CA3164909A1 - Temporary bulkhead for shipping container - Google Patents

Abstract

A double door temporary bulkhead locking member comprising a single or joined rigid material with the angle apex pointing inward. The temporary bulkhead is wedged across the width of the inside opening of a container. When the flowable product is installed into the container the pressure on the bulkhead is transferred to the outer edges sealing the product into the container. The temporary bulkhead material has a series of creases, notches, slots and shapes that are folded and locked into the proprietary shape. A single door bulkhead locking member comprising a single or joined rigid material as a straight plain panel to fit into the single doorway of a shipping container. The temporary bulkhead is wedged across the width of the inside opening of a container when one door is closed and the other open. When the flowable product is installed into the container the pressure on the bulkhead is transferred to the outer edges sealing the product into the container. The temporary bulkhead material has a series of creases, notches, slots and shapes that are folded and locked into the proprietary shape.

Description

TEMPORARY BULKHEAD FOR SHIPPING CONTAINER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to temporary bulkheads for shipping containers.

[0002] Shipping containers are well known and are typically in the form of a large rectangular box made of strong materials such as, for example, corrugated steel, aluminum, and fiber-reinforced polymers. Access to the container may be provided by double doors which are hinged to one open end of the container. These types of shipping containers are used to ship all types of durable goods by all modes of transportation including truck, air, rail and ship. The containers are mostly identical in form so that they are easily stackable.

[0003] Solid form goods are easily loaded into and out of the shipping container through the double door access. Goods which exhibit fluidic characteristics when in bulk form (e.g., free flowing bulk grains, formed pellets as seen in certain animal feeds, loose flowing soils, minerals, ores and other substances of like flowable character) are also shipped in these containers but the loading and unloading process is a bit more difficult. As the flowable product is deposited into the container, something must be placed at the point of entry to prevent the material from flowing outside the container, particularly if the container is to be filled to capacity.

[0004] Temporary bulkheads for shipping containers have been proposed and may be seen in AU2007201346A1, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a double door temporary bulkhead locking member comprising a single or join ed rigid material with the angle apex pointing inward. The temporary bulkhead is wedged across the width of the inside opening of a container. When the flowable product is installed into the container the pressure on the Bulkhead is transferred to the outer edges sealing the product into the container.

[0006] The temporary bulkhead material has a series of creases, notches, slots and shapes that are folded and locked into the proprietary shape.

[0007] A Single Door bulkhead locking member comprising a single or j oined rigid material as a straight plain panel to fit into the single doorway of a shipping container. The temporary bulkhead is wedged across the width of the inside opening of a container when one door is closed and the other open. When the flovvable product is installed into the container the pressure on the Bulkhead is transferred to the outer edges sealing the product into the container.

[0008] The temporary bulkhead material has a series of creases, notches, slots and shapes that are folded and locked into the proprietary shape.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0009] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color.
Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[00010] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and be better understood by reference to the following description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

[00011] FIG lA is a perspective view of the installed temporary bulkhead invention wedged into the open container in the intended manner with both hinged container doors open.

[00012] FIG 1B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig lA in the sides of the shipping container.

[00013] Fig 2A is the top view of the temporary bulkhead as if it was installed.

[00014] FIG 2B is the front view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container.

[00015] FIG 2C is the side/end view of the temporary bulkhead profile.

[00016] FIG 3A is the cutout/creased outline of the temporary bulkhead material.

[00017] FIG 3B is the extra support/hold-down flaps that are attached to the bottom of the inside panel where the flowable product is placed against the temporary bulkhead. (see FIG 2C).

[00018] FIG 4 is a perspective drawing of the circled section on FIG 2B.

[00019] FIG 5A is a perspective view of the installed temporary bulkhead invention wedged into the single open doorway of the container in the intended manner with one hinged container doors closed and the other open.

[00020] FIG 5B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig 5A in the single open doorway of the shipping container.

[00021] FIG 6A is the top view of the single door temporary bulkhead.

[00022] FIG 6B is the front view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container.

[00023] FIG 6C is the side/end view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container.

