TWI640461B - Reversibly foldable freight container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a mating joint including a first abutting member and a second abutting member. The first abutment member includes a protrusion extending from the first abutment member shoulder and having a distal end, a first surface and a second surface extending from the distal end toward the first abutment member shoulder at an acute angle. The second abutment member has a socket, and the protrusion of the first abutment member is releasably seated into the socket. The socket has a first surface and a second surface extending away from a first end of the second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment member includes a second abutment member shoulder extending from the socket.

Description

Reversible foldable container

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a joint; more particularly, to a pair of abutting joints.

Containers are used to transfer items from one location to another. Containers can be transferred through several different modes such as sea transfer, railway transfer, air transfer, and end-of-flight transfer.

To help improve efficiency, containers used to transfer items have been standardized. One such standardization is regulated by the International Organization for Standardization called ISO. ISO announces and revise the standards for containers. The ISO standards for these containers help to give similar physical properties to each container. Examples of such physical properties include, but are not limited to, the width, height, depth, substrate, maximum load, and shape of the cargo container.

The present disclosure provides a pair of abutting joints, a joint member including the pair of joints, and a reversibly foldable freight container including the pair of joints. The abutting joint includes a first abutting member and a second abutting member. The first abutment member has a projection extending from the shoulder of the first abutment member. The protrusion has a far The first surface and the second surface extend from the distal end toward the first abutment member shoulder at an acute angle. The second abutment member has a socket, and the protrusion of the first abutment member is releasably seated into the socket. The socket has a first surface and a second surface extending away from a first end of the second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment member includes a second abutment member shoulder extending from the socket. When the protrusion of the first abutting member is seated in the socket of the second abutting member, the second surface of the protrusion and the second surface of the socket are in contact, and the second abutting member shoulder and the first pair The shoulders of the components touch.

For various embodiments, the socket having the first surface and the second surface extending away from the first end of the second abutment member has an acute angle equal to the acute angle of the first surface and the second surface of the first abutment member, And when the protrusion of the first abutting member is seated in the socket of the second abutting member, the first surface of the protrusion and the first surface of the socket are in contact, the second surface of the protrusion and the second portion of the socket The surface is in contact with the second opposing member shoulder and the first opposing member shoulder. The distal end of the projection may also define a planar surface that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface of the projection, and wherein the planar surface forms a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the projection. The first abutment member shoulder includes a first shoulder surface extending from the first surface of the protrusion and a second shoulder surface extending from the second surface of the protrusion. The second shoulder surface and the second surface of the projection form a ninety degree angle. The first shoulder surface and the first surface of the protrusion form an obtuse angle.

In contrast to the joint members of the present disclosure, the structure includes a first elongate section, a second elongate section, and a counter abutment. The first elongated section includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being coupled to a first hinge. The second elongated section includes a first end and a first end opposite the first end The two ends are joined to a second hinge. The abutting joint comprises a first abutting member and a second abutting member, as discussed herein, wherein the first abutment member forms a portion of the first elongate segment and the second abutment member forms a second elongate segment Part of it.

The reversible foldable freight container of the present disclosure includes a roof structure; a floor structure opposite the roof structure; a side wall structure between the floor structure and the roof structure, each of the side wall structures having an outer surface and an outer surface An inner surface; a front wall joined to the roof structure, the floor structure and the side wall structure, the front wall system comprising a front wall corner post, a front door hinge on at least one of the front wall corner posts, and a front door hinged to the front door hinge, a joint The roof structure, the floor structure and the rear wall of the side wall structure, wherein the roof structure, the floor structure, the inner surface and the rear wall of the side wall structure define a volume of the reversibly foldable container, the rear wall system includes a rear wall corner post and a rear wall a hinge on the corner post and a wall door joined to the hinge, wherein the hinge is locked to the rear wall corner post in a first predetermined position such that the rear wall door is pivotable on the hinge to be opposite the outer surface of the side wall structure The adjacent extension may be unlocked to the rear wall corner post in a second predetermined position such that the rear wall door is pivotable to the capacity of the reversibly foldable container And extending adjacent to an interior surface of the sidewall structure, and wherein in an unfolded state, the reversibly foldable container has a predetermined maximum width measured at a predetermined point on each of the back wall corner posts; A plurality of joint members are located in the floor structure as discussed herein.

The above summary of the disclosure is not intended to describe the disclosed embodiments or the embodiments. The following description more particularly demonstrates exemplary reality Example. In the full text of the application, guidance is provided via a sample list, which can be used in different groups. In each case, the cited list is only representative of the group and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list.

100,300,400,600,700‧‧‧

102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,1102‧‧‧first opposing member

104,204,304,404,428,504,604,704,804,1104‧‧‧second opposing member

106,306,406‧‧‧

108, 408‧‧‧ first pair of shoulders

110‧‧‧ distal

112‧‧‧ First surface of the first abutment member 102

114‧‧‧ second surface of the first abutment member 102

116‧‧‧ an acute angle of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114

117,127,133,137,143,147,151,153,255‧‧‧Common endpoint

118,318,418,15586,19657,20557,21420‧‧ Socket

120‧‧‧ first surface of the socket 118

122‧‧‧ second surface of the socket 118

124‧‧‧ the first end of the second abutment member 104

126‧‧ an acute angle

128‧‧‧Second pair of shoulders

130,136‧‧‧ planar surface

132,145,152‧‧‧ obtuse angle

134‧‧‧second end of socket 118

138‧‧‧ First shoulder surface of the first abutment member 102

140‧‧‧Second shoulder surface of the first abutment member 102

141‧‧‧90 degree angle

142,148‧‧‧Common plane

144‧‧‧ the first shoulder surface of the second abutment member 104

146‧‧‧ second shoulder surface of the second abutment member 104

155, 1800, 9150, 13500, 14500, 16500, 18500, 19500, 20500, 22500‧ ‧ reversible foldable containers

158,162‧‧‧First perimeter surface

159‧‧‧ bottom surface of the first abutment member 102

160,164‧‧‧second peripheral surface

214‧‧‧ second surface of the first abutment member 202

222‧‧‧ second surface of the second abutment member 204

240‧‧‧ shoulder surface

246‧‧‧Second shoulder surface

254‧‧‧ corner

310‧‧‧ distal end of the protrusion 306

312‧‧‧ First surface of the protrusion 306

320‧‧‧ first surface of socket 318

334‧‧‧second end of socket 318

358,13558,14558,15558,20558‧‧‧Locking rod

366,466,9162‧‧‧ longitudinal axis

368‧‧‧Orthogonal axis

369, 469‧‧ ‧ arched path

370, 1170‧‧‧ first gap

372,1172‧‧‧Second gap

406‧‧‧The protrusion of the first abutment member 402

410‧‧‧The distal end of the 406

412, 7108, 8108‧‧‧ first surface

414, 7112, 8112‧‧‧ second surface

420‧‧‧ first surface of socket 418

422‧‧‧ second surface of socket 418

424‧‧‧ the first end of the second abutment member 404

474,674,774,874,974,1174,1274,1374,2250,13510‧‧‧ joint members

476,576,676,776,876,1176‧‧‧1st long segment

477,577,677,777,877,1177‧‧‧Second long segment

478‧‧‧ the first end of the first elongated section 476

480‧‧‧ second end of the first elongated section 476

482,682,882,1182-1‧‧‧First hinge

486‧‧‧ the first end of the second elongated section 477

488‧‧‧ second end of second elongated section 477

489,689,889‧‧‧First side rail

490,690,890,1182-2‧‧‧Second hinge

491,691,891‧‧‧second side rail

492,592,692‧‧‧first end connector

493,593,693‧‧‧second end connector

494‧‧‧ upper surface

495,497,695,697‧‧‧structure

498‧‧‧down direction

578‧‧‧ first end of the tubular structure

580‧‧‧ second end of the tubular structure

586‧‧‧The first end of the tubular structure

588‧‧‧The second end of the tubular structure

678‧‧‧ First end of the first elongated section 676

680‧‧‧The second end of the first elongated section 676

686‧‧‧ the first end of the second elongated section 677

688‧‧‧ second end of second elongated section 677

706‧‧‧The protrusion of the first opposing member 702

718‧‧‧ socket of the second abutment member 704

1180, 1188, 7118, 7118-A, 7118-B, 11118, 11118-A, 11118-B‧‧‧ second end

1182‧‧‧ gap

4101,4101-1,4101-2‧‧‧ upper surface

6100,7100,8100,11100,12100‧‧‧fasteners

6102,7102,11102‧‧‧First beam

6104, 7104, 11104‧‧‧ second beam

7106‧‧‧Long oval opening

7108‧‧‧ Surface of the first oblong opening 7110

7110, 8110, 11110, 12110‧‧‧ first elliptical opening

7112‧‧‧ Surface of the second oblong opening 7114

7114, 8114, 11114, 12114‧‧‧ second long oval opening

7116, 7116-A, 7116-B, 11116, 11116-A, 11116-B‧‧‧ first end

7120‧‧‧ longitudinal axis, main axis

7122‧‧‧Axial center, longitudinal axis

7124‧‧‧ secondary axis

7126, 13550‧‧‧ height

7128, 13552‧‧‧Width

7130‧‧‧ First end of the first elongated section 776

7132‧‧‧ The first end of the second elongated section 777

7134, 8134‧‧‧ Structural load

7136,7138,17623,19623,19659,19695,25640,25652,25836‧‧‧ Surface

8116‧‧‧ Surfaces of the first and second oblong openings 8110 and 8114

8140‧‧‧ first component end

8142‧‧‧Second component end

8144‧‧‧ defined maximum length

9152,13532-1,13532-2,18532,22532-1,22532-2‧‧‧ rear corner column

9152-1‧‧‧first corner column

9152-2‧‧‧second corner column

9152-3‧‧‧third corner column

9152-4‧‧‧fourth column

9154,9154-1-9154-8,13534,21534,22534‧‧‧ Corner fittings

9155‧‧‧Predetermined maximum width of reversible foldable container 9150

9156-1, 11156-1, 13518-1, 22506-1‧‧‧ first bottom side rail

9156-2, 11156-2, 13518-2, 22506-2‧‧‧ second bottom side rail

9158-1, 13516-1, 22516-1‧‧‧ first upper side rail

9158-2, 13516-2, 22516-2‧‧‧ second upper side rail

9164,10164,13512,14512,16512,18512,20512,22512‧‧ ‧ volume

10155‧‧‧Predetermined maximum width

10156-1, 10156-2, 22518-1, 22518-2‧‧‧ bottom rail

10166‧‧‧ Containers

10168-1-10168-3,13513,13544,15544,17544,18544,19544,19653,20544,22020,22344,23544,24544,25544,25544‧‧‧Histor

10170‧‧‧Horizontal components

10172‧‧‧ Surface of the cross member 10170

10174‧‧‧ Upper surface of the cross member 10170

10178, 11208‧‧‧ right triangle

10180‧‧‧Bevel

10182, 11209‧‧‧ first foot

10184‧‧‧second foot

10186‧‧‧Transition direction

10716‧‧‧ plane

11108‧‧‧ Surface of the first beam 11102

11112‧‧‧ Surface of the second beam 11104

11120‧‧‧ longitudinal axis of the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11114

11122‧‧‧Axial center of fastener 11100

11124‧‧‧second axis of the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11114

11144‧‧‧Predetermined maximum length, defined maximum length

11192‧‧‧ Upper surface of the first and second beams

11204, 11206‧‧‧ broken line

11212‧‧‧First line

11213‧‧‧second line

11230‧‧‧ Length

12120‧‧‧The first elliptical opening and the second oblong elliptical longitudinal axis

13502, 14502, 16502, 20502, 22502‧‧‧ floor structure

13504, 13507‧‧‧ External surface

13504, 14504, 22504‧‧‧ Roof structure

13506-1‧‧‧First sidewall structure

13506-2‧‧‧Second sidewall structure

13511‧‧‧Internal surface

13514-1‧‧‧First side wall panel

13514-2‧‧‧Second side wall panel

13520‧‧‧Floor parts

13524,22524‧‧‧heavy pouch

13526, 14528, 22526‧‧‧ Back wall

13528, 21528‧‧‧ front wall

13530‧‧‧End architecture

13531, 14530, 15530, 19530, 20530, 22531‧‧‧ rear wall end members

13532,23532,24532,25532‧‧‧ corner column

13532-3, 13532-4, 21532, 21532-3, 21532-4‧‧‧ front wall corner column

13533, 21533‧‧‧ front wall end frame

13536‧‧‧ head seat

13538‧‧‧槛台

13540, 15540, 16540‧‧‧ door assembly

13542, 14542, 15542, 16542, 20524, 24542, 24542-1, 24542-2‧‧‧

13546, 15546, 22546‧‧‧ Rear wall head member

13548,15548,20548,22548‧‧‧Back wall members

13554, 14554‧‧‧ area

13556‧‧‧shims

13560, 14560, 15560, 22560, 24560‧‧‧ cam

13562, 15562‧‧‧ grip

13564, 14564, 15564‧‧‧Support frame assembly

13566, 14566, 15566, 22566‧‧‧ cam holder

14506-1, 14506-2, 18506, 20506-1, 20506-2, 22506-1, 22506-2‧‧‧ sidewall structure

14568‧‧‧The longitudinal axis of the locking rod 14558

14570, 15570‧‧‧ Part 1

14572,15572‧‧‧Part II

14574, 15574‧‧‧ Connecting shaft

14576‧‧‧ Length of locking rod 14558

14578,15578‧‧‧Anti-destructive ring

The first part of the 15570‧‧‧ locking rod 15558

15572‧‧‧Second part of the locking rod 15558

15580‧‧‧Adjustment components

15582‧‧‧Adjustment member 15580 first end

15583‧‧‧Adjustment member 15580 second end

15587‧‧‧First opening

15588‧‧‧fastener board

15589‧‧‧second opening

15590‧‧‧Block stopper

15592‧‧‧ hub mounting frame

15594‧‧‧Installation framework

16596‧‧‧ round

16598‧‧·Axle

17601, 18601, 25601‧‧‧ first wing

17603, 18603, 19603, 25603‧‧‧ second wing

17605, 18605, 25605‧‧‧ first hinge pin

17607‧‧‧ The first planar part of the second wing 17603

17609‧‧‧ First end of the first planar portion 17607

17611‧‧‧ second end of the first planar portion 17607

17613,19613,25613‧‧‧second planar part

17615,19612,19615,19669,25615‧‧‧Hinged lugs

17617, 19617, 25617‧‧‧ Surface of the first group

17619,17625,19619,19625,19661,19697,25619,25642,25654‧‧‧ openings

17621,19621,25621‧‧‧Second hinge pin

17627,19627,20627,25832‧‧‧Lock pins

17629‧‧‧ first major surface

17631‧‧‧Second major surface of the second planar portion 17613

17633‧‧‧The first major surface of the first wing 17601

17635‧‧‧Second major surface

17637‧‧‧ First end of the first wing 17601

17639‧‧‧First wing 17601 second end

17643‧‧‧End of the second planar portion 17613

17645,25645‧‧‧First perimeter edge

18414‧‧‧ nodes

18450‧‧‧Extension

18510‧‧‧ Interior surface of sidewall structure 18506

18547, 19547, 25547‧‧‧J rod

18549, 19549, 23549, 25549‧‧U path

18651‧‧‧The travel path of the second wing 18603

19621‧‧‧Hinged pin

19623‧‧‧ Opening of hinged lug 19669

19655, 20655, 21700‧‧‧Seat block

19663‧‧‧The next block

19665‧‧‧上上块块

19667‧‧‧ Lower hinge lugs

19671‧‧‧The first surface of the lower block 19663

19673‧‧‧Second surface of the lower block 19663

19675‧‧‧The third surface of the lower block 19663

19677‧‧‧The first surface of the upper block 19665

19679‧‧‧Second surface of the upper block 19665

19681‧‧‧The third surface of the upper block 19665

19685‧‧‧Lock pin shift stop

19691‧‧‧Rotation axis of the second hinge pin 19621

19693‧‧‧Lock pin 19627 surface

20508‧‧‧ Exterior surfaces of sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2

20510‧‧‧ Interior surfaces of sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2

20546‧‧‧Back door head member

21400‧‧‧ Front door hinge

21402‧‧‧ front door

21406‧‧‧Flat truss

21410‧‧‧Linear components

End part of the 21422‧‧ ‧ planar truss 21406

21456‧‧‧Locking plate

21460‧‧‧The opposite direction of travel

21536‧‧‧Front wall head member

21538‧‧‧Front wall unit components

21710, 22750‧‧‧槛Hing hinge

21712, 22752‧‧‧ head hinge

21714‧‧‧ pivot pin

21716‧‧‧door lock

21718‧‧‧Frame

21720‧‧‧Sliding members

21722‧‧‧Extension members

21760-1, 21760-2, 22760-1, 22760-2, 205100‧‧‧Latch

22261‧‧‧First roof panel section

22263‧‧‧Second roof panel section

22265‧‧‧ Third roof panel section

22266‧‧‧Flat surface

22267‧‧‧First floor section

22269‧‧‧Second floor segment

22499‧‧‧ Exterior surface of corner fittings

22501‧‧‧ defined maximum width

22511‧‧‧ Interior surfaces of sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2

