JP2021532034A - Foldable storage / transportation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The foldable storage and transport unit comprises a base including a cargo area surrounded by edges having four ends and four wall panel support members connected to the edges of the base. Each wall panel support member includes at least a first strut member and a second strut member, and the wall panel support member is rotatable between a folded form and an unfolded form. In the folded form, the wall panel support member lies on the base and the foldable storage / transport unit is in the foldable form. The second strut members in the second given wall panel support member are adjacent to each other. The first foldable storage / transport unit can be stacked on top of the second foldable storage / transport unit. [Selection diagram] FIG. 23.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

This application claims the priority of US Patent Provisional Application No. 62/701966, filed July 23, 2018.

The present invention relates to a storage / transportation unit, more specifically, a foldable storage / transportation unit that can be folded and unfolded.

Shipping containers are revolutionizing domestic and international distribution by dramatically reducing the costs, time and losses associated with the transportation of goods (or cargo). Goods can be stored and transported using various containers. Typically, a container for storing and transporting goods has a cargo base on which the goods to be stored and / or transported are received, and a side structure for storing the goods on the base. Such containers are typically rectangular parallelepiped or cubic in order to allow stacking and / or loading of multiple containers adjacent to each other with no or minimal space between them. ing.

However, depending on the peculiarities of distribution routes, the worldwide use of shipping containers poses environmental and economic problems. For example, if there is an imbalance in the total amount of shipping containers transported between two market destinations, the containers will stay on one end of the distribution line, occupying space that would otherwise be available. Tend to do. In this case, it is usually too expensive to return an empty container to its original market destination over long distances, which is about the same as the cost of quickly shipping a container full of goods. Therefore, a shipping container that can be transported and / or stored empty without occupying an unnecessarily large space is desirable.

In addition, most shipping containers are not configured to adapt to the nature of the cargo to be stored or transported and protect the cargo from the external environment (eg for products that are sensitive to outside air, humidity, outside light, etc.). ) And the cargo cannot be exposed to the external environment (for example, in the case of living things).

Therefore, there is a need for a shipping container that can overcome at least some of the above-mentioned problems or drawbacks.

In a broad sense, the foldable storage and transport unit according to the present invention is: a base including a cargo area surrounded by an edge having four ends: and four wall panel support members connected to the ends of the base. Each wall panel support member includes at least a first strut member and a second strut member, and the wall panel support member is rotatable between a folded form and an unfolded form. The wall panel support member lies on the base and the foldable storage / transport unit is in a foldable form, in which the first strut member and the second place in the first given wall panel support member are in the unfolded form. Second strut members in a given wall panel support member are adjacent to each other and project substantially perpendicular to each corresponding base end; with four additional locking means, each locking means is a first locking. A first locking member is placed on the first strut member in the first wall panel support member, the second locking member is in the second wall panel support member, including a member and a second locking member. Arranged on the second strut member, the first wall panel support member and the second wall panel support member are locked in the deployed form by the physical connection between the first lock member and the second lock member. It is possible; the first foldable storage / transport unit can be stacked on the second foldable storage / transport unit.

In one embodiment, the foldable storage / transport unit further comprises at least one wall panel, the at least one wall panel being connectable between two corresponding strut members in any wall panel support member.

In one embodiment, the first foldable storage / transport unit in either the foldable or unfolded form is on the second foldable storage / transport unit in either the foldable or unfolded form. Can be stacked in.

In one embodiment, the foldable storage / transport unit can be transported in the presence or absence of at least one wall panel.

In one embodiment, the first foldable storage / transport unit and the second foldable storage / transport unit can be stacked on top of each other in the presence or absence of at least one wall panel.

In one embodiment, at least one wall panel can be stacked on another wall panel.

In one embodiment, at least one wall panel can be transported while being stacked on another wall panel.

In one embodiment, each of the four wall panel support members comprises a U-shaped frame.

In one embodiment, at least one wall panel is accommodated within the U-shaped frame.

In one embodiment, each of the four wall panel support members comprises at least one hinge.

In one embodiment, the at least one hinge comprises a slotted hinge.

In one embodiment, the slotted hinges are sized and shaped so that the four wall panel support members can be folded in a random order.

In one embodiment, the first locking member comprises a male connector, the second locking member comprising a female connector having dimensions and shapes that allow the male connector to be accommodated therein.

In one embodiment, the male connector is physically coupled to the female connector socket by a vertical displacement of at least one slotted hinge.

In one embodiment, the male connector includes a hook and the female connector includes a hook receiving socket.

In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings as an example.
It is a perspective view from the top surface, the front surface and the right side of the foldable storage / transport unit according to one embodiment. The foldable storage / transportation unit consists of a base, four wall panel support members, four lock members and four wall panels. It is a perspective view from the top surface, the front surface and the left side of the foldable storage / transport unit in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view from the top surface, the front surface and the right side of the base in the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. 1. It is a top view of the base in the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the base of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. FIG. 3 is a left elevation view of the base of the foldable storage / transport unit in FIG. It is a perspective view from the upper surface, the front surface and the right side of the wall panel support member in the foldable storage transport unit in FIG. 1. It is a front view of the wall panel support member in the foldable storage transport unit in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a left elevation view of a wall panel support member in the foldable storage and transportation unit in FIG. 7. FIG. 1 is an enlarged left elevation view of the wall panel support member in FIG. 1. The illustrated wall panel support member is in a folded form. It is a perspective view from the upper surface, the back surface and the right side of another wall panel support member in the foldable storage / transport unit in FIG. 1. 11 is a front view of another wall panel support member in the foldable storage transport unit in FIG. 11. It is a perspective view from the top surface, the front surface and the right side of the wall panel in the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view from the upper surface, the front surface and the right side of the wall panel connected to the wall panel support member in the foldable storage transport unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface, and right side of a wall panel connected to another wall panel support member of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper surface, front surface, and right side of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. The illustrated foldable storage and transport unit has a first wall panel support member connected to a partially folded wall panel. 16 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface and right side of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. 16. The illustrated foldable storage and transport unit has a first wall panel support member connected to a fully folded wall panel. FIG. 17 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface, and right side of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. The illustrated foldable storage and transport unit has first and second wall panel support members connected to two fully folded corresponding wall panels. FIG. 18 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface, and right side of the foldable storage / transportation unit. The illustrated foldable storage and transport unit was partially folded, also connected to the wall panel, with the first and second wall panel support members connected to two fully folded wall panels. It has a third wall panel support member. 19 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface and right side of the foldable storage / transportation unit in FIG. 19. The illustrated foldable storage and transport unit is connected to four corresponding wall panels and has four wall panel support members in a foldable form because it is fully folded. It is a perspective view from the top surface, the front surface and the right side which shows the state that the two foldable storage / transport units of FIG. 1 are stacked on each other. The two foldable storage / transportation units shown in the figure are in an unfolded form. 21 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface and right side of the two foldable storage / transportation units in FIG. 21. The two foldable storage / transportation units shown in the figure are in a foldable form. 21 is a perspective view from the top surface, front surface and right side of the two foldable storage / transportation units in FIG. 21. The two foldable storage / transportation units shown in the figure are in an unfolded form in which wall panels are not connected.

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, references to the accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. Needless to say, various embodiments can be created without departing from the disclosed technical scope of the present invention.
(the term)

Terms such as "invention" mean "one or more inventions disclosed in this application" unless otherwise stated.

