Container for airdropping goods

Abstract

A container for falling from an airborne aircraft includes an upper wall, a lower wall, a plurality of side walls, and a plurality of air brakes including flat panels. The plurality of side air brakes are freely pivotable about a side air brake pivot axis from a passive position to a deployed position at or near an upper edge of a respective side wall by air flow between the side air brake and the respective side wall, where each side air brake is connected to the respective side wall at or near an upper edge thereof, in the passive position the side air brake extends generally parallel to the respective side wall, and in the deployed position the side air brake extends generally transverse to the respective side wall. A top air brake is connected by one edge to the upper wall or to one of the side walls and is configured to extend generally transverse to the upper wall to tilt the container about a horizontal axis during falling to pivot the side air brakes from their passive positions to their deployed positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of containers designed for airdropped cargo, and more particularly to containers transported by manned or unmanned aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Humanitarian aid organizations and governments face a range of crises, from natural disasters to man-made hazards. In these situations, aid workers often encounter a lack of logistical organization and infrastructure on-site. Therefore, providing adequate assistance to those in need safely and promptly within budget is a challenge.

[0003] Solutions to the aforementioned problems can be found in airdropped emergency packages, which can contain various aid supplies. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will increasingly be used to transport these humanitarian aid supplies, thus minimizing direct risk to people. UAVs can drop packages in designated areas. It is desirable to ensure that the contents of the packages are not damaged during descent.

[0004] Reference WO2019059775A1 discloses a container for airdropping cargo. A disadvantage of the disclosed container is its instability during the descent phase. This disadvantage is particularly pronounced when the container is dropped by an aircraft with a horizontal velocity, where the container initially has the same horizontal velocity and follows a roughly parabolic descent trajectory. During descent, it is possible that not all air brakes engage, causing the container to tumble.

[0005] Reference US9896182B1 discloses a package delivery system in which a package is launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle via a launch mechanism, thereby following a generally vertical descent trajectory. The package includes a control surface that should be actively deployed remotely to maneuver the package in a predetermined direction prior to landing. A drawback of the package described in this reference is its complexity. It requires significant manufacturing work due to the need to assemble a large number of parts. During the package's flight, the control surface needs to be actively released to deploy and perform its function. Therefore, from a manufacturing and operational point of view, this reference does not provide a simple and cost-effective solution required for large-scale operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is desirable to provide a container that allows deployment by an aircraft while maintaining structural integrity upon landing of the cargo carried within. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a container that is reliable during a parabolic descent trajectory.

[0007] Furthermore, there is a desire to provide a container that is easy to manufacture and assemble for non-technical personnel while maintaining structural integrity, and that exhibits predictable container performance during operation. Even further, there is a desire to provide a cost-effective container. And also, there is a desire to provide a container that allows for efficient storage.

[0008] To better address one or more of these problems, in a first aspect of the invention, a container for falling from an aircraft in flight is provided, the container comprising:

[0009] Upper wall, lower wall, and multiple side walls; and

[0010] Multiple air brakes, each air brake including a flat panel, the multiple air brakes comprising:

[0011] Multiple side air brakes are pivotable from a passive position to an deployed position via airflow between the side air brakes and their respective sidewalls, at or near the upper edge of the respective sidewalls, about an axis of pivot. Each side air brake includes a longitudinal panel and is attached to the respective sidewall at or near its upper edge. In the passive position, the side air brake extends generally parallel to the respective sidewall. In the deployed position, the side air brake extends generally laterally relative to the respective sidewall. Furthermore, in the deployed position, when the container is in an upright position, the cross-section of the side air brake, perpendicular to its central longitudinal line, extends horizontally. Thus, the side air brakes in their deployed position are configured to prevent the container from rotating about a vertical axis during descent and to maintain the container in an upright position.

[0012] Each side air brake is freely pivotable about a side air brake pivot axis, and the plurality of air brakes further include:

[0013] The top air brake, which is attached to either the upper wall or one of the side walls via one of its edges, is configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall so that the container with a horizontal velocity tilts about a horizontal axis during descent, so that the side air brakes pivot from their passive position to their deployed position by airflow between the side air brakes and the respective side walls.

[0014] The container's top wall, bottom wall, and multiple side walls can be defined as rectangular shapes, with four side walls. The top and bottom walls are rectangular, and can also be squares.

