JP2001524430A - Foldable container - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary The collapsible container (10) comprises a plurality of body components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30), at least some of which are: The container body is assembled by a hinge structure (66, 70, 74, 76) that is connected to each other by a hinge mechanism so as to move by a hinge mechanism, and by displacement of a component of the body connected to move by the hinge mechanism by a hinge. From the folded state, and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state. The lockable hinge structure (66, 70, 74, 76) includes means for locking the container body in the assembled and folded states.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a foldable container. In the present specification, the term "container" refers to, for example, a normal container transportation in which the size and shape are predetermined or standardized and used for transporting goods or cargo by sea, railroad or land. Refers to a reusable container according to the concept.

According to one feature of the invention, the container body comprises a plurality of body components, at least some of which are hingedly connected to each other in a lockable hinge structure. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state by the displacement of the constituent members of the main body movably connected by the hinge by the hinge, and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state. Means for securing the container body in the assembled state and the folded state,
A collapsible container is provided.

[0003] The main body constituting member may be a top part, a bottom part facing the top part, and a side part, and the side part is an orthogonal structure or a box-shaped structure when the main body is in an assembled state. And extends between the top and bottom, and when the body is in a collapsed state, it is folded inward and changes position in a direction in which the top and bottom approach each other. Thus, the container of the present invention can be converted or folded from an assembled or active configuration in use to a folded or non-active configuration, for example, during storage or transport, quite easily, and The reverse is also provided with a body that is equally possible.

[0004] At least one of the fixable hinge structures may be a hinge structure that can be fixed in an assembled state, and this structure is connected to a connecting portion and the connecting portion so as to rotate axially, and the container body is assembled. An assembly state fixing device for fixing a hinge structure capable of fixing an assembled state in the extended state, the main body portion including a body portion capable of adjusting between an extended state in the state and a folded state in which the container body is folded. Means can secure the container body in the assembled state.

[0005] The assembled state fixing means has openings in the connecting portion and the main body, and the openings are aligned when the one or each hinge structure is in an extended state, and the fixing member is fixed. The one or each hinge structure is inserted to extend through the alignment opening of the one or each hinge structure to secure the one or each hinge structure in the extended state. The fixing member may be a fixing pin. The fixing pin may have a tapered shape (tapered shape) so that it can be easily inserted into and extracted from the hole.

The body component may include a side panel, and the assembled fixed hinge structure may hinge the side panels together.

[0007] The collapsible container may include a hinged structure that is securable and fixable,
They are arranged such that at least two of said hinge structures are adjacent to each other when the container is in the folded state, whereby the folded state fixing means for fixing the paired hinge structures fix the container body in the folded state. I do.

The folded state fixing means has openings in the pair of folded state fixing hinge structures, the openings align when in the folded state, and extend the fixing member through the alignment opening. To secure the hinge structures together.

The main body component may include a side panel, a top and a bottom, and the folded fixed hinge structure may be any as long as the side panel is connected to the top and the bottom by a hinge mechanism.

The container body in the folded state is similar in plan and bottom view to the top view and the bottom view of the assembled container body. Furthermore, the container body in the folded state in the side view is about 30-35% as compared with the container body in the assembled state.
Flat and slim. That is, the height of the folded state of the main body is about 30 to 35% of the height of the assembled state.

The hinge structure is therefore such that when the container body is in the assembled state, the top is displaced relatively towards the bottom by an appropriate hinged displacement of the body components connected by the hinge mechanism, and When the container body is in the folded state,
The top is displaced relatively away from the bottom by an appropriate hinge displacement of the body components connected by the hinge mechanism.

[0012] More specifically, each side member may have upper and lower side panels, and the hinge structure is such that when the container body is folded, the upper and lower side panels are folded to form an inner side. And the body is folded and assembled as if the upper part moved to the lower part and collapsed.

[0013] The body component may have upper and lower side panels, the upper side panel having a mating portion at a lower portion, the lower side panel having a mating portion at a higher portion, and And the lower engaging portion engages when the container body is in the assembled state, and the closing means for sealing between the upper and lower engaging portions prevents water from entering the container when the container body is in the assembled state. I do.

[0014] Each of the upper and lower mating portions may be a relief-like contour, wherein in the mating condition a generally vertically oriented groove-shaped gap is formed between the contours, and the sealing means Is provided at a position where the gap is sealed by a deformable seal member.

The contour is formed such that generally vertically oriented grooved gaps extend between a pair of generally horizontal grooved gaps, each gap being from the inside to the outside of the container body, respectively. And extending from the outside to the inside of the container body.

In another case, the upper and lower mating portions may be contours, wherein the contours in the mating state generally have a horizontal grooved gap formed between the contours, and the seal is closed. The means may be provided with a deformable sealing member at a position where the gap is sealed.

The fixable hinge structure may have a detachable hinge pin, and by removing the hinge pin, the main body components connected by the hinge mechanism are separated from each other. For example, the hinge pin may be engraved with a thread that engages the screw with an extractor having an auxiliary thread for extracting the screw pin. The hinge structure may have a bush (bearing) for receiving or receiving the hinge pin. Typically, the bush is made of Vesconite ™ or Nylon ™.

[0018] The container may have a removable door. In this case, the container body has a removable or separable door hinge, so that, in the assembled state, one or each door is connected or connectable to the container body.
The door hinge may include a tapered hinge pin.

The container body may have opposed ends and each of the ends may be provided with a set of doors.

The container body may include ancillary means for providing a lifting mechanism to the body or for securing the two container bodies together. This attachment means includes a slot-like opening leading into the cavity of the container body, of the type used for twist locks for lifting or interlocking conventional shipping containers.

