U.S. patent application number 17/173582 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-19 for variable length container.
This patent application is currently assigned to MACRO PLASTICS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is MACRO PLASTICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Todd T. Turner.
Application Number | 20210253301 17/173582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005435739 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210253301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turner; Todd T. |
August 19, 2021 |
VARIABLE LENGTH CONTAINER
Abstract
A variable length container comprising a central member, a pair
of wing members, and a support assembly. In some embodiments, the
variable length container also comprises at least one intermediate
member and sidewalls. The interconnectivity of the components
permit the user to vary the length of the container as needed.
Inventors: |
Turner; Todd T.; (Corydon,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MACRO PLASTICS, INC. |
Fairfield |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MACRO PLASTICS, INC.
Fairfield
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005435739 |
Appl. No.: |
17/173582 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62975838 |
Feb 13, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00497
20130101; B65D 2519/00761 20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D
19/06 20130101; B65D 2519/00323 20130101; B65D 2519/00293
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/06 20060101
B65D019/06 |
Claims
1. A variable length container comprising: a base formed from a
central member, a first wing member, and a second wing member; said
central member having a pair of external edges; said first wing
member and said second wing member each having an internal edge,
said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to interlock
with one of the external edges of said central member.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one
intermediate member interposed between at least one of said wing
members and said central member.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein each of said at least one
intermediate member has an external edge and an opposing internal
edge; said external edge of each said at least one intermediate
member being configured identically to said external edges of the
central member; said internal edge of each said at least one
intermediate member being adapted to interlock with an external
edge of said central member and being adapted to interlock with
said external edge of another of said at least one intermediate
member.
4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a first
intermediate member and a second intermediate member; wherein the
first intermediate member is interposed between said first wing
member and said central member; wherein the second intermediate
member is interposed between said second wing member and said
central member.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein said first intermediate member
and said second intermediate member each having an external edge
and an opposing internal edge; said external edge of each said
first and second intermediate member being configured identically
to said external edges of the central member; said internal edge of
each said first and second intermediate member being adapted to
interlock with an external edge of said central member.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the central member, the first
wing member, the second wing member, the first intermediate member,
and the second intermediate member each further comprise a middle
section and a pair of opposing end sections; wherein said middle
sections cooperate to form a floor of said container and said
opposing end sections extend upward.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the base further comprises a
first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides;
wherein the first pair of opposing sides are defined by an external
edge of the first wing member and an external edge of the second
wing member; wherein the second pair of opposing sides are defined
by said opposing end sections of the central member, the first wing
member, the second wing member, the first intermediate member, and
the second intermediate member.
8. The container of claim 7, further comprising a first pair of
opposing sidewalls and a second pair of opposing sidewalls.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein said first pair of opposing
sidewalls and said second pair of opposing sidewalls each define a
bottom edge having a plurality of teeth; wherein said external edge
of each wing member forms a plurality of receiving notches adapted
to receive the plurality of teeth of the first pair of opposing
sidewalls; wherein said opposing end sections of the central
member, the first wing member, the second member, the first
intermediate member and the second intermediate member define a
plurality of receiving notches adapted to receive the plurality of
teeth of the second pair of opposing sidewalls.
10. The container of claim 9, further comprising a support assembly
having a central forkstrap, a first end forkstrap, a second end
forkstrap, and a plurality of horizontal supports.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the central forkstrap
comprises a middle component integrally connected to a pair of
opposing end components, the end components each having opposing
sides defining a series of tines, the central forkstrap being
configured to be received in a bottom surface of the central
member; wherein said first end forkstrap and said second end
forkstrap each comprise a middle component integrally connected to
a pair of opposing end components, the pair of opposing end
components each having an internal side and an external side, the
internal side defining a series of tines, said first end forkstrap
and said second end forkstrap each being configured to be received
in a bottom surface of one of the wing members; wherein the central
forkstrap, the first end forkstrap, and the second end forkstrap
each have a length suitable to span a length of the middle
sections.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the plurality of horizontal
supports each comprise a rectangular shape having a pair of
opposing ends, each of the opposing ends defining an aperture which
is adapted to receive the series of tines of the central forkstrap
and the series of tines of one of the end forkstraps.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the plurality of horizontal
supports each have a length suitable to engage both the central
forkstrap and one of the end forkstraps.
14. A variable length container comprising: a base formed from a
central member, a first wing member, and a second wing member; said
central member having a pair of external edges, a middle section,
and a pair of opposing end sections, each of said pair of opposing
end sections of said central member being positioned perpendicular
to and extending vertically from the middle section of said central
member; said first wing member and said second wing member each
having an internal edge, an opposing external edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each wing member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of each wing
member, said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to
interlock with one of the external edges of said central
member.
