KR20180036719A - Intermediate devices and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The intermodal device includes a base and a rectangular peripheral frame, the frame including a first rail mounted to the base, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, and a plurality of posts connecting the first and second rails The posts being pivotally mounted on the first rail and slidingly engaged with the second rails, the posts being arranged to slide in a position parallel to the rails along the second rails, and as a result of the movement of the posts, To the folded position.

Description

Intermediate devices and methods

The present invention relates to an intermodal device and system including a modular device of elements for both standardization and customization of the article to be transported.

In order to meet the economic criteria for the efficient carriage of goods, the relevant intermodal devices must be standardized in size and shape. For bulky bulk cargoes, 20ft and 40ft containers are examples of standardization, so delivery, trucks, and cranes have all been developed around these standardized intermodal devices.

Delivery containers are well suited for large cargoes and bulky materials, but transport of smaller / smaller or more fragile ones is less satisfactory. The smaller the element, the greater the variability in size and shape. To this end, the principle of standardization is achieved less easily.

Therefore, it would be advantageous for the system to enable the standardization of such cargo.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly, the partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, And a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end panel and the divided panel, wherein the panels are connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving the articles, each of the articulated panels Wherein the split assembly is arranged to retract from an extended position receiving an article to a retracted position wherein the end panels are spaced apart from one another and the retracted position The end panels are adjacent to each other.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, a plurality of partitioning panels And a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end panel and the partition panel, the panels being connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving the articles, the tray being a folding sheet having integral peripheral walls And the tray is arranged to selectively open.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, a plurality of partitioning panels parallel to the end panels, And a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end panels and the partition panel, the panels being connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving the articles, the tray including an integral peripheral wall, The wall has a handle for lifting each of the trays.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a split assembly for an intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, wherein each tray includes a removable split assembly, the split assembly comprising a pair of end panels, A plurality of parallel split panels and a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end panel and the split panel, the panels being connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving the articles, And the wall has a handle for lifting each of the trays.

The present invention and its various aspects relate to customizable intermodal assemblies that meet the standardization criteria for cargo delivery and also meet the requirements of different manufacturers in different industries. While the intermodal assembly according to the present invention is highly applicable to a variety of different industries, the industries in which the intermodal assembly is directly and veribly utilized include the transport of automotive and aircraft components. Intermodal assemblies are also available in the electronics industry for both components and consumer electronics. The intermodal assembly is also well suited for the transport of fruit and other food products.

In all cases, it is an important advantage given by the present invention that it can be tailored to a particular size and thus can standardize intermodal assembly for custom sizes of cargo. Customized and standardized sizes can be applied in the industry. For example, when transporting apples, the diameter of the article may be 75 mm, so the tray can hold 48 apples in an 8 x 6 array. If there is tolerance, the size of the tray may be 640 mm x 480 mm.

For larger items, the size can be controlled and the weight of the entire tray is a guide. For example, if the weight of the article is limited to, for example, 27 kg by the legal requirement of the country, the tray containing the article may be limited to a weight controlling the number of articles to be placed in the tray, To accommodate a hole that fits into the receptacle.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the base, and possibly the entire tray, may be injection molded. In this case, a reinforcement portion may be added to the base to improve the strength. For example, in order to increase the bending or shear force supporting ability of the base, ribs following various portions may be added.

Referring to the characterizing portion associated with the article being conveyed, an elastomeric sheet (e.g., neoprene) may be added to the base and / or panel of the split assembly to provide a frictional surface to reduce movement of the received article or to provide shock cushioning can do. In the case of fruit delivery, the base may include a plurality of holes to provide ventilation to the accommodated fruit.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an intermodal apparatus comprising a rectangular peripheral frame, the frame comprising a first rail mounted to the base, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, 2 rail, and a plurality of posts connecting the first and second rails, wherein the posts are pivotally mounted on the first rails and also slidingly engaged with the second rails, The frame is arranged to slide along a rail to a position parallel to the rail, and as a result of the movement of the post, the frame moves from the extended position to the folded position.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an intermodal device comprising a rectangular base and four walls disposed about the periphery of the base, each of the walls being pivotally coupled, And is selectively folded inward into the space defined by the wall.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a split assembly for an intermodal device, the split assembly comprising a plurality of splitters, wherein the splitters are cooperatively assemblable together to form the split assembly, And each of the dividers is telescopic so that in the assembled configuration the split assembly is moved from the extended position to the folded position.

