U.S. patent application number 14/238919 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-25 for abutment joint.
The applicant listed for this patent is George E. Kochanowski. Invention is credited to George E. Kochanowski.
Application Number | 20160052709 14/238919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49305063 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160052709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kochanowski; George E. |
February 25, 2016 |
ABUTMENT JOINT
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an abutment joint that includes
a first abutment member and a second abutment member. The first
abutment member includes a projection that extends from first
abutment member shoulders and has a distal end from which a first
surface and a second surface extend towards the first abutment
member shoulders at an acute angle. The second abutment member has
a socket into which the projection of the first abutment member
releasably seats. The socket has a first surface and a second
surface that extends away from a first end of the second abutment
member at an acute angle. The first end of the second abutment
member includes second abutment member shoulders that extend from
the socket.
Inventors: |
Kochanowski; George E.;
(Springboro, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kochanowski; George E. |
Springboro |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49305063 |
Appl. No.: |
14/238919 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 14, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2012/050729 |
371 Date: |
May 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05Y 2900/604 20130101;
B65D 88/524 20130101; E04B 1/3441 20130101; E04B 1/3445 20130101;
B65D 90/08 20130101; E04B 2001/2439 20130101; B65D 90/008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/08 20060101
B65D090/08 |
Claims
1.-12. (canceled)
13. A jointed member, comprising: a first elongate section having a
first surface defining a first oblong opening, a first end and a
second end opposite the first end, the second end joined to a first
hinge; a second elongate section having a second surface defining a
second oblong opening, a first end and a second end opposite the
first end, the second end joined to a second hinge; a fastener
passing through the first oblong opening and the second opening to
connect the first elongate section and the second elongate section;
and an abutment joint having a first abutment member and a second
abutment member, where the first abutment member forms a part of
the first elongate section, the first abutment member having a
projection that extends from first abutment member shoulders, the
projection having a distal end from which a first surface and a
second surface extend towards the first abutment member shoulders
at an acute angle; and where the second abutment member forms a
part of the second elongate section, the second abutment member
having a socket into which the projection of the first abutment
member releasably seats, the socket having a first surface and a
second surface that extend away from a first end of the second
abutment member at an acute angle and the first end of the second
abutment member includes second abutment member shoulders that
extends from the socket such that when the projection of the first
abutment member seats in the socket of the second abutment member
the second surface of the projection and the second surface of the
socket touch, and the second abutment member shoulders and the
first abutment member shoulders touch and where the first oblong
opening and the second oblong opening move relative each other and
the fastener as the jointed member transitions from a first
predetermined state having a minimum overlap of the first oblong
opening and the second oblong opening towards a second
predetermined state having a maximum overlap of the first oblong
opening and the second oblong opening relative the minimum overlap
and where in the first predetermined state the first abutment
member and the second abutment member are under a compressive force
against each other while the first surface defining the first
oblong opening and the second surface defining the second oblong
opening apply a shearing stress to the fastener.
14. The jointed member of claim 13, where the socket having the
first surface and the second surface that extend away from the
first end of the second abutment member has an acute angle that is
equal to the acute angle of the first surface and the second
surface of the first abutment member and when the projection of the
first abutment member seats in the socket of the second abutment
member the first surface of the projection and the first surface of
the socket touch, the second surface of the projection and the
second surface of the socket touch, and the second abutment member
shoulders and the first abutment member shoulders touch.
15. The jointed member of claim 14, where the first abutment member
and the second abutment member have one degree of freedom when the
projection of the first abutment member is seated in socket of the
second abutment member.
16. The jointed member of claim 15, where the first abutment member
and the second abutment member have two degrees of freedom when the
projection of the first abutment member un-seats from the socket of
the second abutment member.
17. (canceled)
18. The jointed member of claim 13, where in the first
predetermined state a distance between the second end of the first
elongate section and the second end of the second elongate section
provides a defined maximum length of the jointed member, where the
distance between the second end of the first elongate section and
the second end of the second elongate section does not exceed the
defined maximum length as jointed member transitions from the first
predetermined state towards the second predetermined state.
19. The jointed member of claim 13, where the first abutment member
and the second abutment member define a first point of rotation for
the first elongate section and the second elongate section; and the
second end of both the first surface and the second surface, when
positioned against the fastener, define a second point of rotation
for the first abutment member and the second abutment member that
is different than the first point of rotation.
20. The jointed member of claim 19, where the first elongate
section and the second elongate section turn on the first point of
rotation prior to turning on the second point of rotation as the
jointed member transitions from the first predetermined state
towards the second predetermined state.
21.-62. (canceled)
63. The jointed member of claim 19, where the first end of each of
the first surface and the second surface does not contact the
fastener when the second end of both the first surface and the
second surface are seated against the fastener.
64. The jointed member of claim 18, where in the first
predetermined state the fastener, the first abutment member and the
second end of the first elongate section, all in a common plane,
define a right triangle of the first elongate section, where a
hypotenuse of the right triangle is between the fastener and the
second end of the first elongate section, and a first leg of the
right triangle is defined by the first abutment member end and a
perpendicular intersection of a first line extending from the
second end of the first elongate section and a second line
extending from a geometric center of the fastener, where the first
and second lines are in the common plane.
65. The jointed member of claim 64, where in the first
predetermined state the fastener, the second abutment member and
the second end of the second elongate section, all in a common
plane, define a right triangle of the second elongate section,
where a hypotenuse of the right triangle is between the fastener
and the second end of the second elongate section, and a first leg
of the right triangle is defined by the second abutment member end
and a perpendicular intersection of a first line extending from the
second end of the second elongate section and a second line
extending from a geometric center of the fastener, where the first
and second lines are in the common plane.
66. The jointed member of claim 64, where in the first
predetermined state the hypotenuse has a length that is greater
than a length of the first leg.
67. The jointed member of claim 66, where the first abutment member
and the second abutment member rotate about the second point of
rotation a length between the fastener and the second end of the
first elongate section, both in the common plane, is no greater
than the length of the first leg of the right triangle of the first
elongate section.
68. The jointed member of claim 66, where the first abutment member
and the second abutment member rotate about the second point of
rotation a length between the fastener and the second end of the
second elongate section, both in the common plane, is no greater
than the length of the first leg of the right triangle of the
second elongate section.
69. The jointed member of claim 13, where the distal end of the
projection defines a planar surface that forms an obtuse angle with
the first surface of the projection and where the planar surface
forms a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the
projection.
70. The jointed member of claim 69, where the socket of the second
abutment member includes a second end having a planar surface that
is a mirror image of the planar surface of the distal end of the
projection.
71. The jointed member of claim 13, where the first abutment member
shoulders include a first shoulder surface that extends from the
first surface of the projection and a second shoulder surface that
extends from the second surface of the projection.
72. The jointed member of claim 71, where the second shoulder
surface and the second surface of the projection form a ninety
degree angle.
73. The jointed member of claim 71, where the first shoulder
surface and the first surface of the projection form an obtuse
angle.
74. The jointed member of claim 13, where the first oblong opening
and the second oblong opening have an obround shape.
Description
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a
joint; more specifically to an abutment joint.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Freight containers are used for transferring goods from one
location to another location. Freight containers may be transferred
via a number of different modes such as, overseas transfer, rail
transfer, air transfer, and tractor trailer transfer.
[0003] To help improve efficiencies freight containers that are
used to transfer goods have been standardized. One such
standardization is overseen by the International Organization for
Standardization, which may be referred to as "ISO." The ISO
publishes and maintains standards for freight containers. These ISO
standards for freight containers help provide that each freight
container has similar physical properties. Examples of these
physical properties include, but are not limited to, width, height,
depth, base, maximum load, and shape of the cargo containers.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure provides an abutment joint, a jointed
member that includes the abutment joint, and a reversibly foldable
freight container that includes the abutment joint. The abutment
joint includes a first abutment member and a second abutment
member. The first abutment member has a projection that extends
from first abutment member shoulders. The projection has a distal
end from which a first surface and a second surface extend towards
the first abutment member shoulders at an acute angle. The second
abutment member has a socket into which the projection of the first
abutment member releasably seats. The socket has a first surface
and a second surface that extends away from a first end of the
second abutment member at an acute angle. The first end of the
second abutment member includes second abutment member shoulders
that extend from the socket. When the projection of the first
abutment member seats in the socket of the second abutment member
the second surface of the projection and the second surface of the
socket touch, and the second abutment member shoulders and the
first abutment member shoulders touch.
[0005] For the various embodiments, the socket having the first
surface and the second surface that extend away from the first end
of the second abutment member has an acute angle that is equal to
the acute angle of the first surface and the second surface of the
first abutment member and when the projection of the first abutment
member seats in the socket of the second abutment member the first
surface of the projection and the first surface of the socket
touch, the second surface of the projection and the second surface
of the socket touch, and the second abutment member shoulders and
the first abutment member shoulders touch. The distal end of the
projection can also define a planar surface that forms an obtuse
angle with the first surface of the projection and where the planar
surface forms a ninety degree angle with the second surface of the
projection. The first abutment member shoulders include a first
shoulder surface that extends from the first surface of the
projection and a second shoulder surface that extends from the
second surface of the projection. The second shoulder surface and
the second surface of the projection form a ninety degree angle.
The first shoulder surface and the first surface of the projection
form an obtuse angle.
[0006] With respect to the jointed member of the present
disclosure, this structure includes a first elongate section, a
second elongate section and the abutment joint. The first elongate
section includes a first end and a second end opposite the first
end, the second end joined to a first hinge. The second elongate
section includes a first end and a second end opposite the first
end, the second end joined to a second hinge. The abutment joint
includes the first abutment member and the second abutment member,
as discussed herein, where the first abutment member forms a part
of the first elongate section and the second abutment member forms
a part of the second elongate section.
[0007] The reversibly foldable freight container of the present
disclosure includes a roof structure; a floor structure opposite
the roof structure; sidewall structures between the floor structure
and the roof structure, each of the sidewall structures having an
exterior surface and an interior surface opposite the exterior
surface; a front wall joined with the roof structure, the floor
structure and the sidewall structures, the front wall including
front wall corner posts, a front door hinge on at least one of the
front wall corner posts and a front door joined to the front door
hinge, a rear wall joined with the roof structure, the floor
structure and the sidewall structures, where the roof structure,
the floor structure, the interior surface of the sidewall
structures and the rear wall define a volume of the reversibly
foldable freight container, the rear wall including rear wall
corner posts, a hinge on the rear wall corner posts and a rear wall
door joined to the hinge, where the hinge can be locked to the rear
wall corner posts in a first predetermined position so that the
rear wall door can pivot on the hinge to extend adjacent the
exterior surface of the sidewall structure or can be un-locked to
the rear wall corner posts in a second predetermined position so
that the rear wall door can pivot into the volume of the reversibly
foldable freight container and extend adjacent the interior surface
of the sidewall structure, and where in an unfolded state the
reversibly foldable freight container has a predefined maximum
width measured at a predetermined point on each of two of the rear
wall corner posts; and a plurality of the jointed members, as
discussed herein, in the floor structure.
[0008] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of
the present disclosure. The description that follows more
particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. In several
places throughout the application, guidance is provided through
lists of examples, which examples can be used in various
combinations. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a
representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive
list.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a perspective view (FIGS. 1A and 1B)
and a planar view (FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D) of a first member (FIG. 1A)
and a second member (FIG. 1B) of an abutment joint according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first member and
a second member of an abutment joint according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a perspective view of a first member
and a second member of an abutment joint according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a perspective view of a jointed
member that includes a first elongate section, a second elongate
section and the abutment joint according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a perspective view of a jointed
member that includes a first elongate section, a second elongate
section and the abutment joint according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view of the jointed
member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the jointed member
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a planar view of the jointed member
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a reversibly foldable freight
container according to the present disclosure, where portions of
the reversibly foldable freight container have been removed to show
detail.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates an end view of a freight container shown
in partial view.
[0019] FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a jointed member according to the
present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of the jointed member
according to the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 13 provides an exploded view of a freight container
according to the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a freight container
according to the present disclosure.
[0023] FIGS. 15A and 15B provide a perspective view of a door
assembly with locking rods in the first predetermined position
(FIG. 15A) and the second predetermined position (FIG. 15B)
according to the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 16 provides a perspective view of the door assembly
according to the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of a hinge according to
the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 18 provides a planar view of the hinge fastened to a
corner post of a freight container according to the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 19 provides a planar view of the hinge fastened to a
corner post of a freight container according to the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 20 provides a perspective view of a freight container
according to the present disclosure.
[0029] FIGS. 21A-21C provide a perspective view of an embodiment of
a front wall of a foldable freight container taken along the view
lines 18-18 shown in FIG. 13.
[0030] FIGS. 22A-22D provide a perspective view of an embodiment of
a foldable freight container according to the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIGS. 23A-23B provide a perspective view of an anti-racking
support according to the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 24A-24B provide a perspective view of an anti-racking
block for the doors of a freight container according to the present
disclosure.
[0033] FIGS. 25A-25B provide a perspective view of a hinge for the
doors of a freight container according to the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one
or more" are used interchangeably. The term "and/or" means one, one
or more, or all of the listed items. The recitations of numerical
ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range
(e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). The
figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first
digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the
remaining digits identify an element in the drawing. Similar
elements between different figures may be identified by the use of
similar digits. For example, 354 may reference element "54" in FIG.
3, and a similar element may be referenced as 1454 in FIG. 14. It
is emphasized that the purpose of the figures is to illustrate and
the figures are not intended to be limiting in any way. The figures
herein may not be to scale and relationships of elements in the
figures may be exaggerated. The figures are employed to illustrate
conceptual structures and methods herein described.
[0035] Angle measurements discussed herein are measured as either
acute angles (angles smaller than 90 degrees (less than 90.degree.)
or obtuse angles (angles greater than 90.degree. but less than
180.degree.) where the measurements of the surfaces discussed
herein are taken so as to exclude values that are reflex angles
(those angles from 180.degree. to 360.degree.).
[0036] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a perspective view of an abutment
joint 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
The abutment joint 100 includes a first abutment member 102 and a
second abutment member 104. The first abutment member 102 includes
a projection 106 that extends from first abutment member shoulders
108. The projection 106 has a distal end 110 from which a first
surface 112 and a second surface 114 extend towards the first
abutment member shoulders 108 at an acute angle 116. As used
herein, an "angle" is the figure formed by two rays that share a
common endpoint (e.g., the vertex of the angle). For acute angle
116, the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 share a
common endpoint 117. As used herein, an "acute angle" is an angle
that is less than ninety degrees (less than 90.degree.).
[0037] The second abutment member 104 has a socket 118 into which
the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 releasably
seats. The socket 118 has a first surface 120 and a second surface
122 that extend away from a first end 124 of the second abutment
member 104 at an acute angle 126. The acute angle 126 can be equal
to or less than the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and
the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102, where the
first surface 120 and the second surface 122 share a common
endpoint 127. In one embodiment, the socket 118 having the first
surface 120 and the second surface 122 that extend away from the
first end 124 of the second abutment member 104 has an acute angle
that is equal to the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and
the second surface 114 of the first abutment member 102. FIGS.
1A-1C provides illustrations of this embodiment. In contrast, FIG.
1D provides an illustration where the acute angle 126 is less than
the acute angle 116 of the first surface 112 and the second surface
114 of the first abutment member 102.
[0038] The second abutment member 104 also includes second abutment
member shoulders 128 that extend from the socket 118 such that when
the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 seats in the
socket 118 of the second abutment member 104, the second surface
114 of the projection 106 and the second surface 122 of the socket
118 touch, and the second abutment member shoulders 128 and the
first abutment member shoulders 108 touch. In one embodiment, when
the socket 118 having the first surface 120 and the second surface
122 that extend away from the first end 124 of the second abutment
member 104 have an acute angle that is equal to the acute angle 116
of the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the first
abutment member 102 the projection 106 of the first abutment member
102 can seat in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104
such that the first surface 112 of the projection 106 and the first
surface 120 of the socket 118 touch, the second surface 114 of the
projection 106 and the second surface 122 of the socket 118 touch,
and the second abutment member shoulders 128 and the first abutment
member shoulders 108 touch. FIGS. 1A-1C provide illustrations of
such embodiments.
[0039] As used herein, to "touch" means to be at least partially in
contact (e.g., the second surface 114 of the projection 106 and the
second surface 122 of the socket 118 are at least partially in
contact when the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102
seats in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104). As used
herein, "seat", "seats" or "seated" means to fit into another part,
such as the surfaces of the first abutment member 102 and the
second abutment member 104, so at least some of the surfaces of the
parts come to rest against each other (e.g., no further relative
movement is possible in the direction along which the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 were
traveling as they came to rest against each other).
[0040] The distal end 110 of the projection 106 can define a planar
surface 130 that forms an obtuse angle 132 with the first surface
112 of the projection at the common end point 133. The planar
surface 130 can also form a ninety degree angle 135 with the second
surface 114 of the projection 106 at the common end point 137. The
socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 includes a second end
134 having a planar surface 136. In one embodiment, the planar
surface 136 can be a mirror image of the planar surface 130 of the
distal end 110 of the projection 106. It is appreciated, however,
that the distal end 110 of the projection 106 need not be a planar
surface as shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the distal end 110 of the
projection 106 could have a non-planar configuration such as a
rounded configuration, such as a convex surface or a concave
surface.
