Deformable refrigerated cargo container

Abstract

This application relates to deformable refrigerated cargo containers. In one example, a deformable cargo container for ground and air transport vehicles is disclosed. The cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage chamber therein and including at least one inlet. The cargo container also includes a deformable assembly coupled to the main container body and positioned external to the main container body. The deformable assembly includes one or more supplemental containers and one or more supply conduits, at least one of the supplemental containers being configured to house a refrigeration device. The deformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the deformable assembly being in the aircraft configuration or the ground configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant into the main container body via the supply conduits and the inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to cargo containers, and more specifically to deformable cargo containers for both land / water transport vehicles and air transport vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Cargo containers used in intermodal transport are typically used to transport temperature-sensitive products. For certain temperature-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals or perishable goods, it is often desirable or required that the temperature be strictly controlled within these containers during transport. That is, even if the temperature falls outside the desired range, even for a very short time (e.g., a few minutes), the product may be damaged or its value may be significantly reduced.

[0003] Existing refrigerated cargo containers used for land or water transport are generally able to maintain adequate temperature control for temperature-sensitive products. However, when such products move between land / water and air transport vehicles, there are often short periods when the desired temperature is not maintained. This can be referred to as a break in the cold chain.

[0004] For example, to move these products from existing refrigerated cargo containers used for land / sea transport to existing refrigerated cargo containers used for air transport, the products are typically unloaded from the land / sea cargo containers and then loaded into the air cargo containers. Similarly, to move these products from air cargo containers to land / sea cargo containers, the products are typically unloaded from the air cargo containers and then loaded into the land / sea cargo containers. In each of these cases, a break occurs in the cold chain during the loading and unloading of the products.

[0005] Furthermore, while the shapes and / or sizes of existing refrigerated or non-refrigerated air cargo containers are chosen to better utilize available space in aircraft, they are often incompatible with the sizes and shapes required for storage on land / water transport due to the difference between the partially circular cross-section storage areas of aircraft and the rectangular cross-section storage areas of trucks, train carriages, etc. For example, some existing air cargo containers may have beveled corners, which makes transporting these containers easier in aircraft but makes stacking them on top of each other more difficult when transported on land / water transport. Additionally, the volumetric efficiency of existing air cargo containers may be low when transported on land / water transport.

[0006] For at least these reasons, what is needed is a cargo container that is more efficient for intermodal journeys involving aircraft and can help reduce or prevent cold chain disruptions when transporting temperature-sensitive products. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one example, a deformable cargo container for ground and air transport vehicles is disclosed. The deformable cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage compartment and including at least one entrance. The deformable cargo container also includes a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned externally to the main container body. The deformable assembly includes one or more supplementary containers and one or more supply pipes, at least one of the supplementary containers being configured to house refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration equipment is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body. The deformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the deformable assembly being in an aircraft configuration, the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one entrance. And based on the deformable assembly being in a ground configuration, the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one entrance.

[0008] In another example, a method is disclosed. The method includes: moving a deformable component of a deformable cargo container from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, wherein the deformable component is coupled to a main container body of the deformable cargo container and includes one or more supplementary containers, at least one of the supplementary containers being configured to house a refrigeration device, wherein the refrigeration device is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body, and wherein, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant to the main container body. The method further includes: loading the deformable cargo container into the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration.

[0009] In another example, a deformable cargo container for ground and air transport vehicles is disclosed. The deformable cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage compartment and including at least one entrance. The deformable cargo container also includes a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned outside the main container body. The deformable assembly includes one or more supplementary containers and one or more supply pipes, at least one of the supplementary containers being configured to house refrigeration equipment. The refrigeration equipment is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body. The deformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the deformable assembly being in the aircraft configuration, (i) one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body in a first position, and (ii) the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one entrance. And based on the deformable components being configured on the ground, (i) one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body, at a second position on top of the main container body, different from the first position, and (ii) refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one inlet.

[0010] In another example, a deformable cargo container for ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles is disclosed. The deformable cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage compartment therein. The deformable cargo container also includes deformable components coupled to and positioned outside the main container body. The deformable components include one or more supplementary containers and are movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the deformable components in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area and is configured to occupy a partially circular cross-sectional area of ​​the aircraft fuselage. And based on the deformable components in the ground configuration, the deformable cargo container is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-sectional storage area on a ground transport vehicle.

[0011] In another example, a method is disclosed. The method includes moving a deformable component of a deformable cargo container from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container including a main container body defining a storage compartment therein, wherein the deformable component is coupled to and positioned outside the main container body, wherein the deformable component includes one or more supplementary containers, and wherein, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area. The method further includes loading the deformable cargo container into a partially circular cross-sectional storage area of ​​the aircraft fuselage, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration.

[0012] In another example, a deformable cargo container for ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles is disclosed. The deformable cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage compartment therein. The deformable cargo container also includes a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned outside the main container body. The deformable assembly includes one or more supplementary containers and is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Based on the deformable assembly in the aircraft configuration, (i) the deformable cargo container is configured to occupy a partially circular cross-sectional storage area on the fuselage of the aircraft, and (ii) one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body in a first position. Based on the deformable assembly in the ground configuration, (i) the deformable cargo container is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-sectional storage area on the ground transport vehicle, and (ii) the one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body in a second position different from the first position.

[0013] The features, functionalities, and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various examples, or combined in other examples. Further details of these examples can be seen in the following description and accompanying figures. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The appended claims set forth novel features that are considered to be features of the illustrative example. However, the illustrative example, its preferred mode of use, further objects, and description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description of the illustrative example of this disclosure, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 A deformable cargo container is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 This shows a deformable cargo container in an aircraft configuration.

[0017] Figure 3 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0018] Figure 4 This shows a deformable cargo container positioned between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration.

[0019] Figure 5 This shows a deformable cargo container positioned on the ground.

[0020] Figure 6 This shows a deformable cargo container configured on the ground and stored on a ground transport vehicle.

[0021] Figure 7This shows a deformable cargo container in an aircraft configuration.

[0022] Figure 8 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0023] Figure 9 This shows a deformable cargo container positioned between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration.

[0024] Figure 10 This shows a deformable cargo container in another intermediate position between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration.

[0025] Figure 11 This shows a deformable cargo container in another intermediate position between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration.

[0026] Figure 12 This shows a deformable cargo container in another intermediate position between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration.

[0027] Figure 13 This shows a deformable cargo container in another intermediate position between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration.

[0028] Figure 14 This shows a deformable cargo container configured on the ground.

[0029] Figure 15 The image shows a deformable cargo container in an aircraft configuration, stored within the aircraft's fuselage, with other cargo stacked on top of it.

[0030] Figure 16 This shows a deformable cargo container configured as a deformable aircraft.

[0031] Figure 17 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0032] Figure 18 This shows a deformable cargo container positioned on the ground.

