AU2010200683A1 - Shipping Container - Google Patents

Description

I Shipping Container Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to an improved shipping container as well as to shipping containers of the refrigerated type. Background of the invention [002] Shipping containers are used to carry goods from one location to another. The containers perform the roles of allowing the ready movement of groups of smaller items packed into the containers in an efficient manner and protection of those goods during transport of the containers. However in the current prior art field the stacking of goods is restricted to uniform levels across the width of the container restricting the efficiency of packing. Establishing different temperature zones in adjustable positions within a container is problematic in the prior art field. Additionally the mass of containers decreases the pay load carrying capability of transports such as ships, goods trains and road trucks. [003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. Summary of the invention [004] The present invention provides having a support holding means at or near to a ceiling of said container and at or in a floor of said container which can receive at least one generally vertical support to thereby locate said vertical support in said container at a location between side walls of said shipping container. [005] The vertical support can include means along its length to receive one end of a deck beam being of a fraction of the width of said container, with the other end of said deck beam being attachable to a wall of said shipping container or to another vertical support [006] The first and second mentioned vertical supports and said deck beam can be provided in pairs. [007] The vertical supports can receive deck beams on both sides of said vertical supports. [008] The horizontal deck beams can be able to be engaged at a variety of heights on said vertical support.

2 [009] The container can include a plurality of said support holding means in the containers ceiling and floor, along its length. [010] The support holding means can include a recess to receive said vertical support or a part attached to said vertical support. [011] The vertical supports can include biased pins to engage recesses of said support holding means. [012] A full width horizontal deck beam can be engaged between said shipping containers walls at a height below the ceiling of said shipping container. [013] The vertical supports are able to be stored in the container in additional support means set to receive said vertical supports. [014] The deck beams are able to be stored in the container adjacent the ceiling fitted together using an adapter to join two or more deck beams which are a fraction of the width of said container to like beams to form a span equivalent to a full width deck beams. [015] The adapters can be one or more of the following: separate items; separate items which when not it use are stored in deck beams; made separate and are attached to the container ceiling. [016] The container can be refrigerated. [017] The present invention also provides a shipping container having a plurality of groups of mounting apertures in the walls set at discrete distances along the length of said shipping container, said groups of mounting apertures being in general alignment along the length of said shipping container. [018] The groups of mounting apertures can be aligned with corresponding aperture groups on the opposite wall. [019] The mounting apertures receive and or lock one end of a shoring bar. [020] The groups of mounting apertures are able to receive at least two shoring bars leaving a gap between said shoring bars in the direction of the length of said container. [021] The gaps are able to receive partition walls between said shoring bars. [022] The apertures can be formed in any appropriate shape such as a key hole shape, or a circular shape, or other shape which is preferably capable of locking in said shoring bars.

3 [023] The groups of mounting apertures are in a plate attached to a wall of said shipping container. [024] The groups of mounting apertures are formed in the walls of said container. [025] The present invention further provides a shipping container having a ducting system near a ceiling of said shipping container wherein said ducting system includes one or more apertures located between the ends of said duct, said one or more aperture extending across the width of the duct, said ducting system including openable closing means associated with said apertures. [026] The closing means, when moved to an open condition with respect to said aperture also closes said duct upstream of said aperture. [027] The closing means can include a hinged member wherein in the closed position relative to said aperture air is free to flow through the ducting over the closed aperture and when in the open position the duct is blocked stopping air from flowing to downstream sections of said duct. [028] The closing mechanism can be a sliding door, so that when the sliding door is in the open position with respect to the aperture, the aperture can receive a partitions to close off the duct. [029] The closing means can include a flexible membrane, which is capable of being inserted into the ducting to shut off the air flow through the ducting system. [030] A refrigeration system can supply the airflow to said ducting system. [031] The ducting can be fitted with defectors to aid in the lateral movement of the air flow. [032] The present invention further provides a shipping container having a refrigeration unit or a bulkhead at a first end and doors at an opposite second end wherein at least one impact block or stop is located at said first end which extends towards said second end to terminate a predetermined distance away from a vertical plane which includes or is at the end of said refrigeration unit which is closes to said second end. [033] At least one impact or stop block establishes a clearance distance between said refrigeration unit and a load inside said shipping container. [034] The present invention further provides a shipping container having at least one beam mounting plate attached to walls of said shipping container, said beam mounting plates 4 having a first part which includes a means to attach a beam generally perpendicular to said walls, and said mounting plates including angled portions relative to said first part to deflect colliding objects travelling in a direction along the length of said shipping container. [035] The beam mounting plate can include an aperture orientated perpendicular to the length of said shipping container. [036] The present invention also provides a refrigerated shipping container having a centre racking system, a ducted air supply, discretely spaced aperture groups equip to receive shoring bars, impact blocks or stops, a beam mounting socket attachment and a "Reverse T Flat Floor" and constructed using high strength steel, such as BS700 Material nominally having a 700MPA yield strength or greater. [037] An under floor structure can be provided which is made from a thin sheet material of approximately 1.1mm thickness which also has a yield strength above 700MPA. [038] An aluminium internal roof lining can be utilised. [039] A recessed extrusion for deck beam and shoring bar storage can be provided. [040] The strength of the front wall of the container can be reinforced by 6 or more vertical bulkhead members. [041] Stop or impact blocks can be attached to the lower portion of the front wall of said container, said stop or impact blocks being made of materials such as or more of the following: polyethylene; appropriate polymeric material;, steel; aluminium; composite material. The blocks can be a replaceable wear part. [042] The container can be a refrigerated shipping container. [043] The container can also include: a diesel motor; a fuel tank; deck beams; shoring bars; and a relay. [044] The container can include an air supply ducted system that extends a portion of the container length aiding in the provision of different temperature zones. [045] The deck beams between wall supports can be held in place using angled collision skids or a beam mounting plate as described above, which is orientated in a direction to minimise collision damage. [046] The refrigeration unit in the container can be protected from damage by placing stops a short distance in front of the unit around the internal perimeter of the container.