[0041] The first abutment member shoulders 108 include a first
shoulder surface 138 that extends from the first surface 112 of the
projection 106 and a second shoulder surface 140 that extends from
the second surface 114 of the projection 106. The second shoulder
surface 140 and the second surface 114 of the projection 106 form a
ninety degree angle 141 at the common end point 143. As discussed
herein, the second shoulder surface 140 and the second surface 114
of the projection 106 can also form an obtuse angle (an embodiment
that is illustrated in FIG. 2). The first shoulder surface 138 and
the first surface 112 of the projection 106 form an obtuse angle
145 at the common end point 147.
[0042] The relationship of the size and shape of the projection 106
relative both the first shoulder surface 138 and the second
shoulder surface 140, and the socket 118 can also vary. For
example, the second shoulder surface 140 can have a height that is
from two to four times as large as a height of the first shoulder
surface 138. The second shoulder surface 140 can also have a height
that is from two to six times as large as a height of the first
shoulder surface 138. In one embodiment, the second shoulder
surface 140 is three times as large as the height of the first
shoulder surface 138 (e.g., the second shoulder surface 140 is "X"
millimeters (e.g., 18 mm) high and the first shoulder surface 138
is "3X" millimeters high (e.g., 6 mm)).
[0043] There can also be a predetermined relationship between the
length of the projection 106, as measured along the second surface
114 of the projection 106 between the second shoulder surface 140
and the planar surface 130 of the first abutment member 102, and
the height of the second shoulder surface 140, as measured from the
second surface 114 and a bottom surface 159 of the first abutment
member 102. For the various embodiments, this predetermined
relationship provides that the length of the projection 106, as
measured along the second surface 114 of the projection 106 between
the second shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130 of the
projection 106, is equal to or less than the height of the second
shoulder surface 140, as measured from the second surface 114 and a
bottom surface 159 of the first abutment member 102. So, for
example, there can be a one (1) to one (1) ratio of the length of
the projection 106, as measured along the second surface 114
between the second shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130,
to the height of the second shoulder surface 140, as measured from
the second surface 114 and a bottom surface 159 of the first
abutment member 102. Other ratios of the length of the projection
106, as measured along the second surface 114 between the second
shoulder surface 140 and the planar surface 130, to the height of
the second shoulder surface 140, as measured from the second
surface 114 and a bottom surface 159 of the first abutment member
102, are also possible. Examples of these ratios include, but are
not limited to, eight (8) to nine (9); seven (7) to eight (8); six
(6) to seven (7); five (5) to six (6); four (4) to five (5); three
(3) to four (4); two (2) to three (3); and one (1) to two (2),
among others.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first shoulder surface 138
and the second shoulder surface 140 can lay in a common plane 142.
Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 138 and the second
shoulder surface 140 do not lie in a common plane. When the first
shoulder surface 138 and the second shoulder surface 140 are not in
a common plane the two surfaces 138 and 140 can be co-planar to
each other. In this configuration, the second shoulder surface 140
would be closer to the distal end 110 of the projection 106
relative the position of the first shoulder surface 138. The second
abutment member 104 would complement the alternative shape by
shortening the height of the shoulder surface 146 so as to be
closer to the height of second end 134 of the socket 118. FIG. 1C
provides an illustration of the first shoulder surface 138 and the
second shoulder surface 140 being co-planar to each other.
[0045] The second abutment member shoulders 128 include a first
shoulder surface 144 that extends from the first surface 120 of the
socket 118 and a second shoulder surface 146 that extends from the
second surface 122 of the socket 118. The second shoulder surface
146 and the second surface 122 of the socket 118 form a ninety
degree angle 150 at the common end point 151. The first shoulder
surface 144 and the first surface 120 of the socket 118 form an
obtuse angle 152 at the common end point 153.
[0046] The relationship of the size and shape of the socket 118 can
match that of the projection 106 such that the first abutment
member shoulders 108 and the second abutment member shoulders 128
touch when the projection 106 seats in the socket 118, as discussed
herein. As discussed herein for the projection 106, there can also
be a relationship of the size and shape of the socket 118 relative
to both the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder
surface 146 that can vary. For example, the second shoulder surface
146 can have a height that is from two to four times as large as a
height of the first shoulder surface 144. The second shoulder
surface 146 can also have a height that is from two to six times as
large as a height of the first shoulder surface 144. In one
embodiment, the second shoulder surface 146 is three times as large
as the height of the first shoulder surface 144 (e.g., the second
shoulder surface 146 is "X" millimeters (e.g., 18 mm) high and the
first shoulder surface 144 is "3X" millimeters high (e.g., 6
mm)).
[0047] There can also be a predetermined relationship between the
height of the second shoulder surface 146 and the height of the
second shoulder surface 140. Such a predetermined relationship
includes that the height of the second shoulder surface 146 is
equal to the height of the second shoulder surface 140. There can
also be a predetermined relationship between the length of the
projection 106 as measured along the second surface 114 and the
length of the second surface 122 as measured from the second
shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134. Such a predetermined
relationship includes that the length of the projection 106 as
measured along the second surface 114 can be equal to or shorter
than the length of the second surface 122 as measured from the
second shoulder surface 146 to the second end 134.
[0048] An embodiment where the length of the projection 106 as
measured along the second surface 114 is equal to the length of the
second surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146
to the second end 134 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C. An
embodiment where the length of the projection 106 as measured along
the second surface 114 is less than the length of the second
surface 122 as measured from the second shoulder surface 146 to the
second end 134 is illustrated in FIG. 1D.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the first shoulder surface 144
and the second shoulder surface 146 can lay in a common plane 148.
Alternatively, the first shoulder surface 144 and the second
shoulder surface 146 do not lie in a common plane. When the first
shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder surface 146 are not in
a common plane the two surfaces 144 and 146 can be co-planar to
each other. FIG. 1C provides an illustration of this embodiment.
Regardless of their relationship, the first shoulder surface 138
and the second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member
102 and the first shoulder surface 144 and the second shoulder
surface 146 of the second abutment member 104 can touch when the
projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the
socket 118 of the second abutment member 104.
[0050] The first surface 112, 120 and the second surface 114, 122
of the first abutment member 102 and the second abutment member
104, respectively, can have a variety of different shapes. For
example, the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the
first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 and the second
surface 122 of the second abutment member 104 can each be a planar
surface. In an additional embodiment, the first surfaces 112 and
120 can have a curvature (e.g., a non-planar curved surface). It is
also possible for the first surfaces 112 and 120 to have two or
more planar surfaces. For example, the first surfaces 112 and 120
can have a "V-shaped" pattern, arcuate pattern, or a semi-spherical
pattern. Other shapes are also possible.
[0051] The second surface 114, 122 of the first abutment member 102
and the second abutment member 104, respectively, are shown in
FIGS. 1A-1C as being planar surfaces that are perpendicular to
their respective second shoulder surface 140 and 146. For the
various embodiments, the second surface 114, 122 of the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104,
respectively, can be non-perpendicular to their respective second
shoulder surface 140 and second shoulder surface 146. FIG. 2
provides an illustration of this embodiment where the second
surface 214, 222 of the first abutment member 202 and the second
abutment member 204, respectively, are non-perpendicular to their
respective second shoulder surface 240 and second shoulder surface
246. As illustrated, the angle 254 formed from the second shoulder
surface 246 and the second surface 222 at the common end point 255
is obtuse.
[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, the first surface 112 of the
first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 of the second
abutment member 104 can touch when the projection 106 of the first
abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second
abutment member 104. In an additional embodiment, the first surface
112 of the first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 of
the second abutment member 104 do not touch when the projection 106
of the first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the
second abutment member 104. FIG. 1D provides one example of such an
embodiment.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 1D, there can be a gap between the
first surface 112 of the first abutment member 102 and the first
surface 120 of the second abutment member 104. This gap can have a
variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, the kerf of a
blade used to form (e.g., cut) the first abutment member 102 and
the second abutment member 104 from a single piece of material can
provide for a gap in one or more locations along the adjacent
surfaces of the abutment joint when the first abutment member 102
and the second abutment member 104 are seated. In another
embodiment, a gap much larger than that formed with just the blade
width (e.g., the kerf) can be formed between the first surface 112
of the first abutment member 102 and the first surface 120 of the
second abutment member 104. These gaps can help the abutment joint
100 release, as will be discussed herein, so as to allow the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 to travel in
an arcuate path. As a result of the gap(s), the projection 106
(e.g., the volume of the projection 106) is "smaller" than the
socket 118 of the abutment joint 100. This allows the projection
106 to fit inside the volume defined by the socket 118.
[0054] A gap between one or more of the surfaces defining the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 can also be
intentionally created. For example, when the projection 106 of the
first abutment member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second
abutment member 104 a space having a predefined shape and size can
exist between the first surface 112 of the first abutment member
102 and the first surface 120 of the second abutment member 104.
FIG. 1D provides an illustration of one such embodiment. Other
embodiments are possible. As will be discussed more fully herein,
this space having the predefined shape and size can help the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 to separate
along an arcuate travel path without the need for first separating
the distal end 110 of projection 106 and the second end 134 of the
socket 118.
[0055] When the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 is
seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 the
first shoulder surface 138 of the first abutment member 102 touches
the first shoulder surface 144 of the second abutment member 104.
The second shoulder surface 140 of the first abutment member 102
also touches the second shoulder surface 146 of the second abutment
member 104 when the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102
is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104. As
discussed more fully herein, this contact of the shoulder surfaces
138, 144, 140 and 146 when the projection 106 of the first abutment
member 102 is seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment
member 104 helps to redirect shearing forces applied through the
projection 106 (e.g., those forces orthogonal to the shoulder
surfaces 138, 144, 140 and 146) to be directed at least partially
into compressive forces along the longitudinal axes of the first
abutment member 102 and the second abutment member 104 (e.g., a
redistribution of forces into the mass of the abutment members 102
and 104).
[0056] The first abutment member 102 further includes a first
peripheral surface 158 and a second peripheral surface 160,
opposite the first peripheral surface 158. The first peripheral
surface 158 and the second peripheral surface 160 of the first
abutment member 102 help to define at least a portion of the
projection 106. The second abutment member 104 also includes a
first peripheral surface 162 and a second peripheral surface 164,
opposite the first peripheral surface 162. The first peripheral
surface 162 and the second peripheral surface 164 of the second
abutment member 104 help to define at least a portion of the socket
118. When the projection 106 of the first abutment member 102 is
seated in the socket 118 of the second abutment member 104 the
first peripheral surfaces 158, 162 and the second peripheral
surfaces 160, 164 can be parallel to each other.
[0057] The abutment joint of the present disclosure can be made of
a variety of materials. Such materials include, but are not limited
to, a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer (e.g., a thermoset polymer or
a thermoplastic polymer) and a composite material (e.g., a material
made from two or more constituent materials with significantly
different physical properties which remain separate and distinct
within the finished structure). Examples of metal include, but are
not limited to, steel such as `weathering steel` specified within
standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also known as CORTEN steel.
Other examples include, but are not limited to, corrosion resistant
alloys formed from mixtures of various metals such as stainless
steel, chrome, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten
and/or titanium. Combined, these metals can resist corrosion more
effectively than standard carbon steel. Examples of the polymer
include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic, thermoset and
elastomeric polymers. Specifically those polymeric compounds with
great strength such as polycarbonates, polyetherimide, polybutylene
terephthalate, among others. Examples of composite materials
include, but are not limited to, mixtures of a polymer, as provided
herein, with a filler. Examples of the filler include, but are not
limited to, fiberglass, Kevlar, or carbon fibers, which can greatly
improve the physical properties of the compounded materials. The
abutment joint of the present disclosure can also be made from
other materials, such as wood and/or wood products.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, there is shown a perspective
view of the abutment joint 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, the
first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 of the
abutment joint 300 separate to allow each of the first abutment
member 302 and the second abutment member 304 to take an arcuate
travel path as the two structures of the abutment joint separate
and move relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the
first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 are
seated relative to each other. In this position (that shown in FIG.
3A), the abutment joint 300 has two degrees of freedom along which
the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304
can move relative to each other (e.g., the first being movement of
the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 in
opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 366, and the second
being movement of one or both of the first abutment member 302 and
the second abutment member 304 along the orthogonal axis 368
relative the longitudinal axis 366). When seated relative each
other (e.g., FIG. 3A), the first abutment member 302 and the second
abutment member 304 cannot initially travel in an arcuate travel
path 369. In other words, when seated relative each other (e.g.,
FIG. 3A), the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment
member 304 must first move relative each other along the
longitudinal axis 366 before they can move relative each other
along the arcuate travel path 369.
[0059] As discussed herein, the first abutment member 302 and the
second abutment member 304 can travel in the arcuate travel path
369 once they separate from their seated configuration (example of
the seated position seen in FIG. 3A). An embodiment of this arcuate
travel path 369 for the first abutment member 302 and the second
abutment member 304 is illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3D. As seen in FIG.
3B, the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member
304 have separated from their seated position (seen in FIG. 3A)
along the longitudinal axis 366. As this happens, a first gap 370
is formed between the distal end 310 of the projection 306 and the
second end 334 of the socket 318 of the second abutment member 304.
A second gap 372 also forms between the first surface 312 of the
projection 306 and the first surface 320 of the socket 318.
[0060] This combination of the first gap 370 and the second gap 372
for the given configuration of the abutment joint 300 allows for
the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment member 304 to
travel along the arcuate travel path 369. The ability to travel
along the arcuate travel path 369 results from the combination of
the first gap 370 and the second gap 372 for the given
configuration of the abutment joint 300 providing a third degree of
freedom for the first abutment member 302 and the second abutment
member 304.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B there is shown an
embodiment of the jointed member 474 according to the present
disclosure. The jointed member 474 includes the abutment joint 400,
as discussed herein, where the abutment joint includes the first
abutment member 402 and a second abutment member 404. The jointed
member 474 also includes a first elongate section 476 and a second
elongate section 477. The first elongate section 476 has a first
end 478 and a second end 480 opposite the first end 478, where the
second end 480 is connected to a first hinge 482. The second
elongate section 477 has a first end 486 and a second end 488
opposite the first end 486, where the second end 488 is connected
to a second hinge 490.
[0062] The first hinge 482 is also connected to a first side rail
489 and the second hinge 490 is connected to a second side rail
491. The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can have
a variety of configurations. For example, the first side rail 489
and the second side rail 491 can have a tubular configuration, such
as a length of square tubular or a length of rectangular tubing.
Alternatively, the first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491
can have a contiguous solid structure. The first side rail 489 and
the second side rail 491 could also have a planar truss and/or a
space truss configuration.
[0063] The first elongate section 476 and the second elongate
section 477 of the jointed member 474 each also include a first end
connector 492 and a second end connector 493. The first end
connector 492 helps to join the second end 480 of the first
elongate section 476 to the first hinge 482, and the second end
connector 493 helps to join the second end 488 of the second
elongate section 477 to the second hinge 490.
[0064] The first abutment member 402 and the first end connector
492 can be integrally formed with the first elongate section 476.
Similarly, the second abutment member 404 and the second end
connector 493 can be integrally formed with the second elongate
section 477. Alternatively the first elongate section 476 and
second elongate section 477 can have a tubular configuration. For
this configuration a portion of the first abutment member 402 and a
portion of the first end connector 492 can be inserted into the
first end 478 and the second end 480, respectively, of the tubular
structure of the first elongate section 476. The first abutment
member 402 and the first end connector 492 can then be secured to
the tubular structure of the first elongate section 476 (e.g., by
welding and/or a nut and bolt assembly that is used to join the
first elongate section 476 and the portions of the first end
connector 492 and first abutment member 402 inserted into the
tubular structure). Similarly, a portion of the second abutment
member 404 and a portion of the second end connector 493 can be
inserted into the first end 486 and the second end 488,
respectively, of the tubular structure of the second elongate
section 477. The second abutment member 404 and the second end
connector 493 can then be secured to the tubular structure of the
second elongate section 477 (e.g., by welding and/or a nut and bolt
assembly that is used to join the second elongate section 477 and
the portions of the second end connector 493 and second abutment
member 404 inserted into the tubular structure).
[0065] The first side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 can
further include structures 495 and 497, respectively. Structures
495 and 497 can be, but are not limited to, vertical wall members
(e.g., wall studs, header structures, etc.), and/or siding
structures (sheets of siding that can be attached to the vertical
wall members, sidewall structures, etc.) among other
structures.
[0066] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the embodiment where the first
elongate section 576 and second elongate section 577 have a tubular
configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a portion of the first
abutment member 502 is inserted into the first end 578 of the
tubular structure of the first elongate section 576 and a portion
of the first end connector 592 is inserted into the second end 580
of the tubular structure of the first elongate section 576. FIG. 5B
illustrates a portion of the second abutment member 504 that is
inserted into the first end 586 of the tubular structure of the
second elongate section 577 and a portion of the second end
connector 593 that is inserted into the second end 588 of the
tubular structure of the second elongate section 577. The first
abutment member 502, the second abutment member 504, the first end
connector 592 and the second end connector 593 are secured to their
respective tubular structure by welding and/or a nut and bolt
assembly that passes through the respective structures.
[0067] Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first abutment
member 402 forms a part of the first elongate section 476, where
the first abutment member 402 has the projection 406 that extends
from first abutment member shoulders 408, the projection 406 having
the distal end 410 from which the first surface 412 and the second
surface 414 extend towards the first abutment member shoulders 408
at an acute angle, as discussed herein.
