionally, the thickness of each of the plurality of sidewalls-may be less than the column thickness but greater than the rib thickness. Additionally, the rib thickness may also be less than the thickness of the top and bottom walls,.

In other embodiments, the sidewalls-are thinner than the band(e.g., rib thickness). Accordingly, the band(including each of the ribs-) may be thicker than the corresponding sidewall-. Additionally, the sidewall thickness each of the plurality of sidewalls-may be less than the column thickness and less than the rib thickness (i.e., rib thickness of each of the ribs-and column thickness of each of the support columnsare all greater than the sidewall thickness of each of the plurality of sidewalls-) and, in such embodiments, the rib thickness is also greater than the thickness of the top and bottom walls,.

depict close up top and bottom views, respectively, of the band, according to an embodiment. While FIGS.A andB depict the front and right ribandof the band, it should be appreciated that the rear and left ribandmay be similarly provided. As shown, each of the ribs-includes a side portion, an upper portion, and a lower portion. While the material of the support columnsmay be thicker than the material that defines/forms the portions,,of each rib, each portion,,of each rib is thinner than sidewalls-and the top and bottom walls,.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the material forming the side portionof each rib is greater/larger than or equal to the thickness of the material forming the upper and lower portionsand. Stated differently, the side portionis thicker than the upper and lower portionsand.