U.S. patent application number 12/910030 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for convertible shipping container.
Invention is credited to David Monroe Campbell, Kevin Lee Kennedy, Christopher William Scorsone.
Application Number | 20110259768 12/910030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44814875 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110259768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; David Monroe ; et
al. |
October 27, 2011 |
CONVERTIBLE SHIPPING CONTAINER
Abstract
A convertible shipping container including a container body
including a floor, roof, and first and second end walls, a sidewall
hingedly attached to the container moveable between a first
position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar
with the floor, an awning hingedly attached to the container
moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a
second position at an angle with respect to the roof, and at least
one awning support member, wherein the awning is extendable in at
least one direction and wherein the hingedly attached edge of the
awning is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a portion
of the roof when the awning is in the second position.
Inventors: |
Campbell; David Monroe;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Kennedy; Kevin Lee; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Scorsone; Christopher William; (Charlotte,
NC) |
Family ID: |
44814875 |
Appl. No.: |
12/910030 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61253859 |
Oct 22, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/3444
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/02 20060101
B65D088/02 |
Claims
1. A convertible shipping container, comprising: a container body
including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls
collectively defining a rectangular box; a sidewall hingedly
attached along one edge thereof to the container body about the
floor such that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a
first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position
coplanar with the floor; an awning hingedly attached along one edge
thereof to the container body about the roof such that the awning
is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to
the roof and a second position at an angle with respect to the
roof, wherein the awning is extendable in at least one direction
and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the
container body is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a
portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position; and
at least one support member adjustable in length attached to the
awning for supporting the awning in the second position.
2. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein
the container body further comprises open ended tubular corner
posts and a flange extending upward in a direction away from the
roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the
roof drains through the corner posts.
3. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein
the awning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the container body.
4. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein
a free edge of the awning is vertically elevated with respect to
the hingedly attached edge of the awning when the awning is in the
second position such that the awning slopes toward the roof.
5. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein
the awning lies flush against the sidewall when the shipping
container is in a closed configuration.
6. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further
comprising a mechanicals closet accessible through one of the first
and second end walls.
7. The convertible shipping container according to claim 6, further
comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet and
associated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and
second positions.
8. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further
comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of the sidewall
for engaging the at least one support member when the awning is in
the second position.
9. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1, further
comprising a removable floor section filling a gap between the
sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the second position
coplanar with the floor.
10. A convertible shipping container, comprising: a container body
including a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end walls;
a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the
container body such that the sidewall is selectively moveable
between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second
position coplanar with the floor; an awning hingedly attached along
one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning is
selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the
roof and a second position in which a free edge of the awning is at
a position vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly
attached edge such that the awning slopes in the direction toward
the roof, and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to
the roof overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the
second position; and at least one support member adjustable in
length attached to the awning for supporting the awning in the
second position.
11. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
wherein the container body further comprises open ended tubular
corner posts and a flange extending upward in a direction away from
the roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the
roof drains through the corner posts.
12. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
wherein the awning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the container body.
13. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
wherein the awning lies flush against the sidewall when the
shipping container is in a closed configuration.
14. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
further comprising a mechanicals closet accessible through one of
the first and second end walls.
15. The convertible shipping container according to claim 14,
further comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet and
associated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and
second positions.
16. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
further comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of the
sidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the
awning is in the second position.
17. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,
further comprising a removable floor section filling a gap between
the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the second
position coplanar with the floor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/253,859 filed Oct. 22, 2009 and entitled
"CONVERTIBLE SHIPPING CONTAINER", the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
repurposed intermodal shipping containers, and more particularly,
to an intermodal shipping container configured to convert between a
generally rectangular box and a pavilion including sidewalls and
awnings that open to form extended portions of the floor and roof
of the pavilion, respectively, and wherein the awnings are
adjustable in both length and height in order to achieve a desired
slope.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Intermodal shipping containers of the type utilized in the
present invention include large-scale steel containers designed
with suitable strength to withstand repeated shipping, handling and
stacked storage, engineering which makes them ideal as
starting/building blocks for repurposed construction. Conventional
intermodal shipping containers commonly come in standardized
lengths of multiples of 20 ft and have a width and height of about
8-9 ft, thus providing adequate headroom and a large interior
volume ideal for converting to habitable or event space.