[0068] The second abutment member 404 forms a part of the second
elongate section 477. The second abutment member 404 has the socket
418 into which the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402
releasably seats. The socket 418 has a first surface 420 and a
second surface 422 that extend away from the first end 424 of the
second abutment member 404 at an acute angle. The first end 424 of
the second abutment member 404 includes second abutment member
shoulders 428 that extends from the socket 418 such that when the
projection 406 of the first abutment member 402 seats in the socket
418 of the second abutment member 404 the second surface 414 of the
projection 406 and the second surface 422 of the socket 418 touch,
and the second abutment member shoulders 428 and the first abutment
member shoulders 408 touch.
[0069] In one embodiment, when the socket 418 having the first
surface 420 and the second surface 422 that extend away from the
first end 424 of the second abutment member 404 have an acute angle
that is equal to the acute angle of the first surface 412 and the
second surface 414 of the first abutment member 402 the projection
406 of the first abutment member 402 can seat in the socket 418 of
the second abutment member 404 such that the first surface 412 of
the projection 406 and the first surface 420 of the socket 418
touch, the second surface 414 of the projection 406 and the second
surface 422 of the socket 418 touch, and the second abutment member
shoulders 428 and the first abutment member shoulders 408
touch.
[0070] With the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402
seated in the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404, an
example of which is seen in FIG. 4A, the weight of a mass applied
to the abutment joint 400 at an upper surface 494 is at least
partially carried by the interaction of the projection 406 and the
socket 418 and the shoulders 408 and 428. In carrying the weight of
this mass the projection 406 and the socket 418 and the shoulders
408 and 428 help to redirect the weight along the first elongate
section 476 and a second elongate section 477. The projection 406
and the socket 418 also help to "lock out" the abutment joint 400
in the down direction 498, but also allows the abutment joint 400
to release in the upward direction 499, with the first and second
side rails 489 and 491 limiting the amount of movement along the
longitudinal axis 466.
[0071] In FIG. 4A, the abutment joint 400 has one degree of freedom
(when the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402 is seated
in socket 418 of the second abutment member 404) along which the
first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 can
move relative to each other (e.g., movement of the first abutment
member 402 and the second abutment member 404 in opposite
directions along the longitudinal axis 466). When seated relative
each other (e.g., FIG. 4A), the first abutment member 402 and the
second abutment member 404 cannot initially travel in an arcuate
travel path 469 (as at least partially seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B). In
other words, when seated relative each other (e.g., FIG. 4A), the
first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member 404 must
first move relative each other along the longitudinal axis 466
before they can move relative each other along the arcuate travel
path 469.
[0072] As the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment
member 404 move in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis
466 the projection 406 of the first abutment member 402 un-seats
from the socket 418 of the second abutment member 404. As this
occurs, a second degree of freedom develops, as discussed herein,
for the first abutment member 402 and the second abutment member
404. The two degrees of freedom allow the first elongate section
476 and the second elongate section 477 of the jointed member 474
to travel along the arcuate path 469 as the first elongate section
476 and the second elongate section 477 pivot on the first hinge
482 and the second hinge 490, respectively. FIG. 4B also
illustrates that the first side rail 489 and the second side rail
491 can maintain their same relationship with the longitudinal axis
466 as seen in FIG. 4A. For example, the first side rail 489 and
the second side rail 491 can move along the longitudinal axis 466
(as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) where an upper surface 4101 of each
of the first side rail 489 (4101-1) and the second side rail 491
(4101-2) remain essentially parallel or co-planar to each other as
they move along the longitudinal axis 466. In addition, the
structures 495 and 497 remain parallel to each other as the first
side rail 489 and the second side rail 491 move along the
longitudinal axis 466. The structures 495 and 497 can also remain
parallel to each other as the first elongate section 476 and the
second elongate section 477 of the jointed member 474 travel along
the arcuate path 469 (seen in FIG. 4B).
[0073] The jointed member 474 of the present disclosure can be made
of a variety of materials. Such materials include, but are not
limited to, a metal, a metal alloy, a polymer (e.g., a thermoset
polymer or a thermoplastic polymer) and a composite material (e.g.,
a material made from two or more constituent materials with
significantly different physical properties which remain separate
and distinct within the finished structure). Examples of the metal
include, but are not limited to, steel such as `weathering steel`
specified within standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also known
as CORTEN steel. Other examples include, but are not limited to,
those provided herein
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown an
additional embodiment of the jointed member 674 according to the
present disclosure. As discussed herein, the jointed member 674
includes the abutment joint 600, as discussed herein, where the
abutment joint 600 includes the first abutment member 602 and a
second abutment member 604. The jointed member 674 also includes
the first elongate section 676 having the first end 678 and the
second end 680 opposite the first end 678 with the second end 680
connected to the first hinge 682, as discussed herein. The jointed
member 674 also includes the second elongate section 677 having the
first end 686 and the second end 688 opposite the first end 686
with the second end 688 connected to the second hinge 690, as
discussed herein.
[0075] The first hinge 682 is also connected to the first side rail
689 and the second hinge 690 is connected to the second side rail
691, as discussed herein. The first elongate section 676 and the
second elongate section 677 of the jointed member 674 each also
include the first end connector 692 and the second end connector
693. The first side rail 689 and the second side rail 691 can
further include structures 695 and 697, respectively, as discussed
herein.
[0076] The jointed member 674 can further include a fastener 6100
that passes through a portion of both the first elongate section
676 and the second elongate section 677. As illustrated, the
portion of the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate
section 677 through which the fastener 6100 passes extends from the
portion of the first elongate section 676 and the second elongate
section 677 that include the abutment joint 600. For example, the
first elongate section 676 and the second elongate section 677 can
include the tubular structures, as discussed herein. These tubular
structures of the first elongate section 676 and the second
elongate section 677 include the first abutment member 602, the
first end connector 692, the second abutment member 604 and the
second end connector 693, as discussed herein. The first elongate
section 676 and the second elongate section 677 also include a
first beam 6102 and a second beam 6104. The first beam 6102 extends
away from the tubular structure of the first elongate section 676
and the second beam 6104 extends away from the tubular structure of
the second elongate section 677.
[0077] The first beam 6102 and the second beam 6104 of the jointed
member have surfaces that define oblong openings through which the
fastener 6100 passes. Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an,
in an exploded view, the jointed member 774. As illustrated, the
jointed member 774 includes the first elongate section 776 and the
second elongate section 777. Each of the first elongate section 776
and the second elongate section 777 can have a length that is
equal. Alternatively, one of the first elongate section 776 and the
second elongate section 777 can be longer than the other elongate
section. The jointed member provided herein is also discussed in a
co-pending application entitled "Jointed Member" (docket
#128.0020011), which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0078] In one or more embodiments, each of the first elongate
section 776 and the second elongate section 777 has an oblong
opening 7106 through each of the first beam 7102 and the second
beam 7104. As discussed herein, an oblong opening, such as 7106
among the others discussed herein, can have an obround shape or a
double D shape. As such, the word oblong, as used herein, can be
replaced with either the word "obround" or "double D" as so
desired. Obround is defined as consisting of two semicircles
connected by parallel lines tangent to their end points. Double D
is defined as consisting of two arcs connected by parallel lines
tangent to their end points. As used herein, an obround or double D
shape does not include a circular shape.
[0079] As illustrated, the first beam 7102 of the first elongate
section 776 has a first surface 7108 defining a first oblong
opening 7110 through the first beam 7102 of the first elongate
section 776, and the second elongate section 777 has a second
surface 7112 defining a second oblong opening 7114 through the
second elongate section 777. As illustrated, each of the surfaces
7108 and 7112 has a first end 7116 (marked as 7116-A for the first
oblong opening 7110, and marked as 7116-B for the second oblong
opening 7114) and a second end 7118 (marked as 7118-A for the first
oblong opening 7110, and marked as 7118-B for the second oblong
opening 7114), where the second end 7118 is opposite the first end
7116 along a longitudinal axis 7120 of each of the first oblong
opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114.
[0080] The joined member 774 also includes the fastener 7100, a
portion of which passes through the first and second oblong opening
7110 and 7114 to connect the first elongate section 776 and the
second elongate section 777. As will be discussed more fully
herein, the fastener 7100 passes through the first oblong opening
7110 and the second oblong opening 7114. The fastener 7100 is
secured in position to help hold the first elongate section 776 and
the second elongate section 777 together (e.g., the fastener 7100
mechanically joins the first elongate section 776 and the second
elongate section 777).
[0081] While the fastener 7100 mechanically joins the first
elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777, the first
elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777 are also
able to slide relative to each other and to rotate about the
fastener 7100. This ability of the first elongate section 776 and
the second elongate section 777 to slide relative each other allows
for a change in the length of the hypotenuse as the jointed member
774 folds, thereby preventing damage to the jointed member,
associated hinges and structures, as discussed herein. This ability
to both slide relative each other and to rotate about the fastener
7100 provides at least two of the features that allow the jointed
member 774 to overcome the hypotenuse issue. This aspect of the
invention will be discussed more fully herein.
[0082] In addition, the ability of the first elongate section 776
and the second elongate section 777 to slide relative each other,
as discussed herein, allows for the gap(s) (e.g., first gap 370 and
second gap 372 as discussed in FIG. 3B) to develop in the first
abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704, thereby
allow for the second degree of freedom for the abutment joint 700
to travel in an arcuate path, as discussed herein.
[0083] The use of a variety of fastener 7100 is possible. For
example, the fastener 7100 can be in the form of a bolt or a rivet.
The bolt can have a threaded portion at or adjacent a first end for
receiving a nut and a head at a second end opposite the first end.
The nut and the head of the bolt can have a diameter relative the
first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 that
prevents either from passing through the openings 7110 and 7114
(e.g., only the body of the bolt passes through the openings 7110
and 7114). A washer can also be used between the head and nut of
the bolt to help prevent either from passing through the openings
7110 and 7114.
[0084] Examples of bolts can include, but are not limited to,
structural bolts, hex bolts, or carriage bolts, among others. The
nut used with the bolt can be a locknut, castellated nut, a slotted
nut, a distorted thread locknut, an interfering thread nut, or a
split beam nut, among others. A jam nut can also be used with the
nut if desired. Examples of a rivet include a solid rivet having a
shaft that can pass through and a head that does not pass through
the openings 7110 and 7114. A shop head can then be formed on the
rivet that fastens the first elongate section 776 and the second
elongate section 777. Regardless of which fastener is used,
however, the fastener 7100 is not tightened so much as to prevent
the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate section 777
of the jointed member 774 from sliding relative to each other and
rotating about the fastener 7100.
[0085] As discussed herein, the fastener 7100 passes through the
first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 to
connect the first elongate section 776 and the second elongate
section 777. For one or more of the embodiments, the first oblong
opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 move relative each
other and relative the fastener 7100 as the jointed member 774
transitions from a first predetermined state to a second
predetermined state. For the present disclosure, the first
predetermined state can be the unfolded state of the jointed member
774. In the unfolded state the jointed member 774 can only move
towards its second predetermined state. In the first predetermined
state the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening
7114 have a minimum overlap and the projection 706 of the first
abutment member 702 is seated in the socket 718 of the second
abutment member 704. FIG. 8 provides an illustration of this first
predetermined state. From the first predetermined state, the first
oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 can move
towards a second predetermined state in which the first oblong
opening 7110 and the second oblong opening 7114 have a maximum
overlap relative the minimum overlap and the projection 706 of the
first abutment member 702 is un-seated from the socket 718 of the
second abutment member 704.
[0086] As illustrated herein, the fastener 7100 has an axial center
7122 (e.g., a longitudinal axis around which the fastener 7100 can
rotate) that moves along (e.g., essentially parallel with) the
longitudinal axis 7120 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the
second oblong opening 7114 as the jointed member 774 transitions
from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state.
The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 7100 is of a size and a
shape that allows the fastener 7100 to travel along the
longitudinal axis 7120 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the
second oblong opening 7114 as the jointed member 774 transitions
from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state
without any significant amount of travel along the minor axis 7124
of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong opening
7114. So, for example, the distance between the parallel lines
tangent to the end points of the two semicircles of the first and
second obround openings 7110 and 7114 is approximately the diameter
of the portion of the fastener 7100, illustrated herein, that
passes through the first and second obround openings 7110 and
7114.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated the first
elongate section 876 and the second elongate section 877 of the
jointed member 874 in the first predetermined state. In the first
predetermined state the first oblong opening 8110 and the second
oblong opening 8114 have a minimum overlap relative to the second
predetermined state (an embodiment of the second predetermined
state is shown in FIG. 12 and discussed more fully herein) of the
jointed member 874 and the amount of overlap in the positions
between the first and second predetermined states.
[0088] Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the
first predetermined state is approximately the cross sectional area
of the portion of the fastener 8100, shown from an end view, that
passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. In one embodiment, the
area of the overlap is equal to the cross sectional area of the
portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110
and 8114. For either embodiment discussed in this paragraph, the
first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 when
in their first predetermined state also define a shape that
corresponds to the cross sectional shape of the portion of the
fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114.
[0089] Referring again to FIG. 7, the first surface 7108 defining
the first oblong opening 7110 and the second surface 7112 defining
the second oblong opening 7114 each include the first end 7116 and
the second end 7118 opposite the first end 7116. The first end 7116
and the second end 7118 are each in the shape of an arc that helps
the surfaces 7108, 7112 to form a circular shape when in the first
predetermined state (seen in FIG. 8). For other embodiments, the
first end 7116 and/or the second end 7118 may include one or more
shapes including but not limited, a polygonal shape, a
non-polygonal shape, and combinations thereof. In addition, the
first oblong opening and the second oblong opening, as discussed
herein, can be positioned at a number of different locations along
a height 7126 and/or a width 7128 of the first end 7130 of the
first elongate section 776 and a first end 7132 of the second
elongate section 777.
[0090] So, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in the first predetermined
state the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening
8114 provide a circular shape that corresponds to a circular cross
sectional shape of the portion of the fastener 8100 that passes
through the openings 8110 and 8114. In addition to have the same
shape, the area defined by the first oblong opening 8110 and the
second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state is the
cross sectional area of the portion of the fastener 8100 that
passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. As appreciated and as
will be discussed herein, both the cross sectional area of the
portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110
and 8114 and the area defined by the first oblong opening 8110 and
the second oblong opening 8114 in the first predetermined state are
not so exacting that the first elongate section 876 and the second
elongate section 877 bind so as to be unable to slide relative to
each other and to rotate about the fastener 8100.
[0091] In the first predetermined state a portion of the first
surface 8108 and a portion of the second surface 8112 are in
physical contact with the fastener 8100 that passes through the
openings 8110 and 8114. In other words, a portion of the surface
8108 and a portion of the surface 8112 sit or rest against a
portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110
and 8114 when in the first predetermined state.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first elongate section 776
includes the first abutment member 702 and the second elongate
section 777 includes the second abutment member 704, as discussed
herein. In the first predetermined state the first abutment member
702 and the second abutment member 704 are in physical contact and
a portion of the first surface 7108 and a portion of the second
surface 7112 are in physical contact with the fastener 7100. In
other words, the first abutment member 702 and the second abutment
member 704 abut, or are seated, when the jointed member 774 is in
the first predetermined state. FIG. 8 provides an illustration of
the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 in
the first predetermined state, where the abutment members 802 and
804 are seated against each other, as discussed herein.
[0093] Referring again to FIG. 7, when the jointed member 774 is in
the first predetermined state, or the unfolded state, and a
structural load 7134 is applied to the joined member 774 causes the
first abutment member 702 and the second abutment member 704 to
come under compression (e.g., each abutment member 702 and 704
applies a compressive force to the other). At the same time a
portion of the surface 7108 of the first oblong opening 7110 and
the surface 7112 of the second oblong opening 7114 apply a shearing
stress to the portion of the fastener 7100 that passes through the
openings 7110 and 7114. For example, the shearing stress in the
first predetermined state is applied to the fastener 7100 by the
first end 7116 of both the first surface 7108 (7116-A) and the
second surface 7112 (7116-B). As such, in the first predetermined
state the fastener 7100 is not free to move along the longitudinal
axis 7122 of the first oblong opening 7110 and the second oblong
opening 7114. As a result, the structural load 7134 is held in the
first predetermined state on the jointed member 774, which has the
compressive forces of the first abutment member 702 and the second
abutment member 704 helping to offset the shear stress applied to
the portion of the fastener 7100 that passes through the openings
7110 and 7114.
[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 7 the first oblong opening 7110 and
the second oblong opening 7114 have an obround shape each with the
longitudinal axis 7120 (a major axis) that is longer than a minor
axis 7124. The longitudinal axis 7120 and the minor axis 7124 can
each have symmetry relative to each other. The longitudinal axis
7120 is longer than the minor axis 7124. For example, a ratio of a
length of the longitudinal axis 7120 to a length of the minor axis
7124 are in a range of 10.0:1.0 to 1.1 to 1.0, 8.0:1.0 to 1.1:1.0,
or 5.0:1.0 to 1.1:1.0. As used herein, "axis" does not necessarily
imply symmetry, although for one or more embodiments the oblong
opening may be symmetric about the major axis, the minor axis, or
both axes. As used herein, "axis" refers to a straight line about
which a geometric feature, e.g. an oblong opening, may be thought
of as rotatable.