[00024] FIG 7A is a perspective view of the installed temporary bulkhead invention wedged into the open container in the intended manner with both hinged container doors open.

[00025] FIG 7B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig 7A in the sides of the shipping container.

[00026] Fig 8A is the top view of the temporary bulkhead in an installed position.

[00027] FIG 8B is the front view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container opening.

[00028] FIG 8C is the side/end view of the temporary bulkhead profile.

[00029] FIG 9A is the cutout/creased outline of the temporary bulkhead sheet material prior to assembly and installation in a container opening.

[00030] FIG 9B is a top view of the assembled temporary bulkhead.

[00031] FIG 10 is a perspective drawing including the circled section of FIG 8B.

[00032] FIG 11A is a perspective view of the installed temporary bulkhead invention wedged into the single open doorway of the container in the intended manner with one hinged container doors closed and the other open.

[00033] FIG 11B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig 11A in the single open doorway of the shipping container.

[00034] FIG 12A is the top view of the single door temporary bulkhead.

[00035] FIG 12B is the front view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container.

[00036] FIG 12C is the side/end view of the temporary bulkhead before it is wedged into the container.

[00037] FIG. 13A is a fragmented perspective view of a temporary bulkhead panel showing the locking tab for the upper support.

[00038] FIG. 13B is an eleyational view showing the locking tab extending though the panel.

[00039] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of two temporary bulkhead panels stacked one on the other.

[00040] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view showing two stacked temporary bulkhead panels positioned in the opening of a storage frame in the intended manner.

[00041] FIGS. 16A and 16B are identical plan views of another embodiment of a single door temporary bulkhead with Fig. 16B including one embodiment of possible dimensions;

[00042] FIG. 16C is a plan view of the temporary bulkhead of FIGS
16A and 16B
showing the opposite side in plan view and including top and bottom edge details with one embodiment of possible dimensions;

[00043] FIGS. 16D-16G are photographs showing various views of the single door temporary bulkhead of FIGS. 16A-16C in the folded condition and installed in the opening of a shipping container in the intended manner;

[00044] FIGS. 17A and 17B are identical plan views of another embodiment of a double door temporary bulkhead in the unfolded condition with Fig. 17B including one embodiment of possible dimensions;

[00045] FIG. 17C is an enlarged, fragmented view of the edge detail call-out circle in FIG. 17B;

[00046] FIG. 17D is an enlarged, fragmented view of the center locks detail call-out circle in FIG. 17B;

[00047] FIG. 17E is an enlarged, fragmented view of the edge lock detail call-out circle in FIG. 17B;

[00048] FIG. 17F is a photograph showing the double door temporary bulkhead of FIGS. 17A-17F in the folded condition and installed in the opening of a shipping container in the intended manner; and

[00049] FIG. 17G is a photograph showing a close up view of an edge engaged with the shipping container door opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERED EMBODIMENTS

[00050] FIG1A- 1 is the main upright rigid material of the temporary bulkhead made to various heights for the given flovvable product.

[00051] Reference number 2 is the creased and folded profile of the top of the temporary bulkhead as seen in FIG 1B, 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[00052] FIG1B reference number 3 is the bottom extra support/hold-down flaps that are attached to the bottom of the inside panel where the flowable product is placed against the temporary bulkhead. (see FIG 2C).

[00053] FIG 2C and enlarged call-out drawing is the strengthening section substrate 4 used where added strength is required. These are located is each folded section on both sides of the center vertical crease.

[00054] FIG 4 is a perspective drawing of the circled section on FIG 2B. The design here is such that the angled creases fold down and when the temporary bulkhead is collapsed/folded into the container opening they act as buffer stoppers to stop the temporary bulkhead from folding any further, thus locking/holding the bulkhead in place in the container.

[00055] FIG 5A is a perspective view of the installed temporary bulkhead invention wedged into the single open doorway of the container in the intended manner with one hinged container doors closed and the other open.

[00056] FIG 5B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig 5A in the single open doorway of the shipping container.