Further, according to the present invention, the container main body is composed of a plurality of main body constituting members (elements), and at least some of them are connected to each other by a hinge structure so as to move by a hinge mechanism, and are connected by the hinge mechanism. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state, and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state by the displacement of the main body constituting member by the hinge, and at least some of the main body constituting members are in the assembled state of the container body. The present invention extends to a collapsible container which is a meshing member which meshes at one time, and in which the sealing means for sealing between the meshing members in the meshing state when the container body is in the assembled state prevents water from entering the container.

The engagement member may be the upper or lower side panel described above. The container body may include the lockable hinge structure described above.

According to the present invention, the container body has a plurality of body members, at least some of which are connected by removable connection means, and the body members are separated from each other by removing the removable connection means. It extends to the container in which the container body is disassembled.

[0024] The removable coupling means may include a hinge structure having a removable hinge pin.

The present invention also extends to the following container assembly. That is, it includes a plurality of main body components, at least some of which are movably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism with a fixable hinge structure, and the container main body connected by the hinge mechanism is displaced by a hinge, whereby the container main body is moved. Can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state, and assembled from the folded state to the assembled state, wherein the lockable hinge mechanism is attached to the body in at least one assembled state and the container body in the folded state and at least one assembled state. The invention extends to the assembly of a container having a container body including a fixing means for fixing a possible door.

One or each door can be housed in a folded container body. Thus, in the folded state, the container body has an opening or cavity, the size of which is sufficient to accommodate one or more doors in the opening or cavity. The container body may be as described above.

The present invention will be described by examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 indicates a foldable container according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the container 10 in an assembled state. 2 and 3, the container 10 is shown in a folded state and a fully folded state, respectively.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, which is an exploded view, the container 10 comprises a top 12, a bottom 14, an upper left side panel 16, an upper right side panel 18, a lower left side panel 20, a lower right side panel 22, and four sheets. It consists of doors 24, 26, 28 and 30. The parts of these containers are steel and welded.

The top 12 comprises a rectangular frame 32 surrounded by a rectangular roof 34. The roof portion 34 is a sheet-shaped member having a corrugated appearance structure having a reinforcing elongated member 35 extending in the lateral direction. The frame 32 has two slightly shorter end frame members 32.1 and 32.2 and two slightly longer side frame members 32.3 and 32.4.
have. A block-type reinforced structure or corner block 38 integrated with the frame 32 is provided at a corner of the frame 32. It can be seen particularly in FIG. 1 that the downwardly extending sides 40, 42 extend from the slightly longer frame members 32, 3, 32, 4 and each form the upper part of the container 10.
A downward hinge element 44 (which will be described in more detail below) is located at a corner of the frame 32, and a downward hinge element 46 (which is also described in more detail below) has a somewhat longer frame member 32. -It is arranged at the center of 3, 32, and 4. The hinge elements 44, 46 are partially covered by plates 45, 47 integral with the frame.

The bottom 14 comprises a frame 50 surrounding the floor 52. The frame 50 comprises two slightly shorter end frame members 50, 1, 50 and 2 and two slightly longer side frame members 5
0,3,50.4. Each side frame member 50-3, 50-4 is a container 1.
The formation of a bottom side of zero can be seen in particular in FIG. Slightly long frame member 50-3
, 50.4 are external members, each of which is divided into six spaces by a vertically extending reinforcing structure 53. It can be seen in particular in FIG. 33 that they also have openings 0.5, each at about one third from the end of the frame member, to accommodate the lifting members of the forklift truck. Slightly long frame member 5
0.3,50.4 include reinforcing end members 50,6,50,7 integral with the frame 50 and the corner blocks 50,8,50,9 and the support structures 50,10. The hinge element 54 (described in more detail below) includes a somewhat longer frame member 50.
Located at the ends of 3,50,4, a hinge element 56 (also described in more detail below) is provided on the central reinforced support structure 50,10.

As shown in FIG. 33, the floor member 52 has a cross member 60 that divides the floor member 52 into a plurality of spaces.
And they are covered with a floor board 62 extending in the vertical direction. In particular, the crossover part 64 partially overlaps the slightly shorter frame members 50-2 and the ends of the floorboard 62 in FIG.
You can see from This intersection allows the forklift truck to enter the container 10 and be steered in the assembled state.

The upper left side panel 16 includes two vertical reinforcing end members 16.1, 16.2 and a vertical central reinforcing member 16.3. The outer panel members 16,4,16.5 extend between the reinforcing members 16.1,16.3 and 16.3,16.2. Each of the outer panel members 16, 4, 16 and 5 is an elongated shape for reinforcement extending in the major axis direction and has a width of about 112 m.
m having a rectangular outer shape, and a vertically extending elongated structure 16.
7 inclusive. The hinge elements 64, 70 (described in more detail below) are integral with the upper and lower distal ends of the reinforcing end members 16.1, 16.2 and the hinge elements 68, 66 (again, further). The details are described below.) Are integrated with the upper and lower ends of the central reinforcing member 16.3.

The lower left side panel 20 is similar to the upper left side panel 16, with the same numbers indicating the same or similar features of panels 20 and 16, after a prefix of 20 instead of 16. Used.

The hinge elements 70, 74 (both described in greater detail below) are each integral with the upper and lower ends of the reinforcing end members 20, 1, 2 of the side panel 20 and are hinged elements. 68, 76 (also described in more detail below) are each integral with the upper and lower ends of the central reinforcement members 20-3 of the side panels 20.

Since the upper right and lower side panels 18 and 22 are equivalent to the upper left and lower side panels 16 and 20, the elements of these panels are numbered in FIG. 6 for easy understanding. I haven't. In FIG. 6, the lower right side panel is shown connected to the bottom 14.