22542‧‧‧Back door

22542‧‧‧Back wall door

22600‧‧‧beam box

22602‧‧‧ lateral locking members

22610‧‧ ‧ sales

22756‧‧‧Pivot pin

23542‧‧ ‧ container door

23603‧‧‧second wing of hinge 23544

23800, 24800‧‧‧Anti-destructive support

23802‧‧‧First ear

23804‧‧‧second lug

23806‧‧‧Installation support

23809‧‧‧ peripheral edge

23810‧‧ The first surface of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804

23812‧‧‧ recess

23814‧‧ The second surface of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804

23816‧‧ The third surface of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804

24542‧‧ ‧ end frame of the container

24820‧‧‧Anti-damage block

24822‧‧‧Sampling

24824‧‧‧ slots

25603‧‧‧second wing of hinge 25544

25607‧‧‧ The first planar part of the second wing 25603

25609‧‧‧ first flat part 25607 first end

25611‧‧‧First flat portion 25607 second end

25613‧‧ The second planar part of the second wing 25603

25615‧‧‧ ears

25629‧‧‧ The first major surface of the second planar portion 25613

25631‧‧‧Second major surface of the second planar portion 25613

25633‧‧‧The first major surface of the first wing 25601

25635‧‧‧Second major surface of the first wing 25601

25637‧‧‧ First end of the first wing 25601

25639‧‧‧First wing 25601 second end

25642‧‧‧ openings

25643‧‧‧ the end of the second planar part 25613

25650‧‧‧Support block

25830‧‧‧H block

25840‧‧‧ hole

1A to 1D are perspective views (1A and 1B) and a plan view of a first member (Fig. 1A) and a second member (Fig. 1B) of a pair of abutting joints according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. 1C and 1D); FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first member and a second member of the abutting joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. A perspective view of a first member and a second member of a pair of abutting joints; FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing an embodiment of the present disclosure including a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and abutting joint A perspective view of the engaging member; FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and a joint member for abutting joints according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 6A and 6B FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a joint member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a joint member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a joint member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; And FIG. 9B shows a reversible foldable according to the present disclosure. a container in which a portion of the reversibly foldable container has been removed to show details; a tenth view showing an end view of a container shown in partial view; and FIGS. 11A through 11E showing one of the engaging members in accordance with the present disclosure; The figure shows a portion of a joint member according to the present disclosure; FIG. 13 provides an exploded view of a container according to the present disclosure; FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a container according to the present disclosure; and FIGS. 15A and 15B provide a first position according to the present disclosure. A perspective view of a door assembly having a locking bar in one of a predetermined position (Fig. 15A) and a second predetermined position (Fig. 15B); Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a door assembly according to the present disclosure; A perspective view of one of the hinges is disclosed; FIG. 18 is a plan view of a hinge fastened to a corner post of a container in accordance with the present disclosure; and FIG. 19 is a plan view of a hinge fastened to a corner post of a container in accordance with the present disclosure; 20 is a perspective view of a container according to one of the present disclosure; FIGS. 21A-21C are perspective views of an embodiment of a front wall of a foldable container taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 13; 22A to 22D For perspective view of the present disclosure may be based on one of the foldable container according to an embodiment; FIGS. 23A, 23B to provide a perspective view of an anti-racking support according to one of the present disclosure; FIGS. 24A and 24B to provide for a door according to the present disclosed container A perspective view of one of the anti-destruction blocks; Figures 25A through 25B provide perspective views of one of the hinges of a door for a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

The use of "a", "the", "said" or "an" or "an" The term "and/or" means one, one or more, or all of the listed items. Reference to a range of values by endpoints includes all numbers incorporated within the range (for example, 1 to 5 are inclusive of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). The figures herein refer to the numbering convention of the elements in the figure in accordance with the previous or more digits corresponding to the figure number and the remaining digits. Similar components between different patterns can be identified by similar numbers of bits. For example, 354 may represent "54" in Figure 3, and a similar component may be labeled 1454 in Figure 14. It has been emphasized that the drawings are intended to be exemplary and that the drawings are not intended to be limited in any way. The figures herein may not be drawn to scale and may exaggerate the relationship of the elements in the figures. The drawings are used to demonstrate the conceptual structures and methods described herein.

The angular measurements discussed herein are measured as acute angles (angles less than 90 degrees (less than 90°)) or obtuse angles (angles greater than 90° but less than 180°), where the surface measurements discussed herein are taken to exclude the good angles (from The value of the angle of 180° to 360°).

1A-1B show perspective views of abutment joint 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The abutting joint 100 includes a first abutting member 102 and a second abutting member 104. The first abutment member 102 includes a protrusion 106 extending from the first abutment member shoulder 108. The protrusion 106 has a distal end 110, and a first surface 112 and a second surface 114 are at an acute angle 116 from the distal end. The 110 extends toward the first abutment member shoulder 108. As used herein, "angle" is a number formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint (such as the apex of a corner). For acute angle 116, first surface 112 and second surface 114 share a common end point 117. As used herein, "an acute angle" is an angle less than ninety degrees (less than 90 degrees).

The second abutment member 104 has a socket 118, and the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is releasably seated within the socket 118. The socket 118 has a first surface 120 and a second surface 122 extending away from a first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 at an acute angle 126. The acute angle 126 may be equal to or less than the acute angle of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102, wherein the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 share a common end point 127. In one embodiment, the socket 118 having the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 extending away from the first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 has a first surface 112 and a second with the first abutment member 102 The acute angle 116 of the surface 114 is equal to one of the acute angles. Figures 1A through 1C provide an illustration of this embodiment. Conversely, the 1D diagram shows that the acute angle 126 is less than the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102.

The second abutment member 104 also includes a second abutment member shoulder 128 extending from the socket 118 such that when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the protrusion The second surface 114 of the 106 and the second surface 122 of the receptacle 118 are in contact with each other, and the second abutment member shoulder 128 and the first abutment member shoulder 108 are in contact. In one embodiment, the socket 118 having the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 extending away from the first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 has a first surface 112 and a second with the first abutment member 102 When the acute angle 116 of the surface 114 is equal to one of the acute angles, the first abutment member 102 The protrusion 106 can be seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 such that the first surface 112 of the protrusion 106 and the first surface 120 of the socket 118 are in contact, the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 and the socket 118 The second surface 122 is in contact with the second abutment member shoulder 128 and the first abutment member shoulder 108. Figures 1A through 1C show an example.

As used herein, "touching" means at least partially contacting (eg, when the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the receptacle 118 of the second abutment member 104, the second surface 114 of the projection 106 And the second surface 122 of the socket 118 is at least partially in contact with). As used herein, "seat, seated, seated" refers to fit into another portion, such as the surfaces of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104, so that at least some of the surfaces of the portions It becomes impossible to have further relative motion in the direction along which the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 become leaning against each other as they move toward each other.

The distal end 110 of the protrusion 106 can define a planar surface 130 that forms an obtuse angle 132 with the first surface 112 of the protrusion at the common end point 133. The planar surface 130 can also form a ninety degree angle with the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 at the common end point 137. The socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 includes a second end 134 having a planar surface 136. In an embodiment, the planar surface 136 can be a mirror image of the planar surface 130 of the distal end 110 of the protrusion 106. However, it is understood that the distal end 110 of the projection 106 need not be a planar surface as shown in Figure 1A. For example, the distal end 110 of the protrusion 106 can have a non-planar configuration such as a circular configuration, such as a convex or concave surface.

The first abutment member shoulder 108 includes a first shoulder surface 138 extending from the first surface 112 of the protrusion 106 and a second shoulder surface 140 extending from the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106. The second shoulder surface 140 and the second surface 114 of the projection 106 form a ninety degree angle 141 at the common end point 143. As discussed herein, the second shoulder surface 140 and the second surface 114 of the projection 106 can also form an obtuse angle (an embodiment shown in FIG. 2). The first shoulder surface 138 and the first surface 112 of the projection 106 form an obtuse angle 145 at the common end point 147.

The relationship of the size and shape of the protrusions 106 relative to the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140, and the socket 118 may also vary. For example, the second shoulder surface 140 can have a height that is two to four times the height of the first shoulder surface 138. The second shoulder surface 140 can also have a height that is two to six times greater than the height of the first shoulder surface 138. In one embodiment, the second shoulder surface 140 is three times as tall as the first shoulder surface 138 (eg, the second shoulder surface 140 is "X" mm (eg, 18 mm) high and the first shoulder surface 138 is "3X" "Metric height (such as 6mm)).

The length of the protrusion 106 as measured along the second surface 114 of the protrusion 106 between the planar surface 130 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102, and as from the second surface 114 and the first pair The height of the second shoulder surface 140 measured by a bottom surface 159 of the member 102 can also have a predetermined relationship therebetween. For different embodiments, this predetermined relationship is such that the length of the projection 106 as measured along the second surface 114 of the projection 106 between the planar surface 130 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the projection 106 is equal to or less than the first pair. A bottom surface 159 of the abutment member 102 and a second shoulder surface 140 measured by the second surface 114 are elevated in height. So, for example, there may be between the second shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130 The length of the protrusion 106 measured along the second surface 114 is one (1) to the height of the second shoulder surface 140 as measured from a bottom surface 159 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102. )ratio. The length of the protrusion 106 as measured along the second surface 114 between the second shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130 is the second as measured from a bottom surface 159 and the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102. Other ratios of the height of the shoulder surface 140 are also possible. Examples of these ratios include, but are not limited to, eight (8) to nine (9); seven (7) to eight (8); six (6) to seven (7); five (5) to six (6); Four (4) than five (5); three (3) than four (4); two (2) than three (3); and one (1) than two (2), and others.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 can be disposed in a common plane 142. Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are not disposed in a common plane. When the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are not in a common plane, the two surfaces 138 and 140 may be coplanar with each other. In this configuration, the second shoulder surface 140 will be positioned closer to the distal end 110 of the projection 106 relative to the first shoulder surface 138. The second abutment member 104 will complement the alternative shape by shortening the height of the shoulder surface 146 by being closer to the height of the second end 134 of the receptacle 118. Figure 1C shows that the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are coplanar with each other.

The second abutment member shoulder 128 includes a first shoulder surface 144 extending from the first surface 120 of the receptacle 118 and a second shoulder surface 146 extending from the second surface 122 of the receptacle 118. The second shoulder surface 146 and the second surface 122 of the receptacle 118 form a ninety degree angle at the common end point 151. The first shoulder surface 144 and the first surface 120 of the socket 118 form an obtuse angle 152 at the common end point 153.

The relationship between the size and shape of the socket 118 can be matched to the protrusion 106, so As discussed herein, when the tab 106 is seated in the receptacle 118, the first abutment member shoulder 108 and the second abutment member shoulder 128 are in contact. As discussed herein with respect to the projections 106, the socket 118 can also have a variable relationship in size and shape relative to both the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146. For example, the second shoulder surface 146 can have a height that is two to four times greater than the height of the first shoulder surface 144. The second shoulder surface 146 can also have a height that is two to six times greater than the height of the first shoulder surface 144. In one embodiment, the second shoulder surface 146 is three times as tall as the first shoulder surface 144 (eg, the second shoulder surface 146 is "X" mm (eg, 18 mm) high and the first shoulder surface 144 is "3X" "Metric height (such as 6mm)).

The height of the second shoulder surface 146 and the height of the second shoulder surface 140 may also have a predetermined relationship. The relationship as such includes the height of the second shoulder surface 146 being equal to the height of the second shoulder surface 140. There may also be a predetermined relationship between the length of the projection 106 as measured along the second surface 114 and the length of the second surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134. The predetermined relationship, for example, includes that the length of the protrusion 106 as measured along the second surface 114 can be equal to or shorter than the length of the second surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134.

FIGS. 1A through 1C show an embodiment in which the length of the projection 106 as measured along the second surface 114 is equal to the length of the second surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134. FIG. 1D shows an embodiment in which the length of the protrusion 106 as measured along the second surface 114 is less than the length of the second surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 can be disposed in a common plane 148. Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 are not disposed in a common plane. When the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 are not in a common plane, the two surfaces 144 and 146 can be coplanar with each other. Figure 1C shows this embodiment. Regardless of the relationship, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102 and The first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 of the second abutment member 104 are collidible.

The first surfaces 112, 120 and the second surfaces 114, 122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 can have a variety of different shapes. For example, the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first abutting member 102 and the first surface 120 and the second surface 122 of the second abutting member 104 may each be a planar surface. In an additional embodiment, the first surfaces 112 and 120 can have a curvature (such as a non-planar curved surface). It is also possible for the first surfaces 112 and 120 to have two or more planar surfaces. For example, the first surfaces 112 and 120 can have a "V-shaped" pattern, an arched pattern, or a hemispherical pattern. Other shapes are also possible.

The second surfaces 114, 122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 are shown in Figures 1A through 1C as planar surfaces normal to their respective second shoulder surfaces 140 and 146, respectively. For different embodiments, the second surfaces 114, 122 of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 may not be orthogonal to their respective second shoulder surface 140 and second shoulder surface 146, respectively. 2 shows that the second surfaces 214, 222 of the first abutting member 202 and the second abutting member 204 are not orthogonal to the respective shoulder surface 240 and the second shoulder surface 246, respectively. example. As shown, the corner 254 formed from the second shoulder surface 246 and the second surface 222 at the common end point 255 is an obtuse angle.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first surface 112 and the second pair of the first abutment member 102 are abutted. The first surface 120 of the member 104 is tactile. In an additional embodiment, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first surface 112 and the second abutment member of the first abutment member 102 The first surface 120 of 104 is untouched. Figure 1D provides an example of an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1D, there may be a gap between the first surface of the first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 of the second abutment member 104. This gap can have a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, a kerf for forming (eg, cutting) one of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 from a single piece of material may be the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 A gap is provided at one or more of the adjacent surfaces along the abutting joint. In another embodiment, a gap that is substantially larger than the one formed by the blade width (such as a kerf) may be formed on the first surface 112 and the second abutment member 104 of the first abutment member 102. Between the first surfaces 120. These gaps may aid in the release of the abutment joint 100, as discussed herein, thereby allowing the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 to travel in an arcuate path. Due to the gap, the protrusion 106 (such as the volume of the protrusion 106) is smaller than the socket 118 of the abutting joint 100. This allows the tab 106 to fit inside the volume defined by the socket 118.

It may also be deliberately generated for defining the first abutting member 102 and the second A gap between one or more of the surfaces of the abutment member 104. For example, when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, a space having a predetermined shape and size may exist on the first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102. And between the first surface 120 of the second abutment member 104. Figure 1D shows an example as an example. Other embodiments are also possible. As will be more fully discussed herein, this space of predetermined shape and size can help the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 to be separated along an arcuate travel path without the need to first separate the distal end of the protrusion 106. 110 and a second end 134 of the socket 118.

When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first shoulder surface 138 of the first abutment member 102 touches the first of the second abutment member 104 Shoulder surface 144. When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102 also touches the second portion of the second abutment member 104 Shoulder surface 146. As discussed more fully herein, this contact of the shoulder surfaces 138, 144, 140, and 146 facilitates redirection when the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104. The shear forces applied by the protrusions 106 (such as forces normal to the shoulder surfaces 138, 144, 140, and 146) are at least partially guided along the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104. The compressive force of the longitudinal axis (e.g., the force is redistributed into the agglomerates of the opposing members 102 and 104).

The first abutment member 102 further includes a first peripheral surface 158 and a second peripheral surface 160 opposite the first peripheral surface 158. The first peripheral surface 158 and the second peripheral surface 160 of the first abutting member 102 are helpful At least a portion of the protrusion 106 is defined. The second abutment member 104 also includes a first peripheral surface 162 and a second peripheral surface 164 opposite the first peripheral surface 162. The first peripheral surface 162 and the second peripheral surface 164 of the second abutment member 104 help define at least a portion of the socket 118. When the protrusion 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the first peripheral surface 158, 162 and the second peripheral surface 160, 164 may be parallel to each other.

The abutment joint of the present disclosure can be made from a variety of different materials. If the material is, but not limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer (such as a thermosetting polymer or a thermoplastic polymer), and a composite material (such as two or more that are separated and unique by the completed structure) a material made of a component material having significantly different physical properties). Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, steel such as ' weathering steel' as specified in the standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also known as CORTEN steel. Other examples include, but are not limited to, corrosion resistant alloys formed from a mixture of different metals such as stainless steel, chromium, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, and/or titanium. When combined, these metals resist corrosion more effectively than standard carbon steel. Examples of polymers include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric polymers. Specifically, it is a polymerizable compound having high strength such as polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polybutylene terephthalate or the like. Examples of composite materials include, but are not limited to, a mixture of a polymer and a filler as provided herein. Examples of fillers include, but are not limited to, glass fibers, Kevlar, or carbon fibers, which greatly improve the physical properties of the composite. The abutting joints of the present disclosure may also be derived from other materials such as wood and/or wood products. form.