15. The container of claim 14, further comprising an at least one
intermediate member interposed between at least one of said wing
members and said central member; wherein each of said at least one
intermediate member has an external edge, an opposing internal
edge, a middle section, and a pair of opposing end sections, each
of said pair of opposing end sections of said at least on
intermediate member being positioned perpendicular to and extending
vertically from the middle section of said at least one
intermediate member; said external edge of each said at least one
intermediate member being configured identically to said external
edges of the central member; said internal edge of each said at
least one intermediate member being adapted to interlock with an
external edge of said central member and being adapted to interlock
with said external edge of another of said at least one
intermediate member.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein said middle sections of said
central member, said wing members, and said at least one
intermediate member cooperate to form a floor of said
container.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein the base further comprises a
first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides;
wherein the first pair of opposing sides are defined by the
external edge of the first wing member and the external edge of the
second wing member, said first pair of opposing sides defining a
pair of edges having a plurality of receiving notches; wherein the
second pair of opposing sides are defined by said opposing end
sections of the central member, the first wing member, the second
wing member, and the at least one intermediate member, said second
pair of opposing sides defining a pair of edges having a plurality
of receiving notches.
18. The container of claim 17, further comprising a first pair of
opposing sidewalls and a second pair of opposing sidewalls; wherein
said first pair of opposing sidewalls define a bottom edge having a
plurality of teeth, said plurality of teeth being adapted to be
received in the plurality of receiving notches of the first pair of
opposing sides; wherein said second pair of opposing sidewalls
define a bottom edge having a plurality of teeth, said plurality of
teeth being adapted to be received in the plurality of receiving
notches of the second pair of opposing sides.
19. A variable length container comprising: a base formed from a
central member, a first wing member, a second wing member, a first
intermediate member, and a second intermediate member; said central
member having a pair of external edges, a middle section, and a
pair of opposing end sections, each of said pair of opposing end
sections of said central member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of said central
member; said first wing member and said second wing member each
having an internal edge, an opposing external edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each wing member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of each wing
member, said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to
interlock with one of the external edges of said central member;
said first intermediate member and said second intermediate member
each having an external edge, an opposing internal edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each intermediate member being positioned
perpendicular to and extending vertically from the middle section
of each intermediate member, the first intermediate member being
interposed between said first wing member and said central member,
the second intermediate member being interposed between said second
wing member and said central member, said external edge of each
said first and second intermediate members being configured
identically to said external edges of the central member, said
internal edge of each said first and second intermediate members
being adapted to interlock with an external edge of said central
member.
20. The container of claim 19, further comprising at least three
intermediate members each having an external edge and an opposing
internal edges; said external edge of each said at least three
intermediate members being configured identically to said external
edges of the central member; said internal edge of each said at
least three intermediate members being adapted to interlock with an
external edge of said central member and being adapted to interlock
with said external edge of another of said at least three
intermediate members.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/975,838, with a
filing date of Feb. 13, 2020, the contents of which are fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to shipping
containers made of multiple components that can be re-arranged and
interconnected into a variety of different sizes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] For many years, industries dealing in bulk goods have
utilized returnable shipping containers. The use of the
conventional shipping container, however, presents a number of
disadvantages to the transportation, shipping, agricultural,
retail, and handling industry. In particular, the conventional
shipping container is typically created from a single mold and thus
often comprises only a single piece of plastic (as a non-limiting
example) that is only one defined size and length. This is a
significant disadvantage because the conventional shipping
container cannot change sizes or lengths to accommodate various
types of bulk goods. Rather, industries dealing in bulk goods have
to acquire and store numerous conventional shipping containers of
various sizes.