The doors 24, 26, 28, 30 are similar to the type of door commonly used in conventional shipping containers. The door 24 has a slightly longer vertical member 24.
4.2 and the cross members 24, 3 and 24 surrounding the door panels 24.5. The door panels 24.5 are provided with laterally extending upper, middle and lower inwardly strengthening structures 24.13 (FIG. 1) and centrally disposed central and lower structures 24.
It consists of an outer structure with components 24, 14 extending in the longitudinal direction between them. Normal latch bars (bars for latches) 24.6, 24.7 are frame members 24.3,
24.4 and panel 24.5, each having a conventional latch handle 24.8,24.9. The slightly longer frame member 24.1 includes four hinges. In FIG. 14, each hinge is a cylindrical component 24, 12 with an open end, with a hinge pin fitted at one end to strengthen the end members 16, 2, 18.
It can be seen in particular from FIG. 1 that it includes a general S-shaped member 24.11 secured to 2,2,2,22.2. The doors 26, 28, 30 are similar to the door 24 and are not numbered in the drawing for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the assembled state, the top 12, bottom 14 and side panels 16, 18, 20, 22 are integrated together by a hinge mechanism comprising hinge elements as described above and described in further detail below. Is held. Reference is also made to FIGS. 15 to 28, which show the elements of the hinge mechanism.

The top 12 is formed by joining the hinge elements 44, 46 of the top 12 with the complementary left and right upper side panel hinge elements 64, 68, respectively, so that the upper left side panel 16 and the upper right side panel are joined together. 18 fixed.

The hinge element 46 is shown in FIGS. This element consists of a hollow rectangular block-shaped member 46.1 having an open end and a closed end and a rectangular connection 46.2 projecting from the closed end. The element 46 is a cast structure and the block-shaped member is hollow, requiring less material and the mass of the element 46. Member 46
1 has an upper surface 46/10 and a lower surface 46/3. The connecting portion 46. 2 has an upper surface 46 ・ 10 which is flush with the upper surface 46 ・ 10 of the block-shaped member, and a lower surface 46 ・ 5 which is separated and independent by a shoulder 46 ・ 6 which curves from the surface 46 ・ 3. Have. The column-shaped hinge pin openings 46.7 extend through the joints to form the block-shaped members 46.1.
Adjacent to It has a beveled surface 46.9 extending from a surface 46 remote from the block-shaped member 46.1. The block-shaped member 46.1 has a size of about 260 × 140 × 50 mm, and the joint 46.2 has a size of about 105.5 × 56 × 50 mm.

The hinge element 44 (not shown in the enlarged view of the drawing) is similar to the hinge element 46. When referring to the hinge element 44, the same number as the element 46 is used, preceded by 44 instead of 46. The element 44 is different from the element 66 in that the block-shaped member has a size of about 240 × 170 × 50 mm and the joint has a size of about 113 mm.
It is different in that it is × 70 × 60 mm. Each hinge element further includes an oval shaped fixation pin opening (shown in FIG. 6) spaced from the hinge pin opening 44.7 toward the end of the coupling 44.2. The hinge pin opening is about 49 mm away from the fixed pin opening.

The hinge element of the upper left side panel is shown in FIGS. Element 68
Includes a hollow rectangular block-shaped member 68.1 having an open end and a closed end, and a pair of coupling portions 68.2, 68.3 projecting from the closed end. The block-shaped member has an upper surface 68.4 separated by shoulders 68.5 from upper coplanar surfaces 68.6 and 68.7 of the coupling portions 68.2 and 68.3, and coupling portions 68.2. 68.3
Has a lower surface 68.8 which is flush with the lower surfaces 68.9 and 68.10. The ends of the joints 68.2, 68.3 are, as can be seen in particular in FIG.
Curved portions 68, 11, 68, 12 and surfaces 68.6, 68.7 extending from 68.10.
It has an inclined lower end 68.15 extending from the lower end. Opening 68 for hinge pin alignment
13, 68, 14 extend through the coupling members 68.2, 68.3.

The block-shaped member 68.1 has a size of about 140 × 160 × 50 mm, and the coupling members 68.2 and 68.3 each have a size of about 108 × 60 × 41 mm and about 58 m
m away.

The hinge element 64 (not shown in the enlarged view) is similar to the element 68 but
The block-shaped member has a size of about 170 × 160 × 50 mm, and
The only difference is that it has dimensions of 08 × 60 × 49 mm and is about 72 mm apart. Again, when referring to elements of element 64, the numbers used for element 64 are element 6
It is the same as that used in 8 and 64 is used instead of 68.

When the top 12 is connected to the upper left side panel, the connecting members 44.2 and 46.2 of the elements 44 and 46 are connected to the hinge pin openings 64.13, 64.14 and 68.1.
A hinge pin 71 (FIG. 6) extending through 3, 68, 14 provides a hinge element 64.
, 68 are accommodated between the connecting members 64, 2, 64, 3 and 68.2, 68.3.

The bottom part 14 includes hinge elements of the left and lower right side panels 20 and 22, respectively.
By coupling with the bottom hinge elements 54, 56, the left and lower right side panels 20,
22.

