U.S. patent application number 12/095850 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for removable roof for cargo container.
This patent application is currently assigned to TAL International Container Corp.. Invention is credited to John Pearson, Lewis Vitalis.
Application Number | 20090159592 12/095850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38123396 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vitalis; Lewis ; et
al. |
June 25, 2009 |
REMOVABLE ROOF FOR CARGO CONTAINER
Abstract
A shipping container (20) includes a floor (40) and opposite
side walls (42, 44), with each side wall including a panel
supporting element (68, 70) at or near an upper region of the side,
wall for supporting a plurality of removable rigid cover panels
(30). Each cover panel (30) has opposite side edges (60, 66) and
first and second ends (56, 58). The panel supporting elements of
the side walls are configured to at least partially receive the
side edges of the cover panels to support the cover panels at the
upper region of the side walls. The cover panels are configured to
be removably supported at the panel supporting elements in adjacent
relationship, whereby the first end (56) of at least one of the
cover panels engages the second end (58) of another of the cover
panels.
Inventors: |
Vitalis; Lewis; (Medford
Lakes, NJ) ; Pearson; John; (Red Bank, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VAN DYKE, GARDNER, LINN & BURKHART, LLP
SUITE 207, 2851 CHARLEVOIX DRIVE, S.E.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49546
US
|
Assignee: |
TAL International Container
Corp.
Purchase
NY
|
Family ID: |
38123396 |
Appl. No.: |
12/095850 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 4, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2006/046173 |
371 Date: |
October 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60742477 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/1.5 ;
220/315; 220/796; 296/185.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/126 20130101;
B65D 88/125 20130101; B60J 7/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/1.5 ;
220/315; 220/796; 296/185.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/36 20060101
B65D088/36 |
Claims
1. A shipping container for cargo ships and trailer trucks, said
shipping container comprising: a floor; opposite side walls, each
of said side walls comprising a panel supporting element at or near
an upper region of said side wall; a plurality of removable rigid
cover panels, each of said cover panels having opposite side edges
and first and second ends; and wherein said panel supporting
elements of said side walls are configured to at least partially
receive said side edges of said cover panels to horizontally
support said cover panels at said upper region of said side walls,
said cover panels being configured to be removably supported at
said panel supporting elements in adjacent relationship, whereby
said first end of at least one of said cover panels engages said
second end of another of said cover panels, wherein said panel
supporting elements comprise opposed tracks affixed to respective
ones of said side walls, and wherein said side edges of said cover
panels of each of said cover panels are removably received in
respective ones of said tracks.
2. The shipping container of claim 1 further comprising a removable
cover assembly, said removable cover assembly comprising a
plurality of support members and at least one flexible cover
member, wherein said support members are configured to be removably
extended between said opposite side walls, and wherein said
flexible cover member is removably disposed over said support
members when said support members are extended between said
opposite side walls.
3. The shipping container of claim 2, wherein said removable cover
assembly and said side walls are configured such that said
removable cover assembly is installed above said removable cover
panels.
4. (canceled)
5. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein each of said opposed
tracks is affixed to a plurality of brackets, each said bracket
being removably mounted to respective ones of said side walls.
6. The shipping container of claim 1 further comprising a first end
track at an end wall at a first end of said shipping container, and
wherein said removable cover panels include a first end cover
panel, and wherein said first end of said first end cover panel is
configured to be received at least partially in said first end
track.
7. The shipping container of claim 6 further comprising a second
end track at a second end of said shipping container, said second
end being opposite said first end, said removable cover panels
including a second end cover panel, said second end of said second
end cover panel being configured to be received at least partially
in said second end track.
8. The shipping container of claim 7, wherein said second end track
is movably mounted at said second end of said shipping container
and is movable between an open position, where said tracks of said
side walls are open for receiving said side edges of said cover
panels at least partially therein, and a closed position, where
said tracks of said side walls are at least partially restricted
whereby insertion of and removal of said cover panels into said
tracks of said side walls is substantially limited.
9. The shipping container of claim 8 further comprising a door
assembly at said second end of said shipping container, said door
assembly comprising a door panel and a door beam extending between
said opposite side walls and generally above said door panel, said
door beam including said second end track.
10. The shipping container of claim 9, wherein said tracks of said
side walls comprise elongated channel members that are configured
to slidingly receive said side edges of said cover panels.