[0004] Moreover, it is expensive to manufacture the conventional
shipping container because the process typically requires an
enormous press that is needed to inject the plastic into the mold
and compress the material into the desired shape and size. For
example, it often costs upwards of $1,000,000 to acquire the
machinery necessary to manufacture the conventional shipping
container. It is also challenging to manufacture a conventional
shipping container that consists of a single, large part because a
manufacturer is required to maintain a large inventory of different
sized molds. In addition, a single quality issue anywhere in the
conventional shipping container has the potential to ruin the
entire container.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a significant need for a variable
length shipping container that can be re-arranged and
interconnected into a variety of sizes. Such a shipping container
would provide industries dealing in bulk goods with the flexibility
to re-arrange shipping containers into any desired size without
having to acquire and store a variety of conventional shipping
containers. Likewise, a variable length shipping container would be
much more affordable and simpler to manufacture because it would
require significantly smaller molds and presses to manufacture the
different components. Along with other features and advantages
outlined herein, the variable length containers within the scope of
present embodiments meet these and other needs. In doing so, the
variable length container possesses market adaptability because of
its versatility to be re-arranged into a variety of configurations
based on user's needs. The variable length container is also less
burdensome for manufacturers because it is lower risk to
manufacture smaller parts. In addition, the variable length
container eliminates the problem of manufacturers having to
maintain a large inventory of different sized molds. The variable
length containers within the scope of present embodiments also
provide manufacturers more discrete control over the material
properties of the final product because different resins and
materials could be used for different components.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
[0006] A variable length container, sometimes referred to herein as
a "shipping container" or "container" for brevity, according to
multiple embodiments and alternatives comprises multiple components
that can be interconnected and re-arranged to provide the user with
an array of shipping container sizes. Current embodiments provide
for a variable length container comprising a central member, a pair
of intermediate members, a pair of wing members, and a support
assembly. In some embodiments, the support assembly consists of a
central forkstrap, a pair of end forkstraps, a plurality of
horizontal supports, and a pair of runners.
[0007] According to present embodiments, the edges of the central
member are configured to receive either the pair of wing members,
the pair of intermediate members, or other variations as selected
by the user. In some embodiments, the edges of the central member
include a plurality of teeth and a plurality of receiving notches
that engage with the corresponding teeth and receiving notches
located on the edges of the wing members or the intermediate
members. In some embodiments, the central member further includes
receiving slots which are adapted to receive either the ribs of the
wing members or the ribs of the intermediate members. Likewise, the
intermediate members include ribs to engage the central member and
receiving slots adapted to receive the ribs of the wing
members.
[0008] With respect to the support assembly, the central forkstrap
is generally positioned below and parallel to the length of the
central member, while the pair of end forkstraps are positioned
below and parallel to the length of the wing members. Current
embodiments provide for a plurality of horizontal supports that
connect the central forkstrap to the pair of end forkstraps via a
series of tines and corresponding apertures located at the ends of
the horizontal supports. In some embodiments, the horizontal
supports and the runners are perpendicular to the central forkstrap
and the pair of end forkstraps.
[0009] The central forkstrap and the pair of end forkstraps each
comprise a middle component, a pair of connectors, and a pair of
end components. According to present embodiments, the bottom
surface of the central member comprises a plurality of forkstrap
receiving bores that are adapted to receive and engage the middle
component and end components of the central forkstrap. Likewise,
the bottom surface of the pair of wing members comprise a plurality
of forkstrap receiving bores adapted to receive the middle
component and end components of the pair of end forkstraps. In some
embodiments, the variable length container is further secured
together by screws and forkstrap connectors.
[0010] Current embodiments provide for the central member, the
intermediate members, and the wing members each having a plurality
of receiving notches to receive the teeth of the sidewalls. As
discussed in more detail below, a user can assemble the variable
length container by securing the wing members to the central
member, then attaching the support assembly to the bottom surface
of the wing members and the central member. A user can then attach
the sidewalls to complete the assembly. Moreover, in current
embodiments the user can vary the length of the shipping container
by also incorporating additional wing members, one or more
intermediate members, or by selecting wing members of various
sizes.
[0011] Accordingly, the variable length container in current
embodiments affords a versatility of sizes and lengths that
provides a key advantage over conventional shipping containers. The
components may be easily and quickly re-arranged into a number
configurations disclosed herein. Along with other features
disclosed herein, the versatility of the variable length container
provides a number of advantages over the conventional shipping
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] The drawings and embodiments described herein are
illustrative of multiple alternative structures, aspects, and
features of the present embodiments, and they are not to be
understood as limiting the scope of present embodiments. It will be
further understood that the drawing Figures described and provided
herein are not to scale, and that the embodiments are not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of an assembled base of a
variable length container, according to multiple embodiments and
alternatives.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view of an assembled base of
a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments and
alternatives.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top, perspective, and exploded view of a base of
a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments and
alternatives.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom, perspective, and exploded view of a base
of a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments
and alternatives.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the end component of a
central forkstrap, according to multiple embodiments and
alternatives.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the end component of an end
forkstrap, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembled base and
sidewalls, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a variable length container,
according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a variable length container,
according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of an assembled base of a
variable length container, according to multiple embodiments and
alternatives.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a bottom, perspective view of an assembled base
of a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments
and alternatives.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a top, perspective, and exploded view of a base
of a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments
and alternatives.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a bottom, perspective, and exploded view of a
base of a variable length container, according to multiple
embodiments and alternatives.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembled base and
sidewalls, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a variable length
container, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a variable length
container, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a bottom, perspective view of an assembled base
of a variable length container, according to multiple embodiments
and alternatives.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an assembled base and
sidewalls, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a variable length
container, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a variable length
container, according to multiple embodiments and alternatives.