5 [047] The present invention also provides a shipping container which is as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings. Brief description of the drawings [048] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [049] Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a loaded conventional or prior art shipping container; [050] Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view along the length of a loaded conventional or prior art shipping container showing how pallet heights are set across the width of containers in prior art containers in a different arrangement to that of Figure 1; [051] Figure 3 is a front cross sectional view of loaded conventional prior art shipping container; [052] Figure 4 is a side on cross sectional view of a shipping container according to the present invention illustrating the vertical supports with bracing members; [053] Figure 5 illustrates a front cross sectional view of a unloaded shipping container illustrating a vertical intermediate support engaged with horizontal deck beams on either side at different heights; [054] Figure 5b is a front cross sectional view of an unloaded shipping container where full width horizontal deck beams span the width of a shipping container and are used to engage a vertical support. [055] Figure 5c is a perspective view of a part of the full width beam in figure 5B, showing recesses to receive biased pins of the vertical supports. [056] Figure 6 illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of vertical support engaged with a bracket on the ceiling of the shipping container; [057] Figure 6b illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of a vertical support engaged in a bracketed recess in the ceiling of a shipping container; [058] Figure 6c illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of a vertical support engaged in a recessed channel in the ceiling of a shipping container; [059] Figure 6d illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of a vertical support engaged in an aperture in the ceiling of a shipping container; 6 [060] Figure 6e illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of a vertical support engaged in an recess preformed in the ceiling of a shipping container; [061] Figure 7 depicts the vertical support member engaged with the floor of the shipping container; [062] Figure 7b illustrates a biased pin in the terminus of a vertical support that is controlled through the use of an aperture along the length of the vertical support and a bar in said aperture; [063] Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view across the width of a loaded shipping container embodying the invention showing the intermediate vertical support engaged with horizontal deck beams at a plurality of heights carrying loads of varying heights; [064] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of intermediate vertical supports with horizontal deck beams and brace members engaged connected to a wall support; [065] Figure 9b illustrates a perspective view of intermediate vertical supports with horizontal deck beams and brace members engaged connected to another vertical support; [066] Figure 10 illustrates a biased pin system used with intermediate vertical supports which engages with a recess in the container ceiling; [067] Figure 11 illustrates intermediate vertical supports with the brace members engaged, having a modified construction to that of Figure 9; [068] Figure 12 illustrates a cross section through the length of a shipping container illustrating internal features; [069] Figure 12b illustrates a front cross section of a shipping container illustrating the use of shoring bars across the width of a shipping container; [070] Figure 13 is an underneath view of the ceiling of a shipping container illustrating a refrigerated air supply duct and additional evaporators; [071] Figure 14 is a cross sectional view across a portion of a ceiling of a shipping container and an associated ducting system; [072] Figure 15a is a side view of a duct aperture with spring loaded flexible or membrane closing means; [073] Figure 15b is a view similar to figure 15a showing the flexible or membrane closing mine and their interaction with a partition; 7 [074] Figure 16a is a side view of the duct aperture with sliding closing means; [075] Figure 16b is a view similar to figure 16a showing a partition closing the aperture and the duct with the sliding closing means being open; [076] Figure 17a is a side view of the duct aperture with bi-fold type door or double hinged closing means to close the aperture; [077] Figure 17b is a view similar to figure 17a, with the bi-fold door moved to a position which opens the aperture but closes the duct, allowing a partition panel to be inserted [078] Figure 18a is a side view of a duct aperture with a double door hinged closing means,; [079] Figure 18b is a view similar to figure 1 8a with the two doors moved so as to open the aperture, but to close of the upstream and downstream ends of the duct at the aperture edge, with a partition being located in the aperture; [080] Figure 19 is a front view of a beam mounting plate; [081] Figure 20 is a cross sectional view of the beam mounting plate of figure 19; [082] Figure 21 is a front elevation of the front of a shipping container; [083] Figure 22 is a rear elevation of the shipping container of figure 21; [084] Figure 23 is a plan view of the shipping container of figure 21; [085] Figure 24 is a right side view of the shipping container of figure 21; [086] Figure 25 is a partial longitudinal cross section through Figure 23 showing the construction of the container floor; [087] Figure 26 illustrates a cross section through the left hand side wall of the shipping container, showing recessed deck beam mounting area, such as illustrated in figure 19 and 20; [088] Figure 27 illustrates a cross section through plane B-B of figure 24; [089] Figure 28 illustrates a part cross section through the roof region of the shipping container; [090] Figure 29 illustrates a part cross section through the floor region of the shipping container; and [091] Figure 30 illustrates a part cross section through the side wall and rear doors of the shipping container.

