U.S. patent application number 11/578823 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for collapsible transport container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Colpac Collapsible Containers B.V.. Invention is credited to Wouter Johannes Leedekerken.
Application Number | 20090026196 11/578823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34964976 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090026196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leedekerken; Wouter
Johannes |
January 29, 2009 |
Collapsible Transport Container
Abstract
The invention relates to a collapsible container for transport
of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a
substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected
hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected
hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are
displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container
sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active
position in which the container sides enclose a storage space,
wherein the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative
to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the
container they can be placed on the flat bottom part.
Inventors: |
Leedekerken; Wouter Johannes;
(Papendrecht, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE WEBB LAW FIRM, P.C.
700 KOPPERS BUILDING, 436 SEVENTH AVENUE
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219
US
|
Assignee: |
Colpac Collapsible Containers
B.V.
Boxtel
NL
|
Family ID: |
34964976 |
Appl. No.: |
11/578823 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 19, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NL05/00284 |
371 Date: |
July 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/1.5 ;
206/335; 220/6; 220/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/68 20130101;
B65D 2585/6865 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/1.5 ; 220/6;
220/7; 206/335 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/52 20060101
B65D088/52; B65D 6/18 20060101 B65D006/18; B65D 85/68 20060101
B65D085/68 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2004 |
NL |
1025976 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising
assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom
part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part
and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall,
wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed
position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel
to each other, and an active position in which the container sides
enclose a storage space, wherein the side walls and the top part
are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a
collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat
bottom part, wherein a first container side which releasably
connects to a second container side is provided with a profile part
having a stop surface adapted to engage the second container
side.
12. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of
the side walls is hingedly coupled to the bottom part via a profile
assembled from a plurality of types of material.
13. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second
container side is provided with a profile part provided with a stop
surface adapted to engage on the first container side such that the
two profile parts connected to the first and second container side
are dimensioned for releasable co-action.
14. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein two releasably
connectable container sides are provided with co-acting coupling
means.
15. The container as claimed in claim 14, wherein the co-acting
coupling means are formed by a Velcro tape fastening.
16. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of
the upright side walls is assembled from a plurality of segments
hingedly connected to each other.
17. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of
the upright side walls is provided with a releasable segment.
18. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bottom part
is provided with an upright edge part, on the upper edge of which a
side wall engages hingedly.
19. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container is
provided with engaging means which are externally accessible in the
active position.
20. The container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the container is
provided with coupling means located on the inside of the
container, in active position of the container, for coupling a
vehicle to the container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a collapsible transport container
for containing objects. The invention also relates to a method for
constructing and collapsing such a transport container.
[0002] The transport of objects takes place in both packed and
non-packed state. It is possible here to envisage shipping packages
or other loose goods by aircraft, vehicle and/or by ship. The
objects for transporting are usually packed for this purpose in a
container which is also referred to as a box. There exists a very
wide diversity of container forms, the dimensions of which are
sometimes optimized for a specific transport modality. The drawback
of conventional transport containers is that they usually have a
fixed form such that during return transport, wherein they are not
filled, or are filled less than optimally, they take up a
needlessly large transport volume.
[0003] The German Gebrauchsmuster DE 44 25 435 describes a reusable
transport container for technical equipment in the form of a
case-like box closed on all sides. The upright walls of the
transport container are connected hingedly to each other such that
they can be folded together to form a flat structure. The cover and
the bottom can then be pivoted to a position parallel against the
opposite sides of the folded structure. Such a transport container
has the very significant advantage that it enables reduction of the
transport volume of the container when it is not filled.
Significant logistical advantages can thus be realized with this
container. The drawback of this construction however is that in the
folded state the transport container is not very easy to handle;
the length and width of the folded transport container take up at
least the sum of two adjoining upright walls.
[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an
improved collapsible container which, while retaining the
advantages of the prior art, can be collapsed to a manageable
volume such that particularly in the collapsed state the container
can be transported efficiently and stored efficiently.
[0005] The invention provides for this purpose a collapsible
container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container
sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of
side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one
top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container
sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the
container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an
active position in which the container sides enclose a storage
space, characterized in that the side walls and the top part are
displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed
position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom
part. The advantage of the collapsible container according to the
present invention is that in a collapsed position the container has
maximum dimensions which correspond to the dimensions of the bottom
part. The collapsed container can thus be placed without any
problem at a location where a non-collapsed container can also be
placed. In other words: the surface of a storage location or a
transport location suitable for containing a container in the
active position is also suitable in the construction according to
the invention for accommodating a container in the collapsed
position. The volume of a collapsed container is of course
significantly smaller than the volume of the same container in an
active position, so that a plurality of collapsed containers can
normally be stacked on top of each other such that they still fill
a smaller volume than a single container in the active position.