"Aspect", "Embodiment", "Given Embodiment", "Embodiment", "Embodiment (s)", "Embodiment", "Embodiment (s)", "One or more" "Embodiments," "several embodiments," "specific embodiments," "one embodiment," "another embodiment," etc., are "one or more of the disclosed inventions," unless otherwise specified. (Not all) embodiments ”.

Reference to "another embodiment" or "another embodiment" in describing an embodiment is such that the referenced embodiment precedes another embodiment (eg, referenced embodiment) unless otherwise noted. It does not mean that it is mutually exclusive with the described embodiments).

Terms such as "include" and "prepare" and their variants mean "include but are not limited to" unless otherwise specified.

Articles such as "a", "an" and "the" in the English specification mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified. The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless otherwise stated.

The term "here" means "in this application, including those that may be incorporated by reference," unless otherwise stated.

The term "by this" is used herein only if it precedes a phrase or other group of words that represent only the intended result, purpose or ending of something previously explicitly quoted. NS. That is, when the term "by this" is used in a claim, the clause or other word set that the term "by this" qualifies establishes certain further restrictions on the claim, or the meaning or scope of the claim. To limit.

The abbreviation "e.g." means "for example," and does not limit the terms or phrases it describes.

The abbreviation "i.e." means "ie," which limits the terms and phrases that it describes.

The title or abstract of the invention should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosed invention. The names and headings of each section of this application are for convenience and should not be construed as limiting disclosure in any way.

Many embodiments are described in this application and are presented solely for illustrative purposes. The embodiments described are not limiting in any way and are not intended to be limiting. As will be readily apparent from the present disclosure, the inventions currently disclosed are widely applicable to many embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the disclosed invention can be carried out with various changes and modifications, such as structural changes. Specific features of the disclosed invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, but unless otherwise stated, there is one such feature. Or, the application is not limited to a plurality of specific embodiments or drawings.

With all of these in mind, the present invention relates to a foldable storage / transport unit. In one embodiment, the foldable storage / transportation unit is used to store cargo and / or goods. In another embodiment, the foldable storage / transport unit is used to transport and / or transport cargo and / or goods. In the present disclosure, cargo and / or commodities can be stored, transported and / or transported using any type of container, and such containers are, by way of example, transport containers, sea. Examples thereof include containers, freight containers, fleet containers, ISO containers, high cubes or high cube type containers, marine or offshore containers, marine cans or C cans, container vans or boxes (Conex).

1 and 2 disclose a foldable storage / transport unit 100 according to an embodiment. The foldable storage / transportation unit 100 includes a base 102, a pair of wall panel support frames 104a and 104b on the long side, a pair of wall support frames 106a and 106b on the short side, and a long side wall panel support frame 104a, Four frame locking members 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d for locking 104b and short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b in a deployed form, and long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and short wall support frames 106a, 106b. It is equipped with four compatible wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d that can be accepted and attached in the manner described later.

A base 102 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. The base 102 is substantially rectangular, and has a pair of parallel longitudinal side surface portions 300a, 300b and a lower surface 304 extending vertically between the pair of short side parallel longitudinal side surface portions 302a and 302b. It is provided with an opposing upper surface 306 and four corners 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d. Top surface 306 includes cargo area 310 (cargo and / or goods receiving area). The cargo area 310 has a pair of long side peripheral plates 400a and 400b extending along the parallel longitudinal side surfaces 300a and 300b on the long side and parallel longitudinal side surfaces on the short side at its outer edge. It is surrounded by a pair of short side peripheral plates 402a, 402b extending along the portions 302a, 302b. The cargo area 310 may or may not have a plurality of additional crossbars to support cargo loading.

On the lower surface 304 in one embodiment, the base 102 has four substantially rectangular corner legs 312a, 312b, projecting perpendicular (downward) to the base 102, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. It is equipped with 312c and 312d. The corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d are located at the corresponding corners 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d and the base 102 and its cargo are paired with the corresponding long side strip base plates 314a, 314b and they It is configured to be supported by a pair of connected short-side strip base plates 316a, 316b. More specifically, the long side strip base plates 314a, 314b extend along the corresponding long side parallel longitudinal side faces 300a, 300b in the base 102, while the short side strip base plates 316a, 314b. The 316b extends along the corresponding short side parallel longitudinal flanks 302a, 302b in the base 102. Overall, the long-side strip base plates 314a, 314b and the short-side strip base plates 316a, 316b define a substantially rectangular structure with a hollow center centered to the cargo area 310. The base plates 314a, 314b, 316a and 316b can each have a similarly upwardly engraved embossed structure for increased strength and rigidity.

Further, on the lower surface 304 in one embodiment, the base 102 is further provided with four substantially U-shaped central supports 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d, so that the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 for supporting the cargo is provided. Gives structural rigidity to the. More specifically, the U-shaped central supports 318b, 318d extend between the corresponding long-side peripheral plates 400a, 400b and the corresponding long-side strip base plates 314a, 314b, and are U-shaped. The mold center supports 318a, 318c extend between the corresponding short-side peripheral plates 402a, 402b and the corresponding short-side strip base plates 316a, 316b. The U-shaped central supports 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d are centrally located between the corresponding corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d, respectively, and thus the corresponding long side parallel longitudinal flanks 300a. , The lower surface of the base 102 with the lifting openings 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d along the corresponding short sides and the corresponding lifting openings 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d along the parallel longitudinal sides 302a, 302b. As specified above 304.

As those skilled in the art can understand, the U-shaped central supports 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d have lifting openings 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, such as forklifts and jacks. It can be configured in a variety of dimensions, shapes and positions as long as it is maintained for the foldable storage and transport unit 100 to be handled by the lift device. Similarly, the lift openings 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, including dimensions, shape and position, as long as the handling function of the foldable storage and transport unit 100 by the lift device is maintained. It can be configured in various ways.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d and the U-shaped central support 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d are foldable for storage and transportation. When handling the unit 100, it forms the clearance required for the lift device to place the lift fork in any of the lift openings 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d. According to such a configuration, as can be understood by those skilled in the art, the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 can be mounted on either the parallel longitudinal side surface portions 300a or 300b on the long side and parallel on the short side. It can be lifted and handled at either the longitudinal side surface portion 302a or 302b. Alternatively, the foldable storage and transport unit 100 may be configured without corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d so that the base 102 is closer to the ground rather than its lifting position.

On the top surface 306 in one embodiment, the base 102 has four substantially rectangular alignment notch supports 322a, 322b, 322c that project perpendicularly (upward) to the base 102, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. , 322d equipped. The alignment notch supports 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d are located at the corners 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d on the corresponding corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d and the four alignment notches 324a, 324b, It is configured to accommodate both the 324c, 324d and the four slotted hinge members 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, including the corresponding four vertical openings 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d. More specifically, the upper part of each alignment notch support 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d is the corresponding alignment notch 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d, which is a separate foldable storage and transport unit 100. Can be used for stacking on a foldable storage and transport unit 100. Alignment notches 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d can be used to maintain the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b in an upright position, as described below. As will be further described later, on the facing surfaces of the alignment notch supports 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, hinge members 404a with slots along the corresponding long side parallel longitudinal side surfaces 300a, 300b, 404b, 404c, 404d are placed, which can be used to swivel the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b in a perfectly flat form above the base 102.