[0033] Figure 19 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0034] Figure 20 This shows a deformable cargo container positioned on the ground.

[0035] Figure 21 The image shows a deformable cargo container in an aircraft configuration, stored within the aircraft's fuselage, with other cargo stacked on top of it.

[0036] Figure 22 A perspective view of a deformable cargo container in an aircraft configuration is shown.

[0037] Figure 23 This shows a front view of the supply pipes, pressure ventilation system, and pressure ventilation system cover when the deformable cargo container is in aircraft configuration.

[0038] Figure 24 A perspective view of a deformable cargo container positioned on the ground is shown.

[0039] Figure 25 This shows a front view of the supply pipes, pressure ventilation system, and pressure ventilation system cover when the deformable cargo container is in a ground configuration.

[0040] Figure 26 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0041] Figure 27 A perspective view of a deformable cargo container positioned on the ground is shown.

[0042] Figure 28 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0043] Figure 29 This shows a deformable cargo container configured and stored within the aircraft fuselage.

[0044] Figure 30 The image shows cargo containers stored inside the aircraft fuselage, with other cargo secured below cargo netting.

[0045] Figure 31 The image shows a cargo container stored inside the aircraft fuselage, with other cargo secured to it under straps.

[0046] Figure 32 A flowchart illustrating the method is shown.

[0047] Figure 33 A flowchart illustrating another method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The disclosed examples will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, of the disclosed examples. In fact, several different examples may be described, and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, the description of these examples makes this disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, the elements depicted in the accompanying drawings need not be drawn to scale.

[0050] In this example, the present document describes deformable cargo containers and corresponding methods for use with ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles. As used herein, the term "ground" refers to transport by road, rail, water, or other modes of transport other than air transport. Therefore, ground transport vehicles can take the form of trucks, trains, cargo ships, or other vehicles configured to travel on land or water, and the ground configuration of the disclosed deformable cargo containers can be a configuration suitable for storing deformable cargo containers on such ground transport vehicles.

[0051] Furthermore, the disclosed deformable cargo containers can take the form of refrigerated or non-refrigerated cargo containers. That is, while the examples disclosed herein are primarily described and illustrated in the context of refrigerated cargo containers and maintained at refrigeration during intermodal transport, they can also be implemented in non-refrigerated situations. As described in more detail below, the disclosed refrigerated and non-refrigerated cargo containers (collectively referred to herein as "deformable cargo containers") can have the same advantage of efficient transfer between ground and air transport without having to unload stored goods from one cargo container and load those goods into different cargo containers. Moreover, although the temperature-related examples herein are primarily described as refrigerated examples, it should be understood that heating equipment can be used additionally or alternatively with refrigeration equipment, for example, where the stored goods need to be kept warm or hot during transport.

[0052] The disclosed deformable cargo container includes a main container body defining a storage compartment and including at least one entrance. The disclosed deformable cargo container also includes a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned externally to the main container body. The deformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration and includes one or more supplementary containers and one or more supply pipes. At least one of the one or more supplementary containers is configured to house refrigeration equipment for controlling the temperature inside the main container.

[0053] Based on the deformable component being configured in an aircraft configuration, the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant (e.g., cold air, another gaseous coolant, and / or liquid coolant) to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one inlet. Furthermore, based on the deformable component being configured in an aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container also has a non-rectangular cross-section area and is configured to occupy a portion of the circular cross-section storage area of ​​the aircraft fuselage. Additionally, based on the deformable component being configured in a ground configuration, the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via one or more supply pipes and at least one inlet. Furthermore, based on the deformable component being configured in a ground configuration, the deformable cargo container is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-section storage area on a ground transport vehicle.

[0054] Therefore, by transforming between ground and aircraft configurations via deformable components, deformable cargo containers can be efficiently transferred between ground and air transport. Additionally, refrigeration can be maintained in both configurations, minimizing cold chain disruptions, and any temperature-sensitive products stored in the deformable cargo container do not need to be unloaded between the ground and air segments of the journey.

[0055] These and other improvements are described in more detail below. The implementations described below are for illustrative purposes. Further improvements may be provided by the implementations described below and other implementations.

[0056] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 A deformable cargo container 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Various components of the deformable cargo container 100 may be formed from one or more materials, such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and / or other materials. Furthermore, it should be understood that... Figure 1 Any of the components shown may include Figure 1 The parts not explicitly shown in the text.

[0057] The deformable cargo container 100 includes a main container body 102 and deformable components 104. The main container body 102 may define a storage compartment therein, in which various items, such as temperature-sensitive products, can be stored. In an example where the deformable cargo container 100 is a refrigerated cargo container, the main container body 102 includes at least one entrance 106, while in an example where the deformable cargo container 100 is a non-refrigerated cargo container, at least one entrance 106 may not be present.

[0058] The deformable assembly 104 includes one or more supplementary containers 108. In an example where the deformable cargo container 100 is a refrigerated cargo container, the deformable assembly 104 also includes one or more supply pipes 110, and at least one of the supplementary containers 108 is configured to house (e.g., store) refrigeration equipment 112, which is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body 102. However, in an example where the deformable cargo container 100 is a non-refrigerated cargo container, one or more supply pipes 110 may not be present, and one or more supplementary containers 108 may be configured to store additional items (e.g., additional cargo being transported). For example, in a non-refrigerated example, one or more supplementary containers 108 may be configured to house cargo instead of refrigeration equipment 112, and the associated supply pipes, inlets, etc., of the refrigerated example may not be present. In the example, in the non-refrigerated example, if one or more supplementary containers 108 are designed for storing refrigeration equipment 112, then one or more supplementary containers 108 can be interchangeably replaced with other supplementary containers specifically designed for storing goods.

[0059] The refrigeration unit 112 may take the form of a compressor (e.g., an internal combustion engine compressor) or other temperature control device. In some examples, a drive mechanism or other mechanism may be present in one or more supplementary containers 108, which is configured to suspend the refrigeration unit 112 such that the refrigeration unit 112 is oriented in the same manner, regardless of how one or more supplementary containers 108 are oriented during transitions between aircraft and ground configurations.

[0060] In some examples, one or more supplementary containers 108 are provided with storage refrigeration equipment 112 and cargo. In such examples, the refrigeration equipment 112 may not occupy the entire volume of the supplementary container, and therefore the refrigeration equipment 112 can also control the temperature in a portion of the supplementary container carrying the cargo.

[0061] In the example, the one or more supply pipes 110 include a single supply pipe operatively connected to a specific inlet of the at least one inlet 106 and configured to facilitate the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 in both ground and aircraft configurations. In other examples, the one or more supply pipes 110 include at least two supply pipes. Examples of each arrangement are described in more detail below. Furthermore, in the examples, the one or more supply pipes 110 are located inside the main container body 102 (e.g., attached to an inner surface within the main container body 102), outside the main container body 102 (e.g., attached to an outer surface of the main container body 102), and / or built into at least one side wall of the main container body 102.