[00057] Attention is turned to further preferred embodiments. A
single temporary bulkhead 110A is seen in FIG. 7A and is the main upright rigid material for removably securing in a double door container opening and may be made to various heights for the given flowable product. Two identical temporary bulkheads 110A and 110B are seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 with bulkhead 110B stacked upon bulkhead 110A. Any number of bulkheads may be stacked in this manner to achieve the desired height in the container opening.

[00058] Reference numeral 102 shows the creased and folded profile of the top of the temporary bulkhead.

[00059] Reference numeral 103 is the bottom extra support/hold-down flaps that are attached to the bottom of the inside panel 101 where the flowable product is placed against the temporary bulkhead.

[00060] FIG 8C, and enlarged call-out drawing shows the strengthening section substrate 104 used where added strength is required. Rigid rectangular, elongated panels 104 may be inserted into each folded section 102 on both sides of the center vertical crease 112.

[00061] FIG 10 best shows the angled creases fold down 114 and when the temporary bulkhead is collapsed/folded into the container opening they act as buffer stoppers to stop the temporary bulkhead from folding any further, thus locking/holding the bulkhead in place in the container.

[00062] FIG 11A is a perspective view of a version 110A= of the installed temporary bulkhead invention (110A' is essentially one half of a double bulkhead 110A ¨
with no need for center crease 112) wedged into the single open doorway of the container in the intended manner with one hinged container doors closed and the other open.

[00063] FIG 11B is a top view showing the installed position of the temporary bulkhead invention of Fig 11A in the single open doorway of the shipping container.

[00064] A list of all parts follows:

[00065] Ref no. 101 ¨ bulkhead panel wall.

[00066] Ref no. 102 ¨ folded strengthening section at top of panel 101.

[00067] Ref no. 103 ¨ folded flap at bottom of panel 101.

[00068] Ref no. 104 ¨ optional, rigid strengthening board for removable insertion into opening created by folded strengthening section 102 ¨ board 104 may extend entire length of strengthening element 102, if desired.

[00069] Ref nos. 110A and 110B ¨ identical temporary bulkheads for positioning in double door opening.

[00070] Ref no. 110A' ¨ alternate embodiment of temporary bulkhead for single door opening.

[00071] Ref no. 112¨ center vertical crease line in temporary bulkhead 110A, 110B.

[00072] Ref no. 114¨ overlap of divided sections 102 at crease line 112 when temporary bulkhead 110A, 110B is in angled (about crease line 112), installed position.

[00073] Ref no. 116 ¨ foldable securing tab for securing strengthen section 102 which may form a triangular shape in cross section.

[00074] Ref no. 116a ¨ open slot in panel 101 for passage of securing tab 116 which may then be folded at fold lines "F" to prevent unintentional withdrawal of tabs 116 from slots 116a.

[00075] Ref no. 118¨ opposite side edges of bulkhead panel 101 for removably securing bulkhead into vertical slot of shipping container side walls.

[00076] Ref no. 120 ¨ same as 118 except for frame opening.

[00077] It will be appreciated the bulkheads 110A, 110B, 110A' may be packaged flat and assembled on site for compact packaging and ease of installation.

[00078] The dimensions of the bulkheads 110A, 110B and 110A' may be selected according to the respective dimensions of the container or frame opening where they are to be installed.

[00079] A Double Door Embodiment may have one or more of the following in any combination:

[00080] 1. A Temporary Bulkhead for a shipping container that collapses/folds into the opening of a container and locks into position through the designed shape of the material it is made from providing holding support to hold/lock the temporary bulkhead in place. This is achieved through notching creasing, folding and shape and rigidity of material.

[00081] 2. The rigid inserts that are folded into the Temporary Bulkhead for a shipping container to provide extra strength when needed in the top folded section.

[00082] 3. The use of layers of corrugated material laminated to provide greater rigidity for heavier flovvable products.

[00083] 4. The use of the triangle stiffening design at the top of the temporary bulkhead.

[00084] 5. The double inward facing and outward facing angled flaps at the bottom of the temporary bulkhead.