Referring now to Figures 3A through 3D, a perspective view of the abutment joint 300 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the first abutting member 302 and the second abutting member 304 of the abutting joint 300 are separated to allow the first pair to be separated and moved with respect to the two structures of the abutting joint. Each of the member 302 and the second abutment member 304 adopts an arched travel path. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first abutting member 302 and the second abutting member 304 are seated relative to each other. In this position (shown in Fig. 3A), the abutting joint 300 has two degrees of freedom. The first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 are movable relative to each other (eg, the first one is the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 is in the opposite direction along the longitudinal axis 366 The second movement is the movement of one or both of the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 along the orthogonal axis 368 relative to the longitudinal axis 366). When seated relative to one another (e.g., FIG. 3A), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 are not initially movable in an arcuate travel path 369. In other words, when seated relative to each other (such as FIG. 3A), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 must first follow the longitudinal direction before being movable relative to each other along the arched travel path 369. The axes 366 move relative to one another.

As discussed herein, once it is separated from its seating configuration (see Figure 3A for an example of a seating position), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 can be moved into the arcuate travel path 369. FIGS. 3B through 3D show an embodiment of the arcuate travel path 369 for the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 have been separated from their seating position along the longitudinal axis 366 (see Figure 3A). from. As this occurs, a first gap 370 is formed between the distal end 310 of the projection 306 and the second end 334 of the receptacle 318 of the second abutment member 304. A second gap 372 is also formed between the first surface 312 of the protrusion 306 and the first surface 320 of the receptacle 318.

This combination of the first gap 370 and the second gap 372 for a given configuration of the abutment joint 300 allows the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 to travel along the arcuate travel path 369. The ability to travel along the arcuate travel path 369 is due to the combination of the first gap 370 and the second gap 372 for a given configuration of the abutment joint 300, and for the first abutment member 302 and the second counterpart Member 304 provides a third degree of freedom.

Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, an embodiment of a joint member 474 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The engagement member 474 includes a counter joint 400, as discussed herein, wherein the abutment joint includes a first abutment member 402 and a second abutment member 404. The abutting member 474 also includes a first elongated section 476 and a second elongated section 477. The first elongated section 476 has a first end 478 and a second end 480 opposite the first end 478, wherein the second end 480 is coupled to a first hinge 482. The second elongated section 477 has a first end 486 and a second end 488 opposite the first end 486, wherein the second end 488 is coupled to a second hinge 490.

The first hinge 482 is also coupled to a first side rail 489 and the second hinge 490 is coupled to a second side rail 491. The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can have a variety of different configurations. For example, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can have a tubular configuration, such as a length of a square tubular or a length of a rectangular tubular member. Alternatively, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can have a contiguous solid structure. The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may also have a flat Surface truss and / or a space truss configuration.

The first elongated section 476 and the second elongated section 477 of the engaging member 474 also each include a first end connector 492 and a second end connector 493. The first end connector 492 facilitates joining the second end 480 of the first elongate section 476 to the first hinge 482 and the second end connector 493 assists in the second end 488 of the second elongate section 477 Engaged to the second hinge 490.

The first abutment member 402 and the first end connector 492 can be integrally formed with the first elongate section 476. Similarly, the second abutment member 404 and the second end connector 493 can be integrally formed with the second elongate section 477. Alternatively, the first elongate section 476 and the second elongate section 477 can have a tubular configuration. For this configuration, a portion of the first abutment member 402 and a portion of the first end connector 492 can be inserted into the first end 478 and the second end 480 of the tubular structure of the first elongate section 476, respectively. The first abutment member 402 and the first end connector 492 can then be secured to the tubular structure of the first elongate section 476 (eg, by welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly for engaging the first An elongate section 476 and a portion of the first end connector 492 and the first abutment member 402 that are inserted into the tubular structure. Similarly, a portion of the second abutment member 404 and a portion of the second end connector 493 can be inserted into the first end 486 and the second end 488 of the tubular structure of the second elongate section 477, respectively. The second abutment member 404 and the second end connector 493 can then be secured to the tubular structure of the second elongate section 477 (eg, by welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly for engaging the second An elongate section 477 and a portion of the second end connector 493 and the second abutment member 404 that are inserted into the tubular structure.

The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 may further include Structures 495 and 497. Structures 495 and 497 can be, but are not limited to, vertical wall members (eg, wall studs, header structures, etc.), and/or siding structures (which can be attached to vertical wall members) Side pieces, side wall structures, etc.), and other structures.

Figures 5A and 5B show an embodiment in which the first elongate section 576 and the second elongate section 577 have a tubular configuration. As shown in FIG. 5A, a portion of the first abutment member 502 is inserted into the first end 578 of the tubular structure of the first elongate section 576, and a portion of the first end connector 592 is inserted into the first elongate section 576. The second end 580 of the tubular structure. Figure 5B shows a portion of the second abutment member 504 inserted into the first end 586 of the tubular structure of the second elongate section 577 and the second end of the second end 588 of the tubular structure inserted into the second elongate section 577. A portion of the connector 593. The first abutting member 502, the second abutting member 504, the first end connector 592 and the second end connector 593 are fixed by welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly passing through the respective structures. To their respective tubular structures.

Referring again to Figures 4A and 4B, the first abutment member 402 forms a portion of the first elongate section 476, wherein the first abutment member 402 has a projection 406 extending from the first abutment member 408, the projection 406 With a distal end 410, the first surface 412 and the second surface 414 extend from the distal end 410 at an acute angle toward the first abutment member shoulder 408, as discussed herein.

The first abutment member 404 forms a portion of the second elongate section 477. The second abutment member 404 has a socket 418 with the tab 406 of the first abutment member 402 releasably seated within the socket 418. The socket 418 has a first surface 420 that extends away from the first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 at an acute angle away from the first surface 420. And a second surface 422. The first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 includes a second abutment member 428 that extends from the receptacle 418 such that when the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402 is seated in the receptacle 418 of the second abutment member 404 The second surface 414 of the protrusion 406 and the second surface 422 of the socket 418 are in contact with each other and the second abutment member shoulder 428 and the first abutment member shoulder 408 are in contact.

In one embodiment, the receptacle 418 having the first surface 420 and the second surface 422 extending away from the first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 has a first surface 412 and a second with the first abutment member 402 When the surface 414 is at an acute angle equal to the acute angle, the protrusion 406 of the first abutting member 402 can be seated in the socket 418 of the second abutting member 404 such that the first surface 412 of the protrusion 406 and the first surface of the socket 418 The second surface 414 of the protrusion 406 and the second surface 422 of the socket 418 are in contact with each other, and the second abutment member shoulder 428 and the first abutment member shoulder 408 are in contact.

Since the first abutting member 402 is seated in the socket 418 of the second abutting member 404, FIG. 4A shows an example thereof, and the weight applied to one of the abutting joints 400 on an upper surface 494 is at least partially The ground is carried by the protrusion 406 and the socket 418 and the shoulders 408 and 428. When the weight of the mass is carried, the protrusion 406 and the socket 418 and the shoulders 408 and 428 assist in redirecting the weight along the first elongate section 476 and a second elongate section 477. The projection 406 and the socket 418 also help to "lock" the abutment joint 400 in the downward direction 498, but also permit release of the abutment joint 400 in the upward direction 499, wherein the first and second side rails 489 and 491 are The amount of movement along the longitudinal axis 466 is limited.

In FIG. 4A, the abutment joint 400 has a degree of freedom (when the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402 is seated on the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404) The first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 are movable relative to each other (eg, the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 are in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 466) motion). When seated relative to each other (such as FIG. 4A), the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 cannot initially travel to an arcuate travel path 469 (at least in part as seen in Figures 4A and 4B). ). In other words, when seated relative to each other (such as FIG. 4A), the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 must first follow the longitudinal direction before being movable relative to each other along the arched travel path 469. The axes 466 move relative to one another.

As the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 move in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 466, the protrusion 406 of the first abutment member 402 is disengaged from the receptacle 418 of the second abutment member 404. As this occurs, as discussed herein, a second degree of freedom is generated for the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404. The two degrees of freedom allow the first elongate section 476 and the second elongate shape of the engagement member 474 as the first elongate section 476 and the second elongate section 477 are pivoted onto the first hinge 482 and the second hinge 490, respectively. Segment 477 moves along arched path 469. Figure 4B also shows that the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 maintain their same relationship with the longitudinal axis 466, as seen in Figure 4A. For example, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can move along the longitudinal axis 466 (as shown in Figures 4A and 4B), wherein the first side rail 489 (4101-1) and the second side rail 491 (4101) - 2) Each of the upper surfaces 4101 remains substantially parallel or coplanar with each other as it moves along the longitudinal axis 466. Moreover, as first side rail 489 and second side rail 491 move along longitudinal axis 466, structures 495 and 497 remain parallel to one another. With the first elongated section 476 and the second of the engaging member 474 The elongate section 477 moves along the arcuate path 469, and the structures 495 and 497 can also remain parallel to one another (see Figure 4B).

The joint member 474 of the present disclosure can be made from a variety of different materials. Such materials include, but are not limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer (such as a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer), and a composite material (such as two or more that are separated and unique by the completed structure). a material made of a component material having significantly different physical properties). Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, steel such as ' weathering steel' as specified in the standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also known as CORTEN steel. Other examples include, but are not limited to, those provided herein.

Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, an additional embodiment of a joint member 674 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As discussed herein, the engagement member 674 includes a counter joint 600, as discussed herein, wherein the abutment joint 600 includes a first abutment member 602 and a second abutment member 604. The engagement member 674 also includes a first elongate section 676 having a first end 678 and a second end 680 opposite the first end 678, wherein the second end 680 is coupled to the first hinge 682, as herein discuss. The engagement member 674 also includes a second elongate section 677 having a first end 686 and a second end 688 opposite the first end 686, wherein the second end 688 is coupled to the second hinge 690, as herein discuss.

The first hinge 682 is also coupled to the first side rail 689 and the second hinge 690 is coupled to the second side rail 691, as discussed herein. The first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 of the engagement member 674 also each include a first end connector 692 and a second end connector 693. First side rail 689 and second side rail 694 can further include structures 695 and 697, respectively, as discussed herein.

The engagement member 674 can further include a fastener 6100 that passes through a portion of the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677. As shown, portions of the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677 through which the fastener 6100 passes are from the portion including the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677 of the abutting joint 600. extend. For example, the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677 can comprise a tubular structure, as discussed herein. The tubular structures of the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677 include a first abutment member 602, a first end connector 692, a second abutment member 604, and a second end connector 693, as discussed herein. . The first elongated section 676 and the second elongated section 677 also include a first beam 6102 and a second beam 6104. The first beam 6102 extends away from the tubular structure of the first elongate section 676 and the second beam 6104 extends away from the tubular structure of the second elongate section 677.

The first beam 6102 and the second beam 6104 of the engagement member have a surface that defines an oblong opening for the fastener 6100 to pass through. Referring now to Figure 7, the joint member 774 is shown in an exploded view. As shown, the engagement member 774 includes a first elongate section 776 and a second elongate section 777. Each of the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 can have an equal length. Alternatively, one of the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 may be longer than the other elongate section. The joining members provided herein are also discussed in the co-pending of the name "Joining Member" (Call #128.0020011), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 has an oblong opening 7106 of each of the first beam 7102 and the second beam 7104. As discussed in this article, one such as 7106 and discussed in this article Other equal-length elliptical openings may have an oblong or double D shape. Therefore, the long oblong term used herein may be replaced by "obround" or "double D" as desired. An oblong shape is defined as consisting of two semicircles connected by parallel lines tangent to its end points. A double D shape is defined as consisting of two arcs connected by parallel lines that are tangent to their endpoints. As used herein, an oblong or double D shape does not include a circle.

As shown, the first beam 7102 of the first elongate section 776 has a first surface 7108 that defines a first oblong opening 7110 through one of the first beams 7102 of the first elongate section 776, And the second elongate section 777 has a second surface 7112 that defines a second oblong opening 7114 through one of the second elongate sections 777. As shown, each of the surfaces 7108 and 7112 has a first end 7116 (labeled 7116-A for the first oblong opening 7110 and 7116-B for the second oblong opening 7114) and a Second end 7118 (labeled 7118-A for first oblong opening 7110 and 7118-B for second oblong opening 7114), wherein second end 7118 is along first oblong opening 7110 And a longitudinal axis 7120 of each of the second oblong openings 7114 is opposite the first end 7116.

The engagement member 774 also includes a fastener 7100 that passes through the first and second oblong openings 7110 and 7114 to join the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777. As will be more fully discussed herein, the fastener 7100 passes through the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114. The fastener 7100 is secured in place to help hold the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 together (eg, the fastener 7100 mechanically engages the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777) .

While the fastener 7100 mechanically engages the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777, the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 can also slide relative to each other and rotate about the fastener 7100. The ability of the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 to slide relative to each other allows the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle to change as the engagement member 774 is folded, thereby preventing damage to the engagement member, associated hinge And structure, as discussed in this article. Such ability to slide relative to each other and also about the fastener 7100 provides at least two of the feature configurations that allow the engagement member 774 to overcome the problem of the right triangle bevel. This aspect of the invention will be discussed more fully herein.

Moreover, as discussed herein, the ability of the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 to slide relative to one another is such that the tolerances (eg, the first gap 370 and the second gap 372, as discussed in FIG. 3B) are generated. A pair of abutment members 702 and a second abutment member 704, thereby permitting a second degree of freedom for the abutting joint 700 to travel in an arcuate path, as discussed herein.

A variety of different fasteners 7100 may be used. For example, the fastener 7100 can be in the form of a bolt or a rivet. The bolt can have a threaded portion at or adjacent to a first end for receiving a nut and a head at a second end opposite the first end. The head of the nut and bolt can have a diameter that prevents either one from passing through one of the openings 7110 and 7114 with respect to the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 (for example, only the body of the bolt passes through the opening 7110 And 7114). A gasket can also be used between the head of the bolt and the nut to help prevent either of the openings 7110 and 7114 from passing through.

Examples of bolts may include, but are not limited to, structural bolts, hex bolts, or carriage bolts and others. The nut used with the bolt can be a lock screw Caps, cast nuts, slotted nuts, twisted thread lock nuts, interference thread nuts, or split beam nuts, and others. A plug nut can also be used with the nut as desired. An example of a rivet includes a solid rivet having a shaft that can pass through openings 7110 and 7114 and a head that does not pass through openings 7110 and 7114. A shop head can then be formed on the rivet to secure the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777. However, regardless of which fastener is used, the fastener 7100 is not tightened to the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 of the inhibiting engagement member 774 to slide relative to each other and to rotate about the fastener 7100.

As discussed herein, the fastener 7100 passes through the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 to join the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777. For one or more of the embodiments, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are relative to each other and relative to each other as the engaging member 774 is turned from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state. The fastener 7100 moves. For the present disclosure, the first predetermined state may be the unfolded state of the engagement member 774. In the unfolded state, the engagement member 774 can only move toward its second predetermined state. In the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 have a minimum overlap and the protrusion 706 of the first abutment member 702 is seated in the socket 718 of the second abutment member 704. . Figure 8 shows this first predetermined state. From the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are movable toward a second predetermined state, wherein the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are opposite to each other with a minimum overlap The protrusion 706 having a maximum overlap and the first abutment member 702 is disengaged from the socket 718 of the second abutment member 704.

As shown herein, the fastener 7100 has an axial center 7122 (eg, a longitudinal axis about which the fastener 7100 can be rotated) that transitions from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state as the engagement member 774 transitions from a first predetermined state The longitudinal axis 7120 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 are moved along (e.g., substantially parallel to). The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 7100 is such as to allow the fastener 7100 to follow the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 as the engagement member 774 is turned from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state. The longitudinal axis 7120 travels along the minor axis 7124 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 without any significant amount of displacement and shape. Thus, for example, the distance between the parallel lines tangent to the two semicircular end points of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 is approximately the first and second lengths shown herein. The diameter of the portion of the fastener 7100 of the elliptical openings 7110 and 7114.

Referring now to Figure 8, a first elongate section 876 and a second elongate section 877 of the engagement member 874 in a first predetermined state are shown. In a first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 are in a second predetermined state relative to the engagement member 874 (an embodiment of the second predetermined state is shown in FIG. 12 and is herein A more complete discussion) and a minimum overlap in the amount of overlap in the position between the first and second predetermined states.

Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the first predetermined state is approximately the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114 as shown in end view. In one embodiment, the overlap area is equal to the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 that passes through openings 8110 and 8114. for In any of the embodiments discussed in this paragraph, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114, in their first predetermined state, also define a cross-sectional shape of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. Presents a corresponding shape.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the first surface 7108 defining the first oblong opening 7110 and the second surface 7112 defining the second oblong opening 7114 each include a first end 7116 and a second opposite the first end 7116 End 7118. The first end 7116 and the second end 7118 are each in the shape of an arc that assists the surface 7108, 7112 in forming a circular shape when in the first predetermined state (see Figure 8). For other embodiments, the first end 7116 and/or the second end 7118 can include one or more shapes including, but not limited to, polygons, non-polygons, and combinations thereof. Additionally, a first oblong opening and a second oblong opening may be discussed herein as a height 7126 along a first end 7130 of the first elongate section 776 and a first end 7132 of the second elongate section 777. And/or a width 7128 is located in a number of different locations.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 provide a circular shape with portions of the fastener 8100 passing through the openings 8110 and 8114. A circular cross-sectional shape is presented correspondingly. In addition to having the same shape, the area defined by the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state is the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. As will be appreciated and discussed herein, the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114 and the face defined by the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state. The product is not so precise that the first elongate section 876 and the second elongate section 877 are restrained from sliding relative to each other and rotating about the fastener 8100.