MULTIPLE EMBODIMENTS AND ALTERNATIVES
[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an assembled base 5 according to multiple
embodiments and alternatives. An assembled base 5 consists of a
central member 10, a pair of wing members 50, and a support
assembly 8. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the support
assembly 8 consists of a central forkstrap 85, a pair of end
forkstraps 100, a plurality of horizontal supports 115, and a pair
of runners 122, and the support assembly 8 is positioned below the
central member 10 and the pair of wing members 50. In some
embodiments, the central forkstrap 85 is secured to the middle of
the bottom surface 18 of the central member 10 and positioned
parallel to the length of the central member 10. Likewise, the pair
of end forkstraps 100 are attached to the bottom surface 58 of the
pair of wing members 50 and positioned parallel to the length of
the pair of wing members 50. In some embodiments, the plurality of
horizontal supports 115 connect the central forkstrap 85 to the
pair of end forkstraps 100, and the horizontal supports 115 are
positioned perpendicular to the lengths of the central member 10
and the wing members 50.
[0034] As disclosed in more detail below, the central member 10 and
the pair of wing members 50 interconnect and secure to one another
via corresponding ribs and receiving slots, and corresponding teeth
and receiving notches. In certain embodiments, the central member
10 and the pair of wing members 50 are further secured together by
screws after the ribs engage the receiving slots and the teeth
engage the receiving notches. In some embodiments, the central
forkstrap 85 and the pair of end forkstraps 100 connect to the
plurality of horizontal supports 115 via corresponding tines and
apertures; and the pair of runners 122 attach to the bottom surface
18 of the central member 10 and the bottom surface 58 of the pair
of wing members 50 via screws. According to multiple embodiments
and alternatives, the top surface 12 of the central member 10 and
the top surface 52 of the pair of wing members 50 are generally
smooth, while the bottom surface 18 of the central member 10 and
the bottom surface 58 of the wing members 50 consist of reinforcing
cells that increase the rigidity and load bearing potential of the
variable length container.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the assembled base 5 and
best illustrates how the central member 10 interconnects and
secures to the wing members 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the central
member 10 comprises a middle section 25 (which extends
horizontally) and a pair of end sections 35 (which extend
vertically and are perpendicular to the middle section 25). In some
embodiments, the parallel edges 28 of the middle section 25 include
a plurality of teeth 30 and a plurality of receiving notches 32
(best shown in FIG. 4) that interconnect with a corresponding
plurality of teeth 70 and a plurality of receiving notches 72
located on the internal edges 68 of the middle section 65 of the
wing members 50. As further described below, the end sections 35 of
the central member 10 also include a plurality of receiving notches
38 which are adapted to receive the teeth 130 of sidewalls 128.
[0036] In some embodiments, the wing members 50 consist of a middle
section 65 (which extends horizontally), a pair of end sections 78
(which extend vertically and are perpendicular to the middle
section 65), and a shoulder 75 located opposite the internal edge
68. As previously noted, the internal edge 68 of the middle section
65 of the wing members 50 comprises a plurality of teeth 70 and a
plurality of receiving notches 72 which interconnect and secure to
the edges 28 of the middle section 25 of the central member 10. The
pair of end sections 78 and shoulder 75 include a plurality of
receiving notches 80 which are adapted to receive the teeth 130 of
sidewalls 128. The middle section 65 of the wing members 50 and the
middle section 25 of the central member 10 cooperate to form a
floor of assembled base 5.
