WO2003045822A1

WO2003045822A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2003045822A1
Application number: PCT/FI2002/000952
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Langh
Original assignee: Oy Langh Ship Ab
Priority date: 2001-11-26
Filing date: 2002-11-26
Publication date: 2003-06-05
Also published as: FIU20010448U0; FI5314U1; AU2002349060A1; EP1458635A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container comprising a bottom (1), a top (2) and four sides (3a to 3d). The top (2) is connected to the container by means of a hinge mechanism (4) and the hinge mechanism (4) has a hinged axle (26). At least one side (3a to 3d) is connected to the top (2). The top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) are together turnable around the hinged axle (26) in order to open and close the container.

Description

CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a container comprising a bottom, a top and four sides, whereby the top is connected to the container by means of a hinge mechanism and the hinge mechanism has a hinged axle; whereby at least one side is connected to the top; whereby the top and at least one side are together turnable around the hinged axle in order to open and close the container; whereby the container comprises an opening arrangement for turning the top together with the at least one side around the hinged axle; and whereby the container comprises a spring mechanism arranged to store energy therein when the top and at least one side are turned around the hinged axle.

[0002] A container herein refers to a container or a similar large transport receptacle of the type intended for transporting goods e.g. by a con- tainer carrier ship, train, truck or a barge.

[0003] The container size is standardized such that containers can e.g. be stacked one upon another, handled by standardized handling means and transported by standardized transport systems.

[0004] When heavy goods, such as sheet or reeled steel and zinc ingots, are transported in containers, it would be desirable that heavy goods could be inserted into and removed from the container both from the side utilizing a fork-lift truck and from above e.g. utilizing a hoister. If this were possible, several options would be provided for loading and unloading.

[0005] Various containers are previously known. A container is known which, for example, is a rectangular polyhedron in shape and has doors at its one end. A container is also known which has side doors to provide a large opening for loading and unloading the container. Having a fixed top structure, such containers do not, however, enable loading from above utilizing a hoister and, correspondingly, unloading from above utilizing a hoister. [0006] A container is also known which has a soft, detachable top and which, thanks to its detachable top, enables loading and unloading from above. Tightness, however, presents a problem with this solution, making it impossible to place the container on a ship deck or in a similar unprotected place. A container is also known which has detachable, soft sides and a de- tachable top. A problem with this known solution is the same as in the above- mentioned solution, i.e. tightness.

[0007] A solution to this problem is disclosed in WO 01/83328. This WO publication discloses a hard cover container comprising a bottom, a top and four sides. At least a portion of the top and at least a portion of one side are tumable upwardly off the container in order to open the container and, correspondingly, downwardly in order to close the container.

[0008] Since the container disclosed in WO 01/83328 is made of a heavy material, such as steel, the container cannot be opened and closed without technical auxiliary devices. Therefore, this WO publication discloses various opening arrangements for turning the top together with a side in order to open and close the container.

[0009] WO publication 01/83328 also discloses a spring mechanism arranged to store energy therein when the container is being closed. The en- ergy stored in the spring mechanism is utilizable when the container is opened in order to facilitate the opening, i.e. in order to facilitate the turning of the top and the side attached thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a container having an improved opening arrangement and a related spring mechanism.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by a container which is characterized in that the opening arrangement comprises a shaft turnably arranged in the container at a fulcrum of the shaft; that the shaft is movably connected to the top; that the opening arrangement comprises a shaft turning arrangement for turning the shaft around its fulcrum such that when the shaft is turned around the fulcrum of the shaft, the shaft affects the top, the result being that the top and the at least one side together turn around the hinged axle upwardly off the container, or the result being that the top and the at least one side together turn around the hinged axle downwardly towards the container; and that the spring mechanism is arranged to affect the shaft and to take on a load when the shaft turns around its fulcrum such that energy is stored in the spring mechanism when the shaft turns around its fulcrum.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. [0013] The arrangement of the invention enables an easy, i.e. requiring little outside force, opening and closing of a container. Consequently, one person is able to carry out the opening and closing of a container in accordance with the invention. [0014] In the arrangement of the invention, both the shaft turning arrangement and a first spring of the spring mechanism affect the shaft, which affects the top to which at least one side is attached. The structure of the container opening arrangement and spring mechanism of the invention is thus simple. This is e.g. because the opening arrangement and the spring mecha- nism comprise few parts.

