AU2018101587A4 - Storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable storage container 10 that is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition and an unfolded operational condition. The container 10 comprising an elongate, generally rectangular roof structure 11 that has a pair of long sides 12, 13 and front and rear short ends 14, 15, that extend generally perpendicular to the longs sides. First and second side walls 23, 23 hingedly connected to the roof structure 11 along the long sides and the respective axes of the hinged connection are parallel and vertically offset to each other, so that in a folded condition of the first and second side walls 22, 23, the first side wall 22 folds underneath the second side wall 23 so that the first and second side walls 22, 23, extend generally horizontal and parallel to each other and generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure 11. The first and second side walls 22, 23, are rotatable about their hinged connections to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure 11 and are locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical. The storage container 10 includes unfolding restraints 20, 37 to restrain the first and second side walls 22, 23 from unfolding until the restraints 20, 37 are released.

Description

STORAGE CONTAINER

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates generally to large industrial storage containers that can be folded or collapsed for transport and that can later be erected from the folded condition. The storage container of the present invention is intended to be of a similar size to a shipping container and to be transportable by road.

Background of the Invention [0002] A reference herein to prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

[0003] Many businesses have need for large storage containers, such as for storing equipment or for providing an enclosed working environment. Where this need exists in remote or even semi-remote areas, storage containers can be transported to the site by semi-trailer. Storage containers for this purpose are often standard shipping containers. These containers are readily available and are easily shippable and so form a convenient form of container for this use. However, the dimensions of standard shipping containers are limited by the dimensions that facilitate their transport by semi-trailer and so they often have smaller than desired internal dimensions and do not include windows or ventilation openings.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a storage container that can have greater dimensions than a standard shipping container but which can still be transported by semi-trailer. The present invention also aims to provide a storage container that can have customised fittings such as windows or ventilation openings.

Summary of the Invention [0005] According to the present invention there is provided a foldable storage container that is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition and an unfolded operational condition, the container comprising an elongate, generally

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 rectangular roof structure that has a pair of long sides and front and rear short ends that extend generally perpendicular to the longs sides, first and second generally rectangular side walls hingedly connected to the roof structure along the long sides, the respective axes of the hinged connection between the first and second side walls and the roof structure being parallel and vertically offset to each other so that in a folded condition of the first and second side walls, the first side wall folds underneath the second side wall so that the first and second side walls extend generally horizontal and parallel to each other and generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure, the first and second side walls being rotatable about their hinged connections with the roof structure to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure and being locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical, the storage container including unfolding restraints to restrain the first and second side walls from unfolding until the restraints are released.

[0006] A storage container according to the present invention advantageously is not restricted to the dimensions of a standard shipping container as the dimensions can be increased given the folding nature of the container. That is, the height of the storage container can for example, be increased because in the folded condition, the transport height of the container will not exceed that allowed by transport regulations. This leads to the prospect that two or more folded containers can be stacked for transport, so that advantageously, less transport is needed to satisfy a requirement for multiple containers.

[0007] Moreover, because the storage container according to the present invention is not a standard shipping container, features can be introduced to the container as required by customers, such as windows or ventilation openings. Other features can be introduced such as access doors, air conditioning, cabling, lighting, internal hoisting, power systems, etc. as will become apparent from the discussion that follows.

[0008] According to the present invention there is also provided a method of providing a storage container, the storage container being a foldable storage container that is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition and an unfolded operational condition, the container comprising an elongate, generally

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 rectangular roof structure that has a pair of long sides and front and rear short ends that extend generally perpendicular between longs sides, first and second generally rectangular side walls being hingedly connected to the roof structure along the long sides, the respective axes of the hinged connection between the first and second side walls and the roof structure being parallel and vertically offset to each other so that in a folded condition of the first and second side walls, the first side wall folds underneath the second side wall so that the first and second side walls are in overlying relationship and extend generally horizontal and parallel to each other and generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure, the first and second side walls being rotatable about their hinged connections with the roof structure to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure and being locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical, the storage container including unfolding restraints to restrain the first and second side walls from unfolding until the restraints are released, the method including:

i. transporting the storage container in the folded transport and storage condition to a site on a transport vehicle, ii. lifting the storage container by crane from the transport vehicle and lowering the storage container to rest on or closely adjacent an installation surface, iii. releasing an unfolding restraint from the first side wall and lifting the storage container by crane to allow the first side wall to unfold to a generally vertical position, iv. releasing an unfolding restraint from the second side wall and allowing the second side wall to unfold to a generally vertical position.