[0037] As best shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments the assembled
base 5 is further secured by a plurality of forkstrap connectors
125. U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0090208 (Ser. No. 14/785,770, filed Oct.
20, 2015) titled "Shipping Container and Forkstrap Connector
Therefor" (Turner, Todd. T; published Mar. 31, 2016), the full
contents of which are incorporated by reference, describes multiple
embodiments for a forkstrap connector 125 including barbs for
engaging the other components of the assembled base 5. According to
multiple embodiments and alternatives, the central member 10
includes a plurality of forkstrap connector bores 15, the wing
members 50 include a plurality of forkstrap connector bores 55, and
the support assembly 8 also includes a plurality of forkstrap
connector bores 98, 112. When each of the forkstrap connector bores
are aligned, the forkstrap connectors 125 are inserted into the
various bores to secure the central member 10 and the wing members
50 to the support assembly 8.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom, exploded view of the assembled
base 5 and best illustrates how the central forkstrap 85
interconnects with the horizontal supports 115 and the pair of end
forkstraps 100. FIG. 4 also illustrates how the pair of runners 122
attach to the bottom surface 18 of the central member 10 and the
bottom surface 58 of the pair of wing members 50 via screws. As
shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 18 of the central member 10
includes a plurality of forkstrap receiving bores 22 that are
adapted to receive the middle component 88 and end components 90 of
the central forkstrap 85. Likewise, the bottom surface 58 of the
wing members 50 includes a plurality of forkstrap receiving bores
62 that are adapted to receive the middle component 102 and end
components 105 of the pair of end forkstraps 100. The central
forkstrap 85 forms a plurality of forkstrap connector bores 98, and
likewise the pair of end forkstrap 100 form a plurality of
forkstrap connector bores 112. When the forkstrap connector bores
98 and 112 are aligned with the connector bores of the central
member 10 and the wing members 50, the bores can receive the
forkstrap connectors 125 to secure the assembled base 5
together.
[0039] The plurality of horizontal supports 115 comprise a
generally rectangular shape and a pair of apertures 120 positioned
on opposing ends. As shown in FIG. 5, the end components 90 of the
central forkstrap 85 include a series of tines 95 located on
opposing sides 92 to engage the apertures 120 of the horizontal
supports 115. As shown in FIG. 6, the end components 105 of the
pair of end forkstraps 100 include a series of tines 110 located
only on the internal side 108 in order to engage the apertures 120
of the horizontal supports 115.
[0040] As previously noted, the edges 28 of the central member 10
include a plurality of teeth 30 and a plurality of receiving
notches 32 which connect and secure to the internal edge 68 of the
wing members 50. Likewise, the internal edge 68 of the wing members
50 includes a plurality of teeth 70 and a plurality of receiving
notches 72. In some embodiments, once the central member 10 is
secured to the wing members 50, a series of screws are inserted to
span the width of the plurality of teeth and receiving notches.
[0041] In some embodiments, the end sections 35 of the central
member 10 include several receiving slots 33 which are adapted to
receive and engage the ribs 82 located on the end sections 78 of
the wing members 50. Upon receiving the ribs, in some embodiments a
series of screws are inserted across the width of the receiving
slots 33 and the ribs 82 to secure the central member 10 with the
wing members 50. FIG. 4 illustrates the pair of runners 122 which
extend perpendicular to the lengths of the central member 10 and
the wing members 50. In some embodiments, the pair of runners 122
are secured in place by screws.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates assembled base 5 and an exploded view of
sidewalls 128 with a plurality of teeth 130. FIGS. 8 & 9
illustrate a variable length container 135 having an assembled base
5 secured to sidewalls 128. According to multiple embodiments and
alternatives, the bottom edge of the sidewalls 128 include a
plurality of teeth 130 which engage and secure to the receiving
notches 38 of the central member 10 and the receiving notches 80 of
the wing members 50. The plurality of teeth 130 can be further
secured to the receiving notches 38, 80 via screws or other
suitable mechanisms. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 128 are
molded as a single piece.
[0043] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate assembled base 205. According to
multiple embodiments and alternatives, assembled base 205 consists
of support assembly 207, central member 10, a pair of intermediate
members 240, and a pair of wing members 50. In some embodiments,
the only differences between assembled base 205 and assembled base
5 are the pair of intermediate members 240, and horizontal supports
215 and a pair runners 222 that are longer in length than
horizontal supports 115 and runners 122. It will be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art that a user may utilize assembled
base 205 when a shipping container with a longer length is
needed.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, the pair of intermediate members 240
are positioned between the central member 10 and the pair of wing
members 50. In some embodiments, the pair of intermediate members
240 comprise a top surface 242, a bottom surface 245, a middle
section 248 (which extends horizontally) and an end section 258
(which extends vertically and is perpendicular to middle section
248). The end section 258 also includes receiving notches 260 that
are adapted to receive the teeth 230 of the sidewalls 228. The
bottom surface 245 of the pair of intermediate members 240 also
include reinforcing cells for support. The middle section 65 of the
wing members 50, the middle section 25 of the central member 10,
and the middle section 248 of the pair of intermediate members 240
cooperate to form a floor of assembled base 205.