[0062] In the example, the deformable cargo container 100 includes one or more return pipes (not shown), which may be embedded in the front and / or rear sidewalls of the main container body 102 or located elsewhere. Such one or more return pipes can be configured to be attached to one or more supplementary containers 108 in both ground and aircraft configurations. In an alternative example, the one or more supply pipes 110 also function as return pipes.

[0063] As described in more detail below, the deformable component 104 is operatively connected to and positioned outside the main container body 102. The deformable component 104 also facilitates the storage of the deformable cargo container 100 in aircraft and ground transport vehicles, representative examples of which are shown below. Figure 1 The image shows aircraft 114 and ground transport vehicle 116.

[0064] For ease of illustration, the deformable component 104 is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration, thereby effectively placing the deformable cargo container 100 in both configurations. When the deformable component 104 is in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration unit 112 is configured to supply coolant to the main container body 102 via one or more supply pipes 110 and at least one inlet 106. And when the deformable component 104 is in the ground configuration, the refrigeration unit 112 is configured to supply coolant to the main container body 102 via one or more supply pipes 110 and at least one inlet 106.

[0065] Additionally, in examples of refrigerated and non-refrigerated cargo containers, the deformable cargo container 100 has a non-rectangular cross-section area and is configured to occupy a partially circular cross-section storage area of ​​the fuselage of the aircraft 114 when the deformable component 104 is in aircraft configuration. And when the deformable component 104 is in ground configuration, the deformable cargo container 100 is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-section storage area on a ground transport vehicle 116 (e.g., on a truck floor). The size and shape of one or more supplementary containers 108 can be selected based on one or more dimensions (e.g., width) of the partially circular cross-section storage area of ​​the aircraft 114 and / or the rectangular cross-section storage area on the ground transport vehicle 116. In some cases, the dimensions of the rectangular cross-section storage area substantially conform to the dimensions of a non-deformable intermodal container (e.g., 8 feet wide and 8 or 9.5 feet high).

[0066] The aircraft 114 can take the form of various types of aircraft, such as commercial or non-commercial aircraft. The ground transport vehicle 116 can also take various forms, such as trucks, trains, or cargo ships.

[0067] The deformable component 104 can be operably connected to the main container body 102 in various ways. For example, the deformable component 104 can be rotatably connected via hinges, tracks, pivot pins and / or other mechanisms. Other examples are also possible.

[0068] Figures 2 to 15 The following shows an example of a deformable cargo container 100, wherein, based on the deformable component 104 being in an aircraft configuration, one or more supplementary containers 108 are positioned on one or two lateral sidewalls of the main container body 102, and also based on the deformable component 104 being in a ground configuration, one or more supplementary containers 108 are positioned on top of the main container body 102. For reference, Figure 2 The top 118 and transverse sidewalls 120 of an example of the main container body 102 are shown.

[0069] Figures 2 to 6 An example of a deformable cargo container 100 is first shown, wherein one or more supplementary containers 108 include a first container 122 rotatably connected to the main container body 102 via a first hinge 124 and a second container 126 rotatably connected to the first container 122 via a second hinge 128, a bracket 130, and a drive mechanism 132. The drive mechanism 132 may be or include one or more gears, motors, socket wrenches, tools, controllers, or other mechanisms.

[0070] In addition, the main container body 102 has chamfered edges. Although Figures 2 to 6 The arrangement is shown on the left and right transverse sidewalls of the transverse sidewall 120 of the main container body 102, but for simplicity, only the arrangement on the right side is shown.

[0071] In this example, the first hinge 124 is configured to engage with the sprocket 134, and the deformable assembly 104 also includes a drive gear 136 engaged with the main container body 102 (i.e., the outer surface of the main container body 102, such as the longitudinal sidewalls of the main container body 102) and configured to engage with the sprocket 134, moving the deformable assembly 104 between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration based on the movement of the sprocket 134. Thus, when moving the deformable assembly 104 between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration, the sprocket 134 can engage with the first hinge 124 and the drive gear 136 can move (i.e., rotate), for example using a manually operated hand crank or autonomous mechanism, thereby causing the deformable assembly 104 to move between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 132 can also rotate in a similar manner to assist in moving the deformable assembly 104 between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration.

[0072] Figure 2A deformable cargo container 100 in an aircraft configuration is shown, wherein a sprocket 134 is connected to a first hinge 124. Although Figure 2 The example is not a refrigeration example, but refrigeration equipment 112 can be included in the second container 126, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown.

[0073] Figure 3 A refrigerated example of a deformable cargo container 100 is shown, which is configured in an aircraft configuration and stored in the fuselage 138 of an aircraft 114. As shown, the fuselage 138 has a storage area with a partially circular cross-section, the boundary of which is partially defined by the curved inner surface of the fuselage 138.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, one or more supply pipes 110 take the form of a first supply pipe 140 and a second supply pipe 142, each supply pipe being at least partially disposed within one or more supplementary containers 108, i.e., disposed within a second container 126. As shown, at least one inlet 106 takes the form of a pipe disposed within the main container body 102, having one inlet at the top 118 of the main container body 102 and another inlet at the right side wall of the transverse sidewall 120.

[0075] This arrangement, based on the deformable component 104 being in Figure 3 In the aircraft configuration shown, the refrigeration unit 112 is configured to supply coolant to the main container body 102 via a first supply pipe 140 and at least one inlet 106. And based on the deformable component 104 being in a ground configuration (e.g., Figure 5 As shown, the refrigeration unit 112 is configured to supply coolant to the main container body 102 via a second supply pipe 142 and at least one inlet 106.

[0076] In the example, the deformable cargo container 100 may also include at least one coolant diffuser 144, which is coupled to at least one inlet 106 and positioned within the main container body 102. In an alternative example, other mechanisms for distributing coolant into the main container body 102 may be used instead of the coolant diffuser, such as multiple orifices arranged in one or more supply pipes 110 or a pressure ventilation system.

[0077] exist Figure 3 In the aircraft configuration shown, the first supply conduit 140 is connected to at least one inlet 106 at the right side wall of the transverse sidewall 120 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary movement from an aircraft configuration to a ground configuration is described and illustrated.

[0079] To facilitate movement from an aircraft configuration to a ground configuration, the teeth of sprocket 134 mesh with drive gear 136, which is manually rotated via a socket wrench, a socket drive connected to an electric motor, or other means. The center of sprocket 134 is rigidly connected to a portion of the first container 122, such that when sprocket 134 rotates, the first container 122 rotates about the first hinge 124 by the same amount. Furthermore, bracket 130 rigidly connects the second container 126 to the first container 122, such that the second container 126 substantially follows the same rotational movement as the first container 122. In an alternative arrangement, the first container 122 may take the form of a bracket connecting drive gear 136 to sprocket 134.

