U.S. patent application number 11/930563 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for bolster for construction container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Delta Consolidated Industries. Invention is credited to Charles Henry Cowie, Richard A. Samsel.
Application Number | 20080110905 11/930563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39368230 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080110905 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cowie; Charles Henry ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
BOLSTER FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTAINER
Abstract
A container includes a receptacle having sidewalls and a floor;
and a plurality of bolsters attached to an underside portion of the
floor. The bolsters include a lower panel spaced apart from the
underside portion of the floor, at least two projections from the
lower panel that form a first entry window, and a pair of walls
extending from the lower panel to the floor that form a second
entry window that is substantially perpendicular to the first entry
window.
Inventors: |
Cowie; Charles Henry;
(Jonesboro, AR) ; Samsel; Richard A.; (Haines
City, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Assignee: |
Delta Consolidated
Industries
|
Family ID: |
39368230 |
Appl. No.: |
11/930563 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60857879 |
Nov 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/636 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/12 20130101;
B62B 3/003 20130101; B65D 90/18 20130101; B65D 90/146 20130101;
B65D 90/16 20130101; B62B 2203/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/636 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/16 20060101
B65D090/16 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a receptacle having walls and a floor;
and a plurality of bolsters attached to an underside portion of the
floor, the bolsters comprising: a lower panel spaced apart from the
underside portion of the floor; at least two projections that
extend downwardly from the lower panel that form a first entry
window; and a pair of walls extending from the lower panel to the
floor that form a second entry window that is substantially
perpendicular to the first entry window.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second entry window forms
an opening that is accessible from a side of the container and the
first window forms an opening that is accessible from the front of
the container.
3. The container of claim 1, where the lower panel includes a
crease between the at least two projections.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein at least two bolsters of the
plurality of bolsters are formed from a single unitary member.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the single unitary member is a
single sheet of metal.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality
of bolsters is formed as a unitary member.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the projections extend at
least 0.25 inches from the lower panel.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the projections include
apertures that are configured to receive casters.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the bolster walls extend from
the floor at an oblique angle.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second entry
windows are sized and configured to receive a prong from a
forklift.
11. A container comprising: a receptacle having walls and a floor,
the walls defining a front and a side of the container; and a
plurality of bolsters attached to an underside portion of the
floor, the bolsters forming at least a portion of a first entry
window accessible from the front of the container and forming at
least a portion of a second entry window accessible from the side
of the container.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the bolsters comprise: a
lower panel spaced apart from the underside portion of the floor;
at least two projections that extend downwardly from the lower
panel that form the first entry window; and a pair of walls
extending from the lower panel to the floor that form the second
entry window.
13. The container of claim 12, where the lower panel includes a
crease between the at least two projections.
14. The container of claim 11, wherein at least two bolsters of the
plurality of bolsters are formed from a single unitary member.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the unitary member is a
single sheet of metal.
16. The container of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
plurality of bolsters is formed as a unitary member.
17. The container of claim 11, wherein the projections extend at
least 0.25 inches from the lower panel.
18. The container of claim 11, wherein the bolsters include
apertures that are configured to receive casters.
19. The container of claim 11, wherein the bolster walls extend
from the floor at an oblique angle.
20. The container of claim 11, wherein the first and second entry
windows are sized and configured to receive a prong from a
forklift.
21. The container of claim 11, wherein at least two of the
plurality of bolsters are spaced apart to define one of the first
or second entry windows therebetween.
22. The container of claim 21, wherein at least one of the
plurality of bolsters includes a notch that defines at least a
portion of the other of the first or second entry windows.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein the notch is adjacent one of
the walls and/or the floor.
24. A bolster configured to attach to an underside portion of a
container, the bolster comprising: a lower panel; at least two
projections that extend downwardly from the lower panel that form a
first entry window; and a pair of walls extending from the lower
panel and configured to attach to the floor, the pair of walls
forming a second entry window that is substantially perpendicular
to the first entry window.
25. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the lower panel includes a
crease between the at least two projections.
26. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the bolster is formed as a
unitary member.
27. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the unitary member is a single
sheet of metal.
28. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the projections extend at
least 0.25 inches from the lower panel.
29. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the projections include
apertures that are configured to receive casters.
30. The bolster of claim 24, wherein the bolster walls extend from
the floor at an oblique angle.
31. A bolster assembly configured to attach to an underside portion
of a container, the bolster assembly comprising: at least two
bolsters comprising: a lower panel; at least two projections that
extend downwardly from the lower panel that form a first entry
window; and a pair of walls extending from the lower panel and
configured to attach to the floor, the pair of walls forming a
second entry window that is substantially perpendicular to the
first entry window; and a panel connecting the at least two
bolsters.