[00085] 6. The design is stackable due to the modular design to gain greater height to maximize capacity.

[00086] A Single Door Embodiment Embodiment may have one or more of the following in any combination:

[00087] 1. The single door design has the same profiles and use of laminated product as the double door.

[00088] 2. The single door has a unique side section that acts as a spacer to allow the second door to close without destroying the top and bottom folded sections.

[00089] 3. The design is stackable due to the modular design to gain greater height to maximize capacity.

[00090] 4. The rigid inserts that are folded into the Temporary Bulkhead for a shipping container to provide extra strength when needed in the top folded section.

[00091] 5. The use of the triangle stiffening design at the top of the temporary bulkhead.

[00092] Another embodiment of a seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B are identical plan views of another embodiment of a single door temporary bulkhead 160 in the flat, unfolded condition with Fig. 16B including one embodiment of possible dimensions.
Bulkhead 160 includes opposite first and second side edges 162 and 164, respectively and opposite top and bottom edges 166 and 168, respectively. Fold lines adjacent the top edge are indicated by "FT" and may be formed during manufacture as a weakening line or crease to visually identify and facilitate on-site folding of the bulkhead into the folded condition for installation into a shipping container open doorway as seen in FIGS. 16D-16G.

[00093] Referring still to 16A and 16B, top edge 166 is seen to include locking tabs 170a and 17b each having a pair of ears 170a' and 170b' on either side thereof which are foldable toward each other to lie against a respective locking tab 170a, 170b while the user inserts the locking tabs 170a', 17013' into the locking tab slots 172a, 172b, respectively. The ears may undergo a further weakening process step during manufacture (e.g., cork crushing) so as to facilitate their folding and insertion through a respective locking tab slot. Prior to inserting the locking tabs the user folds the bulkhead along the upper-most fold lines FT
(consisting of the three fold lines F1, F2 and F3) so as to form the strong triangle shape at the top of the bulkhead (see also FIG. 2C). When in the folded and installed position, panel section 180 located between fold lines F and F2 locates at the upper most extent of the bulkhead and lies along a generally horizontal plane as seen in FIGS. 16F and 16G. Although not seen in FIGS. 16D-16G, bottom panel 168a is folded along fold line Fs so that it may lie flat upon the floor FL of the shipping container SC when in the installed position (facing toward the inside of the shipping container).

[00094] The single door embodiment of bulkhead as seen in FIGS.
16A-16G is intended to be installed in the shipping container opening formed when only one of the double doors is open as seen in FIGS 16D-16G. To install, the bulkhead is manipulated into the folded condition as explained above and bulkhead side edge 162 is set against (abuts) the inward facing surface of the closed shipping container door adjacent the closed door edge DE
as seen in FIGS. 16D ¨ 16F. Placement of locking tab 170a is such that it abuts the door edge DE. The opposite side edge 164 when folded is configured to form a geometry complimentary in shape to the geometry of the the corrugated shipping container wall W
against which it is positioned as seen in FIG. 16G. Locking tab 170b and tab ear 170b= may also be positioned to abut corrugated wall W.

[00095] Referring to the upper edge detail in FIG. 16C in connection with FIG. 16G, when in the installed condition, side edge sections 164a, I64b and 164c form the geometry which fits within the groove G of corrugated wall W of shipping container SC.

[00096] With each side edge 162 and 164 secured in the manner described above, temporary bulkhead 160 provides a secure temporary bulkhead for loading of flowable product into the shipping container. If desired, a reinforcing panel RP may be glued or otherwise secured to the main panel of bulkhead 160, the line L indicating the upper edge thereof

[00097] The bottom panel 168a may also include edge detail seen best in FIG. 16C to follow the corresponding geometry of the shipping container wall at the location bottom panel so as to provide a secure attachment point similar to top panel 164. The edge detail includes edges E1-E3 extending between bottom edge 168 and side edge 164. The angle formed between edges Ei and E2 may be an outward facing obtuse angle while the angle formed between edges E/ and E3 may an inward facing obtuse angle where edge E3 forms another inward facing obtuse angle with side edge 164.