Another advantage is that the wall parts, other than the bottom
part, can also remain clear of the ground in the collapsed position
of the transport container, so that it is possible to prevent these
wall parts being contaminated as a result of contact with the
ground. Yet another advantage is that in the collapsed position the
edges of the upright wall parts and the top part lie within the
periphery defined by the edges of the bottom part, whereby the
bottom part, which will take a relatively sturdy form, protects
these edges from damage. The hinged coupling of at least a part of
the side walls and the top part has the advantage that the join
between at least a part of the container parts is maintained
irrespective of the situation (active, collapsed or an intermediate
position) of the container. This has the advantage that collapsing
or constructing of the container is simple and that components are
less likely to be lost.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the side walls is
hingedly coupled to the bottom part via a profile assembled from a
plurality of types of material. A profile assembled from a
plurality of types of material is understood to mean a profile
which can for instance be manufactured by means of coextrusion from
at least two different materials; usually two substantially
form-retaining profile parts which are adapted (by means of for
instance a receiving space) to engage on a container side and a
flexible profile part connecting the form-retaining profile parts.
An at least substantially form-retaining plastic can be chosen as
form-retaining material and a rubber-like material can for instance
be chosen as flexible material. The profile assembled from a
plurality of types of material thus forms a hinge. Such a hinge has
the advantage that the position of a wall part relative to a side
wall is partially maintained so that a rapid construction or a
rapid collapsing of the container is possible.
[0007] It can also be advantageous if a first container side which
can be connected releasably to a second container side is provided
with a profile part provided with a stop surface adapted to engage
on the second container side. Such profile parts can enable a good
and controllable connection of adjoining container sides in the
active position. When the second container side is also provided
with a profile part provided with a stop surface adapted to engage
on the first container side such that the two profile parts
connected to the first and second container side are dimensioned
for releasable co-action, the connection of the adjoining container
sides is wholly determined by the co-acting profile parts, and the
functionality desired for connection can thus be determined wholly
by the choice of the profile parts (for instance connection via a
resilient material or connection with simultaneous form-fitting or
magnetic attachment).
[0008] In order to fix the connecting container sides in an active
position of the container, it is possible to provide two releasably
connectable container sides with co-acting coupling means, such as
for instance a velcro tape fastening.
[0009] It is also possible for at least one of the upright side
walls to be assembled from a plurality of segments hingedly
connected to each other. It thus becomes possible to assemble a
container which in the active position has a form other than
rectangular. It is possible here for instance to envisage the form
of aircraft containers which usually have a narrowed, tapering
upper part so as to thus enable efficient loading of a cargo space
of an aircraft.
[0010] It is furthermore possible for at least one of the upright
side walls to be provided with a releasable segment Such a segment
can for instance form an access (door).
[0011] So as to further protect the side wall parts in a collapsed
position of the container and to increase the strength of the
container, it is possible for the bottom part to be provided with
an upright edge part, on the upper edge of which a side wall
engages hingedly. For the purpose of displacing the container or
storing the container, the container can be provided with engaging
means which are externally accessible in the active position.
Examples hereof are openings arranged in the bottom part for
receiving the prongs of a lifting device, lifting eyes, corner
castings, fastening apertures and so forth.
[0012] In yet another embodiment variant, the container is provided
with coupling means located on the inside of the container, in
active position of the container, for coupling a vehicle to the
container. The coupling means are provided so as to enable the
realization of preferably, but not necessarily, a rigid coupling
between the container and the vehicle. The coupling means for
coupling an object to the container can consist for instance of
eyes, loops or other engaging positions, for instance for bands,
cords, belts, straps or other connecting means. The coupling
between the container and an object enclosed thereby prevents the
object displacing freely in the container and thus possibly being
damaged and/or damaging the container. In the enclosed situation
the object is protected by the container walls which can be
embodied for this purpose in a strong material such that mechanical
load on the outer side of a container in the active position cannot
be transmitted to the vehicle, or only in diminished form. The
container walls can be manufactured from a wide variety of
materials such as metal, plastic or natural materials. It is also
possible for composite (plate) material to be applied. Favourable
results are anticipated in the application by means of spatially
structured plate material, optionally laminated with flat plate
material. A particular possible application of the container
according to the invention is the transport and transshipment of
vehicles (for instance in transport by plane, car, train and/or
boat). The present invention can however also be advantageous in
the (temporary) storage of vehicles.
[0013] In yet another preferred variant, the container is provided
with coupling means connectable releasably to the bottom part for
fixing an object for securing at a distance from the bottom part.