32. A bolster configured to attach to an underside portion of a
container, the bolster comprising: a pair of walls configured to
extend from an underside portion of the container, the pair of
walls forming an entry window that is sized and configured to
receive a prong from a forklift therein.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/857,879, filed Nov. 9, 2006, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to containers, and in
particular, the bolsters for construction containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Large storage containers, including boxes and cabinets, used
in the construction industry are often formed of steel sheet. The
floor, walls and ceiling (or lid) of the container can be formed
either from a single sheet of steel that is bent at intersecting
edges of these surfaces or from multiple pieces of sheet steel that
are welded together. Many containers have bolsters underlying the
floor, and some will include casters beneath the bolsters. Typical
sizes for such a cabinet or box can range from 5 ft.sup.3 to 150
ft.sup.3 or even larger. Exemplary storage containers include those
sold under the name JOBOX.TM. by Delta Consolidated Industries,
Jonesboro, Ark. and those sold under the name JOBMASTER.TM. by
Knaack Manufacturing, Crystal Lake, Ill.
[0004] Large storage containers may be heavy and difficult to move,
especially when fully loaded with construction materials. A
forklift may be employed to move large storage containers; however,
the bolsters and/or casters may make it difficult to orient the
forklift prongs under the container to achieve proper balance and a
secure lift. The forklift prongs and/or the location of the
container may limit the container to be lifted from only one or two
sides. Operators may be required to reorient the container so that
the desired container side is facing the forklift. This may be
difficult and/or time-consuming, especially if space for moving and
reorienting the container is limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to embodiments of the invention, a container
includes a receptacle having sidewalls and a floor; and a plurality
of bolsters attached to an underside portion of the floor. The
bolsters include a lower panel spaced apart from the underside
portion of the floor, at least two projections from the lower panel
that form a first entry window, and a pair of walls extending from
the lower panel to the floor that form a second entry window that
is substantially perpendicular to the first entry window.
[0006] In particular embodiments, the second entry window forms an
opening toward a side of the container and the first window forms
an opening toward a front of the container. The lower panel may
include a crease between the at least two projections. At least two
bolsters of the plurality of bolsters may be formed from a single
sheet of metal and/or at least one of the plurality of bolsters may
be formed as a unitary member.
[0007] In some embodiments, the projections extend at least 0.25
inches from the lower panel. The projections may include apertures
that are configured to receive casters. The bolster walls may be
angled. The first and second entry windows may be configured to
receive a prong from a forklift.
[0008] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a
container includes a receptacle having sidewalls and a floor, the
sidewalls defining a front and a side of the container. A plurality
of bolsters are attached to an underside portion of the floor. The
bolsters form at least a portion of a first entry window accessible
from the front of the container and form at least a portion of a
second entry window accessible from the side of the container.
[0009] According to still further embodiments of the present
invention, a bolster configured to attach to an underside portion
of a container includes a lower panel, at least two projections
from the lower panel that form a first entry window, and a pair of
walls extending from the lower panel and configured to attach to
the floor. The pair of walls form a second entry window that is
substantially perpendicular to the first entry window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
principles of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container having
bolsters according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial top perspective view of the
container and bolster of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the
container and bolsters of FIG. 1 with the casters removed;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bolster of FIGS.
1-3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the bolster of FIGS.
1-4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of the bolsters of FIGS. 1-5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the bolsters of FIGS. 1-6;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 1-3
being lifted by a forklift from the front of the container.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIGS. 1-3
being lifted by a forklift from the side of the container;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a partial top perspective view of the container
and a bolster according to further embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a container and
bolsters according to still further embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention now will be described hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0023] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the
figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components,
elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines
illustrate optional features or operations unless specified
otherwise.
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases
such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be
interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as
"between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used
herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to
about Y."
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and
should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense
unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or
constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or
clarity.
[0026] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with,
"contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on,
attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other
element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly
on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly
coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are
no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature
that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that
overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
[0027] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements
described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of "over"
and "under". The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90
degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the
terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the
like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless
specifically indicated otherwise.
[0028] It will be understood that, although the terms "first",
"second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a "first" element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could also be termed a "second" element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or
steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or
figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a container 10 is shown therin. The
container 10 includes a receptacle 20 having a front wall 21,
opposing sidewalls 22 that are perpendicular to the front wall 21,
a rear wall 23 that opposes the front wall 21, and a floor 24. A
cover 25 is attached via a hinge to the rear wall 23. The container
10 also includes four bolsters 30 on the underside of the floor 24.