Further, on the upper surface 306 in one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 102 is a pair of long side base side walls 326a, 326b and a pair extending perpendicularly (upward) to the base 102. The short side base side walls 328c and 328d are further provided. The long side base sidewalls 326a, 326b extend along the corresponding long side parallel longitudinal side surfaces 300a, 300b, with alignment notch supports 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d, and four frame supports. It is equipped with 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d and two L-shaped central supports 412a, 412b. The short side base sidewalls 328a, 328b are the corresponding short side parallel longitudinal side surfaces 302a between the corresponding aligned notch supports 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d on the long side base sidewalls 326a, 326b. , Extends along 302b and comprises four frame supports 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, including four vertical openings 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d. In one embodiment, the frame supports 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d and 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d at the base 102 are each open at the top and have free access to the interior. In an alternative embodiment, the tops of the frame supports 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d and 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d are capped to block this access. Overall, the long side base sidewalls 326a, 326b and the short side base sidewalls 328a, 328b in the base 102, together with the cargo area 310, define an open cavity with an upwardly directed opening. The pair of long-side base sidewalls 326a, 326b shall be configured so that the upwardly extending portion is centrally located to form an additional support for the long-side sidewall panel support frames 104a, 104b. Can be done.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the length L1 of the parallel longitudinal side surface portions 300a and 300b on the long side is larger than the length S1 of the parallel longitudinal side surface portions 302a and 302b on the short side. long. In another embodiment, the length L1 of the parallel longitudinal side surface portions 300a and 300b on the long side is shorter than the length S1 of the parallel longitudinal side surface portions 302a and 302b on the short side. In yet another embodiment, the parallel longitudinal side surfaces 300a, 300b on the long side have a length L1 equal to the length S1 of the parallel longitudinal side surfaces 302a, 302b on the short side, thus the base 102. It is almost a square.

The long side base side walls 326a and 326b of the base 102 in one embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. Since the long side base side walls 326a and 326b are mirror images of each other, only the long side base side wall 326a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the long side base side wall 326b, which is a mirror image of the long side base side wall 326a, has basically the same configuration and is appropriately modified if necessary.

As shown in FIG. 5, the long side base side wall 326a in the base 102 is the total length (length) of the long side parallel longitudinal side surface portion 300a on the upper surface 306 of the base 102 between the corner portions 308b and 308c. It extends along L1). In one embodiment, the long side base side wall 326a is a slot with alignment notch supports 322b, 322c containing alignment notches 324b, 324c on its inner surface facing the cargo area 310 in the cavity of the base 102. It is equipped with hinged members 404b and 404c and an L-shaped central support portion 412a. The alignment notches 324b and 324c are arranged at the corresponding corners 308b and 380c at each end of the long side base side wall 326a and can perform various functions. For example, the alignment notches 324b, 324c in the first foldable storage and transport unit 100 are configured to be accommodated in the corresponding socket (not shown), which socket is the first foldable storage and transport unit. It is located on the bottom of the corner legs 312b, 312c in the second foldable storage and transport unit 100 stacked on top of the 100. Further, the alignment notches 324b and 324c are received in the notch receiving sockets 720a and 720b of the corresponding long side wall panel support frame 104a, for example, the wall panel while the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 is in the unfolded form. The support frame 104a is configured to be maintained in an upright position.

In one embodiment, the alignment notch supports 322b, 322d of the long side base side wall 326a further include slotted hinge members 404b, 404c, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The slotted hinge members 404b, 404c include the corresponding vertical openings 330b and 330c, which expose the openings in opposite directions along the peripheral plate 400a on the long side. More specifically, the vertical openings 330b and 330c in the slotted hinge members 404b and 404c are elongated, respectively, and are vertical (long side base) along the facing surfaces of the alignment notch support portions 322b and 322c, respectively. It extends parallel to the side wall 326a). With this configuration, the slotted hinge members 404b, 404c in the base 102 are swiveled with respect to the base 102 while guiding the wall panel 110a with cylindrical guide pins 1000a, 1000b, and the slot of the corresponding long side wall panel support frame 104a. It can be connected to the hinged members 800a and 800b. This will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base side wall 326a on the long side is the cargo area 310 in the cavity of the base 102 because the wall panel 110a is supported in an upright position while the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 is in the deployed form. The wall frame support portions 406b and 406c are provided on the inner surface facing the wall frame. In one embodiment, the wall frame support portions 406b and 406c define a substantially U-shaped form, and the recesses thereof face the base side wall 326a on the long side and come into contact with the peripheral plates 400a on the long side to the base 102. On the other hand, it protrudes in a substantially vertical direction (upward). Further, the frame supports 406b and 406c are adjacent to the corresponding alignment notch supports 322b and 322c in the base 102 on the side of the vertical openings 330b and 330c in the slotted hinge members 404b and 404c.

In another embodiment, the L-shaped central support portion 412a defines an inverted L-shaped form, the vertical protrusion of which protrudes substantially vertically (upward) from the peripheral plate 400a on the long side, and the horizontal connection protrusion thereof. It protrudes horizontally and connects to the base side wall 326a on the long side. The L-shaped central support portion 412a is arranged directly above the U-shaped central support portion 318b and in the center of the base side wall 326a on the long side. Alternatively, the L-shaped central support 412a can extend across the long side base side wall 326a.

The short side base side walls 328a and 328b of the base 102 in one embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. Since the short side base side walls 328a and 328b are mirror images of each other, only the short side base side wall 328a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the short side base side wall 328b, which is a mirror image of the short side base side wall 328a, has basically the same configuration and is appropriately modified if necessary.

As shown in FIG. 6, the short side base side wall 328a in the base 102 is located between the corner portions 308a and 308b along the length S2 of the short side parallel longitudinal side 302a on the upper surface 306 of the base 102. Is extended. In one embodiment, the short side base side wall 328a comprises frame supports 408a, 408b on the inner surface facing the cargo area 310 in the cavity of the base 102. Regarding the long side base side wall 326a, the frame supports 408a and 408b of the short side base side wall 328a define a substantially U-shaped structure, and their concave portions are in face-to-face contact with the short side base side wall 328a and are on the short side side. It projects substantially vertically (upward) from the peripheral plate 402a of the base 102. The frame supports 408a and 408b located at each end of the short side base side wall 328a are adjacent to the alignment notch supports 322a and 322b of the corresponding long side base side walls 326a and 326b. More specifically, the frame supports 408a and 408b are arranged substantially perpendicular to the alignment notch 322a of the corresponding long side base side wall 326b and the alignment notch 322b of the corresponding long side base side wall 326a. ..

In another embodiment, when the foldable storage / transport unit 100 is foldable, the short side base side wall 328a of the frame supports 408a, 408b is a hinge member 410a with a slot, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. , 410b is further provided. The slotted hinge members 410a, 410b include the corresponding vertical openings 332a and 332b, which expose those openings in opposite directions along the peripheral plate 402a on the short side. More specifically, the vertical openings 332a and 332b in the slotted hinge members 410a and 410b are elongated and vertical (parallel to the short side base side wall 328a) along the facing surfaces of the frame supports 408a and 408b, respectively. ). With this configuration, the slotted hinge members 410a, 410b in the base 102 are swiveled with respect to the base 102 while guiding the wall panel 110d with a cylindrical pin (not shown) to accommodate the corresponding short side wall panel support frame 106a. It can be connected to hinge members 1200a and 1200b with slots. This will be described later.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the frame in the frame support portions 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d, the L-shaped central support portions 412a, 412b in the long side base side walls 326a, 326b, and the short side base side walls 328a, 328b. The supports 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d place the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short wall support frames 106a, 106b in an upright position (eg, while the foldable storage and transport unit 100 is in the unfolded form). It is configured to support. Further, the frame support portions 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d, 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d and the L-shaped central support portion 412a, 412b in the first foldable storage / transportation unit 100 in the deployed form are the first. It is configured to support the weight of a second foldable storage / transport unit 100 stacked on top of the foldable storage / transport unit 100.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the present disclosure, the long side base sidewalls 326a, 326b (including all structures and functions described herein) are generally the short side base sidewalls 328a. , 328b (including all structures and functions described herein) can be replaced to form the base 102.