It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings showing possible constructions of the invention. Other configurations of the present invention are possible, and therefore the specifics of the accompanying drawings are not to be construed as a departure from the generality of the foregoing description of the present invention.

1 shows an isometric view of an intermodal assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the intermodal arrangement of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a top view of a tray assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
4A and 4B show various views of a split assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 5A and 5B show various views of an intermodal tray according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows an isometric view of an intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 7A-7E illustrate various views of a base plate assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8A-8D show various views of a tray assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9A and 9B show various views of a tray assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10A-10D show elevation views of a split assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
11A and 11B show an elevational view of a tray assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12A and 12B show an elevational view of a tray assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13A-13F show various views of an intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 14A-14C illustrate a sequential isometric view of a frame for an intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 shows an isometric view of the end wall of the frame of Figures 14A-14C.
16A and 16B show a sequential view of a split assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
17A-17C illustrate isometric views of various elements of a split assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 18a and 18b show sequential isometric views of the male splitter in Figure 17b.
Figures 19a and 19b show the sequential isometric view of the female divider in Figure 17a.
Figure 20 shows a detail view of a split assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
21A and 21B are isometric views of a composite intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
22A and 22B show an isometric view of a connection for a composite intermodal device according to the invention.
Figures 23A and 23B show various views of a release mechanism for a collapsible intermodal device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
24 shows an isometric view of a laminating apparatus for an intermodal apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
25 shows an isometric view of a coupling device for a split assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
26A and 26B show an isometric view of a container device for an intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
27 shows an isometric view of an intermodal device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
28A-28C illustrate a sequential isometric view of the folding process in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 1-3, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, and the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 6 and 7a-7c. Various other embodiments are shown in the remainder of the drawings, and the remainder of the drawings may be used in the first or second embodiment.

1-3, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b illustrate a standard container unit 10 for receiving a plurality of trays 20, all of which are connected to a container unit (not shown) 10, respectively. Within each tray is a split assembly 15 that forms an array of recesses for receiving the article of commerce as shown in FIG.

The split assembly includes a pair of end panels (40) connected by a series of articulated panels (30). Each articulated panel includes a plurality of hinges spaced apart from one another so that the articulated panel can retract in a concertina fashion. The partition panel 35 is parallel to the end panel 40. Once assembled, and in an extended position where the end panels are distant from each other, each recess is arranged to receive the product delivered to the end user. Later, the assembly is sent back to the supplier of the intermodal device so that it can be reused for transporting other cargo or other types of goods. Alternatively, an intermodal device including a tray and a split assembly may be sold to an article supplier, and in this case various components may be returned.

The spacing of the hinges is such that the hinges of each articulated panel are located within the respective recesses. The hinge can be a weakened portion of the panel, a portion of the panel molded to more easily fold than other portions of the panel, or a pinned assembly. To this end, the split assembly 15 is retracted so that each recess can be folded along the articulated panel 30 to close the end panels into a package that is close to each other, the entire split assembly comprising two end panels 40 ). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tray can be sized to fit conveniently within a container unit, which is sized to fit within a larger 20-foot or 40-foot container. The wall 47 of the tray 20 has a sufficient strength to withstand the stacking of the plurality of trays and is adapted to fit the axial loads through the walls to the lower tray.

The tray 20 includes a sheet stamped in a pattern to form a tray shape having integral peripheral walls. Thus, when returning the inter modal assembly back to its original location, the tray can be disassembled into its flat component sheet, making each tray flat with its original single sheet. One example of such a flat sheet 120, 125 can be seen in FIG.

Along with the load bearing capacity of the wall 47, the trays of various embodiments collectively or individually have other characteristic portions. For example, in a further embodiment, the tray for intermodal assembly may include a projection 45, which engages with the stacked tray on top to prevent or inhibit lateral movement of the tray. The tray may further include a handle 50 that facilitates loading or unloading. Alternatively, the tray may receive an attachable handle, such as a rope handle.

The various components of the intermodal assembly according to this embodiment may be made of a variety of different materials. Given the lower load carrying capacity of this embodiment, the various parts of the tray and split assembly may comprise extruded propylene sheets, such as what is commonly referred to as "corriboard" or closed cell boards. In the latter case, an additional advantage can be obtained by increasing the bending strength while reducing the total weight.