[0006] While it is known to repurpose intermodal shipping
containers, conventional conversions typically involve merely
adding windows and doors to the sidewalls of containers or
connecting containers together to increase the overall size of the
structure, both of which result in dwellings having very basic
architecture. As used containers are readily available at low cost
and in an effort to be environmentally conscious, it would be
desirable to use these containers for purposes other than merely
basic dwellings, such as for events and promotions, and such
applications would greatly benefit from more complex and visually
striking architecture. Thus, to achieve the foregoing, the present
invention provides a special use convertible intermodal shipping
container that includes integrated floor and awning extensions that
deploy to increase the covered square footage of the container and
retract to achieve a rectangular box shape to facilitate transport
and protect the internal contents of the container.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, a convertible shipping container is
provided herein including a container body including a floor, a
roof, and first and second opposing end walls collectively defining
a rectangular box, a sidewall hingedly attached along one edge
thereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectively
moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a
second position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly
attached along one edge thereof to the container body such that the
awning is selectively moveable between a first position
perpendicular to the roof and a second position at an angle with
respect to the roof, wherein the awning is extendable in at least
one direction and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached
about the roof is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a
portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position, and
at least one support member adjustable in length pivotally attached
to the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the container body includes
open-ended tubular corner posts and a flange extending upwardly in
a direction away from the roof for providing a drip edge such that
water collected on the roof drains through the corner posts.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the awning is extendible in length
in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
container body.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a free edge of the awning is
vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge of
the awning when the awning is in the second position such that the
awning slopes toward the roof.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the awning lies flush against its
respective sidewall when the shipping container is in the closed
configuration.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a
mechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second
end walls.
[0013] In a further embodiment, a winch is disposed in the
mechanicals closet and associated cabling selectively moves the
sidewall between its first and second positions.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a
bracket positioned about a free edge of the sidewall for engaging
the at least one support member when the awning is in the second
position.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a
removable floor section filling a gap between the sidewall and the
floor when the sidewall is in the second position coplanar with the
floor.
[0016] In another embodiment, a convertible shipping container is
provided including a container body including a floor, a roof, and
first and second opposing end walls, a sidewall hingedly attached
along one edge thereof to the container body such that the sidewall
is selectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to
the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor, an awning
hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container body such
that the awning is selectively moveable between a first position
perpendicular to the roof and a second position in which a free
edge of the awning is at a position vertically elevated with
respect to the hingedly attached edge such that the awning slopes
in the direction toward the roof, and wherein the edge of the
awning hingedly attached to the roof overlies a portion of the roof
when the awning is in the second position, and at least one support
member adjustable in length pivotally attached to the awning for
supporting the awning in the second position.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that
description or recognized by practicing the invention as described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Features, aspects and advantages of the present invention
are understood when the following detailed description of the
invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repurposed shipping
container shown in an open configuration;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shipping container of
FIG. 1 shown in a partially closed configuration;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shipping container of
FIG. 1 shown in a fully closed configuration;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view into a mechanicals closet
located in an end wall of the container; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the container
illustrating other features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the
invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth
herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully
convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to make, use and practice the invention.
[0025] Throughout the description and figures, modifications,
systems and features of a repurposed shipping container are
described and shown with reference to a shipping container that in
a specific application functions as a convertible event pavilion,
such as for events, parties, gatherings, mobile shelter, mobile
restaurant, marketing purposes, etc. It is envisioned that the
modifications, systems and features described herein may be readily
adapted and utilized with other container conversions and
modifications including, but not limited to, habitations, schools,
buildings and other structures, as well as applied outside of the
field of repurposing shipping containers.