In the first predetermined state, a portion of the first surface 8108 and a portion of the second surface 8112 are in physical contact with the fasteners 8100 that pass through the openings 8110 and 8114. In other words, a portion of the surface 8108 and a portion of the surface 8112 are seated or rested against a portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114 in a first predetermined state.

As shown in Figure 7, the first elongate section 776 includes a first abutment member 702 and the second elongate section 777 includes a second abutment member 704, as discussed herein. In the first predetermined state, the first abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704 are in physical contact, and a portion of the first surface 7108 and a portion of the second surface 7112 are physically in contact with the fastener 7100. In other words, when the engaging member 774 is in the first predetermined state, the first abutting member 702 and the second abutting member 704 are abutted or seated. Figure 8 shows the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 in a first predetermined state in which the abutment members 802 and 804 are seated against each other, as discussed herein.

Referring again to Figure 7, when the engagement member 774 is in the first predetermined state, or in the unfolded state, and a structural load 7134 applied to the engagement member 774 causes the first abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704 to be Under compression (for example, each of the opposing members 702 and 704 applies a compressive force to the other). At the same time, a portion of the surface 7108 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the surface 7112 of the second oblong opening 7114 exerts a shear stress to a portion of the fastener 7100 that passes through the openings 7110 and 7114. For example, the shear stress in the first predetermined state is by the first surface 7108 (7116-A) and the second surface A first end 7116 of the first surface of both 7112 (7116-B) is applied to the fastener 7100. Thus, in the first predetermined state, the fastener 7100 is not free to move along the longitudinal axis 7122 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114. As a result, the structural load 7134 is retained in a first predetermined state on the engagement member 774 having a first pair that helps offset the shear stress applied to the portion of the fastener 7100 that passes through the openings 7110 and 7114. The compressive force of the abutting member 702 and the second abutting member 704.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 have an oblong shape each having a longitudinal axis 7120 (primary axis) that is longer than the primary axis 7124. The longitudinal axis 7120 and the secondary axis 7124 can each have symmetry with respect to each other. The longitudinal axis 7120 is longer than the secondary axis 7124. For example, the ratio of the length of the longitudinal axis 7120 to the length of the secondary axis 7124 is in the range of 10.0: 1.0 to 1.1 to 1.0, 8.0: 1.0 to 1.1: 1.0, or 5.0: 1.0 to 1.1: 1.0. As used herein, "axis" does not necessarily refer to symmetry, but for one or more embodiments, the oblong opening may exhibit symmetry along a primary axis, a secondary axis, or both axes. As used herein, "axis" refers to a straight line, and it is envisioned that a geometric feature such as a long elliptical opening can be rotated along the line.

The first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening may be selected based on the size and/or amount of structural load that one or more engagement members 774 (such as more than one of the engagement members 774) are intended to carry. The size and shape of the 7114 and the size and shape of the fastener 7100.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first end 7130 of the first elongate section 776 further includes a surface 7136 defining an arc, in this example a The semi-circular shape, and the first end 7132 of the second elongate section 777 further includes a surface 7138 that defines an arc, in this example a semi-circular shape. The arcuately shaped surfaces 7136 and 7138 allow the first end 7130 of the first elongate section 776 or the first end 7132 of the second elongate section 777 to move relative to each other without 704 or 704 to the opposing member 702. The floor mounted on the elongated sections 776 and/or 777 creates interference. For example, as the engagement member 774 transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state, the first end 7130 of the first elongate section 776 can move relative to the second abutment member 704 on the second section 777. The surface 7136 is shaped to accommodate a path of travel that does not become contacted by the second abutment member 704 on the second elongate section 777. Shapes other than arcs are possible and include, but are not limited to, polygons, non-polygons, and combinations thereof.

As discussed herein, FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a first elongate section 876 and a second elongate section 877 of an engagement member 874 in a first predetermined state that may be referred to as an unfolded state. In a first predetermined state, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 are in a second predetermined state relative to the engagement member 874 (shown in FIG. 12 and discussed more fully herein) and first and third There is a minimum overlap in the amount of overlap in many locations between the two predetermined states. Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the first predetermined state is approximately the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. In one embodiment, the area of overlap is equal to the cross-sectional area of the portion of fastener 8100 that passes through openings 8110 and 8114. For any of the embodiments discussed in this paragraph, the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 also define portions of the fastener 8100 that pass through the openings 8110 and 8114 when in their first predetermined state. The cross-sectional area presents a corresponding shape.

Figure 8 also shows the relative positions of the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 that are seated in the first predetermined state. As shown, in the first predetermined state, the first elongate section 876 of the engagement member 874 includes a first member end 8140 opposite the first abutment member 802. Similarly, the second elongate section 877 of the engagement member 874 includes a second member end 8142 opposite the second abutment member 804. In the first predetermined state, as shown in FIG. 8, a distance between the first member end 8140 of the first elongate section 876 and the second member end 8142 of the second elongate section 877 provides the engagement member 874 The maximum length is defined as 8144. As discussed with respect to Figures 11A through 11E, the first member end 8140 of the first elongate section 876 and the second member of the second elongate section 877 as the engagement member 874 transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state The distance between the ends 8142 does not exceed the defined maximum length of 8144.

A first hinge 882 connects the first member end 8140 of the first elongate section 876 to the first side rail 889. Similarly, the second hinge 890 connects the second member end 8142 of the second elongate section 877 to the second side rail 891. Figure 8 also shows the maximum length 8144 of the engagement member 874. As shown in Figures 11A through 11C, the engagement member transitions from its first predetermined state (e.g., unfolded state) toward its second predetermined state (e.g., the folded state) without any portion of the engagement member extending beyond its first predetermined state. It is defined as having a maximum length of 8144.

Figure 8 shows that when the engagement member 874 supports a structural load 8134, the force is distributed to cause the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 to be compressed and the first and second oblong openings 8110 and 8114 The surface 8116 applies only a shear stress to the fastener 8100. May also be due to joints The member 874 supports the structural load 8134 such that the ends 8140 and 8142 of the first elongate section 876 and the second elongate section 877 can each exert a compressive force against their respective side rails 889 and 891.

Figure 8 further shows that as the structural load 8134 is retained in the first predetermined state on the engagement member 874, the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 are under a compressive force and are from the hinge The application of shear stress to the surfaces 8108 and 8112 of the fastener 8100 with the aid of 882 and 890 prevents the joint member 874 from bending or flexing to any significant extent.

The first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 under a compressive force and the static interaction of applying shear stress to the surfaces 8108 and 8112 of the fastener 8100 by assistance from the hinges 882 and 890 allow the present disclosure The engagement member 874 carries a structural load 8134 (e.g., as specified by ISO Standard 1496).

9A and 9B show a reversibly foldable container 9150 in partial view in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figures 9A and 9B, portions of the reversibly foldable container 9150 have been removed (e.g., portions of the roof structure, portions of the side wall structure, portions of the floor structure, portions of the front and rear walls, portions of the door assembly) Etc.) to allow for a clearer view of the location and relative position of the engagement member 974, which in this embodiment acts as a cross member of the reversibly foldable container 9150. The reversibly foldable container 9150 shown in Fig. 9A is shown in an unfolded state.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the reversibly foldable container 9150 includes a first corner post 9152-1, a second corner post 9152-2, a third corner post 9152-3, and a fourth corner post 9152-4. Corner posts 9152-1 to 9152-4 are A rigid and non-foldable load supports the vertical support members. In addition, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 have sufficient strength to support the weight of several other fully loaded containers stacked on the reversibly foldable container 9150. Each of the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 includes a corner fitting 9154 (9154-1 to 9154-8). Angle fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 can be used to hold, move, place, and/or secure the reversibly foldable container 9150. In one embodiment, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 and the corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 conform to ISO standards for containers, such as ISO standard 688 and ISO standard 1496 (and amendments to ISO 1496), and others. . In the unfolded state, a predetermined maximum width 9155 of the reversibly foldable container 9150 is eight (8) inches (measured from a corner fitting) as provided in ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15.

The reversible foldable container 9150 also includes a first bottom side rail 9156-1 and a second bottom side rail 9156-2. As shown, the first bottom side rail 9156-1 is located between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner post 9152-2, and the second bottom side rail 9156-2 is located at the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth. Between corners 9152-4. The reversibly foldable container 9150 further includes a first upper side rail 9158-1 and a second upper side rail 9158-2. The first upper side rail 9158-1 may be located between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner post 9152-2. The second upper side rail 9158-2 may be located between the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth corner post 9152-4.

The reversibly foldable container 9150 further includes an engagement member 974 in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the first and second bottom side rails 9156-1 and 9156-2 are joined by two or more of the engagement members 974. When the reversibly foldable container 9150 is in an unfolded state, the engagement member 974 acts as a "cross member" in the reversibly foldable container 9150. As a cross member The engagement member 974 acts as a beam to assist in carrying a structural load on a floor structure that is placed on the reversibly foldable container 9150. Accordingly, the disclosed component 974 can assist in carrying a structural load as specified by ISO Standard 1496. However, unlike typical cross members, the engagement members 974 of the present disclosure can then be used to assist the reversibly foldable container 9150 to reversibly fold in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis 9162 of the upper and lower side rails 9156 and 9158. .

Referring now to Figure 9B, a reversibly foldable container 9150 in at least a partially folded state is shown. As shown in FIG. 9B, the engagement member 974 of the reversibly foldable container 9150 is folded into a volume 9164 defined by the reversibly foldable container 9150. As the engagement members 974 are folded, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 and the corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 are pulled sideways together. Again, such a reduction in the "footprint" (e.g., area) and volume 9164 of the reversibly foldable container 9150 from the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 9A) can be achieved, at least in part, due to the occurrence of the engagement member 974.

As discussed more fully herein, one of the major obstacles overcome by the joint member 974 of the present disclosure is its ability to function not only as a structural member or beam capable of supporting a load as specified by ISO Standard 1496 in an unfolded state, and Also for its transition to the folded state, the engaging member 974 does not have any portion that extends beyond its astonishing ability to define a defined maximum length 9144 as defined in the unfolded state. This defined maximum length 9144 of the engagement member 974 can be a defined maximum length of the engagement member in the unfolded state. Therefore, the joint member of the present disclosure can be turned from an unfolded state to a folded state without causing any portion of the joint member (such as helping to define a defined maximum length). The joint member end) extends beyond its defined maximum length. As a result, the reversibly foldable container can be turned from the unfolded state toward the folded state, and the reversibly foldable container does not have any portion that extends beyond its predetermined maximum measured at a predetermined point on each of the rear wall corner posts 9152 Width 9155. The predetermined point on each of the rear corner posts 9152 can be a corner fitting 9154 (such as the maximum width measured between the outer surfaces of the corner fittings 9154-4 and 9154-2). This topic is presented below.

Referring to Figure 10, an end view of a container 10166 is shown. Container 10166 is shown in partial view in which portions of the floor structure (such as wooden floors), side wall structures, end frames (such as front and rear walls), and door assemblies have been removed to more clearly show when attempting to fold the container 10166 Go to the topic. The container 10166 does not include the joint members of the present disclosure, but instead exhibits hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 having two portions (half portions) for attaching a cross member 10170. Conventional wisdom: hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 should be used as not only to join the cross members 10170 half and connect to the bottom side rails 10156-1 and 10156-2 of the container 10166, but also to allow the cross member 1017 to be folded to the container 10166 One of the supports within a volume of 10164.

The cross member 10170 can have a variety of different cross-sectional shapes. The cross-sectional shape may include a box (such as a rectangle or a square), a C-pass, a Z-beam, and an I-beam cross-sectional shape. As shown, these cross-sectional shapes allow the surfaces 10172 of the cross members 10170 to abut each other when in an unfolded state. When in opposition, the surface 10172 of the cross member 10170 becomes compressed, with the hinge 10168-1 preventing the upper surface 10174 of the cross member 10170 from extending over a plane 10716 when a structural load is placed on the floor of the container 10166. Below. The plane 10716 is an imaginative flat plane, and a straight line joining any two points will be completely placed thereon. Therefore, in this embodiment, any two points on the upper surface 10174 of the cross member 10170 will lie in the plane 10716.

As shown, the placement of the hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 appears to allow the floor structure of the container 10166 to be folded within a predetermined maximum width 10155. However, this is not the case. As shown, the cross member 10170 of the container 10166 is in an unfolded state and has a predetermined maximum width 10155. It is also shown that there are three hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 in the container 10166 that appear to allow the cross member 10170 of the container 10166 to be folded into the volume 10164 defined by the container 10166. Looking at the relative positions of the three hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3, an angle with a right-angled triangle 10178 (shown in hatching) appears. The right triangle 10178 includes a beveled edge 10180 that is longer than a first leg 10182 or a second leg 10184 of the right triangle 34178. As is known, the longer the second leg 10184 is, the longer the bevel 10180 is.

It can also be seen that in the unfolded state, the length of both the first foot 10182 helps define a predetermined maximum width 10155 of the container 10166. Now, as the container 10166 begins to fold from an unfolded state, the width of the container 10166 will have to become greater than the predetermined maximum width 10155 to accommodate the length of the bevel 10180. Therefore, if the cross member 10170 is moved along the direction of travel 10186, there will be insufficient width for the two portions used to form the cross member 10170 to move or move back to the unfolded state (eg, the floor of the container 10166 is parallel to the plane 10716). . This topic is referred to in this article as the "beveled issue."

If the two portions used to form the cross member 10170 are forced to move in the direction of travel 10186, the overall width of the container 10166 will have to increase beyond Its predetermined maximum width is 10155. Thus, when a container is turned from an unfolded state to a folded state, it may be desirable to have the container width not expand beyond a predetermined maximum width 10155 in its unfolded state.

If the two portions used to form the cross member 10170 are forced to move in the direction of travel 10186, at least one of the following may occur: (1) the overall width of the container 10166 will have to increase beyond its predetermined maximum width of 10155; (2) The portion of the cross member 10170 will be forced (elastically or inelastically) bent or deformed; and/or (3) the first, second and/or third hinges 10168-1, 10168-2, 10168-3 will be deformed and / or rupture. When a structure 10188 is used in conjunction with the container 10166, such as a roof structure and/or lateral pull members, each having a fixed length and/or width that cannot or should not extend beyond the predetermined maximum width 10155 of the container 10166, Will become more obvious. Examples of lateral pull members can include, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods, and/or tubes that can be used to assist in pulling and supporting the container 10166 in an unfolded state. As will be appreciated, one or more of these structures (such as a roof structure, a side pull member, one or more of the hinges, and/or the cross member 10170, and other structures) will follow the container 10166 from one. The folded state is folded and damaged.

Whatever happens, it is almost certain that the expansion of the container 10166 beyond its predetermined maximum width of 10155 may result in the weakening of the container 10166 (such as the hinges 10168-1 to 10168-3 and/or the cross member 1070) due to the beveling issues discussed herein. It is no longer able to support a load (for example, no longer conforms to the ISO standard), thus making the container 10166 unsuitable for its intended use. Thus, when a container is turned from an unfolded state to a folded state, it may be desirable to have the container width not expand beyond its predetermined maximum width 10155 in the unfolded state.

The joint members used in the reversibly foldable containers of the present disclosure help to solve the problem of beveling discussed herein. The engagement member, as discussed herein, allows the reversibly foldable container to be deflected from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding beyond a predetermined maximum width in the unfolded state. As discussed herein, the manner in which the joint members are configured is such that the length of the beveled edges changes (e.g., is accommodated) during the folding process. From the folded state, the container can be turned back to the unfolded state and thus reversibly foldable.

In addition, when a structure is used in conjunction with a reversibly foldable container (such as, for example, a roof structure and/or a side tension member), the joint member allows the reversibly foldable container to be reversibly folded into a fixed length of the structure and / or width inside. Examples of structures may include, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods and/or tubes that may be used to assist in pulling and supporting a reversibly foldable container in an unfolded state. As will be appreciated from reading this disclosure: these structures (such as roof structures, side pull members, one or more of the hinges, and/or joint members, and other structures) will not follow the reversible foldable container. The folded state is folded and damaged.

As discussed herein, the manner in which the joint members are configured is such that the length of the beveled edges is changed (e.g., accommodated) during the folding process, thereby preventing damage to the joint members, associated hinges, and structures (e.g., 143). From the folded state, the reversibly foldable container can be turned back to the unfolded state and thus reversibly foldable.