Here can be envisaged a profile part for releasable coupling to the
bottom part which can be fixed in the bottom part and to which the
object can then be fastened. In the collapsed position this profile
part will usually be disconnected from the bottom part and placed
(optionally coupled to the container sides) parallel to the
container walls.
[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the container in the
active position encloses a storage space which is dimensioned to
contain a two-wheeler. Specifically envisaged here are motorbikes,
but also cycles, mopeds, scooters, motor-assisted cycles and so
forth can also be packed in a container according to the invention.
Such means of transport are frequently transported and are usually
treated with care. The transport of for instance a motorbike in the
bed of a pick-up truck can now take place in a protected
environment. Conversely, two-wheelers are usually used for only a
limited part of the year and for the remaining part of the year
(for instance the winter) they are stored in a shed or garage. In
order to now protect such a two-wheeler during storage and to
enable efficient storage, it can be advantageous to pack it with
the container according to the present invention. Additional
facilities can herein also be arranged in the container such as
moisture-absorbing means (hygroscopic material) and/or heating
means. It is moreover also possible, depending on the embodiment of
the container, to store a two-wheeler (or other vehicle) therein
outside, i.e. not in a shed or garage but placed directly in the
open air. In order to protect the vehicle even better, the
container can be provided in the active position with at least one
support element that is manufactured from a shock-absorbing
material.
[0015] The present invention will be further elucidated on the
basis of non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures.
Herein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to
the invention in an active position,
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
variant of a container according to the invention in an active
position,
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3C show cross-sections through profile parts for
applying in the container according to the invention,
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4E show successive stages in the conversion of a
container in an active position into a collapsed container,
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment
variant of a container according to the invention in an active
position,
[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the container shown
in FIG. 5 in a collapsed position,
[0022] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the container shown
in the foregoing figures in an intermediate position, in which a
motorbike can be placed in or taken out of the container.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a container 1 for containing products, not
shown in this figure, with a bottom part 2. Upright side walls 3
are connected to bottom part 2. It is noted that side walls 3 are
constructed from a number of segments 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 connected
hingedly (or as desired releasably) to each other. A top part 9
connects onto the upper segments 5, 8 of side walls 3. Side walls 3
and top part 9 are mutually connected with for instance velcro tape
fastenings 10. Because of the chamfered top part the container 1 is
particularly suitable for transport in an aircraft. FIG. 2 shows an
alternative embodiment variant of a rectangular container 11 with a
bottom part 12 in which fastening openings 13 are provided.
Container 11 is provided with upright side walls 13 and a top part
14.
[0024] FIG. 3A shows in cross-section a profile part 20 with a
channel-like opening 21 for receiving a wall part. Also arranged is
an edge 22 which projects from profile part 20 and which can
function as stop edge for an adjoining wall part. FIG. 3B shows a
cross-section of another variant of a profile part 23, likewise
provided with a channel-like opening 24 for receiving a wall part.
In this variant a projecting stop edge 25 has an orientation
differing from that of the profile part 20 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG.
3C shows a coupling profile 26 with which two wall parts 27, 28 can
be coupled at a right angle.
[0025] FIGS. 4A to 4E show in successive stages how a container 30
is converted from an active position into a collapsed
(folded-together) position. Shown here is that two front panels 31
with hinged door panels 32 are detached from the remaining part of
container 30. After the rear panels 33 have been laid, in a step
which is not shown, against a bottom part 34, in FIGS. 4C and 4D
the remaining side walls 35 and top part 36 are folded together and
placed against bottom part 34. Finally remaining is a collapsed
container 30 as shown in FIG. 4E.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a container 101 for containing a vehicle (not
shown) with a bottom part 102 in which openings 103 are left clear
for the prongs of a fork-lift truck. Upright side walls 104 are
connected to bottom part 102 via hinges. Top segments 105 connect
to side walls 104 such that container 101 fully encloses a space.
Side walls 104 and top segments 105 can be mutually connected using
for instance velcro tape fastenings which are not shown in this
figure.
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B once again show container 101, although now
in a collapsed position. Bottom part 102, side walls 104 and top
segments 105 are in this situation placed at least substantially
parallel to each other and thus take up less great a volume than
the container in an active position (see FIG. 5). Recesses 107 are
left clear in a bottom plate 106 which forms part of bottom part
102, whereby a fixing bar is accessible. By means of openings 107
and fixing bar the coupling elements (bands, cords, belts and so
forth) can be used to anchor to the bottom part a vehicle for
transporting.
[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B once again show container 101, although now
in an intermediate position in which a motorbike 110 can be
connected to or released from bottom part 102. Also clearly shown
is that one of the side walls 4 has an assembled construction of
two separate wall parts 111 and 112.
* * * * *