A second embodiment of the intermodal assembly is shown in Figures 6 and 7a-7e. This embodiment of the intermodal assembly 55 is for heavier loads and so uses a heavier grade tray 60 compared to the previous embodiment. Here, the tray 60 includes a base plate 65, in which case the base plate is injection molded with HDPE. Alternatively, the tray may be formed by other methods including blow molding, rotational molding, or welding simple parts to obtain a complicated shape. The material can also be varied, for example polypropylene. A wall 75 including a handle 100 is selectively mounted through the lug 80 and the recess 85 to lift the tray 60. As mentioned, an attachable handle, including a rope or other soft grip, may be provided.

In this embodiment, the wall 75 includes a slidable panel 95 that slides relative to the connection panel 90 to help lift the tray 60 and also to extend the height of the tray .

The base plate 65 includes an elastic strip 105 that is stretched and positioned to engage a recess 110 (molded to engage with the elastic strip 105) located farther away . This has the advantage of binding objects as shown in Fig. 7C.

The tray 60 of this embodiment is also adapted to receive a split assembly as described above. While the tray 15 of the first embodiment is more suitable for smaller or lighter components, the heavier base plate 65 of this embodiment is more suitable for heavier components, for example, Which may be suitable for the automotive or aerospace industry. In a further embodiment, the tray 60 may have a support capability of up to 300 kg. When the split assembly is unstructured and the split assembly is placed on the base plate, all the mass of the cargo is supported by the stackable tray 60.

Referring to the lamination properties of the tray 60 as shown in FIG. 7A, the protrusions 102, 104 engage the base plate of the stacked tray to prevent lateral movement and to keep the stacked tray monolithic . The protrusions 102 on the side walls enable lamination without the extension walls 95 and the protrusions 104 allow lamination when the middle panel 95 is extended. 7d and 7e, the base plate 65 can be used without the tray and without having to place the split assembly 15 directly on the base plate. By using an attachable handle such as a soft handle or a rope handle, the base plate and the split assembly can be used as a single movable unit. In this case, the end panels 40, 42 may have sufficient strength to support the laminated split assembly 44 or the laminated base plate.

In a further embodiment, the base plate may include a laterally located engagement portion such as an interconnecting lug and a recess to connect the plurality of base plates to a single larger base plate.

8A to 8D show alternative arrangements of the tray of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, the two trays 120, 125 are separated and lie as two overlapping flat sheets 132 so that the holes 130 are aligned. In Figure 8b, the trays are reassembled, the two trays being connected to one long tray to accommodate the two split assemblies. The two trays are connected using connectors 140 and 145 that aid in coupling, rather than only through the combined holes 130. A similar feature may be provided to re-assemble the sheet along the long or short edges of each sheet.

Figs. 8C and 8D show additional embodiments of the seam 142 of the tray 138. Figs. In this embodiment, this joint 142 is obtained through the interconnect 144 (146, 147) of the tray so that a reliable joint 142 is formed, Can be decomposed. In this embodiment, end joints are made, but side joints can also be made so that the connected trays are not longer but wider.

It will also be appreciated that two or more tray sheets may be connected to form a single tray. In one alternative embodiment, four sheets can be end connected or laterally connected to form a single tray that is twice the length and width of the individual trays.

Figures 9a and 9b show additional embodiments in which trays 148 and 150 can be foamed (155). As shown, and particularly in FIG. 9B, in this embodiment, the tray has sloped walls 160, 165 that facilitate superimposition. This has the advantage that the intermodal assembly can be returned to its original position without disassembling the tray. Depending on the type of material, the tray may be damaged every time it is disassembled. By providing an overlaid embodiment, the lifetime of each tray can be prolonged. In a further embodiment, the tray can not be disassembled and can be injection molded or blow molded to maintain its shape. In this embodiment, the sloped walls 160, 165 that facilitate superposition can be particularly advantageous.

In addition to the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B in which the tray is connected to increase the size of the tray, individual components of the split assembly may also be such. Figures 10A-10D show a schematic view of an end panel, a split panel and an articulated panel.

10A and 10B, each segmented or articulated panel includes protrusions 190, 195 and holes 180, 185 in each panel 170, 175. When the panels 170 and 175 are coupled (200), each projection is fitted into a respective hole to form a joint 205 that extends the length of the panel. In this way, larger split assemblies can be made to fit on non-standard sized trays or, in the case of Figures 8a and 8b, increased trays.