As used in the reversibly foldable container 9150, the engagement member 974 can function as a beam. As used herein, a beam is a structural element that can withstand a load primarily by resisting bending. For different embodiments, bonding Member 974 can form a beam, or a portion of a beam, for the set of reversibly foldable containers 9150. However, in addition to being a beam, the joint member 974 of the present disclosure also allows the reversible foldable container 9150 to be folded. In a folded state, the reversible foldable container system occupies less than one volume of the reversibly foldable container in the unfolded state. Therefore, in the folded state, the structural system occupies one volume and/or one area that is smaller than the structure in the unfolded state.

Another significant advantage of the joint member 974 used in the reversibly foldable container 9150 of the present disclosure is that it is folded within a defined maximum length of the joint member (eg, the defined maximum length can be a maximum length of the joint member). Amazing ability. This defined maximum length of the engagement member 974 can be the defined maximum length of the engagement member 974 in the unfolded state. Thus, the joint member of the present disclosure can be turned from an unfolded state to a folded state without causing any portion of the joint member 974 (e.g., to help define the end of the joint member defining the maximum length) to extend beyond its defined maximum length. The following discussion will help to further clarify the problems that the joint members of the present disclosure have helped overcome.

Referring now to Figures 11A through 11E, the engagement member 1174 is shown deflected from a first predetermined state toward a second predetermined state without any portion of the engagement member 1174 extending beyond its predetermined maximum length 11144. During this transition, the first oblong opening, the second oblong opening, and the fastener are movable relative to each other, as are the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104. This relative movement assists in causing the engagement member 1174 to transition from a first predetermined state toward a second predetermined state (e.g., a collapsed state) without expanding beyond a defined maximum length 11144 or a predetermined maximum width provided in the first predetermined state. Degree, while not arching or damaging the joint member, a pivotable connection (such as a hinge) or a structure of a container, as discussed herein. In other words, this relative motion has the effect of overcoming the hypotenuse issue discussed in this article.

The engagement member 1174 can be folded in such a manner that the components of the reversibly foldable container do not extend beyond their predetermined maximum width (e.g., ISO standard width). The joint member 1174 has the property of a composite hinge. Specifically, the engagement member 1174 has two unique and separate axes of rotation that are used during the engagement and disassembly of the engagement member 1174.

11A to 11C show a first elongated section 1176 connected to the first bottom side rail 11156-1 by the first hinge 1182-1 and to a second bottom side rail by the second hinge 1182-2 The second elongated section 1177 of 11156-2. Figures 11A through 11C also show first beam 11102 and second beam 11104 joined by fasteners 11100 passing through first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114, respectively. The fasteners 11100 are shown in cross-section in Figures 11A through 11C to more clearly show the first and second oblong shapes as the engagement member 1174 moves from the first predetermined or unfolded position toward the second predetermined or folded position. The relationship of the openings 11110 and 11114.

In Fig. 11A, the engagement member 1174 is shown to have its predetermined maximum length 11144 in its first predetermined state. In this first predetermined state, the first and second abutting members 1102 and 1104 are in contact; the overlap of the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114 is in a state relative to a second predetermined state (see FIG. 12). The minimum value; and the surfaces 11108 and 11112 of the first beam 11102 and the second beam 11104 define a cross-sectional shape of a portion of the fastener 11100 that passes through the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114. Figure 11A also shows the first and An upper surface 11192 of the second beams 11102 and 11104.

As the engagement member 1174 begins to fold, different portions of the engagement member 1174 are moved to rotate about a predetermined point of rotation (such as a first axis of rotation) to slide relative to one or more other portions of the engagement member 1174 and/or Displacement at different stages of the folding process. Referring now to Figure 11B, the engagement member 1174 is shown to begin to fold from its first predetermined state as seen in Figure 11A toward a second predetermined state as seen in Figure 12. As shown in FIG. 11B, the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 define a first point of rotation about a first axis of rotation for the first elongate segment 1176 and the second elongate segment 1177. In other words, the first point of rotation about which the first elongate section 1176 and the second elongate section 1177 rotate is defined by the point of contact between the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104. Rotation about this first point of rotation can be caused, at least in part, by a force applied to the engagement member in direction 11202.

As the first elongate section 1176 and the second elongate section 1177 rotate about a first point of rotation defined by the first abutting member 1102 and the second abutting member 1104, defining a first oblong opening 11110 and a second The surfaces 11108 and 11112 of the oblong opening 11114 are moved relative to each other. As the engagement member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state, the fastener 11100 can also move (eg, laterally) within the first oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening 11114. The fastener 11100 is movable within the first oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening 11114 when the turning is toward the second predetermined state. As discussed herein, as the engagement member 1174 transitions from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state, the axial center 11122 of the fastener 11100 is along (eg, substantially parallel to) the first oblong opening. The longitudinal axis 11120 of the 11110 and second oblong opening 11114 moves. The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 11100 is sized and shaped to permit the fastener 11100 to follow the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong shape as the engagement member 1174 is turned from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state. The longitudinal axis 11120 of the opening 11114 travels without any significant amount of travel along the minor axis 11124 of the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening 11114. Therefore, for example, the distance between parallel lines tangential to the circular ends of the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114 is approximately through the first and second oblong openings 11110 and 11114. The diameter of the portion of the fastener 11100.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the fastener 11100 has been moved laterally (e.g., in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis 11120) within the first oblong opening 11110. Similarly, the fastener 11100 can be moved laterally within the second oblong opening 11114 (e.g., in a direction that coincides with the longitudinal axis 11120).

FIG. 11B shows how a gap 1182 is generated in the fastener 11100 and the first end 11116 of the surface defining the first oblong opening 11110 (11116-A) and the second oblong opening 11114 (11116-B). between. The engagement member 1174 is rotatable about a contact point (eg, a predetermined contact point) between the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104, such as up to the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second The second end 11118 of the oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) contacts the fastener 11100.

Figure 11C shows this embodiment of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second end 11118 of the second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) contacting the fastener 11100. Figure 11C also shows: when positioned to hold tight At the time of the firmware 11100, the point of rotation is now displaced from the first point of rotation defined by the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 to the first surface 11108 of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) And a second end 11118 of the second surface 11112 (11118-B) of the second oblong opening 11114 forms a second point of rotation on the second axis of rotation. This second point of rotation about a second axis of rotation for the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 is different than the first point of rotation discussed herein. As before, the rotation about this second point of rotation can be caused, at least in part, by the force applied to one of the engagement members in direction 11202.

As shown in Figures 11A through 11C, as the engagement member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state, the first elongate section 1176 and the second elongate section 1177 are rotated about the second point of rotation (e.g., in Before turning up), it rotates around the first point of rotation (for example, on it). And, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the second end 11118 of the first surface 11108 (11118-A) and the second surface 11112 (11116-B) is seated against the fastener 11100, the first surface 11108 ( The first end 11116 of each of the 11116-A) and second surface 11112 (11116-B) is not in contact with the fastener 11100.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, as the first elongate section 1176 and the second elongate section 1177 are rotated about the first point of rotation (eg, rotated thereon), the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member The first point of rotation of 1104 can be initially separated or moved from its seating position along longitudinal axis 1166. When this occurs, a first gap 1170 is formed between the distal end of the projection 1106 and the second end of the receptacle 1118 of the second abutment member 1104. A second gap 1172 is also formed between the first surface of the protrusion 1106 and the first surface of the socket 1118. For the opposite This combination of the first gap 1170 and the second gap 1172 of a given configuration of the joint 1100 allows the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 to follow the arch as the engagement member 1174 rotates about the second point of rotation The shape shift path moves.

When displaced from the first point of rotation to the second point of rotation, the length of the beveled edge of the engagement member 1174 changes from an initial value when the engagement member 1174 is in the first predetermined state (as discussed herein) to, for example, when the point of rotation is displaced a contact point between the first elliptical opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second end 11118 of the second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) and the fastener 11100 is shorter than one of the initial values .

This variation of the bevel length of the joint member 1174 can be shown using Figs. 11D and 11E. The dashed lines 11204 and 11206 of Figures 11D and 11E show the beveled edges of the engagement members 1174 when the engagement members are at the first or second point of rotation. In FIG. 11D, a first elongate section 1176 is shown, in which the fastener 11100, the first abutment member 1102, and the second end 1180, both in a common plane, define a first elongate section 1176. The right triangle is 11208. Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 13208 is between the fastener 11100 and the second end 1180. A first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 is a second end 1180 and a first line extending from the second end 1180. 11212 and an orthogonal intersection of a second line 11213 extending from the core of the fastener 11100, wherein the first and second lines 11212 and 11213 are in a common plane.

As shown in FIG. 11D, in the first predetermined state, the broken line 11204 shows the oblique side of the joint member 1174. When the rotation point is shifted to the second rotation point, the dashed line 11206 displays the bevel relative to the first predetermined state. The shortened hypotenuse. In addition to being shorter than the broken line 11204, the beveled line 11206 can exhibit a beveled edge that is equal to or shorter than the first leg 11209 of the right-angled triangle 11208 of the first elongate section 1176 when the engaging member is in the first predetermined state. In this manner, the engagement member 1174 having the beveled edge that is now shortened can, for example, pass through the defined maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.

Similarly, in FIG. 11E, a second elongate section 1177 is shown in which, in the first predetermined state, the fastener 11100, the second abutment member 1104, and the second elongate segment 1177 are both in a common plane. End 1188 is a right-angled triangle 11208 that defines a second elongated section 1177. Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 13208 is between the fastener 11100 and the second end 1188. A first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 is a second end 1188 and a first line extending from the second end 1188. 11212 and an orthogonal intersection of a second line 11213 extending from the core of the fastener 11100, wherein the first and second lines 11212 and 11213 are in a common plane.

As shown in FIG. 11E, in the first predetermined state, the broken line 11204 shows the oblique side of the joint member 1174. When the rotation point is shifted to the second rotation point, the broken line 11206 displays the hypotenuse that is shortened at this time with respect to the oblique side of the first predetermined state. In addition to being shorter than the dashed line 11204, the chamfer line 11206 can exhibit a beveled edge that is equal to or shorter than the first leg 11209 of the right-angled triangle 11208 of the second elongate section 1177 when the engagement member is in the first predetermined state. In this manner, the engagement members 1174 having the beveled edges that are now shortened can, for example, pass through the defined maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 11D and 11E, in the first predetermined state, the oblique side has a length greater than the length of the first leg 11209. However, with the first pair The abutting member 1102 and the second abutting member 1104 are rotated about the first rotation point, and the length of the first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 is changed to a length 11230, which is the movement of the fastener 11100 to the first predetermined state and the second state. The length between the predetermined states. The change in the first leg 11209 also changes the length of the hypotenuse so that it is no longer greater than the length of the first leg 11209 as measured in the first predetermined position. This variation in the effective length of the bevel allows the engagement member 1174 to be folded toward the second predetermined state without extending beyond the defined maximum length 11144 defined in the first predetermined state. To unfold the engagement member 1174, a force opposing the force 11202 can be applied to the folded engagement member to cause the engagement member 1174 to return to its first predetermined state, as seen in FIG. 11A. When returning to its first predetermined state, it does not exceed the defined maximum length of 11144.

Referring now to Figure 12, an embodiment of the engagement member 1274 in a second predetermined state is illustrated wherein the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114 are relative to a minimum overlap (e.g., a first predetermined state). The words have a maximum overlap, as discussed in this article. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, when the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening are in the second predetermined state, the fastener 12100 is free to follow the first oblong opening and the second oblong shape. The longitudinal axis 12120 moves.

In the second predetermined state, FIG. 12 shows that the first oblong opening 12110 completely overlaps the second oblong opening 12114. Although FIG. 12 shows a complete overlap of the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114, the overlap may be intended to be substantially complete, such as due to machine tolerances and the like. This relationship between the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114 can be considered relative to the minimum overlap The maximum overlap of the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening is as discussed herein. In other words, it is not possible to further increase the maximum overlap area value by repositioning the first elongated segment or the second elongated segment.

The abutment joint of the present disclosure can be used in a container. Containers (also known as containers, shipping containers, intermodal containers and/or ISO containers, and other names) may be shipped by rail, air, road, and/or water. Containers are often shipped in empty containers. Since containers occupy the same volume whether or not they contain items, the cost of transporting empty containers (in terms of finance and the environment) would be equivalent to the cost of shipping full containers. For example, the same number of trucks (such as five) will be required to ship the same number of empty containers (for example, five). In addition, containers are often sitting in storage facilities and/or transport hubs. Regardless of where the container is located (transported or in storage), the volume occupied by an empty container does not utilize its full potential.

A solution to these issues will be in a reversible, foldable container. By having a reversibly foldable container it will allow for the folding of an "empty" container to achieve a smaller volume than its fully expanded state. The additional volume obtained by at least partially folding the reversibly foldable container can then be utilized to accommodate other at least partially folded reversibly foldable containers, providing additional volume for unfolded (eg, ordinary) containers and/or Reversible foldable container in its fully expanded state. Therefore, a quantity (e.g., five) of empty reversible foldable container systems can be folded and nested in such a manner that a truck can transport the quantity of empty reversible foldable containers. As a result, significant environmental and cost savings are expected.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a plurality of articles discussed herein Reversible foldable container for the joint member. For one or more embodiments, the reversible foldable container is in compliance with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards. For example, reversible foldable containers as disclosed herein are in compliance with ISO Standard 688 and ISO Standard 1496 (and Amendments to ISO Standard 1496), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. As discussed herein, the commercial standards for containers are established by ISO. ISO sets a commercial standard for containers of almost every form. Such commercial standards include, but are not limited to, container design, dimensions, dimensional tolerances, freight shipping, ratings, weight (mass), center of gravity, load energy, hanging tests, symbols, markings, locations, stacking tests, weatherability, and Mechanical testing, and others.

Reversible foldable containers, as discussed herein, include a plurality of joint members, as disclosed herein. The reversibly foldable container of the present disclosure can be turned from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding the reversibly foldable container beyond a predetermined maximum width of the unfolded state. The reversible foldable container can be turned from the folded state back to the unfolded state and is therefore reversibly foldable. As used herein, the "folded state" of a reversibly foldable container is a state that does not include an unfolded state, as discussed herein. The folded state may include, but is not limited to, a second predetermined state of the reversibly foldable container.

As discussed, the engagement members can be used in a reversibly foldable container, as discussed herein. However, the engagement members as disclosed herein can be used in a variety of different applications, including transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding beyond the defined maximum length of the engagement members in the collapsed state, without arching or damaging the engagement members. a pivotable connection (such as a hinge) or a structure (as discussed herein).

Figure 13 shows one of one or more embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure An exploded view of the reversible foldable container 13500. The reversibly foldable container 13500 includes a floor structure 13502, a roof structure 13504 opposite the floor structure 13502, a first side wall structure 13506-1 and a second side wall structure 13506-2, wherein the first side wall structure 13506-1 And the second sidewall structure 13506-2 is joined to the floor structure 13502 and the roof structure 13504. Each of the sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2 has an outer surface 13504. Each of the sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2 has an outer surface 13507 and an inner surface 13511, wherein the inner surface 13511, the floor structure 13502, and the roof structure 13504 of the sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2 are at least partially defined The reversible foldable container 13500 has a volume of 13512.

The first sidewall structure 13506-1 includes a first sidewall panel 13514-1, and the first sidewall panel 13514-1 is coupled to a first upper rail 13516-1 and a first bottom rail 13518-1. The second sidewall structure 13506-2 includes a second sidewall panel 13514-2 joined to a second upper rail 13516-2 and a second bottom rail 13518-2. Floor structure 13502 includes a floor member 13520 that is attached to engagement member 13510 in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein a portion of floor member 13520 has been removed to display engagement member 1374. One or more of a hinge 13513 joins a first member end of each of the plurality of engagement members 1374 to a first bottom side rail 13518-1 and a second member end of each of the plurality of engagement members 1374 to a second Bottom side rail 13518-2. The bottom side rail 13518 can further include a stack of pockets 13524.

The reversibly foldable container 13500 further includes a rear wall 13526 and a front wall 13528. Each of the rear wall 13526 and the front wall 13528 includes an end frame 13530, and the end frame 13530 is joined to the roof structure 13504, the floor. Structure 13502 and sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2. The end frame 13530 includes a corner post 13532, a corner fitting 13534, a header 13536, and a header 13538. The end frame 13530 for the back wall 13526 is referred to herein as the rear wall end frame 13531, and the end frame 13530 for the front wall 13528 is referred to herein as the front wall end frame 13533. Corner posts 13532 for the back wall 13526 are referred to herein as back wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2, and for the front wall 13528 are referred to herein as front wall corner posts 13532-3 and 13532-4.

The rear wall 13526 includes a door assembly 13540. The door assembly 13540 can include a door 13542 that is attached to the rear wall end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526 with a hinge 13544, as will be discussed more fully herein. The door assembly 13540 and hinges 13544 provided herein are also discussed in the co-pending application entitled "Door Assembly for Containers" (Case No. 128.0030001), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The rear wall end frame 13531 includes a headstock 13536, also referred to as a rear wall header member 13546 for the door assembly 13540, and a sill 13538, which is also referred to as a rear wall for the door assembly 13540. Stage member 13548. Rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2 extend between and couple the rear wall sill members 13548 and the rear wall header members 13546.