The hinge element 54 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. Element 54 is similar to element 69, but the prefix 54 is used in place of 68, and the same numbers are used to indicate the same or similar features of elements 54 and 68. The element 54 comprises a block-shaped member 54
1 has dimensions of about 170 × 160 × 50 mm, and the coupling members 54.2 and 54
3 differs from element 68 in that it has dimensions of about 106 × 42 × 60 mm and is about 86 mm apart. Element 54 further includes hinge pin openings 54,13,54.
14 is close to the block-shaped member about 31 mm away from the member 54 and about 71 mm away from the member 68, and the coupling members 54.2, 54.3 respectively close the fixed pin openings 54/16, 54-17. And the openings 54 and 16 differ from the element 68 in that the openings 54 and 16 extend part way through the connection 54.2 and the openings 54 and 17 extend completely through the connection 54.3. . The openings 54, 16 and 54, 17 are
14, 54, 13 is approximately 56 mm toward the ends of the coupling members 54.2, 54.3.
is seperated. It should further be noted that the hinge element 54 shown at the near end of FIG. 6 has a hinge pin opening as depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22, and the hinge element shown at the far end of FIG. The element has a hinge pin opening that extends completely through the coupling members 54.2 and partially extends through the coupling members 54.3, in other words one is a left-handed element and the other is a right-handed element. Is an element.

The hinge element (not shown in the enlarged view) is similar to the hinge element 54, except that there is no fixed pin opening and the dimensions of the block-shaped member are about 140 × 169 ×
50 mm, the dimensions of each coupling member are 106 × 169 × 50 mm, and the difference is that the coupling members are separated by 72 mm. Again, when referring to the members of the hinge element 56, the numbers used for the element 54 are used, preceded by 56 instead of 54.

The hinge elements 74 of the lower side panels 18, 20 are shown in FIGS.
Element 74 is similar to element 46 of FIGS. 17 and 18, with the same number prefixed with 74 instead of 46 to indicate the same or similar features of elements 74 and 46.
The element 74 is different from the element 46 in that the block-shaped member 74.1 is approximately 162 × 170 × 5.
The difference is that it has a size of 0 mm and the coupling member has a size of about 84 × 106 × 60 mm. The element 74 is further different from the element 46 in that the hinge pin opening 74.8 is separated from the block-shaped member 74.1 by about 76 mm in the element 74 and about 3 mm in the element 46.
The difference is that they are separated by 5.5 mm.

The hinge element 76 is shown in FIGS. Element 76 is similar to element 54 of FIGS. 27 and 28, with the same numbers prefixed with 76 instead of 74, and elements 76 and 7
Used to indicate four identical or similar features.

The element 76 is different from the element 74 in that the block-shaped member 76.1 is approximately 140 × 162 ×
It differs in that it has a size of 50 mm and that the coupling member 76.2 has a size of approximately 106 × 70 × 60 mm.

When the bottom portion 14 is connected to the lower left side panel and the right side panel, the connecting members 74.2 and 76.2 of the hinge elements 74 and 76 include a hinge pin having a hinge pin 5
4,74, extending through the matching hinge pin openings 54, 13, 54, 14 and through the corresponding matching hinge pin openings 56, 13, 56, 14 and 76.8 of the hinge elements 56, 76. As a result, the connecting members 54 of the hinge elements 54 and 56
2, 54.3 and 56.2, 56.3.

The upper and lower left and right side panels 16, 20 and 18, 22 are such that the hinge elements 66 and 70 of the upper side panels 16, 18 are identical to the equivalent hinge elements 66 and 70 of the lower side panels 20, 22. Each is secured together in a manner joined by links 80,82.

The hinge element 66 is shown in FIGS. Element 66 is similar to element 68 of FIGS. 19 and 20, and the same number is appended to element 6 with 66 instead of 68.
6 and 68 are used to indicate the same or similar features. Element 66 is separated from element 68 by a block-shaped member having a size of about 170 × 100 × 50 mm and coupling members 66.2 and 66.3 having a size of about 105 × 60 × 94 mm and about 84 mm apart. The points are different. The element 66 is further connected to the element 68 by connecting members 66, 2, 6
The fixed pin openings 66.15, 66.16 in 6.3 are hinge pin openings 66.1.
The difference is that it is located about 42.5 mm inside from 3,66.14. The hinge pin opening is about 64 mm away from the block-shaped member 66.1. Hinge element 6
6 further differs from the element 68 of FIGS.
, 66.16 extending between the connecting members 66.2, 66.3 below the shelf 66.1
7 is different. Link 80 is shown in FIGS. The link comprises a block-shaped body having an upper side with an upper side 80.1 and a lower side 80.2. The upper side surface 80. 1 has a rectangular outline and is flat. Lower side 8
0.2 has a similar rectangular profile, but consists of a flat raised central surface 80.3 and a slightly lower side surface 80.4 separated by a curved shoulder 80.5.

The link 80 has an end surface 80. Separated from the side surface by a curved shoulder 80 7.
6. The link 80 is further divided into upper side surface 80.1 and surfaces 80/3, 80/4.
And right and left sides 80/8, 80.9 extending between the right and left sides. Hinge pin opening 8
0.10, 80.11 extend substantially below the shoulder 80.5 so as to pass from the side face 80.8 of the link 80 to the side face 80.9, and the fixed pin openings 80.12, 80.13
Also extend below the side face 80.4 from the side face 80.8 of the link and through the side face 80.9. The side face 80. 1 has a size of about 186 × 80 mm. The distance from the raised central surface 80.3 to the side surface is about 60 mm, and the side surface 80.4
Is about 50 mm from the side surface.

The openings 80 · 10, 80 · 11 are about 60 mm apart, and the openings 80 · 12, 80 · 11
80.13 is approximately 42.5 mm away from openings 80.10, 80.11.

The hinge element 70 and its link 82 are similar to the hinge element 66 and link 80. Again, the numbers used to indicate the portions of hinge element 70 and link 82 are the same as those used for element 66 and link 80, except that 70 and 82 are prefixed instead of 66 and 80, respectively. It is. The hinge element 70 (not shown in the enlarged view) is different from the element 66 in that the size of the block-shaped member is approximately 14
0 × 100 × 50 mm and the dimensions of the coupling member are about 105 × 60 × 35.5 mm
The only difference is that they are about 70 mm apart. The link 80 (also not shown in the enlarged view) differs from the link 82 only in that the width of the block-shaped body is 68 mm instead of 82 mm. In an embodiment of the present invention, links 80, 8
2 has grub screws in its opening to secure the hinge pins.