11. The shipping container of claim 10, wherein said channel
members comprise substantially C-shaped channel members.
12. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said tracks each
include a water conduit, said water conduit adapted to divert water
away from an interior of said shipping container.
13. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said first end of at
least one of said cover panels engages said second end of an
adjacent one of said cover panels in an overlapping
relationship.
14. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said first end of at
least one of said cover panels engages said second end of an
adjacent one of said cover panels in an interlocking
relationship.
15. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said first and
second ends of adjacent ones of said cover panels are removably
secured together using at least one fastener.
16. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein said cover panels
comprise a corrugated metallic material.
17. The shipping container of claim 16, wherein said cover panels
include a protective coating.
18. A method of selectively covering a shipping container for cargo
ships and trailer trucks, said method comprising: providing a
shipping container, said shipping container including a floor,
opposite side walls, and first and second ends; providing side
panel supporting elements along said side walls, said side panel
supporting elements comprising opposed tracks affixed to respective
ones of said side walls at or near an upper region of said side
walls; providing a plurality of removable rigid cover panels, each
of said cover panels having first and second side edges and first
and second ends, said cover panels configured to be removably
supported by said side panel supporting elements in adjacent
relationship; inserting a first cover panel along said side panel
supporting elements such that said side panel supporting elements
at least partially receive said first and second side edges of said
first cover panel; inserting a second cover panel along said side
panel supporting elements such that said side panel supporting
elements at least partially receive said first and second side
edges of said second cover panel; and moving said cover panels
along said side panel supporting elements until said first end of
said second cover panel engages said second end of said first cover
panel, such that said cover panels are supported by said side panel
supporting elements in adjacent relationship.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein moving said cover panels
comprises moving said first cover panel until said first end of
said first cover panel engages an end panel supporting element at
said first end of said shipping container.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising inserting a plurality
of cover panels until said cover panels substantially cover and
close over the top of said shipping container, said plurality of
cover panels including an end cover panel at said second end of
said shipping container.
21. The method of claim 18 further comprising: providing a
removable flexible cover assembly, said removable flexible cover
assembly comprising a plurality of support members and at least one
flexible cover member; extending said support members between said
opposite side walls of said shipping container; and disposing said
flexible cover over said support members when said support members
are extended between said opposite side walls.
22. The method of claim 18 further comprising: providing a movable
header element between said opposite side walls and proximate an
upper region of said second end of said shipping container; before
inserting said first cover panel, moving said header element into
an open position such that said side panel supporting elements are
adapted to receive said side edges of said cover panels as said
cover panels are inserted along said side panel supporting
elements; and after inserting said cover panels, moving said header
element into a closed position to limit retraction of said cover
panels from said side panel supporting elements.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising inserting a plurality
of cover panels until said cover panels substantially cover and
close over the top of said shipping container, said plurality of
cover panels including an end cover panel at said second end of
said shipping container.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein moving said header element into
a closed position comprises moving said header element such that a
header panel supporting element engages said second end of said end
cover panel to limit retraction of said cover panels from said side
panel supporting elements.
25. The method of claim 18 further comprising uncovering said
shipping container.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein uncovering said shipping
container comprises: moving said cover panels along said side panel
supporting elements and removing said cover panels from said side
supporting elements.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising: providing a movable
header element between said opposite side walls and proximate an
upper region of said second end of said shipping container; and
before removing said cover panels from said side supporting
elements, moving said header element to an open position such that
said panel supporting elements and said cover panels are readily
accessible.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising, after removing said
cover panels from said side supporting elements, moving said header
element to a closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to open top shipping
containers and, more particularly, to open top shipping containers
for transporting goods via cargo ships or trucks.
[0002] Shipping containers are used to hold goods such that the
goods may be transported by both cargo ships and trucks. Open top
shipping containers are known and have an open roof such that large
goods that are not readily transported using a forklift may be
loaded into the shipping container using a crane or the like. Such
goods include, for example, building and construction material,
such as steel, glass, and granite. Upon loading of the open top
shipping container, a removable soft top assembly is installed over
the open roof of the shipping container to provide protection to
the goods from inclement weather and wind blown water.