[0015] Since the structure of the container opening arrangement and spring mechanism of the invention is simple, it can be small; consequently, it can at least partly be built within the walls of the container.

[0016] The container opening arrangement and spring mechanism of the invention enable a large force to be achieved by small mechanical devices, i.e. by a small opening arrangement and spring mechanism.

[0017] Small size also means low weight. Low weight is important for containers since it allows a high weight for a load to be transported in a container. [0018] The spring mechanism is arranged to store energy therein through the shaft when the top of the container and the at least one side attached thereto are turned around the hinged axle in a first direction, e.g. anticlockwise, when the container is being closed. This energy stored in the spring mechanism is then utilizable when the top of the container and the at least one side attached thereto are turned, affected by the shaft, around the hinged axle in a second, opposite direction, e.g. clockwise, when the container is opened.

[0019] Advantageously, the more the shaft winds around the hinged axle, the more the spring mechanism stores energy therein, which energy is utilizable for turning the shaft around the hinged axle in the second direction. This means e.g. that the spring stores a great amount of energy therein when the container is being closed and the shaft turns around the hinged axle into an "extreme position". This is advantageous when the container is to be opened, because the turning torque of the containers shown e.g. in the figures of the present application is higher at the beginning, the turning torque de- creasing and reaching a zero value in a state of equilibrium between the top and the side attached thereto. [0020] Preferably, but not necessarily, the spring mechanism is arranged to facilitate the opening all the way to a state of equilibrium between the top and the side attached thereto. In other words, the spring mechanism is preferably arranged to take on a load until the top and the side attached thereto have turned into the state of equilibrium. Preferably, but not necessarily, the spring mechanism comprises at least one first spring for the purpose. A state of equilibrium refers to a state wherein the container, at least in theory, could stay open without supporting devices, e.g. a labile equilibrium.

[0021] Preferably, but not necessarily, the spring mechanism is fur- ther arranged to take on a load when the container is opened such that a second spring stores energy therein, which energy is utilizable when the container is being closed. Preferably, but not necessarily, the spring mechanism comprises at least one second spring for the purpose.

[0022] It is also possible that the container of the invention com- prises a spring mechanism which comprises a spring which is arranged to take on a load both when the container is being closed and when the container is opened.

[0023] If the container is equipped with a second spring, the second spring is preferably, but not necessarily, arranged to take on a load only when the top and the side attached thereto are turned over the state of equilibrium between the top and the side attached thereto when the container is opened.

[0024] If the container is equipped with a second spring, the first spring and the second spring are preferably, but not necessarily, arranged with respect to each other such that either the first spring and/or the second spring takes/take on a load continuously. If the first spring and/or the second spring takes/takes on a load continuously, the force required for opening and closing the container is small; therefore, the shaft turning arrangement may be weak.

[0025] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first spring and the second spring may be arranged with respect to each other such that in the state of equilibrium between the top and the side attached thereto, both the first spring and the second spring are substantially unloaded.

[0026] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first spring and the second spring may be arranged with respect to each other such that the container stays open by means of the first spring and the second spring without addi- tional stopping mechanisms. [0027] The container of the invention can be loaded both from the side and from above, and the container can simultaneously be made tight enough for goods to be transported on the deck of a container ship or in a similar place where a tight container is required for protecting the load. [0028] The container of the invention can be provided with a hard cover, i.e. a top, while the sides and the bottom can be made from metal. The container of the invention thus also provides better protection for the load than a container equipped with a soft cover. The opening arrangement and the spring mechanism facilitating the opening of the container also enable a heavy material, i.e. metal, to be used.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention is now described in closer detail in connection with the preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which [0030] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a container when closed,