8 [092] Figure 31 is a front view of the forward internal wall of a shipping container. [093] Figure 32 is a cross sectional view of a bulkhead in a shipping container. [094] Figure 33 is a cross sectional view of the floor in a shipping container illustrating the use of reverse T supports. [095] Figure 34 illustrates an end elevation of partial width deck beams being stored in the ceiling of container; and [096] Figure 35 illustrates a detailed end elevation of a portion of figure 34. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [097] Illustrated in figure 1 to 3 are cross sectional views of conventional packing arrangement of a loaded shipping container. Figure 1 illustrates stacking a load on the base of the shipping container and at a height (a) supported by full width horizontal deck beams 50 spanning the full internal width of the shipping container as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 illustrates that if a load is to extend past the height of the full width horizontal deck beam 50 support height, then only one pallet and its contents can be loaded on the floor at a specific position along the length of the shipping container (b), leaving a large volume of the container not being able to be utilised. Figure 1 also illustrates the packing difficulties of full width deck beams that use only one fixed height mounting position. [098] Figure 2 illustrates a conventional packing arrangement of a loaded shipping container showing how two levels are supported across the width of the container. Two different heights of stacking (a and c) can be achieved in different sections along the length of a shipping container with only load heights of less than the height between the roof and the top of the full width horizontal deck beams, or between the floor and the bottom of the full width horizontal deck beams, able to be used otherwise stacking of only one load on the floor of the container is possible as shown in Figure 1. [099] Figure 3 is a rear view of a conventional shipping container using full width horizontal deck beams at one height (2). Figure 3 shows that when using two levels of loads of different heights (d and e) stacking is restricted to using the same full width horizontal deck beam to load the different height loads at one load height leaving unutilised areas of volume that could otherwise be used for packing. Figure 3 shows in conventional shipping containers only one possible height is available for stacking across the width of the shipping container. In these 9 prior art arrangements without uniform volume characteristics of the loads stored meeting the volumes available between the floor and horizontal deck beams spanning the entire width if the shipping container regions of unused, wasted volume will be found. [0100] Figure 4 is a cross sectional view along the length of a shipping container that illustrates pairs of vertical supports 3 in place along the length of a shipping container. Figure 4 illustrates the use of brace members between respective pairs of vertical supports that hold a load to aid in stability, reinforce the supports and distribute the force placed on the vertical support from the load. [0101] Figure 5 illustrates a cross section or rear view of a container showing in place a support system that includes intermediate vertical supports 3 in place, where desired, at one or more locations down the length of a shipping container. In the arrangement of Figure 5 half width horizontal deck beams can be engaged at a plurality of heights on either side of the supports 3 and being supported at their other ends at the shipping container walls. As will be described later, two supports 3 are used with the spacing between them being determined by the use of brace members which aid in stability whist holding the two half width horizontal beams at the correct spacing to allow a standard sized pallet to be positioned on the two beams. [0102] A single pair of vertical supports 3 can be attached to the container at the middle of the width of the shipping container. The supports 3 are fixed in place between the ceiling and the floor of the shipping container. This divides the width of the container into two sections. [0103] As illustrated in Figure 5 the two half width horizontal deck beams 51 (the second not being visible in this view) and the two half width horizontal deck beams 52 (the second not being visible in this view) are at respectively different heights (f and g), with the beams 51 engaging with vertical supports 3 on the left side and left side wall support 8.1, while the beams 52 engage the supports 3 on the right hand side and right hand side wall support 8. [0104] Using this means, loads of varying heights can be loaded either side of the vertical support 3. Illustrated in Figure 8 are four loads of different heights being loaded in the same section of a container, without the volume wastage of the prior art systems. [0105] While two pairs of deck beams 51 and 52 are illustrated as being used on either side of the supports 3, giving four separate loading sections, if desired more pairs of half width horizontal deck beams can be used to provide additional loading sections. [0106] Further, additional vertical supports 3 can be located, where required along the length of the container allowing more sections of the shipping container providing more different 10 height loading sections. This allows transport companies to carry fuller containers, whereby volume is used more efficiently. [0107] The wall supports 8 and 8.1 can take the form of reinforcing posts inserted either between internal wall panel sections, in the wall itself or mounted externally to the interior wall. In the case where the wall supports are between wall panels or are in the wall itself the wall supports are generally not removable. Where the wall supports are mounted externally to the interior walls the wall supports can be removable. Any appropriate connection means between the vertical support, wall support and horizontal deck beams can be used as described below. [0108] Figure 6 illustrates a means by which the supports 3 can connect to ceiling locations for fitting the vertical support in place in the ceiling. A biased pin 5 in the upper terminus of the vertical support 3 passes into a recess in a support rail 6.1 attached to the ceiling 6 to fix the vertical support in the roof. The biased pin 5 being fully extended in the normally free position. The pin 5 can then through the application of force be retracted into the vertical support 3, for the purpose of disconnecting or relocating the vertical support 3. [0109] By the terminus of the support 3 including a biased pin, by pushing the support towards the ceiling, this will effectively shorten the length of the vertical support, thereby allowing the base of the vertical support to be placed in a floor located fixing recess as will be described below. If required the biased pin can be of any appropriate length so that movement towards the ceiling of the container will allow the base of the support 3 ready access into the respective floor recess. Alternatively, both termini of the vertical supports 3 can include biased pin systems to engage ceiling and floor recess. [0110] If desired, instead of biased pin systems being located at one or both termini of the vertical supports 3, the vertical support itself can be constructed from a biased telescoping construction, whereby one end of the vertical support can move towards the other end against an internally located compression spring, with lugs or ends on the vertical supports 3 being receivable by recesses provided on full width beams or in the ceiling of the container, and in the floor. [0111] As is illustrated in figure 6, the recess in the roof is formed in a rail 6.1 or a bracket with an aperture, attached to the ceiling of the container, or the recess can be formed directly into the ceiling creating a level surface with the roof as in Figure 6b or it can be formed in a recess channel in the ceiling having a top hat like profile as in Figure 6c. Alternatively the recess in the ceiling can be in ceiling panel itself in the form of an aperture as in Figure 6d which I1 could be punched or drilled into the ceiling or the ceiling can be preformed in a top hat profile with the top hat forming the recess similar to the profile of Figure 6e. [0112] Figure 7 illustrates the means in the floor for fitting the vertical support 3 in place in the floor. Illustrated the vertical support can be seen to fit into a recess in the floor (7) fixing the vertical support in place. As illustrated the recess in the floor of the shipping container is formed for the base of the vertical support to fit inside it with minimal room for the vertical supports base to move around. The base of the vertical support can be placed in the floor recess and then the spring driven biased pin 5 at the upper terminus of the vertical support 3 can be retracted to find either the aperture or recess in the ceiling designed to receive the biased pin 5. [0113] Alternatively the biased pin 5 can be retracted first and the vertical support 3 can be aligned in position for the base of the support 3 to sit in the floor recess and the biased pin 5 when released to release into the ceiling aperture or recess. [0114] Figure 7b shows an alternative retracting mechanism for the biased pin 5 in the upper terminus of the vertical support 3. As illustrated the pin 5 is extended and retracted manually using a sliding bar 5b that is attached internally to the pin 5. A slot 5c in the vertical support 3 allows the bar 5b to be slide thereby moving the pin 5 thereby either retracting or extending it. When the pin 5 is extended it can be locked in place using a slot having a configuration 5d. [0115] When the ceiling pin 5 of the vertical support 3 is in place and the floor recess on the container receives the base of the vertical support 3, it will then be rigidly held between the ceiling and floor of the container, and thus ready to receive half width horizontal deck members. With the brace members 4 as shown in figure 9 secured into place on the opposing faces of a pair of vertical supports 3, the vertical supports 3 become more stable and rigid in their position and better maintain their separation relative to each other so as to locate the pairs of half width horizontal beams at an appropriate distance apart. [0116] If desired, or if there is present a ducting system, a different means can be used to secure the top of the vertical support 3. Such a different means is illustrated in Figure 5b and 5c, which illustrates a cross section or rear view of a container showing in place a full width deck beam 53 located beneath a ducting system 16. The deck beam 53 extends between and connects with both side walls of a shipping container. The horizontal deck beams connect with the walls by engaging an aperture in aperture groups in the side walls which are discussed below. The full width horizontal deck beams 53 as indicated in Figure 5b provide blind or through recesses 519 in bosses 518 welded or attached to the middle of the full width beams 53. Other means to 12 receive the top portion of the vertical supports 3 in the same way as the ceiling is able to can also be provided, as is discussed above. [0117] The vertical supports 3 are equipped with a plurality of points along the length or height of the vertical supports 3 to be able to receive half width horizontal deck beams at a plurality of heights. [0118] Figure 8 is an end view or a cross sectional view across the width of a container and illustrates the vertical support 3 being engaged with half width horizontal deck beams at a plurality of heights (f and g) with a pallet and its load in place. Loads of different heights (such as h, i, j and k) are loaded around the vertical support 3 with less wasted volume than in a conventional shipping container. [0119] Figure 9 illustrates the vertical supports 3 being connected with a single horizontal deck beam 1 being connected with a wall support or post 8. The vertical support 3 and wall supports or posts 8 of Figure 9 shows that there are a plurality of apertures 9 along their lengths for receiving biased pins located at the ends of horizontal deck beams. These apertures 9 cooperate with tracks 5K on either side of the apertures, (best visible in Figure 10) which are located on both sides of vertical supports 3 or on the one accessible side of the wall support 8 or 8.1. The tracks 5k receive an end fitting 35.2, (as seen in figure 35 but is shown on the end of a deck beam 51,52), of matching shape, and which has in the middle of it a biased pin 35.4, also shown in figure 35, which has a bevelled face or end. The end fitting 35.2 is first engaged at the bottom of the vertical support 3 or wall support 8, 8.1, at the bases thereof, by means of a converging lead-in formation 9.1, which leads the edges of the end fitting 35.2 into the tracks 5K. Once the first aperture is engaged by the biased pin 35.4, the end fitting 35.2 cannot move downward by force from above, unless the pin 35.4 is manually retracted. Whereas the deck beam can be pushed upward by a force from below, because the bevelled face or end will force the pin 35.4 out of the aperture 9.1 with a force from below, and by this means the deck beams can be moved upward quite speedily as retraction of the pins is not required. [0120] Figure 9 also illustrates the use of brace members 4 between pairs of vertical supports 3 to aid in the load bearing by reinforcing the columns of the supports 3 from buckling. These brace members 4 are attached between adjacent vertical supports at an angle with a vertical component through the use of nuts and bolts or some other means such as pins, that allow the brace members 4 to be readily removable or disconnectable from the vertical supports 3. By adding the brace members 4 the pair of supports 3 are able to carry a greater load than without them.

