EP3196151A1 - System und verfahren zum anheben und absenken von seitenwänden eines zusammenklappbaren speicherbehälters - Google Patents

System und verfahren zum anheben und absenken von seitenwänden eines zusammenklappbaren speicherbehälters Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3196151A1
EP3196151A1 EP17152474.7A EP17152474A EP3196151A1 EP 3196151 A1 EP3196151 A1 EP 3196151A1 EP 17152474 A EP17152474 A EP 17152474A EP 3196151 A1 EP3196151 A1 EP 3196151A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bar
sidewall
sidewalls
springs
torsion springs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP17152474.7A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Joshua J KRAFT
Matthew Kraft
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Compact Container Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Compact Container Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compact Container Systems LLC filed Critical Compact Container Systems LLC
Publication of EP3196151A1 publication Critical patent/EP3196151A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/52—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
    • B65D88/522—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected all side walls hingedly connected to each other or to another component of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
    • B65D7/24—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls collapsible, e.g. with all parts detachable
    • B65D7/30—Fastening devices for holding collapsible containers in erected state, e.g. integral with container walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
    • B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
    • B65D88/121—ISO containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/008—Doors for containers, e.g. ISO-containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a shipping container. More specifically the present invention relates to a system and method for folding and unfolding walls of a shipping container.
  • the shipping industry uses large cargo containers to ship cargo from one location to another in domestic and global commerce. Such containers are designed to be conveniently moved from one mode of transport to another across the land by road or on rail or over the sea. Such containers are sometimes referred to as "intermodal shipping containers” or “freight containers.” The use of such containers has essentially eliminated the need for manually transferring cargo from one vessel to another, or from one vehicle or railcar to another in the effort to deliver the cargo to its final destination.
  • cargo containers are generally standardized by internationally recognized standards, and by national domestic standards with respect to dimensions and structure.
  • the standard containers can be securely arranged in vertical stacks in side-by-side and end-to-end relationship with each other, and can be handled most effectively when transferring from one mode of transport to another regardless of their source or destination.
  • foldable containers of the prior art are lack of structural designs which enable or facilitate the folding and un-folding of such containers in a simple and effective manner with commonly available equipment. More specifically, foldable containers of the prior art do not provide an easy and controllable way of folding and unfolding the walls of the container.
  • the walls of the these types of large intermodal shipping containers are typically fabricated from corrugated steel and for a standard 40 High Cube container, these walls can weigh upwards of 1500 pounds, thus making their raising and lowering extremely difficult and dangerous.
  • Prior collapsible containers have walls which include lifting mechanisms to aid in the raising of the container walls.
  • a lifting bar such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,022,242 assigned to Holland Container Innovations, and depicted generally in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • lever arm 8 extends at a ninety degree angle relative to wall 2 and is connected to wall 2 by connecting member 10.
  • the lever arm 8 provides a point a distance away from the wall 2 where a manual force can be applied to create a moment to help raise the wall 2, causing it to pivot about hinge 4.
  • this mechanism provides a way of lifting the sidewalls through a lever type arrangement, this device requires a large amount of force applied to the lifting bars to overcome the weight of the container sidewalls.
  • such a configuration also has disadvantages including the labor and force required to erect the container.
  • the present invention discloses systems and methods for folding and erecting a shipping container. More specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, a spring assembly is provided for use in supporting the folding of the sidewalls of a collapsible container.
  • the spring assembly comprises a bar extending a length along the sidewall with the bar being oriented parallel to an axis of rotation for the sidewall.
  • the spring assembly also comprises a plurality of torsion springs arranged about the bar with each spring having a first end generally parallel to the bar and a second end generally perpendicular to the bar.
  • the first end of the spring which is parallel to the bar and rigidly connected to the bar by the washer, transmits the torque of the spring through the rod, into the hinge and then into the sidewall.
  • the second end of the spring, or perpendicular end is restricted by the base beam or external cover allowing the rotation of the sidewall to rotate the spring and store the torque generated.
  • a collapsible container comprising a base panel, a roof panel spaced a distance from the base panel and generally parallel to the base panel, and a pair of sidewalls extending between the base panel and the roof panel, where the sidewalls are rotatably coupled to the base panel along a bottom edge of the sidewalls.
  • the container also has a door panel and front panel extending between the pair of sidewalls, with the door panel and the front panel being rotatably coupled to the roof panel.
  • One or more spring assemblies is positioned near the bottom edge of each sidewall and in contact with the sidewalls, where the spring assembly comprises a bar extending a length along the sidewall and a plurality of torsion springs coupled to the bar.