[00098] FIGS. 17A and 17B are identical plan views of another embodiment of a double door temporary bulkhead 200 in the unfolded condition with Fig. 17B including one embodiment of possible dimensions. Bulkhead 200 includes two adjoining panel sections 200a and 200b which are mirror images of each other as viewed if folded along center midline ML. Midline ML may be formed as a crease or weakening line during the manufacturing process to facilitate bending of panels 200a and 200b with respect to each other along line ML. A center lock CL is formed at midline ML adjacent the top edge and is configured to limit further inward folding of panels 200a and 200b toward each other.

[00099] More particularly, center lock CL is formed by panels 200a and 200b being separated from each other at midline ML from fold line Fa to fold line Fc, and crease lines 300a and 300b being formed at an angle from fold line Fb to fold line Fc.
Triangular sections 300a= and 30013" are formed which may fold along their respective crease lines when folding panels 200a and 200b toward each other. The base of each triangle section is cut from the panel at 300a" and 300b", this allowing the triangular sections to bend away from the respective panel when a force is applied thereto during folding of the panels toward each other as seen in FIGS. 17D and 17F. When in the installed position, the sections of 250a and 250b may slide one on top of the other since the panels are separated from each other between sections 250a and 250b. Thus, as panels 200a and 200b are folded toward one another along midline ML, one of the triangular sections will be forced by the other to fold inward until the unfolded triangular section or the, if it also folds, the edge where it connects to its respective panel, will abut and form a stop with the edge of the other panel at the location of the folded triangle section to prevent further inward folding of the panels. At the same time the top sections 250a and 250b may slide along each other, one on top of the other.

[000100] Panel 200a includes a side edge 202, bottom edge 206a and top edge 208a which are of the same configuration as respective side edge 204, bottom edge 206b and top edge 208b of panel 200b. Upper fold lines Fa, Fb and Fc traverse along panels 200a and 200b in parallel, spaced relation to each other and to top edges 208a and 208b which themselves extend collinear to each other when in the unfolded condition.

[000101] Top edge 208a includes locking tabs 208a' and 208a"
each having a pair of respective foldable ears for folding and inserting though respective locking tab slots SL1 and SL2 when manipulating bulkhead 200 into the folded condition to ready for installation to a shipping container SC. Likewise, top edge 208b includes locking tabs 208b' and 208b" each having a pair of respective foldable ears for folding and inserting though respective locking tab slots SL3 and SL4 when manipulating bulkhead 200 into the folded condition by folding along lines Fa, Fb and Fe to ready bulkhead 200 for installation to a shipping container SC as seen in FIG. 17F. When folded in this manner, side edges 204a, 204b and 204c are configured in a geometry which follows the contour of the shipping container wall W at the door opening as seen best in FIG. 17G. The same folded configuration and fit to the container wall at the opposite side of the container is provided by panel 200a by edges 202a, 202b and 202c.

[000102] Edges 202a and 204a extend at an inward facing obtuse angle al with their respective side edges 202 and 204. Edges 202a and 204a further form an outward facing acute angle a2 with respective side edges 202b and 204b. Edges 202b and 204c form an obtuse angle a3 with respective side edges 202c and 204c. Upon folding a wedge portion 204d is formed which provides added strength against outward forces bearing against bulkhead 200 from product loaded into shipping container SC. An identical wedge portion is formed at panel 200a by edges 202a and 202b (FIG. 17F).

[000103] The double door embodiment of bulkhead 200 as seen in FIGS. 17A-17F is intended to be installed in the shipping container opening formed when both double doors are open as seen in FIGS. 17G and 17F. To install, the bulkhead 200 is manipulated into the folded condition as explained above and bulkhead edges 204a and 204b are placed against shipping container wall surfaces W1 and W2, respectively. As seen best in FIG.
17G, wall surfaces W1 and W2 extend at an approximately right angle to each other.
Placement of locking tab 2081) is such that it lies closely adjacent wall surface W3. The opposite side edge 202 when folded is configured the same as edges 204a, 204b and 204c to form a geometry complimentary in shape to the geometry of the the corrugated shipping container wall W
against which it is positioned as seen in FIG. 16G. Locking tab 170b and tab ear 17013' may also be positioned to abut corrugated wall W.