[0031] Figure 2 shows the container of Figure 1 when opened, [0032] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing a first container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened, [0033] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the container of

Figure 3, comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed,

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing a second container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened,

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the container of Figure 5, comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed,

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing a third container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened,

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the container of Figure 7, comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed, [0038] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing a fourth container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed,

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the container of Figure 9, comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened,

[0040] Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing a fifth container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed, [0041] Figure 12 is a schematic side view showing the container of

Figure 11 , comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened,

[0042] Figure 13 is a schematic side view showing a fifth container comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is closed, and

[0043] Figure 14 is a schematic side view showing the container of Figure 13, comprising an opening arrangement of the invention for opening and closing the container, in a state wherein the container is opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0044] The figures show a container (not designated by a reference number) comprising a bottom 1 , a top 2 and four sides 3a to 3d. The container shown in Figures 1 and 2 has the shape of a substantially rectangular polyhedron.

[0045] The container is preferably completely made from steel or a similar material. Preferably, the container is tight so as to protect its contents from ambient effect.

[0046] The measures of the bottom 1 and the top 2 of the container are preferably selected to comply with the standards such that they correspond with the measures of the top and bottom e.g. of a 20 or 40 ft container. This enables the container of the invention to be placed on top of standardized containers or under standardized containers. The container should have a strong structure so as to enable a plurality of containers to be stacked one upon another. The structure of the container should also bear the stress produced by the load transported therein. Standardized containers can also be handled and transported by standardized handling and transport means. [0047] At least one part of the top 2 and at least one part of at least one side 3a are together upwardly turnable in order to open the container. The figures show a container whose top 2 is substantially completely upwardly turn- able together with the top 2. Such a solution wherein the top 2 and the side 3a together turn substantially completely makes the container easier to load and unload. It is obvious to one skilled in the art that a plurality of sides 3a to 3d or parts of a plurality of sides 3a to 3d may be turnable upwardly together with the top 2 or a part thereof.

[0048] In the figures, the top 2 is attached to the container by a hinge mechanism 4 in the vicinity of an edge (not designated by a reference number) between its side 3d and the top 2, the edge being opposite to an edge (not designated by a reference number) between the top 2 to be turned upwardly and the side 3a to be turned upwardly therewith. Figures 2 to 14 show a container whose top 2 is turnable over 90° such that the side 3a attached to the top 2 is also turnable completely off the container. Such a solution makes the container easier to load and unload from above.

[0049] In figures 2 to 14, the side 3a to be turned upwardly is attached substantially rigidly to the top 2 to be turned upwardly.

[0050] Alternatively, the side 3a to be turned upwardly may also be pivotally mounted to the top 2 by means of a second hinge mechanism (not shown) such that the top 2 and the side 3a can be folded against each other when they are turned upwardly off the container. Such an arrangement necessitates less space for loading the container and, correspondingly, for unloading the contents of the container. The container may be equipped e.g. with a fold- ing mechanism (not shown), which automatically folds the top 2 and the side 3a together while they are together being turned upwardly off the container. Advantageously, the side 3a may also be outwardly turnable off the container without the top 2 being turned upwardly off the container.

[0051] The container comprises an opening arrangement 5 for turn- ing the top 2 or a part of the top 2 together with the side 3a or a part of the side 3a. In other words, the container comprises an opening arrangement 5 for turning the top 2 or a part of the top 2 together with the at least one side 3a to 3d or at least one part of one at least side 3a to 3d around the hinged axle 26. This opening arrangement 5 enables the container to be both opened and closed. The container is usually made of a relatively heavy material; therefore, such an opening arrangement 5 enables one person to open the container manually.

[0052] The containers shown in Figures 3 to 14 further comprise a spring mechanism 6 arranged to store energy therein when the container is being closed; the spring mechanism 6 is also arranged to release the energy stored therein when the container is opened in order to facilitate the opening of the container.