  • the present invention also provides a method of folding a collapsible container in accordance with the associated systems discussed herein. Accordingly, the present invention also extends to a method of erecting a shipping container from its folded condition.
  • It is an object of the present invention is to provide a novel, foldable, enclosed shipping container where the shipping container is folded utilizing a torsional spring system along at least a portion of the container sidewalls.
  • the weight of the sidewalls is used to the advantage of the folding and unfolding processes by increasing the tension in the springs during the folding process, such that upon erecting the container, tension in the springs is used to help raise the container sidewalls.
  • a locking mechanism for use with the spring assembly in order to provide a way of securing the container sidewalls when in a collapsed configuration.
  • the locking mechanism comprises an adjustable strap that attaches to a top edge of the container sidewall and can also retract into a stored position when not in use.
  • the present invention discloses a system and method for improving the foldable nature of a shipping container. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for improving the way in which the walls of the container are folded or erected. A discussion of the present invention follows and relates to FIGS. 3-16 .
  • FIG. 3 a collapsible container 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in its upright, erect, configuration while FIG. 4 shows the container 100 in its collapsed state.
  • the container 100 comprises a base panel 102, a roof panel 104 spaced a distance from the base panel 102, with the roof panel 104 generally parallel to the base panel 102.
  • a pair of opposing and parallel sidewalls 106 extends between the base panel 102 and roof panel 104 where the sidewalls 106 are rotatably coupled to the base panel 102 along a bottom edge 108 of the sidewalls 106.
  • the container 100 also includes a door panel 110 and front panel 112 that extend between the sidewalls 106. However, the door panel 110 and front panel 112 are rotatably coupled to the roof panel 104.
  • the collapsible container 100 also comprises a spring assembly 120, as depicted in FIGS. 5-18 .
  • the spring assembly 120 in turn can comprise a primary spring assembly, arranged in a single axis as shown in FIGS. 5-8 or a primary and secondary spring assembly arrangement as shown in FIGS. 9-15 , depending on the container configuration.
  • the spring assembly 120 is positioned proximate the bottom edge 108 of the sidewalls 106.
  • the spring assembly 120 operates in conjunction with the plurality of hinges 122 as shown in FIGS. 6 , 8 , and 11-15 .
  • the hinges 122 connect the sidewall 106 to the base panel 102.
  • the spring assembly 120 can be positioned in the same axis as that about which the hinges 122 rotate.
  • the spring assembly 120 (primary and/or secondary) can have one or both assemblies located along an axis that is parallel to the hinges 122.
  • One or more bars 124 extend along at least a portion of the sidewall 106 and a plurality of torsion springs 126 are coupled to the one or more bars 124 as shown in FIGS. 12 , 13 and 15 .
  • the bar 124 extends the length of the sidewall 106 and is rigidly secured to the hinges 122.
  • the bar 124 is comprised of multiple bars that positioned end to end and together extend approximately the length of the sidewall 106. More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 11-15 , the torsion springs 126 are connected to the bar 124 by way of a washer 128 (see FIG.
  • the torsion springs 126 have a first end 126A that is oriented parallel to the bar 124 and is captured by the bar 124 as the first end 126A slides into a receiving hole (not shown) in the washer 128.
  • the torsion springs 126 also have a second end 126B that is generally perpendicular to the bar 124. For the second end 126B, this end can face one of two ways, either upwards or downwards from the bar 124. As shown in FIG. 15 , this orientation alternates in order to counteract the reaction forces that the springs 126 exert on the bar 124.
  • the second portion of the torsion spring 126B is in contact with a portion of the sidewall 106 such that upon a lowering, or folding, of the sidewalls 106 in towards the base panel 102, the sidewalls 106 rotate to be generally parallel to the base panel 102.
  • the sidewalls 106 apply a force to the second portion 126B of the torsion springs, causing the torsion springs 126 to twist and impart a force to the bar 124.
  • the torsion springs 126 and bar 124 absorbs the force applied thereto as the sidewalls 106 are folded in towards the base panel 102.
  • the energy imparted in the springs 126 and bar 124 can then be utilized to assist in raising the sidewalls 106 from the folded position.
  • a secondary spring assembly is implemented when the moment torque required for the sidewall 106 is greater than what the primary torsion spring torque can produce.
  • a secondary spring assembly is utilized, as shown in FIGS. 9-15 , a second bar 130 and plurality of torsion springs 132 are arranged parallel to the bar 124 and torsion springs 126.
  • the second bar 130 and torsion springs 132 operate in the same way as the bar 124 and torsion springs 126.
  • the parallel rows of spring assemblies are coupled together through a gear mechanism 140 as shown in FIGS. 11-16 .
  • the secondary spring assembly is connected via a set of three gears 140A, 140B, and 140C which translates the rotation of the sidewall 106 from the main spring assembly to the secondary spring assembly, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 .
  • the gear mechanism 140 translates the load from one assembly to the other so they act in parallel. This system provides the additional torque needed at the lower 45 degrees of rotation where the first spring assembly can struggle.
  • the present invention is not limited to two spring assemblies coupled together by a single gear mechanism. It is possible that multiple rows of spring assemblies can be utilized, requiring multiple gear mechanisms.
  • the second bar 130 and torsion springs 132 of the secondary spring assembly do not extend the entire length of the sidewall 106 and are located towards the ends of the sidewall 106.