[000104] Referring to the upper edge detail in FIG. 16C in connection with FIG. 16G, when in the installed condition, side edge sections 164a, 164b and 164c form the geometry which fits within the groove G of corrugated wall W of shipping container SC.

[000105] With each side edge 162 and 164 secured in the manner described above, temporary bulkhead 160 provides a secure temporary bulkhead for loading of flowable product into the shipping container.

[000106] The bottom edges 206a and 206b may also include edge detail seen best in FIG. 17C to follow the corresponding geometry of the shipping container wall at the location of the bottom panel 206a. and 200' so as to provide a secure attachment point similar to the top. The edge detail includes edges Ea-Ec extending between bottom edge 206a and side edge 202. The angle formed between edges Ea and Eb may be an outward facing obtuse angle while the angle formed between edges Eb and E, may an inward facing obtuse angle where edge Ec forms another inward facing obtuse angle with side edge 202. The same configuration is at panel 200b since the panels are mirror images of each other as explained above.

[000107]
While this method and apparatus has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described.

Claims (16)

1. A temporary bulkhead configurable between a substantially flat, unfolded configuration for shipping and a folded configuration for installation into a shipping container having a rear wall, a bottom wall, a corrugated right side wall, a corrugated left side wall and left and right outwardly swinging doors forming a front wall when closed, all defining a container interior, the temporaiy bulkhead comprising:
a) a bulkhead panel having opposing first and second side edges and opposing top and bottom edges wherein said second side edge includes first, second and third side edge sections adjacent said top edge and forming a geometry complimentary in shape to the corrugated shipping container wall when in the folded configuration;
b) first, second and third fold lines located adjacent said top edge wherein a panel section is defined between said first and second fold lines;
c) first and second foldable locking tabs defined along said top edge and adjacent said first and second side edges, respectively; and d) first and second locking tab slots formed in said panel, wherein when said panel is configured into the folded configuration by folding said panel along said first, second and third fold lines, said first and second locking tabs pass through said first and second locking tab slots, respectively, whereby the folding of said first, second and third fold lines forms a triangle shape with said panel section between said first and second fold lines lying along a generally horizontal plane when said bulkhead is in the installed position, wherein when installed within an open one of a first or second door of the shipping container where the other shipping container door is closed, said bulkhead panel first side edge abuts the inward facing surface of an edge of the closed door of the shipping container, and the bulkhead panel second side edge locates against the shipping container corrugated side wall located proximate the open door, and wherein when in the folded configuration said second side edge first, second and third side edge sections are complimentary in shape to and fit within a groove of the corrugated shipping container wall against which said second side edge is located when the bulkhead panel is in the installed position.

2. The temporary bulkhead of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second locking tabs includes at least one locking ear foldably attached thereto, wherein said locking ear is folded over said locking tab when said locking tab passes through said slot and wherein said locking ear is unfolded after said locking tab passes through said slot to prevent unwanted reverse passage of said locking tab from said slot.

3. The temporary bulkhead of claim 2 wherein said first locking tab abuts the edge of the closed door of the shipping container.

4. The temporary bulkhead of claim 1 wherein said bulkhead panel further includes a bottom fold line adjacent said bottom edge and defining a bottom panel having opposing first and second bottom panel side edges between said bottom fold line and said bottom edge.

5. The temporary bulkhead of claim 4 wherein said second bottom panel side edge has a geometry complementary to the corrugated shipping container wall at the location of the bottom panel when said bulkhead panel is in the installed condition.

6. The temporaty bulkhead of clairn 5 wherein said second bottom panel side edge includes first, second and third edges extending between said bottom edge and said second side edge, wherein an outward facing obtuse angle is formed between said first edge and said second edge, an inward facing obtuse angle is formed between said second edge and said third edge, and an inward facing obtuse angle is formed between said third edge and said panel second side edge.