[0015] The sidewalls of the container can be rectangular. The width of the sidewall can be less than its height. The number of sidewalls is preferably (but not limited to) three, four, six, or eight, wherein each sidewall can have the same width and height.

[0016] The container includes an upper section for storing goods and a lower section located below the upper section, which includes an impact-absorbing structure.

[0017] The top air brake is configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall. In particular, the top air brake may extend at an angle of at least 60 degrees, especially at an angle of at least 75 degrees, and even more particularly generally perpendicular to the upper wall of the container.

[0018] In the deployed position of the side air brake, the side air brake extends generally laterally relative to the corresponding side wall. In particular, the side air brake can extend at an angle of up to 120 degrees, especially at an angle of up to 105 degrees, and even more particularly, generally perpendicular to the corresponding side wall of the container.

[0019] The advantage of a top airbrake is that it reduces the likelihood that all side airbrakes will fail to deploy. When a container with its side airbrakes in a passive position falls from an aircraft, typically at least many (but not necessarily all) of the side airbrakes will automatically enter their deployed position via the airflow beneath them. As the container falls from an aircraft with a horizontal velocity, it experiences a horizontal airflow, which tends to change the container's orientation. When the container is released, the lower portion of the container first experiences the horizontal airflow. This causes the container to tilt forward about its horizontal axis. The airflow pushes the airbrakes corresponding to the front side (viewed from the direction of motion) against the corresponding sidewall, preventing them from deploying, and due to the tilt of the container, the free ends of the side airbrakes are guided in the direction of the incoming airflow, further preventing the side airbrakes corresponding to the front from deploying. Now, as the top airbrake experiences the horizontal airflow, the container tilts in the opposite rearward direction. In this way, the free ends of the side airbrakes corresponding to the front side move toward the horizontal airflow, allowing those side airbrakes to deploy. Therefore, the top air brake improves the reliability of the container, especially the reliability of all side air brakes reaching their deployment position, particularly during the parabolic descent trajectory.

[0020] The container of the present invention has the advantage of having a simple structure and maintaining structural integrity when falling in the air.

[0021] For a defined airbrake structure, i.e., a flat panel without an airbrake shape or orientation to generate lift, the container's descent in the air will have a large vertical component and a relatively small horizontal component when considering free fall at low horizontal wind speeds. The airbrake structure ensures that the container does not rotate (about its vertical axis) during flight and remains upright. The airbrake structure generates drag during descent, rather than generating lift that causes rotation and / or drift. An additional advantage of the container not rotating is that it is impossible to exert a destructive horizontal torsional force on the container upon impact with the ground.

[0022] During descent, the relatively small horizontal component allows the container to fall more accurately than a spinning container or parachute. A spinning container or parachute will have a larger horizontal component or drift during its descent, making it more difficult to predict where the container will land. The structure of the container according to this disclosure results in a high degree of predictability of the container's landing location. Therefore, the landing area can be relatively small, and the risk of the container landing outside the landing area and causing damage to goods or people is reduced.

[0023] The advantage of the upper wall is that it prevents the contents of the container from falling out even during the container's descent.

[0024] In one embodiment of the container, each top air brake is freely pivotable from a passive position to an deployed position via airflow between the top air brake and the top wall about a top air brake pivot axis at its connection with one of the upper wall or the side wall. In the passive position, the top air brake extends generally parallel to the corresponding upper wall, and in the deployed position, the top air brake extends generally laterally relative to the upper wall.

[0025] The advantage of a pivotable top air brake is that the container can be stored and transported more efficiently when the top air brake is in the passive position.

[0026] In one embodiment of the container, the top air brake is configured to extend perpendicular to one of the upper wall and / or parallel to the side wall. This extension of the top air brake provides a large impact surface for the incoming airflow.

[0027] In one embodiment of the container, the panel size of the top air brake is equal to or smaller than the size of the container's upper wall. An advantage of this embodiment is that the impact surface of the top air brake can be large, while its impact on the overall size of the container is minimal. Therefore, when the top air brake is in its passive position, it has virtually no impact on the storage and transport of the container.

[0028] In one embodiment of the container, each side air brake includes a longitudinally flat panel, and in the deployed position of the side air brake, when the container is in an upright position, the cross-section of the side air brake extends horizontally at right angles to the central longitudinal line of the side air brake, thereby configuring the side air brake in its deployed position to not rotate about a vertical axis during container descent and to keep the container in an upright position.