[0095] The size and the shape of the first oblong opening 7110 and
the second oblong opening 7114 and the size and the shape of the
fastener 7100 can be selected based on the size and/or amount of
the structural load 7134 that the jointed member 774 or jointed
members 774 (e.g., more than one of the jointed members 774) are
intended to carry.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first end 7130 of the first
elongate section 776 further includes a surface 7136 defining an
arc, in this case a semi-circle, and the first end 7132 of the
second elongate section 777 further includes a surface 7138
defining an arc, in this case a semi-circle. The surfaces 7136 and
7138 in the shape of an arc allow either the first end 7130 of the
first elongate section 776 or the first end 7132 of the second
elongate section 777 to move relative each other without
interfering with either abutment member 702 or 704 or flooring that
might be mounted on the elongate sections 776 and/or 777. For
example, as the jointed member 774 transitions from the first
predetermined state towards the second predetermined state the
first end 7130 of the first elongate section 776 can move relative
the second abutment member 704 on the second elongate section 777.
The shape of the surface 7136 accommodates a travel path that does
not come into contact with the second abutment member 704 on the
second elongate section 777. Shapes other than an arc are possible
and include, but are not limited to a polygonal shape, a
non-polygonal shape, and combinations thereof.
[0097] As discussed herein, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the
first elongate section 876 and the second elongate section 877 of
the jointed member 874 in the first predetermined state, which may
be referred to as an unfolded state. In the first predetermined
state the first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening
8114 have a minimum overlap relative to the second predetermined
state (shown in FIG. 12 and discussed more fully herein) of the
jointed member 874 and the amount of overlap in many of the
positions between the first and second predetermined states.
Specifically, the amount of overlap shown in FIG. 8 for the first
predetermined state is approximately the cross sectional area of
the portion of the fastener 8100 (shown in cross section) that
passes through the openings 8110 and 8114. In one embodiment, the
area of the overlap is equal to the cross sectional area of the
portion of the fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110
and 8114. For either embodiment discussed in this paragraph, the
first oblong opening 8110 and the second oblong opening 8114 when
in their first predetermined state also define a shape that
corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the
fastener 8100 that passes through the openings 8110 and 8114.
[0098] FIG. 8 also illustrates the relative position of the first
abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 as being
seated in the first predetermined state. As illustrated, in the
first predetermined state the first elongate section 876 of the
jointed member 874 includes a first member end 8140 that is
opposite the first abutment member 802. Similarly, the second
elongate section 877 of the jointed member 874 includes a second
member end 8142 that is opposite the second abutment member 804. In
the first predetermined state, as shown in FIG. 8, a distance
between the first member end 8140 of the first elongate section 876
and the second member end 8142 of the second elongate section 877
provides the defined maximum length 8144 of the jointed member 874.
As discussed with respect to FIG. 11A-11E, the distance between the
first member end 8140 of the first elongate section 876 and the
second member end 8142 of the second elongate section 877 does not
exceed the defined maximum length 8144 as the jointed member 874
transitions from the first predetermined state towards the second
predetermined state.
[0099] First hinge 882 connects the first member end 8140 of the
first elongate section 876 to the first side rail 889. Similarly,
the second hinge 890 connects the second member end 8142 of the
second elongate section 877 to the second side rail 891. FIG. 8
also shows the defined maximum length 8144 of the jointed member
874. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the jointed member
transitions from its first predetermined state (e.g., unfolded
state) towards its second predetermined state (e.g., folded state)
without having any portion of the jointed member extending beyond
its defined maximum length 8144 as defined in its first
predetermined state.
[0100] FIG. 8 illustrates that when the jointed member 874 supports
a structural load 8134 the forces are distributed so as to cause
the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804 to
be in compression and the surfaces 8116 of the first and second
oblong openings 8110 and 8114 to apply a shearing stress to the
fastener 8100. It is also possible that the ends 8140 and 8142 of
the first elongate section 876 and the second elongate section 877,
respectively, can apply a compressive force against their
respective side rails 889 and 891 as a result of the jointed member
874 supporting the structural load 8134.
[0101] FIG. 8 further illustrates that as the structural load 8134
is held in the first predetermined state on the jointed member 874
the first abutment member 802 and the second abutment member 804,
under a compressive force, and the surfaces 8108 and 8112 applying
the shearing stress to the fastener 8100, with help from the hinges
882 and 890, prevent the jointed member 874 from bending or
deflecting to any significant degree.
[0102] The static interaction of the first abutment member 802 and
the second abutment member 804, under a compressive force, and the
surfaces 8108 and 8112 applying the shearing stress to the fastener
8100, with help from the hinges 882 and 890, allow the jointed
member 874 of the present disclosure to carry the structural load
8134 (e.g., as prescribed in ISO standard 1496).
[0103] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a reversibly foldable freight
container 9150, in partial view, according to one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 9A and 9B portions
of the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 have been removed
(e.g., portions of the roof structure, portions of the sidewall
structures, portions of the floor structure, portions of the front
wall and rear wall, portions of the door assembly, etc.) to allow
the location and relative position of the jointed member 974, which
in this embodiment acts as a cross member of the reversibly
foldable freight container 9150, to be more clearly seen. The
reversibly foldable freight container 9150 illustrated in FIG. 9A
is shown in an unfolded state.
[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the reversibly foldable freight
container 9150 includes a first corner post 9152-1, a second corner
post 9152-2, a third corner post 9152-3, and a fourth corner post
9152-4. The corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 are load bearing
vertical support members that are both rigid and unfoldable. In
addition, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 are of sufficient
strength to support the weight of a number of other fully loaded
freight containers stacked upon the reversibly foldable freight
container 9150. Each of the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4
includes a corner fitting 9154 (9154-1 through 9154-8). The corner
fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 may be employed for griping, moving,
placing, and/or securing the reversibly foldable freight container
9150. In one embodiment, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4 and
the corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 comply with the ISO
standards for freight containers, such as ISO standard 688 and ISO
standard 1496 (and the amendments to ISO standard 1496), among
others. In the unfolded state a predefined maximum width 9155 of
the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 is eight (8) feet
(measured from the corner fittings) as provided in ISO 668 Fifth
Edition 1995 Dec. 15.
[0105] The reversibly foldable freight container 9150 also includes
a first bottom side rail 9156-1 and a second bottom side rail
9156-2. As illustrated, the first bottom side rail 9156-1 is
located between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner
post 9152-2, and the second bottom side rail 9156-2 is located
between the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth corner post
9152-4. The reversibly foldable freight container 9150 further
includes a first upper side rail 9158-1 and a second upper side
rail 9158-2. The first upper side rail 9158-1 may be located
between the first corner post 9152-1 and the second corner post
9152-2. The second upper side rail 9158-2 may be located between
the third corner post 9152-3 and the fourth corner post 9152-4.
[0106] The reversibly foldable freight container 9150 further
includes a jointed member 974 according to the present disclosure.
As illustrated, the first and second bottom side rails 9156-1 and
9156-2 are joined by two or more of the jointed members 974. The
jointed member 974 acts as a "cross member" in the reversibly
foldable freight container 9150 when the reversibly foldable
freight container 9150 is in an unfolded state. Functioning as a
cross member, the jointed member 974 acts as a beam to help carry a
structural load placed on a floor structure of the reversibly
foldable freight container 9150. To this end, the joined member 974
of the present disclosure can help carry a structural load as
prescribed in ISO standard 1496. Unlike a typical cross member,
however, the joined member 974 of the present disclosure can then
be used to help the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 to
reversibly fold in a lateral direction 9160, relative a
longitudinal direction 9162 of the upper and bottom side rails 9156
and 9158.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 9B, there is shown the reversibly
foldable freight container 9150 in at least a partially folded
state. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the jointed member 974 of the
reversibly foldable freight container 9150 folds into a volume 9164
defined by the reversibly foldable freight container 9150. As the
jointed member 974 folds, the corner posts 9152-1 through 9152-4
and the corner fittings 9154-1 through 9154-8 are drawn closer
together laterally. Once again, this reduction in the volume 9164
and the "foot-print" (e.g., area) of the reversibly foldable
freight container 9150 from an unfolded state (e.g. FIG. 9A) can be
accomplished, as least in part, due to the presence of the jointed
members 974.
[0108] As discussed more fully herein, one major obstacle overcome
by the joined member 974 of the present disclosure is its ability
to not only act as a structural member or beam capable of helping
to support a load as prescribed in ISO standard 1496 when in an
unfolded state, but also its surprising ability to transition to a
folded state without having any portion of the jointed member 974
extending beyond its defined maximum length 9144 as defined in an
unfolded state. This defined maximum length 9144 of the jointed
member 974 can be the defined maximum length of the jointed member
in an unfolded state. So, the jointed member of the present
disclosure can transition from an unfolded state to a folded state
without causing any portion of the jointed member (e.g., the ends
of the joined member that help define the defined maximum length)
to extend beyond its defined maximum length. As a result, the
reversibly foldable freight container can transition from the
unfolded state towards the folded state without any portion of the
reversibly foldable freight container extending beyond its
predefined maximum width 9155 measured at a predetermined point on
each of two of the rear wall corner posts 9152. The predetermined
point on each of the rear corner posts 9152 can be the corner
fittings 9154 (e.g., maximum width as measured between the outer
surface of corner fittings 9154-4 and 9154-2). This issue is
presented as follows.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown an end view of a
freight container 10166. The freight container 10166 is shown in a
partial view, where portions of the floor structure (e.g., the wood
flooring), sidewall structure, end frames (e.g., front wall and
rear wall) and door assembly have been removed to better illustrate
the issues encountered with trying to fold the freight container
10166. The freight container 10166 does not include the jointed
member of the present disclosure, but rather is shown with hinges
10168-1 through 10168-3 that connect two portions (e.g., halves) of
a cross member 10170. Conventional thinking would dictate that the
hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 should act as a bearing that not
only connects the halves of the cross members 10170 together and to
the bottom side rails 10156-1 and 10156-2 of the freight container
10166, but also allows for the cross member 10170 to fold into a
volume 10164 of the freight container 10166.
[0110] The cross members 10170 can have a variety of cross
sectional shapes. Such cross-sectional shapes can include box (e.g.
rectangular or square), C-channel, Z-beam and I-beam cross
sectional shapes. As illustrated, these cross-sectional shapes
allow for surfaces 10172 of the cross members 10170 to abut each
other when in the unfolded state. When abutted, the surfaces 10172
of cross member 10170 come under compression, with help from the
hinge 10168-1 to prevent the upper surface 10174 of the cross
member 10170 from extending below a plane 10716 when a structural
load is placed on the floor of the freight container 10166. The
plane 10716 is an imaginary flat surface on which a straight line
joining any two points would wholly lie. So, in the present
embodiment, any two points on the upper surface 10174 of the cross
member 10170 would lie in the plane 10716.
[0111] As illustrated, the placement of the hinges 10168-1 through
10168-3 would appear to allow for the floor structure of the
freight container 10166 to fold within the predefined maximum width
10155. This, however, is not the case. As illustrated, the cross
member 10170 of the freight container 10166 is in the unfolded
state and has a predefined maximum width 10155. Also illustrated in
freight container 10166 are three hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3
which appear to allow for the cross member 10170 of the freight
container 10166 to fold up into the volume 10164 defined by the
freight container 10166. Examining the relative location of the
three hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 the corners of a right
triangle 10178 (shown with shading) are present. The right triangle
10178 includes a hypotenuse 10180 that is longer than either of a
first leg 10182 or a second leg 10184 of the right triangle 10178.
As appreciated, the greater the length of the second leg 10184 the
longer the hypotenuse 10180.
[0112] It can also be seen that in the unfolded state the length of
two of the first legs 10182 helps to define the predefined maximum
width 10155 of the freight container 10166. Now, as the freight
container 10166 begins to fold from an unfolded state the width of
the freight container 10166 will have to become greater than the
predefined maximum width 10155 to accommodate the length of the
hypotenuse 10180. So, if the cross member 10170 were to move along
the direction of travel 10186 there would not be enough width
available for the two portions that makes up the cross member 10170
to move from or return to the unfolded state (e.g., the condition
where the floor of the freight container 10166 is parallel with the
plane 10716). This issue is referred to herein as "the hypotenuse
issue."
[0113] If the two portions that makes up the cross member 10170
were to be forced to move along the direction of travel 10186 the
overall width of the freight container 10166 will have to increase
beyond its predefined maximum width 10155. Therefore, when
transitioning a container from an unfolded state to a folded state
it may be desirable to provide that the width of the container does
not expand beyond its predefined maximum width 10155 in the
unfolded state.
[0114] If the two portions that makes up the cross member 10170
were to be forced to move along the direction of travel 10186 at
least one of following may happen: (1) the overall width of the
freight container 10166 will have to increase beyond its predefined
maximum width 10155; (2) the portions that make up the cross member
10170 will have to bend or deform (elastically or non-elastically);
and/or (3) the first, second and/or third hinge 10168-1, 10168-2,
10168-3 will deform and/or break. The issues become more apparent
when a structure 10188 is used with the freight container 10166,
such as a roof structure and/or a lateral bracing member, each
having a fixed length and/or width that cannot, or should not, be
extended beyond the predefined maximum width 10155 of the freight
container 10166. Examples of such lateral bracing members can
includes, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods
and/or tubes that can be used to help brace and support the freight
container 10166 in an unfolded state. As will be appreciated, one
or more of these structures (e.g., the roof structure, a lateral
bracing member, one or more of the hinges, and/or the cross member
10170, among other structures) could be damaged as the freight
container 10166 folds from an unfolded state.
[0115] Regardless of what does happen one thing is almost certain,
due to the hypotenuse issue discussed herein expanding the freight
container 10166 beyond its predefined maximum width 10155 may
result in weakening of the freight container 10166 (e.g., the
hinges 10168-1 through 10168-3 and/or the cross member 10170) such
that it would no longer be able to support a load (e.g. no longer
be in compliance with the ISO standards) thus rendering the freight
container 10166 unfit for its intended purpose. Therefore, when
transitioning a container from an unfolded state to a folded state
it may be desirable to provide that the width of the container does
not expand beyond its predefined maximum width 10155 in the
unfolded state.
[0116] The joined member used in the reversibly foldable freight
container of the present disclosure helps to address the hypotenuse
issue discussed herein. The jointed member, as disclosed herein,
allows the reversibly foldable freight container to transition from
an unfolded state to a folded state without expanding beyond the
predefined maximum width of the container in the unfolded state. As
discussed herein, the jointed member is configured in such a way
that during the folding process the length of the hypotenuse
changes (e.g., is accommodated). From the folded state the
container may transition back to the unfolded state, and is thus
reversibly foldable.
[0117] In addition, when a structure is used with the reversibly
foldable freight container (e.g., such as a roof structure and/or a
lateral bracing member) the jointed member allows the reversibly
foldable freight container to reversibly fold within a fixed length
and/or width of the structure. Examples of such structures can
include, but are not limited to, cables, structural beams, rods
and/or tubes that can be used to help brace and support the
reversibly foldable freight container in an unfolded state. As will
be understood reading the present disclosure these structures
(e.g., the roof structure, a lateral bracing member, one or more of
the hinges, and/or the jointed member, among other structures) will
not be damaged as the reversibly foldable freight container folds
from an unfolded state.
[0118] As discussed herein, the jointed member is configured in
such a way that during the folding process the length of the
hypotenuse changes (e.g., is accommodated) thereby preventing
damage to the jointed member, associated hinges and structures
(e.g., 143). From the folded state the reversibly foldable freight
container may transition back to the unfolded state, and is thus
reversibly foldable.
[0119] As used in the reversibly foldable freight container 9150,
the joined member 974 can act as a beam. As used herein, a beam is
a structural element that is capable of withstanding a load
primarily by resisting bending. For various embodiments, the joined
member 974 can be configured as a beam, or as part of a beam, for
the reversibly foldable freight container 9150. In addition to
acting as a beam, however, the joined member 974 of the present
disclosure also allows for the reversibly foldable freight
container 9150 to fold. When in a folded state, the reversibly
foldable freight container occupies a volume that is less than that
of the reversibly foldable freight container in an unfolded state.
So, when in the folded state the structure occupies a volume and/or
an area that is less than that of the structure in an unfolded
state.
[0120] Another significant advantage of the jointed member 974 used
in the reversibly foldable freight container 9150 of the present
disclosure is its surprising ability to fold within a defined
maximum length of the jointed member. (e.g., the defined maximum
length can be a maximum length of the jointed member). This defined
maximum length of the jointed member 974 can be the defined maximum
length of the jointed member 974 in an unfolded state. So, the
jointed member of the present disclosure can transition from an
unfolded state to a folded state without causing any portion of the
jointed member 974 (e.g., the ends of the joined member that help
define the defined maximum length) to extend beyond its defined
maximum length. The following discussion will help to further
clarify the problem that the jointed member of the present
disclosure has helped to overcome.
[0121] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11E there is shown the jointed
member 1174 transitioning from the first predetermined state
towards the second predetermined state without any portion of the
jointed member 1174 extending beyond its defined maximum length
11144. During this transition the first oblong opening, the second
oblong opening, and the fastener can move relative each other as
does the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member
1104. This relative movement helps to provide that the jointed
member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state towards
the second predetermined state (e.g., a folded state) without
expanding beyond either the defined maximum length 11144 or the
predefined maximum width provided in the first predetermined state,
while neither bowing or damaging the jointed member, a pivotal
connection (e.g., a hinge) or a structure of a container, as
discussed herein. In other words, this relative movement has an
effect of overcoming the hypotenuse issue discussed herein.