In another embodiment (not shown) of the present invention, links 80 and 82 are provided with grooves extending annularly on surfaces 80, 6, 8, 8, and 9, so that upper and lower side panels are provided. O-rings or rubber seals are provided in the grooves to seal the hinge structures that connect to the 16, 18, 20, 22 to prevent water from entering the container 10.

When the upper and lower side panels 16, 20 and 18, 22 are joined, the hinge pins (shown in FIG. 6 and enlarged views in FIGS. 29 and 30) are connected to the hinge element 6.
6, 70 extending through the alignment hinge pin openings and the links 82, the links 82 are connected to the connecting members 70, 2, 70, 3 of each of the hinge elements 70 on the upper and lower panels 16, 20, and 18, 22. A link 80 is received between a corresponding portion of the hinge element 66 on each of the upper and lower side panels.

When the container 10 is in the assembled state, as depicted in FIG.
(FIGS. 29 and 30) are inserted through the alignment locking pin openings of hinge elements 70, 66 and links 82, 80 to secure the container in the assembled state. By removing the securing pins, the upper and lower side panels 16, 18, 20, 22 are folded inward as shown in FIG. 2 and the container 10 is fully folded as depicted in FIG. Become.

When the container 10 is folded, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 30, the top 12
The coupling members 44.2 and 46.2 of the upper hinge elements 44 and 46 are aligned with the hinge elements 54 and 56 on the bottom 14 of the container when fully folded as depicted in FIG. The coupling members 44.2 and 46.2 are fixed pin openings 44.8 and 46.8 of the hinge elements 44 and 46, and the fixed pin openings 54 of the hinge elements 54 and 56.
.16, 54.17 and 56.16, 56.17 in alignment with the coupling member 54.2
, 54.3 and 56.2, 56.3. Then, when the fixing pin 86 is inserted so as to pass through the opening of the fixing pin for alignment, the container is fixed in a folded state. The fixing pin has a length of about 150 mm, and has a tapered shape with one end having a diameter of about 19 mm and the other end having a diameter of about 16 mm. Due to the tapered shape, the fixing pin 86 can be pulled out relatively easily even when it is rusted.

FIG. 29, which is an enlarged view, shows the reinforcing end members 16.2, 20.2 in the extended state.
, Hinge elements 44, 64, 70, 74, 54 and links 82 are shown. This drawing also shows the hinge pin 71 and the fixing pin 86 and the hinge element (
(Described above) and links. Each hinge pin 71 is provided with a three-part bush made of Nylon (trademark) or Vesconite (trademark) as desired.

Each hinge pin 71 further includes, at one end, a concave portion (not shown) through which a thread meshes with a pull-out mechanism using an auxiliary thread for pulling out the hinge pin from the hinge pin opening. This allows the folded container to be disassembled by pulling out the hinge pins (which are relatively easy to make with the bush 88). The bush allows the hinge pin 71 to be pulled out relatively easily even when the container rusts.

FIG. 30 shows the container 1 in the folded state, that is to say the fixing pin 86 shown is aligned with the fixing pin openings of the hinge elements 54, 44 to fix the container in the folded state.
FIG. 31 shows a folded state of the reinforcing end member and the hinge element of FIG. 29 in a state where is folded.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show three containers 10 each folded and stacked on one another. In this embodiment of the invention, the corner blocks 38, 50/8, 50.9 are:
A cavity (not shown) is provided having an elongated slotted opening for receiving a twist lock for providing a lifting mechanism to the container or for stacking and securing the container.

FIGS. 7 to 9 which are enlarged views are detailed views of the arrangement for sealing the side panels of the container according to the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a downwardly extending side portion 40 of the top of the container 1 and one of the reinforcing ridge formations 16.6 of the upper side panel. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the lower portion of the side portion 40 is shaped to have a downwardly extending portion 40 connected to a channel-shaped portion 40.2. Similarly, the upper part of the ridge-shaped structure 16.6 is also generally parallel to the portion 40.1 connected to the S-shaped portion 16.8.
It is shaped with an inwardly extending portion 16.7. An elongated opening having an S-shaped cross section is thus formed between the side portion 40 and the upper side panel. FIG.
The inwardly extending portion 40 of the deformable rubber seal as shown in the end sectional view of FIG.
1 is disposed in the opening between the channel-shaped portion 40-2 and the S-shaped portion 16.8,
Water intrusion is prevented. As can be seen from FIG. 34, the rubber seal includes an oval shaped tubular portion 92 and a V-shaped portion 94 extending from the tubular portion 92. In use, the tubular portion 92 is an S-shaped portion 16.8 at the end of the ridge 16.6.
And between the inwardly extending portion 40. 1 and the channel-like portion 40.
The mold part 90 extends beyond and is fixed to the channel-like parts 40.2.

FIG. 7 shows the frame members 50. 3 on the bottom 14 and the reinforcing ridges 20. 6 at the bottom of the lower side panel. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the bottom of the structure 20.6 has a shape similar to the lower part of the side part 20 described above, having an inwardly directed part 20.7 and a channel-shaped formation 20.8. I have. The frame member 50.3 has an inverted L-shaped upper profile with an outwardly directed flange portion on which the inverted channel member 50.13 is mounted. An elongated opening having an S-shaped cross section is thus formed between the frame member 50. 3 and the lower side panel 20. The rubber seal described above is disposed in the tubular opening between the inwardly facing portion 20.7 and the channel-shaped formation 20.8 and is secured over and beyond the channel-shaped formation 20.8. Inverted channel members 50-3 having V-shaped portions 94 prevent water from entering the container as described above.