[0045] As best illustrated in FIG. 11, support assembly 207
consists of central forkstrap 85, a pair of end forkstraps 100, a
pair of runners 222, and a plurality of horizontal supports 215.
The support assembly 207 secures to the bottom surface of the
central member 10, the pair of intermediate members 240, and the
pair of wing members 50 via forkstrap connectors 125, screws, and
any other mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0046] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the components of the support
assembly 207 and the interconnections between the central member
10, the pair of intermediate members 240, and the pair of wing
members 50. According to multiple embodiments and alternatives, the
pair of intermediate members 240 each include an internal side 250
and an external side 251. The internal side 250 is adapted to
receive and connect with the central member 10 and the external
side 251 is adapted to receive and connect with the pair of wing
members 50. The pair of intermediate members 240 are also adapted
to receive and connect with other intermediate members 240. In some
embodiments, both the internal side 250 and the external side 251
comprise a plurality of teeth 252 and a plurality of receiving
notches 255 that correspond to the teeth and notches of the central
member 10 and the pair of wing members 50. The internal side 250 of
the end section 258 also includes ribs 262 that can be received in
the receiving slot 33 of the central member 10, or the receiving
slot 265 of another intermediate member 240. The external side of
the end section 258 includes a receiving slot 265 that is adapted
to receive the ribs 82 of the wing members 50, or the ribs 262 of
another intermediate member 240.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates assembled base 205 and an exploded view
of sidewalls 228 having a plurality of teeth 230. FIGS. 15 and 16
show variable length container 235, which comprises assembled base
205, support assembly 207, and sidewalls 228. The sidewalls 228
include a plurality of teeth 230 that connect to the receiving
notches of the central member 10, the pair of intermediate members
240, and the pair of wing members 50. In some embodiments, the
sidewalls 228 are molded as a single piece.
[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates assembled base 305 comprising central
member 10, a pair of wing members 350, and support assembly 307.
According to multiple embodiments, the pair of wing members 350 are
wider than the wing members 50 and consequently offer the user even
more flexibility in selecting a different sized variable length
container. To accommodate the different length of assembled base
305, the support assembly 307 comprises a pair of runners 322 and
horizontal supports 315 which are sized to support the central
member 10 when connected to the pair of wing members 350.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 18-20, variable length container 335
consists of sidewalls 328 connected to assembled base 305. As best
shown in FIG. 18, the sidewalls 328 connect to the assembled base
305 via a plurality of teeth 330.
[0050] It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
that a user may connect a central member 10 with any sized wing
member (including but not limited to wing members 50 and/or wing
members 350) to adjust the length of the shipping container.
Likewise, a user may incorporate any number of intermediate members
240 to adjust the length of the container, including but not
limited to, at least one intermediate member 240 interposed between
at least one of the wing members and the central member 10, a pair
of intermediate members 240, and at least three intermediate
members 240. According to multiple embodiments and alternatives,
the width of the variable length containers disclosed herein
remains the same but the user may connect any number of other
pieces to vary the length of the shipping container for the desired
purpose.
[0051] In operation, to assemble the variable length container 135
a user first aligns and presses the internal edges 68 of the wing
members 50 into the edges 28 of the central member 10 until the
corresponding teeth and receiving notches are fully engaged. In
some embodiments, the user can further secure the wing members 50
with the central member 10 by inserting screws that the span the
lengths of the various teeth and receiving notches. Next, the pair
of runners 122 are secured to the bottom surface of the assembled
wing members 50 and central member 10 via screws. The user then
inserts the apertures 120 of the horizontal supports 115 into the
series of tines 95 of the central forkstrap 85, and inserts the
series of tines 110 of the pair of end forkstraps 100 into the
opposing apertures of the horizontal supports 115. The support
assembly 8 (comprising the horizontal supports 115, the central
forkstrap 85, and the pair of end forkstraps 100 assembled
together) is then placed on to the bottom surface 18 of central
member 10 and bottom surface 58 of the wing members 50 such that
the middle components 88, 102 of the forkstraps 85, 100 engage the
forkstrap receiving bores 22, 62. The user then inserts the bottom
end of forkstrap connectors 125 into the bores and completes the
assembly of assembled base 5. Lastly, the user then engages the
teeth 130 of the sidewalls 128 with the various receiving notches
38, 80 to assemble the variable length container 135 (as shown in
FIG. 5).