[0122] The jointed member 1174 can fold in a way that the
components of the reversibly foldable freight container do not
extend beyond their predefined maximum width (e.g., ISO standard
width). The joined member 1174 has the attributes of a compound
hinge. Specifically, the joined member 1174 has two distinct and
separate axes of rotation that are used during the folding and/or
the un-folding of the jointed member 1174.
[0123] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate the first elongate section 1176
connected to the first bottom side rail 11156-1 by the first hinge
1182-1 and the second elongate section 1177 connected to a second
bottom side rail 11156-2 by the second hinge 1182-2. FIGS. 11A-11C
also illustrate the first beam 11102 and the second beam 11104
joined by the fastener 11100 that passes through the first and
second oblong opening 11110 and 11114, respectively. The fastener
11100 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 11A-11C to better
illustrate its relationship to the first and second oblong opening
11110 and 11114 as the jointed member 1174 moves from the first
predetermined, or unfolded, position towards the second
predetermined, or the folded position.
[0124] In FIG. 11A the jointed member 1174 is shown in its first
predetermined state having its defined maximum length 11144. In
this first predetermined state: the first and second abutment
members 1102 and 1104 are in contact; the overlap of the first and
second oblong openings 11110 and 11114 is at a minimum relative the
second predetermined state (seen in FIG. 12); and the surfaces
11108 and 11112 of the first beam 11102 and the second beam 11104
define the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the fastener
11100 passing through the first and second oblong openings 11110
and 11114. FIG. 11A also shows an upper surface 11192 of the first
and second beams 11102 and 11104.
[0125] As the jointed member 1174 begins to fold different portions
of the jointed member 1174 move so as to rotate around predefined
points of rotation (e.g., a first axis of rotation), to slide
relative one or more of the other parts of the jointed member 1174
and/or to shift relative positions at different stages of the
folding process. Referring now to FIG. 11B, the jointed member 1174
is shown beginning to fold from its first predetermined state, as
seen in FIG. 11A, towards the second predetermined state, as seen
in FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the first abutment member
1102 and the second abutment member 1104 define a first point of
rotation around a first axis of rotation for the first elongate
section 1176 and the second elongate section 1177. In other words,
the first point of rotation around which the first elongate section
1176 and the second elongate section 1177 rotate is defined at the
point of contact between the first abutment member 1102 and the
second abutment member 1104. Rotation about this first point of
rotation may be caused, at least in part, to a force applied to the
joined member in the direction 11202.
[0126] As the first elongate section 1176 and the second elongate
section 1177 rotate around the first point of rotation defined by
the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104
the surfaces 11108 and 11112 defining the first oblong opening
11110 and the second oblong opening 11114 move relative each other.
The fastener 11100 can also move (e.g., laterally) within the first
oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening 11114 as the
jointed member 1174 transitions from the first predetermined state
towards the second predetermined state. In transitioning towards
the second predetermined state the fastener 11100 is mobile within
the first oblong opening 11110 and/or the second oblong opening
11114. As discussed herein, the axial center 11122 of the fastener
11100 moves along (e.g., essentially parallel with) the
longitudinal axis 11120 of the first oblong opening 11110 and the
second oblong opening 11114 as the jointed member 1174 transitions
from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state.
The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 11100 is of a size and a
shape that allows the fastener 11100 to travel along the
longitudinal axis 11120 of the first oblong opening 11110 and the
second oblong opening 11114 as the jointed member 1174 transitions
from a first predetermined state to a second predetermined state
without any significant amount of travel along the minor axis 11124
of the first oblong opening 11110 and the second oblong opening
11114. So, for example, the distance between the parallel lines
tangent to the end points of the two semicircles of the first and
second obround openings 11110 and 11114 is approximately the
diameter of the portion of the fastener 11100, illustrated herein,
that passes through the first and second obround openings 11110 and
11114.
[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the fastener 11100 has moved
laterally (e.g. in a direction coincident with the longitudinal
axis 11120) within the first oblong opening 11110. Likewise, the
fastener 11100 may move laterally within the second oblong opening
11114 (e.g. in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis
11120).
[0128] FIG. 1 lB shows how a gap 1182 develops between the fastener
11100 and the first end 1116 of the surfaces defining the first
oblong opening 11110 (11116-A) and the second oblong opening 11114
(11116-B). The jointed member 1174 can rotate around a point of
contact (e.g., a predetermined point of contact) between the first
abutment member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104 until the
second ends 11118 of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and
the second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) contact the fastener
11100, for example.
[0129] This embodiment, where the second ends 11118 of the first
oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second oblong opening 11114
(11118-B) contact the fastener 11100, is illustrated in FIG. 11C.
FIG. 11C also illustrates that the point of rotation now shifts
from the first point of rotation, defined by the first abutment
member 1102 and the second abutment member 1104, to a second point
of rotation on a second axis of rotation that is formed by the
second end 11118 of both the first surface 11108 of the first
oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second surface 111112 of the
second oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) when positioned against the
fastener 11100. This second point of rotation around a second axis
of rotation for the first abutment member 1102 and the second
abutment member 1104 is different than the first point of rotation
discussed herein. As before, the rotation about this second point
of rotation may be caused, at least in part, to a force applied to
the joined member in the direction 11202.
[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the first elongate section
1176 and the second elongate section 1177 rotate around (e.g., turn
on) the first point of rotation prior to rotating around (e.g.,
turning on) the second point of rotation as the jointed member 1174
transitions from the first predetermined state towards the second
predetermined state. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 11C the first end
11116 of each of the first surface 11108 (11116-A) and the second
surface 11112 (11116-B) does not contact the fastener 11100 when
the second end 11118 of both the first surface 11108 (11118-A) and
the second surface 11112 (11116-A) are seated against the fastener
11100.
[0131] As seen in FIGS. 11A-11C, as the first elongate section 1176
and the second elongate section 1177 rotate around (e.g., turn on)
the first point of rotation the first abutment member 1102 and the
second abutment member 1104 can initially separate, or move, from
their seated position along the longitudinal axis 1166. As this
happens, the first gap 1170 is formed between the distal end of the
projection 1106 and the second end of the socket 1118 of the second
abutment member 1104. The second gap 1172 also forms between the
first surface of the projection 1106 and the first surface of the
socket 1118. This combination of the first gap 1170 and the second
gap 1172 for the given configuration of the abutment joint 1100
allows for the first abutment member 1102 and the second abutment
member 1104 to travel along the arcuate travel path as the jointed
member 1174 rotates around the second point of rotation.
[0132] In shifting from the first point of rotation to the second
point of rotation the length of the hypotenuse of the jointed
member 1174 changes from an initial value when the jointed member
1174 is in the first predetermined state (as discussed herein) to a
shorter value, relative the initial value, such as when the point
of rotation shifts to the point of contact between the second end
11118 of the first oblong opening 11110 (11118-A) and the second
oblong opening 11114 (11118-B) and the fastener 11100.
[0133] FIGS. 11D and 11E can be used to illustrate this change in
the length of the hypotenuse of the jointed member 1174. The broken
lines 11204 and 11206 in FIGS. 11D and 11E show the hypotenuse of
jointed member 1174 when the jointed member is at either the first
point of rotation or the second point of rotation. In FIG. 11D,
there is shown the first elongate section 1176, where in the first
predetermined state the fastener 11100, the first abutment member
1102 and the second end 1180, all in a common plane, can define a
right triangle 11208 of the first elongate section 1176.
Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 11208 is between
the fastener 11100 and the second end 1180, a first leg 11209 of
the right triangle 11208 is defined by the second end 1180 and the
perpendicular intersection of a first line 11212 extending from the
second end 1180 and a second line 11213 extending from the
geometric center of the fastener 11100, where the first and second
lines 11212 and 11213 are in the common plane.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 11D, when in the first predetermined
state broken line 11204 shows the hypotenuse of jointed member
1174. When the point of rotation shifts to the second point of
rotation the broken line 11206 shows the now shortened hypotenuse,
relative the hypotenuse in the first predetermined state. In
addition to being shorter than broken line 11204, the hypotenuse
shown by broken line 11206 can be equal to or shorter than the
first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 of the first elongate
section 1176 when the jointed member is in the first predetermined
state. In this way, the jointed member 1174 having the now
shortened hypotenuse can pass through, for example, the defined
maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.
[0135] Similarly, in FIG. 11E there is shown the second elongate
section 1177, where in the first predetermined state the fastener
11100, the second abutment member 1104 and the second end 1188 of
the second elongate section 1177, all in a common plane, define a
right triangle 11208 of the second elongate section 1177.
Specifically, the hypotenuse of the right triangle 11208 is between
the fastener 11100 and the second end 1188, a first leg 11209 of
the right triangle 11208 is defined by the second end 1188 and the
perpendicular intersection of a first line 11212 extending from the
second end 1188 and a second line 11213 extending from the
geometric center of the fastener 11100, where the first and second
lines 11212 and 11213 are in the common plane.
[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 11E, when in the first predetermined
state broken line 11204 shows the hypotenuse of jointed member
1174. When the point of rotation shifts to the second point of
rotation the broken line 11206 shows the now shortened hypotenuse,
relative the hypotenuse in the first predetermined state. In
addition to being shorter than broken line 11204, the hypotenuse
shown by broken line 11206 can be equal to or shorter than the
first leg 11209 of the right triangle 11208 of the second elongate
section 1177 when the jointed member is in the first predetermined
state. In this way, the jointed member 1174 having the now
shortened hypotenuse can pass through, for example, the defined
maximum length 11144, as discussed herein.
[0137] As illustrated in FIGS. 11D and 11E, the first predetermined
state the hypotenuse has a length that is greater than a length of
the first leg 11209. However, as the first abutment member 1102 and
the second abutment member 1104 rotate about the first point of
rotation the length of the first leg 11209 of the right triangle
11208 changes by a length 11230, which is the length the geometric
center of the fastener 11100 travels between the first
predetermined state and the second predetermined state. The change
in the first leg 11209 also changes the length of the hypotenuse so
that it is no longer greater than the length of the first leg 11209
as measured in the first predetermined position. This change in the
effective length of the hypotenuse allows the jointed member 1174
to fold towards the second predetermined state without extending
beyond the defined maximum length 11144 defined in the first
predetermined state. For un-folding of the jointed member 1174 a
force opposite the force 11202 may be applied to the folded jointed
member to cause the jointed member 1174 to return to its first
predetermined state as seen in FIG. 11A. In returning to its first
predetermined state the defined maximum length 11144 is not
exceeded.
[0138] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown an embodiment of
the jointed member 1274 in the second predetermined state in which
the first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114
can have a maximum overlap relative the minimum overlap (e.g., the
first predetermined state), as discussed herein. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 12 the fastener 12100 is free to move along the
longitudinal axes 12120 of the first oblong opening and the second
oblong when the first oblong opening and the second oblong opening
are in the second predetermined state.
[0139] In the second predetermined state, FIG. 12 shows the first
oblong opening 12110 completely overlapping the second oblong
opening 12114. While FIG. 12 illustrates a complete overlap of the
first oblong opening 12110 and the second oblong opening 12114 it
is intended that the overlap may be substantially complete, e.g.
due to machine tolerances and so forth. This relationship between
the first oblong opening 12110 and second oblong opening 12114 may
be considered the maximum overlap of the first oblong opening and
the second oblong opening relative the minimum overlap, as
discussed herein. In other words a value of an area of the maximum
overlap cannot be further increased by repositioning either the
first elongate section or the second elongate section.
[0140] The abutment joint of the present disclosure can be used in
freight containers. Freight containers (also known as containers,
ship containers, intermodal containers and/or ISO containers, among
other names) can be transported by rail, air, road and/or water.
Freight containers are often times transported empty. Because the
freight container occupies the same volume whether it contains
goods or not, the cost (both financial and environmental) to
transport an empty freight container can be equivalent to the cost
of transporting a full freight container. For example, the same
number of trucks (e.g., five) would be needed to transport the same
number of empty freight containers (e.g., five). In addition,
freight containers often times sit empty at storage facilities
and/or transportation hubs. Regardless of where the freight
container is located (in transit or in storage) the volume an empty
freight container occupies is not being used to its full
potential.
[0141] One solution to these issues would be a reversibly foldable
freight container. Having a reversibly foldable freight container
would allow for an "empty" freight container to be folded to
achieve a volume that is smaller than its fully expanded state. The
extra volume acquired by at least partially folding the reversibly
foldable freight container could then be used to accommodate other
at least partially folded reversibly foldable freight containers,
provide additional volume for unfolded (e.g., regular) freight
containers and/or reversibly foldable freight containers in their
fully expanded state. So, for example, a number of reversibly
foldable freight containers that are empty (e.g., five) could be
folded and nested in such a way that one truck could transport the
number of empty reversibly foldable freight containers. As a result
the environmental and cost savings are expected to be
significant.
[0142] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a
reversibly foldable freight container that includes a plurality of
the joined members discussed herein. For one or more embodiments,
the reversibly foldable freight container conforms to the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard. For
example, the reversibly foldable freight container, as disclosed
herein, conforms to ISO standard 688 and ISO standard 1496 (and the
amendments to ISO standard 1496), each incorporated herein by
reference. As discussed herein, the commercial standards for
freight containers are set by the ISO. The ISO sets the commercial
standards for almost every aspect of the freight container. Such
commercial standards include, but are not limited to, the design,
dimensions, dimensional tolerances, freight transport, ratings,
weight (mass), center of gravity, load capacity, hoisting tests,
symbols, marking, position, stacking tests, weather resistance, and
mechanical testing of the freight container, among others.
[0143] The reversibly foldable freight container, as discussed
herein, includes a plurality of the jointed member, as disclosed
herein. The reversibly foldable freight container of the present
disclosure can transition from an unfolded state to a folded state
without expanding the reversibly foldable freight container beyond
a predefined maximum width of the unfolded state. The reversibly
foldable freight container may transition from the folded state
back to the unfolded state, and is thus reversibly foldable. As
used herein a "folded state" of the reversibly foldable freight
container is a state that does not include the unfolded state, as
discussed herein. The folded state can include, but is not limited
to, the second predetermined state of the reversibly foldable
freight container.
[0144] As discussed the jointed member may employed for a
reversibly foldable freight container, as is discussed herein. The
jointed member, as disclosed herein, may however be employed for
various applications that include a transition from an unfolded
state to a folded state without expanding beyond the defined
maximum length of the jointed member in the unfolded state, while
neither bowing or damaging the jointed member, a pivotal connection
(e.g., a hinge) or a structure, (as discussed herein), of the
container.
[0145] FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a reversibly
foldable freight container 13500 according to one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure. The reversibly foldable
freight container 13500 includes a floor structure 13502, a roof
structure 13504 opposite the floor structure 13502, a first
sidewall structure 13506-1 and a second sidewall structure 13506-2,
where both the first sidewall structure 13506-1 and the second
sidewall structure 13506-2 join the floor structure 13502 and the
roof structure 13504. Each of the sidewall structures 13506-1 and
13506-2 has an exterior surface 13508 and an interior surface
13511, where the interior surface 13511 of the sidewall structures
13506-1 and 13506-2, the floor structure 13502 and the roof
structure 13504 at least partially defines a volume 13512 of the
reversibly foldable freight container 13500.
[0146] The first sidewall structure 13506-1 includes a first
sidewall panel 13514-1 that is joined to a first upper side rail
13516-1 and a first bottom side rail 13518-1. The second sidewall
structure 13506-2 includes a second sidewall panel 13514-2 that is
joined to a second upper side rail 13516-2 and a second bottom side
rail 13518-2. The floor structure 13502 includes flooring 13520
that is attached to jointed members 13510 according to the present
disclosure, where a portion of the flooring 13520 has been removed
to show the jointed members 1374. One or more of a hinge 13513
joins the first member end of each of the plurality of jointed
members 1374 to the first bottom side rail 13518-1 and the second
member end of each of the plurality of jointed members 1374 to the
second bottom side rail 13518-2. The bottom side rail 13518 can
further include forklift pockets 13524.
[0147] The reversibly foldable freight container 13500 further
includes a rear wall 13526 and a front wall 13528. Each of the rear
wall 13526 and the front wall 13528 include an end frame 13530
joined with the roof structure 13504, the floor structure 13502 and
the sidewall structures 13506-1 and 13506-2. The end frame 13530
includes corner posts 13532, corner fittings 13534, a header 13536
and a sill 13538. The end frame 13530 for the rear wall 13526 is
referred to herein as the rear wall end frame 13531 and the end
frame 13530 for the front wall 13528 is referred to herein as the
front wall end frame 13533. The corner posts 13532 for the rear
wall 13526 are referred to herein as the rear wall corner posts
13532-1 and 13532-2 and for the front wall 13528 are referred to
herein as the front wall corner posts 13532-3 and 13532-4.
[0148] The rear wall 13526 includes a door assembly 13540. The door
assembly 13540 can include a door 13542 attached to the rear wall
end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526 with hinges 13544, as will
be discussed more fully herein. The door assembly 13540 and the
hinge 13544 provided herein are also discussed in a co-pending
application entitled "Door Assembly for Freight Container" (docket
#128.0030001), which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0149] The rear wall end frame 13531 includes the header 13536,
which is also referred to as a rear wall header member 13546 for
the door assembly 13540, and the sill 13538, which is also referred
to as a rear wall sill member 13548 for the door assembly 13540.