[0080] The sprocket 134 first rotates approximately 15 degrees, causing the first container 122 and the second container 126 to also rotate 15 degrees around the first hinge 124, thus providing some clearance for subsequent rotation around the first hinge 124 so that the second container 126 does not scrape against the nearby sidewall of the main container body 102. The drive gear 136 is then locked at 15 degrees, and the second container 126 is then rotated counterclockwise relative to the first container 122 by manual (e.g., a manual crank) or electric operation of the drive mechanism 132. Although not explicitly shown, the drive mechanism 132 may include one or more connecting gears at least partially disposed within the first container 122, one of which is coupled to the second hinge 128. The second container 126 rotates approximately 90 degrees relative to the first container 122, at which point the second container 126 can be locked relative to the first container 122.

[0081] Figure 4 The deformable component 104 is shown moved to an intermediate position between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration, that is, the position where the second container 126 is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the first container 122, as described above.

[0082] Once the second container 126 has rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the first container 122, the first container 122 and the second container 126 rotate together about the first hinge 124 until the first container 122 contacts the chamfer 146 of the main container body 102 and the second container 126 contacts the top 118 (i.e., the top / upper surface) of the main container body 102. At this point, the second supply conduit 142 is aligned with at least one inlet 106, allowing the refrigeration unit 112 to supply refrigerant to the main container body 102.

[0083] Figure 5 The deformable component 104 is shown from Figure 4The intermediate position is moved to the ground configuration. In the ground configuration, the second supply pipe 142 is connected to at least one inlet 106 at the top 118 of the main container body 102 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144.

[0084] Next, Figure 6 The diagram shows a deformable assembly 104 configured on the ground and a deformable cargo container 100 in its unrefrigerated form, stored on a ground transport vehicle 116, which is in the form of a truck floor. As shown, the deformable cargo container 100 occupies a rectangular cross-section storage area 148 on the ground transport vehicle 116. Figure 6 The rectangle is indicated by a dashed line. As further shown, in some examples, when the deformable component 104 is in a ground configuration, the additional container 150 can be stored on top of the deformable cargo container 100.

[0085] In addition, Figure 6 The corner fitting 152 is shown in the figure and in various other figures herein. The corner fitting 152 may be made of steel, carbon, or other materials and may be configured to (i) connect the deformable cargo container 100 to other containers, such as other deformable cargo containers 100 or other types of cargo containers (e.g., supplementary containers 150), and (ii) connect the deformable cargo container 100 to a transport vehicle, such as aircraft 114 or ground transport vehicle 116. In the example, one or more supplementary containers 108 also have corner fittings 152.

[0086] Figures 7 to 15 An example of a deformable cargo container 100 is described below, wherein the main container body 102 includes rails 154 disposed on longitudinal sidewalls 156 of the main container body 102, and one or more supplementary containers 108 include pivot boxes 158. Pivot boxes 158 are positioned on transverse sidewalls of the main container body 102 (e.g., the right transverse sidewall of the two transverse sidewalls 120) and are slidably and pivotally coupled to rails 154. Although Figures 7 to 15 The arrangement is shown on the left and right transverse sidewalls of the transverse sidewall 120 of the main container body 102, but for simplicity, only the arrangement on the right side is shown.

[0087] when Figures 7 to 15 When the deformable cargo container 100 has been moved from the aircraft configuration to the ground configuration, the deformable cargo container 100 occupies a rectangular cross-section storage area 148 on the ground transport vehicle 116 (not shown).

[0088] Figure 7 A deformable cargo container 100 in an aircraft configuration is shown. Although Figure 7The example is not an example of refrigeration, but refrigeration equipment 112 can be included in the fulcrum box 158, such as Figures 8 to 14 As shown. For example, the rectangular cross-section storage area 148 is in Figure 7 Designated as such, because the deformable cargo container 100 is in an aircraft configuration, it is in Figure 7 It is not occupied in the middle, but when it is in a ground configuration (e.g., in Figure 14 (In the middle) it will be occupied.

[0089] The pivot box 158 is slidably and pivotally connected to the track 154 via a bracket 160 and roller pins 162. The roller pins 162 are connected to the bracket 160 and configured to slide within the track 154 and pivot the pivot box 158. The bracket 160 is also connected to a frame 164, which holds a plurality of rollers 166 (shown as black dots) that facilitate linear movement of the pivot box 158 relative to the frame 164. Furthermore, the frame 164 is connected to a C-shaped channel (not shown in the image). Figure 7 It is clearly stated in the document, but Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, the C-shaped channel connects to a plurality of hinged panels 168 (or is integrated with one of the plurality of hinged panels). The C-channel and the plurality of hinged panels 168 connect the fulcrum box 158 to the frame 164. The plurality of hinged panels 168 are configured to move the fulcrum box between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the fulcrum box 158 retracts inward toward the main container body 102, and in the extended position the fulcrum box 158 extends outward away from the main container body 102. Figure 7 In the middle, the fulcrum box 158 is in the extended position.

[0090] With the pivot box 158 in the extended position, it is configured to move around the apex corner 170 of the main container body 102. Specifically, a plurality of hinged panels 168 are configured to assist the pivot box 158 in moving away from the apex corner 170 as it moves between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Accordingly, in an alternative example where the main container body 102 has a slanted apex corner, the plurality of hinged panels 168 may not be included.

[0091] Figure 8 A refrigerated example of a deformable cargo container 100 is shown, which is configured in an aircraft configuration and stored in the fuselage 138 of an aircraft 114. Additionally, the pivot container 158 is in a retracted position.

[0092] exist Figure 8In this configuration, one or more supply pipes 110 take the form of a first supply pipe 140 and a second supply pipe 142, each supply pipe being at least partially disposed within the pivot box 158. As shown, a portion of the first supply pipe 140 is disposed inside the pivot box 158, while the remainder of the first supply pipe 140 is disposed outside the main container body 102 and the pivot box 158. Furthermore, the entire second supply pipe 142 is disposed inside the pivot box 158.

[0093] In this example, one or more supply pipes 110 are movable between an extended position outside one or more supplementary containers 108 and a retracted position inside one or more supplementary containers 108. More specifically, in this particular example, the first supply pipe 140 is retractable. Figure 8 In the diagram, the first supply conduit 140 is shown in an extended position, in which the first supply conduit 140 connects the refrigeration unit 112 to the first inlet 172 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144 when the deformable cargo container 100 is in aircraft configuration. For conversion to ground configuration, the first supply conduit 140 retracts to a retracted position, and once in ground configuration, the second supply conduit 142 connects the refrigeration unit 112 to the second inlet 174 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144.

[0094] Now refer to Figures 9 to 14 An exemplary movement from an aircraft configuration to a ground configuration is described and illustrated. The movement described in this example can be achieved manually or at least partially autonomously via a drive mechanism or a combination of drive mechanisms.

[0095] Figure 9 The first supply pipe 140 is shown retracting from the extended position toward the retracted position. The pivot box 158 is also in the retracted position.