[0009] The method according to the invention allows a folded container to be transported to a site and to be erected at the site easily and quickly with the major benefit being the increased dimensions of the interior of the container compared to standard shipping containers.

[0010] In some forms of the invention, a base structure is provided that connects to bottom ends of the first and second side walls to bridge between and locate the

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 first and second side walls in the operational condition of the storage container and that can be disconnected from at least one of the first and second side walls to allow the first and second side walls to be folded to the transport and storage condition. The base structure can be disconnectable from at least one of the first and second side walls to allow the first and second side walls to be folded to the transport and storage condition. In this form of the invention, the base structure can remain connected to the other of the first and second side walls. In In that form of the invention, the base structure can fold relative to the relevant side wall that it remains connected to allow the container to fold. Alternatively, the base structure can being disconnectable from each of the first and second side walls and so the base structure can be a removable base structure.

[0011] The base structure can take any suitable form and for example, can be a beam that extends between bottom ends of the first and second side walls. The base structure can comprise a single beam, or alternatively, it can comprise two beams each of which extends between bottom ends of the first and second side walls at opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The base structure can alternatively be a floor, although forms of the invention that will be discussed later herein do not include a floor and advantages are realised by the absence of a floor.

[0012] Where a base structure is provided, in the method of the invention, the base structure can be attached to the bottom end of the first side wall, after step iii, and the base structure can be attached to the bottom end of the second side wall, after step iv.

[0013] In other forms of the invention, bottom ends of the first and second side walls can pin or bolt or otherwise fix to a ground footing, so that the base structure described above is not required.

[0014] The first and second side walls are rotatable about their hinged connections to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure and are locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical. The arrangement for locating the first and second side walls against further rotation beyond generally vertical can take any suitable form and can for example, include engagable abutments in the hinged connections. These

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 engagable abutments engage at the point at which the first and second side walls have reached the generally vertical position or orientation and resist or prevent further rotation.

[0015] Other arrangements include braces or struts that allow rotation from generally horizontal to generally vertical before terminating that rotation. Other arrangements are clearly possible.

[0016] As discussed above, the roof structure can define an internal void that is open to the interior of the storage container so that the internal height of the container can be increased over the height of a shipping container. For this, the roof structure can have a pair of generally parallel long side walls and a pair of generally parallel short end walls extending generally perpendicular to the long side walls, with each of the side walls and end walls extending from a roof surface. In this form of the invention, the internal void is formed between the roof surface and the side walls and end walls. The height of the side walls and end walls will define the height of the roof structure and thus the increased height that is achieved by providing the void.

[0017] The roof structure can also be expandable laterally to widen the spacing between the side walls so that a greater space within the unfolded container is provided. The roof structure could be telescopic for example, so that before the first and second side walls are lowered to the generally vertical position, the telescoping sections of the roof structure can be expanded. Alternatively, the roof structure could be formed into first and second edge or side sections to which the respective first and second side walls are connected and the first and second edge or side sections could be adjacent to each other in the folded condition and could be separated in the unfolded condition. Upon separation, a roof insert could be placed into the gap formed between the separated first and second edge or side sections to form a closed roof. Other arrangements are possible.

[0018] A foldable storage container according to the invention can advantageously include other fittings, including an access door provided through one of the first and second side walls, windows, further access doorways, sky lights in the roof surface, and internal fittings such as air-conditioning units, foldaway

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 benches, power outlets insulation and roller closures. The storage container can have any form of customisation that does not interfere with foldability.

[0019] A foldable storage container according to the invention can be open at each end, or closed at one and open at the other, or the ends of the container can be open but closable by a retractable closure. Such a retractable closure can be a roller closure. A retractable closure can be housed within the void of the roof structure, if provided, and transported with the container in the folded condition.

[0020] The unfolding restraints applied to the first and second side walls can take any suitable form. In some forms of the invention, the second side wall is restrained from unfolding by a winch cable which is attached to the second side wall and that extends through a winch attached to the first side wall or the roof structure so that the second side wall can be lowered from the folded transport and storage condition to the unfolded operational condition under winch operation. It is preferred that the winch is a manual winch that is mounted to an end of the first side wall, but the winch could be otherwise mounted and could be electrically operated.