[0029] In one embodiment of the container, each air brake, either a top air brake or a side air brake, includes a reinforcing unit to increase the air brake's bending stiffness and prevent bulging. Therefore, the reinforcing unit specifically prevents the air brake from bulging or deflecting. In this way, a large air brake area can be utilized, which is advantageous from the perspective of drag resistance.

[0030] In one embodiment of the container, each air brake panel includes two opposing side edges, wherein the reinforcing unit includes a pair of reinforcing tabs, and wherein the reinforcing tabs are connected to the respective opposing side edges and configured to extend laterally into the air brake panel.

[0031] In one embodiment of the container, each reinforcing sheet is foldably attached to the corresponding side edge of the air brake panel.

[0032] In one embodiment of the container, each pivotable air brake includes a retaining unit for limiting the pivoting of the air brake beyond its deployed position. Limiting the pivoting angle between the air brake and the sidewall by the retaining unit also allows for a large air brake area, especially when the pivoting angle is configured to approximately 90 degrees.

[0033] In one embodiment of the container, each air brake panel includes two opposing side edges, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of foldable retaining tabs, wherein each retaining tab is connected between the sidewall and the corresponding side edge of the air brake panel.

[0034] In one embodiment of the container, each air brake includes a retaining unit for limiting the pivoting of the air brake beyond its deployed position, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of retaining tabs, wherein each retaining tab is foldably connected between the sidewall and the respective reinforcing tab.

[0035] In an embodiment of the container, each top air brake includes a retaining unit for limiting the pivoting of the top air brake beyond its deployed position, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of retaining tabs, each retaining tab being foldably connected between the upper wall and the respective reinforcing tab.

[0036] In one embodiment of the container, the lower portion of the container's packaging volume includes an absorbent member configured to absorb the impact of a container landing, and the upper portion of the packaging volume is configured to accommodate cargo. The absorbent member may be placed inside the container as a separate component.

[0037] Absorbing components are beneficial to the cargo inside the container because they dissipate the cargo's energy when the container hits the ground.

[0038] In one embodiment of the container, the ratio between the height of the lower portion and the height of the upper portion of the packaging volume can be changed to adjust the container's absorption capacity.

[0039] In one embodiment of the container, the goods include one or more of a water container, a blanket, and a food box.

[0040] In one embodiment of the container, the absorption member includes an interlocking structure, particularly a honeycomb structure.

[0041] In one embodiment of the container, the container includes four sidewalls and four air brakes.

[0042] In one embodiment of the container, the sidewalls and air brakes are configured as flat panels.

[0043] In one embodiment of the container, each sidewall of the container is rectangular in shape.

[0044] In one embodiment of the container, each air brake is rectangular in shape.

[0045] In one embodiment, the container includes a first top air brake and a second top air brake. The first top air brake includes a first panel that is attached at one edge to an edge of an upper wall or to an edge of one of the side walls, and the second top air brake includes a second panel that is attached at one edge to an adjacent edge of an adjacent upper wall or an adjacent edge of an adjacent side wall. The first and second panels are connected to each other via their respective side edges and are configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall to tilt the container about a horizontal axis during descent, thereby pivoting the side air brakes from their passive position to their deployed position.

[0046] In one embodiment of the container, in the passive position of the top air brake, the reinforcing sheet is located between the upper wall and the top air brake.

[0047] In one embodiment of the container, in the passive position of the top air brake, the reinforcing sheet is located within the area defined by the sidewall.

[0048] In one embodiment of the container, in the passive position of the top air brake, the retaining plate is located between the upper wall and the top air brake.

[0049] In one embodiment of the container, in the passive position of the top air brake, the retaining plate is located within the area defined by the sidewall.

[0050] In one embodiment of the container, in the deployed position of the side air brake, the height from the lower wall to the free end of the top air brake is greater than the height from the lower wall to the free end of the side air brake.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a method for dropping a container according to the invention from an aircraft in horizontal flight, the method comprising the following steps:

[0052] The container, which is in an upright position, is released from an aircraft flying horizontally, wherein the side air brakes are freely pivotable and extend parallel to the corresponding sidewalls in their passive position; and

[0053] A horizontal airflow is allowed to flow along the container to engage the top air brake to tilt the container in the air, thereby allowing the side air brakes to enter their deployed position.