In Figures 10c and 10d the end panels 188 and 192 are shaped differently so that a modified shaped connection 196 can be obtained so that the ends of the end panels 188 and 192 are gathered together 194). The connecting piece 198 can then be used to complete the connecting piece 196. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of panels 188, 192 may be used to connect the panels to one another in a manner similar to that shown for the tray sheet in Figures 8A-8D.

11A and 11B show a further embodiment in which the height of the wall of the tray 210 is increased. Here, the standard wall 215 of the tray 210 may include a folded portion 220. When the extension force 225 is applied, the new walls 215 and 220 of the tray 210 have an increased height, so that it is possible to hold a cargo larger than conventional walls of conventional trays. Thus, the tray 210 according to this embodiment has a capacity to accommodate the standard cargo so that it conforms to the standard dimensions, or alternatively can optionally extend to accommodate other sizes of cargo.

Figures 12A and 12B show alternative arrangements for increasing wall height. Here, the tray 230 has a standard wall 235. This is to add another panel 240 to increase the wall height. By providing a plurality of rods or pins 255 that are spaced apart from one another along the wall, the upper panel 240 can be coupled to the lower panel 235 via pins 255 to form a structurally stable wall for the tray 230 .

13A-13F illustrate an intermodal device 260 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. There is shown a rectangular device 260 having a rectangular peripheral frame 265 for receiving the article to be transported. In that embodiment, the intermodal device 260 includes a lid 270 with a lifting knob 275, which is articulated to fold into the corresponding recess 280. The lid 270 includes a hinge element 295 cooperating with the hinge element 300 in the frame 265. In this embodiment, the hinge elements 295,300 are arranged to cause the lid 270 to open to receive the article into the apparatus 260. In this embodiment, The hinge elements 295,300 may also enable selective separation so that the lid 270 can be removed when it is not needed. FIG. 13E shows an alternative configuration without a cover for the same intermodal device 260, which may be optional when using an intermodal device. Figure 13f shows the same non-lidding device in the collapsed position.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13F, an optionally removable split assembly 290 is located within the frame 265. FIG. A variety of split assemblies can be used in the device 260 including the split assembly shown in FIG. Generally, the split assembly can be folded like the assembly 290, but also the configuration may be fixed and thus not collapsible. In either case, the split assembly includes an array of rectangular storage recesses.

One feature of the inter modal device 260 is that the frame 265 can be articulated to be folded as shown in Figure 13c. The folded configuration shown in FIG. 13C may or may not include a foldable foldable assembly.

13D shows an exploded view of an intermodal device 260 in which a lid 270 is shown in relation to a frame 265 that receives a split assembly 290. In Fig. In this embodiment, the split assembly 290 includes an element 315 in which the base plate 305 of the intermodal device 260 fits within the recess 310.

To facilitate tracking requirements for the inter modal device 260, the panel 285 includes a portion to which the RFID tag is attached. It will be appreciated that panel 285 can accommodate RFID with adhesive bonding. Alternatively, the RFID tag may be permanently sealed to the panel 285. The panel 285 may also include other identification means, including bar codes, QR codes, power RFID, GPS and other scanable and ejectable media. In this basic form, the frame according to the present invention may only include upper rails, lower rails and a pair of posts at each corner.

Figures 14A-14C illustrate the functional configuration of the frame 265. However, the frame 265 according to this embodiment includes two end walls 344 that are connected by two side walls 342. Each wall 342 and 344 includes an upper (or second) rail 320, a lower (or first) rail 330 and a middle (or third) rail 325. A pair of posts 335 are positioned at each corner of the frame 265. These posts provide structural integrity to the intermodal device by transferring the load applied to the upper / second rails 320 to the lower / first rails 320 and thus to the base plate. Thus, the intermodal device is able to withstand the considerable load that may be imposed by the lamination. For example, the intermodal device shown in Figures 13A-13D may have a load bearing capacity of 22 kilograms and may be designed to stack up to seven layers under load conditions. Therefore, the lowermost intermodal device needs to withstand up to 144 kilograms under this load condition. For example, an intermodal device according to the present invention may have a length of approximately 700 mm and a width of approximately 500 mm. It will be appreciated that other dimensional and weight bearing capabilities are possible and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Referring again to Figures 14A-14C, there is a pair of angled members 340 between each corner, each pair of angled members protruding from the middle rail to the upper rail and a first member projecting from the lower rail to the middle rail And a second member having an inside. The inclined member is slidingly engaged with the middle or third rail at the fully extended position shown in FIG. 14A, and the inclined member 340 is inclined with respect to the parallel rails 320, 325, As shown in Fig. 14B, as the frame 265 is folded, the angle of the inclined member 340 relative to the parallel rails is reduced. As a result, once the folded position as shown in FIG. 14C is obtained, the angled member becomes substantially parallel.