FIG. 9 shows a lower portion of the upper side panel 16 and an upper portion of the lower side panel 20. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the lowermost reinforcing ridge structure 16.6 of the upper side panel includes an inwardly extending portion 16.10.combined with an upwardly facing generally Z-shaped section 16.11. It has a shape. The uppermost reinforcing ridge 20.6 of the lower side panel 20 is shaped to have an inwardly extending portion 20.10, which is usually joined to the inverted U-shaped portion 20.11. Parallel to 20.10.
The deformable rubber seal described above comprises a U-shaped part 20-11 and an inwardly extending part 20.
An inwardly extending portion 16 with 10 and a Z-shaped portion 16; 11 and a V-shaped portion 94;
Disposed at an opening having a tubular portion 92 between the two and which extends beyond and is secured to the portion to prevent water from entering the container 1 as described above.

In particular, in FIGS. 1 and 13, doors 24, 26, 28, 30 are attached by hinge pins 90. Each hinge pin 90 is composed of a rectangular block-shaped base 90.1 and an upward pin portion 90.2. The total length of the hinge pin is about 170mm
The pin portion has a length of about 60 mm and the base has a cross section of about 40 × 30 mm. The pin portion 90.2 has a tapered shape ranging from a diameter of the base of about 19 mm to a top of about 19 mm. The pin portions 90.2 are offset from the center of the base by approximately 10 mm from one long side and approximately 20 mm from the other long side and equidistant from the short side. Due to the tapered pin portions 90-2, the doors 24, 26, 28, 30 can be easily removed and replaced even if the pins and hinges are rusted.

On the inside of the slightly larger frame member of the bottom part 14, there are provided recesses 50 and 15 (FIG. 1) having pins 50 and 16 extending crossing the recesses 50 and 15. Recess 5
0.15 are hinges 2 of doors 24, 26, 28, 30 as can be seen particularly in FIG.
A space for accommodating 4.10, 26.10, 28.10, 30.10.
When the pins 40.1 are loaded before the containers 4, 26, 28, 30 are loaded into the container 10,
The hinges 24, 26, 10, 28, 30, 10 are accommodated under 6. Pins 50 and 16 also serve as anchors or fastening rings to secure belts or ropes that secure the load into the container when the container is in the assembled condition.

FIGS. 35-37, which are enlarged views, show the details of another embodiment of the arrangement of the seals on the side panels of the container according to the invention.

FIG. 36 shows one of the reinforcements 16.6 of the upper side panel 16 and the side 40 extending below the top 12 of the container 1. In this embodiment of the invention, the lower portion of the side portion 40 is shaped to have an inwardly extending portion 40.10 and an upwardly extending portion 40.11, and the bottom of the side portion 40 is U-shaped. . The upper part of the ridge-shaped members 16 and 10
It has an inwardly extending slightly concave portion 16.10 connected to the downwardly extending portion 16.11 and generally parallel to the 40.11 portion. As can be seen in FIG. 36, a rubber seal 96 is provided between the bottom of side 40 and the top of side panel 16. The rubber seal 96 has an upper channel-shaped portion, in which the bottom of the side portion 40 and the two portions 40, 10, 40, 11 are accommodated, and a spherical portion having a generally convex appearance is formed on the concave portion 16, 10. Will be accommodated. The rubber seal 96 is fixed to the bottom of the side part 40.

FIG. 35 shows the side frame members 50. 3 on the bottom 14 and the reinforcing ridge-shaped structures 20. 6 at the bottom of the lower side panel. In this embodiment of the invention, the lower end of the ridge 20. 6 has an inwardly extending slightly upwardly concave portion 20. 10 joined to an upwardly facing portion 20. 11. In this specific example, the reverse channel members 50 and 13 of the specific example illustrated in FIG. 7 are not present, and the rubber seal 98 is fixed to the flange portions 50 and 12 facing the outside of the frame members 50 and 3. As can be seen in the drawing, the rubber seal 98 is fixed to the flange portions 50 and 12 and has an upwardly convex shape and is received by a concave portion.

FIG. 37 shows the reinforcement ridges 16.6 at the bottom of the upper side panel 16 and the reinforcement ridges 20.6 at the top of the lower side panel 20. As can be seen, the arrangement of the seal depicted in FIG. 37 is similar to the arrangement of the seal depicted in FIG. The lower portion of the ridged structure 16.6 has an inwardly extending portion 16.12 attached to the upwardly directed portion 16.13, and the upper portion of the ridged structure 20.6 has a downwardly directed portion 20.12. 14 has concave portions 20 and 13 on the lower side attached thereto.
A rubber seal 100 is provided between the upper panel 16 and the lower panel. The rubber seal 100 is located between the upper and lower panels 16, 20, as can be seen in the drawing. The rubber seal 100 has an upwardly directed channel structure in which the lower ends of the ridged structures 16.6, the inwardly extending portions 16.12 and the upwardly directed portions 16 are provided.
13 is accommodated therein, and the seal 100 is fixed thereto. As can be seen in the figure, the seal 100 has a spherical or convex portion extending downward and is received on the concave portion.

When the container is in the folded condition, rubber seal 96 seals the container in the folded condition adjacent to rubber seal 98.