13 [0121] Figure 9 illustrates the biased pin 5 in the upper terminus of the vertical support 3 that is used to engage a recess in the ceiling of the container. Figure 9 shows a vertical support using a horizontal deck beam to engage with a wall support member. However, if desired, where more than one pair of vertical supports is placed across the width of the shipping container a vertical support 3 will take the place of the wall support 8 or 8.1 as shown in Figure 9b. By the use of more than one pair of vertical supports 3 across the width of the container, there will be additional sections across the width of the container able to be loaded in addition to the sections created along the height of the container as enabled by the horizontal deck beams attached to the multiple engaging points further reducing wasted volume. To utilise these narrower sections narrower pallets can be used allowing transport companies to transport narrower width pallets, and thus smaller loads. [0122] Figure 10 illustrates in more detail a biased pin system which has a biased pin 5 in the vertical support 3 from figures 9 and 9b. Figure 10 shows that the biased pin 5 is attached to an external face of the vertical support and is extendible with respect thereto. It is extendible into a recess in the ceiling as mentioned above enabling the vertical support 3 to be fixed in place and to be removable. The assembly of Figure 10 has the biased pin 5 being spring loaded with a locking mechanism. In the arrangement shown pin 5e locks the biased pin 5 against fixed pin 5g in the retracted position contracting or compressing the compression spring. The bar handle 5h can be used to turn the pin 5 thereby releasing pin 5e from pin 5g allowing the compression spring to expand thereby moving the pin 5 into engagement with a ceiling recess as discussed above. [0123] If desired the pin 5 need not be biased or spring loaded and instead could rely on slotted apertures with a guiding bar in a slot. Where an aperture in the ceiling or attached beam is used, a key hole profile can be used for the aperture allowing pin 5f to act as a locking mechanism helping to fix the vertical support 3 in position. [0124] Another biased pin system can be provided where the pin requires no manual manipulation directly, but is simply mounted for movement in the upper terminus of the vertical support 3, against the bias of a compression or tension spring system, which biases the pin to its fully extended state. With such an arrangement a user need only push the pin or pins into the blind recess or recesses (or similar) located in the ceiling of the container or located on a full width horizontal deck beam, then push the support upwards against the bias in the pin system, thus "shortening" the length of the vertical support 3 allowing the lower terminus to be readily inserted into a floor recess or aperture.