[0021] For the first side wall, the unfolding restraint can be a releasable strap that extends fully about the container in the folded transport and storage condition. The strap can be released when the storage container is ready to be erected and this will normally be when the storage container is resting on or closely adjacent the ground or support surface on which the storage container is to be erected. If the storage container is resting on the ground or support surface, the strap will be unloaded and so will be more easily released.

[0022] Alternative restraints include hydraulic or electric struts that are controlled hydraulically or electrically. The control can be separate from the container so that a single control can be used for deploying multiple containers. This eliminates the need for individual containers to each include a control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a foldable storage container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figures 2a to 2f are schematic end views of the container of Figure 1 and illustrate the sequence of erection of the container of Figure 1 from the folded transport and storage condition, to the unfolded operational condition.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic end view of the container of Figure 1 with a roller closure in a closed condition.

[0026] Figure 4 a schematic end view of a foldable storage container according to another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings [0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage container 10 according to the invention. The storage container 10 is a foldable container and is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition, and an operational unfolded condition. Figure 1 shows the storage container 10 in the operational condition in which the container 10 can be used for storing equipment or for providing a temporary or semipermanent workshop or workspace.

[0028] The storage container 10 has a rectangular roof structure 11 that has a pair of long sides 12 and 13 and a pair of front and rear ends, 14 and 15. The roof structure 11 has a depth D and thus defines a lower edge 16 and a broad roof surface 17. The roof structure 11 thus forms an internal void that is bound by side and end walls 18 and 19. For reasons that will become apparent later herein, the void within the roof structure 11 allows an increase in the height of the container 10 over standard shipping containers.

[0029] The lower edge 16 of the roof structure 11 forms a connection point to a generally rectangular side wall 22 that forms the main side wall of the container 10. The connection between the side wall 22 and the lower edge 16 is a hinged connection, so that the side wall 22 can shift between a folded, generally horizontal position, to the unfolded generally, vertical position shown. A similar side wall 23 extends from the lower edge 16 on the opposite side of the container 10.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0030] A removable base structure 24 connects to bottom ends of respective side walls 22 and 23. In the figures, the base structure 24 is a beam that extends across the container 10 between the side walls 22 and 23 and that locates the side walls relative to each other. The base structure 24 can comprise a beam that is provided at each end of the container 10. The base structure 24 thus frames an opening to the container 10 that is formed by the beam of the base structure 24, the side walls 22 and 23 and the end wall 19 of the roof structure 11. While that opening 25 can be left open, Figure 1 illustrates a roller closure 25 which closes the opening. Advantageously, the roller mechanism can be housed within the void of the roof structure 11 so that the opening closed by the roller closure 25 can be fully open once the roller closure is rolled to a fully open condition.

[0031] A further access opening 30 is shown in Figure 1 via a door 30 formed in the side wall 22. The door 30 can be a standard type of door that is hinged along one long side and that is latched on the other side, so that personnel can enter and exit the interior of the container 10 without having to lift the roller closure 25.

[0032] Reference will now be made to Figures 2a to 2f to illustrate one form in which a foldable storage container according to the invention can be unfolded.

[0033] Figure 2a illustrates the container 10 of Figure 1 in the fully folded condition. Thus Figure 2a, the side walls 22 and 23 are folded to positions in which they overlie each other so that they are generally horizontal and parallel to each other and in which they are also generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure 11. In this respect, the general plane of the roof structure 11 is considered in use, to be generally horizontal. In fact, the plane of the roof surface 17 can be generally horizontal, although in some forms of the invention, the roof surface 17 can have a slight fall for the drainage of rain water.