The container of the present invention described above has the advantages of a relatively simple structure and relatively high strength as compared with the conventional foldable container recognized by the applicant. The container of the present invention comprises ISO 1496-1 (Amd. 1: 1993 (E)), UIC and CSC.
Meets safety standards. The design of the container allows for the assembly of the container in an assembly line fashion using a larger number of prefabricated parts, such as top 12, bottom, side panels 16, 18, 20, 22 and the like. Removable hinge pins also make it relatively easy to replace body parts, such as damaged side panels, and tapered fixing pins allow the door to be removed and replaced even when the hinge element is rusty. The closure mechanism of the container prevents ingress of water and allows the container to be used as a collapsible, dry, transportable container. Furthermore, the top and bottom of the container have the advantage of a standard structure, like the top and bottom of a regular container. Still further, the rib structure of the side panel arranged in the horizontal direction has an advantage that the strength of the side portion of the present container is increased as compared with the conventional container. Further, since the container of the present invention can be stored in a folded state and is empty, the space required for storing the container of the present invention is reduced, and the container of the present invention can be transported in a folded state. There is an advantage that the container can be transported. Applicants believe that this will result in significant cost savings. Further, a further advantage of the invention described above is that the hinge is essentially flush with both the interior and exterior surfaces of the container. This prevents tearing and damage to goods or packaged goods loaded in the container. Prior art containers recognized by the Applicant generally do not have hinges that are flush with the surface of the container. Accordingly, such collapsible containers do not meet the criteria specified for the containers. In addition, rubber seals also have the advantage of sealing containers in a folded state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 shows a container according to the invention having a container body and four doors, one of which is removed and placed on the side of the container body and two doors are loaded into the container body; Shows a container.

FIG. 2 shows the container body of FIG. 1 in a partially folded state.

FIG. 3 shows the container body of FIG. 1 in a completely folded state.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the container of FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the container of FIG. 1 with two doors arranged.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the container of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view showing the arrangement of the closure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view showing the arrangement of the closure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial side view showing the arrangement of the closure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of the closure of the container of FIG. 1 shown in FIGS.

11 is a partial rear view of the container of FIG. 1 in a folded state.

FIG. 12 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a hinge pin of the container of FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a door hinge of the container of FIG.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a component of the example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of components of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of components of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

20 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

21 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of components of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of components of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a component of another example of the hinge structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 is a partially enlarged view of the extended structure of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 30 shows a structure in which the part of FIG. 29 is folded.

FIG. 31 shows a side view of the three containers of FIG. 1 stacked in a folded condition.

FIG. 32 shows a rear view of the stacked container of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 as viewed from below.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a rubber seal used for the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a side sectional view similar to FIGS. 7-9 of another embodiment of the closure arrangement of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 36 is a side sectional view similar to FIGS. 7-9 of another embodiment of the closure arrangement of the container of FIG. 1;

37 is a side sectional view similar to FIGS. 7-9 of another embodiment of the closure arrangement of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 38 shows the closure arrangement of the container of FIG. 1 shown in FIGS.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] January 24, 2000 (2000.1.24)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The present invention relates to a foldable container. In the present specification, the term "container" refers to, for example, a normal container transportation in which the size and shape are predetermined or standardized and used for transporting goods or cargo by sea, railroad or land. Refers to a reusable container according to the concept. DE3805981, WO 90/02084 and DE15361213 disclose foldable shipping containers, at least some of which are movably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism. The container body can be folded from the assembled state, and can be assembled from the folded state. In DE3805981, the side wall includes a hinge mechanism with a hinge including a latch mechanism for securing the hinge when the container body is in the assembled state. WO 90/02084 includes a hinge mechanism including a pair of eyeball flanges connected to a connecting piece by a pin by a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is fixed by bolting the sealing flap to the flange when the body is assembled. In DE15361213, the side wall of the container body is a protruding rib of a sealing material on the hinge portion above the side wall of the container body when the container body is in an assembled state, and the rib on the hinge portion below the side wall. Are sealed to prevent water from entering by a sealing structure consisting of ribs received by the complementary grooves of.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The container body in the folded state is similar in plan and bottom view to the top view and the bottom view of the assembled container body. Furthermore, the container body in the folded state in the side view is about 65 to 70% of the container body in the assembled state.
Flat and slim. That is, the height of the main body in the folded state is about 65 to 70% of the height in the assembled state.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

One or each door can be housed in a folded container body. Thus, in the folded state, the container body has an opening or cavity, the size of which is sufficient to accommodate one or more doors in the opening or cavity. The container body may be as described above. The present invention provides a container body comprising a plurality of body components, at least some of which are hingedly connected to each other in a securable hinge structure, and wherein the at least some hinged bodies are connected. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state and from the folded state to the assembled state by the displacement of the constituent members by the hinge, and the fixable hinge mechanism fixes the container body in the assembled state and the folded state. Including locking means, the body component includes a side panel having a mating portion, the mating portions of adjacent side panels are mated when the container body is in the assembled state, and adjacent side panels are formed when the container body is in the assembled state. Sealing means for sealing between the mating parts of the panels prevents water from entering the container. The engaging portion is a contour portion, and in the engaged state, a gap (gap) is formed between the contour portions of the adjacent side panels, and the sealing means is deformed. Disclosed is a collapsible container characterized in that the gap is provided in a position to be sealed by a possible sealing member. The present invention also provides that the container body comprises a plurality of body components, at least some of which are hingedly connected to each other in a hinged manner, and wherein the hinged displacement of the hinged body components results in displacement by the hinge. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state, and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state, the body includes fixing means for fixing the container body in the assembled state, at least one hinge structure includes a connecting portion, The connecting means includes a main body portion which is connected to the connecting portion so as to rotate about the axis and which can adjust between an extended state in which the container body is in an assembled state and a folded state in which the container body is in a folded state, wherein the fixing means is provided. The coupling portion and the main body portion have openings, and the openings are aligned when the one or each hinge structure is in an extended state, Collapsible, wherein a fixing member is inserted to extend through the alignment opening of the one or each hinge structure to fix the one or each hinge structure in the extended state. A novel container is disclosed.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, GW, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ , LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW. 72) Inventor Peters, Petra's Jacobs South Africa, 2091, Pretoria, Buisens, Puff Street 1213 (72) Inventor Syrias, Andries Carrell South Africa, 0156, Acadia, Nina Park, Albatros Street 67F Term (reference) 3E070 AA26 VA21 WH13