[0003] Frequently, upon reaching a delivery destination, the open
top containers are returned or shipped to another location in an
empty, unused state as they are not favorable for use with dry
goods, such as electronics, certain manufactured items, and
textiles. This is due to the inability of open top containers with
soft top assemblies to provide adequate security to the goods from
theft and tampering, or to adequately protect the goods from
inclement weather and water damage.
[0004] Shipping or transporting empty open top containers to points
where they can be reused results in added expense by reducing the
amount of cargo that a given ship may transport and/or by causing
trucks to travel between locations without moving goods. Therefore,
a means of shipping is desired that substantially eliminates the
inefficiencies associated with transporting empty open top
containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides an open top shipping
container having a removable hard top assembly that enables the
open top shipping container to be used to transport goods requiring
added protection from theft, tampering, inclement weather, and
water as compared to conventional soft top assemblies.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, a shipping
container comprises a floor, first and second side walls, and a
hard top assembly that includes a panel supporting element at or
near an upper region of each side wall and a plurality of removable
rigid cover panels. The cover panels are received and supported by
the panel supporting elements. The cover panels are installed in
adjacent relationship such that the first end of a given cover
panel engages the second end of an adjacent cover panel.
[0007] The removable cover panels of the hard top assembly of the
present invention are readily assembled or mounted or installed at
an open top shipping container and may be used alone or together
with a conventional soft top assembly. The removable hard top
assembly includes multiple cover panels that are generally light in
weight and readily handled and, when not in use, may be readily
transported. Optionally, the side regions or edges of the cover
panels may be configured for sliding insertion into tracks or
channels affixed to the side walls of the shipping container. The
ends of the cover panels may also be constructed to engage the ends
of adjacent cover panels in an overlapping and/or interlocking
manner to provide further security and weather resistance to
removable hard top assembly.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of selectively covering a shipping container includes
providing a shipping container, side panel supporting elements
along said side walls, and a plurality of removable rigid cover
panels. The shipping container includes a floor, opposite side
walls, and first and second ends. Each of the cover panels has
first and second side edges and first and second ends, and the
cover panels are configured to be removably supported by the side
panel supporting elements in adjacent relationship. A first cover
panel is inserted along the side panel supporting elements such
that the side panel supporting elements at least partially receive
the first and second side edges of the first cover panel. A second
cover panel is inserted along the side panel supporting elements
such that the side panel supporting elements at least partially
receive the first and second side edges of the second cover panel.
The cover panels are moved along said side panel supporting
elements until the first end of the second cover panel engages the
second end of the first cover panel, such that the cover panels are
supported by the side panel supporting elements in adjacent
relationship.
[0009] Optionally, the shipping container includes a movable header
element between the opposite side walls and proximate an upper
region of the second end of the shipping container. The header
element is moved into an open position before insertion of the
cover panels such that the side panel supporting elements are
adapted to receive the side edges of the cover panels. The header
element is moved into a closed position after insertion of the
cover panels to limit retraction of the cover panels from the side
panel supporting elements.
[0010] Optionally, the method may include uncovering the shipping
container. Uncovering the shipping container may include moving the
header element into an open position such that the panel supporting
elements and the cover panels are readily accessible. The cover
panels are moved along the panel supporting elements and the cover
panels are removed from the side supporting elements, after which
the header element, if included, may be moved to a closed
position.
[0011] Therefore, the open top shipping container of the present
invention may be used to transport large, bulky goods that must be
loaded through the open roof of the shipping container. The present
invention enables the shipping container to be used to transport
such goods, as well as other types of goods that typically must be
transported in a more secure or protected manner than the manner
provided by use of only a conventional soft top assembly.
Furthermore, the removable hard top assembly of the present
invention and the soft top assembly may both be installed to the
shipping container such that added protection is provided to goods
being shipped within the shipping container. In situations where
the components of the hard top assembly are not used, however, the
cover panels may be conveniently handled and stacked within the
shipping container while occupying a limited amount of space.