[0034] Before referring to Figures 2b to 2d, reference is made to Figures 2e and 2f to highlight the substantial reduction in height of the container 10 between the folded condition shown in Figure 2a and the unfolded, operational condition shown in Figures 2e and 2f. There is a height increase in the container 10 in the unfolded condition shown in Figures 2e and 2f, compared to the folded condition in 2a of about a factor of 4.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0035] Figure 2a represents the condition in which the container 10 can be stored or transported. Thus, when the container 10 is not in use, it can be folded into the condition shown in Figure 2a and placed in storage for example. This might be appropriate where containers according to the invention are used for short or medium term hire, whereby the container 10 can be shipped from a storage location, perhaps a warehouse for example, to the site at which the container is to be deployed whereby at that site, the container can be unfolded into the operational condition. When there is no further need for the container, it can be folded back into the storage and transport condition and shipped away from the site, either to a new site, or back to the storage location. The method of folding and unfolding is very simple as will be apparent from the discussion that follows in relation to Figures 2b to 2f, and the container 10 is built for repeated conversion between the folded and unfolded conditions which is facilitated by the folding mechanism that has been invented.

[0036] In order for the side walls 22 and 23 to fold in the horizontally stacked manner shown in Figure 2a, the respective points of hinging connection between upper edges of the side walls 22 and 23 and the roof structure 11 are offset, so that while the respective axes of the hinged connection between the walls 22 and 23 are parallel, they are vertically offset from each other. This allows the side wall 23 to be folded to a generally horizontal position which is above the folded position of the side wall 22 and so the respective side walls 22 and 23 effectively nest in overlying relationship, one within the other in the folded condition. This requires the side wall 23 to have a greater length than the side wall 22 for the side wall 23 to reach downwards to the same point as shown in Figures 2e and 2f.

[0037] The container 10 can be delivered to site by semi-trailer, and can be lifted from the trailer by crane. To erect the container 10, the container 10 can be lowered by crane so that it is either resting on the ground surface, or just above it. In that position, and with the container 10 still connected to the crane, the side wall 22 can be released so that it is free to rotate about its hinged connection 32. A preference is that the crane place the container 10 on the ground surface so that the weight of the container 10 is supported on the ground surface and so that as soon as the side wall 22 is released, it is prevented from swinging suddenly to an open position. While any

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 suitable arrangement can be employed to retain the side wall 22 in the folded condition, to date, straps have been wrapped around the container 10 to retain the side wall 22 in the folded condition. Figure 2a illustrates a strap 20 in broken line that extends about the container 10 and that can employ a releasable connector to allow the strap 20 to be released. More than one strap 20 can be employed. Thus, once the container 10 has been positioned either on or just above a ground surface, the strap 20 can be released and the side wall 22 in then in a position to commence unfolding as shown in Figure 2b.

[0038] In Figure 2b, the crane which is supporting the container 10 slowly lifts the container 10 and the weight of the side wall 22 is such as to cause the side wall 22 to rotate about its hinged connection 32 towards a vertical orientation.

[0039] Figure 2c shows the side wall 22 fully unfolded, so that it is generally vertical. In addition, Figure 2c shows the base structure 24 having been connected to the bottom of the side wall 22. The connection between the base structure 24 and the side wall 22 is via any suitable connection, and can simply be a bolted connection.

[0040] It will be evident from Figures 2b and 2c, that while the container 10 has been lifted to allow the side wall 22 to fold to the vertical position shown in Figure 2c, the side wall 23 has remained in the horizontal position shown in Figure 2a. As will be evident from Figure 2c, a simple release of the side wall 23 would see it abruptly and suddenly swing through a 90 degree arc to a vertical position, which could have obvious safety issues for nearby installation personnel and would most likely result in damage to the container, in particular to the hinged connection 33. Thus, the preference is for an unfolding restraint to act on the side wall 23 to lower the side wall 23 gently. For this, a winch can be employed which can, for example, connect to the side wall 22, or to the roof structure 11, and which includes a winch cable that connects to a position at or adjacent to the bottom end 34 of the side wall 23. The winch can be a hand-operated winch, or an electric winch, although given that there might be limited access to electric power, a hand operated winch is preferred. In those circumstances, the winch must be at operational height for installation personnel and therefore a schematic winch is shown at item 35 and the winch cable extends vertically upwards to a shackle which can be mounted at reference numeral

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 and broken line 37 represents the winch cable extending to the bottom 34 of the side wall 23. Operation of the winch 35 can thus gently lower the side wall 23 from a horizontal position through approximately a 90 degree arc to a horizontal position shown in Figures 2e and 2f.

[0041] Of course the winch arrangement described above in relation to the end wall 23, could also be employed for unfolding movement of the side wall 22 and for that, the crane which supports the container 10 in the unfolded condition can raise the container 10 and the winch can be rotated to allow the side wall 22 to unfold. However, the preferred arrangement discussed above in which the side wall 22 is simply allowed to unfold as the crane lifts the container 10 is preferred, as it removes the need for additional winching equipment and effort.