[0053] The spring mechanism 6 of the containers shown in Figures 5 to 14 is also arranged to store energy therein when the container is opened, and the spring mechanisms 6 of the containers shown in Figures 5 to 14 are arranged to release the energy stored therein when the container is being closed so as to facilitate the closing of the container.

[0054] The opening arrangement 5 comprises a shaft 7 turnably arranged in the container at a fulcrum 8 of the shaft. [0055] In the examples shown in Figures 3 to 8 and 13 to 14, the shaft 7 has a first portion 9, which is located on a first side of the fulcrum 8 of the shaft, and a second portion 10, which is located on a second, opposite side of the fulcrum 8 of the shaft. In Figures 9 to 12, the shaft 7 is only provided with the first portion 9 located on the first side of the fulcrum 8 of the shaft. [0056] In the examples shown in Figures 3 to 10, the opening arrangement 5 further a bar 11 having a first end 12 and a second, opposite end 13. The first end 12 of the bar 11 is turnably attached to the first portion 9 of the shaft 7 while the second, opposite end 13 of the bar 11 is turnably attached to the top 2 of the container. [0057] The opening arrangement 5 further comprises a shaft turning arrangement for turning the shaft 7 around the fulcrum 8 such that when the shaft 7 is turned around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7, the shaft 7 affects the top 2, the result being that the top 2 and the at least one side 3a to 3d together turn around the hinged axle 26 upwardly off the container, or the result being that the top 2 and the at least one side 3a to 3d together turn around the hinged axle 26 downwardly towards the container.

[0058] The shaft 7 may affect the top 2 in many different ways. Figures 3 to 14 show some examples.

[0059] Figures 3 to 10 show embodiments wherein the shaft 7 af- fects the top 2 through a bar. [0060] Figures 11 to 14 show embodiments wherein the shaft 7 directly affects the top 2. The top 2 is provided with a control element 27 wherein a roller element 28 is arranged at a first end 18 of the shaft.

[0061] The shaft turning arrangement shown in Figures 3 to 14 comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement 17 which is attached to the shaft 7 and by which the shaft 7 can be pulled and/or pushed such that the shaft 7 turns around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7. Alternatively, the opening arrangement 5 comprises another manual device for turning the shaft 7 around the fulcrum 8. [0062] The shaft turning arrangement shown in Figures 3 to 8 comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement 17 which is attached to the second portion 10 of the shaft 7 and by which the shaft 7 can be pulled and/or pushed such that the shaft 7 turns around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7, affecting the bar 11 which, in turn, pushes the top 2 upwardly or pulls the top 2 downwardly. In the container according to Figures 3 to 8, this means that when a stretching screw 22 belonging to the pulling and pushing arrangement 17 shortens, in Figures 3 and 4 it pulls a second end 19 of the shaft downwards and to the right, and the shaft 7 winds around its fulcrum 8. In Figures 3 to 8, the first end 18 of the shaft 7 is simultaneously pushed upwards, moving to the left, which pushes the first end 12 of the bar 11 attached to the first end 18 of the shaft 7 upwardly, moving it upwards and to the left in Figures 3 to 8. Since the second end 13 of the bar 11 is attached to the top 2 of the container, the top 2 of the container and the side 3a attached thereto simultaneously move upwards and to the left in Figures 3 to 8. When, on the other hand, a stretching screw 22 belonging to the pulling and pushing arrangement 17 lengthens, the first end 18 of the shaft 7 pulls the bar 11 downwards and to the right in Figures 3 to 8, the result being that the top 2 of the container and the side 3a attached thereto move downwards.