[0054] The present invention further relates to a cardboard blank kit for assembling containers according to the present invention.

[0055] The advantages of manufacturing containers from cardboard blanks are low production costs, ease of manufacture, high stackability, and transportability.

[0056] In one embodiment, the cardboard blank kit includes a one-piece body cardboard blank and a one-piece top cardboard blank. The one-piece body cardboard blank includes a bottom wall, side walls, and side air brakes of the container, and the one-piece top cardboard blank includes an upper wall and a top air brake of the container.

[0057] These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description and taking into account the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 A perspective top view depicting an embodiment of a container according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective bottom view of the container in the image.

[0060] Figure 3 Depicting Figure 1 The container in the image is shown in a side view during its descent.

[0061] Figure 4 A perspective view depicting an embodiment of a container according to the present invention, similar to... Figure 2 .

[0062] Figure 5 A top view depicting an embodiment of the integral body paperboard blank according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 6 Example will Figure 5 A method for folding a portion of the integral main cardboard blank.

[0064] Figure 7A top view depicting an embodiment of the one-piece top cardboard blank according to the present invention is shown, and its folding method is illustrated.

[0065] Figure 8 A method for constructing a container according to the present invention is described.

[0066] Figure 9 A perspective bottom view depicting a second embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 10 A perspective bottom view depicting a third embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

[0068] Figure 11 A perspective bottom view depicting a fourth embodiment of the container according to the present invention.

[0069] Figures 12A-12C Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of the container, in which the top air brake pivots from the passive position to the deployed position.

[0070] Figures 13A-13C depict perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a container according to the invention, wherein the top air brake pivots from a passive position to an deployed position.

[0071] Figure 14A-Figure 1 A 4D perspective view depicting a further embodiment of the container according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0072] In all the accompanying drawings, dashed lines represent fold lines around which the various components that are interconnected across the fold lines can be folded.

[0073] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example embodiment of a container 1 for dropping from an aircraft in flight is depicted. The container 1 has an upper wall 3 and a lower wall 4, both of which have four edges 35. The container 1 has four side walls 5, each having an upper edge 9, a lower edge 35, and two opposing side edges 2. Each side wall 5 extends upward from the corresponding lower edge 35 of the lower wall 4 and is connected to the corresponding edge of the lower wall 4 at its lower edge 35.

[0074] Container 1 has a plurality of air brakes 8, 14, each air brake including a flat panel 7. The air brakes 8, 14 include side air brakes 8 and top air brakes 14, with the illustrated embodiment of the side air brakes 8 including four side air brakes. The sidewalls 5 and the air brakes 8, 14 are shaped as flat panels 7. The flat panels 7 are rectangular in shape.

[0075] Each side air brake 8 is attached to the corresponding side wall 5 at or near its upper edge 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the side air brake 8 is integrally attached to its corresponding side wall 5. Each side air brake 8 is freely pivotable about the side air brake pivot axis 10 at or near its upper edge 9 of the corresponding side wall 5. Each side air brake 8 can pivot from a passive position to an deployed position 12, in which the side air brake 8 extends generally parallel to the corresponding side wall 5, and in the deployed position 12, the side air brake 8 extends generally laterally relative to the corresponding side wall 5. The pivoting of the side air brake 8 can be caused by airflow between the side air brake 8 and the corresponding side wall 5.

[0076] Each side air brake 8 includes a longitudinally flat panel 7. In the deployed position 12 of the side air brake, when the container 1 is in such a position... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the upright position shown, the cross-section of the side air brake 8, which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal line 22 of the side air brake 8, extends horizontally. The side air brake 8, in its deployed position 12, is configured to prevent the container 1 from rotating about the vertical axis 24 during descent and to keep the container 1 in an upright position. Therefore, the side air brake 8 or the flat panel 7 does not have a wing-like profile and there is no direction that could produce the aforementioned rotation.

[0077] When container 1 is lowered using a vertical descent track, i.e., from a hovering aircraft or a horizontally moving drone as disclosed in reference US9896182B1, the side air brakes 8 experience the same airflow between the side air brakes 8 and their respective side walls 5. Therefore, all side air brakes 8 will pivot to their deployed position 12 approximately simultaneously.