[0042] With the side wall 23 unfolded into a substantially vertical orientation as shown in Figures 2e and 2f, the base structure 24 can be connected to the bottom of the side wall 23 so that it now connects to each of the side walls 22 and 23. Where the base structure 24 is formed as a beam, respective beams can be applied to each end of the container 10 and intermediate beams can be provided as required.

However, in prototypes trialled to date, only two beams, provided at opposite ends of the side walls 22 and 23 have been sufficient to properly locate the side walls 22 and 23.

[0043] It is to be noted that the hinge connections locate the side walls 22 and 23 vertically and when in that position, further rotation of the side walls is prevented by the form of the hinged connections 32 and 33. Once hinge surfaces 38 (see Figure 2b) engage (forming engagable abutments), further rotation of a respective side wall 22 or 23 beyond 90° is not possible.

[0044] A benefit of the beam arrangement of the base structure 24, is that the container 10 and containers according to most forms of the invention, can be installed without requiring a floor. While a floor can be installed if required, the applicant has determined that many uses of containers according to the invention do not require a separate floor. Many uses of the storage container according to the invention are for sheltering purposes, for example for vehicles. In these circumstances, there is no detriment to the vehicle if it is sheltered while resting on

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 the ground surface on which the container 10 is supported. This can be an earth surface for example. In these scenarios, a major reason for providing the container of the invention is for security purposes, such as to prevent vehicle or component theft, or for secure maintenance of the vehicle or component. All that is required in those circumstances therefore, is a structure to be placed about the vehicle or components that prevents theft and the absence of a floor in the container does not cause any downside. The absence of a floor provides a significant saving in the cost of the storage container and permits a more simple folding arrangement.

[0045] Once the base structure 24 has been connected to the side walls 22 and 23 as shown in Figure 2e, the crane can disconnect from the container 10 and the container 10 will be self-standing. At that point, further components as required for the particular operation to which it is to be put, can be installed. For example, in Figure 2f, a roller door has been installed within the void within the roof structure 11 as well as side guiding channels 40 to guide the roller door between closed and open positions.

[0046] The container 10 can be returned to the folded condition, by reversing the unfolding steps shown in Figures 2a to 2f. Accordingly, firstly, the roller closure 25 is fully opened and the channels 40 are removed. At this stage, a crane is brought in to support the weight of the container 10 and is connected to the container in any suitable manner to do this. Once the weight of the container is supported, the bottom end 34 of the side wall 23 can be disconnected from the base structure 24 and the manual winch 35 can be employed to lift the side wall 23 through the 90° arc to the horizontal position shown in Figure 2c. Thereafter, the side wall 22 can be disconnected from the base structure 24 and with manual assistance by installation personnel, the crane can slowly lower the container 10 and the side wall 22 can be moved inwardly about the hinged connection 32 until the container is either resting on or just above the ground surface and the side wall 22 is substantially horizontal. Either at that point, or before the container is fully lowered, the strapping 20 can be placed about the container 10 to secure the side wall 22 in the horizontal condition and the container 10 can then be lifted onto a semi-trailer for further transport. Multiple folded containers can be stacked for transport or storage.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0047] It will be evident from the figures discussed above as to how the container 10 can be deployed on site. Moreover, it will be evident that by the foldable nature of the container 10, a greater internal dimension of the storage container can be achieved by the provision of the roof structure 11. In one prototype developed to date, the external dimensions of the container of the invention have been 4,050mm high, 3,350mm wide and 11,800mm long. Another prototype of the container of the invention developed to date has external dimensions of 3,700mm high, 3,460mm wide and 11,550mm long. These both differ from standard shipping containers that can have dimensions of 2,590mm high, 2,430mm wide and 12,200mm long. While some shipping containers can be provided at a greater height of 2,890mm, this is still far less that the prototype height dimension mentioned above of 4,050 mm.

[0048] It will be evident that the depth D of the container 10 (see Figure 1) could be increased to obtain even greater internal height. At this stage, a greater height is not considered to be required, but it is nevertheless possible.