The long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b in one embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. Since the long side wall panel frames 104a and 104b are mirror images of each other, only the long side wall panel frame 104a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the long side wall panel support frame 104b, which is a mirror image of the long side wall panel support frame 104a, has basically the same configuration and is appropriately modified if necessary. ..

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the long side wall panel support frame 104a defines a substantially U-shaped frame 700. The frame 700 has a first inner surface 900 that faces the cargo area 302 when the wall panel support frame 104a is properly attached to the base 102 and the second outer surface, and a second that is located opposite the inner surface 900. Has an outer surface 902 of. The long side wall panel support frame 104a includes a horizontal cross member 702 having first and second ends 704a, 704b, with corresponding first and second strut members 706a, 706b at approximately right angles to these ends. By projecting vertically), a substantially U-shaped frame 700 is defined with an open central portion (inside the U-shape).

The strut members 706, 706b in a given embodiment define a substantially rectangular form including a pair of inner portions 710a, 710b and a pair of outer portions 708a, 708b extending vertically between them. Here, the outer portions 708a, 708b and the inner portions 710a, 710b are connected to the horizontal elements 712a, 712b at the center, and are connected to the upper portions 714a, 714b facing the cross member 702 at the most distal portion. The outer portions 780a, 708b, inner portions 710a, 710b, horizontal elements 712a, 712b and upper portions 714a, 714b are, as a whole, four on the outer surface 902 of the long side wall panel support frame 104a in the corresponding portion of the cross member 702. Specify embossed 716.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tips 704a and 704b of the horizontal cross member 702 correspond to the corresponding first and second hinge receiving elements 718a, so as to be in contact with the outer portions 708a and 708b of the support members 706a and 706b, respectively. A 718b is arranged, and the corresponding first and second slotted hinge members 800a and 800b are fixed to these hinge receiving elements. In one embodiment, the slotted hinge members 800a, 800b are the first horizontal segment 802 connected to the horizontal cross member 702 in the support of the long side wall panel support frame 104a, and the corresponding horizontal cross member 702, respectively. It defines a substantially L-shaped morphology with a second vertical segment 804 protruding parallel (downward) from the ends 704a, 704b. As shown in FIG. 10, each vertical segment 804 in the slotted hinge members 800a, 800b is for receiving a cylindrical guide pin 1000a, 1000b (showing only the guide pin 1000b) at its most distal free end, respectively. A perforated portion is provided. The slotted hinge member 800a in the long side wall panel support frame 104a is configured to engage the slotted hinge member 404b of the corresponding long side base sidewall 326a, while the slotted hinge member in the long side wall panel support frame 104a. The hinge member 800b is configured to engage the slotted hinge member 404c of the corresponding long side base sidewall 326a. The slotted hinge members 800a, 800b and 404b, 404c are cylinders that pass through the perforations of the vertical segment 804 in the slotted hinge members 800a, 800b to reach the vertical openings 330b of the slotted hinge members 404b, 404c in the base 102. It is connected so that it can turn with the support of guide pins 1000a and 1000b. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, this configuration allows the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b to be hinged to the base 102 in a swingable manner.

As in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, to assist in maintaining the long side wall panel support frame 104a on the base 102 in an upright position (while the foldable storage / transport unit is in the unfolded form). A pair of notch receiving sockets 720a, 720b are provided on the bottom surface of each outer portion 708a, 708b of the corresponding long side wall panel support frame 104a, and are arranged adjacent to the corresponding hinge receiving elements 718a, 718b. The notch receiving sockets 720a, 720b have corresponding rectangular openings 806a, 806b facing longitudinally with respect to the outer portions 708a, 708b of the long side wall panel support frame 104a. The rectangular openings 806a, 806b in the notch receiving sockets 720a, 720b are configured to accommodate the corresponding base 102 alignment notches 324b, 324c. More specifically, the hinge receiving elements 718a, 718b have an upright long side wall panel support frame 104a (eg, in an unfolded form) pointing downwards towards the base 102 due to the action of the slotted hinge members 800a, 800b and 404b, 404c. Aligning the long side base side wall 326a while moving Aligning the long side base side wall 326a so that the notch 324b, 324c is accommodated in the rectangular openings 806a, 806b of the corresponding notch receiving sockets 720a, 720b. It provides the proper offset required by the notch supports 322b, 322c.

The four frame locking elements 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d are on the corresponding base 102 corners 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d on the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, By locking both the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b provided on the 106b, the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 is also configured to be locked in an unfolded form. .. The locking elements 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d are the lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d of the corresponding long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the hook receiving sockets 1112a of the corresponding short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. , 1112b, 1112c, 1112d (for clarity, only lock hooks 722b, 722c and hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b are shown).

For the long side wall panel support frame 104a, the locking elements 108b, 108c include the corresponding lock hooks 722b, 722c, which are distal to the horizontal cross member 702 on the corresponding strut members 706a, 706b. It is placed on the inner surface 900 of the free end. The lock hooks 722b and 722c are abbreviated as having a first horizontal segment 904 connected to the inner surface 900 of the support members 706a and 706b, and a vertical segment 906 protruding parallel (upward) toward the upper surface portions 714a and 714b, respectively. Defines an L-shaped form. Each free end of the vertical segment 906 includes an end 908 angled away from the strut members 706a, 706b. As will be described later, in the lock hooks 722b and 722c in the long side wall panel support frame 104a, the upright short wall support frames 106a and 106b are directed downward toward the base 102 by the action of the hinge members 400b, 400c and 800a and 800b with slots. During movement, the upright short wall support frames 106a, 106b are configured to engage the corresponding hook receiving sockets 1112b, 1112c. In this configuration, the end 908 is the lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d on the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b, 1112c, 1112d on the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. It facilitates the physical connection between and.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the long side wall panel support frame 104a includes rectangular cut holes 724a, 724b along the outer portions 708a, 708b of the corresponding strut members 706a, 706b. The rectangular cutting holes 724a and 724b arranged in the outer surface portion 902 of the long side wall panel support frame 104a correspond to the lock hooks 722a, 722d, arranged in the inner surface portion 900 of the long side wall panel support frame 104b (shown in the figure). Is configured to accept. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the rectangular cutting holes 724a and 724b are the lengths of the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 in the foldable form with respect to the lock hooks 722a and 722d in the long side wall panel support frame 104b. The side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b are in a positional relationship that allows them to be folded into a completely flat form without inclination. As those skilled in the art can understand, this configuration allows another foldable storage / transport unit 100 to be stably stacked on top of the foldable foldable storage / transport unit 100.