[0063] The shaft turning arrangement 5 shown in Figures 9 and 10 comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement 17 comprising a stretching screw 22; the arrangement is attached between the first portion 9 of the shaft 7 and the container, enabling the shaft 7 to be pulled and/or pushed such that the shaft 7 turns around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7, affecting the bar 11 which, in turn, pushes the top 2 upwards or pulls the top 2 downwards. In Figures 9 and 10, the second end 13 of the bar is turnably attached to the top 2 while the first end 12 of the bar is turnably attached to the shaft 7. [0064] The shaft turning arrangement shown in Figures 11 and 12 comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement 17 comprising a stretching screw 22; the arrangement is attached between the second portion 10 of the shaft 7 and the container, enabling the shaft 7 to be pulled and/or pushed such that the shaft 7 turns around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7. The container opening arrangement shown in Figures 11 and 12 comprises a control element 27, e.g. a rail profile, arranged in the top 2 of the container. The first end 18 of the shaft 7 comprises a rolling or sliding element 28 movably arranged in the control element 27 in the top 2. The rolling or sliding element 28 is arranged to move in the control element 27 when the shaft 7 turns around its fulcrum 8 such that the shaft 7 pushes the top 2 or pulls the top 2, the result being that the top 2 and the at least one side 3a turn around the hinged axle 26.

[0065] The shaft turning arrangement 5 shown in Figures 13 and 14 comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement 17 comprising a stretching screw 22; the arrangement is attached to the first portion 9 of the shaft 7, enabling the shaft 7 to be pulled and/or pushed such that the shaft 7 turns around the fulcrum 8 of the shaft 7. The container opening arrangement shown in Figures 13 and 14 comprises a control element 27, e.g. a rail profile, arranged in the top 2 of the container. The first end 18 of the shaft 7 comprises a rolling or sliding element 28 arranged in the control element 27 in the top 2. The rolling or sliding element 28 is arranged to move in the control element 27 when the shaft 7 turns around its fulcrum 8 such that the shaft 7 pushes the top 2 or pulls the top 2, the result being that the top 2 and the at least one side 3a turn around the hinged axle 26. [0066] Alternatively or additionally, the pulling and pushing arrangement 17 may comprise a device other than a stretching screw 22, e.g. a hydraulic or pneumatic piston (not shown in the figures) or a gear rack arrangement (not shown in the figures).

[0067] Instead of the pulling and pushing arrangement shown in Figures 3 to 14, the opening arrangement 5 may comprise e.g. a turning mechanism (not shown) which affects e.g. at the fulcrum 8 of the shaft such that the shaft 7 turns around its fulcrum 8.

[0068] The spring mechanism shown in Figures 3 to 14 comprises a first spring 14 having a first end 15 and a second, opposite end 16. In Figures 3 to 14, the first end 15 of the first spring 14 is attached to the shaft 7 while the second, opposite end 16 of the first spring 14 is attached to the container. [0069] Figures 3 to 14 show a spring mechanism 6 wherein the first spring 14 is in an unloaded state in Figures 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14 when the container is in an open position and in a loaded state in Figures 4, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13 when the container is closed. In Figures 3 to 14, the first spring 14 is a draw-spring which takes on a load when it is being stretched by closing the container, the first spring 14 thus storing energy therein, which energy is utilizable when the container is opened.

[0070] In the example of Figures 3 to 8, this means that when the container is opened, the spring pulls the second end 19 of the shaft 7 to the right in the figure, the result being that the shaft 7 tries to turn around its fulcrum 8. When the container is being closed, the weight of the top 2 and the side 3a attached thereto helps to stretch the first spring 14 into the loaded (stretched) state. Naturally, the number of first springs 14 can be larger: two, for example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Alternatively, the first spring 14 may be a spring, e.g. a pressure spring, arranged to squeeze in when the container is being closed, thus storing energy therein, which energy can be utilized when the container is opened. In the examples of Figures 3 to 8, this would mean that the spring were placed e.g. on the other side of the shaft 7.

[0071] In Figures 3 to 8 and 11 to 12, the second end 16 of the first spring 14 is attached to the container in the vicinity of its edge (not designated by a reference number) which is located between the side 3a to be turned upwardly together with the top 2 and the bottom 1.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 3 to 10, the shaft 7 has a first end 18 and a second end 19. The bar 11 is attached to the first end 18 of the shaft 7 or in the vicinity of the first end 18 of the shaft. A first end 15 of the first spring 14 is attached to the second end 19 of the shaft or in the vicinity of the second end 19 of the shaft. The pulling and pushing arrangement 17 is attached to the shaft 7 between the second end 19 of the shaft and the fulcrum 8 of the shaft. The stretching screw 22 shown in Figures 3 to 8 has a first end 20, which is attached to the shaft 7, and a second end 21 , which is attached to the container.