[0096] Figure 10 The first supply pipe 140 is shown fully retracted. Additionally, the fulcrum box 158 has been moved outwards to its extended position.

[0097] Figure 11 The pivot box 158 is shown raised to the end of track 154, at which point it rotates about an axis defined by roller pin 162. Because the pivot box 158 is in the extended position, it can clear the apex angle 170.

[0098] Figure 12 The pivot box 158 is shown to still be in the extended position and has moved laterally toward the center of the deformable cargo container 100.

[0099] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of a deformable cargo container 100 taken along line AA is shown, but with a plurality of hinged panels 168 retracted to bring the fulcrum box 158 from an extended position to a retracted position. A C-groove 176 is also shown, to which the plurality of hinged panels 168 are hingedly coupled and to which a frame 164 is coupled.

[0100] Figure 14 A deformable cargo container 100 in a ground-based configuration is shown. The pivot box 158 is in a retracted position, and a second supply pipe 142 connects a refrigeration unit 112 to a second inlet 174. Although not explicitly shown, the pivot box 158 may also be coupled (e.g., latched) to the main container body 102 to prevent movement of the pivot box 158 (e.g., until it is time to convert back to an aircraft configuration). For example... Figure 14 In the example shown with two pivot boxes, the two boxes can be latched or otherwise joined together on top of the main container body 102 in order to maintain the deformable cargo container 100 in a ground configuration by providing a load path that increases the stiffness and strength of the deformable cargo container 100 in a ground configuration.

[0101] Despite orbit 154 in Figures 7 to 14 The track 154 is described as a linear track extending vertically toward the top of the main container body 102, but in an alternative example, the track 154 may include a horizontal portion near the top of the main container body 102 to form a roughly right-angled track that facilitates the orientation of the pivot box 158 toward... Figure 12 and 14 The position is moved as shown. In this alternative example, track 154 eliminates the need for at least frame 164 and multiple rollers 166.

[0102] In some cases, based on the deformable component 104 being in a ground configuration, another container (or multiple other containers) can be stacked on top of the pivot container 158. Figure 15 An example of this situation is shown in the image.

[0103] Figure 15 Showing something similar to Figure 7 The example shown is a non-refrigerated deformable cargo container 100, in which multiple other cargoes 178 are stacked on a pivot box 158 and secured with a cargo net 180, based on the deformable component 104 being in a ground configuration.

[0104] Figures 16 to 29The following describes an example of a deformable cargo container 100, wherein, in both aircraft and ground configurations, one or more supplementary containers 108 are positioned on top of the main container body 102 (or relative to the same outer surface). That is, one or more supplementary containers 108 are positioned on top of the main container body 102 based on the deformable component 104 being in aircraft configuration, and also based on the deformable component 104 being in ground configuration.

[0105] In addition, Figures 16 to 29 Each of the main container bodies 102 shown has a non-rectangular stepped polygonal cross-section area, which can maximize the volume of the deformable cargo container 100 while still being fitted into the fuselage 138 of the aircraft 114.

[0106] Figures 16 to 18 An example of a deformable cargo container 100 is first shown, in which one or more supplementary containers 108 include a swing box 182, the main container body 102 includes a plurality of tracks 184 disposed on a longitudinal sidewall 186 of the main container body 102, and the deformable assembly 104 includes a support structure 188 coupled to the swing box 182 and configured to move along the plurality of tracks 184. Although not explicitly shown, another longitudinal sidewall of the main container body 102 opposite to the longitudinal sidewall 186 includes a similar... Figures 16 to 18 The multiple tracks 184 shown are another multiple tracks, and the support structure 188 is configured to also move along these other multiple tracks.

[0107] The support structure 188 is supported at two locations by a plurality of pins 190 (or rollers) mounted within a plurality of tracks 184. The load in the swing box 182 is transferred to the support structure 188, the plurality of pins 190, the plurality of tracks 184, and then to the longitudinal sidewalls of the main container body 102.

[0108] Figure 16 A deformable cargo container 100 is shown in an intermediate position between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration. Ten positions are marked along multiple tracks 184, with position "1" corresponding to the aircraft configuration and position "10" corresponding to the ground configuration, in which case the deformable cargo container 100 occupies a rectangular cross-section storage area 148 on a ground transport vehicle 116 (not shown). As shown, the support structure 188 is located at position "2". Although Figure 16 The example is not a refrigeration example, but the refrigeration device 112 can be included in the swing box 182, such as Figures 17 to 18 As shown.

[0109] Figure 17A refrigerated example of a deformable cargo container 100 is shown, which is configured in an aircraft configuration and stored in the fuselage 138 of an aircraft 114. A first supply pipe 140 and a second supply pipe 142 are each disposed within a swing box 182. Furthermore, in Figure 17 In this configuration, the first supply conduit 140 connects the refrigeration equipment 112 to the first inlet 172 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144 when the deformable cargo container 100 is in the aircraft configuration.

[0110] Figure 18 An example of refrigeration of a deformable cargo container 100 in a ground configuration is shown. In the ground configuration, a second supply conduit 142 connects a refrigeration unit 112 to a second inlet 174 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144.

[0111] As an example of the advantages of the swing box 182, the “upward” orientation of the cargo in the refrigeration unit 112 and / or the swing box 182 remains upward throughout the entire duration of the journey between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration, which is particularly advantageous when transporting orientation-sensitive cargo such as flowers or fragile products.

[0112] Figures 19 to 21 The following describes an example refrigerated instance of a deformable cargo container 100, wherein one or more supplementary containers 108 include a hinged box 192 rotatably connected to the top of the main container body 102 via a hinge 194.

[0113] Figure 19 A deformable cargo container 100 is shown in an aircraft configuration and stored in the fuselage 138 of an aircraft 114. A first supply pipe 140 and a second supply pipe 142 are each disposed within a hinged box 192. Furthermore, when the deformable cargo container 100 is in the aircraft configuration, the first supply pipe 140 connects a refrigeration unit 112 to a first inlet 172 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144.

[0114] Figure 20 The diagram shows the deformable cargo container 100 in a ground-based configuration after the hinge box 192 has been rotated clockwise around the hinge 194. With the deformable cargo container 100 in this ground-based configuration, a second supply conduit 142 connects the refrigeration unit 112 to a second inlet 174 and facilitates the supply of coolant to the main container body 102 via at least one coolant diffuser 144. In some cases, other containers can be stacked on top of the deformable cargo container 100 when it is in this ground-based configuration.

[0115] Figure 21 A deformable cargo container 100 is shown in an aircraft configuration and stored in the fuselage 138. In the example, and as shown, based on the deformable component 104 being in the aircraft configuration, multiple other cargoes 178 are stacked on the main container body 102 and secured to the cargo net 180.