14 [0125] Figure 11 illustrates another set of vertical supports 3 engaged in position between the ceiling and the floor. In figure l Ithe brace members 4 are shown as engaging with vertical supports at 10 through the use of pins attached to the brace members engaging at 10 apertured brackets 10.1 attached to the vertical supports that are able to receive the pins attached to the brace members 4 which also use chains fixed to the brace members to keep them close by. [0126] Alternatively the apertures in the brackets fixed to the vertical supports can be replaced by parts of the vertical supports which have an aperture or other means to receive the pins. Alternatively the chained pins can be replaced with nuts and bolts, or quick release pins to fix the brace members in position. [0127] The brace members 4 are pivotally attached to vertical support members 11 that can be removable from the vertical supports 3 which allows them to be stored on the container when not in use. The brace members 4 are attached to the larger support member 11 through the use of a hinge 11 b. By the left hand side support 3 having the centrally located chevron shaped flange 10.2 this locates the hinges 11 b at the appropriate distance from the flange 10.2 thereby ensuring that the braces 4 extend the correct distance to engage the right hand side support 3. This means that the half width horizontal beams I which respectively engage left and right supports 3 of the pair, will be spaced the correct distance to receive and support a pallet base. [0128] Illustrated in Figure 12 is a cross sectional view along the length of a shipping container that shows the refrigeration unit 12 at the front of the shipping container that supplies refrigerated air into a ducting system 16 through a transition duct 13. At least one additional or remote evaporator unit 17 is provided to allow different temperature zones to exist in the shipping container by means of the use of at least one insulated partition 15 spaning the interior width of the shipping container as is explained further below. [0129] The wall supports 8 allow the loading of multiple loads of varying heights and properties throughout the shipping container. Groups of apertures 14 (preferably formed in mounting plates but could be formed directly into the container wall) are present at discrete locations along the length of the container, to allow the fitting of shoring bars that can fix the loads in place and hold the partitions fixed in gaps between shoring bars. The shoring bars have a biased pin at either end and the apertures have a key hole profile which with the use of the pins at the ends of the shoring bars enables the shoring bars to lock in place in said apertures. Figure 12 also shows that the groups of apertures are in arranged in discrete rows and columns. Figure 12 shows two rows at different heights on the container wall and these are vertically aligned. These columns of aperture groups are aligned with columns aperture groups on the other side 15 wall creating a support plane between aligned aperture groups. The shoring bars described above can be engaged using spring driven pins, extendible pins, or other means similar to those described for the biased pins in the vertical supports as described above. [0130] Figure 12 illustrates the additional aperture groups 14.1 on the walls of the shipping container along its length underneath the ducting system. These aperture groups are able to receive full width horizontal deck beams, for the purpose of storage of the full width horizontal deck beams in an out of the way location on the shipping container walls. [0131] Figure 12 also illustrates the vertical tracks or wall supports 8, 8.1 in the side walls of the container. These aperture groups are able to receive full width and partial deck beams (when used with centre support 3). When full width horizontal deck beams are not in use for loading cargo they can be pushed to the top of the wall supports 8, 8.1. This is their preferred storage position. [0132] The full width horizontal deck beams include pockets or recesses means for engaging biased pins in the upper terminus of the vertical supports. In this arrangement the vertical supports 3 engage with these full width horizontal deck beams at the tops of their tracks 8 or 8.1, rather than with the roof to become fixed at or near to the ceiling or the duct of the shipping container. This is particularly useful if just below the ceiling of the container there is provided a duct 16, and by this means, wherever a vertical support 3 is to be located, the upper securing point can be provided by means of a full width horizontal deck beam connected to wall supports 8 or 8.1. [0133] When not being used to support loads or pallets, the half width horizontal deck beams 51, 52 can be joined together by means of separate adapter 35.1 to form the equivalent of a full width extending deck beam. The result is that the beams are stored in or near to ceiling location 35.3, as in Figure 34, but it should be noted that the figure 34 system will be described in more detail below. When such a separate adapter is used the joined deck beams 51 52, the assembly can be stored in the aperture groups 14.1 in the same manner as the full width horizontal deck beams, or in opposed wall supports 8 and 8.1 at their uppermost location. [0134] The separate adapters have the same connection system, namely the tracks 5k and apertures 9 as the vertical supports 3 and wall supports 8, 8.1. The half width horizontal deck beams can be provided slots or openings along their length that are able to hold the adapters within them, when the adapters are not being used. [0135] Alternatively, as is illustrated in figures 34 and 35, the joining/storage adapters 35.1 can be fitted or mounted, by welding bolting or riveting, to the ceiling 35.3 of the container 16 on the centre line at specific locations such as aligned with 14.3 of figure 12, whereby the partial width deck beams 51 and 52 can then stored near the ceiling 35.3 either side of the centre line adapters 35.1. At 14.3 of Figure 12, there is secured to the walls of the container a horizontally arranged segment similar to vertical supports 3 or wall supports 8, 8.1 described previously (or one half of the adapter 35.1 of figure 35), whereby the partial width deck beams can engage the central adapter 35.1 and the corresponding wall segments at 14.3 in a horizontal direction, as is illustrated in figure 35. As can be seen in figure 35, the central adapter 35.1 includes four tracks 5k into which can slide the matingly shaped end fitting 35.2. The adapter 35.1 includes one or more apertures so that the biased pins 35.4 can enter to thereby lock the ends of the beam 51 or 52 in place. While only one location of wall segments at 14.3 is indicated on figure 12, it is envisaged that there will be several such wall segments, including at the rear of the container. [0136] As is also visible from figures 34 and 35, the partial width deck beams 51 and 52 can be made up of a central tubular portion 35.11 into which fits the end portions 35.12 which carry the end fittings 35.2. [0137] The use of separate adapters as described above allows greater flexibility of location of storage, whereas the fitted or mounted adapters 35.1 will provide lesser flexibility of location of storage. [0138] Figure 12b illustrates a cross