[0078] Go to Figure 3 If container 1 falls along a roughly parabolic trajectory rather than a vertical trajectory—for example, when container 1 falls from a horizontally moving aircraft at the same or similar horizontal velocity as the aircraft, and all side air brakes 8 are in the passive position—the front side air brake 8a (when viewed in the direction of movement) may be prevented from pivoting to its deployed position 12 due to the horizontal airflow 13 experienced by the forward direction of container 1 and its forward tilt (as indicated by arrow 41). Forward tilt occurs when container 1 is released, with the bottom portion of container 1 experiencing the horizontal airflow 13 first. Therefore, the bottom portion of container 1 moves rearward relative to the upper portion.

[0079] To prevent the front side air brake 8a from failing to deploy, the plurality of air brakes further include a top air brake 14. The top air brake 14 is connected (integrally connected herein) to one of the upper wall 3 or the side wall 5 via one of its edges 15. The top air brake 14 is configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall 3 to tilt the container 1 about a horizontal axis 16 during descent, thereby pivoting the side air brake 8 from its passive position to its deployed position 12. Thus, the top air brake 14 tilts the container 1 rearward about the horizontal axis 16 as indicated by arrow 42, allowing airflow between the front side air brake 8 and the corresponding side wall 5. Therefore, the front side air brake 8 can pivot from its passive position to its deployed position 12. Figure 3 The direction of the container 1 after pivoting 42 rearward is shown, so that the airflow 13 can flow between the front air brake 8 and the corresponding side wall 5.

[0080] The top air brake 14 is located around the top air brake pivot axis 17 at its connection with one of the upper wall 3 or the side wall 5 (see...). Figure 1 ) Free pivoting. Then, the top air brake 14 can be configured from the passive position 18 ( Figure 12A The top air brake 14 pivots to the deployed position 19. In the passive position 18, the top air brake 14 extends generally parallel to the corresponding upper wall 3. In the deployed position 19, the top air brake 14 extends generally laterally relative to the upper wall 3. The pivoting of the top air brake 14 from the passive position to the deployed position 19 is caused by the airflow between the top air brake 14 and the upper wall 3.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the top air brake 14 extends substantially perpendicular to one of the upper wall 3 and / or parallel to the side wall 5. This is an efficient configuration for the incoming airflow.

[0082] In the unfolded positions 12 and 19, the height from the lower wall 4 to the free end 54 of the top air brake 14 is greater than the height from the lower wall 4 to the free end 55 of the side air brake 8.

[0083] The panel size of the top air brake 14 can be equal to or smaller than the size of the upper wall 3 of the container 1. The panel size is chosen to provide a tilting effect around the horizontal axis 16. Figure 14C shows an embodiment of a longer top air brake.

[0084] Each side air brake 8 is provided with a reinforcing unit 25 to increase the bending stiffness of the side air brake 8, thereby preventing the side air brake 8 from bulging.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the top air brake 14 similarly includes a reinforcing unit 25 to increase the bending stiffness of the top air brake 14, thereby preventing the top air brake 14 from bulging.

[0086] Each air brake panel includes two opposite side edges 26.

[0087] The reinforcing unit 25 includes a pair of reinforcing tabs 27 connected to respective opposite side edges 26. The reinforcing tabs 27 are configured to extend generally laterally into the air brake panel.

[0088] Each reinforcing tab 27 is foldably attached to the corresponding side edge of the air brake panel. In this way, the reinforcing tab 27 can be folded around the side edge 26. The reinforcing tab 27 is configured to fold onto the air brake, which facilitates storage and transportation.

[0089] If the reinforcing plate 27 is folded so that it is positioned between the air brake and the corresponding wall, the elasticity of the folding causes the air brake to deflect off the wall via the reinforcing plate 27. This improves the deployment of the air brake.

[0090] Each air brake includes a retaining unit 29 to limit the pivoting of the air brake beyond its deployed position 12.

[0091] The retaining unit 29 includes a pair of foldable retaining tabs 31, wherein each retaining tab 31 is connected between the wall and the corresponding side edge 26 of the air brake panel.

[0092] Each retaining plate 31 of the side air brake 8 is foldably connected between the side wall 5 and the respective reinforcing plate.