[0026] As used herein, the term "convertible" is intended to mean
that the container is configured to be readily changed from a
structure having a general rectangular box shape of a shipping
container to a pavilion including an extended floor and raised
awnings. As used herein, the term "open" is intended to describe
the configuration of the container in which the sidewalls are
lowered to extend the floor and the awnings are raised to extend
the roof to cover the extended floor. As used herein, the term
"closed" is intended to describe the configuration of the container
in which the sidewalls are folded up to form the sides of the
container and the awnings are folded down and against the raised
sidewalls, thus the configuration for storing, transporting and
protecting the internal contents of the container. Thus, the
container is "convertible" between a "closed" configuration having
a generally rectangular box shape to an "open" configuration having
open sides, a large floor area, and roof having a generally
"gull-wing" appearance.
[0027] Although not shown in detail, it is envisioned that the
container is readily connectable to basic utilities at an event
location through conventional connections, such as electrical and
plumbing connections. Although not shown in detail, it is also
envisioned that the container may include at least one of wheels,
casters, cleats and other features to facilitate loading, securing
and transport on a conveyance, such as a flatbed truck.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the convertible
container shown in the open configuration is illustrated generally
at reference numeral 20. Container 20 generally includes main
container body 22, at least one moveable sidewall 24, and at least
one moveable awning 26. In a preferred embodiment, container 20
includes opposing moveable sidewalls 24 and respective awnings 26
such that both sides of the container are capable of being
independently opened.
[0029] Main container body 22 generally includes floor 28, roof 30,
and first and second opposing end walls 32, 34, collectively
defining a rectangular box shape. Window 36 may optionally be
provided through at least one of the end walls 32,34 to further
"open" the container. As shown, window 36 defined through end wall
32 includes a hingedly attached moveable cover 38 for opening and
closing the window. Container body 22 further includes four
vertically oriented corner posts 40 providing the main rigidity and
support for the containers structure. Features of corner posts 40
are discussed in detail with regard to FIG. 5 below.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, sidewalls 24 are hingedly
attached along the length of one of their edges 42 to container
body 22 about floor 28 such that sidewalls 24 are selectively
moveable between a first position in which sidewalls 24 are
perpendicular to floor 28, and a second position in which sidewalls
24 are coplanar with floor 28. Thus, in the first position shown in
FIG. 2, sidewalls 24 are generally perpendicular to floor 28 and
container 20 is closed, and in the second position shown in FIG. 1,
sidewalls 24 are coplanar with floor 28 and container 20 is open.
Sidewalls 24 are generally rectangular in shape and are preferably
dimensioned to span the space defined by the edges of floor 28,
roof 30 and end walls 32, 34. The exterior of sidewalls 24 are
preferably container steel and the interior of sidewalls 24 are
preferably covered with flooring material corresponding to the
flooring material of floor 28. Although not shown, when lowered to
the second position, the free edge of sidewall 24 may be supported
upon blocks or include integrated legs for leveling the floor's
surface.
[0031] Awnings 26 are hingedly attached along the length of one of
their edges to container body 22 about roof 30 such that awnings 26
are selectively moveable between a first position in which awnings
26 are generally perpendicular to roof 30 (FIG. 2), and a second
position in which awnings 26 are at an angle with respect to roof
30 (FIG. 1). In a specific embodiment, the second position results
in free edge 44 of each of the awnings 26 being at a position
vertically above its respective hinged edge 46 such that the
awnings slope toward the roof for aesthetic and drainage purposes.
In this configuration, edge 46 of each awning 26 hingedly attached
about roof 30 is also elevated with respect to roof 30 and overlies
a portion of roof 30 such that water draining off of the awnings
falls onto roof 30. To achieve this configuration, hinges 48
connecting awning 26 to container body 22 have a length and
rotational travel sufficient to space awning 26 apart from
container body 22, which spacing also allows awning 30 to fold over
and against the outside of sidewall 24 when sidewall 24 is closed,
thus achieving the rectangular box shape when both the sidewall 24
and awning 26 are closed.