sectional or front view of shoring bars 55 (represented with larger profile for illustration purposes but are generally approx 42 millimetres in diameter with one end spring loaded in telescopic fashion with the other end) in place across the width of the shipping container. The shoring bars engage with the groups of apertures 14 in the sides of the walls and lock the shoring bars in place as discussed above. The container has a row 14.2 (see figure 12) of shoring bar mounting apertures which extend along the full length of the container walls on both the left and right sides. The row 14.2 is located in a recessed formation at the walls lower regions, with the recessed formation being what is called an F-track. This lower row of shoring bar mounting apertures allows shoring bars to be secured at approximately pallet height near to the floor, so as to stop pallets on the floor from moving with respect to the container during transport. [0139] Figure 13 is an underneath view of the ceiling of a shipping container that depicts the refrigeration unit 12, ducting system 16 and additional evaporation units 17. Figure 13 illustrates the direction of airflow through the ducting system and the air flow out of the additional evaporator units as represented by arrows in the figure. In the base of the duct there is located a series of apertures each aperture having an associated closing means to selectively 17 close off the apertures, but also to allow the duct to be closed off at one location along its length when it is no longer desired for cooled air to pass that specific aperture. This can happen if one portion of the container is to be kept at a temperature significantly different to the other portion of the shipping container. One of these sections being cooled through the use of the main refrigeration units at the front of the shipping container and the other section being cooled by the additional evaporator unit or units. [0140] As can be seen in Figure 13, at a location between the apertures 18, is a series of flow diverters 19 which help to push air flowing down the duct 16 towards apertures in the sides of the duct 16. [0141] Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the ducting system16 attached to the roof 21 taken through one of the diverters 19. A channel 20 is provided in the ceiling of the container to deliver cables and pipes from the front of the shipping container to the rear mounted evaporators. These pipes include pipes to transport refrigerant from the refrigerant system located in the front wall of the shipping container, electrical conduits and control cables linked to the rear evaporators. [0142] Figure 14 also illustrates a deflector 19 which is used to add lateral movement to the airflow coming along the ducting. This is achieved through the shape of the deflector redirecting the airflow as it passes over the deflector. The evaporator 17 as depicted in Figure 12 supplies air to the rear of the container where the ducting does not extend and allows different temperature zones to exist with the use of insulated partitions. [0143] Figures 15a and 15b is a side on view of the ducting system at an aperture with a closing means hinged at 23 to the duct in the closed position represented in Figure 15a and the open position represented in figure 15b with a partition 15 inserted. The duct 16 is broken into sections that are separated by an aperture 18 that extends the entire width of the ducting system 16 as illustrated in Figure 13. The aperture 18 is closed by the closing means in figure 15a. In figure 15a the closing means is a flexible membrane 24 which is hingedly secured at 23 to the duct 16, by means of securing the membrane, which due to its flexibility forms a live or integral hinge when the membrane is rotated relative to it fixing location. If desired a hinge can be provided to prevent wear and or fatigue to the membrane 24. [0144] When the hinged closing means is in the open position of Figure 15b, that is the aperture 18 is open, then the flexible membrane extends into the duct 16 and the air flow through the duct 16 is blocked preventing ducting sections downstream from the open aperture from receiving airflow as mentioned above. The side of the flexible membrane 24 opposite to the 18 hinged side of the hinged door is fixed with a spring 22 that provides some tension when the closing means is in the closed position. When the hinged closing means is opened the flexible membrane 24 is forced up with the hinged closing means placing the spring in greater tension. When in this position the forces acting on the spring 22 bias the closing means to the closed position. It is only when the insulated partition 15 is inserted that the closing means can be held in the open position. In effect the process of pushing the insulated partition into contact with the membrane 24, will in one action close the duct 16 and open the aperture 18 to receive the partition, allowing the partition to be held into place by a shoring bar at a lower region thereof. [0145] Figures 16a and 16b shows an alternative closing means for the ducting apertures to that shown in Figures 15a and 15b. Figure 16a shows the closing means being a sliding door 25. And in figure 16b, the sliding door 25 is moved to open the aperture and the aperture and the duct 16 is closed off by means of an appropriately dimensioned insulated partition 26. In this arrangement as opposed to the arrangement illustrated by figures 15a and 15b the insulated partition closes off the aperture rather than the flexible membrane. In the illustration of figure 16B, the thickness of the insulated partition is close to the width of the aperture in the ducting system, whereas if desired it can be narrower, as it is the width and height of the partition that will close off the duct 16, but need not close off the aperture 18. The depth or thickness of the partition in not critical. It could be relatively thin, say 6mm thick, as long as partition extends from floor to ceiling, and extends from the left side wall of the duct to right side wall of the duct, and the container. Thus while insulated partition 26 is shown thicker than partition 15, a narrower partition such as partition 15 could also be used. One advantage of the thicker partition 26, if the duct 16 were suitably strong, is that the partition can be held in place by the edges of the aperture 18, thereby allowing the partition to drape downwardly rather tan having to be held in place by shoring bars. [0146] Figures 17a and 17b show the same closable aperture with a single foldable at least double hinged door, or what may be described as a bi-fold door 27. In this embodiment, the width of the aperture is twice the width of one of the two same width door panels, and the width of the door panels is approximately the depth of the duct 16. By this geometry and configuration, once the bi-fold door is opened, that is opening the aperture 18, it will close off the duct 16 on the upstream side of the aperture 18. This then allows an insulated partition, which can be of smaller depth than the width of the aperture, to be located in the aperture. If desired, in a manner similar to that of figures 15a and 15b, a tension or other spring system can be used with the bi fold door 27 so that it is biased to move to the aperture closed condition, thereby maintaining the apertures closed until needed.