[0093] Each top air brake 14 includes a retaining unit 29 to limit the pivoting of the top air brake 14 beyond its deployed position 12. The retaining unit 29 includes a pair of retaining plates 31, wherein each retaining plate 31 is foldably connected between the upper wall 3 and the respective reinforcing plate.

[0094] Figure 4 A perspective view of the container 1 according to the invention is shown, illustrating a packaging volume 44. The lower portion of the packaging volume of the container 1 may include a relatively lightweight absorbent member 46 configured to absorb the impact of the container 1 upon landing, and the upper portion of the packaging volume is configured to accommodate relatively heavy cargo 48. The absorbent member 46 may be placed inside the container 1 as a separate component.

[0095] While the absorber 46 benefits the cargo inside container 1, it also affects the center of gravity of container 1. Since cargo 48 is typically heavier than the absorber 46, the center of gravity of container 1 is relatively high due to the absorber 46. This has an additional negative impact on the orientation of container 1 during descent, as the heavier upper portion 47 containing cargo 48 tends to tilt container 1 in the direction that positions the cargo below the absorber 46. This effect is amplified by the horizontal airflow 13 encountered on the bottom portion of container 1 during descent. A top air brake 14 is configured to counteract this negative tilting effect.

[0096] Goods 48 may include one or more of a water container, a blanket, and a food box.

[0097] The absorbent member 46 may have an interlocking structure made of lightweight materials, especially a honeycomb structure made of cardboard.

[0098] The present invention further provides a method for dropping a container 1 from an aircraft in flight. The method includes releasing the container 1 from the aircraft while it is in an upright position, wherein side air brakes 8 extend parallel to the respective sidewalls 5. The next step is to allow airflow along the container 1 to engage a top air brake 14 to tilt the container 1, thereby causing the side air brakes 8 to enter an deployed position 12.

[0099] See Figures 5 to 7 The diagram shows a cardboard blank kit for assembling the container 1 according to the invention. The dashed lines are fold lines 36, through which the components shown are integrally connected.

[0100] The cardboard blank kit includes an integrated main cardboard blank 34.1, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The one-piece main body cardboard blank 34.1 includes a lower wall 4, side walls 5, and a side air brake 8 provided by a plurality of lower wall components 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 for the container 1. Circular arrow 40 illustrates a method of folding the blank 34.1.

[0101] Reinforcing plates 27 are respectively connected to the side air brake 8 and the top air brake 14. Each retaining plate 31 is connected to the reinforcing plate 27 and the side wall 5. The retaining plate 31 includes a first retaining portion 37, a second retaining portion 38, and a third retaining portion 39 that can be folded relative to each other. The foldable connection between the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion can be reinforced using, for example, adhesive tape 49.

[0102] Male connecting member 50 and female connecting member 51 are configured to connect to each other. This allows the one-piece main body cardboard blank to be folded and constructed as part of container 1 without the need for external parts such as adhesive tape, ties, glue or staples.

[0103] Figure 6 A side view of the side air brake 8, reinforcing unit 25, and retaining unit 29 when folded is shown, with the side air brake 8 in the unfolded position 12.

[0104] The cardboard preform kit further includes an integral top cardboard preform 34.2, such as Figure 7 As shown. The one-piece top cardboard blank 34.2 includes the upper wall 3 of the container 1 and the top air brake 14. The circular arrow 40 indicates the folding method.

[0105] The reinforcing plate 27 is integrally connected to the top air brake 14. The retaining plate 31 is connected to the reinforcing plate.

[0106] Figure 8 An example is shown of the assembly of the folded one-piece main cardboard blank 34.1 and the folded one-piece top cardboard blank 34.2. The side wall component 52 of the folded one-piece top cardboard blank is inserted between the third retaining component 39 and the corresponding side wall 5, as indicated by the wide arrow.

[0107] Figures 9-11 Other embodiments of the container 1 according to the present invention are shown.

[0108] Figure 9 An embodiment of container 1 includes several cuts 43 to reduce the weight of container 1.

[0109] Figure 10 Embodiments of container 1 include different reinforcing units 25 and retaining units 29. Both reinforcing units 25 and retaining units 29 include respective reinforcing plates 27 and retaining plates 31. Reinforcing plates 27 are attached to the underside of the side air brake 8 and extend laterally from its central longitudinal axis to the side air brake. Retaining plates 31 are attached to the side wall 5 and the reinforcing plates 27. Container 1 includes a top air brake 14, which has reinforcing units 25 and retaining units (not shown).