The bolsters 30 each define at least two entry windows 50, 60. As
shown in FIG. 3-5, two bolsters 30 may be formed as a single,
unitary dual bolster assembly 31. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, each of
the bolsters 30 includes a lower panel 32 with projections 34 that
extend downwardly from the lower panel 32 to form the entry window
50. A pair of walls 36 extend upwardly from the lower panel 32 to
the floor 24 and form the other entry window 60. In addition, the
lower panel 32 includes creases 38a, 38b. The projections 34
include apertures 40. The apertures 40 are configured to receive
casters 48 therein as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
an upper panel 42 connects one or more of the bolsters 30.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the bolsters 30 provide entry windows
50, 60 that are substantially perpendicular to one another such
that the container 10 may be lifted by a forklift 70 from the sides
or from the front or back of the container 10. The entry windows
50, 60 form openings that are accessible from a side of the
container 10 (i.e., via window 50) and from a front of the
container 60 (i.e., via window 60). As illustrated, prongs 72 of
the forklift 70 may be inserted in respective entry windows 60 to
lift the container 10 from the front (FIG. 8) or the prongs 72 of
the forklift 70 may be inserted in respective entry windows 50 to
lift the container from the side (FIG. 9).
[0031] Those skilled in this art will recognize that the container
10 may take other configurations. For example, various sizes,
shapes and configurations can be used to form the bolsters 30 and
entry windows 50, 60. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, a
container 100 includes a bolster 130 having entry windows 150, 160.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the bolster 130 includes walls 136 that
extend downwardly from the container 100 and a lower panel 134. The
walls 136 have an opening that forms the entry window 150. The
walls 136 and the panel 134 together form the entry window 160. In
this configuration, the entry windows 150, 160 are accessible from
a side and a front of the container.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 11, a container 200 includes bolsters
230 extending along a side 222 of a receptacle 220. The receptacle
220 has a front wall 221, opposing sidewalls 222 that are
perpendicular to the front wall 221, a rear wall 223 that opposes
the front wall 221, a floor 24, and a cover 235 that is attached
via a hinge to the rear wall 223. The bolsters 230 define an entry
window 250 adjacent the front wall 221. The bolsters 230 also
include a notch 232 adjacent the side walls 222, which defines
another entry window 260. In this configuration, the prongs from a
forklift may be inserted from the front of the container 200 via
the entry window 250 or from the side of the container 200 via the
entry window 260.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the bolster 30 is formed as a unitary
member. In particular, the dual bolster assembly 31 may be formed
from a unitary member such as a single sheet of metal and connected
by the upper panel 42. The sheet of metal may have a thickness
between 0.0299 and 0.5 inches. The bolsters 30 may be attached to
the floor 24 by the panel 42 and the upper portion of the walls 36,
for example, by welding. In some embodiments, the upper panel 42 is
omitted, and the bolsters 30 are formed separately from one
another.
[0034] The bolsters 30 include creases 38a, 38b, which may increase
the strength and/or rigidity of the bolster 30. The lower crease
38b may also guide the prong 72 of the forklift 70 into the entry
windows 60 as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the creases
38a, 38b are omitted.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the bolster walls 36 extend at an
angle with respect to the upper panel 42, the lower panel 32 and
the container floor 24 such that the bolster walls 36 are not
perpendicular to the container floor 24. As illustrated, the angle
at which the walls 36 extend with respect to the container floor 24
and the panels 32, 42 may strengthen the structure of the bolsters
30 for bearing weight from the container 10; however, in some
embodiments, the bolster walls 36 may be perpendicular to the
container floor 24 and the panels 32, 42.
[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the projections 34 of the
bolsters 30 include apertures 40, which may be used to hold casters
48 therein as shown in FIG. 2. Pairs of the projections 34 on the
bolsters 30 define the entry window 50 such that, when the
container 10 is positioned on a flat surface, such as the ground or
floor, the entry window 50 provides sufficient space for the prongs
72 of the forklift 70 so that the forklift 70 can lift the
container 10 from the front (FIG. 2 and FIG. 8). In some
embodiments, the projections extend at least 0.25 inches from the
lower panel 32. However, the apertures 40 and casters 48 may be
omitted, and the bolsters 30 may rest directly on the ground or
floor. If the casters 48 are omitted, the projections 34 may extend
a greater distance from the lower panel 32 to provide sufficient
space for the prongs 72 of the forklift 70, such as at least 0.25
inches from the lower panel 32.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, two casters 48 are affixed to each
bolster 30 on respective projections 34 by screws 48a. The
illustrated two-caster configuration may provide stability and
support to the container 10; however, one caster 48 per bolster 30
may be used, or more than two casters 48 may be used on a single
bolster 30. The casters can have a height of between three and
sixteen inches.
[0038] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
* * * * *