In one embodiment, the inner edge of the open central portion of the U-shaped frame 700 has nine wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b, 726c, 726d, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h, 726i, as shown in FIG. Be prepared. The wall panel receiving holes 726a and 726b are arranged on the horizontal cross member 702 (and thus upward) and adjacent to the inner portions 710a and 710b of the corresponding strut members 706a and 706b, respectively, and the wall of the corresponding wall panel 110a. It is configured to accept panel pins 1316a and 1316b. In a sway, the wall panel receiving hole 726i is also placed on the horizontal cross member 702 (upward) to accommodate the wall panel pin 1316i of the corresponding wall panel 110a. The wall panel receiving holes 726c, 726d, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h are adjacent to the upper portions 714a, 714b of the strut members 706a, 706b and the strut members 706a, 706b, respectively, and on the corresponding inner portions 710a, 710b ( It is arranged (horizontally) and adapted to accept the wall panel pins 1316c, 1316d, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h of the corresponding wall panel 110a. As will be described later, in the wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b, 726c, 726d, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h, 726i, the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are attached to the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b. It is configured to be fixed.

In one embodiment, a pair of alignment notches 728a, 728b of a long side wall panel support frame 104a for stacking a foldable storage / transport unit 100 onto another foldable storage / transport unit 100 in an unfolded form. Further provided are upper surface portions 714a, 714b of the strut members 706a, 706b (all of the four alignment notches 728a, 728b, 728c, 728d are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The alignment notches 728a and 728b in the long side wall panel support frame 104a are aligned along the corresponding outer portions 708a and 708b, respectively, and project in the direction away from the column members 706a and 706b (upward). In connection with the alignment notches 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d at the base 102, the alignment notches 728a, 728b, 728c, 728d at the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b should accept the corresponding sockets (not shown). These sockets are located on the bottom of the corresponding corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d in another foldable storage and transport unit 100.

The short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b in one embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. Since the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b are mirror images of each other, only the short side wall panel support frame 106a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the short side wall panel support frame 106b, which is a mirror image of the short side wall panel support frame 106a, has basically the same configuration and is appropriately modified if necessary. ..

In one embodiment, the short side wall panel support frame 106a is directed to the cargo area 302 when the short side wall panel support frame 106a is properly attached to the base 102, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. It defines a substantially U-shaped form 1100 having a first inner surface 1102 and a second outer surface 1104 facing each other. The short side wall panel support frame 106a comprises a horizontal cross member 1106 having first and second ends 1108a, 1108b, from which the corresponding first and second strut members 1110a, 1110b are substantially vertical (vertical). It projects in the direction) and defines the U-shaped form of the substantially U-shaped frame 1100 and the open central portion (inside the U-shape). Each of the column members 1110a and 1110b is substantially U-shaped, and its concave surface faces the cargo area 310 in the cavity in the base 102. In one embodiment, the strut members 1110a, 1110b in the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b are narrower than the strut members 706a, 706b in the corresponding long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b. Alternatively, the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b can generally be wider than the corresponding strut members 706a, 706b of the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, corresponding first and second slotted hinge members 1200a and 1200b are attached to the respective ends 1108a and 1108b of the horizontal cross member 1106.
In one embodiment, the slotted hinge members 1200a, 1200b define a substantially Z-shaped form, with a first horizontal segment 1202 and a horizontal segment connected to the horizontal cross member 1106 of the short side wall support frame 106a. What are the second vertical segment 1204 protruding vertically (upward) along the corresponding strut members 1110a and 1110b from the first end of 1202a and the corresponding strut members 1110a and 1110b from the second end of the horizontal segment 1202a? It has a third vertical segment 1206 that projects vertically (downward) in the opposite direction. Each vertical segment 1206 of the slotted hinge members 1200a and 1200b is perforated at its most distal free end to accommodate a guide cylindrical pin (not shown). The slotted hinge member 1200a in the short side wall panel support frame 106a is configured to engage the slot hinged member 410a of the corresponding short side base sidewall 328a, while the slotted hinge member in the short side wall panel support frame 106a. The hinge member 1200b is configured to engage the slotted hinge member 410b of the corresponding short side base sidewall 328a. The slotted hinge members 1200a, 1200b and 410a, 410b are slewably connected with the support of a guide cylindrical pin (not shown), which is the hole in each of the vertical segments 1206 in the slotted hinge members 1200a, 1200b. It is arranged to reach the vertical openings 332a and 332b in the hinge members 410a and 410b with slots. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this configuration allows the short side wall panel support frame frames 106a, 106b to be swivelably and pivotally connectable to the base 102.

Short side wall support to maintain the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b in an upright position (eg, while the foldable storage / transport unit is in the unfolded form) on the base 102 with the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b. The frames 106a and 106b are provided with a pair of hook receiving sockets 1112a and 1112b on the outer surface 1104 of the support column members 1110a and 1110b, respectively, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 9. The hook receiving sockets 1112a and 1112b are the upright long side wall panel support frames while the upright short side wall support frame 106a moves downward toward the base 102 by the action of the slotted hinge members 410a, 410b and 1200a, 1200b. It is configured to accept the corresponding lock hook 904a in 104a and the corresponding lock hook (not shown) in the upright long side wall panel support frame 104b. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the angled ends 910a, 910b in each of the vertical segments 908a, 908b are the lock hooks 904a, 904b in the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b, and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, It facilitates the physical connection between the hook receiving sockets 1112a and 1112b in 106b.

As described above for the long side wall panel support frame 104a, the frame lock elements 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d are the long side wall panel support frame 104a, so that the foldable storage / transport unit 100 is locked in the unfolded form. Lock both 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b. In addition, the frame lock elements 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d maintain the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b in an upright position.

For the short side wall panel support frame 106a, the locking elements 108b, 108c are provided with the corresponding hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b, which sockets are the most distal to the horizontal cross member 1106 in the corresponding strut members 1110a, 1110b. It is placed on the inner surface 1102 of the free end of the. The hook receiving sockets 1112a and 1112b in the short side wall panel support frame 106a define substantially U-shaped openings 1208a and 1208b that are opened toward the horizontal cross member 1106 along the support columns 1110a and 1110b. The opening is configured to accommodate the corresponding lock hooks 722a, 722b in the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b.

In one embodiment, the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b are provided with hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b, 1112c, 1112d, and the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b are provided with lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d. Alternatively, the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b are equipped with lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d, and the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b are equipped with hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b, 1112c, 1112d. You can also do it. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, any type of locking mechanism can be used as long as the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b can be locked by the deployed short side wall support frames 106a and 106b. ..

The open central inner edge of the U-shaped frame 1100 comprises a series of nine wall panel receiving holes 1114a, 1114b, 1114c, 1114d, 1114e, 1114f, 1114g, 1114h, 1114i, as in the embodiment of FIG. .. The wall panel receiving holes 1114a, 1114b are located adjacent to the corresponding strut members 1112a, 1112b on the horizontal cross member 1106 (and thus upward) and are configured to accept the corresponding wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b in the wall panel 110a. NS. The wall panel receiving hole 1114i is also similarly arranged on the horizontal cross member 1106 (and thus upward) to accommodate the corresponding wall panel pin 1316i in the wall panel 110a. The wall panel receiving holes 726c, 726d, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h are located adjacent to the corresponding strut members 1112a, 1112b and along the corresponding strut members 1110a, 1110b (and thus horizontally). The 110a is configured to accept the corresponding wall panel pins 1316c, 1316d, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h. As will be described later, in the wall panel receiving holes 1114a, 1114b, 1114c, 1114d, 1114e, 1114f, 1114g, 1114h, 1114i, the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are attached to the shorter side wall support frames 106a, 106b. It is to be fixed.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the present disclosure, the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b (including all structures and functions described herein) are the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b (the present. Can be exchanged for (including all structures and functions described herein). Various configurations can be used for the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b or the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b, for example, an inverted U-shaped frame (the free end of the strut member is a cross member). (Frames directed towards) and square frames (square frames with an acceptable hollow center for wall panels) are included.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the disclosed hinge members with slots first fold the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b in a random order, and then the long side wall panel support frames 104a, in a random order. Although 104b can be folded, all disclosed hinged members with slots are either short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b and long side wall panel support frames in any random order on the base 102. The dimensions and shape can be determined so that either 104a or 104b can be folded. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, as long as the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b are randomly or non-randomly swiveled to allow the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 to be folded. ， Any type of hinge can be used, including hinges with slots and hinge members with L-shaped slots.