7. The temporary bulkhead of claim 1 wherein said bulkhead panel further includes a reinforcing panel secured to said panel body.

8. A temporary bulkhead configurable between a substantially flat unfolded configuration and a folded configuration for installation into a shipping container having a rear wall, a bottom wall, a corrugated right side wall, a corrugated left side wall and left and right outwardly swinging doors forming a front wall when closed, all defining a container interior, the temporaiy bulkhead comprising:
a) a bulkhead panel including first and second panel sections having a common midline, each of said first and second panel sections having a side edge and opposing top and bottom edges;
b) first, second and third fold lines formed in said first and second panel sections in parallel, spaced relation to each other and to said top edges of said first and second panel sections, said top edges extending collinear to each other when said bulkhead is in the unfolded configuration, said first and second panel sections being connected and bendable along said common midline from said first fold line to said bottom edge, said first and second panel sections being unconnected from said first fold line to said third fold line;

c) first and second locking tabs formed in the top edge at each of said first and second panel sections, respectively;
d) first and second locking tab slots formed in each of said first and left panel sections adjacent said first fold line, wherein said bulkhead is configured into the folded configuration by folding said first, second and third fold lines of each of the first and second panel sections with said first and second locking tabs of each of the first and second panel sections passing through said first and second locking tab slots of each of the first and second panel sections, respectively;
wherein said first and second side edges each include first, second and third side edge portions adjacent said top edge, and whereby the folding of said first, second and third fold lines forms said first, second and third side edge portions into a geometry which follows the contour of the shipping container wall adjacent the door opening, said first and second side edge portions at each of said first and second side edges forming a wedge portion;
wherein when installed within a shipping container having open doors, said side edges of said bulkhead panel first and second panel sections are positioned against the opposing side walls of the shipping container, and wherein when in the folded configuration said second side edge first, second and third side edge sections of each said first and second side panels are complimentary in shape to and fit within a groove of the corrugated shipping container wall against which the respective said side edge is located when the bulkhead panel is in the installed position.

9. The temporary bulkhead of claim 8 wherein each of said respective first and second locking tabs includes at least one locking ear foldably attached thereto, wherein said locking ear is folded over said locking tab when said locking tab passes through said slot and wherein said locking ear is unfolded after said locking tab passes through said slot to prevent unwanted reverse passage of said locking tab from said slot.

10. The temporary bulkhead of claim 8 wherein said bulkhead further includes a bottom fold line adjacent said bottom edge and defining first and second bottom panel sections of said first and second panel sections, respectively.

11. The temporary bulkhead of claim 10 wherein each of said first and second bottom panel sections has a geometry complementary to the respective side wall of the shipping container.

12. The temporary bulkhead of claim 11 wherein each of said first and second bottom panel side edges includes first, second and third side edge portions, wherein an outward facing obtuse angle is formed between said first side edge portion and said second side edge portion, an inward facing obtuse angle is formed between said second side edge portion and said third side edge portion, and an inward facing obtuse angle is formed between said third side edge portion and said left and right bottom panel side edge, respectively.

13. The temporary bulkhead of claim 8 wherein said bulkhead panel further includes one or both of a first reinforcing panel secured to said first panel section and a second reinforcing panel secured to said second panel section.

14. The temporary bulkhead of claim 8 wherein said bulkhead panel further includes a center lock configured to limit folding of said bulk head first and second panel sections about said center midline.

15. The temporary bulkhead of claim 8 wherein said left panel body and said right panel body are configured to be disposed at an angle with a vertex facing the container interior when said bulkhead panel is in the installed condition within the corrugated shipping container.

16. The temporary bulkhead of claim 14 wherein said center lock is formed by first and second triangular sections defined in said first and second panel sections and extending between said first and second fold lines from a common point at said center midline at said second fold line, with the base of each of said first and second triangle section being unconnected to said first and second panel section, respectively, whereby said first and second triangular sections bend away from their respective said first and second panel section upon folding said bulkhead along said midline when configuring said bulkhead into said folded, installation configuration.