[0049] Moreover, it is noted that erection of the container 10 requires a crane, but this would also be required to lift a standard shipping container from a semi-trailer and so accordingly, the use of a crane is not a feature that is unique to the invention but rather, it is expected that where storage containers according to the invention are to be employed, a relevant crane will be available for shifting the container from the semi-trailer. An alternative is to use a tip tray and to slide the storage container off the tray, but this is not preferred. It is also envisaged that containers can be constructed with a self-standing hydraulic system so that a crane is not required.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, a door or access opening 30 is provided in the side wall 22. Other facilities that can easily be provided in a container according the invention include windows, further access doorways, sky lights in the roof surface 17, and internal fittings such as air-conditioning units, foldaway benches, power outlets insulation and roller closures as shown in Figure 1. In this respect, a roller closure 25 could be installed at each end of the container 10, or at one end only. The other end could be closed by swinging doors or a permanent door could be fitted or the opening could be left open.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0051] For installation purposes, the container could also be fitted with jacking equipment, so that the container can be easily levelled by jacking one end relative to other. Numerous other fittings are envisaged to be appropriately installed either as part of the container 10 as manufactured, or for installation in an erected container

10. Many fittings are envisaged to be storable within the void of the roof structure 11 so that the fittings that are required can be transported with the container 10 and can be installed once the container 10 is in the erected condition shown in Figure 2e or 2f.

[0052] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the roof structure is telescopic, so that the container width can be expanded in the unfolded condition.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates a storage container 50 which has a roof structure 51 that is telescopic. The roof structure is illustrated schematically only, in order to give a basic understanding of how the roof structure 51 could telescope. The roof structure 51 thus includes an outer structural portion 52 and an inner structural portion 53 with the inner portion 53 being telescopically receivable within the outer portion 52.

[0054] The container 50 further includes side walls 54 and 55 and a base structure 56.

[0055] The side walls 54, 55 can be identical to the side walls 22, 23 discussed above. Likewise, the base structure 56 can be the same as the base structure 24 of the earlier figures, although alternatively, the base structure 56 can be telescopic.

[0056] The container 50 has a minimum spacing between the side walls 54 and 55, which is the spacing when the inner portion 53 is at the maximum telescopic entry into the outer portion 52. The container 50 can then have an increased spacing between the side walls 54 and 55 by telescopically separating the inner portion 53 from the outer portion 52. There will be a maximum spacing between the side walls 54 and 55 at which further telescopic expansion of the roof structure 51 is prevented.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 [0057] The container 50 can be folded and unfolded in the same manner as given for the container 10 in Figures 2a to 2f. Once unfolded, the spacing between the side walls 54 and 55 can be increased by telescoping the inner portion 53 relative to the outer portion 52, and once the appropriate spacing has been achieved, a suitably sized base structure 56 can be connected to the respective bottom ends of the side walls 54 and 55. Alternatively, if the base structure 56 is telescopic, it can be pinned or bolted in at the length suitable to properly support the bottom ends of the side walls 54 and 55.

[0058] In other respects, the container 50 operates in the same manner as the container 10 of the earlier figures, but the container 50 gives flexibility in relation to the size of the interior of the container so that a greater or lesser interior space can be achieved by the single container 50.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0060] Where any or all of the terms comprise, comprises, comprised or comprising are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Claims (24)

1. A foldable storage container that is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition and an unfolded operational condition, the container comprising an elongate, generally rectangular roof structure that has a pair of long sides and front and rear short ends that extend generally perpendicular between longs sides, first and second generally rectangular side walls being hingedly connected to the roof structure along the long sides, the respective axes of the hinged connection between the first and second side walls and the roof structure being parallel and vertically offset to each other so that in a folded condition of the first and second side walls, the second side wall folds underneath the first side wall so that the first and second side walls extend generally horizontal and parallel to each other and generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure, the first and second side walls being rotatable about their hinged connections with the roof structure to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure and being locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical, the storage container including unfolding restraints to restrain the first and second side walls from unfolding until the restraints are released.

2. A foldable storage container according to claim 1, further including a base structure that connects to bottom ends of the first and second side walls to bridge between and locate the first and second side walls in the operational condition of the storage container.

3. A foldable storage container according to claim 1, the base structure being disconnectable from at least one of the first and second side walls to allow the first and second side walls to be folded to the transport and storage condition.

4. A foldable storage container according to claim 2, the base structure being disconnectable from each of the first and second side walls to allow the first and second side walls to be folded to the transport and storage condition.