[0073] Advantageously, the spring mechanism 6 may also be arranged to take on a load when the container is opened to a maximum opening, in which case spring energy may similarly be used in closing the container. [0074] The container shown in Figures 5 and 6 and 9 to 14 comprises a second spring 23, which has a third end 24 and an opposite, fourth end 25. In Figures 5 and 6, the second spring 23 is a pressure spring whose third end 24 is free and whose fourth end 25 is attached to the container. The first portion 9 of the shaft 7 is arranged to at least partly squeeze in the second spring 23 when the container is opened such that the second spring 23 is ar- ranged to store energy therein, which energy can be utilized to facilitate the closing of the container.

[0075] The container shown in Figures 7 and 8 comprises a second spring 23, which has a third end 24 and an opposite, fourth end 25. The third end 24 of the second spring 23 is attached to the shaft 7. The fourth end 25 of the second spring 23 is attached to the container. The second spring 23 is arranged to store energy therein when the container is opened such that the energy stored in the second spring is available for facilitating the closing of the container. The second spring 23 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is a draw-spring arranged to stretch out when the container is opened such that the energy stored in the second spring 23 is available for facilitating the closing of the container.

[0076] The second spring 23 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is attached to the first portion 9 of the shaft 7. Alternatively, the second spring 23 may be attached to the second portion 10 of the shaft 7. [0077] Naturally, the number of second springs 23 may be larger, for example two.

[0078] The container may comprise two opening arrangements, which are placed on both sides of the top 2 and the side 3a to be turned upwardly. In the container according to Figure 2, these two opening systems could be placed e.g. at the sides 3b and 3c. If the container comprises two opening systems, it preferably comprises a synchronizing arrangement (not shown) for synchronizing the opening arrangements so as to make them operate at the same rate.

[0079] Advantageously, the turning arrangement 5 and/or the spring mechanism 6 is/are at least partly built inside the bottom 1 , the top 2 and/or the sides 3a to 3d of the container.

[0080] The opening arrangement 5 preferably also comprises a stopping arrangement (not shown) arranged to hold the top 2 and the side 3a in place in the open position of the container such that the container does not inadvertently close and open too much when the container is loaded or unloaded. [0081] The container preferably comprises a sealing arrangement (not shown) for sealing a gap between the container and the top 2 and the side 3a to be turned upwardly. The sealing arrangement may e.g. comprise a rubber seal or a similar seal made from an elastic material between the top 2 and the side 3a to be turned upwardly and the container.

[0082] The container preferably comprises a locking arrangement (not shown) for locking the top 2 to be turned upwardly and the side 3a turning therewith to the container when it is closed.

[0083] The container preferably further comprises movable load supports (not shown) which are movably attached in the interior of the container (not designated by a reference number). Such load supports enable the load to be placed into the container to be held in place by means of a smaller amount of packing material or even without packing material, such as timber, which is commonly used for locking a heavy load in place in the container. Load supports are preferably provided such that elements (not shown) are provided in the top 2, arranged to lock the load supports when the container is closed by lowering the top 2. This provides stronger load supports.