  • This arrangement is but one acceptable configuration for the secondary spring assembly. Alternate arrangements may include the secondary spring assembly extending the length of sidewalls 106 or an alternate lngth.
  • the secondary spring assembly is located beneath the primary spring assembly and is coupled to the primary spring assembly (bar 124 and springs 126) by the gear mechanism 140 as shown in FIGS. 11-16 .
  • the exact size, length, and quantity of springs 132 required as part of the secondary spring assembly will depend on factors such as the container size, weight of the sidewalls, etc.
  • the second bar 130 and springs 132 are located at each end of the sidewall 106 primarily because the ends of the sidewalls 106 are slightly heavier than the middle portion of the sidewalls 106.
  • the present invention is not limited to the configuration depicted herein, and depending on a variety of design factors, may also include additional spring assemblies.
  • an adjustability function is provided for the torsional springs 126 and 132. That is, the springs can be pre-torqued from one to thirty degrees, which allows for an operator of the collapsible container to reach the required torque necessary to open the sidewall 106 from the collapsed position.
  • the amount of torque required varies depending on the final weight of the sidewall. Due to manufacturing tolerances the overall weight of the sidewall can vary by up to 75 pounds, which changes the moment of the panel, which in turn, correlates to the torque required.
  • Pre-torquing the springs 126 and 132 also provides a safety measure when the folding process is first initiated by helping to prevent the sidewall 106 from falling prematurely when it is no longer connected to the roof panel 104 or the door or front panels 110 or 112.
  • the torsion springs 126 and 132 are adjustable by this pre-torqueing, which occurs at the original assembly of the collapsible container.
  • the torsion springs 126 and 132 are also adjustable after the initial container assembly through an external set screw, which acts on the vertical leg of the spring through the base beam so as to change the pre-torque angle.
  • the springs 126 and 132 can be aligned at a desired angular position to achieve a desired amount of torque so as to be pre-torqued or slack when the sidewall 106 is in a vertical position.
  • the springs 126 and 132 are spaced generally evenly along the respective bars 124 and 130 and equidistant between the hinges 122. Such a spacing allows for equal distribution of the force applied by the sidewalls 106 onto the torsion springs.
  • the torsion springs 126 and 132 are sized to be coaxial with the bar 124 and 130, as shown in FIGS 7 and 8 .
  • Each of the springs 126 and 132 have between six and twelve active coils and a spring rate ranging from 6 lbf.-in./deg. to 11.75 lbf.-in./deg.
  • the present invention also incorporates friction reduction technology in order to facilitate torsion spring effectiveness in the folding of the sidewalls 106.
  • Teflon® bushings can be placed between the bar 124/130 and the receiving position of the base beam where the bar 124/130 rotates to reduce the friction interface at this point of rotation.
  • the container 100 includes one or more locking mechanisms 150, each having a strap 152 that captures a rigid pin 154, which is located along a top portion of the sidewall 106.
  • the strap 152 recesses into the base panel 102 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 17 .
  • the strap 152 is pulled out from its recess and connected to the pin 154 on the top of sidewall 106.
  • the resistance of the sidewall 106 keeps the strap 152 taught when it is extended to secure the sidewall.
  • the strap 152 is preferably fabricated from a nylon or other durable and flexible material in order to withstand the environmental and operating conditions.
  • panel can comprise a single section or in the alternative can be comprised of multiple sections secured together by an acceptable process, such as welded together to form a weldment.
  • the foldable container 100 of the present invention is folded in a way such that it is capable of being stacked vertically multiple units high when not in use.
  • the container geometry described herein permits the stacking of the containers as described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/829,275 .
  • the foldable container 100 of the present invention is fabricated from materials capable of withstanding a variety of weather elements and operating conditions. At least the exterior surfaces of the roof panel 104, base panel 102, front panel 112, door panel 110, and sidewalls 106 are fabricated from corrugated metal, such as CorTen® steel.
  • CorTen® A also known as A588, is an industry standard acceptable material as this material provides excellent corrosion resistance. This material capability is necessary given the harsh weather conditions experienced by the foldable container, including but not limited to salt water, sea air, rain, snow, and extreme heat and cold.
  • Internal walls of the foldable container 100 can be corrugated metal or can be lined with other materials as desired by the owner/operator of the foldable container 100. Such container material provides the necessary protection of the internal spring assembly components whether the container is in its erect or folded state.
  • the materials of the spring assembly are typically higher strength steels.
  • the bar may be made from 1144 while the washer may be made from higher strength steel such as ASTM A514.
  • the present invention is applicable to a variety of standard intermodal shipping containers.
  • the folding container and associated spring assembly technology can be configured to accommodate various container lengths as used in the intermodal transport industry including, but not limited to, containers of 10 feet, 20 feet, 24 feet, 40 feet, 48 feet, and 53 feet in length.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
EP17152474.7A 2016-01-22 2017-01-20 System und verfahren zum anheben und absenken von seitenwänden eines zusammenklappbaren speicherbehälters Withdrawn EP3196151A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662281823P 2016-01-22 2016-01-22