Figure 13 provides an embodiment of a door assembly 13540 that includes both doors 13542, wherein one of the doors 13542 is attached by hinges 13544 to one of the rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2. Each door 13542 has a height 13550 and a width 13552 that allow the door 13542 to fit within a region 13554 defined by the rear wall end member 13531. The door 13542 can further include a spacer 13556 around a perimeter of the door 13542 to aid in the rear Water resistance is provided on the outer portion of the wall 13526.

The door 13542 further includes a locking bar 13558 having a cam 13560 and a handle 13562. The locking bar 13558 can be mounted to the door 13542 by a support frame assembly 13564, wherein the locking bar 13558 is rotated within the support frame assembly 13564 and guided by the support frame assembly 13564 to engage and disengage the cam 13560 and a cam retainer 13566. . The cam holder 13566 is mounted on the rear wall end frame 13531. In one embodiment, the cam retainer 13566 is mounted to the rear abutment member 13553 and the rear wall header member 13546 of the rear wall end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526.

The locking bar 13558 mounted to the door 13542 is movable between a first predetermined position in which the cam 13560 is aligned and engageable with the cam holder 13566 as discussed above, and a second predetermined position. In the second predetermined position, the cam 13560 is disengaged from the cam holder 13566 and has a position relative to the rear wall end frame 13531 that allows the cam 13560 and the door 13542 to travel through the region 13554 through the rear wall end frame of the rear wall 13526. 13531 and cam holder 13566, and into the volume 13512 of the reversibly foldable container 13500. In other words, in the second predetermined position, the portion of the locking bar 13558 has been removed, as described herein, whereby the cam 13560 is positioned directly adjacent the surface of the door 13542 such that the door 13542 can be opened to a reversible foldable The volume of the container 13500 is within 13512. As discussed herein, with the hinge 13544 of the present disclosure, in addition to having the locking bar 13558 in the second predetermined position, opening the door 13542 to the volume 13512 of the reversibly foldable container 13500 is achieved, as will be more fully discussed herein.

Figure 13 shows the first predetermined position, wherein the cam 13560 and the convex The wheel retainers 13566 are positioned relative to one another such that the cams 13560 can engage and disengage the cam retainers 13566 located on the rear wall end frame 13531.

Figure 14 shows the cam 14560 in at least one embodiment relative to the second predetermined position of the cam holder 14566. As shown in Fig. 14, the cam 14560 has been positioned relative to the first predetermined position so that the cam 14560 is no longer aligned to engage and/or disengage the cam retainer 14566. The cam 14560 is also positioned relative to the rear wall end frame 14530, so that as the door 14542 moves into the volume 14512 of the reversibly foldable container 14500, the cam 14560 can pass through a region 14554 defined by the rear wall end frame 14530, wherein the volume The 14512 can be at least partially covered by the floor structure 14502, the roof structure 14504, the side wall structures 14506-1 and 14506-2, and the rear wall 14528 (shown as cut to help more clearly show the volume defined by the door 14542 in the reversibly foldable container 14500) Defined in position 14512).

Movement of the cam 14560 between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position can be accomplished in a number of different manners. For example, the locking bar 14558 can have two or more portions that can be telescoped along a longitudinal axis 14568 of the locking bar 14558. The locking bar 14558 can include a first portion 14570 and a second portion 14572 joined to the first portion 14570 by a connecting shaft 14574. The first portion 14570 and the second portion 14572 can be telescoped relative to the connecting shaft 14574 to change a length 14576 of the locking bar 14558. For example, the first portion 14570 and the second portion 14572 can travel along the connecting shaft 14574 between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

As shown, the coupling shaft 14574 can hold a combination of the frame assembly 14564 and a crush resistant ring 14478 held in place on the door 14542. anti- The break ring 14078 can be joined to the connecting shaft 14574 at either end of the support frame assembly 14564, so the shaft 14574 can be rotated by the handle 14584 relative to the floor structure 14502 and/or the roof structure 14504 due to the presence of the damage resistant ring 14478. While rotating in the support frame assembly 14564, but will not pass vertically through the support frame assembly 14564 (e.g., the connecting shaft 14574 will not move up and/or down relative to the support frame assembly 14564).

Referring now to Figures 15A and 15B, the door assembly 15540 is shown with the locking bar 15558 in a first predetermined position (e.g., the cam 15560 is aligned and engages the cam retainer 15566 as shown in Figure 15A) and the second predetermined Position (e.g., cam 15560 is disengaged from cam retainer 15566 and has a position relative to rear wall end frame 15530 that allows cam 15560 and door 15542 to travel within the volume of reversibly foldable container 155 (as shown in Figure 16). As shown, the door assembly 15540 includes a door 15542, a hinge 15544, a rear wall header member 15546, a rear wall sill member 15548, a locking bar 15558, a cam 15560, a handle 15562, a support frame assembly 15564, and a cam. Retainer 15566, as discussed herein. The embodiment shown in Figures 15A and 15B also includes each of first portion 15570 and second portion 15572, wherein portions 15570 and 15572 each include a minimum for receiving connecting shaft 15574. a portion of the socket 15586. As the locking bar 15558 expands and contracts to change the length of the locking bar 15558 between the first predetermined position shown in FIG. 15A and the second predetermined position shown in FIG. 15B, the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 each System with respect to the receptacle connector along a shaft 15574 and 15586 migrate through outlet 15586.

The socket 15586 and the connecting shaft 15574 can have an unallowable connecting shaft 15574, the first portion 15570 and/or the second portion 15572 relative to each other Make a cross-sectional shape of any significant degree of rotation. The cross-sectional shape may include, but is not limited to, a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as an oval, an ellipse, or a polygon such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a more angular shape such as a pentagon, a hexagon, or the like. The coupling shaft 15574 can further include a support frame assembly, as discussed herein, for providing rotation and providing support to the coupling shaft 15574 in its position relative to the first and second portions 15570 and 15572. It is possible that the socket 15586 can also include a bushing between the connecting shaft 15574 and each of the first and second portions 15570 and 15572. The liner can be made of a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

The first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can be mounted to the door 15542 by a combination of the support frame assembly 15564 and the anti-destructive ring 15558. For example, the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can each have a support frame assembly 15564 joined to each of the portions 15570 and 15572 and an anti-destructive ring 15558 that allows the portions 15570 and 15572 to be rotated by rotating the handle 15562. The support frame assembly is 15564. The second portion 15572 can include a grip 15562. The door 15542 further includes a fastener plate 15588 and a fastener stop 15590 to receive and releasably retain the handle 15562 against the door 15542.

As shown, the first portion 15570 of the locking bar 15558 and the anti-destructive ring 15558 on each of the second portions 15572 are positioned in the support frame assembly 15564 for connecting the shaft 15574 and for the respective portions 15570 and 15572. The support frame assembly is between 15564. This configuration allows each of the first portion 15570 and/or the second portion 15572 to be stretched relative to the floor structure and the roof structure between a first predetermined position (Fig. 15A) and a second predetermined position (Fig. 15B), as herein discuss. Anti-destructive ring 15558 can also be used to limit the locking rod The stop of the first and second portions 15570 and 15572 of 15558.

The locking bar 15558 also includes an adjustment member 15580 that releasably engages the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 of the locking bar 15558. The adjustment member 15580 includes a first end 15582 and a second end 15583, wherein the surface defines a first opening 15587 adjacent to the first end 15582 and a first opening 15587 and the second end 15583 of the adjustment member 15580 The second opening 15589. The adjustment member 15580 can be non-releasable but pivotally attached to the first portion 15570 at or adjacent to the first end 15582. The first and second openings 15587 and 15589 can then be used to releasably couple the lock in either the first predetermined position (see Figure 15A) and/or the second predetermined position (see Figure 15B). The first and second portions 15570 and 15572 of the rod 15558.

The adjustment member 15580 can be a forged metal bar that is non-releasable but pivotally attached to the first portion 15570 by a hub mounting frame 15592. The adjustment member 15580 can be coupled to the hub mounting frame 15592 using a rivet. The second portion 15572 can also include a mounting frame 15594 that can receive and releasably couple the adjustment member 15580. In an embodiment, the mounting frame 15594 can include a pin or shaft on which any of the first opening 15587 or the second opening 15589 on the adjustment member 15580 can be positioned. The pin or shafting on the mounting frame 15594 can have a surface defining an opening through the pin or shaft. The opening through the pin or shaft can be configured such that when either of the first opening 15587 or the second opening 15589 is above the pin or shaft, the opening can releasably receive an R pin or R clip. Once in place, The R-pin or R-clip can hold the adjustment member 15580 to maintain the locking bar 15558 rigid (e.g., rigid along the longitudinal axis of the locking bar 358). The locking bar 15558 can perform a tamper resistant function in its first predetermined position, as is known in the art. As is appreciated, the adjustment member 15580 can be releasably secured between the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 in addition to the R-pin or the R-clip.

The first portion 15570 of the locking bar 15558 can also be telescoped (e.g., moved) between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position by the adjustment member 15580. Similarly, the second portion 15572 of the locking bar 15558 can be telescoped (e.g., moved) between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position using the handle 15562.

Referring now to Figure 16, an embodiment of the door assembly 16540 of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, only one door 16542 is shown to more clearly show the following embodiments. Door assembly 16540 includes the components as discussed herein for Figures 13-15B. For various embodiments, the door 16542 shown in FIG. 16 further includes a wheel 16596 between the door 16542 and the floor structure 16502. For different embodiments, more than one wheel 16596 can be used with the door 16542 (eg, two wheels 16596, three wheels 16596, etc. can be used with the door 16542).

The wheel 16596 can help support the weight of the door 16542 and guide as the door 16542 moves into the volume 16512 of the reversibly foldable container 16500. Wheel 16596 includes an axle 16598 that is rotated about axle 16598. For various embodiments, the axle 16598 can be secured to the wheel 16596, wherein the axle 16598 is supported by and rotates over one of the frames housed within the structure of the door 16542. Alternatively, the axle 16598 can be secured to the door 16542, The wheel 16596 includes a bearing or bushing for permitting rotation of the wheel 16596 about the axle 16598.

Referring now to Figure 17, an embodiment of a hinge 17544 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the hinge 17544 includes a first wing 17601 and a second wing 17603, wherein the first wing 17601 and the second wing 17603 are pivotally coupled by a first hinge pin 17605. The second wing 17603 includes a first planar portion 17607 having a first end 17609 and a second end 17611 and a second planar portion 17613 extending orthogonally from the first end 17609 of the first planar portion 17607. The first hinge pin 17605 pivotally connects the first wing 17601 to the second end 17611 of the first planar portion 17607. As shown, a portion of the first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603 passes through an opening defined in the first wing 17601 to permit the second end 17611 of the first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603 to be The first hinge pin 17605 and the first wing 17601 are pivotally connected.

The hinge 17544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 17615 extending from the second planar portion 17613 of the second wing 17603. Each of the hinge lugs 17615 has a surface 17617 that defines a first set of openings 17619 through which a second hinge pin 17621 passes. For various embodiments, at least one of the pair of hinge lugs 17615 has a surface 17623 defining an opening 17625 through which a locking pin 17627 travels. The locking pin 17627 can reversibly move past the opening 17625, wherein in the first position in which the locking pin 17627 is completely outside the opening 17625, the second wing 17603 is unlocked relative to the first wing 17601, and when the locking pin 17627 When at least partially or completely positioned through the opening 17625, the second wing 17603 is opposite to the first One wing 17601 is locked.

The second planar portion 17613 of the second wing 17603 includes a first major surface 17629 and a second major surface 17631 opposite the first major surface 17629. The pair of hinge lugs 17615 extend from the first major surface 17629 of the second planar portion 17613. The first wing 17601 has a first major surface 17633 and a second major surface 17635 opposite the first major surface 17633. In the first predetermined position, the first wing 17601 is orthogonal to the first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603, and the first major surface 17633 of the first wing 17601 is directly opposite and parallel to the second planar portion 17613 The second major surface 17631. As discussed more fully herein, the first wing 17601 can be attached to a corner post of the reversibly foldable container to occur at a first predetermined position, and the second wing 17603 of the hinge 17544 can be positioned against (eg, adjacent and at least Parts are in contact with the corner column.

The first wing 17601 has a first end 17637 and a second end 17639, and wherein the first hinge pin 17605 pivotally connects the first end 17637 of the first wing 17601 to the first planar portion of the second wing 17603 The second end 17611 of 17607. The second planar portion 17613 has a distal end 17643 for the first end 17609 of the first planar portion 17607, and the pair of hinge lugs 17615 extending from the second planar portion 17613 have a first peripheral edge 17645, The end 17643 of the second planar portion 17613 and the first peripheral edge 17645 of the hinge lug 17615 are in a common plane.

Referring now to Figure 18, there is shown a top plan view of a hinge 18544 in accordance with the present disclosure that has been mounted to a rear corner post 18532 of a reversibly foldable container 18500. Figure 18 shows only the reversible foldable container 18500 A portion to allow for a clearer view and understanding of the operation of the hinge 18544. The corner posts of the reversibly foldable container are formed from a "J" bar 18547 and a "U" passage 18549, wherein the "J" bar 18547 and the "U" passage 18549 are welded together to form a corner post of the reversibly foldable container 18500. A "U" path 18549 is also referred to as an "inner column." This configuration of the corner posts is applicable to the front and rear corner columns discussed herein.

As shown, the first wing 18601 is secured to a portion of the U-channel 18549. The first wing 18601 can be fastened to a portion of the U-passage by a fusion (eg, arc welding) process. The second wing 18603 (shown in multiple positions of FIG. 18 as the second wing 18603 pivots about the first hinge pin 18605) is free to pivot about the first hinge pin 18605. The travel path 18651 of the second wing 18603 shown in FIG. 18 enters the volume 18512 of the reversibly foldable container 18500 (as partially defined by the interior surface 18510 of the sidewall structure 18506 of the reversibly foldable container 18500).

Referring now to Figure 19, a hinge 19544 is shown in a first predetermined position (as shown in Figure 17) on the reversibly foldable container 19500 as viewed along line 7-7 of Figure 18. The embodiment shown in Fig. 19 also includes a locking pin 19627 and a hinge pin 19621, as shown in Fig. 17. As shown, the second wing 19603 includes a hinge lug 19615 extending from the second planar portion 19613, and the hinge lugs 19615 include a first portion of the surface 19617 defining the opening 19619, the second hinge pin 19621 Pass through and be seated in the opening 19619. As discussed more fully herein, the door of the container pivots about the second hinge pin 19621 (eg, swings). The hinge lug 19615 also includes a surface 19623 that defines an opening 19625 through which the locking pin 19627 travels. Figure 19 also The display hinge 19544 has a pair of seating block 19655 (only a portion of which is shown) fastened to the rear wall end frame 19530 of the reversibly foldable container to form a receiving and seating second planar portion 19613 and A socket 19657 for at least a portion of the hinge lug 19612. As shown, the U-channel 19549 of the rear wall end frame 19530 facilitates forming a portion of the socket 19657. A portion of the J-bar 19547 is removed to create a volume for the second wing 19603 to reside therein, thereby allowing the hinge 19563 to pivot such that the door can swing toward the exterior surface of the sidewall structure (a more complete display and discussion herein) Characteristic structure). At least one of the pair of seating blocks 19655 has a surface 19659 for defining an opening 19621 through which the locking pin 19627 travels to lock and unlock the second wing 19603 from the corner post of the reversibly foldable container. As discussed herein, the locking pin 19627 reversibly moves to lock and unlock the second wing 19603 from the corner post of the container. The door is joined to the pair of hinge lugs 19615 by a second hinge pin 19621, as discussed herein, wherein when the hinge lug 19615 is locked to the corner post of the reversibly foldable container, the door is opposite the pair of hinge lugs 19615 The second hinge pin 19621 is pivoted. This allows the door to extend adjacent to the outer surface of the sidewall structure. In addition, when the hinge lug 19615 is unlocked in the corner post of the reversibly foldable container, the door and second wing 19603 can pivot on the first hinge pin to allow the door to move into the volume of the reversibly foldable container and to the side wall The inner surface of the structure extends adjacently. These embodiments will be shown and discussed further herein.

The pair of seating blocks 19655 can include a lower seating block 19663 and an upper seating block 19665. The pair of hinge lugs 19615 includes a lower hinge lug 19667 and an upper hinge lug 19665. The lower hinge lug 19667 can be The release seat is seated or leaned against the lower seating block 19663. The upper seating block 19669 can have a surface 19659 to define an opening 19661 through which the locking pin 19627 can be moved through the opening 19623 of the hinge lug 19669 to lock and unlock the second wing 19603 from the corner post of the reversibly foldable container. The lower hinge lug 19667 can also include a surface 1969 surface 19695 that defines an opening 19697 through which the locking pin 19627 travels. Each of the lower seating block 19663 and the upper seating block 19665 also includes a surface defining an opening through which the locking pin 19627 moves to lock and unlock the second wing from the corner post of the reversibly foldable container. 19603 (For this embodiment, the locking pin 19627 will be of sufficient length to move through the opening 19623 of the hinge lug 19669 and the lower hinge lug 19667 and the opening 19697 in the lower seating block19663 to reversibly fold the container The corner post locks and unlocks the second wing 19603).