[0012] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
present invention will become apparent upon review of the following
specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an open top shipping
container of the present invention being loaded with goods through
the open roof;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the open top shipping
container of FIG. 1, shown assembled with the removable hard top
assembly of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the open top shipping
container of FIG. 2, shown assembled with a removable soft top
assembly installed thereon;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the open top shipping
container of FIG. 2, shown with portions of both the hard top and
soft top assemblies installed thereon;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an open top shipping
container of the present invention, showing an open top shipping
container having the hard top assembly installed beneath cross
members of the soft top assembly;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an interior perspective view of a shipping
container installed with a removable hard top assembly of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an interior perspective view of the closed end of
the shipping container of FIG. 6, showing the interface of the end
wall, first side wall, and an end cover panel;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an interior perspective view of the closed end of
the shipping container of FIG. 6, shown with the cover panels of
the hard top assembly removed and showing the components of the
soft top assembly;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an interior perspective view of the open end of
the shipping container of FIG. 6, shown with the cover panels of
the hard top assembly removed and showing portions of the soft top
assembly;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an interior perspective view of the open end of
the shipping container of the present invention, showing the door
assembly, first side wall, header, and the opposite end cover
panel, the header being partially cut away;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of an
open top shipping container of the present invention, showing
portions of the hard top assembly installed beneath portions of the
soft top assembly;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an end elevation and partial sectional view
similar to FIG. 11, showing an open top shipping container of the
present invention with alternatively constructed side walls;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a removable cover panel
component of the hard top assembly of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a removable cover panel
component of the hard top assembly of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of a
bracket-mounted track or channel for receiving a removable cover
panel;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an interior perspective view of a shipping
container of the present invention, as viewed looking toward the
bracket-mounted track or channel for receiving a removable cover
panel;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an interior perspective view of a shipping
container of the present invention, showing a bracket-mounted track
or channel along a side wall thereof;
[0030] FIG. 18 is an interior perspective view of a shipping
container of the present invention, showing the side wall with the
track or channel removed therefrom;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of an
open top shipping container similar to FIG. 11 and having the
bracket-mounted channel of FIG. 15; and
[0032] FIG. 20 is an end elevation and partial sectional view
similar to FIG. 12, showing an open top shipping container having
the hard top assembly installed beneath the soft top assembly and
including the bracket-mounted track or channel of FIG. 15.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying figures, wherein the numbered elements in the
following written description correspond to like-numbered elements
in the figures. An open top shipping container 20 is shown in FIG.
1 mounted to a delivery vehicle 22, with the removable roof
assemblies described below removed from the shipping container 20,
such that goods 24 may be loaded or lowered into the shipping
container 20 through the open roof 26. As shown in FIG. 2, a
removable hard top assembly or rigid cover assembly 28 may be
installed or attached to and along the side walls of the shipping
container so as to substantially close and/or seal the open roof or
top of the shipping container, as discussed below. The removable
hard top assembly 28 includes multiple panel sections or rigid
cover panels 30 that may be removably installed at least partially
within and along tracks or channels which are mounted to the
shipping container 20. When the cover panels 30 are installed and
door assembly 32 is closed, the shipping container 20 is
substantially sealed and access to the interior of shipping
container 20 is substantially prohibited. The removable hard top
assembly 28 thus provides protection to the contents within
shipping container 20 in the form of security from theft and
tampering, and protection from inclement weather, such as driving
wind and water.
[0034] Open top shipping container 20 may be provided with a
conventional removable soft top assembly or flexible cover assembly
34, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The soft top assembly 34
includes multiple support members or bows or rods 36 and a flexible
top element or member or tarp or cover 38. Open top shipping
container 20 may be selectively provided or used with either the
removable hard top assembly 28 or the removable soft top assembly
34. Notably, the removable hard top assembly 28 may also be
simultaneously used with the removable soft top assembly 34. For
example, and as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 11, 12, 19, and 20, the cover
panels 30 of hard top assembly 28 may be installed beneath the
support members 36 and top member 38 of soft top assembly 34. Open
top shipping container 20 may thus be used to ship bulky goods 24,
such as building and construction materials, that are loaded
through the open roof 26 and may also be used to ship various
smaller dry goods, such as manufactured items and textiles, which
must be protected from theft and tampering, as well as from
moisture. The hard top assembly and/or soft top assembly is/are
selectively attached to the shipping container depending on the
particular application of the shipping container and the goods
being shipped therein.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, open top shipping container
20 includes a floor 40, opposite first and second side walls 42,
44, an end wall 46 (FIG. 6) and a door assembly 32 opposite the end
wall 46. The first and second side walls 42, 44, end wall 46, and
door assembly 32 may be of a painted or coated corrugated steel
construction for strength and corrosion protection. First and
second side walls 42, 44 include an upper rail or beam 48 and, in
like manner, an upper rail or beam 50 is also provided on end wall
46. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 19, the upper rails 48 of first and
second side walls 42, 44 may extend upward above the upper edges of
the side walls. Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 20, the
upper rails 48 for the first and second side walls may be
substantially rectangular or square shaped beams, and may also be
used to support an end wall. Although not shown, the upper rail 50
of end wall 46 is also of like construction.
