Large container especially a silo

Claim 1

A large container, especially a silo, comprising: an essentially cylindrical, unitary material holding main part having a base and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom; a substantially conically shaped unloading hopper positioned at the base of the main part, said hopper having a downwardly tapered sidewall, and being provided at its lower end with an outlet for discharging material from the container; annular flange means for securing the unloading hopper to the base of the main part, said flange means being solid and having a vertical thickness substantially greater than that of the sidewall of the main part and the hopper, said flange means including an annular substantially cyindrical inner wall secured along its upper margin directly to the base of the main part and along its lower margin directly to the hopper, said flange means further including an annular inwardly extending projection, said projection having an annular, downwardly inclined inner surface which is continuous with said cylindrical inner wall of the flange means for engaging and supporting an annular area of the tapered sidewall of the hopper adjacent to the base of the main part whereby the load bearing strength of the flange means and the hopper are enhanced; and an annular ring member releasably secured at its upper end to said annular flange means, the lower end of said ring member being adapted to engage support means for maintaining said container in a stable upright position during use.