Further, although two slotted hinges are described for each long side wall panel support frame 104a, 104b and each short side wall panel support frame 106a, 106b, any number of slotted hinges can be used. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, slotted hinges can be attached or secured to the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b, short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b and base 102 in a variety of ways. ， This includes, but is not limited to, riveting, screwing and welding.

Next, the four wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. The wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are located between the corresponding strut members 706a, 706b in the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the corresponding strut members 1110a, 1110b in the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. Since it is connected and fixed interchangeably in the above, only the wall panel 110a110a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the other three wall panels 110b, 110c, and 110d have the same configuration with appropriate modifications if necessary.

The wall panel 110a in a given embodiment defines a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 13, and a pair of parallel lengths extending vertically between a pair of parallel short side side surfaces 1302a, 1302b. It is provided with side side surface portions 1300a, 1300b, an inner surface portion 1304, an opposite outer surface portion 1306, and four corner portions 1308a, 1308b, 1308c, 1308d. Five corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e defining six embossed 1312a, 1312b, 1312c, 1312d, 1310e, 1310f are also included in the outer surface portion 1306 of the wall panel 110a to add structural rigidity. There is. The five corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e in the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are designed with different patterns or configurations to meet different shapes of cargo loads and client requirements and needs. Can be changed. For example, the current design of wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d has a mesh pattern of multiple members that overlap or intersect to form a grid or cage, with a back panel that exposes the cargo inside. It is possible to switch to a configuration or a configuration without the configuration. Similarly, these members may or may not have the same orientation and dimensions as each other. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d with such modifications are wall panel support frames 104a, 104b, in the same manner as the wall panels initially described. It can be attached to 106a and 106b. In addition, wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d with such modifications, if required by the client, may include inward extensions or jigs that extend into the cargo area. The inward extension may include a rack system used to carry certain cargoes that may have a regular or irregular shape with respect to the cargo area. The corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e extend parallel to the parallel side surface portions 1302a, 1302b on the short side side between the parallel side surface portions 1300a and 1300b on the long side, and their concave surfaces are the base. It has a substantially U-shape facing the cargo area 310 in the cavity of 102. The parallel side surface portions 1302a, 1302b on the short side and the five corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e are configured to overlap the front and rear surfaces of the pair of parallel side surface portions 1300a, 1300b on the long side. The configuration can be such that they do not overlap.
Further, the outer surface portion 1308 is provided with a pair of horizontal cross members 1314a and 1314b extending between the corresponding corrugated members 1310a and 1310b and 1310d and 1310e. A pair of such flat horizontal cross members 1314a and 1314b are located higher along the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d and are configured to have an inward bend to form a handle. be able to.

In the illustrated embodiment, the corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e are equidistant from each other. The corrugated members 1310a and 1310e are equidistant from the corresponding short side parallel side surface portions 1302a and 1302b, and the distance is the distance between the corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d and 1310e. It's different. Alternatively, the interstitial spacing of the corrugated members 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, 1310e, and the spacing of the corrugated members 1312a, 1312e and the corresponding shorter side parallel sides 1302a, 1302b are equal or different. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 13, the wall panel 110a comprises a series of nine wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b, 1316c, 1316d, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h, 1316i on its outer periphery, and these wall panel pins have corresponding lengths. Wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b, 726c, 726d, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h, 726i and corresponding short side wall supporting frames 106a, 106b wall panel receiving holes 114a, 1114b , 1114c, 1114d, 1114e, 1114f, 1114g, 1114h, 1114i. Placed at the corners 1308c, 1308d of the wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b and the corresponding wall panel 110a, project vertically (downward) from the corresponding longer side parallel side surface 1300b and the corresponding long side wall panel support frame. It is configured to engage the wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b of 104a, 104b and the wall panel receiving holes 1114a, 1114b of the corresponding short side wall support frames 106a, 106b. In addition, the wall panel pins 1316i are arranged so as to project vertically (downward) from the corresponding long side parallel side surface portions 1300b between the wall panel pins 1316a and 1316b of the wall panel 110a to support the corresponding long side wall panel. It is configured to be engageable with the wall panel receiving holes 726i of 104a and 104b and the wall panel receiving holes 1114i of the corresponding short side wall support frames 106a and 106b. The wall panel pins 1316c and 1316d are arranged at the corresponding corners 1308a and 1308b and project vertically (sideways) from the longitudinal side surfaces 1302a and 1302b on the short side, and the walls of the corresponding long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b. It is configured to engage the wall panel receiving holes 1114c, 1114d of the panel receiving holes 726c, 726d and the corresponding short side wall support frames 106a, 106b. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b, 1316c, 1316d, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h, 1316i have wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d as long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and It is configured to be attached to the short side wall support frames 106a and 106b. Similarly, the wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h, 1316i should be arranged in different numbers as needed along the members 1300b, 1302a, 1302b of the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d. Can be done. The pins 1316a, 1316b, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h, 1316i on the wall panel can be changed from a circular cross section to a rectangular tapered cross section.

In order to be able to be fixed to the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the shorter side wall support frames 106a, 106b, the wall panel 110a is a pair of spring loaded fixed handles 1318a as in the embodiment of FIG. , 1318b, which are accessible from the outer surface 1306 and are located at the corresponding corners 1308a, 1308b. The spring-loaded fixed handles 1318a and 1318b each define a substantially L-shaped form, with the corresponding wall panel pins 1316c, 1316d providing the first horizontal segment 1320 at the most distal free end and the handle. Includes a second vertical segment 1322 provided with a portion. The horizontal segment 1320 is substantially parallel to the parallel side surface 1300a on the long side and is predetermined by passing through the housing bracket 1324 and the corresponding holes in the longitudinal side surfaces 1302a, 1302b on the short side. Maintained in position. The spring-loaded fixed handles 1318a, 1318b can be replaced with a spring-free, similarly shaped mechanism, if desired.

In one embodiment, the horizontal segment 1320 includes a coil spring 1326 disposed between the housing bracket 1324 and the corresponding longitudinal flanks 1302a, 1302b on the short side. In the dormant state, the coil spring 1326 is a spring-loaded fixed handle 1318a, so that the corresponding wall panel pins 1316c, 1316d project vertically (sideways) from the corresponding short side parallel side surfaces 1302a, 1302b. Bias the 1318b. Therefore, a force opposite to the force of the coil spring 1326 (for example, when using the handle of the vertical segment 1322) acts on the spring-loaded fixed handles 1318a and 1318 to cause the wall panel pins 1316c and 1316d to be pressed against the wall panel 110a. It can be retracted into the longitudinal side surface portions 1302a and 1302b on the short side inside. In another embodiment, while the spring-loaded fixed handles 1318a, 1318b are dormant, the vertical segment 1322 is secured in place within the emboss by a clip 1328 located on the outer surface portion 1306 of the wall panel 110a. The embossing is formed by corrugated members 1310a and 1310e and parallel side surface portions 1302a and 1302b on the short side. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, wall panel pins 1316c, 1316d are configured to secure wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d to long side wall panel support frames 04a, 104b and short side wall support frames 106a, 106b. Has been done.