[0036] Door assembly 32 comprises two pivotally mounted doors 52a,
52b, with one of the doors 52a pivotally mounted to shipping
container 20 adjacent to first side wall 42 and the other door 52b
pivotally mounted adjacent to second side wall 44 as shown in FIGS.
2-4, 9, and 10. Door assembly 32 also includes a header or beam 54
(FIGS. 2-5, 9, 10, and 18) extending between first and second side
walls 42, 44 above doors 52. Beam 54 is movably or removably
mounted at shipping container 20, and may be removable from
shipping container 20 or may pivot or otherwise move with respect
to either of doors 52a, 52b of door assembly 32, so as to allow for
loading and unloading of goods and to allow for insertion and
removal of the cover panels as discussed below.
[0037] It should be understood that alternative open top shipping
containers may be constructed in accordance with the present
invention. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, first and
second side walls 42, 44 and end wall 46 are immovable relative to
floor 40. However, an alternative open top shipping container may
be constructed with side walls that are removable from the floor or
are pivotally connected to the floor such that they may be lowered
or moved or removed for further improved loading. The end wall may
also be constructed to be removable or pivotal, or may be
constructed as a second door assembly, such as a door assembly
similar to door assembly 32, discussed above. Also, although shown
with a door assembly 32 opposite end wall 46, the open top shipping
container may optionally have a second end wall opposite the end
wall 46. Other variations to door assembly 32 may include, but are
not limited to, one or more doors pivotally or otherwise movably
mounted to shipping container 20 adjacent one or more of the side
walls, the header, or the floor, whereby the door or doors may
pivot about either a horizontal pivot axis or vertical pivot axis
or may otherwise move relative to the end of the shipping container
to open the end of the container, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the present invention. It is further envisioned that
the header 54 may be incorporated into the door or doors of the
door assembly, and may pivot or move (or may be removed) with the
door or doors of the door assembly, while remaining within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the open
top shipping container may also be constructed of alternative
materials and, while typically constructed to have a length of
twenty or forty feet, may be constructed of alternative lengths,
widths, and heights.
[0038] As noted above, removable hard top assembly 28 is
constructed of multiple cover panels 30. A representative cover
panel 30 is illustrated in FIG. 13 and includes first and second
ends or end edges 56, 58 and first and second side edges 60, 62,
with the cover panels 30 having a width 64 of approximately 85
inches (or other width depending on the width of the container and
separation distance of the tracks or channels) and a length 66 of
approximately 30 inches or other lengths as may be desired. Cover
panels 30 may be constructed of a corrugated metallic material and
may include a corrosion inhibiting protective coating, with the
corrugated design providing a relatively light weight and strong
construction. Cover panels 30, for example, may be constructed of
GALVALUME.RTM. provided by BIEC International, Inc. of Vancouver,
Wash.
[0039] Although illustrated as being corrugated and constructed of
a coated metallic material, it should be understood that cover
panels 30 may be alternatively constructed while remaining within
the scope of the present invention and while still functioning as
intended. For example, cover panels may be constructed of different
widths and/or lengths depending upon the size of shipping container
to which they will be installed. The cover panels may also be
constructed of any suitable material, such as a plastic material or
composite material, or may be constructed of generally flat
materials as opposed to being corrugated while remaining within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0040] As previously noted, cover panels 30 are removably installed
within panel supporting elements or receiving elements, such as
first and second side tracks 68, 70 (FIGS. 8-12, 17, 19, and 20),
end track 72 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 17), and door track 74 (FIG. 9), all
mounted at or near an upper region of the respective side walls 42,
44, end wall 46, and door assembly 32. In the illustrated
embodiment, first and second side tracks 68, 70, end track 72, and
door track 74 are constructed of a substantially U-shaped or
C-shaped channel 76. As shown in FIG. 11, the base of the channel
76 of first and second tracks 68, 70 is mounted to the upper rail
48 of first and second side walls 42, 44, respectively. Channel 76
of end track 72 and channel 76 of door track 74 are similarly
mounted (as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9). When the channels of the
tracks are mounted to the respective upper rail or header, the
openings of the channels 76 are all directed generally inwardly
toward the center of shipping container 20. Alternatively
constructed tracks and/or channels may also be used, such as, for
example, tracks having a generally "T" or "L" shaped profile,
depending on the shape or configuration of the cover panels.