19 [0147] Figures 18a and 18b show the same closable aperture but the closing means is comprised of two doors 28 hinged to either side of the aperture. The width of the upstream door is the same as the depth of the duct so that the door will close off the duct when the aperture is opened. [0148] The ducting aperture as shown in Figures 15 to 18 show that when in the open position a ducting aperture can receive a partition that blocks off the container in the plane of the aperture, with each of Figure 15 to 18 stopping air flow to ducting sections downstream of the aperture. This partition is held in place by the shoring bars which fit into the aperture groups in a common plane. [0149] The shipping container includes raised impact blocks or stops around the interior walls of the shipping container set a distance apart from the front and rear interior walls of the shipping container. These impact blocks or stops restrain loads within the shipping container from causing impact damage with the front and rear wall components. [0150] The shipping container can include storage means for the vertical supports 3 along the front internal wall of the shipping container, but they can be more preferably stored at the rear doors of the container. If all vertical supports 3 are not used in packing the container, then they can be mounted at the rear door of the container to take the place or need for rearmost located shoring bars in order the secure the loads and pallets. If all vertical supports 3 were used, then shoring bar apertures, such as row 14.2 and rearwardmost wall supports 8, 8.1, can be provided to secure the rear of the load. [0151] The front wall includes the main refrigeration unit with fuel supply, air supply transition, bulk head and air return. [0152] Illustrated in the figures 21 to 30 is a refrigerated shipping container unit which is manufactured with a "Reverse T Flat Floor" 101 which is illustrated in SECTION B-B. [0153] A "Reverse T Flat Floor" differs from prior art containers which generally have an airflow floor which is formed by means of a corrugated floor. The absence of a corrugated floor, that is, by providing a "Reverse T Flat Floor" means that the container is able better serve a refrigerated container functionality. [0154] Figure 33 is a cross section of the "Reverse T Flat Floor" 38 of a shipping container showing the floor's construction. The "Reverse T Flat Floor" 38 of a shipping container is shown to have internal reverse T projections that extend downwardly. The top surface of this "Reverse T Flat floor" 38, is smooth or has some small raised sections for non- 20 slip properties. Beneath this internal floor 38 is a layer of insulation 37 which is sandwiched between the internal floor 38 and the subfloor 39, the insulation is injected into this sandwiched area and fills the voids of the internal floor 38. Between the reverse T projections are placed reinforcing beams 36 along the length of the floor for the first 1000mm to 2000mm from the rear doors to avoid deformation of the floor when loads are placed in the container that would compromise the integrity of the internal insulation 37. Transverse reinforcing beams are also spaced down the length of the shipping container at regular intervals under the inner floor 38. These reinforcing beams can be made from polyethylene, polymeric material, plastics, hard wood or other suitable materials. [0155] The container 100 is constructed using high strength steel, where by main structural members are manufactured from BS700 Material - which nominally has a 700MPA yield strength. In addition the under floor structure is made from DOCOIL which is a thin sheet material of approximately 1.1mm thickness and also has a yield strength above 700MPA [0156] The container 100 is manufactured using an aluminium internal roof lining, which assists to reduce the tare weight of the container 100. [0157] In constructing the container 100, there has been used a special recessed extrusion for deck beam and shoring bar storage. [0158] The side walls of the container 100 are fitted with omega or open top hat section side posts 105, which are welded to bottom and top side rails. An additional gusset plate (not illustrated) has been added to the horizontal face between bottom side rail and side post to improve resistance to bending and cracking in this area. [0159] Illustrated in figures 19, 20 and 26 is a beam mounting plate 110. The mounting plate 110 has an open hat cross section as illustrated in figure 20, where flat portions 112 and 113 are at approximately the same level, with a third flat portion 111 spaced from the portions 112 and 113, by means of angled sections 30, which lie at respective angles to the flat portions where the angel is in the ranges of 30 to 60 degrees, but mots preferably of the order of 45 degrees. The beam mounting plate 110 has an aperture 29 for receiving a beam, which is formed in flat section 111. The angled or riser sections 30 of the beam mounting plate 110, when installed in a container, as illustrated in Figure 26, are aligned with the height direction of the container wall 26.2 (see figure 26) to absorb and or deflect force or collisions which occur in a direction perpendicular to the height direction. The beam mounting plate 110 will attach to walls of the shipping container at the points 31 shown in figures 19,20 and 26. These mounting plates 110 are attached to the container in an extrusion 26.5, which provides a container long 21 longitudinal recess 26.1 ensuring that all mounting plates 110 located therein are flush with the internal side walls 26.4 of the container. This means they are protected, to some extent from fork impact, but in the event of fork impact, as they are provided with angled portions 30 these assist to deflect impact. These deck beam mounting plates 110 suit a fixed position deck beam, with loading arrangements as shown in Figure 1. [0160] Figure 31 illustrates the forward internal wall or bulkhead of a shipping container as at 103 in Figure 21. The bulkhead contains return air means that can take the form of apertures 32 for return air to pass through back to the refrigeration unit. The bulkhead has a corrugated profile with crests and troughs running from one side wall to the other. The bulkhead of figure 31 includes seven vertical bulkhead members or channel sections 32.1 to reinforce the bulkhead. The strength of the front wall 103 is better than in prior art containers, by utilising more bulkhead vertical members - seven per unit compared to five per unit in the prior art. [0161] The container 100 also includes rectangular stop or impact blocks 102 which are most preferably of PE (polyethylene), but may be of any suitable material such as other polymeric materials, steel, aluminium or composites can be used. The block 102 attach to the lower inside portion of the front wall 103, to reduce impact damage from pallets,, loads and fork lifts. These blocks 102 are a replaceable wear part and help prevent damage at terminals and during transfers from one transport to another. [0162] The blocks 102 are located in the troughs of the bulkhead with the rearward end of the block 102 extending past the crests of the bulkhead. These blocks 102 serve the purpose of absorbing collision force from impacts with the bulkhead by pallets or goods thereon or by fork lift tynes or trucks. [0163] Figure 32 illustrates that the internal brackets 34 which carry the blocks 102 are placed in the troughs of the bulkhead which act to further reinforce the top hat sections 32.1. [0164] As described above the vertical supports 3 can have pin systems at one or more of their ends or they can be made so as to telescope against a compressive bias. In a similar fashion the full width deck beams and the partial width deck beams, while described above as having pin systems at their termini, can instead be made so as to telescope against a compressive bias. [0165] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