As shown in FIG. 19, the lower seating block 19663 can include a first surface 19671 that the lower hinge lug 19667 seats or rests on, and a second surface 19673 that is substantially orthogonal to the first surface 19671. And a third surface 19675 of the slope between the first surface 19671 and the second surface 19673 of the lower seating block 19663. As the second wing 19603 pivots about the first hinge pin relative to the first wing, the lower hinge lug 19667 travels along the third surface 19675. The upper seating block 19665 includes a first surface 19677, a second surface 19679 substantially orthogonal to the first surface 19677, and a third surface 19681 that presents a slope between the first surface 19677 and the second surface 19679, wherein As the second wing 19603 pivots about the first hinge pin relative to the first wing, the upper hinge lug 19669 can travel along the third surface 19681.

The end frame can also include a locking pin travel stop 19685 to limit a travel distance of the locking pin 19627. The locking pin 19627 can also include a surface 19693 that defines a structure on which the locking pin can be moved or formed using a tool. For example, the structure can be a notch or recess formed in the locking pin 19627 that can accommodate a pry bar or other pick-up tool that assists in moving the locking pin 19627. The locking pin 19627 can be fixed to the hinge 19544 orthogonal to an axis of rotation 2691 of the second hinge pin 19621.

Referring now to Fig. 20, an embodiment of the reversibly foldable container 20500 of the present disclosure is shown wherein one of the doors 20524 is located within the volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable container 20500 and the other of the doors 20524 is positioned along The outer surface 20508 of the sidewall structure 20506-1. As shown, the reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes a roof structure 20504, a floor structure 20502 opposite the roof structure 20504, and side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 between the floor structure 20502 and the roof structure 20504, as discussed herein. Each of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 has an exterior surface 20508 and an interior surface 20510, wherein the interior surface 20510 at least partially defines a volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable container 20500.

The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes a wall end frame 20530 joined to the roof structure 20504, the floor structure 20502, and the side wall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2, wherein the rear wall end frame 20530 has a rear wall sill member 20548, a rear door header The rear wall corner posts 205320-1 and 20532-2 between the member 20546 and the rear wall sill member 20548 and the rear door header member 20546. The door assembly 20540 also includes a hinge 20544 on each of the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2, wherein the hinges are as discussed herein. The first wing of the hinge 20544 is fastened to the corner post 20532-1 and 20532-2. The first hinge pin is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first planar portion of the second wing 20603 that is fastened to the first end of the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2, as discussed herein.

The locking pin 20627 can be moved through at least one of the pair of hinge lugs having a surface defining an opening through which the locking pin travels. The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further includes the pair of seating blocks 20655, as discussed herein, fastened to the rear wall end frame 20530 to form a socket 20557 for receiving and seating the hinged lugs of the hinge 20544. As discussed herein, once the hinge 20544 is seated on the seating block 20655 in the receptacle 20557, the locking pin 20627 can be moved (eg, moved up and/or down) to exit the corner post 20532 of the reversibly foldable container 20500. -1 and 20532-2 lock and unlock the second wing of the hinge 20544.

The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further includes both of the doors 20524 that are joined to the pair of hinge lugs of the hinge 20544 with a second hinge pin. When the hinge lugs are locked to the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable container 20500, the doors 20524 are each pivoted relative to the pair of hinge lugs on the second hinge pin to permit the door 20524 Extending adjacent the outer surface 20508 of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2. When the hinge lugs are unlocked at the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable container 20500, the second wings of the door 20524 and hinge 20544 can also pivot on the first hinge pin to allow the door 20524 to move to reversible The foldable container 20500 has a volume 20512 and extends adjacent the interior surface 20510 of the sidewall structure 20506. These embodiments are all shown in Figure 17.

Reversible foldable container 20500 sidewall structure 20506-1 and The 20506-2 further includes a latch 205100 that can be used to engage and releasably retain the door 20524 adjacent the interior surface 20510 of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2. Door 20524 is also shown with a locking bar 20558 that is mounted to door 20524 as discussed herein. As shown in FIG. 20, the display locking bar 20558 is positioned to be positioned along a first predetermined position on the door 20524 of the exterior surface 20508 of the sidewall structure 20506 and within the volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable container 20500. In the second predetermined position on the door 20524.

Referring now to Figures 21A through 21C, the reversible foldable container front wall 21528 of the present disclosure is shown. The view of the front wall 21528 shown in Figures 21A-21C is taken along line of sight 18-18 shown in Figure 13. As shown, the front wall 21528 is joined to the roof structure, the floor structure, and the side wall structure as shown in Figures 13 and 17.

As shown, the front wall 21528 includes a front wall end frame 21533 having front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4, a front door corner post 21532-3 on the front door hinge 21400, and a front door hinge 21400. Front door 21402. The front door 21402 can be pivoted over the front door hinge 21400 into the volume of the reversibly foldable container and extends adjacent the interior surface of the side wall structure (as seen in Figure 13).

The front wall end frame 21533 also includes a front wall sill member 21538 and a front wall header member 21536, wherein the front wall sill member 21538 and the front wall header member 21536 extend between the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4 . The front wall sill member 21538 is coupled to the first of the front wall corner posts 21532 by a sill hinge 21710, the sill hinge 21710 permitting the anterior wall sill member 21538 At least a portion is folded toward the second of the front wall corner posts 21532. Similarly, the front wall header member 21536 is coupled to the second of the front wall corner posts 21532 by a head hinge 21712 that allows at least a portion of the front wall header member 21536 to be folded toward the first of the front wall corner posts 21532 By.

Figures 21B and 21C show such an ability that both the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall platform member 21538 can be folded. A pivot pin 21714 is used in the headrest hinge 21712 and the sill hinge 21710 to connect and allow the first of the front wall sill members 21538 relative to the front wall corner post 21532, and the front wall header member 21536 relative to the front wall corner post The second person of 21532 rotates.

The front wall member 21538 is releasably coupled to the first one of the front wall corner posts 21532-3 by a first one of the latches 21760-1. Similarly, the second member of the front wall corner post 21532 is releasably coupled to the second of the front wall corner posts 21532 by a second of the latches 21760-2. In a locked position, the latch 21760 helps prevent the front wall sill member 18236 and the front wall header member 21536 from moving relative to their respective front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. In an unlocked position, the front wall head member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538 can be folded toward their respective front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4 (shown in Figures 21B and 21C).

For example, the latches 21760-1 and 21760-2 can releasably connect the structures via a bolt or a fastener, wherein the bolts or fasteners can be removed to allow the front wall header member 21536 to pivot substantially ninety degrees before the front The head block members 21536 are adjacent (e.g., substantially parallel to the front wall corner posts 21532-3). Similarly, bolts or fasteners for releasably connecting the front wall sill member 21538 and the front wall corner post 21532-3 can be removed to allow the front wall 槛 The table member 21538 is pivoted substantially ninety degrees such that the front wall sill members 21538 are adjacent (e.g., substantially parallel to the front wall corner posts 21532-4).

As shown in FIG. 21A, the front door 21402 further includes a planar truss 21406. The planar truss 21406 helps provide a tamper resistant function to the reversibly foldable container 1800 in its seated and locked position.

As shown, the planar truss 21406 releasably seats across the front door 21402 and extends from the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. The planar truss 21406 includes a linear member 21410. As shown, the planar truss 21406 forms a triangle that will not change when the length of the side of the front door 21402 is fixed. As shown, the linear member 21410 and the corner post 21532 form a node 18414 of the planar truss 21406, all in a two-dimensional plane of the front door 21402. The planar truss 21406 can be in the form of a beam having a number of different cross-sectional profiles. Such cross-sectional profiles include, but are not limited to, I-beams, tubes, rectangles, triangles, and squares, among others.

The front wall corner post 21532-4 also includes a socket 21420. One end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406 is releasably seated in the socket 21420 when the front door 21402 is in the first predetermined position. In this embodiment, the first predetermined position is that the front wall end frame 21533 includes the corner post 21532, the corner fitting 21534, the front wall head member 21536 and the front wall platform when the front door 21402 is seated in the front wall end frame 21533. Member 21538.

The socket 21420 can be formed by an extension 18450, such as a plate, that is applied to the surface of the front wall corner post 21532, a locking plate 21456, and a portion of the corner fitting 21534. When the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406 is seated in the socket 21420, the locking plate 21456 can be reversibly slid to the end portion. Above the 21422 is a locking planar truss 21406. From the locked position, the locking plate 21456 can slide in an opposite travel direction 21460 to unlock the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406.

When in the first predetermined position, a portion of the planar truss 21406 is abutted against a portion of the front corner post 21532. As shown, this portion of the planar truss 21406 that is against a portion of the front door corner post 21532 can be an end portion 21422. The planar truss 21406 can cooperate with the front wall end frame 21533 to minimize lateral damage of the reversibly foldable container when the pair is in the first predetermined position.

FIG. 21A shows that the corner post 21532-3 also includes a joint block 21700 before the front door hinge 21400 is installed. When the door 21402 is at the first predetermined position, at least a portion of the front door hinge 21400 can be seated on the seating block 21700. The seating block 21700 can help support the weight of the front door 21402 when in the first predetermined position. The front wall 21528 further includes a door lock 21716. The door lock 21716 includes a frame 21718 that is mounted to the front wall corner post 21532-4 and a sliding member 21720. The frame 21718 can be a "C" shape that helps define a socket, and an extension member 21722 mounted to the front door 21402 can be releasably seated within the socket.

The socket defined by the frame 21718 can receive the extension member 21722 when the sliding member 21720 is in an open position. Once the extension member has been received in the socket, the sliding member 21720 can slide over at least a portion of the extension member 21722 to help "lock" the front door 21402 in its first predetermined position. When the front door 21402 is moved from its first predetermined position, the sliding member 21720 and the locking plate 21456 can be slid to open their respective parts. The socket thus allows the front door 21402 to rotate on the door hinge 21400.

Figures 21A-21C illustrate positioning the front door 21402 of the front wall 21528 of a reversibly foldable container so that it can be located within one of the volumes defined by the reversibly foldable container. As discussed herein, positioning the door 21402 of the front wall 21528 of the reversibly foldable container within the volume defined by the reversibly foldable container includes unlocking the door 21402 from the front wall end frame 21533, and a portion of the sill frame 21406. Once unlocked, the door 21402 can be pivoted over the door hinge 21400 to position the door 21402 within the volume defined by the reversibly foldable container. Figure 21B shows this state. Figure 21B also shows that once the door 21402 has been pivoted away from the front wall head member 21536 and the front wall platform member 21538, the members 21536 and 21538 can be folded toward their respective front wall corner posts 21532. 21C shows that the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538 are folded relative to their respective front wall corner posts 21532.

Referring now to Figures 22A through 22D, the rear wall 22526 of the reversibly foldable container 22500 of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the rear wall 22526 is joined to the roof structure 22504, the floor structure 22502, and the side wall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2, wherein the roof structure 22504, the floor structure 22502, and the interior surfaces of the sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2 22511 and rear wall 22526 define a volume 22512 of reversibly foldable container 22500.

As shown, the rear wall 22526 includes rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, a hinge 22344 as discussed herein on the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, and a door hinged to the hinge 22344. 22542. Figures 22A-22D show that the hinge 22344 is unlocked in the second predetermined position to the rear wall corner post such that the rear wall door 22542 can be pivoted to the reversibly foldable container 22500 Within the volume 22112 and adjacent the interior surface 22511 of the sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2.

Figure 22A shows a reversibly foldable container 22500 having a defined maximum width 22501 measured at a predetermined point on each of the rear wall corner posts 22506-1 and 22506-2 in an unfolded state. Specifically, as provided in ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15, the predetermined points on each of the rear wall corner posts 22506-1 and 22506-2 are from an outer surface 22499 of the corner fittings 22534 and 22534. Defined. For the different embodiments, in the unfolded state, the defined maximum width 22501 of the reversibly foldable container 22500 is eight (8) inches, as provided by ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15.

The rear wall 22526 includes a rear wall end frame 22531 having both rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, a rear wall sill member 22548 and a rear wall header member 22546. The rear wall sill member 22548 and the rear wall header member 22546 extend between the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. The rear wall sill member 22548 is coupled to the first of the rear wall corner posts 22532-2 by a sill hinge 22750 that allows at least a portion of the rear wall sill member 22548 to be folded toward the first of the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 By. The rear wall header member 22546 is coupled to the second of the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 by a head hinge 22752 that allows at least a portion of the rear wall header member 22546 to be folded toward the second of the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 .

Figures 22A and 22B show the ability of both the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548 to be folded. A pivot pin 22756 is used in the headrest hinge 22752 and the abutment hinge 22750 to connect and permit the rear wall sill member 22548 relative to the rear wall corner post 22502-2, and the rear wall header member 22546 rotates relative to the second of the rear wall corner posts 22536-2.

The first person using the latch 22760-1 releasably retains the rear wall sill member 22548 to the first of the front wall corner posts 22532-1. Similarly, the second person using the latch 22760-2 releasably retains the rear wall header member 22546 to the second of the rear wall corner posts 22532-2. The latches 22760-1 and 22760-2 help prevent the rear wall sill members 22548 and the rear wall header members 22546 from moving relative to their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2 when in the locked position. When in the unlocked position, the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548 can be folded toward their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2 (shown in Figures 22A and 22B).

22A-22D illustrate positioning of the rear door 22542 of the rear wall 22526 of a reversibly foldable container 22500 to be within the volume 225A12 defined by the reversibly foldable container 22500. As discussed herein, positioning the rear door 22542 of the front wall 22526 of the reversibly foldable container 22500 within the volume 22512 defined by the reversibly foldable container 22500 includes moving the locking bar 22558 into its second predetermined position, wherein the cam The 22560 is disengaged from the cam retainer 22566 and has a volume that allows the cam 22560 and the door 22542 to travel through the region 22554, through the rear wall end frame 22531 and the cam retainer 22566, and into the reversibly foldable container 22500 relative to the rear wall end frame 22531. The location within 22512. 22A and 22B show that once the rear door 22542 has been pivoted away from the rear head block member 22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548, the members 22546 and 22548 can be folded toward their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. Figure 22B shows the head block member 22546 and the rear wall sill after being folded relative to the respective front wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2 Member 22548.

22A also shows that the floor structure 22502 includes bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2, wherein the plurality of joint members in the floor structure 22502 are joined to the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 by a hinge 22020. This structure will be discussed more fully in Figure 20. The reversibly foldable container 22500 also includes a beam box 22600. As shown, the beam box 22600 can be positioned in the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2, wherein the beam box includes a surface defining an opening through which the side lock member 22602 can pass. For the present embodiment, the lateral lock member 22602 and the roof structure 22504 provide an example of a structure that, as discussed herein, may or may not extend beyond the container 22500 as the engagement member 2250 extends beyond its defined maximum length as defined by the unfolded state. One of the maximum widths 22501 is defined as a fixed length and/or width.

When the reversibly foldable container 22500 is in a folded state (e.g., a second predetermined state), the lateral lock members 22602 can pass through the beam box 22600 in the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2. An example of this is shown in Figures 22C and 22D. The lateral lock member 22602 can have a surface that defines an opening at a predetermined location along the lateral lock member 22602 through which a pin 22610 can be releasably seated. In an embodiment, the surface defining the opening through the lateral lock member 22602 allows the lateral lock member 22602 to assist with an eight (8) defined maximum width 22501 as provided by ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995-12-15. The reversibly foldable container 22500 is maintained in an unfolded state.

The roof structure 22504 of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 further includes a beam box 22600 having a surface defining an opening through which the lateral lock member 22602 can pass. Bottom rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 and roof The beam box 22600 of the structure 22504 helps define a minimum width when the reversibly foldable container 22500 is in its second predetermined state. Fig. 22D shows an example of this second predetermined state.

The roof structure 22504 can include a first roof panel section 22261, a second roof panel section 22263, and a third roof panel section 22265. The roof structure 22504 is reversibly foldable as discussed herein. For example, as the engagement members are folded into the reversibly foldable container 22500, the roof panel segments 22261, 22263, 22265 can also be folded into the reversibly foldable container 22500. The roof 22264 can be coupled to the first upper side rail 22516-1 and the second upper side rail 22516-2 by one or more hinges.

The third roof panel section 22265 can be positioned between the first roof panel section 22261 and the second roof panel section 22263. The third roof panel section 22265 is coupled to the first roof panel section 22261 and the second roof panel section 22263 by one or more hinges. For one or more embodiments, the one or more hinges can be one of a flexure support (e.g., a living hinge) extending along a longitudinal axis of the roof structure.

In the unfolded state, each of the roof panel sections 22261, 22263, 22265 can be substantially parallel to each other (eg, each roof panel section can be substantially parallel to the engagement member in a first predetermined state). In the unfolded state, the roof can be called flat. In the second predetermined state, the roof panel sections 22261, 22263 can be substantially parallel to each other, and the roof panel sections 22261, 22263 are each substantially orthogonal to the roof panel section 22265. In the second predetermined state, the roof may be referred to as a partial rectangle.