[0084] It is obvious to one skilled in the art that as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not restricted to the above- described examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container comprising a bottom (1), a top (2) and four sides (3a to 3d); whereby the top (2) is connected to the container by means of a hinge mechanism (4) and the hinge mechanism (4) has a hinged axle (26); whereby at least one side (3a to 3d) is connected to the top (2); whereby the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) are together turnable around the hinged axle (26) in order to open and close the container; whereby the container comprises an opening arrangement (5) for turning the top (2) together with the at least one side (3a to 3d) around the hinged axle (26); and whereby the container comprises a spring mechanism (6) arranged to store energy therein when the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) are turned around the hinged axle (26), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the opening arrangement (5) comprises a shaft (7) turnably arranged in the container at a fulcrum (8) of the shaft; that the shaft (7) is movably connected to the top (2); that the opening arrangement (5) comprises a shaft turning ar- rangement for turning the shaft (7) around its fulcrum (8) such that when the shaft (7) is turned around the fulcrum (8) of the shaft (7), the shaft (7) affects the top (2), the result being that the top (2) and the at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) upwardly off the container, or the result being that the top (2) and the at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) downwardly towards the container; and that the spring mechanism is arranged to affect the shaft (7) and to take on a load when the shaft (7) turns around its fulcrum such that energy is stored in the spring mechanism when the shaft (7) turns around its fulcrum (8).

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spring mechanism (6) comprises a first spring (14), which has a first end

(15) and a second, opposite end (16), the first end (15) of the first spring (14) being attached to the shaft (7) and the second end (16) of the first spring (14) being attached to the container.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the first spring (14) is a draw-spring arranged to stretch out when the container is closed such that the energy stored in the first spring (14) is available for facilitating the opening of the container.

4. A container as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the first spring (14) is a pressure spring arranged to squeeze in when the con- tainer is being closed such that the energy stored in the first spring (14) is available for facilitating the opening of the container.

5. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shaft turning arrangement comprises a pulling and pushing arrangement (17) which is connected to the shaft (7) and by which the shaft (7) can be pulled and pushed such that the shaft (7) turns around the fulcrum (8) of the shaft (7).

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the pulling and pushing arrangement (17) comprises a stretch- ing screw (22) which has a first end (20) attached to the shaft (7), and a second end (21) attached to the container.

7. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, character i zed in that the opening arrangement comprises a bar (11) which has a first end (12) and a second, opposite end (13), that the first end (12) of the bar (11) is turnably attached to the shaft (7) and that the second, opposite end (13) of the bar (11) is turnably attached to the top (2) of the container, and that when the shaft (7) is turned around the fulcrum (8) of the shaft (7), the shaft (7) affects the top (2) through the bar (11), the result being that the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) upwardly off the container, or the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) downwardly towards the container.

8. A container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opening arrangement comprises a control element (27) arranged in the top (2) of the container, that the shaft is arranged in the control element (27), and that the shaft (7) is partly arranged to move in the control element

(27) when the shaft (7) turns around its fulcrum (8) such that the shaft pushes the top (2) or pulls the top (2), the result being that the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) upwardly off the container, or the top (2) and at least one side (3a to 3d) together turn around the hinged axle (26) downwardly towards the container.

9. A container as claimed in claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spring mechanism (6) further comprises a second spring (23) which has a third end (24) and an opposite, fourth end (25), that the second spring (23) is a draw-spring, that the third end (24) of the second spring (23) is attached to the shaft (7), that the fourth end (25) of the second spring (23) is attached to the container, and that the second spring (23) is arranged to store energy therein when the container is opened such that the energy stored in the second spring is available for facilitating the closing of the container.

10. A container as claimed in claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spring mechanism (6) further comprises a second spring (23) which has a third end (24) and an opposite, fourth end (25), that the second spring (23) is a pressure spring, that the third end (24) of the second spring is free, that the fourth end (25) of the second spring (23) is attached to the container, and that the shaft (7) is arranged to at least partly squeeze in the second spring (23) when the container is opened such that the second spring (23) is arranged to store energy therein so as to facilitate the closing of the container.

11. A container as claimed in claim 2, c h a ra c t e r i z e d in that the spring mechanism (6) further comprises a second spring (23) which has a third end (24) and an opposite, fourth end (25), that the second spring (23) is a pressure spring, that the fourth end (25) of the second spring is free, that the third end (24) of the second spring (23) is attached to the shaft (7), and that the shaft (7) is arranged to at least partly squeeze in the second spring (23) when the container is opened such that the second spring (23) is arranged to store energy therein so as to facilitate the closing of the container.