[0110] Figure 11 An embodiment of container 1 includes a chain 53 serving as a retaining unit 29. The chain 53 connects the reinforcing unit 25 to the side wall 5 or the lower wall 4. Container 1 includes a top air brake 14 having the reinforcing unit 25 and a retaining unit (not shown).

[0111] Figures 12A-12C Depicting Figure 1 The top air brake 14 of container 1 pivots from the passive position 18 (12A) to the deployed position 19 ( Figure 12C The side air brake 8 is shown in its passive position 11.

[0112] Figures 13A-13C depict a fifth embodiment of the container according to the invention, wherein the top air brake pivots from a passive position 18 to an deployed position 19. The fifth embodiment includes a first top air brake 14.1 and a second top air brake 14.2. The first top air brake 14.1 has a first flat panel 7.1, which is connected at one edge 15.1 to an edge of either an edge 9.1 of the upper wall 3 or an edge of either a side wall 5. The second air brake 14.2 has a second panel 7.2, which is connected at its edge 15.2 to an adjacent edge 9.2 of the upper wall or an adjacent edge of an adjacent side wall, wherein the first and second panels are connected to each other via their respective side edges and are configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall so that the container tilts about a horizontal axis during descent, thereby pivoting the side air brakes from their passive position to their deployed position.

[0113] The retaining plate 31 is attached to the remaining edges 9.3, 9.4 of the upper wall 3 or side wall 5. The reinforcing plate 29 is attached to the opposite edge 26 of the top air brake 14.

[0114] Figure 13B shows how the second top air brake 14.2 pivots and opens via the dotted fold line 36 as the first top air brake 14.1 pivots toward the deployed position.

[0115] Figure 14A-Figure 1 4D illustrates a further embodiment of the top air brake 14, wherein the remaining components of the container, excluding the top air brake, can be coupled with... Figure 1 The embodiment is similar. The top air brake is in its deployed position 19.

[0116] Figure 14A The top air brake 14 has a cutout 43 on its flat panel. This requires less material.

[0117] Figure 14B The top air brake 14 is shown connected to the reinforcing plate 31. A retaining plate 29 connects the top air brake 14 to the upper wall 3 or side wall 5 via the reinforcing plate 31. Clamping notches 56 are provided in the reinforcing and retaining plates to allow the user to easily remove the top air brake and upper wall from the rest of the container. The top air brake is connected to the upper wall.

[0118] Figure 14D depicts a container including three top air brakes 14.1, 14.2, and 14.3, wherein the outer air brakes 14.2 and 14.3 further include a reinforcing plate 29 and a retaining plate 31.

[0119] In the passive position 18 of the top air brake 14, the reinforcing unit 25 or reinforcing plate 27 is located between the upper wall 3 and the top air brake 14. The same applies to the retaining unit 29 or retaining plate 31.

[0120] The reinforcing piece 27 and the retaining piece 31 are located within the area defined by the sidewall 5.

[0121] As explained in detail above, the container 1 for descent from the aircraft includes a bottom wall, a top wall 3, and multiple side walls 5. Air brakes are attached to the upper edges 9 of the side walls 5 to allow the air brakes to pivot between a passive position and an deployed position 12. In the passive position, the air brakes extend along the respective side wall 5; in the deployed position 12, the air brakes extend generally laterally relative to the respective side wall 5. A top air brake 14 extends generally laterally from the top wall 3 to tilt the container 1 about a horizontal axis 16 during descent, thereby pivoting the side air brakes 8 from their passive position to their deployed position 12.

[0122] Detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein as needed. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the invention in various ways. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0123] As used herein, the term “a” or “an” is defined as one or more. The term “a plurality” is defined as two or more. The term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “comprising” and / or “having” are defined as including (i.e., open-ended language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

[0124] The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be utilized.