[0116] Figures 22 to 29 The following describes an example of a deformable cargo container 100, wherein the main container body 102 includes a plurality of tracks 196 (e.g., slide rails) at least disposed on the top 118 of the main container body 102, and one or more supplementary containers 108 include sliding boxes 198 configured to move laterally along the plurality of tracks 196. In other examples of the one or more supplementary containers 108 described herein, the dimensions (e.g., width) of the sliding boxes 198 are selected based on the width of the partially circular cross-section storage area of ​​the fuselage 138 of the aircraft 114.

[0117] In such Figures 22 to 27 In the refrigeration examples shown, one or more supply pipes 110 take the form of supply pipe 200 (i.e., a single supply pipe) that facilitate a constant supply of coolant to the main container body 102 in both the aircraft and ground configurations, and throughout the transition between the aircraft and ground configurations. This can be achieved using a sliding pressurization chamber and / or flexible supply piping. Figures 22 to 25 Regarding the former, Figures 26 to 27 The latter is involved. Figures 28 to 29 A non-refrigerated example of a deformable cargo container 100 with a sliding box 198 is shown.

[0118] Figure 22 A perspective view of a deformable cargo container 100 in an aircraft configuration is shown, with a sliding box 198 adjacent to the right side wall of the top portion 208 of the main container body 102. As shown, in addition to a plurality of tracks 196, two supplementary tracks 202 are included to facilitate lateral movement of the sliding box 198. In this example, the main container body 102 includes a pressurization chamber 204 located inside the main container body 102 and below the sliding box 198. Furthermore, the deformable assembly 104 also includes a sliding pressurization chamber cover 206 connecting the pressurization chamber 204 and the supply pipe 200. The sliding pressurization chamber cover 206 covers all openings between the main container body 102 and the pressurization chamber 204, thereby helping to ensure a sealing system. Although not explicitly shown, the pressurization chamber 204 may include at least one inlet 106 (i.e., a single inlet in this case) through which coolant is supplied to the interior of the main container body 102.

[0119] Figure 23The diagram shows a front view of the supply pipe 200, pressurization chamber 204, and pressurization chamber cover 206 when the deformable cargo container 100 is in aircraft configuration.

[0120] Figure 24 A perspective view of a deformable cargo container 100 configured on the ground is shown.

[0121] Based on the deformable component 104 being configured on the ground, another container ( Figure 24 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 27 (As shown in the figure) It can be stored on top of the main container body 102 and between the sliding box 198 and the top portion 208 of the main container body 102. In particular, as shown, there is an empty space on the left side of the sliding box 198, which in some cases can be filled with an additional cargo container selected based on the size of the space and the size of the sliding box 198.

[0122] Figure 25 The diagram shows a front view of the supply pipe 200, pressurization chamber 204, and pressurization chamber cover 206 when the deformable cargo container 100 is in a ground configuration.

[0123] Figures 26 to 27 An example of a deformable cargo container 100 is shown, wherein the supply pipe 200 is a flexible pipe that connects the refrigeration equipment 112 to at least one inlet 106 in both the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration (i.e., a single inlet in this case). To prevent coolant leakage, at least one inlet 106 and the supply pipe 200 may be connected by a rubber seal or other sealant between the sliding box 198 and the main container body 102.

[0124] Figure 26 First, a deformable cargo container 100 is shown, which is configured in the aircraft and stored in the fuselage 138 of the aircraft 114.

[0125] Then, Figure 27 A deformable cargo container 100 is shown in a ground configuration, wherein an additional container 210 is stacked on the main container body 102 between a sliding box 198 and a top portion 208 of the main container body 102.

[0126] Figure 28 and Figure 29 Each shows an uncooled example of a deformable cargo container 100 configured in an aircraft and stored in the fuselage 138 of the aircraft 114. Figure 28 The sliding box 198 in the middle has a higher ratio than Figure 29 The sliding box in the middle is smaller in size (198).

[0127] Depending on the dimensions of the storage area of ​​the fuselage 138 of the aircraft 114, the design of the deformable cargo container 100 and one or more of its components (e.g., the sliding box 198) can be adjusted to allow sufficient clearance between the sliding box 198 and the inner wall of the storage area while maximizing cargo volume. This width dimension can vary depending on the manufacture and model of the aircraft 114.

[0128] Figure 30 An example of a main container 102 stored in the fuselage 138 of aircraft 114 is shown. As shown, the main container 102 has a generally flat top surface, and multiple other cargoes 178 are stacked on the main container 102 and secured to a cargo net 180. The cargo net 180 is attached to the top edge of the main container 102 by fasteners, D-rings, and / or other locking mechanisms.

[0129] Figure 31 An example of a main container 102 stored in the fuselage 138 of aircraft 114 is shown. As shown, the main container 102 has a generally flat top surface, and multiple other cargoes 178 are stacked on the main container 102 and secured with straps 212 by fasteners, D-rings, and / or other locking mechanisms. In this example, strap 212 is one of multiple straps used to secure the multiple other cargoes 178. Shrink wrapping may be used additionally or alternatively for the straps.

[0130] Figures 30 to 31 This configuration allows for easy placement of loose cargo on top of the main container 102, facilitating the filling of any remaining storage space between the main container 102 and the fuselage 138 for cargo operators. After the cargo container arrives at its destination airport, multiple other cargoes 178 can be unloaded.

[0131] Figure 32 A flowchart illustrating an example of method 300 is provided. Method 300 can be used with... Figures 1 to 31 The deformable cargo container 100 and its components are used together. Method 300 may include one or more operations, functions or actions as shown in one or more of boxes 302-304.

[0132] At box 302, method 300 includes: moving a deformable component of a deformable cargo container from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, wherein the deformable component is coupled to the main container body of the deformable cargo container and includes one or more supplementary containers, at least one of the one or more supplementary containers being configured to house a refrigeration device, wherein the refrigeration device is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body, and wherein, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant to the main container body.

[0133] In box 304, method 300 includes: loading a deformable cargo container into the fuselage of an aircraft based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration.

[0134] In some examples, based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area, and loading of box 304 includes: based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, loading the deformable cargo container into a partially circular cross-sectional storage area of ​​the aircraft fuselage.

[0135] In some examples, the movement of box 302 includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position at one or two transverse walls of the main container body to a second position on top of the main container body.

[0136] In some examples, the movement of box 302 includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position on top of the main container body to a second position on top of the main container body, different from the first position.

[0137] In some examples, method 300 further includes: unloading the deformable cargo container from the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, and moving the deformable component from the aircraft configuration to a ground configuration. In examples of these examples, the deformable component includes one or more supply pipes movable between an extended position outside one or more supplementary containers and a retracted position inside one or more supplementary containers, and method 300 further includes moving one or more supply pipes from the extended position to the retracted position before moving the deformable component from the aircraft configuration to the ground configuration. In other examples of these examples, method 300 further includes loading the deformable cargo container directly from the aircraft to a ground transport vehicle (e.g., without unloading any cargo, such as temperature-sensitive products, while maintaining the cargo's refrigeration).