Publications (1)

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EP3196151A1 true EP3196151A1 (de) 2017-07-26

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EP17152474.7A Withdrawn EP3196151A1 (de) 2016-01-22 2017-01-20 System und verfahren zum anheben und absenken von seitenwänden eines zusammenklappbaren speicherbehälters

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US (1) US20170210556A1 (de)
EP (1) EP3196151A1 (de)
CN (2) CN207001347U (de)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10723507B2 (en) * 2016-02-09 2020-07-28 Compact Container Systems, Llc System and method for locking walls of a storage container
KR102002433B1 (ko) * 2019-01-23 2019-07-23 한국파렛트풀(주) 접이식 컨테이너의 프론트패널/리어패널 회전 지지부재
KR102005882B1 (ko) * 2019-01-23 2019-07-31 한국파렛트풀(주) 컨테이너 접철방법

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN201068294Y (zh) * 2007-07-11 2008-06-04 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 一种台架箱端部结构
US20140263297A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Thomas K. Churbuck Folding container
CN204297396U (zh) * 2014-11-05 2015-04-29 大连中集物流装备有限公司 侧壁结构及具有其的可折叠式集装箱
US9022242B2 (en) 2010-10-25 2015-05-05 Holland Container Innovations B.V. Collapsible container, assembly mechanism and method of assembling a collapsible container
US20160083176A1 (en) 2014-09-19 2016-03-24 Compact Container Systems Llc Stacked collapsible container

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3729111A (en) * 1970-02-16 1973-04-24 Altamil Corp Collapsible containers including swivel hinge corner assembly and access door assembly
US4662532A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-05-05 Steel King Industries, Inc. Foldable container
US4923079A (en) * 1987-03-06 1990-05-08 Ropak Corporation Collapsible container
US5161709A (en) * 1989-01-30 1992-11-10 World Container Corporation Hinged collapsible container

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN201068294Y (zh) * 2007-07-11 2008-06-04 中国国际海运集装箱(集团)股份有限公司 一种台架箱端部结构
US9022242B2 (en) 2010-10-25 2015-05-05 Holland Container Innovations B.V. Collapsible container, assembly mechanism and method of assembling a collapsible container
US20140263297A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Thomas K. Churbuck Folding container
US20160083176A1 (en) 2014-09-19 2016-03-24 Compact Container Systems Llc Stacked collapsible container
CN204297396U (zh) * 2014-11-05 2015-04-29 大连中集物流装备有限公司 侧壁结构及具有其的可折叠式集装箱

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Publication number Publication date
CN207001347U (zh) 2018-02-13
CN107089447A (zh) 2017-08-25
US20170210556A1 (en) 2017-07-27

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