Claims

1. A container for falling from an aircraft in flight, the container comprising: Upper wall, lower wall, and multiple side walls; as well as A plurality of air brakes, wherein each air brake includes a flat panel, the plurality of air brakes comprising: A plurality of side air brakes, each side air brake including a longitudinal panel and attached to the corresponding side wall at or near the upper edge of the corresponding side wall, and wherein each side air brake is pivotable about a side air brake pivot axis from a passive position to an deployed position at or near the upper edge of the corresponding side wall, in the passive position extending generally parallel to the corresponding side wall, and in the deployed position extending generally laterally relative to the corresponding side wall, and in the deployed position, when the container is in an upright position, the cross-section of the side air brake extending horizontally at right angles to the central longitudinal line of the side air brake, thereby the side air brake in its deployed position is configured to prevent the container from rotating about a vertical axis during descent and to maintain the container in the upright position. Its features are, Each side air brake is pivotable about the side air brake pivot axis, and the plurality of air brakes further include: A top air brake, connected by one of its edges to either the upper wall or the side wall, is configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall so that the container, having a horizontal velocity, tilts about a horizontal axis during descent, so that the side air brakes pivot from their passive position to their deployed position via airflow between the side air brakes and the respective side walls.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein each top air brake is pivotable from a passive position to an extended position about a top air brake pivot axis at the junction with the top air brake and the upper wall via airflow between the top air brake and the upper wall or one of the side walls, in the passive position the top air brake extends generally parallel to the respective upper wall, and in the extended position the top air brake extends generally laterally relative to the upper wall.

3. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top air brake is configured to extend perpendicular to one of the upper wall and / or parallel to the side wall.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the panel size of the top air brake is equivalent to the size of the upper wall of the container.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein each air brake includes a reinforcing unit to increase the bending stiffness of the air brake and to prevent the air brake from bulging.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein each air brake panel includes two opposing side edges, wherein the reinforcing unit includes a pair of reinforcing tabs, and wherein the reinforcing tabs are connected to the respective opposing side edges and configured to extend laterally into the air brake panel.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein each reinforcing sheet is foldably connected to the corresponding side edge of the air brake panel.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein each air brake includes a retaining unit to limit the air brake from pivoting beyond its deployed position.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein each air brake panel includes two opposing side edges, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of foldable retaining tabs, wherein each retaining tab is connected between the sidewall and the respective side edge of the air brake panel.

10. The container of claim 6, wherein each air brake includes a retaining unit to limit the air brake from pivoting beyond its deployed position, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of retaining tabs, wherein each retaining tab is foldably connected between a sidewall and a corresponding reinforcing tab.

11. The container of claim 6, wherein each top air brake includes a retaining unit to limit the top air brake from pivoting beyond its deployed position, wherein the retaining unit includes a pair of retaining tabs, wherein each retaining tab is foldably connected between the upper wall and a corresponding reinforcing tab.

12. The container of claim 1, comprising a first top air brake and a second top air brake, the first top air brake comprising a first panel connected at one edge to an edge of the upper wall or to an edge of one of the side walls, the second top air brake comprising a second panel connected at one edge to an adjacent edge of the upper wall or an adjacent edge of an adjacent side wall, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected to each other via respective side edges and are configured to extend generally laterally from the upper wall to tilt the container about a horizontal axis during descent to pivot the side air brakes from their passive position to their deployed position.

13. The container of claim 7, wherein in the passive position of the top air brake, the reinforcing plate is located between the upper wall and the top air brake.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein in the passive position of the top air brake, the reinforcing plate is located within the area defined by the sidewall.

15. The container of claim 9, wherein in the passive position of the top air brake, the retaining plate is located between the upper wall and the top air brake.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein in the passive position of the top air brake, the retaining plate is located within the area defined by the sidewall.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein in the deployed position of the side air brake, the height from the lower wall to the free end of the top air brake is greater than the height from the lower wall to the free end of the side air brake.

18. A method for dropping a container according to any one of the preceding claims from an aircraft in horizontal flight, the method comprising the steps of: The container, which is in an upright position, is released from the aircraft flying in horizontal flight, and the side air brakes are freely pivotable and extend parallel to the corresponding sidewalls in their passive position. as well as The top air brake is engaged by allowing horizontal airflow along the container to tilt the container in the air, thereby bringing the side air brakes into their deployed position.

19. A cardboard blank kit for assembling a container according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

20. The cardboard blank kit of claim 19, comprising an integral body cardboard blank and an integral top cardboard blank, the integral body cardboard blank comprising the lower wall, the side wall and the side air brake of the container, and the integral top cardboard blank comprising the upper wall and the top air brake of the container.

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