In order to attach and fix the wall panel 110a, first, the wall panel pins 1316c and 1316d of the spring-loaded fixed handles 1318a and 1318b are retracted into the longitudinal side surface portions 1302a and 1302b on the short side. Then, the wall panel 110a moves downward toward the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b or the short side wall support frames 106a, 106b, and is aligned with the center of the U-shaped frame 700, 1110. Therefore, the wall panel pins 1316a, 1316b, 1316e, 1316f, 1316g, 1316h, 1316i have the corresponding wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h, 726i or the corresponding wall panel receiving holes 11114a, 1114b, 1114e. , 1114f, 1114g, 1114h, 1114i are engaged to attach the wall panel 110a to the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b or the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b, respectively.
When in place, the panel pins 1316c, 1316d move out of their retracted position under the action of coil springs 1326 and the corresponding wall panel receiving holes 726c, 726d or short side walls in the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b. The panel support frames 106a, 106b engage the corresponding wall panel receiving holes 1114c, 1114d, thereby fixing the wall panel 110a. For upset, wall panel receiving holes 726a, 726b, 726e, 726f, 726g, 726h, 726i, 1114a, 1114b, 1114e, 1114f, 1114g, 1114h, 1114i, long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b, if necessary. Can be placed at slightly different positions as shown along the members 702, 710a, 710b and the members 1110a, 1110b, 1106 of the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. The circular shape of the wall panel receiving hole can also be changed to a slot shape for receiving wall panel pins with a rectangular taper. The slot shape can extend to the front of the wall panel support frames 104a, 104b, 106a, 106b.

As one of ordinary skill in the art can understand, any type of wall panel pin and wall panel receiving hole can be used, including the wall panel receiving hole arranged on the wall panel and the wall panel pin arranged on the support frame. included. Various types of spring loaded fixing pins can also be used, including removable fixing pins and fixing pins that swing at least one element to secure the wall panel support frame.

All wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are attached to the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b as shown in FIG. 14, and further to the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b as shown in FIG. On the other hand, it can be connected and fixed interchangeably. In other embodiments, at least one of the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d is for at least one of the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. It can be connected and fixed interchangeably. In yet another embodiment, all remaining wall panels are the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frame 106a, except for at least one interchangeably connectable and secure wall panel. Permanently fixed to 106b. In yet another embodiment, the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are interchangeably connected to both the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. -The configuration cannot be fixed. That is, the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d are all permanently fixed to the foldable storage / transportation unit 100. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d can be stacked on top of each other and can be transported independently of the storage / transport unit 100.

Next, the folding and unfolding procedure of the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 to 20.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 first folds one of the short wall panel support frames 106a and 106b on the base 102, and then folds the long wall panel support frames 104a and 104b. It can be folded by folding any one of them onto the short wall panel support frames 106a, 106b. Since the folding procedure of each short side wall panel support frame 106a and 106b is the same, only the folding of the short side wall panel support frame 106a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the same explanation applies to the short wall panel support frame 106b, with appropriate modifications, if applicable. In general, the procedure for deploying the foldable storage / transportation unit 100 is performed in the reverse procedure to the above, after making appropriate modifications if applicable.

Since the short side wall panel support frame 106a is folded from the upright position on the base 102, the short side wall panel support frame 106a is displaced to the vertical openings 332a and 332b of the slotted hinge members 410a and 410b as in one embodiment. The corresponding displacement pulls it away from the base 102 (upward). As a result, due to the displacement covered by the short side wall panel support frame 106a, the hook receiving sockets 1112a, 1112b are replaced with the corresponding lock hook 722b of the long side wall panel support frame 104a and the corresponding lock hook 722a of the long side wall panel support frame 104b. The clearance required to remove from is provided. Next, from this upward position, the short wall panel support frame 106a is attached to the slotted hinge members 410a, 410b of the base 102, the slotted hinge members 1200a, 1200b of the short wall panel support frame 106a, and the guide cylindrical pin (not shown). Under combined action, it can be swiveled relative to the base 102 and folded onto the cargo area 310.

In other embodiments, the folding procedure of the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b is the same, so only the folding procedure of the long side wall panel support frame 104a will be described. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the same explanation applies to the long side wall panel support frame 104b, if applicable, with appropriate modifications.

In order to fold the long side wall panel support frame 104a from the upright position on the base 102, the long side wall panel support frame 104a is displaced to the vertical openings 332b, 332c of the slotted hinge members 404b, 404c as in one embodiment. The corresponding displacement pulls it away from the base 102 (upward). As a result, the displacement covered by the long side wall panel support frame 104a provides the clearance required to remove the notch receiving sockets 720a, 720 from the corresponding alignment notches 324b, 324 of the base 102. Next, from this upward position, the long side wall panel support frame 104a is mounted on the base 102 slotted hinge members 404b, 404c, the long side wall panel support frame 104a slotted hinge members 800a, 800b, and the guide cylindrical pins 1000a, 1000b. It can be swiveled with respect to the base 102 and folded onto either one of the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b. In the folded state, the lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d of the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b that were first folded are due to the offset of the short wall panel support frames 106a, 106b and the short side base side walls 328a, 328b. The generated, accepted in the corresponding free space, on the other hand, the lock hooks 722a, 722b, 722c, 722d of the second folded frame long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b are the first folded long sides. It is accepted in the rectangular cutting holes 724a and 724b of the wall panel support frames 104a and 104b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the folding form of the foldable storage / transport unit 100 is completely flat, and the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b, the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b, and the wall panel 110b. , 110c, 110d are approximately parallel to the base 102. Alternatively, the foldable storage / transport unit 100 is fully populated with the long side wall panel support frames 104a, 104b and the short side wall panel support frames 106a, 106b, as long as the foldable storage / transport units 100 can be stacked on top of each other. It can be configured to be folded at a certain angle with respect to the base 102 without being folded flat. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the short side wall panel support frames 106a and 106b are first folded, and then the long side wall panel support frames 104a and 104b are folded to fold the entire foldable storage / transportation unit 100. NS.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The stacking of these foldable storage / transport units 100 will be described assuming that at least one of the two foldable storage / transport units 100 is in the foldable form and / or the unfolded form. In one embodiment, the first foldable storage / transport unit 2100 is a second foldable storage / transport unit while the first and second foldable storage / transport units 2100, 2102 are in the deployed configuration shown in FIG. -Can be stacked on the transport unit 2102. In this case, the alignment notches 728a, 728b, 728c, 728d in the foldable storage / transport unit 2102 engage with the corresponding sockets (not shown) to assist in the alignment of the foldable storage / transport unit 2100. These sockets are located on the bottom of the corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d in the foldable storage and transport unit 2100 to prevent their lateral movement.