[0052] A user may vary the length of the shipping container by also
incorporating at least one intermediate member 240 interposed
between one of the wing members 50 and the central member 10, by
using a pair of intermediate members 240 (shown in FIG. 10) to
assemble variable length container 235 (shown in FIG. 15), by using
at least three intermediate members 240, by incorporating wing
members 350 instead of wing members 50 (shown in FIG. 17) to
assemble variable length container 335 (shown in FIG. 19), or any
other combination using the components disclosed herein.
[0053] Another embodiment, referred to herein as embodiment A,
comprises a variable length container having a base formed from a
central member, a first wing member, and a second wing member; said
central member having a pair of external edges; said first wing
member and said second wing member each having an internal edge,
said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to interlock
with one of the external edges of said central member.
[0054] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment B, further comprising at least one
intermediate member interposed between at least one of said wing
members and said central member. In an embodiment within the scope
of embodiment A, and referred to herein as embodiment C, each of
said at least one intermediate member has an external edge and an
opposing internal edge; said external edge of each said at least
one intermediate member being configured identically to said
external edges of the central member; said internal edge of each
said at least one intermediate member being adapted to interlock
with an external edge of said central member and being adapted to
interlock with said external edge of another of said at least one
intermediate member.
[0055] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment D, the container further comprises
a first intermediate member and a second intermediate member;
wherein the first intermediate member is interposed between said
first wing member and said central member; wherein the second
intermediate member is interposed between said second wing member
and said central member.
[0056] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment E, said first intermediate member
and said second intermediate member each having an external edge
and an opposing internal edge; said external edge of each said
first and second intermediate member being configured identically
to said external edges of the central member; said internal edge of
each said first and second intermediate member being adapted to
interlock with an external edge of said central member.
[0057] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment F, the central member, the first
wing member, the second wing member, the first intermediate member,
and the second intermediate member each further comprise a middle
section and a pair of opposing end sections; wherein said middle
sections cooperate to form a floor of said container and said
opposing end sections extend upward. In an embodiment within the
scope of embodiment A, and referred to herein as embodiment G, the
base further comprises a first pair of opposing sides and a second
pair of opposing sides; wherein the first pair of opposing sides
are defined by an external edge of the first wing member and an
external edge of the second wing member; wherein the second pair of
opposing sides are defined by said opposing end sections of the
central member, the first wing member, the second wing member, the
first intermediate member, and the second intermediate member. In
an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and referred to
herein as embodiment H, the container further comprises a first
pair of opposing sidewalls and a second pair of opposing
sidewalls.
[0058] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment I, said first pair of opposing
sidewalls and said second pair of opposing sidewalls each define a
bottom edge having a plurality of teeth; wherein said external edge
of each wing member forms a plurality of receiving notches adapted
to receive the plurality of teeth of the first pair of opposing
sidewalls; wherein said opposing end sections of the central
member, the first wing member, the second member, the first
intermediate member and the second intermediate member define a
plurality of receiving notches adapted to receive the plurality of
teeth of the second pair of opposing sidewalls.
[0059] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment J, the container further comprises
a support assembly having a central forkstrap, a first end
forkstrap, a second end forkstrap, and a plurality of horizontal
supports. In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and
referred to herein as embodiment K, the central forkstrap comprises
a middle component integrally connected to a pair of opposing end
components, the end components each having opposing sides defining
a series of tines, the central forkstrap being configured to be
received in a bottom surface of the central member; wherein said
first end forkstrap and said second end forkstrap each comprise a
middle component integrally connected to a pair of opposing end
components, the pair of opposing end components each having an
internal side and an external side, the internal side defining a
series of tines, said first end forkstrap and said second end
forkstrap each being configured to be received in a bottom surface
of one of the wing members; wherein the central forkstrap, the
first end forkstrap, and the second end forkstrap each have a
length suitable to span a length of the middle sections. In an
embodiment within the scope of embodiment A, and referred to herein
as embodiment L, the plurality of horizontal supports each comprise
a rectangular shape having a pair of opposing ends, each of the
opposing ends defining an aperture which is adapted to receive the
series of tines of the central forkstrap and the series of tines of
one of the end forkstraps. In an embodiment within the scope of
embodiment A, and referred to herein as embodiment M, the plurality
of horizontal supports each have a length suitable to engage both
the central forkstrap and one of the end forkstraps. The container
may be further defined by incorporating the additional features of
any one or more of embodiments B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, or
M.