Claims (26)

[Claims] The container body comprises a plurality of body components, at least some of which are hingedly connected to each other by a securable hinge structure, and which are hingedly connected by the hinge mechanism. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state by the displacement of the constituent members of the main body by the hinge, and the fixable hinge structure fixes the container body in the assembled state and the folded state. A collapsible container having means. 2. The main body constituting member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion facing the top portion, and a side surface portion, wherein the side surface portion forms an orthogonal structure or a box-shaped structure when the main body is in an assembled state. 2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible container extends between the top and bottom, and when the body is in a collapsed state, is folded inward and changes position in a direction in which the top and bottom approach each other. At least one of the fixable hinge structures is a hinge structure that can be fixed in an assembled state, wherein the structure is connected to a connecting portion and the connecting portion so as to rotate about an axis, and the container main body is connected to the connecting portion. Assembling state fixing that includes a body part that can be adjusted between an extended state in an assembled state and a folded state in which the container body is folded, and that fixes a hinge structure that can be fixed in the assembled state in the extended state. A foldable container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means is capable of fixing the container body in the assembled state. 4. The assembled state fixing means has an opening in the connecting portion and the main body, and the openings are aligned when the one or each hinge structure is in an extended state, and the fixing member is provided. 4. The foldable structure according to claim 3, wherein said fins are inserted to extend through the alignment openings of said one or each hinge structure to secure said one or each hinge structure in the extended state. container. 5. The collapsible container of claim 4, wherein the body component includes a side panel, and the assembled fixed hinge structure hinges the side panels to each other. 6. A hinge structure comprising a hinge structure which can be fixed in a folded state, wherein at least the two hinge structures are arranged adjacent to each other when the container body is in a folded state. The foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the foldable state fixing means for fixing the container fixes the container body in a foldable state. 7. The folded state fixing means has openings in a pair of folded state fixing hinge structures that are aligned when in the folded state so that the fixing member extends through the alignment opening. 7. The foldable container of claim 6, wherein the container is inserted to secure the hinge structure. 8. The foldable container according to claim 4, wherein the fixing member is a tapered pin. 9. The collapsible container according to claim 8, wherein the main body component includes a side panel, a top and a bottom, and a hinge structure that can be fixed in a folded state connects the side panel to the top and the bottom with a hinge mechanism. . 10. The collapsible container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top view and the bottom view of the container body in the collapsed state are similar to the top view and the bottom view of the container body in the assembled state. . 11. The foldable container body of any preceding claim, wherein in the side view the container body in the collapsed state is about 30-35% flat and slim compared to the container body in the assembled state. container. 12. The main body component has upper and lower side panels, the upper side panel has a meshing portion at a lower portion, and the lower side panel has a meshing portion at a higher portion. Are engaged when the container body is in the assembled state, and when the container body is in the assembled state, the sealing means for sealing between the upper and lower engaging parts prevents water from entering the container. A foldable container according to any of the preceding claims. 13. Each of the upper and lower mating portions is a contour, and in the mating state, a generally vertically oriented groove-shaped gap is formed between the contours, and the sealing means is deformable. 13. The foldable container according to claim 12, wherein the container is provided at a position where the gap is sealed by a suitable sealing member. 14. The profile is formed such that generally vertically oriented grooved gaps extend between a pair of generally horizontal grooved gaps, each gap extending from the inside to the outside of the container body. 14. The collapsible container of claim 13, which extends from the outside of the container body to the inside. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lockable hinge structure has a removable hinge pin, the body components of which are connected by a hinge mechanism being separated from each other by removing the hinge pin. Foldable container. 16. A collapsible container according to any preceding claim, having a removable door. 17. A collapsible container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container body is provided with attachment means for providing a lifting mechanism to the container. 18. The container body has a plurality of body members, at least some of which are connected by removable connection means, and the body members are separated from each other by removing the removable connection means. A container having a container main body from which is decomposed. 19. The collapsible container according to claim 18, wherein the removable coupling means comprises a hinge structure having a removable hinge pin. 20. The container body comprises a plurality of body components, at least some of which are hingedly connected to each other to move by a hinge mechanism, wherein the hinges of the body components connected by the hinge mechanism. The displacement allows the container body to be folded from the assembled state to the folded state and from the folded state to the assembled state, at least some of the body components being mating members that mesh when the container body is in the assembled state. A collapsible container, wherein sealing means for sealing between mating members in the engaged state when the container body is in the assembled state prevents water from entering the container. 21. A system including a plurality of body components, at least some of which are movably connected to one another by a hinge mechanism with a securable hinge structure, and wherein hinged displacement of the body members connected by the hinge mechanism. The container body can be folded from the assembled state to the folded state, and can be assembled from the folded state to the assembled state, wherein the fixable hinge mechanism has at least one assembled state and at least one assembled state with the container body in the folded state. A container assembly having a container main body including fixing means for fixing a door attachable to the main body in the above. 22. The container assembly according to claim 17, wherein one or each door can be stored in the folded state. 23. A novel collapsible container substantially as described herein. 24. A novel container assembly substantially as described herein. 25. Claim 1 or 22 substantially as described and described herein.
4. A foldable container according to claim 1. 26. The container assembly according to claim 17, substantially as described and described herein.