[0138] Figure 33 A flowchart illustrating an example of method 400 is provided. Method 400 can be used with... Figures 1 to 31 The deformable cargo container 100 and its components are used together. Method 400 may include one or more operations, functions or actions as shown in one or more of boxes 402-404.

[0139] At box 402, method 400 includes: moving a deformable component of a deformable cargo container from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container including a main container body defining a storage compartment therein, wherein the deformable component is coupled to the main container body and positioned outside the main container body, wherein the deformable component includes one or more supplementary containers, and wherein, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-section.

[0140] In box 404, method 400 includes: loading a deformable cargo container into a storage area of ​​a partial circular cross section of the aircraft fuselage, based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration.

[0141] In some examples, the movement of box 402 includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position on one or two lateral sidewalls of the main container body to a second position on top of the main container body.

[0142] In some examples, the movement of box 402 includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position on top of the main container to a second position on top of the main container, different from the first position.

[0143] In some examples, method 400 further includes: unloading the deformable cargo container from the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, and moving the deformable component from the aircraft configuration to a ground configuration. In these examples, method 400 also includes: loading the deformable cargo container directly from the aircraft onto a ground transport vehicle, and stacking one or more other containers on top of the deformable cargo container based on the deformable component being in a ground configuration.

[0144] The various examples of systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein include a wide range of components, features, and functions. It should be understood that the various examples of systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may include any components, features, and functions of any other examples of systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein in any combination or subcombination, and all such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0145] Descriptions of various advantageous arrangements have been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, different advantageous examples may describe different advantages compared to other advantageous examples. The selection and description of one or more examples are for the purpose of best explaining the principles and practical application of the examples and enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of various examples with various modifications suitable for the intended particular use.

[0146] Clause 1. A deformable cargo container for ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles is disclosed, the deformable cargo container comprising: a main container body defining a storage compartment therein and including at least one entrance; and a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned outside the main container body, wherein: the deformable assembly includes one or more supplementary containers and one or more supply pipes, at least one of the one or more supplementary containers is configured to house a refrigeration device configured to control the temperature inside the main container body, the deformable assembly is movable between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration based on the deformable assembly being in an aircraft configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the one or more supply pipes and the at least one entrance, and based on the deformable assembly being in the ground configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the one or more supply pipes and the at least one entrance.

[0147] Clause 2. The deformable cargo container according to Clause 1, the deformable cargo container further comprising: at least one coolant diffuser, the at least one coolant diffuser being coupled to the at least one inlet and positioned within the main container body.

[0148] Clause 3. A deformable cargo container as described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein: the one or more supply pipes are movable between an extended position outside the one or more supplementary containers and a retracted position inside the one or more supplementary containers.

[0149] Clause 4. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein: the one or more supply pipes include a first supply pipe and a second supply pipe, each supply pipe being arranged at least partially within the one or more supplementary containers; the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the first supply pipe and the at least one inlet, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration; and the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the second supply pipe and the at least one inlet, based on the deformable component being in the ground configuration.

[0150] Clause 5. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, one or more supplementary containers are positioned on one or two transverse sidewalls of the main container body, and based on the deformable component being in a ground configuration, one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body.

[0151] Clause 6. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the one or more supplementary containers comprise: a first container rotatably connected to the main container body via a first hinge, and a second container rotatably connected to the first container via a second hinge and a bracket.

[0152] Clause 7. The deformable cargo container as described in Clause 6, wherein: the first hinge is configured to be coupled to a sprocket, and the deformable assembly further includes a drive gear coupled to the main container body and configured to be coupled to the sprocket and to move the deformable assembly between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration based on the movement of the sprocket.

[0153] Clause 8. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the main container body includes rails disposed on the longitudinal sidewalls of the main container body, and one or more supplementary containers include containers located on the transverse sidewalls of the main container body and slidably and pivotally connected to the rails.

[0154] Clause 9. The deformable cargo container as described in Clause 8, wherein: the pivot box includes a plurality of hinged panels configured to move the pivot box between a retracted position inward toward the main container body and an extended position outward away from the main container body, and based on the pivot box being in the extended position, the pivot box is configured to move about the apex corner of the main container body.

[0155] Clause 10. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body, and based on the deformable component being in a ground configuration, one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body.

[0156] Clause 11. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: the main container body includes a plurality of tracks, the one or more supplementary containers include a swing box, the deformable assembly further includes a support structure coupled to the swing box, and the support structure is configured to move along the plurality of tracks.

[0157] Clause 12. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: the one or more supplementary containers include a hinged container rotatably connected to the top of the main container body via a hinge.

[0158] Clause 13. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: the main container body includes a plurality of tracks disposed on the top of the main container body, and the one or more supplementary containers include sliding boxes configured to move laterally along the plurality of tracks.

[0159] Clause 14. The deformable cargo container as described in Clause 13, wherein the width of the sliding container is selected based on the width of the storage area of ​​a partially circular cross-section of the aircraft fuselage.

[0160] Clause 15. A deformable cargo container according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein: based on the deformable component being in an aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area and is configured to occupy a portion of the circular cross-sectional storage area of ​​the aircraft fuselage, and based on the deformable component being in a ground configuration, the deformable cargo container is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-sectional storage area on a ground transport vehicle.

[0161] Clause 16. Discloses a method comprising: moving a deformable component of a deformable cargo container from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, wherein the deformable component is coupled to a main container body of the deformable cargo container and includes one or more supplementary containers, at least one of the one or more supplementary containers being configured to house a refrigeration device, wherein the refrigeration device is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body, and wherein, based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration device is configured to supply coolant to the main container body; and loading the deformable cargo container into the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration.

[0162] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein: based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area, and loading the deformable cargo container into the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration comprises: loading the deformable cargo container into a partially circular cross-sectional storage area of ​​the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration.

[0163] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein: moving the deformable component from the ground configuration to the aircraft configuration includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position at one or both transverse walls of the main container body to a second position on top of the main container body.

[0164] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein: moving the deformable component from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration includes moving one or more supplementary containers from a first position on top of the main container body to a second position on top of the main container body, different from the first position.

[0165] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19 further includes: unloading the deformable cargo container from the fuselage of the aircraft based on the deformable component being in the aircraft configuration; and moving the deformable component from the aircraft configuration to the ground configuration.

[0166] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 20, wherein: the deformable assembly further includes one or more supply conduits movable between an extended position outside the one or more supplementary containers and a retracted position inside the one or more supplementary containers, and the method further includes: moving the one or more supply conduits from the extended position to the retracted position before moving the deformable assembly from the aircraft configuration to the ground configuration.

[0167] Clause 22. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 20 further includes: loading deformable cargo containers directly from the aircraft onto a ground transport vehicle.