[0060] Another embodiment, referred to herein as embodiment N, is a
variable length container comprising a base formed from a central
member, a first wing member, and a second wing member; said central
member having a pair of external edges, a middle section, and a
pair of opposing end sections, each of said pair of opposing end
sections of said central member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of said central
member; said first wing member and said second wing member each
having an internal edge, an opposing external edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each wing member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of each wing
member, said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to
interlock with one of the external edges of said central
member.
[0061] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment N, referred
to herein as embodiment O, the container further comprises an at
least one intermediate member interposed between at least one of
said wing members and said central member; wherein each of said at
least one intermediate member has an external edge, an opposing
internal edge, a middle section, and a pair of opposing end
sections, each of said pair of opposing end sections of said at
least on intermediate member being positioned perpendicular to and
extending vertically from the middle section of said at least one
intermediate member; said external edge of each said at least one
intermediate member being configured identically to said external
edges of the central member; said internal edge of each said at
least one intermediate member being adapted to interlock with an
external edge of said central member and being adapted to interlock
with said external edge of another of said at least one
intermediate member.
[0062] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment N, and
referred to herein as embodiment P, said middle sections of said
central member, said wing members, and said at least one
intermediate member cooperate to form a floor of said container. In
an embodiment within the scope of embodiment N, and referred to
herein as embodiment Q, the base further comprises a first pair of
opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides; wherein the
first pair of opposing sides are defined by the external edge of
the first wing member and the external edge of the second wing
member, said first pair of opposing sides defining a pair of edges
having a plurality of receiving notches; wherein the second pair of
opposing sides are defined by said opposing end sections of the
central member, the first wing member, the second wing member, and
the at least one intermediate member, said second pair of opposing
sides defining a pair of edges having a plurality of receiving
notches. In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment N, and
referred to herein as embodiment R, the container further comprises
a first pair of opposing sidewalls and a second pair of opposing
sidewalls; wherein said first pair of opposing sidewalls define a
bottom edge having a plurality of teeth, said plurality of teeth
being adapted to be received in the plurality of receiving notches
of the first pair of opposing sides; wherein said second pair of
opposing sidewalls define a bottom edge having a plurality of
teeth, said plurality of teeth being adapted to be received in the
plurality of receiving notches of the second pair of opposing
sides. The container may be further defined by incorporating the
additional features of any one or more of embodiments O, P, Q, or
R.
[0063] Another embodiment, referred to herein as embodiment S, is a
variable length container comprising a base formed from a central
member, a first wing member, a second wing member, a first
intermediate member, and a second intermediate member; said central
member having a pair of external edges, a middle section, and a
pair of opposing end sections, each of said pair of opposing end
sections of said central member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of said central
member; said first wing member and said second wing member each
having an internal edge, an opposing external edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each wing member being positioned perpendicular to
and extending vertically from the middle section of each wing
member, said internal edge of each wing member being adapted to
interlock with one of the external edges of said central member;
said first intermediate member and said second intermediate member
each having an external edge, an opposing internal edge, a middle
section, and a pair of opposing end sections, said pair of opposing
end sections of each intermediate member being positioned
perpendicular to and extending vertically from the middle section
of each intermediate member, the first intermediate member being
interposed between said first wing member and said central member,
the second intermediate member being interposed between said second
wing member and said central member, said external edge of each
said first and second intermediate members being configured
identically to said external edges of the central member, said
internal edge of each said first and second intermediate members
being adapted to interlock with an external edge of said central
member.
[0064] In an embodiment within the scope of embodiment S, referred
to herein as embodiment T, the container further comprises at least
three intermediate members each having an external edge and an
opposing internal edges; said external edge of each said at least
three intermediate members being configured identically to said
external edges of the central member; said internal edge of each
said at least three intermediate members being adapted to interlock
with an external edge of said central member and being adapted to
interlock with said external edge of another of said at least three
intermediate members.
[0065] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein
are not limited in their application to the details of the
teachings and descriptions set forth, or as illustrated in the
accompanying figures. Rather, it will be understood that the
present embodiments and alternatives, as described and claimed
herein, are capable of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0066] Also, it is to be understood that words and phrases used
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including," "comprising,"
"e.g.," "containing," or "having" and variations of those words is
meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents of
those, as well as additional items.
[0067] Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of several
embodiments and alternatives are meant to illustrate, rather than
to serve as limits on the scope of what has been disclosed herein.
The descriptions herein are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are
they meant to limit the understanding of the embodiments to the
precise forms disclosed. It will be understood by those having
ordinary skill in the art that modifications and variations of
these embodiments are reasonably possible in light of the above
teachings and descriptions.
* * * * *