In another embodiment, the first foldable storage and transport unit 2200 is the first and second foldable storage and transport unit 2200, 2202 while both are in the foldable form as shown in FIG. Can be stacked on 2 foldable storage / transport units 2202. In this case, the alignment notches 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d in the foldable storage and transport unit 2202 assist in the alignment of the foldable storage and transport unit 2200 by engaging with the corresponding sockets (not shown). These sockets are located on the bottom of the corresponding corner legs 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d in the foldable storage and transport unit 2200 to prevent their lateral movement. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the foldable storage and transport unit in the foldable form can be used in the same manner as a conventional crate pallet, thus exposing goods and / or cargo to the external environment.

In another embodiment, the first foldable storage and transport unit 100 has a second foldable storage and transport unit 100 while either the first and second foldable storage and transport unit 100 is in the foldable and / or unfolded form. Can be stacked on a foldable storage and transport unit 100. In this embodiment, the first and second foldable storage and transport units are stacked on top of each other with at least one wall panel 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d attached to any one of them. be able to. Alternatively, the first and second foldable storage and transport units 100 are neither fitted with wall panels 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d to facilitate access to the cargo, and thus the goods and / or It is configured to expose the cargo to the external environment.
This final configuration is, for example, when it is not desirable to store and / or transport cargo (eg, plants, animals, livestock, etc.) in a closed space, or when it is desirable to reduce the weight of the foldable storage / transportation unit 100. It is useful.

In yet another embodiment, the base 102 only (not including other elements of the foldable storage / transport unit) or any alternative cover / cap element can be stacked on top of the foldable storage / transport unit with the top plate. can do.

This embodiment shows the stacking of two foldable storage / transportation units 100, and as can be understood by those skilled in the art, any number of foldable storage / transportation units 100 can be folded and unfolded, respectively. Any form can be stacked on top of each other.

As can be understood by those skilled in the art, the foldable storage and transport unit 100, including all its elements, can be any suitable from steel or any suitable metal alloy or polymer material (eg plastic material). It can be manufactured by various manufacturing techniques, including, but not limited to, forming, shaping, joining and welding of metal sheets.

The above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment currently assumed by the present inventors, but as can be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is described in the present specification in a broad sense thereof. It also includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the described elements.
(Additional note)

Appendix 1:
The foldable storage / transportation unit is:
With a base that includes a cargo area surrounded by an edge with four ends:
It comprises four wall panel support members connected to the ends of the base, each wall panel support member including at least a first strut member and a second strut member, and the wall panel support member is folded and unfolded. It is swivelable to and from the form, in which the wall panel support member lies on the base and the foldable storage / transport unit is in the foldable form, and in the unfolded form the first given wall. The first strut member in the panel support member and the second strut member in the second given wall panel support member are adjacent to each other and project substantially perpendicular to each corresponding end of the base;
-Four locking means are further provided, each locking means includes a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being placed on the first strut member in the first wall panel support member. The second locking member is placed on the second strut member in the second wall panel support member, and the first is due to the physical coupling between the first locking member and the second locking member. The wall panel support member and the second wall panel support member can be locked in the unfolded form;
The first foldable storage / transport unit can be stacked on the second foldable storage / transport unit.

Appendix 2:
The foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 1 further comprises at least one wall panel, the at least one wall panel being connectable between two corresponding strut members in any wall panel support member.

Appendix 3:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 1 or 2, the first foldable storage / transport unit in either the foldable form or the unfolded form is the second foldable type in either the foldable form or the unfolded form. Can be stacked on a storage / transportation unit.

Appendix 4:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 2, the foldable storage / transport unit can be transported in the presence or absence of at least one wall panel.

Appendix 5:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 2, the foldable storage / transport unit can be transported in the presence or absence of at least one wall panel.

Appendix 6:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2, 4 and 5, at least one wall panel can be stacked on another wall panel.

Appendix 7:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of Supplementary note 2 and 4 to 6, at least one wall panel can be transported in a state of being stacked on another wall panel.

Appendix 8:
In the foldable storage / transportation unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, each of the four wall panel support members includes a U-shaped frame.

Appendix 9:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to any of Appendix 2 and 4-7, at least one wall panel is accommodated within the U-shaped frame.

Appendix 10:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to any of Appendix 1-9, each of the four wall panel support members comprises at least one hinge.

Appendix 11:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 10, at least one hinge includes a slotted hinge.

Appendix 12:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 10 or 11, the slotted hinges have dimensions and shapes that allow the four wall panel support members to be folded in a random order.

Appendix 13:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, the first lock member includes a male connector, and the second lock member has a size and shape for accepting the male connector therein. Includes female connector.

Appendix 14:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Appendix 13, the male connector is physically coupled to the female connector socket by a vertical displacement of the hinge with at least one slot.

Appendix 15:
In the foldable storage / transport unit according to Supplementary Note 13 or 14, the male connector includes a hook, and the female connector includes a receiving socket for the hook.

Claims (15)

A foldable storage / transportation unit:
With a base that includes a cargo area surrounded by an edge with four ends:
It comprises four wall panel support members connected to the ends of the base, each wall panel support member including at least a first strut member and a second strut member, and the wall panel support member is folded and unfolded. It is swivelable to and from the form, in which the wall panel support member lies on the base and the foldable storage / transport unit is in the foldable form, and in the unfolded form the first given wall. The first strut member in the panel support member and the second strut member in the second given wall panel support member are adjacent to each other and project substantially perpendicular to each corresponding end of the base;
-Four locking means are further provided, each locking means includes a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being placed on the first strut member in the first wall panel support member. The second locking member is placed on the second strut member in the second wall panel support member, and the first is due to the physical coupling between the first locking member and the second locking member. The wall panel support member and the second wall panel support member can be locked in the unfolded form;
The first foldable storage / transport unit can be stacked on the second foldable storage / transport unit; the foldable storage / transport unit. The foldable storage / transport unit of claim 1, further comprising at least one wall panel, the at least one wall panel being connectable between two corresponding strut members in any wall panel support member. A foldable storage / transportation unit. The foldable storage / transport unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first foldable storage / transport unit in either the foldable form or the unfolded form is either the foldable form or the unfolded form. Foldable storage / transport unit that can be stacked on the second foldable storage / transport unit in the form of. The foldable storage / transportation unit according to claim 2, wherein the foldable storage / transportation unit can be transported in the presence or absence of at least one wall panel. The foldable storage / transportation unit according to claim 2, wherein the first foldable storage / transportation unit and the second foldable storage / transportation unit are present or absent of at least one wall panel. A foldable storage and transportation unit that can be stacked on top of each other underneath. The foldable storage / transportation unit according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 5, wherein the at least one wall panel can be stacked on another wall panel. .. The foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 6, wherein the at least one wall panel can be transported in a state of being stacked on another wall panel. Foldable storage and transportation unit. The foldable storage / transportation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the four wall panel support members each include a U-shaped frame. The foldable storage / transportation unit according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 7, wherein the at least one wall panel is received in the U-shaped frame. The foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the four wall panel support members each include at least one hinge. The foldable storage / transport unit according to claim 10, wherein the at least one hinge includes a hinge with a slot. The foldable storage / transport unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the slotted hinge has dimensions and shapes that allow the four wall panel support members to be folded in a random order. Storage / transportation unit. The foldable storage / transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first lock member includes a male connector, and the second lock member includes the male connector. A foldable storage and transport unit that includes a female connector that is sized and shaped to accommodate the connector. 13. The foldable storage / transport unit of claim 13, wherein the male connector is physically coupled to the female connector socket by vertical displacement of the hinge with at least one slot. unit. The foldable storage / transport unit according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the male connector includes a hook and the female connector includes a receiving socket for the hook.

Images