The rear wall corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2 extend between and
couple the rear wall sill member 13548 and the rear wall header
member 13546.
[0150] FIG. 13 provides an embodiment of the door assembly 13540
that includes two of the doors 13542, where one of each door 13542
is attached by the hinges 13544 to one of each of the rear wall
corner posts 13532-1 and 13532-2. Each door 13542 has a height
13550 and a width 13552 that allows the door 13542 to fit within an
area 13554 defined by the rear wall end frame 13531. The door 13542
can further include a gasket 13556 around a perimeter of the door
13542 to help provide weatherproofing on the exterior portion of
the rear wall 13526.
[0151] The door 13542 further includes a locking rod 13558 having a
cam 13560 and a handle 13562. The locking rod 13558 can be mounted
to the door 13542 with a bearing bracket assembly 13564, where the
locking rod 13558 turns within and is guided by the bearing bracket
assembly 13564 to engage and disengage the cam 13560 and a cam
keeper 13566. The cam keeper 13566 is mounted on the rear wall end
frame 13531. In one embodiment, the cam keeper 13566 is mounted on
the rear wall header member 13546 and the rear wall sill member
13548 of the rear wall end frame 13531 of the rear wall 13526.
[0152] The locking rod 13558 mounted to the door 13542 can move
between a first predetermined position where the cam 13560 is
aligned with and can engage the cam keeper 13566, as discussed
above, and a second predetermined position. In the second
predetermined position the cam 13560 is disengaged from the cam
keeper 13566 and has a position relative the rear wall end frame
13531 that allows the cam 13560 and the door 13542 to travel
through the area 13554, past the rear wall end frame 13531 and the
cam keeper 13566 of the rear wall 13526, and into the volume 13512
of the reversibly foldable freight container 13500. In other words,
in the second predetermined position portions of the locking rod
13558 have been moved, as described herein, so as to position the
cam 13560 directly adjacent the surface of the door 13542 so that
the door 13542 can be opened into the volume 13512 of the
reversibly foldable freight container 13500. As discussed herein,
opening the door 13542 into the volume 13512 of the reversibly
foldable freight container 13500 is accomplished, in addition to
having the locking rod 13558 in the second predetermined position,
with the use of the hinge 13544 of the present disclosure, as will
be more fully discussed herein.
[0153] The first predetermined position is shown in FIG. 13, where
the cam 13560 and the cam keeper 13566 are positioned relative each
other so the cam 13560 can engage and disengage the cam keeper
13566 positioned on the rear wall end frame 13531.
[0154] FIG. 14 provides an illustration of the cam 14560 in at
least one embodiment of the second predetermined position relative
the cam keeper 14566. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the cam 14560 has
been positioned, relative the first predetermined position, so that
the cam 14560 is no longer aligned so as to engage and/or disengage
the cam keeper 14566. The cam 14560 is also positioned relative the
rear wall end frame 14530 such that the cam 14560 can pass through
the area 14554 defined by the rear wall end frame 14530 as the door
14542 travels into the volume 14512 of the reversibly foldable
freight container 14500, where the volume 14512 can be defined, at
least in part, by the floor structure 14502, the roof structure
14504, the sidewall structures 14506-1 and 14506-2 and the rear
wall 14528 (shown with cutaways to help better illustrate the
position of the doors 14542 in the volume 14512 defined by the
reversibly foldable freight container 14500.
[0155] Moving the cam 14560 between the first predetermined
position and the second predetermined position can be accomplished
in a number of different ways. For example, the locking rod 14558
can have two or more portions that can telescope along a
longitudinal axis 14568 of the locking rod 14558. The locking rod
14558 can include a first portion 14570 and a second portion 14572
joined to the first portion 14570 with a connection shaft 14574.
The first portion 14570 and the second portion 14572 can telescope
relative the connection shaft 14574 to change a length 14576 of the
locking rod 14558. For example, the first portion 14570 and the
second portion 14572 can travel along the connection shaft 14574
between the first predetermined position and the second
predetermined position.
[0156] As illustrated, the connection shaft 14574 can be held in
place on the door 14542 with a combination of the bearing bracket
assembly 14564 and an anti-rack ring 14578. The anti-rack ring
14578 can be joined to the connection shaft 14574 on either end of
the bearing bracket assembly 14564 such that the shaft 14574 can
rotate in the bearing bracket assembly 14564 by turning handle
14584, but will not pass vertically, relative the floor structure
14502 and/or the roof structure 14504, through the bearing bracket
assembly 14564 (e.g., the connection shaft 14574 will not move up
and/or down relative the bearing bracket assembly 14564) due to the
presences of the anti-rack ring 14578.
[0157] Referring now to FIGS. 15A and 15B there is shown the door
assembly 15540 with the locking rods 15558 in the first
predetermined position (e.g., the cam 15560 aligned with and can
engage the cam keeper 15566 as illustrated in FIG. 15A) and the
second predetermined position (e.g., the cam 15560 disengaged from
the cam keeper 15566 and has a position relative the rear wall end
frame 15530 that allows the cam 15560 and the door 15542 to travel
into the volume of the reversibly foldable freight container 155
(as illustrated in FIG. 16). As illustrated, the door assembly
15540 includes doors 15542, hinges 15544, rear wall header member
15546, rear wall sill member 15548, locking rod 15558, cam 15560,
handle 15562, bearing bracket assembly 15564 and cam keeper 15566,
as discussed herein. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15A and
15B also include each of the first portion 15570 and the second
portion 15572, where each of the portions 15570 and 15572 include a
socket 15586 for receiving at least a portion of the connection
shaft 15574. It is along and through the socket 15586 that each of
the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can travel
relative the connection shaft 15574 as the locking rod 15558
telescopes to change the length of the locking rod 15558 between
the first predetermined position as illustrated in FIG. 15A and the
second predetermined position as illustrated in FIG. 15B.
[0158] The socket 15586 and the connection shaft 15574 can have a
cross-sectional shape that does not allow the connection shaft
15574, the first portion 15570 and/or the second portion 15572 to
rotate relative to each other to any significant degree. Such
cross-sectional shapes can include, but are not limited to,
non-circular cross sectional shapes such as oval, elliptical, or
polygonal, such as triangular, square, rectangular, or higher
polynomial such as pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. The connection shaft
15574 can further include a bearing bracket assembly, as discussed
herein, in which to rotate and to provide support for the
connection shaft 15574 in its position relative the first and
second portions 15570 and 15572. It is possible that the socket
15586 may also include a bushing positioned between the connection
shaft 15574 and each of the first and second portions 15570 and
15572. The bushing can be made of a polymer, such as
polytetrafluoroethylene.
[0159] The first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can be
mounted to the door 15542 with a combination of the bearing bracket
assembly 15564 and the anti-rack ring 15578. For example, each of
the first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 can have
bearing bracket assembly 15564 and anti-racking ring 15578 joined
to each portion 15570 and 15572 that allows the portions 15570 and
15572 to rotate in the bearing bracket assembly 15564 by turning
the handle 15562. The second portion 15572 can include the handle
15562. The door 15542 further includes a retainer plate 15588 and a
retainer catch 15590 to receive and releasably hold the handle
15562 against the door 15542.
[0160] As illustrated, the anti-racking ring 15578 on each of the
first portion 15570 and the second portion 15572 of the locking rod
15558 is positioned between the bearing bracket assembly 15564 for
the connection shaft 15574 and the bearing bracket assembly 15564
for the respective portion 15570 and 15572. This configuration
allows each of the first portion 15570 and/or the second portion
15572 to telescope, relative the floor structure and roof
structure, between the first predetermined position (FIG. 15A) and
the second predetermined position (FIG. 15B), discussed herein. The
anti-racking rings 15578 can also act as stops that limit the
degree of travel of the first and second portions 15570 and 15572
of the locking rod 15558.
[0161] The locking rod 15558 also includes an adjustment member
15580 that can releasably join the first portion 15570 and the
second portion 15572 of the locking rod 15558. The adjustment
member 15580 includes a first end 15582 and a second end 15583,
with surfaces defining a first opening 15587 adjacent the first end
15582 and a second opening 15589 between the first opening 15587
and the second end 15583 of the adjustment member 15580. The
adjustment member 15580 can be non-releasably, but pivotally,
attached to the first portion 15570 at or adjacent the first end
15582. The first and second openings 15587 and 15589 can then be
used to releasably couple the first and second portions 15570 and
15572 of the locking rod 15558 in either one of the first
predetermined position (seen in FIG. 15A) and/or the second
predetermined position (seen in FIG. 15B).
[0162] The adjustment member 15580 can be a forged metal bar that
is non-releasably, but pivotally, attached by a hub mount bracket
15592 to the first portion 15570. A rivet can be used to couple the
adjustment member 15580 to the hub mount bracket 15592. The second
portion 15572 can also include a mounting bracket 15594 that can
receive and releasably couple the adjustment member 15580. In one
embodiment, the mounting bracket 15594 can include a pin or a shaft
over which either one of the first opening 15587 or the second
opening 15589 on the adjustment member 15580 can be positioned. The
pin or shaft on the mounting bracket 15594 can have a surface that
defines an opening through the pin or shaft. The opening through
the pin or shaft can be located such that when either one of the
first opening 15587 or the second opening 15589 is positioned over
the pin or shaft the opening can releasably receive an R-pin or
R-clip. Once in position, the R-pin or R-clip can hold the
adjustment member 15580 so as to keep the locking rod 15558 rigid
(e.g., rigid along the longitudinal axis of the locking rod 358).
The locking rod 15558 in its first predetermined position can
perform an anti-racking function, as is known in the art. As
appreciated, other structures besides R-pins or R-clips can be used
to releasably secure the adjustment member 15580 between the first
portion 15570 and the second portion 15572.
[0163] The adjustment member 15580 can also be used to telescope
(e.g., move) the first portion 15570 of the locking rod 15558
between the first predetermined position and the second
predetermined position. Similarly, the handle 15562 can be used to
telescope (e.g., move) the second portion 15572 of the locking rod
15558 between the first predetermined position and the second
predetermined position.
[0164] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown an embodiment of
the door assembly 16540 of the present disclosure. As illustrated,
only one door 16542 is shown so as to better illustrate the
following embodiment. The door assembly 16540 includes the
components as discussed herein for FIGS. 13 through 15B. For the
various embodiments, the door 16542 illustrated in FIG. 16 further
includes a wheel 16596 positioned between the door 16542 and the
floor structure 16502. For the various embodiments, more than one
wheel 16596 can be used with the door 16542 (e.g., two of wheel
16596, three of wheel 16596, etc. could be used with the door
16542).
[0165] The wheel 16596 can help to support the weight of and guide
the door 16542 as it travels into the volume 16512 of the
reversibly foldable freight container 16500. The wheel 16596
includes an axle 16598 on which the wheel 16596 rotates. For the
various embodiments, the axle 16598 can be fixed to the wheel 16596
where the axle 16598 is supported by and rotates on a bracket
housed within the door 16542 structure. Alternatively, the axle
16598 can be fixed to the door 16542, where the wheel 16596
includes a bearing or bushing that allows the wheel 16596 to rotate
around the axle 16598.
[0166] Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown an embodiment of
the hinge 17544 according to the various embodiments of the present
disclosure. As illustrated, the hinge 17544 includes a first wing
17601 and a second wing 17603, where the first wing 17601 and the
second wing 17603 are pivotally connected by a first hinge pin
17605. The second wing 17603 includes a first planar portion 17607
with a first end 17609 and a second end 17611 and a second planar
portion 17613 that extends perpendicular from the first end 17609
of the first planar portion 17607. The first hinge pin 17605
pivotally connects the first wing 17601 to the second end 17611 of
the first planar portion 17607. As illustrated, a portion of the
first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603 passes through
an opening defined in the first wing 17601 so as to allow the
second end 17611 of the first planar portion 17607 of the second
wing 17603 to pivotally connect to the first hinge pin 17605 and
the first wing 17601.
[0167] The hinge 17544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 17615
that extend from the second planar portion 17613 of the second wing
17603. Each of the hinge lugs 17615 has a first set of surfaces
17617 defining openings 17619 through which a second hinge pin
17621 passes. For the various embodiments, at least one of the pair
of hinge lugs 17615 has a surface 17623 defining an opening 17625
through which a locking pin 17627 travels. The locking pin 17627
can reversibly travel through the opening 17625, where in a first
position with the locking pin 17627 positioned completely outside
the opening 17625 the second wing 17603 is unlocked relative the
first wing 17601, and when the locking pin 17627 is at least
partially, or completely, positioned through the opening 17625 the
second wing 17603 is locked relative the first wing 17601.
[0168] The second planar portion 17613 of the second wing 17603
includes a first major surface 17629 and a second major surface
17631 opposite the first major surface 17629. The pair of hinge
lugs 17615 extends from the first major surface 17629 of the second
planar portion 17613. The first wing 17601 has a first major
surface 17633 and a second major surface 17635 opposite the first
major surface 17633. In a first predetermined position the first
wing 17601 is perpendicular to the first planar portion 17607 of
the second wing 17603 and the first major surface 17633 of the
first wing 17601 is directly opposite and parallel with the second
major surface 17631 of the second planar portion 17613. As will be
discussed more fully herein, the first predetermined position can
occur with the first wing 17601 attached to a corner post of the
reversibly foldable freight container and the second wing 17603 of
the hinge 17544 is positioned against (e.g., adjacent to and in at
least partial contact with) the corner post.
[0169] The first wing 17601 has a first end 17637 and a second end
17639, and where the first hinge pin 17605 pivotally connects the
first end 17637 of the first wing 17601 to the second end 17611 of
the first planar portion 17607 of the second wing 17603. The second
planar portion 17613 has an end 17643 that is distal to the first
end 17609 of the first planar portion 17607 and the pair of hinge
lugs 17615 extending from the second planar portion 17613 have a
first peripheral edge 17645, where the end 17643 of the second
planar portion 17613 and the first peripheral edge 17645 of the
hinge lugs 17615 lay in a common plane.
[0170] Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown a top down view of
the hinge 18544 according to the present disclosure that has been
mounted on a rear wall corner post 18532 of a reversibly foldable
freight container 18500. Only a portion of the reversibly foldable
freight container 18500 is illustrated in FIG. 18 to allow for a
better view and understanding of the operation of the hinge 18544.
The corner posts of the reversibly foldable freight container are
formed from a "J" bar 18547 and a "U"-channel 18549, where the
J-bar 18547 and the U-channel 18549 are welded together to form the
corner post of the reversibly foldable freight container 18500. A
"U"-channel 18549 is also known as an "inner post." This
construction of the corner post is applicable to the both the front
wall corner posts and the rear wall corner posts discussed
herein.
[0171] As illustrated, the first wing 18601 is fastened to a
portion of the U channel 18549. The first wing 18601 can be
fastened to the portion of the U channel by a welding (e.g.,
arc-welding) process. The second wing 18603 (illustrated in
multiple positions in FIG. 18 as the second wing 18603 pivots about
the first hinge pin 18605) is free to pivot around the first hinge
pin 18605. The travel path 18651 of the second wing 18603 shown in
FIG. 18 is into the volume 18512 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 18500 (as partially defined by the interior surface 18510
of the side wall structure 18506 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 18500).
[0172] Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown the hinge 19544 in
the first predetermined position (as illustrated in FIG. 17) on the
reversibly foldable freight container 19500 as viewed along lines
7-7 in FIG. 18. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 also includes
the locking pin 19627 and the second hinge pin 19621 as illustrated
in FIG. 17. As illustrated, the second wing 19603 includes hinge
lugs 19615 that extend from the second planar portion 19613, and
which hinge lugs 19615 include the first set of surfaces 19617
defining openings 19619 through which the second hinge pin 19621
passes and is seated. As will be discussed more fully herein, the
door of the fright container pivots (e.g., swings) about second
hinge pin 19621. The hinge lugs 19615 also include the surface
19623 defining the opening 19625 through which the locking pin
19627 travels. FIG. 19 also shows the hinge 19544 having a pair of
seating blocks 19655 fastened to the rear wall end frame 19530
(only a portion of which is shown) of the reversibly foldable
freight container to form a socket 19657 that receives and seats
the second planar portion 19613 and at least a portion of the pair
of hinge lugs 19615. As illustrated, the U-channel 19549 of rear
wall end frame 19530 helps to form a portion of the socket 19657. A
portion of the J-bar 19547 is removed so as to create a volume into
which the second wing 19603 can reside and so as to allow the hinge
19653 to pivot such that door can swing towards the exterior
surface of the sidewall structure (a feature that is more fully
illustrated and discussed herein). At least one of the pair of
seating blocks 19655 has a surface 19659 defining an opening 19661
through which the locking pin 19627 travels to lock and un-lock the
second wing 19603 from the corner post of the reversibly foldable
freight container. As discussed herein, the locking pin 19627
reversibly travels to lock and un-lock the second wing 19603 from
the corner post of the freight container. The door is joined to the
pair of hinge lugs 19615, as illustrated herein, with the second
hinge pin 19621 where the door pivots on the second hinge pin 19621
relative the pair of hinge lugs 19615 when the hinge lugs 19615 are
locked to the corner post of the reversibly foldable freight
container. This allows the door to extend adjacent the exterior
surface of the sidewall structure. In addition, the door and the
second wing 19603 can pivot on the first hinge pin when the hinge
lugs 19615 are un-locked to the corner post of the reversibly
foldable freight container to allow the door to travel into the
volume of the reversibly foldable freight container and extend
adjacent the interior surface of the sidewall structure. These
embodiments will be illustrated and further discussed herein.