[0032] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, awning 26
generally includes a supportive underlying framework 50 including
cross members 52 that are covered with fabric 54 or other covering
that is preferably waterproof. Certain ones of cross members 52 are
telescoping or otherwise adjustable with respect to other ones such
that awning 26 is adjustable in length in at least the direction
perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of container
body 22, i.e. in the direction toward the free edge of sidewall 24
when sidewall 24 is in the second position. As awning 26 preferably
achieves a sloped orientation when in the second position, awning
26 is required to extend in length to fully cover the extended
portion of the underlying floor provided by sidewall 24 when in the
second position, and retract to stow against sidewall 24 in the
first position such that awning 24 does not extend vertically below
the bounds of container body 22. It is envisioned that awning 26
may extend in other directions as well to increase its coverage
area. Fabric 54 may be tied to framework 50 or otherwise attached
using any conventional fastener.
[0033] To support awning 26 in the second position, at least one
support member 56 (e.g. pole) is pivotally attached to the
underside of awning 26. Support member 56 is preferably adjustable
in length by any conventional adjustment mechanism (e.g.
telescoping) and capable of locking in length, and in the preferred
embodiment, is pivotally attached to the underside of awning 26 to
prevent its separation therefrom while allowing support member 56
to fold against the underside of awning 26 for stowing as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The height of the free end of awning 26 may
be adjusted by changing the length of support member 56. Referring
specifically to FIG. 1, a bracket 58, loop or other retainer is
positioned about the vertical intersection of support member 56
with sidewall 24 for retaining support member 56 in place when
erected. Bracket 58 anchors awning 26 against upward pulling forces
from wind.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, corner posts 40 are preferably
open-ended rectangular tubes and thus allow water to drain
therethrough. Drip edge 60 (i.e. flange) projecting upwardly from
roof 30 substantially surrounds the periphery of roof 30 and thus
prevents water from escaping from roof 30 over the sides or ends of
container 20, thus directing water to corner posts 40 for drainage
therethrough.
[0035] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, mechanicals closet 62 is
accessible through end wall 34 and houses winch 64, power source 66
(e.g. DC power source), associated cabling, and optionally utility
connections and other items. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, cables 68
originating from winch 64 are connected to the free edge of
sidewalls 24 through a pulley system such that the rotation of the
operational member of winch 64 in one direction causes cables 68 to
"shorten" and consequentially sidewalls 24 to be raised, and
rotation in the opposite direction causes cables 68 to "lengthen"
and consequentially sidewalls 24 to be lowered. Control of winch 64
may be achieved through a simple control panel located in any
desired location on the container. As shown, cables 68 are routed
through the upper end of mechanicals closet 62 for leverage in
raising sidewalls 24.
[0036] Referring specifically to FIG. 5, when sidewall 24 is
lowered to the second position, resulting gap 70 is produced
between the flooring surface of floor 28 and the flooring surface
of sidewall 24. Removable flooring insert 72 is inserted to fill
gap 70 to provide a continuous flooring surface extending from the
free edge of sidewall 24 to the free edge of the opposing sidewall
24.
[0037] The interior volume provided by the convertible container 20
may house any upfittings and furniture depending upon the
application of the container. For example, it is envisioned that a
pavilion used for events may include counter space, seating,
appliances, lighting, audio, video, heating/cooling systems, etc.
Decorative interior walls, ceiling and flooring is preferably
applied over the metal exoskeleton to improve the interior
appearance, provide a distinct appearance, hide mechanicals, and
generally conceal the underlying corrugated steel. In preferred
embodiments, all original container sides are reused in one form or
another, with corner posts 40 remaining intact for structural
stability.
[0038] While a repurposed shipping container has been described
with reference to specific embodiments and examples, it is
envisioned that various details of the invention may be changed
without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the
foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention
and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the
purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of
limitation.
* * * * *