5. A foldable storage container according to claim 3 or4, the base structure comprising a beam that extends between bottom ends of the first and second side walls.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018

6. A foldable storage container according to claim 5, the base structure comprising two beams each of which extends between bottom ends of the first and second side walls at opposite ends of the first and second side walls.

7. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the roof structure defining an internal void that is open to the interior of the storage container.

8. A foldable storage container according to claim 7, the roof structure having a pair of generally parallel long side walls and a pair of generally parallel short end walls extending generally perpendicular to the long side walls, the side walls and end walls extending from a roof surface and the internal void being defined between the roof surface and the side walls and end walls.

9. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, an access door being provided through one of the first and second side walls.

10. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the container being open at each end between ends of the first and second side walls and the front and rear short ends of the roof structure.

11. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the container including an opening at one end between ends of the first and second side walls and the front or rear short ends of the roof structure, the opening being closable by a retractable closure.

12. A foldable storage container according to claim 11, the retractable closure being a roller closure.

13. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the container being open at each end between ends of the first and second side walls and the front and rear short ends of the roof structure and retractable closures being employed at each end to retractably close the openings.

14. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the unfolding restraint to restrain the second side wall from unfolding comprising a winch cable which is attached to the second side wall and that extends through a

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 winch attached to the first side wall or the roof structure so that the second side wall can be lowered from the folded transport and storage condition to the unfolded operational condition under winch operation.

15. A foldable storage container according to claim 14, the winch being a manual winch that is mounted to an end of the first side wall.

16. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the unfolding restraint to restrain the first side wall from unfolding being a releasable strap that extends fully about the container in the folded transport and storage condition.

17. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the hinged connections including engagable abutments which engage when the first and second side walls are in the generally vertical position or orientation to locate the first and second side walls in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical.

18. A foldable storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the roof structure being expandable laterally to widen the spacing between the side walls.

19. A foldable storage container according to claim 18, the roof structure being telescopic.

20. A foldable storage container according to claim 18, the roof structure having first and second edge or side sections to which the respective first and second side walls are connected and the first and second edge or side sections being adjacent to each other in the folded condition and being separated in the unfolded condition, in the separated condition of the first and second edge or side sections, a roof insert being placed into the gap formed between the separated first and second edge or side sections to form a closed roof.

21. A method of providing a storage container, the storage container being a foldable storage container that is foldable between a folded transport and storage condition and an unfolded operational condition, the container

2018101587 23 Oct 2018 comprising an elongate, generally rectangular roof structure that has a pair of long sides and front and rear short ends that extend generally perpendicular between longs sides, first and second generally rectangular side walls being hingedly connected to the roof structure along the long sides, the respective axes of the hinged connection between the first and second side walls and the roof structure being parallel and vertically offset to each other so that in a folded condition of the first and second side walls, the first side wall folds underneath the second side wall so that the first and second side walls are in overlying relationship and extend generally horizontal and parallel to each other and generally parallel to the general plane of the roof structure, the first and second side walls being rotatable about their hinged connections with the roof structure to extend generally vertically downwards from the roof structure and being locatable in the generally vertical orientation against further rotation beyond generally vertical, the storage container including unfolding restraints to restrain the first and second side walls from unfolding until the restraints are released, the method including:

i. transporting the storage container in the folded transport and storage condition to a site on a transport vehicle, ii. lifting the storage container by crane from the transport vehicle and lowering the storage container to rest on or closely adjacent an installation surface, iii. releasing an unfolding restraint from the first side wall and lifting the storage container by crane to allow the first side wall to unfold to a generally vertical position, iv. releasing an unfolding restraint from the second side wall and allowing the second side wall to unfold to a generally vertical position

v. .

22. A method according to claim 21, further including attaching a base structure to the bottom end of the first side wall, after step iii, and to the bottom end of the second side wall, after step iv.

2018101587 23 Oct 2018

23. A method according to claim 22, the unfolding restraint applied to the first side wall being a releasable strap that extends fully about the container in the folded transport and storage condition and step iii involving releasing the strap.

24. A method according to claim 21 or 22, the unfolding restraint applied to the second side wall being a winch cable which is attached to the second side wall and that extends through a winch attached to the first side wall or the roof structure and step v involving operating the winch.