The post 335 at each corner in the fully extended position of Figure 14A is vertical and thus perpendicular to the parallel rails 320,325 and 330 but when the frame 265 is folded, (Not shown) in the upper rail 345 to be inclined relative to a position parallel to the rail. This gradual inclination of the post 335 may result in a pivotal connection of the post 335 to the lower rail 330 and a sliding engagement with the upper or second rail in this case the post 335 along the upper rail 320. [ Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 341 < / RTI > When the tilt member 340 moves 350 and the post 335 also moves 345, the frame 265 is then folded 355 to the folded position shown in FIG. 14C.

Figure 15 shows an end wall 344 as illustrated in Figures 14A-14C. Here, the end wall 344 is in an extended position in which the slotted hole 334 allows movement 350 of the tapered member 340. The slotted hole 332 in the upper rail 320 also enables movement 345 of the post 335 as the post 335 rotates about the pivotal connection 331 of the lower rail 330 It does.

To prevent premature folding of the frame, the post 335 may optionally be locked in place by a locking device. Various locking methods can be obtained, including spring loaded pins located near each post. Alternatively, if the various rails are deflected to an extended position by a spring or the like in the frame, the post 335 may be deflected to a vertical position. Further, the slotted hole 332 may have an elongated recess that engages with the posts 335 in the vertical position.

15 is also different in that the rod 326 located in the upper rail 320 is actuated by the spring-loaded release portion 328. As shown in Fig. The rod includes lugs at opposite ends of the rod and thus adjacent to each post, which are rotated by the spring to the locked position. Accordingly, when the release portion 328 is operated, the rod is rotated and the lug is rotated, so that the post 335 can move. Activating the release portion 328 causes the rod to rotate in the reverse direction to its original position to forcefully fit the lug to prevent the post from sliding 345 along the slotted hole. Thus, the frame remains in the extended position until the release portion 328 rotates the lug to a position where the post 335 can move along the slotted hole 332.

Figs. 16A and 16B show an alternative split assembly 315. Fig. The split assembly 315 includes elements 360, 365 that are connected to each other to form a rectangular array of varying shapes. In the example shown in Fig. 16A, the grid is an array of 8 x 6 square recesses. The modular nature of the element allows the size and shape of the array to vary widely to accommodate different sized cargoes. A feature of the split assembly 315 shown in Figs. 16A and 16B is that the assembly can be compressed 370 to obtain a folded state as shown in Fig. 16B. The divider is flat in shape and also includes male and female connectors on a ridge at the upper edge of each divider. As shown in Figure 17c, the divider may also include male and female connectors, which may be very useful as an intermediate splitter between the male and female splitters.

Conceptually, a split assembly according to the present invention may include a plurality of splitters, each of which may be cooperatively assembled with another splitter to form a split assembly. The divider can also optionally be disassembled, so that, when returning with a sort of cargo, the divider can be assembled into an array of specific shapes. At the return leg, the divider can be disassembled and reassembled to form a split assembly of a very different configuration to accommodate different sized cargoes.

Importantly, each divider can be folded (e.g., flexibly). In the assembled configuration, the split assembly can move from the extended position to the folded position.

Figures 17A-17C illustrate three different types of elements that can be used to form a split assembly similar to that shown in Figure 16A. A first example is the female divider 365 shown in Fig. 17A. This is a telescoping divider having a leaf spring 420 that deflects the element 365 in an expanded state. 17B shows a male element 360 having a similar stretchable configuration. In one embodiment, the divider of Figs. 17A and 17B may be 3 inches wide in the base plate element. Figure 17c also shows a fill element 362 having a stretchable configuration, which is sized to provide an intermediate dimensioned divider to cooperate with the elements of Figures 17a and 17b. The fill element (including the male and female connectors) may be 1 inch wide in the base plate element and acts as an intermediate divider to assemble the non-standard size split assembly.

Figures 18A and 18B illustrate the action of the male splitter 360. As noted above, the divider 360 includes a telescopic configuration having an element 375 disposed to be folded 372 into a collapsed condition as shown in FIG. 18B. The male splitter 360 features a male connector 380 in the ridge of the divider, which is arranged to mate with the female connector shown in Figures 19a and 19b. The male connector 360 further includes an intermediate female connector 385 that allows intermediate connection of non-standard sized cargo.