[0173] The pair of seating blocks 19655 can include a lower seating
block 19663 and an upper seating block 19665. The pair of hinge
lugs 19615 includes a lower hinge lug 19667 and an upper hinge lug
19665. The lower hinge lug 19667 can releasably seat, or rest, on
the lower seating block 19663. The upper seating block 19669 can
have the surface 19659 defining the opening 19661 through which the
locking pin 19627 travels through the opening 19623 of the hinge
lug 19669 to lock and un-lock the second wing 19603 from the corner
post of the reversibly foldable freight container. The lower hinge
lug 19667 can also include a surface 196 surface 19695 defining an
opening 19697 through which the locking pin 19627 travels. Each of
the lower seating block 19663 and the upper seating block 19665
also include a surface defining an opening through which the
locking pin 19627 travels to lock and un-lock the second wing 19603
from the corner post of the reversibly foldable freight container
(for this embodiment, the locking pin 19627 would be of sufficient
length to travel through the opening 19623 of the hinge lug 19669
and the opening 19697 in the lower hinge lug 19667 and the lower
seating block 19663 to lock and un-lock the second wing 19603 from
the corner post of the reversibly foldable freight container).
[0174] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the lower seating block 19663 can
include a first surface 19671, on which the lower hinge lug 19667
seats or rests, a second surface 19673 substantially perpendicular
to the first surface 19671, and a third surface 19675 that slopes
between the first surface 19671 and the second surface 19673 of the
lower seating block 19663. The lower hinge lug 19667 travels along
the third surface 19675 as the second wing 19603 pivots around the
first hinge pin relative the first wing. The upper seating block
19665 includes a first surface 19677, a second surface 19679
substantially perpendicular to the first surface 19677, and a third
surface 19681 that slopes between the first surface 19677 and the
second surface 19679, where the upper hinge lug 19669 can travels
along the third surface 19681 as the second wing 19603 pivots
around the first hinge pin relative the first wing.
[0175] The end frame can also include a locking pin travel stop
19685 to limit a travel distance of the locking pin 19627. The
locking pin 19627 can also include a surface 19693 defining a
structure on which, or into which, a tool can be used to cause the
locking pin to travel. For example, the structure can be a notch or
a recess formed in the locking pin 19627 that can accommodate a pry
bar or other prying tool that would help in moving the locking pin
19627. The locking pin 19627 can secure the hinge 19544
perpendicular to an axis 19691 of rotation of the second hinge pin
19621.
[0176] Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown an embodiment of
the reversibly foldable freight container 20500 of the present
disclosure where one of the door 20524 is positioned within the
volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable freight container 20500,
and the other of the door 20524 is positioned along the exterior
surface 20508 of the sidewall structure 20506-1. As illustrated,
the reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes the roof
structure 20504, the floor structure 20502 opposite the roof
structure 20504, and the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2
between the floor structure 20502 and the roof structure 20504, as
discussed herein. Each of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and
20506-2 have the exterior surface 20508 and the interior surface
20510, where the interior surface 20510 at least partially defines
the volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable freight container
20500.
[0177] The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 includes the
rear wall end frame 20530 joined with the roof structure 20504, the
floor structure 20502 and the sidewall structures 20506-1 and
20506-2, where the rear wall end frame 20530 has the rear wall sill
member 20548, the rear door header member 20546 and the rear wall
corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 between the rear wall sill member
20548 and the rear door header member 20546. The door assembly
20540 also includes the hinge 20544 on each of the corner posts
20532-1 and 20532-2, where the hinge is as discussed herein. The
first wing of the hinge 20544 is fastened to the corner posts
20532-1 and 20532-2. The first hinge pin pivotally connects the
first wing fastened to the corner posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 to the
second end of the first planar portion of the second wing 20603, as
discussed herein.
[0178] The locking pin 20627 can travel through the at least one of
the pair of hinge lugs having the surface defining the opening(s)
through which the locking pin travels. The reversibly foldable
freight container 20500 further includes the pair of seating blocks
20655, as discussed herein, fastened to the rear wall end frame
20530 to form the socket 20557 that receives and seats the hinge
lugs of the hinge 20544. As discussed herein, once the hinge 20544
is seated on the seating blocks 20655 in the socket 20557 the
locking pin 20627 can travel (e.g., be moved up and/or down) to
lock and un-lock the second wing of the hinge 20544 from the corner
posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 20500.
[0179] The reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further
includes two of the door 20524 that are joined to the pair of hinge
lugs of the hinge 20544 with the second hinge pin. Each of the
doors 20524 pivots on the second hinge pin relative the pair of
hinge lugs when the hinge lugs are locked to the corner posts
20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable freight container
20500 to allow the doors 20524 to extend adjacent the exterior
surface 20508 of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2. The
door 20524 and the second wing of the hinge 20544 can also pivot on
the first hinge pin when the hinge lugs are un-locked to the corner
posts 20532-1 and 20532-2 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 20500 to allow the door 20524 to travel into the volume
20512 of the reversibly foldable freight container 20500 and extend
adjacent the interior surface 20510 of the sidewall structure
20506. Both of these embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0180] The sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2 of the
reversibly foldable freight container 20500 further includes a
latch 205100, where the latch 205100 can be used to engage and
releasable hold the door 20524 adjacent the interior surface 20510
of the sidewall structures 20506-1 and 20506-2. The door 20524 is
also shown with the locking rod 20558, as discussed herein, mounted
to the door 20524. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the locking rod 20558
is shown in the first predetermined position on the door 20524
positioned along the exterior surface 20508 of the sidewall
structures 20506 and the second predetermined position on the door
20524 positioned within the volume 20512 of the reversibly foldable
freight container 20500.
[0181] Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21C there is shown the front wall
21528 of the reversibly foldable freight container of the present
disclosure. The view of the front wall 21528 illustrated in FIGS.
21A-21C is taken along the view lines 18-18 shown in FIG. 13. As
illustrated, the front wall 21528 is joined with the roof
structure, the floor structure and the sidewall structures, as
illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 17.
[0182] As illustrated, the front wall 21528 includes the front wall
end frame 21533 having the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and
21532-4, a front door hinge 21400 on the front wall corner post
21532-3 and a front door 21402 joined to the front door hinge
21400. The front door 21402 can pivot on the front door hinge 21400
into the volume of the reversibly foldable freight container and
extend adjacent the interior surface of the sidewall structure (as
seen in FIG. 13).
[0183] The front wall end frame 21533 also includes the front wall
sill member 21538 and a front wall header member 21536, where the
front wall sill member 21538 and the front wall header member 21536
extend between the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. The
front wall sill member 21538 is connected to a first of the front
wall corner post 21532 with a sill hinge 21710 that allows at least
a portion of the front wall sill member 21538 to fold towards a
second of the front wall corner post 21532. Similarly, the front
wall header member 21536 is connected to the second of the front
wall corner post 21532 with a header hinge 21712 that allows at
least a portion of the front wall header member 1836 to fold
towards the first of the front wall corner post 21532.
[0184] This ability of both the front wall header member 18236 and
the front wall sill member 21538 to fold is illustrated in FIGS.
21B and 21C. A pivot pin 21714 is used in the header hinge 21712
and the sill hinge 21710 to connect and allow for the rotation of
the front wall sill member 21538 relative the first of the front
wall corner post 21532, and the front wall header member 21536
relative the second of the front wall corner post 21532.
[0185] A first of a latch 21760-1 is used to releasably connect the
front wall sill member 21538 to the first of the front wall corner
post 21532-3. Similarly, a second of the latch 21760-2 is used to
releasably connect the front wall header member 21536 to the second
of the front wall corner post 21532. When in a locked position, the
latch 21760 helps to prevent the front wall sill member 18236 and
the front wall header member 21536 from moving relative their
respective front wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4. When in an
unlocked position, the front wall header member 21536 and the front
wall sill member 21538 can be folded towards their respective front
wall corner posts 21532-3 and 21532-4 (illustrated in FIGS. 21B and
21C).
[0186] For example, the latch 21760-1 and 21760-2 can releasably
connect these structures via a bolt or a fastener, where the bolt
or fastener may be removed to allow the front wall header member
21536 to pivot substantially ninety degrees so that the front wall
header member 21536 is adjacent (e.g. is substantially parallel to,
the front wall corner post 21532-3). Likewise, the bolt or fastener
that releasably connects the front wall sill member 21538 and the
front wall corner post 21532-3 may be removed to allow the front
wall sill member 21538 to pivot substantially ninety degrees so
that the front wall sill member 21538 is adjacent (e.g. is
substantially parallel to, the front wall corner post 21532-4).
[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 21A, the front door 21402 further
includes a planar truss 21406. The planar truss 21406 in its seated
and locked position helps to provide an anti-racking function for
the reversibly foldable freight container 1800.
[0188] As illustrated, the planar truss 21406 releasably seats
against and extends from the front wall corner posts 21532-3 and
21532-4 across the front door 21402. The planar truss 21406
includes straight members 21410. As illustrated, the planar truss
21406 forms a triangle, as this shape will not change shape when
the lengths of the sides of the front door 21402 are fixed. As
illustrated, the straight members 21410 and the corner post 21532
form nodes 18414 of the planar truss 21406 is all lie within a two
dimensional plane of the front door 21402. The planar truss 21406
can be in the form of beam having a number of different
cross-sectional profiles. Such cross-sectional profiles include,
but are not limited to, I-beam, tubular, rectangular, triangular,
and square, among others.
[0189] The front wall corner post 21532-4 also includes a socket
21420 in which an end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406
releasably seats when the front door 21402 is in a first
predetermined position. In the present embodiment, the first
predetermined position is when the front door 21402 is seated
within the front wall end frame 21533, where the front wall end
frame 21533 includes the corner posts 21532, corner fittings 21534,
the front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member
21538.
[0190] The socket 21420 can be formed from an extension 18450, such
as a plate, that is applied to the surface of the front wall corner
post 21532, a locking plate 21456, and a portion of the corner
fitting 21534. When the end portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406
is seated in the socket 21420 the locking plate 21456 can be
reversibly slid over the end portion 21422 to lock the planar truss
21406. From the locked position, the locking plate 21456 can be
slid in an opposite direction of travel 21460 to unlock the end
portion 21422 of the planar truss 21406.
[0191] When in the first predetermined position, a portion of the
planar truss 21406 abuts a portion of the front door corner post
21532. As illustrated, this portion of the planar truss 21406 that
abuts a portion of the front door corner post 21532 can be the end
portion 21422. When abutted in the first predetermined position the
planar truss 21406 can act in conjunction with the front wall end
frame 21533 to minimize transverse racking of the reversibly
foldable freight container.
[0192] FIG. 21A illustrates the front wall corner post 21532-3 on
which the front door hinge 21400 is mounted also includes a seating
block 21700 on which at least a portion of the front door hinge
21400 can seat when the door 21402 is in the first predetermined
position. The seating block 21700 can help to support the weight of
the front door 21402 when in the first predetermined position. The
front wall 21528 further includes door locks 21716. The door locks
21716 include a bracket 21718 mounted to the front wall corner post
21532-4 and a slide member 21720. The bracket 21718 can be in the
shape of a "C" that helps define a socket into which an extension
member 21722 mounted to the front door 21402 can releasably
seat.
[0193] When the slide member 21720 is in an open position the
socket defined by the bracket 21718 can receive the extension
member 21722. Once the extension member has been received in the
socket, the slide member 21720 can be slid over at least a portion
of the extension member 21722 so as to help "lock" the front door
21402 in its first predetermined position. When the front door
21402 is to be moved from its first predetermined position, the
slide member 21720 and the locking plate 21456 the can be slid so
as to open their respective sockets thereby allowing the front door
21402 to rotate on the door hinge 21400.
[0194] FIGS. 21A-21C show positioning the door 21402 of the front
wall 21528 of a reversibly foldable freight container so that it
can be inside a volume defined by the reversibly foldable freight
container. As discussed herein, positioning the door 21402 of the
front wall 21528 of the reversibly foldable freight container
inside the volume defined by the reversibly foldable freight
container includes unlocking the door 21402, and a portion of the
door truss 21406, from the front wall end frame 21533. Once
unlocked the door 21402 can pivot on the door hinge 21400 so as to
position the door 21402 inside the volume defined by the reversibly
foldable freight container. FIG. 21B illustrates this state. FIG.
21B also shows that once the door 21402 has swung clear of the
front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member
21538, these members 21536 and 21538 can be folded towards their
respective front wall corner post 21532. FIG. 21C illustrates the
front wall header member 21536 and the front wall sill member 21538
folded relative their respective front wall corner post 21532.
[0195] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-22D there is shown the rear wall
22526 of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 of the
present disclosure. As illustrated, the rear wall 22526 is joined
with the roof structure 22504, the floor structure 22502 and the
sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2, where the roof structure
22504, the floor structure 22502, the interior surface 22511 of the
sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2 and the rear wall 22526
define a volume 22512 of the reversibly foldable freight container
22500.
[0196] As illustrated, the rear wall 22526 includes rear wall
corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2, a hinge 22344, as discussed
herein, on the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2 and a
rear wall door 22542 joined to the hinge 22344. FIGS. 22A-22D show
the hinge 22344 un-locked to the rear wall corner post in the
second predetermined position so that the rear wall door 22542 can
pivot into the volume 22112 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 22500 and extend adjacent the interior surface 22511 of
the sidewall structures 22506-1 and 22506-2.
[0197] FIG. 22A shows the reversibly foldable freight container
22500 in an unfolded state having a defined maximum width 22501
measured at a predetermined point on each of two of the rear wall
corner posts 22506-1 and 22506-2. Specifically, the predetermined
points on each of two of the rear wall corner posts 22506-1 and
22506-2 are defined by an external surface 22499 of the corner
fittings 22534 and 22534 as provided in ISO 668 Fifth Edition 1995
Dec. 15. For the various embodiments, in the unfolded state the
defined maximum width 22501 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 22500 is eight (8) feet as provided in ISO 668 Fifth
Edition 1995 Dec. 15.
[0198] The rear wall 22526 includes a rear wall end frame 22531
having two of the rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-1, a
rear wall sill member 22548 and a rear wall header member 22546.
The rear wall sill member 22548 and the rear wall header member
22546 extend between the two of the rear wall corner posts 22532-1
and 22532-1. The rear wall sill member 22548 is connected to a
first of the rear wall corner post 22532-2 with a sill hinge 22750
that allows at least a portion of the rear wall sill member 22548
to fold towards the first of the rear wall corner post 22532-1. The
rear wall header member 22546 is connected to a second of the rear
wall corner post 22532-1 with a header hinge 22752 that allows at
least a portion of the rear wall header member 22546 to fold
towards the second of the rear wall corner post 22532-1.
[0199] This ability of both the rear wall header member 22546 and
the rear wall sill member 22548 to fold is illustrated in FIGS. 22A
and 22B. A pivot pin 22756 is used in the header hinge 22752 and
the sill hinge 22750 to connect and allow for the rotation of the
rear wall sill member 22548 relative the first of the rear wall
corner post 22502-2, and the rear wall header member 22546 relative
the second of the rear wall corner post 22536-2.
[0200] A first of a latch 22760-1 is used to releasably hold the
rear wall sill member 22548 to the first of the front wall corner
post 22532-1. Similarly, a second of the latch 22760-2 is used to
releasably hold the rear wall header member 22546 to the second of
the rear wall corner post 22532-2. When in a locked position, the
latch 22760-1 and 22760-2 helps to prevent the rear wall sill
member 22548 and the rear wall header member 22546 from moving
relative their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and
22532-2. When in an unlocked position, the rear wall header member
22546 and the rear wall sill member 22548 can be folded towards
their respective rear wall corner post 22532-1 and 22532-2
(illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B).
[0201] FIGS. 22A-22D show positioning the rear doors 22542 of the
rear wall 22526 of a reversibly foldable freight container 22500 so
that it can be inside the volume 225A12 defined by the reversibly
foldable freight container 22500. As discussed herein, positioning
the rear doors 22542 of the front wall 22526 of the reversibly
foldable freight container 22500 inside the volume 22512 defined by
the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 includes moving the
locking rod 22558 into its second predetermined position where the
cam 22560 is disengaged from the cam keeper 22566 and has a
position relative the rear wall end frame 22531 that allows the cam
22560 and the door 22542 to travel through the area 22554, past the
rear wall end frame 22531 and the cam keeper 22566, and into the
volume 22512 of the reversibly foldable freight container 22500.
FIGS. 22A and 22B show that once the rear doors 22542 have swung
clear of the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall sill
member 22548, these members 22546 and 22548 can be folded towards
their respective rear wall corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2. FIG.
22B illustrates the rear wall header member 22546 and the rear wall
sill member 22548 folded relative their respective front wall
corner posts 22532-1 and 22532-2.