[0041] Optionally, the panel supporting elements or channels may
terminate a substantial distance, such as about 12 inches or more,
from an end of the open top shipping container in order to allow
installation of the cover panels at the top region of shipping
container 20. For example, the channels may terminate 12 inches or
more from the end of the container at the door assembly, whereby
the cover panels may be inserted into and removed from the channels
and through the open doors, without having to move or remove the
header at the door end of the container. Optionally, it is further
envisioned that a gap between two side panel supporting elements
along respective side walls of the shipping containers may be
established, whereby one or more cover panels may be inserted in
both directions into and along the respective side panel supporting
elements or channels so that the cover panels may be installed and
uninstalled from substantially within the shipping container. For
example, two side channels may be provided along each side wall and
separated by a gap of about 12 inches or more, and one or more
cover panels may be inserted at the gap into the respective
opposite side channels in one direction, while one or more cover
panels may be inserted at the gap into the respective opposite side
channels in the other direction to close ore at least partially
cover the open top shipping container.
[0042] Optionally, channels 76 may be constructed of any suitable
material, such as a coated metallic material, or a plastic material
or a composite material or the like. Channels 76 may be secured to
the upper rails 48, 50 and door header 54 using fasteners, such as
screws or bolts, and/or may be affixed or secured to the rail or
header with an adhesive or the like, or may be welded to the rail
or header or walls of the shipping container. Optionally, the panel
supporting elements or channels may be integrally formed with and
at least partially along the upper rails and/or door header of a
shipping container, and from at least partially within the shipping
container, such as by rolling, molding, stamping, or embossing the
channels along the inner side or surface of the rails and/or
header, such as during the process that forms the rails and/or
header.
[0043] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 19, and 20,
channels 76 may be mounted to the shipping container via brackets
77 (FIG. 15), which may be welded or otherwise secured to the
panels. The brackets 77 are removably connected to the shipping
container 20 such as at upper rails 48, 50, with fasteners, such as
bolts or screws or the like, such as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 19, and
20. Optionally, a sealant may be disposed at or around the
interfaces between the channels 76 and/or brackets 77 and the upper
rails 48, 50 and door header 54 to limit or substantially preclude
moisture from entering into the interior of the covered shipping
container 20 during transport of the goods.
[0044] Optionally, channels 76 may be provided with various
structural formations to further prevent or direct water away from
the interior of shipping container 20, such as rolled lips or
flanges 76a, 76b (FIGS. 15 and 16) at the end or open edge of each
horizontal leg of the channel 76. For example, the lower horizontal
leg of the channel 76 of side tracks 68, 70, end track 72, and/or
door track 74 may be provided with a conduit, such as an indented
groove or rolled lip 76a (FIGS. 15 and 16), or the like, formed or
established therealong, whereby any water entering into the
channels 76 may be directed or carried by the conduit to locations
outside of shipping container 20. Alternatively, or in addition
thereto, one or more holes or passageways may be provided that
extend from the base of the channels through and into the interior
of the upper rails 48, 50 and header 54 whereby water may be guided
through the holes and substantially not into the interior of the
container. Similarly, holes or passageways may be provided that
extend from the lower horizontal leg of the channels 76, whereby
water may be similarly guided.