[0168] Clause 23. A deformable cargo container for ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles is disclosed, the deformable cargo container comprising: a main container body defining a storage compartment therein and including at least one entrance; and a deformable assembly coupled to and positioned outside the main container body, wherein: the deformable assembly includes one or more supplementary containers and one or more supply pipes, at least one of the one or more supplementary containers is configured to house a refrigeration device configured to control the temperature inside the main container body, and the deformable assembly is capable of operating within an aircraft. The configuration moves between an aircraft configuration and a ground configuration, (i) the one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body in a first position, and (ii) the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the one or more supply pipes and the at least one inlet, and based on the deformable component being in a ground configuration, (i) the one or more supplementary containers are positioned on top of the main container body in a second position, different from the first position, and (ii) the refrigeration equipment is configured to supply coolant to the main container body via the one or more supply pipes and the at least one inlet.

Claims

1. A deformable cargo container (100) for use in ground transport vehicles and air transport vehicles, said deformable cargo container (100) comprising: The main container body (102) defines a storage room within the main container body and includes at least one entrance (106); as well as A deformable component (104) is coupled to the main container body (102) and positioned outside the main container body (102), wherein: The deformable component (104) includes one or more supplementary containers (108) and one or more supply pipes (110), at least one of the one or more supplementary containers (108) being configured to house a refrigeration unit (112). The refrigeration equipment (112) is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body (102). The deformable component (104) is movable between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration. Based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration equipment (112) is configured to supply coolant to the main container body (102) via the one or more supply pipes (110) and the at least one inlet (106), and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the ground configuration, the refrigeration equipment (112) is configured to supply coolant to the main container body (102) via the one or more supply pipes (110) and the at least one inlet (106).

2. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the deformable cargo container further comprises: At least one coolant diffuser (144) is connected to the at least one inlet (106) and is positioned within the main container body (102).

3. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more supply pipes (110) are movable between an extended position outside the one or more supplementary containers (108) and a retracted position inside the one or more supplementary containers (108).

4. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more supply pipes (110) include a first supply pipe (200) (140) and a second supply pipe (200) (142), each at least partially disposed within the one or more supplementary containers (108). Based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration equipment (112) is configured to supply coolant to the main container body (102) via the supply pipe (200), the first supply pipe (200)(140), and the at least one inlet (106), and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the ground configuration, the refrigeration equipment (112) is configured to supply coolant to the main container body (102) via the supply pipe (200), the second supply pipe (200) (142), and the at least one inlet (106).

5. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Based on the deformable component (104) being positioned in the aircraft configuration, the one or more supplementary containers (108) are located at one or two lateral sidewalls (120) of the main container body (102), and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the ground configuration, the one or more supplementary containers (108) are positioned on top (118) of the main container body (102).

6. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The one or more supplementary containers (108) include: The first container (122), which is rotatably connected to the main container body (102) via a first hinge (124), and The second container (126) is rotatably connected to the first container (122) via a second hinge (128) and a bracket (130).

7. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The first hinge (124) is configured to be coupled to the sprocket (134), and The deformable component (104) further includes a drive gear (136) coupled to the main container body (102), the drive gear (136) being configured to be coupled to the sprocket (134) and to move the deformable component (104) between the aircraft configuration and the ground configuration based on the movement of the sprocket (134).

8. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The main container body (102) includes rails (154) disposed on the longitudinal sidewalls (156) of the main container body (102), and The one or more supplementary containers (108) include a pivot box (158) positioned on the lateral sidewall of the main container body (102) and slidably and pivotally connected to the track (154).

9. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The fulcrum box (158) includes a plurality of hinged panels (168) configured to move the fulcrum box (158) between a retracted position inward toward the main container body (102) and an extended position outward away from the main container body (102). Based on the fulcrum box (158) being in the extended position, the fulcrum box (158) is configured to move around the top (118) corner of the main container body (102).

10. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Based on the deformable component (104) being positioned in the aircraft configuration, the one or more supplementary containers (108) are positioned on top (118) of the main container body (102), and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the ground configuration, the one or more supplementary containers (108) are positioned on top (118) of the main container body (102).

11. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The main container body (102) includes multiple tracks (184), The one or more supplementary containers (108) include swing containers (182), The deformable component (104) also includes a support structure (188) connected to the swing box (182), and The support structure (188) is configured to move along the plurality of tracks (184).

12. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The one or more supplementary containers (108) include a hinged box (192) which is rotatably connected to the top (118) of the main container body (102) via a hinge (194).

13. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The main container body (102) includes a plurality of tracks (196) disposed on the top (118) of the main container body (102), and The one or more supplementary containers (108) include sliding boxes (198) configured to move laterally along the plurality of tracks (196).

14. The deformable cargo container (100) according to claim 13, wherein, The width of the sliding box (198) is selected based on the width of the partially circular cross-section storage area of ​​the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114).

15. The deformable cargo container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Based on the deformable component (104) being configured within the aircraft, the deformable cargo container (100) has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area, and the deformable cargo container (100) is configured to occupy a portion of the circular cross-sectional storage area of ​​the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114), and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the ground configuration, the deformable cargo container (100) is configured to occupy a rectangular cross-section storage area (148) on the ground transport vehicle (116).

16. A method (300) comprising the steps of: The deformable component (104) of the deformable cargo container (100) is moved (302) from a ground configuration to an aircraft configuration, wherein the deformable component (104) is coupled to the main container body (102) of the deformable cargo container (100) and includes one or more supplementary containers (108), at least one of the one or more supplementary containers (108) being configured to house a refrigeration device (112), wherein the refrigeration device (112) is configured to control the temperature inside the main container body (102), and wherein, based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration, the refrigeration device (112) is configured to supply coolant to the main container body (102); and Based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container (100) is loaded (304) into the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114).

17. The method (300) according to claim 16, wherein: Based on the deformable component (104) being configured within the aircraft, the deformable cargo container (100) has a non-rectangular cross-sectional area, and The step of loading the deformable cargo container (100) into the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114) based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration includes: loading the deformable cargo container (100) into a storage area of ​​a portion of the circular cross section of the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114) based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration.

18. The method (300) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The step of moving the deformable component (104) from the ground configuration to the aircraft configuration includes moving one or more supplementary containers (108) from a first position on one or two lateral sidewalls (120) of the main container body (102) to a second position on the top (118) of the main container body (102).

19. The method (300) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The step of moving the deformable component (104) from the ground configuration to the aircraft configuration includes moving one or more supplementary containers (108) from a first position on the top (118) of the main container body (102) to a second position on the top (118) of the main container body (102) that is different from the first position.

20. The method (300) according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising the step of: Based on the deformable component (104) being in the aircraft configuration, the deformable cargo container (100) is unloaded from the fuselage (138) of the aircraft (114); Moving the deformable component (104) from the aircraft configuration to the ground configuration; and The deformable cargo container (100) is loaded directly from the aircraft (114) onto the ground transport vehicle (116).

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