[0202] FIG. 22A also illustrates that the floor structure 22502
includes the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2, where the
plurality of jointed members in the floor structure 22502 are
joined to the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 with a hinge
22020. This structure will be more fully discussed with respect to
FIG. 20. The reversibly foldable freight container 22500 also
includes a beam box 22600. As illustrated, the beam box 22600 can
be located in the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22588-2, where the
beam box includes surfaces defining an opening through which a
lateral lock member 22602 can pass. For the present embodiment, the
lateral lock member 22602 and the roof structure 22504 provide
examples of structures, as discussed herein, that have a fixed
length and/or width that cannot, or should not, be extended beyond
the defined maximum width 22501 of the freight container 22500 due
to the jointed member 2250 extending beyond its defined maximum
length as defined in an unfolded state.
[0203] The lateral lock member 22602 can pass through the beam box
22600 in the bottom side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 when the
reversibly foldable freight container 22500 is in a folded state
(e.g., the second predetermined state). An example of this is
illustrated in FIGS. 22C and 22D. The lateral lock member 22602 can
have surfaces defining openings at predetermined locations along
the lateral lock member 22602 through which a pin 22610 can be
releasably seated. In one embodiment, the surfaces defining the
openings through the lateral lock member 22602 allow for the
lateral lock member 22602 to help maintain the reversibly foldable
freight container 22500 in an unfolded state with the defined
maximum width 22501 of eight (8) feet as provided in ISO 668 Fifth
Edition 1995 Dec. 15.
[0204] The roof structure 22504 of the reversibly foldable freight
container 22500 further includes the beam box 22600 having surfaces
defining an opening through which the lateral lock member 22602 can
pass. The beam box 22600 of roof structure 22504 and the bottom
side rails 22518-1 and 22518-2 help to define a minimum width of
the reversibly foldable freight container 22500 when in its second
predetermined state. An example of this second predetermined state
is illustrated in FIG. 22D.
[0205] The roof structure 22504 may include a first roof panel
section 22261, a second roof panel section 22263, and a third roof
panel section 22265. The roof structure 22504 is reversibly
foldable, as discussed herein. For example, as the joined member
folds into the reversibly foldable freight container 22500, the
roof panel sections 22261, 22263, 22265 may also fold into the
reversibly foldable freight container 22500. The roof 22264 may be
connected by one or more hinges to the first upper side rail
22516-1 and the second upper side rail 22516-2.
[0206] The third roof panel section 22265 can be positioned between
the first roof panel section 22261 and the second roof panel
section 22263. The third roof panel section 22265 is connected to
the first roof panel section 22261 and the second roof panel
section 22263 by one or more hinges. For one or more embodiments,
the one or more hinges can be a flexure bearing (e.g. a living
hinge) that extends along a longitudinal axis of the roof
structure.
[0207] In the unfolded state, each of the roof panel sections
22261, 22263, 22265 may be substantially parallel to one another
(e.g. each roof panel section may be substantially parallel to the
jointed members in the first predetermined state). In the unfolded
state the roof may be referred to as flat. In the second
predetermined state, roof panel sections 22261, 22263 may be
substantially parallel to one another, while each of the roof panel
sections 22261, 22263 is substantially perpendicular to the roof
panel section 22265. In the second predetermined state, the roof
may be referred to as a partial rectangle.
[0208] For one or more embodiments, the reversibly foldable freight
container includes a flooring surface 22266. The flooring surface
22266 may include a first floor section 22267 and a second floor
section 22269. The flooring surface 22266 is reversibly foldable,
as discussed herein. For example, as the joined member folds into
the reversibly foldable freight container 22500, the floor sections
22267, 22269 may also fold into the reversibly foldable freight
container 22500. The flooring surface 22266 may be connected to a
number the plurality of jointed members (e.g. adjacent the first
bottom side rail 22506-1 and/or the second bottom side rail
22506-2). The reversibly foldable freight container 22500 also
includes forklift pockets 22524. The forklift pockets 22524 may
each be a respective opening in the first and second bottom side
rails 22518-1 and 22518-2.
[0209] As discussed the reversibly foldable freight containers
transition from the unfolded state to the second predetermined
state without expanding the container beyond the unfolded state. In
the unfolded state the reversibly foldable freight containers may
be considered to be in its defined maximum width (e.g. an unfolded
width) as seen in FIG. 13. In the second predetermined state the
reversibly foldable freight containers may have a width that is
less than 60 percent of the defined maximum width. For example, in
the second predetermined state the reversibly foldable freight
containers may have a width that is 50 percent of the defined
maximum width, 40 percent of the defined maximum width, 30 percent
of the defined maximum width, 25 percent of the defined maximum
width, or 20 percent of the defined maximum width. In the example
where the reversibly foldable freight container has a width, in the
second predetermined state, which is 25 percent of the defined
maximum width, four folded reversibly foldable freight containers
may be stored in the space of one unfolded container.
[0210] Freight containers can be exposed to a variety of forces
when on a ship and/or vehicle. For example, on a ship they can be
exposed to movement in six degrees of freedom: rolling, pitching,
heaving, swaying, surging and yawing. These motions can impart
transverse racking forces on the freight container, especially when
they are in a stacked configuration (e.g., fully loaded freight
containers stacked ten high). These transverse racking forces can
act to distort the walls and the end frames of the container.
Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, there is shown an anti-racking
support 23800 that can be used with the doors 23542 of the freight
container (to be illustrated more fully herein). The anti-racking
support 23800 includes a first lug 23802 and a second lug 23804,
both of which extend from a mounting support 23806 in a common
direction. The mounting support 23806 can have an elongate
configuration with a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape
(as seen). The mounting support 23806 can be welded and/or fastened
(e.g., bolted or screwed) to the door 23542 (e.g., an inside
surface as illustrated in FIG. 22A) of the freight container to
mount the anti-racking support 23800 in such a way that the first
lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 of the anti-racking support
23800 extend from a peripheral edge 23809 of the door 23542 of the
freight container.
[0211] The first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 each have a
first surface 23810 that defines a recess 23812 relative a second
surface 23814. The first surfaces 23810 and the second surfaces
23814 of each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can
be parallel to each other. When mounted to the door 23542 of the
freight container, the recess 23812 of the first lug 23802 and the
second lug 23804 can receive and straddle at least a portion of the
second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544, as provided herein, when the
door is in a closed and/or locked (cams of door engaged with the
cam keepers) position. The first surface 23810 of the first lug
23802 and the second lug 23804 can also be directly adjacent to
(e.g., no intervening structures) and/or make physical contact with
the at least a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge when
the door is in a closed and/or locked (cams of door engaged with
the cam keepers) position. Similarly, the second surface 23814 of
the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 can also be directly
adjacent to and/or make physical contact with the "U"-channel 23549
of the corner post 23532 of the freight container when the door is
in a closed and/or locked (cams of door engaged with the cam
keepers). As a result, the anti-racking support 23800 can be
directly adjacent to and/or in contact with both the hinge 23544
and the corner post 23532 when the cam is engaged with the cam
keeper.
[0212] Each of the first lug 23802 and the second lug 23804 also
include a third surface 23816 that extends between the first
surface 23814 and the second surface 23810. The third surface 23816
helps to define the recess 23812. The third surface 23816 also can
be directly adjacent to and/or make physical contact with at least
a portion of the second wing 23603 of the hinge 23544 when the door
23542 is in a closed and/or locked (cams of door engaged with the
cam keepers) position.
[0213] One of the anti-racking support 23800 can be mounted to the
door 23542 of the freight container relative to each hinge 23544
(e.g., one anti-racking support 23800 for each hinge 23544). When
the door 23542 of the freight container is closed and locked (cams
of door engaged with the cam keepers) the anti-racking support
23800 can help to impede transverse racking of the freight
container. For example, the anti-racking support 23800 can make
contact with the U-channel 23549 during racking so as to help the
doors 23542 keep parallel to the plane of the corner posts. The
anti-racking support 23800 can also help to minimize mechanical
stresses on the hinge 23544 of the door 23542 of the freight
container when it is closed and locked (cams of door engaged with
the cam keepers). One way this is accomplished is by the
anti-racking support 23800 making contact with the hinge 23544
(e.g., the second wing 23603) and pressing the hinge 23544 against
the U-channel 23549 so as to keep the hinge 23544 in its same
relative position under non-racking conditions.
[0214] The use of the anti-racking support 23800 on the door 23542,
as discussed herein, helps to limit the impact of racking forces
the freight container. When in their closed and locked
configuration, the anti-racking support 23800 and the locking rods
help to maintain the relative perpendicular position of the doors
23542 under racking conditions (e.g., maintain their rectangular
shape against the external racking forces). When racking is
occurring the anti-racking support 23800 can provide a "node"
through which racking forces (e.g., lateral forces) can be
transferred through the doors 23542. These racking forces can be
absorbed through either the anti-racking supports 23800 on the
adjacent door and/or locking rods via the cam, cam keepers and end
frame of the freight container. The use of the anti-racking support
23800 in conjunction with the hinge and freight container of the
present discloser can allow a freight container, as provided
herein, to meet the requirements of ISO 1496 (fifth edition 1990
Aug. 15) and its amendments.
[0215] Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B there is shown an
embodiment of a door 24542 (as viewed from the "inside" of the
freight container) with the anti-racking support 24800 positioned
adjacent the hinge 24544 mounted to the corner post 24532. FIGS.
24A and 24B also provide an illustration of an anti-racking block
24820 mounted to the doors 24542-1 and 24542-2. The anti-racking
block 24820 includes a tab 24822 and a slot 24824 to releasably
receive the tab 24822. As illustrated, the tab 24822 extends from
the first of the door 24542-1 and the slot 24824 extends from the
second of the door 24542-2 such that the tab 24822 can seat within
the slot 24824 (e.g., completely within the slot 24824) when the
cam 24560 of each of the first of the door 24542-1 and the second
of the door 24542-2 are engaged with their respective cam
keeper.
[0216] The anti-racking block 24820 helps to limit the impact of
racking forces the freight container. The anti-racking block 24820
also helps to maintain the perpendicular symmetry of the end frame
and the doors 24542 of the freight container during transverse
racking. As illustrated, the anti-racking block 24820 can transfer
forces in both the horizontal and vertical planes (e.g., via all
three sides of the slot 24824). This helps to keep the doors
24542-1 and 24542-2 in a common plane and helps to maintain the
perpendicular symmetry of the end frame and the doors 24542 of the
freight container during transverse racking. This also helps to
make the two doors (24542-1 and 24542-2) act as one large structure
instead of two independent structures.
[0217] So, the anti-racking block 24820 used in conjunction with
the anti-racking support 24800 and the locking rods helps to
maintain the relative symmetrical position of the doors 24542 under
racking conditions (e.g., maintain their rectangular shape against
the external racking forces). For example, when racking is
occurring the anti-racking support 24800 and the anti-racking block
24820 can provide the "nodes" through which racking forces (e.g.,
lateral forces) can be transferred through the doors 24542. These
racking forces can be absorbed through either the anti-racking
supports 24800 on the adjacent door and/or locking rods via the
cam, cam keepers and end frame of the freight container.
[0218] Referring now to FIGS. 25A-25B, there is shown an additional
embodiment of the hinge 25544 and corner post 25532 of the present
disclosure. FIG. 25A shows an exploded partial view of the corner
post 25532, an "H"-Block 25830 and the hinge 25544 of the present
disclosure. As illustrated, the H-Block 25830 can be positioned
between J-Bar 25547 and the U-Channel 25549 of the corner post
25532. The H-Block 25830 can be fastened (e.g., welded) to the
corner post 25532. Specifically, the H-Block 25830 can be welded to
the J-Bar 25547 of the corner post 25532. To accommodate the
H-Block 25830 portions of the U-Channel 25549 are removed, where
the edges of the U-channel 25549 can abut and, if desired, be
welded to the H-Block 25830. H-Blocks 25830 located at the top and
bottom of the corner post 25532 can also be welded directly to the
top and bottom corner fittings.
[0219] When the hinge 25544 is secured to the U-channel 25549, as
discussed herein, the H-Block 25830 can help to protect the hinge
25544 from forces (e.g., stacking forces) that are transmitted
through the corner post 25532. Specifically, the H-Block 25830 can
help to transmit the forces around the hinge 25544. The H-Block
25830 also serves as a seating block for the hinge 25544 (e.g., the
hinge 25544 can rest in the opening of the H-Block 25830 on one end
and the other end of the H-Block 25830 provides an open space for a
locking pin 25832, as discussed herein. As such, the H-Block 25830
can help to protect both the locking pin 25832 and the hinge 25544.
The H-Block 25830 also includes notches 25834 that extend in from
the legs of the "H," where these notches 25834 help to relieve
stresses formed when the freight container is stacked (confirmed by
Finite Element Analysis modeling).
[0220] Both the U-Channel 25549 and the H-Block 25830 also include
a surface 25836 that defines a hole 25840 through the U-Channel
25549 and the H-Block 25830. The hole 25840 is sized to receive and
reversibly pass at least a portion of a locking pin 25832. The
locking pin 25832 is used to releasably lock the second wing 25603
of the hinge 25544 to both the corner post 25532 and the H-Block
25830. The locking pin 25832 is manipulated from the inside of the
freight container.
[0221] For the various embodiments, the locking pin 25832 can be
positioned through the hole 25840 so as to releasably lock the
second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 to both the corner post 25532
and the H-Block 25830, and removed from the hole 25840 so as to
unlock the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 from both the
corner post 25532 and the H-Block 25830. Specifically, the locking
pin 25832 can be retracted from the hole 25840 so as to release the
second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544 from the corner post 25532 and
the H-Block 25830. Once released, the second wing 25603 can rotate
around first hinge pin 25605. To lock the second wing 25603 to the
corner post 25532 and the H-Block 25830, the locking pin 25832 is
aligned and reinserted though the hole 25840 of the corner post
25532 and the H-Block 25830. As discussed herein, the first wing
25601 can be fastened to the portion of the U channel 25549 and the
H-Block 25830 by a welding (e.g., arc-welding) process.
[0222] FIG. 25B provides an exploded view of the hinge 25544. As
illustrated, the hinge 25544 includes the first wing 25601 and the
second wing 25603, where the first wing 25601 and the second wing
25603 are pivotally connected by the first hinge pin 25605. For the
various embodiments, the second wing 25603 includes the first
planar portion 25607 with the first end 25609 and the second end
25611 and the second planar portion 25613 that extends
perpendicular from the first end 25609 of the first planar portion
25607. The first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first wing
25601 to the second end 25611 of the first planar portion 25607. As
illustrated, a portion of the first planar portion 25607 of the
second wing 25603 passes through an opening defined in the first
wing 25601 so as to allow the second end 25611 of the first planar
portion 25607 of the second wing 25603 to pivotally connect to the
first hinge pin 25605 and the first wing 25601.
[0223] The hinge 25544 also includes a pair of hinge lugs 25615
that extend from the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing
25603. Each of the hinge lugs 25615 has a first set of surfaces
25617 defining openings 25619 through which the second hinge pin
25621 passes. For the various embodiments, the first wing 25601 and
the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603 include a
surface 25640 that defines an opening 25642 through which the
locking pin 25832 reversibly travels.
[0224] The second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603
includes the first major surface 25629 and the second major surface
25631 opposite the first major surface 25629. The pair of hinge
lugs 25615 extends from the first major surface 25629 of the second
planar portion 25613. The first wing 25601 has the first major
surface 25633 and the second major surface 25635 opposite the first
major surface 25633. In a first predetermined position the first
wing 25601 is perpendicular to the first planar portion 25607 of
the second wing 25603 and the first major surface 25633 of the
first wing 25601 is directly opposite and parallel with the second
major surface 25631 of the second planar portion 25613. As
discussed herein, the first predetermined position can occur with
the first wing 25601 attached to the corner post 25532 of the
freight container and the second wing 25603 of the hinge 25544
positioned against (e.g., adjacent to and in at least partial
contact with) the corner post.
[0225] The first wing 25601 has a first end 25637 and a second end
25639. The first hinge pin 25605 pivotally connects the first end
25637 of the first wing 25601 to the second end 25611 of the first
planar portion 25607 of the second wing 25603. The second planar
portion 25613 has an end 25643 that is distal to the first end
25609 of the first planar portion 25607 and the pair of hinge lugs
25615 extending from the second planar portion 25613 have a first
peripheral edge 25645, where the end 25643 of the second planar
portion 25613 and the first peripheral edge 25645 of the hinge lugs
25615 lay in a common plane.
[0226] The hinge 25544 further includes a support block 25650.
Support block includes a surface 25652 that defines an opening
25654. Support block 25650 can be positioned against the second
planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603, where the opening
25654 concentrically aligns with the opening 25642 through which
the locking pin 25832 travels. Support block 25650 can be welded to
the second planar portion 25613 of the second wing 25603. Support
block 25650 can also be chamfered so as to allow the door of the
freight container to swing unencumbered.
[0227] For the various embodiments, the components of the
reversibly foldable freight container provided herein can be formed
of materials suitable for and built so as to comply with ISO
standard 1496-1 (fifth edition 1990 Aug. 15) and its amendments,
which are all incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For
the various embodiments, the components of the reversibly foldable
freight container discussed herein can be formed of steel. Examples
of such steel include, but are not limited to, `weathering steel`
as specified within standard BS EN 10025-5:2004, which is also
known as CORTEN steel. For the various embodiments, the floor of
the reversibly foldable freight container can be made of planking
wood or plywood. In addition, gaskets as are known to be used with
freight containers can be used with the reversibly foldable freight
container of the present disclosure as needed.
* * * * *