Figs. 19A and 19B include a female divider 365. Fig. Like the male splitter with the base connection 390, the female splitter 365 includes a protrusion 425 at the base, which engages with the hole in the base of the intermodal device. The female connector 365 is a telescopic configuration having an element 395 disposed to be folded 370 into a folded condition as shown in Fig. The female connector includes a leaf spring 420 for biasing the divider into the extended position of Figure 19 (a).

The female divider 365 includes a plurality of female connectors 400, 405 in the ridge on the upper edge of the divider. The female connector 365 further includes an intermediate female connector 415 similar to the male divider 360 to receive a non-standard size array and receive a non-standard size load.

20 shows an example of a male divider 360 and a female divider 365 assembled into a split assembly. The interconnections of the male and female connectors highlight the versatility of the various elements of the split assembly and the various elements form an intermediate connection that exhibits flexibility in making arrays of different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment. The divider may be connected to form an array of rectangular recesses, such as 8 x 6, 6 x 6, and the like. The divider may also be connected to form L-shaped recesses and U-shaped recesses.

Further adaptation of the intermodal device according to the present invention is capable of increasing the load carrying capacity of the modular intermodal device. 21A shows a composite intermodal device 430 that is twice the size of a conventional intermodal device. Here, the two intermodal devices 435, 440 according to the present invention are connected along the longitudinal edge 445 to obtain an apparatus which is twice the width of a device of standard size. Figure 21B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a composite intermodal device 465 in which two standard intermodal devices 450 and 455 in accordance with the present invention are connected along a side edge 460 to double the length of a device of a standard size. Respectively.

21A and 21B shows that two devices are connected, but a plurality of devices are connected in the same way, including an array of 2 x 2 devices, to form a composite intermodal device 4). ≪ / RTI > Other configurations, including a 4 x 4 (or larger) configuration, a 3 x 1 or 1 x 3 configuration, to create a composite device that is three times (or more) wider or three times It is possible. Other shapes, such as L-type composite devices, may also be useful.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show the connections that make up the complex intermodal device 430. The example shown in Figures 22A and 22B is for connecting along the longitudinal edges. It will be appreciated that the same kind of attachment may be used to connect along the side edges to form an alternative composite device 465. [

The conventional connection to the frame of the intermodal device according to the invention is in the corner. As shown in FIG. 22A, the various rails 475, 480, 485 should be adapted such that the connection is linear rather than at the corners. By providing the insert 490, the rails can be connected and can also function as a single linear member. Instead of having a second post in the corner, there is a corresponding post 470 of the connected intermodal device. At the base 465 of the composite intermodal device 430, the corresponding bases 495,500 are connected by a plug 505 along the longitudinal connection in this embodiment. The number of plugs or fitting dowels and their corresponding sizes are adapted to absorb the shear forces present during operation of the composite intermodal device 430.

As discussed, referring to Fig. 15, Figs. 23A and 23B show further details of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the end wall 510 includes a release portion 515 that includes a button 520 that is connected (525) to a rod 535. At both ends of the rod 535, there is a lug 530 positioned adjacent to the corner post. The button 520 is pressed 550 and the link 525 rotates the rod 535 to cause the lug to move out of the post so that the post can move along the slot so that the inter- It is possible to move to the folded position.

24 shows two intermodal devices 555 and 560 stacked one above the other. The base 565 of the upper device 555 interlocking with the upper rail 570 of the lower device 560 is shown in detail. The coupling between the base 565 and the upper rail 570 is a fit of a lower tolerance when the devices are placed directly above and below each other, but exhibits interference fit preventing lateral sliding of the devices relative to one another. Thus, once in the lamination position, the laminate tends to act as a monolithic body that prevents damage through collapse of the laminate.

As mentioned with reference to the split assembly, FIG. 25 details the connection between the element 575, 580 of the split assembly and the base 585. As can be seen, elements 575 and 580 include protrusions 590 and 595 that engage holes in the base to keep the divider in place. Various other connections are possible, the press-fit of Figure 25 is just one example.

26A shows a container device 600 in which a plurality of intermodal devices 605 are stacked (610) and become containers ready for transportation. In this embodiment, the apparatus 605 is dimensioned to be fitted with a high tolerance inside the container 600 to improve the modularity of the system. In this case, the device 605 fits inside the container 600 (28) and the bottom layer is not visible because it is below the ridge of the container.