22 [0166] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [0167] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein

Claims (42)

1. A shipping container having a support holding means at or near to a ceiling of said container and at or in a floor of said container which can receive at least one generally vertical support to thereby locate said vertical support in said container at a location between side walls of said shipping container.

2. A shipping container as claimed in claim I wherein said vertical support includes means along its length to receive one end of a deck beam being of a fraction of the width of said container, with the other end of said deck beam being attachable to a wall of said shipping container or to another vertical support

3. A shipping container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second mentioned vertical supports and said deck beam are provided in pairs.

4. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims I to claim 3, wherein said vertical supports can receive deck beams on both sides of said vertical supports.

5. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein said horizontal deck beams are able to be engaged at a variety of heights on said vertical support.

6. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims I to 5 wherein said container includes a plurality of said support holding means in the containers ceiling and floor, along its length.

7. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims I to 6, wherein the support holding means includes a recess to receive said vertical support or a part attached to said vertical support.

8. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said vertical supports include biased pins to engage recesses of said support holding means.

9. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims I to 8 wherein a full width horizontal deck beam is engaged between said shipping containers walls at a height below the ceiling of said shipping container. Wherein said vertical supports are engaged at one end.

10. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein vertical supports are able to be stored in the container in additional support means set to receive said vertical supports.

11. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claim 2, or any one claims 3 to 10 when appended to claim 2, wherein the deck beams are able to be stored in the container adjacent the ceiling fitted together using an adapter to join two or more deck beams 24 which are a fraction of the width of said container to like beams to form a span equivalent to a full width deck beams.

12. A shipping container as in claim 11 wherein said adapters are one or more of the following: separate items; separate items which when not it use are stored in deck beams; made separate and are attached to the container ceiling.

13. A shipping container as in claims I to 12 wherein the container is refrigerated.

14. A shipping container having a plurality of groups of mounting apertures in the walls set at discrete distances along the length of said shipping container, said groups of mounting apertures being in general alignment along the length of said shipping container.

15. A shipping container as claimed in claim 14 wherein said groups of mounting apertures are aligned with corresponding aperture groups on the opposite wall.

16. A shipping container as claimed in claims 14 and 15 wherein said mounting apertures receive and or lock one end of a shoring bar.

17. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein said groups of mounting apertures are able to receive at least two shoring bars leaving a gap between said shoring bars in the direction of the length of said container.

18. A shipping container as claimed in claim 17 wherein said gaps are able to receive partition walls between said shoring bars.

19. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein said apertures are formed in one or more of the following: a key hole shape; a circular shape; or a shape capable of locking in said shoring bars.

20. A shipping container as claimed in claims 14 to 20 wherein said groups of mounting apertures are in a plate attached to a wall of said shipping container.

21. A shipping container as claimed in claims 14 to 20 wherein said groups of mounting apertures are formed in the walls of said container.

22. A shipping container having a ducting system near a ceiling of said shipping container wherein said ducting system includes one or more apertures located between the ends of said duct, said one or more aperture extending across the width of the duct, said ducting system including openable closing means associated with said apertures.

23. A shipping container as claimed in claim 22 wherein said closing means when moved to an open condition with respect to said aperture closes said duct upstream of said aperture.

24. A shipping container as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein said closing means includes a hinged member wherein in the closed position relative to said aperture air is free to 25 flow through the ducting over the closed aperture and when in the open position the duct is blocked stopping air from flowing to downstream sections of said duct.

25. A shipping container as claimed in claim 22 wherein the closing mechanism is a sliding door, so that when the sliding door is in the open position with respect to the aperture, the aperture can receive a partitions to close off the duct.

26. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein said closing means includes a flexible membrane, which is capable of being inserted into the ducting to shut off the air flow through the ducting system.

27. A shipping container groups of mounting apertures claims 22 to 26 wherein a refrigeration system supplies the airflow to said ducting system.

28. A shipping container as claimed in claims 22 to 27 wherein said ducting is fitted with deflectors to aid in the lateral movement of the air flow.

29. A shipping container having a refrigeration unit or a bulkhead at a first end and doors at an opposite second end wherein at least one impact stop is located at said first end which extends towards said second end to terminate a predetermined distance away from a vertical plane which includes or is at the end of said refrigeration unit which is closest to said second end.

30. A shipping container as claimed in claim 29 wherein said at least one impact stop establishes a clearance distance between said refrigeration unit and a load inside said shipping container.

31. A shipping container having at least one beam mounting plate attached to walls of said shipping container, said beam mounting plates having a first part which includes a means to attach a beam generally perpendicular to said walls, and said mounting plates including angled portions relative to said first part to deflect colliding objects travelling in a direction along the length of said shipping container.

32. A beam mounting plate as claimed in claim 31 wherein said beam mounting plate includes an aperture orientated perpendicular to the length of said shipping container.

33. A shipping container having a "Reverse T Flat Floor" and constructed using high strength steel, such as BS700 Material nominally having a 700MPA yield strength or greater.

34. A shipping container as claimed in claim 33, wherein under floor structure is provided which is made from a thin sheet material of approximately 1.1mm thickness which also has a yield strength above 700MPA. 26

35. A shipping container as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein an aluminium internal roof lining is utilized.

36. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claim 33 to 35, wherein a recessed extrusion for deck beam and shoring bar storage is provided.

37. A shipping container as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the strength of the front wall of said container is reinforced by 6 or more vertical bulkhead members.

38. A shipping container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein stop or impact blocks are attached to the lower portion of the front wall of said container, said stop or impact blocks being made of materials such as or more of the following: polyethylene; appropriate polymeric material;, steel; aluminium; composite material.

39. A shipping container as claimed in claim 38, wherein said blocks are a replaceable wear part.

40. A shipping container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said container is a refrigerated shipping container.

41. A shipping container as claimed in claim 40 wherein there is also included one or more than one of the following: a diesel motor; a fuel tank; deck beams; shoring bars; and a relay.

42. A shipping container being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings. Dated this 24th day of February 2010 INTERMODA L SOLUTIONS PTY LTD by its patent attorneys HALFORDS IP