For one or more embodiments, the reversible foldable container includes a Floored surface 22266. The floored surface 22266 can include a first floor segment 22267 and a second floor segment 22269. The floored surface 22266 is reversibly foldable as discussed herein. For example, as the engagement members are folded into the reversibly foldable container 22500, the floor segments 22267, 22269 can also be folded into the reversibly foldable container 22500. The floored surface 22266 can be coupled to a number of a plurality of engagement members (eg, adjacent the first bottom side rail 22506-1 and/or the second bottom side rail 22506-2). The reversibly foldable container 22500 also includes a stack of pouches 22524. The stack pockets 22524 can each be a respective one of the first and second bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2.

As discussed, the reversibly foldable container transitions from the unfolded state to the second predetermined state without expanding the container beyond the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the reversibly foldable container can be considered to be in its defined maximum width (eg, unfolded width) as seen in Figure 13. In the second predetermined state, the reversibly foldable container may have a width that is less than 60% of the defined maximum width. For example, in a second predetermined state, the reversibly foldable container may have a defined maximum width of 50%, a defined maximum width of 40%, a defined maximum width of 30%, a defined maximum width of 25%, or A width of 20% of the maximum width is defined. In an example where the reversibly foldable container has a width of 25% of the defined maximum width in the second predetermined state, the four folded reversibly foldable containers can be stored in a space of the unfolded container.

Containers are exposed to a variety of different forces when they are on a ship and/or vehicle. For example, it is exposed to six degrees of freedom on the ship: rolling, pitching, heaving, swaying, Surging, and yawing. These actions can impart lateral damage to the container, especially when it is in a stacked configuration (such as stacking ten high full load containers). These lateral destructive forces create a wall and end frame that acts to distort the container. Referring now to Figures 23A and 23B, a tamper-resistant support member 23800 (which will be more fully described herein) is shown for use with the door 23542 of the container. The tamper resistant support 23800 includes a first lug 23802 and a second lug 23804 that all extend from a mounting support 23806 in a common direction. Mounting support 23806 can have an elongated configuration that includes a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape (as seen). The mounting support 23806 can be welded and/or fastened (eg, bolted or screwed) to the door 23542 of the container (eg, an inside surface, as shown in FIG. 22A) such that the first lug 23802 of the damage resistant support 23800 The second lug 23804 is mounted with a break resistant support 23800 extending from a peripheral edge 23809 of the door 23542 of the container.

The first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 each have a first surface 23810, and the first surface 23810 defines a recess 23812 with respect to a second surface 23814. The first surface 23810 and the second surface 23014 of each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can be parallel to each other. When mounted to the door 23542 of the container, the recesses 23812 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can be received and traversed when the door is in a closed and/or locked position (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam holder) At least a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544, as provided herein. When the door is in a closed and/or locked position (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam holder), the first surface 23810 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 may also be directly adjacent (eg, without an intermediary structure) At least a portion of the hinged second wing 23603 and/or in physical contact therewith. similar The second surface 23814 of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 may also be directly adjacent to the corner post of the container when the door is in a closed and/or locked position (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam holder). The "U" path 23549 of 23532 and/or physical contact therewith. As a result, the tamper resistant support 23800 can be directly adjacent to and/or in contact with both the hinge 23544 and the corner post 23532 when the cam is engaged with the cam retainer.

Each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 also includes a third surface 23816 extending between the first surface 23814 and the second surface 23810. The third surface 23816 helps define the recess 23812. When the door 23542 is in a closed and/or locked position (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam holder), the third surface 23816 can also be directly adjacent to at least a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544 and/or create an entity therewith. contact.

One of the tamper resistant supports 23800 can be mounted to the door 23542 of the container relative to each hinge 23544 (e.g., having a tamper resistant support 23800 for each hinge 23544). When the door 23542 of the container is closed and locked (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam holder), the damage resistant support 23800 can help prevent lateral damage to the container. For example, the damage resistant support 23800 can make contact with the U-path 23549 during breakage to help the door 23542 remain parallel to the plane of the corner post. The tamper resistant support 23800 can also help minimize mechanical stress on the hinge 23544 of the door 23542 of the container when it is closed and locked (the cam of the door is engaged with the cam retainer). One way to achieve this is by bringing the damage resistant support 23800 into contact with the hinge 23544 (such as the second wing 23603) and pressing the hinge 23544 against the U path 23549 so that the hinge 23544 remains in the same under non-destructive conditions. In the relative position.

As discussed herein, the use of the vandal resistant support 23800 on the door 23542 helps to limit the impact of destructive forces on the container. When in its closed and locked configuration, the vandal resistant support 23800 and the locking bar are configured to maintain the relative orthogonal position of the door 23542 under destructive conditions (e.g., maintaining its rectangular shape against external destructive forces). When a failure occurs, the damage resistant support 23800 can provide a "node" through which a destructive force (such as a lateral force) can be diverted through the door 23542. These destructive forces may be absorbed by the anti-destructive support 23800 on the adjacent door and/or via the cam, cam retainer and the end frame of the container through the locking bar. The use of the vandal resistant support 23800 in conjunction with the container and hinge of the present disclosure allows a container as provided herein to comply with ISO 1496 (Fifth Edition 1990-08-15) and its amendments.

Referring now to Figures 24A and 24B, an embodiment of a door 24542 (as viewed from the "inside" of the container) is shown, wherein the damage resistant support 24800 is positioned adjacent the hinge 24544 that is mounted to the corner post 24532. Figures 24A and 24B also show an anti-destruction block 24820 mounted to doors 24542-1 and 24542-2. The tamper resistant block 24820 includes a signature 24822 and a slot 24824 to releasably receive the signature 24822. As shown, the signature 24822 extends from the first of the door 24542-1 and the slot 24824 extends from the second of the door 24542-2, so that the first of the door 24542-1 and the second of the door 245422 are each When the cam 24560 is engaged with its respective cam holder, the tab 24822 can be seated within the slot 24824 (eg, completely within the slot 24824).

The anti-destruction block 24820 helps to limit the impact of destructive forces on the container. The tamper resistant block 24820 also helps maintain the orthogonal symmetry of the end frame 24542 of the container during lateral damage. As shown, anti-destruction block 24820 The force can be transferred in both the horizontal and vertical planes (e.g., via all three sides of the slot 24824). This helps keep the doors 24542-1 and 24542-2 in a common plane and helps maintain the orthogonal symmetry of the end frame of the door 24542 during lateral failure. This also helps to make the two doors (24542-1 and 24542-2) a large structure rather than two separate structures.

Therefore, the tamper resistant block 24820 used in conjunction with the tamper resistant support 24800 and the locking bar helps maintain the relative symmetry position of the door 24542 under destructive conditions (e.g., maintaining its rectangular shape against external destructive forces). For example, when damage occurs, the damage resistant support 24800 and the damage resistant block 24820 can provide a "node" through which a destructive force, such as a lateral force, can be diverted through the door 23542. These destructive forces may be absorbed by the anti-destructive support 24800 on the adjacent door and/or via the cam, cam retainer and the end frame of the container through the locking bar.

Referring now to Figures 25A-25B, an additional embodiment of hinge 25544 and corner post 25532 of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 25A shows an exploded partial view of the corner post 25532, an "H" block 25830, and a hinge 25544 of the present disclosure. As shown, H block 25830 can be positioned between J-bar 25547 and U-channel 25549 of corner post 25532. H block 25830 can be fastened (eg, welded) to corner post 25532. Specifically, the H block 25830 can be fused to the J-bar 25547 of the corner post 25532. To accommodate the H-block 25830, portions of the U-pass 25549 are removed, with the edges of the U-pass 25549 being responsive to each other and to the H-block 25830 as desired. The H block 25830, which is located at the top and bottom of the corner post 25532, can also be directly welded to the top and bottom corner fittings.

When the hinge 25544 is fixed to the U path 25549, as discussed herein It is discussed that the H block 25830 can help protect the hinge 25544 from forces (such as stacking forces) transmitted through the corner post 25532. Specifically, H block 25830 can facilitate the transfer of force around hinge 25544. H block 25830 also serves as a junction block for hinge 25544 (for example, hinge 25544 can rest in the opening of H block 25830 at one end, and the other end of H block 25830 provides an opening for locking pin 25832 Space, as discussed herein. Thus, H block 25830 can help protect locking pin 25832 and hinge 25544. H block 25830 also includes a notch 25834 that extends from the foot of "H", wherein these notches 25834 have Helps to alleviate the stresses created by container stacking (as confirmed by finite element analysis model simulations).

Both U-channel 25549 and H-block 25830 also include a surface 25836 that defines a hole 25840 through U-channel 25549 and H-block 25830. The aperture 25840 is sized to receive and reversibly pass at least a portion of a locking pin 25832. The second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 is releasably locked to both the corner post 25532 and the H block 25830 using a locking pin 25832. The locking pin 25832 is manipulated from the inside of the container.

For various embodiments, the locking pin 25832 can be positioned through the aperture 25840 to releasably lock the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 to both the corner post 25532 and the H block 25830, and removed from the aperture 25840 to be removed from the corner post 25532 And H block 25830 both unlock the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544. Specifically, the locking pin 25832 can be retracted from the aperture 25840 to release the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 from the corner post 25532 and the H block 25830. Once released, the second wing 25603 can be rotated about the first hinge pin 25605. In order to lock the second wing 25603 to the corner post 25532 and the H block 25830, the locking pin 25832 is aligned and heavy. A new hole 25840 of the corner post 25532 and the H block 25830 is inserted. As discussed herein, the first wing 25601 can be secured to portions of the U-path 25549 and H-block 25830 by a fusion (eg, arc welding) process.

Figure 25B provides an exploded view of the hinge 25544. As shown, the hinge 25544 includes a first wing 25601 and a second wing 25603, wherein the first wing 25601 and the second wing 25603 are pivotally coupled by a first hinge pin 25605. For various embodiments, the second wing 25603 includes a first planar portion 25607 having a first end 25609 and a second end 25561 and a second planar portion extending orthogonally from the first end 25609 of the first planar portion 25607 25,613. The first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first wing 25601 to the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607. As shown, a portion of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 passes through an opening defined in the first wing 25601, thereby allowing the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 to be The first hinge pin 25605 and the first wing 25601 are pivotally connected.

The hinge 25544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 25615 extending from the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603. Each of the hinge lugs 25615 has a first set of surfaces 25617, the first set of surfaces 25617 defining an opening 25619 through which the second hinge pin 25621 passes. For the different embodiments, the second planar portion 25613 of the first wing 25601 and the second wing 25603 includes a surface 25640 that defines an opening 25642 through which the locking pin 25832 can reversibly move.

The second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603 includes a first major surface 25629 and a second major opposite the first major surface 25629 Surface 25631. The pair of hinge lugs 25615 extend from the first major surface 25629 of the second planar portion 25613. The first wing 25601 has a first major surface 25633 and a second major surface 25635 opposite the first major surface 25633. In the first predetermined position, the first wing 25601 is orthogonal to the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603, and the first major surface 25633 of the first wing 25601 is directly opposite and parallel to the second planar portion 25613 The second major surface 25631. As discussed herein, the first wing 25601 can be attached to the corner post 25532 of the container and the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 can be positioned against (eg, adjacent to, and at least partially in contact with) the corner post to occur at a first predetermined position.

The first wing 25601 has a first end 25637 and a second end 25639. The first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first end 25637 of the first wing 25601 to the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603. The second planar portion 25613 has a distal end 25643 for the first end 25609 of the first planar portion 25607, and the pair of lugs 25615 extending from the second planar portion 25613 has a first peripheral edge 25545, wherein The end 25643 of the two planar portions 25613 and the first peripheral edge 25645 of the hinge lug 25615 are in a common plane.

The hinge 25544 further includes a support block 25650. The support block includes a surface 25652 that defines an opening 25654. The support block 25650 can be positioned against the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603, wherein the opening 25654 is concentrically aligned with the opening 25642 through which the locking pin 25832 travels. The support block 25650 can be welded to the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603. The support block 25550 can also be chamfered to allow the door of the container to swing unimpeded.

For various embodiments, the components of the reversibly foldable container provided herein may be formed from materials suitable for and constructed to comply with ISO Standard 1496-1 (Fifth Edition 1990-08-15) and its modifications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. For reference. For various embodiments, the components of the reversibly foldable container discussed herein may be formed from steel. Examples of steels include, but are not limited to, 'weathering steel', as specified in standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also known as CORTEN steel. For different embodiments, the floor of the reversibly foldable container may be formed from a planking wood or a plywood. In addition, as is known to be used with containers, the gaskets can be used in conjunction with the reversible foldable containers of the present disclosure as needed.

Claims (10)

A reversibly foldable freight container comprising: a roof structure; a floor structure opposite the roof structure; a side wall structure between the floor structure and the roof structure, each of the side wall structures having an exterior surface And an inner surface opposite the outer surface; a front wall joined to the roof structure, the floor structure and the side wall structure, the front wall comprising a front wall corner post and at least one of the front wall corner posts a front door hinge and a front door joined to the front door hinge; a joint to the roof structure, the floor structure and the rear wall of the side wall structure, wherein the roof structure, the floor structure, an interior surface of the side wall structure, and the rear The wall defines a volume of the reversibly foldable container, the rear wall including a rear wall corner post, a hinge on the rear wall corner post, and a wall door joined to the hinge, wherein the hinge is at a first predetermined position Centrally locked to the rear wall corner posts such that the rear wall door is pivotable on the hinge to extend adjacent the outer surface of the side wall structure or may be in a second predetermined Centering unlocking the rear wall corner posts such that the rear wall door is pivotable into the volume of the reversibly foldable container and extending adjacent the interior surface of the side wall structure, and wherein in an unfolded state, the The reversibly foldable container has a predetermined maximum width measured at a predetermined point on each of the two of the rear wall corner posts and a plurality of engaging members in the floor structure, wherein the joining members are Each includes: a first elongate section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being joined to a first hinge; a second elongate section Having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being joined to a second hinge; and a pair of abutting joints having a first abutting member and a second abutting member The first abutting member forms a portion of the first elongate member, and the first abutting member has a protrusion extending from a first abutting member shoulder of the first abutting member, the protrusion Having a distal end, a first surface and a second surface extending from the distal end at an acute angle The first abutting member shoulder; and the second abutting member has a socket, the protrusion of the first abutting member is releasably seated in the socket, the socket having an acute angle from the first a first end of the two abutting members extends away from one of the first surface and a second surface, and the first end of the second abutting member includes a second abutting member shoulder extending from the socket, so When the protrusion of the first abutting member is seated in the socket of the second abutting member, the second surface of the protrusion and the second surface of the socket touch, and the second pair The shoulders of the members and the first opposing members are in contact with each other. The reversibly foldable container of claim 1, wherein the socket having the first surface and the second surface extending away from the first end of the second abutment member has a height equal to the first abutment member An acute angle of the acute angle of the first surface and the second surface, and when the protrusion of the first abutting member is seated in the socket of the second abutting member, the first surface of the protrusion and The first surface of the socket touches, the second surface of the protrusion and the second surface of the socket touch, and the second abutting member shoulder and the first abutting member shoulder touch. The reversible foldable container of claim 1 wherein the first elongate section has a first surface defining a first oblong opening and the second elongate section has a second oblong opening defining a second surface, and a fastener passes through the first oblong opening and the second opening to connect the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment, wherein the first member has the first a minimum overlap of the oblong opening and the second oblong opening and the first predetermined state of the first abutting member is seated in the socket of the second abutting member The minimum overlap has a maximum overlap of the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening and the protrusion of the first abutting member is disengaged from the socket of the second abutting member In a predetermined state, the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening are moved relative to each other and the fastener. The reversible foldable container of claim 3, wherein in the first predetermined state, a distance between the second end of the first elongate segment and the second end of the second elongate segment provides the distance a defined maximum length of the engagement member, wherein the second end of the first elongate segment and the second end of the second elongate segment as the engagement member transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state This distance between does not exceed the defined maximum length. The reversible foldable container of claim 3, wherein the first abutting member and the second abutting member define a first point of rotation for the first elongate segment and the second elongate segment; a second end of the first surface and the second surface, when positioned against the fastener, defining a different one of the first abutment member and the second abutment member than the first rotation point The second point of rotation. The reversibly foldable container of claim 5, wherein the first elongate segment and the second elongate segment are at the second pivot point as the engaging member transitions from the first predetermined state toward the second predetermined state Rotating at the first point of rotation before turning up. The reversible foldable container of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the protrusion defines a planar surface that forms an obtuse angle with the first surface of the protrusion and wherein the planar surface Forming a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the protrusion. The reversible foldable container of claim 7, wherein the socket of the second abutment member comprises a second end having a planar surface, the planar surface being the planarity of the distal end of the protrusion A mirror image of the surface. The reversible foldable container of claim 1, wherein the first abutment member shoulder has a first shoulder surface extending from the first surface of the protrusion and a second surface extending from the protrusion Second shoulder surface. The reversible foldable container of claim 3, wherein the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening have an oblong shape.