Fig. 26B shows the result of a return journey in which the same container 600 now includes a stack 625 of folded devices 615. Fig. The coupling between the base and the upper rail is also present in a collapsed state and thus enables the folded device 615 high stack 625 to provide both environmental and economic benefits through reuse and efficient transport of the used device 615 A practical system of device reuse is obtained.

Figure 27 shows an alternative intermodal device 630 having pivotally connected walls 635 and 640, a clearance area under the wall pivot, and a base 650. This intermodal device 630 is adapted to receive a split assembly as described above. The embodiment shown in FIG. 27 includes a split assembly as described with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B.

16A, when used in conjunction with the split assembly of FIG. 16A, the split assembly is compressed 635 and the split assembly is moved to a clearance area 645 (FIG. 6A) within the intermodal device 630. FIG. ). The longitudinal pivot wall 635 is then folded inwardly (660) and lies flat on the split assembly (610). The end pivot wall 640 is then folded inwardly (665) to place it flat on the longitudinal folded wall. In this position, the folded wall is held in place and the split assembly is held in the folded position. It will be appreciated that the intermodal device may include a cover over the intermodal device to protect the cargo from dust, damage, moisture, and the like. In this case, the alternative configuration may include a cover, and the cover may be used if the split assembly 610 does not have its own ability to be held in the folded position. The split assembly 610 may also be held in a folded position by tying, taping, or otherwise securing the intermodal device to a folded position. The split assembly 610 may also include a member that is wrapped over an element of the split assembly to engage a hole in the base to hold the split assembly 610 in a collapsed position.

Claims (50)

An intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly, the partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, a plurality of partitioning panels parallel to the end panels, And a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the panel and the panel, the panels being interconnected to form an array of indentations for receiving the article, each panel comprising a plurality of spaced apart hinged portions Wherein the split assembly is arranged to retract from an extended position receiving an article to a retracted position wherein the end panels are spaced apart from one another and the end panels are adjacent to one another in the retracted position, assembly. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tray is formed from a folded sheet having an integral peripheral wall, and wherein the tray is selectively deployed. 3. The method of claim 2,
In the assembled configuration, the tray includes at least one protrusion projecting from the upper edge of the peripheral wall, and the at least one protrusion is disposed to engage a tray stacked on the protrusion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tray includes a base having an integral peripheral wall. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the wall is inclined to be superposed with the second tray. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The split assembly is optionally disassemblable, intermodal assembly. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the panel is connected to the aperture of the corresponding panel through an integral mating projection. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the panel includes more holes than the protrusions to provide a combination and thus a combination of holes of different sizes. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tray includes an injection molded base and at least two selectively selectively engageable walls located along opposite ends of the base. 10. The method of claim 9,
The engageable wall has a lug arranged to engage a hole in the base
Including an intermodal assembly. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
Each of the engageable walls including a central portion and two ends, the central portion slidingly engaging the end portion to extend the center portion to extend the height of the wall. 12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The base including a resilient tie disposed to extend across at least a portion of the base and a plurality of apertures disposed to engage the resilient tie, the resilient tie receiving the article in an elongated, The intermodal assembly is arranged to restrain it. The method according to claim 2 or 3,
Wherein the tray includes a connection for connecting a plurality of trays to form a single tray. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the connecting portion includes cooperating holes and projections positioned adjacent the end of the disassembled sheet. An intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly, the partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, a plurality of partitioning panels parallel to the ending panels, Wherein the panels are connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving the articles,
Wherein the tray is formed from a folded sheet having an integral peripheral wall, and wherein the tray is selectively deployed. 16. The method of claim 15,
Each tray including a connection for connecting a plurality of trays to form a single tray. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the connecting portion includes cooperating holes and projections positioned adjacent the end of the disassembled sheet. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
Each articulated panel including a plurality of spaced apart hinged portions such that the split assembly is arranged to retract from an extended position receiving the article to a retracted position wherein the end panels are spaced apart from each other Wherein the end panels are adjacent to one another in the retracted position. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18,
Wherein the wall is inclined to be superposed with the second tray. 20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19,
The wall being selectively extendable to increase the height of the peripheral wall. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the wall comprises a folding portion and the folding portion is arranged to move and stretch to an extended height. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the wall is disposed to receive a wall extension connected to an upper edge of the peripheral wall. An intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray including a removable partitioning assembly, the partitioning assembly comprising a pair of end panels, a plurality of partitioning panels parallel to the ending panels, A plurality of articulated panels,
Wherein the panels are connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving an article, the tray including an integral peripheral wall, the wall having a handle for lifting each of the trays. A split assembly for an intermodal assembly comprising a plurality of trays, each tray having a removable split assembly fitted therein,
The split assembly includes a pair of end panels, a plurality of split panels parallel to the end panel, and a plurality of articulated panels perpendicular to the end panel and the split panel,
Said panels being connected to one another to form an array of recesses for receiving articles, said trays comprising integral peripheral walls, said walls having handles for lifting each of said trays, assembly. As an inter modal device,
donate; And
Includes a rectangular peripheral frame,
The frame including a first rail mounted to the base, a second rail spaced apart from the first rail, and a plurality of posts connecting the first and second rails,
The posts being pivotally mounted on the first rail and slidingly engaged with the second rail,
Wherein the posts are arranged to slide along the second rails to a position parallel to the rails and as a result of the movement of the posts the frame moves from an extended position to a folded position. 26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein the posts move from a position perpendicular to the first and second rails to a position parallel to the rails. 27. The method of claim 25 or 26,
A third rail between the first and second rails; And
Further comprising a plurality of inclined members arranged in pairs,
The first tilting member projects from the first rail to the third rail and the second tilting member projects from the second rail to the third rail and the tilting member is slidingly engaged with the third rail, Wherein the first and second rails are pivotally mounted to the first and second rails. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27,
Wherein the intermodal device further comprises a locking device associated with each post, the locking device being arranged to lock the post in a right angle position,
Wherein the locking device is selectively releasable from the locked position to the unlocked position such that the post is movable to a parallel position, and wherein the locking device is biased elastically to the locked position. 29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28,
Wherein the sliding engagement between the post and the second rail includes a slotted hole in the second rail and the post is coupled within the slotted hole. 30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29,
Wherein the intermodal device is arranged to receive a split assembly having an array of rectangular storage recesses. 31. The method of claim 30,
Further comprising a cover hingedly coupled to the second rail and disposed to cover the split assembly. 32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31,
The first rail includes a protrusion at a base of the first rail and the protrusion cooperatively engages a protrusion in the second rail to prevent lateral movement of the intermodal assembly during lamination of the intermodal assembly , Inter modal device. 32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31,
Wherein the peripheral frame is arranged to selectively disintegrate into four walls. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the intermodal device further comprises a connecting hole along at least one side of the base, the hole being arranged to receive a nail for connecting the intermodal device to a second intermodal device, . As an inter modal device,
A rectangular base; And
And four walls disposed about the periphery of the base,
Wherein each of the walls is pivotally coupled to selectively fold inward into a space defined by the wall. 36. The method of claim 35,
Wherein the wall is pivotally connected to a peripheral wall mounted on the base such that when folded inward, the base, peripheral wall and folded wall form a clearance area. 37. The method of claim 35 or 36,
An intermodal arrangement positioned to receive a foldable split assembly. 39. The method of claim 37,
And wherein the intermodal device is configured to receive the foldable split assembly in the clearance area. A split assembly for an intermodal device comprising: a plurality of splitters, said splitters being cooperatively assemblable and optionally disassemblable together to form said split assembly, each of said splitters being telescopic, , So that in an assembled configuration the split assembly is moved from an extended position to a folded position. 40. The method of claim 39,
Each splitter is a resilient, split assembly for an intermodal device. 41. The method according to claim 39 or 40,
Each divider including a male connector and / or a female connector so that it can be assembled and disassembled. 42. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 41,
Wherein the divider is arranged to be assembled into an assembly having an array of indentations. 43. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 42,
Each divider including a male connector, a female connector, or both a female connector and a male connector. 44. The method of claim 43,
Wherein the male or female divider comprises a spring and the spring is arranged to deflect the divider into an extended position. 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the female divider comprises a spring. 46. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 45,
Wherein the divider is a flat element. 46. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 46,
Wherein the male and female connectors are located on a ridge and the ridge is positioned on an upper edge of the divider in use of the divider assembly. A method as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 47,
Wherein the divider includes a protrusion at a base of the divider and the protrusion is disposed to mate with a corresponding hole in a base of the intermodal device. 34. An intermodal assembly comprising an intermodal device according to any one of claims 25 to 34 and a dividing assembly according to any one of claims 39 to 48. 38. An intermodal assembly comprising an intermodal device according to any one of claims 35 to 38 and a dividing assembly according to any one of claims 39 to 48.

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