[0045] Channels 76 of side tracks 68, 70 are configured to slidably
receive the side edges of the cover panels as the cover panels are
inserted into and moved along the side tracks. In the illustrated
embodiment, cover panels 30 are corrugated metal panels, whereby
the side edges of the panels are formed in a corrugated or wave
pattern. The side tracks 68, 70 receive the wave-shaped side edges
of the cover panels, with an upper surface portion of the upper
"wave" portions of the panel engaging an upper rail or portion of
the track and with a lower surface portion of the lower wave
portions of the panel engaging a lower rail or portion of the
track. Optionally, the channel size may be selected to provide a
snug fit of the corrugated side edges, and may frictionally retain
the cover panels, and thus may limit free movement of the cover
panels to reduce displacement of the cover panels and rattling of
the cover panels during transport. The corrugated metal panels may
flex or partially flatten as the panels are inserted into and along
the channels of the tracks to provide the snug fit of the panels
within and along the side tracks. Optionally, however, the channels
of the side tracks may be sized so as to loosely receive the side
edges of the cover panels, without affecting the scope of the
present invention. The channels of the end track 72 and door track
74 may have a lower profile than the channels of the side tracks,
since the end track and door track are configured to receive the
substantially flat end edges of the end cover panels positioned at
the ends of the shipping container. However, other shaped cover
panels and other types or sizes of tracks or channels may be
implemented at the shipping container while remaining within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0046] As previously noted, cover panels 30 are adapted for sliding
insertion into first and second tracks 68, 70, end track 72, and
door track 74. For example, and as shown in FIG. 2, hard top
assembly 28 may include multiple cover panels 30 supported along
the container with an end cover panel 78 being installed proximate
end wall 46 and an end cover panel 80 being installed proximate
door assembly 32, with a plurality of cover panels positioned
between end cover panels 78, 80.
[0047] When it is desired to close the top of shipping container
20, the cover panels 30 may be slid or installed in and along the
channels of the tracks. To assemble hard top assembly 28 to
shipping container 20, header 54 is initially removed or pivoted or
moved into an open position such that first and second tracks 68,
70 are readily accessible at that end of the container. Optionally,
and such as for an embodiment where the channels terminate a
substantial distance from an end of the open top shipping
container, the header may remain stationary during the process of
installing and uninstalling the cover panels at the shipping
container. End cover panel 78 is then inserted into first and
second tracks 68, 70 such that first side edge 60 of end cover
panel 78 is positioned within first track 68 and second side edge
62 is positioned within second track 70. End cover panel 78 may
then be moved along or slid within first and second tracks 68, 70
substantially along the length of shipping container 20 until first
end edge 56 engages and is received in or contained within end
track 72 at end wall 46.
[0048] Next, a second cover panel 30 is inserted into first and
second tracks 68, 70 in like manner as end cover panel 78, such
that the first side edge 60 is within first track 68 and the second
side edge 62 is within second track 70 (FIG. 11). The cover panel
30 is then slid the remaining length of shipping container 20 until
the first end edge 56 of the second cover panel 30 being installed
engages the second end edge 58 of the end cover panel 78,
previously installed. Such engagement may provide an interlocking
or overlapping engagement such as discussed below. The above
installation steps are then repeated for the remaining cover panels
30 until the last end cover panel 80 is installed, with the second
end edge 58 of the end cover panel 80 being located proximate the
end of the shipping container with door assembly 32. After the end
cover panel 80 is installed, header 54 may be moved to its closed
position or reinstalled at the end to retain the cover panels and
limit or substantially preclude retraction of the cover panels from
the tracks or channels. When header 54 is reinstalled or pivoted or
moved back into the closed position, the door track 74 of header 54
engages or receives the second end edge 58 of the end cover panel
80 such that all of the cover panels 30 are securely held within
and mounted to shipping container 20. Optionally, and such as for
an embodiment where the channels terminate a substantial distance
from an end of the open top shipping container, the end cover panel
80 may be held or secured after installation via other means, such
as via fasteners connecting the end cover panel 80 to the tracks or
channels, or to the side walls or header or the like.
[0049] Although header 54 is shown as being pivotally mounted at
the end of the shipping container, any movable or removable member
or element that will substantially prevent removal of cover panels
78, 30, 80 may be used at the end of open top shipping container 20
opposite end wall 46. For example, such elements may include one or
more locking pins, bars, straps, fasteners, or the like, such as at
the ends of the tracks or at the ends of the side walls, or the
doors may extend upward whereby the top portions of the doors may
cover or close the ends of the track or otherwise limit removal of
the cover panels within the tracks. When it is desired to remove
the cover panels, the stop element or elements may be selectively
opened or moved, such as by pivoting at a top, bottom, or side
edge, or by sliding or by otherwise disengaging from the area
proximate the second end edge 58 of end cover panel 80 when end
cover panel 80 is installed, in order to permit removal of cover
panels 80, 30, 78 from open top shipping container 20.
Additionally, such elements may include, for example, one or more
fasteners that fix end cover panel 80 to tracks 68, 70 and/or to
the side walls 42, 44 of shipping container 20.
[0050] Notably, the engaging of the first or second end edge 56, 58
of one cover panel 30 with the second or first end edge 58, 56 of
an adjacent cover panel 30 may be accomplished in an overlapping
and/or an interlocking relationship. An overlap may be obtained by
merely passing a flat section of one end edge 56, 58 over a flat
section of the engaged end edge 56, 58 of an adjacent panel 30.
This overlap may also serve to interlock the adjacent cover panels
30 by wedging the cover panels 30 into a pressed engagement with
the C-shaped channel 76. Optionally, an alternative overlap and
interlock may also be accomplished by overlapping one or more of
the corrugated ridges or troughs of one cover panel 30 with one or
more of the corrugated ridges or troughs of an adjacent cover panel
30. Optionally, and as shown in FIG. 18, the end edges 56, 58 of
the cover panels 30 may be constructed to form interlocking members
56a, 58a for receiving or engaging interlocking members 58a, 56a of
adjacent cover panels. Interlocking member 56a of a first cover
panel may overlap and then engage and interlock with interlocking
member 58a of an adjacent cover panel in an interlocking
relationship to substantially secure cover panels 30 together and
protect against entry and water intrusion and other weather
conditions. Optionally, the various end edges of the cover panels
may be constructed to include interlocking members for receiving
adjacent end edges, such as elastomeric grommets or the like, to
thereby form an interlocking relationship. Optionally, the
overlapping end edges of adjacent cover panels 30 may be secured
together using fasteners such as screws, bolts, clips, rivets, or
the like, to provide a substantially secure engagement. Optionally,
one or more fasteners may be used to secure first and second side
edges 60, 62 of cover panels 30 within first and second tracks 68,
70 to individually secure the cover panels in place along the
tracks. For example, a threaded screw or bolt may be passed upwards
from beneath a channel and into the first or second end of a cover
panel to secure the cover panel relative to the track.
[0051] To uncover or open the top of shipping container 20, such as
for loading or unloading the shipping container, the steps of
covering shipping container 20 may be substantially followed in
reverse order. Briefly, the header 54 may be moved or removed or
opened (and/or fasteners may be released from the end cover panel)
to allow for removal of the end cover panel. The first end 56 of
end cover panel 80 is then disengaged from second end 58 of
adjacent cover panel 30 and removed from channels 76. Subsequent
cover panels 30 are moved along channels 76 and removed in a
similar manner, ending with end cover panel 78, after which the
header 54 may be closed ore reinstalled as desired.
[0052] As previously noted, open top shipping container 20 may also
be provided with a standard or conventional soft top assembly 34
comprising support members 36 and a top member 38. The support
members 36 extend transversely across shipping container 20 and are
mounted to the upper rails 48 of first and second side walls 42, 44
above first and second tracks 68, 70 (FIG. 11). The support members
36 are used to support the flexible top member 38 (FIGS. 16 and
17), which may be secured to the side walls or rails of the sides
walls when pulled substantially taut over the support members, such
as via tie downs or hooks and grommets or the like. The flexible
top member may comprise any suitable flexible material, such as
canvas or a polymeric material or the like. However, it should be
appreciated that an alternative shipping container may be
constructed for use only with hard top assembly and thus not
include soft top assembly, while remaining within the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0053] Therefore, the open top shipping container of the present
invention may be used in a conventional manner to transport large,
bulky goods, such as building and construction materials, that must
be loaded through the open roof of the shipping container. The
removable hard top assembly of the present invention enables the
shipping container to be used to transport such goods, as well as
other types of goods, such as manufactured items, electronics,
textiles, and the like, that typically must be transported in a
more secure or protected manner than the manner provided by use of
only a conventional soft top assembly. Furthermore, the removable
hard top assembly of the present invention and the soft top
assembly may both be installed to the shipping container such that
added protection is provided to goods being shipped within the
shipping container and, notably, no additional space is required
for transporting unused components of the hard and soft top
assemblies. In situations where the components of the hard top
assembly are not used, however, the cover panels may be
conveniently handled and stacked within the shipping container
while occupying a limited amount of space.
[0054] Changes and modifications in the specifically described
embodiments can be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention which is intended to be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according
to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of
equivalents.
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